GE May 2013

Malaysia's general elections on Sunday May 5, 2013 were a let-down in some ways, but hope for change lingers on. The ruling party BN won despite overwhelming support for the opposition coalition as reflected in the popular vote of 47.38% versus 50.87% for the latter in the nationwide polls. Naturally this raised a lot of questions on how BN won. Everyone has an opinion although critics would obviously accused the BN of using dirty tactics. But what is more interesting than ever is the emerging voter trend in this election. There seems to be a clear divide between urban, middle class and rural voters. Young, middle class and urban voters voted for change which showed in the swing in votes against the BN in the popular states. In most urban areas, the opposition parties won by a bigger majority. We don't know yet how the government is going to respond to this trend but all said and done, we did have a good time with family and friends sharing our hopes and aspirations for a better future.

New Year's Eve

It rained all day, with overcast skies threatening to derail tonight's firework display to usher in the New Year. I'm not a great fan of fireworks but I recall that you and Saw Hong or Li Huey will drive out after dinner to watch the fireworks. What I cherished most is the effort you made to spend New year's eve with me; we had so much fun together. I miss you.

A trip to Penang

Last weekend, I was in Penang to observe the Emperor of Nine Gods Festival, and also to re-visit some  tourist spots. My first day was spent walking around the city area where most old buildings were undergoing restoration. Penang Road was my first stop, and there was a queue for Penang laksa and chendol, which tasted so yummy! Next, I headed for Armenian street; oh, what a pretty sight! The area was surrounded by an old temple, the picturesque Cheah clan building and newly painted pre-war shop houses. The famous Kuan Yin temple was under renovation and the Khoo Kongsi was closed by the time I reached there.Determined not to miss it, i went back to Cannon Street the morning before i flew back to Singapore. I was impressed by how well kept the Khoo Kongsi is; given its rich heritage I shouldn't be, perhaps.An electronic TV screen featuring Hokkien opera highlights was the new addition, a mirror of the stage in the court yard. On the second day, i took the bus to Kek Lok Si, and took the new cable car to the roof top which housed the Kuan Imm statue. It brought back memories of the last time i was there with your mom and Steve, where we observed a quiet moment thinking about you.  My next stop is Penang Hill. I was greeted by a blast of music meant for an event for the kids, and after pausing for a drink, i walked down the hill to reach Botanic Gardens. Nothing much has changed since my last visit ages ago, except for the addition of tram cars for anyone who cares for a ride. Generally, i was impressed by how green and clean the island is, and buses that ran on schedule. The most interesting night scene was Burma road where street stalls were set up selling vegetarian food for devotees of the Emperor of Nine Gods. The rain failed to stop the crowd from celebrating their favorite festival. I headed home happy and satisfied.

A Day at Marina Barrage

I had some charity tickets for the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and decided to make good use of them. Having convinced Raj to go with me, we decided to be adventurous and take the long route to burn some calories; we walked about 3.1km under overcast sky; the humidity was high but a little help from the breeze made our walk more pleasant. As we approached Marina Barrage we were greeted by a blast of vocals trying to impress but didn't really succeed. We found a shady spot to cool off before heading for the food; the most yummy was the fried tau foo with bean sprouts and peanut sauce. Oh, the home-made Belgian chocolate was yummy too. After hanging around for an hour, we headed back the way we came which added up to a 7.2km walk. I thought you would have enjoyed the outing too; the last time we walked for a cause was at Lake Gardens with Li Huey, Pheng and Cheng.

The Miniature Palm Tree

The miniature palm tree that you gave me died. It had been with me the last 8 years. I felt helpless that I couldn't do anything to revive it. Obviously, it needed a lot more care than I was able to provide given the limited visits to KL. I feel sad and all I can say is that it is irreplaceable, coming as it is from you. Already, I miss it.

Oh, What a week!

Last Saturday, I got a distress call from Pheng; her mum was admitted to the ICU for severe infection of the lungs. We know Pheng's mum has a history of lung problems but this time the infections were so bad that she had difficulty breathing. Cheng and I rushed back to KL to see her. All of us were very upset to see her struggling to breathe with a big mask on and later tubes. She had to be sedated to calm her down. By Monday morning, she looked better although she still needs the tubes to help her breathe. With her condition improving, I headed back to Singapore and kept in touch with Pheng on a daily basis. As I write, I was told that she's more alert and may be able to breathe on her own without the tubes. We're all so happy and relieved to hear that!!

CNY 2012

I was back in Penang on the first day of Chinese New Year. My routine was similar to last year's; visited uncle Boo Eng and extended family after which Teng Lye dropped me off at my biological mum's place. My mum has a selective memory; she has no re-collection of everyone else except me; I'm not sure whether to feel privileged or sad, considering my second sis-in-law feels that her devotion to my mum went unappreciated.
After lunch, I dashed off to uncle Teik Ee's place for another round of family bonding and late late lunch. But the most touching moment was reserved for uncle Teik Ee who revealed to me how much he loves and misses you; don't we all?

Remembering you

A day late posting Mei Phing
But I remembered you this morning
I lay in the dark
As the rain fell
Softly, softly
Before the sun rose
To summon another day
Another day without you

Passage of time

I had my eye surgery on Wed. 28 Dec local time. When I was wheeled out of the operation room, I immediately thought of you. I know you would have been there for me; as always.

Miss you,

auntie choo choo

Happy Birthday

I miss you.

A night of treats

Last weekend I was back in KL for my monthly visit. But what was so special about the last visit has everything to do with your mom. She hosted a birthday dinner for Raj at Bombay Palace (our first choice was Vansh but we found out that it has gone out of business); that was not all. We had Raj's parents with us, some thing we cherished, since it is not easy to get them eating out. We left the menu selection to Raj since he knows what everyone likes. Your mom was a perfect host that night, keeping everyone suitably entertained. To top it all, we noticed that we were attracting some attention from the other diners, who must be quite tickled seeing the two of us dressed up in sarees! Your mom looked fantastic in the orange color saree I got her when I was in India. And oh, Raj's mom had the foresight to bring a saree for me; it was a very sweet baby blue which suits my paler skin tone. Admittedly, we enjoyed the attention at dinner, and the company of Raj and his parents, of course. Somehow, I was reminded of the dinner with you and Li Huey at Mandarin Hotel.

Sometimes it rains but mostly its sunny

UK as usual was cold but Dorcus and I were pretty lucky when we were there. We had sun quite often. And guess what!, we (CS, Dorcus and I) went to the roller coaster them park in Blackpool. of coz, i had to go on the rides. I took them all in stride and went for seconds on the more adventurous ones.. hooray!!! You would have been so proud of me. Of coz you would also be having an amusing time watching me scream my head off. But it was all fun.

Austria was interesting as well. I got to 'act' local. Well, kinda. Johannes (my housemate for 5 months last year and soon to be for another 6 months) hosted my visit. I got to eat the local favorites and visited several interesting venues. The usual castles and churches but what stood out was the water trick castle. the entire castle is powered by water which is pretty cool. Even more so when visitors get rained on when they least expect it. Johannes's mom Heidi loaned me her Austrian traditional dress and we both got into gear for some pictures. When we were in the Salzburg city center, I saw some in candy color which i really like.

Yes, we sold both the cars. The wira and kancil in exchange for a brand new ford fiesta. You would approve and love driving it too. Its a pretty neat little car. Well not that little compared to the Kancil. Plus I got a really good deal and top service to boot. Can't ask for more :)

Recently I also got really motivated to bake sourdough bread and has produced 3 batches so far. My 3rd try seems more controlled. Making sourdough bread really feels like baby sitting. There so many technical aspects but once I got into the rhythm it was plain sailing. Well at least I think I've got it down pat. We shall how my next attempt goes.

I guess its been awhile since so plenty to share with you. Every time I think of writing, i tend to tear up and struggle thinking of keeping my tales on a lighter note. This evening I was watching CSI Miami and at the end of the show, they had a basketball game amongst Horatio's team members. It reminded me of the early days when we went up against your housemates with Steve. I still miss you my baby girl.

Love, mom

Hello!

Hi Mei Phing,

I was supposed to write to you a month back...but got so caught up with work...

Anyway, it's been nearly 4 years Balee and I met =) and I've heard many many wonderful stories about you. Your life in so many ways has inspired your brother to who he is right now. I am very sure you are proud of him...soon to be another PHD holder in the family =) Hopefully we will be able to attend his graduation next year...

Wendy says I should tell you stories about your brother's antics =D He's not going to like this lolsss...

But he is busy working on his research now...because Wendy and I will be partying in the UK next week!!! We will keep you posted with pictures this time ...

Dorcus

Bye, Wira

Last week, I traded in my car, the proton Wira, with a hint of sadness,I must say. The car has been with me for 14 years and 4 months, so much so that it has become a part of my life. I recalled the first time I drove the Wira it was out of sheer courage, and unnecessary risk taking. The day after I bought the Wira I had a dinner to go to. My initial plan was to take a cab since I didn’t feel comfortable driving at night and without taking a refresher driving course first. But after waiting for half an hour, I was getting impatient. My neighbor suggested that I should drive my car (that’s what you bought it for, right?), and despite my mild protest that I haven’t driven a car for more than 10 years I gave in after taking some driving instructions. It was a little adventure that could have gone wrong as my friend’s house was perched on a steep hill top and I almost failed to grab the brake.

The best memories, however, are reserved for you. Since you moved to KL to study, you would drive the car on weekend visits while I enjoyed being `chauffeured’. You would always take the car to the petrol station to pump the tires and check the condition of the spare tire, something that you would admonish me for failing to do so. You would always say, `aunty choo2, your spare tire is flat. You must always make sure it’s got air because you may need it.’

You became fond of the car so much so that you offered to buy it after you started work at Sime Darby. I remembered one day you offered cash upfront to underline the seriousness of your offer. The first thing you noticed was the `shiny’ tires, as I had just changed them. But as fate would have it, you left for the US to do your post doc. in May 2005. I kept the Wira for as long as I can since it reminded me of you. I’m sure, like me, you will miss the Wira too.

Good tidings

It has been a while since I last wrote. So far, life is good; which makes me wonder how long this run of luck will last. At work, I have received some recognition for my contribution to my company; while I couldn't be happier in my personal life. My health is good, and my relationship with the family keeps getting better. I met with everyone in Penang during Chinese New Year, and there was so much warmth and closeness in the family; some thing I haven't felt for a long time. Your mom is doing very well, and she deserves her job promotion. I'm happy for her; how could I not share this good news with you.

Letting go

I dreamt of you last night. I dreamt that you were at a performance with me and mid way you got up and danced with a friend. You were doing the Swing!! I've always thought of Swing as a fun and happy dance. I woke up with the thought that you are happy and you are now happier as I learn to be happier.

2010

Last night, we (your mom, Chean Shen, Dorcus and I) had dinner at your favorite restaurant Esquire Kitchen. We ordered the dishes that you liked such as the man tou dipped in black sauce, aubergine in bean paste, and chicken with cashew nuts. Btw, Dorcus is Chean Shen's girlfriend. During dinner, we chatted about the new car that your mom is looking to buy, a Ford sports model. Before dinner, we had gone to the Ford showroom to view the car which came in red, black, grey, blue and silver. Your mom seems to like the red. It's timely for your mom to upgrade to a better car considering she is likely to promoted end of the month. Chean Shen is back for a visit for 6 weeks and he is having a good time, eating his favorite food and meeting up with his friends. He has also put on a lot of weight, and is getting teased for his extra pounds.

In retrospect, I have had a good year, taking on more responsibilities at work and learning how to relax by practicing yoga. Still miss you very much.

aunty choo choo

Happy Bday!

Ah i'll be moving in a few months, just realized how much junk i've accumulated for the last 3 years. Every week i'm throwing out a big black back of trash....they seem rather unlimtied. But it's okay, i got months to pack. Moving out while on my holiday should save some cash as well.

Should say all is well with work, but i need to work harder. Next to work is keeping myself fit. The scales go up and down as they please, i have no control over my weight. Ah well.


Happy Bday sis.

Miss you lots.

September...

I was back in KL last weekend for the Hari Raya holidays. Predictably, I spent most of the time playing mahjong with your mum and kor kor (that's how you always addressed her). Not surprisingly, kor kor took home the winnings. Your mum and I were talking about going to Shanghai with your brother to see Ah Boy. The problem is that your brother has a packed itinerary as he plans to spend some time in KL, Penang and a short holiday in Bali, when he visits in December. Well, we'll see how it goes.

Back in Singapore, I managed to catch the replay of the US Open finals. To my delight, my favorite tennis player Rafael Nadal won. He has never won the US Open until this time around, and now has completed his career grand slam after winning at the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this year.

As I write, I'm thinking you're 35!!! Happy Birthday. I miss you very much.

Auntie choo choo