Happy Birthday, Singapore!

OK, I'm no flag-waving, stars and crescent moon painted on the face patriot and sometimes (ok, make that often) I run away from other groups of Singaporeans on holiday abroad. But this National Day, I thought to list some things I'm thankful for about living in this country some 4 million people like me call "home".

• I am thankful that when booms are heard in the sky, they're caused by an explosive fairytale sparkle of fireworks and not bombs;
• I am thankful that we get the opportunity to learn more about different cultures and faiths and celebrate a multitude of diverse festivals;
• Whatever its flaws may be, I am thankful for an education system that helped nurture my love of science AND the arts;
• I am grateful that we're learning to be a gracious society. Yes, we may have a long way to go, but at least we acknowledge that it's a problem.
• I'm grateful that healthcare is readily available & that public transport is efficient, widely available and largely on time;
• I'm grateful that we finally have a blossoming arts scene ... man, the acoustics at the Esplanade concert hall are something else!
• I'm grateful that people like Pak Hadi who bakars the best satay this side of Frankel estate have the opportunity to set up stall almost anywhere, work hard and be happy with what he has;
• I love the ECP with its canopy of lush greenery -- it's a lovely first sight for visitors here and a beautiful "welcome home" for those returning;
• I am grateful that should the shopping bug hit at 3am, there is MUSTAFA, and if hunger pangs strike at any time, food is always available. (I LOVE the BBQ stingray at Adam Road! Oh, and the Bak Kut Teh at Balestier ... and the Beef Noodle uncle's yummy broth at the beach ... and almost anything on Neng's menu at Ee Sarn ... and the unbeatable xiao long tang pau at Qun Zhong ... ahhh, the list can continue forever)

No home is without its flaws, no country without its warts. But today, I choose to celebrate what is rather than what isn't. It's a choice I want to make; it's a choice I can make.

Have a lovely National Day, Singaporeans.

PS. Many apologies to those who have left comments or dropped me e-mail in the past couple of weeks. It has been an insane time at work and I've hardly had any time to do much else. I'll get to your e-mail and comments in the next couple of days.