SimonSimple

Hi People

Imagine being floored by several tiny dried shrimps - a simple thing!

Well, years ago I developed an allergy, during my undergraduate days. It was easy to diagnose - exam stress! I was allergic to exams. Even till this day, I get nightmares about exams. The good thing is that these bouts of fear remain in my dreams and there is a way out. Just wake up!

When I first began work some 30 years ago, there were these Personnel lunches that were held every fortnight. Each host tried to outdo the last one, and so we got entertained at the finest restaurants in town, every other week. It was here that I discovered that I was allergic to PRAWNS - in all shapes and sizes, and in the best hotels, or hawker centres and even at home. I had to swear off prawns, unless I wanted a legitimate excuse to see the doctor and get a day off.

Well, last Friday I was at the Jurong Bird Park attending an event where a packet lunch was served. I chose the chicken set. I am not much of a rice person, and so I took but a few mouthfuls of rice (like feeding a bird) but savoured the long beans and……..dried shrimps. This proved my undoing as I began exhibiting symptoms of a severe rash outbreak a few hours later. Itchy palms turning scarlet red, itchy scalp that I had to resist scratching, teary eyes and a funny sensation in my tongue that caused great concern amongst my colleagues.

My concerned staff insisted that I see the doctor immediately. The friendly locum prescribed a jab when I told her I could not afford to fall sick as I had to conduct a workshop the following day. She then ordered that I not drive home and so I called the office to have someone drive me home. She was impressed and commented that I had very good colleagues to respond so readily and immediately.

I said no, maybe they did so because I am their GM (read General Manager). But then maybe they did so because I am their GM (read grandmother). I have always believed that one leads more effectively through being a cheer leader, rather than being a fear leader. Never fear, Grandma is here.

In all my years on this earth, more often than not, I am floored by the goodness and kindness shown me by people around me, at home, at work and at play. Someone once said this, “I went out to find a friend and could find none. I went out and be a friend, and friends were all around”.

To all my family & friends, thank you for always watching out for me, thank you for giving me a simple thing - your friendship.

Hi People

Last night was bad, then good. At 7 pm Jens Lehmann made a blunder and let a goal in and Arsenal was made to look like a football club from the S-League. Then at around 9 pm van Persie and Hleb made it 2 - 1 against Fulham and Arsenal are 2 points ahead of Man U. He he.

This morning I woke up with a strained left shoulder. No, I did not play in the EPL although I was glued to the TV set watching 22 overgrown boys chasing after one ball. Tried as I might, I couldn’t pin it down to any particular moment when it happened. Was it when I was tidying up the things off a tall cabinet? I did get off a chair and felt wobbly as I involuntarily took a few paces backwards. Warning sign - I am not as young anymore even if I won’t admit it.

Was it the way I slept? I did respond to my better half’s constant reminder to give her 15 minutes of “emotional sandwich” just before going into ZZZ land. So I did the usual Huh, Hmmn, Oh!

Was it my morning cycling after my morning walk with Elvis? Hey, it is the 30th anniversary of the king of rock’s passing away.

The whole morning and right up to 5 pm my mind went to & fro trying to pinpoint what caused the discomfort. Then all of a sudden it struck me. While doing the good thing by driving 22 km from home to send my son to his army camp, I had turned my head sharply to my left to tell him where his bag was. That was the bad turn.

As I walked about the office robot-like, many sympathetic colleagues offered advices. There was even one that hinted that I might have been too active just before I went to sleep! One really helpful soul produced a box of pain-relieving SALONPAS patch. Others showed concern by offering to take over my driving or insisted that I not overstrain myself further and ’shooed’ me to go off from work early. It’s getting late but I am looking forward to the TLC from my dear wife tonight - that’s Tender Loving Care! These are the good returns!

The moral of the story? There is always a silver lining in the darkest of clouds. Good night and sleep tight.