Happy Birthday to my Mum, Anna Abisheganaden

Picture taken in 2006 during my Mum's 76th birthday,which is 30th November

She would have been 81 today.

Almost 1 year has gone by since you left us,

The pain of separation is still raw and 

The love still lingers in my heart for you,

My dear Mother,

Rest in peace in Heaven, with Papa

Happy Birthday, with much love

Your Son, Mark 

Tiong Bahru - a step back in time

The blocks retain the facade of the 1970s, 

with circular staircase landings erected on the outside of the block

      Nestled between the bustling Chinatown People's Park Complex and Bukit Merah lies the lowrise Tiong Bahru estate. It has been slated by the Government for conservation, amidst the rapid development of our country. I drop my wife and maid there every Sunday at the wet market to buy the fish, meats and fruits and vegetables. While the market is termed a 'branded' market serving only the best choice fish, cuts of meat and vegetables, it has a strong following amongst many elderly folk and a fair number of people come there in the Benzes, Audis, Lexuses  and Porshes from all over the island to buy the weekly groceries.

              The wide walkways and space for the groundfloor units to have their little 'garden'.
                                 Something which is only unique to older estates such as these

      The estate next to the Tiong Bahru market has retained its laid back charm, with the low rise HDB blocks a major attraction for many yuppies or young urban professionals. Its facade is of that from an earlier less complicated time and around the neighbourhood there sprouts many small bookstores, boutique shops and knickknack shops which give this neighbourhood a quaint 'Notting Hill' feel.

       I will find some time to explore the place and have a good cuppa while reading a book - one day.  

Happy 92nd Birthday Papa

        This picture was taken sometime in 2005,most likely around Christmas 2005,  judging from Hannah my niece's age (1 year). My Dad had suffered a fall in 2003 so he was walking with the aid of someone, though by that time, he was already 86, an advanced age. This was one of our regular Christmas and Chinese New Year's gatherings organised by my Mum every year since the early 1980s
So for 20 + years, we have celebrated Christmas and Chinese New Years, with my Mum's immdiate family and close friends of ours at our family abode.
        Papa's birthday was 23rd November.
      
        Here's wishing you a belated birthday in Heaven Papa. Happy Birthday.

Finally, a Business Class Seat

The cubicle ensures privacy, seats can recline fully, 

and I have the full entertainment centre console

     Finally, after 9 years in business on my own, I can say that I can afford to take a Business Class seat, without feeling that I am overspending. I have taken Business Class and even First Class on short haul flights to Penang, KL and even Bangkok but this is the first time (if I recall rightly) I have paid for and fully enjoyed the Business Class service on India's Jet Airways.

    The occasion was for the confirming of a new partnership with our partners based in Rookee, about 4 hours drive from New Delhi, so I decided to take the Business Class together with my lawyer, as the conveniences afforded to the Business class travellers such as the lounge and easy check - in are really what makes it premium priced. The ease of checking in, the no hassles in luggage handling and of course, the little cubicle which offers me privacy without fighting with the elbows of the neighbour or having someone's head on your shoulder and vice versa - for 5 and a half hours no less.

     Of course, as a businessman, I have to be mindful of the impact of travel costs, but for one - off visits such as these, its  money very well spent.    

Gone but never forgotten ; Geoffrey and Anna Abisheganaden

The niches at Spiritual Grace Columbarium of my parents 

Geoffrey and Anna Abisheganaden

     At the columbarium off Upper Thomson Road, in a small church called Spiritual Grace Presbytarian Church lie the ashes of my parents, Geoffrey and Anna Abisheganaden. I made the visit there to the niche today with my younger son, Andrew, 14. My Dad's birthday falls on 23rd November, while my mother Anna's birthday falls on 30th November. My father would have been 92 this year and my mother 81 this year. My birthday falls on 27th November, tomorrow to be exact, and I am humbled to be celebrating the birthday today while remembering my beloved parents who toiled and hepled lay the foundation of my life through acquiring a good education, having a global exposure while still young through travel and now, after 17 years in business, a new direction in the form of business development. 

     Dad and Mum, you have given John (my brother) and I a very good foundation through family care and a headstart in our lives through your selfless love, care and hard work in the past years so that we are now, growing steadily with our families and careers, business, friends can finally see the vision and wisdom of your past  sacrifices.

    I salute you, Dad and Mum.  Rest in peace. From your loving son, Mark.   

Life can be unpredictable

     For the last 1 and a half years, I was thinking of expanding my small business to include Thailand, with a substantial cash outlay to provide for a new setup with new partners. Sometime in July this year, I made the decision not to go there, perhaps by divine direction, and decided to expand further in Singapore.

     I am thankful that I did not take the 'plunge' (literally) as can be seen by this video from Youtube, my major customers, suppliers and competitors are literally underwater. Major customers such as Western Digital, and many car companies, are reeling from the major flooding which has not occured so badly in over 60 years.

     I pray for the future of Thailand, and with a plan and a prayer, go forth unafraid in Singapore.

Dire Straits Local Hero

      One of the best rock guitar solos I've heard in a long time. About 2 months ago, I bought a Yamaha keyboards and have been tinkling away at the keys everyday for about and hour to two. The funny thing about my life, when I was a boy (many many years ago), I hated playing the piano. My parents signed me up with a good classical piano tuition teacher, Mrs. Magdelene Leong and her lessons were held every week at her home n Butterfly Avenue. I was made to practice scales, arpegios and a whole range of songs from Beethoven,  Mozart, Scarletti and Franz Lizt.  I initially  enjoyed the piano lessons and advanced up to a pass in Grade 7. I prepared for Grade 8, but lack of interest (I thought, foolishly at that time that piano was for sissies) and other activities made me give up - right at the last hurdle !!

     So, as one can see, I have in the last decade plus, have made amends, first taking up my first sport I truly enjoy and love, running. Secondly I redid my karate training from scratch and now an active member of a karate dojo in Tanglin Singapore. Thirdly, I am  now rediscovering my musical interest and really love playing the keyboards a number of songs from Christmas Carols, School Songs, Popular Songs and maybe some current love songs. I don't see the need to take my Grade 8 (complete music level) exam, unless I intend to pursue a songwriting or musical career, but I am completely satisfied with the path I have chosen thus far. I thank my parents for giving me the opportunity for the first 7 years of piano playing under a strict and excellent teacher, and my buddy Roland Teo, who has a band and I have my motivation to practice all kinds of Rock songs from Beatles to the Rolling Stones to Taiwanese songs created by Roland.

      Life is not about accumulation of money and power.  I humbly suggest everyone reading this post to assess what life is to you and take the first step to achieving that goal. You will find immense satisfaction once you have started along your path.

     Seize the Day