Leading the high life has its risks. Falling from grace is one of them.
As I learned in JC while studying Shakespeare's tragedy "Othello", the higher you are, the harder the fall.
In Sunday Times today, I read that this is what happened to Madam Kay Swee Pin when she was maligned and suspended from the membership of Singapore Island Country Club (SICC).
Being a member of SICC means you are some big shot of sorts, in case you don't know.
So, being ousted from the Club, besides being unable to enjoy the fab facilities, engenders a bigger loss - the loss of "face", reputation.
Basically, after the suspension of her membership, she was sneered behind her back. According to the article, her friends whom she considers confidantes, stopped calling her. Even her daughter questioned if she was her mother or not.
Stuck-ups. All horrible stuck-ups.
What superficial friends! See what happens when one falls from grace. Even your children refuse to be associated with you! So who are your real friends when you are rich/powerful?
Being real is rare in this world where superficial sweet talks and first impressions count. I know who my real friends are, and I'm certainly thankful for them. Climbing up the social ladder is secondary or even unnecessary; having true friends with you in difficult times is imperative.
I think Mdm Kay needs to wake up and look around to see who are the people real to her, and make sure she keeps them. Oh the tragedy of being high and mighty!
TONG TONG CHIANG! Not.
This year's CNY is not certainly not elaborated. I didn't have a single steamboat. My CNY visitation to my ah ma's is just like any typical normal day family gathering, albeit with everyone donning finer clothes.
It is peaceful and with good food aplenty. Altogether, I had 3 tosses of Yu Sheng!
But what's special about this year was how Godma wore a funky $80 wig to celebrate CNY! She gamely took it off for us cousins to wear it, to parade like in a pageant. All of us had laughed so hard, especially when Uncle Willy wore it and looked 20 years younger!
Our thanksgiving session
(Some of) My cousins :)