CNY10

This is probably the first time I am reflecting on Chinese New Year season. Well, even as a kid, I don't like it that much. I've told my late mum at least ten times I HATE the noisy cymbals and gongs and the heart pounding lion dance music.

Red is the colour that makes me angry and irritated and its actually one of my least favourite colours. I actually prefer grey to red but of course with Rachel, things change. I adore all shades of pink, such a DIVA colour and all so important for fashionistas but still too much red will make me see RED.

Before CNY there was the hectic Spring cleaning that mum enrolled me in without my consent of course. I would grumbled much deep within as I helped her clean the otherwise hardly cleaned house, since she was busy helping dad with his food stall business and we were busying passing exams. It's shocking so much dirt and dust could accumulate in a year, actually within a week as well. Personally, once I had my own place, I pretty much cleaned it twice a week, and being rather neat and organised, I do not bother to spring clean though I do clean out the entire 1636 sq feet apartment once a month, including junking near expiry cosmetics, vitamins etc

Talking about living area. I've been accompanying my own sister for her property hunt for almost 2-3 months. Not only are the apartments getting smaller, some 337 Sq ft or less at 257 sq ft, these nicknamed "Mickey Mouse Apartments" are also costing so much more. I recently visited some showflats in the outskirts of the city that had penthouses (duplex) at 600 sq ft which is almost liken to a 3 room HDB flat divided into two storeys yet one must factor in the high maintenance fees!!!!!. Then those near the city central were almost a Million bucks for 450Sq ft. What is happening???? With the enbloc frenzies last 2 years, the cash hungry developers are building more levels, more units, smaller units to make more money. What I am now living in (rental) is considered a luxury of space compared to many new developments that are getting more congested.

1636 sq ft is not too small. Rachel sleeps with us in a master bedroom that merges with her bedroom and we have a music/computer room plus a toy room (usually for the maid, but we are doing fine without one). Two adults one child, just nice comfortable living space until I learnt that some of my neighbours are squeezing their grandparents, parents, three kids plus maid in the same floor size apartment. 8 of them!!!!! Suddenly, I am reminded of my childhood living conditions. We had a sick and bedridden grandpa, parents and all 4 of us siblings living in a 3 room HDB flat (51 sq m or 549sq ft) in Geylang. There is only one separate toilet and one shower. It was so crammed with people and things and angers flared easily because of the over-crowding. As a result I breathe better whenever there is lots and lots of space.

I always knew I will live in a spacious apartment with super high ceiling, skylight and all. Its like a ballroom type of living area where one could entertain guests and make music with friends. I see a nice grand piano on the lush carpet and beautiful curtains with complete air-conditioning. Yes, I prefer POSH and PRIVATE over public anytime. And after almost 3 decades, I still do not feel comfortable visiting public libraries, community centres, food centres etc.

Anyway, I believe God has already provided a better place for us all, based on our needs. What is 2000 sq ft to him who owns the cattles over a thousand hills ???????? the entire world and its universe???? of course, it's great to have a comfortable HOME for living, functional for our needs and usage (swimming pool and gym a must), near amenities like banks and supermarkets, so we do not waste time and money moving every 2 years. God is good. He always provides his best and I am not going to worry about the lease ending soon this time round.