When Singapore attained its independence abruptly 50 years ago, her first generation of citizens had very little to cheer about and, in fact, much to be concerned about. This tiny island that has no natural resources had virtually nothing to build a nation with except the tenacity and grit displayed by her first generation of citizens. Fast forward 50 years later, the new citizens that will be born into this same nation in 2015, have inherited much from their forefathers. They have much to … [Read more...]
I hate Pink Polka Dots – how I survived HFMD
Yes….you read it right – it was me. Me, the big fellow, felled by the unseen enemy and had pink little dots covering my hands and feet one fine October month last year. I was reminded of my experience when I heard fellow Daddies catching the dreaded children's disease too. Needless to say, I’m sure it caught them by surprise as much as it did me. Here’s how it started and how I survived it – without infecting my family. Pink Polka Dots all over me I had been feeling lethargic for about … [Read more...]
Waxing Lyrical about Madame Tussauds Singapore
I would visit Madame Tussauds Singapore again and again. Seriously. Why? Well, I was too 'star struck' and missed out on striking up meaningful conversations with my family during the media preview last Saturday. Here’s what transpired. You see, finally! I was so excited that we have our very own installation of the world-class attraction. Walking through the exhibits, any adult would be totally captivated to see legends, celebrities, international icons and political personalities…all in … [Read more...]
What’s in a name?
Recently, Angie and I had to look through the tons of books on our bookshelf to search for a rather important book that we have not seen (or used) for awhile (6 years to be precise). For the simple reason that we have just welcomed our baby boy and needed to look for a name for him. Initially, we couldn’t find the book. To make matters worse, we were given three days to decide on a name. Eventually we found it…but that was only the easy part. It’s common to read in magazines and tabloids … [Read more...]
Once My Child, Always My Child…In Memory of Nathaniel’s 10th Anniversary
October is the "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month" in the United States. I wonder why here in this part of the world, we don't have ever commemorate or even set aside days like that...too pragmatic perhaps with no room (and time) for sentimentality. Here, pregnancy and infant loss is very much a taboo affair. People will offer some sympathy when it happens ("Oh you poor thing") but then very quickly expect you to 'snap out of it' and return to normal programming the next day. Friday … [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...]
Guest Post at Yahoo Parenting: Why I play Lego with my Daughter
We were honoured to be invited by Yahoo Parenting to contribute an article last month. Let me reproduce the piece which Dana's Daddy wrote on the benefits of staying indoors sometimes and a few important lessons he glean from a Sunday afternoon spent playing (Lego) with his daughter... First published on Yahoo Parenting on 18 Aug 2014. Read the original article here. I've always enjoyed reading the hubby's … [Read more...]
Celebrating Baby AJ’s Full Month
My fav corner at the entrance of our home, adorned with a poster frame given by a dear friend... At the blink of an eye, baby Alexander turned 6 weeks today. We threw him a small full month celebration 2 Sundays ago to introduce him to our family and close friends. Due to my work schedules, I had only a week to put everything together. I decided on the colour scheme, designed the invite and thankfully, everything fell into place from there. The invite THE CELEBRATORY … [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...]