Babies and Bonuses

Recently there has been much talk about the number of babies in Singapore. This is a cause and effect result I guess.

Firstly, I think that the education period in Singapore is too long. With education ending at 23-25 for most, the number of years left to have children is limited. By the time these people end their education, work for another 3-4 years to look for a partner AND save up for marriage/houses/cars, it is already 27-29 years old. With greater need for enjoying quality of life and the increasing selfish nature of young people, a few years of couple-hood(er4 ren2 shi4 jie4) is unavoidable. By then, most couples who are ready to have children would be about 30 or more, and this is not including fertility problems, delays in education, longer working life, time taken to look for a partner. When a woman is above 30, there is a general possibility that complications may result in a pregnancy and this may put off many people from having children. Hence, the government should try to shorten the length of one’s education especially so for Polytechnics/Junior Colleges and eventually Universities.

Next, housewives have to be given more help. Yes, they do not contribute in a tangible sense but they are an integral part to the social network in Singapore. By giving more help to housewives and their family (e.g. maid levies, include them in the annual Budget), it would help to alleviate the burdens of having one income. I would not go to the extent of saying that the government should encourage housewives, but they should not be overlooked. Children who have stay-at-home mums, may tend to grow up with stronger sense of family bonding, and not recall their childhood memories and see only maids and not their mothers.

Money in the form of Baby Bonuses would not solve the problem of declining birthrates as they are only short term solutions to long term problems. Singaporeans have to get used to the idea that life can still go on, and can still be of

Moreover, the advertisements by the government are so predictable. Happy family, with 2 or more children, smiling and playing in the sunset at the beach. Blah blah blah. Singaporeans need to know that having children would not result in them losing the ability to enjoy their lives.

Waiting for something good

There are two things that I am currently waiting for. This is not a suitable time to talk about them both yet but the results of these two things would be known in April. The sad thing is that, these two things are both very important to me and it is a pity that I have to give up one of them. This period of waiting is going to be difficult!

This Chinese New Year has been rather good. Because I got to eat a lot of a certain dish, which partly the reason why I like CNY so much. And that dish is yu sheng (aka Lou Hei). I ate it 8 times this year! And btw the number is just a coincidence, I did not intentionally eat it 8 times.

Jan-Feb 2010

Life recently has been a whirlpool!

Things are happening in my life, that I am not ready to reveal as yet but I do hope it would work out. But nonetheless, I am believing God for the best plans. That whatever happens, shall be a result of him working in my life to give me the best.

On to more interesting things, it was wonderful being able to meet up with two of the loveliest people in the world – Michelle and Caroline. Miss Still-as-Lame and Miss Peeling-Skin joined me for a nice lunch at Royal Copenhagen @ Taka. A pity we were too early so we could not enjoy their tea set (but there are better hi-tea offerings at hotels honestly). I really enjoy myself when out with these two friends, we always have so much fun recollecting the silly things we did as teenagers. Definitely friends I will cherish my whole life. On a side note, I wonder why is it that all my good friends are in Australia! AH !!!

Chinese New Year was not too bad this year, not taking into account my ang pow collection that is. Spent it in Malacca as usual and enjoyed taking a breather from the hectic lifestyle here. It is always good to be able to go back and see familiar things and not lose my way because of frequent changes in landmarks. I have been back every year and although I still do not know how exactly to drive there, I am really happy to see buildings and sights that have not been overtaken by modernisation.

Seeing my elders age is also an emotional experience for me. Although youngsters like myself may not appear to care very much, it is only because we do not show how we feel. I always dread seeing my grandma in the room because she is so frail as compared to her previously strong and ‘fat’ self. To hear her asking for some form of relief (aka euthanasia) is not at all a good feeling. She does not recognise me much, maybe because I don’t really look like my younger self (i think) – a very sad yet happy thing. I regret being so impression-less, but am also happy as I do not wish her to remember too much.

Such a pity, when one is old, no longer useful or healthy, your children would still find you a burden no matter what – unless you have inheritance waiting to be passed on. But the sad fact of life is that we always depend on our children to take care of us when we are old, but we do not realise that they are the ones that would disappoint us the most too. Chinese families should stop treating children as insurance policies but instead take joy in every reciprocation you receive, instead of treating it as a duty of a child.

Two days into 2010

Today, I told her that I love her. And her reply was that she felt like crying. I asked her why.

‘Because I miss you a lot’

And I told her that I felt the same way too.

In about 2 weeks time, I can take down my ‘triangle’. No more a P-plate driver! The year went by so quickly. Not sure if I have driven more than 20 days worth in the whole year though.

Caught Avatar in 3D today. Even though I tried to go to the theatre as early as possible (1 hour earlier) to get a good seat, I still ended up in the 3rd row from the front in a packed cinema. My first 3D movie experience was cool despite the higher cost and lousy seat. Avatar was nice, but I doubt it would be as nice in 2D so honestly, not too sure what the hype is all about. And the storyline is highly predictable. Gotta admit though that it was good not being able to see fuzzy lines on the blue people when they were in the same screen as humans.

Currently, I am thinking where to go for exchange as the briefing is on 6th Jan 10. I have been changing my mind from the earliest of time and my destinations have varied from paris, mauritius, brazil, chile, turkey, and now, FINALLY, I contemplate China. It was one of those first few places that I dont even want to think about. But taking all things into consideration, it might be a good place to go for exchange. Wanna travel to Mongolia too if possible!

Everyone always asks what I wanna do when I graduate – something which I am trying to hold off.
My answer, I believe is the same as many others, ‘I DUNNO”! Not too sure why people like to ask that question so much. Shall keep them in the dark as long as possible. Stop thinking that social science students have no jobs after they graduate. They keep their jobs during financial crises.

Empty Nest Syndrome

I’m not suffering from it yet.

But since my brother and his whole family including the two young children shifted to their own house after about 5 years, I understood what it means.

My mum felt a sudden loss of purpose, and I saw how some housewives really centre their whole life, and their life purpose around their children (or grandchildren). We fail to understand how much we mean to them and may see them as being silly or pity them. However, I think that it is only a necessary part of society that this happens. As a beneficiary of a stay-at-home mum, I see how the love and time spent creates exponential amount of love in the family.

It has been a difficult period for me too. To not have children’s laughter welcome me when I arrive home, not have children’s shouting and crying to liven up an empty home, it has been a really terrible period – albeit it being only 4 days since I last saw them.

As it dawns upon me …

As it dawns upon me that I am turning 21, I realise that I have led a very happy 21 years of existence. Thank God, for I have never been in want (apart from for better grades), neither have I been in despair (except for better grades).

As the day that I turn 21 draws nearer, I realise that people always see youth as an asset, I see youth as an asset, but I do not know how to use it. Well, I dont have enough money to. I’d start some crazy investment plan like you said you would ‘if only you started when you were young’. Easier said than done.

As I am approaching adulthood, I realise the consequences of my actions and will check my blindspots more often, rather than just my rearview mirror. May I care more about the people around me than merely about the legacy that I leave behind.

As I step into the world of R(A) movies, I realise I never want to be seen outside Princess cinema at Bedok Interchange (or anywhere else for that matter), buying a ticket to a porn film. I’d very much rather watch something like Bruno or Saw.

As I am finally entitled to the rights to myself, I realise that your parents don’t stop being your parents just because you are 21. In fact, as you approach the time you turn 21, they still have the memory of you being 12, ‘Aiyo, Girl ah… Grow up so fast… What do you want for your birthday? Mummy will buy for you.’ But they do not realise that what I really want to say is ‘I want a car’. Haha.

As I face the truth of myself growing older, I realise that soon I may be like one of those office girls, obsessing over wrinkles and branded bags. Or conversely as many of my friends believe, I shall be sitting at home waiting for my manicure to dry, and calling up my galpals for spa dates. I wonder which is worse.

What I do know,  is that the years will fly by, and soon I could be reading this post in my car on my mobile, with nice nails and a branded bag, maybe even while driving and forgetting to check my blind spots, with my mummy in the back seat saying ‘Aiyo, Girl ah…’, and me smiling.

So before that beautiful day happens, let me just constantly remind myself that I am only 21 and with years ahead of me to fill, if the world doesnt end in 2012 that is.  And may I never lose my way, may I never forget to check my blindspots and may I not be ‘another day older and deeper in debt’*

(* From the song, Sixteen Tons – I’m just slightly worried about my credit card bills in future)

Everybody’s Changing and I Don’t Feel The Same

HAIZ.

How much change can a person take?

I don’t feel I can enjoy the same way with you anymore. You may not have changed as much inside, but I certainly don’t feel your old you anymore. You may have adopted new habits but it was the old one that made hanging out so much fun. Now if we go out just the two of us, I dont even know where to suggest for venue. You make me feel like I should do the same things as you do but I know that way I’d only lose myself. But if I do not adopt ‘you’, might I lose you too?

Friends, please do not change… I hate change.

Week 4 and drowning

Its week 4 of school. And as all SMU students know, its only the beginning of more to come!

Glad that recently i’m back to dancing (not as a school CCA) realised that I do miss it after all. And maybe jazz isnt quite my thing. Contemporary and ballet seems to be. Although sometimes I cant quite tally the fact that there are guys in my class. Kind of a weird feeling.

This semester, thankfully, I have rather routine weeks because of the absence of meetings and presentations. I prefer that so much more. At least now I can be sure when I am free or not.

My dearest friends, Leslie and Divyesh will be holding their farewell party on Friday. I’d be so sad… they have been such an integral part of my JC life that life will be so different after they are gone in the UK. Well, at the very least, there will be no one organising class outings (unless Andrew volunteers) and no one to say ‘eh, you lost weight again!’ to….

I’m missing SHERILYN TAN HUI MIN. She has been missing for a long time. Please sent me an email or something if you are her!!!!!

No more a Sophomore

So now I’m a Year 3, with about 2 years before I graduate and truly become an adult. Sucks.

This semester is a pretty interesting one for me. My chioce of modules is rather odd too. I’m currently taking Foundations in Corporate Communications, European Union Politics, Special Topics: International Organisation, and Democracy. So, 4 modules, of which 3 of them are Political Science modules. I think that I might be overdoing this a little. Just imagine all the readings that I’d have.

Some interesting phenomenon that I observed this semester. I have ZERO local professors. I one from South Africa (though he’s white), one from Holland, one from Spain (teaching two of my classes). And the other REALLY odd and unusual thing is that I have ZERO group project/presentations this semsester! I think that this is really good cos now I know that my grades are my own doing and I wont have to waste too much time trying to plan meetings and wasting time at meetings – waiting for latecomers.

With the start of this semester, it also means that i’m about 2 months away from my 21st birthday! Not sure how i’m gonna celebrate at all but I know that I’m NOT going to have a chalet. Find it rather poinless since i’d be more busy trying to make sure everything is running smoothly than having fun with my guests.

Looking forward to the gathering with A53 on 29th Aug!

So far so good

Been about 2 weeks since I stopped my internship. Well, as you can guess and as what happens to many, I didnt manage to complete what I had set out to do during this 2 week break before school starts. But at least I got to spend good time with some friends and also family. My regrets are: not reading more and not cooking a dish as I promised myself I would.

But I did something that surprised myself (as encouraged by the sunscreen song) – I got a facebook account! Haha! A little late I know – missed out on so many A53 gatherings.

These few days have also made me realise that the taste of freedom and doing nothing is sweet sweet SWEET! At the same time though, I’m also eager for the start of school because I dont think anyone can do nothing for too long. I need to get my brain working again!