Man, lemme tell ya about my day in Singapore. It was a wild ride, like a rollercoaster but with more heat and less safety bars. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s blazin’ through my window. I’m a stove-maker, not a morning person. But hey, gotta hustle.
First stop, I hit up the hawker center at Maxwell Road. You know, the one with the chicken rice that makes you wanna cry? I grab a plate, and it’s like heaven on a plastic tray. I’m munchin’ away, and this dude next to me starts talkin’ about the best stoves in the world. I’m like, “Bro, I’m the stove guy!” He just stares at me like I’m a ghost. Awkward, right?
After that, I head to my workshop on Balestier Road. It’s a small place, but it’s mine. I’m workin’ on this fancy new model, all sleek and shiny. But then, disaster strikes! My tools go missing. Like, poof! Gone! I’m runnin’ around like a headless chicken, checkin’ under every table, behind every stove. I’m fumin’! Who steals tools in broad daylight?
Finally, I find ‘em. Turns out, my buddy Sam borrowed ‘em without askin’. Classic Sam. I’m like, “Dude, you can’t just take my stuff!” He laughs it off, says he thought I was done. I mean, c’mon! I’m a stove-maker, not a magician!
So, I get back to work, and I’m feelin’ good again. I’m hammerin’ away, and suddenly, the door swings open. It’s this lady, all dressed up, lookin’ like she just walked off a fashion runway. She’s like, “I need a custom stove for my restaurant.” I’m thinkin’, “This is my big break!”
We chat about her vision, and I’m pumped. But then she drops the bomb. “I need it by tomorrow.” I’m like, “What?!” I mean, I can work magic, but I ain’t no miracle worker! I’m stressed, but I can’t show it. Gotta keep my cool.
I tell her I’ll try my best. She smiles, and I swear, it’s like the sun came out. I’m back in the zone, hammerin’ and weldin’ like a madman. But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my mom. She’s in town, wants to meet up. I’m like, “Mom, I’m swamped!” But you know how moms are. Gotta make time.
So, I wrap up my work, and I rush over to Orchard Road. It’s packed, as usual. People everywhere, shopping bags in hand. I spot my mom at a café, and she’s already ordered a ton of food. Typical. We sit, and she starts talkin’ about my childhood. I’m tryin’ to focus, but all I can think about is that stove I gotta finish.
Then, outta nowhere, it starts pourin’. Like, monsoon-level rain. We dash for cover, and I’m soaked. My mom’s laughin’ at me, and I can’t help but laugh too. It’s ridiculous. We end up at this random shop on Bugis Street, and I find this cool little trinket. It’s a mini stove! I buy it for her, and she’s thrilled.
After that, I’m feelin’ all warm and fuzzy inside. We grab some ice kachang, and I’m just chillin’. But then, I remember the stove! I gotta get back! I rush off, sayin’ goodbye, and I’m sprintin’ through the rain.
Finally, I get back to my workshop, and it’s late. I’m exhausted but ready to tackle that custom stove. I work through the night, fueled by kopi and adrenaline. I finish just as the sun starts to rise. It’s not perfect, but it’s good enough.
I step outside, and the city’s waking up. Singapore’s beautiful in the morning light. I’m tired, but I’m happy. It’s been a crazy day, full of ups and downs. But hey, that’s life, right? Just another day in the life of a stove-maker in Singapore.