the death toll for the tsunami disaster has exceeded 118 000. how does one fathom a hundred thousand people? the entire regions of ang mo kio and toa payoh, obliterated in a flash? or is that a mere drop in the ocean, bad pun definitely not intended. i do not claim to understand even a fraction of their pain, to be able to see the entirety of this event even from this sheltered looking- tower we are in. i guess this is a sobering way to start the new year.. a resolute slap in the face to make sure we see how unbelievable lucky we are just to be doing the things we are now, and that we appreciate all this enough to be willing to help those not as fortunate.

to the new year: may everyone stay safe, healthy and happy. it may seem innocuous, but it's mighty hard to achieve. try hard anyway.

cheers.