eugene & jac

Fatherhood

2011-09-22T16:06:00.022+08:00

Any fool can be a Father, but it takes a real man to be a Daddy!! - Philip Whitmore Snr

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.
- Anonymous

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone can give to another person - he believed in me. - Jim Valvano

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
- Clarence Budington Kelland

Peace of mind

2011-07-10T11:45:00.006+08:00

'There are both positive and negative aspects to our personality. On the one hand, we have love, wisdom, joy, and generosity, but on the other, we have anger, selfishness, laziness, and a long list of other problems. All these traits are just mental experiences, waves on the ocean of our consciousness; all have the same basic, clear nature. They are not static and permanent, but constantly in a flux, coming and going.

There are, however, two important distinctions to be made: positive states of mind are productive, beneficial for ourselves and others, whereas negative states are harmful, and bring only confusion and pain.

Peace of mind is achieved by cultivating what is positive, and abandoning what is negative.'

- Kathleen McDonald

Inner core of values

2011-06-24T21:56:00.015+08:00

'A tested inner core of values helps us to set our priorities and to live with the consequences of our actions. My business life has caused me to respect and trust counterparts who may be Japanese practising Shinto or Confucianism, Kuwaitis practising Islam, or cultural or religious Jews.

I believe personally that God is intermediated through Jesus Christ, who took human form, but I believe in a generous God who created this world for everyone and who would not deny anyone who is open in whatever way to receiving God's love. Some would say I am no longer an authentic Christian. I would respond, let it be so. I know of no other way to think of these matters in a world that has become truly global and in which our very survival may depend on seeing all humans as our brothers and sisters.' (McCoy, 2007, p. 201)

McCoy, B. H. (2007). Living into leadership: A journey in ethics. Stanford Business Books.

The value of man

2011-06-24T19:11:00.002+08:00

How do you assess the value of a man? By seeing how much he or she is willing to give of himself or herself instead of his or her ability to take.

The Green Lantern

2011-06-24T19:07:00.002+08:00

'At first he was thought to be the weakest because of his humanity, but his humanity proved to be his greatest strength'

Iceland

2011-06-14T17:25:00.001+08:00

Beginning to miss Iceland trip. The beauty of retrospection.

Truth 2.0

2011-06-10T22:43:00.001+08:00

Those who know, do not say.
Those who say, do not know.
The wise are therefore silent.
The clever speak - the stupid argue.

Mello, A. (2006). The prayer of the frog. Gujarat: Gujarat Sahitya Prakash.

Vesak Day

2011-05-20T12:33:00.003+08:00

Have been wanting to perform the ‘san bu yi bai’ (“three steps, one ‘bow’” [kneeling/prostration]) with my mum since last year. We finally did it at the last Vesak Day (altho my mum has performed it several times). I took about 2hrs to complete it, while my 70 year old mum was faster than me by 10mins :-) Well, this was because I took small sincere steps, unlike some who practically jumped from step to step (to be fair, it wasn’t easy!). My mum was quick, as usual. Have you watched ‘The Unstoppable’? :-) She also did the full routine, unlike some older folks who were younger than her, but unable, due to old age.

It was a very meaningful exercise, altho it was about 6am when I finally slept, after starting early in the previous day, and working for the whole day. This goes to show that when the motivation is right, energy will be at your disposal. I am not able to explain it in scientific and medical terms, but I’m sure this ritual has its scientific and medical benefits, being in touch with sincerity, focus, repentance, and deep humility. I felt healthier after the event. I also reflected on how I could do things even better along the way. Looking forward to this again with my mum next year.

Family trip to Iceland and London - 25 Mar to 7 Apr 2011

2011-04-19T22:52:00.009+08:00

We went on a family trip to Iceland and London from 25 Mar - 7 Apr 2011. The focus of the trip was on Iceland. We drove round the island in our 5.7 litre, convertible Ford F350.

Saw beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, volcano craters, mountains, geysir, aurora, reindeers and rainbow.

Thanks Dad for organising and planning the trip, dear for driving the huge vehicle and Mum, Jo & Jas for the companionship!

Children learn what they live

2011-04-17T14:41:00.006+08:00

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy. If children live with tolerance, they learn patience. If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence. If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate. If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with security, they learn faith. If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves. If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world. - Dorothy Nolte (1924 - 2005)

Truth

2011-03-08T14:12:00.004+08:00

True people are rather hard to come by these days. Two immediate persons I could think of are my mum (despite our rather regular battles) and my fil. My heart warms when I think of them.

Shaun's drawing of papa, mama and himself

2011-03-01T22:04:00.001+08:00

Revelation

2011-02-07T01:25:00.002+08:00

Below is a revelation I shared with Mrs. Saves me the work of sharing if anyone asks me about when the second child would be. And to clarify my mind.

Deary, I had a revelation. I've decided not to have a second child, not to make you go through the suffering of pregnancy and delivery again. We will concentrate all our resources on Shaun. I suddenly felt your dad's heart pain at making his daughter go through the suffering again, and I certainly don't want my wife to go through it too. I'm also reflective that if we have a second child, by the time he or she is 20, I'll be 56, and you, 49. I also feel responsible for bringing another life into this world. Burdening my old parents too. We'll just hope that you, me, and Shaun all live a healthy long life together. We can also bring Shaun along for our tours soon in a few years. And we can concentrate on poring through all his books together when he starts school. Financially, we'll also have less to worry about and may have some slack. I'll let my mum, all family, and close friends know of my decision (I know you'll be happy about it..), so they won't ask us again.

Reflecting in this deep silent night that life is complicated with all the emotional relationships. Let's have less to deal with. We can start our spiritual cultivation too. We don't live forever. You and Shaun are two of the biggest blessings of my life. I'm contented and happy.

Sponge

2011-01-30T18:27:00.002+08:00

Shaun and I were at a CNY bazaar, when he mentioned the words on display: 财神到。 When home, he read these words off an NTUC leaflet: 招财进宝。 When did we teach him those? Some angels or bodhisattvas must have taught him.

I have a word '孝'on my wall, and I taught him once or twice. This morning, I asked him what word it was. After some time of silence and reflection (on his part), and gentleness and patience (on my part), he said: '孝'。

What joy!

2011-01-25T19:13:00.005+08:00

I was in my office just now when there was a knock on my door. A few of my students came in and presented me with a small t-shirt from their class with many little cards of messages pinned onto it. I was overjoyed when I read those messages! 'You are by far the best teacher on campus...', 'the best teacher I've met in Singapore...', 'You rock...', 'You never demoralize us...', and many others.

I was very surprised because I was worried they were not comfortable with my strictness at times. I thought my efforts have been in vain, because they sometimes looked like they weren't listening! They were. Looking at the messages they've penned, they were listening, and feeling, quietly, but surely.

Haven't blogged for some time..

2011-01-16T13:43:00.002+08:00

Some attention have been taken away by facebook; social media has its way of 'killing' (literally) time and energy (and relationships) (if you are not careful). Here's an exchange I had with Mrs some time back; more as a gentle reminder/affirmation to/of myself/ourselves.

Mr.: "Thanks for being a wonderful wife. I'm blessed to marry you. I love you.."
Mrs: "Thanks for the compliment. You are also a loving, responsible, and understanding hb and dad. Love you lots too.. :-)"

A day out at East Coast Park

2010-12-12T22:03:00.002+08:00

Our new sofa cover :-)

2010-11-28T13:27:00.003+08:00

Science and Religion

2010-11-27T13:56:00.004+08:00

For those of you who are interested in this topic, go read Albert Einstein’s address at Princeton in the link below (no, he did not revive; it was in 1939). It’s amazing how we should never diminish personal responsibility, and deprive ourselves of introspection, so necessary in our search for ‘truth’. I rather like what Einstein said as follows.

1. ‘Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.’

2. ‘We have penetrated far less deeply into the regularities obtaining within the realm of living things, but deeply enough nevertheless to sense at least the rule of fixed necessity. One need only think of the systematic order in heredity, and in the effect of poisons, as for instance alcohol, on the behavior of organic beings. What is still lacking here is a grasp of connections of profound generality, but not a knowledge of order in itself.’

3. (The truest religion cultivates) ‘the Good, the True, and the Beautiful in humanity itself.’

4. ‘If it is one of the goals of religion to liberate mankind as far as possible from the bondage of egocentric cravings, desires, and fears, scientific reasoning can aid religion in yet another sense. Although it is true that it is the goal of science to discover rules which permit the association and foretelling of facts, this is not its only aim. It also seeks to reduce the connections discovered to the smallest possible number of mutually independent conceptual elements. It is in this striving after the rational unification of the manifold that it encounters its greatest successes, even though it is precisely this attempt which causes it to run the greatest risk of falling a prey to illusions. But whoever has undergone the intense experience of successful advances made in this domain is moved by profound reverence for the rationality made manifest in existence. By way of the understanding he achieves a far-reaching emancipation from the shackles of personal hopes and desires, and thereby attains that humble attitude of mind toward the grandeur of reason incarnate in existence, and which, in its profoundest depths, is inaccessible to man. This attitude, however, appears to me to be religious, in the highest sense of the word. And so it seems to me that science not only purifies the religious impulse of the dross of its anthropomorphism but also contributes to a religious spiritualization of our understanding of life.’

5. ‘The further the spiritual evolution of mankind advances, the more certain it seems to me that the path to genuine religiosity does not lie through the fear of life, and the fear of death, and blind faith, but through striving after rational knowledge. In this sense I believe that the priest must become a teacher if he wishes to do justice to his lofty educational mission.’

The greatest mind of the 20th century indeed, Albert Einstein.

(btw, mind does not refer to just the ‘brain’ [head], but also heart, and guts. Some say we hv these three brains [a greater ‘whole’], although we seldom use all of them).

http://www.panarchy.org/einstein/science.religion.1939.html

Encourage the heart

2010-11-16T10:17:00.003+08:00

I was teaching some of my learners on how in effective and courteous interpersonal communication, for instance, we shld make statements of agreement, praise, and/or affirmation, if we honestly feel so. This is to improve their conversational skills.

I added this also helps for growing relationships and for a healthier them, since they wld not suppress their genuine, positive, and healthy feelings abt themselves and others. ‘If you deeply feel positively so, say so.’ At the end of the session, a group came up to me: ‘Sir, you are brilliant…you are really gd…I enjoy your classes very much…you are handsome…’to the point I was blushing! Then they said: ‘really ah, sir. Really’. Despite hvg to take care of my throat etc, this is why I enjoy learning – do we really need to ‘learn to learn’? Just follow your heart (Kouzes and Posner).

Man's Search for Meaning

2010-11-05T21:57:00.013+08:00

I haven't read this book by Victor Frankl (original: 1946) in full, but it centers around how some people may still emerge triumphant in the darkest hour, if they found meaning in their lives. How? And what do you mean by 'meaning'?

Essentially, it is about taking responsibility for your life. It is about discovering a deeper meaning for how you live. And much of such responsibility and deeper meaning revolves very much around the concept of love. You must find a calling or mission in life which brings you a sense of fulfilment. For instance, slogging for money and power alone may just deplete your wholeness and sanity as a person, and your soul. You must answer your own life, by being responsible. A sense of 'responsibleness' is the very essence of your human existence.

Do you want a responsible, loving, and meaningful life?

Karma & Love

2010-11-01T19:38:00.006+08:00

If you send out goodness from yourself, or if you share that which is happy or good within you, it will all come back to you multiplied ten thousand times. In the kingdom of love, there is no competition; there is no possessiveness or control. The more love you give away, the more love you will have.

- John O' Donohue (Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom)

Life's Greatest

2010-10-23T09:49:00.003+08:00

I was at an old man's place, when I saw a Chinese scroll hanging on his wall. I was quite enthused by it. I asked him where he bought it, as I would like to have it. After a while, when he saw I really liked it, he took it down and gave it to me! I was very grateful. Below is a translation.

Life's greatest enemy, is yourself;
Life's greatest failure, is yourself;
Life's greatest ignorance, is cheating;
Life's greatest sadness, is jealousy;
Life's greatest mistake, is self-abandonment;
Life's most admirable, is the spirit of learning;
Life's greatest bankruptcy, is the loss of all hope;
Life's greatest fortune, is good health;
Life's greatest debt, is the debt of honour;
Life's greatest gift, is forgiveness;
Life's greatest deficiency, is the lack of wisdom;
Life's greatest comfort, is the ability to give;
Life's most depressing temperament, is a lack of self-respect;
Life's greatest sin, is self-deception, and deception of others.

People who ‘don’t know’ :-)

2010-10-21T21:14:00.006+08:00

Check out following link. Rather interesting. It borders on how and why people who 'know' may not know, and those who 'don’t know', may know. I suppose the ‘chain of events’ that take place in more analytical minds may know there may be some learning we are not aware, or mindful of. ‘So, let’s withhold our judgment’. Some food for thought. Be careful not to create self-fulfilling prophecies. ‘If you think you can, or you think you can’t, you are probably both right’ – Henry Ford.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11206057

Frost/Nixon interview

2010-10-16T21:39:00.005+08:00

I finally watched this DVD, which my friend Tsu San got for me quite some time ago. Great movie. It showed how men and women of the highest calibre and assertion may do more harm than good to society, without values and conviction. It also showed how one, irregardless of the highest position, may feel slightly better after acknowledging their fault and recognising their authenticity, without believing too much of their self-propaganda. Somehow felt the Frost interview was more of a salvation for Nixon, rather than a humiliation.

Elephant and chain

2010-10-10T13:04:00.003+08:00

Do you know why, despite their enormity and strength, elephants can't break free of their chains? It may be because they never try. A trainer (metaphorically adult) puts the chain onto a baby elephant, so when the weaker youngster tries, it never succeeds - a psychological barrier is formed.

Shaun's 'master-piece'

2010-10-09T14:14:00.006+08:00

Check out Shaun's 'master-piece' in the photos =) Got numbers, his 'name', his mum's 'surname', 'Chinese Characters' like 'che', 'xin', 'yun', 'da', 'xiao', his favorite words like 'apple', picture of bicycle (if you can see it), and probably some Egyptian. =)

Authenticity

2010-10-01T22:55:00.003+08:00

Was studying the work of one of the most creative and original psychologist Carl Rogers (1902 – 1987), when the following caught my attention.

______________________________________

Psychopathology (simply the study of mental illness la)

'Rogers describes the concepts of congruence and incongruence as important ideas in his theory. In proposition #6 he refers to the actualizing tendency. At the same time he recognizes the need for positive regard. In a fully congruent person realizing their potential is not at the expense of experiencing positive regard. They are able to lead lives that are authentic and genuine. Incongruent individuals, in their pursuit of positive regard, live lives that include falseness and do not realise their potential. Conditions put on them by those around them make it necessary for them to forego their genuine, authentic lives to meet with the approval of others. They live lives that are not true to themselves, to who they are on the inside.

Rogers suggests that the incongruent individual who is always on the defensive and cannot be open to all experiences is not functioning ideally and may even be malfunctioning. They work hard at maintaining/protecting their self concept. Because their lives are not authentic this is a difficult task and they are under constant threat. They deploy defense mechanisms to achieve this. He describes two mechanisms: distortion and denial. Distortion occurs when the individual perceives a threat to their self concept. They distort the perception until it fits their self concept.

This defensive behavior reduces the consciousness of the threat but not the threat itself. And so, as the threats mount, the work of protecting the self concept becomes more difficult and the individual more defensive and rigid in their self structure. If the incongruence is immoderate this process may lead the individual to a state that would typically be described as neurotic. Their functioning becomes precarious and psychologically vulnerable. If the situation worsens it is possible that the defenses cease to function altogether and the individual becomes aware of the incongruence of their situation. Their personality becomes disorganised and bizarre; irrational behavior, associated with earlier denied aspects of self, may erupt uncontrollably.'

______________________________________

In a nutshell, to be mentally healthy, you need to be sincere and authentic.

Extract

2010-09-25T22:17:00.009+08:00

Read the following extract on virtues of a wife from a book, and shared it with laopo as a form of gratitude and affirmation quite some time back.

"A wife should be faithful and loving, and should care for the welfare of her husband. She must take care of her husband's wealth and not squander it. A good wife should be a companion to her husband, sharing his sorrow and helping him whenever he is ill or in trouble. She should always be gracious and gentle in behavior."

Poignant moment

2010-09-23T21:34:00.005+08:00

Late last night, I was home when a salesperson knocked on my door (which I don’t enjoy). On opening the door, a skinny unhealthy looking lady straightforwardly said: ‘I’m selling these pens which cost more than what you would get at the bookshops, because I couldn't get them at a wholesale price’. Immediately, I was disarmed. She smelled like she had been out for a long time. I asked: ‘Why are you selling these pens?’. She replied: ‘Cos I need to earn some money, and I couldn't find a job because I have a eye problem (glaucoma which causes partial to complete blindness)’. I instantly retrieved $5 for two pens. She looked visibly relieved.

I walked to my wife (who was still working in the study room), and recounted to her. I felt sorry for her, and started to calculate how much she could earn from selling those pens, at a slightly higher price. Not much. I then wondered: ‘What happens if she can’t sell them all?’. May end up making a loss. A small sceptical side in me emerged: ‘What if she was a con-woman?’. I shrugged: ‘How much did she con me of? $5?’. I remembered my mum telling me, that if people conned you of small amounts, let them; they may very well have a reason for conning others. Profound. Me and my wife felt that humane moment, and went to bed rather nicely.

Pulau Ubin - Celestial Resort

2010-09-12T22:41:00.011+08:00

We had a great time at Celestial Resort on Friday.

Shaun and his laptop

2010-09-06T21:24:00.002+08:00

Dad's Birthday

2010-08-29T17:10:00.002+08:00

Had a really nice tho short gathering for FIL's birthday on Sat. See second photo where photographer was also captured, and last photo of Shaun :-)

Mother-in-law's birthday

2010-08-20T22:48:00.002+08:00

A longevity bun from Bao Cult (http://www.baocult.com/) instead of the typical birthday cake for my MIL's birthday.

Hort Park

2010-08-01T21:42:00.003+08:00

Visited Hort Park today. A pity it was raining and we couldn't explore the place.

Isham and Joewe's Wedding

2010-07-12T23:07:00.005+08:00

Attended my aunty's wedding at Orchid Country Club on Saturday. Shaun was especially happy and in a good mood as we woke him up at 7+am so he could nap in the afternoon and enjoy the evening.

Botanic Gardens

2010-07-11T01:11:00.001+08:00

A day out to the Botanic Gardens.

2010-06-26T01:59:00.008+08:00

A loving heart is the truest wisdom

- Charles Dickens

People that matters

2010-05-31T21:22:00.003+08:00

I just finished reading a book 'Leadership that matters', based on a hundred years' leadership research, written by Marshall Sashkin, a professor from GWU. Thought I wld crudely rephrase/adapt it for what it wld mean to become better persons. So, here goes.

1) Thou shalt capably manage all your resources (financial or otherwise) prudently and wisely, and not spend exceedingly and/or excessively;

2) Thou shalt give due recognition to people for deliverance (pun unintended) of promises;

3) Thou shalt communicate concisely and clearly, with focused mental attention;

4) Thou shalt value reliability, commitment-keeping, consistency, and trust;

5) Thou shalt have respect and concern for others, and value people's differences;

6) Thou shalt take calculated risks and create opportunities for others;

7) Thou shalt be self-assured and self-confident (steering clear of pride), and instill confidence in others;

8) Thou shalt share power and enable others to act;

9) Thou shalt simplify complexity, and sustain group achievement of long-term goals through shared values and beliefs;

10) Thou shalt encourage others to act, according to shared values and beliefs that we share.

Interesting videos of Shaun

2010-05-16T00:56:00.002+08:00

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-12T22:26:00.002+08:00

We went to Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant at Quality Hotel to celebrate Mother's Day. Deary and I enjoyed the wide variety of good food.

Taiwan, 14-19 Mar 10

2010-03-28T01:07:00.003+08:00

6Days trip to Taiwan with Mum & Jas..

Wholeness 2.0 :-)

2010-03-18T20:33:00.001+08:00

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the true source of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder, and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed - A. Einstein

CNY 2010

2010-02-27T23:13:00.001+08:00

We were busy visiting relatives during CNY. Shaun was so excited and happy as he was able to play with the kids and as a result, rarely needed to take afternoon naps.

Annabel 6 years ago :-)

2010-02-02T22:19:00.006+08:00

Photos of Annabel at Esplanade 6 years ago, when I first started on my 'new' job. It seems like yesterday! We adults look almost the same, but she has grown so much. 'Slow Dance'... Adults beware :-)

Genting, 13 - 15 Dec 09

2009-12-23T22:43:00.006+08:00

We had our first overseas trip to Genting with Shaun and our families. In total, there were 15 of us. Although it was tiring with Shaun, we had an enjoyable trip.

Shaun is 2!

2009-12-09T23:05:00.003+08:00

Shaun turned 2 on 4 Dec. We had a simple family celebration at home. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes & gifts!

Wholeness

2009-11-24T23:00:00.004+08:00

A human being is part of the whole, called by us "Universe"; a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts, and feelings, as something being separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness.

This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison, by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures, and the whole nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but striving for such achievement is, in itself, a part of the liberation and foundation of inner security. - Albert Einstein

Time for Reflection

2009-11-16T22:20:00.003+08:00

Endless drama in a group clouds consciousness. Too much noise overwhelms the senses. Continual input obscures genuine insight. Do not substitute sensationalism for learning.

Allow regular time for silent reflection. Turn inward and digest what had happened. Let the senses rest and grow still.

Teach people to let go of their superficial mental chatter and obsessions. Teach people to pay attention to the whole body's reaction to a situation.

When group members have time to reflect, they can see more clearly what is essential in themselves and others (Heider, 1997, p. 23).

Finally! Graduation Ceremony

2009-10-25T01:44:00.009+08:00

Many thanks to my Lao Po for helping me see through the night and weekend classes, and some time needed to read and do my assignments. Many thanks too to the unnamed heroes who have helped, and whom I know will be there should we need help (e.g., mum, dad, mother, father).

A page in commencement booklet to me. Absolutely surprised and humbling. People like Dr. Leonard Nadler and Dr. Marquardt et al. have done much for mankind through their HRD work, and the least we could do is to carry the spirit of humanism forward, for more fruitful lives, notwithstanding whatever limited powers we may have.

Wisely's birthday party

2009-10-15T22:16:00.003+08:00

Attended my cousin's bday party last Sunday. Deary brought Shaun for a 'swim' before the party and he was so exhausted afterwards that he fell asleep in the car on the way home.

Shaun counting from 1 to 10

2009-10-08T22:55:00.003+08:00

In Chinese:

In English:

Outing to Melt - the world cafe

2009-09-14T21:47:00.004+08:00

Brought mum and Hazel to Mandarin Oriental for lunch last Saturday. Deliberated over the venue, but decided that Mum and dearest thoroughly deserved their treat given what blessings they have been to me and my naughty 'xiao zhu' (little piglet born in year of pig). Successfully resisted the Indian corner ('heaty' and sure to kill given how I was 'atrophying'). Eugene

Shaun reading

2009-09-01T23:00:00.004+08:00

Shaun is flipping the 'Mr Men' book, swiping his fingers over the words and reading to himself.

Audrey's bday party

2009-08-03T18:20:00.002+08:00

Went to King Albert Park Macs for ex-colleague's daughter's bday party. A pity Shaun is too young to join in the fun.

No Macs for Shaun..

but porridge is yummy..

He's afraid of Ronald McDonald

Shaun & I in LiveWell Baby Magazine

2009-07-20T22:18:00.002+08:00

Shaun & I appeared in the 'Wyeth Beautiful Mums & Babes!' contest in the Jun-Jul 09 issue of LiveWell Baby magazine. Realised that I don't have many nice photos with Shaun (as it can be a challenge to get him to pose for the cam) and finally decided on this photo taken during CNY. Was in fact quite surprised when I received an email notifying me of the win.

Australia Outback 7-18 June 09

2009-06-23T13:28:00.005+08:00

Travelled to Australia, the Northern Territory from 7 - 18 June. We rented a Britz campervan and drove over 5000km around. Enjoyed the holiday tremendously with lovely winter weather and great scenery. Thanks Dad for taking pains to research, plan & organise everything! Here are some of the many photos that we took.

11th MAHRD

2009-06-02T22:11:00.002+08:00

When I heard about the Nadler award, I wondered if it was serious, as I was notified on 1 April 2009. As the news sank in, I began to feel very humbled, as this entry may testify to – a small tribute to my classmates. Here goes. Rahel – the Swiss lady in our class. It was simply amazing how you straddled between three boys and studies. One alone for me was already rather trying. Thank you for the friendship. As mentioned, let’s fix up a time for Julian and Shaun to play together. Ai Keng – the very wise classmate - never to rush into action, but surely considering, and receiving. Yoke Wan, you seem to operate at such high cognition (compliment), that I have to think very hard when I converse with you! Thank you for the generous sharing during classes. You are endearing in your special way. Katherine, thank you for the times when we had rather soulful conversations. I have always enjoyed talking to older folks (hope you don’t mind), because they have more life experience. Ricky, I have no doubt that you will do much better than me in your career, with your outgoing personality. We are blessed to have you. Jun, you are so intelligent and charming at times! I have often been energized when you spoke. Jean Lee, thanks for the steadfastness and ‘zen-ness’. You have such a nice, down-to-earth, tolerant, and ‘real’ disposition. Carol. Oh Carol, what can I say? Remember I mentioned I shouldn’t describe you too much, lest I not do justice to the intellectual empathy, and your personality? Valerie. I can fully appreciate times we were really tired in class, especially for you, when you have to travel all over Singapore for each night class! Joanne, smart, quick and intelligent. There were times when I couldn’t cope with your questions! Unrelenting at times. Cheers to your God-given abilities. Rene. We had started off the wrong foot, but I’m glad we have gained friendship. I deeply appreciate the parental empathy, when Titus was born. Wai Peng. Not one to speak much, but I never had doubt on your thinking abilities. Thanks for the commitment to send us our class photos throughout the programme. Judy. Thanks for the friendship – this is sometimes an understatement. I will seek advice from you from time to time. Serene. You are such a nice rejoinder to the sometimes intensity in class! It was nice to have sat opposite you during our OL class. Jean Tan. Is there another word for ‘intelligent’? I have used it a couple of times. Fun ‘diva’ personality. Appreciate your appreciation. Fannie, my ‘big sister’. You sometimes remind me of my own eldest sister, who used to take good care of me when I was young. Thanks for the care of constant coffee, mineral water, and food. We connected from the start, perhaps due to some similar world views. Ji xu tan ba. Dexter. Our colonel. I would not mind fighting for you in a war man. Cheers to Liverpool FC, and hope they win the title in our life-time. Tsu San. When I think of you, I think of ‘awareness’. Aware, and capable. Xi Ren, metta. The award belongs to all of you. Eugene

Shaun and the toy car

2009-05-27T00:34:00.002+08:00

My Bday

2009-04-30T00:03:00.000+08:00

Had dinner at Sakura Downtown East with my family to celebrate my bday. How time flies.. a year older again..

The Lost Generation

2009-04-17T23:45:00.002+08:00

Very interesting video..

Shaun and the shape sorter

2009-03-23T21:27:00.002+08:00

Shaun sorting out shapes.

Sorting the circle...

Sorting a handphone...

Shaun can walk

2009-03-17T21:15:00.004+08:00

At 15 months, Shaun can finally walk on his own. Since he was 13 months, he can walk steadily with our support already - just that he was being overly cautious and refused to walk when we let go of his hand. Next stage will be for him to learn to run.

Our Valentine's Day

2009-02-22T15:33:00.005+08:00

Attended my cousin's first birthday on Valentine's Day. We also brought Shaun for a swim and he was playing happily in the pool.

Shaun's Photoshoot II

2009-02-11T21:12:00.004+08:00

Won another complimentary photoshoot for Shaun, this time with Foto U.

CNY 2009

2009-01-27T22:04:00.004+08:00

Happy New Year! Wishing everyone good health, prosperity and fortune in the Ox year!

Day 1 - Happy Shaun can't wait to go kai kai

Day 1 - Sumptuous lunch

Day 1 - 'Gambling den'

Day 1 - Shaun is tired after a day's outing

Day 2

Shaun's Photoshoot Part II

2009-01-22T21:34:00.003+08:00

Shaun's Photoshoot

2009-01-17T19:27:00.003+08:00

Won a complimentary photography package for Shaun in a Nestle contest with Baby U. We brought him there last month and ended up taking a package as the pictures were very well taken. Overall, the experience was great with good customer service and no pushy sales tactics.

Belated X'mas Gathering

2009-01-13T22:20:00.005+08:00

Had a Xmas gathering with my secondary school friends at Heeren. Adelene brought her baby boy, Noa along. We all had a great time exchanging Xmas presents, catching up with one another & playing with Noa.

Jas's Wedding

2009-01-08T22:02:00.003+08:00

Attended Jas's wedding last month at Trader's Hotel.

Orchard Road X'mas Light-up

2008-12-25T21:09:00.004+08:00

Missed out on last year's X'mas celebration as I was still having my confinement after giving birth to Shaun. This year's X'mas was great. My family was over at our house having a mini-celebration yesterday and we played Taboo till 1am+.

Last Friday, we were at Orchard Road with my sis-in-law's family to view the X'mas light-up.

X'mas at Vivo

2008-12-13T23:42:00.003+08:00

Last Sunday, we brought Shaun to a funfair at a temple in Hougang in the morning. At night, we went to Vivo to soak in some X'mas atmosphere. Love the beautiful X'mas tree! We had Ben & Jerry's ice cream before heading home at 11pm. Poor Shaun was so tired that he fell asleep in the car.

Shaun's 1 year old birthday

2008-12-08T23:18:00.006+08:00

Shaun turns 1 on 4 Dec. But we had his birthday celebration on 22 Nov which is his actual chinese birth date.

HK Day 5

2008-12-03T22:00:00.001+08:00

Last day in HK. Took the 11.05am flight out on 18 Nov. In the morning, we went up to The Peak via tram and visited the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Afternoon was spent shopping at a neighbourhood area recommended by my colleague.

HK Day 4

2008-12-01T23:44:00.000+08:00

Had dim sum in the morning and went back to our budget hotel to check out. We then checked into Novotel Hotel. The rest of the day was spent shopping.

Love the lobby area..

Our room..

Checking out the bathroom..

The A21 bus to airport..

The shopping mall with great buys..

HK Day 3

2008-11-28T21:59:00.005+08:00

Visited a temple in the morning and the rest of the day was spent shopping in Mong Kok area.

Beautiful Xmas deco near temple

Jasmine enjoying her yummy ice-cream

A famous dessert shop

Our dessert - tang yuan in red bean soup plus a slice of carrot cake

HK Day 2

2008-11-26T20:53:00.003+08:00

Day 2 was a day of sightseeing. We took a ferry over to Lantau Island and visited the Giant Buddha and had a sumptuous vegetarian lunch at Po Lin Monastery. After that was a walk through Ngong Ping Village and a cable car ride. At night, we proceeded to Central (中环) to view the Symphony of Lights at 8pm. We ended our day with a walk along the Avenue of Stars.

HK Day 1

2008-11-24T23:13:00.008+08:00

Travelled alone on Jetstar while my mum and sis took SIA to Hong Kong. My flight was scheduled to arrive 2 hrs before theirs, but due to the super long wait at the immigration counter, I had to wait for only about an hr.

Landing in HK. The weather at HK was quite hazy..

Taken while waiting for mum & Jas..

At the bus terminal, waiting for our bus to city..

Ladies Street (女人街) shopping!

Cute little mementos..

Yummy dinner at Mong Kok..

Blogging from HK

2008-11-15T21:14:00.002+08:00

Currently in HK for a holiday with my mum and sis, Jasmine. Enjoying the cool weather, shopping, eating and sight-seeing but at the same time, missing Shaun and deary a lot too.

Cheeky Shaun

2008-10-27T14:54:00.009+08:00

Some of Shaun's cheeky photos..

We brought Shaun to Shop & Save supermarket yesterday and our little darling was helping out with some of our groceries...

Outing to East Coast Park

2008-10-15T22:46:00.004+08:00

We brought Shaun to East Coast Park 2 weeks ago. He seemed to enjoy the outing as he was surveying the surroundings curiously.

Shaun watching TV

2008-10-05T22:51:00.005+08:00

Shaun loves to watch TV, especially advertisements. My sis, Jolene was playing with Shaun by blocking his view of the TV. And obviously, he didn't like it...

We were out for dinner just now. Also went to Cold Storage to get some groceries. We decided to get a trolley for Shaun to sit in. He was so happy and excited as we pushed him around the supermarket.

2 more products with melamine

2008-10-01T09:45:00.003+08:00

AVA has detected 2 more products with melamine. This brings the total number of affected products to 10. They are-

1) Yi Li Choice Dairy Fruit Bar Yogurt Flavoured Ice Confection
2) Dutch Lady Strawberry Flavoured Milk
3) White Rabbit Creamy Candy
4) Dutch Lady Banana Flavoured Milk
5) Dutch Lady Honeydew Flavoured Milk
6) Silang - House of Steamed Potato - Potato Cracker
7) 徐福记 Puffed Rice Rolls - Butter Corn Flavour
8) 徐福记 Puffed Rice Rolls - Cheese Flavour
9) New Sshma Ows Mallow Dippers-Strawberry Flavour
10) Silang - House of Steamed Potato - Potato & Tomato Cracker

The market's confidence in China made products has surely plunged after this incident. I always make sure I check the product's label before I buy anything now. For those worried mummies out there, many companies (Nestle, Mead Johnson, Abbott, Dumex, Wyeth) producing milk products are assuring consumers that they do not use milk from China. Check out AVA's webbie for more updates.

Outing for Shaun

2008-09-24T22:45:00.006+08:00

We were out for seafood dinner at East Coast Park last Saturday with my family. Shaun was very happy throughout the night. He loves to be out and is always very curious about his surroundings.

Oh yes, almost forgot to mention that he had his hair cut recently. According to both his grandmas, he didn't like the hair cut experience and was making noises. I still prefer his longer hairstyle.

Shaun's laughter

2008-09-15T21:21:00.003+08:00

Shaun's laughter always brightens up my day. Don't believe? Watch it..

Hi-Tea buffet at InterContinental Hotel

2008-09-08T22:03:00.005+08:00

We went to InterContinental Hotel for hi-tea buffet yesterday (of course with our little darling too). For the price we paid, we felt that there was a limited selection of food. Other than that, the ambiance and service was good. Most importantly, we managed to bring Shaun out and spend time with him.

Shaun's first two teeth

2008-09-06T19:21:00.006+08:00

Shaun's bottom two teeth have finally sprouted out. He has been teething for quite a while. How time flies. He's already 9 months old.

Can you see my teeth?

Will we ever be satisfied?

2008-08-31T00:30:00.003+08:00

In the recent National Day Rally speech, PM Lee has announced that mothers will now get 4 months of maternity leave. However, some Singaporeans still feel that the parenthood package is not enough. Personally, I feel it is quite substantial already. However, it doesn't tempt me to want to have another one. Whatever the government offers is just a bonus to me. Shaun can be quite a handful and I simply don't have the energy to care for another baby. So for now, I'm satisfied and thankful for what I have and who knows what will happen in another 3 to 4 years time.

Riding on lao po's entry: ya, if you love your own children, you'll surmount no matter what - these packages are just bonuses. Sometimes, when Shaun gives us 'hell', I just laugh heartily - it seems to be his right to do so; you just feel intrinsically motivated. Who can forget the little beating heart which was just conceived, and the little human who popped out of his mummy - memories of these alone is sufficient motivation :-)

Interesting mooncake

2008-08-29T08:24:00.005+08:00

The mooncake festival is around the corner and many shops are starting their sale of mooncakes. There are all sorts of mooncake flavours ranging from durian to birds nest but have you seen mooncakes that are in the shape of a bum? My colleague sent this to me and I thought it was quite innovative, but very overpriced.

The iPhone hype

2008-08-26T08:20:00.008+08:00

The iPhone was released in Singapore last week by Singtel. Here's the product summary from CNET.

The good:
The Apple iPhone has a stunning display, a sleek design, and an innovative multitouch user interface. Its Safari browser makes for a superb Web surfing experience, and it offers easy-to-use apps. As an iPod, it shines.

The bad:
The Apple iPhone has variable call quality and lacks some basic features found in many cell phones, including stereo Bluetooth support and 3G compatibility. Integrated memory is stingy for an iPod, and you have to sync
the iPhone to manage music content.

The bottom line:
Despite some important missing features, a slow data network, and call quality that doesn't always deliver, the Apple iPhone sets a new benchmark for an integrated cell phone and MP3 player.

Well Done Team Singapore!

2008-08-18T21:27:00.006+08:00

Finally after 48 long years, Singapore's women table tennis team has broken the Olympics medal drought and brought home a Silver! So happy and proud that Singapore has made it to the overall medal standings chart. Great job to the 3 heroines!

SII in the news

2008-08-13T21:28:00.004+08:00

Deary told me that my office appeared on Channel 8's evening news on Monday. Though I didn't catch it then, I went to search for the video clip and found it at Xin.sg.

Shaun at grandaunt's house

2008-08-11T21:16:00.004+08:00

We brought Shaun to my aunty's house for lunch yesterday. Shortly after we arrived, another of my aunty brought out this toy container and said she managed to rummage it out for Shaun to sit in. He was enjoying it - sitting quietly and playing with some plastic balls.

Grand Olympics Opening Ceremony

2008-08-09T15:20:00.008+08:00

Did you catch the Olympics Opening Ceremony last night? It was fantastic! Take a look at the pics here and you'll know what I mean.

Managed to catch the gymnastics just now. Love the way the athletes perform their rotations with style and grace. Other favourite sports to watch are swimming, synchronized swimming and athletics.

All the best to team Singapore!

My first week at work

2008-08-03T22:39:00.004+08:00

Started work at Security Industry Institute (a training institute under Temasek Poly) last week. It is located at Paya Lebar SingPost Centre, thus, my travelling time to office is very much shortened. Still learning and adjusting to the new environment. Hope that all will be well in my new job!

My desk

Shaun & Julia

2008-08-02T16:25:00.006+08:00

I brought Shaun to NUS last Friday to meet my ex-colleagues. My ex-colleague also brought her daughter, Julia. Here are some photos of them...

A guide to plan your leave for 2009

2008-07-24T23:09:00.003+08:00

Start planning your leave for 2009 with this guide.. =)

Bintan

2008-07-22T23:47:00.011+08:00

Deary and I went to Bintan for a short getaway over the weekend. We stayed at Angsana Resort. There wasn't much to do there since we weren't into water sports. Also, everything there is quite pricey. Anyway, a good break before I start work next Monday.

A nice surprise!

2008-07-17T21:44:00.006+08:00

I received a phone call from an unfamiliar number yesterday morning and thought it must be one of those cold calls from a bank or insurance company. As I answered the call, I was prepping myself for some sales talk. However, to my surprise, the caller said he was calling from newmom magazine and wanted to inform me that they've selected and published Shaun's picture for the Baby Stars Contest. That same evening, I excitedly went to get a copy of newmom magazine.

Our cute little Shaun

2008-07-16T10:00:00.002+08:00

It's such a joy to watch Shaun grow and learn things. Recently, we heard him say 'hello' and 'daddy'. He's trying to imitate us talk. When we tap his mouth, he also knows how to make 'ye-ye-ye' sounds. So amusing. Take a look!