Mervyn Spears

Zoo

2012-02-28T20:44:00.001+08:00

Today we had an outing to Zoo. Initially we wanted to leave home at 11am, it turned out to be 1130am. All the additional packing.

We brought
- 2 umbrellas
- 2 water bottles
- 2 food containers with fish porridge
- extra set of clothes for Josh and Kate
- celery
- apples

The journey there is around 30-40 minutes and we enjoy the bus ride there because along the way, we get to see the greenery and the Seletar Reservoir.

Weather is very fine and this time we learnt more about pygmy hippo and the goats!

Pygmy hippos
-----------------
Their size is 10 times smaller compared to the Nile hippos. And people actually hunt them for their teeth! This is so cruel because they are amazing animals and humans just like to make them endangered.

Our zoo managed to breed 11 young pygmy hippos and the two we saw in the zoo are a couple. Their feeding time is 2.30pm daily and we saw so many fishes surrounding them. Amazing stuff..

When we went back, we passed by this Michelin tyres advertisement which resembles Kate. So we took pictures with it!

Josh and his talkings

2012-02-27T14:48:00.001+08:00

Well Josh is now amazing. He loves to entertain Kate and will try his creative ways to do it. For example, when Kate is crying, I would just tell him to go and make Kate laugh. He would just go to her, and hug her and play peek a Boo with her. And Kate will laugh or smile! She loves him.

And also, Josh would repeat words that we speak. Amazing!! Sometimes I would just look at him, and just to realize that he is my son.

These are some pictures of him on the cruise, trying out on his golf. Ain't he look sporty?

Excited

2012-02-24T13:11:00.001+08:00

Yesterday at cellgroup, my cellgroup leader Charlie and Cath shared with us and prophesied about my family. That is--To be strong in what we believe in and that for me, success is just the beginning of good things to come.

This is so amazing of how God plants someone and shares with us such amazing words and knowledge, so as to strengthen us both mentally and spiritually.

I am also very amazed that Josh actually prayed when we are praying. He actually learned it in school and to pray before eating. He is so happy.

Josh
------
He is having some cough after the cruise. Really hope that he will recover soon. Hence for these two days, we will not switch on aircon.

He is also saying more words now. And wants me to teach him things that we see and he will try and pronounce. Eg we go to NTUC, he will pick up vegetables and look at me. I will name them and he will repeat. One after another!!

I'm so amazed how much my this little sperm has grown!! Ha!!

He also entertains Kate and in return, Kate would laugh hysterically. For example, for peek-a-boo, Josh would first use a cloth, then try with his toys, and then hide behind a wall. So many ideas of entertainment for Kate.

Also, he will hug and kiss her whenever he sees her.. This is really what we say money can't buy. Really want both of them to have good relationship with each other.

Taipei and Hua Lien

2012-02-17T16:03:00.001+08:00

Well

I want to thank my company for providing a trip for me and my family members to Taiwan and to stay at Shangrila, an exorbitant hotel there.

And my wife did the planning and the ordering of the train tickets, which is really quite tough for me to do it.

Traveling to these places are really very fun especially with the two children. Of course it's quite tiring at times, but when I saw the pictures again, it's all worth it as memories!!

We will travel more and of course I would like to qualify for more trips from my company!! Woohoo..

Taiwan

2012-02-13T21:35:00.001+08:00

Wow!! First time we embark in a trip and with our two children.. It's certainly a challenge but we have my mother in law to help us!! Thank god.

It's our incentive trip with Prudential and really blessed that they gave us Singapore Airlines and their service is very good.

Multiple roles, multiple responsibilities

2012-02-08T11:32:00.000+08:00

Woo man!

Everyday, I would be holding multiple roles, just like an actor on stage.

In the day, I would be a chef, preparing either breakfast or lunch. And it is important because it is this that provides healthy meals for me and my family.

Then, I will be a Financial Consultant, meeting my clients or prospects. It's fun and exciting as I can get to meet different people and I can also bring back bread and butter too. Also, this may stretch to as long as 6-7 hours a day as I would need to travel in between appointments.

Next, when I'm back, I would be a dad and play with my children and also talk to my wife! I would have my remainder energy, bringing Josh to NTUC, play at playground as well as reading and playing cooking! Ha. This is his favourite spending time with me.

2012
--------

This is indeed an exciting year as I am thinking of ways to escalate my business even more, and not only that, to spend more time with my family members!

I am also looking at placing an ionised water machine at my place so that we can have better quality water for everyone, especially for Eve actually, as she is breastfeeding all the time.

Next week, we will be going to Taiwan, followed by cruise to Penang and back and Josh will be missing school for over one week plus!

Bishan
----------

Eve managed to find the most updated property planning map and the amazing thing is that every green plot currently visible to our eyes, are for condominiums already. This is really shocking as the plot, in front of our house, will have additional 500 families added in the Bishan vicinity!

The food business in Bishan Junction 8 will definitely boom in the coming 5-10 years. And not forgetting that the company that leases out for businesses will increase their rent according too.

Yes, the rich will get richer and we believe that there will be more millionaires and there will be an even greater wealth disparity amongst Singaporeans. So where in the bar chart of wealth you want to be in? Top 20 percentile? Top 10 percentile?

We must all work towards saving our first pot of GOLD!

Confused but have made up my mind

2012-02-03T10:39:00.001+08:00

Well I'm kinda slight confused. I have this strong push for me to create an app for healthy home cook food that is easy to make. Also I want to cook more healthy meals for my wife and children.. But my appointment timings just couldn't let me do it.

The problem now we face is that the outside food is not edible for us now. It consist of alot of oil, salt, MSG.. Simply unable to get that into my body. And the high content of meat than vegetables is really not desirable for my diet.

We have calculated that we save much more when we cook at home than to eat out. And we have actually made another further decision that we are moving into organic food.

Engineer and Captain planet

2012-01-31T21:10:00.001+08:00

Oh man.

I just met a typical engineer with so big ego. He even said that I'm using sales technique that he is teaching in class. And I'm just too shocked by his arrogance.

During the appointment, there was a silence of about one minute when I was switching on my laptop. I just feel quite sad for these people as I have told him about what he should cover for himself. But he just say keep it for a moment.

Oh well, this type of appointment is a good learning experience for me. Just wonder why would he turn out this way? Luckily the appointment lasted for around 45minutes. And he left first.

The world is filled with different people.

Captain Planet
------------------
Now I'm catching captain planet on YouTube and I really missed those days when I actually record every episode on tv! And now when I watched it, I can still remember what's their next line as in the past, I kept watching and watching! My favorite cartoon!!

I feel that now, cartoons are not so much educational as compared to the past. Captain planet tells alot about the effects of polluting the world as well as the good points of saving the world.

However the rate that the world is modernizing, the animals and insects are diminishing at the rate of light too! And the amount of landfill we humans generated. It is horrible. My wife just commented that when we drink a cup of coffee, the plastic lid, the plastic cup, the stirrer and plastic bag, all these are trash after drinking for 5 minutes. And what more is that many of us are drinking that everyday.

There is a lack of awareness now in this modern society and I guess that many of us have no idea how to start or where to start. I have this strong inkling to actually have this awareness. To start this awareness.

MDRT

2012-01-19T15:54:00.001+08:00

Woohoo..

It has been confirmed that my 2011 results says that I have hit MDRT..this is indeed my first stepping stone that I have achieved it!!

Of course it will be good that yearly, I achieve it, a new goal I have set for myself. Woohoo.. Of course I want to thank my clients for it. But it's also my hardwork that pays off.

Apparently for MDRT qualifiers, there are around 180 out of 3100 insurance agents who qualify it. Wow, that makes me top 5% in my company. Yeah!!

Josh
------
I'm very happy that Josh has been coping well in school and especially their kind teachers are updating us about his progress. Now the separation process at the door between my mother in law and him is better already. He is able to hold hand with the teacher and even say wave goodbye to my mother in law!! Amazing! Ha.

Now-a-nights, Josh will cry in the middle of the night, and will last for around 3 minutes and will go back to sleep. I wonder why will have this behaviour. I will see whether tonight will happen. Hopefully not!

These pictures are taken last weekend whereby we went to celebrate his Ah gu's birthday at vivocity's steamboat restaurant. Nice picture yea? Love the sunset brightness too...

Accident happens

2012-01-11T19:44:00.001+08:00

Well Josh met with a minor accident two days back as he fell with the bicycle, while sitting on the baby chair after school. Of course he cried as the impact was quite large for a small boy to absorb.

After that, he went back home to my in law's place and he was normal and ate his lunch. But he began to walk quite wobbly and refused to walk much when he was outside on the stroller.

At night, I fetched Josh and he was on the stroller. When reached home, it was his usual routine to descend from the stroller and walk back. However he sat on the floor. I was thinking he may be tired or probably he slipped.

He didn't want to drink milk and I managed to brush his teeth while he was playing the iPhone. When it was time to sleep, around 11pm, he followed me into the room.

On the bed, usually we would talk a few quite words. We did but he did something extra. He looked at me but his eyes scrolled left to right. He kept doing it and he laughed. At a moment, I thought that he might be playing with me or saying there is a creature behind me. He did three times. Later he slept.

After five minutes, I heard a gurgle sound and Josh did three times and he vomitted on the bed!! He vomitted quite a few times and I was shocked. I calmed him down and brought him to the shower area to clear the vomit on his body.

He was nursed by Eve and I was making Kate to sleep. Then, my father in law(FIL) came to help. I went into the room and wanted to test how's Josh. He looked at Eve and his eyes are the same! Looking left to right and said that Eve is moving. Apparently today, my FIL mentioned that Josh said to him that the world is spinning.

Without any waiting, we brought him to Thomson Medical (Which don't accept) and then KKH.

The doctors said that it's due to some Minor concussion and luckily Josh managed to recover from the wobbly walkings. And really want to thank God that his bills are fully covered. We are kinda worried as to whether is there a need to do CT scan, to find out whether is there any blood clot. But the amount of radiation he will experience in 5 minutes is equivalent to traveling from Singapore to New York 20 times!! So no way. But after staying under supervision for 2 days, he's back to normal so he is discharged!

Kate
-------
She is really a cooperative baby. She really accommodate herself with us very well. And we were at hospital, she stayed with us and slept well too. She loves to bathe there too. Amazing girl...

Work

2012-01-08T10:06:00.001+08:00

Wow.. Probably I should not engage myself on roadshows. It's good but it's just that it put a extra burden on my family, especially on Eve.

Now that our house is renovating and that Eve has to take care of Kate herself. Really want to pray that things are well for them till tonight.

It's like whenever I do roadshow, I'm out of the equation of taking care of the children. Ah! Probably I should re work on how I can do better this year.

Hot Air balloon
------------------
One of my dreams is to take a hot air balloon. I have heard of my friends, who took it, enjoyed themselves very much. However, just today, there is news saying that there is a hot air balloon that was crashed and all the passengers and the 'pilot' took their lives. Scary right? And it's due to just a spark of small flame.. Just like the movie of Final Destination.

Britney Spears
------------------
I saw her past performance 'Me against the music' and I can say that she really works hard and practiced very well for her concert. And that's why she is so marketable and earns huge bucks. She is an entertainer for sure, not really much a singer. But it's ok, her songs are catchy. Love them.

Seeing the gross income earned by overseas famous singers, it's certainly a huge disparity among most commoners in Singapore. Quite gross difference. So amazed that they are able to get so much sources of income, especially from their another arm in perfume sales.

Yesterday I met with an English speaking uncle and he is a dispatch worker. I thought that he is an engineer but his take home is $1k plus.. And has a house to pay and to feed his two children. Also his wife works as a part time cashier. It's really quite straining on them, especially now they are 53. And their house still have 18 more years to pay. Imagine that..

It's really quite taxing and to hear this story is quite sad for them. And luckily he doesn't smoke. Otherwise how can he afford even more cash-flow for the family.

Overall is the willingness to step out to set up his business that makes a difference in the people's lives. I see there are alot of businesses that even young people dared to venture out of their comfort zone and got the profits through their fine tuning and hard work. Nothing comes by easy and people can judge anything by the cover, and usually say bad things about it. But most importantly, one should do business ethically and morally correct. It's of utmost importance.

I'm glad that Eve and I are in our business as we are able to allocate and spend our time and money wisely on things we desire, especially in our family and house.

Kate
------
She is now slowly introduced solids to her diet and she loves it so much. Especially the banana and the cereals from Happy Bellies.

Yesterday I had roadshow and returned home around 10pm and she was asleep already. Later I was shocked that she awaken and it seemed to me that she just wants to see me and wants me to talk to her. So sweet right?

It's really extra amazing when Josh even came by and sat beside us, also wanting to join in the fun! Ha.

Love my family and wife.. And thank god to have my mother in law to take good care of my family when I'm not around..

Josh first day at school

2012-01-05T17:32:00.001+08:00

Well today is Josh first day at school and it's quite an experience for both parents and children. The class has eight children and for the first two days, they allow parents to accompany their children.

Thank god that Josh is able to toilet train himself. And also he has good appetite too..

Today's lesson is two hours and I'm really amazed by the teachers. They are enthusiastic and will try ways to incorporate themselves in the children's environment.

Josh made a new friend named Xavier and it was Xavier who first passed him a toy train. And later Josh passed back to him another.

There are two children who are able to self run by their own, without their parents in the room. That's really very good and I really hope that Josh can do that soon. We understand that different children have different growth times, so all we have to do is to have patience... Here are some pictures!!

Renovation

2012-01-04T17:52:00.001+08:00

Well now my house is undergoing toilet renovation and it's quite interesting to know that we have to liaise with so many people.

And due to this, we have to pack the house and thank god everything is done smoothly. And everyday, I have to sweep and mop the floor.

Kate
-------
She is growing so fast! Now whenever and whatever we are dining, she just look at us, wanting to eat! So today at 12pm, we fed her cereals from Happy Bellies and she loved it!! Ha. And she drank quite a bit of water too.. Amazing!! Feel that her appetite is very good and I'm very happy for her.

Now, she also loves to sit and tries to stand too. Not only that her lower two teeth has officially grown! So fast right? I really feel that we have to record down the growth milestones for Kate and Josh.

Josh
------
Today is the first time that both of us tried McGriddles and it's actually quite nice. Opps. I know that I'm not pro-Macdonalds but Josh loves the bread, the meat patty and also the hash brown. Luckily I brought with me our home made soya bean to neutralise everything! Lol.

Tomorrow will be his first day of school and we really pray that it will be good for him. He will be able to adapt well too..

Thoughts 2011

2011-12-30T05:18:00.001+08:00

Now it's 5am and I just couldn't sleep. Wonder why. Suddenly I just realized that 2011 will soon end. Find that I need to enrich my own life as well as others.

Volunteering
---------------
In NUS, I have been actively participating in volunteering activities. However it got lesser and lesser when I am out in the work force. Is this common? I guess it's the change of priority and also I didn't include volunteering as part of an equation in my life.

I have a few friends who are still actively volunteering such as Fred and Meitoon and really they squeeze out their time to cater to the kids.

My boss has openly asked about people who are interested in volunteering in 2012 and there is actually a strong urge for me to join and also to tie in with my roots, NUS CSC... Because every year, they would actively do special projects and it's for the benefits of people.

I should discuss more with Eve...

Work
---------
Happy to say that I have achieved what I have set out in early 2011.. And I also have a growth in the Annual premium too! Woohoo..

All these are attributed to my family (Coz they really gave me alot of support) and also my organization.. :)

More to come as 2012 will be an even greater year for me and my family...

Devastating

2011-12-09T12:25:00.001+08:00

My my!! We just calculated that from 2009 till now, we have paid a total interest of $20k for our house!! This is devastating..

This presses us on to even wanting to clear our house loan ASAP. Loans is such a terrible word.. People shouldn't keep scolding the F word, rather should scold this L word.. It is deadly.

Imagine what I can do with this $20k!! Ha. All I want to do is to clear it and no one is stopping me. Once I get my title deed, I will make sure I laminate it!! Ha.. Really can't imagine those people who take up 20, 30 year loan.. It don't make any sense.. As the compounded interest loan can make up to 50% of their house price.

This devastating fact is my motivation to down my L word ASAP..

Wedding dinners

2011-12-03T10:26:00.001+08:00

Well from our bottom of our hearts, I feel that wedding dinners are really a waste of people's time and money. It's like every time I attend a wedding, it's just like following the motion, eg walk in, eating, video, champagne pop, photo taking. Are all these really that important and significant?

And the food.. It's full of MSG and it starts so late. Just find that in our modern society, is it really crucial to carry out a wedding dinner? And when they start late, people would actually leave earlier before the wedding would end, and the amount of untouched food! Where would they go?

Why can't they make it a simple affair? And come to think of it, is there a need to do those silly stunts just to get the bride? I mean it has been settled that they are going to get wedded already. I see them having to eat weird stuff, wearing weird clothes, dancing, and all these the bride didn't even get to see. What's the point in this? Can someone enlighten me...

Imagine the guy refuses to do the stunts and walk off? Then you mean they are still going to carry out the wedding? I feel everything is for show, for everyone to see and impress. Is there a need?

And the bulk of the cost is actually given to the hotel food, which are over priced. Why can't they channel that amount to charity?

Many a times, the gifts provided on the table are not gifts. They are merely objects that are are brought home and unused. What a wastage! And it occurred to me that I have the same wedding gift twice, twice as useless..

And a wedding affair should be personalized. As in the attendees would know how they are met and their history. That should be the way. Rather than to have it shown modern pictures, where we would only ask where is it taken. Honestly, many are just following the motion. It's so sad actually. And couples would worry could they break even or not as they are working for the hotels!!

First December 2011

2011-12-02T01:29:00.001+08:00

Well Josh has certainly increased his vocabulary alot!! And now he can say words like

I am good
I am Josh
不可以
Apple
Orange
Grapes
Peach
Daddy
Mama
Ma
Gong
Big
Open
Close
Eeee
Wei
Bye bye
Good night
暗暗

For songs, he will now sing the last few words such as
磨丽花.. The 花 word
Majulah Singapura.. The ra word

It's very fast, next month, he will be starting his class and really excited for him actually.

Kate
........
Kate is growing and she really loves eye contact and that people actually speaks to her! And she will present you with a truthful and wide smile, which you can't afford not to feel happy about it!!

She loves to bathe too and her favorite song is Hickory Dickory Dock. Now I'm more accustomed to her needs such as carrying her to sleep while outside, and even both Eve and I can change her swiftly from her soiled diapers!!

Thank God
....................
Didn't manage to blog these days but I will always remember that on 12Nov2011, this is the memorable day for Josh and all of us as it is the day that Josh successfully potty train himself. He managed to poo in the potty!!

Up till now, he will inform us that he wants to poo and would swiftly sit on the potty and poo!! Save us so much $. Also, when we bring him out, he didn't wear diapers as now, he is able to tell us when he is urgent.

I really want to thank god for this because after I gave my tithe, miracles just happened for me and my family. Unknowingly, it's actually my prayer to god to let Josh be diaperless and it came true!! So happy about it..

YY

2011-10-24T15:06:00.001+08:00

Well recently there was a case of a girl being knocked down by a vehicle and subsequent another one. And the sad thing is that there are 18 people who walked past her and NO ONE actually stopped and help the poor kid.

I have a two year old myself and it's at their age that they love to talk and walk too. And it pains me that the parents were not there at the spot with her as she was standing beside the road!! How can they?! Even if they are busy, they shouldn't let the child be alone beside the road..

If I were the driver, I may not see the kid as she is wearing black but will stop by if I hit something.

When I see the little girl, the thought of the parents pops into my mind.. What are they trying to do?

Now that she has gone, it really makes me think what lesson I have learnt from this. I feel that it's the parents responsibility to take good care of the children.. And their safety.

Last week

2011-10-24T09:35:00.001+08:00

Well

Last week is quite a fast week for me. Just feel that I have to really spend both quality time in church, family and work. And that comes about from time management.

Josh now knows how to potty train himself and he will even pull down his pants and then urinate into the potty. And all of us are very happy when he shows us. Simply amazing! And quite a few times, without us knowing, he has already pottied and he came and told us!! Amazing boy..

Kate now knows how to laugh with sound!! And she loves to smile when people either sing or talk to her. She is indeed a talker and Eve takes very good care of her, knowing when she is going to potty too..

Yesterday brought my family to Punggol waterpark as they have a firework commencement party there. And I tell you, there are so many people there especially at the 7.30pm mark, as it was advertised on newspaper that this timing is the start of the fireworks. But organiser very clever. They started the fireworks at 8pm and slotted in speeches before that!! Lol. Josh loves the firework display:)

Josh Josh Josh

2011-10-17T12:17:00.001+08:00

Josh

Wow. Yes he's growing and at times, I would just stare at him and see how much he has grown from the day I saw him born. Now, he is trying to be diaperless and would tell me when he wants to urinate. This is a huge improvement.

At night, I would turn the lights off early so as to make him more attuned to earlier sleep timings. Not only that, I want him to have the habit to wake up earlier too, around 8am.

Whenever he's at home, he will keep himself occupied with toys and of course seeing what we are doing. Example, when we are cooking, he would want to take a look at what we are chopping and what's on the kitchen table.

When Eve is at home, he would want to be breastfed and like Sunday, he just keep wanting the breastmilk every hour until we are going crazy and berserk! Ah!! However when he is not here, he will not ever think that he needs the breast. So there is a dilemma as to whether to place him at my house or his grandma place. Certainly it's quite taxing on Eve because she has to breastfeed both the children.

Parenting is challenging and it really takes both hands to clap! Sometimes I wanna wish my children will grow up fast, but partial of me wants them to slow down coz I would want to see them grow.

Circle line

2011-10-09T15:53:00.001+08:00

I'm totally amazed! With the full opening of the Circle Line in Singapore, it has brought places to be more accessible. This is very amazing. It took us around 30 minutes to reach Botanic Gardens but now, it takes us only 9 minutes! This is really amazing and it actually 'closer' for us to go Botanic Gardens than Bishan Park!

Love the Circle line and of course want to thank God for letting us to get our current apartment which is very near the Circle Line! So happy and for my appointments which are in the west, it will be shorter traveling time. Thank you SMRT.

Today

2011-10-09T01:00:00.001+08:00

Well today was Saturday and I'm really very glad that my son was able to sleep with me in the living room for two straight nights in a row. Ha. I'm really proud of him. Because we are trying our best to night wean for him and yes, it's getting better and better. And the good news is that he is knocking to bed slightly earlier already!

I have been thinking actually. Seeing happy families and seeing happy married couples. Families certainly bring lots of joys and also at tough times. From Eve's grandma, nothing cannot be impossible to be done. Can you believe a 87 year old could say this? I'm totally impressed. She has helped out in small and big ways in our house and it's certainly commendable. Helped us in cooking and washing dishes and also chores like sewing and ironing clothes. She is really helpful and she had 7children.

How come it seems like in the past, having many children seemed easy? And now, we simply complain when we have one? And some even don't want to have a child?

In our church today, there is a couple whom we met at baby dedication and they shared their testimony in church!! Woohoo. They have four children and through constant finding and praying, they managed to find a good value for property at Bukit Timah and the size is actually what they wanted. They sowed alot back to church for the Arise and Build and God gave them back an even greater house! This is faith and I can feel that both of them have common goals and vision. Of course, I would like to achieve this for my family, providing them a comfortable roof over their heads and make it a loving family for everyone.

Steve Jobs has moved on and he even shared a message before that he would just like to spend time with his family during the last few days of his life. Family and work. It is indeed family that is the most important as it is what that thrives us in our life. We must put in more effort in building our family rather than to neglect it for the purpose of work. And this motivated me for it. To provide meals by cooking, makes it enjoyable for me as they are more healthy for my family members.

Concerts and outings

2011-10-07T23:00:00.001+08:00

Well now that I have been two years plus as a parent, somehow Eve and I will have common thoughts and at times, I even knew what she wants to say or vice versa. Telepathy.

Concerts and outings. What a title?! I just attended a loud concert consisting of Jay Chow, Landy Wen and a few other artistes. They are quite inspiring and really, I feel they are talented in their own ways. When I see Landy, I feel that she is a career woman. Ha. When I see Jay Chow, I feel that he is relaxed by showing his music talents and words that I can't quite understand. Yet people love him. I am amazed.

I really wonder what will I be if I see Britney. Woo. I'm not such a music enthusiast as compared to the past. Probably rock concerts are not for me now. I really prefer soothing songs and of course if Britney is here, I totally will go because I know her songs!

This is the first time I enter a concert without knowing a Single song. That is really attending a concert out of your comfort zone and watching people cheer loudly! This is like a music appreciation class for me!

I'm amazed that both artistes whom I mentioned earlier are born in 1979. Very young to have such established career. I really aim that I can be somebody by age 30. Woohoo.

Of course, to attend an event without my wife is very very weird. Somehow I don't feel that it's myself. Somehow I feel happier with Eve Josh and Kate by my side. And this bliss is really in my heart when I'm typing this.

I'm thinking. Going to the concert is like a reward for myself. However my heart is in my family as I want to enjoy this reward with them. I must work hard. And be able to bring them to more outings together and enjoy together.

I want to thank my organization for treating me a great dinner at Brewerkz and the Loud concert! It's a gift for me as I'm one of the top 8 advisers from July to Sept! :) this final quarter is really another challenging one and I will try my best to achieve. Whatever it takes!

Family and work

2011-10-05T12:07:00.001+08:00

Well

These days. I actually have been wondering. The roles that I have to play is really quite tiring at times. And not only I, Eve also feels it at times too. But somehow we have done it for the past two years already.

I feel like forming my very own diary and write down my feelings rather than to type. Find it's more personal rather than to type. Typing here is not personal as you may be implicated probably if you type any wrong information or even mention about a company.

It's quite serious sometimes because you may comment on some bad points on a company and they may sue you for causing their business to drop indirectly. So probably think twice before you type anything especially in Facebook that everyone is reading.

Now I seldom post on Facebook or even post pictures or photos of my family already. It's kinda personal and it's good if I can keep them in my own blog rather than to air them out. So now I will reduce my contact in Facebook already.

LJ
-----------
I was really shocked when I saw his news and the big picture that appeared on the newspaper! I really hope that things will be better for him and the family and I'm really touched that his family members went all out to search for him.

He is actually my army friend and he's certainly a hardworking person. Quite individualistic at times and would cheong all the way to strive for the things he want.

Two years back, I met him and his wife (girlfriend then) for review and didn't follow up with him because his coverage is ok with his current budget. That was the last time I actually chat with him.

Two months back, I happen to bump to him at Somerset restaurant but I didn't say Hi Coz he's with another friend. But really shocking to hear about the news.

But insurance don't cover for missing people, until and unless after seven years. Wow right?

Nevertheless, we must cherish our loved ones and live each day to your fullest!

Zoo
------
Well yesterday brought Josh to zoo and he enjoyed it very much. This time we tried the more economical way, that is to take public transport to the zoo. It was raining then and the people turning up is not so many compared to the previous time.

We saw alot of animals such as pigmy hippo, fruit bats, elephants, kangaroo, raccoons, fish, monkeys, baboons, giraffe, zebra and also rabbits. And I'm also very happy that Josh ate all the food that we have brought for him!

Really feel he learns more when he is outside and not only that, he gets to take his favorite bus rides and train rides! Awesome...

Post Created Oct 2, 2011 10:23:37 AM

2011-10-02T10:21:00.001+08:00

One month hiatus!

I really can't believe it. I have actually stopped blogging for over a month. Well September has been quite a challenging time for us because we have alot of thoughts for our home. Ideas such as engaging a new helper, becoming raw foodies, thinking ways to escalate my business and also taking good care of Josh and Kate.

A new helper
------------------
We feel that there is a strong urge for us to have more home cooked food at home because outside food are really unhealthy and cancer causing. Worse of all, they are more costly.

Then came the idea of a helper in our house because she will be able to help us in our cleanliness of the house and to prepare the food we want.

However, what is stopping or delaying us is where is she going to sleep? That is a question. Otherwise it's fine.

Raw foodies
------------------
I went for a body detox programme at Waterloo street and it's very good. From there, she told me to drink for fluids, and have more green veggies as well as ample of rest. She told me to cut down on my meat intake and most importantly to munch my food more before swallowing.

That made me turn more to veggies and somehow one by one events came to us and made us feel that vegetarians is the way to go.

National parks came up with a Day in the Gardens at fort canning park and from there, we learnt that sprouts are very good and there are two foreigners that we met who lead healthy vegetarian diet! That propelled us that this is possible and it takes two hands to clap, two people or more to make it happen.

Eve then ordered a breakfast drink that is delivered to us everyday with consisted of blended fruits and vegetables. They are rich in fibers and also antioxidant. Really feel different after drinking. Then, she even told her dad to participate in the breakfast drink too.

We have started again to order organic vegetables because they have no pesticides and easier to cook too. Health and wealth and we feel that when we work hard, we deserve better quality food.

I also attended a vegetarian seminar, which happened to be at my roadshow place. I learnt that we are not born to be meat eaters due to the teeth configuration(that we have no sharp teeth) and claws. And our colons are actually not in tune to meat too.

She also explained that why do the animals deserve to die for humans whereby god has given the right to live to them? That sounds so true. And when we kill them, the fear and anger in the animals are in turn transferred to us. How true..

We are slowly working towards increasing the vegetable intake in us and we will see how it goes.

Business
-------------
September has been quite a good month for me and that made me qualify for two Taiwan tickets for my family. So we are able to travel for free! Woohoo.

And also for September, an old friend of mine contacted me and got plans from me too. Feel so happy about it.

Thinking of better ways to make my business more efficient!

Josh and Kate
---------------------
Josh has started to say more alphabets as well as numbers. Eg A to J and numbers of 1,2,5,8.

He spoke in Chinese for the numbers. It's a good step because this paves the way for his speech. He speaks more now and we encourages him to do that more often.

Really want to spend even more time with him especially in the day because he is growing so fast! I enjoy bringing him out for marketing and let him take the food I need from the shelf and place in the shopping basket. He also loves to see the crabs!

Kate is growing just like a small adult. She loves to speak when I make the 'ah-coo' sounds! And Eve is actively pottying her and now Kate attuned to her even more. Love my family!

Wow

2011-08-29T03:18:00.001+08:00

My my! It's been one month since I have blogged!! Recently it has been quite hectic for my family members eversince Kate is born.

Every night, I would be going to my mother in law's place and I will accompany Josh until he is asleep. At times, it may stretch from 12-1.30am. Imagine after that I have to walk or cycle back.. Ah. I may bathe and knock in at 2am.

The journey don't end there. Kate would wake up in the middle of the night for nightfeed and it can be every two hours. I may awake at 4am and 6am.. So it's like a nap time for me at night.

And then I would be waking up at around 8 or 9am depending whether I would have work or meetings.

Later I would rush back and prepare lunch for my wife and after munching, I would leave home for appointment. At times I wouldn't have time to cook lunch or dinner because the time schedule don't allow me to.

When I have finished my evening appointments, I would change up, and wash the dishes(if any). Then I can nap awhile at times and then go and accompany Josh.

This cycle carries on...

I really hope that everything can stabilize asap and that Josh can successfully wean from Eve for night feeding...

My schedule: Children, Work, Wife, Children

2011-07-27T10:57:00.001+08:00

Children
--------------

Ha! Yesterday was a well spent day but it was quite taxing on me. But I enjoyed it very much.

In the morning, brought Josh to Jacob Ballas at Botanic Gardens and he loves the water feature so much! He heard the water feature and straight away wants to remove his shirt! He has came here before and he enjoyed it then.

There is only one Singaporean (me) and the rest are Caucasians. They really let their children free to roam and I bet they are regulars to this beautiful park! We spent about 40 minutes there.

Thank God I brought avocado bread for him as he was hungry after the event. We later went to a sand garden and even picked up saga seeds! Around 30 of them. Josh even picked up and place them one by one in the plastic bag!!

Work
--------
When I came back, I straight away had my lunch and headed for 3 appointments till 7pm.. Was quite hungry then.

Wife
-------
Rested awhile because I have sore throat and slight fever. This is due to the Old Chang Kee that I have eaten the day before. Think their quality of oil used has degraded. Not so good. It's like Old Junkie. Ain't patronizing their stall anymore.

Talked to my wife awhile whilst Kate was asleep. Glad that she is recovering well and she has so many ideas for the baby shower and she bought online a children bicycle seat for $80. Original price $200.

Children
-------------
Went to my mother in law's house to see Josh and spent time with him till 11.30pm. He was doing fine there and played with him too.

When I returned home, Kate was soon awake and I spent time rocking her and singing songs to her too...

At night, woke up nearly every hour. Ah!! Pour water for Eve, carry Kate, and so on.. Lol

New born Kate

2011-07-23T12:12:00.001+08:00

Kate Hoe (3.18kg)
--------------------------

Well nowadays or "now a nights", I have been effectively sleeping from 5am onwards. Ah. Its mainly accompanying Kate. She is a newborn and she is still slowly adjusting to our day and night regime.

When she is in the womb, she is mostly active at night and of course, when she is born, the pre 9month sleeping habit sure prevails. According to books, it will take about 6 weeks or so for her to adjust back to our normal day active and night sleeping.

So, at 1 plus, she would be sound asleep. But around 3-5am, her big eyes will be opened and my confinement lady and I will take turn to accompany Kate, while Eve will occassionally wake up to breastfeed her.

And of course, I will wake up at around 10 plus every morning... Ah!! Imagine if I have work in the early morning.. But thank god my career allows me to have this flexibility.

Josh Hoe
--------------

Now Josh knows more words!!

Add to his words list
Daddy
Eight
Five
Steady
Bear
Ma
Bus

And his hand actions speaks a thousand words!! He will show actions for

Egg
Cranes
Up
Down
Stir
Drinking
Fireworks
Eat
Kiss
Feeding us
Pointing to us
Changing his diapers "sometimes"

In terms of operating equipment, he is really amazing. He operates the

CD player (changing the CDs)
Camera by switching on and off
Handphone by switching on and off
iPhone swiping

Josh and Kate are growing and wow!! Really blessed to have them...

Afternoon Father and son time on 16July2011

2011-07-17T16:16:00.002+08:00

Yesterday evening, it was indeed a father-son time for me and Josh! And we enjoyed so much together.

We took cab to Suntec and guess what? He really loves car ride because he is able to spot and tell me things that he know! Such as tractors, cranes, lorries, tunnels, cabs, trees.. Amazing boy.

We went to church and he played himself the toys which are available there. And he enjoyed himself. Learning some building blocks as well as cooking stuff.

After church, we went to the nearby Esplanade to have his dinner. I knew that the NDP rehearsal was there, so we found a spot, beside Marina Square and we sat there to enjoy the breeze and to feed him.

I'm so happy that he finished all his food and when the first fireworks started, he straight away made the fireworks sign by opening his palm and pushes his hand up, a sign he will do when he saw the fireworks video in the iPhone! And he loves to link things that he know. So he straightaway pointed out to my pants that my iPhone has the fireworks!

We took some night pictures with the fireworks and it was quite blurred because we do not have the night mode. But it is however our first fireworks picture together!!

After the performance which ended at 8.10pm, we headed back and on the train, he straight away slept on me. Ha. Probably he is too tired from the activities today.

Two children

2011-07-17T12:04:00.001+08:00

Well, wanna share with you that currently, we are adjusting our lifestyle with our daughter. All children have demands and now, both of our children have their separate demands but they have one common one: breastmilk.

Now our daughter is 6 days old and she is sensitive to the breasts! What do I mean? During day 3, at night she rejected the breasts totally even though she was hungry. And the next day, Eve called the Breastfeeding association and found out that it was probably due to Josh drinking it and his saliva was on the breast. My daughter felt that there was a difference and that's the reason for it. Now, we would wipe first before feeding her. Amazing!

Yesterday was really quite hectic. Slept at 6am. Can you believe it? My daughter was awake and Josh was asleep since 12am. Then Josh woke up at 3.30am. That's when things are jumbled up! Josh wanted Eve to nurse(this was the normal routine before my daughter was born). However, his sucking is quite hard on Eve and after 15mins, she felt painful and felt that she couldn't breastfeed him too long. And my daughter was crying too. She left and that left Josh weeping!!

I made milk for Josh but he didn't want and he wanted breast milk and was quite upset that Eve didn't want to carry on to breast feed him. I brought him down for walk but he still kept crying. And then I brought him back, telling him to eat biscuit with the milk that I made. He's ok until the biscuit was finished and he indicated he wanted mummy. I said no and tried to on music to distract him. This time, he cried even louder!!

Then we decided to bring him to my mother in law's place. We walked there and I was quite in zombie state. It was 4.50am already.

We managed to make him sleep at 5.20am by calling the weather forecast station as there is someone speaking and he feels that it is a lullaby. And I left and reached home at 5.40am.

When back, my daughter cried again because she needed to be carried awhile to sleep and Eve is already quite tired. Then, I managed to make her to sleep at 6am and I dozed off with my daughter, with her on the bed.

We will see what we can do to improve the situation:)

God, we need your assistance and provision on Eve, Josh and my daughter.

2011-07-16T14:51:00.000+08:00

Hey Everyone!

Woohoo!!

Our daughter is born!! So happy!

She is born on 110711, 2019hours at Mt Alvenia. She is 2.960kg and she has alot of hair!! Really want to thank God for his provision and also his protection over her and Eve.

I received a call on 110711 at 3.30pm from Eve, and she told me that her water bag burst at home. I was on train back at Novena Station. Upon hearing that, I straight away went out of the station. And bought my lunch and headed straight to Mt Alvenia.

I met Eve at Mt Alvenia as she took cab from home and we were warded at 4.30pm. This time, the delivery time was around 3.5 hours and this is amazing and you gotta hear it. At 8pm, the nurses said that she only dilated for about 6cm (still got 4 more cm to go). The contractions became stronger and until a stage she was kneeling down and I have to practically support her with my own weight!!

And the next minute, she told me that she is pushing. And I told the nurse that she is pushing!! Then, I was told to remove her pants and guess what!?!?!!!! I saw my part of my daughter's head already. We lifted her to the main bed and then my daughter's head was fully out and then slowly her whole body. The whole process was so fast that one can ever imagine. One moment said that we are halfway, the next, she is born!

We are very amazed that she has more hair than Josh! Ha...

June

2011-06-28T18:06:00.001+08:00

Well for this month, I have made very few posts! This isn't good.

Guess what happened to me? From 12June2011, I contracted chicken pox and I tell you, it is a skin disease that I do not want to remember at all. It is mixed with fever that reached to 40 degrees.

Not only that, I have over 300 of the chicken pox from my head scalp down to my feet! The worse is when they appear on my body and face when I have difficulty in bathing. And when I soap myself, the feeling of the small bumps on my body makes me to have goosebumps!! This is seriously very terrible feeling and ordeal.

For almost two weeks, I was unable to work and cook too. And we were fearful that Josh will have it. Also for that period, I couldn't even carry and kiss Josh. Bad feeling Coz I'm afraid that the weight may burst the pox!

Thank god I have my wife who can take care of Josh and also my mother in law. She even took the trouble to place the calamine lotion on my body. It's really a noble act!

Now, I'm still recovering from the drying and my face.. Still have some of the marks. Ah!! I should have taken the chicken pox jab and I really wonder who have passed it to me actually. Maybe I contracted it in the major roadshows at EXPO. Other than that, no one that I know of has chicken pox.

I'm actually relieved that now, I can go and work and it really feels strange to take trains and buses and to see the crowd because for two weeks, I have been resting and didn't go out!

My friends, those that didn't have chicken pox at all, please please take the anti chicken pox jab because it can really minimize the chances of it happening and we shouldn't waste time in engaging this disease. Find that through this chicken pox, skin disease is really quite demoralizing. And people would give you the weirdest stares.

Take care of your body...

Wow!

2011-05-29T10:37:00.001+08:00

Been going to zoo twice this month. In fact, we have bought a family package such that we will have an unlimited number of times for the entry to zoo.

Eve Josh and I enjoyed every single trip because we find that through actual interaction for the animals, Josh is able to learn much better as to what is the actual animals are like. He loves the mini waterfalls. Ha. And he enjoyed the water performance by the seal.

I personally is also amazed by it.

Now our house has two hamsters and they came to our house, they are only 3 weeks old. It has passed two weeks and we are very amazed that they have grown to adult size! Think we have fed them too much.

They are actually being given away because the previous owner has 5 hamsters. Josh takes good care of them too. When he is eating apple, we would ask him to give some to hamsters. And he pulled out from his mouth and give to the hamsters!!

This is so funny.

More to come.

Biennale 2011

2011-05-13T00:34:00.000+08:00

Hi
Today Eve and I went to Old Kallang Airport and Merlion to see the Biennale art pieces. It's quite fun as we find that Old Kallang Airport is really old. And it sets the mood of being a white elephant.

There are a few art works that are commendable, however some are not sure what they are trying to express.

Picture of us waiting for the shuttle bus from Old Kallang Airport to Merlion.

This bear picture is well done by a primary school student and it's made just by sketching with a pen! Ain't it good?

This is actually a hand woven art piece and initially I have no idea what it has sown, but strangely, when I see it through camera, the words are very obvious!!

Marina bay skyline with Eve

The Merlion pictures are in another camera and I tell you, the Merlion hotel is really able to let people to stay overnight!! And it's at a cheap rate of $150 and the scenery is superb!! Too bad it's fully booked.

Had a fun time today!!

Comparison

2011-05-12T00:19:00.000+08:00

Well in life, you will definitely been compared to someone in one way or another. Otherwise, you compare yourself with other people.

Many a times, you will feel that other people are far better than you yourself. But now, I'm 27, I just feel that comparison is good, but you have to know that everyone is different and God has actually made us different so that we have different strengths.

When I was in secondary school, I join Art club and yes, it's quite degrading compared to those uniformed groups because it's like a 'do nothing' club. I do feel very annoyed at times but who cares, Coz at the end of the day, I have learnt quite a few art skills and made good friends!

Now, I'm a married man and when I see other people that don't have children, at times I feel that yes, I may not have much of their 'free' time. But I know that at home, I have a lovely son and wife waiting for me and my time is their time. And I'm very happy about it.

At times I may feel weary but I know that if I put my faith in God, he will help me in many different ways.

Now in my career, everyday there will be production updates and of course when you see other people submit large cases, of course you will feel that how come you didn't get that case? I feel that keep comparing will be very tired and you may burnt out.

Now, I just focus what I want and achieve it. I do not want to keep seeing the production updates and cause unnecessary stress. Ha. Of course I will work hard, but the main intention is for my family.

These pictures are taken when I bring Josh down for an early morning walk. Ha. Just some candid shots and of course, sometimes he just don't want to look at the camera. :)

Career as a dad and an FC

2011-05-06T23:39:00.001+08:00

Well, I want to thank God that for the last quarter, I'm the top producer in my organization among 250 people! Yeah. Want to thank my clients who have the faith in me and of course I put in effort in it.

And upcoming months, I will do extra hard for my career as I have a family to build. So Mervyn, continue to Jiayou. I have also been promoted to an Executive Financial Consultant and it's really a rewarding post because with this post, I represent top 10% in Prudential.

As a dad, of course it's fun to be in. Seeing Josh grow as well as taking care of my pregnant wife is at times taxing, but the efforts are rewarding as I feel that both my son and wife love me very much.

This is very important and that makes me even want to work harder in my career because family is the pushing factor.

At times, I must allocate time wisely to be a dad as well as an FC. Hence, I must plan time with my wife and to allocate time for home cook meals. We both feel that it is important for us to have healthy meals.

Some pictures to share!!

Josh went with us to see the Rally. Quite fun for him.

I want to build my family to a well knitted family and to cater love as the main ingredient.

Josh and Mei Mei

2011-04-20T12:23:00.001+08:00

Josh is now recovering from his flu and phlegm and I tell you. This time is actually really challenging for all of us. He was tired at 10plus yesterday and slept. At 11pm, due to a large noisy sneeze from my upstairs neighbour, he woke up and started to cry.

We took quite awhile for him to settle down as babies do not like to be disturbed in their sleep, moreover he is recovering. We just have to be patient with him and due to that, he was awake till 3am! Can you believe it?

I brought him down to Shop and save at 12am and then we went back home. He insisted that he's not sleepy and wanted to go out. We went to the playground, and played there for quite long until Eve and her mom came down.

My my. It's really topsy turvy. And I took a bath before I slept. Josh, I really hope you can recover well...

Spending time
I find that he's feeling kinda insecure at times, since now Meimei is soon due in July. According to our Gynae, it's a normal sign for babies to cling to the mothers even more.

I feel like spending more time with him because I feel he likes to go playground with me and at night when I am back, it's already quite late and it's like a part of him is missing. Ah. I'm thinking of putting more time in my family now. It's so important.

Meimei now kicks alot and last night, Josh saw mum's stomach area moving and he was stunned slightly. So funny sight. We are slowly telling him about Meimei's presence and that we love everyone in the family.

Picture of Josh and Dad at Bishan library.

Picture of Meimei. Currently we have no name for my daughter. So just name it as Meimei first. Ha.

Good to be healthy

2011-04-16T09:10:00.001+08:00

Hey

Recently, my son had sore throat that led to slight fever and flu. Due to that, at night, he feels uncomfortable to rest and he would cry even more. This is really quite challenging.

Due to this, he clings more to Eve. In fact, we contacted BFSG (Breastfeeding Support Group) and she said that this is very normal as toddlers would regard their mother as the one and only.

As I have major roadshow this weekend, this made me feel even more strained because of the reduced sleep that I have. And now, thank god that my MIL is there to help us.

I really hope that Josh can recover asap and honestly speaking, health is certainly wealth..

Food

Been quite awhile since I have posted some good places to munch. It's at SuShi Tei and wow I tell you their sashimi is very worth it. Love the first bowl and the prawns are very sweet and there is a piece of fat tuna, really awesome!!! Woohoo. This bowl is $18. Ha.

The chawanmushi with the salmon roe eggs is another signature dish and I recommend that one bowl shared by two people. It's delicious, however too much of it spoils it. Hence two share one will be perfect! Try them.

Ok! I have to work now.. Really want Josh to be well. God I need you..

Woohoo

2011-04-14T19:08:00.001+08:00

I really am spurred on! Now, my wife is managing Josh Hoe's blog because she finds that it is a good avenue to update Josh's growth. Yeah and in the meantime, I manage my own Mervyn Hoe's blog.

Time is ticking so fast. And I just feel that one has to really progress with time too.

Josh
Josh, last night took a nap at 715pm and woke up at 830pm. This is an anomaly as usually he would take nap at 5plus in the afternoon and wake up at 630pm. From that, he will be awake for 5 to 6 hours. Hence, due to the late nap, he slept at 1 plus, nearly 2.

I was really shagged out yesterday because there was no afternoon nap for me as my schedule didn't allowed me and at 1230pm, I cannot control and slept. In the end, Eve accompanied him and made him sleep. I'm really so proud of her to individually take care of him to sleep.

Biennale 2011
Oh! We went to Biennale 2011 two days back and we only went to Singapore Art Museum. It's really an eye opener as you can see different artists' kind of art pieces that are worth commendable.

Nice? And they have three other stations for Biennale like the Merlion, Old Kallang Airport and National Museum. We will cater another day to go there. :)

Fruitful weekend

2011-04-11T12:05:00.001+08:00

Well

Now a days, for weekend, it is only Mervyn Eve Josh time. And I tell you this is certainly a good but of course tiring days to go through because of the time spent on housework, taking care of Josh, cooking and going out.

These days, Josh really sees and learns what we do! I did a 'hole' using the Lego and showed him that it can be seen through it. And guess what? He will use it as a peephole. Yea!

He enjoys bathing now and now that for water to be poured down from his head, he is fine with it and he will wipe his hand with it too! Very good right?

His progression with eating his own food is good because now he is able to control better with his hands and the spoon! Ha. Hence not so much drip on the shirt!! :)

excited

2011-04-08T23:52:00.001+08:00

Honestly, I'm really so excited!!

I really hope to clear finish my current house ASAP and initially wanting to clear by Jan2014.. But I aim to clear it by Jan2013.. Or even earlier.. Woohoo.

Everyday, this is the new driving force to keep me motivated in my career!! Woohoo. Seriously.. Yea. I have seen my house loan interest and that's scary. It's like every month, I'm paying $700 to the bank as interest. This is not what I want for myself. Its like throwing $700 into the drain.

Imagine those who extend their house loan to 20 to 25 years.. The interest is even larger!! That's why I advice my clients to quickly pay off their house and it can be their asset fully!! And there is a certificate given to them too!! Can't wait to have mine.

Woohoo!!!!!!

2011-04-07T11:06:00.000+08:00

Hihi!

It has been awhile since I have blogged for myself. Opps. Anyway, I am very glad that now Josh is growing and learning quite a lot. A few weeks back, he started to eat by himself. Currently, he is able to feed himself without much drips onto his shirt! Great improvement.

For his animal liking, yes, it has grown. He knows how to point animals on the story book when we read out the names. Amazing. And recently, there is a wasp nest (harmless) growing on my plant and he spotted it. Coincidentally, there is a wasp picture in the animal book. And he straight away points to the outside window direction. Cool right?

Well, I have more pictures on the Awards Night last month, and she is my boss and my wife and I hit the award!! :)

So many exciting things to come:
=Daughter in July 2011
=Car license
=More time for family

And of course to work hard!!

2011-03-21T18:24:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone!

How have you been?

Its been awhile since I have actually blogged.

Here you go!

Some insights about what has happened!

I had my company awards night and its my first time on stage! And that crowns me top 40 in the entire 3500 Prudential force in Singapore. This is certainly an award and a night to remember because not only its limelight for me, it is also a chance for me to get an award from Prudential!

In 2009, I got 1 award from Prudential.

In 2010, I got 2 awards from Prudential.

And in 2011... we shall see!

Well the first picture is really amazing. Make me feel as if I'm in Manhunt. Ha
Second pic is Eve and I! Very happy that she also qualify with me for the dinner.
Third group picture is the Financial Consultants from my organisation to hit this award!

So happy! This year 2011 is yet another promising year ahead! Yeah!

2011-03-12T01:59:00.001+08:00

Some Sabah Pictures to share with you....

Great Sunday

2011-03-07T03:22:00.001+08:00

Well it's a great Sunday because both Eve and Josh are at home doing cleaning up and tidying of the house!!

In the morning, Josh ate his breakfast that consisted of cereal and bread and milk. And of course I'm very pleased that he finished his portion.

Later we decided to go and get breakfast at Macdonalds and we also shopped for lunch ingredients. And we cooked our favorite dish which is udon with miso and salmon. We also added vegetables such as cai Xin and beetroot and Josh can also eat them too. Healthy Eh? Find that outside food really is very unhealthy.

In the afternoon that is when we swept and mopped the floor. I really can't believe that our house can be so dusty!! I'm not sure about your house, but dust certainly loves to come to our house!! I washed 3 fans and cleaned the table surfaces while my wife did the clearing of the make up table!! And when I was washing the fans, it made me come to realize that Josh can next time help out in cleaning them too!! Woohoo..

And if I were to have even more children, the chores can be delegated to them and I will be much more free? Isn't it!! Ha. Of course I will still chip in in the cleaning up part.

For dinner we went to eat our favorite haunt, Cafe Ti Amo, and their healthy pizza. Really love their pizza because it can be felt that it's made from their heart and gives a homely feel. And most importantly it's not salty. Woohoo.

In the evening I brought Josh and Steady (dog) down and it's so cute! Josh wants to hold on to the leash and bring Steady around. And he has done a good job because his grip is very strong too! And I manage to let him walk with Steady, together with my hand on the leash too.. Amazing Josh. He's really growing so fast!!

Work
--------
I'm really very excited about my career and that it provides alot of space for me to grow. I'm actually chosen to be one of the models for Prudential recruitment ad and I was actually recommended. Don't ask me how or why.. Ha. It's so amazing!!! Ha. Next Monday I will be taking my photoshoot!! Yea!

Also this month, I will be preparing for my Yokohama trip for April as it is sponsored by my company. And Eve, Josh and my mother in law will also be going and we will see Sakura flower for the first time!! This career has really made me feel that your hard work is really being recognized!

For 2010, I have gotten myself 2 awards from Prudential. One is Starclub and one is Premier Bronze. And actually in my entire life, I havent gotten any awards until now! To take the Premier Bronze award means that I represent top 100 of Prudential 3000 salesforce. Really want to thank my dear clients for entrusting me to handle their policies :)

Also I will continue to work even harder to maintain or even supercede my 2010 results!

Post trip feelings

2011-03-05T00:05:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone!

I'm back and I'm really very glad to be back in Singapore! Miss the drinking water here and the hygiene and also my lovely home. During the trip, no one fed our dear goldfish and thank god that everything's fine!! Ha. We fed the goldfish the moment we came back.

Well, I find that Sabah is a good get-away from Singapore life because it gives us a chance to live back to 70s of Singapore and also the nature walks!! Love them.

Highlights
1. We went to the start point of Kota Kinabalu climb and it's so amazing because there is a climber who took 2hrs33min to climb to and fro of this 20th World's tallest mountain!! Can you believe it? Amazing because normally people take 2 days 1 night to climb it. Probably one day we will conquer it. But have to do ample physical training prior to that, of course!!

2. The hotel
Stayed at Hotel Eden 54 and it's a homely hotel and the best thing there is free wireless for you to use! Ha. And the hotel staff are friendly and they housekeep your room very neat too! Pleasant stay and also just beside us is a grocery shop where you can just buy anything! So convenient. So next time no need to prepare so much stuff!

3. Nature walk
Wow. This is really an eye opener for us to go to the botanic gardens, fireflies, proscious monkey, farms, Mount Kinabalu, roast pork! Ha. Really love the images and they will always be in my memories.

4. Food
Well in this Muslim country, I'm very amazed that Malays work in non halal shops like pork noodle soup stalls. They only handle the pork meat, but they don't eat. Amazing right? Ha. For my coach, he explained to us that it's ok because come to the baseline, everyone needs to work. So that's why.

Love this trip!!!!!

Mount Kinabalu

Sabah

2011-03-03T01:12:00.001+08:00

Hi!
Today is the second day at Sabah and it's really a very fun and relaxing trip to go to!!

In the day, we decided to go to handicraft centre and it is walkable distance from our hotel and when we reached there, someone approached us for a boat ride for 30 mins around the island opposite Sabah for 55 Rm. It's a good deal and we took it.

We saw the zinc attap houses and apparently they are all Filipinos who are actually illegal immigrants living at the South China Sea. Really amazed to see the architecture there because they are able to build mosque there too! And the children there portray childlike and free to roam attitude! Amazing!!

Then we went for a boat ride to see Promiscus monkey, a species of monkey only found in Sabah. They are amazing breed of animals because they eat poisonous leaves and having two stomachs, they are able to sieve out the poison from the food!! And we spotted so many of them. Sadly they are currently endangered. With over 20000 of them in 1980s, now there are only 2000 plus. They are under conservation :)

And in the evening, they provided us with buffet dinner and it's so delicious. Ha..

The night boat ride is the most fun!! It's a tour to see fireflies and they are so many of them!!!! And guess what? They occupy selected trees and lit up the tree, just like a Christmas tree!! It's very hard to take pictures but the image is in my head! Amazing as to what nature can offer for us to see!! Ha..

Once I have the pictures, will upload!

Overseas trip with the 4 of us and my in laws

2011-03-02T00:36:00.001+08:00

Well
This is the first time that I have actually gone to western Malaysia- Sabah.

The trip is not quite a smooth trip but I can say that my wife has done a very good job in planning and also packing the luggage. Ha.

Josh was quite cranky because his sleep was disturbed! From his nap and till dinner and till nap time! I tell you, it's really quite hard to manage. On the plane, he cried for quite long because he wanted to sleep but find it uncomfortable. And the whole plane heard his cries :(

Thank god that he managed to sleep for about 20 minutes.

Actually for toddlers to be cranky and throw tantrums is very common because they are fearful and we just have to be patient and try ways to see what he wants and thinks. Of course not all the time we give in to his requests, if need be, distract him healthily. Do you know what I mean by that? Ha. Try not to use white lies because if they really find out that it's fake, I think it's not good.

Now at 12 plus he is finally asleep and I am really very thankful that my in laws helped out in soothing him, taking turns to bring Josh around and make sure he is alright. Again his cries can be heard through all the rooms in the hotel, Eden54!!! Ah!

Well tomorrow will be a better day!!

Picture taken this morning while he is viewing the pigeons. Nice angle yea?

Goal

2011-03-01T01:08:00.001+08:00

Well! Well! Josh is better now and that his pass motion is more fluid. But he must avoid milk now because it will irritate his bowels, and cause diahoerra. Thank god Eve is still breastfeeding him as breast milk will not cause diahoerra! :) so to all mothers: aim for breastfeeding!!!

Yesterday on yahoo news that someone actually sold breastmilk ice-cream! Eww. Even though I'm pro breast feeding, the thought of drinking other people's breastmilk is quite a gross thought. Ha. Due to this ice-cream post, we went to Udder icecream shop at Novena. And apparently, I suggested it to Eve. And the amazing thing is that she too has thought of it minutes ago!!! Common thought!!

Goal
I title this 'Goal' because I want to remind myself the goal that I have set for myself! Yeah! And we should have it planned out from day one. Find that it is very important.

For me, I have a tracking system for myself so as to know who to follow up for my clients and also prospects. Find that this way will make my job more organized.

This year, I have set to achieve similar to last year goal, but more to the API side. I want to achieve $250k API. For my family and also for my house. Ha!! Can't wait to pay finish my house actually.

Oh yes, suppose to plan driving license in my goal list. Keep delaying! I will add that in!!

Excited!!

Picture of Josh and me on the bed together before I put him on his yaolan to sleep. Love to take teeth pictures with him!

Ha! After the icecream eating, we went to United Square to buy a straw hat. Eve loves straw hats!! And she said I look like the person who sells prawn mee at kopitiam -_-

Josh sick and diahoerra

2011-02-27T01:18:00.001+08:00

Ohh!!

Currently Josh has diahoerra and it's not really that very serious but we know that he has diahoerra. Hence we decided to bring him to KK hospital for the check up.

At 10pm, Eve and I left and guess what, our queue number is 429. We waited for 9 people for the first diagnosis and later, we paid $85.. And we have to wait for the doctor. And we are shocked. There are 100 over people in front of us!! The number is just 320.. We are dumbfounded. I thought that my eyes are playing tricks but no!! My my.

We were hungry so we decided to head towards Newton Circus because everywhere in the KK Hospital has closed. We took cab to Newton and there are no healthy food there to grab. Anyway, we decided to have popiah and in the midst of waiting, Josh diahoerra on me!!! Ha. I was calm and we then decided to go back to KK Hospital to change up.

We went back and it's 1120pm and there are still 60 people in front of us. We decided to wait and we changed up for Josh. It's quite a survivor issue because I have to wash him on the sink with my stained shirt. Eve went to buy a towel for me and later, we managed to clean Josh successfully and I dried my shirt with the hand dryer. Then the queue is still as long as ever!

We then changed our mind to go to Thomson Medical. The doctor was fine and the overall charges is only $84!! Cheap right???? Apparently for Josh, he has viral infection and he just have to take some bacteria medicine.

Thank god we made our choice to go to Thomson medical!! Ha. KK hospital is for emergency cases but Josh one isn't the case. So next time, if your friend's child is unwell, probably head to Thomson Medical will be better!!

Now resting...

Rest

2011-02-24T10:39:00.001+08:00

Well haven't really gotten much rest these days. Felt that I have to really plan my time wisely for my own work and family. After a day's work, I will perform my role as a dad, taking care of Josh till he sleeps! Ha. Sometimes till 12 plus in the night.

Not only that, I have to bring him down to park for walk before he sleeps. And make milk for him to drink.

Then after he sleeps, I will be washing the dishes at the sink, his food stuffs and bowls and cups. That may bring to around 1 am.

The day will be sustainable once I manage to get an afternoon nap to recharge my energy. Yea. So Josh has indeed made me more organized and think of how to manage my time wiser.

Now he speaks more 'words' and we know what he wants and don't wants. Especially when it comes to his milk tin and his favorite bread.

Well all these are done with the love for Josh and Eve. Find that at the end of the day, it is all worth it. He can only be growing and be a toddler once. And he will gradually grow up to be a big boy, an adult and a father too.

More pictures to share...

Eve's pregnancy has been made known to more people now and alot is via word of mouth. Ha. And she is now 20 weeks and we just did a detailed scan. Our baby's growing fine and it's confirmed... Girl!!!

Woo.. Really can't imagine Mervyn to really have two children when he himself is like a kid at times!! Ha. But anyway, just want my baby to be healthy as health is the main priority!

Got to Jiayou now! Woohoo

Occupied

2011-02-18T12:45:00.001+08:00

Opps!

Terribly sorry that I didn't manage to update my blog these days. Have been occupied with tasks that I myself find that I don't even have personal time for myself.

Yes, Eve is pregnant now and yes, we are going to have our second child!!! A companion for Josh!! Woohoo. Really a god bless to know about this news! Our baby will be due in July 2011!! Wow right??

For this year Cny, it's quite a packed back to back visitation because this year, we opened up our place for steamboat for reunion dinner as well as for CNY day two. Also for that, we have to prepare the food in advance. Of course both of us enjoyed the preparation. The sense of satisfaction comes when everyone is happy after the celebration!! Ha.

Mid Feb
This year has been moving so fast paced! Don't you find it? Week after week and 2011 has passed by around 48 days!!! I wonder if some of my friends still have the holiday mood? Ha.

Josh
Well, he is now officially 10kg and I tell you, he knows that he will have a new sibling coming soon. To tell you the fact is that he is the first person who knows that Eve is pregnant! Serious!!

In November, we realise that Josh keep wanting Eve to carry him. And any separation (even 1cm) will make him real upset. I then told my wife probably to do a pregnancy test. And it's true!! She is pregnant!! Ha... Because from books and some sources, apparently children are very sensitive to mother's changes and of course there is a need of increased attention when she is pregnant. That made us suspicious and yea, good news awaited for us.

It brought us to 3 months of non-disclosure until we decided to tell our fellow relatives and friends because we want everything to be stabilized.

Show you a picture of the pregnancy kit result..

And I was so thrilled when I saw the results!!!!! Ha.. Going to be a father of two...

Back to Josh, he is so adorable now and every night, it's a father and son time whereby we will spend around at least 30mins walking at the nearby park and to let him walk and orientate the playground area.

Picture of us during CNY.

Find that as he grows, we all should dedicate more quality time to him! Yea.

Comments

2011-02-02T06:05:00.000+08:00

Wow!
I'm so amazed that over the past year, there are about 2000+ views on my blog.

This is really something! Ha... Didn't really expect that there will be viewers for my old time blog. I just finished my jog and it really donned to me that I have to allocate jogging into my life. Because this will keep my mind active and of course, to have a healthier body. Otherwise how can I keep going in my career and taking care of my family?

Partially, both my parents have history of diabetes and high blood pressure. So even more I should take care of my health as there is a chance of hereditary passing on of this.

Comments
---------------

Wow again! When I looked at my blogger account, apparently, there are 2 people who commented on my blog! Woohoo... more to come though!

Changes
--------------

I will also be putting more pictures for this blog because personally, I am attracted to pictures. And too wordy will actually don't make my blog appetizing! Ha.. And so, yes, more pictures to come!

However, when I used the iPhone to blog with pictures, the pictures will be slightly stretched, as you can see in the previous posts. Anyway, I will see how I can amend to it.

CNY

2011-02-01T18:28:00.000+08:00

Well, this year CNY is hopeful feeling?

I am not sure though.

I am just looking forward to the Sentosa Flower Fest!! It has stopped for a year or two and I tell you, I have gone there before with my family and it is so BEAUTIFUL!! The crowd is alot of people but who cares!?! It is so memorable and they market this year as "THE BIGGEST FLOWER FEST EVER"

Cars

2011-02-01T18:10:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone

I am really shocked to find out that many of my fellow colleagues have bought cars! I am so amazed. Yes, I am really happy for them that they have gotten their new 'toy'.

However, deep down, I feel that it is not really a wise thing for them to do. If I were them, I would actually prefer to be thinking of alternatives such as cabs (if there is a need for usage of cars). What I feel is that cars should not be educated as a need. Somemore it is a negative 'asset'.

Why?
I have calculated that some of them, their recurrent is probably $3-4k/month and the cost of having a car is about $1.5k (together with petrol and the monthly loan amount). That will make them have a remainder of $1.5k-$2.5k. How about business cost and other miscellaneous?

Hmm, it has come to my concern that a car should be acquired when one has at least 8 x of their income as savings. Then, they should think about getting asset driven things such as property, business, investment. And then car. This is my thought. But probably they should have the 8 x of income as savings as a backup.

I looked back that when I achieved what they have achieved last year, I was feeling 'not enough'. Wonder if they have this feeling.

Really feel quite unbalanced when I discovered...

End of January

2011-01-31T17:21:00.000+08:00

Time flies so fast!!

Well, it is End of January and of course, I find that time in 2011 has really just started and the first month is nearly over.

Macau
For January, we all went to Macau for travelling and it is a nice and cooling place to go to. We also brought Josh and my mother in law over there. And it is a good place to get winter clothings because there is demand.

And at there, I also received an award from PTO, being the 9th Adviser of PTO in 2010. Yeah! Very happy because it is my first time receiving this award and I even made my Thank You speech there too...

Didn't manage to post pictures of Macau because I lost my camera there and yes, it's kinda wasted. Hence, I have to search around from my friends the pictures for my Macau trip.

Josh
Yes, Josh has grown so much and now these are the activities that he can do in the month of Jan (additional from other months)
-He can throw diapers into dustbins and make sure it is properly placed
-He empties all the water in the bath tub, making sure we are wet!
-He loves to eat corn, vegetables, carrot, olives, yoghurt, green pepper
-He also knows that socks should be placed together with shoes
-He massages Eve and knows how to wipe of excess moisturizer on his hand
-He is 9.6kg, 80cm.
-He knows how to point what is hair, eyes, legs
-He feeds goldfish solid food
-He loves to see himself in front of the mirror as well as taking videos of himself
-He loves to take out cards from wallets and put them in a pile
-He packs the house with us and mop the floor with his very own cleaning handkerchief
-He knows what is going out, the moment we change our clothes

More and more!!

Excited

2011-01-06T13:14:00.001+08:00

Well, I'm very happy these days. I have also set new year resolutions for myself this year!

It's
- to get a driving license
- to make wife happy
- to have more organic food in my food list
- to have steamboats meals in my house
- to come up with healthy dishes at home

Woohoo.
And apart from that, we would organize more zoo outings and reservoir visits for Josh and family. So that he can love nature and learn more trees and animals existence.

Now he is learning to build Lego blocks, unlike in the past whereby he only destroys them!! Here is a picture!

Now, I'm also learning how to use google calendar.. Find that is kinda useful!!

Singapore zoo

2011-01-05T09:08:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, both Eve and I have no idea what to do on a beautiful Sunday and in the evening, we have a wedding to attend.

So she decided that we go to the Singapore zoo!!! Woohoo. And its a fun experience and Josh went there for the first time too!!

When we reached there at the entrance,there are statues of elephants and Eve took pictures for me and Josh.

And there are so many exciting up close and personal events!!

There is a white faced monkey and it just appeared in front of a sign board and Eve courageously went forward and take a picture of it! Wow.. We and a few tourists are so afraid of it! Ha.

And there are free roaming orang utans and they are a couple with a baby! The sight is so beautiful and we didn't manage to take good pictures Coz we only brought iPhone. We should bring normal camera there.. To get the best photos in the zoo!

We also spotted crocodiles and I asked Eve if they are fake! And they really look fake but they are real!!! Can't believe that we have lost in touch with nature so much.

We took boat ride and Josh likes it so much. This boat ride is a new introduction to the zoo, letting us sail through lower pierce reservoir. Beautiful sight! And guess what? If we are lucky, we are able to see some exotic animals. But of course, we didn't. :)

Then we watched a show "conservation of the rain forest" and it is well done because i feel as compared to the past, it has more educational value! Showing the effects of deforestation and also the animal performances.

We will definitely visit zoo again as we find that it is a good learning ground for Josh!!

2011

2011-01-01T14:45:00.001+08:00

Well year 2010 has been a year whereby I have set goals that are stretching to my own limits, as compared to 2009.

Work
In January 2010, I set to do a target of $250k production. It is a stretching goal for me because the previous year 2009, I hit only a production of $135k. And by 31dec 2010, I hit a target of $275k! Woohoo!!

I am really amazed that I can surpass my 2009 target over two folds. And of course this result comes with luck and most importantly, by God and my hard work.

This made me to become top 50 advisers in prudential this year!! Woo!!!!

This 2011, it will be yet another promising year and I will of course set a higher goal for myself.

Family
Josh has grown tremendously in 2010. Currently he has around 12 teeth and he is walking without assistance. His meals has also increased to have more solids too!

Not forgetting my wife! She has also done well in 2010, hitting our Yokohama trip and we will be going together!! Yeah!!! So happy about it. The sacrifices she has made and her effort to balance work and family has also paid off!

Woohoo!!!

Thank God

2010-12-28T18:06:00.001+08:00

I want to thank God for letting me to embark on business opportunity once again. It is my three day roadshow at Suntec. (last week)

I would call it sheer luck or hard work because I managed to have three walk ins for this road show!! Wow and they are ready buyers! Ha.

And from this roadshow, it made me to have a volume to $20000. This is really thanking god!

Also, want to thank my mum and my mother in law for helping us to take good care of Josh during the three days because I'm not around at home and that made them work longer at home.

Find that in life, we must hedge onto opportunities and if they are knocking at your door, grab it! Because you never know whether next time, there will be another round of this opportunity laid down for you once again.

I'm also very happy that this year, I am able to pen down my thoughts in a book as a Senior Financial consultant and to keep it as a memoir for myself! Yeah!

Can't wait for it to be published and given to my clients!

Family

2010-12-18T09:54:00.001+08:00

Hi!

I am very thankful that my mother in law and Eve takes good care of Josh when I'm doing IT fair. And that all of us have to work till 9pm. Ah! And really push me to work even harder during roadshow.

Yesterday, I went back home and thankful Eve bought for my supper and also in cooked for her jn return, I cooked for her fried egg with mushroom. Ha.

I miss home cooked food too. Ha. We made baked seafood rice two days back and this together effort is paid off!! See the result..

This is seafood with morserellla cheese and it is put in the oven. But the rice not so Q. Prob should make the rice drier.

Must Jiayou today!!

Happy!

2010-12-17T10:02:00.001+08:00

Happy!

Well on 15th Dec, it's my mum birthday and we ate lunch at home. And they all enjoyed it as we baked salmon and the small Japanese fishes.

Then for the dinner, suppose to eat at the dinner place that my golden rooster has eaten at 134 Telok Ayer street. But happened that day they didn't open that day. We went to another teochew restaurant that is quite not worth it :(

Ate roast pig and everything totaled up to $400+. Cant believe it because it's quite salty and oily. And every person averaged out o be $70! Mind as well go to THE LINE to have seafood buffet! Ah...

2010-12-13T13:53:00.000+08:00

Well yesterday, went to my collegues' wedding lunch and it is very well done! Really love the cartoon video movie that amazed me because it really portrayed how they met and how things worked out for them in summary.

Quite touching and that made me to think if it will be good to have me and Eve's one done in a movie clip and can be kept. Then next time when my children wants to know, or even my grandchildren, they will get to know. Isn't that cool?

Also, for my friend, he even pain stakingly played piano! That is the stunner and even his wife was moved to tears!! Wow...

Josh was there too and I am very happy that he sat on the baby chair because frankly, he doesn't like to sit on it. Ha. And that made the feeding easier and we are also much lighter on our side! Ha...

University outings

2010-12-11T13:24:00.001+08:00

Hi Everyone

Yesterday is a great day for socializing because coincidentally, it is a day for material science and for my community service club friends.

I heard from my friend Viknesh that for my material science outing, my fellow friends took leave for the afternoon amazing race planned by Shufen. I am really amazed and I told myself that I must go for it! Seriously, I have never heard that of a group of people taking leave for gathering! A wedding event,yes. But friends outing, wow!

I went and met them and then they were waiting for me at the food republic at wisma. They straight away kicked off the event the moment I reached!! My team has Kelvin, Wengsoon, Zhihong and I. And Shufen is really very clever as she posted the pictures on facebook so that we can log on to see. The aim is to find the exact pictures and take with ourselves inside!!

It is challenging because we have no idea where are the displays but the clue is that they are all in sequence.. Thank god we manage to find all the pictures and needed a clue from her, and she gave an anagram!! Haa.. She really put in alot of effort in planning!! Kudos!!

And our group emerged as winner!! The loser group will pay for the service charge and GST for the dinner later. Ha.. As I have another dinner appointment with my another group of university friends, I left..

Community service outing
I went back home to collect Eve and Josh and headed down to a hokkien restaurant at Telok Ayer street!! Very worth it to go there!!!

And the best thing is that the dishes there are very delicious and not so packed too on a Friday evening. I also am amazed that their Chinese tea is superb. I kept drinking and the best thing is that both Eve and I ate 3 bowls of rice!! Cannot believe it!!

It's at 134 Telok Ayer Street.. Mei Xiang hokkien food restaurant.. Prob bring my family there once again to eat!!

Our new found daughter, Ruien

Excited

2010-12-07T23:52:00.001+08:00

Hey everyone!!

I am really very excited and awaiting for very good news in my work.

I am looking forward to this year's bonus!! Ha.. And have never gotten that amount before.. Ha. And yes, this year is the year that enables me to achieve results better than the years before!!

I am really thankful that Eve actually brought me into this career of mine and that I enjoy what I do, and most importantly, we are able to plan time everyday for our usage too.

Now, I'm reading on parenting books that can increase my knowledge towards parenting because now, Josh is growing very fast and discipline him at times is required.

And really thankful that Eve now still breastfeeds him, giving him the better milk and also thank my mother in law who takes good care of Josh everyday, except Sunday!

Update you good news on saturday evening!!!!

Some pictures of us at the park. And he really loves nature, just like his parents!! And we played with the small stones and fallen leaves...:)

IPPT

2010-12-06T20:32:00.001+08:00

Well on Saturday, I went for my IPPT test because it is due before my birthday. Still can remember that last year this time, I also took my test at Khatib camp.

This time is better, chose 4pm slot and I'm amazed that there are so many people there.

Here are my results
Pull up: 11
Sit up: 36
Standing broad jump:221cm
Shuttle run:10.0sec
2.4km rum:12min10sec

My my!! My static stations are silver and I just need to hit my running before 12 mins I will get a silver for my physical fitness test!!

I am shocked actually when my timing was 12min10sec!! Coz on my fifth round, my timing was 9min59sec. Because towards the last round, I had a stitch and didn't expect I took more than 2mins for my last round.. Making me to have a result of Bronze.

Ah!! That goes my $200... I only have $100 for this test... Ha. But thank god that I passed because my fear station is actually the standing broad jump.. Was thankful that with my height, I can jump to 221cm!! Last year, I can still remember that my result was 216cm... Ha.

Somemore it has been awhile since I have trained for this IPPT... Thank god for it and next year another round... Yea!!!

Positivity

2010-12-04T09:52:00.001+08:00

Well all of us have to keep finding ways to stay positive and one of the ways is with the support of family members.

It's true that we should put our family first then our selves second then work. Support from family members work both ways and it's good to initiate first. Then it is then reciprocated. And when other members felt it, they feel happy and the spirit of happiness spreads. Do you know that children are most sensitive towards the feelings of their parents? So gotta keep making yourself feel positive!! And they in turn will be.

Now we are slowly introducing toothbrush to Josh because he has more and more teeth growing out from his gums! And oral hygiene has to be met!! Ha..

Sometimes at night, Josh and us will actually go to our nearby Dome to chill!! Of course not too late, till about 1045pm. Yesterday he is a so happy. And he loves to be a postman too, taking postcards from the Dome entrance and pass it to mum. Ha!

We all love him...

Stuck

2010-12-03T00:22:00.001+08:00

I am really confused.

This week Cellgroup it really makes me feel immature to even be in a church and that I feel I got judged by what I didn't do, and not commented that what I have done.

I know that it is good to attend church, as you can feel God. But in Cellgroup, somehow I don't. I am really shocked and disappointed to be typing this post now because all along, I do not feel this way. Maybe I have, but I do not really care much?

Church has really blessed me a lot. Really. But when come to relationship building, that made me want to think about it, that is it worth it? Are we friends or that administrative work really covers the friendship?

Come to think of it, I have a few good friends, and many are very good ONLY in times together. And when we moved on, no more. Example I have a few good secondary school friends and army friends. But when we left secondary and army units respectively, somehow we lost contact or don't even bother to carry on... This is really very true.. And makes me feel that building friendships are quite fake.

Eg
I have this army friend. Very close and then we even wanted to be in the same unit. But we didn't and he go to another university and somehow never contact anymore. Then when we found each other in facebook, even we have each other's handphone, we don't even send text messages to catch up.

In uni, had or still having a buddy. And eversince we finished our special project, somehow we also divided. And probably work gets in between us, but I just feel this is another type of platonic friendship. (pardon if you have read this)

Also in army, have a very close army pal. Same bmt and we are very bonded like brothers. But later posted to another unit, it's gone.

Why is it like this?!? Place build relationships, and break relationships? It is so weird.

I just wonder do people find true friendships. But if they do, good for them Coz they are the rare ones.

Maybe I'm tired...

Some singers

2010-12-03T00:03:00.001+08:00

I really wonder what happen to most of the y2k singers in the music scene. Because when I searched the Internet, there used to be alot of great music from year 2000 to 2004..

One example is Kavana. He has great voice and his songs like 'MFEO' and 'Special kind o something' is so wow! And really wonder what happened to him. His music contract ended in 2000. And he never continue...

Find that they should have a come back and pop groups like '911', Backstreet boys and Spice Girls should have a come back!!!!

My my..

Some thoughts...

2010-11-28T23:51:00.001+08:00

Well I'm really very thankful for everyone and God who have been supporting me through my hardwork these few months in 2010.

Of course, this year haven't end but honestly speaking, I'm really amazed that I can achieve much better results as compared to my previous years!! Woohoo..

Last year, I manage to hit my gross volume of $135000. But now, I have $222000. Wow right? And I am setting a higher goal for December. See can reach it? Ha!!

I'm really very happy for my friends in the civil service, getting two months of their salary as bonus. *congratulations*

Amazing race @ Botanic gardens yesterday
---------------------

Yesterday was the first time for my Cellgroup to organize a picnic and I also planned for the Amazing race around botanic gardens too.

Love to plan these events and get people to execute it.. Created tasks like roadblocks, detour, pit stop and so happy to see them rushing for their lives towards the end, when they spotted a brown ball water feature!!

Below are some pictures :)

Will organize more of these fun events!!!

IT fair and God

2010-11-20T00:50:00.001+08:00

Well, today is the first day of IT fair and I tell you, it is also a day of experience. The crowd is not as much as the previous IT fair which I did in April, but the contacts I have gotten is quite potential ones. Even met a lady who works in Singtel for 36 years, who happen to know my aunt who also works that long in the same company!

Amazing stuff eh? This time we are located not so near the noisy sound system, so it is better, I find.

Tmr will be a better day!!

God
I really want to thank God for his never ending blessings because today, it happened that my $150k investment is approved and guess what happened? They just launched an incentive that raises my commission to additional 1.5%! I am so thrilled when I saw this email because that would mean that I have additional income of $2250 by doing nothing!!

I tell you, when you favor God, He shall favor you even more and he will work around you so that we will benefit from our surroundings! I am amazed by this!!

iPhone
Well this morning, Eve called me to inform me that her iPhone was misplaced on her way to her mum's place. I was shocked but I calmly told her to trace back her path to find.

I tried to call her original number but it is still dialing. As in the person who picked up the phone didn't cancel or switch off the phone yet. Then she managed to get hold of the person but he refused to speak a word. She even offered to give him money but he didn't answer.

I just find that this person who picks up the phone is being selfish because originally, he already does not have the iPhone and he doesn't have the right to use Eve's.

Then, all the more he should answer it and return back to her. I feel that as humans, just take things that are yours. If they aren't, just leave it there or try ways to return back to the person.

This should be the correct way, right?!

Gotta sleep!! Good night

New experience

2010-11-19T00:16:00.001+08:00

Well this morning is quite shag for me as when I woke up, it was 8.14 am and I was supposed to meet my secretary at my place. I haven't prepared the stuff I have for her. But she was punctual and she waited for us to get the stuff. Within 5 minutes, it was done.

Today is a new experience for us because our neighbor above us are doing major renovation today, tomorrow and 22nd. And I tell you it us very very noisy! Due to that we have to go to Eve's mum place for shelter.

We took cab and went there. And there came an impatient lady driver who kept honing us as we are trying to get the cab who is in front of her. It is very obvious that we have a child and we take awhile to get into the cab. Yet, she kept honing. So ridiculous lady. Should have taken her car plate number! Irritating lo.

Went to have lunch at her place and bought duck rice and I'm amazed that there are so many people getting the duck rice!! It tasted so yummy and the owner took out the fatty portion of it! Yum!!

Had discovered a good news too!! Ha!!

Tired

2010-11-18T12:29:00.001+08:00

Well last night, it was supposed to be a fine night for all of us. We brought Josh for a night walk at 1030pm and he slept inside the baby carrier at 1100pm. We were so happy.

At 1130pm, we brought him back and I tried to remove him tactfully from the baby sling. And he moved slightly so we carefully took him out (he is still in sleep mode) and brought him near Eve.

He woke up slightly and started to have his normal night breast feed. We thought it was the end and we can sleep.

Guess what?? After the short feed, there came an awake child sitting on our bed!!! I was shocked. The two big eyes are looking at us!!! My my. Josh is awake!! And the time was 1215am!!!

In the end, I decided to bring him down for walkies with the carrier(my style of bringing him to sleep). Guess what I saw when I was downstairs? So many joggers. And I think they may find me crazy to be spotted with a baby at such wee hours.

He began to make more noises and he is even more awake when he saw the stairs. Note this: after half an hour of walk downstairs, he refused to sleep and even want to walk.

I immediately brought him back and of course, he screamed because he didn't have the thing that he wanted. I brought him back to Eve and after some drinking, he still sat up. It was 130am.

I brought him to our living room and he played with the calculator while I have Bo more energy left. I read a book 'a confident baby.'

Later Eve suggested us to call our help line- her mum to come over. In the midst of waiting, we cooked a soup and we ate them. Josh ate some of the bread that we took.

Thank god her mum came and we were so relieved to hear the door knob turn!! And she is amazing. She managed to make Josh feel happy and then, after 30mins, she is able to make Josh sleep in the baby crib!!

Wow... And he slept at 230am while we knock out at 2am.. Which means her mum took 100% care after that..

Josh is really like the energizer bunny!!!!

Really amazing...

2010-11-17T19:12:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone!

Last Saturday, I get to know that my testimony was shared in church. Can you believe it?? What I typed days before about my financial blessing was shared on both days (Saturday and Sunday).

When I personally heard it in church, I am really very amazed because I was prompted by God to give, he blessed me and now it is spread to so many people in church!!! Wow... It is so powerful.

More testimony
On Tuesday, I closed a $4000 case and today, I closed a $3350 case. Wow.. This really brings about power of attraction.

What my boss taught me is true. You have to believe in your own achievement and somehow things will just come. And I am very very sure about it that I will achieve what I have set out to achieve.

Happy!!!

Exciting!

2010-11-12T14:19:00.001+08:00

Every morning, Josh will be the first to wake up and Eve will prepare breakfast.

I will make his food then we will go down to the park for morning walk..

Can you see that he actually place his small fingers in the holes for more support? And coincidentally, we happen to meet a couple who was at the park last morning too!!

He knows how to see the iPhone 4 screen and I was amazed that he did the funny look! I quickly took with him!

Ha! So humorous!

Well, I'm excited because I'm edging closer to my year end target and of course, I will work hard to achieve it!!

Need you guys support!!

What a fruitful day!

2010-11-11T00:25:00.001+08:00

Today I went early in the morning because I was invited to give sharing to my juniors and I'm actually more than happy to share!

I was on time and I learned from them about their year end targets. I shared with them about the scripts I use, and how I keep myself motivated and keep moving on. Really hope they can use my experience to cut short their success journey.

Later did another sharing to my office collegues about opening single premium products. And how I manage my clients. Really feel that I enjoy training and that people can hear me talk! Ha. Probably I should go and build myself into the training education field. I really felt a sense of fulfilment!!

Went back immediately because our kitchen sink pipe leaks and the repairman is very efficient and i thought it will be around $150. But no.. It'd just $50. So good right??

Exciting part of the day.
I went to my appointment to meet a prospect at tanjong pagar. And I closed the biggest case in my career!! It's $150000 single premium!

Really want to thank God for it and I certainly am touched by it. Never have I closed such big amount from a single person!! Wow. Also it's about law of attraction that I shared with my collegues.. And once again, it happened!

More to come!!!
Excited..

Family picture having dinner at home!

2010-11-07T23:14:00.000+08:00

Went to church this morning and really want to thank the Lord for providing us the new knowledge that we can apply in our lives. Whether you are a believer or not, this is somehow true.

We are like a lamp, using a wick to light up and oil as fuel. At times, when we overwork, our oil depletes and if we do not have enough rest, our oil is used up and we will burn our own wick = burnt out.

We must try to seek other ways so as to fill up our oil. This can be in the form of rest, exercise and for believers, to have faith in god. This not only builds up oil in us, god will help us in ways that we do not burnt out.

However if we keep relying on our flesh ( or ourselves), after a while, we will eventually dry up. So in our lives, try our best to keep our oil overflowing and may our wicks keep on burning to keep our lives alive!

Another message is about tithing. Well, there will always bound to have 'vultures' eating away our money everytime or that we are tempted to spend on other areas. However, if we never tithe, vultures will come inevitably and at the end of the day, you may not see your money growing that much.

But if we were to tithe, we are giving a portion to god and in this, not only he will bless us more, he will seek ways to chase off the pending vultures in out midst. So many good reasons to tithe and this really fortify my view.

Today I tithed and guess what? In the evening, I manage to sell away my iPad and it is sold at six times of what I have sowed today! Believe it or not!! God really works miracles in us, and we just have to give him our faith and he blesses us.

Of course I do not demand god to give me any gratification or instant gratification. But I just feel deep in my heart that what I earn or have today, is all with the grace of God...

Thank you Father!

2010-11-04T23:57:00.000+08:00

My friends. We have to be thankful of what we have actually. Met up with my friend today and I learned that he had left his marriage and leading a life as a single now. Come to think of it, I was shocked the very moment I heard of it. I even said that is it a joke?!

Marriage is not a dinner held at a hotel or just merely exchanging of rings. It involves more commitment and trust among both parties. Well, they have tried alot of ways such as going overseas, talking to counsellors.. But things didn't seem to have much improvements. Hence they have decided to use the 'D' word.

I really hope things will be better for them and yes, only time will tell about it.

2010-11-02T12:13:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone!!

Want to remind you guys that now it's November!! What have you done this year that is impactful in your life or in others?

This year has been an exciting year for me, meeting new people and to have new clients whom I can help. Yea!

Sunday 31st October 2010
Well went to Help out at Eve's grandma side in preparation of food. Learnt alot in making popiah, as well as chicken curry. Find that it is fun to engage as many people in preparation of food for over 30 over people. If you haven't, you should try it. A meal on the table is easy to eat, but remember that it takes time to buy, wash, prepare and cook to form the meal. Apparently, it takes a week for her grandma to plan the ingredients for this event and she is now 85.

Later, I went for appointment and rushed to meet my university friends at Marina barrage for kite flying. It is a joyous scene to see my friends once again and that it's time to catch up too. Then, we even had a picnic there. This is quite enjoyable and the weather is also very good - cloudy and windy.

We are quite tired after the event because we woke up very early for the food preparation in the morning. And thank god that there is a cab driving into the marina barrage because it is very RARE for empty cabs to come in.

Woohoo

2010-10-27T19:32:00.002+08:00

Well, find that after having Iphone4, it has made me easier to contact my clients and I have to transfer my diary and schedule to it. And read on yahoo that next year June, they will launch iPhone 5! Wow.. It is certainly very good news because Apple challenges itself not only to be ahead of competitors, but also compete for itself.

IT fair
Thus time, I didn't really fair very well, as compared to my very first one. But I made three new clients and they are very good hearted to have met me. I actually feel comfortable to talk to them and I certainly will do my best to service them.

Upcoming, I will also be doing but not at Expo.. It will be at Suntec!! Can't wait for it because I find generally the crowd there is office crowd.. The people there has more budget for endowment and guess there has more family crowds to target at!!

Josh
He has been growing fine and that he now knows how to wave goodbye and giving flying kisses to people. His appetite for solid food has improved too, eating more meals. And not forgetting, he can stand without support now. Walking is still in the infant stage, but he tries to walk by supporting himself with chairs or walls.

Currently he had slight cough, prob due to cold air entering his lungs. So we don't switch on air con now.. Natural air is still the best! Yea..

2010-10-24T10:14:00.000+08:00

Hi!!

I have been doing IT fair at expo for consecutive 2 days already. Well, have acquired two clients and feel thankful about it.

Find that there are a lot of people coming to the fair, hoping to get good deals. Some of them even queued up from 7 am to get low price gadgets! Today is the final and best day for me and I know it!

Josh
He suddenly not feeling well from 6 pm yesterday. I wonder is it the haze or probably something he has ate wrongly. Feeling slightly feverish but has no diahoerra or anything. Really want to hope that he will be fine soon.

2010-10-23T09:10:00.000+08:00

Wow!! Three days back, finally got my gadget that I have been waiting for!! Iphone4...

Why do I really need this device? One important reason is that it can provide me with useful directional information and maps. And can navigate around when looking for my client's or prospect's house. Usually I would google for streetdirectory.com for it.

Also, it can contain an app that has the buses arrival timing.. So that I can gauge successfully what is the rough timing to reach another location.. This has indeed saved a lot of time for me.

And my wife has it too..making us to have constant free and instant communication too..

One phone, so many benefits..

Woohoo...

2010-09-15T14:45:00.001+08:00

Look at this!!

Ha. Josh has started to eat vegetables (fresh)! And not only that, he loves to have close contact with us too! Ha...

Recently, we also found out that he is able to feed us with bread! And we just mention to him 'Give Daddy' or 'Give Mummy' and he will give us happily. Really amazing and I am really very touched for the first time he fed me!

Today is his 1year1month and time certainly passes by very fast. Now, he wants us to bring him down for his bicycle rides too. More learning and teaching is required as now he is also trying to stand and walk too..

Well, we also went to MacRitchie Reservoir on a Sunday and it is a pleasant experience there as its been a long time eversince we have seen a reservoir. And it is also our first time there with Josh..

Love these pictures! Find that all of us look so good!! Ha... (Self praise)

But anyway, we actually aim to go to one place every week so that we can expose to ourselves the nature part of Singapore... :)

More to come...

2010-09-13T13:32:00.000+08:00

Well

Just read an article about Michelle Chong, that she has made alot of mistakes to where she is here today. She loves hosting and she is really very frank with her.

I personally like her personality because she is very versatile and loves her sense of humor! Ha. Find that a celebrity should be like that.

For me, I actually love hosting alot too... and of course, I'm learning if given the opportunity. Still can remember that time in NUS, I was one of the hosts for the Rag and Flag and I even invited SR Nathan, our President to be on the stage. I was so nervous then. But it was fine.

Guess what? Michelle also had similar experiences with me... I announced the wrong winner at the Rag and Flag! Ha... this is so embarassing and certainly, it is not good. But come to think of it, it is really an experience though.

HA!

Haven't been posting alot these days but there are alot of thoughts in my head actually! From family, to work and even to caring the environment.

Both of us chanced by this book "Slow death by rubber duck" and it is really a good book and that telling us about the facts of plastic usage in the earth. We want to create an awareness about the importance of cutting down the plastic usage as well as us touching it. Because we are slowly killing ourselves by the plastic contamination. Watch this space and I will slowly update you!!

2010-08-24T00:48:00.000+08:00

Woohoo.... Look what is this???

Ha. Josh is bleeding!! Click closer to see....

Actually it is cherries' juice. We didn't think that cherries are that juicy! Gave Josh to eat and didn't expect it to touch his lower lips.... and that added the line.

So cute eh? Ha

2010-08-18T00:24:00.001+08:00

Well, today did Dhoby Ghaut roadshow and my intention is to teach my junior, Sun Feng, how to do prospecting. But somehow, I just find that teaching is one thing. It must be a two way thing. The questions he ask me is near to zero. And it is actually quite tiring to keep thinking of approaches for him that may not be of his concern. But I'll see how to improve my teaching with him... Ha... we are all learning anyways.

Throughout the long day of standing, I just closed a shield. However, managed to open a few potential prospects. Hope that I can close them. Met 2 prospects and they finally got plans from his uncle from Great Eastern. I have been trying to meet them all these while but they are busy, and I just find that these people are better not your clients because they just have no respect for me and other people. I mean, I follow up with them, trying to suit plans for them and yet, they keep postponing and needed me to book with them one or two months in advance. And now, finally met them and they say that they have gotten insurance. I merely replied to them, that's very good. And that certainly ended my conversation with them.

Find that roadshow is a good model, but not a lasting one. I will still be doing roadshows but not so frequent and I must build more on my referrals and appointments. Told Eve that from now till end of the year, I have this target of $100k! Wow, I must really achieve it because this is the year I must hit Premier Bronze!

Well well... have some breathers!!

On National day, Jiakai and Huiling came by with Ruien and they met Josh!! Ha... They are both so cute together... crawling from east to west.... and north to the south! Ha..

Babies really have their own type of communication... and apparently their baby language is understood between these 2 parties... Ha... For the last picture, it is the hongbao given by my Sister.. Thanks Sis...

2010-08-17T12:53:00.000+08:00

Picture of him helping to wash vegetables

Oh yes.. We are trying to let him know that we cook our meals. So I would wear him and let him see that I'm washing vegetables. And the amazing thing is that he will try and reach for the vegetables!! Ha... See what a great son, to help me wash vegetables...

Well, this evening, we both went to Kovan for supper and this is actually quite an impromptu event because tomorrow, I will be doing Dhoby Ghaut roadshow and that I feel we should go out as a family.

We have decided to wear him more often, so that he feels more secure outside. Really he is much more calmer outside... :)

We went to Cold storage and Eve managed to find a brand of nuts that are so good. Eventually, she bought the healthy nuts and vegetables for salad. We also munched at a hainanese bread eatery where we had loaves of bread smeared with butter and kaya. Find that the food is normal but apparently, Singaporeans are night birds and whichever food stall is opened, many people will flock to eat them. Later, we headed back and I feel that Josh is certainly a very good boy outside. I wore him throughout the shopping and he loves the company. So tame! Ha.

Apparently, it is true. When you wear your baby, it constitutes comfort for him and at night, there is actually lesser time for breastfeeding. That makes Eve's job much easier and I would also feel happier because my son is near to me.

YOG is held near our place, at the Bishan stadium. Eve helped us take a picture... ha... Nice?

2010-08-16T17:09:00.000+08:00

Well well, on Josh's birthday, we organised kite flying and get together at Marina Barrage and it is such a beautiful place. It is our first time there and its wow!! We will patronise there more often...

Eve, Josh, Charlotte and Fangrui (Eve's cousin) The two babies are just 3 months apart! Aren't they cute???

Group picture, promoting MBS too... Ha.

Had dinner celebration at a restaurant and while taking this picture, so many people looked at us. So funny! Because it is apparently a very big group...

Woohoo all of us singing birthday song for Josh... See how he looks at his mum... His great grandma is so happy for him too..

Funny pic! Everyone tries to blow the one single candle, except for Josh...

Yeah! This picture so funny because Josh tries to get the peanut from the cake!

Well, I didn't really know that having a birthday celebration can be such a fun event. Of course, planning has to be done and must really want to thank god for good weather because that very morning, it drizzled quite long. And it was fine weather when we are at Marina Barrage.

Yea... Josh is now officially one year old!

Soon, he'll be a big brother... hee!

2010-08-15T04:08:00.001+08:00

Well today is Josh's first year birthday. Initially we wanted to wake up at 4am to celebrate with him. But we are too tired to do anything.

We got up in the morning and I am supposed to have appointment. In the end, it was Yiwen who has appointment. The amazing thing is that early in the morning, she went to the Kiddy Palace and bought a very nice shirt “Birthday Boy” and it is so cute on Josh. We quickly washed and we dried it under the sun.

We bought kites, ropes and cooked lunch for Yiwen and I. It was ok, just that I was feeling quite tired because didn't manage to take nap at all.

Time passed so fast. And soon, it was 4pm and we need to pack and leave home. After Josh woke up, we quickly changed him up and Bae-yi came and joined us too. I took public transport to the Marina Barrage and I'm amazed that there are so many PRCs at the Marina bay area, especially the public transport bus. Amazing. In fact, it has been a very long time eversince I have alighted at Marina Bay MRT Station because last time used to be our haunting place for steamboat. Guess that it will be the future office place, taking over Raffles Place.

The rest of the people have reached Marina Barrage via taxi and when I reached there, I'm feeling very happy. Very amazed that there are so many people flying their kites and the weather is very nice! Everyone was there and I started to fly my own kite! Initially, I tied the thread wrongly to the thread turner device. Later my father in law told me that I should have tied the thread through a metal ring. Then, I tried to fly the kite again and guess what? It started to fly higher and higher. And when it is snug, I released more thread and in the end, I have reached the maximum of the thread! And my ladybird kite is already up high flying up in the sky. The feeling of flying a taut string is feeling very good! Ha. Then, my father in law went around taking picture and I tell you, the background picture at the Marina barrage is fantastic! Overseeing the scenery of kites and the Marina Bay Sands, it is so beautiful. And together with the sun set, wow! Everyone enjoyed themselves and we also took some group pictures there too!

Later, we headed to the International Seafood restaurant at East coast park. The rest of the relatives took their own cars, including my mother in law, Yiwen and Josh. My father in law and I decided to take taxi. However, that time, there is no cab going to the barrage. We went to the bus stop and my father in law decided to have this wild idea, ie to hitch a ride from other cars. And he even did the sign. So we headed to do this crazy idea. We saw a lorry, of which there are many children behind it. My father in law frankly asked the driver whether is he able to transport us? And he replied to the MRT? And jackpot! So we aboarded the lorry. Ha. And there are so many children behind the lorry and the amazing thing is that they are relatives, neighbours and friends. And they are able to have this joint outing. Wow right?

We reached Marina Bay MRT and we alighted at Raffles Place MRT and took a cab to the International Seafood restaurant. Everyone was there, including the grandmother. And Fangrui, who bought the cake, decided to cut the cake first because she was afraid that everyone may be full at the end of the dinner. So because there was a long waiting time for the food to be served, the chocolate cake came in handy! Everyone celebrated Josh's first birthday and I tell you, it is amazing because everyone around the 3 tables watched us when we took the group picture. Ha. And the service provided by the International seafood restaurant is very good because the auntie is able to cut 30 pieces of the cake for all of us. And she cuts very well!

The food was served and I'm really very glad that overall, everyone loved the food there and it was their first time to this newly renovated restaurant after so many years. The food was drunken prawns, live steamed salted fish, fried mushroom, white pepper crab, bamboo clams, chicken ginseng soup, sambal prawns and the mango pomelo dessert. Josh was awake throughout the dinner and all of us took time to carry him to see the live seafood, such as the fish and crabs. He is so amazed by what he sees! Ah gu, Ah kim, mother in law, father in law, Yiwen, dua-yi, Su hao, alternated to carry him so that each of us have time to munch on our dinner.

Finally at 1000pm, we have finished everything and I paid the bill of $1072. Amazing right? But I find it was worth it because everyone is so happy and they enjoyed themselves. Find that this is what money can't really buy this great experience.

Ah gu transported us back to Bishan and we are very grateful. He is an amazing person because according to Yiwen, when she was young, every year, he would organise and treat everyone 3 times a year similar to this event! Can you imagine it? And now, he is practising yoga everyday with his wife and he just came back from Alaska, one of the many countries they have travelled after they have retired. Yiwen and I aimed to have this kind of lifestyle.
When we reached home, I'm shocked to know that the total of the hong bao totalled up to $810! Wow, their relatives are really very generous and Dua-yi bought so many nice toys for Josh! Wow. Bet he loves it very much! Josh was so tired after showering and he slept throughout the night!

It is so amazing and time passed so fast. We are one year as parents and our parents as one year grand parents! And Josh is one year old! Soon, he will go army and wow. I'll be old. Cherish the time I have now! And my aim is to journal every day for myself!

2010-08-09T04:10:00.000+08:00

Well, today is National day and I tell you, this is the first time for the year that we are able to see fireworks just right in front of our block! Our Central Singapore GRC has actually decorated and built a holding place for NDP Heartlands and the way they set up the tents are really very beautiful.

We woke up at 10am and we are to clean the house by mopping and to clear the house, so as to make it presentable. The reason being my University friends, Jiakai and Huiling and Ruien are coming to our house to see Josh! We also prepared lunch for them and we are very happy to host them!

They came and we started to exchange our thoughts about babies and how we managed them. And we are almost similar, as in during the weekends, they would be the ones taking care fully for Ruien and they also brought her down to NTUC for shopping, because it is near their place. And we actually saw Jiakai feeding Ruien. The portion is huge, compared to the portions that we feed Josh. Ruien is eating mashed minced pork, with corn, potato and spinach. And her appetite is certainly very good. Josh is beginning to increase his intake for his solids too. Yeah.

In fact, we just feel that all babies are different and there is actually no point in comparing or arguing about it. For example, for Josh, he has 8 teeth while other babies of his age has 2 or even lesser. But eventually, when they mature, all the teeth will be out! Isn't it true?

The 2 babies started to play around with each other and Josh is so funny! He wanted to touch Ruien, but he is shy about it and he kept his hands away from her. Ruien loves to follow Josh wherever he crawls too. And she is superb in crawling too. They also have this similarity: They do not like to have anything on their heads! This is so amazing yea? They also had a session of baby talk, which we adults have no idea about it! Ha. I even joked that they understand each other's baby language.

From the sight of 2 babies in the house, it made me realise that having children is so fun. Of course there is commitment and time involved in taking care of the babies, but at the end of the day, it is certainly very rewarding!

In the afternoon, my parents and sister came and they brought minced pork with smashed potatoes. They are delicious. And they even brought him down with the new bike and at night, we went down to see the national day celebration. The goodie fun packs are given out already and I am very amazed that so many people actually went down to see! There are even tankers from the army, driven along the Bishan street 13, in front of our blocks! This is so amazing and to us, it made us feel that it is war time. But it is quite disappointing because there is a technical fault with the fireworks and hence, no fireworks was displayed at Bishan. All of us stayed till around 9.30pm.

The day ended with us going to my mum's in law place.

2010-08-01T03:40:00.001+08:00

Just find that there is a need for me to pen down my thoughts. Otherwise, I will actually let time pass me by and that there are no good memories left for my generations to come. Yea. My wife and I have decided to have 8 children for ourselves!

Today is a Sunday and it keeps raining. I went to Clementi early in the morning because I have an appointment there. And on the way there, I literally slept on the bus because I was feeling very tired. This is again due to the lack of good quality sleep these days, waking up at night to close windows or to take care of Josh. Anyway, on the way there, I saw black birds on the floor, injured. Probably due to the rain because last night, at 5am, the rain poured very heavily and Eve and I wondered if the animals are able to withstand the weather. But it was quite sad to see the birds, having their legs hanging in the air, struggling to survive.

From Clementi, I headed to Pasir Ris. Then Bishan and then Sengkang.

At Sengkang, I met the family of Lim. They are very friendly and I actually met his wife at the Sengkang roadshow 2 weeks back. And she actually called me that her whole family is at home and they are interested in the full hospital plan that we have. Initally, I have forgotten how she looked like. Then, when I saw her, I then remembered that I met her at the Sengkang roadshow. Their daughter is coincidentally named as Shiqi, only 2 months old. Very cute and not to forget, their house is amazing! All done by her husband and it is so well done. From the laminated glass windows to the hidden lights to the nice kitchen, very beautiful and the $40000 placed for renovation is really worth it. I even told them honestly that if they were to sell the house one day, they are able to fetch a good price with profit.

The husband initially was quite skeptical that I may be a fake person and that I work part time only. I was calm and I slowly took steps to tell him that I'm in this line for 4 years, showed my name card as well my authorisation card. I am very blessed that I am able to close Prushield and Extra for both parents, and also an education plan for his daughter (highly recommended by his mom). And from this appointment, my production is $2300API. Thank you god.

We must really leave a positive image that stays in prospect's mind. So that they are able to look back and remember you if they really need your service. I must really work hard to service my clients.

After dinner, went shopping with Eve to Orchard Ion and she bought 2 belts from LVER. The service girl is from China and she doesn't really answer to the requests of my wife. My my. Luckily there is another service girl that helps her.

2010-07-15T03:43:00.000+08:00

Hi! In July, I have visited Barcelona (Spain) and I tell you, it is of great experience and the weather there is superb!!

I will have more pictures of places I've visited!!

2010-07-01T17:47:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone!

Recently, I have 2 ulcers. So scary. One is at the throat, and another at my upper gums and it is so painful. Initially, I thought that I was having a sore throat. But it is not!! I saw it, an ulcer after 3 days of pain. Can't believe it.

Thank god my father in law once knew that I have the ulcer, he passed me the watermelon frost and Eve helped me put it. And it heals quite fast! Amazingly. Wonder how did the humans first thought that the watermelon powder can actually heal it! :) So next time, do not necesarily get Bonjela, can use the watermelon frost! Easier and not so numbing to the flesh.

Josh has been better now, after 2 weeks of unwell. But now, he is able to crawl faster and wants to walk even more! Amazing and last night, he kept kicking me! Causing disturbance to my sleep! But i still love him. Ha.

Recent nights, Eve, me and Josh actually went to Bishan park for a walk to her mother in law's place and it is actually quite therapeutic to walk along the park at night. Very relaxed and find that you get to have fresh air for yourself too! Ha.. Simply great! Then, we brought him in the day at Bishan Park again and he is so curious. He is amazed that the river is flowing, there are dead leaves on the floor... ha. He is an observer!

I'll be going to Barcelona next week and it will be my first time to set my foot on Spain! On the other side of the world! Can't wait! Ha.. Soon have to do research on what to do there!

Love this pictures! Taken at our house, by my father in law....

Cheers
Mervyn

2010-06-30T16:55:00.000+08:00

Wow!
Never been to shopping for quite a while already!

Yesterday was at Orchard and was awaiting for my client. I was early, so I went to window shop for awhile. At first, went to Gstar. The shirts are ok, but it doesn't suit me at all! They are too long.. and I was trying out for berms. But their cutting not for me. I tried like about 10 tees and 4 berms. And only 1 tee is deem fit. But the price is $160. Wow... its just a simple tee.

I thought for awhile, and I left, telling the salesman that I may return. Because he helped me to search for suitable tees and berms.

Then, I went to Armani Xchange and went to see the tees and pants. I love the tees and the white pants! Never had I actually bought white pants before and the material is very comfortable. And the tee shirts are very nice! So, without much thought, I bought them!! Ha...

Find that I will patronize more in AX as they suit my style and the material is very comfy! :)

Cheers
Mervyn

2010-06-07T12:07:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone

These few weeks have been quite an occupied week for me.

I am really very happy that I have managed to fulfill some of my targets! :) Thank god for it.

Josh is growing very well and at times, I just look at him and that can't believe that he is my son, smiling back at me! Ha...

Yesterday, I did rollerblading back at my place and its been over 2 years that I have actually bladed. And it was quite rusty but I am able to move! Ha... Tell you this thing, joggers speed are even faster than me! Can't believe it, was rollerblading at bishan park.

House
-------
For the our house, we feel that there are quite a few things that we do not really need and use. Thought of actually to throw or sell or to give away. Honestly, it is taking up the space in our house. Still in the discussion and probably I may give away.

2010-05-15T23:55:00.000+08:00

I have to post this:

LIZARDS in my house.
---------------------------

I have LIZARDS... yes, with the letter 'S' at the back in my house.

This is terrible.

Last night, we did mango shake and we left the rubbish at the sink. Guess what? After 10 minutes of neglect, Eve found a lizard in the rubbish bin. And I quickly came and the lizard refused to come out.

I quickly took a plastic bag, covered the bin and flipped it over. Then, I was thinking how to dispose the lizard. And guess what? I quickly filled up a pail of water and plunged the whole bin, so as to drown the lizard. However, to my surprise, nothing came out.

I flipped it the other side and it is still stuck there with its webbed feet. Then, my father in law suggested that I spray water at it, and make the lizard fall into the toilet bowl, and we flushed it. Ha... But this is not successful because the lizard has powerful webbed feet.

Later, my father in law decided that we bring the bin out of the house and we began to shake it hardly, and it landed inside the plastic bag. We then brought it out of the corridor, and flinged it outside from the 7th storey..and down it went... WOOHOO.. One lizard less... YES!

Second lizard
----------------
Oh... also linked to the food. We did pizza and we placed the pizza in the food cover, so that can prevent flies from entering. And guess what? After 10 minutes, Eve spotted another large lizard near the food cover!

I came over and she told me that it has left. I looked carefully for it, but couldnt find it. However, I just feel that it is nearby. And YES! I spotted it. It is at the leg of the table, facing the wall. Which means, if I were to push the table, touching the wall, the lizard will be crushed.

I have this dislike of lizards in my house, because I have been clearing their poo and really, they are staining my white walls. So I have this very very urge to KILL/MURDER it!

And so, I forcefully pushed the table towards the wall, and the lizard is crushed.

The scary and cruel thing is that its upper half body wanted to leave the spot, but I still carried on to kick it. So the contact of the table leg is even tighter with the wall.

Then, after 5 minutes, it came down and laid straight. And it was still moving. Amazing right?

After 30 minutes, I left it there and its upper half the body began to turn darker and darker, but it is still moving.

Now, I have no idea whether it has died or not.

But honestly speaking, having lizards in the house is dangerous because now that I have a child at home, what if the lizards climb to Josh's ears? Nose? Scary right??

I know that I am quite cruel, because after doing the feat, I felt quite bad. But no choice, for the betterment of the house...

LIZARDS suck....

2010-05-14T13:02:00.000+08:00

Woo hoo... Picture of my dear boy conquering Saturn!! Woohoo... :)

2010-05-13T12:51:00.008+08:00

Well well, today is so amazing day for Josh!
He has been going to appointments with us and where Eve is there.

Anyway, Josh has started crawling and that this is a great sign to see. And we even bought plastic balls for him to play. Oh yes, now he is trying his way to stand up too.. and at the couch.

And today is very amazing. The biscuits that we have bought him, today is the first time he managed to feed himself with his hand!! Ha.. usually we would place in his mouth. But he is able to put into his mouth!! :)

Find that there is really a need for me to blog more... really... Josh is growing and his vision is so good.. He is able to see minor details on our clothes, pick up hair on the bed too... Ha...

Updates about myself
--------------------------

Yeah... I'm able to go to Barcelona!! really very happy that I am able to go! My first time to Spain, the western part of the globe. Honestly, I have never imagined myself to go to such places and it is FREE too.. sponsored by my company! Ha...

Certainly, all my life, I have never gotten any plaque and there, I'll be presented a plaque! And wow, can't wait.... It'll be in July. :)

Oh yes... Guys and ladies: Mervyn will not be putting on specs anymore. Permanently. Want to know why??

This sunday, I'll be doing LASIK treatment... :) Woo hoo.. update you guys

2010-05-09T13:03:00.006+08:00

Well, everyday, it is really of different schedules for me, Josh, Eve and my mother in law. Why?
Because both Me and Eve are Financial consultants, and everyday, appointment places and timings will be different.

As of now, Josh is still breastfed and the good thing is that he is slowly accustomising solid food into his diet, such as porridge with carrot, potatoes. I'm really very glad that his intake is more and more because initially, he shows his face the portrayal of dislike and distaste for the food. Now, he can eat more than 10 spoonfuls! More to come! Yea...

So back to topic, so for breastfeeding, my mother-in-law will bring Josh to meet Eve and they will go to the nearest place to feed... and we are quite shocked at some places. That the nursing rooms are dirty and stink... some shopping centres also don't have nursing rooms.

Feel like forming a website listing the nursing rooms in Singapore, so that those that breastfeed knows where to find and give the rating...

Thankful
-------------

We are both very grateful that Eve and I pro-breast feeding for Josh because he is really growing and that all these while, books that we read and know that breastmilk is the best food for babies. Maximising their immune system and also for their brain development...

It is not easy but we have managed to coped it. And all these boil down to same goal, that is to give Josh breastmilk, and now, we are slowly to do Hi-5 with him!

Woohoo!!

2010-04-23T12:22:00.000+08:00

Hi Friends
My dear dog and brother, Mickey has passed away on 21st April 2010, and he is 13 years old of age.

I am really very thankful to have him as my brother these few years, accompanying me from secsch to JC to Army to uni to working...

Rest well!