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.