My mum is one rebellious old woman.
I often wonder if it is just my mum. But I have realised it is a common trait of many senior citizens. They are very stubborn and always refuse to try something new. They always think in the same way like other old people do, LOL, this I came to know after talking to my friend about our mums and I couldn't believe they could say the exact same thing at a similar scenario!
This beloved rebellious mum of mine just turned 64 last weekend. We decided to have a staycation for her birthday celebration, it was in time for the SG50 Golden Jubilee celebrations as well and which was why we got the rooms at promotional rates. Our last staycation was for a new year countdown quite a while back. Here's my review for the stay, however pardon the grammer as I wrote it in a bit of a rush without editing. (p.s. Tripadvisor should allow us to edit!)
About 3 weeks ago, the mum got hospitalized for excessive post menopause bleeding. It freaked the whole family out. 2 years ago, she was also admitted due to abscess. But due to the fact that she has high blood pressure and diabetes, her condition always make things even more complicated. Fortunately she was allowed to be discharged the following day and the attentive nurses at KKH did help make her stay more bearable. She also made a new friend at the hospital who was also admitted for the same problem, but she was a tourist (and has went home back to Sabah).
A cell biopsy was performed and mum was made to undergo a few other scans earlier this week before the doctor can tell us what the diagnosis is. She has been suspected of 2 types of cancer, and although this rebellious old woman of mine has always self-diagnosed herself and told us umpteen times about "cancer" but refusing to seek treatment, suddenly it dawned on us... This time, it is real. There wasn't any shock from us when the doctor said it. But we are worried, especially for her emotional state.
For days after she heard "cancer" from the doctor, she had been in a daze. Somehow the staycation came at the right time, it was refreshing to be able to get out of the house and spend time together as a family. We also took her out to meals instead of letting her stay in the room and surprisingly after the stay, she became slightly more positive.
For the last couple of weeks, we also tried to change her diet - to have healthier meals. But it is easier said than done, being her stubborn and rebellious self, she wanted to eat her favourite things. She insisted she couldn't have meals without rice, she hated oats. But we managed to convince her time to time. I hope that she will become a less rebellious mum and more positive person as we overcome this ordeal together. Please let her rebellious streak put up an unruly war with her illness!
加油妈妈！我们并肩作战！
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
14.8.15
3.10.14
I hate you Dad and I love you
Every household has its own problem. I have friends whom totally love their parents, friends whom also detest their
parents and many like me, a love-hate relationship. It seems to be normal. Can anyone tell
me? Have I already said these before?
I envy the western cultures where kids move out at eighteen or for college, I think somehow the living apart helps to better the relationship. Because parents will always be parents, they want to mother you no matter how old you get. They always assume those responsibilities that tend to make them overprotective, controlling and in fact they seem to want you to live the life they would like you to have (not having it your way!).
For over 30 years, they never seem to ask me what is it in life that I want? They never seem to want to know but always reckon that we should act like the way they were children to their parents (my grandparents). Back then, they had to earn to support the expanding family and to ensure the younger ones could attend school. Dear mother, those centuries are over!
Is it just my parents, or are yours the same?
10 years ago, my dad got retrenched and has since been sitting at home. He was only 55, 10 years shy of the retirement age (and now 12 with the new regulations). He just never thought of working or supporting the family again. It was a huge blow that never seems to have recovered. My elder sister was then 24 and the youngest was still in school. I was stranded in UK on my working visa, trying to find that independence that I never had back in Singapore. My mum has always been a housewife, and she struggled to find work despite her poor health. That old man never stood up again, not for us, and not even for himself. He lost not only himself, but his authority and all of our respect for him. It is difficult to look at a father figure whom was once your role model but now succumbed to someone whom has practically nothing. That quote "I started off with nothing, and I still have most of it", it describes him quite perfectly.
Emotionally he's a cripple, he has almost no friends, no social life and his self esteem seems to have abandoned him as well. I don't remember how all of us survived the 10 years without a fatherly figure, but we did. If you ask me if I hate him, yes I do. If you ask if I love him, the answer is the same too.
I envy the western cultures where kids move out at eighteen or for college, I think somehow the living apart helps to better the relationship. Because parents will always be parents, they want to mother you no matter how old you get. They always assume those responsibilities that tend to make them overprotective, controlling and in fact they seem to want you to live the life they would like you to have (not having it your way!).
For over 30 years, they never seem to ask me what is it in life that I want? They never seem to want to know but always reckon that we should act like the way they were children to their parents (my grandparents). Back then, they had to earn to support the expanding family and to ensure the younger ones could attend school. Dear mother, those centuries are over!
Is it just my parents, or are yours the same?
10 years ago, my dad got retrenched and has since been sitting at home. He was only 55, 10 years shy of the retirement age (and now 12 with the new regulations). He just never thought of working or supporting the family again. It was a huge blow that never seems to have recovered. My elder sister was then 24 and the youngest was still in school. I was stranded in UK on my working visa, trying to find that independence that I never had back in Singapore. My mum has always been a housewife, and she struggled to find work despite her poor health. That old man never stood up again, not for us, and not even for himself. He lost not only himself, but his authority and all of our respect for him. It is difficult to look at a father figure whom was once your role model but now succumbed to someone whom has practically nothing. That quote "I started off with nothing, and I still have most of it", it describes him quite perfectly.
Emotionally he's a cripple, he has almost no friends, no social life and his self esteem seems to have abandoned him as well. I don't remember how all of us survived the 10 years without a fatherly figure, but we did. If you ask me if I hate him, yes I do. If you ask if I love him, the answer is the same too.
13.2.14
A different CNY
This is the first Chinese New Year in years I can remember that I didn't visit my "grandma's house". She passed away last June. So technically, it's not "grandma's house" anymore but my uncle's. Things just do not feel the same anymore.
I often wonder what's the most important value in kinship, most people around me place their emphasis on money over love. So many families break up because of money, inheritance and greed. It became the same at home, money is a sign of filial piety. Without them, there is no love.
When grandma was still around, my uncle's wife made everyone else contributed money to pay for the maids in her house, because she said she hired them for grandma. But they never took care of her well, she fell a couple of times and became bedridden. Still she only cared about money and the expenses grandma incurred. She is obviously way wealthier than everyone else in the family but like the rich, the wealthier they are, the tighter their wallets become.
This Chinese New Year I spent it chilling at home, while the rest of the family went over to uncle's place. Many others skipped because according to some traditions, the "sons in the family" weren't allowed to celebrate the festival. So the uncles could not give out "ang pao" but the aunties (like my mum) could. Due to this, I didn't get to see everyone this time unlike the past years. But we had open house twice over the two weekends where aunties, uncles and cousins popped over. I think it will be the same the coming years.
Despite the quiet celebrations, I welcome the year of Horse and may the new year starts with good wealth and propserity come galloping through. On the side note, the little sister finally found her ideal job after two years. There is hope as long as you persevere, I say! I am happy for her and am hoping the same for me soon!
I often wonder what's the most important value in kinship, most people around me place their emphasis on money over love. So many families break up because of money, inheritance and greed. It became the same at home, money is a sign of filial piety. Without them, there is no love.
When grandma was still around, my uncle's wife made everyone else contributed money to pay for the maids in her house, because she said she hired them for grandma. But they never took care of her well, she fell a couple of times and became bedridden. Still she only cared about money and the expenses grandma incurred. She is obviously way wealthier than everyone else in the family but like the rich, the wealthier they are, the tighter their wallets become.
This Chinese New Year I spent it chilling at home, while the rest of the family went over to uncle's place. Many others skipped because according to some traditions, the "sons in the family" weren't allowed to celebrate the festival. So the uncles could not give out "ang pao" but the aunties (like my mum) could. Due to this, I didn't get to see everyone this time unlike the past years. But we had open house twice over the two weekends where aunties, uncles and cousins popped over. I think it will be the same the coming years.
Despite the quiet celebrations, I welcome the year of Horse and may the new year starts with good wealth and propserity come galloping through. On the side note, the little sister finally found her ideal job after two years. There is hope as long as you persevere, I say! I am happy for her and am hoping the same for me soon!
24.8.13
I have lost him
Everyone of us have lived with losses at some point in our lives. As I read the status of an old classmate, he's not the only one I heard grieving over the loss of a loved one. Two people I know lost their dad in the last year... I can't comprehend that feeling but I do have the fear that I might be living with that regret they have. Dad is never close to me in my heart. I don't know why but in some ways we have grown apart as I grow up. I never could talk to him like a friend or even the same way I do with mum. In another way, I despise him for his shortcomings, for his inability to give us a sense of security when we grew up, for his cowardice after his retrenchment, for his monotonous life he is seemingly happy with. I guess I wanted him to be a better person than he is but obviously that isn't going to happen. Everyday I live, wishing that one day I can finally see it from his point of view or perhaps accept it but I fail terribly. Maybe one day... and I hope that's not too late.
4.7.13
You're never far away
Grandma passed away on the 6th June 2013, she will always remain in our fond memories. Goodbye and love you!
30.8.12
Life does hurt and I wish it's only today...
Today is such an eventful day, and one that very seldom but did today, made me question about life. Is it all written in the stars? Is it all decided up there when we will meet or get married and have kids or even die?
I am recently very much inspired by the optimism book I was reading. But I couldn't help today feeling that everything went wrong. From the morning I started, my interview last minute got cancelled and postponed, the same with my appointment and then mum got a call to go down to the hospital. My mood was definitely dampened. I had to attend a talk in the evening, everything else made me feel like skipping it, but I didn't. I guess I needed the walk out of the house.
Mum came home and broke us the news (that everyone has been trying to hide) that the doctor said Marisa is surviving on life support. Her brain is dead. None of us wants to believe in that. We are hoping for a miracle. Marisa might not be close to us, but we all watched her grew up. She's only 16??? Why are you taking her away when her life hasn't started? Is it destined? Tell me it's not! I really do not know what is the meaning of life? Why are most of us working like slaves trying to survive and dying without really enjoying it? Or got sick and then burdened with debts, and then surviving to pay it off?
Marisa, you made me realise life is so fragile. She also made me realised the importance of having adequate medical insurance in Singapore. With so many recent incidents I witnessed, it is not hard to see how falling sick can ruin a family or make one severely in debt. I feel so sorry for her family. I am not a mother, I can't understand the pain of the loss of one's child. But seeing it happening around me, it still feels like a knife slitting on my skin. Painful.
I am recently very much inspired by the optimism book I was reading. But I couldn't help today feeling that everything went wrong. From the morning I started, my interview last minute got cancelled and postponed, the same with my appointment and then mum got a call to go down to the hospital. My mood was definitely dampened. I had to attend a talk in the evening, everything else made me feel like skipping it, but I didn't. I guess I needed the walk out of the house.
Mum came home and broke us the news (that everyone has been trying to hide) that the doctor said Marisa is surviving on life support. Her brain is dead. None of us wants to believe in that. We are hoping for a miracle. Marisa might not be close to us, but we all watched her grew up. She's only 16??? Why are you taking her away when her life hasn't started? Is it destined? Tell me it's not! I really do not know what is the meaning of life? Why are most of us working like slaves trying to survive and dying without really enjoying it? Or got sick and then burdened with debts, and then surviving to pay it off?
Marisa, you made me realise life is so fragile. She also made me realised the importance of having adequate medical insurance in Singapore. With so many recent incidents I witnessed, it is not hard to see how falling sick can ruin a family or make one severely in debt. I feel so sorry for her family. I am not a mother, I can't understand the pain of the loss of one's child. But seeing it happening around me, it still feels like a knife slitting on my skin. Painful.
24.8.12
Ganbatte, Marisa
Mummy dearest was there at the hospital, giving moral support to Marisa whose is still having an operation (a biopsy). I am not sure how old my cousin is. Maybe 16 or 18? I have too many cousins, some nearly 12 years older and others 12 years younger.
It reminded me of the time mum was in the operating theatre. Now I hear mum talking all over again about her story. She just loves to relate her hospital stay to us over and over again. Even though that was only a minor operation, our hearts were heavy and we were pacing up and down. Mum's health hasn't been the greatest, so we were worried having the operation would weaken her further. Now 4 months later, she's healthier than before. She has even put back the weight she lost. Even though old age has caught up with her but I think we all now cherish the time with her even more.
Marisa was admitted over a month ago due to a high fever. She has been in a coma since and now they are doing a biopsy. We aren't updated about her condition as her distraught mother insisted we do not ask anything about it. Whatever it is, I'm sure they are going through a rough time and I hope any of you whom chanced upon this, please say a little prayer for her.
It reminded me of the time mum was in the operating theatre. Now I hear mum talking all over again about her story. She just loves to relate her hospital stay to us over and over again. Even though that was only a minor operation, our hearts were heavy and we were pacing up and down. Mum's health hasn't been the greatest, so we were worried having the operation would weaken her further. Now 4 months later, she's healthier than before. She has even put back the weight she lost. Even though old age has caught up with her but I think we all now cherish the time with her even more.
Marisa was admitted over a month ago due to a high fever. She has been in a coma since and now they are doing a biopsy. We aren't updated about her condition as her distraught mother insisted we do not ask anything about it. Whatever it is, I'm sure they are going through a rough time and I hope any of you whom chanced upon this, please say a little prayer for her.
14.1.12
No, Oma, no
I was on the train back, thinking about that can of abalone my dad wanted and playing Unblock Me at the same time. Suddenly my phone rang, and my sister broke the news,"Grandma has died, she's in the hospital A&E now." I was stumped. I didn't know how to react, I wanted to go down, but she asked me to wait for another call. Then after some discussion, we rushed down, most of my extended family were there. We waited for nearly 3 hours before we got any news from the doctor. Geez. But fortunately it was worth the wait, they managed to save her. When the ambulance arrived, she already had no pulse. It was said she choked on her food but she didn't have the strength or ability to cough or react. Grandma has grown old and a lot weaker these days. I am so glad she survived this black Friday - Friday, the 13th.
Grandma, thanks for coming back and we do want to celebrate the Chinese New Year with you.
Grandma, thanks for coming back and we do want to celebrate the Chinese New Year with you.
12.1.12
What I can do without her?
On the days my mum is not cranky, she can be quite nice. Sometimes she's my hero. She also sometimes says things that never fail to surprise me.
This morning, she was happily shading her numbers for TOTO (lottery), when I casually commented. And she said if she wins the top prize, I will have the leisure of not working. You heard it right, she says me. Woohoo. How nice of her... When will we strike, please?
I had a very frustrating night trying to remove stains from my new dress, but it got worse this morning with more area affected. I had so many question marks and my head was about to explode. I showed it to mum, and she immediately found the cause. The color was coming off the sleeves which was black. So much for doing my own laundry and best thing I learnt to blame myself for things like this. I gave up, mum offered to help later today while I am at work. I hope she does magic because she can.
Superhero, mum, you are.
This morning, she was happily shading her numbers for TOTO (lottery), when I casually commented. And she said if she wins the top prize, I will have the leisure of not working. You heard it right, she says me. Woohoo. How nice of her... When will we strike, please?
I had a very frustrating night trying to remove stains from my new dress, but it got worse this morning with more area affected. I had so many question marks and my head was about to explode. I showed it to mum, and she immediately found the cause. The color was coming off the sleeves which was black. So much for doing my own laundry and best thing I learnt to blame myself for things like this. I gave up, mum offered to help later today while I am at work. I hope she does magic because she can.
Superhero, mum, you are.
19.6.11
Mama, let loose!
My mum needs to let loose. She's getting all worried about my sister who has left for France. I wonder if she's able to sleep these two weeks. She's worrying if she has arrived, her safety and even started having doubts if the "teacher" who brought them there is even a "bad guy". Oh my god, mum, can you just let it go?
I left for London so long years ago, I thought she has gotten used to it. I assured her things are fine and the little girl needs to go out and see the world. But she replied,"You're different, you have 狗胆。" It means monstrously audacious, but literally when you translate it, it means courage of a dog. Thanks mum, I take it as a compliment. I think she really understands me well, doesn't she! But I am happy for the little bird to fly, because she needs to. My little sister has little courage, not adventurous and not experimental at all, she likes things the tried and tested ways. I know this trip will make her grow, make her realise there's a lot more things in life, but not enough till she sees the poorer countries too!
I shall see her in July and hear all about her new adventures ;)
I left for London so long years ago, I thought she has gotten used to it. I assured her things are fine and the little girl needs to go out and see the world. But she replied,"You're different, you have 狗胆。" It means monstrously audacious, but literally when you translate it, it means courage of a dog. Thanks mum, I take it as a compliment. I think she really understands me well, doesn't she! But I am happy for the little bird to fly, because she needs to. My little sister has little courage, not adventurous and not experimental at all, she likes things the tried and tested ways. I know this trip will make her grow, make her realise there's a lot more things in life, but not enough till she sees the poorer countries too!
I shall see her in July and hear all about her new adventures ;)
10.4.11
Lieber Opa
My grandpa would be 92 if he's still alive today. I have never heard much about him, nor have I seen his picture. Out of curiosity, I joined the extended families for tomb sweeping, just hours ago.
For the first time, I visited a real cemetery in Singapore. When my auntie and uncle passed away, they were cremated and the urns are now placed at the temples. It seems like burial is no longer widely practised. Also, for the first time, I saw grandpa's photo on his tomb... and his name is Jinlong. He looks like what mum has described, a combination of my second and third uncle. Grandpa died when he was only 54, because he was ill. But I am really amazed he managed 11 children, I couldn't imagine how hard life was when he left all of them with poor grandma who was a housewife all along.
During the journey back, my aunt told me some stories of the past... My aunties and uncles must have such a close bond, they sacrificed their lives in order to support the siblings and let the younger ones had the chance to go to school. Today, it is so different, children dread going to school...
So to let you in about what we did for tomb sweeping... I shall share a little.
When we arrived (in 3 cars), the graveyard was surrounded by cars, many people came for the same purpose. We celebrate QingMing festival (which falls on April 5 this year) in Singapore by visiting the burial grounds of our ancestors and paying respects to them again.
It was nearly midnight and pitch dark as these areas weren't lit by lamp posts, so we had to carry torches as my uncle led the way, excusing ourselves from the other "neighours". We found grandpa's. The cousins and I then decorated the top of his grave (which is covered by plants, snails, slugs and grasshoppers) with colored papers, I guess it's a good sign with all the living creatures around him! Signs of life. Then my aunties and uncles aranged food, a can of beer, cigarettes, candles, joss sticks and incense papers before his tomb. We each paid respects to him, kneeling before his photo and telling him who we are. He died 8 years before I was borned, so I guess my face must be a stranger to him. After he "finished enjoying his food", we burned the incense papers and slowly made our way back.
It was about 2am when we were done, and everyone went for a drink thereafter. I must be mad writing this past 3am in the morning, but I thought it's an interesting night to share :)
For the first time, I visited a real cemetery in Singapore. When my auntie and uncle passed away, they were cremated and the urns are now placed at the temples. It seems like burial is no longer widely practised. Also, for the first time, I saw grandpa's photo on his tomb... and his name is Jinlong. He looks like what mum has described, a combination of my second and third uncle. Grandpa died when he was only 54, because he was ill. But I am really amazed he managed 11 children, I couldn't imagine how hard life was when he left all of them with poor grandma who was a housewife all along.
During the journey back, my aunt told me some stories of the past... My aunties and uncles must have such a close bond, they sacrificed their lives in order to support the siblings and let the younger ones had the chance to go to school. Today, it is so different, children dread going to school...
So to let you in about what we did for tomb sweeping... I shall share a little.
When we arrived (in 3 cars), the graveyard was surrounded by cars, many people came for the same purpose. We celebrate QingMing festival (which falls on April 5 this year) in Singapore by visiting the burial grounds of our ancestors and paying respects to them again.
It was nearly midnight and pitch dark as these areas weren't lit by lamp posts, so we had to carry torches as my uncle led the way, excusing ourselves from the other "neighours". We found grandpa's. The cousins and I then decorated the top of his grave (which is covered by plants, snails, slugs and grasshoppers) with colored papers, I guess it's a good sign with all the living creatures around him! Signs of life. Then my aunties and uncles aranged food, a can of beer, cigarettes, candles, joss sticks and incense papers before his tomb. We each paid respects to him, kneeling before his photo and telling him who we are. He died 8 years before I was borned, so I guess my face must be a stranger to him. After he "finished enjoying his food", we burned the incense papers and slowly made our way back.
It was about 2am when we were done, and everyone went for a drink thereafter. I must be mad writing this past 3am in the morning, but I thought it's an interesting night to share :)
21.3.11
It's the old man's day
Yesterday was D-day! Actually, what's D-day?!? I have no idea but I presume it can be anything! I just looked up on Wikipedia and it says it's a military term and "In planning, D-Day was the term used for the day of actual landing, which was dependent on final approval. There are also many other ambiguous meanings." So I guess I can use it for birthday and call it my own "Daddy's day"! Sister is away for work trip, mum was out... So I went ahead with my plan, to decorate a cake at The Icing Room. And we ate it without them!! It's a pretty small one, only 4"... and it was good fun designing a cake.
Don't laugh, it's not the best but I still think I did a pretty good job, at least mum says it does resemble my dad (She never got to see it, only from the picture!). So do I.
Don't laugh, it's not the best but I still think I did a pretty good job, at least mum says it does resemble my dad (She never got to see it, only from the picture!). So do I.
7.2.11
Wanna win 4D!
My mum is a genius at coming up with reasons to associate with the 4D numbers. I am amazed at her creativity, it probably explains why me and my sisters are in creative related industry ha. From age to identity card number, date of birth, address, hotel room number, car plate number, death timing to virtually anything, she always have a reason for linking them to the winning numbers and then blaming herself for not thinking of it earlier.
Yea mum, I wish I can predict for you!
Yea mum, I wish I can predict for you!
29.12.10
♥ Mum & Dad ♥
Sweet sweet love.
I feel the love. Mum made "yam" cake, it's like carrot cake (though it's not made from carrot but "yam" cake is made from yam). It's one of our favourite food she cooked, and so I am having that for lunch! I missed dinner last night as I caught up with a friend, mum cooked Mee Sua, also my favourite. Actually, practically everything she cooks are like my favourites, hahaha, except for certain things which are my sisters' and not mine. I told her I missed the Mee Sua and she said she can cook for me again tonight. Awww... so sweet.
I have been looking high and low for a watch, the type that looks solid and formal enough for work. Yesterday, I saw Dad's watch on the table, it looks pretty nice and its face isn't not too big for my wrist. I asked him if he would give it to me, without much hesitation, he said okay and asked how big is my wrist so he could adjust it. I don't know if it's his favourite watch as he has a couple, one of which we gifted to him 2-3 years back. I went home last night and he has already adjusted it for me, now it's my "office" watch. How sweet is that!
A lot of times, we thought family isn't an important part of our life. Years ago, I really had that thinking, especially when I was abroad and found it a hassle to call back home. I guess a lot of my friends still do now, some might, some might not. Some of my friends are happily living overseas, perhaps still like me in the past, we couldn't understand the parents' yearning as they didn't verbally express it. We dreaded coming home for good. But after quite a few years of it myself, I have adapted to living with my parents once again. Our relationship is better than the past somehow, I guess I have also grown wiser with the things I have been through. I speak to them, talk about their concerns, get them involved in my life and let them know what's happening... I used to think some things are better said to friends, but in fact, parents can be your friends too.
I have friends whom keep a distance from their parents. I guess it's different for everyone. For some, there's communication breakdown, for others, it might be some personal reasons. But there is one thing for sure, they love us, and I think there is no measurement for it! Even though they might be sometimes a little biased and like your sister or brother more, but at the end of the day, they are the ones who are willingly to make sacrifices for us. They are the ones whom will never push you away or say "No" to provide you a place of comfort and shelter when you need it most. They might not say it or show it, but they do care.
I feel the love. Mum made "yam" cake, it's like carrot cake (though it's not made from carrot but "yam" cake is made from yam). It's one of our favourite food she cooked, and so I am having that for lunch! I missed dinner last night as I caught up with a friend, mum cooked Mee Sua, also my favourite. Actually, practically everything she cooks are like my favourites, hahaha, except for certain things which are my sisters' and not mine. I told her I missed the Mee Sua and she said she can cook for me again tonight. Awww... so sweet.
I have been looking high and low for a watch, the type that looks solid and formal enough for work. Yesterday, I saw Dad's watch on the table, it looks pretty nice and its face isn't not too big for my wrist. I asked him if he would give it to me, without much hesitation, he said okay and asked how big is my wrist so he could adjust it. I don't know if it's his favourite watch as he has a couple, one of which we gifted to him 2-3 years back. I went home last night and he has already adjusted it for me, now it's my "office" watch. How sweet is that!
A lot of times, we thought family isn't an important part of our life. Years ago, I really had that thinking, especially when I was abroad and found it a hassle to call back home. I guess a lot of my friends still do now, some might, some might not. Some of my friends are happily living overseas, perhaps still like me in the past, we couldn't understand the parents' yearning as they didn't verbally express it. We dreaded coming home for good. But after quite a few years of it myself, I have adapted to living with my parents once again. Our relationship is better than the past somehow, I guess I have also grown wiser with the things I have been through. I speak to them, talk about their concerns, get them involved in my life and let them know what's happening... I used to think some things are better said to friends, but in fact, parents can be your friends too.
I have friends whom keep a distance from their parents. I guess it's different for everyone. For some, there's communication breakdown, for others, it might be some personal reasons. But there is one thing for sure, they love us, and I think there is no measurement for it! Even though they might be sometimes a little biased and like your sister or brother more, but at the end of the day, they are the ones who are willingly to make sacrifices for us. They are the ones whom will never push you away or say "No" to provide you a place of comfort and shelter when you need it most. They might not say it or show it, but they do care.
25.12.10
Frohe Weihnachten!
It's the time of the year again!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!
A festive season filled with many wonderful memories of the past... This year, it's a rather quiet one; in the past years, I spent it at dinner with friends or held a mini party at home with the sisters. But both sisters are away, so I decided to take my parents out for a meal. (As one gets older, sometimes priorities do take a shift!) Just 3 of us at a nice Chinese restaurant named PUTIEN, they seemed to enjoy it as mum was still going on about the fried duck wrapped with yam on the phone. So here's some pictures to share our joy :)
Apparently this brand derives its roots from Putian, a town in the Fujian province of China. It began as a small restaurant in Singapore and has since expanded to 7 outlets, and needless to say, the prices have also increased tremendously. I have heard many good stories about the food and so I thought I shall take the parents there. It's my first time too!
The dishes are tasty and suit my parents' tradtitional tastebuds well, though the prices are a little on the steep side. That "Deep Fried Duck with Yam" costed $15.90, the yam portion was more than the meat! Not that we mind since mum and I love yam! Those "Homemade Beancurd" were smooth and silky, we really enjoyed them. We also got "Seaweed Soup with Wonton" (forgot to name that in the picture, it's in the centre), it was quite appetising and a perfect starter. Dad has to have rice at his meal times or he would go jelly on his knees, so we ordered the only rice item, the "Seafood Fried Rice" and it was quite the standard one like everywhere else. I like the idea of "Mee Sua" (also named "妈祖面线" in Chinese, what a nice name!) since I read a review that it was quite good, so we ordered it too. It came with seafood and wasn't the usual Mee Sua mum loved to cook at home. It came last, all of us were pretty stuffed by then, but it was so delectable that we finished it all. There was no room for dessert though I really would love to have one... haha.
All in all, it was a pleasant dinner! It will be a bonus if they have some cards' promotion, then we will go there more often ;) They only take reservations for big crowd, but I rang up earlier to put my name just in case there's going to be a queue, and it did turn out there was a waiting list. Fortunately, they managed to give us a table fast enough as the old people have little patience.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!
A festive season filled with many wonderful memories of the past... This year, it's a rather quiet one; in the past years, I spent it at dinner with friends or held a mini party at home with the sisters. But both sisters are away, so I decided to take my parents out for a meal. (As one gets older, sometimes priorities do take a shift!) Just 3 of us at a nice Chinese restaurant named PUTIEN, they seemed to enjoy it as mum was still going on about the fried duck wrapped with yam on the phone. So here's some pictures to share our joy :)
Apparently this brand derives its roots from Putian, a town in the Fujian province of China. It began as a small restaurant in Singapore and has since expanded to 7 outlets, and needless to say, the prices have also increased tremendously. I have heard many good stories about the food and so I thought I shall take the parents there. It's my first time too!
The dishes are tasty and suit my parents' tradtitional tastebuds well, though the prices are a little on the steep side. That "Deep Fried Duck with Yam" costed $15.90, the yam portion was more than the meat! Not that we mind since mum and I love yam! Those "Homemade Beancurd" were smooth and silky, we really enjoyed them. We also got "Seaweed Soup with Wonton" (forgot to name that in the picture, it's in the centre), it was quite appetising and a perfect starter. Dad has to have rice at his meal times or he would go jelly on his knees, so we ordered the only rice item, the "Seafood Fried Rice" and it was quite the standard one like everywhere else. I like the idea of "Mee Sua" (also named "妈祖面线" in Chinese, what a nice name!) since I read a review that it was quite good, so we ordered it too. It came with seafood and wasn't the usual Mee Sua mum loved to cook at home. It came last, all of us were pretty stuffed by then, but it was so delectable that we finished it all. There was no room for dessert though I really would love to have one... haha.
All in all, it was a pleasant dinner! It will be a bonus if they have some cards' promotion, then we will go there more often ;) They only take reservations for big crowd, but I rang up earlier to put my name just in case there's going to be a queue, and it did turn out there was a waiting list. Fortunately, they managed to give us a table fast enough as the old people have little patience.
18.8.10
Mamee II
Mum's bad days are finally over...
I got her a new juice extractor and with some coaxing from the sisters, now she's back to her happy self. I just taught her how to use it, but you know, old people are just so lazy to learn new things. She was complaining how troublesome it is, when indeed it is VERY simple! Just use it once, then ta-dah... you know how to. Let's now hope she will stick to her strict health diet. We even joked we will all be vegetarians at home for her, but yes... we can.
I got her a new juice extractor and with some coaxing from the sisters, now she's back to her happy self. I just taught her how to use it, but you know, old people are just so lazy to learn new things. She was complaining how troublesome it is, when indeed it is VERY simple! Just use it once, then ta-dah... you know how to. Let's now hope she will stick to her strict health diet. We even joked we will all be vegetarians at home for her, but yes... we can.
12.8.10
13.6.10
WORLD MOST SELFISH SISTER FOR SALE
Yes. On sale. Big sale. Just buy it so I can get rid of her! Even if it's for free, just take her away and no return or refund! Any mister, please?
I just realised what a selfish bitch she is... well, not that I just realised today. It's already something that all of us at home know.
Today, this stupid woman was complaining she lost a book, something she needed urgently. So she described it, and it really sounded familiar. As we shared the room, I thought I have seen it under her bed. She has boxes of rubbish under her bed and it is no surprise I think I noticed it the other day while I was sitting on the floor doing my stuff. So being helpful, I said,"I think it's under your bed." She went and found it, but instead of being grateful and appreciative (not even thanking me), this ungrateful bitch accused me of shoving it under her bed. I fumed, this stupid brainless woman lost something and I was being helpful and then was accused of throwing her stuff under the bed. This is the most UNREASONABLE BITCH I ever met in my life. Not only that, she's one big selfish soul and I wonder why she's my sister? She wants people to live their lives the way she wanted it (and she never realised who IS the selfish one?). I wish she just grows up!
I just realised what a selfish bitch she is... well, not that I just realised today. It's already something that all of us at home know.
Today, this stupid woman was complaining she lost a book, something she needed urgently. So she described it, and it really sounded familiar. As we shared the room, I thought I have seen it under her bed. She has boxes of rubbish under her bed and it is no surprise I think I noticed it the other day while I was sitting on the floor doing my stuff. So being helpful, I said,"I think it's under your bed." She went and found it, but instead of being grateful and appreciative (not even thanking me), this ungrateful bitch accused me of shoving it under her bed. I fumed, this stupid brainless woman lost something and I was being helpful and then was accused of throwing her stuff under the bed. This is the most UNREASONABLE BITCH I ever met in my life. Not only that, she's one big selfish soul and I wonder why she's my sister? She wants people to live their lives the way she wanted it (and she never realised who IS the selfish one?). I wish she just grows up!
3.5.10
Facebook war
The power of social media is being underestimated... and sometimes goes overboard.
Some people have well utilised it, some misused it and others abused it! There are so many things one can do on it and don't underestimate the power... because viral marketing spreads real fast. There were cases: someone got fired because she bitched about her boss openly on her status and he happened to be on her list; commoners' opinions were heard and things were then improved by the mayor. Many companies use it to create a global network of their employees, and fashion brands use it to understand the consumers' needs and update their promotions. Little did I know that it can be used within the family too...
A week or so ago, sister posted a comment on cousin's status about her being rude and having no respect for the elderly. The cousin seemed a little retarded, she replied something that made no sense and later deleted it. 3 days later, mum got a call from cousin's dad (who's the brother of mum) complaining that we said something to her daughter... (Ummm, yes she has to take 3 days to digest??). Well in actual fact, we aren't in the wrong, he fails to discipline her precious daughter and still got the guts to ring us and ranted brainlessly. My sisters both deleted her off their list but I haven't (still haven't decided to burn the bridge yet).
Anyhow it has all been sorted out. I just felt the cousin is being such a childish brat. Delete that comment if you don't like it! Simple.
Some people have well utilised it, some misused it and others abused it! There are so many things one can do on it and don't underestimate the power... because viral marketing spreads real fast. There were cases: someone got fired because she bitched about her boss openly on her status and he happened to be on her list; commoners' opinions were heard and things were then improved by the mayor. Many companies use it to create a global network of their employees, and fashion brands use it to understand the consumers' needs and update their promotions. Little did I know that it can be used within the family too...
A week or so ago, sister posted a comment on cousin's status about her being rude and having no respect for the elderly. The cousin seemed a little retarded, she replied something that made no sense and later deleted it. 3 days later, mum got a call from cousin's dad (who's the brother of mum) complaining that we said something to her daughter... (Ummm, yes she has to take 3 days to digest??). Well in actual fact, we aren't in the wrong, he fails to discipline her precious daughter and still got the guts to ring us and ranted brainlessly. My sisters both deleted her off their list but I haven't (still haven't decided to burn the bridge yet).
Anyhow it has all been sorted out. I just felt the cousin is being such a childish brat. Delete that comment if you don't like it! Simple.
11.4.10
Randomness XII
I just learned my grandma's name the other evening. For almost my whole life, I address her "Ah ma" and only when she's hospitalised now I then realised I couldn't enquire about her room number without knowing her name. Mum briefly mentioned before but I didn't seem to remember. Grandma Poh had a fall and fractured her thigh bone. She had an operation and is much better now. But old people are such stubborn mules, haha. My grandma Poh refused to use her adult diaper even when she's unable to get out of the bed. When we troubled the nurse to get her sorted, then suddenly she couldn't do the deed anymore. Mischevious Poh!
I had a hair cut two days back and I swore my $10 cut is way better than the $26.90 at Twister and Storm. No hard-selling, attentive service and so affordable! They don't do washing or blowing for $10 but you can pay a little more to include them. Yet I get a very satisfying experience and I will go back again! Thanks to my best friend for passing me the contact.
Friday evening, I noticed this old lady behind me slowly pushing her grocery trolley. As I went ahead to open the mailbox, I saw her digging the bin and picking up sheets of paper from the ground. What most of us regarded as rubbish, she was collecting them. I then passed her the useless pamphlets and also the magazine supplement I got earlier. She seemed pleased, thanked me and walked away, probably to the next building for more...
Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now.
I had a hair cut two days back and I swore my $10 cut is way better than the $26.90 at Twister and Storm. No hard-selling, attentive service and so affordable! They don't do washing or blowing for $10 but you can pay a little more to include them. Yet I get a very satisfying experience and I will go back again! Thanks to my best friend for passing me the contact.
Friday evening, I noticed this old lady behind me slowly pushing her grocery trolley. As I went ahead to open the mailbox, I saw her digging the bin and picking up sheets of paper from the ground. What most of us regarded as rubbish, she was collecting them. I then passed her the useless pamphlets and also the magazine supplement I got earlier. She seemed pleased, thanked me and walked away, probably to the next building for more...
Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now.
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