Everyone has their pet peeves and so do I.  Perhaps I am PMSing but I keep thinking of the things that piss me off.

Pet Peeve 1

Women (and some men) in the MRT who sit with their legs crossed and let the leg on top stick out into the standing space. 

If it were a relatively empty train, I am fine with this posture.  But to do so during peak period where other commuters are packed like sardines, standing three deep in the middle of the train.  You already have the privilege of getting a sit, the least you can do is keep your legs to yourself and not eat into the almost non-existent standing space.

People who are standing in the trains are already pressed in from all sides and yet we have to look out for legs that are sticking out into the standing spaces.  Worse is when some keep swinging their legs and it hits you on the calf.  Come on, I don’t care if it’s a pair of Jimmy Choo’s or Ferragamo’s.  It has been stepping over floor and pavement and collecting dirt, spittle and goodness knows what else – just like any other pair of shoes.  So, excuse me, if I am not exactly thrilled for it to be rubbing against my calf!

Pet Peeve 2

People with super high sex drive and cannot wait to tell the whole world about it.

How many of you have seen couples in the bus, trains, void decks, shopping centres, bus stops, well basically anywhere in public, who cannot keep their hands, lips and groins off each other.

When these couples hold hands or place their hands around each other, every person around gets the signal that you are a couple.  We really do not need to see them exploring each other’s breast, buttocks, lips, tonsils and groins.  In addition, since most of will not qualify to star in a porn flick, there is nothing much to ogle at any way.

I just wish that if these couples need to go at each other, they should find a more discrete venue for their activity.

We were at the airport over the weekend to send off the eldest grandson in my husband’s side of the family.

The whole family was there including my parents-in-law.  My mother-in-law who is in her late 70s cannot stand for long.  Family and friends were gathered near the departure gate saying our goodbyes and it took longer than anticipated.

I could tell my mother-in-law was in pain and I asked to walk her to the seats which were situated quite distance away.  She was not willing to move away from the family group as she wanted to spend each minute with her grandson.

I approach the staff at one of the counters (I believe it was counter at which you had to pay for your excess baggage) and asked if I could borrow a chair for a few minutes.  In my heart of hearts, I already knew I would get a “no” – that is so typical Singapore’s service but I was not prepared to do nothing for a lovely old lady who was in considerable pain and discomfort.

Well, as expected I not only got a “no” – I got the look!  You know the “look”.  The one that says “who do you think you are”; “why are you bothering me with such a stupid request” – the look of disgust and contempt all rolled into one.  And you know what; there were chairs behind the counters.  If they were so afraid of me running away with one, I could have left my IC behind as collateral.

My mother-in-law bore with the pain until the final goodbyes - I could tell from the way she grasp my hand for the support that she was indeed in quite a lot of pain.

What can I say, Singapore can only dream of catching up with Hong Kong in the race for good customer service.  All the hype about how impressed the World Bank / IMF delegates were with our service standards – that was all just a show!!

Our service personnel have no heart and most are just cold, unfeeling creatures doing a job.  No pride, no passion, no zeal.

If you were a foreigner, perhaps they will “squeeze out" some semblance of service with a smile.  But if you are a Singaporean and you want good service, go look for the foreign talents we have in our service industry.  They are the ones that will be more willing and able to provide extra mile service.

A present ...

My elder daughter who is 11 going on 16 came to me last evening and presented me with a little hand-made present. .....

This little trinket is now adorning my mobile.  She made me one very happy mommy and its little actions such as this that makes all the heartaches and headache worthwhile.

Growing Pains ...

As my daughter gets older (the older one will be turning 12 this year), I find that I seem to understand her less and less.

I find that I am not able to get a pulse on what she is thinking about, I don't know what interests and motivates her ... basically I find it increasingly difficult to connect with her .

Is it because the youth of today are so different or have I just forgotten what its like to be a teenager.

But the one thing I still find comfort in - she knows that I love her and she knows that she can come to me anytime - to talk or for a hug.  I just hope that as she gets older, this connection will not be shut and bolted.