Hey! You might remember exactly a month ago today, I posted about attending my first synchronous online memoir writing course, lasting eight weekly sessions. No? Well, please do check out that post. Then, what I'm sharing below will be more meaningful, when you return here to read it. You see, for this course that I'm … Continue reading “Clouds in my heart” — another memoir chapter excerpt
Do I really have permission to indulge daily in "a memory of comfort" in order to "grow my emotional tank"? This question has dogged me since my latest counseling session on Tuesday. Even though it's been two years now since I started visiting a counselor monthly to work through unresolved matters in my life, I … Continue reading Indulging daily in “a memory of comfort” to “grow my emotional tank”
I know Mother's Day is tomorrow, and I know it's the time for every mom to receive flowers, treats, and presents. But unfortunately, this isn't that kind of celebratory post. So, if you're looking for something to warm your hearts and inspire you to celebrate this annual day of recognizing your great mom, stop reading … Continue reading A sobering Mother’s Day reminder from my mom
We fought hard not to. Until we couldn't. This is the story of our toilet renovations that started three days ago. But in case you're wondering, this isn't a soiled and sordid tale about bowel movements and stinky water closets. This is a story about what truly matters in life. Sorry, I'm getting ahead of … Continue reading How renovating a toilet taught me what truly matters!
Recently our nation's President re-opened Parliamentary sessions with a call for everyone to create a broader and more open meritocracy in the coming years. As much as I welcome that call, I'm wary as to how, or even if, this can come to pass. And more importantly, how authentic and strong is the will to … Continue reading What’s ahead for my son, autism and meritocracy?
There's a scene in the film biopic "A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood" (2019) that's so sudden and violent, you wonder if the filmmakers forgot that this film centers around mild-mannered and famous US children's TV show host Mister Rogers (played flawlessly by two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks). The scene? A wedding reception. The sister … Continue reading Film Review – A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
I'm so glad my favorite guest writer Stephen's back again to kick off the new year with a new post on what's now an old topic -- Covid. [Please check out his previous posts here and here] This time it's an interesting account of a trip he made with his wife to Greece and Turkey … Continue reading Guest Post: A Covid Controversy In Turkey
In the interest of full disclosure, I want to say that this post might rub readers the wrong way, especially if you're an ethnic Chinese who's proud of your race, its culture, and numerous traditions. And especially if you love the annual promise of spring and new beginnings that the lunar new year purports to … Continue reading Why I resent Chinese New Year. And yet…
As this new year of 2023 kicks off, I find myself increasingly thinking I'm a 52-going-on-53-year-old teenager with insecurities spilling in every direction, along with my dad bod. Yes, that's right. Yours truly. The one who left high school eons ago. The one who's worked for what is now over a quarter of a century. … Continue reading Starting the new year with old insecurities
Two days ago, I had arguably one of my worst experiences as a teacher in over 20 years. It was another hot and humid Thursday afternoon. After five weeks with them, I knew this wasn't exactly the most exciting class to teach. The students usually looked like droopy petals of a morning glory flower that … Continue reading Disagree if you will, but it takes courage to be a teacher
