Year End Ramblings

 I just returned home from dropping off a rather heavy bag of edible goodies at a collection point for IRR #WeHaveADream. 

Actually it was not in my plans to contribute to it. I am kind of a wet blanket during this festivity because Christmas gifting simply feels too wasteful. I have practically taken a total hands-off approach. This has messed with my head a little especially when I felt like the only outsider amidst a worldwide celebration. I did not receive many gifts this year (or for some years now) probably because my friends know how I feel about it (or maybe because they know they will not get any from me? 🤣)

I contemplated getting holiday themed cheesecakes for my colleagues because good food can always be enjoyed and less likely to be wasted. But a few factors put me off it and sometimes when things are not going smoothly I do not wish to force it to make it happen. Does anyone ever get this feeling?? Or is it just me being stingy again?

Well, one of the factors is that we already have so many gifts of chocolates, sweets and biscuits from our very generous clients/customers/kids! There really was no way we could have finished all of it at work and it was suggested that we bring them home but none of us was exactly thrilled with that idea either.

I saw a win-win solution. It is not the first time I found myself in such a position where my connections and knowledge solved a problem and/or fulfilled a need. The IRR initiative is available in the public domain and despite news coverage on them, who they are and what they do is not that widely known. Or perhaps it is just my crazily deep desire that nothing goes to waste that made me put two and two together.

So that is how I came to contribute, or rather, how my colleagues and I donated and hopefully put smiles on the faces of some migrant workers!

Which brings me to the concept of regifting because that is basically what we did. It is definitely not my first time but I have come a long way from feeling guilty about it to doing it appropriately. Let's make this a norm already!!

 

The images taken at the Bishan Salvation Army Donation Booth have been widely shared these few days. This situation can be avoided if we can move away from the R of recycle towards the R of reduce. Or apply the R of rethink right now and consider regifting those items that are on the wishlist of #WeHaveADream! 

The initiative runs till 10 Jan 2022 so do take the time to review what brand new items you have that might be an essential but out-of-budget item for the very people who are helping to build our nation. Alternatively, they are still accepting ReDiscover vouchers too! You only have 2 days left before they go to waste!!

2 tablespoons of maple syrup

Right after I graduated from university, I went on an extended trip to Australia. This graduation trip lasted 3 months which was the when and how I fell in love with Jester pies and Anzac biscuits. Although not as impossible to find as Jester pies, I hardly find Anzac biscuits being sold in Singapore. I am almost certain to buy one whenever I see one!

 Thus, when I saw the Anzac Biscuit Mix being sold at The Source Bulk Foods, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Lucky me was even offered a bottle (shelf life almost up) that was 50% off at the cashier! Definitely meant to be. Thankfully the instructions were simple enough. The mixture only required 3 additional ingredients of which the only item I did not have on hand was maple syrup.

 

So, I definitely can afford to buy myself some maple syrup but it is most certainly not a staple in my household and I do not wish to buy even the smallest bottle only to find it forgotten and expired months down the road. What to do??

 

Scratchbac to the rescue!! It appears to be not as well known as SG Assist and somehow I had the mistaken idea that it is only available to some estates?!?! But the objective is similar. Anyway, I finally got on it recently and I actually prefer the Telegram interface of Scratchbac compared to SG Assist app. 

This was only my second time using Scratchbac and after having no response via Olio, I was not hopeful... But I received not one but three offers to help! The very first respondent also happened to stay in the same condo as I do! So we met up the very same night with me receiving a carefully measured portion of maple syrup and her receiving some snacks from me just steps away from the comfort of our homes. 

 

I am just in awe by how technology has enabled the Chinese saying of 远亲不如近邻. Especially for someone like me who is relatively new to this estate; this is a pretty good way to connect with my new community! And I get to enjoy a batch of freshly baked Anzac biscuits... 🤤I do so love the taste! Shall be delivering a couple of them to my newfound friend in the estate too!! Thanks for scratching my back with the maple syrup!?!?!