Merry Christmas 2020

Unprecedented. This word has been the most overused word this year I would say. As many would know, it is unprecedented that it has to become law to wear masks whenever out of our homes. It is also unprecedented that Christmas will be spent with no more than extra 5 visitors and eat with no more than 5 at each table. The list could still go on such as no party, no bonus, no increment, and so on...

It could become an easy word to misuse and treat it as an excuse for everything else. Covid, unprecedented, so what's there to celebrate? What is there to be happy about? It's unprecedented! So, let's just suck it up and let our heads bow down until such time when we can truly be happy, to be happy.

However, should we really allow that to happen?

What has happened, has happened. What will happen, nobody knows or can predict what will happen. I learnt a quote from the past. " Do not let what you cannot do affect what you can do." 

Borrowing another famous quote from "Dumbledore: Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."

We can be shrouded in sadness or allow it to overtake us. However, all we need is to remember to turn on the light. Even a speck of light will render a room of darkness weak.

The year 2020 has taught me a serious lesson. Often, I would always bear as much as possible and just strive to work it out until the next time I have a proper break, say a holiday in Thailand. I would work or just put behind whatever bad there was and feel consoled that my big break is coming. Anything else can wait.

End of the year 2019 was bad. Bad news and more bad news. I looked forward to the BKK trip in Jan and absorbed all other bad news and pushed it to the back of my mind.

Start of the year 2020 was equally challenging the way 2019 ended. I was overwhelmed at a certain point and just then Covid struck. The circuit breakers, the fast and furious manner in which the entire world struggled to cope with and adjust to the perils of the dangerous virus was just too much I thought. I had no escape this time. I had no chance to run to Batam or Bangkok to hide away. I had to take on challenges face on and by the horns.

I learnt how not to stash away fears and run to my comfort zone and wait for the tide to go. I learnt that it is no big deal for the year to must end on a best high or that every year must have a good ending for it to be good. I learnt that life is full of ups and downs and one cannot possibly wait for the tide to be up in order to be happy and strong mentally. I learnt that problems can come and go easily; happiness can go and also return easily.

As such, Christmas is perhaps an important time to remember all these. Even when we are in self-despair, think about those who are in situations worse off.

This year's present for the Missus is special. Need to keep up with the times, thus went shopping around and again, another HP merchandise to add to the collection of HP.

The Deathly Hallows. To some, it presents some occult. To me, it just meant one thing. Its the most powerful symbol in the whole of HP(correct me if I'm wrong) that when in possession together, it makes the person the most powerful wizard ever. Ok, not trying to be foolish here, but its a gift to for a good year ahead to beat the challenges and come out victorious every time. The time turner charm was nice, but albeit too big I feel.

However, most importantly, it is a time for families to get together. Despite having only 5 visitors at any time, it was good to see loved ones having a good time together after what has been a really difficult year for anyone.

Nice food, nice companionship and drinks.

Merry Christmas and I'm sure by this time next year, it will be better than now.

Mr Ussenal.

The Diam Diam Era - Handsome Boy in Stirling Road.

 

Recently, I had the chance to watch Jack Neo's latest movie The Diam Diam Era in the cinema. It was fun and nostalgic and together with the 60s to 80s soundtracks, it just made the ticket worth several times the outlay I paid for it.

Not for any special occasion, but as a need to put together a team video for the office online Xmas celebrations, I had to dig some old photos and it brought me to the video montage of our kiddos time which we had put up for our guests during our wedding. Many memories and it just seemed like yesteryear when I was still wearing the spiderman t-shirt.

Nostalgia. XXXXX

2 Timothy 4:7

 I have bid farewell to my Uncle Richard, the closest brother to my father, and probably the uncle closest and have been closest to my family since I was young.

The year 2020 has been a year of unnerving emotions. A near full year I would call. WIth Covid19, it has wreaked havoc for the entire world and reset several things. Some would see it as a consolation that it has made them see things from an alternative perspective, work being digitalized etc, and so on. Alas, had the disease not struck, will these still be called as a "consolation" to their lives?

The year started with the very difficult impending departure of Uncle Wai. It's one of the hardest things to accept seeing family going through what he went through and we go through what we have seen. You anticipate, and then hope against hope and then finally accept and wait for the due.

Then, a parent of a neighbour passed away after being in a coma for 2 days, and family pulling the plug when the doctor declared him brain dead and no chance of revival. Surviving children were only 7 and 5 years old. What is worse than waking up and not seeing yr dad who would have been his hero anymore? A life is cruelly taken away just like that.

Weeks ago, I visited my favourite shop where I would get my office wear and was shocked when the first words i heard upon stepping foot into the shop was to hear the passing of the uncle, the owner of the shop. I remembered the uncle as an ever accomodating person and that was the reason I have always patronised. I could not imagine that the visit before the covid would turn out to the last time I saw him.

Uncle Richard had been battling with a clogged artery situation for the past year.  He had had a bypass surgery several years ago, but unfortunately, the condition has returned and doctors gave the bad news that his heart was only functioning at 10 to 15%. It was a precarious situation and he had to undergo surgery immediately failing which he may have heart failure. Days before the op, he decided to withdraw from the appointment and then cancel the whole operation altogether. He wanted to try and just live on and if he should 'go', he would want to leave without pain or fuss. Despite advice against such a move, Uncle Richard felt that he does not want to die in the immediate surgery which would have taken place about this time last year. 

Instead, he tried to lead a more relaxed life and went on to visit all over Singapore, and at the same time, he has begun to return to the Lord. 

He would tag several people including me in FB on morning wishes and blessings from the Bible until one day when he said that due to unforeseen circumstances, he had to stop. I thought he had perhaps been tired and not feeling well. Never did I expect to find out that he had suffered a heart attack days ago. 

On 4 December 2020, I received news that he had passed away in his sleep. I cannot understand and cannot accept how quickly time has reached. The doctor said"anytime".. How did the 'anytime' become the time now?

As I was involved and wanted to take part in JY's wedding, I had to give the funeral a miss. My heart pained when I could only see the live stream of the services up to the cremation, of my aging uncles and aunties whom i have always loved to talk and mingle with. They lost a beloved brother and I lost an uncle who had shown dote on me no less than what a father would give to a son.

I would now miss his nagging (nags to my parents), his smiles (he has hardly shown a black face ever before), his dao sa pia ,bak kwas and food that he would buy when he strike 4D, such as an expensive duck for dinner.

Knowing that he may have little tech support on his phone and limited laptop, I felt the need to help and assist in what I can. What I had learned from him was that he was very open to new stuff such as tech gadgets. He would read learn online on how to use the computer and handphones as opposed to my father, who had very little exposure to tech stuff was very reluctant to even use Whatsapp.

As said by one of my uncles, Uncle Richard led a simple life. His hobby was to play the jackpot and he had treated closed ones with love. I still remembered he bought me a desktop, which costs $2k when I was 16 I guess. Looking back, Uncle Richard was not always very rich; but to fork out $2k like that shows his generosity and love for me. During the days when he was still working, he would also give $50 as a weekly allowance to me. He was never a miser and when he strikes some lottery, he would always bring my parents out for a meal, or just bring them to MBS or around Yishun for a get-together. I guess my parents have lost a very close brother and a companion who has been with them for decades. Even in the Chua family, he has always played the role of the sweeper; quietly standing away from the limelight and often with us during gatherings.

I was not able to write any messages on the condolence book or leave any message during the live stream when asked to but I m sure being tech-savvy, he would read this blog when he is free and know what I had to say.

In life, we always keep our heartfelt words as heartfelt, until it becomes too late. Most of us are unwilling to exhibit our true feelings often until there is no more opportunity to do so.

Just when I thought Christmas would be the last saving grace to have any left in a year turned upside down by Covid, Uncle Richard's passing away has been like a kick to a beggar whose bowl of coins would spiral across the streets and into the drains.  Uncle Richard's birthday falls on Christmas and I suppose the yearly noisy gathering of the Chua family would be quiet; a deafening quiet.

Despite the emotional struggles that have been an onslaught, we must never lose faith in our Lord. I trust in his plans for all of us and his timing for what develops in our lives is always impeccable.

Uncle Richard has fought the fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. It is our turn to continue to do so.

The Chimes ring ..Happy birthday Mrs Ussenal!

As the clock struck 12pm, the chimes from the Church ringing at the backdrop of Bukit Batok St. 11 served encouragement as we embark on the start of the middle of the year.

Certain sounds play a part in my growing up. Just like how songs affect a person's mood and recall certain memories, sounds do the same for me.

When I was young, as young as a 9-year-old, I would spend time just lying on my parents' bed and just listening to the sound of aeroplanes flying past on top. There was a beer factory opposite where I used to stay, which was then converted to a Condo and named aptly as The Anchorage. It always had the sound of a certain insect, which you would normally hear in the trees especially on a hot day.

These sounds would sometimes combine with the piano or violin sound the neighbours staying on top would play, seemingly creating a mini symphony of sorts. It would bring peace to my young and free mind and make me fall asleep easily when I was mostly bored.

When I was serving NS, we have had to spend days outfield. In the 12 years of NS and reservist duties, the same sounds that I loved to hear when I was young accompanied me well. 

Likewise, the chimes that I hear every 1st day of the month would bring a soothing 5 seconds peace and also an encouragement that whatever's gone bad the previous month has passed. A new month beckons and time to continue working hard to put another's month worth in the bag.

However, this year has been different. We have seen the impact of what Covid-19 has done to the lives of many. It has been unfair and sad and especially for people who may have lost their businesses, career plans and loved ones to the disease.

Many people are worried about what things will be like in the near future, be it a vaccine is found or not. Perhaps a lesser worried if a vaccine is found, but no doubt that lives will change from henceforth.

However, it is equally important not to be overdrawn on that matter. Of course, we find for the first time in this generation, that we have had to live more responsibly. It has been a given that we were very fortunate to have avoided being born in the World War era. We felt for too long that life will be rosy and we would just occupy ourselves with the daily problems which come and go.

The Covid19 may go on to be an everlasting issue that humans will have to learn to live with, be it a vaccine is found or not. There may be worse viruses coming out which we will have no idea how to grapple with in future.

Thus, it is important that we have to remain focused on our purpose - which is to live.

When we look back in history, there have been many life-changing events such as World War 1 and 2, various dangerous diseases outbreak. If you go even further back in time, to dynasties even, where the people living then would have faced even more situations where they have hardly any room to negotiate the living terms. Do they back then, have a chance to ask why is this happening?

However, I am confident that God has plans for everything. I'm sure many Christians or other faiths may be questioning themselves why has God allowed this to happen, to bring upon hundreds of thousands of deaths and it still appears far from over. It is easy to lose faith but hold my beer. The Lord often has plans of His own and all He ever requires from us is just faith. We see Churches closed and only able to bring sermons online and I believe that He has a plan though at the end how to manage the situation. We, as humans are perhaps just not at that level of thinking to comprehend whatever is going on and will go on.

Today is Mrs Ussenal's birthday. This is the first time perhaps that we will celebrate it at home. Not a bad idea exactly. As I write, gifts of food and cakes have been delivered to our doorstep non-stop, delivering to us love and best wishes from friends living far apart from us.

Events such as Covid19 are no doubt threatening to the existence of the human race, but more often than not, humans have often proved adaptative and armed with technology, we will come out tops provided we are united. As in the Bible times, I believe the tower to God may be completed had God not intercepted.

Let's hope that the lifting of the Circuit Breaker represents the start of more good things to come not only for Singapore but also for the rest of the world.

Year of 2020 - Unprecedented at all levels.

It was only January 2020.

A month ago, on or around 4 December 2019, my world cracked a little. A little gap, that would go on to cost my household some days of sleep and many days of reflection of what could have happened as well as what’s next.

It hadn’t been easy, considering that my office has just shifted from a location I professed to be home to a place I had hardly set foot upon, other than to take the coach to Genting Highlands. The second half of 2019 had gone by fast; we had begun preparation for the moving as early as July.

The Concourse office is a beautiful one. Renovation work had been done quite well and the much smaller office was still well utilised. There were many new changes especially in the IT development, all tailored to bring our firm to the next pedestal and moving along with the need to go more paperless. It was an exciting era and I thought that the time done in TP would really be helpful, especially with the exposure in 1 module in how technology will serve the legal industry as the landscape changes in the near future.

However, I had a mini struggle inside of me back then. Likewise how I missed my old home at Queensway when I first shifted to Batok, I was feeling the same when I had to change my journey to work. Distance is albeit further, but the need to take multiple train journeys across different rail lines was taxing. I was uncomfortable and thought perhaps I would need months to get used to.

In January 2020, a new challenge was dropped on my plate. My portfolio at work was enlarged. I was assigned a new task and it was something which I had not expected to happen. Within a week, I was further given another portfolio to manage as well.

Although it was years ago when I last felt challenged being thrown into an unfamiliar surrounding at work, I felt the change was timely and invigorated a new surge of energy in me. I thought it could be a good distraction away from what’s happening at home and a good new learning opportunity. It was already 2 months from the day when we shifted and I asked my colleague if they felt at home as they did back in MAS. The loud affirmative was a resounding beat of the drum that I have to find my own victory soon.

Shortly after, I then received news that KW’s uncle, Uncle W has been admitted into a hospice and the solemn understanding among the Ws was that Uncle W will leave us soon.

It was another boat rock that made me felt that I was done with the year 2020. I wished for 2020 to be over soon so that a new year can start afresh without all the baggage that was dragged into 2020 as well as the new ones which seemed to have appeared all at once.

The CNY festivities as well as the Bangkok trip which we looked so much forward to suddenly seemed secondary. They looked pale when lined up with what’s happening at home or at work.

While all these were happening, we had begun seeing news of a new disease outbreak in China. Seeing it as another piece of foreign news, it was hardly something I would bother myself with, considering what was on my plate then.

Uncle W’s condition deteriorated and in February, just before CNY’s 15^th day, he passed away. It was the most solemn CNY I had ever gone through. There was hardly any mood to have fun; and I guessed that even if there was intention to create some mood, it sort of extinguished when you see that the atmosphere around was just not right at all.

About that time, the disease which started from China had reached our shores in Singapore as well as the neighbouring countries. It was a new brand of coronavirus and Singapore, being experienced from its fight against SARS, was a place where I felt the virus will not survive long.

Fast forward to 13 February 2020, cases were picking up slowly still. We decided to proceed with the trip to Bangkok, considering that cases were still in the 1x in Bangkok and Singapore and we were armed with the masks and sanitizers.

However, the mood in Bangkok had changed. Upon setting foot in the Suvarnabhumi Airport, there were no long queues of China tourists. It was quiet. We felt the first hint of what to expect when we hit the markets.

People in Bangkok were starting to keep away from touristy places. Crowd at Chatuchak had dropped and it was significantly quieter even in shopping malls it all adds up when we could find seats at establishments where we not normally be able to.

We began to buy masks and sanitizers from every pharmacy we saw in Bangkok. Focus on the usual clothes and stuff were not our focus.  We knew that Singapore was having a bad shortage and we bought as many as we could such that my fish haul was only a paltry quantity of 5 fish bags.

When we came back after 5 days to Changi Airport, things have begun to accelerate at home and overseas. We were shocked to hear from the taxi driver that crowds are thinning and tourists numbers are also slowing down to the extent he had to wait 2 hours for a passenger.

Just a few days after we came back, Thailand started to announce extra measures in its airport for Singaporeans due to increase of infected in Singapore. Just before we left for Bangkok, Singapore had raised to Dorscon Orange, a code used in disasters to signify the alert code the country is in.  Our firm had also implemented a rotation shift amongst the different banking teams so as to minimize the danger of the spread of the virus.

At the back of my mind, I wondered how I would be able to cope with the impending HIP renovation works for my block by end of April. It was a worry with the constant every changing situation due to the virus. In fact, it was so much to take in that i felt nervy trying to balance the number of things on my shaky plate.

First day back in office was weird. It felt like Thanos had snapped his fingers while I was away in Bangkok. I then started to feel sad as days of not seeing some of my close colleagues turned into weeks. We could only communicate via text and there was still so much adjustment to adhere to.

I felt that it was only February 2020 and there have been so many challenges.  Life was still going as usual, except that we are not supposed to meet our colleagues. Soccer went on as usual, Friday pa tors as usual. It was until when we went to an empty cinema that the truth was striking. People were beginning to hide and play safe from the virus.

In March, cases began to increase and Singapore had handled seemingly well. Contact tracing was quickly performed for suspected cases and the task team was able to report if the new case was linked to previous cluster or a fresh un-linked case. Every night, our eyes would be glued to see if new case was linked or not.

However, in April, the government decided that many places will be closed until 2 May 2020. It was something which we had gradually expected it to happen, considering our neighbour Malaysia had also started their own lock down earlier.

It was a shock to see shops closed, restaurants fold their chairs. Places which you never dream they would close; they did. 4d outlets, Mcdonalds and even bubble tea shops. It was worse than CNY, the streets have an eerie silence when you walk. Fellow passer-bys are all just eager to quickly return home after buying food.

Social distancing is the new norm and as I write, we are still one month away after the lock-down was extended.

The virus had developed into a pandemic, where thousands of lives have been lost and hundreds of thousands infected.

Offices were closed and it was a sight to see people carrying their computers home at the office lobby on the last day before the new lock-down started. From what was anticipated as future steps for our firm to go more digital was hurried within weeks. Right now as I speak, our entire firm’s staffs are operating 100% from home.

Sports all over the world have come to a standstill and I cannot help but wonder how the world will pick itself up as we try to recover. Will soccer ever be the same again?

We began to miss the things we have taken granted. Families are not allowed to visit as long as they are not staying under the same roof. No one is allowed to loiter or even seat around the void deck. Except for food, things have come to near halt.

However, as with all bad things, the only way left to on the graph is up. Likewise, as with the current Covid, the only way for the numbers to go eventually is down.

We have many loved ones overseas and it is not just about reading the news in Singapore.  I believe for all Singaporeans as well as people over the world, the only thing we anticipate is the time where the news would report on the daily number of new cases.

This Covid has wrecked many people’s lives and brought humanity to its knees grinding. We were fortunate to escape being born in a world war, but the impact on our daily lives is near similar.

On the other hand, the Covid situation has also opened our eyes and selves to more things; such as opportunities to spend more time with loved ones at home. It is something which everyone will miss once we are back to normalcy before the Covid situation; although I am not even sure what type of normalcy do we consider normal by then.

July 16th

Time really flies. I cannot and do not know how to further impress upon anyone who reads this about how true the phrase means to me now.

It has been exactly 50 years since Man launched the first expedition to the Moon.

16th July has come once more and the birth of this blog has hit another milestone. I give thanks to my heavenly Father for giving me so much and I could not thank enough for His guiding hand in my life. There have been many questions and I am always grateful even for the 'not so immediate' but never absent answers to my prayers.  I guess I have truly answered the 'What do you see yourself doing in 5 years' time?' question faithfully by now and can even answer the next ten.

I also give thanks to Him for giving me a wonderful family and also a beautiful wife which also in turn, another splendid and loving family in the Woosters.

Every 16th of July, the wedding anniversary has always gone hand in hand with my birthday celebrations. It still feels a bit weird up till today, as it is often a blur at times to feel happy to be doted and on the other hand, to be romantic.

It has been nearly 6 months since the last entry. Coupled with the opening of the Wholesome Hub(a venture by Mrs Ussenal), we have decided to stay 'indoors' this year. I guess that NDP scale type of celebrations can wait until things are stable by next year perhaps. 

Celebrations were instead spent with loved ones and it allowed me to see and appreciate life from a different angle. We get to see the happy faces of loved ones on our happiest day (wedding and anniversary) and what more value could be more than the happy faces on our parents when they share to be part of the cast of our own celebrations? Treasure these happy faces because I readily believe that there is no such thing as sufficient when it comes to happy memories. Instead of missing it, why not re-create them always?

Once July passes, the end of 2019 will draw near soon. It is also coming to a near 2 year period since we last saw our Korean brother Keith and also our beloved Twa Yi. I look forward to seeing Keith in December and the reunion will be timely and there could be so much to catch up on, especially since he, similarily to Mrs Ussenal, has also opened his own business venture in a language centre.

I am so sure time passes more quickly than ever as I can still vividly remember things of near 30 years ago. I can still remember Mrs Ussenal's face and fringe even at 13 years old when I first saw her face to face in the Science Lab. I can still remember the design of a purple stone ring I gave her as a 14-year-old as a birthday gift. I hope I can do so even when I am too old to type one day. Perhaps by then, technology will hopefully be able to ready my mind such that words will just transform with a click of the finger.

"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot" 

Rome Restaurant Bangkok - When in ROME, do as the Romans say

Rome Restaurant Bangkok

Address : 

4541-4 Phet Kasem Rd, Khwaeng Nong Khang Phlu, 

Khet Nong Khaem, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10160, Thailand

Upon penning my last entry, I guess I should really make an effort to 'record' down our many lovely memories to places we had visited over these years and months. This is what people called a THROWBACK ... 

It was during our last November 2018 BKK Trip that Mr Ussenal solely planned all by himself and brought me to this lovely place, tucked away in a quiet corner of Thailand(about 45 mins drive to the location w/o jam). However, due to the jam, we took almost 3 hours to reach this beautiful place. 
The place opens at 5pm daily so do make an effort to 'escape from the peak hours' and to embark on your journey earlier. We took GRAB and it only costs is 164 baht for the 3 hours ride but none of the entire ride, did we ever see a frown on our driver's face. I presume either we met a superb patient driver or they are so used to the traffic issues in BKK to even bother to frown. 

Rome Restaurant has a few outlets in different cities too but the one closest to u would be the one in Bangkok. We have been to BKK far too many times since 2014 and somehow, someday, Mr USsenal just decided to make a 'breakthrough' - Look for new SPOTS to go to. Well, this is his first surprise SPOT for me and I would say that I am really impressed. 

Many people would be wowed by the architectural design and one place to visit - MUST VISIT would be the toilet. The Gents and Ladies are designed in such 'Romely' way that you could never ever miss it during your visit.  

Rome Restaurant definitely consists of the 3 As - Amazing food, Architectural designs as well as Ambience. Dining at the poolside simply makes you wonder if you are really in Rome and also, you get the companion of nice live band music from the stage located just round amidst the whole place. 

Food-wise, I would say it is more of a fusion between Thai and Western and surprisingly, they have a mini Japanese Sushi counter too. We reached the place around 10pm and there 2 groups of people chilling by the poolside seats. It is definitely a very nice place for chilling out especially with a pint of beer while listening to the live band performance on-stage.

As it was just the two of us, we too had a good peaceful and serene time by the poolside table. The crowd is not what we are expecting but well, it did us good by giving us all the required attention from the waiter and waitress, hence earning their good and attentive service. The food menu however was kinda 'flawed'as a few of their signature items are not available and I would think it is due to it was actually a weekday .. quiet weekday. Nevertheless, we did managed to choose some good choices from the menu.

We also ordered some extra Japanese dishes as you know, my mister is actually a BIG Jap.food fan however, the Jap.choice here is kinda disappointing as the tamago egg - roll was served really cool and the salmon is not superb fresh( priced at 120baht to 250 baht).

I did mentioned earlier about the FANTASTIC Toilet's design and indeed, it was a HOT spot for many of the patrons to take pictures in the toilet.YES!!! The toilet!!! hehe

The visit to the washrooms basically concluded our fabulous visit to Rome Restaurant and by the time we left the place, it was almost 12.30am. There is a usher or maybe I would say a 'guard' seated outside the restaurant porch area and he would kindly help you get a cab, should you ask him politely. We did tried to GRAB a car but it was indeed hard. Hence, he gladly offered us assistance at no fees upon seeing us trying for quite some time.

The journey back to MBK area was around 45mins(not 3 hours) as the traffic was smooth at this wee hours. 

As many said, Rome is not built in a day and I finally understand why. The intricate and meticulous designs of the building architecture structures and to the many nice paintings and sculptures all around the place simply added fine touches to the Rome 'vibes and feel' even while in Bangkok. 

Ne Mai Vedem Rome

2019 Another Year ... Too Fast!!!

2019 marks the end of 2018 and yet another year of anticipation and new goals.

It is rarely and very seldom that I will pen in our blog. Mr USsenal definitely have a better flair of writing as compared to me.

As I am penning down at this moment, many flashbacks of so many event highlights just appeared in my mind as if it was just yesterday that it happened...

My 2018 was filled with loads of changes and well, I would say uncertainty. The last post as written by Mr USsenal was for my birthday and it was definitely the worst birthday yet most blessed one, in my 38 years of life then. I am indeed thankful for the support and love my family members and my dear friends had given me over the last few months, making this journey bearable and easier.

It took me quite a long while to get over the fact that I am indeed moving on from a job and place that I am so used to everyday. Getting out of one's most comfortable zone is indeed challenging and I have to admit that I don't even want to walk past the place even thou it is just a throw stone away from my house. That place holds far too much memorable memories for me to just move on in just the flick of time. However, I finally did and when the time I did it, I knew that I am indeed ready.

I knew that I had to be ready and had to move on when I first started my SPED teaching and tuition class time with my few but most adorable kiddos. Facing my 'eldest son' Terence was the most difficult and biggest 'ordeal' I had to do but I knew that I will be really okie if I can manage my time with him especially after seeing him for the first time after so many months.

I decided to start teaching him clay crafting and I am glad that he enjoyed it as much as I did. Seeing the smiles on his face makes me felt so comforted and once again...Worthy!!!

I had to, simply had to take in 'Xiao Pang' for almost everyday as there is simply no other centre that will take him in. Hearing his mother's cries and plea for help, I knew that I too had to do it. However, seeing his progress daily, I am feeling nothing else but thankful that Lord has placed him with me then. He helped me 'recover' faster than I expected as it was July when he came to me, hence leaving me little time to brood over the done but to move on with the undone. 

At times, people says that it was the teacher that teaches the student well but to me, I am infact 'taught' by this group of loveliest children in many ways I myself can't even fathom.I am totally thankful and blessed to be able to have them in my life. 

Embarking onto my ever FIRST SOLO trip to BKK in Sept.2018 without Mr USsenal's companion, Woosters Daddy's Birthday, our Duo Trip again to BKK in Nov.2018, Love Concert in Genting by Shila Amzah and also the most recent Batam New Year Countdown Trip definitely created and marked many more new memories in my new 'journey after the old one after leaving my most 'comfortable zone'. I too managed to have more ME time with my loved ones which I am so happy to be able to do so. 

                                      

The most recent Batam trip is definitely the most memorable new addition memory I had added to my 2019 collection. The new addition of Limsters aka my God-daughter family aka old times neighbour of my MIL(Madam) from her old Stirling times. It is not the quality of food, not the amount of things we buy or how much we can spend in this place that makes everything memorable and nice. It is the people we met, the companion we have and most important thing is the quality time we spent bonding with our loved ones over a short yet great respite. 

It might be 10pm when we were still having dinner at Love Seafood but everybody's face were still beaming as the companion was great. It might be 1am in Batam time but the anticipation and excited face of the old folks, the wow and wooooo of the rest of us makes this trip extra memorable and worthwhile while watching the fireworks together at our hotel lobby - just under the sky of beautiful Batam. 

While I was standing right under the booming fireworks, I am secretly telling to my Lord of how thankful I was to be able to have this group of fabulous and loving beings with me and most of all, I am looking forward to the next trip, but with addition of my Woosters Family too.    

I may not be one who have much but I am blessed with my Woosters and Chuasters family members always. In times of difficulties and sadness, they are always with me especially my Ah Lao aka Mr USsenal.

I do not know what the Lord had prepared for me in 2019 but I knew that I am ready as I strongly and always believe in this saying : 

Have faith that my 2019 will be and is BETTER than 2018. 

P/S : Maybe it is really time I start blogging about my many trips to BKK and more... ...

Thank you and Happy Birthday!

A tiny weeny period since the last time I wrote here. Time seems to be never on the right side when it matters most. When we were young, we lament a lot of things we cannot do due to our youth and when we are of age, we lament again a lot of things we cannot do due to lack of time etc. There is never a perfect time for everything but yet I believe that time is a perfect master of its own.

Yesterday marks the end of a long standing student care centre in Singapore, Fei Yue SCC. While it represents an end of a very long chapter in its own history, the closure has also inevitably opened several more new chapters for everyone closely associated with it, such as the children, parents and staff.

I have seen for myself amazing transformations made to children in the SCC and on behalf of these children of whom are perhaps too young to realise fully what they have amassed (and will miss) ,I would like to say a big Thank You to the teachers and aunties who have forsakened their time and strength to mould the children of tomorrow into a better person in our society. Everyone can be a trainer, but not everyone can be an educator where the relationship between children and teachers goes deeper.

I would also say a BIGGGG THANK YOU to Mrs Ussenal who has been the fore pillar of strength for the SCC and who has also been the big difference to so many children whose lives she had helped to change. I am thankful that God answered my prayers to lead her back to the SCC after a short hiatus in 2011. Also, at this time, the SCC had evolved to taking in special needs children and more needy children which ultimately changed the face of the SCC into a centre which is always ready to accept children no matter the challenge.

It is refreshing to see how the SCC has evolved in comparison to all the other primary school SCCs which have begun to mushroom all over the place in Singapore at the same time. I am not inclined to talk and comment about the operations of other SCCs today. Perhaps on another day when I think they deserve the time for me to dedicate a piece of writing to it.

Though it has been an emotional roller coaster at times, but time is always the best master of itself. I always believe a short break is useful when you have travelled on the road for a long time. It provides the opportunity to recalibrate one's ideas and also re - lay on what to do in the future. People like Arsene Wenger who have stayed in Arsenal for 22 years could probably go on forever but his stepping down from the position of manager at Arsenal, a club which he had totally rebuilt and evolved, represents an opportunity to try something else which he may be good at too, perhaps an international team manager? It seems so hard for him to accept himself the departure, but Im sure over the days and weeks, he will know if he had not taken the painful decision to step down at the right time, he would have experienced less in life. Some people are content to sit out the routines already when they reach 30+ years. But, his legacy remains and will remain with all the fans whom have grown up and had probably knew him as the only manager of Arsenal. Likewise, the lessons and care devoted will stay with the children even to the days when they grow up and become adults themselves.

Perhaps now will be a good time to sit and enjoy doing the things you like.

Take a break from the grind, clear your mind and enjoy some "me" time.

Happy birthday and  bountiful blessings be showered onto you for the next endeavor.

Love,
Mr Ussenal

Seasonal Cough

It's always in December where I get the dreaded lame seasonal cough. It rides like a persistent Dementor from Hogwarts determined to rid you of all happy memories of being healthy and making you forget how it felt to be healthy.... Well, as the name goes, once it turns January, viola~~~~ the widespread coughing stops.

Anyway, I hopped across a good article about choosing the right type of cough syrup. When you have finished reading it, you would realise that there is no cure to cough. You either supress it by blocking the brain's inhibitors or you make yourself feel better when you expel the muscus build up. In all, cough, when brought about by the flu, tends to be stronger and stick around longer than the normal cough. It is extremely irritating and which is why people shun you the minute you try coughing in the train.

Article source: http://www.cooperdrugstore.com/blog/default-blog-category/choosing-the-right-cough-medicine.html

Choosing the right cough medicine

Tuesday, December 13 2011 3:18 PM - by Brett Kappelmann

As we trudge along through cold and flu season, I am frequently asked about cough medicine.  What is the best cough medicine available?  What are the different types of cough medicine?  Are the over-the-counter cough medicines any good?  Cough medicine and cough syrups are available over-the-counter in three different types: cough suppressants, oral expectorants, and topical (externally applied) drugs.

If you were to walk into my store and ask about choosing a cough medicine, the first question I would ask you would be if the cough is productive or not.  A productive cough produces mucous and secretions.  A nonproductive cough is also known as a dry, hacky cough.  Based upon the type of cough you have will depend on the best type of cough medicine to use.

For a productive cough, usually a medicine that contains guaifenesin is the best approach.  Guaifenesin is an oral expectorant that works by thinning the mucous, making it easier to cough up.  If you have a productive cough you usually do not want to suppress it, because coughing up mucous and secretions is your body’s natural way to clear the airways.  Guaifenesin works the best if you take it with plenty of water, because the water will work with the guaifenesin to thin the mucous.  You can find guaifenesin in many cough medicines.  Two of the most common guaifenesin-containing cough medicines are Robitussin and Mucinex.  Robitussin comes in syrup form, is inexpensive, but is shorter acting.  Mucinex comes in tablet form, is more expensive, but can last for up to twelve hours.

For a nonproductive, dry, hacky cough, a cough suppressant is usually the best choice for therapy.  Cough suppressants relieve your cough by blocking the cough reflex.  The most common ingredient that you will find as a cough suppressant in over-the-counter formulations is dextromethorphan, or DM.  Codeine is considered the gold standard of cough suppressants, but is mostly available in prescription form due to its abuse potential.  Delsym is a popular choice as an over-the-counter cough suppression therapy because it contains dextromethorphan in a long acting (twelve hour) formulation.

Many OTC cold and cough syrups and cough medicines contain a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) plus an expectorant (guaifenesin) along with other cold medicines and pain relievers. The combination cold and cough medicine may contain an antihistamine, a decongestant, and a pain reliever in addition to the cough suppressant and/or expectorant. The combination of medicines may give optimal relief if you have multiple cold symptoms, such as body aches, coughs, and congestion. The downside of the combination cold medicines is that you may be taking medication that you don’t need, depending on your symptoms.

Topical products that contain camphor and menthol are also used to relieve cough.  These natural, aromatic cough medicines are rubbed on the throat and the chest. The anesthetic action of their vapors is thought to ease coughing and soothe stuffiness from a cold.

In summation, this is a simple breakdown of cough therapy.  There are many other factors that must be considered when choosing the most appropriate cough therapy.  Factors such as drug-drug interactions, age restrictions, and conflicting medical conditions must be considered.  As always, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it unclear as to the most appropriate medication to choose.

Visit to Seoul and Family

It has been a while since something was posted here. As busy as a bee, I often fathom between using spare time to type my assignments or to kill some zombies.  As  I have often said and written here, I write based on my mood and am not too keen on making sure my written piece is grammatically correct all time. I normally end when my feeling of expression ends as well and of course, wouldn't be more bothered about what shouldn't have been said or written.

It was not a K drama that got be back to be talking about the trip to Korea but rather a video montage of our wedding - can't get tired of it. The music, moments captured at the right times just always manage to tug at the heart strings no matter what. It then brought me backwards slightly the last time i felt the same; when we departed Incheon Airport reluctantly , saying goodbyes to Keith and Ha Young.

It was a memorable good 11 days spent there, the farthest both of us have been away from Singapore. Apart from the torrid time on a midnight flight with the always injury prone nose, everything was fine. I thank God for a very wonderful, peaceful and memorable period there.

It was also the first time I saw my breath when it was 3 Degrees cold, just like in the tv shows.

From the roads of Incheon Aiport and the cold air that greeted me;

The long and beautiful roads of autumn trees in its stubbornest show of colours before they fade;

The many crosses that lined up in Seoul at night;

The friendliness and distinct quietness of the Korean people;

Outstanding subway stations which are all linked underground;

Exhilarating Gyeongbokgung Palace where all the dramas we have watched are right before our eyes. "CHONAAAAAA"....

Beautiful posters of ex idol Kim Tae Hee and current tv favourite Kim So Hyun..

All the nice short shops that line up in all of Korea;

Refined plastic beauties;

Betta shops - a few;

Hard Rock Cafe Seoul  -Outstanding service and entertainment. Could be more fun if we had visited on a weekend i suppose;

Fantastic apartment of Keith and Ha Yong. Very new apartment with several pieces of high tech equipment and real lizards and plants... haha;

Sun and Shine - two lovely dogs which sort of fulfilled and complete part of my childhood which was left hanging in mid air when I was 6 or 7 and had to return a pup which was with me for a few months. I saw him again when he was a big dog and I knew it was him when he came to smell my hand and stuck near to the gate, refusing to leave. I guess he must be in Heaven and perhaps one day I shall see him again;

Fantastic Food-- porridge, bibimap, bbq pork, beef noodles in cold pear broth, superb home cook steaks, endless kimchi;

Countless facial shops;

Scoring 2 goals against the Koreans in a futsal 9a side game. Amazed by their warmup routines, wearing full training kit in the cold and superb pitch. Throw in a tactical board and there is such a big difference in how they run their Sunday football compared to ours. Singapore national team hasn't scored more than 1 goal in all matches for a year where i scored 2 (including one 30 m lob) against the South Koreans who were 4th in the 2002 World Cup. Go and figure out FAS, success in Sg football is only possible when you can include the missing 70% in your talent scouting;

And of course, To Jun and his toy trucks!


All in all, good times always fly past fast because they are all on a wheel.