This is my last post here...

Hi everyone, you can find me on FACEBOOK. Just search and add Nicholas Pinto.

I'm a travel advisor (or travel agent). Do support me if you need help for airtickets, tours, cruises...etc. I'm well connected and able to advice you, and will give you my best service. My company is well established and trusted. Our rates are very affordable. : )

Also let me know how I can support you if you need advice on business or if you just need someone with a listening ear. I love being a mentor... :D

Thanks to everyone for being a friend. Remember that you're an amazing person and you should always strive to be the best at what you do! Love you all.

Do SMS me your BIRTHDAY so I can remember you! My hp is 9487 4496.

Stay in touch, let me know how you're doing now and then. On facebook, by sms, or let me know your new blog link! We can also catch up...

God bless YOU!

Pinto

what do you love to do? how can you help others?

If you love to cook, you can put nourishment into this world. You can feed your family and friends. You can create a restaurant that brings people pleasure. You can help in a 'soup kitchen' feeding the poor. Or all of the above. If you love being around children, you can put nurturing into the world as a teacher, mentor, or parent. If you love gardening, you can put beauty into the world everywhere you go. If your answer is developing new technology, you could put wonderful energy into the world by finding ways of enriching it instead of destroying it. No matter what you love to do, there is no end to what you can do to help people.

I love reading, gardening, teaching and ... kids!!!

So what do you love to do?

Today is Gabriel's birthday. He is 5 years today. Here's a pic of him (2nd from left, standing) with his class and his teacher. He likes the girl 5th from the left, standing. Her name is Felicia.

I went out for a short meeting then proceeded to my son’s kindergarten to celebrate his birthday with his classmates. He had a Tom and Jerry cake, which made him quite happy.

Then sat in Raphael's Chinese class. His "lau sher" was teaching him and 5 others how to pronounce face features in Chinese. Can’t remember now how she pronounced “eye.” But boy was he ever cute saying it.

Tonight going to surprise grandmother with a cake. Her birthday also falls today.

Bucket List

One of my top 10 movies. The Bucket List. I've watched it 3 times. It's a hilarious movie about two guys who are given about 6 mths - 1 yr to live. They form a special friendship and decide to make a list of things to do together before they "kick the bucket."

So they plan some things like go skydiving ,do something good for someone, laugh so hard until they cry, etc.

What would you do if you have 6 mths to live?

This would be my bucket list (1st draft):

• Learn to cook my wife a meal
• Write couple of nice notes to people (still living) letting them know how much I love them, and the difference they made to my life
• Give away my wealth
• Relish the time with my children
• Make a video collage for my family or make a scrapbook as a parting "gift"
• Visit 3 countries I haven't been to. Go on a safari ride. Ride in a hot air balloon.
• Sleep in my garden often
• Get in touch with God

Life is good.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Over the LNY weekend,

We visited family, gave ang pao, kids collected ang pao, played monopoly, watched Sky High, played Wii, visited friends, more ang pao... and took some pics...


Swimming at home.


Botanical Gardens & Jacob Ballas.



Grandma Doris. Still looking good.

Mike learnt to ride the bicycle on his own! I love being a dad..


Back to work tomorrow.

What a powerful video.

Must watch for all. Imagine its me giving each of you a hug.

http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html

Miss you guys.

Pinto

Back again. : )

Some parents asking me to TUTOR their kids. Ex-students have also been asking me to teach Add Maths. Giving preference to those I have taught before. Will decide after CNY. Anyone else interested pls let me know early hor!

Boy do I miss teaching.

Just sent my accountant to help me get new notes from the bank. It's time to give away money!

Supposed to go Seletar Airbase to meet some people.

Later.

I was very happy to return to Sengkang to check out the O level results on the 12 Jan.

It was really wonderful to see some of you receiving your results and it must have felt good that your hard work paid off. I smiled and was very happy to see many of you hit your targets and above. MSG was 2.5 with almost 50% distinction. Only one person failed (D7), which is pretty good considering the effort was there. Good effort girl. I just love teaching Maths. Especially A Maths! Life is like a roller coaster sometimes. And right now, I'm high in the sky with the great outcome that each of you worked so hard for. No words to describe this feeling... because it means to me YOU GOT GOOD RESULTS for A MATHS. Hope I've been effective and served you well, despite leaving in June. Feels really good. So good. You deserve it guys... I'M SO PROUD OF EACH OF YOU! love you guys.

Wishing those of you who received your results a very GREAT future ahead! BELIEVE IN YOURSELVES! Really do keep in touch, let me know occasionally how you're doing. And at the very least invite me to your wedding! I will give you a good ang pao, k! : )

It's that special time of the year... CHRISTMAS is coming, baby!
This is the season to share, love, laugh, give, smile and turn the other cheek. Actually, that's how I think we should be treating people all the time!
I remember having a couple of lonely Christmases when I was serving my National Service. My wish is no one gets left out on Christmas day. If you are just text me...

Wishing you who have blessed my life a very beautiful and MERRY Christmas.

God bless you!

Hey hey hey!

While having lunch today, I saw two elderly guys taking turns looking after a baby girl. One was feeding the girl while the other guy was holding her still. They were seated at a table next to mine, so I asked one of the guy's holding the baby if he was the father.

The man responded "No, I'm her Uncle down for a holiday from the US. He's (meaning the other guy feeding) another Uncle who looks after her."

After some chit chat, the Uncle from US disclosed that her parents died about 6 months ago in the bus accident in Malaysia, which appeared in the Straits Times (with two other Singaporeans). The baby girl Julie, was flung out about 10 metres during the crash together with her baby seat. She was lucky to live. She was only 2 months old when it happened!

I listened silently. Said I was sorry to hear about the misfortune. I confess I was not in the best of moods this morning because of a neck strain. I was feeling crappy about myself! Meeting these two guys and little girl brought some PERSPECTIVE to my day. I had to refocus my lens, and look at the bigger picture. There are so many people out there who have it worse. I was both moved and humbled.

I told the two men I respect what they're doing. I could see these two gentlemen were quite fond of looking after the little girl. No doubt the local Uncle has to play the role of mother and father. I'm sure he has it tough, despite his appearing cheerful.

Before we parted I touched the little girl's arm, as if to bless her and feel blessed by her presence. Julie kept looking at me. I reassured the Uncle she's going to turn out fine. She'll be strong, brave, and she'll be a survivor! I offered my biz card to the Uncle looking after the girl and said if he needed to talk, just call.

Life could be short. Give your siblings, mum or dad... whoever's close to you and staying with you... a hug tonight. I know I'm gonna give my wife and kids a big one when I see them. In the blink of an eye, things could change unexpectedly. Let's not take people we care about for granted.

So.... here's a BIG HUG to you reading this too! : )

It's been an amazing month.

I've been exploring new things, and meeting people in occupations I never knew existed in S'pore. For example, I just met an unlikely duo who have paired because of the engineering and design background to do some classified projects for our government. Amazing. Really brilliant people too.

How are you?

It's been a while. Exams around the corner. Feeling a little anxious and worried?

Hey it's normal to feel that especially now. It's perfectly human.

Fight the good fight until its over. It'll be November soon. Hang in there.

Love you all.

THANK YOU!

Hey guys,

Thanks to everyone who's been thinking of me, sending a post and sms-ing. I'm really touched you remember me still even though I've left teaching.

The truth is we are all teachers. Including you. Yes, you! Everyone is.

I want you to know that I miss you greatly and love you all.

God bless you!!!

Rafa & me - Downtown East playground

Wow. It's been a while since I posted. I know some of you have popping by my blog and asking what's up... so sorry...

During my absence I've been super busy with work and trying to squeeze in time with the family! And still am working hard as usual, to make things happen.

Here's an update. I've made it a point to read more books, and to immerse myself in the company of people who are positive & those who share similar aspirations as me. I may have shared with you in class: it's ok if you don't know everything... make sure you mix with people who know more and who can help you... learn from them and also give back to them in some way.

Today I met a business colleague. We connected easily because our intention is to support each other's business. We happen to share very similar priorities in life:

God, then
Family - Wife, Children, Parents (in that order), then
Health, then
Business.

For you my dear friends, could I switch the last with

Studies.

However if you are sitting for exams, pls prioritise and know what you must do. Hey I know the results are out for MT. How'd you do? either msn, email, tag me or sms me k.

Love you.

Kids having a wild time. Tung Lok, East Coast.

you're not forgotten

I've been REAALLL busy. Will keep you posted by end of the month. Hope you are all doing ok. Understand CT approaching soon. Keep at it and stay focused.

Love,
Pinto

Hey keep tagging your emails. I'm only gonna get back to those who tag. Pretty soon.
Seriously.
Really.
: )

READ THIS & LEAVE YOUR EMAIL

To you beautiful people reading this:

I am taking a short break from blogging as I may be travelling a bit now & then. (I will still be around on Saturdays so guys don't worry - everything is on as per normal).

FOR EVERYONE, pls keep in touch and do tag your email so I can keep you posted now and then of interesting stories that will motivate, inspire and hopefully make a difference in your life.

Remember to include your name. EG:

John jtay@singnet.com.sg

I would like to express how much I care and believe in you. You are great just as you are. Each and every single one of you. I do not take you for granted, I value your time and thank you tremendously for your being a part of my life. I really and sincerely hope you continue to be a part of it and grow together with me, and lets continue to be friends.

Thank you for reading my blog and being an avid supporter. I just want to say you are worth all the tired nights I stayed up to blog or post something funny. : )

I have more I want to share with you, so pls remember to leave your email.

In addition, for those who leave your email I'll also keep you updated on what I'm currently doing / working on.

I love you guys very, very much. Sooooo much.

I'll keep in touch. Promise.

Here's one before I go:

Darth Vader to Elmo: Who's your DADDY??? LOL

Thanks Aniysh, I appreciate the CN pics!

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!