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.

Method in madness

I had expected the best well known education to be of the best run programme but after 2 lessons, I have come to realise things are never perfect. I sent Barney in to Julia Grabriel thinking they would be cater to every child and provide a sound well thought through lesson, but they start 10 mins late then they take 30 mins to take the attendance. Yes the teachers try to personalise each encounter with each child, helping them take off their shoes and trying to remember their names but another teacher holds the attendance sheet and goes around asking the child's name again then they give out fun passes in the class and try to greet every of the 20 children present. My thinking is there are more efficient ways to taking the attendance and learning names.

Yes they teach the kids to do 2 pieces of art work one in english and one in chinese, but they only have 10 chairs so the other 10 children get to play with the same toys while waiting their turn. The teacher tells me, the kids learn more at play anyway. So i sigh and make the best of the situation and play with Barney while waiting again to do a piece of art.

So what did the lesson accomplish? Was it effective in teaching the child the objective for the day? I would have to say yes. Barney enjoyed the new toys, he could say the "f" sound and "fish" and "Yu".

So i guess i should be more forgiving and understanding, and take with a pinch of salt that there is learning going on even if things don't happen the way i would like it to. There is method in the madness of coping with the noise of 20 kids (2 which are constantly crying)and 20 adults and 4 teachers in an enclosed room.

Would it be better shifting to a smaller class? My preference is yes but i do realise it might lose the dynamic rucus. So i sigh again..maybe i just need to be more patient.

So if i look at it from a social perspective. Barney does learn to be patient to wait his turn, he does learn to share his toys while waiting, he does learn to watch quietly when the teacher teaches, he does learn his manners when choosing water or juice, he does clean up when it is time to clear his toys due to peer pressure and the number of people doing so. So i admit i'm not as patient as i thought i was.

Yes they took a little longer at things but even though we missed out on story time, and the 1pm lunctime was replaced with a snack of 4 biscuits, some sultanas and 2 pieces of honey melon..I guess i will complain at the right time or just hold my peace until another time.

Why do people avoid people?

It's strange, when you do attend a social, some would rather avoid people then feel uncomfortable. I thought when I did attend one where i hadn't met up with people for some time, it would be one of acceptance and catching up; instead the two responses that sounded forthright was "we do work you know." Yes i do understand this but i thought we could share other topics of conversation, like movies,kids, food,ideas, parents etc..and the other was " I don't like the posturing and posing." I don't get it, firstly i wasn't posturing or posing and i'd really just like to know you better, maybe in some way i could be a blessing. Well at least the pizza party was more loving. Maybe i just need to show more love and thoughtfulness. Will pray for more wisdom.

Why do church buildings get bigger?

I thought the building quaint and the size perfect to get to know people but now as all other churches have done before there is going to be a reconstruction. Why not use a fifth of the amount and plant a new church? Or better grow 5 new churches?

On the right track

After getting the air-con a chemical wash, it's running like new.:) I've just emailed my brother the installation instructions on my ido wc. These came in DHL yesterday which included the new washers for the loo for free. That's what I call a life-time of good service. Hopefully after it's fixed, the water bill will reduce significantly.

What was pleasant was being invited to another two christmas parties. Today we take some friends out to lunch.:)

Christmas isn't Christmas

Strange how it's december and it just doesn't feel like Christmas this year. Yes there's the orchard road lights, yes we've bought some presents...carolling practices have begun, ....many have gone for a holiday or are on holiday...maybe it's time to put on the Christmas cheer, including the decorations and plan the parties:) one for the families, one for the neighbours, one for the du jia home where we will carol, and one for the choir on the carolling night:) That sounds more like the spirit of christmas, got to get started now. :) Christmas isn't christmas till it happens in your heart.:)

Spread the love around

I had a lovely anniversary dinner yesterday and lovely roses during the day. Can't believe it's been fourteen years and if you add the seven years courtship, twenty one years in all. They have been the happiest years of my life. Today after sending the two boys to work and school, I decided to spread the love around.

I called up a lovely lady, had breakfast with her and told her my plan to cheer another lady up. She had left the choir upset and I felt guilty for not showing them enough love. So the former called the latter's husband and asked for her location, then I went to ntuc and bought chocolate and fruits and came home to make a lovely basket. We surprised her and sang jingle bells and i said "christmas is here" and presented her the present. She had tears in her eyes and we hugged her.

Everybody needs love.

Smell of smoke

Today we come home from mama's house and i smell a strong stench of smoke from the maid's room. She says its just the stale smell from closing the window while we were out.:( I had brought the salt bake chicken and the left over noodles over for lunch but it wasn't served while i was there so I went into the kitchen to look for it and it lay on the counter with most of the chicken meat burried under the noodles. I brought it over to eat it, so I ate it seeing a frown on the maid's face. I tell my mother she's been given enough of food she does not have to eat what i intended to have for lunch. My mum had cooked yong tau fu in tao chio sauce, 3 fried fice, fried veg and a soup I requested but only 3 mouthfuls of chicken and 2 fish balls inside. The maids claimed that was all the chicken left they had shreaded it all. It just gets my blood boiling when they lie and try to hide food.

The hot water light was on but when i questioned the maid if she turned it on this morning before going out, she denied and said it was off when she left. Then who turned it on?

Do you love me? I love you...since the beginning

It's raining outside but for the first time i feel safe, calm and happy. After doing some quiet time, I know I am in good hands. Do you love me? i am asked I love you since the beginning.

I remember my talk with God when I was a teen. I didn't want to hurt anyone, I just wanted to love people. Now I realise it's easier to be part of a group or community and do it. So the choir has chosen to go out to families and sing christmas carols. I'm quite sure God will bless the act of kindness and cheer during a season of uncertainty and gloom.

Then I have to find time to get a cake to celebrate 4 birthdays, make some phone calls, invite some out to coffee and shop and wrap christmas presents.

The crying is over

Today is the first day Barney did not cry when he got to school.:) I had a chat with the principal of the school yesterday and she advised me to not give in to Barney's cries and provide him with alternatives. So as i drove him to school and requested his song to be played, i told him he has to wait till we drop daddy off. The smart boy tells me as soon as Tim gets out of the car "daddy dropped, song now" I say which song? and his reply is "Rudolf" . We hear it through and he says "again" and i tell him "ok it's mummy's song first then yours" so I got to listen to a lovely worship album then instead of putting his song on i sing "old macdonald". As he stepped into school today, the chinese teacher is conducting a sing-along-action song and he's distracted with the activity. I'm glad the teachers have been so kind to cater to Barney's needs so i pass him over to a teacher and wave to the other who months "wow no crying today" and i smile and say thanks.

Today i got a call from a new prospective student's mother. So i am encouraged to be a better teacher. I also get an invite to a house warming cum new baby party. hooray:)

Managing people

Most people want to know they are cared for, some have needs or requirements for them to render respect, many want to be led to a better place, and some after soul searching find their calling some where else and move on.

So i try to answer the call to "feed my sheep". Due to the many individual needs, i manage to meet up and talk to a few. Then i meet up with other shepherds who also help me to see how our society needs to have more "odd" people who speak up, who get irritated with people who do not fight for right, who are concerned for a more compassionate society whether in law or in daily living being forgiving of people's flaws and take the trouble to point them in the right direction or to show them a better alternative to life. My eyes are opened and i try again.

Faith without action is dead. I ask God for a clear direction and wisdom and i see little steps of love.

Catching up with friends

I'm looking forward to meeting up with another friend today. So even searching for wrapping paper that's gone missing doesn't irritate me as much. So i smile inside because catching up with friends bring such joy.

Barney loves the Jingle bells CD i got him and requests "again please" for the upteened time, but his face changes as soon as he sees the familiar road to school and his begging "mummy, mummy" breaks my heart again. So i reassure him i will be back and then wave bye. I tell myself he will be better off knowing how to socialise with other kids in school.

The day before i had lovely tea with the sweetest of friends and sugee cake to take home and share with the neighbour. Yesterday mum and i had kopi with a stick of 'you tiao'. Today it's dinner surprise and tomorrow a home cooked dinner with my secondary school friends. Mmm..lovely.

Stuffy cold

What makes us sick? Change of weather, germs, cold air-conditioning, unbalanced diet.. whatever the cause the effect makes my head feel heavy, my nose watery, and its an effort to stay positive and happy.

Still i am grateful the hubby has taken the baby out for lunch and i finally savour the solitude and rest. Get some lunch and then settle with a good book.

Season for change?

Finally the heatiness from the inbalance of too much "yang" food from the holiday is starting to balance out as the large ulcer on my lip is getting smaller. Strange it took almost the same amount of time to recover from the holiday. Glad I had a chance to catch up with a friend yesterday after a year of not seeing her. The time apart seems to make our friendship more precious. Most things have a season and the question is whether it is time to build more friendships. Her take on it is to remain open and take things as they come. I guess I could be more proactive instead of waiting for things to happen.

Barney's seems to test every boundary we set. Every "no" seems to egg him to see if we mean what we say. The "sweet" reward only worked once after which he throws all toys on the floor and refuses to pick them up. The "mummy's going to get mad" worked twice then he counters it with right "kong kong" will deal with the naughtiness. My friend tells me I cannot use the get mad idea any more. I just hope the throwing things on the floor will only be for a season.

So the impetus to be better at playing the piano, conducting the choir, disciplining my baby, teaching kids, having another child seems to remain unchanged. When I check with Jesus, he smiles and says "do them with love".