LOL. I couldn't help posting this. Cookie Monster having a healthy diet with no more cookies...

Started the day at the Good Shepherd Cathedral. Remembered two friends going through a rough time and said a short prayer for them. One had a close relative pass away, another has an important decision to make in his life. Prayer is an important part of our family life, and my life.

I’ve been sitting ‘on a work-related problem’ for a few days. It’s been on my mind, and I’ve been racking my brain trying to find a solution. Last night I was asking a lot of questions about what and how I could do to solve this problem. I must have dozed off and fallen asleep while thinking about it.

Suddenly this morning, midway through breakfast, an idea crossed my mind… and EUREKA! Everything connected and I found a solution to my problem!!! It was funny because I was enjoying my kaya bread and egg and wasn’t even thinking about it!!!

Have you ever experienced this before? It’s as though I threw the problems to the back of my mind and somehow a solution came out of it.

After breakfast I proceeded to Carlton hotel for a briefing.

Later we meet with a couple of vendors, to formalize an agreement.

Had Sakae Sushi for lunch.

Meeting a lovely couple tonight to discuss some future plans.

Hey anybody wants to learn more about Bali let me know as I just completed a mini-project on it which just ended today.

Someone sent this to me. Quite funny...

Determination

I'm sure thousands of businesses that statistically should have failed are successful today because of the determination of their owners.

• In the first 3 years in the auto business, Henry Ford went bankrupt twice.
• Coca-cola sold 400 Cokes in its first year.
• Apple Computer was rejected by Hewlett-Packard and Atari.

I remember I once conversed with a friend (who was in marketing) how many calls he would make to a prospect before giving up. He told me: "It depends on which one of us dies first."

Determination is what keeps us hammering away. As Vince Lombardi said, "It's not whether you get knocked down. It's whether you get up again."

Look at Mother Teresa. The tiny nun brought world attention to the plight of the poor through her quiet determination.

Just because the going gets tough, it doesn't mean you should throw in the towel. Be like a postage stamp. Stick to it until you get there.

Today was a great Saturday.

Morning enrichment: so nice to see everyone. I'm really enjoying my Sat mornings, like the highlight of my week!!!

Afternoon enrichment: time spent bonding with Mike & Gabs. Mike's gonna go for his TKD grading soon. He's preparing for his yellow belt.

I had some friends over to my house in the evening. Some brought their kids. It was nice seeing the kids really enjoying themselves. I've not been spending too much time with my kids this week. It's been very busy and I'm feeling guilty. I had no time to get the gelato ice cream too. I have to make up for them.

Met a friend I haven't seen for 5 years, and we had a good time catching up. It reminds me of how important it is to keep in touch. Time flies.

Cultural Nite pics

Krystle.


Dinner kaki.


Shu Mei...


Elisse & Sammy... doesn't she look like a doll?


The heart break kid, Shaun.

Cultural Night

Ms Khalidal, if you're reading this, YOU DID GOOD! I enjoyed your production!!! :D

I also really enjoyed catching up with all you guys there. I really miss you all. It was good to see so many faces and though I didn't see everyone, I'm sure we will meet again.

I didn't bring my camera, so for those who were there can you pls send me the pics or let me know where I can get them so I can put them up and remember you on this night.

Love you guys.

Had a wonderful dinner with Seng Choon, Peng Jie, Shannon, Shili, Melody Loh, Jia Hao and Daren at BK, PS. We had a good laugh and we also got a little lost finding ACS. I like the guy with the best shoes. I hope he's reading this. Lol. We must get out more often.

Thanks for the lift James. CO SIR!!!

Today was fun. I'm looking forward to tomorrow!!!

NETWORK INTELLIGENCE

Every Thursday, I meet some friends at 7.30am for about 2 hours and have breakfast together next to Raffles Place.

Barter trader, civil lawyer, educational consultant, finance expert, gelato importer (yeah!), 2 IT solution providers, property agent (she's hot!), a florist (he's hot too! Lol), a lady who owns an audit firm, aesthetics franchise owner, a couple working on corporate branding, and a few others. 22 of us for now. All in business, some are business owners, big shots and little shots. And then there's me. Offering them something they don't have, yet need.

We form a network. Even though we're from different trades, we're linked by the common understanding that its better to have friends and share ideas and refer contacts to each other than to try to make it on our own. Word of mouth referral is the best form of referral you know. There's a nice word I like to use: leverage. Why do it alone when you can have an extended arm helping you and vice versa?

I learnt this principle in school, and you may have heard me saying it to you in class before: don't just study hard, study smart and learn from those who know more / better. Don't be shy to make friends with those you think are cleverer than you and can help you. That's what I did. If I hadn't, I would have probably flunk my chemistry! If you can, offer to share what you know too. It's better to have a smart friend than to work alone and have no one to turn to! Guess what, it applies in working life too! But nobody's going to tell you to mix with people who have got more knowledge or expertise to help you.

Take it from me: in life, there are times when you don't have to know everything as long as you know people who do.

That's work too. But working smart. If you're studying in school, STUDY SMART.

And when you start to work, call me and I'll be your coach again and your mentor to show you the first steps. Whether you're interested in business, or just need a friend... : )

You are what you read

I remember someone sharing this with me when I was a teenager: You are what you read.

It is true you can learn much from reading good books. I believe I am finally making reading a daily habit. I spend half an hour every day reading while commuting. I find its addictive in a way, and boy do I actually enjoy it!

Incidently, do you also know you are what you eat?

If there is any truth in that, I must be a chocolate banana nut!!! LOL

So what food are YOU??? Tag me if you dare share... just for fun!

I sms-ed an ex-colleague how I missed not going to school today.

I really miss all you guys reading this.

Hope to see you real soon.

A Simple Formula for a Meaningful Life

I'm halfway through a book called "Tuesdays with Morrie" written by Mitch Albom. Simple to read, yet beautiful insights about life. Here's an excerpt on finding a meaningful life:

"Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating, something that gives you purpose and meaning."

Hmm... Love others and do something purposeful.

Now that's a life formula I could live by.

Choose your direction carefully

This one's for all you guys who are starting school term tomorrow.

Plan your path well. Choose the wrong way and you could be a goner.



It is important to remain focused on your goals and outcomes and stay on the right path.

Have a good week!

Fears vs Dreams

Today somebody asked "What do you fear the most?"

I shrugged my shoulders. Okay I will be honest I am fearful of a few things.

I am fearful of working until old age, cos they're prolly gonna raise the bar and say we have to work until 70, if we live that long.
I am fearful of having poor health.
I am fearful of what would happen to my family should I die young.

I see having dreams as the positive way of looking at things, cos you know the direction you want to head. I don't want to live or focus on my fears. I guess I should make provisions and start working towards these things so there's no need to be fearful.

What are your fears? Better yet, what are your dreams? Care to share?

I've discovered that believing the best in people usually brings the best out of people.

Mark Twain said, "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

The question to ask ourselves: Do I believe in the best of others?

"Excuse me, I've got cancer and I'm a survivor"

Today I was talking to a friend. She's about my age and has been through a lot of challenges in her life. The latest is cancer. I wish you could meet her and hear her story. I asked and she gave me permission to share a bit about her on my blog.

She shared about how her life is so precious to her now, and she wants to pass the message to people she meets that you have to treasure every moment and make the best of your time whatever you do. And how we should really take care of our health from young! She shared with me her sufferings and how much she's spent so far on treatments alone (over $30k). And how she's scared because she can have a relapse anytime.

She was laid off work and had difficulty finding a job after her chemotherapy. I felt sorry for her. So I thought for a moment how I could help her without letting her feel like I was doing it just because I felt sorry for her. I shared with her my business plan and offered her to join me if she felt she was up to it. "After all, I'm looking for a good secretary," I winked.

Just wanted to share that this lady has such an optimism about her. It certainly made me reflect on my life when I was with her. I wonder what would I do differently if I was told I had cancer or some incurable disease?

What would you do differently? Lets not wait until we should hear such news. I hope we don't contract any terminal illnesses, but I hope you and I learn to live life to the fullest.

When I got home from work, I was informed that my son did his poo poo inside his pants. This son of mine likes to bluff especially when he does this. So I was very careful how I approached him. Here's how our conversation went:

Dad: Rafa , if you tell me the truth, I will understand. Daddy doesn't like lies. And if you lie to me, and I find out, I will spank you. Do you understand?

Rafa: (Nods his head in understanding).

Dad: Good. Did you uh-uh-uh in your pants today?

Rafa: Noooo...

Dad: Rafa, don't lie...

Rafa: Noooo.... Daddy I did not uh-uh-uh in my pants...

Dad: Rafa, I'm warning you...

Rafa: ...I uh-uh-uh in my UNDERWEAR!

Dad: ... (looking at Rafa, speechless)...

Rafa: ... (looking at Dad then points his finger at me)... HA HA HA.....

I kept my poker face even though it was really quite funny. My wife who was watching was trying not to laugh at me. Good one!!! My kid has a great sense of humour!

So does humour overcome disappointment? And is all forgiven? ABSOLUTELY!

So there was no spanking. : )

A Warrior

A man with a dream will not be denied. A man with a dream is like a warrior. A warrior is someone who cannot be stopped. He will go all out and achieve his mission.

I am such a warrior. So are you.


Pic from The Last Samurai.

Someone feels like a somebody today...

Today, one of my colleagues was having a tough morning. I could see something was bothering her and it was affecting her work. So I listened to her during lunch as she shared her problems. After that, I told her that she's really doing an incredible job and that I support her 100% when it comes to her doing her work. I meant it. I saw her whole face lit up. "So you ok?" I asked. "I feel like an important person," she replied.

I think the recognition and my belief in her ability helped her feel "like a somebody."And by the looks of things, she performed her office duties a lot better in the afternoon!

When you believe in people, every day is a terrific day. Why? Because every morning brings a day in which someone's life can change.

Everyday is an opportunity for us to make a difference in someone else's life.

I hope my colleague continued to have a great day, and hopefully, she'll have a great week. I hope you do too. : )

BTW, If you're planning to be in orchard and would like to meet up for lunch... send me an sms to let me know!

Father's Day

It's Father's Day.

I'm grateful for the gift of Fatherhood. I'm far from being a perfect father. I do feel disappointed in myself sometimes when I fall short of being the kind of father I strive to be. A father's work is a great responsibility. Say what you will... to be a father isn't easy. Especially when it comes to role modeling and wanting what's best for their kids.

I know my Dad did his best to raise us. And now I understand the rotans I received were necessary when I did those regrettably dumb things when I was a lot younger. Like breaking my brother's album (its like a cd) because he took my toy. Whack! Like secretly throwing away the green vegetables I was supposed to eat into the garden. Whack! Like losing my brother's expensive bicycle which he bought with his own money. Double whack! Though it was painful (the rotans), I see now that it was my father's love behind it that made me realise right from wrong. His motives were the best for me, to grow up into the kind of person he would be proud of.

I'm sure your Dads are proud of you, although they may not say it. They are doing their very best for you. You are their child, a precious one in your father's (and mother's) eyes. No matter what.

Read this again: You are special, precious and beautiful in their eyes. No matter what.

Forgive us, your fathers, if we fall short of your expectations, we are just doing our best, in the best way we know how.

Hey, if your Dad is still around, it's a great day to give your Dad a hug, tell them that you love them or just say thank you. And its never too late even after today, but just find the courage and do it. As difficult and awkward as it is for you.

Hey Dad-o. You're far far away, but know that I truly love you.

"The time is now."

For the those reading this, the song title says it all. It happens to be Stoneman's favourite song.

Dedicated to my friends.

Enjoy it.

Friends who will "go to battle with you"

You may have friends, but not all of them will be the kind to stick with you when you need them. Such friendships are special.

It's said that a friend is someone...

• who will keep your secrets and never divulge them - even if tortured or tempted with chocolate (or in my case, Ben & Jerry's choc chip ice cream!)
• who will lift you up when you are down
• who listens to you even though they may disagree with what you're saying
• who may at times embark on something with you not so much because they personally believe in it, but because they want to do it with you and support you

Friends who will stick with you are that - and then some. They'd face any danger with you. They'd do anything for you. They'd give anything of theirs to you.

I read a story once about two soldier friends. When one of them was injured on the battlefield and couldn't get back to safety, his buddy went out to get him, against his officer's advice. He returned wounded, and his friend, whom he had carried back, was dead.

The officer was angry. "I told you not to go," he said. Now I've lost one and you're useless. It was not worth it."

The injured man replied, "But it was, sir, because when I got to him, he said "hey, I knew you'd come back."

Unlike what these two men faced, the conflicts we face may not be on the battlefield. They may not be life or death. No matter what, wouldn't you prefer to face them with a friend at your side? If so, be a friend to others, the kind that others can trust, no matter what.

The people whom we can really call as friends we can count on are few. It's also true that we may not be that kind of friend to all people. But if there are people in your life who would "go to battle with you," value them, for they are rare indeed.

I'd like to say a very special thank you those who know me personally, who have been with me and would be with me when I need someone in my corner. This especially goes out to V, RP, "stoneman" and Ed P. People I trust who have shown their friendship to me when it was not asked for. It means a whole lot to me. Thanks, guys!!!

Work.

Shopping at Centerpoint. The Great Singapore Sale is still on. Lunch at Sanur Restaurant.

Kung Fu Panda with wife and kids. It was hilarious. LOL.

Gardening.

I had an enjoyable dinner with my ex-5N1s (07) at Hong Kong Cafe, Kovan. Thanks Yu Heng for organising the makan. It was a great turn-out. Lovely company, but same lame jokes la! Lol. Its just incredible how time flies and now you're all in tertiary institutions... hey do fill me in once in a while so I can keep track of your developments. : )


L to R: Yee Ling, Li Xian, Ivan, Pei Ling, Edwin, Gui Qing, Vinod, Hui Yu, me, Boon Peng (Emily), Ragu, Boon Kwang, Sandy, Alvin, Yuh Yang, Jamie, Jian Long, Eshlyn, Yu Hua, Yu Heng, Wei Liang!


The serious (right) and not-so-serious (left)...


With the well-composed ladies...


and the merry men... It sure was nice to meet up again. Thanks for having me, thanks for the treat, and thanks for the bottle of wine.

The pics are uploaded and with Mr Nice Guy.

An evening with the creatures of the night...

Must admit that although the entrance and tram ride costs were a little expensive, it was a rather enjoyable trip to the Night Safari. Well, at least the kids loved it. We caught the Orang Asli performing at the entrance, then made our way for the 7.30pm Creatures of the Night Show, followed by a tram ride. While on the tram ride, we saw 4 wild tapirs, one close enough to touch! My favourite was the Cawang (aka the big daddy elephant)!

Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars

Recommendation: If its your first visit to the Night Safari, the tram ride is a good idea as you get to see most the animals without having to tire yourself by walking (and the view is very clear for most animals). You could bring a bag of peanuts or nachos like I did and munch on it as you enjoy the trip throught the cool, pseudo-tropical rainforest. Just be sure not to litter!


Orang Asli showing off their skills... an amazing fire display. I wonder how they've managed to do this over the years and not get their face/mouths/tongue burnt. Not to be tried at home or anywhere!


Rafa & Mike on a still croc's back.

There's a time to play and there's a time to work. This week has been like an "enjoy life" week with the family. Tomorrow, its back to the grind (work). So glad its Friday tomorrow. : )

We invited some family friends to join us for lunch in our home today. Their kids and our kids played Nintendo Wii, Zingo, went for a swim, and watched Mr Bean cartoon. What a life!!!

Then in the evening we went to Escape Theme Park, Downtown East. We had a great time sitting on the mini roller coaster ride twice. We played some games and I won - get this - 5 stuffed toys!!! All kindly donated to the kids of course... : )

A candid pic of my wife kissing Rafa.

The GIVER receives, and often receives MORE!!!

Very recently, I heard Charmaine spent two afternoons to be with her friend recovering in hospital. I was moved to hear of how she was a caring friend. She motivated her friend to rest and get better by saying something like "recover soon, so we can together do all the stuff you love like shopping (and so on)." Wow.

On the 4th June I posted a question whether you feel it's better to give or receive, and I would like to thank everyone for their replies.

As for the question, I guess Charmaine knows the answer. Charmaine simply gave of something that was a part of herself: her companionship and her precious time. With no expectation of returns or self-benefit.

I'm inspired. I decided yesterday that I was going to be a person who "gives" of my time this week. My target is to just do one conscious act of self-giving to someone in need (in the general sense) for each day of the week. For starters, with my family.

I'm happy to share what I did yesterday:

My younger brother who's away on overseas attachment needed some specific items sent to him. I called him to get the list, went shopping for him at Giant, boxed and sealed up everything and sent it to his friend's place to be shipped to him.

What I 'lost': time running around (finding and packing things)
What I 'received' for giving: a personal sense of satisfaction (that I could help him when he needed it)

There is something about giving. Conventional wisdom states that the more you give, the less you have. I have found that its a paradox: "the more you give, the more you have." I believe this principle is true in every area of life.

Hey, it's important in life to be both a giver and receiver. But between giving and receiving, I hope more of you choose to be a GIVER! : )

Family time!

Now that I have a family, I cannot imagine a life without them. I have devoted this week to spend time with my fam. Here's some pics taken these last 3 days.


This is my most beautiful wife Val whom I love and cherish and without whom my life would be empty. Hey babe, I feel like I am the luckiest man on this planet. I love you! : )))


Rafa's first pony ride at the Zoo.


Gabs, Val, me, Rafa and Rod, a 38 yr old Egyptian Vulture. Mike wasn't too keen to take a pic with us after what he heard about vultures. This was today at the Birdpark.


Barney Live in Concert at Suntec City. We finally saw Riff!!!


I like this pic. This is Rafa after his fall and me snuggling him.


The three angels Michael, Raphael and Gabriel down the slide at a park.


A pretty accurate picture description of my life these last 3 days. LOL!

Plans this week:

Tomorrow morning: Downtown East... again!!
Thursday evening: Night Safari!!
Friday: ???

We desperately need a babysitter... anyone interested to join us??? lol!

MY NEW OCCUPATION

A lot of you guys have been asking me what am I doing.
I keep telling those of you asking I'm into gardening.
After all, what's wrong with being a gardener??? LOL ; )

Check out my new cactus plants!!!

Hey guys the weekend escapade pics have been uploaded.
Check with Mr English (5Ns 06) and Superpoker (4E2s 07) for the links.

I woke at 6 today. And Portugal won!

Brought the family to church for an early morning Mass. Counted my blessings, remembered some people, said a prayer.

My kids had their swimming lessons. I took Rafa for a little swimmie too for one-to-one time with Dad. Initially he didn't want to get into the pool. Half an hour later he was fearless, trying to jump in excitedly from the pool side!


"Come to Daddy!" Rafa thinks he can't do it on his own, initially. My hand gesturing Rafa to step in and walk towards me.


Rafa prepares to jump! He's shivering because the water was cold and there was a slight draft.

Immediately after the swimmie, took everyone to East Point and fed them.

After that I left the kids and proceeded for a lunch treat at Swensen's, Compasspoint. I had fun catching up and talking absolute nonsense with some of my ex-students from 4E2 (07)! I still can't believe Mildred is in Dragonboat racing. LOL ; D

Thanks Edna for the invite and really appreciate the booklet you all made with all the nice words and pictures. It was very thoughtful and sweet. Do keep in touch and drop me a post/superpoke once in a while. And hey, if you are reading this, know that you're gonna do fine in life.


Thanks for the treat!
L to R: Mei Siew, Yi Lin, Edna, Connie, Vinson, me, Meng Jun, Tee Soon, Anica, Mildred.


I was feeling naughty.... lol.


Colonel Sanders, and the boys.

Tonight I'm gonna watch a movie with my wife. So don't bug me. : D

MMLS: You're right. I feel gratefully blessed.

A day with students, a date with the Inseperables.

I saw my students for enrichment today. I have been looking forward to this day for a week. I sure do miss them! I'm proud that they braved their wall which was the rainy weather and arrived on time. Splendid work this morning, guys! I enjoyed being present and spending time with you. See you again soon!! : D

To Ling x 2: We're praying for you. Have a speedy recovery!

Late lunch at The Amara to discuss some matters with a couple of business colleagues.

Then drove to Vivocity to do a little window shopping and burn off some calories.

Next location was Sakura International, Downtown East. Ms Khalidal and myself were invited by Daniel for buffet dinner. An evening out with the 5Ns (2006). Funny, noisy and lovable people studying in poly, enjoying their two week break. Cai Jun and Pearlyn Teo served us food and their own cocktail soft drinks! The VIP treatment was terrific! So was the food. I liked the company best! I stayed on after to play with them at the arcade (since bowling was fully booked) and we snapped a few nice pics.


Thanks for feeding us.
Clockwise from left: Astley, Ernest, Daniel (organiser), me, Shi Min, Cai Jun, Alex, Hong Rui, Amer, Yuan Yuan, Pearlyn Tan, Mandy, Ms Khalidal, Charlene, Pearlyn Teo.


Ernest & I beat Alex & Amer in foosball. 6-4. LOL.

Pearlyn Tan never fails to leave us with fond memories. Here she shows off her unorthodox championship skills to get 120 redemption tickets! Whatever this game is called...

The Inseperables. Before we parted.

Hey, Portugal is on tonight. Catch you later. I'll try to put the pics up soon. : )

The WALL

We all face personal challenges in our lives. A personal challenge is something like an obstacle that needs to be resolved or addressed before we can "move on" with our lives and be at ease again. For one person, this could be overcoming the death of a very close relative. For another, it could be failing the exams and facing the possibility of repeating a year or not qualifying for poly/JC. For another, it could be detecting they have cancer.

I just want to share what's important is not the challenge itself, but how we DEAL with such challenges.

I call my personal challenge an invisible but very real obstacle known as the wall.

These last few days have been quite tough for me. I've hit the wall. The wall blocks my path and says "it's impossible to move on." Have you ever felt like there was something you so strongly believed in, but somehow there was something in the way that told you it wouldn't work? In my case, it makes me almost want to either give up or turn around and abandon my plans and ideas. And I'm NOT the kind to quit so easily. I've encountered the wall before in a different time and place. It almost stopped my hopes and dreams then. Fortunately back then, I persisted and barely made it past my wall.

These days I face another wall. It's different from before, and it's a huge one. I've been trying to break my wall. But I just can't seem to. It's like a brick wall. It's blocking me from moving forward, laughing in my face and tempting me to give up. I feel physically, mentally and emotionally drained, and my creative juices to resolve this seems to have stopped flowing. I have no idea how I'm going to get through this one.



I went home. My youngest son Rafa, upon seeing me at the playground, ran to me and upon reaching me, threw his small arms over me and gave me the biggest hug a two year old could give. He shouted "Hi Dad!" and smiled.

I needed that. Now I'm feeling a 100% better. I'm refueled now and charged again. I'm going to face my wall again tomorrow, and over the next few weeks. This time, if I can't break it down, I'm going to do whatever I can to climb over, go under or move around it. Although I don't have the answers yet to overcome my wall, I KNOW I'm going to get past it.

The wall has robbed the hopes and dreams of many people. What will YOU do when you encounter your wall?

I hope you will not give up, but persist and find a way to break it. If not, jump over, go under or walk around it!

You can overcome your walls, too!

I once shared this song in my form class of 5Ns in 2006 before they graduated (in the last lap of preparations before their O Levels). It's a song about going the distance, with a never-say-quit "fighting to the end" spirit. A song for survivors.

Now I'd like to share it with all of you. It's a favourite of mine called "Eye of the Tiger." This was the theme song to Rocky III. In the movie, Rocky Balboa is living the good life and slacking in his training. In contrast were scenes of his competitor Mr. T, training hard, sweating, bleeding and pouring out every last ounce of effort to become the boxing champion of the world. After the death of Rocky's trainer, Rocky's friend Apollo Creed, tells Rocky to get back "The Eye Of The Tiger," meaning his edge and his hunger to be the champ once again.

Maybe you know someone who is going through a tough time. Share with them this song and what it means, direct them to read the lyrics and this post on my blog. Also you can send me an email if you wish to share your personal experiences of getting through your own challenges. I'd love to hear from you.

I've included the song lyrics at the bottom left.


I chose this Rocky V pic cos I like the image of victory displayed.

Your comments please: Is it better to give or receive?

Dear friends, I would like to hear from you whether is it better to give or receive. Could you please leave your comments. There's no right or wrong answer. Just state which you prefer. You could state why, and perhaps you may wish to leave an example of when it was that one was better than the other.

For eg: I like to receive because I get lots of angpao during CNY. Or I like to receive because I don't like to give.

Another eg: I like to give because it makes me feel good. The last time I gave (someone) an umbrella when it was raining made me feel wonderful.

Please remember to comment.

NEVER GIVE UP

I can't imagine a life without laughter.

Sometimes its nice to share a good laugh.

DREAM ON

This song was the first single released by Aerosmith. Steven Tyler had been working on this on and off for about 6 years, and was able to complete it with the help of the rest of the band. Tyler was quoted as saying "It's about the hunger to be somebody: Dream until your dreams come true."

I recall hearing this song playing over the closing credits of the movie Miracle, about the US Olympic Hockey team. In the credits, they explain what has happened to each member of the team since they won the gold medal. It happens to be quite an inspiring movie for all you in sports/CCAs.

Try to follow the words if you've never heard it before.

DREAM ON

Everytime that I look in the mirror

All these lines on my face gettin clearer

The past is gone

It went by like dust to dawn

Isn't that the way

Everybodys got their dues in life to pay

-

I know what nobody knows

Where it comes and where it goes

I know its everybodys sin

You got to lose to know how to win

-

Half my life is in books written pages

Live and learn from fools and from sages

You know its true

All the things come back to you

-

Sing with me, sing for the years

Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears

Sing with me, if its just for today

Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away(x2)

-

Dream on, dream on, dream on

Dream yourself a dream come true

Dream on, dream on, dream on

Dream until your dream come true

Dream on, dream on, dream on...

-

Sing with me, sing for the years

Sing for the laughter and sing for the tears

Sing with me, if its just for today

Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away

Gabs at Downtown East. Can you see the words in the pic?

A Life of Gratitude

Thanks for dropping by as I loaded all my things in the car...


Phylicia Chua (Top 4 student in 4E 2007). Thanks for the card too...

I have often found it ironic that the people in this world who have the most to be thankful for are often the least thankful, and somehow the people who have virtually nothing, many times live lives full of gratitude.

I remember a father who brought his spoilt son to a very poor country when the child was about 7 years. After seeing the faces of hungry children, and people staying in the streets with no shelter over their heads and no clothes on their backs, the father explained to the child that every morning when he got up, he would write down 5 to 10 things he was especially grateful for in his life.

Today, after 20 over years of learning that process taught by my father, the lesson has remained with me and I am still grateful for my life and what I have. Some days I am grateful for the most trivial things, and other days I feel a deep sense of gratitude for everything surrounding me. Some days I think and visualise what I'm grateful for, other days I try to make a list.

Here's my list of things I am grateful for today:

Today, I am grateful for a laughter shared with some colleagues.
I am grateful to my wife for always being there for me, and the time spent together.
I am grateful for my children to watch and play with.
I am grateful for my grand students for teaching me a lot.
I am grateful for having lunch with a group of great people who care about me.
I am grateful to Phylicia Chua and my many other students (some of whom I never taught!) for returning to say a thank you to me for helping in their studies or just to say goodbye.
I am grateful for all the fond wishes and kind words exchanged by students and teachers over these last two weeks, the sms-es received, the cards and tokens of love received, the tags on my blog and messages on FB, the treats, and most importantly, for these beautiful people just being a part of my life.
I am grateful for connecting with those of you reading this blog.
I am grateful for 4 memorable teaching years (in school).

Here's a thought. A lot of us have been given a lot... sometimes more than what others could ever dream of. Whether its an iPod, a new Zinc bag, decent clothes, money to watch movies, having 2 - 3 meals a day or living in a safe country... a lot of us have more than just what we need.

I read somewhere that gratitude provides a balance between the things we have and those we want.

I don't mind repeating myself 10 times if it helps to make a point. And I don't mind saying 'thank you' over and over again in all my blog posts to let each of you know how much I appreciate and value you.

If you want to feel blessed, be grateful. Always.

Yo Dad-o... this one's for you...