Surprise!

"What's good at Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre? Fish head curry, and lots of cooked dishes!" So I was told as we walked for lunch. I was skeptical as I felt the best was Johnny's. Jia Yi is an insignificant shop at a shopping complex, but the air-conditioning made it welcoming.

I tried the Fried Kway Teow and was floored. The cockles were fresh and succulent and to top it off I had my lunchmate's share of cockles as well. When we left I decided to try the fish head curry for dinner.

K ma had no dinner plans nor appetite until I told her what I was bringing. I was 15 mins early at Jia Yi's and the chef reminded me that I was supposed to be there later. But I caught him cooking and the aroma was amazing. I told him K ma was excited about dinner and so was I.

When the fish was served, she was thrilled and could not contain herself. Her appetite was quickly restored as the curry was really good. There were many phone calls while we ate. Four were from her grandchildren and children who were concerned as she had been sad the past few days. She had just lost a close friend. She would ask them to guess who was with her at dinner and then tell them I was there. Then to guess what I brought for dinner and tell that I brought the fish curry and that she would save some for them.

I was very happy. Just realising how her sad few days had just been halted by a simple shared dinner made me smile for many days after.

Surprise! Just being open to a possible tastier way of cooking Fish head curry led to a new chef and the need to share it with someone was so richly rewarded. Both of us praised God for His love for us - we thanked Him for appetite, for friends to share with and family that care that we might be eating alone.

Why celebrate?

There are some dates I remember. These are the birthdates of my siblings and their children. Tomorrow is my nephew's birthday and he actually gets a holiday from school. Well he is in Primary 5 and not involved in the Primary 6 islandwide oral examination! Good for him and for me, I get to have his company for 2-3 hours.

This guy is precious. He arrived after mum fought and had her cancer in remission. She was very disappointed when a new primary set in as she wanted very much to be the care giver. And she fought really hard but the enemy was relentless. There were a few days that I had to baby sit birthday boy who was then just about 2. I had photos of those days and they are special - mum's time with him and my attempts to amuse him on the record!

Alas when she was near the end, she described each of her grandchildren with deep insight. She thought birthday boy was intelligent and possibly be up to mischief if unguided. When we finally walked the last journey behind the hearse, I was carrying this little guy and he was a great consolation.

And so I treasure this gift of life as God slowly and painfully took away mum's. I celebrate his life and want him to know how grandma fought to live because he was so precious and so desired. What a happy birthday it will be to know you are loved and you are a delight to have and a strong motivation for living!

I see you!

After a trip to the west, I usually wake up in the early hours of dawn because of jet-lag. I decided during my last trip that I will walk to work instead of a 15 minute drive. This happens till I get adjusted.

I did it again today not because of jet lag but I just wanted to enjoy the 60 minute workout. The journey requires the crossing of many major road junctions and today I enjoyed road users who were aware of pedestrians like me. It felt really good when this driver anticipated my crossing before I reached the crossing point - basically he waited when he "rightly" need not. I smiled and waved a 'thank you' for his thoughtfulness. These gestures of acknowledging the presence and need of another person and the return of appreciation make a great start for a regular day. I like today!