Tuesday 31 August 2010

我有一个恋爱

In times of despair, pray to the stars.

我有一个恋爱──
我爱天上的明星;
我爱它们的晶莹:
人间没有这异样的神明。

在冷峭的暮冬的黄昏,
在寂寞的灰色的清晨,
在海上,在风雨后的山顶──
永远有一颗,万颗的明星!

山涧边小草花的知心,
高楼上小孩童的欢欣,
旅行人的灯亮与南针──
万万里外闪烁的精灵!

我有一个破碎的魂灵,
像一堆破碎的水晶,
散布在荒野的枯草里──
饱啜你一瞬瞬的殷勤。

人生的冰激与柔情,
我也曾尝味,我也曾容忍;
有时阶砌下蟋蟀的秋吟,
引起我心伤,逼迫我泪零。

我袒露我的坦白的胸襟,
献爱与一天的明星:
任凭人生是幻是真,
地球存在或是消泯──
大空中永远有不昧的明星!

~徐志摩

Monday 9 August 2010

National Day

During my childhood days, I was one of the lucky children who could watch the NDP contingents march-past in front of my HDB flat. My neighbours and I used to line up early along the corridor to wait and I cheered and waved vehemently as the contingents marched by, usually reciprocated with... indifference. My favourite was the Navy contingent, young men looking spic and span, so smart in their all white uniforms.

What did I know about patriotism back then? Probably as much as what I know about it today. My patriotism has never been put through the test nor questioned about over the years; neither were there occassions which called for the demonstration of my allegiance. So how patriotic am I... hmm, I have no means to judge.

Don't get me wrong though, I love my country. I have once told my colleagues overseas that the time I felt most home sick was when I stepped out of the shower on a cold winter day, in some hotel in a faraway place, freezing and missing the warm weather at home. But it is certainly more than just the weather, I love my home for a myriad of other reasons. The stability, the peace and security, the opportunities that I have been presented with and the competitive edge which I enjoy on the international arena. Our country has certainly come a long way in just 45 years.

Some wise words we have been told, that to love someone is to love her for who she is, not just for her strengths but also weaknesses. Although there are polices implemented in this country which I will criticise and behaviour of fellow Singaporeans which I cannot identify with, I love my home nevertheless. Brand me as "Kiasu" if you like, think of me as an "ugly Singaporean" if you must, I have no qualms about saying it out loud that I am a Singaporean.

And so is Cowboy.


100% Singaporean

I made an effort to watch the NDP parade on TV this year, and oh boy, I must say the guard of honour is as smart as they can be today.

Happy National Day!

Tuesday 3 August 2010

Cowboy's 8th birthday

Cowboy is 8!

This year, the birthday celebration was a simple affair. Even the cake has shrunk in size, although partly compensated by increase in the count of cheese cakes to 2.


Hmm... why my cake so small this time?


Never mind, tuck in!

And a very special birthday song sung by Malcolm didi... so cute!



I wish good health for Cowboy and many more years of cheese cakes to come.