+ Son | Sudoku Intro

My son's mid-term exams are over, the June school holiday is just around the corner. He is 10 going on 11 mid June 2006.

So for his hard work studying for the exams, I bought him a Sudoku portable electronic game.

By chance actually. Since today is Vesak Day holiday, we both headed to Takashimaya Shopping Centre at Orchard Road after our dinner, to get him his Xbox games on level 3, Toys Department.

Once there, there were lot of children, already picking out toys for their reward or toys to fill their playtime during the school holidays.

The Xbox corner was full of parents and children including both of us trying to grab the best game titles, but unfortunately, out of over 30 titles on offer, only 8 were left. Almost all in Japanese. Nope, my son does not read Japanese. It was quite a disappointment for him.

Fortunately, the store is going ot stock-up tomorrow afternoon with all the titles again, so there is hope still.

Loitering around the toys department, my son picked-up an 8-Ball, while I, Sudoku. Had lots of fun asking and getting the answers from the 8-Ball, all 20 possible answers as written on the box.

After much persuasion... from me, I convinced my son to try playing Sudoku and to promise not to chuck it aside to "oblivion."

Had supper at MacDonald's in Takashimaya and we both left at about 9:00pm to go to my wife's shop, help her close-up for the day, normally about 10:00pm.

Not bad a crowd there, as the narrow shop was full of Customers trying out stuff. I had to stay outside for some time until there was enough a room for me enter.

She had a good day. After all, it is a public holiday, so the mood is mainly feasting out and shopping for most Singaporeans.

The last Customer was a Malay lady who bought a glass-beaded necklace with an encouraging word that made us proud.

She said she had been shopping for the most part of the day, true enough judging from shopping bags she and her daughter were holding, that finally she found accessories that are unique and hard to find, and that finally she found a Malay shop selling accessories, which is quite rare here.

She was right, traditionally, Malays here normally would sell food and Malay related stuff. Guess we are like "pioneers" amongst Malays to venture into Ladies accessories to cater to all races. We are the new generation and emerging Malays.

My wife was all smiles from the time she left till we reached home. She felt such a satisfaction, plus the daily taking is good too today. I am happy for her, for us, for our little business.