The Craftsman’s Forge

I was in bangkok for one night, and the local office put me up at The Landmark Hotel. I had my Mercedes Benz S280 pick me up at the airport too!

The hotel, was apparently just opposite a crowded night bazaar, and I thought that I might just head out to take a look at it. I had some important e-mails to send out, but then it also seemed like an awful shame if I didn’t at least visit the pasar malam to say that I’ve seen Bangkok!!!

I didn’t get too many photos of the bazaar, but I did manage to buy a DVD “The Davinci Code” for 100 Bht, which is approximately SGD$4.50, and an All Blacks Rugby Worldcup Jersey for 400 Bht. I later found out that the DVD didn’t contain the movie starring Tom Hanks as vividly advertised on its cover. It was instead a documentary on the Davinci Code. Still not too bad for a $4.50 DVD.

I spent the most part of the next day trying to meet the IT folks in the Bangkok office, and also got to understand the issues on the ground. Before I knew it, I had to scoot over to the airport to catch a 6:20pm flight out to Ho Chi Minh City.

It was only on the taxi that I realised that I didn’t have enough Thai Baht! In the end, i paid the driver in Singapore dollars. SGD$20 to be exact. I lost a couple of dollars, but I was already late, and I didn’t relish missing my flight.

The other thing that happened, was that I realised that someone at the hotel messed up my luggage, and the handle was hanging loosely by the side. It was dangerous to say the least, but I realised that I would ned to get a replacement for it. so, I looked around the duty free area before settling on a Samsonite cabin trolley. Transferring my clothes and intimates in full view of the VERY helpful Thai sales girls at the luggage store wasn’t a fun experience I tell you!

Ho Chi Minh City airport wasn’t anything to look at. The baggage claim area was completely deserted, and the worst thing was that they didn’t have arrival cards ready on the plane, and everyone had to rush to get one from the Vietnamese security staff. not fun at all when you see a crowd of 2oo to 400 passengers doing that all at once. It was a riot! Not a good first impression of the contry at all.

I had my second Mercedes Benze pick me up. An S320 this time round! Woahh.

The thing that struck me about this country was ….. Motorcycles and more motorcycles!!!! Goodness! It seems like everyone rides one of these.

Why am I not surprised that they start their kids off on tricycles when they’re young???

Oh well….I’m gonna spend a day here at the office, and then fly off to Hong Kong tonight. Will update when I have more experiences to share.

Cheerio!

Technorati Tags: Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Motorcycles, Craftsman

I’m writing this from the “free Internet” access booth in the Terminal Two duty free area. Today, I’m leaving for Bangkok. Will be in Bangkok for just one night, before heading out to Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow night.

Before I came to the airport, I swung by the hospital to visit dad. I met mum right at the door as I was coming into the ward, and she exclaimed “Dad’s feeling so much better today!” She went on to describe how dad uttered two words, one coloquial word “Aiyoh” and another “Sugu” which in teochew meant stupid.

Apparently, he hit his left hand against a shelf, and he was childing himself! Ha!!! I’m so happy Dad’s improving! He was also much better able to control himself on the bed, shifting on his buttocks.

I asked the nurse if they knew if he would be able to control his bowels, but she said he hasn’t said anything to them. Goodness!!!! Of course he hasn’t lah! He can’t speak what! Anyways, I got them to get dad the emergency nurse call button to be placed next to his bed, so that he could call them when he wanted to get his diapers changed and/or pass motion.

In any case, he confidently showed that he knew how to press the button, and alert the nurses, so I’m pretty pleased with that too

I hope to see even further improvement when I get back to see him on Thursday. Till then, have a great week ahead folks!

I have been extremely busy in the last week, what with senior management meetings, Steering committee meetings and such. On top of that Christine was away for three days to Hong Kong, and will only return this evening.

It has been hectic to say the least, but I think things are going to get better!

We just got a new domestic helper to assist dad when he gets out of the hospital. She just arried yesterday from Indonesia, but came highly recommended by my regular maid agent. She speaks Hokkien fluently, and had been here for the past 5 years looking after an elderly couple with her previous employer. Most importantly, we felt comfotable with her, mum and dad felt comfortable with her. She also felt comfortable with us.

We brought her to the hospital to see dad, so that she could see for herself who she was going to look after. It is important from the outset to set her expectations right, as we don’t have the luxury of changing maids.

It has been also two days since I saw dad, and from my perspective, he has markedly improved. He is more lucid, and definitely more in control of his right hands and leg. He is now able to move them fairly quickly to a certain level. He also requires less support when walking, just a firm hold on his right bicep.

Stress at work is certainly still there, but I’m trusting in God that He is in control!

Of course, the view from my office will also help calm nerves every day.

I will be flying again from tomorrow night. Heading out to Bangkok on Sunday night, then to Ho Chih Min City on Monday night, then to Hong Kong on Tuesday night before heading back to Singapore on Wednesday night.

Technorati Tags: Singapore, Office, Craftsman

It’s been about 2 weeks since dad’s bypass surgery. Since the last update, dad has had his stitches removed. The wound is still a little raw, and he has been having a low grade fever since last Thursday. His temperature was at 37.3 degrees just now when I was there, so it seems that it’s stabilizing.

The nurse has indicated that when his fever subsides and stabilizes over the next couple days, dad will be transferred to the Ang Mo Kio Community Hospital where dad will begin a more intensive physiotheraphy program.

Dad for the moment has become more alert and cheerful. He is feeding himself with his left hand, and seems to retain his cognitive abilities although he still can’t speak.

I know that he is improving though, as he was looking intently at his newspaper, and also at Saturday’s 4D results!

I am at Changi airport.

This being my flight out to a third country in two weeks doesn’t strike me as fun at all, but it needs to be done, as I need to quickly understand the ground, the IT landscape and existing resources, so that I can quickly put a plan together.

I’ll be in Jakarta for one night plus the entire morning and half the afternoon tomorrow before flying back to Singapore tomorrow evening.

I managed to stop by the hospital for a quick visit before I came to the airport, and I thought I could quickly update everyone on my dad.

My siblings and Christine have been updating me on Dad’s progress. Today is exactly 7 days since his bypass surgery, and also about 6 days since his stroke. From the initial days of fear and trepidation, I think things are settling down to a stability and a reality has set in.

Dad’s stroke is a reality that we have to accept. There’s no point harping on what could have happened if he didn’t go for the Op. We need to look forward as a family if we are to overcome this together. So far, I thank God that everyone is chipping in, and helping everyone cope.

And thus far, we have seen dad improve day by day. Initially, he couldn’t even move. Now, he can smile, move his left hand and leg with normal dexterity, and also move his right leg fairly well enough to walk from his bed to the physiotheraphy area! He still can’t speak, but has began uttering some audible sounds, and has displayed a keen understanding when we communicate with him.

The physiotherapist has also said that dad is a very strong candidate for physiotheraphy, and has put him on the fast track as he has been indicating miprovements very very fast.

Yes, it’s a long haul ahead for us, but there also things I thank God for through this family crisis.

Dad indicated to Christine that he would like to see me, and I rushed to the hospital in the afternoon to meet him before my flight out. Today, as I visited him, he was visibly happy, and relaxed. going near to him, he touched and caressed my face. Something he has never ever done (ever since I gained intellectual thought).

But perhaps, I might also like to add that I had taken the first step on Sunday to give him a peck on the cheek before I left. I guess this must have encouraged him to allow the traditional asian stoic paternal to son “never tell your son you love him” behaviour to just fall away.

Today I felt….I gained a father. One who truly loves me and one who gave up so much to ensure I completed my studies, gained a good job, so that I would have a bright future. I never realised how much I loved my dad until he got admitted, and now it seems like I am getting to know dad all over again in the most intimate of ways.

I am so very thankful I have got this opportunity to be able to express openly our love and affection for each other. But so painful that it had to take a stroke to open up this new and exciting channel of communication.

I’m seizing the opportunity to love him as much as possible in his twilight years. Dad is already 74 years old, and doesn’t have very many more years ahead. I need to treasure this moments I have with him, and I fully intend to.

Perhaps you have old and ageing parents too. Maybe you are like me and your parents very much like my dad. Emotions are a “No No”, and you find it hard to communicate or relate to them.

Listen to me. Your parents are only here on earth for so long. Treasure them. Give them a peck or a hug. Don’t wait till something major happens before you tell them you love them.

Before I left the hospital, I gave him another big kiss on his cheek. I love my dad.

Technorati Tags: Singapore, Indonesia, Airport, Dad, Love, Craftsman

I am in the Philippines for a work trip today.

This being my first time in Manila, there were obviously somethings I was gawking at. (Not the girls… you pervert)

Firstly, I was immediately struck the minute I stepped out from the plane into the airport. everything was like out of the eighties. Vinyl flooring, formica tables, brushed aluminium strips , etc etc.

Then the next thing that struck me was the very friendly people. Filipinos are nice people, from the airport pickup person, to the driver who got me to the hotel.

When I got to the hotel, another thing struck me. I must have a swollen head by now, being struck by so many things. Anyways, before the taxi was allowed in, there were guards with mirrors coming up to the taxi to assist them looking up underneath the taxi to check for bombs. Then, the metal detector that I had to go through befor ethey allowed me into the hotel. To top it all, teh porter guided me to a small cube, and asked me to open my luggage for him to check! Sheesh!!! Its like worse than going into Malaysia! And this isn’t any run-of-the-mill hotel you know.. This was the Renaissance (Marriott) hotel!!!

The barrier before any car gets onto the hotel premises.

The Metal Detector.

Then I got into my hotel room, and yet another thing struck me! The left a Mormon bible in my drawer!!! Cool! I knew the Philippines is a Catholic/Christian country, but I didn’t a cult such as the Mormons were treated like a Christian church in Manila, much less allowed to place their bibles in the hotel.

Then today, when I headed to the airport to travel back to Singapore, I got the biggest shock of all. I arrived at the airport at 4:40pm, a good two hours before my Singapore Airlines flight at 6:40pm. The site that greeted me boxed the air out of my lungs, and left me a little breathless. This place was like a busy bus Interchange!

I had to queue for check in. (When I reached the check in counter about 15 minutes later, the guy told me I had already pre-checked in when I left Singapore, and I needn’t have queue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Arrgghh!!!!!

Anyways, after that, I checked through custom, which took me a whole 40 minutes!!!! There were so many people, but no customs officers to clear everyone. Goodness! so inefficient.

Then I checked into the gate area, and was presented with another queue. This time, I had to remove not only the normal phone and camera for x-ray scanning and a metal detector, everyone had to remove their belts, and shoes. Not only that, everyone wass subjected to a body search!!!

Goodness!!!! I really really hate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Can the Philippines government please upgrade your airport please? Take a leaf out of the Singapore government’s book. Use upgrading as an election goodie!

Lastly, one of the things that struck me most positively, are the jeepneys. They are just so beautiful and colourful. They lend a very unique flavour to Manila. I hope they never outlaw them, or start the COE scheme in Manila. The Jeepneys sure die one.

Technorati Tags: Singapore, Manila, Airport, Jam, Unbelievable, Craftsman

I just got back from Hong Kong, and was clearing my mail when I saw a mail in my mailbox. I opened the mail, and it had a link to a petition site. I wonder if any of you have seen this?

The Singapore General Elections is just around the corner, and the ruling party has been linking upgrading of properties to the election. Well… while I don’t really agree with what the PAP is doing, I am too apathetic to really care about it. There are really more important things to be concerned about in life then upgrading and whether people are playing dirty in politics. Besides, politics is dirty to begin with, so the opposition should expect it.

Technorati Tags: Singapore, Elections, PAP, Petition, Craftsman

I think Dad’s situation is getting much better! Thanks to everyone of you who have been praying. My family and I really do appreciate your help and prayers.

Dad was moved to the normal ward yesterday night, as his condition has improved and stabilised.

According to my bro, sis and Christine, dad was sitting up today, and was able to smile, although he is still not able to talk. Apparently the muscle in the throat/tongue was affect by the stroke. He is also able to nod his head to express understanding. So, great improvement from the previous few days.

I guess this is likely to be a long haul for the family, but I believe we can get through it together.

It’s amazing how everyone just pulls together in a genuine show of unity and support when unfortunate things like these happen.

We’re gonna meet tomorrow to sort out some of the logistics for dad. One thing we will be making a decision on would be to hire a helper for dad so that theres someone to care for him at home. Mum is herself quite frail, and won’t be able to support dad physically. There are some issues we will need to not only talk through, but to get a consensus on.

Will be visiting him at the hospital tomorrow. Thanks again to all who have been praying for us.

The one thing that struck me the most about Hong Kong…. SMOG

The PSI levels here are quite unhealthy. Around the 75 PSI range if I am not wrong. Everyone I spoke to were literally cursing at the pollution. It appears that the Hong Kongers are blaming the factories in Shen Zhen for the problem.

Whatever it is, whoever’s fault it is, it better be resolve soon, or else the smog could get a lot worse than this.

Technorati Tags: Singapore, Hong Kong, Smog, Pollution, Unbelievable, Craftsman

I had a call from Christine earlier today as well as an SMS from my sis today about Dad’s situation.

This was what my sis wrote

“Saw for myself that dad was able to lift his right hand slightly today. He is also able to respond to commands. I was with Dr. Tan, the ward doctor. She says dad is showing progress. He was not able to do these things previously. Mum is still waiting at the hospital to accompany dad to the new ward. Dad acknowledged by lifting his left hand before I left. Shows that he can understand. Praise The Lord!”

Christine also had a similar report where she mentioned that dad is alot better than yesterday. She said that dad was able to lift his left hand, and move his right hand, as well as both his feet. He was also able to smile at her before she left.

This morning, I recieved an SMS from Karun, my pastor and cell group member that the entire cell group is praying for complete healing!

I do pray and hope that God will heal dad completely, and that God can use this as a platform to demonstrate His miraculous healing powers to everyone.

Will update as I have more information.