This Christmas holidays have been relatively quiet. Apart from a pre-Xmas gathering on the 23rd at one of our friend’s apartment, and a dinner with my family, the Warden and I stayed home and went about our own struggles. For New Year’s Eve, we dropped by a friend’s place, where everyone brought some food over for the celebrations. As the years go by, I notice subtle changes in people around as. Everyone has, whether by intention or not, shifted their focus a little to things here and there. Some focus a little bit more on their kids, some on their jobs, while others decided a little more devotion to their religious beliefs may go a long way to ensuring peace and the future.
We were tasked by our lovely host to write our New Year resolutions on a piece of paper and stick it on her daughter’s little drawing board. Since I have not done such a thing in years, I found it a little tough to put down my resolutions. Even if I wanted to, I would have needed time to sit down and think about them. In the end, the Warden and I put down 2 generic resolutions that could mean anything – (1) Be healthier and fitter, (2) Be better Salsa dancers.
Since 2007 has not been particularly kind to me, I figured perhaps I should really think about 2008. Some of the things off the top of my head for now:
- Strive for financial stability and financial freedom.
- Improve and be better at what I do.
- Be a better person than what I am now.
Some “experts” may say, hey that’s not measurable and time-specific. But I usually don’t give a damn about what the “experts” say and those are directions I need to set – they drive the tasks that should follow. The other more immediate thing on my mind, involves a matter of life and death, which to me may have immense effects and change my life forever.
I suppose I had seen it coming miles away, even way before I signed on the dotted line that sealed my fate. I knew both our parents will be nagging about it, I knew there will be peer pressure, and I knew perfectly that one day I will have to face the demon. What I did not expect was the effect it has on my mental well-being, and my inability to cope with the constant bombardments from all quarters. A simple question, yet with monstrous consequences – is it time to have a baby?
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:34 pm
You know .. if you were to ask me, everything you stated is measureable
Anyway, it is good to have some “resolution” or some “goals” for the new year. Be a good Salsa dancer is a good one .. and don’t forget to invite me for any public performance ya? You know I will be there
Is it time to have a baby? If baby comes, baby comes lor
That simple …
January 5th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Mark, Happy New Year!
Let me just say how I enjoy reading your blog!
I myself have never made any new year resolutions in my life……see how I turned out, haha
Seriously though, I think we are never really completely ready for parenthood……so just leave it be, when baby comes along, you’ll naturally know what to do, wait and see!
January 5th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Wilfrid, as a very sensible man once said, “Not planning is the route to failure”. Having a child is a huge undertaking, especially so in costly Singapore. Think of the medical bills, the insurance, the education, the time, the effort. I always believe that if you’re not prepared to be a good parent, then don’t be one. It’s a responsibility to yourself, your family (who may be helping to look after the toddler), the society, and most of all your kid. Really, you don’t want the kid to grow up a bad person, an angry child or someone who hates his parents.
January 5th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Lorraine! What a surprise and thanks for dropping by my blog.
Maybe it’s time to make one… err… maybe start with “I will treat my friend a cup of coffee every time I am back”
Anyway, as I indicated to Wilfrid, I am kind of worried about parenthood. Just a little… or maybe a lot… okay maybe too much hahaha!