Tag Archives: Life

My Childhood: Garden Stories & Jaffna Cousins

I miss our small tropical garden. Of course, as these things go, I didn’t appreciate it till it was reduced to just a tiny patch devoid of any fruit trees. I miss the Japanese roses my mum tended to in … Continue reading

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Uncle A: My Grandpa at Work & Other Stories

Following my last post about one of my grandma’s specialities, fried mutton with potatoes, my uncle confirmed that it was one of his favourites too. I then asked him to tell me about what family meals were like back then. … Continue reading

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Fried Mutton with Potatoes

My mum learnt how to cook various ceylonese dishes, observing my grandma. Back then she mostly did the menial work like cutting up and grinding stuff. You could say, she was sous chef to the chef (grandma) and she started … Continue reading

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Never Been on the Singapore Flyer

Somehow when something is so near and available you feel no urgency to use it. Also I have situational claustrophobia, so when this attraction first emerged I had fear let alone a desire to try it. There were incidents of … Continue reading

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My Eldest Cousin M

Been thinking a lot about my cousin M lately. To be accurate, he’s never left my mind. After he passed away in his sleep in 1995 (he was only 37 years old and it was attributed to an epileptic fit) … Continue reading

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Typical Childhood in the 1950’s (Uncle A’s perspective), with a Preamble About Recording Stories

I’m noting down family details and it’s all these little stories and varying perspectives that may come in useful for a story about a typical Singaporean family that have their ancestral roots in Sri Lanka, specifically Jaffna. Of course no … Continue reading

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Typical Day in the Life of My Mum in the early 1960’s

She couldn’t recall exactly what time she woke up, but it was to the crowing of the neighbourhood roosters and not an alarm clock. They were extremely loud she said. She ironed her uniform the day before. Once adorned, she … Continue reading

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#12. Simple Joys: Having the Option to Not Wear a Mask Indoors

I do it when I feel comfortable enough and usually when it’s not too crowded. But yes I so do enjoy having that freedom.

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#11. Simple Joys: Pretty Things at ION & More Space on the higher floors

I managed to get some peace and eye candy even on a busy weekend. Trying to be grateful for every little thing as I believe it helps in elevating our mood. I can’t afford a thing at Valentino, but I … Continue reading

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#98: Exciting, Ever Evolving Food Scene

I do love dry Laksa, so I was exited to spot the opening of this new dining place at Vivo. I haven’t reached 100 on my 100 Reasons to Be Happy in Singapore, but just found my number 98/100. Started … Continue reading

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#10. Simple Joys: Even Greater Ease to Check Out Library Books Using my Phone App

Love not having to queue and borrowing books by scanning the bar codes through my library App. Currently for only those books with a particular sticker, but I’m sure the efficient librarians will cover more books soon.

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Family Ties: Aunts, Uncles & Cousins

I recently asked my uncle how he felt when his son was just born. “Were you nervous being a father now? Nervous about having to carry a baby.” He said not really, and then I realised my baby cousin (I … Continue reading

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Ocean Liner Stories from the Past

Had a chat with both my Uncle A and Aunt S since they happened to be there at the same time. They are siblings 7.5 years apart, but the age gap seems to be negligible. Wanted to gain more insight … Continue reading

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Atas Mall with Fresh Orchid Displays

B pointed out that the orchids at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands are real and if they are replaced regularly must be super expensive. Me and my cousin D love coming to TWG. The outlet here looks nice but … Continue reading

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#9. Simple Joys: Wide Walkways & High Ceilings

Because most malls in Singapore are so cramped with narrow walkways I appreciate something like this at the ‘atas’ (Singlish for high class/ snooty) mall The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

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Were there Tasks You Hated Doing as a Child?

I’m asking myself questions and often I go off on a tangent, but that’s my purpose. My method of jogging my memory before it all fades. For me, as I was not made to do any chores, it was mostly … Continue reading

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#8. Simple Joys – Nice Strangers

The ethnically Malay grab delivery guy who got into the lift with me was so cheerful and nice. “Which level?” Wanted to press the button for me. And he said thanks as he left. He did me a favour but … Continue reading

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Bus Ride: Living Deliberately

Raindrops on the big glass panel. The coolness of a drizzly morning. Looking out I see teenaged joy. Two on a bike. An old lady with a blue umbrella dragging her trolley on the way to get her groceries. Bell … Continue reading

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#7. Simple Joys: Water feature inside a Mall

Love the blue. I’m a water sign after all.

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#6. Simple Joys: Beautiful Window Displays

Haven’t been to the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for a while and was drawn to this window display in particular. New sights are always refreshing. And I love the bubblegum shade of pink.

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What I Admired Most about My Father (Partner Edition)

His penmanship comes to mind. It was beautifully and artistically rendered. Calligraphy in fact. I admired his cool signature. He had to stop schooling at Primary 3 because he was biologically the eldest kid and had 5 or 6 younger … Continue reading

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What do you Admire Most about your Father? Question posed to my Uncle, Aunt & Mum

I’ve been exploring prompting questions to ask my relatives, and I thought this was a good one. It really doesn’t matter if the answer goes a bit off tangent as the key goal is to prompt memories about a loved … Continue reading

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