$ no enough

I think the oil and food crisis is the main concern for everyone since the beginning of 2008. Inflation too, which was always hovering around 1.5% is now several times higher. With low bank interest rates still, whatever money we have in the bank is actually "eroding" away even though it may "grow digitally by a few decimal places".

I noticed that prices of basic commodites had gone up along with utilities and transport and it seems harder each month to save any money at all. This crisis not unlike in the early 70s is making many downgrade their lifestyles from luxurious to comfortable, from comfortable to necessities and for some from basic necessities to even sheer poverty.

I did a comparison for the expenditures since 2006 and noticed that our fixed expenses had almost doubled with a toddler and rental. Whatever savings is arbitary. Like most Singaporeans we lived from pay cheque to pay cheque with the help of some form of credit facilities. The only difference is that we made sure we "pay" our tithes which is almost 12 to 15% for the 2008 which we committed to the Lord about inclusive of the building fund pledge.

Yes, God is our provider, he will make sure we do not starve. At the same time, our family is cutting costs avoiding the cinemas, spas (its DIY nails time), holidays, shopping and dining out. Cooking does help to reduce the bulk of the food bill but grocery shopping and washing up can be such headaches. I think ever since I started to cook almost daily, the quality of my life had deteriorated much. With much time spent in the kitchen near the stove or sink-to-dishwasher then dishwasher-to-cupboards and also house-cleaning and coaching rachel, I pretty much do not have the time i need to practice the violin well and trim my overgrown figure. I really had morphed into a AUNTIE and upped my risks for a potential divorce!!! (just kidding)

This global energy and food crisis is also making me want more of a resource called MONEY! While there were certain periods in my life when I suffered lack, I thank God that with his grace we did get by. At this moment, as a non income generating parent, I pray that God will bless us with abundance so we can share with the extended family and the poor in this country.

Personally, I need a place to stay. A place that we both like, a safe environment for rachel to grow up in. I do not fancy at all, in fact i hate moving. So I really ask God for a good comfortable place to dwell peacefully and happily in. With more money I will send rachel to chinese and ballet classes probably french too, and have some time to hit the gym or enjoy a rejuvenating massage.

When money is of no issue, I would like to hire domestic helpers to clean the place and help out with the grocery shopping and cooking. Yes, I definitely need a much better violin and bow with a good suspension case, bam? Our family badly needs a holiday, Disneyland Hong kong for rachel, Europe for the adults since we had yet go on a honeymoon. For a public transport taking family, we crave the convenience of a family car, especially when its so hot and sunny or horribly rainy at times.

I need to refresh my entire wardrobe of old t-shirts and jean skirts. Plus I dun even have a proper bag. Oh and there's the thousand and one moles that need to be laser off from the face. may be some wrinkle ironing botox. Not to forget, Slimming treatments. haha. The list is endless....................

I look forward to the day, by God's grace, our family will be the head and not the tail, the lender and giver and not the borrower. Our family can be amongst the rich in this nation because we worship a real God. He will prosper us because he loves us.

With God all things are possible