2 weeks early

2 more weeks to our Nation's birthday. A seasoned dame at 44.

Yesterday, someone in the office reminded us to jot down thoughts on some institution-circulated note slip (a kinda 'complete the blank' version) - 'I am proud to be a Singaporean because....'

Several thoughts fleeted through my mind:
- because there is such a large diversity of yummy food in tiny red dot
- because this is where I grow up and experience my many firsts (first school, date, job, volunteer work, death..)
- because this is where most (can no longer say 'all') of my friends and family are
- because this is such a safe and orderly place (some say too orderly and boring)
- because this is where we are blissfully sheltered from natural disasters, and systems & people are effective yet minimally (or outrightly) corrupted

Of course, little island could be a better place (to be fair, any place can be a better place):
- greater respect and protection for worthy national treasures (the real National Library, Chek Jawa, old neighbourhoods) in their original (not remade until unrecognizable) states
- bigger space for, sincere acceptance of and active outreach towards ppl with diverse views (on politics, sexuality, rootedness)
- greater consideration turned into concrete infrastructural assistance for the less fortunate (for the physically disabled, intellectually challenged and even our 'normal' aged)

I may not be in town when the Nation blows out its candles on the birthday cake, but it doesn't make me any less Singaporean. This, I wonder if the older generations (particularly our leaders) would understand and accept.

One final comment - with all due respect to the hard work that those involved must have been put in, this year's NDP song is a real let-down. An absolute disconnect. Totally unstirring. I miss the good old days where all, young and old, clapped and sang along to catchy heartfelt versions of easily-understood, meaningful, distinctive and uplifting celebratory songs.

Happy Birthday in advance, little red chilli padi.