Third Aunt called me late Thursday night and asked if I will be free on Saturday. As I had not resumed my weekend Powerplates workout routine, I said yes.
Only to be told afterwards that she wanted me to accompany her to Parliament House to pay our last respects to Dr Goh Keng Swee.
To be very honest, I have very little knowledge of this man. When news of his passing first broke, I was quite nonchalent and shrugged it off as 'yet another passing of one of our Old Guards' because, that was what I know of him. I belong to the 'generation of transience' where when Dr Goh retired from politics in 1984, I was merely 8 years old. At Primary 5, when Social studies was taught, we had some simple lessons on the different government ministries, and taught the names of the ministers then heading these various ministries.
My generation grew up enjoying the convenience, efficiency and success of The Singapore System. While we understand that all these did not happen overnight, we did not quite know this was actually the result of Dr's Goh leadership and foresight in setting the right policies and system.
And so, while we know who Mr Lee Kuan Yew is, of how he led Singapore to join Malaysia and eventually divorce from it to our gaining independence, I remained quite clueless about this Dr Goh Keng Swee 'figure' who was the then Number 2. They were a formidable pair who complemented each other well to bring Singapore its economic success and remarkable achievements for our defence and education policies.
My aunt and I were amongst the 5000 plus members of the public that went forth to pay our last respects this afternoon. We experienced a short but orderly queue. Even the weather was kind to us - it was as if Tee-gong is also showing his grief to the demise of yet another great man that helped write Singapore's history.
Thank you Dr Goh, for making Singapore what it is today. Rest in peace - was what I wrote this afternoon on the condolence book.
till later.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Breathing Space...Finally!
It was the morning of the Monday just past, that I recieved the first BB message from a good client, "Good luck babe. Today's the day."
Indeed it was, the days of preparing, meetings and discussions finally culminating to this day - the first golf event we managed for the year.
For some strange reason, that Monday seemed to fly by in a flash; so much so that at some point, I was on the verge of panicking as the on-course set-up had yet to be completed at 12.30pm!
Thankfully for the existing 'guan xi' - relationship - we had with the set-up guys, the cajoling and offers of free coffee helped to speed things up and at 1.30pm, the golfers were on their way to an afternoon of fun and competition on the course.
As soon as we learn of the return of the first buggy at the clubhouse, I knew 80% of our duty is over. Still, I could not breathe easy as we had some accountability stuff to take care of - the collection of the alcohol, utensils and the helpers on the golf course.
Running this event has had its challenges; not with the golf club nor the organizer's sponsors but with the organizers themselves. It's like a simmering pot of broth waiting to boil over, just to give you a better idea of what I mean. And just today at the debrief, the feigned ignorance and wane look of clue-lessness from that particular lady - I'll call her The Unique Character - did nothing constructive to the drying pot of broth except to fan the flames bigger.
I reacted with nothing more than a raised eyebrow. To say anything more is useless, to say nothing is probably the best.
As soon as my colleagues and I walked out of the building at the end of the debrief, I could breathe easier, at least for the next few days.
Will still be busy in the coming weeks as we need to move on to other events but I sure hope the process will be smoother and better.
till later.
Indeed it was, the days of preparing, meetings and discussions finally culminating to this day - the first golf event we managed for the year.
For some strange reason, that Monday seemed to fly by in a flash; so much so that at some point, I was on the verge of panicking as the on-course set-up had yet to be completed at 12.30pm!
Thankfully for the existing 'guan xi' - relationship - we had with the set-up guys, the cajoling and offers of free coffee helped to speed things up and at 1.30pm, the golfers were on their way to an afternoon of fun and competition on the course.
As soon as we learn of the return of the first buggy at the clubhouse, I knew 80% of our duty is over. Still, I could not breathe easy as we had some accountability stuff to take care of - the collection of the alcohol, utensils and the helpers on the golf course.
Running this event has had its challenges; not with the golf club nor the organizer's sponsors but with the organizers themselves. It's like a simmering pot of broth waiting to boil over, just to give you a better idea of what I mean. And just today at the debrief, the feigned ignorance and wane look of clue-lessness from that particular lady - I'll call her The Unique Character - did nothing constructive to the drying pot of broth except to fan the flames bigger.
I reacted with nothing more than a raised eyebrow. To say anything more is useless, to say nothing is probably the best.
As soon as my colleagues and I walked out of the building at the end of the debrief, I could breathe easier, at least for the next few days.
Will still be busy in the coming weeks as we need to move on to other events but I sure hope the process will be smoother and better.
till later.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
You Know What ?
I haven't been able to update this space because:
1. Work has been keeping me supremely busy before Siem Reap and busier upon my return. If not for the coming Monday's event (as well as the Cambodian getaway), I would be in chilly London shopping to my heart's content, riding on the favorable Sterling pound exchange rate. And not get all hot, sticky and sweaty and absolutely pissed with the.....hot, and stuffy weather in Singapore!
Side note: It is ABSOLUTELY WARM when you can still break out in a sweat with your aircon blasting at 16 Deg C. This is bad.
2. I have been occupied with the renovation preparations for my new abode. In all honesty, it is starting to bother me alot. What used to be exciting shopping for new furniture and fixtures, I am beginning to find it a chore. Probably because I can be rather undecisive with....making decisions which is a BIG IRONY because I am fairly quick and decisive with commercial decisions.
Then again, what do you do when the contractor asks if you want a 2-bowl sink with rim, or a 2-bowl sink without rim? Or, would you prefer gloss finish over matt finish paints for your walls. Fairly straightforward questions needing straightforward answers - I know. But it is that fear of making the wrong decision that will bear consequences which I may end up kicking myself for.
I have that high expectations of myself. Or some would say, the fear of failure?
Heck, I use to find renovations fun. Doing up my own place should be fun because this time round, I am the Boss. I decide. Then I realise it was fun then because Mummy was around to give me the guidance and insist on her anal-ness (which will make sense at some point although it sounds ridiculous initially), and she would front the negotiations herself. I would merely accompany her at procuring the necessary funiture and fixtures when asked to.
I miss Mummy. Especially at times like these.
till later.
1. Work has been keeping me supremely busy before Siem Reap and busier upon my return. If not for the coming Monday's event (as well as the Cambodian getaway), I would be in chilly London shopping to my heart's content, riding on the favorable Sterling pound exchange rate. And not get all hot, sticky and sweaty and absolutely pissed with the.....hot, and stuffy weather in Singapore!
Side note: It is ABSOLUTELY WARM when you can still break out in a sweat with your aircon blasting at 16 Deg C. This is bad.
2. I have been occupied with the renovation preparations for my new abode. In all honesty, it is starting to bother me alot. What used to be exciting shopping for new furniture and fixtures, I am beginning to find it a chore. Probably because I can be rather undecisive with....making decisions which is a BIG IRONY because I am fairly quick and decisive with commercial decisions.
Then again, what do you do when the contractor asks if you want a 2-bowl sink with rim, or a 2-bowl sink without rim? Or, would you prefer gloss finish over matt finish paints for your walls. Fairly straightforward questions needing straightforward answers - I know. But it is that fear of making the wrong decision that will bear consequences which I may end up kicking myself for.
I have that high expectations of myself. Or some would say, the fear of failure?
Heck, I use to find renovations fun. Doing up my own place should be fun because this time round, I am the Boss. I decide. Then I realise it was fun then because Mummy was around to give me the guidance and insist on her anal-ness (which will make sense at some point although it sounds ridiculous initially), and she would front the negotiations herself. I would merely accompany her at procuring the necessary funiture and fixtures when asked to.
I miss Mummy. Especially at times like these.
till later.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Legacy Mummy Left Behind
It was nothing substantial material- or financial-wise; and not enough to elevate my siblings and I to 'heir and heiress' status. Nonetheless, all it took was an encounter today that made me realise the legacy that Mummy left behind was worth more than anything money could buy.
Very often in my growing up years, there would be times where I could not relate to certain actions or behaviour that Mummy would do. And being the rash young me then, I would make noise and argue with Mummy when things just 'did not seem right' - my way.
Mummy will then retort, 'Wait till one day when I am not around, you will know why I did what I did today.'
It was like a prophecy come true - in many sense - after her demise.
On several occasions before she fell ill, I would returned home from work to find her scribbling away at her desk. One of her hobbies, I realised (while clearing out her stuff), was compiling contacts and filling up address books. It will list various useful contacts - for the house, relatives, suppliers so on - and she prides herself at being adept at it. Mummy never received formal education so learning to write and read simple English was a great achievement. The contacts came in handy at certain points of time, since I had to live alone now.
And then there were occasions where she will come running out to me asking me to write greeting cards to people that I vaguely know. That will somewhat irritate me that time but I did it nevertheless because I knew she had waited up for me to come home so that she can catch me to get the task done.
It never struck me until today, that small actions like these brought about big differences to the people whom she sent greeting cards to.
As part of the sale process of the current apartment I am staying in, one of the conditions of sale was an inspection of the flat by an officer from HDB. That morning of the inspection, a soft-spoken male officer in his 40s dropped by. Midway through his rounds, he stopped and stood in the corner of the living room where Mummy's favorite spot used to be and said, as he turned to me: 'I remember your Mum. She is very nice and kind....sends us cards every year. We all received her cards."
I was surprised, and couldn't quite react to his sudden comment. What I eventually did do was to briefly tell him what Mummy was stricken with, and that her departure was swift. On hindsight, it was a rather pathethic attempt to provide solace to the officer, regardless if he wanted to know or not.
The officer then continued for a few more seconds of looking around and gave the all-clear. Then he left, in less than 5 minutes.
For the rest of the day, my heart was filled with warmth over what I heard that morning. It is almost a year since Mummy left yet her small gesture of sending cards was remembered. More importantly, she was thought of by others in a fond way.
To me, such tributes are priceless and more valuable than anything material in this world. It is by far the best legacy Mummy has left behind for us, her children, to remember her by.
till later.
Very often in my growing up years, there would be times where I could not relate to certain actions or behaviour that Mummy would do. And being the rash young me then, I would make noise and argue with Mummy when things just 'did not seem right' - my way.
Mummy will then retort, 'Wait till one day when I am not around, you will know why I did what I did today.'
It was like a prophecy come true - in many sense - after her demise.
On several occasions before she fell ill, I would returned home from work to find her scribbling away at her desk. One of her hobbies, I realised (while clearing out her stuff), was compiling contacts and filling up address books. It will list various useful contacts - for the house, relatives, suppliers so on - and she prides herself at being adept at it. Mummy never received formal education so learning to write and read simple English was a great achievement. The contacts came in handy at certain points of time, since I had to live alone now.
And then there were occasions where she will come running out to me asking me to write greeting cards to people that I vaguely know. That will somewhat irritate me that time but I did it nevertheless because I knew she had waited up for me to come home so that she can catch me to get the task done.
It never struck me until today, that small actions like these brought about big differences to the people whom she sent greeting cards to.
As part of the sale process of the current apartment I am staying in, one of the conditions of sale was an inspection of the flat by an officer from HDB. That morning of the inspection, a soft-spoken male officer in his 40s dropped by. Midway through his rounds, he stopped and stood in the corner of the living room where Mummy's favorite spot used to be and said, as he turned to me: 'I remember your Mum. She is very nice and kind....sends us cards every year. We all received her cards."
I was surprised, and couldn't quite react to his sudden comment. What I eventually did do was to briefly tell him what Mummy was stricken with, and that her departure was swift. On hindsight, it was a rather pathethic attempt to provide solace to the officer, regardless if he wanted to know or not.
The officer then continued for a few more seconds of looking around and gave the all-clear. Then he left, in less than 5 minutes.
For the rest of the day, my heart was filled with warmth over what I heard that morning. It is almost a year since Mummy left yet her small gesture of sending cards was remembered. More importantly, she was thought of by others in a fond way.
To me, such tributes are priceless and more valuable than anything material in this world. It is by far the best legacy Mummy has left behind for us, her children, to remember her by.
till later.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
You Know It's A Bad Day At Work....
...... when you see that less-than-desired decisions made by your staff resulted in less-than-desirable consequences for the Company...and the staff concerned appeared nonchalent when told about it.
..... when it happened twice in one day.
..... when you really feel like exploding but have to exercise constraint. Well I did blow my top but it certainly was not my worse bite. I recognise I should allow for some leeway but on hindsight, do people ever learn from their mistakes?
I muse and I ponder, it is situations like these that I always wonder.
till later.
..... when it happened twice in one day.
..... when you really feel like exploding but have to exercise constraint. Well I did blow my top but it certainly was not my worse bite. I recognise I should allow for some leeway but on hindsight, do people ever learn from their mistakes?
I muse and I ponder, it is situations like these that I always wonder.
till later.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Welcome!
Hello!
For a while - quite a long one actually - I was contemplating between starting a new space and continuing with Muses. For those in my inner circle, you would be well acquainted with Muses - a collection of memories, events and my inner most thoughts; all 5 years of it.
What will happen to Muses now, you ask, since there is now... this space? Well, Muses is still up but I have decided to archive it. After all, that space contained entries that I would rather keep away, for my personal reading when I feel like it.
I first started writing a blog as an 'exercise' to practice my writing. It was essential then mainly because of the degree course I was taking, which required one to submit essays no less than 3000 words. Blogging was good as it was a platform for me to build a 'story' to express my thoughts and observations, however comical, sad, frustrated or excited it would be. (I'd like to think I have kept you very entertained all this while!)
5 years later, and having gone through some of Life's biggest lessons and experiences. I am sure there would be changes; to my style of writing and way of thinking. No matter, I hope I can keep you interested enough to keep checking back this space.
Enjoy.
till later,
Fi aka The Trivial Traveller
PS - notice there is a REAL name now??
For a while - quite a long one actually - I was contemplating between starting a new space and continuing with Muses. For those in my inner circle, you would be well acquainted with Muses - a collection of memories, events and my inner most thoughts; all 5 years of it.
What will happen to Muses now, you ask, since there is now... this space? Well, Muses is still up but I have decided to archive it. After all, that space contained entries that I would rather keep away, for my personal reading when I feel like it.
I first started writing a blog as an 'exercise' to practice my writing. It was essential then mainly because of the degree course I was taking, which required one to submit essays no less than 3000 words. Blogging was good as it was a platform for me to build a 'story' to express my thoughts and observations, however comical, sad, frustrated or excited it would be. (I'd like to think I have kept you very entertained all this while!)
5 years later, and having gone through some of Life's biggest lessons and experiences. I am sure there would be changes; to my style of writing and way of thinking. No matter, I hope I can keep you interested enough to keep checking back this space.
Enjoy.
till later,
Fi aka The Trivial Traveller
PS - notice there is a REAL name now??
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)