And I love it ...
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Saturday, January 20, 2007
John's Birthday Celebration
A week ago, he was still deliberating why people have to celebrate their birthdays every year. He is happy to join in the celebration for others but he doesn't want to bring trouble for others. I advised that we don't all see in the same light as he does. It's not only a celebration of his life and achievements, but an opportunity for us, his friends and his loved ones to show our appreciation and love for him.
So, we set out for two celebrations because he hates big parties and mixing friends around. He had another friend Leanne who was coming down to Sydney with her beautiful twelve year old son Tully, and we were all having a farewell celebration because they are both going to Canada for a year of exchange. Unknown to John, I had made a request to have a surprise birthday celebration at the event but only for cake because it was after all, a farewell session first and foremost. So, after much celebration, deliberation on my part for the type of cake and how to bring it to Russ' house (who is hosting the farewell), I managed to create something special for my darling, though one can barely make out the name "John" on the birthday cake with mini M-Ms. We had a wonderful time and he was truly surprised and delighted, which made my day.
As for his two planned celebrations, one was hosted by our very generous friend Peter on Thursday who cooked this wonderful banquet consisting of his fried Turkish bread with avocado dip, barbecued prawns which were just simply divine, and for the mains, a chicken noodle dish with salad and mushrooms. It was just heavenly. Thanks Peter. Dinners will never be the same without those prawns ever again.
The other was tonight where we spent an intimate evening with two of John's closest friends, and we watched the "controversial" movie "Shortbus" which was an exploration and celebration of sex and what's down beneath us. When we watched it at the movies, we were just as gobsmacked with the rest of the audience and unrest settled. Tonight, it was just a joyous and hilarious experience which enhanced the impression of the movie in our minds.
P.S. The reason why I am not sharing more photos of others is because I don't know whether they would like it. I'm not that much of an exhibitionist. Just trying to get used to seeing myself more on my blog ...
So, we set out for two celebrations because he hates big parties and mixing friends around. He had another friend Leanne who was coming down to Sydney with her beautiful twelve year old son Tully, and we were all having a farewell celebration because they are both going to Canada for a year of exchange. Unknown to John, I had made a request to have a surprise birthday celebration at the event but only for cake because it was after all, a farewell session first and foremost. So, after much celebration, deliberation on my part for the type of cake and how to bring it to Russ' house (who is hosting the farewell), I managed to create something special for my darling, though one can barely make out the name "John" on the birthday cake with mini M-Ms. We had a wonderful time and he was truly surprised and delighted, which made my day.
As for his two planned celebrations, one was hosted by our very generous friend Peter on Thursday who cooked this wonderful banquet consisting of his fried Turkish bread with avocado dip, barbecued prawns which were just simply divine, and for the mains, a chicken noodle dish with salad and mushrooms. It was just heavenly. Thanks Peter. Dinners will never be the same without those prawns ever again.
The other was tonight where we spent an intimate evening with two of John's closest friends, and we watched the "controversial" movie "Shortbus" which was an exploration and celebration of sex and what's down beneath us. When we watched it at the movies, we were just as gobsmacked with the rest of the audience and unrest settled. Tonight, it was just a joyous and hilarious experience which enhanced the impression of the movie in our minds.
P.S. The reason why I am not sharing more photos of others is because I don't know whether they would like it. I'm not that much of an exhibitionist. Just trying to get used to seeing myself more on my blog ...
Happy Birthday my love ... once again.
Happy Together
John and I find it rather difficult to agree on a photo of us that we both like ... there is always "something not right" about the ones we take. Maybe we have high standards or maybe we are a little too critical but I think we finally settled on one that we are happy with ... so I have to share. Are we alone or are there others like us out there ... perfectionists or just plain impossible.
Japanese New Year
The Japanese celebrate their New Year every year at the same time as their Western counterparts, unlike the Chinese who follow the calendar year. Before I came to Australia and my first two to three years here, New Year celebrations were always about the fireworks at the Harbour Bridge or just drinks at friends.
Ever since I was inaugurated into my Japanese family here in Australia, I have been fortunate enough to taste some of the most sumptuous Japanese New Year celebratin every year around the 3rd of January. This year was the 6th but my 5th (kind of like 紅白 where it is invitation based only) and every year, we farewell some and welcome new additions. With Jamie and Sophia's arrival, they were warmly welcomed though they were still both a little too young to join in the celebrations. Hopefully next year, they will start becoming a fixture at this annual event.
Besides the glorious and carefully prepared food to emulate their home experience, there is always plenty of camarderie as we share our Christmas offerings and New Year's Eve celebrations in the warm feelings of fiesta. There is also the "customary" games at the end where we are all separated into two groups and compete not only in a quiz but also a hybrid of Chinese whispers and charades, which in my view is both scary, funny and not to be missed. It is just so nice to allow ourselves to be comfortable enough to make fools of ourselves while our next counterpart decipher the message that we are trying to bring to them. Ranging from arms flapping wildly in the air to mincing like a model on a catwalk, a prostitute or a porn star at work or just Marilyn Monroe trying to keep her imaginary dress from blowing up in the wind, images that bring so much fun and joy, laughter enough to last us through the entire year till the next ...
Food, Glorious Food ...
Ever since I was inaugurated into my Japanese family here in Australia, I have been fortunate enough to taste some of the most sumptuous Japanese New Year celebratin every year around the 3rd of January. This year was the 6th but my 5th (kind of like 紅白 where it is invitation based only) and every year, we farewell some and welcome new additions. With Jamie and Sophia's arrival, they were warmly welcomed though they were still both a little too young to join in the celebrations. Hopefully next year, they will start becoming a fixture at this annual event.
Besides the glorious and carefully prepared food to emulate their home experience, there is always plenty of camarderie as we share our Christmas offerings and New Year's Eve celebrations in the warm feelings of fiesta. There is also the "customary" games at the end where we are all separated into two groups and compete not only in a quiz but also a hybrid of Chinese whispers and charades, which in my view is both scary, funny and not to be missed. It is just so nice to allow ourselves to be comfortable enough to make fools of ourselves while our next counterpart decipher the message that we are trying to bring to them. Ranging from arms flapping wildly in the air to mincing like a model on a catwalk, a prostitute or a porn star at work or just Marilyn Monroe trying to keep her imaginary dress from blowing up in the wind, images that bring so much fun and joy, laughter enough to last us through the entire year till the next ...
Food, Glorious Food ...
I love it when babies are at this age. I love their "pugdy little legs" which my friend Maya says "Astro Boy legs". Ha! Ha!
A pensive and melancholic Jamie ... aren't they both adorable?
And you can't tell I love babies ...
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Happy Birthday My Love
Thank you for everything and for sharing this wonderful part of my life with me. This past year has been more challenging but we have pulled through them and I look forward to the many more sunrises and sunsets that we have still yet to enjoy and conquer.
Have a wonderful year and may our dreams of owning a new home this year come through. Love Always ...
Have a wonderful year and may our dreams of owning a new home this year come through. Love Always ...
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Parenthood
I hate to stereotype but Western and Eastern styles of parenting do differ. I grew up under strict parenting. There were no curfews but there might just well have been. No TV after a certain time, no romances, no playing with your friends and neighbours ... study study study. It was drilled into our minds early in our childhood that we had to study hard and aim to get to university. I was not encouraged to be an artist, policeman or fireman. What I was told was to aim to be a lawyer or a doctor. Not that it really influenced me in that way, just look at how I turned out.
It was not only the societal values in Singapore and the competitive environment that drove my parents into this style of thinking but more so because my mother did not have a chance to receive an education she deserved. Being born in poverty after World War II and in a family of 11, she had to give up schooling after starting a year or two in secondary school. Her parents could no longer afford to send her to school which was why she had to give up her dreams. Her appetite for learning was not crushed because of this and in many ways, she wanted to make sure that her children were not disadvantaged in that way. Even if she had to take on several jobs, I am sure she would have made sure that we had the best education.
I don't think she was resentful, maybe a little, but she definitely envied her younger sisters who went on to desk jobs instead of being given limited choices in life like being a seamstress. Though she lost out on an education, she is always eager to learn and even picked up English and Mathematics again in her late 40s when we were all grown up and she could fulfill her dream once again.
Back to us, we had tuition when we were younger to help us with our studies. Everyone did in Singapore, so she had to make sure that we did so too. I hated it because it meant more homework on top of what school had offered, so I think I rebelled, especially after she decided upon my tuition teacher's advice to throw away all my Japanese magazines that I had collected. I was crushed and I hated her for that.
I don't think I realised her good intentions, though I still ache for that memorabilia, till after I finished my "O" Levels (which is the secondary school leaving certificate) and realised that I had limited options because I had not studied hard enough. That was probably when I discovered that this woman was right. It was not too late because I did work hard and scored reasonably well, but it was not the right course for me because I wasn't interested in the subject. However, it was proof to myself that I was capable of anything I set my mind to. It was only when I stumbled upon Marketing that I found my passion and could finally make her proud.
Looking around me and the styles of Western parenting, I wonder if I would have benefited more from it. On one hand, I think a little freedom would have been very beneficial, but at the same time, I am thankful that my parents drilled the importance of education to me. Without their encouragement, I would never have discovered the joys of reading and now writing. With these skills, I develop imagination and the ability to dream and engage in interesting conversations with people, not only through intellect, but heart. I could have been a boring person which would really be a "crime".
I look at my sister parenting, and I realised that in many ways, she is walking down the same path that my parents did, and I am mindful that I have to give her support and encouragement, and at the same time advice on "letting go" sometimes. It's a tough gig and I think she has the added responsibility of knowing that she should give them every opportunity she can afford, even if it means volunteering her services at the primary school so that my nephew and niece can gain entry into the prestigious school. That is how crazy the system is. However, I need to keep my little darling's interest at heart and let my sister know that it is just as important that they enjoy it, and not find it laborious, which would take all of the joys out of life.
In comparison with some of my Western counterparts, they have a lot of freedom to do whatever they want. I am honestly very shocked to hear that some parents even give her children "permission" not to complete their high school, so that they can realise their own dreams. I understand that this is true love in allowing our loved ones the freedom in life, but at the same time, will they gain resentment when they hit the glass celling and realise their limited opportunities in life due to the lack of education?
There is no right or wrong with parenting because we have to adapt to the child's style as well, which we sometimes forget, but I think it is a topic for discussion. I am thankful for the parenting I received but I have to be mindful that I cannot force it upon others to have the same values.
It was not only the societal values in Singapore and the competitive environment that drove my parents into this style of thinking but more so because my mother did not have a chance to receive an education she deserved. Being born in poverty after World War II and in a family of 11, she had to give up schooling after starting a year or two in secondary school. Her parents could no longer afford to send her to school which was why she had to give up her dreams. Her appetite for learning was not crushed because of this and in many ways, she wanted to make sure that her children were not disadvantaged in that way. Even if she had to take on several jobs, I am sure she would have made sure that we had the best education.
I don't think she was resentful, maybe a little, but she definitely envied her younger sisters who went on to desk jobs instead of being given limited choices in life like being a seamstress. Though she lost out on an education, she is always eager to learn and even picked up English and Mathematics again in her late 40s when we were all grown up and she could fulfill her dream once again.
Back to us, we had tuition when we were younger to help us with our studies. Everyone did in Singapore, so she had to make sure that we did so too. I hated it because it meant more homework on top of what school had offered, so I think I rebelled, especially after she decided upon my tuition teacher's advice to throw away all my Japanese magazines that I had collected. I was crushed and I hated her for that.
I don't think I realised her good intentions, though I still ache for that memorabilia, till after I finished my "O" Levels (which is the secondary school leaving certificate) and realised that I had limited options because I had not studied hard enough. That was probably when I discovered that this woman was right. It was not too late because I did work hard and scored reasonably well, but it was not the right course for me because I wasn't interested in the subject. However, it was proof to myself that I was capable of anything I set my mind to. It was only when I stumbled upon Marketing that I found my passion and could finally make her proud.
Looking around me and the styles of Western parenting, I wonder if I would have benefited more from it. On one hand, I think a little freedom would have been very beneficial, but at the same time, I am thankful that my parents drilled the importance of education to me. Without their encouragement, I would never have discovered the joys of reading and now writing. With these skills, I develop imagination and the ability to dream and engage in interesting conversations with people, not only through intellect, but heart. I could have been a boring person which would really be a "crime".
I look at my sister parenting, and I realised that in many ways, she is walking down the same path that my parents did, and I am mindful that I have to give her support and encouragement, and at the same time advice on "letting go" sometimes. It's a tough gig and I think she has the added responsibility of knowing that she should give them every opportunity she can afford, even if it means volunteering her services at the primary school so that my nephew and niece can gain entry into the prestigious school. That is how crazy the system is. However, I need to keep my little darling's interest at heart and let my sister know that it is just as important that they enjoy it, and not find it laborious, which would take all of the joys out of life.
In comparison with some of my Western counterparts, they have a lot of freedom to do whatever they want. I am honestly very shocked to hear that some parents even give her children "permission" not to complete their high school, so that they can realise their own dreams. I understand that this is true love in allowing our loved ones the freedom in life, but at the same time, will they gain resentment when they hit the glass celling and realise their limited opportunities in life due to the lack of education?
There is no right or wrong with parenting because we have to adapt to the child's style as well, which we sometimes forget, but I think it is a topic for discussion. I am thankful for the parenting I received but I have to be mindful that I cannot force it upon others to have the same values.
Rush Rush
I guess this is what we get from living in the city. Rushing from point to point. As much as we tell our bodies or our bodies rebel with aches and illnesses, there doesn't seem to be any real slowing down in our lives for a longer period of time. Small pockets of escapes into our own world where there is no existence of time and we dictate the place.
What I hate, yes, I am angry about this rush fanatic is the sensibility and respect that people seem to lose in its presence. Does anyone stop at the pedestrian (zebra) crossings anymore? I have to cross at least two each working day, and I am truly amazed at how many cars zoom by even as I stop at the zebra crossing, waiting. They seem oblivious not only towards my presence but also for the rules. That apart, where is the basic respect for me?
I am tempted so to stick my middle finger up in the air and swear like my girlfriend did when we tried to cross once and the car just rushed pass us. I am also tempted to kick the car if they are slow to pass by like my other friend does but I have more respect than to do that. Would I have to stoop to such measures to demand some simple decency and respect?
The other thing that irritates me is stupidity. People seem to forget that when they rush for buses. They forget that they are vulnerable and they become blind only to one course, like the reckless and disrespectful drivers. Don't people realise that they have only one life and only one chance to write this path of their history? What do we have to do to stop and breathe ...
What I hate, yes, I am angry about this rush fanatic is the sensibility and respect that people seem to lose in its presence. Does anyone stop at the pedestrian (zebra) crossings anymore? I have to cross at least two each working day, and I am truly amazed at how many cars zoom by even as I stop at the zebra crossing, waiting. They seem oblivious not only towards my presence but also for the rules. That apart, where is the basic respect for me?
I am tempted so to stick my middle finger up in the air and swear like my girlfriend did when we tried to cross once and the car just rushed pass us. I am also tempted to kick the car if they are slow to pass by like my other friend does but I have more respect than to do that. Would I have to stoop to such measures to demand some simple decency and respect?
The other thing that irritates me is stupidity. People seem to forget that when they rush for buses. They forget that they are vulnerable and they become blind only to one course, like the reckless and disrespectful drivers. Don't people realise that they have only one life and only one chance to write this path of their history? What do we have to do to stop and breathe ...
Monday, January 15, 2007
Sexy
There is no doubt that Jake Gyllenhaal is a sexy man. With smouldering looks, body and those puppy dog eyes, it is no wonder that he was voted recently in a gay magazine as the No. 1 celebrity that most gays want to be gay. Even though he has been dogged by gay rumours, he has been gracious on all accounts and even said in an interview that he wouldn't be surprised if he can develop feelings for another man one day.
In contrast with a certain superstar, he does not have to resort to elaborate fashions to prove his heterosexuality, being disrespectful to homosexuals along the way. Jake appeared in SNL (Saturday Night Live)
yesterday and played along once again to the "Brokeback" jokes and did this wonderful little number, as a way to say "Thanks" to his burgeoning gay fan base. It is hilarious and it is great to see someone like him being so comfortable with his sexuality to be able to laugh at himself. Now that's sexy!
Lastly, can someone tell me how SNL gets these stars to do drag (Other case in point: Justin Timberlake doing Jessica Simpson)? In comparison with the Footy Show, this is so much more tasteful
In contrast with a certain superstar, he does not have to resort to elaborate fashions to prove his heterosexuality, being disrespectful to homosexuals along the way. Jake appeared in SNL (Saturday Night Live)
yesterday and played along once again to the "Brokeback" jokes and did this wonderful little number, as a way to say "Thanks" to his burgeoning gay fan base. It is hilarious and it is great to see someone like him being so comfortable with his sexuality to be able to laugh at himself. Now that's sexy!
Lastly, can someone tell me how SNL gets these stars to do drag (Other case in point: Justin Timberlake doing Jessica Simpson)? In comparison with the Footy Show, this is so much more tasteful
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