Gwendolyn Arnauld Elfglitter

 Left to right: “Multiple-layer Kueh”, “Kueh Dada”, “Coconut-covered Tapioca Kueh” (Actually, I have no idea!)

So small a token, so great an impact. To many others, this may not be some great deal. It was not a big deal to me too in the past. In fact, to harbor the thought that it is more hassle than T.L.C. was what I thought. But this morning, it was a different feeling. Thank you, Mummy! Then again, I shall teach her how to get to my blog so that she can read this!

I heard the keys, followed by the familiar shuffling of the slippers. Without much thought, I assume Mum brought Mr Ben downstairs for his regular regime and continued with my rountine preparation for work in my room. Running late again for the 2nd day in a row.

Not long, sounds of the keys and gate rung again. Seconds later, Mum knocked on my door and told me she hung this bag of munch by the gate, so that I would not forget. She had gone downstairs just to buy it for me. I felt very touched and at the same time, ashamed. Normally, I would tell her it’s not necessary to prepare breakfast for me, especially if it’s gonna take her the effort to go to the kopitiam downstairs to get it. There were days she had really bad aches, and all these “extras” I can do without. After all, I’ve gotten pretty used to skipping breakfast.  

“Guess it all started the evening before yesterday…”

I was preparing some reports and slides for my boss. It was about 0430hrs when she woke up and shocked to see me still struggling with the lappy. In actual fact, I didn’t get much sleep. My boss’ deadline to me was in fact, that nite itself, as he in turn, has the deadline fixed the next morning on the same subject matter. We were both kinda thrown off-guard as we both received the deadline at very short notice from The Management.

“Disastrous 1st meeting…”

At our 1st internal discussion some time back, I had a hard time presenting the stuff to my boss and my boss’ boss. This is largely due to the fact that I felt kinda bleek about what was actually considered a fair and accurate reflection of the financial figures. “If only I had more time” was what I felt then. From that meeting, I have gathered just about enough grasp to do a better job. I told myself that it will be better the next round, and I would not complicate my team member, Charmaine, with my shallow focus. Somehow, I sorta blame myself that Charmaine and the little life breeding in her tummy had to suffer the late nite with me during the 1st preparation. Charmaine, if you’re reading this, thanks for your help and I’m very sorry about the late nite.  Anyway, now it’s THE TIME.

“Do a better one this time, Fer”

It was a nite of battle against the extrapolating of the numbers, a self-battle against tiredness, and most of all, a battle against time itself. By near 0330hrs, dinner has already been depleted in my stomach. So, its a battle against hunger as well! Wah lao eh…

By the time I got it done and sent, it was already 0530hrs! Broken my own record of 0400hrs previously!  Is it a better job this time? I dunno, but one thing for sure - I felt better.  Was contemplating if I should sleep (knowing that I’ll be late if I do sleep at this time!) or go have a darn early breakfast. Nay, but then again, there’s in fact, nothing else to do already!  No lah, actually I remembered there’s badminton later in the evening. I’ll need the rest. So, ok lor! Went to sleep dreaming of Mcdonald’s stinger - “Becuz of you… The sun will always shine into my life… lah lah lah~”  

“Slip of the tongue is no fault of the mind… Or is it the other way around?”

Woke up late as can be! Greeted Mum with “I’M SO HUNGRY!” when about to race off. Quickly, she fumbled over the margarine and bread. Pushed the sandwhich into my hands with “EAT AS YOU GO”. Left house at 0900hrs when I should already be seated at my desk!

“T.L.C.”

So folks, that’s how I got breakfast this morning. Hmmm, wonder if it will be the same menu tomorrow morning… Think I better have a word with Mum later.  And for those of you who managed to read this entire post, WELL DONE!

Quote: “Be willing to lose a battle, in order to win a war.” ~ Sun Tze (I think?)