Feeling a little sad today. I have learnt a very important lesson on not listening to the the spirit's promtping and giving in to procrastination.
I have or rather had a elderly man who lives with his family about 2 apartment from us. We have known him for 5 years now. Very kind and friendly man. He and his family are very easy to get along with. Well, about Jan this year I started to notice that he was losing alot of weight, very fast. He was in and out of the hospital for quite a while but the doctors could not find out what was the problem. So he was discharged and went back to work. All seemed well for a while. But just a month ago, his wife told me that he has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and is going through chemo. In my heart, I told myself that I have to go visit him soon. And I even told Ian to go visit him before he left for Perth. That did not work out as things just got too hectic in the end. So after Ian left, I was determined to visit him before I left for Perth. I sensed that he might not make it till we return.
The last 3 days I had been having this strong sense that I need to go see him soon. But as I have been so busy with other things, I just kept pushing it back hoping to catch him maybe the day before I leave. Well, when the kids and I returned from the office yesterday afternoon. I met him at the lift lobby. The sad thing is that he was already dead. My only consolation is that I will meet him again one day. And this was only a decision he had made just 3 days ago.
I think this is a lesson I will never forget. And like Seth always says to me, "Put first thing first". I must learn not to be so task oriented and be more willing to let life's little interruption be a natural course of my life. Sigh! A big price to pay for this lesson.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Singapore blogger here!
Life is definitely not slowing down for us Dierdens in Singapore. Have not stopped for the last week and a half. Both Seth and Belle has kissed their beds goodbye. Been piging out on take aways. Nothing left in the fridge or cupboard to cook. Not that I am complaining of cos. Hee!
Belle was down with a strange virus the last week which left her precious little body covered with some horrible looking rashes. It got so bad on Sunday that I got on the phone to recruit prayer warriors. And praise God it cleared the very next day. So thanks to all you warriors out there.
My calendar is already full to the brim and we are still receiving invites to meet. Enjoying the time with people , but finding it quite tiring. Been hooked on to sudoku lately. need something to take my mind off all the packing and shifting. Got to go now. Kids are missing in the church office at the moment. Hee!
Belle was down with a strange virus the last week which left her precious little body covered with some horrible looking rashes. It got so bad on Sunday that I got on the phone to recruit prayer warriors. And praise God it cleared the very next day. So thanks to all you warriors out there.
My calendar is already full to the brim and we are still receiving invites to meet. Enjoying the time with people , but finding it quite tiring. Been hooked on to sudoku lately. need something to take my mind off all the packing and shifting. Got to go now. Kids are missing in the church office at the moment. Hee!
Sunday, October 29, 2006
G’day friends!
You can take the Aussie out of Singapore, but you can take the friendships out of the Aussie. The only thing to do is to invite you all to my place for coffee and ANZAC cookies. So consider yourself invited.
The ten most enjoyable things I’ve been doing (they are not in rank of priority):
Breathing ‘haze’ free air all day
Walking in familiar parks close to my family home
Cuddles from my mum, sisters and brother
Eating Sausage rolls, pies and vanilla slices
Listening to the various sounds of familiar birds early in the morning
- kookaburra;
- magpie;
- dove; crow
- and various cockatoos
Long chats with Sarah and time to help her with P4 maths
Long devotions in the morning
Driving on quiet roads
living on the ground floor with a back yard
visiting the homes of my siblings & drinking coffee
Five things I haven’t enjoyed:
1. The ‘slow’ service at Perth airport
2. ‘Chili-less’ food
3. Watching TV with course language & lots of sexual scenes
4. Listening to an ‘old Aussie’ man talk about his ‘farm girl’ wife
in Thailand Nursing a ‘slip disc’ in my back after I shifted too many big boxes in Singapore
Four things I hope to do soon:
1. Go fishing and eat the catch
2. Go surfing and catch a wave
3. Eat Chicken Treat
4. See my family and ‘some’ friends from Singapore
80th Anniversary of my Primary School
This Saturday promises to be a blast from the past!! It just so happens that my primary school is having their 80th anniversary. So cool!!! I’ll get to see all those beautiful and ‘not so beautiful’ teachers- at least the ones that haven’t kicked the bucket.
There was Mr Baynes!! He trusted me with leading the cricket team the morning his wife gave birth….and then there was Mr Mar, he was my English teacher. I don’t blame him for my bad spelling. He had a piano in the class room and would begin to play it when we’re climbing up the walls. He was rather ‘early in the ‘music therapy’ scene. Strange, but he’d relax with two or three cigs at the back of the class room. He’d send the class prefect out to buy his smokes too!!!
Then there was Miss Delica my grade 1 teacher. She destroyed any ‘interest’ I my had for maths. I never any ‘natural talent’ and she let me know with screams and humiliation techniques. She told me I was ‘useless’ and poked me on the head with her chalk. I often thought of sticking the chalk up her rather large nostrils. Unfortunately, that goal turned into just more ‘daydreaming’ and my grades slide further south.
This Saturday I may get to see my first five best friends!!!
Ian Drummond-Hay- (India) who taught me how to eat mangoes, chili and ‘appreciate’ Deep Purple in my teen years
Marie Fijac-(Mauritian) she taught me how to eat curry and speak some ‘Creole’ (Mauritius is off the coast of Africa and they speak a form of French)
Toi (Japanese) she was just the sweetest and prettiest girl in class
Chang Hing Wing (Malaysian Chinese) He taught me how to each ‘chicken wings’ and we played ‘Combat’ around his home. His mum was a potter…I can still remember the very different sights, sounds and smells I encountered as I played in his home.
Greg Galvin (Aussie). Greg was my fishing ‘Kaki’. We loved to eat vanilla slices and pies. He was 6 foot by the time we hit secondary school. He’d always win the high jump. I’d always come second.
So I’m quite excited…I’ll be going with Sarah and my bro and sisters and all their kids. Pray that Mrs Delica is there so I can get rid of all that ‘zidanity’ in me. If not I think I’ll just have to pray and trust that when I see her ‘in heaven’ I’ll give her a big hug and not a big head butt!
With love from Ian and Sarah ‘The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I will have a delightful inheritance’. Ps.16:6
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Singapore Blogger!
As you can all see, my other half is also busy blogging over inPerth. As for us over here in S'pore, we have been left with no camera, so pic for now. Guess I will just have to rely on my creative side to describe our remaining life here in S'pore .
So far so good! Can finally say that the chaos is almost over. Cupboards are empty, fridge is almost empty, all curtains washed, sheets washed, boxes packed, sealed and ready to be sent off. Poor Belle! She had to say goodbye to her precious cot on Sat. How sad! This is the last of her worldly possesion that she witness taken from her. She is now reduced to sleeping on her cot matteress on the bedroom floor. I promised her that she will be rewarded with a "big" bed (like Sarah's and Seth's) when we get to Laos. So she is clinging on to that promise. Sigh! She also has no toys to play with either, as all that has been packed away in the boxes as well. Can you imagine how miserable she is right now??? Took her and Seth to Toys R'Us yesterday and she had a ball playing with all the baby dolls on the rack. At first she was all fascinated by the barbie section, which she calls "furby". But then she caught sight of the baby doll section and got stuck there. She took down some of the life size babies and just planted her little bottom on the floor and had a great time playing by herself. I was so tempted to buy her one of them, but thought maybe it would be nicer for her to receive it as a present for x'mas. As her mum, my heart has really been shredded up a little lately seeing how this 'big' move has been affecting her.
As for Seth, he is older and more able to grasp the reality of it all. Still he was quite distraught to know that we will also be giving his bunk bed away next week. Last night our friends ask if they could have the second room empty so that they could use more of the space. As you all know how "spacious" our apartment is, where else could we store the bunk??? So it will have to go. And amazingly, my big bro asked if he could have it earlier during the day. So I guess it won't go to waste after all.
It does feel funny though. Watching the house being emptied out while we are still "living" in it. Sad but somehow feel "lightened" in the heart. Like we are not so cluttered with worldly things anymore. Must enjoy this feeling while it last. I know it won't be long before we will have to surround ourselves with such "necessities" again.
So far so good! Can finally say that the chaos is almost over. Cupboards are empty, fridge is almost empty, all curtains washed, sheets washed, boxes packed, sealed and ready to be sent off. Poor Belle! She had to say goodbye to her precious cot on Sat. How sad! This is the last of her worldly possesion that she witness taken from her. She is now reduced to sleeping on her cot matteress on the bedroom floor. I promised her that she will be rewarded with a "big" bed (like Sarah's and Seth's) when we get to Laos. So she is clinging on to that promise. Sigh! She also has no toys to play with either, as all that has been packed away in the boxes as well. Can you imagine how miserable she is right now??? Took her and Seth to Toys R'Us yesterday and she had a ball playing with all the baby dolls on the rack. At first she was all fascinated by the barbie section, which she calls "furby". But then she caught sight of the baby doll section and got stuck there. She took down some of the life size babies and just planted her little bottom on the floor and had a great time playing by herself. I was so tempted to buy her one of them, but thought maybe it would be nicer for her to receive it as a present for x'mas. As her mum, my heart has really been shredded up a little lately seeing how this 'big' move has been affecting her.
As for Seth, he is older and more able to grasp the reality of it all. Still he was quite distraught to know that we will also be giving his bunk bed away next week. Last night our friends ask if they could have the second room empty so that they could use more of the space. As you all know how "spacious" our apartment is, where else could we store the bunk??? So it will have to go. And amazingly, my big bro asked if he could have it earlier during the day. So I guess it won't go to waste after all.
It does feel funny though. Watching the house being emptied out while we are still "living" in it. Sad but somehow feel "lightened" in the heart. Like we are not so cluttered with worldly things anymore. Must enjoy this feeling while it last. I know it won't be long before we will have to surround ourselves with such "necessities" again.
Singapore Blogger!
As you can all see, my other half is also busy blogging over inPerth. As for us over here in S'pore, we have been left with no camera, so pic for now. Guess I will just have to rely on my creative side to describe our remaining life here in S'pore .
So far so good! Can finally say that the chaos is almost over. Cupboards are empty, fridge is almost empty, all curtains washed, sheets washed, boxes packed, sealed and ready to be sent off. Poor Belle! She had to say goodbye to her precious cot on Sat. How sad! This is the last of her worldly possesion that she witness taken from her. She is now reduced to sleeping on her cot matteress on the bedroom floor. I promised her that she will be rewarded with a "big" bed (like Sarah's and Seth's) when we get to Laos. So she is clinging on to that promise. Sigh! She also has no toys to play with either, as all that has been packed away in the boxes as well. Can you imagine how miserable she is right now??? Took her and Seth to Toys R'Us yesterday and she had a ball playing with all the baby dolls on the rack. At first she was all fascinated by the barbie section, which she calls "furby". But then she caught sight of the baby doll section and got stuck there. She took down some of the life size babies and just planted her little bottom on the floor and had a great time playing by herself. I was so tempted to buy her one of them, but thought maybe it would be nicer for her to receive it as a present for x'mas. As her mum, my heart has really been shredded up a little lately seeing how this 'big' move has been affecting her.
As for Seth, he is older and more able to grasp the reality of it all. Still he was quite distraught to know that we will also be giving his bunk bed away next week. Last night our friends ask if they could have the second room empty so that they could use more of the space. As you all know how "spacious" our apartment is, where else could we store the bunk??? So it will have to go. And amazingly, my big bro asked if he could have it earlier during the day. So I guess it won't go to waste after all.
It does feel funny though. Watching the house being emptied out while we are still "living" in it. Sad but somehow feel "lightened" in the heart. Like we are not so cluttered with worldly things anymore. Must enjoy this feeling while it last. I know it won't be long before we will have to surround ourselves with such "necessities" again.
So far so good! Can finally say that the chaos is almost over. Cupboards are empty, fridge is almost empty, all curtains washed, sheets washed, boxes packed, sealed and ready to be sent off. Poor Belle! She had to say goodbye to her precious cot on Sat. How sad! This is the last of her worldly possesion that she witness taken from her. She is now reduced to sleeping on her cot matteress on the bedroom floor. I promised her that she will be rewarded with a "big" bed (like Sarah's and Seth's) when we get to Laos. So she is clinging on to that promise. Sigh! She also has no toys to play with either, as all that has been packed away in the boxes as well. Can you imagine how miserable she is right now??? Took her and Seth to Toys R'Us yesterday and she had a ball playing with all the baby dolls on the rack. At first she was all fascinated by the barbie section, which she calls "furby". But then she caught sight of the baby doll section and got stuck there. She took down some of the life size babies and just planted her little bottom on the floor and had a great time playing by herself. I was so tempted to buy her one of them, but thought maybe it would be nicer for her to receive it as a present for x'mas. As her mum, my heart has really been shredded up a little lately seeing how this 'big' move has been affecting her.
As for Seth, he is older and more able to grasp the reality of it all. Still he was quite distraught to know that we will also be giving his bunk bed away next week. Last night our friends ask if they could have the second room empty so that they could use more of the space. As you all know how "spacious" our apartment is, where else could we store the bunk??? So it will have to go. And amazingly, my big bro asked if he could have it earlier during the day. So I guess it won't go to waste after all.
It does feel funny though. Watching the house being emptied out while we are still "living" in it. Sad but somehow feel "lightened" in the heart. Like we are not so cluttered with worldly things anymore. Must enjoy this feeling while it last. I know it won't be long before we will have to surround ourselves with such "necessities" again.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
And when you come down you get the full Perth to Albany tour guide....this includes a blow by blow history commentary up and down the coast. You find out the best surf spots, fishing spots and hiding spots incase of a neuclear war. This educational trip is registered with CCA points Singappore, so no worries, just come on down.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Almost finish!!!
We are almost there guys! So far all our worldly possessions are contained in 19 (double A4 size) boxes. Not bad for a family of 5 yeah??? My best friend for the last month has been our ever "hungry" DUSTBIN. Of cos' not everything got thrown into it's wide open mouth. Seth and Belle has been visiting Mr Recycling Bin on a very regular basis. We have also given much stuff to friends and neighbours. Just can't believe how much "THINGS" we are able to store in such a some space.
Seth just celebrated his 7th b'day by having a pool side party. He had a great time with his best friend, Surajeet. I don't have the camera with me now so can't download any of the pic yet. Ian has got it with him in Perth. Oh that's right. Ian and Sarah are both in Perth right now. They flew off yesterday morning and Ian is now enjoying the fresh air in Aus, away from the terrible haze here in S'pore.
Belle is cool about them not being around as she still has mum and bro to hang out with. She is so amazing. She seems to comprehend that we are packing up to move to a new place. No complains from her when all her toys are packed away in the boxes. She just says "Boxes to Laos??" She will be kissing her cot goodbye tomorrow as well. My cousin's hubby will be picking it up in the morning. Let's see how she copes tomorrow.
My deadline for the completion of all packing is 23rd Oct. That should give me a full 2 weeks to meet people and just chill.... That's the plan anyway. We will see. Always good to have a plan. Pris, we will be back in S'pore on 2nd Jan and leaving for Laos on 14th Jan. Are you serious about coming back ??? Maybe save up to visit us in Laos would be better. Hee!!
Ok! got to go now. Life goes on in this household!
Seth just celebrated his 7th b'day by having a pool side party. He had a great time with his best friend, Surajeet. I don't have the camera with me now so can't download any of the pic yet. Ian has got it with him in Perth. Oh that's right. Ian and Sarah are both in Perth right now. They flew off yesterday morning and Ian is now enjoying the fresh air in Aus, away from the terrible haze here in S'pore.
Belle is cool about them not being around as she still has mum and bro to hang out with. She is so amazing. She seems to comprehend that we are packing up to move to a new place. No complains from her when all her toys are packed away in the boxes. She just says "Boxes to Laos??" She will be kissing her cot goodbye tomorrow as well. My cousin's hubby will be picking it up in the morning. Let's see how she copes tomorrow.
My deadline for the completion of all packing is 23rd Oct. That should give me a full 2 weeks to meet people and just chill.... That's the plan anyway. We will see. Always good to have a plan. Pris, we will be back in S'pore on 2nd Jan and leaving for Laos on 14th Jan. Are you serious about coming back ??? Maybe save up to visit us in Laos would be better. Hee!!
Ok! got to go now. Life goes on in this household!
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