2011.

As the year comes to an end its the time for reflections.So many things to be thankful for :
1.Good health.
Most of the children and their spouses are in good health except for a little scare that we had when Alvyn had to go for an operation to remove a growth.Fortunately it was successfully done and a good lesson should be learned from this.Health is important and one must be smart enough to look after oneself.Never take health for granted and stay away from the " It cannot happen to me " syndrome as disease and sickness know no boundaries.When we are well we must ensure that we do the necessary to maintain our health.
I was never one who went to the doctors but today I make sure I have my regular check up and never fail to see the doctor when I feel unwell.Age makes us fragile.
A life of discipline and moderation is never wrong and what is important is that we must never forget that if we are sick it affects not only us but all those around us.
2.Children.
We are happy that our children are doing well in their respective fields of work but more importantly they have the values and character which we so painstakingly planted in them.
Nothing more can be expected except maybe to have all of them here in our country where we can continue to keep aneye on them.Its good to be close to the children and to be able to enjoy meals and outings with them.To parents children will always be children and nothing makes them happier than to be able to continue to look after them.
We are laso blessed with 4 great sons in law who get along well with us.We have always treated them as our own boys but well aware that as in laws we need to have our code of behaviour.Mum always believe that if you love and care for others they will feel the same towards you.We are indeed fortunate in all these years we have had no issues with the boys.
3.Lifestyle.
I would say that we all live a moderate lifestyle, nothing lavish .We work and come home for dinner and on weekends mum will have her off days and off she goes with a fun filled day with her friends.I always try to strike a balance between work ,home and play and will make sure that at least some time is spent with Aaron before dinner and with the rest of the family.As we age we realize that the house is a sanctuary for all of us.It should be a place where family can relax and unwind after a hard day's work.For the children we know that they work hard and undergo all sorts of stress at the work place.That's why we believe that the home should be a haven for them where the hustle of daily living cane be ste aside.
The children should appreciate the fact that mum takes delight in preparing meals for them and its important to appreciate that you have a mum who sees to it that the family has proper meals.That's why the Chinese phrase "wan sek' and the Malay 'cari makan " makes sense.
We eat out at least once a week and its a family affair and its great for strnthening family bonds.We appreciate the fact that our girls and their spouses spend time with us and also the little grandson makes the outings so much more fun.Our boys are easy on food choice and never fuss over what we eat.This is one of life's little blessings which we value.A dinner outside will always be spoilt if you have one or two persons being fussy about food and for us elders when it comes to eating let the young ones decide and just eat what they prefer.No big deal and dont make things difficult for them.
4.Workwise,just got news that the Management wants us to continue for another year and I'm happy that my staff have work for 2012.Its a greta feeling to realize that you are still able to continue working at this age.The money is not big but its something to do rather than staying at home and just waiting for your time to come.
Also its gratifying to know that the children are doing well getting promotions and climbing up the job ladder.
So 2011 will come to an end soon and it has been a good year all said and done.Wish for 2012 ? Good health and children and grandchildren and their spouses achieve their dreams too.