Well, our second poll has concluded and the results are out! "My Own Neighbourhood" seems to be the favourite hangout of Singaporeans. After all, who wouldn't feel at ease with the all familiar place they've lived in for so many years? Home sweet home.
Yes, I suppose it's great to have "happening" places like Orchard Road, Suntec City and Sentosa or places to chill out like East Coast Parkway. We could even have Disney Land in Singapore and I think many will still feel that their neighbourhood is their favourite hangout. There are certain indelible sentiments attached to the neighbourhood we live in where there are the familiar things that we're so comfortable and pleased with every day. The neighbourhood's a little microcosm of the place we call home - Singapore.
However, there are many things, familiar things, that we see and overlook rather often in our neighbourhood and at home. These things can actually mean a lot and if we were to appreciate them, they would make daily life much more meaningful and fulfiling. Here's an account of a normal day spent in the neighbourhood and at home, seen and experienced in a different light.My trusty alarm clock rings. To stop its incessant beeping, I reach out to turn it off. I know it’s the start of another day as I sluggishly get myself out of bed. It’s my day off from work and I’ve got time to relax today.
I go down for breakfast after washing up. From the window I notice a bird’s nest nicely nestled among the branches of a tree outside. A mother bird spending some time with her offspring. Very affectionate. A heartening sight.
Anyway, my mum has made breakfast-some crispy warm toast. The toast is simple but well done, and it kinda made my morning. It’s a halcyon morning where you don’t feel like doing much but to sit back and relax. It then occurs to me that such peace and tranquility are actually available to us many a times. Don’t we have simple meals like breakfast everyday? Strangely, it only seems new and refreshing today. These all familiar things I’ve seen so many times now seem new and enriching somehow. Familiar new things.
I feel sated and I proceed with my “First Parade Task” of the day-turning on the computer to check for updates. I browse through Facebook, accept some friend requests and I’m soon doodling away. The birds in the nest outside are dawdling their time away staring into blank space whilst giving some occasional tweets.
Before long, it’s lunch time and I switch off the computer. I return to my room to change into some clothes that are more presentable. Grab my phone and wallet and I’m out of the house. A cursory glance at that familiar tree revealed that the mother bird has left the nest. Curious.
I seem to be enjoying myself, indulging in the meal and chatting with my friends. That thought strikes me again. We’re often able to enjoy good food and company but overlook these things. These all familiar things I’ve seen so many times now seem new and enriching somehow. Familiar new things.
I arrive at the park that I’ve frequented ever since I was a toddler. This place has been through some changes but it’s still the same to me. The large open field is still there. Some French expatriate family is having a picnic in the field. A cosy little family.
My instrument of time-killing has done well. It’s gloaming and the sun is setting. I can hear my mum calling us down for the most important meal of the day. She has made her specialty dish, spaghetti. We dig in together and have an enjoyable meal. Those were warm moments. I don’t have much on my mind. I’m just glad that I’ve much to appreciate. These all familiar things I’ve seen so many times now seem new and enriching somehow. Familiar new things.
With a full stomach, I return to my room. Ahhh, outside in the animal world, the mother bird has brought back food for her kids. Birds in Singapore are lucky, they get to eat good food like us.
Well, a simple day has passed just like that. But feeling fulfilled at the end of the day is what’s most important. Ever wondered how those countryside farmers go by each day of their lives? Unlike us, they don’t have a wide variety of entertainment sources at their disposal. I suppose it’s all about taking a step back to appreciate the quintessential facets of our daily lives that we tend to overlook.
I love my neighbourhood!!!:)
tweety said...
July 1, 2009 at 6:00 PM
hmmm, really insightful...kinda revealing
Anonymous said...
July 1, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Yea, there's no place like home!
Jan said...
July 1, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Yup, we all ought to reflect on the many little things in life we tend to overlook and to appreciate them.
Ken said...
July 2, 2009 at 4:14 PM
i guess so, familiar new things
mable said...
July 2, 2009 at 9:17 PM