Our holiday to China Yunnan

It is the end of the year once more, and time for us to travel again. This trip took quite a bit of effort as I liaised with our agent in China and kept searching for the best fares across different airlines and routes. Felin was not keen at first, as she was simply hoping for a lazy Club Med holiday with a shorter and cheaper flight. What started as a quick look at Lijiang Club Med eventually became a full tour of Yunnan, with her mum joining us, too.

Each year, my hope is that the kids will remember how much thought and preparation went into these trips, and that they will look back and know they had a once-a-year tour with Daddy and Mummy. This journey will be memorable and something they carry with them through life, even though they are still young. May they continue to enjoy their bubble baths together, in a season when brotherhood still feels like a precious companion. One day, when I retire, I know I will look back at all these photos and smile at the good old days when they were small, noisy, and still so needy for our presence.

The things I want to say to the boys still remain the same. I keep reminding them to have a spirit of excellence and perseverance in everything they do and learn – whether in studies, sports, or any skill they are trying to pick up. I worry a lot about this for both of them. Joshua can learn fast, but he may not always be willing to put in the effort to really do the work. Josiah needs to be calmer and follow through with his learning, rather than stopping so quickly when challenges arise.

I often sit with them to go through their Maths worksheets, and both of them are simply too careless and unwilling to think more deeply about the questions to find the answers. I get frustrated when they refuse to follow my steps and detailed explanations, and instead just scribble their workings all over the page. Primary 5 starts soon, and I am not confident they are ready for the challenges ahead, especially with the higher Mother Tongue. Sometimes I can only shake my head at their current standard. I am becoming one of those parents who are very concerned about studies, and to me, PSLE starts from today, not next year.

As for my work, I am also reminding myself to keep the same perseverance and never-say-die spirit that I hope they will develop. This year was my best sales year yet, but I am wondering how to repeat my 2025 success. The future still feels bleak at times, and I am not entirely confident in my own abilities. When doubts and anxieties creep in, thoughts of the boys appear, and I remember what I want to tell them about resilience and effort. They are my best motivators, and I hope to be a strong source of motivation for them in their own journey towards excellence, too.

My usual posting before long distance travelling

I'll be flying to Santiago and Cusco in the days ahead, and I always have that fear of "What if" I never come back home, and I'll miss writing this today. Sounds Paranoid, but that's how I see life. I always have many things that I want to say about them, but forget once I do not pen them down on the day itself.

Josiah is 1.42m, and Joshua is 1.26m as of today. Both of them still have plenty of childishness in them, and many things they said sometimes just don't make sense. I can still hold their hands when they walk and remember some of the days they were so grateful to me for letting them play their Roblox freely. Their mind is simple. I'm forced to study now because I need to play later. They haven't really found the reason why they need to study hard.

As the examination approached, Felin and I were doing our best to teach what we could. I have to thank Felin because she is doing the heavy work while I only occasionally assist. I either stayed later in the office to finish that last bit of work or met clients till late at night. I was lost if I am to teach their Mandarin, English, Orals and Composition. I struggled even with Science.

When I struggled with these, I noticed that Josiah is struggling just like I do. I was hoping that he could be much better than I. I get a bit disappointed that he is just like me, who struggled to string our thoughts well and express them. This worries me because I know I struggled with tasks that require more memory, such as giving a long presentation or working on detailed academic assignments. 

However, one thing that I don't do is to hide under the blanket when I don't know something. I think I'll put in more effort first. I must teach him to learn to face challenges and not pretend they are not there. When their attitude of learning is not there, I'll be more agitated compared to when they don't understand my teachings.

As for Joshua, he is an intelligent boy, but he lacks motivation and drive at this stage of life. I always joked that he would be a Dentist because I had a vision of him doing dental work when I was having my wisdom tooth removed many years ago. He seems to take the joke seriously and told me he will never want to be a Dentist because I said he might be. It's not easy to push him to do things beyond his minimum requirement.

It's not easy for me and Felin, as we were both busy professionals. I've moved beyond my honeymoon period in Infinity FA, and I need to brainstorm to achieve my next career breakthrough. I need to step up my recruitment work or up my skillset to service a higher market segment, or I risk losing my Manager position again in my new company. New consultants will also likely mean less time with the boys. There is also a possibility that my domestic helper may leave us soon. 

The boys' schoolwork, the helper's departure, finding sales, recruitment, declining parents' health, and the need to strengthen my relationship with Felin are all giving me stress. It's seriously a challenge to be a parent, and only God knows their future. I can only trust God to lead our family in the days ahead. Bless our health as well. Thank God. Bless my journey to South America this Sunday as well.

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.