How do we build better habits that can protect the environment?

Everyday we do the laundry, above the washing machine sits the dryer, so convenient. But today, a little voice nagged, hang the clothes on the bamboo, save the electricity and don't add to the heat generated. So i start with hanging out the large items, towels, jeans, and slowly progress to the t-shirts, shorts..etc and though it took a little more effort, it was done. I patted myself on the back, another good fight for the environment.

Then I spied Chinese new year goodies on the table, the little voice adds, yummy goodies but a whole lot of plastic containers. Sigh. In our quest to build a mordern, developed society, we've allowed plastics to become an easy convenience. What alternatives are there? I searched the net to find ways, ideas that i can work on. This is something I found, this list is quite a challenge; some doable, some can be made more pleasant-100 steps to a plastic free life. Hopefully we can start somewhere, then Businesses, Governments and schools can use the list to encourage a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Build a Singapore that cares for the remaining green spaces

I remember a time when kids are told to imagine how you would like your world to be.Just imagine and you can feel like a child again, where every idea is possible. I remember when the vision a green Singapore called Garden City inspired us to look forward to a beautiful country, full of greenery where birds, trees, ecosystems flourished. My family moved back to Bukit Timah so that we could experience this greenery.

The vision slowly took form and within the last seven years, the green coridor developed and more people could walk through the green space on rubber tracks. Great for the multitude of users as they stride through very pleasant surroundings. But this was at the expense of many full grown luscious trees. Now the last remaining forests-Clementi and Dover are being marked for development. I plead with the authorities to let these remain.We have lost so much nature in the name of "development". The birds that used to come to my window do not come anymore because the trees have been removed. The lush trees that used to house many bird species, pared down such that there are now fewer birds. I am happy about tree planting day but can we not remove any more trees, they take decades to grow and are the habitat home for a multitude of wildlife.

Today I was asked whether it was a success

And I have to say, "yes" My environment has improved. Barney looks forward to coming home as there is a community in this estate that has a pool side to congregate, to say hello or to swim with friends and discuss what ever is on our minds. Yes I hear the district mp will even push for noise barriers while the mrt is built. ( I appreciate the thoughtfulness that has crossed their minds). Yes I was invited to resorts world. Though When I did go, I saw the great effort hui hwa put into sharing her love of history with us all. Though I thought the perspective could have also been about the first settlers, the passion of the businessman. On another note, I like the more open approach of discussing sensitive topics like race relations, how else can the community grow intellectually and socially, if they don't discuss the matter and take positive steps. Good to see the youth involved in the Otto conference too to make Singapore a more gracious society. I'm happy the poor are being cared for and even banners are up for people to call comcare hotlines if any individual knows of anyone in need.Yes I see more initiatives to know the people, to listen. Can the Singaporean be drawn to continue the impetus? I think it is possible but it will take a lot of effort, reaching out one by one. It will take time, hope and lots of love.

How do I Love my neighbour?

Strange when you ask the question then answers pop out of books, videos,daily situations etc. My joy has always been teaching kids music and how to make music part of their character and identity. I constantly think of ways to get them to enjoy what they do, or I rummage through books to see if they would be happy with the music they played.

I guess it's got to be thinking about the other person, what would bring a smile, laugh or the "ting ting" in their eyes.
Hungry? Feed them. Sick, heal them. Sad, console, or be there. Weak, strengthen with encouragement. "kan cheong" teach them to be calm. Angry, self control and calm down before acting.

So I get laryngitis and I sense I've been talking too much and I should do more and talk less.
I resolve to give someone else the amount I give myself.
I will be more thankful and in turn be happy at heart.
Just pray God will be pleased.

Teacher scrutiny

It's so easy to find fault with people, systems; almost blaze to give advise. Then the scrutiny on your own life as a teacher...did i do anything to contribute, are the ideas shortlived and not have any root? Ah the struggle to do the right thing and make it last.

How do you disciple someone? The challenge laid down when the helper comes into your home with no experience in looking after a young child and our family. So I make the attempt to be patient, setting the household chores, teaching every action from the cup of tea, the cooking, mopping behind the furniture to the ironing. I repeat the teaching as i do with my tuition kids who didn't practice during the week; how do you practise the task step by step.

People have flaws. So they will mess up and we have to continue to hope, continue to pray cos only God can change them, only He has the wisdom to help us change.

I was just thinking about passion

I was just thinking about living with a passion， a drive that makes you fully alive and I stumble upon jenni's blog ：） Actually i've been reading about it during QT ； angst， joy all in the different spectrum and suddenly everything is abuzz with new energy. Why stumble through the whole life process and not be totally invigourated, and filled. There's so much to enjoy and jenni's reminder to pray for each friend， each soul i come across adds them to share in this incredible gift of life. I am grateful and blessed.

Where is Barney？ He's enjoying his star wars dvd， watching it on big tv with sound effects that literally rocks your world cos he's discovered the different enperience of watching it on a small screen video and one with sound surround. He'll probably come in soon asking for his 4 o'clock milk. Then we'll decide whether the park or a nap before dinner is a better idea.

Yes life throws us opportunities to have a few talents or more， experience love in a family or commaraderie with friends. For me singing in a choir， being part of a music teachers community In both people continually feed the group with delicious food， with their energy and enthusiam， ideas， thoughtfulness， and i am humbled by their untiring generousity and i am compelled to try to be better and bless and contribute to love and give life. I'm reminded of how easy it is to retreat into cocoon but how glorious to share the gift of life. A continuous decision to choose to give and be blessed.

Train the child in the way he should go

We all want our children to grow up knowing what's right and wrong, have a sense of integrity, know how to care and share, how to be independent, creative, problem solving, always search for the truth, always have God to guide our way. What's stopping us? Ego,Fear,Faulty reasoning like he's too young, etc Jesus keep me humble, help me take steps to grow.