I had an extreme encounter recently at a local 5* family resort, all within a span of 10 minutes. The first encounter began with me standing in line for my Egg Benedict, freshly made by a friendly elderly lady who was manning the egg station. In her soft, grammatically-correct English, she asked, “Did you study there?” pointing at the T-shirt I was wearing. I looked down and it was a ‘Harvard Dad’ souvenir tee bought during our visit to Harvard, Boston last June. I was quite taken aback … [Read more...]
The strengths in our stars – helping your children discover themselves
"Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.” Isaiah 40:26 (NIV) Photo Credit “ Daddy, what’s special about me? Do I have talents?” the daughter asked. Now that the daughter has started Primary 1 proper, the entire family has made significant lifestyle changes to go to bed rather early. So imagine my surprise when I was asked the above question by the inquisitive daughter at bedtime … [Read more...]
Primary One Prep…From a Laissez-faire P1 Mom
Picture Credit Just when I thought we had survived the worst of all nightmares a P1-to-be parent might face (i.e. the balloting), I realised how naive it was of me to think that we could breeze through the start of P1 with our eyes shut. Part procrastination and part reluctance on my part to see our 6-year old start formal schooling system so soon, I practically did zero preparation for 'D-day'. All we did was to turn up for the Primary One Orientation in November, ordered her textbooks … [Read more...]
Giving thanks for 2014…however imperfect it was…
I wanted to write a 'Year in Review' post last night but my heart was still reeling from the news of the Air Asia #QZ8501 tragedy. I grieve with those families who have suffered such painful personal losses - their loved ones snatched away from them in an instant, without any chance to say their last goodbyes. Just weeks ago, we've also stood with a couple who buried their baby girl due to SIDS. It breaks my heart to see my Grandma getting frailer and reduced to bones on our weekly visits, … [Read more...]
Thankful Tuesday: A Poem for AJ
Sharing a tender moment... In a twinkle, our once wrinkly baby is 3 months old. Gone are the newborn onesies which you outgrow. In its place a tubby winsome bud who coos and smiles, Affirming that big leapt of faith we took to go the extra mile. For this child, we tarried and prayed And 3 months ago, we heard God said, 'Go ahead'. From the moment you were placed in our arms, you snuggled cosily right into our hearts. For all the tears that God has bottled How precious to … [Read more...]
Life is Beautiful, or is it? Raising Super Hero Kids for the Real World
I don’t know about you but I’ve not been watching the news lately. Just for the sake of keeping myself current, I listen only to the news headlines over radio and would skim across the headlines of our daily Straits Times subscription (I actually have half a mind to stop newspaper subscription too.) Why? The world these days is a sad and messed up place. Every piece of news in the media is about atrocities, tragedies, disasters, epidemics, corrupt governments, pet cruelties, infidelities, … [Read more...]
NYC for Kids: Visiting Ground Zero and Remembering 9/11
The good, the bad and the unforgettable – Celebrating the Human Spirit in the 911 aftermath, 13 years on.One of the reasons we travel is to learn the culture and history of a country and her people. Most often, on the itineraries would be attractions that depict the positive aspects of the country. Occasionally, there would be historical accounts of wars and natural disasters but most would be far too removed in time or remote geographically for us to really feel the impact. Not so, with the … [Read more...]
Thankful Tuesday: Counting The Little Blessings…
I've been tagged by a dear Mommy friend, Justina of Mum in the Making for this Thankfulness Challenge that's been making its round on Facebook: 3 things to be thankful for 5 days, and then tagging 2 other friends each day to do the same. I've been thanking God with Dana nightly when I kiss her goodnight and in private contemplation before I go bed but I guess there are merits in being more intentional in counting our blessings. Today, I thank God for:1. The miracle of … [Read more...]
P1 School Balloting: A nerve-wrecking, ball of an experience
It’s kind of like seeing a ghost - you never quite believe what others go through until it happens to you. So here I am, sitting alone in my car, parked in the compound of what I hope would be my child’s future school. I said a quiet prayer, switched off the car engine, armed the alarm and walked towards the school office - conscious that I would return in less than an hour’s time with a reality that either my wife and I have hoped for or…otherwise. Yes, I am here to … [Read more...]
Standing The Test of Time – My Queenstown Heritage Trail
I've always just driven by the town....until now.As a history buff, I have a penchant for old buildings and structures. From Borobudur to Stonehenge, I’ve been there, hugged that. Whenever I 'disappear' when we were on holiday, my wife would know where to find me – just look for an old church, an art gallery or a museum. Strange then that I should end up in Singapore – a young progressive nation that seems to be tearing down old structures faster than we can reproduce. Even a grand dame … [Read more...]