The last week of the semester...can you believe it; it's been two semesters of teaching in Singapore Poly. Time flies so fast. Next week is exams week and I'll be busy marking. After that I'll be scrambling to get the new GEM module up and running for next semester.

Well, hope I've got some time to work on my research and other activities too. I've got a paper to revise for the reviewer, two other papers to revamp, a paper to be written, and two final year projects to supervise...I wonder if I have the time during this really short semester break. There is also the Rotary activities that I need to organize...mooncake festival is around the corner; we need to organize our annual St. Joseph's Home visit.

But I'm making time to bring my parents and youngest brother to a short getaway. I was struck a bit more than two weeks ago by how much my father has aged. He has been my bedrock all these while and I wonder if I'm ready to let him go. My aunt's hospitalization this weekend drove the point home. Yet, I know I should not rely on him but should have God as my bedrock. I guess that's where I am still not strong enough in my faith that I need to rely on someone other than God.

Anyway, I was listening to Corrinne May. She has a beautiful voice and is a gifted lyricist. Here's one verse from her latest album, "Beautiful Seed" in the song, "On My Way":

So many beat up cars on this dirt road

I see them sputter and start to choke

How many miles must I go

till I rest in your grace

I feel like giving up and letting go

Let the world invade my mind, my soul

Will this road make me

a sinner or a saint

This song is one of the few that speak to me when I listened. For those of you who have little nephews, there's one called My Little Nephew...that one touched me the most.

Family, from one generation to another, should be cherished as God's gift even though it shouldn't be an excuse for straying away from God consciousness. Anyway, just some jumbled thoughts this warm August night as I listen, do some work, and wait to upload my files to the ORIGIN3000 supercomputer while resting my neck. Thank God, today it is not so painful. Tomorrow, I've got the medical appointment with the orthopedic specialist. Wish me luck.

Peace and blessings.

Sid