Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my GOD; save your servant who trusts in you. - Psalms 86:1-2
July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008
January 2009
February 2009
March 2009
April 2009
May 2009
June 2009
July 2009
August 2009
September 2009
January 2010
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010
September 2010
November 2010
June 2011
August 2011
September 2011
Claire
Cosy Little Pets Corner
Class Blog
Simple Simon
Prayer Pups
Fadd
Linguistic Council
Naughty Nazri
The Revivals
MSN Myspace Photos
Jellyfish's Album
KitChan's Album
Seeing things from a wheel chair
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
After my knee micro-fracture operation on August 10th, I experienced what life was like for someone who needs the wheelchair or crutches. My conclusion is that Singapore, my beloved country is not so handicapped or elderly friendly after all and that our people are not very considerate.
The first two weeks after the operation were probably the worst in my life. Crying secretly in the toilet, I could feel myself slipping into a very depressive state of mind. Simple things I took for granted like going to the toilet and showering was a tedious exercise that left me sore and frustrated. I would try to hold my bladder so that I did not need to make my journey to the toilet as often. Enjoying afternoon tea with the other TaiTai's and shopping were out of the question. Most of my time was spent lying in bed reading or sitting up watching television and ending up feeling aches and sore all over my body. Walking was painful, but so was sitting and lying around. My Cervical Disk Replacement Operation which was a major operation 2 years ago, had a much more easier post-op recovery period. I was going about my daily activities a few days after surgery and driving around by the third or fourth week.
Thankfully for GOD and His words, I was able to keep myself sane and not slip into depression these past few weeks.
Back to the point that Singapore is not handicap friendly enough. During the first 2 weeks post-op, my hubby and children brought me out using a wheelchair when necessary. It was during these outings that I was able to see the world from a wheelchair. What we took for granted daily is really very daunting for those who need to get around in a wheelchair or crutches. I cannot complain because I will be able to walk without aid in a few more weeks, but I am sharing my point of view from a wheelchair.
For a start, although there is a ramp from the carpark to the void deck, it is not sheltered from rain. The nearest drop off point with a shelter is the next block and you really cannot complain if you are able to walk. However, in a wheel-chair, it becomes a nightmare because the blocks are joint by a flight of stairs with no ramp. So what if every floor is accessible by elevators; getting into your own block is a challenge most of the time.
The many curbs and drops on pavements and walkways, motorcycles parked along pedestrains walkways and void decks, prayer offerings in the middle of a walkway all add up to just making it even more miserable for wheelchair users.
In the US, supermakets have motorised wheelchair that looks like a motor scooter with a shopping basket in front, allowing the less mobile or elderly shoppers to pick up their own groceries. Here, I have been depending on my husband to do the groceries shopping on a weekly basis for the past 6 weeks. I tried going to the supermarket on my own, now that I am on crutches, but realised that I cannot push a shopping trolley nor carry a shopping basket and use my crutches at the same time.
We boast of being a first class city and offering first class public transport and housing and to our citizens but I don't think this first class feeling applies to the less mobile elderly and the handicapped. These 6 weeks have made me realised that there is a lot of room for improvement to make Singapore more condusive for the elderly and handicapped. Now, I think I can truly understand why some elderly people choose to stay at home rather then go out even if they are bored.
The first two weeks after the operation were probably the worst in my life. Crying secretly in the toilet, I could feel myself slipping into a very depressive state of mind. Simple things I took for granted like going to the toilet and showering was a tedious exercise that left me sore and frustrated. I would try to hold my bladder so that I did not need to make my journey to the toilet as often. Enjoying afternoon tea with the other TaiTai's and shopping were out of the question. Most of my time was spent lying in bed reading or sitting up watching television and ending up feeling aches and sore all over my body. Walking was painful, but so was sitting and lying around. My Cervical Disk Replacement Operation which was a major operation 2 years ago, had a much more easier post-op recovery period. I was going about my daily activities a few days after surgery and driving around by the third or fourth week.
Thankfully for GOD and His words, I was able to keep myself sane and not slip into depression these past few weeks.
Back to the point that Singapore is not handicap friendly enough. During the first 2 weeks post-op, my hubby and children brought me out using a wheelchair when necessary. It was during these outings that I was able to see the world from a wheelchair. What we took for granted daily is really very daunting for those who need to get around in a wheelchair or crutches. I cannot complain because I will be able to walk without aid in a few more weeks, but I am sharing my point of view from a wheelchair.
For a start, although there is a ramp from the carpark to the void deck, it is not sheltered from rain. The nearest drop off point with a shelter is the next block and you really cannot complain if you are able to walk. However, in a wheel-chair, it becomes a nightmare because the blocks are joint by a flight of stairs with no ramp. So what if every floor is accessible by elevators; getting into your own block is a challenge most of the time.
The many curbs and drops on pavements and walkways, motorcycles parked along pedestrains walkways and void decks, prayer offerings in the middle of a walkway all add up to just making it even more miserable for wheelchair users.
In the US, supermakets have motorised wheelchair that looks like a motor scooter with a shopping basket in front, allowing the less mobile or elderly shoppers to pick up their own groceries. Here, I have been depending on my husband to do the groceries shopping on a weekly basis for the past 6 weeks. I tried going to the supermarket on my own, now that I am on crutches, but realised that I cannot push a shopping trolley nor carry a shopping basket and use my crutches at the same time.
We boast of being a first class city and offering first class public transport and housing and to our citizens but I don't think this first class feeling applies to the less mobile elderly and the handicapped. These 6 weeks have made me realised that there is a lot of room for improvement to make Singapore more condusive for the elderly and handicapped. Now, I think I can truly understand why some elderly people choose to stay at home rather then go out even if they are bored.
Voices from Within at 13:02
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
God, life seems so bleak and useless right now. I don't have any energy. I have no ambition to do much of anything. I am really feeling down. I feel "down on" myself and "down on" everyone around me. Even as I pray, I don't sense your presence. I am going through the motions, knowing that you are still with me.
I know that I am sacred and precious but they are just words right now. I know that my life has been worthwhile, full of many wonderful people and experiences, much happiness and joy. I feel little of this right now. God, all I can do is affirm the goodness of life and try to hold on until the darkness is replaced by your light and love.
Help me to spot the lies that my depressed emotions are telling me. Life is good. I am good. You are good. Grant me hope. My loved ones love me. Life will be beautiful again. Soon, I will see the beauty around me again. Soon, I will again know vitality and purpose, happiness and love. Until then, give me the strength and hope to survive this day.
Help me to smile and laugh, even if just for a moment. Be my strength and salvation. I ask you to restore me and make me whole. Fill me with the Word and the Spirit that I might be recreated anew. I praise and thank you. Amen.
I know that I am sacred and precious but they are just words right now. I know that my life has been worthwhile, full of many wonderful people and experiences, much happiness and joy. I feel little of this right now. God, all I can do is affirm the goodness of life and try to hold on until the darkness is replaced by your light and love.
Help me to spot the lies that my depressed emotions are telling me. Life is good. I am good. You are good. Grant me hope. My loved ones love me. Life will be beautiful again. Soon, I will see the beauty around me again. Soon, I will again know vitality and purpose, happiness and love. Until then, give me the strength and hope to survive this day.
Help me to smile and laugh, even if just for a moment. Be my strength and salvation. I ask you to restore me and make me whole. Fill me with the Word and the Spirit that I might be recreated anew. I praise and thank you. Amen.
Voices from Within at 09:31
Living in a Black Hole
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness.
Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when emptiness and despair take hold and won't go away, it may be depression. The lows of depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Hobbies and friends don’t interest you like they used to; you’re exhausted all the time; and just getting through the day can be overwhelming. When you’re depressed, things feel hopeless.
For some, depression is like living in a black hole or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all—instead, they feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic.
Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.
Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are serious symptoms of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it's a cry for help.
Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when emptiness and despair take hold and won't go away, it may be depression. The lows of depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Hobbies and friends don’t interest you like they used to; you’re exhausted all the time; and just getting through the day can be overwhelming. When you’re depressed, things feel hopeless.
For some, depression is like living in a black hole or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all—instead, they feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic.
Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.
Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are serious symptoms of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it's a cry for help.
Voices from Within at 16:26
Comparing Sexuality with the Western Culture
Monday, November 01, 2010
Homosexuality
In comparison to the United States, tolerance and attitudes towards homosexuality is still very conservative in our local culture - gays and lesbians may be beginning to open up about their sexual orientation, but they are still trying to seek recognition from the government and society. In a recent poll conducted by a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) group over the Internet from 7 September to 12 October 2010, 1003 valid responses were counted. (source)
In 2007, our Prime Minister said in Parliament that repealing the law would grant acceptance to gay activists. (source) Although homosexuals work in all sectors and are free to lead their lives and pursue their social activities, the government cannot approve of them actively promoting their lifestyle to others or setting the tone of mainstream society.
In the United States, a few states recognise same-sex marriages, and homosexuals are still fighting for more recognition.
Socially, there is also more freedom in the United States for media to portray and reflect sexual contents, whereas Singapore’s television programs that “advocate” or “promote” homosexuality are routinely censored. In 2008, MediaCorp (our local television station) was fined S$15,000 (US$11,500) by the Media Development Authority (MDA) for broadcasting an episode of a home and decor reality TV show that featured a same-sex couple and their adopted child.
Use of Contraceptives
Similar to America, Singapore’s post-war baby boomers were in their productive years by the 1940s. We experienced exponential rates of population growth leading to social problems such as food and housing shortages, and raised concerns over the welfare of mothers who underwent multiple pregnancies and the unwanted children produced by families without the means to support them. Like the United States, the main purpose of contraceptives in Singapore was birth control. Prior to the introduction of the oral pill in the 1960s, the most popular contraceptive methods were the diaphragm, the condom and the foam tablet.
Today, contraceptives are used by both single and married women as well as men. Most contraceptives both in Singapore and the US are obtainable with a prescription from any general practitioner or convenience store.
Legal abortion
As in America, abortion is also legal in Singapore and similarly it is only within the first two trimesters or twenty-four weeks in our context unless a mother’s life is in danger. Statistics show that there were 12,222 abortions in Singapore in 2008, compared to 11,933 in 2007. During the same period there were 39,935 babies delivered indicating that roughly 1 in 4 pregnancies are terminated. While a small proportion of pregnancies are terminated for health reasons, most terminations are due to financial or social concerns (unwanted pregnancy). (source)
The liberalization of abortion legislation in 19974 resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of abortions performed. With the easy access to legal abortions, a study done by National University of Singapore’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology showed that teenage abortion rate peaked at 13.7 per 1000 female teenagers in 1985 compared to 0.2 in 1970.
Teenage Sexuality and Sex Education in School
Local newspapers reports show that teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease cases are on the rise among the youth. Institutes for higher education such as polytechnics and universities no longer promote abstinence but safe sex. Condoms are given out in campus to spread the message of safe sex. (source)
Fueled by the rising influence of the western culture of liberal expression, the rise in the popularity of a sex culture is a worrying trend in Singapore. It is becoming gradually acceptable that casual sex has become an acceptable way of life for a growing number of youth and attitudes towards sex are becoming lax. (source)
Voices from Within at 15:38
A letter to Daddy
Friday, September 17, 2010
I was walking down memory lane, scanning pictures from my old photo albums to store digital copies of them. Tears started to fall. I was also overwhelmed by pain, and I am still crying as I make this entry. Pain with the memories of you. Those pictures brought me back to those days when we were still in Jalan Kembangan and how I loved to dangle my legs into the water whenever it flooded and how I will sure get a spanking from Mummy for doing that. Of course, I knew then, that I always had a knight in shinning armour who could always rescue me from Mummy's wrath.....
I remember there was this big flood canal just in front of our house as well as that jambu tree with its branches hanging out over the canal. I remember climbing up that tree as I played with children from the neighbourhood and how can I forget the time that I fell into the canal from the tree. Luckily for me the canal was dry or I would have been washed out into the sea at Katong (Marine Parade of today). And because of that Daddy, you decided that it was time to move out of that house into a HDB unit to be safe. I actually miss that tree and the flood....
When the children were younger, Dad, I tried teaching them how to climb trees in the park - telling them about the jambu tree infront of our house and how I fell into the canal. But now that they have grown into beautiful elegant teenagers and I can only teach them life skills instead. I am really glad Dad, that they have followed Christ too. I strayed and I am now trying to make a return to Christ. I know that is what you would like of me to do, so that we may one day be reunited inside the Pearly Gates of Heaven.
You left to be with our creator when I was only seven and Richard was only two. Why? Why did you have to go? You were always there for me when mummy canned me. You would go out in the rain, just to get me the toy I wanted from Tay Ban Guan (a shopping centre in Katong). Every year, you would get me my birthday cake from the Red House in Katong. These buildings still stand there, even though the business is no longer there, but YOU are no longer around. Only memories of you live in me. Richard may be too young then to remember much of you, but not me. You were everything a Dad ought to be - a protector, caregiver, educator and more. You taught me to care for the poor and needy by setting me examples and bringing me to the homes and sharing during Christmas. All these values, I only appreciate them when I grew up and became a parent myself.
Daddy, its been 39 years since you have been laid down to rest, but I still see you in my sleep. You are a memory that I cannot let go of. I always tell my children that if only they had knew you, they would have been real proud to be your granddaughters and saw what a wonderful person you were. I have brought them to your graveside and told them stories about you.
Remember this Walking Talking Doll you bought for me on my 4th birthday? It was a latest technology, I was the envy of everyone. Even my daughters never had a Walking Talking doll. Hahaha...
I remember there was this big flood canal just in front of our house as well as that jambu tree with its branches hanging out over the canal. I remember climbing up that tree as I played with children from the neighbourhood and how can I forget the time that I fell into the canal from the tree. Luckily for me the canal was dry or I would have been washed out into the sea at Katong (Marine Parade of today). And because of that Daddy, you decided that it was time to move out of that house into a HDB unit to be safe. I actually miss that tree and the flood....
When the children were younger, Dad, I tried teaching them how to climb trees in the park - telling them about the jambu tree infront of our house and how I fell into the canal. But now that they have grown into beautiful elegant teenagers and I can only teach them life skills instead. I am really glad Dad, that they have followed Christ too. I strayed and I am now trying to make a return to Christ. I know that is what you would like of me to do, so that we may one day be reunited inside the Pearly Gates of Heaven.
You left to be with our creator when I was only seven and Richard was only two. Why? Why did you have to go? You were always there for me when mummy canned me. You would go out in the rain, just to get me the toy I wanted from Tay Ban Guan (a shopping centre in Katong). Every year, you would get me my birthday cake from the Red House in Katong. These buildings still stand there, even though the business is no longer there, but YOU are no longer around. Only memories of you live in me. Richard may be too young then to remember much of you, but not me. You were everything a Dad ought to be - a protector, caregiver, educator and more. You taught me to care for the poor and needy by setting me examples and bringing me to the homes and sharing during Christmas. All these values, I only appreciate them when I grew up and became a parent myself.
Daddy, its been 39 years since you have been laid down to rest, but I still see you in my sleep. You are a memory that I cannot let go of. I always tell my children that if only they had knew you, they would have been real proud to be your granddaughters and saw what a wonderful person you were. I have brought them to your graveside and told them stories about you.
Remember this Walking Talking Doll you bought for me on my 4th birthday? It was a latest technology, I was the envy of everyone. Even my daughters never had a Walking Talking doll. Hahaha...
Voices from Within at 17:14
Why?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Voices from Within at 08:36
My little boy is turning ONE
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Its been eight months since you came to live with us and you have filled those eight months with joy and laughter for the family. I still remember those weeks leading up to you coming home with us. Bernice and Claire wanted a puppy and I thought it was time the girls be allowed to have one. Bernice wanted a JS and Claire wanted a CKC, but both agreed that it must be a female. So for several weekends, we scored the papers, pet farms, pet shops and even the internet looking for one.
After talking to some pet farm assistants, we decided that it will not be a CKC as they are more prone to eye and ear infection. So it was decided that it will be a female JS.
We continued our hunt, driving around every weekend and public holiday. Some shops and farms tried to coax the girls into getting a different breed, telling us that JS are hard to maintain and tend to be a one-person dog. Then we saw some very adorable little JS at Ericsson Pet Farm, but some how, those little darlings did not take the heart of the girls because they were boys.
Then one fateful Sunday morning, I saw an advertisement in the classified for a pet shop along Upper Thomson Road. I called and they confirmed that they have a female JS for sale. So despite of the downpour, we decide to bring Claire there to check it out. To my disappointment, I was lied to. They did not have any girl at all but two boys for sale.
However, since we were there, we thought we would just take a look at you and your brother. Claire held you gingerly in her arms, so afraid that she will drop you and fell in love with you almost instantly. And you showed her that you loved her too, unlike the other little boys she saw previously who were somehow too proud to acknowledge her or your brother who was actually shivering with fear when she held him. You were so full of affection for her when she hugged you. Claire told me she wanted you, but I did not want to commit ourselves to you before Bernice saw you. So 2 days later on a Tuesday afternoon, I drove Bernice and Leroy (without Claire who was in school) to the shop to see you and again it was raining. I was careful not to let lose that you were the chosen one by Claire. I wanted Bernice to have an unbiased love for you.
Bernice was shown your brother first before you. She hugged him for a while and said that he was adorable but not very responsive in loving back. Then she was given you. The moment she took you in her arms, you were all about loving her and trying to nuzzle her.
Little darling, you melted the hearts of my two angels with your warmth and affection. Bernice decided there and then that she did not care if you were a girl or boy. She wanted you. So, ok, I was forced to make a booking for you on the spot and took you home the following day.
Since then Blanket, you have filled our days with so much joy and laughter with all your silly antics. I have never regretted a day that I paid so much for you. You were definatly worth every single cent I forked out for you and more.
You will be turning one in a few days and we all love you with all our heart. Happy Birthday, Blanket.
That cute little puppy who has just came home to live with us
and now.... You have grown into such a handsome little boy that never fails to turn heads when I walk you.
Voices from Within at 17:58