Help the underprivileged children in South Africa by donating your new or used children’s books at the Book Donation Drive from 1 July to 23 July 2010 at Sony Style - Orchard Central.

This project aims to bring books to teachers and children in remote South African schools who do not have access to such learning materials. Your simple gift will make a world of difference to those who need it.

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“C’mon, get ANGRY. As it gets spicier, you get angrier.”

Yes, you read it right. Saw this ad on my way to Funan Center (City Hall) some time ago. Goodness. Didn’t make sense to me. This ad tells us to eat their spicy burger so we become angry and angrier. 

Unbelievable. Didn’t know that even in spicy burgers, people could create so much violence! It’s not about creativity. It’s not about an issue of freedom of expression.

It’s plain non-sense.

Why should I want to be angry? I know there are many legitimate reasons in life for me, or for all of us, to be angry about and get over them. But for eating a spicy burger? No, thank you. Tastes better? Sounds bitter.

Someone said, “For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”  Oh, well, life’s too short and too long for that!

“I have this husband since 1970 and frankly I am sick of him. I will gladly give him away. If you have any use, please contact me.”

I got this very unique offer few days ago on my email. Haha. That cracked me up.

I am a member of the Singapore Freecycle Network, a group that aims to reduce waste and share resources by connecting people who want to give and take away goods for free. :-) Members of this group receive emails for every item being offered or wanted (all for free).

A member replied to that husband offer and said, “Any chance I can pick ‘it’ up from nearest MRT?”

Of course, Singaporeans know how to joke, too!

I know it sucks to be sick. Yet there’s something about it that makes me glad sometimes. When I am down in my bed, I have no choice but let go of other things, break my routines and just slow down, rest, and enjoy doing nothing. Perhaps sometimes getting sick is a gift because when I have it, I start to think more and care more about my body.

Also interestingly, when I am in bed, I effortlessly become more creative. I listen to music or to silence - and there a story comes out. At other times, I just enjoy listening to my breathing, feeling my heartbeat, hugging my pillow, and thanking my Friend.

Three days ago, I flew back to Singapore. I’m overwhelmed by both the memories I have on my recent trip to the Philippines and the things that I’m supposed to do, to catch on, to sort out, to write, etc. Big decisions to make. Meetings to attend. Business to plan.

My body got so tired and gave in yesterday. Sore throat. Fever. Chills. I hid under my comforter and shivered badly. I started to feel alone and teary. Was comforted by the ’get-well-soon’ wishes from my family and friends. I confess one thing though – I kind of enjoy my fever and chills. I haven’t had them for a long time! Reminded me of those days when I was just a little girl. When I had fever, my parents would boil egg for me, give me a bottle of Royal Tru-Orange, and put me to bed, cover me with a blanket. There’s always something special about that!

Oh, yes. Finally I got this site on. My old one (www.aurelia.october8.net) just suddenly died. No notice. No explanation. Just a sudden halt. Like a heart attack. Anyway, I’m still thankful. If not for that, I wouldn’t start this one, which I have acquired since more than a year ago. Oh, how true! When something dies, another thing comes to life.