Those who are close to me know that I’m a firm believer in the ‘A Date with Dad’ idea championed by "Focus on the Family'". Ever since Dana was a wee baby, I’ve never turned away a chance to ‘date’ my daughter Dana, one to one, just me and her out and about, enjoying the bonding.Last Friday evening, when the wife had to attend a company function, tired as I was from a hectic week of back to back 12-13 hour work days, I jumped at the chance to bring my daughter on a date again. It was an … [Read more...]
Glimpses of CNY 2014
I posted on Facebook that I'm a 'old-body' at heart. Of all the festivals, I look forward to Chinese New Year the most. The significance of spring cleaning, away with the old and welcoming of the new; the acts of giving home a new coat of paint, new light bulbs, new curtains, bedsheets and for family members, new sets of towels, clothes and shoes. These kept me busy in anticipation for weeks. But nothing rejuvenates me more than the coming together of loved ones - aunties, uncles, cousins, … [Read more...]
Motivational Monday: Why be a Parent….
Came across an honest but inspirational take on parenting posted by one of our church mates on his Facebook wall yesterday. We've known David and his lovely wife Phoebe for about 4 years now and always touched by their positivity and sincerity. David is an exceptional Ipad artist and I know his introspective piece on 'Why be a parent' would resonate with all parents loud and strong. I'm reproducing it here with his permission. "Once in a while, somebody I know would ask … [Read more...]
Angels on Assignment: The Year End Concert
'Christmas isn't Christmas....till it happens in your heart....somewhere deep inside you, is where Christmas really starts'....That is the finale song at Dana's Kindergarten Concert yesterday. An apt song now that it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas with malls decked in Christmas lights, carols and festive decoration, all mighty eager to cash in on the yuletide season. The concert put up by Dana's K1 and K2 friends brought us around the world to see how different countries … [Read more...]
Motivational Monday: My Fav Memories of CNY 2013…
Since I've posted Dana's fond memories of the our CNY celebration in Malaysia, I reckon I should also post up mine. Here are some reasons why CNY is my FAVORITE holiday in the year:1. Spring is in the air - There are fresh blooms everywhere and all things are renewed. Everyone rushed to spring-clean, to redecorate - homes are given fresh coat of paint, new pillows, bedsheets, cushion covers are bought, new clothes and shoes worn... Families open their doors to welcome relatives and guests into … [Read more...]
Motivational Monday: Dana’s Memories of CNY 2013
Dana's fond memories of the recently concluded CNY are made of these:1. Catching a flight back to Malaysia on New Year's Eve to reunite with her 'Penang Mama' (paternal grandma) and her cousins in KL, all of whom she missed dearly.A Kodak moment at Changi Airport before our flightEvery homecoming is always a long awaited affair, especially for Daddy!2. Reuniting with little cousin Stephanie and enjoying plenty of laughter and playtime together, at home and in Ah Chek's (Daddy's younger … [Read more...]
Motivational Monday: A Walk in the Park…
As a Dad, nothing brings me greater satisfaction than to spend quality family time with my precious wife and daughter. My 12-hr work schedule sees me setting off for work daily before sunrise and rarely allows me to step home before the sun down. Last Friday, when the opportunity presents itself, I packed up for home earlier (about 6pm), scooped the wife and daughter up and sped them to our favourite neighbourhood park. It was spontaneous, … [Read more...]
Motivational Mondays: How to be a Happy Working Mom
I think I may be suffering from post-holidays withdrawal syndrome. It's barely the third week of the year and I'm already experiencing fatigue from responsibilities at home and at work. With Dana starting her K1 education in a new kindergarten, there are adjustments to be made and new routines to be ironed out. Coupled with an ever increasing workload, I have been yearning for more free time to do the things I enjoy and already fantasizing about our next family vacation. Till that happens, I … [Read more...]
Motivational Monday: Thank you God for Cousins!
A wise saying goes ''Cousins are usually the first friends we have as children...no one will ever understand your crazy family like your cousins do...". I know my hubs agrees with this wholeheartedly. Coming from a large close knit family, one of his fondest memories are those of uncles, aunties and cousins congregating in their grandparents' home in a small Malaysian town of Sitiawan every Chinese New Year; where each cousin would take turns to put up a musical performance for the elders before … [Read more...]
Motivational Monday: Camera….Lights…Perfection?
Having grown up in an orchestra and being an active musician myself, I've paid top dollars to watch my fair share of world-class concerts and performances in major cities around the world. The depth of emotions and the breadth of human experiences one can glean from the Arts never cease to move and astound me.It is with this that Angie and I have unanimously agreed to expose our daughter, Dana to the Arts from as young an age as possible. In fact , even before Dana could walk, I would … [Read more...]