Chinese New Year is not a public holiday in sunny California. We still go to work and attend classes, we play some noisy CNY songs and the kids will 'show-and-tell' their classmates about CNY traditions.

As for National Day on Aug 9, my family back in Singapore will have a 'red-and-white' celebration, partly because it's a public holiday too.

They will e-mail us photos of them having a potluck dinner, wearing red and white themed T-shirts, gathering in front of the TV watching the National Day Parade and singing Count On Me Singapore, et cetera.

I attended one such National Day celebration (for overseas Singaporeans) here a couple of years ago. We ate Singapore food at a park.

It is always at this time of the year that I miss Singapore the most - my family, the food, friends, school days, et cetera. After all, I have been celebrating National Day in Singapore for more than 20 years.

Recently I was doing a project with my child regarding other countries and searched the Web for information on, what else? Singapore of course.

Then I realised that the theme for 2007 NDP is 'City of Possibilities'. A very different theme from past years.

These days, everything is getting so competitive, we have to be unique, competent and embrace knowledge and turn them into useful resources to be ahead of others.

While taking a break, I jotted down a few lines, sort of 'just for laughs', yet something in it is quite true for us at home.

Below is my National Day Rap/Rhyme for my family and friends and for everyone in Singapore

Hear the Lions roar!

See the Index soar!

Teach our children how to score,

With creative learning as the core.

Our careers will take flight,

If we hold our reins tight,

'Cheong' in the right direction,

And 'plug-in' the right connection.

Do your homework,

Practise your footwork.

What is there to worry about?

Just let your ideas sprout!

Equip with a positive mindset,

And stay out of debt.

What else can we ask for?

When doing these things are no longer a chore!

Jess Loy Soo Hui (Ms)