Today I realise that there is so much to learn about our Hakka heritage. Apparently the term ‘Hakka’ literally means ‘Guest People’ and they were sometimes also known as ‘Oriental Jews’ due to their long history of diaspora around China and in the world. Hakkas have a strong emphasis on education.
This is an interesting paper on the history of the Hakka people:
http://www.asiawind.com/pub/forum/fhakka/mhonarc/msg01494.html
And this is an interesting website with many different sections relating to the history and heritage of the Hakka clan:
http://www.asiawind.com/hakka/
Also, equally important is our Teochew heritage as well - this is a speech from Lee Hsien Loong (PM of Singapore) on Teochew clans in the region. It’s interesting to note that Teochew clans are very strong in Thailand. And Teochew clans have a strong legacy in business and trade... I hope it is true that this business-mindedness runs in the blood, then.
http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=2875
And just for fun, the ‘Lee’ family is reputed to be a top Illuminati bloodline. Think of it as the ‘Lee Conspiracy’. The article is quite long and is quite heavy reading - so you might just want to browse through it quickly first. Also, please exercise discernment as you read this, it’s possible that not all of it may be true.
http://www.thewatcherfiles.com/bloodlines/li.htm
Learning about Chinese heritage is quite confusing sometimes. Such as the name ‘Lee’ which seems to be widely accepted as being mainly a Hokkien/Teochew surname. But my dad is Hakka and his name is ‘Lee’. And a number of prominent Hakka leaders such as Lee Teng Hui (1st president of Taiwan) and Lee Kuan Yew (ex PM of Singapore) are also named ‘Lee’.
Any of you have any ideas on this apparent contradiction of facts?
Thursday, March 31, 2025
Wednesday, March 30, 2025
Bosses VS. Employees
I have learnt that being a boss is not as easy as most people think. I had a small experience in this area last Sunday when I was on duty at the café.
We have a part time staff in our café whom I will refer to as sml. He was passed to us by our franchisor - meaning that he was supposed to be a fully trained by the franchisor to help smooth our transition in starting up our café. But at times, we think that he has become more of a burden than a help.
As a disclaimer, these are all my personal thoughts and feelings… so don’t take it out completely on sml. I myself am learning something too. And it’s not that he has not contributed in any way at all. He definitely has helped us especially in the area of learning new games because he knows more games than us. He’s definitely passionate about games. He has helped teach many of our other hosts/hostesses new games which they must know in order to teach the customers.
But let’s get real, nobody’s perfect. Everyone has faults. But the difficult part for the boss is managing these imperfect people.
So what did sml did that was so bad?
1. He was late for work
2. He didn’t call to let me know he was late - I had to call him instead
3. He didn’t initiate to sweep and mop the floor - I had to ask him to do it
4. He idled around and didn’t wash the toilets - I had to remind him to do it
5. He helped himself to drinks he wasn’t supposed to take - employees are only allowed canned soft drinks (he poured himself some fresh lime juice and hardly left enough in the carton for customers order)
6. He didn’t offer to help me mop up a puddle of water (he just sat there reading his magazine)
7. He didn’t put back the clean dishes in the cupboard - I had to do it myself (he just sat there reading his magazine)
8. He forgot to make drinks and pass the order chit to the kitchen - I discovered it myself 45 minutes later!
And things get even more interesting…
I accidentally discovered sml’s personal blog on the internet. Soooo interesting… He had an entry about the ‘partners’ who he complained were incompetent. He admits that he can be inefficient sometimes, but the only difference between him and the ‘partners’ is that he can get fired for his mistakes but we can’t. But I decided not to tell the other partners about it, only MH. It’s better to be discreet and it will only do more harm than good if they read the entry as well.
I am guilty of some of the same faults too… mom would probably smile as she remembers about how feather-brained I used to be and still am (sometimes). But I think the key is TEACHABILITY. Sadly, it’s one of the characteristics little sml needs a lot of work on.
But I want to turn this around to change my own perspective on my own bosses. They may not be perfect (and some may even be terribly incompetent). But I have a duty to them, not necessarily because they deserve it, but because:
1. They pay my salary
2. They are accountable for me
3. They are God appointed authorities over me
That’s just my two cents for the day.
Labels:
settlers cafe
Tuesday, March 29, 2025
New answers to the age old question…
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Kindergarten Teacher: To get to the other side.
Plato: For the greater good.
Aristotle: It is the nature of chickens to cross roads.
Karl Marx: It was a historical inevitability.
Timothy Leary: Because that's the only trip the establishment would let it take.
Jack Nicholson: 'cause it f**king wanted to. That's the f**king reason.
Ronald Reagan: I forget.
Bill Clinton: There is no improper crossing.
Captain James T. Kirk: To boldly go where no chicken has gone before.
Hippocrates: Because of an excess of phlegm in its pancreas.
Arthur Andersen Consultant: Deregulation of the chicken's side of the road was threatening its dominant market position. The chicken was faced with significant challenges to create and develop the competencies required for the newly competitive market. Andersen Consulting, in a partnering relationship with the client, helped the chicken by rethinking its physical distribution strategy and implementation processes. Using the Poultry Integration Model (PIM), Andersen helped the chicken use its skills, methodologies, knowledge, capital and experiences to align the chicken's people, processes and technology in support of its overall strategy within a Program Management framework. Andersen Consulting convened a diverse cross spectrum of road analysts and best chickens along with Anderson consultants with deep skills in the transportation industry to engage in a two-day itinerary of meetings in order to leverage their personal knowledge capital, both tacit and explicit, and to enable them to synergize with each other in order to achieve the implicit goals of delivering and successfully architecting and implementing an enterprise-wide value frame work across the continuum of poultry cross-median processes. The meeting was held in a park-like setting, enabling and creating a impactful environment which was strategically based, industry-focused, and built upon a consistent, clear,and unified market message and aligned with the chicken's mission, vision and core values. This was conducive towards the creation of a total business integration solution. Andersen Consulting helped the chicken change to become more successful.
Louis Farrakhan: The road, you see, represents the black man. The chicken 'crossed' the black man in order to trample him and keep him down.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: I envision a world where all chickens will be free to cross roads without having their motives being called into question.
Moses: And God came down from the Heavens, and He said unto the chicken, "Thou shalt cross the road." And the chicken crossed the road, and there was much rejoicing.
Fox Mulder: You saw it cross the road with your own eyes. How many more chickens have to cross the road before you believe it?
Richard M. Nixon: The chicken did not cross the road. I repeat, the chicken did NOT cross the road.
Machiavelli: The point is that the chicken crossed the road. Who cares why? The end of crossing the road justifies whatever motive there was.
Jerry Seinfeld: Why does anyone cross a road? I mean, why doesn't anyone ever think to ask, What the heck was this chicken doing walking around all over the place, anyway?
Freud: The fact that you are at all concerned that the chicken crossed the road reveals your underlying sexual insecurity.
Bill Gates: I have just released the new Chicken Office 2000, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents and balance your checkbook.
Oliver Stone: The question is not, "Why did the chicken cross the road? Rather, it is, "Who was crossing the road at the same time, whom we overlooked in our haste to observe the chicken crossing?"
Darwin: Chickens, over great periods of time, have been naturally selected in such a way that they are now genetically disposed to cross roads.
Einstein: Whether the chicken crossed the road or the road moved beneath the chicken depends upon your frame of reference.
Buddha: Asking this question denies your own chicken nature.
Ralph Waldo Emerson: The chicken did not cross the road. It transcended it.
Ernest Hemingway: To die. In the rain.
Kindergarten Teacher: To get to the other side.
Plato: For the greater good.
Aristotle: It is the nature of chickens to cross roads.
Karl Marx: It was a historical inevitability.
Timothy Leary: Because that's the only trip the establishment would let it take.
Jack Nicholson: 'cause it f**king wanted to. That's the f**king reason.
Ronald Reagan: I forget.
Bill Clinton: There is no improper crossing.
Captain James T. Kirk: To boldly go where no chicken has gone before.
Hippocrates: Because of an excess of phlegm in its pancreas.
Arthur Andersen Consultant: Deregulation of the chicken's side of the road was threatening its dominant market position. The chicken was faced with significant challenges to create and develop the competencies required for the newly competitive market. Andersen Consulting, in a partnering relationship with the client, helped the chicken by rethinking its physical distribution strategy and implementation processes. Using the Poultry Integration Model (PIM), Andersen helped the chicken use its skills, methodologies, knowledge, capital and experiences to align the chicken's people, processes and technology in support of its overall strategy within a Program Management framework. Andersen Consulting convened a diverse cross spectrum of road analysts and best chickens along with Anderson consultants with deep skills in the transportation industry to engage in a two-day itinerary of meetings in order to leverage their personal knowledge capital, both tacit and explicit, and to enable them to synergize with each other in order to achieve the implicit goals of delivering and successfully architecting and implementing an enterprise-wide value frame work across the continuum of poultry cross-median processes. The meeting was held in a park-like setting, enabling and creating a impactful environment which was strategically based, industry-focused, and built upon a consistent, clear,and unified market message and aligned with the chicken's mission, vision and core values. This was conducive towards the creation of a total business integration solution. Andersen Consulting helped the chicken change to become more successful.
Louis Farrakhan: The road, you see, represents the black man. The chicken 'crossed' the black man in order to trample him and keep him down.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: I envision a world where all chickens will be free to cross roads without having their motives being called into question.
Moses: And God came down from the Heavens, and He said unto the chicken, "Thou shalt cross the road." And the chicken crossed the road, and there was much rejoicing.
Fox Mulder: You saw it cross the road with your own eyes. How many more chickens have to cross the road before you believe it?
Richard M. Nixon: The chicken did not cross the road. I repeat, the chicken did NOT cross the road.
Machiavelli: The point is that the chicken crossed the road. Who cares why? The end of crossing the road justifies whatever motive there was.
Jerry Seinfeld: Why does anyone cross a road? I mean, why doesn't anyone ever think to ask, What the heck was this chicken doing walking around all over the place, anyway?
Freud: The fact that you are at all concerned that the chicken crossed the road reveals your underlying sexual insecurity.
Bill Gates: I have just released the new Chicken Office 2000, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents and balance your checkbook.
Oliver Stone: The question is not, "Why did the chicken cross the road? Rather, it is, "Who was crossing the road at the same time, whom we overlooked in our haste to observe the chicken crossing?"
Darwin: Chickens, over great periods of time, have been naturally selected in such a way that they are now genetically disposed to cross roads.
Einstein: Whether the chicken crossed the road or the road moved beneath the chicken depends upon your frame of reference.
Buddha: Asking this question denies your own chicken nature.
Ralph Waldo Emerson: The chicken did not cross the road. It transcended it.
Ernest Hemingway: To die. In the rain.
Labels:
everyday ramblings
Monday, March 28, 2025
Looks can kill
I just got off the phone with my parents just now. I always enjoy talking with my parents. I know many people who find it difficult to relate to their parents as friends - this concept is very foreign to them, they can’t imagine joking and chatting their parents in such a candid manner. So I count it one of my many blessings that I have this kind of relationship with my mom and dad.
It’s interesting how the relationship between parents and children change over time. It begins with children as dependants on their parents. And as they grow older, the relationship evolves into mutual respect and even interdependence. The pastor conducting our Marriage Enrichment Course says that interdependence between parents and children can only come when children gain their own independence first. I am grateful that my parents have the grace and openness to release us children to gain our own independence… I realise this is actually not an easy thing for parents to do. Many parents try to hold on to their children’s independence through emotional blackmail and manipulation.
The transition to independence is also not easy for children. I personally felt I faced an inner conflict to gain independence yet at the same time I was still relying on my parents for many things… and this can be confusing as I am learning how to handle myself as a growing independent person as well as how to handle my relationship with my parents.
I remember one especially distinct episode with my dad which must have hurt his feelings greatly at that time. It was during one of my summer holidays when I was back in KK for vacation from uni. I was going through a lot of issues at that time… including trying to establish a very serious relationship with my boyfriend back then. It must have been awkward for my parents as well but they tried to lighten things by joking and teasing (especially my dad, who is a very jolly person at heart).
Somehow a seemingly small joke turned things around suddenly and I had said something very hurtful to my dad. Even now I cannot remember the exact word exchanged or why it happened. But it did. I had never seen my dad so hurt before. Yet I held on to my pride and did not apologise immediately. Even so, the damage was already done.
Thankfully, we had mom the peacemaker to help us make amends. But that incident remains in my mind today. Although the issue has been resolved and sought forgiveness from my dad, I still want to tell my dad how sorry I am for my hardheartedness and insolence that day.
That incidence always reminds me how important it is to guard not only my tongue but my non-verbal communication. Looks literally can kill. Although I still make mistakes in not keeping myself in check, I truly hope such an incidence will never happen again.
It’s interesting how the relationship between parents and children change over time. It begins with children as dependants on their parents. And as they grow older, the relationship evolves into mutual respect and even interdependence. The pastor conducting our Marriage Enrichment Course says that interdependence between parents and children can only come when children gain their own independence first. I am grateful that my parents have the grace and openness to release us children to gain our own independence… I realise this is actually not an easy thing for parents to do. Many parents try to hold on to their children’s independence through emotional blackmail and manipulation.
The transition to independence is also not easy for children. I personally felt I faced an inner conflict to gain independence yet at the same time I was still relying on my parents for many things… and this can be confusing as I am learning how to handle myself as a growing independent person as well as how to handle my relationship with my parents.
I remember one especially distinct episode with my dad which must have hurt his feelings greatly at that time. It was during one of my summer holidays when I was back in KK for vacation from uni. I was going through a lot of issues at that time… including trying to establish a very serious relationship with my boyfriend back then. It must have been awkward for my parents as well but they tried to lighten things by joking and teasing (especially my dad, who is a very jolly person at heart).
Somehow a seemingly small joke turned things around suddenly and I had said something very hurtful to my dad. Even now I cannot remember the exact word exchanged or why it happened. But it did. I had never seen my dad so hurt before. Yet I held on to my pride and did not apologise immediately. Even so, the damage was already done.
Thankfully, we had mom the peacemaker to help us make amends. But that incident remains in my mind today. Although the issue has been resolved and sought forgiveness from my dad, I still want to tell my dad how sorry I am for my hardheartedness and insolence that day.
That incidence always reminds me how important it is to guard not only my tongue but my non-verbal communication. Looks literally can kill. Although I still make mistakes in not keeping myself in check, I truly hope such an incidence will never happen again.
Labels:
self reflection
Friday, March 25, 2025
Confessions of an (occasional) glutton
MH and I are having a special lunch date this Saturday at a funky new restaurant called The Line at Singapore's Shangri La Hotel. We haven't been out together for a nice meal in ages... so I'm really looking forward to it. It's an all-you-can-eat buffet of 16 culinary food styles (from Chinese, Thai, Jamaican, Japanese, Greek etc). Yum!!! I asked the hostess who picked up my call to reserve a quiet corner for us... so it'll be nice to just sit down together and chat while enjoying the yummy food.
I recall the first time our family went on such a buffet at The Hyatt in KK. We had the high tea buffet. We starved ourselves the entire day in order to stuff ourselves there. We ate so much that we could hardly walk. Sam's tummy hurt. Did Paul vomit? Can't remember whether he did.
The other time I remember eating so much was a high tea buffet at The Hyatt in Perth. It was a girls outing with just me and Audrey. We ate lots of oysters because it was one of the most expensive things. I think we ate 10-12 oysters each! After that, we literally could hardly walk out of the place!
Such gluttons we are!!!
I recall the first time our family went on such a buffet at The Hyatt in KK. We had the high tea buffet. We starved ourselves the entire day in order to stuff ourselves there. We ate so much that we could hardly walk. Sam's tummy hurt. Did Paul vomit? Can't remember whether he did.
The other time I remember eating so much was a high tea buffet at The Hyatt in Perth. It was a girls outing with just me and Audrey. We ate lots of oysters because it was one of the most expensive things. I think we ate 10-12 oysters each! After that, we literally could hardly walk out of the place!
Such gluttons we are!!!
Labels:
food
Easter reflections
Long weekend coming up. It's Good Friday tomorrow. Tonight mom and dad are probably at church for Maundy Thursday where they will have Holy Communion to remember Jesus' last supper with his disciples before being betrayed to the cross. I remember back in BCCM when preparations for Easter started during the whole lent period from palm sunday until the easter weekend. I liked receiving those little palm crosses and red easter eggs at Sunday School.
Labels:
reminiscing
Thursday, March 24, 2025
Confessions of a young wife
MH is a little bit moody tonight. I don't claim to completely understand why. Maybe it was something I did or maybe it has nothing to do with me at all. During these moments, it's usually best to leave him alone in his corner... let him mull around doing his own stuff until the little dark cloud hanging over him clears up. It probably won't take long... neither one of us holds on to grudges very long. And I myself want to make up almost immediately after a row. Maybe he just needs a hug.
Labels:
hubby,
love and marriage
Wednesday, March 23, 2025
Letters from the past...
I was looking through some of the 'guest cards' from our wedding. The many warm and funny messages made me smile.
When the world looks bleak and you think "Life can't get any more 'sian' than this". It's things like this that help you see the world through rose-tinted glasses once again.
When the world looks bleak and you think "Life can't get any more 'sian' than this". It's things like this that help you see the world through rose-tinted glasses once again.
Labels:
reminiscing
News headlines today
News headlines that caught my attention today…
Arab leaders adopt initiative for peace with Israel
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/138806/1/.html
The plot thickens over the seemingly never-ending Arab-Israel conflict
True meaning of Easter unknown by more than half of British public: survey
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/138824/1/.html
Sigh… how pathetic… and how sad!!!
90,000 households to be surveyed in national survey
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/138761/1/.html
My colleagues and I will eagerly await the results of this survey… this kind of information is vital to our business
Preparation, counselling can help keep marriages on track
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/138749/1/.html
“The number of divorces reached a 20-year high in 2003, reaching 6,561 cases…” Is there no hope left for marriages in Singapore?
Students entering JC face tougher competition this year
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/138695/1/.html
Interesting insight to add to the report I am currently working on about the tertiary education landscape in Singapore
And just for fun, try this…
Do you know the dining etiquette in different places?
http://fekids.com/img/kln/flash/DontGrossOutTheWorld.swf
Arab leaders adopt initiative for peace with Israel
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/138806/1/.html
The plot thickens over the seemingly never-ending Arab-Israel conflict
True meaning of Easter unknown by more than half of British public: survey
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/138824/1/.html
Sigh… how pathetic… and how sad!!!
90,000 households to be surveyed in national survey
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/138761/1/.html
My colleagues and I will eagerly await the results of this survey… this kind of information is vital to our business
Preparation, counselling can help keep marriages on track
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/138749/1/.html
“The number of divorces reached a 20-year high in 2003, reaching 6,561 cases…” Is there no hope left for marriages in Singapore?
Students entering JC face tougher competition this year
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/138695/1/.html
Interesting insight to add to the report I am currently working on about the tertiary education landscape in Singapore
And just for fun, try this…
Do you know the dining etiquette in different places?
http://fekids.com/img/kln/flash/DontGrossOutTheWorld.swf
Labels:
everyday ramblings
Tuesday, March 22, 2025
Racist remark???
Café biz over the weekend was pretty good. But there was a mistake in issuing the bill to one group of customers and they conveniently underpaid us without highlighting the mistake. They ordered 6 set meals but somehow we recorded only 3. When I presented the bill to them, I confirmed with them “you ordered 3 set meals?” and I think they looked at each other before saying “yes”. MH remarked that it was no coincidence that they were malays… no racism intended… but I just cannot help feeling a slight disgust over their actions… if they were not malay I would feel the same disgust, but I have never come across this behaviour in any other type of customer.
Labels:
settlers cafe
Must see Malaysian movie
Finally… a good honest Malaysian made movie
http://www.sepet.com.my
http://www.mycen.com.my/duasen/230205_sepet.html
http://www.ximnet.com.my/thelab/comments/comments.asp?id=53
http://yasminthestoryteller.blogspot.com/
Trailer:
http://www.sepet.com.my/trailer/sepet_320_240.mov
TIP: If trailer refuses to load, do a search on google for the exact URL and do a ‘save target as’ onto your computer
http://www.sepet.com.my
http://www.mycen.com.my/duasen/230205_sepet.html
http://www.ximnet.com.my/thelab/comments/comments.asp?id=53
http://yasminthestoryteller.blogspot.com/
Trailer:
http://www.sepet.com.my/trailer/sepet_320_240.mov
TIP: If trailer refuses to load, do a search on google for the exact URL and do a ‘save target as’ onto your computer
Labels:
movies music books
Sunday, March 20, 2025
Zooming in on the personality of the day... my hubby!!! (minimal sentimentalism almost guaranteed)
Sunday night... *SIGH*
Another busy weekend is coming to an end and tomorrow it's back to the office again.
Although my life seems to be all about work and our new cafe, I shall resist the urge to talk about the cafe (again!) and try and be more reflective about other matters...
Let's see... hmmm.... okay here goes...
Earlier this week, one of my closest friends broke up (sort of) with her BF. I considered it a break up because one of the phrases he used during a really SERIOUS conversation they had was something like "we should try to spend time together to continue to build the FRIENDSHIP". But I really cannot say for sure that he was trying to end the relationship at all, so don't take my word for it. Although they discovered vast differences in their expectations (e.g. different ambitions, ideals, values) but my friend still wants to fight to make the relationship work and not give up so easily... otherwise what was the point of the whole getting together?
I really felt so bad in my heart for her (because naturally I'm on her side) but of course the decision is up to her. And it's not a bad thing to want to work at the relationship. But I did tell her that it always takes TWO to tango.
Anyway... these kind of conversations make me stop to think about how terrific my own hubby really is. I mean, it's not always Cloud 9, but at least I know that whatever happens... I can count on him to never give up on 'US'!!! Uh oh, am I sounding to sappy already?
It's too bad that all of you (my darling parents and brothers) may not have had to great honour (hehehe...) of knowing MH very well yet. But I'm glad you didn't behave like the family in 'Meet the Parents' and you didn't scare him away (not that much anyway... at least he stuck through the ordeal!).
Okay... this is special news insight on the personality of the day: Mr Yau MH (drum roll please)
His background may be a little different from our family... and his sense of humour may not exactly have the same formula as ours. But one thing about him is that he always strives not to let the past hold him back. So instead of blaming his past on giving him a different value system, he'll strive to establish a fresh new value system based on what's right... not based on a 'this is how things have always been done' type of thinking. He questions everything (which sometimes can be irritating) but only because he believes that there's always a better way to do something and not just stay in a rut. Yet at the same time, he is dependable (more so than me!) because once he establishes something, he will always do it that way (whether it refers to how we wash dishes or how we resolve conflicts). Unless of course we find a better way to do it.
Okay, that's all I want to say for now. I wanted to say this because men sometimes don't like to talk much about themselves... so as the doting wife, I just felt I wanted to give the well deserved credit to MH. And you know me... I love helping to build bridges... even if it's one brick for now.
P.S. Humour formula can always be reblended into interesting new mixes
Another busy weekend is coming to an end and tomorrow it's back to the office again.
Although my life seems to be all about work and our new cafe, I shall resist the urge to talk about the cafe (again!) and try and be more reflective about other matters...
Let's see... hmmm.... okay here goes...
Earlier this week, one of my closest friends broke up (sort of) with her BF. I considered it a break up because one of the phrases he used during a really SERIOUS conversation they had was something like "we should try to spend time together to continue to build the FRIENDSHIP". But I really cannot say for sure that he was trying to end the relationship at all, so don't take my word for it. Although they discovered vast differences in their expectations (e.g. different ambitions, ideals, values) but my friend still wants to fight to make the relationship work and not give up so easily... otherwise what was the point of the whole getting together?
I really felt so bad in my heart for her (because naturally I'm on her side) but of course the decision is up to her. And it's not a bad thing to want to work at the relationship. But I did tell her that it always takes TWO to tango.
Anyway... these kind of conversations make me stop to think about how terrific my own hubby really is. I mean, it's not always Cloud 9, but at least I know that whatever happens... I can count on him to never give up on 'US'!!! Uh oh, am I sounding to sappy already?
It's too bad that all of you (my darling parents and brothers) may not have had to great honour (hehehe...) of knowing MH very well yet. But I'm glad you didn't behave like the family in 'Meet the Parents' and you didn't scare him away (not that much anyway... at least he stuck through the ordeal!).
Okay... this is special news insight on the personality of the day: Mr Yau MH (drum roll please)
His background may be a little different from our family... and his sense of humour may not exactly have the same formula as ours. But one thing about him is that he always strives not to let the past hold him back. So instead of blaming his past on giving him a different value system, he'll strive to establish a fresh new value system based on what's right... not based on a 'this is how things have always been done' type of thinking. He questions everything (which sometimes can be irritating) but only because he believes that there's always a better way to do something and not just stay in a rut. Yet at the same time, he is dependable (more so than me!) because once he establishes something, he will always do it that way (whether it refers to how we wash dishes or how we resolve conflicts). Unless of course we find a better way to do it.
Okay, that's all I want to say for now. I wanted to say this because men sometimes don't like to talk much about themselves... so as the doting wife, I just felt I wanted to give the well deserved credit to MH. And you know me... I love helping to build bridges... even if it's one brick for now.
P.S. Humour formula can always be reblended into interesting new mixes
Labels:
hubby
Saturday, March 19, 2025
Wedding photos
Hi everyone... I have finally uploaded the photos of out wedding day in Singapore and wedding dinner in KK onto the internet.
Singapore wedding ceremony:
http://sg.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sereneandmenghow/my_photos
KK wedding dinner:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/szeling555/my_photos
Singapore wedding ceremony:
http://sg.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sereneandmenghow/my_photos
KK wedding dinner:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/szeling555/my_photos
Labels:
love and marriage
Thursday, March 17, 2025
Quote for the day
'Words make you think a thought.
Music makes you feel a feeling.
A song makes you feel a thought.'
-E.Y. Harburg (Edgar Yipsel) (1898 - 1981)
Labels:
everyday ramblings
Wednesday, March 16, 2025
Talking about babies
My friend Diana is on a roller coaster ride that takes her through baby heaven and sometimes baby hell! Her little son, Christopher is now approaching 4 months old and is growing into a big boy. Apparently Chris has some odd habits such as drooling when he’s tired, sleeping in cradle car seats and likes sleeping with a lot of background noise. He’s growing to look just like his father, Ronald - even at this early stage, the resemblance is uncanny.
It must be very cute to listen to a baby who has a lot to say although they do not have the words to express it yet. Mom and dad, you must have been very amused by us because I think all of us were pretty opinionated children with a lot of ideas to share. I can imagine you smiling as we all fought for our turn to tell you about our day at school or share how we felt about a recent family holiday.
But I do miss those times when we were seated around the table every night for dinner and all of us would be talking. Or in the evenings when we were all bundled up in mom and dad’s little queen size bed. It’s amazing how that bed has sustained everyone’s weight over the years.
Anyway, let’s keep the chatter going in our family! There’s nothing like a good listening ear, a cheery joke or sharing our hearts out to each other to pull a family together.
It must be very cute to listen to a baby who has a lot to say although they do not have the words to express it yet. Mom and dad, you must have been very amused by us because I think all of us were pretty opinionated children with a lot of ideas to share. I can imagine you smiling as we all fought for our turn to tell you about our day at school or share how we felt about a recent family holiday.
But I do miss those times when we were seated around the table every night for dinner and all of us would be talking. Or in the evenings when we were all bundled up in mom and dad’s little queen size bed. It’s amazing how that bed has sustained everyone’s weight over the years.
Anyway, let’s keep the chatter going in our family! There’s nothing like a good listening ear, a cheery joke or sharing our hearts out to each other to pull a family together.
Labels:
family,
friends,
reminiscing
Tuesday, March 15, 2025
Unsolved mysteries
Do you know what one of the biggest unsolved mysteries is today??? This is besides the frequent “missing sock mystery” and the “holes in men’s underwear mystery”…
One of the most baffling phenomenons is how pens can go missing from my office desk… every time I replenish my stationary cup with new pens, over the next few days they just seem to disappear one by one. And when you ask around, nobody seems to know about it. I can’t imagine where all those pens have gone to… the number of pens going missing is so large, it should soon become difficult for this mysterious pen-stealer culprit to keep hiding that growing mountain of stolen pens…
Does this happen to you too?
One of the most baffling phenomenons is how pens can go missing from my office desk… every time I replenish my stationary cup with new pens, over the next few days they just seem to disappear one by one. And when you ask around, nobody seems to know about it. I can’t imagine where all those pens have gone to… the number of pens going missing is so large, it should soon become difficult for this mysterious pen-stealer culprit to keep hiding that growing mountain of stolen pens…
Does this happen to you too?
Labels:
everyday ramblings
Monday, March 14, 2025
Take care of our health
I’m back from Senai… we arrived back in Singapore yesterday afternoon at 2.30pm. Right after that I had to meet MH at the cinema to watch Lemony Snickett’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. His company provided free tickets for employees and their family. The movie was geared toward children… it was definitely very gloomy but there was still some poetic justice in the end - the unfortunate children overthrew their evil uncle in the end. Then after that we went over to the café as MH was on duty that night. After that we rushed home at 10pm because MH desperately wanted to catch The Apprentice.
The training was intensive… 3 days fully packed with talks, workshops, brainstorming sessions etc. We even had a lecturer from NUS come on Saturday to give us training on statistical modelling and forecasting techniques. Super “chim” man! So many formulas and methodologies! We also had team building water activities. Our team won first place - the prize was US$50 for each person!!! We also had our own BC Idol competition - each country had to send a representative. Our Singapore office idol didn’t win, but there were strong remarks that our Singapore office advertising and promotions was very strong… probably stronger than our actual idol “product”.
Back in the office today, I found out that two of my colleagues were quite sick. My team member Wilson was supposed to have flown off to Taiwan yesterday for a project, but his trip was postponed. He was not feeling well since Saturday night - during the water sports activities, he felt terribly out of breath while swimming. I personally think that this has to do with his history of smoking. Another colleague June is on MC today. Apparently she had a dizzy spell yesterday and she had blurred vision and vomiting. My director strongly advised her to see a neurologist but she refused to saying that it was nothing.
Some of my colleagues and I were talking about this over lunch. And we all concluded that incidences like these should make us want to take care of our health even more… especially as we get older.
The training was intensive… 3 days fully packed with talks, workshops, brainstorming sessions etc. We even had a lecturer from NUS come on Saturday to give us training on statistical modelling and forecasting techniques. Super “chim” man! So many formulas and methodologies! We also had team building water activities. Our team won first place - the prize was US$50 for each person!!! We also had our own BC Idol competition - each country had to send a representative. Our Singapore office idol didn’t win, but there were strong remarks that our Singapore office advertising and promotions was very strong… probably stronger than our actual idol “product”.
Back in the office today, I found out that two of my colleagues were quite sick. My team member Wilson was supposed to have flown off to Taiwan yesterday for a project, but his trip was postponed. He was not feeling well since Saturday night - during the water sports activities, he felt terribly out of breath while swimming. I personally think that this has to do with his history of smoking. Another colleague June is on MC today. Apparently she had a dizzy spell yesterday and she had blurred vision and vomiting. My director strongly advised her to see a neurologist but she refused to saying that it was nothing.
Some of my colleagues and I were talking about this over lunch. And we all concluded that incidences like these should make us want to take care of our health even more… especially as we get older.
Labels:
movies music books,
work
Wednesday, March 09, 2025
Activating my “out of office assistant”
Abstract from my Microsoft Outlook “out of office assistant”:
Thank you for your email, I will be away on training from 10th to 11th March. For urgent matters, please contact my colleague Ms April Xie at +65 6430 6525.
FYI: I will be leaving for Senai this afternoon at 3.30pm and will only depart from Sofitel Resort back to Singapore at 12.00noon on Sunday. Most of my colleagues are disappointed that this year’s conference will not be held at some place exotic like Thailand or Vietnam. Still it is a chance to get away and spend time with other team members. This year’s training itinerary looks more interesting than last year. We’re even inviting a professior from National University of Singapore to conduct a training session on statistical modeling techniques. On the last day of the conference, we’re having team building activities and holding our very own “BC Idol” competition - each country is to nominate one contestant to compete in the Idol competition.
I will tell you more about it when I return.
Thank you for your email, I will be away on training from 10th to 11th March. For urgent matters, please contact my colleague Ms April Xie at +65 6430 6525.
FYI: I will be leaving for Senai this afternoon at 3.30pm and will only depart from Sofitel Resort back to Singapore at 12.00noon on Sunday. Most of my colleagues are disappointed that this year’s conference will not be held at some place exotic like Thailand or Vietnam. Still it is a chance to get away and spend time with other team members. This year’s training itinerary looks more interesting than last year. We’re even inviting a professior from National University of Singapore to conduct a training session on statistical modeling techniques. On the last day of the conference, we’re having team building activities and holding our very own “BC Idol” competition - each country is to nominate one contestant to compete in the Idol competition.
I will tell you more about it when I return.
Labels:
travel and outings,
work
Tuesday, March 08, 2025
Little Boy Blues
We had an “uninvited guest” during our café’s soft launch over the weekend.
It started on Saturday (5th March) when my colleagues dropped by our café. Now my colleagues are really fun and spontaneous people… including my mentor. When they came in there was a little boy standing outside peering through the glass windows. He was eyeing the games on display hungrily. My colleagues gave him a wave… and he eagerly waved back. Then out of a whim, my mentor gestured for him to come in (I believe he just meant to see the boy’s reaction - expecting him to shake his head shyly or run away). Surprisingly, he pushed the glass door open and walked right up to our table. So my mentor invited him to sit down and started making friendly conversation with him and asking him to join in the games. The boy hung around all afternoon… my mentor discreetly ordered a drink for him but other than that he did not pay for anything else… including the drinking glass which he accidentally dropped on the floor… well never mind about that …
The next day (Sunday - 6th March) when Mabel opened the metal security grills at the front of the café, the same boy was already waiting there. Without greeting Mabel, he walked right in, took down a game and sat on a table by himself and started opening up the game to amuse himself. Mabel approached him to try and “serve” him but he refused to answer her. Later on MH sat him down to play UNO with him and to have a “talk” with him to explain that they were running a business so he cannot just come in all the time as other customers need to come in to sit - but he can come in with his family and friends and we can even offer him a discount. He didn’t say anything, but later on Mabel caught him walking around the café near the kitchen where outsiders were not allowed.
He is probably a lonely little boy who was very bored and suffering for amusement. We shall see if he comes again next weekend. But we definitely need to come up with some solution for our “Little Boy Blues”.
It started on Saturday (5th March) when my colleagues dropped by our café. Now my colleagues are really fun and spontaneous people… including my mentor. When they came in there was a little boy standing outside peering through the glass windows. He was eyeing the games on display hungrily. My colleagues gave him a wave… and he eagerly waved back. Then out of a whim, my mentor gestured for him to come in (I believe he just meant to see the boy’s reaction - expecting him to shake his head shyly or run away). Surprisingly, he pushed the glass door open and walked right up to our table. So my mentor invited him to sit down and started making friendly conversation with him and asking him to join in the games. The boy hung around all afternoon… my mentor discreetly ordered a drink for him but other than that he did not pay for anything else… including the drinking glass which he accidentally dropped on the floor… well never mind about that …
The next day (Sunday - 6th March) when Mabel opened the metal security grills at the front of the café, the same boy was already waiting there. Without greeting Mabel, he walked right in, took down a game and sat on a table by himself and started opening up the game to amuse himself. Mabel approached him to try and “serve” him but he refused to answer her. Later on MH sat him down to play UNO with him and to have a “talk” with him to explain that they were running a business so he cannot just come in all the time as other customers need to come in to sit - but he can come in with his family and friends and we can even offer him a discount. He didn’t say anything, but later on Mabel caught him walking around the café near the kitchen where outsiders were not allowed.
He is probably a lonely little boy who was very bored and suffering for amusement. We shall see if he comes again next weekend. But we definitely need to come up with some solution for our “Little Boy Blues”.
Labels:
settlers cafe
Winter in Singapore
It’s so freezing cold here now in Singapore… i.e. my office in Singapore that is…
We’ve been here at our new office for about a month now… and I still cannot get used to the very cold temperature setting of the air-con. I need my winter coat in here… it’s so bad that sometimes I need to walk out to the toilet to warm my hands under the electric hand-dryer… brrrrr….
Sometimes we try to turn the temperature up to something warmer… but our boss will complain that it’s so hot… and he always walks around bundled up in his thick sports jacket.
Sometimes I sit one hand and use the other hand to type on my keyboard… my hands are the organs that suffer the most because they are the only parts that stay exposed while the rest of me is bundled in a jacket.
Save me… my brain is freezing over…
We’ve been here at our new office for about a month now… and I still cannot get used to the very cold temperature setting of the air-con. I need my winter coat in here… it’s so bad that sometimes I need to walk out to the toilet to warm my hands under the electric hand-dryer… brrrrr….
Sometimes we try to turn the temperature up to something warmer… but our boss will complain that it’s so hot… and he always walks around bundled up in his thick sports jacket.
Sometimes I sit one hand and use the other hand to type on my keyboard… my hands are the organs that suffer the most because they are the only parts that stay exposed while the rest of me is bundled in a jacket.
Save me… my brain is freezing over…
Labels:
work
Monday, March 07, 2025
Permanent solution for a temporary situation
I was thinking about one of our cell group members whose brother recently passed away. He basically committed suicide. Apparently this brother was on a cruise ship with his mother… during the cruise, he jumped off the ship and drowned. Our cell member had to travel to Malaysia with his uncle to bring back the body to Singapore. They ran into some problems with the local police who were basically asking for “coffee money” (I wonder why they call it that). But by God’s grace, they managed to avoid having to stoop down to that level. MH and I were at the wake. Most Chinese wakes are almost quite festive, but this one was different. They wanted to make it low key. The photo of the deceased showed a solemn-looking man, he was overweight and wearing thick glasses. Our cell member recounted the whole incident to us. I asked him if this was a major shock for the whole family. He said that his mother was very shaken but he himself recalled that his brother has been quite depressed and down lately. The cruise was meant for him to relax and get over his depression. How sad that it had to end this way. One pastor who frequently visits our church always says “Suicide is a permanent solution for a temporary situation”. How true this statement is. But I cannot imagine what mental anguish a person must be going through that they could even reach a level to think that they have no other way out...
Labels:
self reflection
Saturday, March 05, 2025
Hustle and bustle of business
It's almost 1.00am on Saturday morning - 5th March. MH and I just returned from a tiring but fruitful evening at the cafe an hour ago. I thought I'd better squeeze in a word or two before I retire... in case I don't have time to write tomorrow, at least you'll have some idea of what has been happening here.
All 6 tables on the 1st level of the cafe was packed with customers all evening... and we had some turnover for about 3 of the tables from 6.00pm all the way until 11.00pm. Although I am a wee bit tired, but I'm feeling excited about the cafe and I can't wait for tomorrow to be there again. My colleagues will be dropping by at 1.00pm tomorrow... it will be fun to have them around - they're really a nice jolly bunch.
Things are still a little bit messy at the cafe as we do not have 100% of the systems fully in place yet such as the credit card machine and the cashier... but so far things are going pretty well. We had a couple of power trips today but we've raised the problem to the local neighborhood resident committee already.
Wish you were here...
All 6 tables on the 1st level of the cafe was packed with customers all evening... and we had some turnover for about 3 of the tables from 6.00pm all the way until 11.00pm. Although I am a wee bit tired, but I'm feeling excited about the cafe and I can't wait for tomorrow to be there again. My colleagues will be dropping by at 1.00pm tomorrow... it will be fun to have them around - they're really a nice jolly bunch.
Things are still a little bit messy at the cafe as we do not have 100% of the systems fully in place yet such as the credit card machine and the cashier... but so far things are going pretty well. We had a couple of power trips today but we've raised the problem to the local neighborhood resident committee already.
Wish you were here...
Labels:
settlers cafe
Friday, March 04, 2025
Feed the birds... tuppence a bag...
I had lunch today with some of my girl-colleagues at Delifrance… we had lunch there because Steph wanted to pick up some toiletries from Sasa afterwards.
I had a lovely tuna sandwich with wholemeal bread and cranberry-grapefruit juice. Steph had chicken on French bread with a diet coke. While we were eating, an old lady walked up to us and tried to take away Steph’s can of coke. Steph stopped her and told her that she hasn’t finished her coke yet. The lady walked away but came back again and tried to pour away the coke to take the can. Again, we tried to stop her. She tried again a third time - this time Steph quickly finished her drink and gave the can to the lady. We felt quite puzzled and slightly irritated that Delifrance allowed this old lady to disturb customers like this.
Later we talked to the manager about this. The manager apologised and explained that this old lady was “helping out” at the restaurant in return for free food. The look on the manager’s face showed that she agreed that the old lady was rather dotty but at the same time she pleaded with her eyes to have some sympathy. Of course we didn’t raise a fuss… we did not intend to… but we felt quite sad for the old lady.
She was tired-looking and wore a typical “samfoo” type of outfit - rather shabby and faded. And she had a vacant look in her eyes as she pottered about clearing tables and collecting empty coke cans to earn some recycling money. When not clearing tables, she would sit hunched in a corner… waiting… waiting for someone to leave an empty coke can behind.
When I think of the lady… I cannot help but feel a slight distaste…. for myself as a young woman in her prime, walking past and ignoring so many like her. I am reminded by a song in the movie “Marry Poppins” when Julie Andrews sings “Feed the birds, tuppence a bag” about a dirty old “bird-lady” who calls people to buy bird seed for tuppence to feed the birds. And I am reminded to open my eyes and look around and see these people… and remember them.
I had a lovely tuna sandwich with wholemeal bread and cranberry-grapefruit juice. Steph had chicken on French bread with a diet coke. While we were eating, an old lady walked up to us and tried to take away Steph’s can of coke. Steph stopped her and told her that she hasn’t finished her coke yet. The lady walked away but came back again and tried to pour away the coke to take the can. Again, we tried to stop her. She tried again a third time - this time Steph quickly finished her drink and gave the can to the lady. We felt quite puzzled and slightly irritated that Delifrance allowed this old lady to disturb customers like this.
Later we talked to the manager about this. The manager apologised and explained that this old lady was “helping out” at the restaurant in return for free food. The look on the manager’s face showed that she agreed that the old lady was rather dotty but at the same time she pleaded with her eyes to have some sympathy. Of course we didn’t raise a fuss… we did not intend to… but we felt quite sad for the old lady.
She was tired-looking and wore a typical “samfoo” type of outfit - rather shabby and faded. And she had a vacant look in her eyes as she pottered about clearing tables and collecting empty coke cans to earn some recycling money. When not clearing tables, she would sit hunched in a corner… waiting… waiting for someone to leave an empty coke can behind.
When I think of the lady… I cannot help but feel a slight distaste…. for myself as a young woman in her prime, walking past and ignoring so many like her. I am reminded by a song in the movie “Marry Poppins” when Julie Andrews sings “Feed the birds, tuppence a bag” about a dirty old “bird-lady” who calls people to buy bird seed for tuppence to feed the birds. And I am reminded to open my eyes and look around and see these people… and remember them.
Labels:
self reflection
Thursday, March 03, 2025
Rejoice with those who rejoice…
Currently my office workload is in a sort of lull period. I am currently in between projects… finishing off one project and about to start another one. We sent out our draft final report last night and today I spent the day preparing for a new project that will start next Monday. It’s nice to have a breather in between projects to brace yourself, sort out numerous emails that have been piling up for the past few weeks… and it’s nice to have a nice new clean project to start afresh.
My parents and my youngest brother - Paul, will be participating in a survey conducted by a colleague from our HK office. It’s a very interesting survey to find out the spending patterns of Malaysian students studying in Australia. This is the time Paul will need to ‘fess up and be truthful about his spending… but I’m sure Paul will not have any deep dark secrets about his spending… he has always been quite thrifty.
Our café will have its soft launch starting from tomorrow, Friday 04-Mar. Reservations have already started coming in from colleagues and friends. It’s very encouraging to have friends who are truly happy and excited for you when you embark on something big like this… that’s how friends should be… rejoice with us as we rejoice… I’m very thankful to be surrounded by so many friends such as these.
Meng How’s father will be arriving from KL tomorrow evening at around 6.00pm. I will be picking him up and we’ll go down to the café together. He’s very excited to see the café too.
It’s Friday tomorrow… just in case someone forgot… :)
My parents and my youngest brother - Paul, will be participating in a survey conducted by a colleague from our HK office. It’s a very interesting survey to find out the spending patterns of Malaysian students studying in Australia. This is the time Paul will need to ‘fess up and be truthful about his spending… but I’m sure Paul will not have any deep dark secrets about his spending… he has always been quite thrifty.
Our café will have its soft launch starting from tomorrow, Friday 04-Mar. Reservations have already started coming in from colleagues and friends. It’s very encouraging to have friends who are truly happy and excited for you when you embark on something big like this… that’s how friends should be… rejoice with us as we rejoice… I’m very thankful to be surrounded by so many friends such as these.
Meng How’s father will be arriving from KL tomorrow evening at around 6.00pm. I will be picking him up and we’ll go down to the café together. He’s very excited to see the café too.
It’s Friday tomorrow… just in case someone forgot… :)
Labels:
settlers cafe,
work
Wednesday, March 02, 2025
News update on Australia and The Cafe
Update on major happenings in our lives:
1. Moving to Australia
MH has decided (together with me) to accept the offer at Sydney. This does not 100% confirm that we are going yet because he still needs to go through an internal interview etc. The exact date is not confirmed yet. One person told MH that they need this position filled in 2-3 months time. But another person MH spoke to said that it could extend up to end of the year. So hopefully, perhaps we will actually need to go through a major rush after all.
Our partner, Mabel is quite ok with the situation. She says she was prepared for it and knew it would happen sooner or later anyway because we told her about our PR. Our other partner is not so happy… maybe he didn’t truly realise the implications until now (although we did make it known to both of them about our Australian PR)
But the conclusion is that both MH and I still want to carry on this business and we are prepared to work it out with our partners so that one feels shortchanged that we seem to be “running away” from responsibility of the business while we are fulfilling our PR in Australia.
2. Café opening
We opened our café for business last Sunday (27th Feb)… it was rather premature but necessary. What happened is that we planned all along to have everything up by 25th Feb… including hosting a private event on Sunday afternoon on the 27th. But (surprise, surprise) there were delays in our renovation by our contractor and some minor petty issues from slow gov’t officers in issuing us a certain permit. Mabel actually blasted a gov’t officer demanding proper service… we’ve done our part in submitting all the docs and ensuring our compliance, so they should have no reason to delay.
Well, we already promised the organizer of the event (a local board gaming club) that the place would be ready by the 27th but now this situation came up. They were still keen to have it at our café, so we suggested that we serve them freeflow of soft drinks only and they were willing to accept it (we have not received the permit to serve food although our kitchen and equipment is all ready and we already hired a chef).
So the whole of my Sat on the 26th was spent cleaning up the entire café and setting up the furniture and equipment together with the partners. Then on Sun the 27th we opened the doors of our café to outsiders for the first time (but only to a select group). It was tiring but satisfying to labor for something that truly belongs to you. Although I feel exhausted and could hardly open my eyes this morning… I don’t regret getting into this. Our customers were very nice and understanding of our situation and were very excited to be the first group to sit at this exciting new café that will be opening soon.
Anyway, all is going well this week and we should open our doors to the public this Friday (4th Mar) at 5.00pm. We’ve been given a ‘B’ rating for our café by the National Environmental Agency (which is not too bad) and we’ll be serving food, drinks and games to our customers. Our official opening ceremony will be held a few weeks later.
1. Moving to Australia
MH has decided (together with me) to accept the offer at Sydney. This does not 100% confirm that we are going yet because he still needs to go through an internal interview etc. The exact date is not confirmed yet. One person told MH that they need this position filled in 2-3 months time. But another person MH spoke to said that it could extend up to end of the year. So hopefully, perhaps we will actually need to go through a major rush after all.
Our partner, Mabel is quite ok with the situation. She says she was prepared for it and knew it would happen sooner or later anyway because we told her about our PR. Our other partner is not so happy… maybe he didn’t truly realise the implications until now (although we did make it known to both of them about our Australian PR)
But the conclusion is that both MH and I still want to carry on this business and we are prepared to work it out with our partners so that one feels shortchanged that we seem to be “running away” from responsibility of the business while we are fulfilling our PR in Australia.
2. Café opening
We opened our café for business last Sunday (27th Feb)… it was rather premature but necessary. What happened is that we planned all along to have everything up by 25th Feb… including hosting a private event on Sunday afternoon on the 27th. But (surprise, surprise) there were delays in our renovation by our contractor and some minor petty issues from slow gov’t officers in issuing us a certain permit. Mabel actually blasted a gov’t officer demanding proper service… we’ve done our part in submitting all the docs and ensuring our compliance, so they should have no reason to delay.
Well, we already promised the organizer of the event (a local board gaming club) that the place would be ready by the 27th but now this situation came up. They were still keen to have it at our café, so we suggested that we serve them freeflow of soft drinks only and they were willing to accept it (we have not received the permit to serve food although our kitchen and equipment is all ready and we already hired a chef).
So the whole of my Sat on the 26th was spent cleaning up the entire café and setting up the furniture and equipment together with the partners. Then on Sun the 27th we opened the doors of our café to outsiders for the first time (but only to a select group). It was tiring but satisfying to labor for something that truly belongs to you. Although I feel exhausted and could hardly open my eyes this morning… I don’t regret getting into this. Our customers were very nice and understanding of our situation and were very excited to be the first group to sit at this exciting new café that will be opening soon.
Anyway, all is going well this week and we should open our doors to the public this Friday (4th Mar) at 5.00pm. We’ve been given a ‘B’ rating for our café by the National Environmental Agency (which is not too bad) and we’ll be serving food, drinks and games to our customers. Our official opening ceremony will be held a few weeks later.
Labels:
settlers cafe
Tuesday, March 01, 2025
Maturity is...
I was inspired yesterday by a conversation I had with a very close friend via email.
She posed an interesting question: "What is maturity"
It got me thinking and I shared that I believe maturity is about COMMITMENT and INTEGRITY.
Commitment is sticking to something no matter what happens.
That includes commitment to promises, commitment to people, commitment to God, commitment to principles and values, and (my personal favourite) commitment to personal growth.
Integrity is about doing what you say... as my pastor likes to put it: "Walk the walk and not just talk the walk"
We can trust people of maturity because we know they will not let us down and that their actions always match their words.
So maturity is what I am aiming for!
She posed an interesting question: "What is maturity"
It got me thinking and I shared that I believe maturity is about COMMITMENT and INTEGRITY.
Commitment is sticking to something no matter what happens.
That includes commitment to promises, commitment to people, commitment to God, commitment to principles and values, and (my personal favourite) commitment to personal growth.
Integrity is about doing what you say... as my pastor likes to put it: "Walk the walk and not just talk the walk"
We can trust people of maturity because we know they will not let us down and that their actions always match their words.
So maturity is what I am aiming for!
Labels:
self reflection
Starting out my two cents collection
Yesterday, I mentioned to a friend, "If I could collect all the two cents worth I've been giving for all these years, what a collection of cents I would have by now"
She replied "I couldn't put a price to your thoughts... they're priceless..."
How profound!
So I thought of starting my personal collection of two cents worth for myself and for the people who matter to me in life, especially my family and friends overseas or back in my hometown whom I do not see and cannot talk with all the time.So perhaps my sharing my thoughts and reflections every now and then, it wil bridge the distance and bring us closer together even though we may be far apart.
So here is where I start...
She replied "I couldn't put a price to your thoughts... they're priceless..."
How profound!
So I thought of starting my personal collection of two cents worth for myself and for the people who matter to me in life, especially my family and friends overseas or back in my hometown whom I do not see and cannot talk with all the time.So perhaps my sharing my thoughts and reflections every now and then, it wil bridge the distance and bring us closer together even though we may be far apart.
So here is where I start...
Labels:
self reflection
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