Thursday, October 30, 2008

God, Please Forgive Us .. and provide us strength


In reflection, one of the biggest lesson we learned from the renovation is about to have patience.  To be aware with every rising anxieties and knowing the best way to ward them off.  To guard the burst of unwanted release of negative emotions.  To embrace kindness.  To communicate.  To know our wants and stay firm.

In the process, it is about letting go.  And, wanting to let go.  It is about having a firm belief, and not entertaining even a tinge of worries, that everything will just be fine.  Not only with the thought nor an effort to achieve but a natural inclination and unconstrained behavior.

At the last leg of our renovation, we encountered some distress.  Especially, when our lease in Hertford ran out.  And, the renovation at Reiki Sanctuary was not completed when we moved in.  Time was against us.  We had many failed plans.  We had wanted to house some guests in early October.  We had wanted to have a longer resting period before November.

We are still running around to get things done for the house.  Reiki Sanctuary is still not fully completed.  There are still outstanding works.  Every other day, there are contractors coming into the house.  Though these works are small, they hinder our movement.  We have to stay home to wait for them and when they leave, there are the chores of tidying and cleaning up the mess.  Only then that we are able to leave the house and run our errands.

We are drained energetically.  We are exhausted mentally and physically.  It will be awhile for us to recoup and going back to our normal life.  However, we keep telling ourselves to slow down to organise the things in Reiki Sanctuary.  It is another lesson - that we are not perfect.  And in imperfection, we need to accept the space of time in between our desires and the our limited energy.

The only thing that we can do, constantly, is to pray.  To have the Universe works for us.  To maintain a healthy mind and body.  To have inner peace.  Importantly, for whatever the course this trying period is teaching us, we need to hold on, not only our faith but in plentiful supply of hopes, and to let love be the light to show us the way ahead.  Afterall, we are already home in Reiki Sanctuary.  We are already surrounded with blessings and prayers.

************************************************

Thank you to all our dearest family members and supportive friends for your assistance.  For all the encouragement and love.  For the endless concern.  Please do accept our apologies for not being able to entertain much lately.  For not being enthusiastic.  For us coming out with excuses of 'no time'.

~~ Love from Reiki Sanctuary




Saturday, October 25, 2008

The New Beginning .. (the first week)


We have moved in.  Yes, at last!

It was a cloudy morning when the mover arrived at Hertford last Monday, 22 October.  We were worried that it would rain but our prayers were answered.  Just after we left Hertford, on the way to Reiki Sanctuary, it started to pour.  We felt blessed.  Somewhat, we felt Hertford was crying.  It was sad to leave.

The weather changed when we arrived at Reiki Sanctuary.  It was fine.  Looking back, we knew the Universe took care of us.  The rain washed away our past and we were greeted with sunshine in Jurong East.  It signified hope.  It adorned our new journey and illuminated for a magnificent life ahead.  For awhile, it let us to forget about the renovation.

The renovation at Reiki Sanctuary was still not finished on the day we moved in.  They were, supposedly, to complete over the last weekend.  For the last few days, we were unable to unpack much as there would always be some workers around.

Today, we are hoping that all these outstanding works can be finally over.  We have been having the workers, from different trades, attending to their works since early this morning.

List of outstanding works [from previous weeks]:

Additional items:

01.  Fixing of Rinnai Cooker Hood
02.  Commissioning Rinnai Cooker Hood  Requires another commissioning
03.  Create new false ceiling for Franke Island Hood
04.  Fixing Toto's Kitchen Sink
05.  Re-positioning Dining Lights
06.  Fixing bracket for Main Door's lock
07.  Fixing Led Night light under Master Toilet's vanity
08.  Fixing power plug in one of Living Room TV Console  Completed on Friday 24th October
09.  Commissioning TV signal
10.  Change all windows roller balls, including balcony sliding doors
11.  Lay black tiles under the washing machine

The rest of outstanding works [Update]:

01.  To vanish the parquet floor

  -  Left with the Main Entrance  Completed on Thursday 23rd October

02.  To install Franke Island Hood


03.  To fix electrical items - Left with Kitchen area  Completed today
04.  To commission electrical outlets - Left with Kitchen area  Completed today
05.  To measure boxing up of lights and to order the Acrylic light shades -  Delivery on Saturday  Still Outstanding
06.  To fix Guest Toilet granite top
07.  To fix Guest Toilet vanity wardrobe  Completed today
08.  To fix Guest Toilet lock
09.  To measure for kitchen solid top
10.  To install kitchen solid top
11.  To final coat timber stain for balcony  Completed Thursday 23rd October
12.  To touch up [paint] - interior and exterior - Left with Living Room, Kitchen and Guest Toilet  Completed today with outstanding touch-up at MBR Toilet
13.  To fill up holes at false ceiling and paint - Left with Kitchen area  Completed today
14.  To fix taps and mixers at kitchen, master and guest toilets  Kitchen mixers completed today
15.  To install lock at main gate
16.  To fix curtain rods and curtains - Scheduled for Tuesday 28th October
17.  To fix glass at Master Toilet
18.  To fix glass at Guest Toilet  Completed today
19.  To fix mirror at Master Toilet
20.  To de-wax and polish floor tiles
21.  To clean windows
22.  To fix kitchen back splash [wet and dry areas]  Completed today
23.  To commission Daikin Air-con
24.  To install doors for kitchen top hung cabinets  Completed 24th October with 1 piece outstanding
25.  To install doors for kitchen tall cabinets  Completed 2th October
26.  To rectify [re-laminate] Master bedroom door
27.  To 'iron' laminate at Main Door  Completed today
28.  To clear all debris
29.  To re-laminate Guest Room door






Saturday, October 18, 2008

As The Curtain Falls


This is my last entry from Hertford.  Soon, my PC will be switched off and time for me to open up the chasis and clean all the internal hardware.  It is the usual ritual - all items from Hertford must go through a 'good bath', sort of a cleansing and detoxification ritual, before they are moved to the new Reiki Sanctuary.

I love you, Hertford.  I just love you.  Nothing will change it.  Nothing will change that.

It has been a wonderful 20 years here living in Hertford.  This is the place where I grow - a place where you allowed me to grow.  This is the place that I walk into my spiritual life - a place where you opened the Heaven's Gate.  This is the place that I learn about love.  About relationship.  About celestial insights.  Hertford provides it all.  Quietly, she opens all kinds of life experiences.  She has been very unconditional.

I have no regrets.  She came to me when I wanted to grow.  When I wanted to gain my independent.  When I wanted to reward myself.  She allowed me to experience life, to take small steps as I moved on.  Over the years, she heightened my awareness.  Going through all emotions and the challenging senses of my mind.  I embraced love.  Hate.  Joy.  Sorrow.  Peace.  Solitude.  They are life greatest values.

I learned about family value too.  The importance to love my late parents - and respecting them without judgement.  To be grateful for who they were.  I learned how to love.  How to appreciate another being.  And, accepting each one of us to be a teacher.  To learn from each other.  To learn to let go my expectations.

As I bid my farewell, in all my sadness, you will stay forever in my heart.  I am praying for you. 

For the next few months, you will house new souls.  I am sure you will provide shelter to these people.  You will continue to give your love to them.  It will be no less because you are just you.  And when the day comes that you will be gone forever, to give way to new development, I pray that it shall be without pain.  That you, by that time, have reached your earthly time.  What shall remain is your earthly delights.  A place where life starts.  A beginning for better things to all the souls that you housed.

Thank you for everything, Hertford!! 

I am sure you have sensed my thoughts and emotions for the last few months.  You stood tall for me.  You provided strength.  You kept me peaceful.  You processed new linings of hopes.  You conceived my magnificent path ahead.  You just wanted to keep me safe.

When the new day starts, as I wake up in the new Reiki Sanctuary, it will just be memories.  It will, definitely, be a good one for me.  I will continue to grow but it will be different this time.  What you have put in my heart shall serve for better purpose.  My deepest gratitude and love to you.

Thank you for loving me, Hertford!


HERTFORD APARTMENT






The Last Last Last Lap


Ah, with all the list of outstanding works, there are actually additional works not mentioned.  We managed to achieve few more things today. 

There are still, and we feel a lot of things left outstanding.  Renovation works will still be carried out tomorrow.  We are just wondering how we will be able to clean the house for the move in on Monday.

Additional items:

01.  Fixing of Rinnai Cooker Hood
02.  Commissioning Rinnai Cooker Hood
03.  Create new false ceiling for Franke Island Hood
04.  Fixing Toto's Kitchen Sink
05.  Re-positioning Dining Lights
06.  Fixing bracket for Main Door's lock
07.  Fixing Led Night light under Master Toilet's vanity
08.  Fixing power plug in one of Living Room TV Console
09.  Commissioning TV signal
10.  Change all windows roller balls, including balcony sliding doors
11.  Lay black tiles under the washing machine

Rinnai Inner Fire Hob and Franke Island Hood


Toto Kitchen Sink


The rest of outstanding works [Update]:

01.  To vanish the parquet floor
  -  Left with the Main Entrance

02.  To install Franke Island Hood
03.  To fix electrical items - Left with Kitchen area
04.  To commission electrical outlets - Left with Kitchen area
05.  To measure boxing up of lights and to order the Acrylic light shades -  Delivery on Saturday
06.  To fix Guest Toilet granite top
07.  To fix Guest Toilet vanity wardrobe
08.  To fix Guest Toilet lock
09.  To measure for kitchen solid top
10.  To install kitchen solid top
11.  To final coat timber stain for balcony
12.  To touch up [paint] - interior and exterior - Left with Living Room, Kitchen and Guest Toilet
13.  To fill up holes at false ceiling and paint - Left with Kitchen area
14.  To fix taps and mixers at kitchen, master and guest toilets
15.  To install lock at main gate
16.  To fix curtain rods and curtains
17.  To fix glass at Master Toilet
18.  To fix glass at Guest Toilet
19.  To fix mirror at Master Toilet
20.  To de-wax and polish floor tiles
21.  To clean windows
22.  To fix kitchen back splash [wet and dry areas]
23.  To commission Daikin Air-con
24.  To install doors for kitchen top hung cabinets
25.  To install doors for kitchen tall cabinets
26.  To rectify [re-laminate] Master bedroom door
27.  To 'iron' laminate at Main Door
28.  To clear all debris
29.  To re-laminate Guest Room door






Friday, October 17, 2008

One For The Road


Two more days to D-Day!  Update of what happened earlier:


01.  To vanish the parquet floor
  -  Left with the Main Entrance

02.  To install Franke Island Hood

03.  To fix electrical items
- Left with Kitchen area

04.  To commission electrical outlets
- Left with Kitchen area

05.  To measure boxing up of lights and to order the Acrylic light shades
-  Delivery on Saturday

06.  To fix Guest Toilet granite top

07.  To fix Guest Toilet vanity wardrobe

08.  To fix Guest Toilet lock

09.  To measure for kitchen solid top

10.  To install kitchen solid top

11.  To final coat timber stain for balcony

12.  To touch up [paint] - interior and exterior
- Left with Living Room, Kitchen and Guest Toilet

13.  To fill up holes at false ceiling and paint
- Left with Kitchen area

14.  To fix taps and mixers at kitchen, master and guest toilets

15.  To install lock at main gate

16.  To fix curtain rods and curtains

17.  To fix glass at Master Toilet

18.  To fix glass at Guest Toilet

19.  To fix mirror at Master Toilet

20.  To de-wax and polish floor tiles

21.  To clean windows

22.  To fix kitchen back splash [wet and dry areas]

23.  To commission Daikin Air-con

24.  To install doors for kitchen top hung cabinets

25.  To install doors for kitchen tall cabinets

26.  To rectify [re-laminate] Master bedroom door

27.  To 'iron' laminate at Main Door

28.  To clear all debris

29.  To re-laminate Guest Room door

Pictures Update:
The 'Sensitive' Hole Issue - Living Room TV Console:


And Mr Franke is finally installed!!:

It will be a LLLOOONNNGGGGG day tomorrow.  We are trying to accomplish 80% of those works still outstanding.







Thursday, October 16, 2008

Filled To The Brim


Whoa whoa whoa.  What a day today!

Yes, everyone involved in Reiki Sanctuary's renovation is filled to the brim with frustrations.  There are not many days left and, still, there are a long list of outstanding works.  For the past few days, we are trying to make everything possible.  And for a possible thing to happen, we need to have a focus.  We need to have a list of the things to do.  For it to happen, we need Chiauw to lead.  We need her to tell us all the outstanding works.

The list, after much persuasion, was given to us on Tuesday.  Alas, it gives us a direction.  At least, we are now informed that there are [still] works need to be carried out even when we move in on Monday.  We accepted it.  We know she is doing her best.

There are tons of outstanding works:

01.  To vanish the parquet floor
  -  Left with the Main Entrance

02.  To install Franke Island Hood

03.  To fix electrical items
- Left with Kitchen area

04.  To commission electrical outlets
- Left with Kitchen area

05.  To measure boxing up of lights and to order the Acrylic light shades
-  Delivery on Saturday

06.  To fix Guest Toilet granite top

07.  To fix Guest Toilet vanity wardrobe

08.  To fix Guest Toilet lock

09.  To measure for kitchen solid top

10.  To install kitchen solid top

11.  To final coat timber stain for balcony

12.  To touch up [paint] - interior and exterior
- Left with Living Room, Kitchen and Guest Toilet

13.  To fill up holes at false ceiling and paint
- Left with Kitchen area

14.  To fix taps and mixers at kitchen, master and guest toilets

15.  To install lock at main gate

16.  To fix curtain rods and curtains

17.  To fix glass at Master Toilet

18.  To fix glass at Guest Toilet

19.  To fix mirror at Master Toilet

20.  To de-wax and polish floor tiles

21.  To clean windows

22.  To fix kitchen back splash [wet and dry areas]

23.  To commission Daikin Air-con

24.  To install doors for kitchen top hung cabinets

25.  To install doors for kitchen tall cabinets

26.  To rectify [re-laminate] Master bedroom door

27.  To 'iron' laminate at Main Door

28.  To clear all debris

29.  To re-laminate Guest Room door

[These are outstanding works left for the next two days.  The kitchen back splash and cabinet doors will be fixed next week after we move in]

Much against our wishes, we are closing one eye and accommodate as much so that we can achieve a collective target together.  We try not to interfere with her supervision with all the workers and can't help it to see how frustrated they have become.  There are still changes at the last minute.

For the past few days, we over ruled some of her decision.  It becomes a frustration for both parties.  We now have different wants:

-  Chiauw wants perfection.  It does not matter if works are delayed.  There are few things that she has been rejecting [during deliveries] and get these contractors to re-do.  We appreciate her eye for details but we are working against time.  To re-do will mean longer completion.

-  Ken wants a quick and amicable ending.  He is bothered that business relationship with some trades is jeopardized because of last minute orders.  He wants to give in to us since we are accepting discrepancies, and not able to achieve high aesthetics, for some of the fittings and orders.

-  We want most of the works to be completed by Saturday so that we can clean on Sunday.  We want to have a proper move in and not to a house that is still messy.  Told her, again and again, that we can accept minor discrepancies so long that major works are not delayed.

Today, guess it started with Chiauw not achieving the result for the Island Hood and [another] big argument with Uncle Chong which we were not sure of the exact issue.  It put her in a bad mood.  She called us when we were about to leave Hertford and questioned us, in an angry tone, why we wanted Uncle Chong to drill side holes for the living room and the master bedroom TV consoles.

Our request was simple - it was more a convenient thing for us to let some wires out from the amplifiers, placed inside these consoles, to a sub-woofer that will be placed outside.  When we reached there, she showed her unhappiness and insisted that we cannot drill the side hole.  But hey, it is our thing and that we should be allowed to do what we want, right?

We believe by having a side hole will spoil the aesthetic of the TV consoles.  It would probably reflect on her design.  On her professionalism.  On her good work.  Yes, we will be taking a risk that there might be cracks or chips as a result from the drill.  The argument got ugly, and it was really unfortunate and sad, but the hole turned out good with no wood cracks nor laminate chips.

We are still not getting the Franke Island Hood fixed.  There are still problems:



Yay! with all the tension outside the master bedroom, we get to enjoy our new 47" Hitachi LCD-TV:


Haha, we didn't get to enjoy it lah!  It was installed today and then spent time fixing the amplifier and DVD player.  And back to cleaning the house again!

Waiting for the electrician to box-up the dangling wires.

Our washer and dryer has also been delivered:


Machine cannot be pushed all the way in as it is waiting for the plumber to do the water tap behind it.





Monday, October 13, 2008

'Maria' for a day


It was a long day yesterday.

Yesterday, Chiauw requested that we went down to the new house to discuss about the general cleaning.  She felt that we can do it and not to employ a professional cleaning company. 

To her, it would be a simple non-labourious job and that we could save couple hundreds of dollars.

She went through the house and guided us.  Yesterday, it sounded an easy job and we told her that we would do it ourselves.

It is a long day today.

A group of general cleaners, arranged by Ken, is to come down today.  They are to clean up the master bedroom, study area and guest room.   This is the first part of two cleaning schedules as we want these rooms to be cleaned before the deliveries of the things we ordered earlier.  But it is canceled cos Chiauw wants to save us some money.  Gosh, and how wrong we are!  A post renovation cleaning should be handled by professionals.

It takes us half a day to clean up the master bedroom and study area.  There are just so much dusts hidden at small corners and difficult paint stains to remove.  The windows are just not easy to clean.  Not forgetting, all the wardrobes - inside and outside, need good wipes too.

We are totally shagged.  Perhaps, we are just not used to such a tedious cleaning - especially a post renovation.  We are going to go against her advise and getting Ken to call the cleaners.  Surely, they will do a better job with the right tools and chemicals.

Hiccups Today:

01.  The frosted glasses for all the led lights are not delivered.  It seems that there is a problem but Chiauw is not telling us.  Ken has to call another contractor.  It looks this project will be delayed.

02.  The Franke Island Hood guys come and go.  Nothing is installed.  We are not sure what is happening.

03.  The bed planks are not delivered.

04.  The glasses and mirrors for the toilets are not delivered too.

The House Today:


Works achieved in the Kitchen:
The Wet Area


The Dry Area:

Just found out today that the window [left side of picture] cannot close.  There might be hard plaster or cement blocking the window hinge.

The Bed Frame in Master Bedroom


[Picture taken after 'Maria' cleaned this room]

The Living Room:


It will be a long long day tomorrow.
.. and the next day
.. and the next next day
.. and the next next next day





Saturday, October 11, 2008

Letting the Pictures Speak


What was accomplished this whole week:

Kitchen Area


The LED Lights

- At the Dining Area's ledges [right and left].  There will be frosted glass to cover it.


- Under the Living Room's TV Console


- Back of Bed Head in Master Bedroom


The first glass installed this week.  Here at the window low bench in Study Area.



And the granite top, alas, installed with the sanitary sink in Master Toilet:


Hmm, with all these works not completed and there are about 20% more to go, we are praying REAL hard that the hand over / Dust-Down period can be on Wednesday, 8 October!! God, Please help us!






The Story of the Franke Island Hood


No man is an island but when all men gather, it is wartime.  This was exactly what happened yesterday at the site.  Even Robin Hood was not able to save the day!


As we were entering the house, there was noise.  Loud noise!  Chiauw was reprimanding the Franke's personnel who was unable to fix the island hood.  We were not sure of the earlier arrangement but the island hood had been sitting in the house for the last one week or so.  Payment for the hood had been made some two weeks ago.

We decided not to interfere nor do we want to know what went wrong.  We were already been informed that the island hood would be installed when the carpenter had fixed the kitchen 'cooking' area.  That area had been up the last 2 days.

Shortly, the personnel left.  Within an hour, two other men arrived and they left after about 15 minutes.  Nothing conclusive.  No false ceiling was cut nor any installation took place.  What left was an opened Franke Island Hood in the middle of the dining area.



Next, Chiauw told us that we needed to change the island hood to Bosch brand.

Chiauw  :  Franke people don't want to do it.

Us  :  Huh?  What was the earlier arrangement?  Don't such thing come with a date for installation?

Chiauw  :  They are sending 3rd party installer.  I won't accept that cos there will be no warranty should anything goes wrong.  I told Franke that I will return the island hood.

Us  :  But Bosch might not have the exact measurement.  When can Bosch send and install?  When is Franke sending the installer down?  We cannot afford delay anymore.  The false ceiling needs to be fixed after the installation and when can the false ceiling guys come to fix it?

Chiauw  :  Dunno


OK, so if you 'dunno', how can we know?  We almost wanted to drop the idea of installing an island hood then.


Us  :  Chiauw, you need to confirm something before you decide on anything.  What if after you returned Franke and Bosch does not have the exact measurement?  You need to call Franke and get a firm commitment and date.

Chiauw made the call.

Chiauw  :  They said Monday.

Us  :  What time?

Chiauw  :  Dunno

Us  :  Huh?  What kind of commitment is that?  And who will be here to wait?


Chiauw gone quiet.

Meanwhile, Ken (Chiauw's partner) was reading the manual hoping that he could resolve some problems. 

Ken  :  This is not the right manual.  There are some parts missing.

And all of us gone quiet.  The only noise for the next half hour was the carpentry works in the kitchen.  Haha, obviously, Robin Hood didn't say the right thing.

Guess, we now have to wait for monday.  Should there be any problems, likely we will just have to tell her to forget about the whole thing.  If no one can commit, we will be firm not to go ahead with any island hood.  Though, we anticipate that she would say that the electrical switches for the hood had already been laid.





Friday, October 10, 2008

As I Walk My Life On Earth ...


Reflection:  in Solitude, in Abundance .. Magnificent Life

Conversation With God
- A Beautiful Insight





God:  Hello. Did you call me?
Me:  Called you? No, who is this?


God:  This is GOD.  I heard your prayers, so I thought I will chat.
Me:  I do pray.  It just makes me feel good.  I am actually busy now.  I am in the midst of something.
God:  What are you busy at?  Ants are busy too.
Me:  Don't know.  But I can't find free time.  Life has become hectic.  It's rush hour all the time.

God:  Sure.  Activity gets you busy but productivity gets you results.  Activity consumes time.  Productivity frees it.
Me:  I understand but I still can't figure out.  By the way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.
God:  Well I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some.  In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.

Me:  Tell me, why has life become complicated now?
God:  Stop analyzing life.  Just live it.  Analysis is what makes it complicated.

Me:  Why are we then constantly unhappy?
God:  Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday.  You are worrying because you are analyzing.  Worrying has become your habit.  That's why you are not happy.

Me:  But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?
God:  Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.

Me:  But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty.
God:  Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

Me:  If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?
God:  Diamond cannot be polished without friction.  Gold cannot be purified without fire.  Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life become better not bitter.

Me:  You mean to say such experience is useful?
God:  Yes, in every term.  Experience is a hard teacher.  She gives the test first and the lessons after wards.

Me:  But still, why should we go through such tests?  Why can't we be free from problems?
God:  Problems are Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons (to) Enhance Mental Strength.  Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance and not when you are free from problems.

Me:  Frankly, in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading..
God:  If you look outside you will not know where you are heading.  Look inside.  Looking outside, you dream.  Looking inside, you awaken.  Eyes provide sight.  Heart provides insight.

Me:  Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?
God:  Success is a measure as decided by others.  Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you.  Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing your road ahead.  You work with the compass.  Let others work with the clock.

Me:  In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
God:  Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go.  Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.

Me:  What surprises you about people?
God:  When they suffer they ask, 'why me?'.  When they prosper, they never ask 'Why me'.  Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.

Me:  Sometimes I ask, 'who am I, why am I here?.  I can't get the answer.
God:  Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be.  Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here.  Create it.  Life is not merely a process of discovery but a process of co-creation. You are my co-creator.

Me:  How can I get the best out of life?
God:  Face your past without regret.  Handle your present with confidence.  Prepare for the future without fear.

Me:  One last question - Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.
God:  There are no unanswered prayers.  At times the answer is NO.

Me:  Thank You for this wonderful chat.
God:  Well, keep the faith and drop the fear.  Don't believe your doubts and doubt your beliefs.  Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve.  Trust me, life is wonderful if you know how to live.  Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that took our breath away! So start creating miracles, no matter how small they are!




Renovation - Week 13C


Should we have moved in on 6th October, we would probably be upset today.  6th October was the second change, from 20th September (the first verbal promise for a handover was 5th September), where the Master Bedroom was supposed to be handed over to us.

The mess, basically all the carcasses for the 'wet area' kitchen cabinet, is all over the living room, dining area, guest room and the kitchen.  Suddenly, we feel that the kitchen has become rather small with parts of the cabinet installed.

The Mess:




The 'Wet Area':

Where the fridge and washing machine going to be placed.


The main 'wet area':


The new gate fully installed:






Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Renovation - Week 13B


We are making a trip down to Reiki Sanctuary often these few days - almost daily.  Haha, basically we want to check on the progress.  To kaypoh that works are done.  To make sure that there is no more hiccup.  To show our urgency to move in. 

We feel it is also a good thing to do as we will be able to communicate with the workers.  To let them rectify any defective works there and then.  At the same time, we are trying to minimise any additional works for Chiauw.  When we are able to communicate directly with the workers, Chiauw does not have to be the middle person to do that task.

We are expecting more works in the house this week.  The 'Wet Area' Kitchen cabinet will be delivered today and, guess, it will be fixed immediately.  Tomorrow, Alumix will send the door for the Guest Room wardrobes.  We hope to see the glasses and mirrors fixed too.

Works completed, or near completion, so far:

Master Toilet
The granite top is up but there are still more works to be done:

-  Fixing mirror
-  Fixing glass
-  Fixing Vanity drawers
-  Fixing sanitary bowl and tap mixer
-  Fixing LED lights under Vanity top
-  Fixing lights above Vanity top


Guest Room

The wardrobe structure and the window low bench are completed and waiting for the Alumix sliding door and cushion seat respectively.




Dining Area

The wardrobe, which was fixed to conceal the aircond trunkings and ledges are completed.  Now waiting for the electrician to fix the LED light along the ledges.

Main Gate

The main gate was being installed as we left.  Here, is the one end of it:


Guest Toilet


The toilet paper holder and hand towel hanger have been fixed.  We are not sure what is Chiauw going to do with the boxed-up.  Our understanding is that it would be covered with glass.  As such, we don't quite get it why the hangers were already fixed.


Study Table

The last instruction that we gave to Chiauw was not to get Uncle Chong fixed the top hung study cabinet.  We decided to drop the idea so as to avoid delay.




Look at how kiasu we are with all the electrical plugs:






Monday, October 06, 2008

Uninvited Stress, Chaos and Change


Last week ended with a note that Chiauw would bring us to the site this morning.  The objective was to decide for the placement of the towel hanger and toilet paper holder.  Chiauw just wanted us to decide where we would want to hang them in the two toilets.

We felt it would be a good idea to go down with Chiauw.  That we would be able, at the same time, to discuss some other issues and any other problems, if any.  In question, we also wanted to get a firm handover date.  When we first engaged Chiauw, early this year, she told us that renovation would normally finish within two months.  She was confident that we could move in early September.

Our renovation has stretched far too long.  It is into the fourth month.  An average renovation for a resale HDB would normally take about (maximum) three months.  Since we could not move in early September, we have actually re-scheduled it for today.  Obviously, we underestimated.

Chiauw told us, last week, that she will pick us at about 9 in the morning.  We waited.  By about 10, we decided to call her.  It was bad timing.  She was in the middle of a heated argument with Uncle Chong.  It seemed that Uncle Chong was angry that she changed some details for our kitchen.

Honestly, we felt that the tension was uncalled for.  We had already mentioned to Chiauw not to change any more drawings.  A change would, definitely, delay any progress.  We would accept technical variations as long as there are no large disparity.  We just wanted things to move on.

The arguments, which yet to come to any conclusion, were about our kitchen:


Perfection Number One


Chiauw insists to rectify this area.  Though there is an ample space for a door between the cabinet and the island hood in the drawing, Uncle Chong mentions that it would not be possible.  We have agreed just to close the cabinet, or even boxed it up.

Chiauw feels it will be a wasted area.  But to us, it is just too small for anything and willing to forgo it.  She feels the aesthetic would not be right not to do anything there.  She suggests a rod where we can hang ladle, pots and pans but we strongly disagree.

Perfection Number Two


The right wall, from Dining to Kitchen area, is not even where there is a difference of 30 centimetres between the top and bottom.  Uncle Chong had mentioned this structural defect to us last week and the discrepancy can be obvious for a sliding wood framed glass door.

As this defect is only known now, we decided to go ahead with it.  To change to a full glass will require another system and it will take more time.  Chiauw, however, feels that Uncle Chong can do something about it.

Guess, for now, we just have to pray - as we are still not sure how they are going to be corrected.  As far as we are concerned, we have already told them what we wanted.

May Peace Be With Them!





Saturday, October 04, 2008

Thank You


Dear Families and Friends,

We don't expect the Universe to send us so much love from the people around us.  The connecting passage far and near.  From families to friends.  Families that pray for us.  Friends that we have not heard for so long.  Through all the phone calls, emails and visits, we are truly touched. 

Words would not be enough to say how much we deeply appreciate the kindness and love that are being given to us for the last few days.


The last few days, each one of you play a big part.  You take in our frustrations, listen to our negativities and, importantly, put sense and give us hope.  You put up with us and kindly offer your kind assistance.  Even with your busy schedule, in your physical tiredness, in your limited time - they are less important but to make sure we go through this period.

'Thank You! Thank You!'  However, we want to say it, again, that we are handling the situation well.  Admittedly, we are just physically, emotionally and mentally drained.  We know that everything will end soon.  We know that everything will have a good reason.

As mentioned, we will shout, we will yell when we need help.  And, when that happens, we are grateful that you will be around.

We will, definitely, remember these loving gestures. You are loved.  We are praying for your well being too.





Renovation - Week 13A


Last week, we embarked on a different life.  We decided to make some noise.  We decided to speak out and to listen more.  We decided to lead.  We decided to mediate.  We decided to learn.  We decided that if we don't find happiness, we won't find it.  We took chances and to pursue our goal.  We wanted to set free any bottled emotions.

Guess, when we try to be open and let go of stuck emotions, life provides us with experiential feedback and power to move on the results of our perceptions.  Admittedly, we were angry and not just feeling angry.  We were fed-up rather than the feelings of frustration.  We realised that we gravitated to an enmeshed feeling and cover up for something else.  We decided to resolve these issues and come to a freedom to act effectively and let the emotions speak and move.



When we decided to drop our unwanted emotion and let it go at will, it makes room for peace and optimized resolutions.  Earlier in the week, Chiauw dropped by to discuss some technical details for the new house.  The Universe must have guided her to Hertford.  For her to see the packings that we had done.  For her to see the inconveniences that we have to live here, inside and outside.  For her to know that time and space are against us now.

Chiauw has, insofar, never apologised to us profusely.  Sorry seems to be her hardest word.  Somehow, that day, the word just came repeatedly.  However, we blamed ourselves too.  We should have told her our wants and how important they are to us.  We should have told her our deadline and it cannot be compromised.

The renovation seemed to progress, though not as fast as we wanted it to be.  When we went down to the site, all the works that were promised were on track.  They were not fully completed but they showed signs of near completion.  At least, as far as for Uncle Chong's part.  His promises that the Guest Room's wardrobe would finish by the 3rd of October was 80% completed.

Wardrobe at Guest Room:



Outstanding Works in Guest Room:

-  Clothes hanger in one compartment
-  Alumix Sliding Door for the wardrobe
-  Low Window Bench
-  Lower the height of Legrand switches and plugs



The Dining Area wardrobe and latches had almost completed too.




Outstanding works in Dining Area:

-  Doors for cabinet
-  Latch on the left side
-  Lower the Dining Light

There was also progress in the Kitchen.  The 'dry area' kitchen cabinet was fixed and waiting for Daniel (of Formwell) to deliver the laminated glass framed drawers next week.


Outstanding works in Kitchen

-  Main 'wet area' kitchen cabinet
-  Install Island Hood
-  Boxing-up DB Electrical box
-  Touch up false ceiling
-  Paint
-  Vanity and low cupboard at Guest Toilet

We were a little disappointed with the progress for the Master Toilet.  We had expected it to be almost completed.


Outstanding works in MBR Toilet:

-  Mirror at Vanity and Recycled Wardrobe
-  Granite top
-  Sink and mixer
-  Parquet






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