http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39 A little of my thoughts en henry henry Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:02:00 +0100 daily 1 With referral from the clinical doctor, my mom was admitted to Changi General Hospital for five days observation . Earlier in the day, she could not stand on her feet after urinating. The test results that came in day after day were encouraging. That left her with the last medical report, X ray. As the report came in, we were told that both her kidneys have shrunk incredibly. On the fifth day, she was transferred to Singapore General Hospital. We were given two options by the Doctor. One was for mom to undergo kidney dialysis. From the Doctor's professional point of view, it was not advisable because of mom's age at seventy-six. Her heart might not be able to withstand it and furthermore, it would only prolong her life for a mere few months at most. Second option was for her to survive just on medication. After discussion with my siblings, weighing the pros and cons, we chose the second option...medication. Nobody would like to stay in the hospital, so was mom. After one week,... Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:02:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/The-Golden-Bracelet/5/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/The-Golden-Bracelet/5/  Written by my 11-year-old son.   I was a sexy, slender and shapely teenage girl. My name was Monica Cheng. It was a lovely day. I was on a taxi, going to meet my boyfriend. The taxi driver was driving at a snail’s pace. The Honda behind the taxi horned loudly at us. The Honda suddenly swerved in front of us.   The taxi nearly crashed into the Honda. Suddenly, both cars screeched to a stop. Both drivers stormed out of the cars and began to spit vulgarities. The taxi driver, Ah Gua, spat out offensive words too, though in a sissy tone. Ah Beng, the driver of the Honda, could not control his temper and gave Ah Gua a power kick. Ah Gua slapped Ah Beng slightly with tears in his eyes. Ah Beng was getting angrier and angrier by the moment. Ah Beng threw his hands and legs everywhere, injuring Ah Gua seriously. Seeing this kind of thing happening, I quickly got out of the taxi and asked for help.   The passers-by were unwilling to help. Fortunately a young boy offered to lend... Fri, 15 Jun 2007 22:24:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/My-son-the-Monica/75/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/My-son-the-Monica/75/ Digging deep into my pocket for some shillings to buy myself a cup of coffee, I realized that forty cents was all I have. In my hay days, money was never a problem. My pay packet was in the above average range as compared to national standard. I was a big spender then, mostly on alcohol. Life was comfortable and the words ‘raining days’ did not exist in my mind. Soon, my savings were depleted, even my Credit Cards and overdraft went burst.   Food at home was scarce. Everyday, my children would have instant noodles. It came to a stage whereby the mention of ‘maggie mee’ makes them puked. I can’t even afford to provide them with basic essential needs. I would stuff four or five slices of plain white bread into my mouth and washed it down with water and that was my meal for the day. It’s neither my intention nor wishes for my children to suffer with me. I did not expect to be thrown into this kind of situation. The taste of poverty was very bitter. That was the darkest... Tue, 17 Oct 2006 14:43:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/The-Taste-Of-Poverty/74/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/The-Taste-Of-Poverty/74/ Standing two arms length away from me on the MRT train was a lady in her late thirties. Though not convincingly pretty compared to those around, somehow I was captivated by her. I started to look hard at her side face. Not feeling comfortable with the nature of stares, she showed signs of uneasiness, giving me a quick glance through the corners of her eyes and fidgeting most of the times. Sizing her up to be the shy type , I changed tactics. I would turn my head s..l..o..w..l..y, sweeping across her face with my eyes , to and fro. She noticed what was going on but at least it was within her comfort zone. These went on for quite some times. Further down the stations, a young and beautiful lady boarded the train, standing next to me. On the contrary, she was an exhibitionist. Like a model, I was fascinated by her poses. The older lady looked in our directions, bowed her head and stared blankly onto the floor board. Her body language told me that she felt neglected and that I was a fickle-minded... Tue, 13 Jun 2006 12:40:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Encounter-on-the-train/31/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Encounter-on-the-train/31/ His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the most respectable person in the world. Instead of enjoying life in the Royal Palace, His Majesty chose to travel all over Thailand, looking into the problems and needs of all villagers. His Majesty spend most of his time solving their problems by inventing new methods of agriculture and so forth. His Majesty patent all his inventions, not for monetary gains but for his people to use free of charge.   The kind of respects and love showered on His Majesty, by the people of Thailand is rare in this world. His Majesty, The King, is only a few that I respect most. Though a foreigner, I would like to join Thailand in celebrating the King's 60th anniversary on the throne.   Long Live His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej !   Mon, 12 Jun 2006 09:19:31 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/King-Bhumibol-Adulyadej/73/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/King-Bhumibol-Adulyadej/73/ On 26th December 2004, a dozen Asian countries were struck by tsunamis, claiming well over 150,000 lives with a further million people displaced. Countries around the world responded swiftly, with billions of dollars pledged towards the relief package and reconstruction of the affected countries. Way back in Singapore, the Government, Singapore Red Cross, SPH and numerous organisations appealed for donations. Within a space of one week, tens of millions of dollars were raised, tons of foods, clothings and essential items collected. This disaster reminds me of an industrial accident that took place in Singapore 27 years ago, termed 'The Spyros Case'. One ship or 'vessel' as in marine terms, was undergoing repairs at one of the major shipyards in Singapore. In fact, this vessel was undergoing major overhauling of the Engine Room. Engine room is where all the turbines and machinery parts needed to propel and operate the ship are located. There are lots of fuel oil pipes running... Sun, 11 Jun 2006 03:57:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/The-Spyros-Case/66/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/The-Spyros-Case/66/ Once, during my schooling days, I was going to my classmate's house which was within walking distance. To save up on time and energy, I opted for short-cuts. I entered a stretch of sandy path which was quite deserted in the afternoon. Everything went fine until I saw a dog walking towards me from the opposite direction. From a distance, I started to stare at him. He reciprocated by doing the same to me. I kept staring at him without lifting my sight off him. So was he. As we passed by each other, I turned my head around to look at him. Ridiculous! he followed suit, turning his head around while pacing slowly forward. I told myself , "no, no, no, as a human being, I won't allow a dog to stare at me, to bully me. I am going to teach this dog a lesson. I'm going to use the stoop-down-pick-a-rock tactics to frighten him." And that was exactly what I did. The action taken by me proved effective. 'He' started running ... at least from the dog's point of view. What happened? The 'He' referred to... Sat, 10 Jun 2006 13:50:39 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Dogs/64/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Dogs/64/ By and large, women are more sensitive and hence more suspicious of what is happening around them. Some years back, my former colleagues organised an outing. Activities included bowling, dinner and disco dancing. I requested for karaoke. They obliged, karaoke was an additional item. We started off with bowlings. Most of us were beginners. Ladies' colleagues throwing balls with both hands, rolling slowly forward... hit some pins and started falling in slow motions. Wrong tactics of throwing balls...from a height, hit the floor with a bang and into the drain. Games of the day were funs and not rules. Our average score? 250 to 300 ! I mean, needed another 250 pins to reach 300, the perfect score. For dinner, we have steam-boats. Lots of uncook dishes were available. Prawns, beefs, slices of fish, fishballs, squids, clayfishes, cockles...etc. We would place the prawns and whatever we liked onto a scoop individually and put it into a pot of boiling water which was placed in the centre of the... Thu, 08 Jun 2006 03:42:55 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Women/25/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Women/25/ Still on my eldest daughter when she was a 6 year-old kid. We were having our meals at one of the KFC outlets in a shopping mall, facing the main road. She pestered my wife to buy her a belt. My wife explained that belts were meant for boys and not girls. Looking out acoss the road, she spotted a lady waiting for public transport. She said, "mummy, that big sister is wearing a belt, can you explain?" My wife told her that only adults wore belts and promised to buy her one when she grew up. She replied that when she grew up, she should be able to buy one herself and she can even afford to buy us one. She complained that her mom was talking about the future and not the present. After our meals, we went shopping. She kept running around. My wife told her that if she misbehaved, she will call in the police to catch her. Instant reply from her, "If I am apprehended by the police, how many daughters are you left with?" Nowadays,... Tue, 06 Jun 2006 12:36:13 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Simple-mathematics/10/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Simple-mathematics/10/ Calling it a day after four years of services with the company, a former lady colleague decided to return to China. As my senior and mentor, I decided to present her with a gift for rememberance purposes. Intentions were made known to my wife and off I went in search of one. Looking for a present was the hardest things to do. Finally, I decided on a white-gold chain with pendant. Placing it on the table soon aroused the curiousity of my wife. Opened the box, took a glance, put it down and with her lower lips protruding out with face looking skyward, she marched to her room. Not knowing the seriousness of the situation I was in, came my youngest daughter. After inspecting what was inside the box, she asked “mommy, papa bought this chain for whom?” Adding petrol to fire. Instant reply, “don't ask me, ask papa yourself!” Volcano going to erupt anytime. To spare the agony of been thrown into this kind of situation, I excused myself and went out for some drinks. By the time I reached home, my... Fri, 05 May 2006 12:55:11 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Beer-Is-Cool/29/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Beer-Is-Cool/29/ At my workplace, heard a lady colleague saying that she could not sleep. Taught her a trick or two to overcome the problem. I told her :- “ If you want to have a good night sleep, free your mind of all thoughts. Counting sheeps jumping over the fence is a thing of the past. Never think of a tall and handsome guy, by doing so, you will definitely get more excited and maybe some oohs and aahs will be coming out from your room. How to sleep? Solution? Well...just think of me and no one else! The moment my face appears, you will start complaining, 'Henry so ugly, thinking of him is just a waste of my time, might as well get some sleep'. There you are, you will be sleeping like a log in no time – thanks to me.'” Though I poked fun on myself, it was for a worthy cause. I wanted to drive home the point that we should relax ourselves, both mentally and physically. Any thoughts that stimulate excitement or unhappiness will result in sleepless nights. I , personally have gone... Thu, 04 May 2006 15:31:33 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Insomnia-and-Stress/22/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Insomnia-and-Stress/22/ Wed, 03 May 2006 12:19:41 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Bra-versus-friendship/72/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Bra-versus-friendship/72/ Sun, 30 Apr 2006 11:46:21 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Cat-and-Crayon/71/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Cat-and-Crayon/71/ Mon, 24 Apr 2006 03:09:21 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Lipstick/70/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Lipstick/70/ Visited D-Manz weblog today, D-manbitesdog , with regards to the chinese language. It was not only interesting but hillarious! To D-Manz, The chinese language consists of four tones to determine the pronounciation of a word. Take the word 'ma' for example. Given the following : First tone - it means 'mother'. Second tone - it means 'jute'. Third tone - it means 'horse'. Fourth tone - it means 'scold' or 'scolded'. First scenairo, If, out of concern, you were to ask your fellow chinese colleague, 'Did boss scolded you?'. If your pronounciation was at the first tone, what message did your colleague received? Answer, 'Did boss mother you?' Second scenairo, You were invited by your chinese colleague to his house for some kind of celebrations. To impress upon him your ability to speak a little chinese, your intention was to ask, 'is that your mother over there?' Same mistake...wrong pronounciation! It turns out to be 'Is that your horse over... Mon, 27 Feb 2006 14:50:34 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/The-Chinese-Language/69/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/The-Chinese-Language/69/ Calling all ladies, won't you be my Valentine today? No Guys, please, for I'm a man ... a man adhering strictly to the rules laid down by mother-nature, if you get what I mean. Wishing all lovers on earth 'A Happy Valentine Day'. Tue, 14 Feb 2006 01:38:03 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Happy-Valentine-Day/68/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Happy-Valentine-Day/68/ For my fellow colleague. Mon, 16 Jan 2006 15:05:59 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Lim-Cher/67/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Lim-Cher/67/ I can remember how I was summoned to Doverpark Hospice by my nephew in the wee hours. I can still remember clearly…an old, weak and fragile woman lying in bed.   My siblings and I witnessed… the moment of truth…mustering all her strength to take in her last breath of earthly-air and returning it to mother-nature. At that moment, I felt a sharp pain in my heart…a pain that cannot be described by words…as though a sword had been drawn into it. For today, December 11 th  marks  the second anniversary of my mom’s death…..   Sun, 11 Dec 2005 00:01:06 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/2nd-Anniversary/65/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/2nd-Anniversary/65/ In my previous entry, “My encounter with drugs”, two plain-clothed narcotic officers came knocking at my house’s door. After acknowledging them and making their intentions known, I agreed to follow them to the police station.   When we reached downstairs, there was a police car waiting for us. Behind the wheel was an Indian, in police uniform. I started to ask the narcotic officer as to whether the person who reported me, wrote in or phoned in. Feeling agitated or most likely, trying to show off his statues as a policeman that he felt great of, the driver yelled at me. “If you take drugs, do you want me to send you to Headquarter?” I was so bloody upset by this matter that I shouted back at him. “I’m now in your hand, you can send me to wherever you like. If I’ve got the rights to decide, I’ll tell you, send me home now!”   From his facial reaction, it can be clearly seen that he was astounded by my remarks, for he did not expect a civilian to yell back at him, a... Fri, 21 Oct 2005 10:47:03 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/The-Lock-Up/63/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/The-Lock-Up/63/ After a few days, received a call from my agent. She said ‘henry, did you receive your pay? Henry, you wrote a letter to the manager? Henry, you know that my livelihood depends on supplying labors to the hospital….? I cut into her conversation. I told her I understood what she was trying to imply. As the agent was the one who gave me the job, I told her, “ok! I won’t put you into an awkward position. I’ll write the manager another letter explaining my stand with regards to this matter. She agreed.   Half an hour later, my agent called again. She was nervous. She said “henry, we’re in trouble! The manager is going to make a police report. She was frightened as the letter was written in red ink. She suspected that you are talking to her in your capacity as an underground figure…as a gangster…for red signified blood!” I told my agent, “cool down, just an explanation, ‘the reason why the letters were printed in red was…I ran out of black ink on my printer’. Make it... Tue, 11 Oct 2005 15:06:16 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Part-time-job-final-my-agent/62/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/basement39/Part-time-job-final-my-agent/62/