tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82097641640628416062024-03-13T03:04:22.329-07:00The Crazy Angmo And His Angry Wifethecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-80203474143037375882024-01-16T17:58:00.000-08:002024-01-16T17:58:08.096-08:00Notes For The Aspiring Entrepreneur In 2024<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BO5tHFHHEqtQoHM6nIVFIWca194KqhL2ILkBURD-nIXrPNR9eh9r2Lo1ad-dhwrM7G9AwgmJ0I9VBY5bwy7b_EzAmZEr9plpJqZ_dD3uPXvi-CO6nuBh8D9I_aE2bREZRz0WERt7pm5q-pJZrZdUhxmnll2049uJK5TaNDJFl6COZVqq3KJd6XckNiV_/s2048/915c2d8c-19cd-4bd0-9464-760da3cb0197.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BO5tHFHHEqtQoHM6nIVFIWca194KqhL2ILkBURD-nIXrPNR9eh9r2Lo1ad-dhwrM7G9AwgmJ0I9VBY5bwy7b_EzAmZEr9plpJqZ_dD3uPXvi-CO6nuBh8D9I_aE2bREZRz0WERt7pm5q-pJZrZdUhxmnll2049uJK5TaNDJFl6COZVqq3KJd6XckNiV_/s320/915c2d8c-19cd-4bd0-9464-760da3cb0197.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">A couple of months ago, I participated in an all women panel discussion focused on the topic of entrepreneurship.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;"> </span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">At this</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;"> </span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">event organised by Media Clubroom in collaboration with She Brilliance</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;"> </span> l<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">and the SMU Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, my fellow panelists and I shared our respective journeys, offering tips to kickstart a business, as well as advice on dealing with setbacks, fears and other pitfalls.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> Here are some nuggets from my experience in running Bravery Communications for those seeking to start up this year.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><b>1. There's never a perfect time. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The time to start is now!</b></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Starting my own business was much like catapulting myself into the wilderness. After 25 comfortable years of being part of the corporate machinery, I found myself in a career crossroad when I was tipped out of my comfort zone as a corporate animal into the opportunity to establish my own company. When and how do I start? I needed many things sorted out, including money, contacts, clients, an office, and a work laptop. There was simply no perfect time to start. I had to do what was necessary. I decided to push past the over-thinking and self-limiting beliefs to start my business with whatever I had in the simplest way possible. No office space? Work from home. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No clients yet? Reach out and connect with people I knew. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><b>2. Overcome imposter syndrome</b>.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Can I really do it? What will others think? Regardless of age or experience, there will always be a seed of self-doubt hiding in a corner of everyone's hearts and minds. What do you choose to believe about yourself? Remove this by reflecting on your superpowers and believing that your talents are meant to serve a purpose. I reflected on my corporate achievements and identified my superpower of shaping powerful brand narratives that touched millions of lives. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><b>3. Network, network, network.</b></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Start getting to know people widely. It could be on LinkedIn, community groups, and associations. When I first left the corporate world, most of my contacts were from work and I barely had friends beyond that circle. I almost had to start from scratch. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I started to join communities and built a network of contacts who became very good friends so ready to support me in any way they could.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><b>4. Be brave enough to ask for help, and be open to help.</b></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Yes they are two different things. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some people I know are so afraid to ask for help, for fear that they might be perceived negatively. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some people are not even open to receiving help because they might feel that they have had years of experience and skills behind them, and they could <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>do without help. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">When I first started, I knew I could never do this alone. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I reached out to an ex-boss, ex-colleagues, friends and colleagues from the Pr and creative agencies that I had worked with throughout my career. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was very transparent about the help I needed. Some offered advice, others offered to connect me with the right people and a couple more offered me the opportunity to work with their team on a retainer basis. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One of which was my ex-boss who is still my client today. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Don’t be afraid to ask for help. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Contrary to what I thought, <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>there really are so many people out there whether they are close contacts or mere strangers, who are willing to help if only you’d ask. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><b>5. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Essential qualities for a successful entrepreneur: Be curious, sincere, and brave </b></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I found it helpful to co-create a problem statement with a client and understand the gap they are facing before supporting them in resolving their challenges. You want your clients to buy into your sincerity and genuine desire to partner with them for greater growth. And it helps to never say die. There's always a way to make things work if you give it a chance. Most times, it's all about perspectives and angles.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">If you are thinking of starting your own business, <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>do connect with me should you need someone to talk to.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJtPxTLHHwafuNyvL6rHpJLor1Pgs5YNXf_y9Qzn2lffmhhbAW_J0tBkzDKfgYobrVGk4hesg7gmZePOhZkXzTDa6-09WDL4YM3GIOLZJHSHodSgGnBAN9fA2SQN14H7ywf0VhZ8UCVPz2E7ZT1BV7DgLIih9HmnDjcPWsi6VEmX0SoXU3sEgqlPRkGKx/s2048/30b1cf3b-6584-4cb8-875b-6f930dd3d3a3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJtPxTLHHwafuNyvL6rHpJLor1Pgs5YNXf_y9Qzn2lffmhhbAW_J0tBkzDKfgYobrVGk4hesg7gmZePOhZkXzTDa6-09WDL4YM3GIOLZJHSHodSgGnBAN9fA2SQN14H7ywf0VhZ8UCVPz2E7ZT1BV7DgLIih9HmnDjcPWsi6VEmX0SoXU3sEgqlPRkGKx/s320/30b1cf3b-6584-4cb8-875b-6f930dd3d3a3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span><p></p>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-27667363052052818932024-01-02T17:32:00.000-08:002024-01-06T06:13:08.761-08:00The Value Of Values<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICfyR8aUph1Lrh4AvB8bNONB8q-TsJRRoJLzL97pEVy_D6ya0GMaHvoUYyoDTOKGm5LkZ4pC0seFOGN8NrOCW792HgQeTm9XSBEfvtDFsbP9ft0hyphenhyphenmZvo-bQZHgkIfmauz3PtQHobx6WO02nD3u8Jo9_fMEIJCftTI1-WnK_DO5dW7OeiQfbvGxKRwAWC/s1440/IMG_6045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="1440" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICfyR8aUph1Lrh4AvB8bNONB8q-TsJRRoJLzL97pEVy_D6ya0GMaHvoUYyoDTOKGm5LkZ4pC0seFOGN8NrOCW792HgQeTm9XSBEfvtDFsbP9ft0hyphenhyphenmZvo-bQZHgkIfmauz3PtQHobx6WO02nD3u8Jo9_fMEIJCftTI1-WnK_DO5dW7OeiQfbvGxKRwAWC/w359-h280/IMG_6045.JPG" width="359" /></a></div><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;">Many years ago, I invited my son's ex-girlfriend to dinner. I remembered it was Chap Goh Mei or the final day of the 15 days Lunar New Year celebrations which traditionally was an important day for familial gatherings. Yes I treated her like family. She arrived nearly two hours late without notice, but we waited since she was “family”. Imagine our shock when she said: "You should have started without me!" when she finally sauntered through the door, with no apology or thanks for being late. The incident would have passed and faded out of our memories if she had not been preoccupied with her phone for most of the dinner. There were no attempts at having a conversation, or any offer of reciprocity to help with the dishes. Did she enjoy dinner? Were we able to make her feel special? We did what we could, but in the 10 years of their courtship, similar episodes have convinced us that we could not connect with this young lady despite our best attempts.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24.5px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;">I have always said that I could only work with people aligned with my values. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the same vein, I connect best with people who hold dear to the right values. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This lady clearly lacked values. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She did not reciprocate our goodwill, she had never shown kindness, and she lacked respect.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;">To put this point in context, let me share a past blogpost where I had alluded to how the right values are important to me. </span><a href="https://thecrazyangmoandhisangrywife.blogspot.com/2016/10/extending-olive-branch-to-my-son.html?m=1">https://thecrazyangmoandhisangrywife.blogspot.com/2016/10/extending-olive-branch-to-my-son.html?m=1</a></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24.5px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;">Before I get mistaken as the disgruntled potential mother-in-law, complaining about my son’s underwhelming choice in women, let me explain why this incident stuck in my mind as a reminder of how much emphasis I put on values.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24.5px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;">Some months back, I wrote an article at my personal LinkedIn page about emotional desensitization as a result of our prolonged interactions online. The ghosting culture is widely practised, further normalising impolite behaviour. Plus, the lack of consideration for others is exactly how we lose the 'human touch'. Before the internet removed tonality from our daily interactions, people were raised to recognise and reciprocate goodwill. Communication required a lot more effort: meeting someone face-to-face, writing a note by hand, paying for expensive phone calls or actual telegrams (not that app). That was how bonds were strengthened. Be it through a gift or a call, it's clear when people cared and their actions were often appreciated.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24.5px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;">As we begin the new year, it's apt to use this new season to reflect on the goodness around us. Cherish every connection, mirror every kind gesture, and make a concrete effort to demonstrate care. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Always be kind. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24.5px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;">Constant reminders of how one is valued and appreciated enhance our human experience because unlike technology, we have emotions. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc1nn-FRayPd5lrI0IyWaLcXtoRXJFgXR69rCYTY8RDspdLCvX8ti0AbbKPvqrb76jWlJHikREsjekIr8QXwtvOUqFCTtKS6_r9C8PVr6mx99zwN9QQ7QFHemL61OE2SpoqLiEpd8VMerlFTIecREZ6vNxrYlHh7Y_VYf_Ur7zQb8S98tlnDDfmVpZdIJ/s818/7BE90594-76CB-4B9D-B17C-3D630E79989C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="818" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc1nn-FRayPd5lrI0IyWaLcXtoRXJFgXR69rCYTY8RDspdLCvX8ti0AbbKPvqrb76jWlJHikREsjekIr8QXwtvOUqFCTtKS6_r9C8PVr6mx99zwN9QQ7QFHemL61OE2SpoqLiEpd8VMerlFTIecREZ6vNxrYlHh7Y_VYf_Ur7zQb8S98tlnDDfmVpZdIJ/s320/7BE90594-76CB-4B9D-B17C-3D630E79989C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span></p>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-55803691365926774312023-07-16T06:25:00.001-07:002023-07-16T06:25:19.975-07:00From Layoff To Lift-off<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny2jhzdqWHnM6ujAS_LDIhsXDqpem1gMGCk-anK_yG83RAtiCYHCfj9b3BKf59z_UsJTQyt-L2nvcQDqk75g6brdZB-ji-mxOA60ylF63XGx2pdArWJN-3r0nF8PKnPUBAoFc2Ucp7qfbgfPFVLTHRLMJoTFZ6RYqWxX3GaWCoyMe0J5XwS8oJ_TcHj-V/s1170/IMG_6130.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1170" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny2jhzdqWHnM6ujAS_LDIhsXDqpem1gMGCk-anK_yG83RAtiCYHCfj9b3BKf59z_UsJTQyt-L2nvcQDqk75g6brdZB-ji-mxOA60ylF63XGx2pdArWJN-3r0nF8PKnPUBAoFc2Ucp7qfbgfPFVLTHRLMJoTFZ6RYqWxX3GaWCoyMe0J5XwS8oJ_TcHj-V/s320/IMG_6130.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-b536ccb2-7fff-6c0c-af01-412b04399728" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-b536ccb2-7fff-6c0c-af01-412b04399728" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-b536ccb2-7fff-6c0c-af01-412b04399728" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-b536ccb2-7fff-6c0c-af01-412b04399728" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-b536ccb2-7fff-6c0c-af01-412b04399728" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While it's common for people to share their experiences of resigning from a job that no longer brings them happiness, there seems to be a reluctance to discuss being laid off due to the stigma attached to it. Despite this, I choose to open up and share what I went through, as I believe it can provide comfort and guidance to those currently going through similar situations.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had spent about 25 years in the corporate world. While many would celebrate this silver jubilee with a luxurious vacation, mine ended with an unexpected layoff.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Though I saw it coming, the emotions didn't hit until I wheeled my belongings out of the office I'd occupied for over a decade.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Losing a job is one of the most stressful experiences in life, and even if it's foreseeable, it's hard to be fully prepared.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From my own experience, I know that initial emotions are usually anger and anxiety. </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being retrenched feels personal, and the initial thoughts are often about how good one's performance had been. But it's crucial to understand that it's a corporate decision, not a reflection of one's capabilities. </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the current climate of news regarding job losses, I'd like to share three things I've learned from my experience.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Take time to process your emotions but adopt a positive mindset once you're ready to move forward.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Losing a job can be a traumatic experience that can greatly affect one's self-esteem and mental health. I experienced depression and had to process emotions of anger, sadness, and anxiety. </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During this time, I also had a series of interviews with my favorite brands, but my imposter syndrome got the best of me, and I failed spectacularly. </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's true that negative thoughts can attract negative outcomes.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, after acknowledging my feelings and taking an objective view of the situation, I realized that my layoff was not a reflection of my capabilities. </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was a corporate decision made to reduce headcount, or whatever strategic business decision it was that frankly, based on my track record reflected in my annual appraisals, had nothing to do with my performance. </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rather than feeling bitter and inadequate, I reminded myself of my 25 years of marketing communications experience, and that I could apply my skills and knowledge in various areas. That experience is my super power.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This shift in mindset was empowering and allowed me to shed my ego and connect with others, which brings me to my next point:</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Communicate and connect with your professional circle.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Despite feeling dejected and hopeless after my layoff, I was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support I received from my network once I opened up about my experience. </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Their warm words and advice, such as "Nothing changes the fact that you're a great marketer," "Don't get angry, get on with it," and "What can I do for you?" still stick in my mind today.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">my network, I was introduced to various associates who generously referred me to potential job opportunities. </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For example, the ex CHRO of the company I had worked for, Jonas Ang, introduced me to May Cheng who then introduced me to the inspiring and energetic Kim Underhill, who invited me to join She Brilliance, a women's mentoring and support group at which I remain actively involved in today.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My friends and business contacts rallied around me with advice, supported me with introductions, invited me into their respective communities, and that helped grow my network of friendships out of which some had become my clients today.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many people view being laid off as a taboo topic, but we shouldn't treat it as a stigma. There are many people out there ready to offer us the support we need; we just need to be open to receiving it.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Review your finances, and consider your next steps.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the primary earner for my family, I had to thoroughly assess my financial situation and determine how many months my family could survive without my income. </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After carefully considering my options, I ultimately decided to establish Bravery Communications, a marketing communications consultancy, instead of seeking employment with another company.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being a solopreneur allows me greater flexibility as well as the opportunity to work only with clients that are aligned with my values.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While my fixed salary covers household expenses and my mother's allowance, I supplement my income by increasing my focus on my side hustle, which generates additional income each month. </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The experience forced me to be practical with my finances, and acknowledge how much was really enough to allow my family and I to have a reasonably good quality of life. I even called on the professional expertise of my financial planner to do a financial review at this juncture when I lost my job and was about to embark on a new entreneurial journey, and map a financial gameplan for me based on my new circumstance. </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We need to approach our finances and future plans in a feasible manner, and it helps to do a sense-check with the family too. My husband was my main pillar of support throughout the whole ordeal then and even now, as a key member of my team within my firm, managing all the invoicing, expenses, and tax matters.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’ve recently lost your job or know someone going through tough times, please know this: you are not alone. With a positive mindset, you can turn from layoff to lift-off and stride forward in your career. Please reach out to me if you need to talk, my inbox is always open.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This blogpost was written for and on behalf of me by the talented Lena Loke.</span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-76708875459155786902023-07-16T05:40:00.001-07:002023-07-16T05:40:39.113-07:00Owning My Own Story With Bravery Communications <p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiAOPWt-ncHbWS-pV0SDM3fJS3tlh3CRejnOQFoUY9rviU63bCGgr4heKuPuDZJ6IhQ192Ul_mzhNYYpjmShdilVbrE6q91V1YIDRZrDWBo3cuXNGHCXOnND1eEZ5O3wwhjmjOW4JCiEaEp8TeQ9ZgMU0D7n-bMhl70eKwiwyQPxas0IOKihUmJt6iP-_/s4096/IMG_0939.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="4096" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiAOPWt-ncHbWS-pV0SDM3fJS3tlh3CRejnOQFoUY9rviU63bCGgr4heKuPuDZJ6IhQ192Ul_mzhNYYpjmShdilVbrE6q91V1YIDRZrDWBo3cuXNGHCXOnND1eEZ5O3wwhjmjOW4JCiEaEp8TeQ9ZgMU0D7n-bMhl70eKwiwyQPxas0IOKihUmJt6iP-_/s320/IMG_0939.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">Many have told me that this was a difficult year, particularly those who had faced redundancies, job restructuring and business closures. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For me, this year was unprecedented, but I beg to differ on that opinion about how difficult it was. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If I had to walk through the year all over again, I would, because I believe in owning my own story.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">You see, <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I lost my job after spending more than 10 years at it, but i had not lost my spirit. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In fact, it gave me the opportunity to rest, restore my energy, re-evaluate my goals and revitalise that determination to regain control of my life. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">I turned my focus back to my health when I discovered that I was suffering from hormonal imbalance <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and got my health back on the mend through a combination of better nutrition, regular workouts and plenty of rest.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">I picked up a new sport and won Gold in my age group at the Singapore Masters Athletics mini competition. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">I poured through several courses and took pleasure in that learning journey to sharpen my skills. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">I reached out to <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>old friends, and made new ones, who had encouraged me to set up my own communications practice. Very quickly, I landed myself with my first few clients for Bravery Communications, whose visions <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>were aligned to my company’s values of authenticity. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I am so grateful to them for taking a chance on me to help them tell their respective brand stories authentically.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px;">You know what they say about things that happen for a purpose? I found my purpose because of what I had been through this year.</span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px;">“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” - Brene Brown</span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px;">Many have told me that this was a difficult year, particularly those who had faced redundancies, job restructuring and business closures.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px;"> </span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px;">For me, this year was unprecedented, but I beg to differ on that opinion about how difficult it was.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px;"> </span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px;">If I had to walk through the year all over again, I would, because I believe in owning my own story.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">You see, <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I lost my job after spending more than 10 years at it, but i had not lost my spirit. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In fact, it gave me the opportunity to rest, restore my energy, re-evaluate my goals and revitalise that determination to regain control of my life. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">I turned my focus back to my health when I discovered that I was suffering from hormonal imbalance <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and got my health back on the mend through a combination of better nutrition, regular workouts and plenty of rest.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">I picked up a new sport and won Gold in my age group at the Singapore Masters Athletics mini competition. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">I poured through several courses and took pleasure in that learning journey to sharpen my skills. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">I reached out to <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>old friends, and made new ones, who had encouraged me to set up my own communications practice. Very quickly, I landed myself with my first few clients for Bravery Communications, whose visions <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>were aligned to my company’s values of authenticity. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I am so grateful to them for taking a chance on me to help them tell their respective brand stories authentically.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.6px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">You know what they say about things that happen for a purpose? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I found my purpose because of what I had been through this year.</span><span class="s2" style="font-size: 18.9px; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;">“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” - Brene Brown</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 18.9px;"><br /></span></p>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-47040495547258527732023-07-16T05:39:00.002-07:002023-07-16T05:43:03.571-07:00My Commencement Speech Addressed To Graduates Of The NUS Arts & Social Sciences Faculty 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPFvmlZLFiFB0Fnf77WDgcWknk2AJtcKKM1QKrzp7FgRoG1WwlEGwQ7y9j-WpcZ0h46xkk-rWTpPP6ZqBjgoWxOsMJVej1-TkWl4f92aMtptV5MyfDG8qOeeQF4PoxQ1uyyOqKQ-N36SyXzffuMRs4PVtEJh6BT6_MTUlVTlDtjKmxlhGz5mX0Jm0I3zX/s1794/77BBDD2B-E4A1-41A1-93D3-F7448639A0F6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPFvmlZLFiFB0Fnf77WDgcWknk2AJtcKKM1QKrzp7FgRoG1WwlEGwQ7y9j-WpcZ0h46xkk-rWTpPP6ZqBjgoWxOsMJVej1-TkWl4f92aMtptV5MyfDG8qOeeQF4PoxQ1uyyOqKQ-N36SyXzffuMRs4PVtEJh6BT6_MTUlVTlDtjKmxlhGz5mX0Jm0I3zX/s320/77BBDD2B-E4A1-41A1-93D3-F7448639A0F6.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_k90HS45u04CWTZ4G5IELdjP7b-INPJ0vMmBIYQS8xXiVYAmb1EYfJfN74waBvZs_v3pt6CAmWgkIv-Odoaz8raX5_eBFbanXoAtRObzcfEiMe3lcg64o0tKoMQSsoWQ7WfM7FvPppQJZHGj9xxjDzXyDCCMbMQ5JPTahYIZ-HwoHN7kdrCuoRwc3baR/s1794/CAF09F63-6962-458F-B9A6-1DF6EA6E8FA7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_k90HS45u04CWTZ4G5IELdjP7b-INPJ0vMmBIYQS8xXiVYAmb1EYfJfN74waBvZs_v3pt6CAmWgkIv-Odoaz8raX5_eBFbanXoAtRObzcfEiMe3lcg64o0tKoMQSsoWQ7WfM7FvPppQJZHGj9xxjDzXyDCCMbMQ5JPTahYIZ-HwoHN7kdrCuoRwc3baR/s320/CAF09F63-6962-458F-B9A6-1DF6EA6E8FA7.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-JL5gWEmh0zFpjU38yMjqOiKzWTlaV6WHkUXVaA1-K5n3X13lJtyVqOZAK-VaWwkj1yJP1NpCU391W84LXOyNu88ydN6t5iqYk9kk7v3cYTHFIY7b-cGOZQg-DyiN5d-01Eeye7S_ioxnkCE8KgEsQiy-n_RzD0CQV1ume8NofoUw1d4CB-FElUS5RHA/s1794/0DD32D41-E7C6-4B05-BDB1-980FD0968075.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-JL5gWEmh0zFpjU38yMjqOiKzWTlaV6WHkUXVaA1-K5n3X13lJtyVqOZAK-VaWwkj1yJP1NpCU391W84LXOyNu88ydN6t5iqYk9kk7v3cYTHFIY7b-cGOZQg-DyiN5d-01Eeye7S_ioxnkCE8KgEsQiy-n_RzD0CQV1ume8NofoUw1d4CB-FElUS5RHA/s320/0DD32D41-E7C6-4B05-BDB1-980FD0968075.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPR6OQ4gXTlqC2ojpsqRJpvlKREz6TcKcz1l9zOv0_9pdgLFpveIhBc7fH_iCuNxA3gcyb26-UN4ey-6lctsrd5LMdVcPBW3BGgjFM4pyVYd-0Q2jcqL3tPPKKZgYXyeirkCIXze8tyhiSGsHYN6oj1pKZSugN__GauZH5Uesi3e1hiZ6ZHLNhLcnjpHv/s1800/3368D216-5E25-4471-B101-A0842EE0AA99.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPR6OQ4gXTlqC2ojpsqRJpvlKREz6TcKcz1l9zOv0_9pdgLFpveIhBc7fH_iCuNxA3gcyb26-UN4ey-6lctsrd5LMdVcPBW3BGgjFM4pyVYd-0Q2jcqL3tPPKKZgYXyeirkCIXze8tyhiSGsHYN6oj1pKZSugN__GauZH5Uesi3e1hiZ6ZHLNhLcnjpHv/s320/3368D216-5E25-4471-B101-A0842EE0AA99.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Truly honoured to be invited to deliver the National University of Singapore Commencement Speech to the 2023 graduating cohort from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences yesterday evening.
Even more proud that my alma mater had recently attained the accolade of being the first Asian institution to break into the top 10 in the world university rankings.
It was such an awesome evening spent with the students and lecturers, joined by my family.
I took the opportunity to share with the audience about my super power to shape perspectives through purposeful communications. I wanted to drive home the message that each and everyone in the audience had the ability to write their own story, and shape and reshape narratives to create impact in the most meaningful way that could add value to the community.
I would like to share my speech in this blogpost below:</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Good evening,</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><ul style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -7pt; padding-left: 7pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr Po’ad Mattar, NUS Pro-Chancellor;</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -7pt; padding-left: 7pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Assoc Professor Reuben Wong, Assoc VP, Global Relations;</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -7pt; padding-left: 7pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Distinguished Guests; and</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -7pt; padding-left: 7pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Graduates;</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for inviting me to share this special day with you and the graduating cohort from my alma mater which had recently attained the accolade of being the first Asian institution to break into the top 10 in the world university rankings. I am truly proud and honored to be here.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am Joanna, I founded Bravery Communications, a marketing communications consultancy specialized in shaping brand perceptions through the power of story telling.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wrote a speech initially, with all the politically correct messages to celebrate you and your achievements. But at last minute last night I had decided to change it, because I wanted to stand in my truth, so that you can walk out of this room tonight knowing that you each, do have a super power to create an impact with the stories you are about to write when you leave this school, which had undoubtedly laid the foundation stones of your future success. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> After tonight, as you go embrace a world of firsts, first job, first home, new family, kids, the main message I want to convey is that your super power is actually your ability to write your own story.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My super power is the ability to build impactful narratives that could shape the perceptions of people in a meaningful way.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And how did this superpower came about?</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It started when I was 8 years old. My father was a political detainee for views that were not aligned with the government’s. A journalist visited our home then, to take a statement from Mom and I. I remembered that he asked “What do you think about your daddy?” The 8 year old me who hadn’t seen Daddy for a long time, could only respond “ Daddy is so naughty.” </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That quote became part of a story about my family and I which I had to live with on national press. I grew up with that clipping thinking “ Wow! How powerful communications can be, to shape public perceptions.” And from then onwards, I wanted to grow up to be like my favourite CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When it was time to select my courses at this university, I picked English and Political Science as my majors which became subjects I truly loved. Political Science showed me how valuable it was to have an opinion, while English opened my eyes to what a beautiful language it truly was and I saw it from a different perspective, beyond just using it as a communication tool.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When those ‘powers’ combined, I learnt how to merge having perspectives and excellent communication skills, which thus became the foundation of my very successful 25-year career of being a brand and corporate communications specialist. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I would like to share an example of what I did with my super power when I spent 10 years with AIA Singapore as it’s head of brand and corporate communications. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the longest time, insurance was associated with Death or Sickness. My role was to change this negative narrative and to build trust and better connection with its customers. I wanted it to be a brand that incentivised customers to live healthier longer better lives.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 years into the job, I launched the revolutionary wellness platform called AIA Vitality, which completely changed the conversations of the insurance industry, a legacy I was proud to leave behind when I left the company 3 years ago due to a retrenchment at the height of covid.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leaving AIA forced me to question what my super power was. It was then I realised it had evolved. My new super power was my 25 years of experience in marketing communications.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So when retrenchment came, how did I use my super powers? That was when Bravery Communications was born to help smaller businesses, startups and non-profit organizations shape consumer perceptions.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So to this graduating cohort, I congratulate you for coming this far. I am so excited for you as you explore the world beyond the walls of this university. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I welcome you to uncover your super powers as you navigate your journey through life. Know that your superpowers will change along the way, and it is ok. </span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having an open mind that is resilient to change, and your swift ability to pivot according to the challenges you face, can only strengthen your super powers to help you write your own story and make it even more impactful in a way that will add value to your community.</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I like to leave you with my favourite quote by Brene Brown “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”</span></p><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With that, I thank you for this opportunity to celebrate your special day and I look forward to working with some of you someday.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 23pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-31539869616240380422018-06-18T21:56:00.000-07:002020-01-19T17:33:35.024-08:00The Importance Of Doing Nothing<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18pt;">Mother and Daughter Roadtrip</span></b></span><b style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">The last time Mom and
I did a roadtrip together, was about 2 years ago when we travelled to Kuching
and Sibu in Sarawak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There, I got to
reunite with my aunts, and members of my Kuching family whom I had not met
since I was a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We revisited old
family history when Mom shared with me stories about her grandparents and life
in Kuching and Sibu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">During that trip we
ate the entire Kuching and Sibu, enjoyed a good laugh and long chats over family
reunion meals, explored caves, trek forests and streams, hunted orang-utans (with
the camera) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and visited markets. We had
so much fun and that was definitely a meaningful trip, particularly when I got
better insights into my family history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More on that trip here:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://thecrazyangmoandhisangrywife.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-road-trip-with-mom-to-rediscover-my.html">http://thecrazyangmoandhisangrywife.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-road-trip-with-mom-to-rediscover-my.html</a></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
</div>
<span class="s1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><b><span style="color: orange; font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">A Peace Of Pairadise</span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">2 weeks ago, Mom and I
embarked on yet another roadtrip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
decided to change the game abit and travel to parts unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Pai, about 3 hours up north from Chiangmai
was the choice of our mother-daughter roadtrip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Pai, known for its
wide expanse of rice fields, scenic mountains, fresh air, backpackers and
backpackers with bandaged legs and arms from bike accidents was definitely a
piece of paradise found.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Before the trip, the
control-freak in me planned everything from booking a 5-star hotel because I
was not keen on slumming it in a bug-infested hut with no air conditioner,
right down to the private driver that I hired to transport us from Chiangmai
airport through the 762 dangerous twist and turns up the mountain into Pai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes I am a princess like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not want to start my vacation with bed
bugs or a helicopter extricating my body from the depths of the ravine along
the way to Pai.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I even had an
itinerary drawn up with places in Pai to visit, like the Pai Canyon where we
could view the exquisite sunset, the refreshing waterfalls where we could cool
off from the summer weather, and the picturesque rice fields where I could
practise my photography skills with the new camera bought for me by the hubby
from Toys R Us.</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
</div>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9JTBX4QvlDs/WyhnnBYE7OI/AAAAAAABqJQ/QtA6MPOFgzIi3FJqyBaL9bOjK_DWrb5TgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9JTBX4QvlDs/WyhnnBYE7OI/AAAAAAABqJQ/QtA6MPOFgzIi3FJqyBaL9bOjK_DWrb5TgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8535.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44E4mYvJKUI/Wyhn6SDIw8I/AAAAAAABqJY/rz8M47OH0YY07RKCxUuyWt7TH6zlbbJugCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44E4mYvJKUI/Wyhn6SDIw8I/AAAAAAABqJY/rz8M47OH0YY07RKCxUuyWt7TH6zlbbJugCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8286.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">The Importance Of Doing Nothing</span></b></span><b style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">That week of pre-trip
research would have been better spent getting my motorbike licence because apart
from the hotel and my driver, we did nothing touristy that I had planned in my
itinerary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, because we did
nothing, Mom cooed, ” This is my favourite vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the most fun in my entire life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsjoKMwwXFw/WyhoJFqQOtI/AAAAAAABqJc/2iq4KfHgfOIFa3W2LBnmI3qyK9X3WhMEwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JsjoKMwwXFw/WyhoJFqQOtI/AAAAAAABqJc/2iq4KfHgfOIFa3W2LBnmI3qyK9X3WhMEwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4624.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">It made me think about
the importance of doing nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">My routine back home,
on work days, had always been an endless cycle of work before 8am, gym at
lunchtime, or lunch meetings sometimes, back to back meetings, conference
calls, gym again after work, consultation sessions with my clients and back
home late at night to wolf down a light dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This routine is set on repeat again the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On weekends, apart from a yoga session, I
focus my time on the family, juggling commitments between joining Joel at the
gym, helping David with his photography work, visiting Mom and taking the dogs
out for a run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I had absolutely no time
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My me times were specifically
spent with my boxing, strength and conditioning and yoga coaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I viewed that from a different
perspective, I realized I was truly exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I needed recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not know
how to recover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleep was not recovery
when I had troubled sleep spent thinking about my schedule and plans for the
next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Desperately, my body,
mind and spirit were crying out for rest and recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom had always told me to take a break but my
usual response was, “I rest when I am dead.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mo-Y0K-uZcc/WyhqQH855mI/AAAAAAABqKg/TBUhqNz3AcIQw0ymVWrjtdW3gy-lODuhACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mo-Y0K-uZcc/WyhqQH855mI/AAAAAAABqKg/TBUhqNz3AcIQw0ymVWrjtdW3gy-lODuhACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T72Eovpvgvg/WyhqQJpG-AI/AAAAAAABqKg/89c10EW3QCcP_4n35NxRquGYFhmHlr_QQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T72Eovpvgvg/WyhqQJpG-AI/AAAAAAABqKg/89c10EW3QCcP_4n35NxRquGYFhmHlr_QQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQX0Z90MlGk/WyhqQAOQU-I/AAAAAAABqKg/T0FSIEOKzz8NAFqwb98QFyqxvZ9o4AHcACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQX0Z90MlGk/WyhqQAOQU-I/AAAAAAABqKg/T0FSIEOKzz8NAFqwb98QFyqxvZ9o4AHcACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">It was rainy season in
Pai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trip was planned at a good
time believe it or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It rained every day without fail. From the
patio at our hotel room where we hung out most each day, we could see that the rain
cast a mysterious mist across the mountains in the horizon and formed ripples
in our pool. It was therapeutic to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Time actually slowed down for us in Pai as we sat and watched the rain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAEIhRj6W9s/WyhpjMhnSII/AAAAAAABqKI/BXL3FACEog4X2L_dyteqLFDHq0vKu7zYQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAEIhRj6W9s/WyhpjMhnSII/AAAAAAABqKI/BXL3FACEog4X2L_dyteqLFDHq0vKu7zYQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4536.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMnn47DuLVg/Wyhoyyk_mOI/AAAAAAABqJs/DCLsojcefP0zCahYg5d3ixPgu07_KTfaACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMnn47DuLVg/Wyhoyyk_mOI/AAAAAAABqJs/DCLsojcefP0zCahYg5d3ixPgu07_KTfaACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8328.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">We did not rush to go
to a tourist spot, whether it was the canyon, waterfalls or the famous memorial
bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We figured that we could see
them from the web, so why bother right? We just went with the flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent a lot of time at the Pai Walking
Street, lounging at cafes, people watching, sampling street food, watching
impromptu street performances by the students from the Pai Circus School,
striking conversations with backpackers, some who had been there a day but
stayed on for 2 years, and taking photos of everything that were not really
touristy, but I found interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">We signed up for a lesson
at the Pai Cookery School, cooking red curry, Pad Thai and Chicken with Cashew
Nuts, and had a great time laughing over my lack of kitchen skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I would usually render as inedible when
it was cooked by myself, was actually made edible by Gaew, my cookery
teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom was useless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did not help me at all, because she was
busy trying to buy Gaew’s entire kitchen, from the pots and pans to the
Tamarind-wood chopping board to the set of knives!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOMZn95AqLI/Wyho6zWfGaI/AAAAAAABqJ0/WtLks6IuCzwVjRIznmib3_j3oitVzmCzQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1419" data-original-width="1600" height="283" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOMZn95AqLI/Wyho6zWfGaI/AAAAAAABqJ0/WtLks6IuCzwVjRIznmib3_j3oitVzmCzQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">So apart from
perspiring during the wee stint at the cookery school and that walk up and down
the walking street, we really got to enjoy the art of doing nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Here are some other
ways we did nothing:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in 1em 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Yoga – Sat and watched the sunrise, then
stretched for abit before breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbOy8ozBWN8/WyhpMB9_z0I/AAAAAAABqKA/0HNYKbHYClouqBjETcAXvVkIuTIYoCjkACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbOy8ozBWN8/WyhpMB9_z0I/AAAAAAABqKA/0HNYKbHYClouqBjETcAXvVkIuTIYoCjkACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4589.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in 1em 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Culinary Adventures – Hopping from
pushcart to pushcart along walking street to sample streetfood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8vir8A2QRQ/Wyh6Yl49jYI/AAAAAAABqK8/V4axxL-wSSM49c0jlVlsSLlh1swksHiFACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="1600" height="279" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8vir8A2QRQ/Wyh6Yl49jYI/AAAAAAABqK8/V4axxL-wSSM49c0jlVlsSLlh1swksHiFACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOGkT7CdUqY/Wyh6YsESS9I/AAAAAAABqK8/8-AWrxKdIaU5PFt7iQH_oyjgYWkk0uQ1QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOGkT7CdUqY/Wyh6YsESS9I/AAAAAAABqK8/8-AWrxKdIaU5PFt7iQH_oyjgYWkk0uQ1QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TI1Y-0rVGvo/Wyh6Yr69t3I/AAAAAAABqK8/ggphn1E0nKYXVChXrTk82P17K_wF6l-wgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TI1Y-0rVGvo/Wyh6Yr69t3I/AAAAAAABqK8/ggphn1E0nKYXVChXrTk82P17K_wF6l-wgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8557.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in 1em 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Trek through the mountains – Took photos
of the 762 twists and turns on the way up the mountain from our mini van.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in 1em 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Cookery School – Feigned ignorance and
made the cookery teacher cook most of my dishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQKj4zEANiw/Wyh6sSnSrPI/AAAAAAABqLE/TcqSRPaV9mY_sc9UJ9pFBHwmgUU2rvadACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQKj4zEANiw/Wyh6sSnSrPI/AAAAAAABqLE/TcqSRPaV9mY_sc9UJ9pFBHwmgUU2rvadACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in 1em 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Enjoy cultural activities – Booked a
masseuse auditioning for WWE for a Thai massage and foot reflexology.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in 1em 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Tucked into indigenous Thai food – Took photos
of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bamboo worms, skewered scorpions,
crocodile, ostrich and deer meat from afar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNVvgpM-xyk/WyhpulmTdGI/AAAAAAABqKM/0MxtOco04B0OR-P3SsTZoEKM5UEzedCggCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SNVvgpM-xyk/WyhpulmTdGI/AAAAAAABqKM/0MxtOco04B0OR-P3SsTZoEKM5UEzedCggCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8559.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38dh8NZEK38/WyhpuuHWVhI/AAAAAAABqKM/iin5eU8UaXkjyShxsGsuM0_gnhVSJku0wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38dh8NZEK38/WyhpuuHWVhI/AAAAAAABqKM/iin5eU8UaXkjyShxsGsuM0_gnhVSJku0wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8547.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in 1em 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Experienced Thai unique architecture –
Sent Mom whose afraid of heights, across the Pai Bamboo Bridge so I could take
videos for a laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMs5CKEnKlA/Wyhp3Te9SPI/AAAAAAABqKQ/CS-oj37JQbovlprDCg9C6oNG_Mhx2p9rACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1543" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMs5CKEnKlA/Wyhp3Te9SPI/AAAAAAABqKQ/CS-oj37JQbovlprDCg9C6oNG_Mhx2p9rACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDd3djriFTw/Wyh7KRtPzZI/AAAAAAABqLM/1VjrH6vgFSIL6p6RIwVMT8hg88lpTE8eQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDd3djriFTw/Wyh7KRtPzZI/AAAAAAABqLM/1VjrH6vgFSIL6p6RIwVMT8hg88lpTE8eQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_4789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">There must be some
science to the art of doing nothing because this was the only vacation I had
taken where I felt fully recharged and ready to go back to work to reactivate
my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt refreshed and my body
was ready to hit the gym for an intense workout to burn off my 2 weeks worth of
Som Tam and Pad Thai. I felt completely ready to be present for the rest of my
family when I headed back to Singapore.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzZFi5G0ET8/WyhqA5jkG_I/AAAAAAABqKY/-nn1Nyq6R6UoCw0VRl3vAZU_KT7Cx9JjACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzZFi5G0ET8/WyhqA5jkG_I/AAAAAAABqKY/-nn1Nyq6R6UoCw0VRl3vAZU_KT7Cx9JjACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8539.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
<br />
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. She is a passionate observer of life bent on inspiring others to
live life positively through her writing by combing through moments worth
celebrating every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to her
ardent love for sports especially boxing and MMA, she is also a freelance
sports writer on the side, contributing articles to several sports media when
time permits. She works in partnership with her husband, David Ash, who
is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">.
She enjoys Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight competitively one day
when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also a psychic intuitive
by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and numerology readings under
her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is affectionately called
"The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one, although she has not yet
explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has been labeled “the
bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com7Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-43759336395336393892018-04-15T23:28:00.000-07:002018-04-15T23:28:41.306-07:00I Was A Victim Of A Holy Man Scam<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">You Have A Lucky Face</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></span></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">It all started like
this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I took a walk out of
the office in the afternoon, as I often do, and was on the way to get some
lunch when a tall, heavily-built Indian man approached me along the
street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a kind face, a warm
smile, and looked indeed like a holy man as he wore a string of prayer beads
around his neck, and talked to me softly with his hands clasped together at his
heart centre as if in prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">He started the
conversation by greeting me then proceeded to tell me, “Sister, you have lucky
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can see from your forehead, you
lead long life. When you grow old, you die, no pain, no sickness. You die
peacefully. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your life is quite spiritual.
Always trying to help others. You always wear happy face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outward happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But inside always think too much. You worry about
many people.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes lit up a bit
because he touched on something close to my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I whispered a word of thanks and was about
to continue on my journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he
stopped me in my tracks when he held me back with even more insights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Another thing sister, you have a very bad
habit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very hard to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you must. Your bad habit cause you plenty
problems.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was interesting, I
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not gamble, I did not
smoke, I was not an alcoholic, ok, I was obsessed with Pizza, but that I was sure
would not constitute a bad habit unless it was the perspective of my personal
trainer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what bad habits could I
have?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him of course to qualify
what he had just said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He replied, “ You
speak from the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are too
straight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do not know what to say
when. You are over-honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you tell
people everything from your heart openly, others can use it to hurt you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bingo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was really spot on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Throughout my life, that had been one of my biggest issues leading to
misunderstandings, miscommunications, lost opportunities, and lost friendships.
Mom often chided me for not having a filter between my brain and my mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when he revealed this about me, my guard
came down abit more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">He then proceeded to
ask if I could spare him some money “for my travels”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was about to reach into my purse to get him
a $50 note but he said, “If you small wealthy, you give $100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you medium wealthy, you give $200.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you many wealthy, you give $300. Sister, I
think you medium wealthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You be bless
if you give me money for my travels from your medium wealthy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I saw that as $200
gone to helping someone who might truly need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I tried very hard not to think too much
about it and decided to proceed on my journey to get myself a cheaper lunch
instead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">However, this Indian
man gently pulled me back and said, “You have a lot in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because someone close to you trouble you.
That person plenty negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No good for
you. Talk behind your back.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laughed
at that and told him many people both close and not close to me troubled me. So
he pulled out a red wallet from his pocket and took out a small, square bit of
blank paper, wrote something on it, crumpled it into a ball, whispered an unintelligible
prayer and gave that tiny crumpled ball of paper to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
asked me to name the name of the person who most troubled me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need not have a second thought to
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I gave him the first name of
that person who had been on my mind lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He then asked me to open that crumpled ball of paper and read what was
written on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my horror, I found the
person’s name in that paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first
thoughts were, “What sorcery is this? I was highly intuitive and even I did not
have that gift!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Do Not Worry I Meditate For You</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">He patted my trembling
hands lightly and said, “Do not worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
meditate 7 days and 7 nights for you so that you do not need to be troubled by
negativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I need $35 a day for
each day of meditation to buy prayer things like candles and coconut, and
incense..etc.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not sure what
possessed me to be that compliant, but I dug into my purse for the last $250
that I had which I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>had originally allocated
for the week and gave it to him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">He gave me a little gem stone and instructed me to buy 2 fish to release
them into a river as a gesture to release all that negative thoughts that was
plaguing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>I said my thanks and
we parted ways, hopefully never to meet again. Of course, I never released 2 fish in the river over the weekend either. David said that was the stupidest idea ever, allowing the poor fish to be bird food at that storm drain, just near our home.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">As I arrived at my
lunch venue, I was quite shaken by what had taken place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Obviously, I had woken up from my temporary slumber. </span>I always pride myself for being quite
smart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did I fall into that trap of
allowing someone to take advantage of my vulnerability when I was consumed with
so much thoughts and an immensely busy schedule to manipulate my mind into
parting with my money?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I called David
immediately to relate what had happened to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was beyond furious, and was about to take the cab down to where I was
to start a man-hunt for “that charlatan so that we could stop him from tricking other
unsuspecting people with his hocus-pocus nonsense.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped him of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only had myself to blame.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">A Victim Of My Own Vulnerability</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">You see, I had a very
bad week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a week filled with
misunderstanding, miscommunication, arguments and unnecessary negativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was usually one that let it all go and never
took anything like these to heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, at that moment, fresh off managing these negative issues, my
emotions clouded my judgement and I made that irrational decision to place my
trust on a mere stranger who was quick and intuitive enough to sense that I was
so preoccupied with my thoughts, and that within my eyes, I was looking for
quick answers and sheer hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He played
on that moment when I gave my emotions away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Losing that $450 was
not that painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was money I could
earn again through hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However
what hurt most, was that his tactics and unsavoury intentions to earn a quick
buck from someone in a vulnerable state, had cast a shadow on people like
myself, who did do intuitive work with the intent of genuinely helping
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I can now fully
appreciate how some people, who had been taken advantage of before, would have
such little trust in me when I tried to support them with my passion as a Tarot
reader and Numerologist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And why shouldn’t
they be more careful, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why, I abhor Tarot readers and
numerologists who call themselves fortune-tellers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could anyone erroneously put false hopes
in someone’s head by promising to tell someone’s fortunes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even I cannot predict the future and tell
someone’s future with whatever metaphysical tools I used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always stuck to the belief that one is
a master of one’s own destiny. The only thing I could do as an intuitive
consultant was to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>use our tools to
provide the advice with which one could choose to use to influence his or her
own outcome. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Damn it, that was how I
would always preface my reading with a client so that he or she would not get
false hopes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, I am a marketing
professional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a living from
marketing solutions that I truly believed in. My experience and knowledge gained
over the years, have made me discerning enough to weed the crap marketed to me
from solutions that genuinely added value to consumers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could I have not picked up that what he
sold me, was just sheer crap?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">When I was talking to
that “holy man”, why did these values, this train of thought, not kicked in to
warn me to back off?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I was vulnerable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I allowed my own negative thoughts to expose
my vulnerability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the weekend, I
related this experience to Mom and Joel as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than anything, I wanted to warn them so
that they would not get cheated the way I did. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By then, David had soften his stance about
wanting to find the “holy man” to beat the shit out of him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learnt a valuable lesson that cost me $450.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a lesson in never allowing myself to
wallow in negativity, to the point that I would be sold false hopes by
dishonest people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I connected with a few
people who were victims of the same scam before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are interested to read their
experience, it had been detailed succinctly, in exactly the same way as I had
experienced, within this blog post written by Adrian Hon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">https://mssv.net/2011/06/20/you-have-a-lucky-face/comment-page-7/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">The kindest thing you
can do for others, would be to share my post with others, warning them to
always be vigilant.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFoe2R4C2RA/WtQM_TpPeMI/AAAAAAABlqk/3z0iWymvIHQwep9tRF-Pfx6lGdXG6DFiQCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture%2Bfor%2Bscam%2Bblog%2Bpost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFoe2R4C2RA/WtQM_TpPeMI/AAAAAAABlqk/3z0iWymvIHQwep9tRF-Pfx6lGdXG6DFiQCLcBGAs/s320/Picture%2Bfor%2Bscam%2Bblog%2Bpost.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
<br />
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. She is a passionate observer of life bent on inspiring others to
live life positively through her writing by combing through moments worth
celebrating every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to her
ardent love for sports especially boxing and MMA, she is also a freelance
sports writer on the side, contributing articles to several sports media when
time permits. She works in partnership with her husband, David Ash, who
is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">.
She enjoys Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight competitively one day
when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also a psychic intuitive
by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and numerology readings under
her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is affectionately called
"The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one, although she has not yet
explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has been labeled “the
bloke with ginge</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">r hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-76122129915680644502018-04-09T02:02:00.000-07:002018-04-09T06:20:21.195-07:00Writing From The Heart<br>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Writing From The Heart</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">It had been almost a
year that I had made that conscious choice to stop writing for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All these years, every word written for my blog
was done out of my hope to share a point of view that I felt strongly about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Increasingly, I found
this difficult to do as I tried very hard to juggle writing about what was
truly authentic to me, with managing the sensitivities of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Was that post about me?”, seemed to be the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>frequent text message I woke up to in the
morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I even had my husband
once told me to “take down that blog post because while you don’t have to deal
with them, I do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That became the cause
of our regular rows where he maintained that I needed to have more tact while I
insisted that the world needed to be aware of the difference between what was
true and the pre-engineered fizzy koolaid that they had been sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My father had always taught me to be true to
myself under any circumstance, and he brought me up in an environment where he
encouraged me to fully express myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
found it hard to come to terms with having my voice stifled because I had to be
mindful of what others thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">When I had to start
thinking about being sensitive to the feelings of others, taking into account
the ramifications my writing might potentially cause with every word I wrote in
my blog, and every post I published across my social media platforms, I decided
that I could no longer pen another word in my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also decided to veer towards neutral topics
across my social media platforms, sticking to the regular fitness and food posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I became more disillusioned as months and
days passed by, simply because I lost my sense of self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was no longer writing or speaking from my
heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">When I cut out the
writing out of my life for a while, and made myself devoid of that only channel
for self-expression that I was most familiar with, I was forced to deal with my
emotions on my own by internalizing them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I withdrew into myself and walked through an introspective
journey for a year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">The past year had been
a year of deep learning for me about myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I learnt to accept my vulnerability – it was okay to feel that deep
sense of hurt and disappointment, nurse it, then move on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learnt the importance of drawing the line
between interpersonal relationships – friends, colleagues, staff, clients,
family, and acquaintances, each of them had a role to play in my life and I should
not be setting almost equal expectations on them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learnt that no matter how much I could do to
pull family members, a team, a situation, a crisis, together and lead from the
front, the honest truth, was that I had to stop being the school principal all
the time, trying to get everyone to play on equal footing at the
playground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learnt that when someone
has a problem, it was not my problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could not keep taking on that responsibility to try to solve it for him or
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learnt to make peace with my inner child – a
traumatic past in my childhood need no longer bind me in fear, anger and
hatred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learnt the value of
forgiveness – more than anything else, letting go of hurt and anger was not
about acknowledging that a dishonest, hurtful situation did not take
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just my way of giving
myself peace of mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">So if I had to fill
the pages of my blog with every incident that described this path of learning,
I would not have enough pages left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was determined not to let my hurt and disappointment experienced, cast a shadow
of doubt on the people I had invested time and energy over the years as I tried to lift and inspire them with
positivity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I felt that if I could no
longer fill the pages of my blog with authenticity, then I could no longer
write that blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"></span><br>
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">This point of view
also took a toll on my passion for freelance writing for sports events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
disillusioned when I was delivered key messages about athletes during interviews,
that had been “massaged” by their PR teams, painting them to be “inspirers of
community with a personality governed by humility and a great work ethic..”
then see a couple of them behave like depraved thugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How could I bring myself to share an article with the public with the
objective of convincing them about how wonderful an athlete might be when he
clearly was not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strangely enough, the
current environment was one where many took a dig at fake news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
not going to be a perpetrator of fake news. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">The start of my
recuperation from all of last year’s “bullshit” came in the form of a family
trip back to the UK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped
writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just took lots of photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Writing could hide my disillusionment. Photos
could not. When I had to be present to my family for 3 weeks in the UK, I spent
less time on emails as well as reading through all the social media news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just made time for self and I had
meaningful conversations with my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had no contact with drama, toxicity, inauthenticity and anything that
drained me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And most importantly, I came
out of that trip making a pact with myself, that I would always choose to walk
away from any form of drama and never allow anyone or anything to invade my
peace. I would never allow anyone to feed me with untruths and expect me to
sell otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would never allow
anyone to tell me to stop writing or saying something, just because it would “open
a can of worms” and not aligned to what was written on that label pasted on
that pre-engineered fizzy koolaid. If I was forced to do anything, or say
anything <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>outside of my values, I would
rather not have anything to do with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I am starting to write
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly just getting back into it.
I remain adamant about walking in the light of what is true, never writing or
saying something unless it came from the heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. She is a passionate observer of life bent on inspiring others to
live life positively through her writing by combing through moments worth
celebrating every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to her
ardent love for sports especially boxing and MMA, she is also a freelance
sports writer on the side, contributing articles to several sports media when
time permits. She works in partnership with her husband, David Ash, who
is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/" id="id_ac51_2809_627c_a9be"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">.
She enjoys Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight competitively one day
when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also a psychic intuitive
by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and numerology readings under
her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is affectionately called
"The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one, although she has not yet
explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has been labeled “the
bloke with ginge</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">r hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><img id="id_42a3_553d_b7fa_df06" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yxAoymjyfUo/Wstoj4BY4hI/AAAAAAABlb4/eOGSub9-28Iv9jSZRMcUfVdhJDL9H2u8wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_6bc7_b83d_a64d_262b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f8Pu7j2EIrE/Wstoky3sVAI/AAAAAAABlb8/_6DMynO17XgYm8Z9jx74fjYHalwGc0-NQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br></span></div>
thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-60469717740673321832017-04-14T19:07:00.000-07:002017-04-16T04:39:59.104-07:00Artbox Singapore Shines A Torch On Social Entrepreneurs<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">A Marketplace Of Passionate Craftsmen</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">If you
had been to the original Artbox, the biggest hipster</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> creative</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> market in Bangkok, and
spent hours trawling through fascinating finds created by home-grown designers
filled with passion for their craft, you will be pleased to know that Artbox
Singapore has made its debut this weekend here at Marina Bayfront and would
take place from 14-16 April and 21-23 April. </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">The
event, sponsored by DBS Bank, features 300 international creative entrepreneurs
selling items from handcrafted bags, handmade cards, jewelry, organic
cosmetics, kitchenware, one-of-a-kind decorative items, plants, food and more. </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b93tW7-Dzsc/WPGIhzUyoUI/AAAAAAABPpQ/TceUiPylgmc/s640/blogger-image-647316034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b93tW7-Dzsc/WPGIhzUyoUI/AAAAAAABPpQ/TceUiPylgmc/s640/blogger-image-647316034.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">If you were visiting
Artbox Singapore with the intent of taking a stroll through a “glorified pasar
malam peddling over-priced ‘toot’” just to kill time before heading to your
over-priced dinner somewhere else, you would <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not be embracing Artbox Singapore in the right
spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and foremost, do take a
step back and remember why Artbox in Bangkok was created in the first
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was set up as a market place
for talented souls to express their creativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Artbox in Singapore would be no different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The passionate vibes of these creative souls
were wafting through the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To top
it all off, there were several social enterprises participating at Artbox
Singapore who braved the torrential rains to showcase how creativity and
social entrepreneurship came together to create a more inclusive society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So please visit Artbox Singapore with an open
heart and mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">When Joel
and I decided to pay Artbox Singapore a visit during its opening day, it was
raining so heavily and the crowds were dashing across the aisles like ‘Whacky
Races’, into the vendors’ tentages to get shelter.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Some
of the vendors’ displays were drenched by the rain, and some experienced
ponding within their booth space.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">However,
their spirits were not dampened at all.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I was
impressed.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">So many I spoke to, were
enthusiastically explaining their respective stories behind their craft.</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Anything
that was handmade and locally designed by homegrown creative talents always got
me really excited.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">So let me introduce you to some of my
favourite participating entrepreneurs</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Flora Woods<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">How would you like to
come to work each day to a touch of nature on your desk that could add a
spark of positivity throughout the entire day as you navigated back to back
calls, meetings and a heavy workload? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isabel
Bei of Flora Woods could customize little table gardens in a tin for you that
sprinkled so much seeds of positivity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her stall was one of the prettiest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would be biased because I love nature and greenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could choose your tin colour, choose a plant
(she would pick the right one for you if you were unsure), then choose your own
little accessories to dress up your table garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More positively green ideas can be found at
@florawoods<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RjD-UaLBHMo/WPGN07zTdRI/AAAAAAABPqU/_uAL3MsQrlY/s640/blogger-image--4739079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RjD-UaLBHMo/WPGN07zTdRI/AAAAAAABPqU/_uAL3MsQrlY/s640/blogger-image--4739079.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QTbhQT91dHk/WPGNls-ZxLI/AAAAAAABPqQ/o4WInw9YlYM/s640/blogger-image--426012395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QTbhQT91dHk/WPGNls-ZxLI/AAAAAAABPqQ/o4WInw9YlYM/s640/blogger-image--426012395.jpg"></a></div></o:p></span></div><div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><br></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Ummuramics</span></u></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Ummu
Nabilah from Ummuramics has the magical hands behind her one-of-a-kind ceramic
wares.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I loved that these ceramic pieces were
unique, raw and edgy. They did not look too off-the-department-store polished
at all.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Do check out more of her work at
@ummuramics</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4hzhyTMQEvY/WPGOAwS0ywI/AAAAAAABPqY/hkNr_P52mAU/s640/blogger-image-233652946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4hzhyTMQEvY/WPGOAwS0ywI/AAAAAAABPqY/hkNr_P52mAU/s640/blogger-image-233652946.jpg"></a></div> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Troops On Print</span></u></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">These
bags have been brandished with whimsical prints that were hand-painted. Within
their range of hand-painted accessories, are cards, iron-on patches, pin and
more.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Do check out more pretty designs at
@troopsonprint</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W0yAiw9XrHU/WPGOPdsyXKI/AAAAAAABPqc/FP92VjMeQ-Y/s640/blogger-image-1556426485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W0yAiw9XrHU/WPGOPdsyXKI/AAAAAAABPqc/FP92VjMeQ-Y/s640/blogger-image-1556426485.jpg"></a></div> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Chou Chou Handcraft</span></u></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Who
could resist these cute handmade hats from Chou a Chou Handcraft?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">These
hats shout "I am fabulously cute!"</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Best
part about them was that these hats came in different sizes, suitable for both
kids and adults.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Some of my friends with young kids who
enjoy 'twinning' their clothes with their little ones should not walk past this
stall without getting a couple of hats. I made a mental note to alert Susan
from @ajugglingmom who might be able to find a couple of hats just right for
herself and her little Sophie.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">More hat designs can be found at
@chouchouhandcraft</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-re6spFYK9_E/WPGPbcG8zQI/AAAAAAABPqo/ym3PoijGE3I/s640/blogger-image-960929802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-re6spFYK9_E/WPGPbcG8zQI/AAAAAAABPqo/ym3PoijGE3I/s640/blogger-image-960929802.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ifrKlSwVV0/WPGOiA60siI/AAAAAAABPqg/LmlH1J6rapI/s640/blogger-image-26346502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ifrKlSwVV0/WPGOiA60siI/AAAAAAABPqg/LmlH1J6rapI/s640/blogger-image-26346502.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">OCD</span></u></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Wow! I
was blown away by Olivia from OCD who described herself as the "Comics
Destroyer".</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">All her accessories were made by
cut-outs from old comic books.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I could hear the painful groans of some
of my friends who collected comics, read them from cover to cover since they
were young and preserved them in a pristine state throughout their adulthood.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">If I
might offer a perspective to my comics-obsessed friends, Olivia, the Comic
Destroyer did not quite destroy comics really. She preserved them in a
different way by repurposing them into handmade jewelry like rings, pendants,
earrings and cufflinks.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">The Goddess in me was about to snap up
all her Wonder Woman accessories. </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Do
follow Olivia at @madebyocd</span></span><br>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tRl_IiS6Gg0/WPGQ54tDXgI/AAAAAAABPq8/iyTGdHGBddg/s640/blogger-image--216458715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tRl_IiS6Gg0/WPGQ54tDXgI/AAAAAAABPq8/iyTGdHGBddg/s640/blogger-image--216458715.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uob8c__GgF8/WPGQttYHqYI/AAAAAAABPq4/4kHkeJZk-0Q/s640/blogger-image-829065647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uob8c__GgF8/WPGQttYHqYI/AAAAAAABPq4/4kHkeJZk-0Q/s640/blogger-image-829065647.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Red Dot Crafts</span></u></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Ching
from Red Dot Crafts stopped me in my tracks as I was strolling down past her
booth.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">She pointed out to my hand-sewn
patchwork bag which I was carrying then and asked if I loved handcrafted
accessories.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Of course I did! She said that her
accessories from pouches, purses, satchels, and totes were all handmade, and
she ensured that they were made with good, durable materials. I bought a
quilted tote which was perfect for carrying my lunch in at work everyday.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">More
of Ching's beautiful handiwork can be found at @reddotcrafts</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PCCew1jEZGw/WPGRaTWmnSI/AAAAAAABPrE/0oN0JzKziJU/s640/blogger-image-1618948366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PCCew1jEZGw/WPGRaTWmnSI/AAAAAAABPrE/0oN0JzKziJU/s640/blogger-image-1618948366.jpg"></a></div> </o:p></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qnt22bwo5Lo/WPGRGdUf1fI/AAAAAAABPrA/ejJww24PbhY/s640/blogger-image-965825268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qnt22bwo5Lo/WPGRGdUf1fI/AAAAAAABPrA/ejJww24PbhY/s640/blogger-image-965825268.jpg"></a></div><br></o:p></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p><br></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Candescent Box<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Who
could resist the delicious scent of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hand-poured
candles made from soy wax? I knew avocado had a taste but never knew avocado
had a scent suitable to be made into candles!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do visit aspiring artisan Amira and her Mom at @candescentbox</span></span><br>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NgbUeL7isqM/WPGQh7H3rqI/AAAAAAABPq0/98Vr8ccBSIA/s640/blogger-image--1823517930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NgbUeL7isqM/WPGQh7H3rqI/AAAAAAABPq0/98Vr8ccBSIA/s640/blogger-image--1823517930.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Social Entrepreneurs<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Yes, I
loved anything and everything handmade, locally designed and even better if
they served a social good.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I met a few social entrepreneurs selling
a range of handcrafted accessories that supported a variety of causes.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I
would urge you to have a chat with them about what drove that passion behind
their respective efforts towards these causes.</span></span><br>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Indie Mama</span></u></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Li Ying
(I hope I got her name right) left an advertising job to pursue her venture,
Indie Mama which teaches people from low income families to sew and create
these beautiful statement accessories. These skills ensure that they have a
sustainable way of making a living and lead productive lives.</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sA8I5JKN6Zk/WPGKGlVV6HI/AAAAAAABPpg/tGve4zzRNvg/s640/blogger-image-1435559864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sA8I5JKN6Zk/WPGKGlVV6HI/AAAAAAABPpg/tGve4zzRNvg/s640/blogger-image-1435559864.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wz2FHwD3AcY/WPGKTAqqm6I/AAAAAAABPpk/M_5pH8fKuVM/s640/blogger-image--1798787050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wz2FHwD3AcY/WPGKTAqqm6I/AAAAAAABPpk/M_5pH8fKuVM/s640/blogger-image--1798787050.jpg"></a></div><div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tkrGwAiFc_4/WPGJ6xVofiI/AAAAAAABPpc/idoCm-UqAkk/s640/blogger-image-1981719347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tkrGwAiFc_4/WPGJ6xVofiI/AAAAAAABPpc/idoCm-UqAkk/s640/blogger-image-1981719347.jpg"></a></div><br></span></span></div><div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Remember
these Good Morning hand towels from the days of old which were used in granny's
kitchen or at hair salons? Some of these were cleverly used to make clutches,
pouches and purses. Vibrant batik material were magically turned into rice
dumpling-shaped purses and cushions. Crochet bags and Jewelry that she sold
were so unique and vintage-looking, almost like right out of granny's closet.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">You
can check out more pieces of hand-sewn accessories at @indie_mamashop</span></span></div></span></span></div>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Teddy Thotz</span></u></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I
stopped by Teddy Thotz to hug these Happy Bears, handmade from material with</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">vibrantly
coloured prints and played with some of these cute Amigurumi toys.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">
</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I
managed to have a chat with socialpreneur George who told me that everything at
Teddy Thotz was made by the elderly, the poor and disadvantaged, single women,
and indie designers.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">He believed that Teddy Thotz was a place
where creativity and social enterprise merged to create handmade and homemade
quality stuff that represented the true creative passions of the crafter while
being socially beneficial.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">More
handmade fun and whimsical toys and accessories from Teddy Thotz can be found
at @onekind.george</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qWjzsrbDxko/WPGLxuqDB7I/AAAAAAABPqE/XbQdxZa_xCA/s640/blogger-image--1926059175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qWjzsrbDxko/WPGLxuqDB7I/AAAAAAABPqE/XbQdxZa_xCA/s640/blogger-image--1926059175.jpg"></a></div> </o:p></span></div><div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OG-J2lvuiMc/WPGLMuLGkPI/AAAAAAABPps/azMj5T_d6EQ/s640/blogger-image--109832906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OG-J2lvuiMc/WPGLMuLGkPI/AAAAAAABPps/azMj5T_d6EQ/s640/blogger-image--109832906.jpg"></a></div><br></o:p></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span class="s1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Center Pottery</span></u></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">Besides
shopping and eating anything fun, creative and hip at the Artbox Singapore, you
could also sign up for a pottery workshop with Center Pottery and know that
part proceeds would go to helping mental health patients who had been taking up
pottery classes as a form of therapy. Former national sailor Joan Huang founded Center Pottery, which worked with psychologists
to combine the science of modern psychology with clay art to create a
structured therapeutic curriculum for the general public and mental health
patients. More information about these workshops could be found at
@centerpottery</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WdirG6rpFSg/WPGLlEJOP_I/AAAAAAABPqA/NrrX6YDCUQY/s640/blogger-image-1126511523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WdirG6rpFSg/WPGLlEJOP_I/AAAAAAABPqA/NrrX6YDCUQY/s640/blogger-image-1126511523.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UCMFFfFg-PQ/WPGLYpWD08I/AAAAAAABPpw/-k8BGjOkFgs/s640/blogger-image-1775248297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UCMFFfFg-PQ/WPGLYpWD08I/AAAAAAABPpw/-k8BGjOkFgs/s640/blogger-image-1775248297.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></o:p></span></div><div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p><br></o:p></span></div><div class="p2" style="margin: 1em 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">There
were a lot more social enterprises at the Artbox Singapore but I was not able
to visit every one of them.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">I would however encourage you to visit
some of these social enterprises and support their respective causes because
their efforts have contributed to the creation of a more inclusive society by</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> offering</span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> commercially sustainable
solutions to social issues.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">This would ensure that those at
society's margins could lead productive and rewarding lives. These social enterprises
were championed by DBS Foundation.</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="s1"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;">*Artbox
Singapore would be delighting an expected crowd of 400,000 people with so much
creative vibe, at Marina Bayfront, across 2 weekends, between 14-16 April and
21-23 April. </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></span><br>
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"></span></span><br>
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. She is a passionate observer of life bent on inspiring others to
live life positively through her writing as she pays tribute to moments worth
celebrating every day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to her ardent
love for sports especially boxing and MMA, she is also a freelance sports
writer on the side, contributing articles to several sports media when time
permits. She works in partnership with her husband, David Ash, who is an
avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">.
She enjoys Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight competitively one day
when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also a psychic intuitive
by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and numerology readings under
her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is affectionately called "The
Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one, although she has not yet explained
to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has been labeled “the bloke with
ginge</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">r hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-42549512920350899692017-03-14T17:19:00.000-07:002017-03-14T18:15:20.209-07:00The Widow Of A Sports Photographer
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Widow of a Sports Photographer<br>
</span></u></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br>
Most weekends when major sports events were happening in Singapore or around
Asia, almost always, you would find David unleashing his sports photography
magic as Singaporemaven. Yes, I often felt like a widow during these
weekends. So, I thought it was time for me to recognize the talent
and dedication behind the lens within my blog.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q8yqiesIUDM/WMiLhWRq96I/AAAAAAABOGg/8TpK3xFHEJA/s640/blogger-image-667561514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q8yqiesIUDM/WMiLhWRq96I/AAAAAAABOGg/8TpK3xFHEJA/s640/blogger-image-667561514.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7EbC-wqVAuA/WMiM9YYuywI/AAAAAAABOG8/WE-YWi13s4o/s640/blogger-image-1112319067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7EbC-wqVAuA/WMiM9YYuywI/AAAAAAABOG8/WE-YWi13s4o/s640/blogger-image-1112319067.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Camera First Wife Second</u></b><br>
<br>
When David found his passion in photography, I was resigned to playing second
fiddle to his massive collection of photography equipment and paraphernalia at
home.<br>
<br>
When the delivery men carted a few “wine fridges” home one day, I was jumping
up and down with glee, ecstatic that my man had such a big heart enough to
acknowledge my love for red wine and wanted to turn a little corner at home
into my personal wine haven by stocking these “wine fridges” with crates of
Amarone and Barolo. I was horrified when he carefully placed all his
camera lenses in my wine fridges and learnt then that these boxes were not wine
fridges after all. They were in fact, Dry Cabinets to keep moisture out
of his gear.<br>
<br>
When we went out for long walks exploring secluded trails and heritage
buildings, he would ask me to pose for photos, sometimes against the wall,
sometimes under a tree, sometimes by the river. My heart would swell with
pride thinking that my man just wanted to take lots of photos of his beautiful
bride, only to feel deflated when he said, “Just testing the light.”<br>
<br>
When we traveled on our vacations, he would brandish a few extra bags. That
seemed quite thoughtful of him as I often needed extra baggage space to store
all that shopping. However, these extra bags were instead used for
different type of camera equipment which he claimed he needed for different
type of shots he wanted to capture during our vacation.<br>
<br>
It took me years to accept that his love for photography would always come
first. Secretly, I was even proud of him for honing his skills throughout
the years to be one of the best in sports photography. I could not argue
with a man with a mission to make the most ordinary looking scenario, like a
woman on a running track, into a most extraordinary picture of an athlete’s
grit and passion as she crossed the finishing line.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRgm2_vBYCE/WMiMVb6RudI/AAAAAAABOGw/77tXtmhmNuI/s640/blogger-image-724065191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRgm2_vBYCE/WMiMVb6RudI/AAAAAAABOGw/77tXtmhmNuI/s640/blogger-image-724065191.jpg"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_STFqfOb3t0/WMiLIF5ZTHI/AAAAAAABOGY/L7MscmskNJk/s640/blogger-image-16048529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_STFqfOb3t0/WMiLIF5ZTHI/AAAAAAABOGY/L7MscmskNJk/s640/blogger-image-16048529.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Behind The Photography Work</u></b><br>
<br>
David had often been jokingly described as the busiest photographer in Asia.
Most weekends would be spent covering sports events like MMA events, Track
competitions, Swimming meets, Soccer tournaments, and Rugby matches. He enjoyed
rubbing shoulders with world class athletes and inspiring men and women who
dedicated their lives to sports. Sometimes, I wished they would rub off
their commitment to a life of fitness, on him, so that he would visit the gym
more regularly. <br>
<br>
He loved capturing unique shots at these events. He told me he was not
interested in just shooting the athlete performing at the event. He said,
“Anyone with a mobile phone could do that.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to capture their emotions. Through
his lens, he wanted to interpret their pain, their joy of winning, their sorrow
of losing, their anxiety as they waited for the moment they had to “win or die
fighting”. I often looked forward to him coming home to edit his
photos so that I could get first glimpse of wonderful shots he had captured.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TB5sdgx3KpM/WMiMIUcSWsI/AAAAAAABOGs/6gyiAbeU28c/s640/blogger-image--1688914396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TB5sdgx3KpM/WMiMIUcSWsI/AAAAAAABOGs/6gyiAbeU28c/s640/blogger-image--1688914396.jpg"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pZLMlGjybhQ/WMiLVONAWFI/AAAAAAABOGc/wyvJlLDtPFc/s640/blogger-image-1017959134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pZLMlGjybhQ/WMiLVONAWFI/AAAAAAABOGc/wyvJlLDtPFc/s640/blogger-image-1017959134.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9c5wW6PpOJE/WMiL769MuSI/AAAAAAABOGo/OcsE2KenTEA/s640/blogger-image--1023187993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9c5wW6PpOJE/WMiL769MuSI/AAAAAAABOGo/OcsE2KenTEA/s640/blogger-image--1023187993.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br>
As his wife, I was proud of him. It took years of lonely weekends, but I
finally understood why he was completely finicky about angles, composition,
lighting and anything I would not give a toss about when I used my IPhone to
take a photo of a favorite rugby player waving a V sign as he posed for a photo
for me.<br>
<br>
While many people might have spotted him walking pitch side during various
games, what they might not realize was the work that went on after the hours
spent on that pitch under the blazing sun or pouring rain. <br>
<br>
Beyond the photography work, he often spent hours at home combing through the
thousands of photos taken and editing them. His editing work might take
an entire night, and he would sometimes only get to bed at 5am upon completing
the edits.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0UxikPnDnnM/WMiK7f3bfBI/AAAAAAABOGU/MSW9nLHe4mg/s640/blogger-image--1325578099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0UxikPnDnnM/WMiK7f3bfBI/AAAAAAABOGU/MSW9nLHe4mg/s640/blogger-image--1325578099.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br>
I remembered how he was the only photographer who waited for hours, for a rugby
team to arrive at a hotel as they were preparing for a big match in Singapore
that weekend. I wondered then, if it was because of the lack of patience
that the younger or less experienced photographers were not there waiting
alongside with him that night. The rugby team did finally arrive at 1am.
After covering that meet and greet session, he then hopped back home and went
straight into his photo-editing work till wee hours of the morning. <br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H3AT_GFrEww/WMiMjTcXtAI/AAAAAAABOG0/V8pBhs3cQJQ/s640/blogger-image-918161268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H3AT_GFrEww/WMiMjTcXtAI/AAAAAAABOG0/V8pBhs3cQJQ/s640/blogger-image-918161268.jpg"></a></div><br><br>
Maybe, it was not patience. Perhaps it was grit and endurance. I remembered how
he covered an MMA event in Bangkok till late Saturday night last week,
completed the editing work at 2 am in the morning, slept for 2 hours, showered
and prepared to leave for the airport at 5am so that he could catch the 7am
flight to arrive back in Singapore at 11am on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the airport, he went straight to
the OCBC Arena to cover a Swimming competition. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D4q3tzz39xg/WMiOeINtCRI/AAAAAAABOHQ/ZyXRzc8LSYo/s640/blogger-image--1769489559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D4q3tzz39xg/WMiOeINtCRI/AAAAAAABOHQ/ZyXRzc8LSYo/s640/blogger-image--1769489559.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in awe with that energy. This
energy could only be driven by one who had an immense passion for his craft.<br>
<br>
As his wife, I was often anxious about whether he was getting enough rest
although he told me he was not tired. However, I finally understood what
kept him going, pushing through his exhaustion was his love and pride for his
photography work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wzzewy8iy2A/WMiKuwGIR-I/AAAAAAABOGQ/-Nv6yKtcQTE/s640/blogger-image-1734681050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wzzewy8iy2A/WMiKuwGIR-I/AAAAAAABOGQ/-Nv6yKtcQTE/s640/blogger-image-1734681050.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br>
There was once, he came back to Singapore with bruises and a swollen knee after
covering an MMA event over that weekend. Apparently, before the stage was
lit up in preparation for the fighters to walk out, the entire event venue was
pitch black. In order to get to his position to prepare to capture great
shots of the fighters, he missed a step and fell. When I questioned him
about his bruises and swollen knee, he just brushed it away and told me it was
nothing. <br><br><br>
However, as his wife, I felt the pain, but I knew that that was his
style. His photography work came first. Nothing else mattered. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yAn2OU7OcgA/WMiLvJoOsCI/AAAAAAABOGk/vk-lnLzMmvo/s640/blogger-image--1594300818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yAn2OU7OcgA/WMiLvJoOsCI/AAAAAAABOGk/vk-lnLzMmvo/s640/blogger-image--1594300818.jpg"></a></div><br><br><br>
I also remembered him ranting one day about losing a contract for a weekend of
sports photography work. He mentioned that someone in an organization had
decided to not hire professional photographers like him, and instead, had made
the decision to invite a group of young amateur photographers to take photos
for free. He had no issues with that as he too was once an amateur photographer
hungry for the opportunity to better his skills and garner experience. <br>
<br>
What annoyed him was the decision of these officials and event organizers to
use those photos taken by amateur photographers in subsequent marketing
promotions, effectively getting free content to sell multi-million dollar
events a few months later. I was actually flabbergasted by that
decision, not because I was his wife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U6va2yVtrZA/WMiNX4VH3UI/AAAAAAABOHE/xaEQMzAP06E/s640/blogger-image--689999959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U6va2yVtrZA/WMiNX4VH3UI/AAAAAAABOHE/xaEQMzAP06E/s640/blogger-image--689999959.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a PR professional, I would never
allow my team to submit to the press, lesser quality photographic work that had
not been professionally taken as it would have been disastrous to my efforts in
telling my company’s brand story. For David, the principle was
simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That decision, did so much
injustice to the sports and the sportsmen and women in that game. <br>
<br>
Another pet peeve that made me raving mad as I fiercely guarded the integrity
of my husband's photography work was when I might come across social media
posts, and press clippings featuring his photos without according him a
credit. <br>
<br>
As his wife, I found myself gnashing my teeth and clenching my fists as I
sat behind my PC screen after every sports event, scanning through the web and
social media platforms like a hawk, looking for those <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who might creatively crop out David's
watermark off his photos and post them on their social media feeds or publish
them in the press without crediting him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The wife, PR professional and Team
Ash’s unofficial Intellectual Property lawyer and policewoman in me would
gamely send messages to these people to take down the photos or face an angry
wife’s wrath.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eiw-HyU6fSU/WMiNKlzPzcI/AAAAAAABOHA/EDEvBMolurg/s640/blogger-image-182636777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eiw-HyU6fSU/WMiNKlzPzcI/AAAAAAABOHA/EDEvBMolurg/s640/blogger-image-182636777.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hl3FoqefVOU/WMiMwS2niRI/AAAAAAABOG4/K2wbqKT5GRs/s640/blogger-image-2062769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hl3FoqefVOU/WMiMwS2niRI/AAAAAAABOG4/K2wbqKT5GRs/s640/blogger-image-2062769.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The Photographer’s Wife<br>
</u></b><br>
I am proud to be a photographer’s wife. To me, my husband is an artist
and a writer too. He does not just take a photograph of a
sportsperson. With his camera, the Singaporemaven paints a picture and
writes his or her story in a way that inspires the rest of us to live our lives
to be the best that we can be, the way these sportspeople do.<br>
<br>
So when you do meet David with his camera in his hands, do ask for a shot by
the Singaporemaven. That photo of you, would be taken by not just the
busiest photographer in Asia, but to me, also the best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">*The sports photography work
featured in this blog post have been provided by Singaporemaven
Photography.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more details on his
work, please visit singaporemaven.com and follow him on Singaporemaven’s Facebook
page and Instagram @singaporemaven <o:p></o:p></span><br></i></b>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media when time permits. She works in partnership with her
husband, David Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com3Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-24244534923103146932017-02-01T00:14:00.000-08:002017-02-01T03:22:28.275-08:00Home Is Where The Heart Is
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Coming Home To Family<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">In 2016, I made a conscious effort
to stick to my resolution of putting more time aside for family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That meant that I learnt to prioritize my
time, cut down on the number of social engagements and dedicated my weekends
and spare time to the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
year where I spent hours deliberating over conflicting appointments, cancelling
and filling entries in my diary just so I could be there for the family<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Time For Mom<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I spent a lot of time with Mom, and
this was so because Dad had passed on only barely a year ago then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shared the pain of her bereavement and
wanted to help her create an independent and active life particularly when all
she had ever known was a life dedicated to taking care of Dad, my brother and
I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every phone call we had, and time
spent with her at our weekly visit to Mom’s were precious moments worth
celebrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This culminated in a
vacation with her in November when we went for a week-long cruise together,
followed by a trip to Hanoi where we spent our time gallivanting along the
small alleys looking for good bargains and street food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both had fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v3OdISgWglg/WJGeSHvJEEI/AAAAAAABM_8/L6pxk_eVWYg/s640/blogger-image-1713345185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v3OdISgWglg/WJGeSHvJEEI/AAAAAAABM_8/L6pxk_eVWYg/s640/blogger-image-1713345185.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Mom, throughout the year, had made
an effort to keep herself busy and moved on with her life without Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
enjoyed watching Mom as she kept herself busy with the things she loved to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loved cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So whenever we went out for a meal, she would
come home to experiment in the kitchen, then whip up her own version of
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brother, sister-in-law, David,
Joel and I became unwitting guinea pigs of her version of the Korean Army Pot,
and Vietnamese Banh Mi and Vietnamese Pho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made a mental note to not take her to anywhere exotic for the year end
vacation in case she whipped up Fish Balls Stewed In Yak’s Milk or something
similar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I also noticed that she made it a
point to not revolve her life around my brother and I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, I found myself calling her at home,
only to discover that she had been traipsing across town with friends,
transporting containers of food that she had cooked to Granny’s, working her
magic hands across the mahjong table and generally making friends and influencing
people across Singapore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was glad
because I realized that quality time, and being present had very little to do
with being physically there beside her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She certainly could hold her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What was most important was that she knew that I always had her in my
heart and mind and would do anything to make her happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even a 2 minute phone call to ask if she had
eaten her lunch was enough to fill her with joy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I only see Mom for lunch every
Sunday afternoon and I used to feel guilty about that very little time we had
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, coming home, for me,
was remembering that the both of us as mother and daughter, had ridden the good
times and bad enough to know that we had each other’s back no matter what
happened.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5KODUodvZQc/WJGi3TlOYdI/AAAAAAABNBU/pamAvXnb4Dw/s640/blogger-image--1716164627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5KODUodvZQc/WJGi3TlOYdI/AAAAAAABNBU/pamAvXnb4Dw/s640/blogger-image--1716164627.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Time For Joel<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I also spent a lot of time with
Joel, trying to rebuild a mother-son relationship that had been lost to 3 years
of misunderstandings, miscommunication, my initial non-acceptance of his girlfriend
and all the rough patches that came with a generational divide. In our separate
ways, we both grew up together, learning to accept our differences and converging
when and where we could to bring back peace and harmony into our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this time, we have never been closer than
we are now. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">In the past year, Joel has been
enjoying his national service stint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
enjoyed listening to the stories he brandished about his time spent outfield
and often annoyed him with the question, “So how many plasters and panadols
have you dished out this week, medic?” He took his duties in the army very
seriously and would get really annoyed when I poked fun at his efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just barely a year before, we would not even
have a proper conversation because Joel would spend his time out of the house
just to avoid having a conversation with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the past, any mention of his girlfriend would have erupted into a
huge quarrel. In the last 6 months, we even had meaningful discussions about
his relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This opened the doors
to more opened communication between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And whether or not he was home, out on dates, or back in his army camp,
it did not matter to me because I knew I was always in his heart. Our whatsapp
messages which were once peppered with caustic remarks were now filled with
messages from him like, “Have you had dinner?”, “Where is Pops, is he with you?”,
and “What are you doing this weekend?” <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-blPyjtpnspg/WJGge3y62WI/AAAAAAABNAk/GFCXR0F_zgo/s640/blogger-image--1976692703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-blPyjtpnspg/WJGge3y62WI/AAAAAAABNAk/GFCXR0F_zgo/s640/blogger-image--1976692703.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I only see Joel for a few hours
over the weekends and I used to feel guilty about using those few hours to nag
him about his army fatigues left on the floor around the laundry basket, the
unequal amount of time spent between our home and his girlfriend’s home, and
his awful diet of biscuits and crisps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, coming home, for me, was the knowledge that Joel knew what
family values meant, his proactive attempts to bring laughter and harmony into
our home, and his awareness that this bond between mother and son was
unbreakable.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IPGEermfSCc/WJGitqoP5gI/AAAAAAABNBM/LeiEAwdUogk/s640/blogger-image-1125179480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IPGEermfSCc/WJGitqoP5gI/AAAAAAABNBM/LeiEAwdUogk/s640/blogger-image-1125179480.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Time For David<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I spent a lot of time with David
too, traveling with him whenever I could when he had a photography assignment
overseas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were not traveling, we
took to spending our weekends on activities we found a lot of enjoyment doing
together, instead of leading our separate lives like we had done before. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RH-ERe2753A/WJGd67UVNyI/AAAAAAABM_w/peP2377wG6Q/s640/blogger-image--1040273458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RH-ERe2753A/WJGd67UVNyI/AAAAAAABM_w/peP2377wG6Q/s640/blogger-image--1040273458.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">This was our version of separate
lives – he would crash out on the sofa on weekends with the TV blasting and
remote control gripped tightly in his hand, while he snored, and I would be
playing with my Tarot cards in the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, we found a lot of fun
in painting together. They called it art-jamming, but the only jamming we were
familiar with was either Robertson’s Lemon Curd or plucking the life out of his
old guitar with his ex-band mates. This version of jamming did not involve
calories, or noise, and was filled with so much more fun and laughter between
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hilarious when I thought
about how I used to fail at Art during my school days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my paintings now sit proudly at Mom’s
home while David prepares to make a case for a potential lawsuit against him
from Kellogg’s for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stealing their brand
image of a white chicken. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-guy_xlc6VVQ/WJGjB172mxI/AAAAAAABNBc/4-w57MVlnUM/s640/blogger-image--383571991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-guy_xlc6VVQ/WJGjB172mxI/AAAAAAABNBc/4-w57MVlnUM/s640/blogger-image--383571991.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-85_mB0D102Q/WJGiWHAFZKI/AAAAAAABNBA/H8ikxNpB-Nk/s640/blogger-image-44610719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-85_mB0D102Q/WJGiWHAFZKI/AAAAAAABNBA/H8ikxNpB-Nk/s640/blogger-image-44610719.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Making time for each other was a
huge effort, given his travels, and my multiple commitments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, coming home, for me, was knowing
that every now and then, when we had time to connect, David and I could always
find fun and passion between us, no matter how busy we were and how different
our interests could be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We really need
not be in each other’s faces every day.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Coming Home To Scotland<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My 2016 resolution propelled my
decision to make a trip back to the UK to visit with David’s family last
November too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had not been back for
almost 10 years, often citing the lack of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How could we have let 10 years pass by without setting foot in David’s
hometown?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could we have not found
time to connect with his family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our conversations
were reduced to Facebook comments, an annual phone call and a Christmas
card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So, together with the family, we
set out to create memorable moments with each other within the very short time
we had together. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E-NWi7GTbIA/WJGdvKmqmAI/AAAAAAABM_s/T1sfTy4JtEo/s640/blogger-image--72953871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E-NWi7GTbIA/WJGdvKmqmAI/AAAAAAABM_s/T1sfTy4JtEo/s640/blogger-image--72953871.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">One of his sisters put together a
collage of old family photos during dinner and it drew much laughter and banter
as stories of days past were exchanged. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time seemed to have stood still then. That collage
of photos closed the gap of 10 years and that geographical barrier between
Singapore and Scotland because the entire family had so much to share about the
good old days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were memorable
moments that David and I cherished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were more important than attempting to squeeze time for a quick phone call and
a trip to visit the family.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CElA-7ummE8/WJGecLo5-lI/AAAAAAABNAE/caIzQUQL4tQ/s640/blogger-image--1069283672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CElA-7ummE8/WJGecLo5-lI/AAAAAAABNAE/caIzQUQL4tQ/s640/blogger-image--1069283672.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">On a Sunday morning, I took a walk
with his sister around her estate in Dundee before having brunch with the
family. We attempted to look for squirrels, and slid across the frosty pathways
to much laughter between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 17
years ago, before David and I got married, this was the sister I had a fight
with over something silly and unimportant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Over the years, I have not had time to talk to her apart from the day we
got married, and during the couple of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>times when David and I visited Scotland
after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That Sunday morning, I felt that
my sister-in-law and I had closed that gap once and for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had so much to chat about, and we had fun
in each other’s company. It was special for me because we made an effort to
make that morning a memorable moment for us as a family.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Also, David had the opportunity to
rekindle childhood memories as we walked through the town park and attempted to
climb Falkland Hill in -2 degrees temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While I felt the wintry cold, my heart was warmed by the many stories
that David had shared about his Mom and Dad, his school days, and his sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3pNELBSw3vE/WJGiLNPfUXI/AAAAAAABNA8/rK4WhX6_zls/s640/blogger-image-1640763091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3pNELBSw3vE/WJGiLNPfUXI/AAAAAAABNA8/rK4WhX6_zls/s640/blogger-image-1640763091.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_wJwON8FgUE/WJGeHLnb6II/AAAAAAABM_0/nipDtg7mXEA/s640/blogger-image-1824808130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_wJwON8FgUE/WJGeHLnb6II/AAAAAAABM_0/nipDtg7mXEA/s640/blogger-image-1824808130.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Another thing that made this trip
to Scotland so special was because David secretly arranged for a Minister to
preside over the renewal of our marriage vows at the Greyfriars Kirk in
Edinburgh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the effort came from
someone who could not even match his socks each morning, it was truly special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming home for me, was the realization that
my husband made efforts throughout our marriage to create memorable moments
with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The much talked about “together
time” which most people insisted, made a solid marriage, was really
overrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-THyeK92kkRk/WJGf998PPOI/AAAAAAABNAc/fEgw7Cc1ejA/s640/blogger-image--1601453623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-THyeK92kkRk/WJGf998PPOI/AAAAAAABNAc/fEgw7Cc1ejA/s640/blogger-image--1601453623.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Throughout our 2-weeks spent in
UK, we did not want to just play tourist and create photographs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted to create special moments that
would be etched in our memories for a very long time, and we did.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xTddCRnqKSQ/WJGfoQwKxfI/AAAAAAABNAU/i-pVEH5vEnE/s640/blogger-image-7403539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xTddCRnqKSQ/WJGfoQwKxfI/AAAAAAABNAU/i-pVEH5vEnE/s640/blogger-image-7403539.jpg"></a></div><br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Home Is Where The Heart Is<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So yes, in 2016, I did make time
for my family. I learnt to prioritize and was adept at juggling my commitments,
feverishly filling in or cancelling appointments in my calendar so that I could
“be present” to my loved ones.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">As the year 2017 crept by
furiously, and a month had already come and gone, I was reminded that coming
home, was not about my physical presence at home with the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the commitment of knowing who and what
mattered most. When I know who and what mattered most, my relationship with
them would not be defined by my time or physical presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My relationship with those who
mattered most to me would be defined by :<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My conscious effort to be kind to them
instead of brushing their grief, anger, sadness, angst or frustrations off as
their “having one of those moments”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div style="text-indent: 4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My needing to listen more with empathy,
instead of with the intent to respond. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The energy I put into having meaningful
conversations with them, instead of scrolling my Facebook feeds whilst chatting
with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My attempts to strike a compromise and have
opened discussions when we have conflicting opinions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My effort to not just be present but to
create memorable moments with my loved ones<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">This would be a great example to
illustrate my point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Lunar New
Year, my Uncle and Aunt as well as my cousin returned from Canada and Australia
respectively to spend some time with Granny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was really not about the sacrifice of time and money made to make
this trip home happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did not
inform anyone of their impending visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, they delighted the entire family when they turned up at the
annual reunion dinner at Mom’s, and took us by surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom was literally in tears and Granny was
extremely happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Now, that was a memorable moment
and definitely, the best way to Come Home.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z7Lu4tQJ8dE/WJGfy-bg23I/AAAAAAABNAY/MWlTlPqPJeU/s640/blogger-image-887478775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z7Lu4tQJ8dE/WJGfy-bg23I/AAAAAAABNAY/MWlTlPqPJeU/s640/blogger-image-887478775.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-44487683153848334792016-11-08T01:26:00.001-08:002016-11-08T03:45:35.600-08:00Cruising To A New Sunrise<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">A Vacation With The Extended Family<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When Mom broached the subject of
an extended family vacation on the Royal Caribbean – Mariner of the Seas for 5
days, I spent 2 weeks mulling about spending my precious leave days from work
stuck in a cruise ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thoughts on
the first week was focused on the possibility and ease at which I could jump
overboard and swim back to shore should the need arise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second week was dedicated to research
about the facilities and activities on the ship which could allow me to have
adequate me time away from the claustrophobia I might feel from being restricted
to the space within the ship as well as <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the disdain I felt about being immersed in a
crowd of tourists queuing at the dining room entrance an hour before meal times,
reserving deck chairs with their towels at 5am in the morning, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and stacking their plates with dessert, appetizer
and main course all at once.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">It did not help Mom’s case about this
vacation when she sold it in this manner, “I booked you and I on a cruise with
the family because if you come along, I get 50% discount on the price as I am a
‘senior citizen’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you must come ah!”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Obediently, I applied for leave
from work and assured my men at home that the only reason I was leaving them
behind was that they were not senior citizens.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QTEpUCPNEo0/WCGFaqAgX9I/AAAAAAABKD8/zrzgV6v4qdM/s640/blogger-image--1840383041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QTEpUCPNEo0/WCGFaqAgX9I/AAAAAAABKD8/zrzgV6v4qdM/s640/blogger-image--1840383041.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Determined To Enjoy The Cruise<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I was determined to enjoy my first
experience on the cruise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The friendly
crew from the State Room attendant right through to the waiting staff at the
restaurants went above and beyond to delight the guests, so it was not
difficult to relax into a daily routine of enjoying the copious amount of food
served 24 hours a day, and the professionally produced staged shows each
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several bars were dotted
conveniently at each deck of the ship, in case I was driven to drink while
managing conversations as civilly as possible with an uncle who had an EQ of
0.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I was also cognizant of the fact
that with an 86 year old grandmother in tow, I had the responsibility of
ensuring that she enjoyed every minute of that vacation time with the family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom often whispered to me as she kept me in
check when I felt annoyed enough to want to hit that 0-EQ Uncle on the head
with my shoe, “How much more time does Granny have with us? Please think twice
before you say anything stupid.”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k0QJd7vca2U/WCGGMdIvDCI/AAAAAAABKEM/dJRB28nzn8M/s640/blogger-image--472657151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k0QJd7vca2U/WCGGMdIvDCI/AAAAAAABKEM/dJRB28nzn8M/s640/blogger-image--472657151.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Family Time<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">As we sailed across the Malacca
Straits into the Andaman Sea, I woke up each morning at 5am to capture the
Sunrise, and left our dinner table abruptly each evening at 6pm to capture the
Sunset. I spent most of the mornings perfecting a selfie against the backdrop
of the emerald-green waters of the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wheeled Granny into the Casino to watch her operate the jackpot
machine like a rabid Pilot on the computer dashboard of the Starship
Enterprise. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I strolled with Mom along the
jogging path on the deck whilst listening to a lengthy lecture on sun-damaged
skin and ageing. I shared jokes with my other 2 favorite uncles who were gifted
with higher EQ than the eldest one.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2iiREA85O44/WCGe-Gvbo0I/AAAAAAABKEo/_NE7uSjoD2M/s640/blogger-image--1542736740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2iiREA85O44/WCGe-Gvbo0I/AAAAAAABKEo/_NE7uSjoD2M/s640/blogger-image--1542736740.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I did not have a chance to embark
on my daily gym routine although the ship had a huge gym filled with
state-of-the-art equipment because I did not fancy spending an hour working
out, only to spend another 3 hours trying to hunt down the rest of the family
throughout the ship after. I was all kitted up and ready for my sunset
rock-wall-climbing experience but Mom was more interested in lining up for a
chicken roll and a slice of pizza at the 24-hour café.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I decided that spending time with Mom
having a good chat over a cup of tea while she polished several chicken rolls
and slices of pizza was more important. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I registered for yoga classes early in the
morning but decided that sitting out on our balcony with Mom to discuss the
important topic of what shapes the clouds made, was more fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was prepared to spend my day enjoying a
half-empty ship as the rest of the guests disembark for their shore excursion
in Phuket one day. As my son aptly put it across Facebook one day, “For Mom, a
HAPPY CRUISE IS AN EMPTY CRUISE.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I decided to disembark the ship in the afternoon to take my Mom
out for a little shopping trip in Patong Beach, Phuket, and we enjoyed the ubiquitous
Thai fare of Pad Thai and Boat Noodles before returning to the ship.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Throughout the cruise, I hardly
had any Me Time as I tried to “stick with the program” to spend more quality
time with my extended family. So when I returned from the cruise, a friend said
in surprise, “What? You packed for a vacation with the intention to spend more
time in the gym each day to get fitter, do your sprints around the track,
attend yoga and pilates classes and get in some massage time but you did none
of these! What exactly were you doing for 5 days?”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jTFgCfTQ9SI/WCGFi3lEJmI/AAAAAAABKEA/i7us34ajPqY/s640/blogger-image--7354842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jTFgCfTQ9SI/WCGFi3lEJmI/AAAAAAABKEA/i7us34ajPqY/s640/blogger-image--7354842.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vkSsWu5_XHY/WCGGhB-rEaI/AAAAAAABKEU/PNC0ODTxjaI/s640/blogger-image--1576034646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vkSsWu5_XHY/WCGGhB-rEaI/AAAAAAABKEU/PNC0ODTxjaI/s640/blogger-image--1576034646.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Chasing A New Sunrise<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I reflected on my experience
during the cruise and realized that the reason I had initial doubts and
skepticism about this vacation was because I had been chasing my sunrise and
sunsets in a wrong way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I was focused on the superficial
aspects of special moments that I was expecting to enjoy, like waking up at 5am
to wait for the sunrise. However, I forgot about the miracle behind a sunrise
and the fact that the sunrise each day, actually looked very different from
each other, beckoning me to see each day as a gift and an opportunity to start
anew.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">This vacation was not about
spending more time with an 86 year old Granny who might have so little time
left with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was about reconnecting
with the grand dame of the family who had planted the roots of piety, familial
love, and resilience in the ground for my mother’s generation, my generation
and the generation after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was an
invaluable lesson in committing to celebrate our family’s past, present and
future. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">It was not about having to manage
verbal altercations with my eldest Uncle who had very little social
aptitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was about the fun and jokes
my other uncles and I shared across the dinner table, having a hearty laugh at my
eldest uncle’s callous retorts that he had often dished out irrationally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was an invaluable lesson in diffusing
tension and managing the dynamics of interpersonal relationships.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ISMBrieLFVo/WCGFz9-qlqI/AAAAAAABKEI/A9yTW7Y-PzA/s640/blogger-image-1227250074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ISMBrieLFVo/WCGFz9-qlqI/AAAAAAABKEI/A9yTW7Y-PzA/s640/blogger-image-1227250074.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">It was not about how much time I
spent with Mom throughout the vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was all about the quality time spent having meaningful conversations with
her during the cruise, sharing our thoughts, fears and memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was an invaluable lesson in the need for
me to make the effort to continue having more meaningful conversations with her
even after the vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acknowledging
that I spent little time with her every week, I was committed to ensure that
each moment I spent with her would be one where I was fully present.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hlPbopWvnLY/WCGFrjq9QyI/AAAAAAABKEE/gxTXe__AwuI/s640/blogger-image--1151747696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hlPbopWvnLY/WCGFrjq9QyI/AAAAAAABKEE/gxTXe__AwuI/s640/blogger-image--1151747696.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Coming Home To New Perspectives<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">On the last day of the cruise, as
my ship pulled into Singapore waters and the skyline of the central business
district came into full view, adorned with a spectacular sunrise, I began to
see this wonderfully quirky extended family in a new light. We all came together,
whatever differences we had as a family, and whatever expectations we had about
the cruise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What pulled us together was
the fact that we celebrated a priceless moment together as a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We might sometimes fight, and we might
sometimes not speak to each other, or we might each hold stubbornly strong to
our respective opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, nothing
could change the fact that we were a closely-knitted family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">How could I ask for anyone within
the family to change, including my uncle with 0 EQ? I will always love them for
who they are. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day, I celebrate a new sunrise, and like a new sunrise,
I am grateful for the opportunity to feel the warmth and love within this
family.</span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lTIX7sC-YkU/WCGGWEbSEMI/AAAAAAABKEQ/IoPTwZjDZP4/s640/blogger-image--661117681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lTIX7sC-YkU/WCGGWEbSEMI/AAAAAAABKEQ/IoPTwZjDZP4/s640/blogger-image--661117681.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-56377782946362418332016-10-20T05:04:00.002-07:002016-10-20T05:04:17.719-07:00Extending An Olive Branch To My Son<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Let’s Talk About It<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I have <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>always stood by my belief that if I wanted to
invest my time writing a blog post, the content had to stem from a place of
brutal honesty and I would never hold back on expressing how I truly felt about
issues that were impacting me directly or indirectly. I thought long and hard
about writing this post though. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
topic was a sensitive one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
topic that I could discuss at length quite openly, peppering it with a few belly
laughs coupled with exaggerated expressions of disappointment that included rolling my eyes
and "palming" my face in despair. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally, I would
be masking my true feelings with humor, brushing my despondency away in the hope that this issue was just a temporary irritation to my otherwise peaceful family life.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">In reality, this issue had ripped
my heart apart into a million pieces in the past, making me question my role as
a mother every time the subject got raised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was a topic about my son’s romance. It was a subject of much grief
at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the cause of numerous
mother-son fights for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the
cause of my depression in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It created
a divide between my Mom and I because of our different approaches to
parenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It contributed to the rows
David and I had when we discussed the issue of Joel’s allowance, Joel’s
free-spending habits, acceptance of his girlfriend and his lack of time spent
with us.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">A Pressing Issue<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Having experienced the negativity
of past broken relationships and a divorce, I had always advised Joel to keep his
options open when it came to relationships. I told him that he had many more
years ahead of him to meet many girls and eventually settle on the perfect one later who
would be sharing a life with him.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When he was navigating his studies
at school and now serving his national service duties, I had always felt that
he had to be more focused on his priorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Falling head over heels at an age where most things in life were
transient, could be a complete waste of time.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Joel, like his mother, was never
good at taking sound advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He threw
himself into this relationship when he met this girl at school. When we were
introduced years ago as he brought her home for infrequent visits, my disdain
for her was quite obvious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My list of
reasons why I disliked her, was as long as my bill spent on cosmetics in my
lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will list just a fraction of
them here:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I had no patience for one who could not
hold a proper, intellectual conversation. Every time I asked her a question,
she turned to Joel for an answer.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span> </div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">As our family centered our daily lives with
fitness, sports, photography and other exciting interests, we felt that she was
uninspiring as she did not seem to have any interests outside of combing malls,
dining at cafes and catching pokemon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How then could she inspire Joel to lead a better and more fulfilling life
in future?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I abhorred clinginess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she started work and Joel was waiting
for enlistment into the army, she demanded a lot of Joel’s time, to the point
that he used to wake up at the crack of dawn, take a bus to her home, and
hopped onto the bus with her to accompany her to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, he would wait around at Starbucks
till it was time for her lunch-break, so that he could have lunch with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when she knocked off from work in the
evening, he would accompany her back on the bus. There was nothing productive about this daily regime at all.</span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I was disappointed that Joel had even let
down his best friends who had come all the way from Thailand to Singapore for a
visit and he had no time to spend with them because he would rather be “glue-gummed”
to his girlfriend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Having been brought up in a traditional
Peranakan Chinese household that valued respect, manners and decent behavior, I
was unhappy that while she greeted David and I during her visits, she ignored
our helper Evelyn, as if she was a piece of furniture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Evelyn cooked dinner for Joel and his
girlfriend, she had not thanked her after, nor had she offered to help wash the
dishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">It did not help my already sullied opinion
of her, when Joel spent a lot of money on presents for her, from a camera, to a
pair of Chanel earrings, as well as frequent cab rides, all paid out of his
small allowance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I was unhappy with the fact that while my
birthday past me by without a word and a gift from him, he spent time and
energy planning a birthday celebration for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mean, for goodness sakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
spent my birthday eating at home and watching re-runs of Game of Thrones, while
he celebrated her birthday at a high-end restaurant!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">These were just random
examples of situations that led to my disappointment with his relationship with
her. I could go on.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">These issues had escalated to a
point where Joel and I would burst into regular heated arguments on an almost weekly
basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My disdain for her increased as
time went by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For everything that Joel
did which hurt or disappointed me, I would blame her as the cause of it. He
avoided having a direct conversation with me about the topic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he even took to lying to me about the
most basic stuff like where he was, whom he was with, what he was doing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It came to a point, where I could no longer
welcome her in my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When Joel told me that he wished
his national service duties kept him in camp even throughout the weekends so
that he need not have to juggle between his girlfriend and I, I felt utterly
depressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I truly had
failed as a mother if my son was not looking forward to coming home to a happy
family, loving parents and hot food on the table.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Finding Peace<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Months and years flew by, and true
to Joel’s tenacious nature, this relationship had lasted almost 4 years. However
I thought of the relationship, I realized that what I could not change, was
that Joel really loved her.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So I set out to re-evaluate the
whole situation from a more objective point of view – something I found very
difficult to do for most things in my life. While I was my father’s daughter,
highly opinionated, unbending, tenacious and strong-willed, Joel was his mother’s
son.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was exactly like me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through his relationship challenges, between his
girlfriend, him and I, he held strong to the belief that one day I would change
my attitude about her and that I would come to accept them as a couple.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I looked back at my own
experiences with my relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Often, I defined my response to these relationships with a fear of lack
of control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My divorce from my first
husband was a result of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a
high-flying career which would see me taking a back seat for the rest of my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was then looking at a future
where my life and destiny was “controlled” and dictated by his career
progression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I did not want to fit
into his plans, and would have preferred that he fit into mine instead, I chose
to walk out of that relationship.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">With Joel and his girlfriend, the
same theme got played back to me and I suddenly felt that I had lost control of
my son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I was on that right
track of creating that perfect scenario of that perfect home, with that perfect
family, spending quality time together, having a great time, sharing happy
moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However when Joel met his
girlfriend, it felt like someone threw a pebble into that pool to cause a
ripple in that otherwise perfect reflection.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Positive Changes<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">A few months ago, Joel’s best
friends had a heart to heart talk with him. It was a tipping point when Joel
realized that he had been managing his relationship with his girlfriend and us,
in a wrong way.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">One night, while having a
conversation with me, he apologized for the years of grief he had caused and
explained that all he wanted to do was to present a perfect embodiment of a
girlfriend to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if she was deemed
not perfect by my standards, he then put a wedge between us by trying to avoid any
opportunity for prolonged interaction between her and us.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I assured him that I was not
looking for perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I was
looking for, was someone with good values, who understood the importance of
filial piety, familial loyalty, respect, and integrity.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Interestingly, this conversation
opened my mind to the root cause of the issue – the issue of fear of lack of
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent my entire lifetime
trying to take control of everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was a control freak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I controlled even
the way my son thought, behave, spoke, and forgot that he was one day going to
grow up to develop his own identity, formed his own opinions, made his own
decisions and shaped his own future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
made sense now why he would think I demanded perfection from the girlfriend
that he was to have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had imposed that
notion in his mind that any tiny flaw, anything that I could not manipulate,
mold and control, was imperfect.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Taking on a more objective
perspective, I also began to reassess my judgment of his girlfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were some of my thoughts:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When I asked a question and she looked at
Joel for a response, was she deferring to Joel’s need to take control the way I
normally did, so that he could manipulate her response back to me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">As I had a strong and imposing personality,
did her mousey attempts to address David and I, and her whimpers during our
conversations reflect her fear of me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Did Joel, on his own accord, instruct her
to just leave the dishes in the kitchen sink “so that the helper could wash it”
because he was brought up accustomed to the practice of having the helper pick
up after him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When Joel bought all the expensive presents
to impress her, could it be his immature attempts to keep her sweet when they
were going through issues in their relationship although it was not the right
thing to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">As men were generally not as sensitive and…er…intelligent
as women, could it be that he took my instructions to not plan or buy me
anything for my birthday at face value and literally allowed my birthday to
pass <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>without saying a word?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BkehRUY04GU/WAiPbI3dS7I/AAAAAAABJrI/kICwZ4VJAf8/s640/blogger-image-1753083204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BkehRUY04GU/WAiPbI3dS7I/AAAAAAABJrI/kICwZ4VJAf8/s640/blogger-image-1753083204.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Healing<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Over the last few weeks, Joel and
I went through a period of healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were focused on the goal of reconciliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whatever rift there was that had existed between us, was a result of our
different expectations about his management of his relationship. In the wider
scheme of things, we realized that we both were still very present in each
other’s lives, and just wanted peace and happiness within the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">In the past, conversations with
him tested our patience because he would respond with monosyllables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, we would have open conversations about
his life in the army, where he went with his girlfriend, and his general
thoughts on most things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was more
open with what he was spending on as he knew that his free-spending ways in the
past was one of my bugbears. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">In the past, his life at home was
behind his closed room door and in front of his computer. He even had his meal
at his desk in his room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, he would
try to sit with us in the living room and have a decent conversation with us
over dinner.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The home no longer felt like his
hotel room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would let us know when he
was coming home for dinner and he would even make arrangements to meet us for
dinner after he booked out of his army camp on some Friday evenings. On his day
off, he would accompany me to work, and have a cup of coffee with me at
Starbucks to help me ease into my day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">He made time for us or for things that
were important to us, for example, the weekly mass at Church and our weekly
visits to Mom for lunch on Sundays. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">He had also attempted to bring us
together by asking me out to lunch with the both of them one Saturday
afternoon, when David was out of town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was aware that I was going to spend the weekend alone otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned the invitation down politely as I
wanted some “me time” spent on boxing training. There was no drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He just accepted it and went on his way.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The following week, he attempted
to ask David and I to spend a Saturday evening out with them at the annual
Halloween Horror Nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again I turned
the invitation down politely as “two old crusties were averse to the crowd who
might knock our walking sticks off our hands.” Again, there was no drama as he had
just accepted it and went on his way.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Before he left the house to head
back to camp last Sunday afternoon, he walked into my room as I was taking a nap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He planted a loud, wet kiss on my forehead
and said, “I love you Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going
back to camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you soon.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Deep down in my heart then, I knew that
he has indeed evolved from a boy to a man. Whomever he dated, and whatever choices he
made, nothing could ever change the bond between a mother and son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So I extended the olive branch on
my end, and bought the both of them a night out to Halloween Horror Nights this
coming weekend while the two crusties at home can polish each other’s false
teeth.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y3c1ln-u0iY/WAiPsRNEpuI/AAAAAAABJrQ/l3T05ap6aRw/s640/blogger-image-949541492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y3c1ln-u0iY/WAiPsRNEpuI/AAAAAAABJrQ/l3T05ap6aRw/s640/blogger-image-949541492.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Acceptance<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">As the healing continues, I began
to embrace the notion that what I could not change, I had to change the way I thought
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His girlfriend is very present
in his life, as I am in his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to
start accepting the fact that the moments they shared together, would make him
happy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I love my son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I ever wanted was for him to be happy. If
she was going to be one of the contributors to his happiness, I had to start
accepting her in his life.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My stance against their
relationship had thawed somewhat over the past weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there was still some residual
reluctance to letting go of my son who would always be my baby, I knew it was
time to do so.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I no longer need to control him and how he leads his life because, as a grown man, he would be ultimately accountable for his own choices. By letting go, I felt that instead of losing him, I would be gaining his trust and his respect. Beyond love, the bond between a mother and son can never be broken when there is trust and respect. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tvrxNT_Q3BU/WAiPkPCCcmI/AAAAAAABJrM/8ZjvXBKYmzQ/s640/blogger-image--1357288115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tvrxNT_Q3BU/WAiPkPCCcmI/AAAAAAABJrM/8ZjvXBKYmzQ/s640/blogger-image--1357288115.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
<br />
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com9Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-56822227866885127202016-09-01T00:22:00.000-07:002016-09-01T05:14:15.685-07:00I Need To Be Gentler With Myself<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Rewiring The Brain<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Did you know that childhood experiences could wire
one’s brain in a way that could cause one to create perceptions in adulthood, that might or might not be the
truth?</span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When I was a little girl, Dad was incarcerated for alternative political views. However when he was released, he had continued to hold political
views that were not aligned with the establishment, and was still quite vocal about it amongst his friends. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt that when the family had already
walked through the struggle of his detention, he should just stop taking too
hard a stand against the establishment and learn to be more open to the intent
behind some of these policies and indeed be more open to the political opinions
of others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blamed Dad’s continuous
anti-establishment rhetoric on my not being important enough for him to just “shut
up”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my parents chided me for grades
that were not within the top percentile, I blamed it on my not being intelligent enough and my lack of
discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my brother hurt himself
while playing as a toddler, his nanny told my parents that I had bullied him,
and of course I had a scolding for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
blamed that incident on my failure to take better care of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">That wiring in my brain had over
time, made me extremely critical of myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When my performance appraisals at work saw general comments like “needs
improvement”, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blamed it on the fact
that I might not have delivered a project well, had not been detailed enough
with my work or perhaps I was too lax in the management of my team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I struggled at the gym with boxing,
always making the same mistakes repeatedly, I blamed it on my age and my lack
of agility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my Mom fell a few months
ago on her way to church, I blamed it on the fact that I had not spent enough
time with her and had not taken better care of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my son went through the phase of acting
like an imbecilic teenager by spending lavishly on his girlfriend without thought
of the value of money, and covering up his lack of control over his expenditure
with lies to David and I, I blamed it on my failure as a mother.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Putting So Much Pressure On Myself<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I spent the weekend talking to
Mom, to my best friend Molly, and then to my mentor Alixe last night and there
was a common thread that ran through each of their advice. They said that I was
putting too much pressure on myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every day, I juggled multiple roles, trying to be a good marketer at
work, a counselor and mentor with my clients, a student at my boxing training,
a mother, wife, and daughter at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had inevitably placed my own set of evaluation criteria on myself within each
of these roles, trying to over-achieve all the time, trying to please everybody,
and trying my best to take care of everyone’s needs but my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some of these situations, I had bitten off
more than I can chew, taking on everyone else’s responsibilities and worrying
for the people in my life that mattered most to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Last night, I drew a circle on a piece of
paper and wrote the names of the people within my network that were closest to
me. I then wrote a bunch of words that automatically described my immediate
thoughts about them and things I had done for them or wished to do for
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally I circled the words that
were repeated most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were the words that got circled the most
- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Save, Support, Salvage, Nurture, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heal, Sorry, Please.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These words told a story of how I had always
felt I had never given enough, done enough or delivered enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was always something I had to save
someone from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was always a
situation I had to salvage for someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was always someone that needed my support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was always someone I had to
continuously nurture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was always
someone that had an open wound that needed continuously healing. There was
always someone I needed to please. There was always someone I felt so sorry to,
for not being able to further save, support, salvage, please or heal. So I often
held myself accountable for someone else’s issues or mistakes.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Being Gentle To Myself<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Acknowledging my own limitations
and my need to draw that boundary around me, I decided today that I had to
be gentler to myself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to stop
taking responsibility for other people’s problems, faults and failings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
needed to take time out to rest for a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I needed space from some people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I needed time to nourish my soul and nurture my mind, body and spirit
back to a state where I can take back control of my personal power.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Taking Care Of Me<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So I will take care of myself over
the next few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I had to stop being anxious about
Joel and his lack of accountability for his frivolous spend. Whatever little he
earned from his national service stint belonged to him after all and he had every
right to spend it in the way he wanted to. How he managed his money today would
go a long way to teaching him about the value of savings and wealth management
as he grows older, manages a career, owns his own home and have a family in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I had to stop nagging David about
his lack of discipline with regard to his diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His health was his responsibility. The quality of life that he wanted to
live in future as he got older, would be determined by how he managed his
health, lifestyle and fitness today. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I had to stop stressing about Mom’s
well-being and whether or not she was getting enough attention from me. Mom had a
huge circle of friends, and she was often surrounded by my uncles, aunt and
cousins who often spent time with her. She would have to assume full responsibility
over the way she wanted to design her new lifestyle after my Dad had passed on. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I had to stop getting annoyed, when
certain clients did not take my advice and kept returning to consult with me
on the same issues. They were afterall masters of their own destinies and needed to take
charge of their own happiness by choosing to accept things that they could not
change, or make changes to things that they could.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to stop being “mother-hen” to my team at
work, worrying that they would get bullied by other senior managers when I
could not be at certain meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed
to trust that my team members are capable enough of fighting their own battles
as these experiences were essential to their development as future leaders.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">What impacted my emotions most would often be the people and things I cared about most. On hindsight, I felt grateful for the angst,
anxiety, anger, sadness, frustrations, disappointments and all the negativity from incidents
that had triggered my feelings of fear of lack of control, lack of approval, and lack
of security because these feelings helped me acknowledge my vulnerability and
my own need for help, support, nurturing and space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So, be warned. When I need a hand to hold, I
would be asking you for it soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I need space
and time to myself, please know that I am not trying to avoid you. When I indulge in a few more glasses of wine than usual outside of my cheat day, please try not to judge me for my ill discipline. When I need to go for a vacation longer than I had planned, please allow me that time to take care of me.</span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">What I truly need most now though, is to go
walk barefoot on the grass, listen to birds sing, feel the wind in my face, hug
a tree and feel the wet sand between my toes at the beach. Please try not to think I am "hippy-wierd".<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I am just learning to be gentler with
myself.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P-Y51VYlkJI/V8fR5UlsdWI/AAAAAAABIfo/tMGPlxwmvTU/s640/blogger-image-1150270539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P-Y51VYlkJI/V8fR5UlsdWI/AAAAAAABIfo/tMGPlxwmvTU/s640/blogger-image-1150270539.jpg"></a></div>
thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-1875857906229560152016-08-10T01:47:00.000-07:002016-08-10T05:42:39.826-07:00Straight Talking<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Straight Answers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I am not sure if culture has got
something to do with this but in Asia, I find it hard to get straight answers,
honest comments, and genuine opinions, unless, of course the answers, comments,
and opinions were offered via social media, hidden behind the safety of a
computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it was an Asian
thing to protect one’s face by not being too opened with opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brutal honesty was frowned upon as being
crass and un-classy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom just simply
describes it as,”You ah! No filter between your brain and your mouth.”</span></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Would it not be easier to
resolve issues when people could discuss things in an upfront and
straightforward manner?<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Decipher These<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">As a recruiter, it was usual for
David to ask potential candidates why they were looking out for a new job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a prized collection of some of the responses
that often left him baffled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they
were looking out for a new job because of some existing organizational
restructure that did not favor them, they would tell David that they were in
the midst of a “career re-alignment”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
they did not get the promotion that they wanted, it would be a situation where
they were considering a “salary re-engagement”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If they were retrenched, it would be a case of managing “mid-career
dismantling”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they were hoping for a
career switch, they were “looking outside their career remit”.<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">How difficult would it be for one
to just be upfront and say,” I am looking for a new job because a) my boss and
I do not see eye to eye on most things, b) I no longer am able to add value to
the company, or c) I got retrenched 3 months ago.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I had my own fair share of
experience with those who dished “wishy-washiness” at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a colleague kept postponing a meeting
with the excuse that he had been “putting out fires” or “still realigning plans”,
more likely than not, he was avoiding having to face a difficult discussion
with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I would have preferred a
simple, “Sorry I would not be able to meet you now because I have no answers to
why that situation had happened and is causing you the deep agony of preparing
responses to media queries.”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">If I was asked to “re-gig the
numbers”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It usually meant that my
budget was cut and we could not afford to execute one of my brilliant but crazy
plans that I had spent months dreaming up.<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Pokemonitis<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my annoyance, my son has gotten into the
bad habit as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Singapore got swept
into a trend similar to a zombie holocaust when Pokemon Go landed on our
shores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joel was not spared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good thing that came out of it was that
he has gotten his sedentary ass moving and his frequent trips out of the house
on a hunt for pokemons, had been carefully messaged as, “I am walking the dogs
Mom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first time, the dogs got
walked a record 8 times a day on his day off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another innovative excuse for getting out of the house was, “I went to
get a loaf of bread from 7-11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
coming home with it, I realized we ran out of peanut butter, so I went back to
7-11 to buy some.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When I asked Joel what was driving
that obsession with the game, the most straight-forward response he gave me
was, “You have been nagging me to get fitter haven’t you? You kept complaining
that I have been shirking my responsibilities over the chores like walking the
dogs, haven’t you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have been urging
me to take less cabs and walk or use public transport more, haven’t you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Yes I have. However I was expecting him to tell me he wanted to surpass his friends by reaching level 25 on the game and maybe own a couple of gyms.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Gymnitis<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So I thought, maybe I should join
the lot with my own version of undecipherable responses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my strength and conditioning coach gave
me a pep talk about my inconsistent presence at the gym lately, I replied, “I
need to have some space to recalibrate my body, mind and spirit.” When
deciphered, that meant, “See you in a couple of weeks, dude.”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is affectionately
called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one, although she has
not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has been labeled
“the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JLRmZSOxYYs/V6rvslbj8WI/AAAAAAABGOA/gicnh1mrwDI/s640/blogger-image-1057076672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JLRmZSOxYYs/V6rvslbj8WI/AAAAAAABGOA/gicnh1mrwDI/s640/blogger-image-1057076672.jpg"></a></div>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-63627307119484641462016-05-31T19:50:00.000-07:002016-05-31T20:38:51.250-07:00Making Peace With My Inner Child
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I did not like kids. They were
tiresome, demanding, and often a potential liability in a way that required my
making plans around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Joel was
little, I was every parent’s nightmare when it came to my turn to babysit the
children or do the school run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My way of
entertaining these kids was to feed them with a buffet of sweets, chocolates, crisps
and lots of fizzy drinks while I did my aerobics in front of the TV.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">On days I hosted the baby group, I
would have some of these kids’ parents calling me at night to complain that
their children were hyperactive from the sugar overload or had lost their
appetite for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My Weekend Getaway<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When the girls at work planned a
weekend getaway in Malacca recently, I was informed that Susan was going to have
her daughter, Sophie, come along with us. I was worried initially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A weekend trip away with the girls always
meant miles of walking, eating lots of spicy Malaysian food, and plenty of
coffee stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did that sound
kid-friendly to you, Susan?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dXMljwzz5_4/V05RXp4cQ_I/AAAAAAABDe4/LAVhuxquiRY/s640/blogger-image-1402546364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dXMljwzz5_4/V05RXp4cQ_I/AAAAAAABDe4/LAVhuxquiRY/s640/blogger-image-1402546364.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I decided to keep my mind open. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 5-hour bus ride to Malacca could be a
nightmare with her running up and down the aisle of the bus with little or no
chance of me gagging and tying her to the roof of the bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided, the fizzy drinks, sweets,
chocolates and crisps tactic would not work if I wanted to have a peaceful nap
for 5 hours.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pC6WyZD-MR4/V05SXFWxpVI/AAAAAAABDfU/xflKzgsrcuE/s640/blogger-image-120747186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pC6WyZD-MR4/V05SXFWxpVI/AAAAAAABDfU/xflKzgsrcuE/s640/blogger-image-120747186.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Well, I was wrong about kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least, I was wrong about this kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did have a peaceful bus-ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did have a weekend filled with so much fun
and laughter. I did walk miles, shopped and ate plenty of spicy Malaysian food,
with little Sophie in tow.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QZ_KqbcYNtc/V05REbvuoHI/AAAAAAABDe0/U1ha1Tfx864/s640/blogger-image-607739784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QZ_KqbcYNtc/V05REbvuoHI/AAAAAAABDe0/U1ha1Tfx864/s640/blogger-image-607739784.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Little Miss Sunshine<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">After a great weekend, my
post-vacation blues really was not inspired about missing Malacca, its food,
its café culture and its history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
realized it was inspired by my missing Sophie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And here’s why.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Sophie sprinkled a lot of sunshine
throughout our trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She made us laugh
with her antics, especially when she choreographed her special “jelly dance” to
entertain us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She chattered non-stop, and
every opinion from her was made from the observation of a pure and innocent
heart of a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qBLTSoo7SpY/V05Rfx6H54I/AAAAAAABDe8/L99UziM8V4A/s640/blogger-image-1193925636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qBLTSoo7SpY/V05Rfx6H54I/AAAAAAABDe8/L99UziM8V4A/s640/blogger-image-1193925636.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Her inquisitive nature inspired
her to ask many questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw her
learning new things, shaping her perceptions with everything she touched, heard
and experienced.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cF-Ld05IZU4/V05RuKgLRCI/AAAAAAABDfA/qSitnoNEa74/s640/blogger-image--1305581008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cF-Ld05IZU4/V05RuKgLRCI/AAAAAAABDfA/qSitnoNEa74/s640/blogger-image--1305581008.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">She taught us to let our hair
down, and look at everything and everyone around Malacca through the eyes of a
child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that vantage point, we saw
everything from a fresh perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
wall mural was not just a wall mural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
played with it and engaged with a piece of art on the wall just to have a wee
bit of fun.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bt8rJDv98zc/V05SlAe8LGI/AAAAAAABDfY/bDugMoZgJG8/s640/blogger-image-911007438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bt8rJDv98zc/V05SlAe8LGI/AAAAAAABDfY/bDugMoZgJG8/s640/blogger-image-911007438.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FO78bEBMC4/V05P6k6SeII/AAAAAAABDeg/3c1xHOMAqTE/s640/blogger-image-1436365185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FO78bEBMC4/V05P6k6SeII/AAAAAAABDeg/3c1xHOMAqTE/s640/blogger-image-1436365185.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">We became children again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We visited the Mamee Cup Noodle factory on
Jonker street, decorated our own cups and customized our own cup noodle
ingredients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like a school
excursion.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-141lalINIUM/V05Svga5b9I/AAAAAAABDfc/WodrSX6mQas/s640/blogger-image--1913364352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-141lalINIUM/V05Svga5b9I/AAAAAAABDfc/WodrSX6mQas/s640/blogger-image--1913364352.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cv2DcqxRsWY/V05QeLyT7rI/AAAAAAABDeo/Swi7L5VMwBA/s640/blogger-image--1387637567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cv2DcqxRsWY/V05QeLyT7rI/AAAAAAABDeo/Swi7L5VMwBA/s640/blogger-image--1387637567.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qcNHk240iHg/V05QD2Q4TXI/AAAAAAABDek/Hu8LbkYRXz4/s640/blogger-image-170005038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qcNHk240iHg/V05QD2Q4TXI/AAAAAAABDek/Hu8LbkYRXz4/s640/blogger-image-170005038.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NCG3hSM26yk/V05SGmGRVyI/AAAAAAABDfM/QA2qrbD8UiA/s640/blogger-image--201155915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NCG3hSM26yk/V05SGmGRVyI/AAAAAAABDfM/QA2qrbD8UiA/s640/blogger-image--201155915.jpg"></a></div><br></span><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br></span></div><div><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">We were not fussy about sticking
to the breakfast, lunch and dinner routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We ate when we wanted to eat and with an adventurous spirit, tried all
kinds of food that I would otherwise not have tried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Sophie’s love for life, inspired
us to live the moment, enjoy the now, appreciate every little thing around us. Without
her, I would be spending the trip checking my emails every hour on the hour
like I usually did when I travelled.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I was grateful for Little Miss
Sunshine’s presence throughout our weekend getaway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, children can teach us so much more
than we would ever admit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most
important lesson from her for me, was that, if I wanted to live the moment and
truly love my life, I needed to start with an open mind.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dxPnStNn218/V05R3Pe5mvI/AAAAAAABDfI/H5y1xRSXMlo/s640/blogger-image-592526524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dxPnStNn218/V05R3Pe5mvI/AAAAAAABDfI/H5y1xRSXMlo/s640/blogger-image-592526524.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sPo0n87c6aU/V05S4ItBzYI/AAAAAAABDfk/_XApMqABjOU/s640/blogger-image--2102942094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sPo0n87c6aU/V05S4ItBzYI/AAAAAAABDfk/_XApMqABjOU/s640/blogger-image--2102942094.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div><div><font size="2"><i>Postscript: Now I would usually have thought that I had lost my mind to be drawing something like this together with Sophie during our bus-ride home from Malacca. However, on looking back at it, this was to me, our most beautiful piece of artwork together!</i></font></div><div><font size="2"><br></font></div><div><font size="2"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2mYWVKyTzc/V05X8i15R3I/AAAAAAABDf4/kGTd5yjihsE/s640/blogger-image--1783496293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2mYWVKyTzc/V05X8i15R3I/AAAAAAABDf4/kGTd5yjihsE/s640/blogger-image--1783496293.jpg"></a></div><br></font>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
</div>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-29559322405105623162016-04-26T23:41:00.002-07:002016-04-27T04:08:49.283-07:00Perfect Imperfection<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I have not been blogging for a
while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made the conscious choice to
stay away from anything that involved investing too much time and energy
analyzing the what and wherefore of every sordid detail of everything that I
had observed about life to create some meaningless content on my blog. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of playing spectator to a stage of external
events, situations, and issues before me, I started to walk introspectively to
play spectator to myself.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I spent the last few months wading
through an emotional and mental transformation that involved my letting go of
aspects of myself that I had come to dislike. Every effort that I had used to
make towards being better than what I was yesterday, at work, at home, in my
personal life, and at the gym were deemed as an incomprehensible display of
inane vanity that served to support my ego.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every expectation that I had placed on others to be better than they were
yesterday, at work, at home, in their personal lives and at the gym were deemed
as an intolerance to anything or anyone that could not compete with my ego and
I.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I woke up one day to the fact that
if I could not be everything to everyone, then I should not be expecting that
of myself. Nothing needs to be that perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Life is not a checklist of “things - I –need- to- do”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not need to push for an achievement in
every aspect of my life to feel complete. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if I was not expecting that of myself, why
should I be expecting that of others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The Perfect Marriage<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">David and I founded our marriage
on the principle that we were Best Friends First.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was zero romance, very little time
spent together, and we might have possibly violated some acceptable norms of a
traditional marriage. We did not feel compelled to be the perfect spouse,
having to message each other ever so often to say something inane like “I love
you babes.” Didn’t we already know that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We did not feel compelled to set aside a specific time for date
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For goodness sakes, when we sparred
at the gym and I spent half that time dodging his jabs, that was a date
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not feel compelled to plan
an annual vacation together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he had
a photography assignment overseas, he would ask if I would like to come along
and extend a few days after his work to enjoy some “we time” exploring the
sights and doing street photography.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">We are indeed Best Friends First.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that would mean that even in the absence
of romance, hair, obliques and one’s own teeth, everything about this marriage
was perfect to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose to let go of
societal norms of what a perfect marriage should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I refused to be defined by other people’s
definitions of what romance was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
disliked reading women’s magazines which spewed advice about what good
communication, togetherness and romance in marriage should look like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be an example of a romantic
conversation that we might have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">David, “I would like to nuzzle my
beard in your neck.”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Me, “No need. Thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the way, where are my yellow handwraps?”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">We do have the most perfectly
imperfect marriage.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The Perfect Mother<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Joel and I have the most unusual
parent-child relationship founded on the fact that I had very little maternal
instincts and plenty of respect for Joel as an individual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Joel was little, my friends would be carefully
planning their children’s meals to provide them with balanced nutrition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Joel and I would sometimes share a
Snickers bar for breakfast, against the advice of friends who felt I was
callous about nutrition for his growth. I remembered trekking hills and
climbing mountains with a 1 year old strapped to my back, against the advice of
friends who were worried that an accident might happen to the boy or he might
catch dengue fever or malaria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he
grew older, and went into national service, our idea of fun back home was
challenging each other with diamond push-ups or chin-ups. I was not a
traditional mother the way my Mom was to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom made sure I had hot food on the table every time I got home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just made sure Joel knew how to create his
own meals every time he got home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom
made sure my clothes were always nicely washed and ironed. I just made sure
Joel knew how to do his own laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did not feel compelled to turn up at every concert Joel was performing at when
he was in school. However I was there every time he went through a hard time at
school, or through a break up with some unimportant cow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">He was never academically inclined
and often did not do brilliantly in his exams. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While other parents would panic and throw
tutors and enrichment classes at their children, I ignored the pressure and just
walked with him through the several parent-teacher meetings, praying that one
day, he would look back at this stressful academic system when he grew up and
laugh because he had brilliantly created his own opportunities for success in a
world that did not give a damn if you had won the egg and spoon race in
secondary school. I chose to let go of any preconceptions of what a perfect
mother should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was younger, I
was often left out of mother-baby groups where the women got along very well
because they followed the rules of what good mothering was all about, whatever
they were. I sometimes felt guilty that I was not the mother to Joel the way
Mom was to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However when I watched
Joel grow up to be a strapping young man with values far older than he actually
was, I thought I might have done a bloody good job, with no regrets.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I did not define my relationship
with Joel with hugs, kisses and terms of endearment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no need to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be a typical conversation Joel and
I might have.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Me, “Joel, you’re my favorite son.”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Joel, “But Mom, I am your only
son.”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Me,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh yes.”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">In our world, Joel and I has the
most perfectly imperfect mother-son relationship.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The Perfect Marketing Department<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I used to push myself at work, with
my brain switched on almost 24 hours a day 7 days a week, thinking through
marketing plans, poking holes into every proposal that landed at my desk and
dreaming up of marketing content and ideas at every chance I got. Everything
that came out of my department had to be perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With 20 years of Marketing experience amassed
at some of the most prestigious blue chip companies, how can anything that I
touched be less than perfect? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
reality is, those years back then meant nothing if I refused to grow alongside
a world that had evolved with opportunities for others who might not have had the
relevant experience, skills nor qualifications, yet had the balls to create
brilliant marketing ideas that added value to the community. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They might not have been the most perfect
plans but they worked to our business and marketing objectives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When I lifted this myopic veil of egoistic
perceptions of what could be the perfect marketing plan, then I was able to uncover
the passion, tenacity, and authenticity of creative souls who merely wanted a
chance at making a difference through scope of work that I had initially claimed
as my own out of sheer arrogance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
accepted that there was no such thing as the most perfect marketing plan, I was
able to open my heart and mind to learn from others who did not have the same
skills and experience as I did.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">This made for a perfectly
imperfect working environment at which I got excited about every day when I
showed up for work.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The Perfect Home<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My housekeeper Evelyn had been
away for the past 3 weeks on vacation back to her hometown in the Philippines.
Knowing that I was not exactly a Domestic Diva and would not have been able to
tell the difference between the washing machine and the microwave oven, she set
aside some time before she left, to teach me how to use the appliances at home,
and pointed out where all the equipment and the washing liquids were kept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secretly, I was furious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could I not know how to upkeep my home,
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My pride caused my nose to get
dented out of bent when she wrote a timetable out for me to dictate when I
should have my bed linen changed, when the dogs needed their bath and which
capsule in the washing machine was for the laundry detergent and which one was
for the fabric softener.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When I recovered enough to tell my
ego to go to hell, I sat down with David and Joel to map out a plan to divide
and conquer the chores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the days went
by without Evelyn at home, I became more comfortable with the routine of
juggling all my priorities with the help of David and Joel. And I realized that
over time, I accepted that it was okay to not have a home that was perfectly
neat and tidy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I valued quality time
with the family over a sparkling clean kitchen. The pile of clean laundry that
needed ironing kept growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However I
was not pedantic about getting them all ironed and put away at a specific time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have better things to do, like spending
some good quality time with the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did, in the end, come back to a perfect home. It was a perfect home
with a family that was not stressed about a little speck of dust on the shelf,
or a white sock that had turned purple in the wash.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">As I wrote this post, I began to
love the imperfections within me and around me a lot more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best thing I did for myself in these
few months, was to wake up celebrating just being the imperfect me, appreciating
the imperfect people in this most imperfect world. </span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Combat Sports, she is also a freelance sports
writer on the side, contributing articles to several sports media. She
works in partnership with her husband, David Ash, who is an avid sports
photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ouo4ZotrBKc/VyCGtIuZFjI/AAAAAAABA8g/R25FDAok_9U/s640/blogger-image--1141198558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ouo4ZotrBKc/VyCGtIuZFjI/AAAAAAABA8g/R25FDAok_9U/s640/blogger-image--1141198558.jpg"></a></div>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com2Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.352083 103.81983600000001 1.352083 103.81983600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-78799288765533906792016-02-01T16:59:00.001-08:002016-02-02T18:24:05.924-08:00No Ego On Her Road To Glory<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The Prejudice Against Women In Combat Sports<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">A few months ago, my boxing coach had
planned a 3-week vacation to New York and told me that he would be leaving me
in the good hands of one of his trainers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was not too happy that he was leaving me at a time when I was already struggling
with specific technical issues with my jabs and left hook and depended totally
on him to work through the drills with me at each training session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was even more nervous when I found out that
the trainer he had assigned me to was a girl, Nurshahidah Roslie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered wailing, “A GIRL?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You got a girl to train me?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thought then that for 3 weeks, I might as well have taken a vacation
myself, indulged in a diet of pizzas and ice cream, and waited for the coach to
return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course my good sense took
over, and I was assured by everyone who heard about my doubts that Shahidah was
a national boxer who had represented Singapore in the SEA Games recently and
came with extensive boxing experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moreover,
she was also poised to be Singapore’s first female professional boxer when she
makes her professional debut at the World Boxing Foundation-sanctioned event,
Singapore Fighting Championship, on 20<sup>th</sup> February.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div><font size="2"><br></font></div><div><font size="2"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C1xgdXk6mlw/VrDBLSh7WOI/AAAAAAAA8qQ/okZtefK0YjM/s640/blogger-image-386102228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C1xgdXk6mlw/VrDBLSh7WOI/AAAAAAAA8qQ/okZtefK0YjM/s640/blogger-image-386102228.jpg"></a></div><br></font>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Fighters’ Ego<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I could explain where my
prejudice against women in combat sports came from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was driven by past
experiences when I had attempted to conduct interviews for my articles with
female boxers and MMA fighters. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ego was
often in the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The female fighters I
had encountered in the past almost always came into the ring with a chip on
their shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I disliked that,
particularly when I often remembered the wise words of my boxing coach who very
firmly insisted that we left our egos outside the gym at every training
session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My experience with female
fighters just ran contrary to that concept. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">An example was an interview with
an Asian female boxer who had transitioned to MMA in the past few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I contacted her for an interview, she <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dismissed me with responses like, “please talk
to my PR people as I am busy” and worse, “you can get a glimpse of me training through
my Facebook.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Subsequently, I was not sure whether to feel
sorry for her or to feel relief that that story had not been written because she
suffered a string of losses in a series of fights after that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Skills, talents, and experience often spoke
louder than Ego. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Having been intimately involved
with the combat industry through the fight photography and journalism work that
David and I had been doing these few years, what was pretty obvious to us was
that these fighters needed as much positive publicity as they could get,
particularly when their fight opportunities were sometimes far and few in
between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I would get quite disillusioned when I watched fighters display the more unpleasant side of
themselves across media. I have seen that with men, as much as with women in
combat sports and idealistic as I might be, I was sure as hell that I was not
going to have anything more to do with anyone in combat sports that came
packaged with a ribbon colored by Ego.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Inspiring Women In Combat Sports<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So when my coach unceremoniously
dumped a female boxing coach in the ring with me, I bristled with worry that Shahidah
would come into the coaching session with that chip on her shoulder I came to
associate female boxers with.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">On looking back though, and after
getting to know Shahidah better, I was quite embarrassed by my prejudice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reminded myself that I should not cast a
cloak of judgment across the industry just because of a couple of bad
lads and divas whom I had encountered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should instead stand by
my principles and my genuine intent to promote women in combat sports across my
social media platforms and even in the articles that I wrote. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I particularly had a soft spot for
those who had struggled through life and committed their energy and time to
combat sports as a positive outlet to inspire young women and children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was no secret that I was a big fan of Cris
Cyborg in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. She had a 15-1 professional MMA
record and in spite of the struggles that she had been through, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>had decided to use her talents to inspire
young ladies to embrace a life of fitness by launching her Pink Belt Fitness
program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another inspiring female in
combat sports that I admired was American boxer Mia St John who in her career
had 22 out of 23 wins with 1 draw and was the WBC super welterweight champion
defeating Christy Martin at the ripe old age of 45 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Who thinks age is a barrier in combat sport again ? </span>In her own right, she was not only a
successful boxer but also a model and businesswoman, proving to other
ladies, that she did not define herself by the opinions of others and made her
own way through life with her own bare hands, brains and a lot of tenacity.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So my prejudice was inexcusable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">First Singaporean Female Professional Boxer <o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The 3 weeks I spent with Shahidah
as she meticulously worked through techniques, speed and agility together with
me was an eye-opener.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This unassuming
lady who often sat quietly behind the counter at the gym was a dynamite in the
ring. No one should be at the end of her extremely powerful jab and left upper
cut combination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would know, I almost had
my jaw dislodged during a sparring session with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">During our training, we discussed
her dreams, her aspirations and her hopes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We spoke about her past, and how she had worked very hard to work
towards her dream of representing the country in boxing at the SEA Games in
2015. We talked at length about each other’s fears, anxieties, and
passions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly respected her humility
and her dedication to the goal of always being better than her current self so
that she could impart her skills and knowledge to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I often heard boxers telling me that they wanted to garner that championship belt in a few weight categories in succession, be champions multiple times over, or be the "greatest of them all". However all Shahidah wanted was to be a better boxer tomorrow than she was yesterday so that she could be part of the talent development of young boxers.</span></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When I told Shahidah about my
experience with female fighters in the past, she said, “Before anyone thinks of
picking up boxing, perfecting the techniques, garnering fame and glory, he or
she needs to have an attitude that is heart-driven and powered by determination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This attitude is NOT driven by ego and greed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sorry about your past experiences but
female boxers do need all the support that they can get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they have the right heart-driven attitude,
hopefully, the support for female boxers will start streaming in when people
like you can see the struggles and sacrifices we have made out of our love for
the sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping to see more
talented young female boxers stepping into the scene to represent Singapore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can only happen if people like you give
them as much support and publicity that they need.”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-uoab7Vths/VrDBQQPauQI/AAAAAAAA8qY/SVYDUntGiAQ/s640/blogger-image-156902018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-uoab7Vths/VrDBQQPauQI/AAAAAAAA8qY/SVYDUntGiAQ/s640/blogger-image-156902018.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Just A Girl<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When I started boxing, many
friends and relatives thought I was suffering from mid-life crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered a friend who said, “Joanna, you
have been an over-achiever all your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You want to do everything to prove something all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At your age, you have nothing to prove, so
why should you start boxing now?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had lots to prove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to prove that life should never have
limits no matter the circumstance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
thought objections would happen only to those who got into combat sports at a
later age, like myself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
Shahidah had her fair share of objections as well from her family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was after all, “just a girl”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than anything, they were worried for her
safety but knew that their objections would fall on deaf ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shahidah took her family’s reservations in
her stride, and instead of feeling dejected, she threw her energy behind her
passion because it was a sport that made her aware of her strength, and was in
awe of the discipline it had instilled in her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She even proved her family wrong about boxing being “a man’s sport” when
she started embracing her feminity even more and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>became more aware of the fact that as a female
boxer, she was inadvertently paving her way to be a role model for young up and
coming female boxers too.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Obstacles<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Life as a female boxer in general,
was already not easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was even harder
when one is a female boxer in Singapore, where fight opportunities for female boxers were limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shahidah spent hours training at the gym for the last 8 years, craving
for as much fight experience as she could get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, fight opportunities here were far and few in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She prayed silently to be called up for
matches and “just trained and waited, while bearing with the emptiness.” She was keen to get out there, push the envelope and raise that bar to develop her skills further but she often waited a very long time.</span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Another obstacle she had to
overcome was money. Shahidah was practical enough to know that she needed to
work to earn a decent living, mindful also that what she earned had to be enough also to cover any medical costs incurred in the event that she had sustained injuries during her fights. However, work sometimes got in the
way of her training schedule so she had to strike a delicate balance between
work, training and rest. That was one of her biggest hurdles.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The Big Break<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Shahidah’s big break came when she
was selected to represent Singapore in the SEA Games in 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got another glimpse of her humility and down to
earth attitude when she told me that all she wanted to do was to train very
hard so that she would not let down those who had invested time and energy on
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was keen on putting up a good
fight. And her sportsmanship shone through when she said, “Whether I won or
lost the fight, what was important to me was that I had given my heart and soul
into putting up the fight of my life for my country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a start, I felt honored to represent
Singapore and that experience had shown me that the years of sacrifice and hard
work was all well worth my effort.”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Training With The Best<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Shahidah attributed the support
she got on her boxing journey to our coach, Arvind from Juggernaut Fight
Club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a lot of respect for a
coach that stood by his proteges “as if they were family.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “He was the only coach I know who
would give more than100% to help his boxers. In the business of fight sports, he
went through a lot of struggles, yet he found the means to develop athletes
with his heart. There are times we do not agree with each other but at the end
of the day, his heart had always been in the right place.” I resonated with that because I saw that with my own eyes with each of the boxers he had trained including the other national boxers Leong Jun Hao and Tai Jia Wei.</span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G6Ikl-3B1Vo/VrDBGHttYMI/AAAAAAAA8qI/_FHyhJEuBNc/s640/blogger-image--679099851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G6Ikl-3B1Vo/VrDBGHttYMI/AAAAAAAA8qI/_FHyhJEuBNc/s640/blogger-image--679099851.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Easy To Pick Up, Hard To Master<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My almost 2 years of boxing
training had been a long and difficult journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many times, I wanted to run out of the gym, admit defeat and just give
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, David, my coach, and my gym
mates had always been my biggest critiques and yet my biggest supporters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I shared that thought with Shahidah, she
knew exactly what I meant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shahidah’s
experience with boxing was dotted with an equal amount of joy, tears, hardship,
defeat and victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In her words, the
sport was “easy to pick up but hard to master.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her learning was a continuous journey and each time she entered the
ring, the bar would be set higher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Ultimately, Shahidah hopes to be
ranked in the world before she stops competing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She also hopes to be actively involved in the process of scouting boxing
talent and training them to be better than she was.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Shahidah won me with her authenticity
and her humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have developed a
better understanding of the struggles and sacrifices that boxers make, particularly
with female boxers like her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only do
I have a lot more respect for females in combat sports now, I have even more
respect for each minute I spent in the ring with my coach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be a long and hard journey for me, but
it is even harder for boxers like Shahidah who are committed to making boxing a
professional career.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Singapore Fighting Championship<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Shahidah will make history as
Singapore’s first professional boxer. She makes her professional debut at the
second instalment of Singapore Fighting Championship on 20<sup>th</sup>
February.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The event is sanctioned by the
World Boxing Foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more
information about the event, do visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/singaporefightingchampionships/"><span style="color: #0000aa;">https://www.facebook.com/singaporefightingchampionships/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<b><i>Photo credits: All Photos accompanying this post were provided by David Ash, www.SingaporeMaven.com @SingaporeMaven</i></b><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><u><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></u></a></span><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-49530667331656861002016-01-20T00:22:00.000-08:002016-01-22T14:46:22.327-08:00A Tale Of 2 Cities And 2 Families
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">A Tale Of 2 Cities<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Although I have been back from my
vacation in Sarawak for 2 weeks now, my heart is still there, buried somewhere
in the depths of the forests at Rancan Waterfall.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XqOEP7cju4Q/Vp9PmOTAw6I/AAAAAAAA8K0/XhK4wqpfO3E/s640/blogger-image--11533117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XqOEP7cju4Q/Vp9PmOTAw6I/AAAAAAAA8K0/XhK4wqpfO3E/s640/blogger-image--11533117.jpg"></a></div><br></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I came home with a truck load of indigenously-
grown spices and produce like pepper, Kuching Laksa paste and Olives from
Sibu which Mom insisted on lugging across seas back to Singapore. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure, what is it about travelling,
that compels people to do strange things, like carrying 20 boxes of pineapple
tarts back to Singapore, only to watch 19 boxes disappear into the hands of
relatives and friends before our eyes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTT3LHn5TEc/Vp9PzRKJV-I/AAAAAAAA8LM/0jwIcWEjuSI/s640/blogger-image-542081796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTT3LHn5TEc/Vp9PzRKJV-I/AAAAAAAA8LM/0jwIcWEjuSI/s640/blogger-image-542081796.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I amassed some wonderful memories
of the wildlife reserves and other places of interests that I still talk fondly
about, and am planning a wildlife photography trek through the forests some
time with David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AaQ_2Cab0Kg/Vp9PqlBzTpI/AAAAAAAA8K8/WfDGb9E-kPg/s640/blogger-image--1853249937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AaQ_2Cab0Kg/Vp9PqlBzTpI/AAAAAAAA8K8/WfDGb9E-kPg/s640/blogger-image--1853249937.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Most importantly, I came home also
with new familial connections formed as I was introduced to my extended family
in Sarawak and was reconnected to familiar ones that I had not seen in more
than 40 years. This was the tipping point in my trip because, it played an important
role in helping me connect the familial dots between Singapore, Sarawak and
Sibu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past, whatever stories told
by Granny about Sarawak and Sibu did not make sense to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seemed to be lifted out of 2 separate
story books written by several authors all at once. Now, I know better, and it
made it more difficult for me to write this blog post but I did promise myself
that in 2016, I would CELEBRATE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
this post was a way I would celebrate family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I celebrate being part of a new extended family, with new-found uncles,
aunts and cousins. I celebrate being part of a rich familial history that dated
back to an enterprising young man who came from China to Borneo many years ago
to eke a living and build a new home and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This man’s blood courses through me enough to
tell the story that I had picked up from the discussions with my Grandmother, Mom
and my Aunts. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Great Grandfather <o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The story began with my Great
Grandfather, Kho Eng Khng, who like many immigrants in his time, came to “Nanyang” or South
East Asia by boat to build a life leveraging the abundant opportunities and natural
resources it offered.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R0QjHnp1xyM/Vp9U-ocYRVI/AAAAAAAA8Lc/zSjVf-r-Vz8/s640/blogger-image--1299528631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R0QjHnp1xyM/Vp9U-ocYRVI/AAAAAAAA8Lc/zSjVf-r-Vz8/s640/blogger-image--1299528631.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qVtdlTkA_3o/Vp9VDQeap2I/AAAAAAAA8Lk/N14ZTjBnK_M/s640/blogger-image-1144310686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qVtdlTkA_3o/Vp9VDQeap2I/AAAAAAAA8Lk/N14ZTjBnK_M/s640/blogger-image-1144310686.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Great Grandfather met and married
my Great Grandmother in Kuching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
the only daughter in the family and was gifted 2 bangles by her father at the wedding.
She gave Great Grandfather one of the bangles as a gift which he had very
cleverly used to invest in his business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He started a textile business under the brand Nan Chi which when
translated, means Southern City. The brandname Nan Chi was a meaningful one
because it reflected Great Grandfather’s commitment to the city of Kuching. He
grew his business on the bedrock of economic growth and development in Kuching then, at the South of the river in Sarawak, and this city had been adopted as his home, where
he raised his family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nan
Chi operated out of a 3-storey shop house and that business became highly
successful and expanded beyond his wildest dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of his love for nature, he started a
landscaping business operating out of Nan Chi Garden which had also become very
successful.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HP1gpLhYX8U/Vp9Pu54xSrI/AAAAAAAA8LE/6HSBGzs-nYQ/s640/blogger-image-1412193738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HP1gpLhYX8U/Vp9Pu54xSrI/AAAAAAAA8LE/6HSBGzs-nYQ/s640/blogger-image-1412193738.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div><font size="2"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vjB942eNSdg/Vp95Sm95zdI/AAAAAAAA8L8/zgPe9L1Ihio/s640/blogger-image-885280908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vjB942eNSdg/Vp95Sm95zdI/AAAAAAAA8L8/zgPe9L1Ihio/s640/blogger-image-885280908.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><font size="2"><br></font>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Great Grandmother<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">By this time, Great Grandfather
and Great Grandmother had 4 children, 3 daughters and a son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of these daughters, the youngest was my
Granny.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WlLMRfVeXmg/VqKxPBPOyeI/AAAAAAAA8R8/CIfaF5u7xTQ/s640/blogger-image--2004084788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WlLMRfVeXmg/VqKxPBPOyeI/AAAAAAAA8R8/CIfaF5u7xTQ/s640/blogger-image--2004084788.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><i>Great Grandmother with Mom</i> <br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When the kids were in school one
day and my Great Grandmother was at home, a man from the local immigration
office dropped by the house and told my Great Grandmother that she had to sign
some immigration papers to allow for the passage of my Great Grandfather’s
relative from China to Sarawak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Great
Grandmother could not read, speak or write English yet she surrendered to the
concept of spousal duty by affixing her thumbprint on the dotted line, and
unwittingly agreed for my Great Grandfather’s first wife from China to relocate
to Sarawak.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">While my Grandmother’s story
veered towards the perception that Great Grandmother was just ignorant, I on
the other hand believed that Great Grandmother loved my Great Grandfather so
much that she just wanted to do what she thought was right for him.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div><font size="2"><br></font></div><div><font size="2"><br></font>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The Other Great Grandmother<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So with the new situation created
by that thumbprint, 2 families headed by 1 man with 2 wives co-existed in that
3 storey shophouse at Nan Chi. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
were the days, when practicality took over and any negative emotions about the
awkward situation were just cast aside out of spousal duty from both women to
keep my Great Grandfather happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The household now consisted of my
Great Grandmother with her 4 children, my step Great Grandmother with her 8
children and my Great Grandfather who was perhaps the happiest man within this complex
scenario.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When step Great Grandmother moved
in, my Great Grandmother and the 4 children had to pack up and move to the 3<sup>rd</sup>
floor of the shophouse while my step Great Grandmother and the 8 children moved
to the 2<sup>nd</sup> floor of the shop house with my Great Grandfather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In an Asian family, the first wife of course took
precedence in importance and rank, hence Great Grandmother had no choice but to
comply with the social rules.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div><div><font size="2"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-31xAto5K__w/Vp9VH5Z3sEI/AAAAAAAA8Ls/SEeoOe30xR0/s640/blogger-image-1175401306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-31xAto5K__w/Vp9VH5Z3sEI/AAAAAAAA8Ls/SEeoOe30xR0/s640/blogger-image-1175401306.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><font size="2"><br></font></div><div><font size="2"><br></font>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The Relocation To Sibu<o:p></o:p></span></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I must have got my rebellious
streak from Great Grandmother who not long after, decided that these social
rules were bullshit and there just could not be 2 queens in a household. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, Grandmother did not quite say that but I
thought that was the best way to describe it in my words. The truth however, was that Great Grandmother's eldest daughter got married and moved to the neighboring city of Sibu. Her son had also moved to Sibu due to work. What else had she then in Kuching? So Great Grandmother bundled the remaining 2 kids and moved to Sibu too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">To my Great Grandfather’s credit,
he did divide his time between both homes in Sibu and Kuching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accounts about their lives in Sibu related by
my Grandmother also convinced me that my Great Grandmother’s life in Sibu was a
better one, surrounded by the kids who grew up to be highly successful people
in their own right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her 3 daughters, my
2 Grand Aunts and my Grandmother relocated to Singapore eventually.
<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Luckily Grandmother had settled in
Singapore when she married my Grandfather and these are the reasons why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am truly convinced that the food in Sarawak
is much better than that in Singapore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My diet failed in epic proportions when I was holidaying in Sarawak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly, Mom told me that her uncle, Great
Grandmother’s only son, had the fondness of knocking her head with his knuckles
to punish her for running around the estate “like a ruffian” when she was very
young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I would have a huge dent in my head if I had grown up there too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Granduncle would be sending a search party
through the forests and up trees to look for me.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Finally, Grandmother is now the
only daughter left to tell me the tale of my Great Grandfather, my Great Grandmother
and my step Great Grandmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were many positive stories as well as negative stories that she had related to
my mother and I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot begin to
imagine what must have coursed through my Great Grandmother’s mind when she realized
that her beloved husband actually had another wife before her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must have been difficult to explain to the
kids, why they had to move up a dark set of stairs into the 3<sup>rd</sup> storey
of the shophouse to make way for a “stranger” in the home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must have been a difficult decision that
my Great Grandmother made to leave the marital home, pack up 2 kids lock, stock and barrel and move
to another city to join her 2 other kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Sh</span>e must have known it would alter the lives of everyone
involved in that move.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, these did not matter now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Great Grandfather and his complex life of
2 wives, 2 families and 2 cities eventually was just a story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its complexity was not remotely far from the
complexity of what modern families go through in their daily lives of managing home,
career, and family life.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">What was more important though,
was that I honor this family and this legacy that my Great Grandfather had built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Underlying all that, I celebrate the
strength and courage of the womenfolk in this family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I think about my Great Grandmother, my
Grandmother and Mom, I only see strength from the difficult decisions they had
to make, the rocky paths they had to walk, the painful stories as well as the
happy stories they lived to tell.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">For this and more, I am truly
grateful to be his Great Granddaughter.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 21px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 21px;"><b><i>Acknowledgement: The old photographs of my Great Grandfather and his family that accompanied this article was provided with much thanks from my Aunties Sharon and Judy Kho. The details within this article were woven from stories related to me by my Grandmother, Mom, my uncles and my aunts from Sarawak.<br></i></b></span>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
</div></div>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-49677253041189493142016-01-15T01:14:00.001-08:002016-01-15T07:56:09.923-08:00Celebrate Real Moments In 2016<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Resolutions<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Everyone I know, seemed to have
armed themselves with a well thought through resolution to kick start the New
Year with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have friends who are
already in the midst of working on their respective resolutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them took up water painting, another
decided to step up her fitness regime with supposedly the latest and greatest fitness
plan. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet another one had decided to de-clutter
and went on a spree to throw out everything useless that she had hoarded over
the years including facebook friends and a boyfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I thought hard about a
resolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not quite have one
because I was already on a fitness regime. I did not hoard anything apart from
shoes which really, isn’t hoarding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are a necessity. I was doing what I could to save money and be more prudent
with my spending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lead a fairly
well-balanced life between work and personal commitments and I did have some
hobbies.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">However, if I thought about a word
that could guide what I wanted to experience this New Year, I thought of the
word Celebrate.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Reprioritization<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Last year, my year was very much
about health and fitness. After a spate of surgeries and health scares, I threw
myself into a rabid regime that saw me working out every day under the
supervision of specialized trainers. Health and fitness became a way of life
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was more conscious about what
I ate, how much rest I had, and intensity of my fitness regime. Indeed I
prioritized my health and fitness above everything else and struck a fine
balance in the way I invested my time and energy at work and at the gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose to reprioritize my life to take care
of myself better, and I believed I had done a remarkable job with that.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">However, the impetus to take care
of myself was not the only factor that led to the re-adjustment of my priorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2015 saw the passing of my Dad, the
enlistment of Joel into the army, and restructuring within my team at work. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">These, quite abruptly forced me
into the unfamiliar territory of needing to let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As one who took charge and controlled almost
everything in my life, learning to let go was difficult, but I adapted to the
situations by readjusting my priorities once again.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When I once defined my life with
my career, I now defined it by how well my family was taken care of and how
much time I could spend with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
would explain my frequent travels with David to support his sports photography
work by teaming up with him as his writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I turned down a lot of social engagements and tarot reading and teaching
opportunities over the weekends to spend time with my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having lunch with Mom and attending mass with
Joel every Sunday were important rituals for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family came first.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So 2015 was a year I acknowledged
what mattered to me most and shifted my priorities accordingly.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">What then, would be my theme for
2016?<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Celebrate<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Naturally, the only thing that
could evolve from a fairly eventful 2015 that forced me to reprioritize my life
was to celebrate each moment and each experience, no matter how big or small,
no matter how good or bad. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When Dad passed on, I shifted my
perception of his passing, from one of loss to one that celebrated his life and
his love.</span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p>When Mom was anxious about Granny's frailty, I thought about how we had celebrated Granny's 85th birthday recently and she still looked fabulous for her age. I hope that when I do reach 85 years of age, I would look like her. Granny was a woman full of courage and if you had heard her stories, even you would celebrate Granny's life full of adventures.</o:p></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IoZDg9jXNPY/Vpi3p-BlmgI/AAAAAAAA7xI/r2grCIqJgJ8/s640/blogger-image-1664670395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IoZDg9jXNPY/Vpi3p-BlmgI/AAAAAAAA7xI/r2grCIqJgJ8/s640/blogger-image-1664670395.jpg"></a></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When Joel enlisted into the army, I
was worried about his lack of fitness and possible inability to adjust to a new
life in the army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However when I saw him
enjoying army life, making new friends, learning new skills and coming home
fitter each weekend, I shifted that perception from one of worry to pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I celebrated Joel’s courage, openness and
sense of adventure.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P_Egn3F9e0E/Vpi3aY2kg9I/AAAAAAAA7ww/-T0lhmg1Fn4/s640/blogger-image-753953555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P_Egn3F9e0E/Vpi3aY2kg9I/AAAAAAAA7ww/-T0lhmg1Fn4/s640/blogger-image-753953555.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When I was forced to restructure
my department and I lost 2 staff in the process, I shifted my perception of
that loss to one that celebrated the opportunity for these team members to
develop new skills and be exposed to a wider scope of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When David and I started getting
more involved in sports photography and sports journalism beyond combat sports,
we got the opportunity to do even more exciting work at the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2015 SEA Games and the 2015 Asian Para Games. Even
though our free time had been reduced significantly, these assignments pulled
us closer together as a couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
celebrated the closer relationship fostered because we worked the beat as Team
Ash and will continue to do so.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JYapPJanz1I/Vpi3fDYb8-I/AAAAAAAA7w4/S6wmDx9FNec/s640/blogger-image-1379196883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JYapPJanz1I/Vpi3fDYb8-I/AAAAAAAA7w4/S6wmDx9FNec/s640/blogger-image-1379196883.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My theme for 2016 then, would be
Celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am more than ready to celebrate
the good times and will be just as ready to celebrate difficult ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I celebrate family and good friends, the
close relationships we foster and the spats and squabbles we may have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In fact, I started the year off by paying a long overdue visit to Granny's hometown of Kuching in Sarawak and reconnected with my extended family whom I had not seen in more than 40 years. Now that deserved a celebration.</span></span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8dC41X5XpR8/Vpi51GNTnFI/AAAAAAAA7xU/wqSSjQdP--4/s640/blogger-image-507817746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8dC41X5XpR8/Vpi51GNTnFI/AAAAAAAA7xU/wqSSjQdP--4/s640/blogger-image-507817746.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"> I celebrate every moment, how big or how
small because these are all opportunities to enrich my life this year. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_DcN1xJuoEc/Vpi3jhg5lYI/AAAAAAAA7xA/PSUnr4XeZQA/s640/blogger-image-279892308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_DcN1xJuoEc/Vpi3jhg5lYI/AAAAAAAA7xA/PSUnr4XeZQA/s640/blogger-image-279892308.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-61024048746251286282016-01-02T08:08:00.001-08:002016-01-15T07:55:37.241-08:00A Road Trip With Mom To Rediscover My RootsMom and I are currently on vacation together in Sarawak. It was Mom's idea to reacquaint me back to my family roots because Granny was originally from Kuching and Mom had spent her days as a little girl in Sibu and Kuching.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uO5bhbwHyY0/VogAGRuW65I/AAAAAAAA7B8/5i8iQf2saiU/s640/blogger-image--274523793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uO5bhbwHyY0/VogAGRuW65I/AAAAAAAA7B8/5i8iQf2saiU/s640/blogger-image--274523793.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Our trip was a whirlwind of visits with so many relatives, some I never knew I had. </div><div><br></div><div>In Sibu, I got to visit Uncle Cameron and Aunty Shirley and realised Uncle Cameron had a crazier hobby than I had. He collected replica guns and rifles and all sorts of military paraphernalia.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IfUY7z0TRp0/Vof1JTG6_9I/AAAAAAAA6_E/MAVUrkAW7OU/s640/blogger-image--498701612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IfUY7z0TRp0/Vof1JTG6_9I/AAAAAAAA6_E/MAVUrkAW7OU/s640/blogger-image--498701612.jpg"></a></div><b><i>With Uncle Cameron and Aunty Shirley</i></b></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-maCmPKBgSeY/Vof6uPswe-I/AAAAAAAA7BQ/jxiuU_bBJeQ/s640/blogger-image--103534201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-maCmPKBgSeY/Vof6uPswe-I/AAAAAAAA7BQ/jxiuU_bBJeQ/s640/blogger-image--103534201.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Uncle Cameron's collection of military paraphernalia </i></b></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I visited a grand aunt who at her age, had remembered me, but I could not remember her. It was so embarrassing.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-etsW3UJG0oE/Vof2FBMKy-I/AAAAAAAA7AM/M5O0rhH1ZrU/s640/blogger-image-1293424076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-etsW3UJG0oE/Vof2FBMKy-I/AAAAAAAA7AM/M5O0rhH1ZrU/s640/blogger-image-1293424076.jpg"></a></div><b><i>My Grand Aunt from Sibu</i></b></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>And I met another Uncle and his Wife. He also has as crazy a hobby as I have. He rears fighting cocks. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O5V4OpzM7vI/Vof045qOFKI/AAAAAAAA6-s/KnK41G6Pvn8/s640/blogger-image--1530959606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O5V4OpzM7vI/Vof045qOFKI/AAAAAAAA6-s/KnK41G6Pvn8/s640/blogger-image--1530959606.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Uncle Ah Siong and his Wife</i></b> </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ea-lGuL62g/Vof64y5oe7I/AAAAAAAA7Bg/LR5x0uXv7yQ/s640/blogger-image--612459406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ea-lGuL62g/Vof64y5oe7I/AAAAAAAA7Bg/LR5x0uXv7yQ/s640/blogger-image--612459406.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Uncle Ah Siong's er..pet fighting cocks</i></b></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>In Kuching, my aunts were our tour guides.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qq6C6NsHHts/Vof1o6cn3pI/AAAAAAAA6_k/E7HezHwK3-M/s640/blogger-image-189968484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qq6C6NsHHts/Vof1o6cn3pI/AAAAAAAA6_k/E7HezHwK3-M/s640/blogger-image-189968484.jpg"></a></div><b><i>With Aunty Ah Meng and Aunty Sharon. Without them and their trusty little old car, Mom and I would be quite lost</i></b>.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>As I had visited Kuching with Mom and Granny when I was 4 years old, I still had vivid memories of my grand uncle's home, running around his huge compound and watching him tend to his orchids. Grand Uncle often brought me out for walks by the river too. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Returning to grand uncle's home today opened the floodgates of memories for Mom and I.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RB1RqrbftRY/Vof1j8YuOPI/AAAAAAAA6_c/q-7IfaX_dbQ/s640/blogger-image-1994576767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RB1RqrbftRY/Vof1j8YuOPI/AAAAAAAA6_c/q-7IfaX_dbQ/s640/blogger-image-1994576767.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>At the veranda of Granduncle's home..same spot, same person, 40 odd years apart</i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CrO1NHp6OmI/Vof1_vOUh0I/AAAAAAAA7AE/u7lLQsXehak/s640/blogger-image-1312206704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CrO1NHp6OmI/Vof1_vOUh0I/AAAAAAAA7AE/u7lLQsXehak/s640/blogger-image-1312206704.jpg"></a></div><i><b> Granduncle's home</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We took the opportunity to see the rest of Kuching. Many places that my aunts took us to was a first for me.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ENid_QZV6R0/Vof1z0mqN-I/AAAAAAAA6_0/zndfy_BfEQk/s640/blogger-image-368865367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ENid_QZV6R0/Vof1z0mqN-I/AAAAAAAA6_0/zndfy_BfEQk/s640/blogger-image-368865367.jpg"></a></div>A<b><i>t Ching San Buddhist Temple. Granduncle and Grandaunt took Mom here often when she was younger</i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mfun8gguKTE/Vof1EXLD_LI/AAAAAAAA6-8/6cHI2mNlnfI/s640/blogger-image--483239077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mfun8gguKTE/Vof1EXLD_LI/AAAAAAAA6-8/6cHI2mNlnfI/s640/blogger-image--483239077.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Admiring the waterfall at the temple grounds</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TMtOZGEMwzw/Vof15PzSflI/AAAAAAAA6_8/GtZ_8VcU9T8/s640/blogger-image--1176167179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TMtOZGEMwzw/Vof15PzSflI/AAAAAAAA6_8/GtZ_8VcU9T8/s640/blogger-image--1176167179.jpg"></a></div><b><i>At Kubah National Park. I</i></b> <i style="font-weight: bold;">love the smell of the forests</i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> For Mom, I was glad some of the places we visited was a first for her.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-48FxMkrycfY/Vof0_BPjXoI/AAAAAAAA6-0/Xza04Z-8Mcc/s640/blogger-image-1410383052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-48FxMkrycfY/Vof0_BPjXoI/AAAAAAAA6-0/Xza04Z-8Mcc/s640/blogger-image-1410383052.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Kubah National Park</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5NUvt8Sqd9Y/Vof1ufxMMmI/AAAAAAAA6_s/WMJ635bssM8/s640/blogger-image--1175380028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5NUvt8Sqd9Y/Vof1ufxMMmI/AAAAAAAA6_s/WMJ635bssM8/s640/blogger-image--1175380028.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Tengah Air</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gChMvxrhtoc/Vof1evOxa1I/AAAAAAAA6_U/pHkV0QFMHMs/s640/blogger-image-1051282900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gChMvxrhtoc/Vof1evOxa1I/AAAAAAAA6_U/pHkV0QFMHMs/s640/blogger-image-1051282900.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Textile Museum</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qNB-E-fgfcI/Vof6lB77rKI/AAAAAAAA7BA/FQDNA0uTJ_0/s640/blogger-image-1433377468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qNB-E-fgfcI/Vof6lB77rKI/AAAAAAAA7BA/FQDNA0uTJ_0/s640/blogger-image-1433377468.jpg"></a></div><b><i>The cousins at the Chinese History Museum</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We originally travelled to Semenggoh Wildlife Reserve but was told that because of the fruit season, Orangutans could hardly be seen in the vicinity. So we drove in the opposite direction and visited Matang Wildlife Reserve instead.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pDrLM3_YInc/Vof1O9b_OmI/AAAAAAAA6_M/7GCgi9rgUt0/s640/blogger-image--2129218021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pDrLM3_YInc/Vof1O9b_OmI/AAAAAAAA6_M/7GCgi9rgUt0/s640/blogger-image--2129218021.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Matang Wildlife Reserve. This guy's name is Dr. Kok</i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Of all the places I had visited, the Fairy Cave was the most magical place to be at. I enjoyed it most. The trek up to the top of the cave was not Mom's cup of tea so we had decided to climb halfway up and head down again. A torch and proper shoes are needed for this visit.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NcqNdFDErEE/VojkQGWTHJI/AAAAAAAA7C4/YDkx0CZWBbc/s640/blogger-image--476581097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NcqNdFDErEE/VojkQGWTHJI/AAAAAAAA7C4/YDkx0CZWBbc/s640/blogger-image--476581097.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>We climbed up the Fairy Cave situated in a little town outside of Kuching called Bau</i></b>.</div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYRew8YTOxY/VojkKttlwuI/AAAAAAAA7Cw/3Rq2LyF6TwE/s640/blogger-image-750445887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYRew8YTOxY/VojkKttlwuI/AAAAAAAA7Cw/3Rq2LyF6TwE/s640/blogger-image-750445887.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Throughout my entire stay in Kuching, the Fairy Cave was my Favourite visit</i></b>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-clTBMW-tN6o/Vojj6m7IC3I/AAAAAAAA7CY/-9-p6rl9X2o/s640/blogger-image--272462935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-clTBMW-tN6o/Vojj6m7IC3I/AAAAAAAA7CY/-9-p6rl9X2o/s640/blogger-image--272462935.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Next time I must remember to wear my trail shoes and bring a torch</i></b>.</div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The gold mining town of Bau still has gold left to mine. Some areas were protected by armed Guards. Nonetheless, the lake was beautiful.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DQEIXHJvhZM/VojkcksR8KI/AAAAAAAA7DI/wT2BSpGZNss/s640/blogger-image--621133711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DQEIXHJvhZM/VojkcksR8KI/AAAAAAAA7DI/wT2BSpGZNss/s640/blogger-image--621133711.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>Tasik Biru or Blue Lake was a gold mining haven before. In fact, the town of Bau is still a gold mining town.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><br></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><br></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S0nUL9MCDUc/Vojj_BDbKYI/AAAAAAAA7Cg/UuUa_wS4SXg/s640/blogger-image--1017067803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S0nUL9MCDUc/Vojj_BDbKYI/AAAAAAAA7Cg/UuUa_wS4SXg/s640/blogger-image--1017067803.jpg"></a></div>I<b><i>s there gold in there?</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We drove through ate old town of Siniawan. Let's say, I was expecting a horse and cart parked nearby. The street was like the set of an old movie. It looked also like 1950s Singapore.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PvpK35OMAJs/VojkEptYRWI/AAAAAAAA7Co/nlIW1LVzLFs/s640/blogger-image--2040376548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PvpK35OMAJs/VojkEptYRWI/AAAAAAAA7Co/nlIW1LVzLFs/s640/blogger-image--2040376548.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Part of the old town of Siniawan just outside Kuching</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8V2jGGJEf20/VojkhLr1qHI/AAAAAAAA7DQ/ms8wL0m7h1w/s640/blogger-image-1755140021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8V2jGGJEf20/VojkhLr1qHI/AAAAAAAA7DQ/ms8wL0m7h1w/s640/blogger-image-1755140021.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><b><i>It</i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> looks like 1950s Singapore. Very quaint</i>.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xVEsHifvLA0/VojkWu6forI/AAAAAAAA7DA/16zlPUx7LDk/s640/blogger-image--371383377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xVEsHifvLA0/VojkWu6forI/AAAAAAAA7DA/16zlPUx7LDk/s640/blogger-image--371383377.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Siniawan</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We browsed through rows of local produce at the Sunday Market. Besides selling the usual fish, meat and vegetables, it also had plants, flowers, birds and cooked food.</span></div></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nuutm2FHYTA/Vojj1SbpedI/AAAAAAAA7CQ/-bwvZ14BTmk/s640/blogger-image--1505214529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nuutm2FHYTA/Vojj1SbpedI/AAAAAAAA7CQ/-bwvZ14BTmk/s640/blogger-image--1505214529.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b><i> Mom bought a lot of Sibu-grown olives at the Sunday Market</i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IF46jRIyEik/VojrAZOYAlI/AAAAAAAA7E8/31N4nXrf6eY/s640/blogger-image-1381898856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IF46jRIyEik/VojrAZOYAlI/AAAAAAAA7E8/31N4nXrf6eY/s640/blogger-image-1381898856.jpg"></a></div><b><i>All manner of local fruits can be found here</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L0ZAwMxMt38/VojroyxW6uI/AAAAAAAA7Fw/_Aya5bs-Rss/s640/blogger-image-1849854092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L0ZAwMxMt38/VojroyxW6uI/AAAAAAAA7Fw/_Aya5bs-Rss/s640/blogger-image-1849854092.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Rows of local produce </i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XCAYPYshMz8/VojpdVQDjmI/AAAAAAAA7EA/TjweUm_KDsU/s640/blogger-image-1509804967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XCAYPYshMz8/VojpdVQDjmI/AAAAAAAA7EA/TjweUm_KDsU/s640/blogger-image-1509804967.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Plants and flowers sold at the Sunday Market. Looked like a garden centre.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0zqazn53Km0/VojrXs9V1zI/AAAAAAAA7Fo/279QIXv-Syo/s640/blogger-image--1850628457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0zqazn53Km0/VojrXs9V1zI/AAAAAAAA7Fo/279QIXv-Syo/s640/blogger-image--1850628457.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Even birds are sold at the market. Yes, they are sold to bird lovers as pets, and not for food. I checked</i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MpbodvZPLmw/VojqlYBsaKI/AAAAAAAA7Es/jogKnfdM09U/s640/blogger-image-964257660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MpbodvZPLmw/VojqlYBsaKI/AAAAAAAA7Es/jogKnfdM09U/s640/blogger-image-964257660.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Wow! These birds are so beautiful! So elegant</i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zQWcJ1K5a64/Vojqp4LXFbI/AAAAAAAA7E0/gLVkb-5zpoE/s640/blogger-image--1637780746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zQWcJ1K5a64/Vojqp4LXFbI/AAAAAAAA7E0/gLVkb-5zpoE/s640/blogger-image--1637780746.jpg"></a></div>I<b><i> believe these are quails. Quails eggs are nutritious</i></b>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8EH0AGE1zkg/VojrFeElhJI/AAAAAAAA7FE/KtZQoo0xS1o/s640/blogger-image-2097351158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8EH0AGE1zkg/VojrFeElhJI/AAAAAAAA7FE/KtZQoo0xS1o/s640/blogger-image-2097351158.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Weird looking local vegetable called Bidin</i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VbvgNeDmv4/VojrOI8u6kI/AAAAAAAA7FU/2Lh7K-LvTcs/s640/blogger-image--1019554017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VbvgNeDmv4/VojrOI8u6kI/AAAAAAAA7FU/2Lh7K-LvTcs/s640/blogger-image--1019554017.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Even wierder local vegetable. Unidentifiable</i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D-qKPE_h9KY/VojrS3qP-_I/AAAAAAAA7Fc/Hp1e8T-Qul0/s640/blogger-image--581099388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D-qKPE_h9KY/VojrS3qP-_I/AAAAAAAA7Fc/Hp1e8T-Qul0/s640/blogger-image--581099388.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Cooked food were sold at the market too. These are rolls of rice steamed in banana leaves</i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6jR8i5gMzfA/VojrzXeuGiI/AAAAAAAA7GA/Wa9jDkiCW-0/s640/blogger-image--2020084092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6jR8i5gMzfA/VojrzXeuGiI/AAAAAAAA7GA/Wa9jDkiCW-0/s640/blogger-image--2020084092.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Kueh Lapis or Layer Cake in a multitude of hues and flavors</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IBQPkcvOi8k/Vojkl7ZpDsI/AAAAAAAA7DY/gzG0k-Blbi0/s640/blogger-image-503284242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IBQPkcvOi8k/Vojkl7ZpDsI/AAAAAAAA7DY/gzG0k-Blbi0/s640/blogger-image-503284242.jpg"></a><b><i> </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>With my Cousin Dennis, our trusted tour guide who brought us for a drive to the outskirts of Kuching.</i></b></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jong's crocodile farm was a delightful visit. There were more animals than crocodiles that were provided as natural a habitat as they could have, so they could thrive in the grounds. It was like a mini zoo with a Sun Bear, Bear Cat, iguanas, monitor lizards, tortoise, civet cat, owls, monkeys, and all kinds of birds.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FU2wZtJj_Aw/VovDQ-XBSAI/AAAAAAAA7O0/4GmaI_0oJ4c/s640/blogger-image-1365895439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FU2wZtJj_Aw/VovDQ-XBSAI/AAAAAAAA7O0/4GmaI_0oJ4c/s640/blogger-image-1365895439.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>This guy was saved from an Indonesian trader. His name is Pak Indon.</i></b></div></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IYh2ojan19I/VovDJb2TTRI/AAAAAAAA7Os/Prw2WbPxJUw/s640/blogger-image-559540070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IYh2ojan19I/VovDJb2TTRI/AAAAAAAA7Os/Prw2WbPxJUw/s640/blogger-image-559540070.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Siesta after lunch.</i></b></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TJLhFMtRk28/VouQz6m9f7I/AAAAAAAA7Nk/qhkpEub5i9o/s640/blogger-image-1831394148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TJLhFMtRk28/VouQz6m9f7I/AAAAAAAA7Nk/qhkpEub5i9o/s640/blogger-image-1831394148.jpg"></a></div><b><i>The Dwarf Cayman- The small fry opened his mouth pretending to act fierce.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6sa1fWydv0M/VovCy_8cy_I/AAAAAAAA7OM/SqkG57RFqYQ/s640/blogger-image-282739614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6sa1fWydv0M/VovCy_8cy_I/AAAAAAAA7OM/SqkG57RFqYQ/s640/blogger-image-282739614.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Pea hen?</i></b></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQoF9bpPiVQ/VovDD6d4GhI/AAAAAAAA7Ok/qcIjPb1hEmE/s640/blogger-image-1333499271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQoF9bpPiVQ/VovDD6d4GhI/AAAAAAAA7Ok/qcIjPb1hEmE/s640/blogger-image-1333499271.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>The Bear Cat - Schizophrenic animal. Looks and behaves like a bear as well as a cat.</i></b></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9M-Wwu1I54/VouQ8HyIGFI/AAAAAAAA7Ns/_llFzAV6DdE/s640/blogger-image-1537859836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9M-Wwu1I54/VouQ8HyIGFI/AAAAAAAA7Ns/_llFzAV6DdE/s640/blogger-image-1537859836.jpg"></a></div><b><i>These peacocks were wuite aggressive. One of them got Mom in a fright when it started to fly and howl.</i></b></div><br></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XGG07Qn05Kg/VovC-TiuBeI/AAAAAAAA7Oc/6D5DXU7w7O8/s640/blogger-image-1855785138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XGG07Qn05Kg/VovC-TiuBeI/AAAAAAAA7Oc/6D5DXU7w7O8/s640/blogger-image-1855785138.jpg"></a></div>This was a friendly chap. He came by closer to say hello.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3XSQGCQlTyQ/VovC4QSj4cI/AAAAAAAA7OU/rku0bYuDZcc/s640/blogger-image--1187602401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3XSQGCQlTyQ/VovC4QSj4cI/AAAAAAAA7OU/rku0bYuDZcc/s640/blogger-image--1187602401.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Iguanas in different Colours.</i></b></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wAF8Zv3oyRs/VovCocCirhI/AAAAAAAA7N8/JrVvdJyYFdg/s640/blogger-image--611199078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wAF8Zv3oyRs/VovCocCirhI/AAAAAAAA7N8/JrVvdJyYFdg/s640/blogger-image--611199078.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Crocodile nursery</i></b></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Another Favourite place of interest for me was the Rancan Waterfalls in the tiny town of Serian. The waterfalls and the surrounding greenery were so calming and watching the children swimming in the Rancan pool was quite fun.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0uqjE_hGD0k/VozGXNbDKUI/AAAAAAAA7R0/qJpwQWtGPgY/s640/blogger-image-907469461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0uqjE_hGD0k/VozGXNbDKUI/AAAAAAAA7R0/qJpwQWtGPgY/s640/blogger-image-907469461.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i><b>Rancan Waterfall at Serian</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mom and I ate a storm in both Sibu and Kuching.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h7BQN-zZacs/Vof7ak2rQvI/AAAAAAAA7Bo/B-o4RRwP1lY/s640/blogger-image-783337999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h7BQN-zZacs/Vof7ak2rQvI/AAAAAAAA7Bo/B-o4RRwP1lY/s640/blogger-image-783337999.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Kam Pua Mee</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OiKxEiwB3Zc/Vof526nOXgI/AAAAAAAA7Ag/QEm4OmiuHBo/s640/blogger-image--1220572066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OiKxEiwB3Zc/Vof526nOXgI/AAAAAAAA7Ag/QEm4OmiuHBo/s640/blogger-image--1220572066.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Kuching Laksa</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z1aWNbkAAuI/Vof57jUVHYI/AAAAAAAA7Ao/2Mi9LekpRQk/s640/blogger-image--1971905791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z1aWNbkAAuI/Vof57jUVHYI/AAAAAAAA7Ao/2Mi9LekpRQk/s640/blogger-image--1971905791.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Kueh Chap</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SAve8u6jY2k/Vof6puwTLjI/AAAAAAAA7BI/uOSUse37WLw/s640/blogger-image--9899248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SAve8u6jY2k/Vof6puwTLjI/AAAAAAAA7BI/uOSUse37WLw/s640/blogger-image--9899248.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Carrot cake</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pWpQUdvvcrw/Vof6zKx7oMI/AAAAAAAA7BY/8flmFQKA4LM/s640/blogger-image-854008338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pWpQUdvvcrw/Vof6zKx7oMI/AAAAAAAA7BY/8flmFQKA4LM/s640/blogger-image-854008338.jpg"></a></div><b><i>The kueh chap stall from Mom's childhood days when granduncle and Grandaunt took her here for a meal</i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ACRne4Vx-bg/Vof5x5L3RdI/AAAAAAAA7AY/phKJf_elabk/s640/blogger-image--61289726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ACRne4Vx-bg/Vof5x5L3RdI/AAAAAAAA7AY/phKJf_elabk/s640/blogger-image--61289726.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Fish ball and Tofu soup</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BLQRASeHERs/Vof6bjBIhcI/AAAAAAAA7Aw/nNzHYcDtHfw/s640/blogger-image-1010879062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BLQRASeHERs/Vof6bjBIhcI/AAAAAAAA7Aw/nNzHYcDtHfw/s640/blogger-image-1010879062.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Satay</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H3yaxAUcRag/Vof7fKXqTvI/AAAAAAAA7Bw/hrX85gLYFmA/s640/blogger-image-2102025239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H3yaxAUcRag/Vof7fKXqTvI/AAAAAAAA7Bw/hrX85gLYFmA/s640/blogger-image-2102025239.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Kedondong Juice</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-skbSXB_sUMs/Vof6gSkKY8I/AAAAAAAA7A4/lPGrs5aoX-4/s640/blogger-image--1379210836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-skbSXB_sUMs/Vof6gSkKY8I/AAAAAAAA7A4/lPGrs5aoX-4/s640/blogger-image--1379210836.jpg"></a></div><b><i>The stall that sold the fishball soup and satay at the old Teochew temple or Lao Ya Keng. </i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VUBdqWXlcbE/Vojqgb49YsI/AAAAAAAA7EY/TBIXcbnzex0/s640/blogger-image--323323420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VUBdqWXlcbE/Vojqgb49YsI/AAAAAAAA7EY/TBIXcbnzex0/s640/blogger-image--323323420.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Kolo Mee. It looks like Sibu's Kam Pua Mee.</i></b></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-td7b8XscBXc/VojpXop2osI/AAAAAAAA7D0/uRuOMIJ64B0/s640/blogger-image-197116997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-td7b8XscBXc/VojpXop2osI/AAAAAAAA7D0/uRuOMIJ64B0/s640/blogger-image-197116997.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Thunder Tea Rice, a Hakka delicacy of rice, vegetables and herb and vegetable soup</i></b></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kuHPYZTvW3s/VojphpoeQHI/AAAAAAAA7EI/rxZsyp6jFOs/s640/blogger-image-184397942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kuHPYZTvW3s/VojphpoeQHI/AAAAAAAA7EI/rxZsyp6jFOs/s640/blogger-image-184397942.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Gong Pia. I called it Sarawakian Hamburgers</i></b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jmRKp4QdeeA/VojrJ0iHnpI/AAAAAAAA7FM/8L3b0tYcoeg/s640/blogger-image-1877182344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jmRKp4QdeeA/VojrJ0iHnpI/AAAAAAAA7FM/8L3b0tYcoeg/s640/blogger-image-1877182344.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Red Wine Vermicelli </i></b></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UgM_2aH11yw/Vojrtdozz_I/AAAAAAAA7F4/uXQAA8ob2ZA/s640/blogger-image--334476766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UgM_2aH11yw/Vojrtdozz_I/AAAAAAAA7F4/uXQAA8ob2ZA/s640/blogger-image--334476766.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Tomato Mee</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bvtZw_AW60M/VovQ_CUAJwI/AAAAAAAA7Pk/4MuxB9QvDWU/s640/blogger-image--151281304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bvtZw_AW60M/VovQ_CUAJwI/AAAAAAAA7Pk/4MuxB9QvDWU/s640/blogger-image--151281304.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Kacang Ma -OMG! My favourite! Mum's best though.</i></b></span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D4Y-htQlTT0/VovQx2N1iEI/AAAAAAAA7PU/ftuNspR79fc/s640/blogger-image--962772427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D4Y-htQlTT0/VovQx2N1iEI/AAAAAAAA7PU/ftuNspR79fc/s640/blogger-image--962772427.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Belacan Bee Hoon</i></b></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our last dinner in Kuching was at an old fashioned restaurant called Sweet Happiness Seafood, We did not have seafood as we could get that back in Singapore, so we ordered locally grown wild vegetables like Money Vegetable, pumpkin fritters with salted egg, Bidin, bitter gourd and a chicken soup steamed in coconut.</span></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5avuMgh92ZM/VovQ3uF2JVI/AAAAAAAA7Pc/1I76WLVZjqE/s640/blogger-image-1652045152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5avuMgh92ZM/VovQ3uF2JVI/AAAAAAAA7Pc/1I76WLVZjqE/s640/blogger-image-1652045152.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><b><i>A wild vegetable dinner</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HAXYb8vLU6Q/VovCtmsUIAI/AAAAAAAA7OE/QDu1sKOO54Q/s640/blogger-image--578445647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HAXYb8vLU6Q/VovCtmsUIAI/AAAAAAAA7OE/QDu1sKOO54Q/s640/blogger-image--578445647.jpg"></a></div><b><i>Ice cream from Sunny Hill. My aunts grew up on it.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Playing tourists and visiting the relatives in Sibu and Kuching was certainly fun. However, as an inquisitive soul,and with my interest piqued by Granny regaling her childhood stories, I wanted very much to understand my familial roots from the Borneo side of the family. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I am currently putting the pieces of the puzzle together from chats with all my relatives here in Sibu and Kuching. So far, the story pieced together sounded like that American sitcom from my childhood days, Dynasty. In fact, this was possibly more colourful so I would reserve that for my next blogpost.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><u>About The Writer</u></b><br><br>The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20 years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from <span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span>. She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one, although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. </span></div>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com4Kuching Kuching1.545819 110.357583tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-80195500564073150552015-12-21T00:52:00.001-08:002015-12-21T08:09:05.898-08:00Looking For The Christmas Spirit
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Looking For The Christmas Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">This is by far the hardest
Christmas for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my first
Christmas without Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Every year, the extended family
would gather at my home on Christmas Eve where I would fill it with a beautiful
tree, buntings, lights, candles, and all manner of Christmas decoration that was
extensive enough to start my own trim shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Conversations peppered with laughter would surround the dinner table
laid out with a huge spread of roast Turkey, a baked ham, rosemary-roasted baby
potatoes, brussel sprouts, parsnips and home-made cranberry sauce lovingly
cooked by David and our housekeeper, Evelyn.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">This year, I could not even bring
myself to go tree-hunting with the family, like I usually would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The decorations at the trim shops out there
were more confusing than mesmerizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could not step into the grocery store to shop for ingredients for our Christmas
Eve dinner. I forgot to make time to take my Mum Christmas shopping like I did
every year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just could not feel the Christmas spirit in
me.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Managing The Grief<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I know this was part of the grieving
process but I did not think Christmas would ever be the same again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas was about family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How was this season about family when an
important member of my family had been cruelly plucked from my life?<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I recognized that the grieving
process did take time and it would never get easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this time of the year, it actually got even
worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I tried to be gentle to
myself and gave myself permission to take some time out of the preparations for
the Christmas Eve dinner. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I allowed
David, Evelyn and Mom to take over the kitchen this Christmas Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still would not allow a tree in the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Dad could not be here to gawk
happily at my Christmas tree like he had done so every year, then, why have a
tree right?<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bbHJBSoSmPQ/VnfCEWJ_7AI/AAAAAAAA6Ws/QS9dkjkDOt8/s640/blogger-image-991896599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bbHJBSoSmPQ/VnfCEWJ_7AI/AAAAAAAA6Ws/QS9dkjkDOt8/s640/blogger-image-991896599.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The Christmas Spirit Came Looking For Me<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">In the weeks leading up to
Christmas, I knew my emotions would be diving through a tsunami, threatening to
drown me under my efforts to strike a balance between a turbulent wave of grief
and my façade of focused determination as I threw myself into long work days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However Christmas kept catching up with me.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Our company sponsored the
Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That meant I could not avoid the endless
rounds of Christmas parties organized at the Spiegeltent, the countless selfies
and wefies taken with the luminaire lights and festive displays plastered
across social media and worst of all, I had to think of fun contests and
campaigns to promote the Christmas Wonderland. As much as I thought that I had
to do it all with emotional detachment, the truth was that, I rather enjoyed
working with my team on the project. It made my heart swell with pride when I
watched them working very hard on the sponsorship activation plans, yet
genuinely enjoying every minute of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did not realize this till I looked back at the photos we took of ourselves
riding the carousel, and clowning about around the gardens as a team. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really did enjoy these moments with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Christmas was not very far from me
after all.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div><font size="2"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NB22pPPFaFc/VnfCAFTxT_I/AAAAAAAA6Wk/V5Lq7Ln7-rM/s640/blogger-image-136669075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NB22pPPFaFc/VnfCAFTxT_I/AAAAAAAA6Wk/V5Lq7Ln7-rM/s640/blogger-image-136669075.jpg"></a></div><br></font>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fexA2e7QPQs/VnfBblM4BbI/AAAAAAAA6V8/H4oQuh_hUmQ/s640/blogger-image--1956782234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fexA2e7QPQs/VnfBblM4BbI/AAAAAAAA6V8/H4oQuh_hUmQ/s640/blogger-image--1956782234.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I looked forward to weekends, when
David was busy with his sports photography assignments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This provided me with some “Me-time” to
wallow in grief at some coffee shop somewhere where I could salve the pain with
a huge slice of cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I would
come across a pop-up store or a festive push-cart nearby selling a shiny
bracelet, or a pretty trinket that immediately called out one of my staff’s
name. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that was how I did my Christmas
shopping for the girls at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Christmas was not very far from me
after all.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n7r7kW8GgOk/VnfBgfSDRdI/AAAAAAAA6WE/58SQuQmPidk/s640/blogger-image--1596722453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n7r7kW8GgOk/VnfBgfSDRdI/AAAAAAAA6WE/58SQuQmPidk/s640/blogger-image--1596722453.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">In the midst of this depression,
Joel embarked on his new life in the army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The start of his 2-year stint at national service meant that I could
only see him on certain weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought
that was a good opportunity to avoid the pesky questions from Joel about my
state of mind and I really did not want to pull him down with my depression
particularly when he was embracing army life with such enthusiasm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as fate would have it, he came home
most weekends, and accompanied me to Church every Sunday morning, where we
would have breakfast at the Church canteen after mass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boy brought me sunshine <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as he joked about his experiences with his
platoon mates, the friends he made, the drills, the exercises and the food at
the army camp. He admitted to me that through it all, the hardest thing for him
was to balance his time between his army mates, his girlfriend and I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was grateful for time spent with him, and
even more grateful for the light he had brought back to me when I was feeling
down.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Christmas was not very far from me
after all.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bqlkPH-Rgkc/VnfBtapArjI/AAAAAAAA6Wc/VLM82YWbEDE/s640/blogger-image-88360512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bqlkPH-Rgkc/VnfBtapArjI/AAAAAAAA6Wc/VLM82YWbEDE/s640/blogger-image-88360512.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Yesterday, I had the opportunity
to take Mum shopping finally as Joel had to get back to camp and David had to
trawl across the grocery stores for ingredients he had not yet bought to
prepare for the Christmas Eve dinner. Mum and I traipsed down the entire
Orchard Road zipping in and out of malls, looking for colorful clothes that
were worthy of the season, trying them on at fitting rooms fit for 2 people so
that we could both laugh out loud <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at
each other when we happened to try on a dress or blouse that looked like we had
just put on a tea cozy or a granny’s table cloth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended our day by having dinner with my
brother Jerome and my sister-in-law Ely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I glanced around the dinner table at the family, I truly felt
blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was surrounded by the people
who mattered most. I spent the day with the people I loved and who meant the
world to me. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Christmas was not very far from me
after all.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tlmvW5bynfY/VnfBk1U9aiI/AAAAAAAA6WM/fkevH6mKoD0/s640/blogger-image-1619228430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tlmvW5bynfY/VnfBk1U9aiI/AAAAAAAA6WM/fkevH6mKoD0/s640/blogger-image-1619228430.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Late last night, I went to the refrigerator
to get myself a drink when I saw that it was stocked from top to bottom with brussel
sprouts, parnips, cranberries, carrots, fresh herbs, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>jars of different kinds of sauces, marinades
and tapenades, Prosecco, and wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
freezer had a large bird waiting to be the main attraction at Christmas
Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kitchen counter top was like a
merchandising display corner of a Crate and Barrel store. Carving knives,
roasting trays, roasting racks, pie dishes were lined up neatly in a row.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized I had nothing to worry about
because I spent weeks fretting about whether or not I should call in the
caterers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had already pre-arranged
plans at the gym with my personal trainer followed by a cup of tea with some
friends down town on Christmas Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was planning to just show up at my own Christmas Eve dinner party. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt very proud that David and Evelyn had stepped
up to take care of the Christmas Eve dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I knew I could count on them to whip up the perfect Christmas Eve
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, there was nothing new
to this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every year, they did it anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was always pretty useless in the kitchen. I
was better at opening wine bottles and popping the champagne cork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each year, as they both prepared for the
annual Christmas Eve dinner, I was like the “a spare foreskin at a Bar Mitzvah”
as David would describe me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I was
really glad that I had a good reason to stay out of the kitchen and left them
to be in charge of all that Christmas fare.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Christmas was not very far from me
after all.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XNUAE9Yenag/Vngj5ohGyJI/AAAAAAAA6Xs/Ic5Op6uvyBg/s640/blogger-image--1931581390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XNUAE9Yenag/Vngj5ohGyJI/AAAAAAAA6Xs/Ic5Op6uvyBg/s640/blogger-image--1931581390.jpg"></a></div><br><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lzJPxjV_zlw/VnfETwSauBI/AAAAAAAA6W4/OwFc7O9fGcQ/s640/blogger-image--1028820193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lzJPxjV_zlw/VnfETwSauBI/AAAAAAAA6W4/OwFc7O9fGcQ/s640/blogger-image--1028820193.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oTWDT-ZVZDA/VnfEYIHKVwI/AAAAAAAA6XA/C3nOxF3dBic/s640/blogger-image--1334033916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oTWDT-ZVZDA/VnfEYIHKVwI/AAAAAAAA6XA/C3nOxF3dBic/s640/blogger-image--1334033916.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IXLW95KWcmU/VnfzJUyP__I/AAAAAAAA6XY/FMtqsTgBhCM/s640/blogger-image-1331323464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IXLW95KWcmU/VnfzJUyP__I/AAAAAAAA6XY/FMtqsTgBhCM/s640/blogger-image-1331323464.jpg"></a></div><br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Celebrating Christmas With Dad Anyway<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">This morning, it suddenly dawned
on me that the only reason Dad loved coming to my Christmas Eve dinner party
every year, gawked at my pretty Christmas tree, and drank way too much red
wine, was because he enjoyed being surrounded by family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family meant the world to Dad, the way it did
to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Christmas spirit, was not
about presents, tree, turkey and champagne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was about family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I knew that if the family is with
me, whether at my Christmas Eve dinner party, or at a scrumptious Laksa lunch
cooked by Mum on the occasional Sunday or at the malls along Orchard Road, or
at the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By the Bay, my Dad would be with us.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6LIVPknl4UE/VnfzFJFPCYI/AAAAAAAA6XQ/s3zHEACbQzs/s640/blogger-image-1652782726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6LIVPknl4UE/VnfzFJFPCYI/AAAAAAAA6XQ/s3zHEACbQzs/s640/blogger-image-1652782726.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The Christmas Spirit is the Spirit
of the Family, an unbreakable bond, and a circle of love.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_xsR545uzaw/VnfBo8CLcFI/AAAAAAAA6WU/8yMMPIWFG1o/s640/blogger-image-1961780719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_xsR545uzaw/VnfBo8CLcFI/AAAAAAAA6WU/8yMMPIWFG1o/s640/blogger-image-1961780719.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
</div>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-83633781342353651442015-11-12T19:29:00.006-08:002015-11-13T02:49:26.753-08:00Letting Go Of Fear<br>
<strong><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Letting Go Of Fear</span></u></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">How many times have we anticipated
discomfort or danger and would provide every excuse to avoid it or plan to the T with 4 contingency plans to manage it?</span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">These few weeks, I learnt a few
things about letting go of fear. The good thing was that I realized it did not take special skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You did not need strength, courage, determination
or any fluffy concept that you could create a cringe-worthy motivational poster
from, to let go of fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> All these just focused on one's "ego self". Letting go of fear was really about making room in your heart to trust the people around you to hold your hand when you are afraid to take a step forward into an uncomfortable space.</span></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Fear Of Drowning<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">During a family holiday in Phuket
recently, we enjoyed a wonderful stay at a huge villa perched on top of a hill,
overlooking the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
gorgeous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It came with a jacuzzi bath big enough for 2 people and a pool that thankfully was not quite the size of a bird bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">David, Joel and I spent most of
our vacation floating about in the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mom however, spent the initial couple of days relaxing on the deck
chair, reading or stuffing her face with nuts and chips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finally convinced her that the water level
in the pool was shallow and unless she was built like a hobbit, her feet would
be able to touch the bottom of the pool.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">She was terrified of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She almost drowned as a child when she was
riding in a little small boat or “sampan” and swore never to go anywhere near a
pool, river or beach ever again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">However, after some gentle
persuasion, and knowing that she could trust the 3 of us to hold her in case she
slipped in the pool, she gingerly made her way into the water, fully clothed
and one hand clung tightly to me and the other to the side of the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were very pleased that she had let go of her
fear of drowning and joined the family inside the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Although it was the one and only
time she used the pool, and of course we were not expecting her to do the
back-stroke in it, we were extremely happy that at least, she tried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">She managed to let go of her fear,
and let it be.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zfXCYC08FUA/VkVXn810WYI/AAAAAAAA5Ns/vdZlH-QErJc/s640/blogger-image--337193901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zfXCYC08FUA/VkVXn810WYI/AAAAAAAA5Ns/vdZlH-QErJc/s640/blogger-image--337193901.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Mom's first steps into the pool after so many years. She's grabbing to the side of the pool for dear life.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Fear Of Not Catching Up<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">This week, Joel enlisted into the
army to fulfil his 2-year national service obligation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> As I
was anxious about his fitness level, I hired a personal trainer 2 months before his enlistment to put him
through a fitness routine that could prepare him for the rigors of military training.
<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">When the day of his enlistment
arrived, he was quite calm and composed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He packed his bag on his own, gathered the necessary documents, rounded
up the family and then we made our way together to the Basic Military Training
Camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the way, I checked on him
repeatedly just to be sure that he was emotionally calmed and mentally
prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then quietly told me, “Mom,
I am excited about the new experience ahead of me. I am looking forward to a
new life in the army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However I am
worried I would not be able to catch up.”<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">There you go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">So I spent some time talking to
him about how the army was going to take care of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would make every effort to ensure that
the boys would be able to catch up with each other and acclimatize to military
life before allowing them to advance in the next stage of their training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him that what was more important was
that he embraced this new life with an open heart and an open mind, and treat
each situation as a learning curve that will contribute to his growth and
development. The commander of the camp even addressed the anxious group of parents and the boys, quite transparently explaining the entire training regime, objectives and expectations. He assured me that my son was in good hands. As if it was a sign, we spotted an old friend who was one of the officers in charge of the company. That put Joel's mind at ease.</span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Well, he was allowed to make one
phone call to me every night and I am very pleased that he rattled non-stop
about the fun he was having, although he could not remember his buddy’s name
and he could not recognize the meat from the vegetable in the meals provided.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I guess he will survive the 2
years of military service with ease. He managed to let go of his fear and let
it be.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Ijh3p-z3xA/VkVdEoTQKEI/AAAAAAAA5OM/c5QIeFK2dIY/s640/blogger-image-1623729223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Ijh3p-z3xA/VkVdEoTQKEI/AAAAAAAA5OM/c5QIeFK2dIY/s640/blogger-image-1623729223.jpg"></a></div><i>The day before his enlistment when he still had hair.</i><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3mxwUjsUKhw/VkVWgnZRW1I/AAAAAAAA5NU/tOHnWemrIgY/s640/blogger-image-1814902397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3mxwUjsUKhw/VkVWgnZRW1I/AAAAAAAA5NU/tOHnWemrIgY/s640/blogger-image-1814902397.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Welcome to military life</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br></div>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2r89A43udE/VkVXgCpApFI/AAAAAAAA5Nc/gBgQ5bNyNQg/s640/blogger-image--1061727440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2r89A43udE/VkVXgCpApFI/AAAAAAAA5Nc/gBgQ5bNyNQg/s640/blogger-image--1061727440.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The bed at the soldiers' quarters looked quite comfy</em>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UGh8AASJfxw/VkVXwXfUCFI/AAAAAAAA5N8/le9ObgK1EPU/s640/blogger-image--1135889906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UGh8AASJfxw/VkVXwXfUCFI/AAAAAAAA5N8/le9ObgK1EPU/s640/blogger-image--1135889906.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Standard military issue. I hope Joel doesn't lose it during field camp.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FhSgZrMttcU/VkVXj6LTccI/AAAAAAAA5Nk/__bFK-HdfOw/s640/blogger-image-502829321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FhSgZrMttcU/VkVXj6LTccI/AAAAAAAA5Nk/__bFK-HdfOw/s640/blogger-image-502829321.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This was Joel's first meal at the cookhouse. It's possibly his best meal at the cookhouse.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Fear Of Not Meeting Expectations<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">With Mom and Joel letting go of
their respective fears, where did that leave mine?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent a sleepless 2 weeks worrying about
the visit of my company’s global board of directors and the global
executives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many regional colleagues had
regaled about the fabulous experience the board and executives had when they
made market visits in the last few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was so worried that I could not meet with their expectations when they visited our market, especially when our resources were limited.</span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The best thing that happened
during the board and executives’ visit was that the entire team banded
together, and worked very long hours to create a fool-proof logistical plan to
manage this visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To transfer almost
20-30 people across the island to several meeting venues and activities was
terribly challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were last
minute changes to the plans, last minute requests and last minute issues that
sent the team spiraling into a whirlwind of confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, in the end, we managed to make the
right things happen at the right time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no magic formula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
it took was great teamwork, empathy, generosity of time, positivity of
spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We banded together through the
rough patches and we did meet the expectations of the regional bosses after
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">This experience taught me the invaluable
lesson that I should learn to let go of my fears, trust the team more and just let it be. I should
have trusted that the project was in the hands of very capable people who
managed it with a lot of pride in their work.</span><div><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 21px;"><br></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9_tKg7sgfJE/VkV9qGrWK0I/AAAAAAAA5Oo/fFgNeeiZ-sQ/s640/blogger-image-1637124916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9_tKg7sgfJE/VkV9qGrWK0I/AAAAAAAA5Oo/fFgNeeiZ-sQ/s640/blogger-image-1637124916.jpg"></a></div><i>What a fabulous looking team!</i><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FAInS9E6KMc/VkVXsH2fFoI/AAAAAAAA5N0/hu4xoEfn5_8/s640/blogger-image-1169960096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FAInS9E6KMc/VkVXsH2fFoI/AAAAAAAA5N0/hu4xoEfn5_8/s640/blogger-image-1169960096.jpg"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The amazing team who made it all happen. I am so grateful to them for their generosity of time and energy, their teamwork, empathy and for keeping the spirits up. I could never have done it without them.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br>
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.
She is passionate about Muay Thai and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-70433191775689679932015-09-17T04:00:00.004-07:002015-09-17T06:52:45.591-07:00Off The Beaten Track In Hong Kong<br>
<strong><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">The Mad Rush</span></u></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">My visits to Hong Kong were always
a whirlwind rush against time and traffic to get to workshops and meetings, and
hurried dinners or drink sessions with friends in Hong Kong. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The final hours of my trip would also see me zipping
from trams to malls, to train stations, and across the island to more malls because
I had grudgingly agreed to purchase several tins of a popular brand of cookies
that could only be found in Hong Kong, wait for a roast goose from a famous
restaurant to be cooked, packed and ready to sit with my clean and nice-smelling
clothes in my luggage or snap up a bunch of cheap cosmetics from a Hong
Kong-based cosmetic chain store. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FV8O2aKfZB4/Vfqf9N2jH7I/AAAAAAAA2kY/mq7IsWJEkUI/s640/blogger-image--307887705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FV8O2aKfZB4/Vfqf9N2jH7I/AAAAAAAA2kY/mq7IsWJEkUI/s640/blogger-image--307887705.jpg"></a></div><br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7jDtwJmt16s/VfqHgKYe_-I/AAAAAAAA2hc/9ecA9ktoCTI/s640/blogger-image--880214179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7jDtwJmt16s/VfqHgKYe_-I/AAAAAAAA2hc/9ecA9ktoCTI/s640/blogger-image--880214179.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I did like the hurried meals
though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a hurried lunch at a
traditional dim sum restaurant that served its dim sum in trolleys that whizzed
past our table at the speed of a space shuttle. They were pushed by harried
waitresses who shouted at the top of their voices to ask if we wanted them to
throw a basket of barbecued pork buns at our table in a bid to practice their Ultimate
Frisbee skills.</span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zwsCO-aQy9Y/VfqHbWYwD2I/AAAAAAAA2hU/sdLm-P6hTSI/s640/blogger-image-854383781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zwsCO-aQy9Y/VfqHbWYwD2I/AAAAAAAA2hU/sdLm-P6hTSI/s640/blogger-image-854383781.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CghZa_tMlFA/VfqHkX1lqiI/AAAAAAAA2hk/AlNAuefErMM/s640/blogger-image--1304091948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CghZa_tMlFA/VfqHkX1lqiI/AAAAAAAA2hk/AlNAuefErMM/s640/blogger-image--1304091948.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I felt that I have never had
enough time to see Hong Kong for the gem it truly was, apart from the mornings
when I would wake up to a fantastic view from my hotel window which overlooked
the Victoria Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved watching
various group of old folks “doing their thing” amidst greenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apart from the usual groups that did Tai-Chi
and Qi-Gong, there was a group that did a fan dance, and another group that did
a kungfu display while brandishing swords.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then there were groups that focused on activities that had questionable
efficacies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One group walked backwards,
another kept flapping their hands and then there were the “moon-walkers” who
walked in slow motion rather than walked at a slow pace. Fascinating!<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LD5HKMNslAs/VfqgBOTTlpI/AAAAAAAA2kg/kS-AJfg94nU/s640/blogger-image--210349321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LD5HKMNslAs/VfqgBOTTlpI/AAAAAAAA2kg/kS-AJfg94nU/s640/blogger-image--210349321.jpg"></a></div><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v4zWdWhJ24w/VfqgIWR4AOI/AAAAAAAA2ko/WdlT7uGvkag/s640/blogger-image-1812995753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v4zWdWhJ24w/VfqgIWR4AOI/AAAAAAAA2ko/WdlT7uGvkag/s640/blogger-image-1812995753.jpg"></a></div></span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Squeezing In Me Time <o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Inspired by old folks
energetically performing their daily exercises, this old lady here thought to
squeeze in some time for my own workout too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I booked a session with Bresson Brel, Head Coach of Boxing at Jab
MMA. Bresson who was a World Champion boxer with 14 years of experience. 8 of those
years were spent as a professional boxer. He came highly recommended as his specialty
was in specific boxing conditioning drills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That sounded safe enough for me to know that I would not be losing a
tooth when I trained with him.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j_WL8gJK8Vg/VfqX6cYMewI/AAAAAAAA2jE/ENMMQ66VkRg/s640/blogger-image--180687561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j_WL8gJK8Vg/VfqX6cYMewI/AAAAAAAA2jE/ENMMQ66VkRg/s640/blogger-image--180687561.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7aXmyYBP_t0/VfqYfkmRgiI/AAAAAAAA2js/eLxfOEIhgEg/s640/blogger-image--2114599290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7aXmyYBP_t0/VfqYfkmRgiI/AAAAAAAA2js/eLxfOEIhgEg/s640/blogger-image--2114599290.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Bresson had possibly communicated
telepathically with my boxing coach in Singapore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After warming up with 30 push-ups which made
me feel rather pumped, he very politely told me to repeat another set of 30
push-ups because “Let’s not count those because they weren’t low enough shall
we?” He was a great coach and I had a great workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wished I had more time in Hong Kong to
train more regularly with him.</span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Even David got his act together and booked a training session with Professor Rodrigo Caporal who held a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and was well-decorated to the hilt with world championship titles. David learnt a lot from that training session and it was hilarious when he admitted that his "sit-on-him-and-hope-for-the-best" technique did not work.</span><br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xWhXg6b2_B4/VfqeP21SemI/AAAAAAAA2j8/OyTMCqtsktI/s640/blogger-image--287863460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xWhXg6b2_B4/VfqeP21SemI/AAAAAAAA2j8/OyTMCqtsktI/s640/blogger-image--287863460.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nd-Z6B_3QXU/VfqeVxmFadI/AAAAAAAA2kE/5aBxlwk_h14/s640/blogger-image--622977608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nd-Z6B_3QXU/VfqeVxmFadI/AAAAAAAA2kE/5aBxlwk_h14/s640/blogger-image--622977608.jpg"></a></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_ptEeNOdVE/Vfqf4qz8xII/AAAAAAAA2kQ/BLUf4Flk1oY/s640/blogger-image-435652740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_ptEeNOdVE/Vfqf4qz8xII/AAAAAAAA2kQ/BLUf4Flk1oY/s640/blogger-image-435652740.jpg"></a></div><br>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Off The Beaten Track<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I was glad that I included David
in this recent trip though, or I would never have found that piece of
tranquility beyond the urban parks in Hong Kong. <o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">We spent a day at the sleepy fishing
village of Tai-O on Lantau Island where time almost stood still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The journey to Tai-O itself was an
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was almost a “Planes, Trains
and Automobiles” type of experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
took the tram to catch the ferry to Mui Wo, then hopped onto the number 1 bus
to Tai-O which was quite an interesting ride if one was ever in an adventurous
mood. As the bus drove through the hills, it rolled around the bends almost always
nearly missing an on-coming bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
trimmed the trees at breakneck speed a few times, and we saw our lives flashed
past our eyes throughout the whole journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we arrived at Tai-O, we felt like we were in a time-warp. It
certainly was not the Hong Kong I knew. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pace felt much slower, the air was
cleaner, and the shops, homes, schools, and almost every aspect of the little
village seemed to belong to a different dimension in time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Everyone who lived in Tai-O was in
the fishing industry, operated a seafood restaurant or ran a shop that specialized
in dried seafood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fascinating to
see families living in stilt houses that lined a river bank, busy with their
daily activity of salting fish, drying them in the sun, and mending fishing
nets.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nD8TueS0NOE/VfqX2BtUkRI/AAAAAAAA2i8/JIlYquRY0a0/s640/blogger-image-753596210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nD8TueS0NOE/VfqX2BtUkRI/AAAAAAAA2i8/JIlYquRY0a0/s640/blogger-image-753596210.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a7Ca6k9O2t4/VfqTr6wgwRI/AAAAAAAA2iQ/6gDccZUzOJ8/s640/blogger-image--1148145372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a7Ca6k9O2t4/VfqTr6wgwRI/AAAAAAAA2iQ/6gDccZUzOJ8/s640/blogger-image--1148145372.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yBNdTHBoooI/VfqYbmjokRI/AAAAAAAA2jk/YkpkzAi-IBE/s640/blogger-image-238687831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yBNdTHBoooI/VfqYbmjokRI/AAAAAAAA2jk/YkpkzAi-IBE/s640/blogger-image-238687831.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2LwUVNGLWs0/VfqYWwcQYzI/AAAAAAAA2jc/pfh_RyAU53U/s640/blogger-image-1056994935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2LwUVNGLWs0/VfqYWwcQYzI/AAAAAAAA2jc/pfh_RyAU53U/s640/blogger-image-1056994935.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z7AcGbWOivI/VfqSFbz0yNI/AAAAAAAA2iE/6accv8VhsTs/s640/blogger-image-375079179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z7AcGbWOivI/VfqSFbz0yNI/AAAAAAAA2iE/6accv8VhsTs/s640/blogger-image-375079179.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jboNPnCJOCc/VfqX-70kE0I/AAAAAAAA2jM/zZWey1eh0xg/s640/blogger-image-66884357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jboNPnCJOCc/VfqX-70kE0I/AAAAAAAA2jM/zZWey1eh0xg/s640/blogger-image-66884357.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLcwoHVfWhM/VfqR9JWR90I/AAAAAAAA2h0/DK4dSy1hPrM/s640/blogger-image--1112371265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLcwoHVfWhM/VfqR9JWR90I/AAAAAAAA2h0/DK4dSy1hPrM/s640/blogger-image--1112371265.jpg"></a></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HITYfx3OXrY/VfqSBCbx1pI/AAAAAAAA2h8/Vgvyg1FcsMc/s640/blogger-image-260686616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HITYfx3OXrY/VfqSBCbx1pI/AAAAAAAA2h8/Vgvyg1FcsMc/s640/blogger-image-260686616.jpg"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">Some of the houses looked like aluminum
containers and we wondered how families living in those could withstand the
sweltering heat.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-boqlJ6E7pIg/VfqYSzM8kyI/AAAAAAAA2jU/xe2HkqN70YI/s640/blogger-image--1602819294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-boqlJ6E7pIg/VfqYSzM8kyI/AAAAAAAA2jU/xe2HkqN70YI/s640/blogger-image--1602819294.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PcLKMYUKjFE/VfqT0CGM6SI/AAAAAAAA2ig/iJXzfLmwNdM/s640/blogger-image--1465033333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PcLKMYUKjFE/VfqT0CGM6SI/AAAAAAAA2ig/iJXzfLmwNdM/s640/blogger-image--1465033333.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">We stopped for lunch at the Tai-O
Heritage Hotel which was a respite from the heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The charm of the hotel reminded me of the
E&O Hotel in Penang or the Raffles Hotel in Singapore minus the glitz. The
view from the hotel was stunning and I wished that we had booked a room for the
night there. Maybe next time.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CotTO9WWohQ/VfqTvzI6WdI/AAAAAAAA2iY/CALEzVHLrQw/s640/blogger-image-182306899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CotTO9WWohQ/VfqTvzI6WdI/AAAAAAAA2iY/CALEzVHLrQw/s640/blogger-image-182306899.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">From Tai-O, a taxi took us to yet
another sleepy village called Ngongping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many Buddhist pilgrims visited the Po Lin Monastery at Ngongping and one
could not claim to have visited Ngongping without negotiating the challenging stairs
up to the Big Buddha. However once we arrived at the top of the stairs, we were
rewarded by a stunning view of the monastery, the mountains and the sea surrounding
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so peaceful..almost a slice of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I-7lm61yTh8/VfqT4B10dsI/AAAAAAAA2io/uG985JFairo/s640/blogger-image--2100334417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I-7lm61yTh8/VfqT4B10dsI/AAAAAAAA2io/uG985JFairo/s640/blogger-image--2100334417.jpg"></a></span></span></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nWFK5G-CwR8/VfqXyJZ5jjI/AAAAAAAA2i0/2lqGg9T8pg8/s640/blogger-image--1268769959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nWFK5G-CwR8/VfqXyJZ5jjI/AAAAAAAA2i0/2lqGg9T8pg8/s640/blogger-image--1268769959.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">I was glad that we went beyond the
malls and cafes in Hong Kong, and chose to get off the beaten track during this
trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally saw Hong Kong for the
gem it truly was.</span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span><br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><em>Photo credit: Most pictures from this post were photographed by David</em></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">About The Writer</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br><span style="font-size: large;">
<br>
The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20
years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a
freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to
several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David
Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from </span><a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">www.singaporemaven.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.
She is passionate about Boxing and nurtures a dream to fight
competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also
a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and
numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is
affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one,
although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has
been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.81983600000001-53.008532 21.202648500000009 55.712698 -173.5629765tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209764164062841606.post-21058872999190218982015-08-09T20:31:00.001-07:002015-08-10T07:55:39.610-07:00The Singapore That I Know And Love<div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There were many moments that I had enjoyed with Singapore's 50th National Day celebrations. I loved to watch as the night sky </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">lighted up with fireworks that lasted awhile longer than usual.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I loved the spectacular aerial display performed by our Air Force. Even my social media feeds seemed more colourful than usual. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Plastered cross all social media platforms, were photos of the Marina Bay Sands, skyscrapers at the central business district and people togged in the flag colours of red and white. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You know, I thought about how much I enjoyed the aerial display by the Black Knights not just because they were technically superb but because even when the sky was grey and threatened to rain, the crowd stayed for hours to wait for the jets. This was typical of Singaporeans, determined, tenacious and resilient.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This is a picture of the Black Knights taken by Joel right at the start of their aerial display on National Day. As you can see, the weather was bleak. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2hgraGVcEdM/Vcg3c92BwUI/AAAAAAAAzds/ZNz8bsyJwYE/s640/blogger-image--1637150499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2hgraGVcEdM/Vcg3c92BwUI/AAAAAAAAzds/ZNz8bsyJwYE/s640/blogger-image--1637150499.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And this was one taken by David when the Knights were practicing their moves about a week before National Day amidst sunny skies.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EdwZiosjYis/Vcg8MnkRYnI/AAAAAAAAzew/4lpYOOhckAU/s640/blogger-image-1786333200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EdwZiosjYis/Vcg8MnkRYnI/AAAAAAAAzew/4lpYOOhckAU/s640/blogger-image-1786333200.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While I appreciated that the pictures of skyscrapers, concrete skyline and airplanes told a story of how we had evolved from the backwaters of political and economic instability to a country that is stable and full of economic opportunities, </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">what I had appreciated most was that our country was more than this concrete jungle of urbanisation. It left plenty of room for our children to ride a bike in the park, enjoy a stroll by the river, fly a kite at the barrage, have a picnic at the beach, jog through the park connector and admire flowers at the gardens. My Singapore was more than Marina Bay Sands and the financial centre. It was a clean, green and colourful garden city. The transformation of many of these spaces had inspired creativity, promoted healthy living and encouraged more quality family time. When I looked out of the window from my office which is situated within what one would call a concrete jungle, I could see a a lot of joggers, yoga practitioners, and cyclists enjoying their respective activities by the marina. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So instead of sharing pictures of skyscrapers and Marina Bay Sands the way most of my friends across social media had done, I have decided to share pictures of the better, greener, side of Singapore.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JiYghtGcbPg/Vcgz4jQJvGI/AAAAAAAAzcg/FWeyAUURDxQ/s640/blogger-image--1190323806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JiYghtGcbPg/Vcgz4jQJvGI/AAAAAAAAzcg/FWeyAUURDxQ/s640/blogger-image--1190323806.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lhtRMf32KmM/Vcg0L551AKI/AAAAAAAAzdI/wIr4I8B_EGw/s640/blogger-image--2065456241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lhtRMf32KmM/Vcg0L551AKI/AAAAAAAAzdI/wIr4I8B_EGw/s640/blogger-image--2065456241.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/---_2pzYtpp0/Vcg5CaMZ-wI/AAAAAAAAzeA/nxQMazn2sNg/s640/blogger-image--174002514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/---_2pzYtpp0/Vcg5CaMZ-wI/AAAAAAAAzeA/nxQMazn2sNg/s640/blogger-image--174002514.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-okuB_H_JxQ8/Vcg0IQAQlGI/AAAAAAAAzdA/F2NO0dBy1Mo/s640/blogger-image-709867832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-okuB_H_JxQ8/Vcg0IQAQlGI/AAAAAAAAzdA/F2NO0dBy1Mo/s640/blogger-image-709867832.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cVqgl6aE3Us/Vcgz8LE8xwI/AAAAAAAAzco/zj0w2wAiz3E/s640/blogger-image-677754682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cVqgl6aE3Us/Vcgz8LE8xwI/AAAAAAAAzco/zj0w2wAiz3E/s640/blogger-image-677754682.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nmDRBsS5kFw/Vcg0AzrTNKI/AAAAAAAAzcw/aqwG9pwaBHY/s640/blogger-image-620961576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nmDRBsS5kFw/Vcg0AzrTNKI/AAAAAAAAzcw/aqwG9pwaBHY/s640/blogger-image-620961576.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uN7NsvndIsc/Vcg0EadQRNI/AAAAAAAAzc4/xw9oZpBpKnI/s640/blogger-image--1349190233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uN7NsvndIsc/Vcg0EadQRNI/AAAAAAAAzc4/xw9oZpBpKnI/s640/blogger-image--1349190233.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Another thing I appreciated about my country was that it was a safe haven for us. My family and I could walk on the streets at night and leave our car and front doors unlocked without fear of getting robbed. I could accidentally leave my wallet in the taxi and would promptly get a phone call from the taxi-driver asking where he would like my wallet to be delivered to. My nephews would not be allowed to get off the school bus without my cousin waiting for them at the driveway. It offered me peace of mind knowing that my family is thriving in a safe environment.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I remembered Dad offered to send me to London to pursue a Law degree so that I could have a professional degree and not a general one. Instead I chose to stick with my plans to study English and Political Science at the National University of Singapore and eventually enjoyed a successful career in marketing and public relations. That is Singapore for me. I appreciated a country that afforded me great economic opportunities defined by how hard I had worked for it, and not what I had studied.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I just sold my car recently because I did not need one. I loved how this country was connected with efficient public transport from one end of Singapore to another. Sure we had occasional train breakdowns and pre-booked taxis that had not shown up at the appointed time but generally, I got to where I needed to go quite promptly and without worrying if train, bus or taxi drivers were about to go on strike.</span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I had fun watching a very unified sea of red at the marina barrage where locals and foreigners alike were spotted wearing t-shirts emblazoned with "I Love Singapore". I appreciated all the efforts made to actively promote tolerance and unity within this melting pot of many different races, religions, and cultures. Children in school celebrated racial harmony day annually. It meant a lot to me particularly when my own family was a United Nations of different races and the three of us each had different last names, Ash, Ong and Lee, which made conversations with immigration officers at certain airports quite interesting.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">This, ultimately is the Singapore I had come to love. Within this tiny red dot, we appreciated each other's differences and even celebrated them. We learnt to laugh at our different quirkiness, yet we are banded by our unique lingo, "Singlish", our unique Singaporean behaviours, our unique Singaporean food, our unique Singaporean unity when faced with tragic circumstances, international sports events or celebratory events.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">These are some of the photos of a multicultural Singapore that I love.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PBSSP1wJKrI/Vcg3Rh0SnsI/AAAAAAAAzdU/G15b7lyUaT4/s640/blogger-image-1843628288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PBSSP1wJKrI/Vcg3Rh0SnsI/AAAAAAAAzdU/G15b7lyUaT4/s640/blogger-image-1843628288.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-buZsNEQSV2g/Vcg4_fxYc9I/AAAAAAAAzd4/dV9nq1gfF1E/s640/blogger-image-1278134458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-buZsNEQSV2g/Vcg4_fxYc9I/AAAAAAAAzd4/dV9nq1gfF1E/s640/blogger-image-1278134458.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cIWS4AUnKuE/Vcg3VtcfAVI/AAAAAAAAzdc/T32hYvlgWDQ/s640/blogger-image--783797244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cIWS4AUnKuE/Vcg3VtcfAVI/AAAAAAAAzdc/T32hYvlgWDQ/s640/blogger-image--783797244.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TKyDAKQTMug/Vcg3ZDJWPlI/AAAAAAAAzdk/QIMss8tqb6I/s640/blogger-image-1467759569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TKyDAKQTMug/Vcg3ZDJWPlI/AAAAAAAAzdk/QIMss8tqb6I/s640/blogger-image-1467759569.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XCaCOyz68ps/Vcg5GDV8Q8I/AAAAAAAAzeI/CsVY5Zy3Quc/s640/blogger-image-2081566281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XCaCOyz68ps/Vcg5GDV8Q8I/AAAAAAAAzeI/CsVY5Zy3Quc/s640/blogger-image-2081566281.jpg"></a></div><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I have got family across the globe, in the UK, the U.S. And some migrated to Australia and Canada. However, for me, Singapore is ultimately where my heart is. Home, is where the heart is, isn't it?</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Being a Singaporean made this post a bias one. So I thought that it would be appropriate for me to quell this bias view of my country and share the exact words of my friend K, a Burmese who had lived in Singapore for a long time. These are her words:</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">"I don't expect public transport to be perfect. Machines do break down after all. But how amazing it is, that almost every inch of Singapore is going to be accessible. In Burm! There is almost no paint left on some buildings, that might even erode the structure. Here, I see HDB walls being repainted just because they look dull, and the paint isn't even peeling.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"> I have had my fair share of security scares, but on the bright side, I know I won't be raped and 'cat-called' at just by walking down the street. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I love my Kopi. Even the 3-in-1 coffee mix can't replace that special ingredient of love brewed by my coffee aunties and uncles at the local coffee shops.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I also love that we are becoming more compassionate and less 'robotic'.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I could go on, but the point is that, with everything that the country has given us, wouldn't you say that it's only fair that we could look at giving back whatever little we can? People always complain about SingaBORE. But it's not boring if you don't let it get boring. Be a volunteer perhaps. Give your time to society."</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">K did volunteer her time with the SIngapore Armed Forces Voluntary Corp. I have so much respect for her and she isn't even Singaporean.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Photos in this post were taken by David Ash, www.singaporemaven.com as well as Joel Lee.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About The Writer</span></b><br><br>The writer of this blog post is a Marketing and PR professional for over 20 years. Due to her love for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), she is also a freelance sports writer on the side, contributing MMA-related articles to several sports media. She works in partnership with her husband, David Ash, who is an avid sports photographer from <a href="http://www.singaporemaven.com/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">www.singaporemaven.com</a>. She is passionate about Muay Thai and nurtures a dream to fight competitively one day when her coach stops making fun of her. She is also a psychic intuitive by birth and runs a consultancy that does tarot and numerology readings under her brand, Sun Goddess Tarot. This blog is affectionately called "The Crazy AngMo" as she is married to one, although she has not yet explained to THE Ang Mo that when translated, he has been labeled “the bloke with ginger hair”. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div>thecrazyangmoandhisangrywifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07478083642882553930noreply@blogger.com0