GuanAd's Haven

Many older folks with good intentions would come with their different school of thoughts towards confinement. Out of a sudden, this seemed to become like a theory which needed to be exercised to prevent some ill befalls in the future. It would be interesting to write all these down and hopefully someone can convince me with its scientific truth someday.

Preventing wind – generally the folks believe that we should abstain from exposing ourselves to wind or cold of any form to prevent rheumatism or headaches later. I cannot wash my hair or bathe. For someone who washes her hair everyday, this is something trying. My scalp began to itch and my hair looked oily. I had to depend on dry shampoo which allows washing without the use of water. I have not bathed since the 18th. It had been five days. As the fan was not allowed and every drink had to be hot, how can I not perspire under such conditions? Each time of pumping resulted in a strenuous exercise that gave out much perspiration.

My grandmother went to the extent of insisting that I had to have long pants worn and slippers too because broken marble flooring was cold. The most tickling thing was that when I told Jotham’s nurse from China that washing hair was not allowed, she was equally amazed but concluded that the older folks here in Singapore are good preservers of the traditional ways.

The other aspect to confinement was with respect to the food that we can consume. Generally all junk food were not allowed. Well, that is reasonable. However, this confinement also meant a separate menu like more ginger, herbs, taking essence every morning and meals that come up to six times a day. Fortunately for me, my appetite is not large and my mother in law is flexible with the meals that I have a day. I am easily contented with biscuits, milo and fish essence for breakfast; mee sua for lunch and vegetables and meat for dinner. I have heard of people having to eat so much that they cry as the spread was simply too overwhelming.

Now at almost 2 weeks after birth, confinement conditions are much better. (I shall not elaborate):))

My mood has been a roller coaster these days. Easily irritated. It's really ironic that when at work, I will long for a break.. And now that I am having a break, I long for my normal working life. Hm... I guess one is never satisfied with extremes; it breaks equilibrium. Suppressed freedom is one cause of defiance.