Completion of Church Camp (12-15 Jun25)

 It's been six months since I wrote in this space. It's amazing how time flies. I was always so busy that I deferred my writing. I remembered clearly what I wrote about my fears on November 3rd last year. I would like to declare that it's all God's blessing that I've adapted well to my new company, and I am happy here. I enjoyed being with the people and am satisfied with the systems and productivity that I can achieve in this new company.

During this Church Camp, I was given a prophetic message from Paster Steven Teo. I was inspired by him as he is 73 and working hard to serve God and the marketplace. I always thought my runway was too short to start learning about leadership. He had assured me that I would be put in a position to lead and acquire. I had watched how God blessed me over the years with all the fruits through the gifting from God. I need to honour God by leading and to bless others by sowing the seeds. Daddy had always pondered whether I was suited to lead, and I was never confident in my abilities. However, I'm willing to do my best and take this opportunity to honour God.

Boys, if you are reading this, let me tell you a little secret. I graduated from Secondary School as the shortest boy, and I'm always standing in the front row except in Primary 2, when I was in the 5th row. I always thought I would never find a girlfriend back then because my logic was that 50% of girls are taller than me. Out of the balance, 30% will be attached, 10% will not like me, and 5%, I will not like them. I am left with only 5% of the world, yet Mummy found and loves me! That was the greatest thing that happened to me. This is due to God's blessing!

The same question now comes: who will join me in my company? I don't see any light at all. I don't see many interested in joining me, and yet I won't take anyone in because the Chemistry is important. My intent is to help others find success and not to earn extra income. In contrast, to be a leader, I will likely work harder and yet get paid less. It's a sacrifice to be a leader and even most likely spending lesser time with both of you. I'm inspired to work towards it because of the 2 of you. I want to show you that Daddy is not giving up so easily, and I'll rely on God again this time!

Though my boys weren't the easiest boys, I know I only have a few more years to influence them. They will soon have their own friends and their own world with independent thoughts. When I went through Psalm 143:14 with them today, I emphasised that they were wonderfully and fearfully made. They were created for a purpose, and they are special. They should not compare themselves with others but focus on improving themselves to be better. God had given us the talents and finances. We must learn to steward them properly for his purpose. It's not we who get the success, it's God who gave us the talent to achieve it.

We had wonderful family time and fellowship within our Church family. We put our work aside for four days to spend time with God and Family. I'm just full of gratitude and blessed, not only over the past few days but throughout the past six months. 

How the boys celebrated New Year and their 10th yrs old Birthday

We had a memorable New Year's Eve this year. It's a very simple occasion but we had so much fun. 

We went to Kallang Wave Mall for dinner and a countdown party in the evening. We were ecstatic to catch 5-star Mew and Zygarde Pokémon Gaole and a 4-star chip in a single game using the leftover chips that others had discarded on the machine. Our joy was through the roof!

Finally, we went to the riverside to wait for the fireworks. I told the boys about the Orion Belt, Canis Major, and Canopus in the night sky, and they were intrigued by what I taught them. When the fireworks started, we enjoyed every moment of the 15-minute display. It was a wonderful New Year’s Eve for us.

On the first day of 2025, our whole family 自然醒 at nearly 11 a.m. after seeing our countdown fireworks last night. We relaxed at home, and I decided to go for art appreciation, just like we did on the last day of 2023 a year ago. This time, I brought my family to the exhibition "Monet Inside: An Immersive Art Experience" at Parkview Square. Over 200 masterpieces from Claude Monet come alive through immersive, large-scale projections and an enchanting musical soundtrack. We all enjoyed it.

The boys celebrated their birthdays this year by having a Yakiniku dinner with my parents on Friday. Yakiniku has always been one of their favourite dishes. On Saturday, they went to Tampines to watch Sonic 3, followed by a dumpling dinner at Tracy's house as a pre-birthday celebration. The adults seemed more enthusiastic than the kids while singing the birthday song!

For their actual birthday today, we invited a few of their friends to join them at Cow Play Cow Moo and play Pokémon Gaole at Downtown East. This was the first time these friends had visited an arcade, and none had ever played Gaole. Their parents have done a great job guiding them, as these games can be time-consuming and costly. We felt a bit guilty for introducing them to such distractions, but we decided to let them enjoy themselves today.

After their game, we went to Swensens for dinner, where they enjoyed pizza, fish and chips, and ice cream. After dinner, the boys requested one last game of Gaole, and they all went crazy with excitement. Eventually, we returned home and unboxed their presents. It was a simple birthday, but I had been thinking for weeks about how to celebrate this year.

New Year's Eve

After New Year, I cracked my head over how to celebrate their 10th Birthday.

The birthday celebration was chaotic, but eventually, all still went well.

40 Quotes that we can refer in future.

I saw this on Facebook today, and it's a good reminder not just for the boys but for myself as well in tough times like now. We all go through challenges, but let's be positive and face them bravely. Don't give up, sons! 💪🏻

Teach these 40 phrases to your sons and daughters so they can be more resilient, successful, and confident in life.

1. Where there's a will, there's a way.

2. Good manners don't cost anything.

3. Always ask. They can only say no.

4. You're not marrying one; you're marrying the whole family.

5. Find the good in everybody.

6. Don't cry before you try.

7.  There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers.

8. Pretty is as pretty does.

9. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

10. You can't control what others do, only your own reactions.

11. Don't buy what you can't afford.

12. Remember that things don’t make you happy, people do.

13. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

14. Two wrongs don't make a right.

15. Watch what you step in.

16. Cow turds are a cattlemen's dollar signs. It all depends on how you look at it.

17. Teamwork makes the dream work.

18. Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.

19. What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives, we need to stretch our minds.

20. Fair? The fair is two weeks in the fall.

21.  One man's trash is another man's treasure.

22. The greatest day in your life is when you take total responsibility for your attitudes. That's the day you truly grow up.

23. True freedom is understanding that we have a choice in who and what we allow to have power over us.

24. You're only as old as you feel.

25. A rolling stone gathers no moss.

26. Early to bed and early to rise makes you healthy, wealthy, and wise.

27.  Happiness is not by chance but by choice.

28. If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.

29. A rising tide lifts all boats.

30. Don't judge a book by its cover.

31. You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

32.  The early bird catches the worm.

33. Each day comes bearing its gifts. Untie the ribbon.

34. Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian.

35. Confession is good for the soul.

36. You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

37. The grass is greener where you water it.

38. The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.

39. There is no single recipe for success. But there is one essential ingredient: Passion.

40. Never lose hope. And never underestimate the power of prayer.

Our Memorable Holiday to Japan

We just completed our 2024 holiday in Osaka/Kyoto. I'd thought of going to Japan last year, but due to the low price of the China Shanghai/Jiangnan tour packages, I opted for that instead and so that Ye Ye and Nai Nai could accompany us back then, too.

This time around, more planning was involved when we were creating our own itinerary. Daddy and Mummy had sacrificed lots of time from our busy schedules to plan this trip, which is essentially for both of you. I'd spent many late nights researching hotels, searching for low airfares, good food to eat and places to have fun. I also have to study how to go to all these places and how much time to spend there, etc... This is why I've requested both of you to help out. I was particularly proud that Josiah did some homework for me, too.

I initially asked Mummy to go to Mexico and Las Vegas with me back in September and skipped this Japan trip to save money. A Desaru, Bintan, or Genting Trip for you guys should suffice. Mummy insisted that it had to be a family trip, and I wouldn't want Mummy to go to Bintan. This is how Mummy loves you guys. 

Despite a few incidents that you guys frustrated me and mummy, we enjoyed the trip, though we can no longer remember the details. Planning the entire trip took effort, and executing it involved a certain stress level, especially while we were preoccupied with work during our holiday.

At your age, you can help push our luggage. I was particularly unhappy when you guys liked jumping on the luggage and rolling with your bodies. You can also help us take photos. I was again particularly unhappy when you took 20-30 pictures in one shot just to have fun. We are also less worried about you getting lost in the crowd.

However, we still love your childlike nature when both of you happily carry the Yoshi and Bowser you bought at USJ wherever you go for the entire seven days and even sleep with them in the hotel.

Over the past eight days, Felin and I have given both of you our undivided attention and have built a stronger relationship with you. We created memories together that I hope will last a long time. One thing I need both of you to know as well. After every trip, we were left with plenty of laundry and unpacking, and it easily took us another day from work.

Daddy is taking a big leap of faith to step out of PIAS

As I continued writing this blog, I realized that I can no longer portray the boys as playful or mischievous as I once did. They are growing up and now understand what I am writing, so I need to consider their future feelings when they read this. I also have to think about how others might perceive them when they read my blog one day.

I want to emphasize that it’s unlikely they will see this blog in the near future unless, of course, there comes a time when I am no longer around. I’m not predicting that I’ll leave them anytime soon, but I believe in being prepared for the “what ifs.” What if I were to have an accident or suffer a heart attack or stroke that prevented me from sharing my thoughts with them anymore? That is why I believe in obtaining adequate insurance and have completed my wills and power of attorney.

Today, I want the boys to know that Daddy took a risk by stepping out of my comfort zone to leave a company where I have worked for the past 16+ years. I have been comfortable at PIAS and have been blessed with a good income over the past decade, even achieving my Lifetime MDRT this year. However, I felt stagnated in my career and frustrated that I could not break through to the next level.

As I write this, I am only 10 days away from my last day at PIAS. I am worried and feeling stressed about whether I can accomplish what I achieved over the last 10 years. Ten years ago, I was younger and had more energy, and at that time, both of them were not yet in my life, which allowed me to focus entirely on my career. Today, my energy levels have decreased, my memory is clearly not as sharp, and I must also be concerned with their well-being, schoolwork, and feel guilty for not spending enough time with them, etc...

Despite the challenges I face, I have stepped out of my comfort zone. I am eager to push myself further and believe that I am not just a one-time success. I want to overcome my imposter syndrome and acknowledge my fears and doubts in life. My message to them is this: "Do not be fearful. Trust in the Lord and have faith in Him."

Today's church sermon focused on 1 Chronicles 4:10, which talks about the prayer of Jabez. It resonated with me because my intention in moving forward is to expand my territory by grooming new consultants in the field to benefit more people in life. I must always remember three key things:

1. All blessings come from God.
2. We need God's hand to be with us.
3. We can trust God completely.

In addition to recording their childhood, I am now considering transitioning to share my life journey with my boys, including my struggles and how I have overcome each challenge. I hope both of them can persevere in life, be caring and sensitive to the people around them, and love God. I want them to know that Daddy is not perfect and that I am still learning to be a good Dad, good son and a good husband.

I am writing all of this because I love my boys and Felin. This is one small way for me to show my love, and I also use them as motivation to become a better person every day. Thank you boys as we journey life together and be better together.

The boys' reminder to expect lesser from them and to start loving myself more

Seven months had passed just like this in a flash since my last update. The boys are entering their fourth school term and taking their first year-end examination. I honestly am not expecting much from them and have learnt not to expect anything from them anymore. I know that the more I expect something from them, like hoping for them to be more well-behaved, hardworking, disciplined, gritty, filial, empathetic, etc., the more disappointed I will become.

I need to be patient and wait for them to grow up, and hopefully, they will have that light bulb moment to realise that life is not just play and that everything is being provided for. They can stop complaining when a small task is given and stop the daily bickering over the silliest issues. (Okay Okay! I should not expect anything!!! I had forgotten!)

Felin is better than me in these aspects of encouraging them when I was many times so tempted to just take a cane and whack them. Luckily, we never have a cane at home for me to fulfil this temptation.

Whenever I see the boys, I also see some reflection in myself. When they are not willing to do their homework and just hope to play their games or watch anime, wasn't I the same? I am slow in doing my work and am distracted by playing my Shopee game and visiting social media sites every now and then. Wasn't I the same when they were not determined to learn a skill and gave up halfway? I told myself to learn presentation skills, to read up thoroughly on CPF, to polish my investment soft skills, etc... I had not done anything to improve myself either. I suspect the anger came from within me because whenever I saw them with certain behaviours, I saw the things that I wasn't happy with myself at the same time. I realised that I must first love myself and expect less from myself before being able to fully love my children.

I am in a period of deciding to change my work environment, and it has been bothering me for a few months. I was worried that a change in work environment would affect the amount of quality time I could have with my family in the near future. I am afraid of what if I fail, what if my health turns sour, what if I am not intelligent in the first place, etc... (All the imposter syndrome issues or low self-esteem issues that were deeply entrenched in my veins all these years!)

Then I told myself that I wanted to let my kids know that Daddy had once taken a risk to move to something he wanted to do. Daddy is a risk taker, not someone who fears and hides behind a comfort zone. I want them to be daring and learn to "Make a decision right" and not just about "Making the right decision". There is a difference! Even if I'd made an incorrect move, I would take it that God wants me to do something out of it and make the best of a possible failure to continue to let God Shine. I want to be a Daddy that my boys will be proud of when I am weak and frail. I want to tell them I persevere despite my age and being "Not so intelligent". I will do my best and be a better version of myself daily.

To end today's post, I just like to share my genuine thoughts... One thing that can teared me is seeing my boys being serious about learning something. Their attitude is not "Do everything because Daddy or Mummy told them so". It should be because they want to improve and show grit and determination. I don't know when I will shed such tears of joy, but I suspect that I will cry and not just drop some tears when that day really comes. I can only pray...

I am reminded that they are blessings from God and that I should love them unconditionally...
(To emphasize... They are actually sweet boys (on good days). I just need to expect less and learn to love myself first.) Okay... Thoughts for the day. 😊

Chinese New Year and Edusave Award

 I would just like to record some pictures for our CNY 2024 for memories. We had spent 1st Day of CNY in Singapore and 2nd-4th Day in Malaysia. The atmosphere in Malaysia is much more vibrant than in Singapore. We enjoyed our time together.

I would also like to mention Joshua's Edusave Award on 18th Feb. If I say that I'm not proud of it, I'll be totally kidding myself. Even if it's a Good Progress Award, I'm really happy for him. It was a proud moment for Felin and me when we walked up the stage to take photographs with our MP Desmond Tan. It also lets us know that our boy is in the top 20% or 25% and had good conduct. I'm secretly hoping that both of them will get the Merit Award next year together, and we can go up to the stage with both of them as recipients.

Though we will surely not pressure them over this, we know there is a lot of hard work on the side of parents and children to achieve such awards. It takes two hands to clap. Most important, the kids must be willing and motivated to learn. Please do not give up, okay? Remember this proud little moment today and try again next year. I hope Josiah will not be discouraged too and he will do his best as well.

Thank God for today's moment. I'm grateful.