It’s a girl! Welcomed baby N to the family, and it’s been a flurry of night feeds and diaper changes whilst recovering from delivery. Today my husband casually remarked that it’s the eve of a public holiday and I mistakenly thought it was still Tuesday! Guess it will take a while before everything settles down and returns to regular programming.
Everything feels familiar but new at the same time. It’s extra cute observing my eldest girl, who has been helpful and involved in the entire process, telling me “mummy eat more vegetables to make milk for meimei” and helping to burp her baby sister.
Being second time (and last time) parents has also allowed us to better appreciate the milestones and moments, knowing it will be the last time and we are “closing factory” after this! Thank you to all for the well wishes over the past few months, and the encouraging advice I received on parenting with two kids. Our hearts have expanded and we’re so looking forward to watch both sisters grow up together.
Imagine that your weekly groceries for the family have increased from $60 to $80. And put yourselves in the shoes of a person who is earning $3k a month, versus someone earning $15k a month. For those who live in excess, a GST increase may seem like a mere annoyance. For those who already struggle to put food on the table, such an increase can cause a family to make hard choices such as whether they can even afford a tray of eggs. There is a perfect storm of factors that we cannot control, such as the effects of demand outweighing supply of products, supply chain and manufacturing challenges, covid and the war in Ukraine. That said, we can control one factor domestically. The timing of a GST hike during this period of extraordinary inflation and its staggered rollout over the next few years might also contribute to unintended knock-on effects, as prices go up to absorb costs in anticipation of each hike. This means that many Singaporeans might feel this pinch get progressively worse, and that daily cup of kopi-o as a morning routine might turn into a luxury as time goes by. As we encounter more and more residents at the markets lamenting this point, we do our best to educate on the external factors and why public spending needs to be funded. But one cannot turn a blind eye to the struggles of many, and it begs the question of the timing of a hike for this season that Singaporeans are going through. Blk 16 Bedok South market n hawker centre
Imagine that your weekly groceries for the family have increased from $60 to $80. And put yourselves in the shoes of a person who is earning $3k a month, versus someone earning $15k a month. For those who live in excess, a GST increase may seem like a mere annoyance. For those who already struggle to put food on the table, such an increase can cause a family to make hard choices such as whether they can even afford a tray of eggs. There is a perfect storm of factors that we cannot control, such as the effects of demand outweighing supply of products, supply chain and manufacturing challenges, covid and the war in Ukraine. That said, we can control one factor domestically. The timing of a GST hike during this period of extraordinary inflation and its staggered rollout over the next few years might also contribute to unintended knock-on effects, as prices go up to absorb costs in anticipation of each hike. This means that many Singaporeans might feel this pinch get progressively worse, and that daily cup of kopi-o as a morning routine might turn into a luxury as time goes by. As we encounter more and more residents at the markets lamenting this point, we do our best to educate on the external factors and why public spending needs to be funded. But one cannot turn a blind eye to the struggles of many, and it begs the question of the timing of a hike for this season that Singaporeans are going through. Blk 16 Bedok South market n hawker centre
Imagine that your weekly groceries for the family have increased from $60 to $80. And put yourselves in the shoes of a person who is earning $3k a month, versus someone earning $15k a month. For those who live in excess, a GST increase may seem like a mere annoyance. For those who already struggle to put food on the table, such an increase can cause a family to make hard choices such as whether they can even afford a tray of eggs. There is a perfect storm of factors that we cannot control, such as the effects of demand outweighing supply of products, supply chain and manufacturing challenges, covid and the war in Ukraine. That said, we can control one factor domestically. The timing of a GST hike during this period of extraordinary inflation and its staggered rollout over the next few years might also contribute to unintended knock-on effects, as prices go up to absorb costs in anticipation of each hike. This means that many Singaporeans might feel this pinch get progressively worse, and that daily cup of kopi-o as a morning routine might turn into a luxury as time goes by. As we encounter more and more residents at the markets lamenting this point, we do our best to educate on the external factors and why public spending needs to be funded. But one cannot turn a blind eye to the struggles of many, and it begs the question of the timing of a hike for this season that Singaporeans are going through. Blk 16 Bedok South market n hawker centre
Imagine that your weekly groceries for the family have increased from $60 to $80. And put yourselves in the shoes of a person who is earning $3k a month, versus someone earning $15k a month. For those who live in excess, a GST increase may seem like a mere annoyance. For those who already struggle to put food on the table, such an increase can cause a family to make hard choices such as whether they can even afford a tray of eggs. There is a perfect storm of factors that we cannot control, such as the effects of demand outweighing supply of products, supply chain and manufacturing challenges, covid and the war in Ukraine. That said, we can control one factor domestically. The timing of a GST hike during this period of extraordinary inflation and its staggered rollout over the next few years might also contribute to unintended knock-on effects, as prices go up to absorb costs in anticipation of each hike. This means that many Singaporeans might feel this pinch get progressively worse, and that daily cup of kopi-o as a morning routine might turn into a luxury as time goes by. As we encounter more and more residents at the markets lamenting this point, we do our best to educate on the external factors and why public spending needs to be funded. But one cannot turn a blind eye to the struggles of many, and it begs the question of the timing of a hike for this season that Singaporeans are going through. Blk 16 Bedok South market n hawker centre
At 216 this morning with @fooseckguan.sg and the EC team. Market visits are critical for us to understand the ground and to also gather feedback, which is usually varied depending on what is of concern to the residents. Today a couple’s feedback was especially provoking as they shared their challenges being a sandwiched class and having to support elderly parents with medical conditions, as well as a child with special needs and psychiatric conditions. They lamented that the current means testing merely checks the number of dependents in a single household and the per capita household income. However in their case, certain layers such as additional medical conditions of family members and out-of-pocket psychiatric expenses for their children are not considered, as well as elderly dependents living in separate household. Therefore the means test might not wholly reflect their financial ability and expenses that they hold. We also had an in-depth discussion on the need for more support in subsidising private healthcare for mental illnesses, and the way mental health patients are assessed in the public healthcare system. This goes back to the crux of what we can do better in terms of policymaking and implementation – While much has been done, we should also constantly work towards inclusivity and ensuring that the varied tapestry of populations are being factored in and considered, especially for circumstances that seem lifelong and complex. On a personal note, grateful for new volunteers and especially a couple who joined us from Bukit Gombak. We are powered by volunteer efforts and pure passion, and that keeps us motivated amidst quieter months. Blk 216 Bedok Hawker Centre
At 216 this morning with @fooseckguan.sg and the EC team. Market visits are critical for us to understand the ground and to also gather feedback, which is usually varied depending on what is of concern to the residents. Today a couple’s feedback was especially provoking as they shared their challenges being a sandwiched class and having to support elderly parents with medical conditions, as well as a child with special needs and psychiatric conditions. They lamented that the current means testing merely checks the number of dependents in a single household and the per capita household income. However in their case, certain layers such as additional medical conditions of family members and out-of-pocket psychiatric expenses for their children are not considered, as well as elderly dependents living in separate household. Therefore the means test might not wholly reflect their financial ability and expenses that they hold. We also had an in-depth discussion on the need for more support in subsidising private healthcare for mental illnesses, and the way mental health patients are assessed in the public healthcare system. This goes back to the crux of what we can do better in terms of policymaking and implementation – While much has been done, we should also constantly work towards inclusivity and ensuring that the varied tapestry of populations are being factored in and considered, especially for circumstances that seem lifelong and complex. On a personal note, grateful for new volunteers and especially a couple who joined us from Bukit Gombak. We are powered by volunteer efforts and pure passion, and that keeps us motivated amidst quieter months. Blk 216 Bedok Hawker Centre
At 216 this morning with @fooseckguan.sg and the EC team. Market visits are critical for us to understand the ground and to also gather feedback, which is usually varied depending on what is of concern to the residents. Today a couple’s feedback was especially provoking as they shared their challenges being a sandwiched class and having to support elderly parents with medical conditions, as well as a child with special needs and psychiatric conditions. They lamented that the current means testing merely checks the number of dependents in a single household and the per capita household income. However in their case, certain layers such as additional medical conditions of family members and out-of-pocket psychiatric expenses for their children are not considered, as well as elderly dependents living in separate household. Therefore the means test might not wholly reflect their financial ability and expenses that they hold. We also had an in-depth discussion on the need for more support in subsidising private healthcare for mental illnesses, and the way mental health patients are assessed in the public healthcare system. This goes back to the crux of what we can do better in terms of policymaking and implementation – While much has been done, we should also constantly work towards inclusivity and ensuring that the varied tapestry of populations are being factored in and considered, especially for circumstances that seem lifelong and complex. On a personal note, grateful for new volunteers and especially a couple who joined us from Bukit Gombak. We are powered by volunteer efforts and pure passion, and that keeps us motivated amidst quieter months. Blk 216 Bedok Hawker Centre
At 216 this morning with @fooseckguan.sg and the EC team. Market visits are critical for us to understand the ground and to also gather feedback, which is usually varied depending on what is of concern to the residents. Today a couple’s feedback was especially provoking as they shared their challenges being a sandwiched class and having to support elderly parents with medical conditions, as well as a child with special needs and psychiatric conditions. They lamented that the current means testing merely checks the number of dependents in a single household and the per capita household income. However in their case, certain layers such as additional medical conditions of family members and out-of-pocket psychiatric expenses for their children are not considered, as well as elderly dependents living in separate household. Therefore the means test might not wholly reflect their financial ability and expenses that they hold. We also had an in-depth discussion on the need for more support in subsidising private healthcare for mental illnesses, and the way mental health patients are assessed in the public healthcare system. This goes back to the crux of what we can do better in terms of policymaking and implementation – While much has been done, we should also constantly work towards inclusivity and ensuring that the varied tapestry of populations are being factored in and considered, especially for circumstances that seem lifelong and complex. On a personal note, grateful for new volunteers and especially a couple who joined us from Bukit Gombak. We are powered by volunteer efforts and pure passion, and that keeps us motivated amidst quieter months. Blk 216 Bedok Hawker Centre
At 216 this morning with @fooseckguan.sg and the EC team. Market visits are critical for us to understand the ground and to also gather feedback, which is usually varied depending on what is of concern to the residents. Today a couple’s feedback was especially provoking as they shared their challenges being a sandwiched class and having to support elderly parents with medical conditions, as well as a child with special needs and psychiatric conditions. They lamented that the current means testing merely checks the number of dependents in a single household and the per capita household income. However in their case, certain layers such as additional medical conditions of family members and out-of-pocket psychiatric expenses for their children are not considered, as well as elderly dependents living in separate household. Therefore the means test might not wholly reflect their financial ability and expenses that they hold. We also had an in-depth discussion on the need for more support in subsidising private healthcare for mental illnesses, and the way mental health patients are assessed in the public healthcare system. This goes back to the crux of what we can do better in terms of policymaking and implementation – While much has been done, we should also constantly work towards inclusivity and ensuring that the varied tapestry of populations are being factored in and considered, especially for circumstances that seem lifelong and complex. On a personal note, grateful for new volunteers and especially a couple who joined us from Bukit Gombak. We are powered by volunteer efforts and pure passion, and that keeps us motivated amidst quieter months. Blk 216 Bedok Hawker Centre
At 216 this morning with @fooseckguan.sg and the EC team. Market visits are critical for us to understand the ground and to also gather feedback, which is usually varied depending on what is of concern to the residents. Today a couple’s feedback was especially provoking as they shared their challenges being a sandwiched class and having to support elderly parents with medical conditions, as well as a child with special needs and psychiatric conditions. They lamented that the current means testing merely checks the number of dependents in a single household and the per capita household income. However in their case, certain layers such as additional medical conditions of family members and out-of-pocket psychiatric expenses for their children are not considered, as well as elderly dependents living in separate household. Therefore the means test might not wholly reflect their financial ability and expenses that they hold. We also had an in-depth discussion on the need for more support in subsidising private healthcare for mental illnesses, and the way mental health patients are assessed in the public healthcare system. This goes back to the crux of what we can do better in terms of policymaking and implementation – While much has been done, we should also constantly work towards inclusivity and ensuring that the varied tapestry of populations are being factored in and considered, especially for circumstances that seem lifelong and complex. On a personal note, grateful for new volunteers and especially a couple who joined us from Bukit Gombak. We are powered by volunteer efforts and pure passion, and that keeps us motivated amidst quieter months. Blk 216 Bedok Hawker Centre
At 216 this morning with @fooseckguan.sg and the EC team. Market visits are critical for us to understand the ground and to also gather feedback, which is usually varied depending on what is of concern to the residents. Today a couple’s feedback was especially provoking as they shared their challenges being a sandwiched class and having to support elderly parents with medical conditions, as well as a child with special needs and psychiatric conditions. They lamented that the current means testing merely checks the number of dependents in a single household and the per capita household income. However in their case, certain layers such as additional medical conditions of family members and out-of-pocket psychiatric expenses for their children are not considered, as well as elderly dependents living in separate household. Therefore the means test might not wholly reflect their financial ability and expenses that they hold. We also had an in-depth discussion on the need for more support in subsidising private healthcare for mental illnesses, and the way mental health patients are assessed in the public healthcare system. This goes back to the crux of what we can do better in terms of policymaking and implementation – While much has been done, we should also constantly work towards inclusivity and ensuring that the varied tapestry of populations are being factored in and considered, especially for circumstances that seem lifelong and complex. On a personal note, grateful for new volunteers and especially a couple who joined us from Bukit Gombak. We are powered by volunteer efforts and pure passion, and that keeps us motivated amidst quieter months. Blk 216 Bedok Hawker Centre
At 216 this morning with @fooseckguan.sg and the EC team. Market visits are critical for us to understand the ground and to also gather feedback, which is usually varied depending on what is of concern to the residents. Today a couple’s feedback was especially provoking as they shared their challenges being a sandwiched class and having to support elderly parents with medical conditions, as well as a child with special needs and psychiatric conditions. They lamented that the current means testing merely checks the number of dependents in a single household and the per capita household income. However in their case, certain layers such as additional medical conditions of family members and out-of-pocket psychiatric expenses for their children are not considered, as well as elderly dependents living in separate household. Therefore the means test might not wholly reflect their financial ability and expenses that they hold. We also had an in-depth discussion on the need for more support in subsidising private healthcare for mental illnesses, and the way mental health patients are assessed in the public healthcare system. This goes back to the crux of what we can do better in terms of policymaking and implementation – While much has been done, we should also constantly work towards inclusivity and ensuring that the varied tapestry of populations are being factored in and considered, especially for circumstances that seem lifelong and complex. On a personal note, grateful for new volunteers and especially a couple who joined us from Bukit Gombak. We are powered by volunteer efforts and pure passion, and that keeps us motivated amidst quieter months. Blk 216 Bedok Hawker Centre
At 216 this morning with @fooseckguan.sg and the EC team. Market visits are critical for us to understand the ground and to also gather feedback, which is usually varied depending on what is of concern to the residents. Today a couple’s feedback was especially provoking as they shared their challenges being a sandwiched class and having to support elderly parents with medical conditions, as well as a child with special needs and psychiatric conditions. They lamented that the current means testing merely checks the number of dependents in a single household and the per capita household income. However in their case, certain layers such as additional medical conditions of family members and out-of-pocket psychiatric expenses for their children are not considered, as well as elderly dependents living in separate household. Therefore the means test might not wholly reflect their financial ability and expenses that they hold. We also had an in-depth discussion on the need for more support in subsidising private healthcare for mental illnesses, and the way mental health patients are assessed in the public healthcare system. This goes back to the crux of what we can do better in terms of policymaking and implementation – While much has been done, we should also constantly work towards inclusivity and ensuring that the varied tapestry of populations are being factored in and considered, especially for circumstances that seem lifelong and complex. On a personal note, grateful for new volunteers and especially a couple who joined us from Bukit Gombak. We are powered by volunteer efforts and pure passion, and that keeps us motivated amidst quieter months. Blk 216 Bedok Hawker Centre
At 216 this morning with @fooseckguan.sg and the EC team. Market visits are critical for us to understand the ground and to also gather feedback, which is usually varied depending on what is of concern to the residents. Today a couple’s feedback was especially provoking as they shared their challenges being a sandwiched class and having to support elderly parents with medical conditions, as well as a child with special needs and psychiatric conditions. They lamented that the current means testing merely checks the number of dependents in a single household and the per capita household income. However in their case, certain layers such as additional medical conditions of family members and out-of-pocket psychiatric expenses for their children are not considered, as well as elderly dependents living in separate household. Therefore the means test might not wholly reflect their financial ability and expenses that they hold. We also had an in-depth discussion on the need for more support in subsidising private healthcare for mental illnesses, and the way mental health patients are assessed in the public healthcare system. This goes back to the crux of what we can do better in terms of policymaking and implementation – While much has been done, we should also constantly work towards inclusivity and ensuring that the varied tapestry of populations are being factored in and considered, especially for circumstances that seem lifelong and complex. On a personal note, grateful for new volunteers and especially a couple who joined us from Bukit Gombak. We are powered by volunteer efforts and pure passion, and that keeps us motivated amidst quieter months. Blk 216 Bedok Hawker Centre
It’s great to be back on the ground, now that baby is a little more settled and have gotten accustomed to life with two kids. Distributed self-care items in Bedok North today with the team. Thanks to our generous donor, we sent out cleaning and hygiene items to residents. Along the way, our longtime EC volunteer Jo-Anne had a very thoughtful idea to bring along a tote bag full of storybooks, which she handed out to families with younger kids. It made me remember that we do not need exorbitant budgets, fancy buildings and infrastructure to make a difference – Sometimes, heart and a resourceful mind would more than suffice. Wishing all a restful long weekend and Selamat Hari Raya Haji to all who celebrate.
It’s great to be back on the ground, now that baby is a little more settled and have gotten accustomed to life with two kids. Distributed self-care items in Bedok North today with the team. Thanks to our generous donor, we sent out cleaning and hygiene items to residents. Along the way, our longtime EC volunteer Jo-Anne had a very thoughtful idea to bring along a tote bag full of storybooks, which she handed out to families with younger kids. It made me remember that we do not need exorbitant budgets, fancy buildings and infrastructure to make a difference – Sometimes, heart and a resourceful mind would more than suffice. Wishing all a restful long weekend and Selamat Hari Raya Haji to all who celebrate.
It’s great to be back on the ground, now that baby is a little more settled and have gotten accustomed to life with two kids. Distributed self-care items in Bedok North today with the team. Thanks to our generous donor, we sent out cleaning and hygiene items to residents. Along the way, our longtime EC volunteer Jo-Anne had a very thoughtful idea to bring along a tote bag full of storybooks, which she handed out to families with younger kids. It made me remember that we do not need exorbitant budgets, fancy buildings and infrastructure to make a difference – Sometimes, heart and a resourceful mind would more than suffice. Wishing all a restful long weekend and Selamat Hari Raya Haji to all who celebrate.
It’s great to be back on the ground, now that baby is a little more settled and have gotten accustomed to life with two kids. Distributed self-care items in Bedok North today with the team. Thanks to our generous donor, we sent out cleaning and hygiene items to residents. Along the way, our longtime EC volunteer Jo-Anne had a very thoughtful idea to bring along a tote bag full of storybooks, which she handed out to families with younger kids. It made me remember that we do not need exorbitant budgets, fancy buildings and infrastructure to make a difference – Sometimes, heart and a resourceful mind would more than suffice. Wishing all a restful long weekend and Selamat Hari Raya Haji to all who celebrate.
It’s great to be back on the ground, now that baby is a little more settled and have gotten accustomed to life with two kids. Distributed self-care items in Bedok North today with the team. Thanks to our generous donor, we sent out cleaning and hygiene items to residents. Along the way, our longtime EC volunteer Jo-Anne had a very thoughtful idea to bring along a tote bag full of storybooks, which she handed out to families with younger kids. It made me remember that we do not need exorbitant budgets, fancy buildings and infrastructure to make a difference – Sometimes, heart and a resourceful mind would more than suffice. Wishing all a restful long weekend and Selamat Hari Raya Haji to all who celebrate.
It’s great to be back on the ground, now that baby is a little more settled and have gotten accustomed to life with two kids. Distributed self-care items in Bedok North today with the team. Thanks to our generous donor, we sent out cleaning and hygiene items to residents. Along the way, our longtime EC volunteer Jo-Anne had a very thoughtful idea to bring along a tote bag full of storybooks, which she handed out to families with younger kids. It made me remember that we do not need exorbitant budgets, fancy buildings and infrastructure to make a difference – Sometimes, heart and a resourceful mind would more than suffice. Wishing all a restful long weekend and Selamat Hari Raya Haji to all who celebrate.
It’s great to be back on the ground, now that baby is a little more settled and have gotten accustomed to life with two kids. Distributed self-care items in Bedok North today with the team. Thanks to our generous donor, we sent out cleaning and hygiene items to residents. Along the way, our longtime EC volunteer Jo-Anne had a very thoughtful idea to bring along a tote bag full of storybooks, which she handed out to families with younger kids. It made me remember that we do not need exorbitant budgets, fancy buildings and infrastructure to make a difference – Sometimes, heart and a resourceful mind would more than suffice. Wishing all a restful long weekend and Selamat Hari Raya Haji to all who celebrate.
It’s great to be back on the ground, now that baby is a little more settled and have gotten accustomed to life with two kids. Distributed self-care items in Bedok North today with the team. Thanks to our generous donor, we sent out cleaning and hygiene items to residents. Along the way, our longtime EC volunteer Jo-Anne had a very thoughtful idea to bring along a tote bag full of storybooks, which she handed out to families with younger kids. It made me remember that we do not need exorbitant budgets, fancy buildings and infrastructure to make a difference – Sometimes, heart and a resourceful mind would more than suffice. Wishing all a restful long weekend and Selamat Hari Raya Haji to all who celebrate.
It’s great to be back on the ground, now that baby is a little more settled and have gotten accustomed to life with two kids. Distributed self-care items in Bedok North today with the team. Thanks to our generous donor, we sent out cleaning and hygiene items to residents. Along the way, our longtime EC volunteer Jo-Anne had a very thoughtful idea to bring along a tote bag full of storybooks, which she handed out to families with younger kids. It made me remember that we do not need exorbitant budgets, fancy buildings and infrastructure to make a difference – Sometimes, heart and a resourceful mind would more than suffice. Wishing all a restful long weekend and Selamat Hari Raya Haji to all who celebrate.
