In Transit - Ramblings of a Prodigal Singaporean

26January2009

Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Dinner

The night before Chinese New Year is typically when families come together for the reunion dinner. For my family, the weekend before the 1st day of CNY is for my dad’s side reunion dinner and the night before is my mom’s. A family tradition done every year. Well, for my mom’s side reunion dinner this year, my family, my maternal grandma, my god-sister and her family, and Annabelle, our Filipino helper, came together over yummy food. Here’s a snapshot of the food, the important part.

Yu Sheng

Tossing of the Yu Sheng. The higher you toss, the better your fortune… Or so they say.

Some Mushroom Dish. (I stay clear of it. It’s full of vegetables, mushrooms & it’s been boiled out of its mind.) It’s a annual tradition dish. My grandmother’s recipe.

Fried Chicken. Yummy!

Sauted Beef. With tons of spring onions. yummy.

Rotisserie Chicken. My fav dish. I’m salivating just looking at this!

Sweet & Sour Pork. A classic.

Longan & Aloe Vera Dessert. Refreshing!

Tags: Holidays
Category: Compassion Child, Holidays · 4 comments

22January2009

New Media Arrives at the Whitehouse

The new Whitehouse.gov website is amazing! Talk about new media galore! Blog, videos, slideshows, etc etc. And even a Director of New Media! Obama really is the poster child of the New Media Movement.

Oh and note the language and writing style they use. Very personal and easy to read. Not those pompous words. (Singapore Government can learn a lot).

Tags: Technology, USA Politics
Category: Technology · No comments

17January2009

Fun with Podiatry

I’m a specialist girl.

I’ve see the Ophthalmologist, Gastroengologist and the Podiatrist. (And who says I don’t support the medical community.)

My adventures with the Podiatrist started yearsssssssssss ago, when I was a little girl (Ahh, I miss those days). My leg (esp the knees) used to have stabbing pains almost everyday and I would literally cry myself to sleep. My parents and I were baffled. Doctor after doctor couldn’t explain why and all that was accomplished was $$ down the drain. Until, someone told us about a Podiatrist (basically a specialist of the foot, ankle and related issues). That was the first we’ve heard of it, but we went to see him anyway. And boy, he was a life-saver!

Dr Tye Lee Tze of The Podiatry Centre was the first Podiratrist in Singapore. When we went to see him, he had just set up his practice. He was the first to know exactly what was happening and told us it could be easily fixed. EASILY FIXED!! After alllll those misdiagnosis and wasted $$?

Apparently, I had high-arched feet. And as such, I couldn’t walk properly on the ground, which strained my bones, knees, etc. So with custom-made insoles and a good New Balance walking shoe, the pain stopped. Just like that. After a few years, the doctor said my feet had developed properly and I didn’t need to see him anymore. So years past, with no pain, no insoles.

Turn the page to a month ago. I started exercising, just normal walking for half an hour. Guess what happened? The pain came back (only less pain since my tolerance level is much higher now)! ARGHHHHHH!! So after yearssssss of not seeing him, I went back to Dr Tye. Now, because my feet is weird (narrow heel, broad front), I have to wear another insole. Meaning, no more nice but bad-for-feet shoes (No high heels, no fashion shoes). Well, at least I can save money on shoes now.

Anyhoo, longggg story short, if your feet is hurting consistently, I highly recommend Dr Tye. He’s caring, kind, easy to talk too, explains things veryyyy well and knows what he is doing.

The Podiatry Centre
Dr. Tye Lee Tze

91 Tanglin Road, #02-05 Tanglin Place

Tel: 6838 0757

Tags: Health
Category: Health · 4 comments

17January2009

A walk down memory lane

So my mom found a bunch of old pictures in a drawer somewhere and we had a few giggles and laughs over how we looked. So, to share the joy of old photos (and the horror of the outfits), here’s me through the ages. (Pls note, I’m not exactly sure how old I was in most pics. So it’s mainly a guess.)

My failed aspiration of being a tennis player.

My “Uh? What? Who?” confused look. It’s an art.

“Hm… I’m tasty!”

My angst teenage years

“I’m sleepppppyyy”

Tags: Family
Category: Strange Happenings, Transitions · 4 comments

15January2009

What NOT to say… to a Plus Size Lady

As a plus size woman, I’ve gotten my fair share of criticisms, insults and ‘well-meaning advice’ from my relatives all the way to a random taxi driver.

Over the years, I’ve learnt how to ignore them or insult the person back (the latter is more fun for me). Of course, it still hurts.

So to well-meaning individuals out there, here’s my take on what NOT to say:

1) “You’re Fat/Overweight.” duh. I know that! No need to tell me the obvious. Most guilty of this are the sales aunties or sales ladies from China. Now, how is that an effective sales tool?

2) “Why don’t you wanna lose weight? You like being fat?” No, I don’t actually like being overweight. Neither do I hate it. It just… is. Of course, I don’t like the fact that good clothes are tough to find in Singapore. And that everyone is a size zero. Or that I get tired from walking up a flight of stairs.

3) “(Without any invitation) Here’s what you can do to lose weight.” Thank you but no thank you. I KNOW what to do to lose weight. I AM doing them. But isn’t going to happen overnight, so don’t expect instant results. I’m not about to become someone obsessed over my weight and looks just because society thinks I should. I am more than my weight.

4) “If you remain fat, you’re gonna die.” We’re ALL gonna die someday. Fat or not.

5) “If you’re like that, no guy will like you.” Now this annoys me. Firstly, not all guys are that shallow (as the person who said that thinks). Second, if a guy doesn’t like me purely based on my looks, well then, no loss of mine, right?

6) “You’ll be pretty if you lose weight.” I think I’m pretty now. And who says being skinny automatically makes you pretty. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, isn’t it? And True Beauty is not what’s on the surface.

7) “I’m soooo fat! (Coming from a skinny girl’s mouth)” Excuse me? If you’re fat, than I’m what. Ginormous? Thanks a lot.

Now if I want to lose weight primarily to look pretty and have guys like me, then losing weight won’t work will it? But if I mainly want to lose weight because I wanna take care of this God-given body, then that’s more lasting.

So please, before you open your mouth, think before you talk.

Tags: Health
Category: Health, Strange Happenings, Thoughts · No comments

11January2009

Cinderella Play Review

I just came back from the Cinderella Play at the Esplanade, featuring Lea Salonga. It was my treat for my parents and I got us realllllyy good seats. I could see all the actors’ faces so clearly!

The play is a light-hearted and fun play on the classic fairytale, with lines and scripts that insert current events and modern day behaviour. Lea Salonga plays Cinderella (duh!). It got off to a slow start, and if I might say, a tad boring. It did pick up around the mid of the 1st act with the fairy god-mother, played by Charlie Parker, doing her magic and making Cinderella’s wish come true. Now, the fairy god-mother is HILARIOUS!! She would make funny comments and actions that made me laugh. In fact, my favourite line in the whole play was “Some people are so dumb!” by the god-mother, referring to the prince and cinderella.

Lea Salonga was amazing, as usual. Her voice was so clear and I could hear every single word she sang (some others left me struggling to figure out what they were saying). The prince, Peter Saide, was charming and… TALL! When he was dancing with Lea Salonga, the height difference was so apparent. He had to bow down a little. She was almost on her tippy toes! My mom also commented that in some scenes, Peter Saide looked like Jim Carrey!! haha!

The stepsisters and stepmothers were really played over the top, in a funny way! I loved the exaggeration of the characters, with Portia being this almost blind idiot, and Joy being a miserable, spiteful, unjoyful person. (Note the play on their names… the total opposites to their meanings!).

The sad thing was that the theatre wasn’t remotely full. There were so many empty seats, I felt so bad for the cast and crew. I guess when they planned this run, they didn’t anticipate the economic crisis hitting. Also, I think the run of this play is too long – 20 days! It might have been better if they played for 10 days and gotten a better crowd for each show.

The play is still running in Singapore, Esplanade Theatre until Jan 20. So if you want a fun time, go see it!

Additional Note: I forgot to mention that the props and set were very well done. I especially loved the dresses in the wedding scene. The blue and white gowns were soooo gorgeous. I want one of those!

The stage was a bit narrow though and that became apparent during the dancing scene in the ball. The dancers had to dance carefully and nearly banged into each other a few times.

Tags: Theatre
Category: Reviews · 6 comments

09January2009

Chinese New Year: The Ox & The Other Animals

bull Chinese New Year: The Ox & The Other Animals 2009 is my year! And it’s proven. 2009 is the Year of the Ox and I’m an ox, specifically a wood ox. Wohoo!!

*You’re an ox? How? What? Who?!* Some might say. Well, here’s why.

The Chinese believe in the Zodiac system, consisting of 12 animals (Greeks came up with shapes in the stars, Chinese has the animals).

The animals consist of Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. In that order. Why in that order?

“Well, according to one Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish.

All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox’s back, and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.”

To the traditional (& superstitious) Chinese, the Chinese Zodiac System is highly important in planning out the year. Dates of marriages and births are determined by which day is “luckiest” and most properous. Compatibility of couples are also influenced.

To me, while I don’t believe in the whole zodiac system of luck and prosperity and superstition, it is still fun to see how the “animal” in me is explained. Let’s compare shall we?

Wood Ox	Me
Personality: - Dependable, Strong, Determined - Capable of trusting others and will listen to their opinions with an open mind	Generally yes. But, factor in absent-mindedness and a dislike for people who try and push opinions on me aggressively.
Health: - Strong individuals who overall are healthy and live long, fulfilled lives. - Tend to work too much, rarely allowing themselves enough time to relax.	Ha! You have got to be kidding me on this one. I have a slew of health issues since young (bronchitis, ear problems, leg problems, back problems, chronic gastritis, always having a cold every month…)
Career: - Prefer work that is routine. - Take a methodological approach to their tasks and excel in jobs that are specialized. - Possess a keen eye for detail and an admirable work ethic. - Work well as part of a team, but because of their work ethic, self-confidence and strong sense of morals, they’ll always perform better as the team’s leader. - Tendency to be quick-tempered and outspoken.	Hm… I dislike routine work… boring! I am so not methodological and not detailed-orientated. I do have good work ethic, if I have work to do. I like to work in productive and no-politics groups. Oh yes. totally Am quick-tempered and outspoken, sometimes I shoot myself in the foot.
Relationships: - Aren’t very sociable and rarely participate in group activities. - Abhor small talk and won’t waste their time flirting. - Will search long and hard for the perfect partner as change makes them uncomfortable. - Whether due to an ox’s tendency to be overbearing or tendency to place blame on others, relationships with Oxen don’t always work out.	Chuckle I’m sociable, when I wanna be. I like group activities, if it’s with the right group. Small talk… I’m okay with it, as long as not utterly useless. Flirting… I think I flirt a bit. Just a tinnny bit. Perfect partner – No such thing. Overbearing-ness and blaming others: Unfortunately, a bit of truth in there. But not that extreme.

To find out what animal you are and your “description”, go here. It’s purely just for fun!

Tags: Holidays
Category: Holidays · 1 comment

07January2009

Work Woes… Again

Maybe I’m being a whiney, ungrateful brat. I have a job and in this economic disaster, I should be glad I have financial security. And I am, at least when I remind myself of that fact.

But earning money hasn’t never really been my motivation to work (but having $$ is nice, I won’t deny). I work because I enjoy it, it challenges me and I learn and grow. That’s my joy in working.

And this job holds no more joy for me. The office politics and environment have changed dramatically since I first joined a year ago. Outside forces and internal management shifts have created an atmosphere that is stifling to work in. Everyday, I feel like I’m in a 4 x 4 brick box, and that’s all I can do in my work. Nothing creative, nothing adventurous, pointless.

I’ve become what I’ve dreaded: A paper-pushing, do-as-bosses-tell-me-to-do civil servant robot. And that is terrifying.

My “fun” projects are either cut or put on the backburner because of cost cuts and conservative, traditional bosses. All I’m doing now are pointless paper-pushing and anything I can get my hands on… which is barely enough to fill up an hour, much less a day. And of course I can’t use that empty time to do other things for myself, like read the newspapers, etc. because others gossip and spread comments like “She’s very free! No need to work ah.”

Sigh… my mom keeps reminding me to be grateful and that this is a God-given situation to teach me patience and other life lessons. I get that mentally. Tell that to my depressed spirit and heart.

Meaningless work is just that, meaningless. And a whole waste of precious time.

Tags: SG Government, Work
Category: Strange Happenings, Technology · 2 comments

05January2009

Chinese New Year: How It Began

Chinese words used in this post:

Nien (Year) & Kong-Si (Congratulations)

There are many stories about the beginnings of Chinese New Year (CNY). Some myths, some practical.

The most widely known myth is not exactly a happy tale. Legend tells of a wild beast named Nien (Chinese for year) that would come out every New Year’s eve to attack and kill villagers. To scare away the beast, villagers started making loud noises with firecrackers, pasted red paper everywhere (for they believe that Nien was afraid of red) and used tons of bright lights. The next morning, as feelings of triumph and success fill the air at successfully keeping Nien away for another year, people would greet each other with kong-si , or “congratulations.”

A more practical and down-to-earth explanation is that the end of the year also meant the end of a harsh winter in China. Families would gather together after the tough season to see who was still alive, to celebrate the start of a better life and wish each other good luck and prosperity for the new year.

Historically, the date of CNY has been set according to the emperor that ruled China at that time. For a few years, CNY was actually based on the Gregorian calendar (Western Calendar). It was only after the Chinese Revolution and the start of the Communist government did the Chinese Lunar calendar became the master calendar that ruled all Chinese holidays, including CNY.

CNY typically happens around late January and early February. This year, 2009, it starts on 26th January 2009 and runs 15 days. In China, that means 15 days of public holidays.

In Singapore, that means 2. *grimace* (Part of being a racial and religious equal country. Every major religion and race gets 2 days of holidays a year. That’s it. I’m sure non-Chinese would enjoy 15 days of CNY public holidays! I don’t think I’ll hear anyone complaining. Well, except the Government.)

Tags: Holidays
Category: Holidays · 2 comments

03January2009

1st Blog Series: Chinese New Year

lantern 1st Blog Series: Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is a special time for Chinese all over the world. It’s kinda like Christmas time for Westerners (minus the Christmas meaning). Familys reunite for dinners and catch up, families visit close friends and eat more. Instead of presents, unmarried people get hongbaos (red packets) of money as a symbol of prosperity and good wishes.

Having celebrated Chinese New Year all my life, I never really treasured the value and importance of it till I missed it for two years when I was in college.

So, from now till the start of Chinese New Year, January 26th, 2009, (and I say start because it’s 15 days long), I’ll be running a series of posts on Chinese New Year. I’ll post about what Chinese New Year is, the history and dynamics behind it and than move on to how my family traditionally celebrates it.

So watch this space!