A new chapter

Today marked a new chapter of our volunteering adventure. Actually the new chapter somewhat started yesterday, when Wifey and I went for a look-see look-see. "Prayers start at 9.30am tomorrow," we were told. "Come and join us," they enthused.

We woke up early and had breakfast at the nearby Mc. Reaching 15 minutes earlier, I found a need to visit the toilet. Symbolic isn't it - cleansing the old, starting the new? Haha.

So there we were, 2 newbies, wondering aloud how to go about joining the prayers. By then, everyone was getting into position. We looked around for someone friendly enough to help us with the sutras. As we were heading for the group on the left, a lady helper gestured to me "男的这边", pointing to the group on the right side of the hall. Uh oh, I'm on my own!

People are friendly here. It was also the first time for the guy in front of me, and we helped each other with the pages of the different sutras. The prayers were new, have never recited them before, methinks. There were a lot of 繁体深字, and I struggled. I also couldn't get the tune going - need more sessions!

At 11am, the prayers ended. People were rushing off as it was about to rain. I felt blissful and blessed, what with the spiritual 滋润 and the cool wind on my face. I think I did ok only, but considering this is the first time, I should be happy aleady.

This is a good start, and I am so looking forward to the next session.



The label Hard Work shall now be renamed as The Lord's Work.

Image from http://www.researchmonastery.org/_borders/praying%20hands.jpg

Post Date: 31 July 2007

It's been almost 2 months

Hi Dad,

We've just completed the 49-day rituals this Monday.

It's been almost 2 months since you went on your new journey. How are things at your end? Over here, we're all trying to lead a new life, as was mentioned previously. We now have somewhat new (but quite petty) challenges. We have yet to decide if Mum should continue to stay with us, or for us to move in with her. There are arguments for both sides, so there's hardly a clearly overwhelming choice. I trust that whichever decision we make, you will support us, yes?

The sai gong came over on Friday, to talk about enshrining you together with the ancestors in the tablet. Not exceedingly difficult to carry out, but well worth every effort, I believe.

And Dad, there is something else I want to report. Wifey was on the line with Brother yesterday, to talk about transferring his share of your CPF to Mum. I was shocked for 2 micro seconds before it hit me: this is a breakthrough. They are afterall siblings, and I'm so glad they are on talking terms now : )



Post Date: 23 July 2007

It's a comma, not a full-stop

After 2+ years, after all the 酸甜苦辣, my involvement in the activities has 告了一个段落.

I've indicated to the leaders that after my dad-in-law's incident, it seems that some understandings that I've always held dear are fundamentally wrong. As such, it will be extremely difficult for me to carry on.

Wanting to maintain a link still, I proposed to be the 3rd line of attack. We were asked to participate in last night's activities, as it seems the next one will be long time coming.

We will continue our volunteer work, albeit in a different place with very different callings. More of that later.



Post Date: 23 July 2007

Khao pad lah, prik!

After much hemming and hawing, we finally made up our minds and booked the package liao.

We are going to Bangkok!

Now we just need the agency to confirm the hotel, and also to get our hands on the list of most happening shopping centres.

The title, by the way, means fried rice, chillies, according to this website. The 'lah' is I ownself add in one. Hehe.



Post Date: 23 July 2007

Dilemma

Choice No 1. Rent our place, stay with Mum

Choice No 2. Sell our place, stay with Mum

Choice No 3. Mum stays with us, leaving her house empty

HEADACHE!



Image from here

Post Date: 17 July 2007

Summary - 07.07.07

Many things to pen down for Saturday.

1. Dental
Wifey and I went for our dental appointment today. The last time we went down (according to the appointment card) was Feb 2005 - 2 and a half freaking years ago!! No wonder those stainosaurus were spreading like algae.

2. Star Wars
After many years of inaction, I finally hauled my ass down to China Square Central 2 weeks ago, to gauge the SW response at the weekly flea mart. Spotted a number of items that I have which were on sale. Went down again last week and managed to convince one shop to consign my goods. Cleaned up the items, took photos, created a spreadsheet and brought the first shipment down. The last I heard, 2 items were sold. WOOHOO!

3. Live Earth
Yes, 7.7.07 is an auspicious date, and the fact that it falls on a Saturday helps. Yes, the Earth is ailing, and all of us need to chip in. I'm all for cutting electricity usage and recycling, but somehow, this initiative seems pretentious and showy.



Post Date: 17 July 2007

Xbox 360 repairs will cost Microsoft $1B

Need I say more?
NEED I SAY MORE??!!

Hahahahaha - obigood!


YAHOO! NEWS
By JESSICA MINTZ, AP Business Writer
Fri Jul 6, 10:26 AM ET

In another setback for Microsoft Corp.'s unprofitable entertainment and devices division, the company says it is planning to spend at least $1 billion to repair serious problems with its Xbox 360 video game console.

Microsoft declined to detail the problems that have caused an onslaught of "general hardware failures" in recent months but said Thursday it will extend the warranty on the consoles to three years.

Rest of the story here.



Image from here.

Post Date: 9 July 2007

The 5-7-10 Conversion

The company had a bowling outing today during lunch.

I played erratically, missing sitter in one frame and getting strike in another. Totally inconsistent, but enough to top both games : )

Anyhow, kena-ed 5-7-10 in one frame, and felt it was impossible to spare. After much research on YouTube,



So this is how it's done!



Post Date: 6 July 2007

Our faithful Philips peng liao : (

Our beloved 29" conked out last night.

Today, 2 repairmen and $50 later, no resolution in sight. "Most likely digital card faulty," I was told. "And only Philips can fix, cos they don't sell the card to us."

No signs, no warning, no nothing. Just decided to go blank. Considering its faithful service these past 7 years, I really wanted to have it repaired. But at an indicative $300+, it will make more sense to purchase a new one. So sad.

The timing is damn choon - just when I got the last batch of my comm.

My mind is not made up yet. Let's see how the next few days pan out. And no TV feeling is damn weird - like something is missing!

*UPDATE - 9 Jul 2007*

After much considerations ("why not buy LCD?", "what if are renting the flat?", "why should we buy a new TV for the tenants?", "why don't move Mum's small TV here, and buy a new one there?", "what if potential tenants are dissuaded from renting due to a small TV?", etc), we finally decided on a Panasonic 29" CRT for $460. It is taking delivery tonight. That means our old Philips got to sell to garang guni already - so sad!



Image from http://www.review33.com/review/av/images/philips_29pt9418.jpg

Post Date: 9 July 2007