Jeffrey, Doris, Jed & Jadyn

Milestone for Jed - Officially a 2 wheeler

2010-04-07T22:59:00.003+08:00

Well... it happened yesterday when I was able to come home early.

Decided to bring both kids down to "cycle"...

Doris was home early too so she was able to take care of Jadyn while I coach Jed.

Well... he was first cycling with 2 training wheels a couple of months ago... which I later decided to take 1 off to let him learn to balance at least 1 side. The wheel was also tilted slightly so that if he were to depend too much on that side of the training wheel... he'd be cycling at a slightly tilted angle.
This kinds of forces him to "cycle" at an upright angle... if you know what I mean.

Anyway... it took me quite some time to find the time to continue coaching him again... due to work commitments... etc etc... well.. kinda...

Anyway... couldn't ask Doris to teach him to cycle cos I dun think she can cycle that well herself...

Anyway.. decided to take the last training wheel out with Jed's approval and tested things out...

Initially... I had to still support the seat and handle bars...

Then... only the handle bars....

The I tried teaching him how to "Move off"...
You know... one paddle up... the other leg to kick off and start paddling like crazy...

Well... after a couple of tries... when he was more confident...
I showed him that I was able to let go of the handle bar for a couple of seconds...

He was unstoppable after that...

I took a break but he went on...

He started using both legs to kick while sitting on the bike to practice balancing...

Soon... he was also paddling...

Viola...

He was riding on his own!

I am so proud of him!

But he still needs works on the steering / direction department...

The kids love this show called fingertips

2010-02-14T01:31:00.000+08:00

It's basically an art and craft show.

Jed and Jadyn cannot seem to get enough of it.

But Jadyn has another fave show... Teletubbies.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

iPhone

2010-02-12T09:13:00.001+08:00

Just got my iPhone a couple of days ago and I have not showed the kids the gadget yet...

And because my office has blocked so many sites, it's no longer a problem now.

I can
Twittwer
Facebook
Blog
Gps
Read news
Find food
Etc all from 1 place...

Cool.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Milo Addict...

2010-02-09T13:10:00.000+08:00

Jadyn is a Milo addict!

Day in... day out, she'll ask for Milo...

Worst of all... she refuses to drink her regular formula milk.

But instead of giving in to her addiction... Doris and my mom changed her "formula"...
1 scoop of chocolate milk powder + 3 scoops of regular milk powder.
:)

Well... @ least she is drinking right?

Anyway, too much Milo is not very healthy... too "heaty".

Jed is Cycling

2010-01-27T22:46:00.002+08:00

Had a slight change in my role in the office...

The good part is... I'm not as stressed out a I used to be... and I can knock off slightly earlier too... for now...

Been trying to spend more time... or make up for the time loss over the last couple of months with the kids...

Bought a bike for Jed for the longest time... took off 1 wheel back then and yet to got started with him again since...

Anyway, made damn sure I MADE time to teach him how to ride...

Although it was a less than 1 hour session...

Jed got used to 1 training wheel in a matter of mins... well more like 10 to 15 mins...

Soon... I took off the other training wheel as well...

First I asked him to go in circles in one direction... then the other direction after a couple of mins...

Made sure he was going faster to get the balance... and off came the training wheel... But on came daddy's hands.

The first 5 mins...
1 hand was on the handle bar and the other hand was on the seat.

next 5... just one hand on the handle bar...

next 5... just on the seat...

Well... till now... he's able to ride a couple of meters with me "supporting" him slightly @ the back...

Won't be long before he'll start riding on his own...

But that's what we did so far... looking forward to him riding on his own soon.

Daddy's proud of you son.

Flash back...

I wonder if God felt this way every time we trust Him and learn from it...
e.g. Leaning on His strength and finally breaking a bad habit / addiction...
Was He or would He be this proud of us??

Sleeping early

2010-01-27T22:41:00.002+08:00

Last year, Doris & I have been hitting the sack after 12mn... usually closer to 1am.

Honestly... it was taking a heavy toll on me physically...
I was usually deprived of sleep and was always in a foul mood because of that.

However, this year... Coz Doris is sending / walking Jadyn to school @ 8am in the morn... she's hitting the sack @ 1030pm too.

:)

Woo Hoo......

But this means that I have to readjust too...

But having said that...

With the early to bed regime... together with the cycling.... hope to become more healthy this year too.

:D

Allowed to make own choices or to conform??

2010-01-27T08:54:00.002+08:00

Allowed to make own choices or to conform??

Jadyn wanted to wear her "Hello Kitty" rain coat to school even though it was not raining.

Doris tried to convince her that her friends may laugh at her??

But I think she wanted to wear it because she felt it was pretty....

(Picts coming up soon)

Also, Jadyn does not like the "pretty" dresses that Doris chooses for her for Church in Sundays....

So...

1. Make her conform to what we want of our kids cos we know what's best??

or

2. Let them decide even though it may be the wrong choice or that there may be a better way to do it??

Misc 2010 Jan Picts

2010-01-18T13:35:00.001+08:00

Some picts taken in Jan 2010 with the new cam.
:)

Terrible 2 comes late....

2009-12-30T12:25:00.002+08:00

Some people claims that kids are the worst when they are 2...

Jadyn's terrible 2 came late...

It came when she's 3...

Crying is her weapon of choice....

You'd be surprise how she combines these attacks with Coughing and Vomiting...

Doris and I need to be more consistent with our punishments like "Time out" with her...

God help us....

Bible stories...

2009-12-30T12:19:00.002+08:00

Doris bought Jed a kid's study bible not too long ago...

Work has been hell for me over the last couple of months....

I admit to being a lousy dad.... to a point of letting them rot in front of the computer @ times....

But Jed has been pretty faithful with his bible reading.... well... he is definitely more consistent than me recently...

He has been reading a passage daily and telling me the story when I get back.

Well... I did use a little carrot for this... 1 point if you could remember the story... which = to 50 cents aka his allowance.

Well... he may not fully understand the passage... but one thing that is for sure... neither did I when I did my bible study when I was in SJI...

But as the years passed.... @ different stages of my life.... these stories comes back to me which were stored in the back of my head....

Hope this will benefit you when you grow up to be a fine man Jed.

Swimming

2009-12-30T12:14:00.002+08:00

A couple of months ago, Jed pass his Bronze Swimming badged / award.

Currently, he's trying out / training for the Silver badge / award...

Over the last weekend, Jed swam a total of 16 laps!

Yes... 16 laps...

Olympic Sized pool... 16...
1... 6...

Once I swam 40 laps to get my scout swimmer's badge when I was in sec 3 or 4...

But I was around 15-16 then...

Jed is like.... 7....

16......

I'm really proud of him.
:)

Left Cheek... Right Cheek...

2009-12-21T18:07:00.003+08:00

Luke 6:29a says...
²⁹If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.

I mean... honestly... I'm 1.82m...

I can take a couple punches... but what happens if this happened to your child?

Would you step in to interfere??

In this... I dun think WWJD (aka What would Jesus do?) would apply... but WWGD...
What would God do?

Well, what did God do?

1 John 4:10b
but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Are we setting double standards??

or

Are we being too protective??

Are our kids our "stumbling block"?

"Stumbling block" to God?

Are we making our kids live a "worldly" life?

One of the craziest news I've heard...

2009-11-20T09:02:00.002+08:00

If parents are not allowed to use physical punishments on their kid... then are parents still responsible if the kids get out of control??

http://thecourtroom.stomp.com.sg/stomp/courtroom/case_of_the_day/280738/dad_charged_after_he_slapped_and_hit_child.html

Dad charged after he slapped and hit child

19 Nov 2009

SOURCE: The Straits Times

A 36-YEAR-OLD father was charged yesterday with ill-treatment of his year-old son by slapping and hitting him in February.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the child’s identity, is due back in court in a month.

If convicted, he could be fined up to $4,000 and/or jailed up to four years.

--------------------

Active Baby...

2009-11-19T13:27:00.002+08:00

Technically, Jadyn is no longer a baby... but because she's the youngest... she'll always be daddy's baby.

Anyway, that's a problem I've had with my younger bro too...
"Your bother is younger than you... give in to him..."
Hope I won't fall into that trap too...

Anyway...
Jadyn's just got back her "report card" from play group.
Yes, they have that too.
:)
But it's not graded by marks but by... Excellect, Good, Average and Needs improvement etc.

Anyway... it's quite evident that she likes to sing and dance and she has been doing pretty well in school too.
She's got lots of friend too.

But of recent... Doris and I noticed that she has been rather... Naughty...
We have also started the "standing @ a corner" punishment with her...

But somehow... when my parents are around... it usually doesn't work...
The "baby" of the house thing also applies to "grandparents" too....

Good influence... Bad influence...

2009-11-19T13:13:00.002+08:00

Nope.. I'm not talking about the influences from parents but from the kid's peers.

Recently, Jed get to know some "friends" who goes to the same school as he does and became "friends" with some of them.

Jed is a very very trusting and good boy who rarely doubts what is being told to him.

Well, there is this kid... let's call him "G"....
Anyway, he's been kinda nasty to Jed in more ways that one.
Lies to him...
"I have your facebook account and have transferred all your XTZ items to mine"
"I changed your password to..."

Makes use of him...
"I want to come to your house to play with the Wii"
"I'm hungry, go to your house and get me sweets / biscuits"

Threatens him...
"I'm going for a holiday tomorrow, if you dun let me come and play with the Wii, I won't play with you any more..."
etc etc...

Well you get the idea.

I've been tolerating this thinking that he'll know that he's being bullied but... well...
Jed is having his year end holidays... and he is bored... who can blame him for wanting friends...

Honestly... I've been so busy myself... almost all my free time are with the kids...

Anyway...

Rather than telling him one scenario by one.... I asked him this...
"How should friends treat one another?"
This got him thinking...

"Dunno..."

So I asked him...
"Should friends lie to one another?"
"No" He said...
"Should friends be nasty to one another?"
"No...."
etc etc...

Then I asked him...
"So... Is "G" a good friend then??"

"............"

My thoughts are... there are too many situations and scenarios to teach him and to share with him...

Would it be better to teach him to think and to identify the "problem"?

I mean... he's just a kid... prob, I'll have to repeat this 10,000 times but it sure beats telling him 1 situation 10,000 times and 10,000 times for the next... and the next... and the next...

Would this be considered teaching him to "fish" rather than just giving him the fish??

:)

OCBC Cycle Singapore 2010

2009-11-09T22:51:00.002+08:00

OCBC Cycle Singapore 2010

Galvin, Richard, Chee Wu and myself juz signed up for the 40km race!

Cycling indeed is a good way to fellowship!

BEAUTIFUL ONE LINERS

2009-10-31T10:57:00.001+08:00

26 BEAUTIFUL ONE LINERS........

1. Give God what's right -- not what's left.

2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- God's way leads to an
endless hope.

3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.

4. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.

5. In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma--but never let him be the period.

6. Don't put a question mark where God puts a period.

7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the church for a face-lift.

8. When praying, don't give God instructions - just report for duty.

9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.

10. We don't change God's message -- His message changes us.

11. The church is prayer-conditioned.

12. When God ordains, He sustains.

13. WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.

14. Plan ahead -- It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

15. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position.

16. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible.

17. Exercise daily -- walk with the Lord.

18. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.

19. Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.

20. Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.

21. He who angers you controls you.

22. Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.

23. Give Satan an inch & he'll be a ruler.

24. Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them & He'll clean them.

25. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

26. Read your scriptures -- They will scare the hell out of you.

Jed's confidence

2009-10-27T10:36:00.004+08:00

It's been sometime since Doris & I have been "actively" trying to increase Jed's confidence... but we noticed that his self esteem also needed some boosting...

After a couple of months later... it seems to have improved...

He's starting to
1. Start conversations with others
2. Reply when greeted
3. Respond when spoken to

Well... let's hope things improve further.

:)

Updates updates updates

2009-10-26T21:58:00.006+08:00

Well... it's been a really long time since the last posting...

Reason?? Well, a lot had happened since... some good... so not so good... and some pretty nasty things too....

Well... one of the thing that has happened to the family that is great is that we've finally got our family car. OPC aka Off Peak Car.

The best thing was soon after we have secured our COE aka Certificate of Entitlement... the Govt announced that they were going to allow OPCs to drive the whole day on Sats (Which is a big big plus for us)
More details here
http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=2181

Also, OPC owners do not need to buy those S$ 20 coupons from post offices... (Yes, it could only be bought from post offices... I really dunno how those OPC owners survived in the past....)
It can be bought on-line or via sms.

Also, previously, OPC can only be driven after 3pm on the eves of the 5 major holidays... now... it's the whole day!

What a blessing!!

Here's some attempts to take some pict of it...

KIA Cerato Forte 1.6L SX (A)
Mods
:)
Only 1 Major one la.
:)
- Enkei SC09 Rims (These are 7.8kg as compared to the 11kg heavy weights)

*It's after a good wash and a layer of polish + sealant...
:)

Celebrated Doris's Bday.

Also... it's been a while since Doris and I used our place in Punggol for any event... so...

we celebrated Jadyn's bday with some close friends...

We also opened our place to some Church visitors.

The sad new is...
A couple of weeks ago... my only living grand parent, grandma... who is 90+ had a fall and injured her hip...

There were also many complications that came with that fall too...

But one thing that I saw when I went there to visit....

Most if not all of the patient had someone accompanying them...

It was a total opposite of the hospitals in Singapore!
Most of the patients in Singapore were... alone...

But am praying that my Granny will receive God soon...

Hope my cousin who is with Hope Msia have more opportunities to share Christ with her...

Do pray with me for my granny's salvation.

Men's Rules

2009-08-28T20:20:00.002+08:00

The Men's Rules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down

Finally , the guys' side of the story.
( I must admit, it's pretty good.)
We always hear " the rules "
From the female side.

Now here are the rules from the male side.

These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered "1 "
ON PURPOSE! Pay careful attention to the ones in red

1. Men are NOT mind readers.
( FIRST & FOREMOST RULE )

2. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

3 . Sunday sports, It's like the full moon
or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.

4 . Crying is blackmail.

5 . Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just tell us what you want!

6. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question..

7 . Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

8 . Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.

9 . If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.

10 . If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one

11. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done.
Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

12 . Whenever possible, Pls say whatever you have to say during commercials.. we don't disturb you while you are watching your soaps and serials.

13 . Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

14 . ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

15 . If it itches, it will be scratched. We all do that.

16 . If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will ! act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle. !

17 . If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

18 . When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really .

19 . Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as Racing or Football.

20. You have enough clothes.

21. You have too many shoes.

22. I am in shape. ! Round IS a shape!

23 . Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;

But did you know men really don't mind that ? It's like camping.

What goes around... comes around.....

2009-08-18T14:42:00.002+08:00

Is this true??

During my Army days... I was a Machine Gunner and had a "Blur King" as a MG assistant...

In a nutshell... I was a non believer and I gave him Hell on earth during the 1.5 years together.

Main thing that I took issue with him was his "believe"...

He would find reason not to help me buy cigarettes when he was the person sent in the section to buy supper etc... Telling me it was his belief and such...

Anyway...

It's tough being a Xtain eating Humble Pie........

Prophecy... for me......

2009-08-15T01:56:00.002+08:00

During today's prayer meet... I received a word...

That I could be a Commander... a commander wearing the Amour of God...

But I have not been donning that Armour for a long time.... and it's been there collecting dust...
As time goes by... the dust is getting thicker and thicker... making me more and more reluctant to put it back on...

Before I got this word... I was asking God for a confirmation about me serving again...
But time and time again... I've been giving myself excuses...
Not yet... not now... they dun need me yet...

But not long after I had this thought... David asked me to pray for us to be more outward looking, to allow God to use us... our blessing material / skills to bless others... To have God's heart for other people who were not saved...

After I prayed... Christine gave me that word...

Do I still have any more excuses??

Can I still run??

Should I still run??

Cos if I do.... I'd be running away... not from myself but from God.... can I do that?? Should I do that?? Johnah sure didn't succeed....

Am I allowing the circumstances stop me?
Is the problem bigger than God?
Don't I trust God?
or is it...
Can't I trust myself??
or is that what the devil wants me to think....

Am I like the dead sea where there is only inflow and no out flow?

Stagnant?

Lifeless?

God, I know you want me to do something... but can you tell me....... What is it?

Sound?

Pastoral?

Be David's MM?

WHAT IS IT?? Tell me and I'll do it

To serve Him

2009-07-09T16:24:00.002+08:00

After the good new... I have the sudden "urge" to go back into my ministry again...
So serve a great God who loves me and to show Him my appreciation...

But then...
Why am I only doing this when He is "good" to me?

Isn't or hasn't He been good to me all along?

Why am I only doing this when the time is good?

When I am blessed?

Is there a condition to my love to / for him?

Am I or was I "blackmailing" Him or putting a condition to my love for Him?

or to serve Him?

In the first place.........

Does He need me??

or is He doing this because He simply........

Loves me??

Family Car

2009-07-09T15:29:00.002+08:00

Doris and I have been planning to buy a car for the longest time...
*Even though my Sis in Law have been blessing us by letting us use her car over the weekends...

Anyway... I simply cannot help but wanna share the goodness of God in our lives...

Here's the summary of it.

Last month the COE was around the 12.8k+ and yesterday, it went up to 14.2k...
I though.. there goes my chance of getting the car...

Anyway...

The dealer did not increase the price, they lowered it!
Not only did God changed that...
I can now afford a better model... (The model that I wanted)... by paying slightly more!
Was initially 5k more!
With the increase... was supposed to be 6-7k more!

Sorry... cannot contain my happiness...
:)

Father & Son time??

2009-06-27T03:06:00.002+08:00

June is Jed's school holidays... I guess he's getting bored too...

He's been asking me to bring him out to "Shopping"...

Quality time??

Santa Clause??

Even though I've been home the last entire week... due to the swelling on my face... I did not really dare to go out...

Anyway, better not second guess... think I'd better spend more time with him.

Cycling Route

2009-06-26T00:23:00.003+08:00

This is my current route...

Hoping to cover 100km / week by the end of the year.

View Larger Map

Oh yes...

Gal has a new toy too.
:)

My God it looks damn good man.

Richard just got this frame.

And mine....

This is how it looks like now.
:)

Pales in comparison....

QT with....

2009-06-03T23:02:00.003+08:00

Well, QT with God is important, but QT with Jed is also important too.

Managed to get some "spiritual" rest during the family Church camp and managed to squeezed some time as well for Jed.
*Most people get fully refreshed spiritually... but due to some "events"... I'm lucky I managed to get any... rest I mean...

I think this is the first time Jed and I went for a movie together...

Great time for some father and son time.

We managed to catch the movie, monster vs aliens.

Well.... the movie was... so so... but being able to sped it with Jed was... well... priceless.

We hopped on the bike, went to Bishan Junction 8...
We talked... laughed... ate... played some games... Hasbro was having an event @ the mall that day.
:)

Anyway, think I need to spend more QT with Jed and Jadyn to "get to know them better" before they grow to old to decide that I'm an embarrassment to them.
:)

Juz worried that I am end up trying too hard and end up spoiling them.
:D

Anywayz, during the Church Camp, Hong Teck also shared about dating his kids... for his case, his daughter.
*Wash that dirty mind of yours.
It's about spending QT with your kids to get to know them in order to better lead them.

Anyway, it's still a long way to go before I bring Jadyn out on a 1 to 1.
:)

On the other hand... it's been some time since I DATED Doris.
:)

Any volunteers to take care of the kids while I date my wife?
:D

Bikes and Bikes

2009-05-21T23:30:00.003+08:00

I've been a 2 wheeler since... eons ago...

Guessed one of the reason was cos it came with a pretty "high price", or maybe I should say... high risk.

Coz the day I managed to cycle on 2 wheels, I was cycling alone @ my aunt's place.
I got a really bad cut by a broken pedal on my thigh cos I fell.
*Let's juz say... a couple of more inches UP... Jed and Jadyn wouldn't been around.

Anyway.........
I've got another blog on my biking experience @ Singapore Biker's Blog
Motor bike... Bicycle... it's still biking... it's still 2 wheels... What the hell...

I'll juz move all bike posts there from now on and keep this clean.

Cya there ya.

Christian walk and Blogging.....

2009-05-17T23:49:00.003+08:00

A thought juz came to me...

Quite bo liao actually but somehow... may be used to explain to noobs on Christian walk (CW) or even blogging... if they are doing one of them that is.....

Anyway........

In a CW, there are good times... there bad time...
Like in any blogg... there are happy posts and there are sad posts...

The more joyful a person's CW is... will also be similar to more "happy" posts...
But contrary... when a person backslides in his CW... perhaps... more complaints in the posts??

Does my posts have more Thanx Givings or were there more complaints??

hhhhhhhmmmmmmmmm........

Comments??

Anyway...

Juz thinking out loud in post...

But what happens when a server (where you host your blog) like blogspot goes down??

Did I start blogging because of the content or was it because... the server was "there"?

I juz pray that I will still continue to blog and leave this legacy of what happened in the past to my kids.

:)

Bike update

2009-05-08T00:37:00.002+08:00

Front and rear derailleur

New tyres

Long Lost Twins???

2009-05-06T23:06:00.004+08:00

I saw this ad one day and...

Does this girl in this pict...

Look like Jadyn??

But......... I've never been............

:)

Mid year exams....

2009-05-04T23:15:00.003+08:00

Jed is only in pri 1 and I'm feeling the stress of his up and coming mid year exams!!!!!!!!!

Damn!!!!!!!!!

What's gonna happen when he's in pri 6?

*Sweat!

Anyway, this is one of those things that I can only do what I can and commit the rest to God I guess.

I mean... that's what the bible means by Committing it to God right? Be it a situation or person...

Doris and I did our expenses recently....

Even with my pay increase since JnJ... I don't think I can afford a car still...

I really did not understand what come over me when I decided to buy that Toyota Soluna and modded it to be one of the loudest Solunas in SGP...

Anyway... hopefully Jed's exams will turn out fine... But even if it doesn't.... I think I need to encourage him more than to punish him.

Anyway, been making a conscious effort to spend more time with him.

Hope this will boost him Confidence.

Healing power

2009-05-04T23:04:00.003+08:00

One of the toughest burns that usually leave a scar for life are from

1. Heavy machinery
2. Motorcycle exhaust pipes
3. Iron (for clothes)

About a month ago, Jadyn climbed up onto the kitchen table... Unfortunately... my mom juz finished ironing the clothes...

Jadyn got a bad burn on her right leg...
(If you looked @ it from her right, almost half her calf was covered in burn marks)

But I juz noticed today... almost 90% of that scar is gone... amazing!

Thank God!

Anyway, a lesson learnt... sometimes, juz taking your eye off your kid for 1 sec can be quite disastrous...

But it's not what happens that I'm actually concerned about.... but what came after...

Coz knowing me... being super hot tempered... I came really close to yelling @ my mom for not taking good care of Jadyn...

But can I really blame her??

Could I have done better??

Did she want this to happen?

What would've happened if I were to blame my mom??

Kid's heal @ amazing speeds...

Broken hearts sometimes never.

Bike Update

2009-05-04T22:45:00.009+08:00

Actually, it's bicycle update...

It's about 7 weeks since I got the GT Avalanche 2.0 disk...

On my ODO... it reads 250km.

Juz last week alone I did about 60km.

Maybe not to some of those hardcore bikers but for a guy who has not exercised for more than 1 decade... Sounds like I'm starting to become obsessed.

Anyway, been updating my facebook picts rather than the picts here.

Here's some...

Some picts of my kaki's bikes too.

:)

MTB

2009-04-28T23:38:00.000+08:00

Never knew you could do this with a MTB aka Mountain Bike.

More sad news about child abuses....

2009-04-22T14:50:00.003+08:00

As much as I like to have post about loving families.... happy kids...

Such news somehow saddens me.... but mostly... I must admit... angry.

Drunk dad dumps baby into boiling wok

The mommy wasn't very wise to have challenged the father as well... making her also guilty of killing her own daughter... IMHO.

Another case of maid from hell in SGP.
Maid could have suffocated my son

previously

Shocking video: Maid kicks, kicks and kicks child

My goodness.... are these people so inhumane??

Habour City Resaurant Closed Down

2009-04-11T09:37:00.003+08:00

Juz found out that the above mentioned restaurant juz closed down.

Doris and I had our wedding dinner there...

Has many memories there.

Juz to share a quick one...

Whilst making preparations for the dinner, I noticed a couple standing outside looking at my wedding album.
I thought it was prob Doris's family side and invited them in.
*I was wearing a white long sleeve shirt and black pants.
The looked at me an said, "it's ok" and ignored me.
I continued to stand there to see if they needed anything. Then the aunty commented
"hey you look like the guy in this album"...........

-_-''''

I replied as nicely as I could.... " I AM that guy in that Album".

Anyway, I'm going to miss the mini almond moon cakes they used to be so popular for.

Sigh.

Equality??

2009-04-10T23:50:00.000+08:00

Child's love?

2009-04-09T00:19:00.001+08:00

Father's love?

2009-04-09T00:16:00.001+08:00

Values

2009-04-07T13:26:00.001+08:00

Family Update

2009-04-06T22:21:00.002+08:00

Just came back from cycling... 20km... sad...

So little.

Cycled to Bishan Park... cycled a couple of rounds and back.

Doris juz came back from Macau last fri, company trip.

Jed is 31kg and Jadyn is 15kg now.

Jed got a medal for taking part in his school's P1 Olympics.

Jadyn has an admirer who live somewhere in the neighbourhood who calls her "Ju Ju Mei Mei".
*What he (A kid from K1) was trying to say was "Cute cute 妹妹"...
OMG... @ 2?? What's gonna happen when she turns 18??

Think I need to buy her a pepper spray for her bday present when she turns 3....

Anyway, God has been really really good to us... and it's a challenge in itself.
Why?

Coz I need to constantly tell myself to stay close and not get distracted by other stuff that will take me away from Him.

My family have been blessed in the area of our finance, never did Doris and I though we can be like this in such a short time.
*Don't get me wrong, we ain't that rich till we dun need to work. But what I can say is that there was a time (not too long ago) when empty wallets were a common sight for me. Where friend will see my whole wardrobe in just 1 week... I think you know what I mean...

But now, we have enough for ourselves and when we can, bless others as well.
Dun get me wrong, I ain't bragging that I'm doing good deeds... But what I am saying is that I'm reminded that I was there before and I do understand what they are / may be going through.

I would say that it's one way that Doris and I are keeping ourselves from only ourselves.
Or @ least we try to... Try to constantly remind ourselves to follow God more closely....

Passing of Khun Pok....

2009-04-06T11:15:00.003+08:00

Juz found out that a good friend of mine from TH BK passed on last Sat.

http://reginathynameisqueen.blogspot.com/2009/04/remembering-great-colleague-jaturong.html

A nice guy, a good and helpful friend.

Gonna miss him.

RIP bro.

Either you are growing or backsliding... p.s. There is no status quo.

2009-03-31T08:52:00.002+08:00

During last Sunday's lunch and learn, Daniel shared with the family group over lunch and learn than "when we stop growing, we start to backslide". He had also added that "There is no status quo".

A quote which I believe there is some truth to.

I mean, even if one were to "stay" status quo / "indifferent" or "blaze" about their spiritual walk... it's that attitude which would be the start of the backslide wouldn't you agree?

With that, these thoughts suddenly comes to mind...
Are you still
1. Taking time off from "fellowshipping" with other saints?
2. Are we thinking that, "I can pray myself, I can praise and worship myself, I don't need anyone else"?
3. Are we still putting / using our jobs or even our kids (Something that God blesses us with) as an excuse to be away from God?
the list goes on...

I guess the Church going back to basics was a good reminder to those who may have drifted.

A sister once gave my CG a card which I have next to my PC.
Honestly I use it to try to remind me to pray as much as I can...

Time to Pray
I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish, I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me and grew heavier with each task;
Why doesn't God help me, I wondered; He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me - He said, "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence; I used all my keys at the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided, "My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

Doris in HK

2009-03-30T10:05:00.002+08:00

Well, she isn't in HK yet... but... sigh...

She's going to HK this Wed for a company trip...
Well, it's a well deserved trip for working so hard and hitting her sales target.
*Thank God for that! Ask her about it if you "know her" and if you have the chance to.
**It's quite an encouraging story that shows that it can only be God and nothing / no one else.

As mentioned in an earlier post... after so many years... I've still got this problem that I cannot sleep if she's not in bed.

Arrgggg.... gonna be a couple of sleepless nights I foresee....

But dun wanna tell her so that she can enjoy herself to the fullest.

Hope she will not read this before that.
:)

*But that also means that I have the visa / passport to....... hehehe.......

Anyway, my mom has been feeling under the weather, been getting quite bad dizzy spells lately.
Do help me to keep my mom in prayer for complete healing.

Jed's update

2009-03-28T11:11:00.003+08:00

Ever since Jed broke his arm on his birthday last year, his swimming was one of the things that... he somehow did not do as well since.

Well... was cos of the 6 months break?

Was it cos the teacher was... well anyway, Jed has been continuing his lesson with this teacher since his arm recovered.... and it's been about 6 months worth of lessons... and his peers are getting ready for their bronze award. Jed... on the other hand... was still swimming laps... with the wrong strokes. Why isn't the teacher correcting him is beyond me...

Anyway, I thought that it may be better that Jed attended a smaller class. His previous class was about 15 students!!! OMG. Happened to meet up with one of my old class mate from my computer class a couple of months ago and well, we started chatting about... kids.

Anyway, he introduced me to this other teacher, well, in a nut shell, his classes are much smaller, and he teachers through "having fun"! He's @ it for 12 years now.

*Well, b eing in the trade for 12 years... gotta have some "ink" to be able to stay in a trade for so long.

Anyway, to cut the story short, Jed is now... attending the 4th lesson and he mentioned that he has learnt alot from this teacher and learning how to swim the strokes correctly now.
*He's swimming faster now too.

**Even though I gotta pay about 25% more... it's worth every cent.

The current teacher even told me that Jed could take his Bronze award in 2 months if he wanted.

Sometimes... I do wonder... why then did the previous teacher say that he was not ready and needed more lessons?

your guess is as good as mine.

Anyway, same thing for Jed's chinese lessons too. The other teacher... anyway, cannot expect too much from the RC classes. We were lucky that our neighbour is a chinese teacher and she was willing to help tuition Jed. Thank God! What more can I expect? 2 in a class,the teacher's daughter and Jed... fees are about 33% more.

Thank God for blessing our family too in the area of our finances.

These things would not have been possible if it was not for Him.

Guess who???

2009-03-27T18:55:00.003+08:00

Guess who is this.........

Now see this.

When I showed the 1st pict to Jadyn, she thought that it was a pict of her!!!

Do they look alike?

Anyway, some friends recently also told me that Jed looks like a photo copy of my too........ think so??

Reinhard Bonnke is coming to town...

2009-03-25T11:47:00.002+08:00

Heard alot about this dude.

Seen quite a fair bit about what he did.

It's quite amazing actually.

Good New Singapore
http://www.goodnewssingapore.com/

Usually, each Convention has 1 theme...

They've got so many....

Anyway, I do think that this guy IS anointed.

But sometime... would crusades like this become a "Meet Santa Claus" session?

Anyway, do hope that it'll genuinely touch the hearts of those who have been blessed.

New Toy Part 2

2009-03-14T11:23:00.004+08:00

New toy

2009-03-14T01:57:00.002+08:00

Well... it's not for the kids.
They get a toy like almost every other week.

It's for me.

Anyway, people been gently reminding me that I need to lose weight.
*To these pple, Thanx! w/o the encouragement, I wouldn't have bought it.
:D
**Guilt transfer.

Anyway, I've decided to go back into Cycling. Something that I used to do pretty often when I wan young. I used to ride a road bike. *A Colnago. But decided that such thin tires would not support my weight and I bought a MTB aka Mountain Bike.
Specifically a 2009 GT Avalanche 2.0 disc

and the specs...

Frame:: GT Triple Triangle design 6061 aluminium with hydro formed downtube and zero stack headtube. Disc compatible with removable hanger.
Fork:: Suntour XCR-LO hydraulic fork with Cr-Mo 30mm stanchions, magnesium lowers, preload adjust, 100mm travel, lock out and GTw Soft Springs
Front Derailleur:: Shimano M - 330
Rear Derailleur:: Shimano Deore
Shifters:: Shimano rapidfire shifters
Chainset:: Shimano FC-M311
Chainrings:: 42/32/22
Bottom Bracket:: Shimano Cartridge Sealed
Cassette:: Shimano Eight Speed 11-32 ratio
Chain:: Shimano HG-40 8 speed
Pedals:: ATB Aluminium body with steel cage
Front Brake:: Tektro Auriga Comp, dual position cold forged
Rear Brake:: Tektro Auriga Comp, dual position cold forged
Brake Levers:: Tektro Hydraulic
Handlebars:: Alum 31.8mm with 20mm rise, 6 degree bend and anatomically sized
Stem:: GT ATB 31.8mm bar bore threadless 15 degree rise with four bolt alum face plate
Headset:: Tange Seiki system for 1 1/8"
Grips:: GT Dual Density ATB
Rims:: Jalco AX-430 Alloy double wall ATB
Front Hub:: Alloy QR for Disc
Rear Hub:: Aluminium QR sealed mechanism 8 speed cassette for Disc
Spokes:: Stainless Steel Gauge 14
Front Tyre:: Kenda Nevegal 26 x 2.1
Rear Tyre:: Kenda Nevegal 26 x 2.1
Saddle:: WTB Pure V with stitched cover and protective corners
Seatpost:: Alloy Micro adjust
Seat Binder:: GT Forged Alum QR

Fitted with a Cateye computer
So I'll know how much I traveled.

and a Wellgo magnesium pedals

and for pple like me who has sweaty palms....
Ergon GC2

But somehow I have a feeling that I may be using this computer on my ST1100 as well. To get a better speed reading.
:)

Hope this is not a 5 min thingie...

:)

Gotta find myself some riding kakis.

School bullies...

2009-03-14T01:40:00.003+08:00

What goes around comes around....

Well, I've never really been a bully.... but neither have I been a good boy too.

But I admit that I've done my share of collar grabbing and threatening too...

Anyway, Jed has been a really good and decent boy. I've done pretty well keeping him decent or should I say, telling him what's right or what's wrong.

But how do one teach his kid to be streetwise?

How do you teach someone like your kid the ways of the world without him being in it or to be ungodly about it?

It's easy to tell your son to never hit another kid... but how do you tell him never to hit back?

Well... in Jed's school, he sit between 2 other kids. Due to their age, their names will not be revealed. We shall call them A and B.

A will punch him all over in class.
B will stick tape in his hair, push him down "with" his chair backwards etc etc...

How do you tell him to not hit back when these 2 does this to him perpetually everyday?

Go down to school to see them? But what would Jed learn? Go to daddy and mommy every time he has a problem?

We told him many a times to tell it to the teacher but nothing seems to be done.

Well... this time, we decided to "help" him alittle. Initially I wanted to go down to see the kids for myself or to have a word with the teachers... But Doris told me to write in. I was like......... WHAT!? write?

Anyway, after some discussion... we wrote in.
*For those who knows me... I really gave my 2 cents and insisted those "specific" words to be in there even though Doris thought it was alittle harsh.

God must have heard us... Coz not too long later... Many media seems to start writing about bullies. And guess what? The teachers changed the 2 student's place with 2 of Jed's friends.
*But that juz means that they can chat more too... that's another problem anyway...

But I guess, the lesson learn here is...
We need to let the kids go through some life lesson on their own, watching... not going through it for them.

and

Commit it to God.
:)

Terrible 2........

2009-03-14T01:24:00.002+08:00

Yes........ it's confirmed....

Jadyn was officially in her terrible 2 stage....

I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, I want, .........

No, I don't want... No, I don't want... No, I don't want... No, I don't want...

"So what do you want?" daddy asked.....

A moment of silence.

It's a nightmare stage.

Also a turning point stage too, IMHO.

Why nightmare?
1. Coz she will do juz the total opposite of whatever we ask her to do.......
2. She will demand for things @ the top of her voice...
*And usually, she doesn't even know what she wants!
Sometimes I suspect that she's using that to "test" her / our limits.
3. Well... to spare her the future embarrassment, I'll juz leave it as that for the time being.

Anyway...

I've even decided recently to start with giving out "small punishments". e.g. Chill out corner.
But it doesn't really work if it makes her cry harder and crying more...
*Trust me... it's not the mornal cry... but the super distressed / scarred for life kinda cry.
So much so that my mom even had to step in and........ sigh.

There are so many similarities between Jed and Jadyn... but so much difference as well...
Similar.
Some of the words they used while growing up.
e.g. Mommy beat, daddy beat.
:)

Difference.
As mentioned earlier. Somehow I find that Jadyn is... well... duh.... not as "tough" as Jed. But some of the things that she does... shows otherwise. Not sure if I've explained it correctly... but I guess the point is that all kids grows up differently and every single one of them needs "special attention" from their parents.

Well... I guess that's juz being a parent.
:)

But one thing though... having these 2 also "trained" me on my "patience" too.
:)

Lost Generation...........

2009-03-09T22:33:00.002+08:00

I cannot imagine the amount of effort put into this....

It's awesome.

Thanx Mr. Poon.

Hint...
Read it in the "scrolling direction"

Talk about fate...

2009-03-02T23:25:00.000+08:00

Well, not exactly...

Coz Christian ain't supposed to believe in it.
:)

I think...

Anyway, 2 weekend ago, we brought the kid down to Botanical Gardens for some family time.

The Jadyn was playing with this little girl and well... like what many parent's would do...

Tell their kids to Say "Hi to 姐姐 or 妹妹"
and like many... when the 2 kids are about the same "size"... to ask the kid's parents, how old is she?

p.s. A good line to make friends.... evangilistic side of me talking here...
:)

Anyway, the mommy said "2006"

Doris "Oh, same year... What about month?"

Mommy "Oct"

Doris "Oh, same month too.... " starts laughing.

Doris "Which day then?"

Mommy "3rd"

Doris "........................."

Doris and I started laughing.

Doris "Same day also... small world...."

Jeff "Juz wondering........... which Hospital..........

Mommy "Gleneagles"

Doris & I "......................"

You guess it... all started laughing and decided to take this pict.

Anyway, we forgot to ask the mommy for her contact to keep in touch.... I mean.... how often does this happen??

But anyway, if we were to see them again... we've got something to "talk" about ya.

If it's in His Will.

:)

My Pastor - Right or Wrong

2009-02-17T13:44:00.003+08:00

I came across this post in a blog while looking for some articles about Hope Church...
Anyway, that's another topic all together.

Here goes.
----------

My Pastor - Right or Wrong

I have a pastor. Time was when he was a good pastor. I pronounced him great. This I did because I like him.

His sermons were wonderful - as long as I liked him.

His speech was passing fair - as long as I liked him.

He was a hard worker - as long as I liked him.

He was the man for the job - as long as I liked him.

In fact, I was strong for him - as long as I liked him.

But my pastor offended me one day. Whether he knew or not, I do not know. Since that day my pastor has ceased to be a good pastor- he is just an ordinary one.

His sermons are not so wonderful - since he offended me.

His speech is of no account - since he offended me.

His faults are more prominent - since he offended me.

He is not a hard worker - since he offended me.

He’s not the man for the job - since he offended me.

In fact, I’m trying to oust him - since he offended me.

Many times our estimate of a pastor is determined in a large measure by personal likes or dislikes. Individual feelings, whether we realize it or not, colour our judgment. Liking a pastor, we like his work. Disliking a pastor, he cannot please us. God help us to rise above the little petty things, and see men and issues in their clear light!!!

Jed Update

2009-02-12T23:39:00.003+08:00

Somehow, I've missed out this "part" of his growing...
But I'm sure there are other things as well but I noticed this one...

I was on MC today and my mom made Noodles for lunch.
What got me was that Jed was able to use regular chopsticks (not the ones that were joint @ the end for training)...

I guess I have prob missed out other parts of it as well... but I really hope to spend more time with both of them to be a part of my kid's life... but gotta also make sure to give them space to grow to be independent as well....

But it's been a challenging 1.5 months for Doris & I... but I think more on Jed's end...
The changes in school... in subjects... in timings... in friends... in expectations.. even in our way of life in one way or the other.

I guess these are some of the factors that have been "causing" strains in the family's relationship... never knew / expected that to happen...

Nothing serious... but still... unexpected.

Even going for CG on Weds and ending after 10pm are starting to be difficult.
- Jed having spelling on the next day
- My parents are the ones helping to get Jed ready for school most of the time (Thank God)
- Go through his school work
etc etc...

Guess that's one of the reason why Doris & I are planning to look for a CG that operates on Fri.
And that on it's own is another "problem" not a big one.... but still needs to be tended to nevertheless.

I guess with all these and my change in job scope etc etc has also taken quite a toll on my temper as well...

God please help me on that area.

But Thank God for giving me a job that is stable @ a time like this... a firm foundation amidst turmoil... For those who knows where I am working in will know what I mean.
:)

Pray with us that God will show us where / which CG to be part of and grow as a family.

Class Monitor

2009-02-03T22:14:00.003+08:00

I was never a class monitor / prefect...

Guess I was never cut out to be one.
:)

But Jed told me that the teacher chose him as one of the three in his class.
Well... Not sure if this is for the year, term, month...

Anyway, whatever it is... still better than daddy.
:D

Anyway, daddy is super proud of you Jed.

Kids and Homes...

2009-02-02T00:06:00.002+08:00

For people who wonders why Families with kids usually have a messier home...

Here's a video evidence.

Superstition... how far will it go??

2009-01-23T13:40:00.004+08:00

I feel for the father who lost his boy but using this as an excuse??

Superstition... how far will it go??

----------
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20090122-116535.html

"Tomb-like" structure near accident scene

Residents living near the area where a nine-year-old boy died from a fatal accident on Monday told Shin Min Daily News that the zebra-crossing he was using that day leads to a "tomb-like" structure.

The Primary 4 student, Li Yun, was crossing the road at Clementi Ave 4 when he was hit by a tipper truck. He suffered multiple injuries and died an hour after being sent to hospital.

The "tomb" that the residents were referring to is in fact an incomplete concrete construction in front of Block 320 which, they say, looks very much like the structure of a Chinese tomb.

This structure was built so that residents with disabilities could use the ramps to make their way up and down the slope.

Residents have expressed concern over this ominous structure, claiming that they feel uncomfortable each time they set their eyes upon it.

Mr Zhou, a resident of the area, said: "Everytime you cross the road, it looks as if you're walking directly to the tomb."

When Shin Ming Daily News spoke to some of the residents, they told the Chinese evening daily that they could not help linking the "tomb" structure to the boy's fate, although it seemed superstitious to do so.

Fengshui master Mr Wei told the Chinese paper that such inauspicious structures do bring about "negative energy" and he cautioned residents to always be alert when crossing the road, especially at night.

He also said that the position of the structure near the road is almost like it is "inviting" people to "walk into their own graves".

Residents are appealing to the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council to change the look of the structure.

Shin Min Daily News has also contacted the town council but have not received a response.

---------

It's just a structure....

It happened to shape like that...

It's down right crazy that people out the blame on such things...

If that's the case, why don't they ban people from eating the onion coz they look like a religious structure?

"although it seemed superstitious to do so."

seemed?? Understatement!!

And it doesn't help when even a so called "Fengshui master" giving his 2 cents worth...
Sigh.

No wonder people are willing to "pray" to trees cos the trees have "stumps" that looks like a monkey...

Sad...

Signs that you may be driving alittle too fast....

2009-01-22T23:02:00.000+08:00

When your passenger acts like this...

WWJD

2009-01-21T23:01:00.001+08:00

Heard this in a sermon before....

That's the reason why I don't have this kind of bumper sticker on my bike...

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front
of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.

As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up.

He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, ‘I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him.’ I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday-School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk; naturally…I assumed you had stolen the car.’

Bad Habits....

2009-01-21T22:31:00.004+08:00

I guess it's only a matter of time when kids will develop / get some bad habits in school...

But times like these, it's really important for the parents
1. to be around
2. to identify
3. to correct
4. .... to punish.

Personally, there are some things / errors that be passed of with just a word or two...

But there are some that really needs the help of a ROD.

Proverbs 13:24
24 He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

"but he who loves him is careful to discipline him"

"Careful", personally, it means when needed / required after thought and not the absence of it.

Today... I "caught" Jed cheating while I was testing him on his spelling for tomorrow.

... and now I know what I really mean that " it hurts me more than it'll hurt him"....

Could I let it slide??

Would he do it again?

I did tell him that it was wrong to cheat many a times but this was the first time I caught him doing it.

Would it discourage him?

Would it make him fear me more?

Would he talk to me again??

Question after question...

I HAD TO MAKE HIM REMEMBER AND REMEMBER IT WELL.

I've never punished him so hard, so many times...

God knows how much my heartaches...
God knows how much it makes me cringe to see him feel pain...
God knows how much it pains me to see Jed cry...

But it had to be done.

Then... I though again... how many times have I told God that I'll never do that again but somehow... still did....

What should God do??

How should He make me remember so that I will not do it again??

I wish you Jesus

2009-01-20T20:56:00.002+08:00

Actually, I first heard this song sung by Cheryl Ng on Christmas.

And last Sunday, Ps Jeff got Alvin Poon (My ex CL) to share this song.

I wish you Jesus.

ok, Alvin sounded alittle lower than this kid... but really good still.
:)

I wish you Jesus.

Outsourcing - Funny as hell!

2009-01-15T23:17:00.000+08:00

What is she saying??

2009-01-13T23:20:00.001+08:00

It's either the Holy Spirit has given her an early start in speaking in tongues or that she's just talkative....

I never knew babies were capable of that!

Good Kisser vs Bad Kisser?? It's all in the mind!

2009-01-11T22:32:00.000+08:00

See what I mean

Bike down bike down!!

2009-01-02T16:47:00.003+08:00

Today was
1. Jed's first day in P1.

2. Jadyn's first day in Playgroup.

Here's what happened when I poped by to see Jadyn @ her school @ TPBC.

-----------------
My bike was knocked down when it was parked @ Jadyn's school...

Sigh...

Anyway, not sure how... but this lady who parked her car head in reversed her car to get out... some how did not see my BeaST and knocked it down.

The car knocked the left side and the bike landed on the right...

If it was a flat ground, prob the damage would be minimal... but the bike basically "landed" onto a curb...

Here's some picts.

Some dents on the side

Damaged box... I was told that this box cost about 1k....

I'm not even sure how this got there...

Cracked and scratched wind shield...

Leaked petrol... and bit and pieces of here and there...

I replaced this not too long ago... sad....

Somehow the edge of the curb got this black part too... a crack there...

The Mazda (whom hit BeaST) was parked where the Merc was... and this was the driver who was willing to be my witness. Thank God!

The side... smashed....

There she lay...

Bleeding.....

I was glad that
1. The school was a "church" and there were many Christians there.
Coz many of them offered to be my witness.
(One of which was the principal who came to look for me personally)

2. The lady whom I called did not deny the fact that she knocked the bike down.
(I mean, she could right?)

3. Sorry to say this but I recorded the tele-conversation... juz in case.

Best of all, when I called the lady... she mentioned that I should not have parked there...
Trying to keep my composure... I menti0ned... "But did that give her the right to knock my bike over then?"

She went "................"

But I am not taking this as a denial of responsibility but an attempt to clarify some "doubts".
:)

-------------

What a first day of school..............

Anyway, I got the IDAC report. The other party's insurance company. Sent the bike to the workshop etc etc...

Damn tired now...

Damage... approx 2-3k.
*All these are only the cosmetic damage.
Thank God the engine is fine... (I hope, cos have not checked yet...)

So... Car drivers who is reading this... Fairings are not cheap... Don't go "WHAT!!!!!" when biker's tell you the cost of these repairs.

Who am I - Casting Crowns

2008-12-30T00:05:00.001+08:00

If you only have 5 mins for 1 read.

Use this 5 mins on this video.

Hope Youth

2008-12-29T23:56:00.001+08:00

Juz came across this video in PS Jeff's site.

Planet JESUS (Dec 2008) from Y-Hope TV on Vimeo.

Cool right?

Cool cos the youth have so much zeal for JC *Jesus Christ.
and they have put in so much time and effort in expanding God's kingdom!

Here's more videos.

http://vimeo.com/user421211/videos

RefTagger

2008-12-29T23:41:00.008+08:00

Got this really cool Widget in my blog today, it's called RefTagger.

What it does is that it automatically creates pop ups of the bible versus that I quote sometime.
*I get to choose the bible version too.

I mean, I do quote from the bible from time to time...
& it take time to cut and paste ok....

Here's some sample.

I'm keying the versus.

Run you mouse over them and...

Volia...

John 3:16

But what about short forms?

Prov 3:5

Yes it works!

What about more than 1 verse?

Prov 3:5-6

Cool! it works too.

What about 1 chapter?

Acts 1

Acts 1:

Nope

Acts 1:1-26

Yupz! But the window is too small to see the whole chapter.

What about an error verse?

Acts 1:27

hahaha... 404, not found.

*Anyway I'm testing this as I am updating this blog.

Ok... will save some cutting and pasting time for now.

Have fun if you blog too.

Christian vs Christ Follower

2008-12-29T19:18:00.002+08:00

So who do YOU wanna be?

In this case, a Christian or a Christ Follower?

:)

So what do you wear?

So how do you show it?

What do you "listen" to?

Are you "one" with the One?

Jadyn bit me...

2008-12-22T22:45:00.001+08:00

Well, not quite... but here's the ang mor version.

But honestly, Jadyn did bite Jed quite a number of occasions...

My Malaysia Auntie's cooking

2008-12-21T23:32:00.002+08:00

My fave auntie in Malaysia will try to make my fave dishes when I am in Malaysia.

When I was there over the weekend with the family last week for my Granny's 90th birthday... here's what she made for me. Here's a pict of it..

Beware of the Doghouse

2008-12-18T00:19:00.002+08:00

Don;t agree with the diamonds part... but funny and quite meaningful none the less.

Real Transformers

2008-12-17T23:26:00.004+08:00

These guys have too much time on their hands... But cool never the less... the costumes I mean.

Esp the last guy

Singapore Science Centre

2008-12-16T23:05:00.003+08:00

Last week, we brought the kids to SSC aka, Singapore Science Centre.

They had fun... But I got kinda pissed with the way things are run there.

Here's why... I think the place needs to really reconsider
1. Pricing
2. Crowd control
3. Not to be self PWNED!

1. Pricing.
Doris's friend's family bought the membership @ the door which cost about 198 SGD.
Which in my impression gives them access into all areas in the compound.

But no... It only allows the member to access into the main exhibits & omni theatre only

But there was an magic exhibition there and guess what?? Members need to buy separate tickets to enter!
*The only plus point was that members get a 15% discount... But then...
I was like "What the........"

What's the point of getting the membership then??

Duh........

Also, they had so many price ranges
e.g.
- Main exhibition only
- Main exhibition + Omni Theatre
- Main exhibition + Magic
OMG....... I'm getting another headache again....!!!!!!!!!
And believe it or not... I had to queue for almost 1 hour for the damn tickets!!!
& there were only 20 pple in front of me...
Cos everyone was so confused about the pricing.

2. Crowd control...
I hate the queue...
The queue was everywhere.
If you think the customs was bad... try this place.

3. Self PWNED...
Many of the exhibits were "off" or "under maintenance"
or
See pict to know what I mean...

Windows... sigh...

And I though I saw the Joker (from Batman) when he was a kid...

Anyway... Jed loved the magic show to bits... But I thought the Magician was quite rude.

I don't see me going there again in the near future.

But we had a nice dinner @ Minori after that.
YUM!

Jed's Preference for MUSIC

2008-12-08T23:19:00.003+08:00

@ Soo Guan's wedding, Jed was "introduced" to Ono Lisa.
That was when he was first introduced to Basso Nova.
He loved it to bits...

One short time... He was into Classical.

Kid's Christian music...

But recently...

Disco & Ever green.

Songs like
I eat cannibal
D.I.S.C.O.
Funky Town
Smoke on the water
etc etc...

He's definitely have this thingie for music...

Promising Worship Leader??

:)

Bike Lots issues posted in STOMP

2008-12-06T23:38:00.002+08:00

See the numerous posts about how bikers in SGP are treated...

So sad.

"I paid for season parking, but I have no choice but to park illegally"

Motoring Goondus at Sitex: One parks in motorbike lots, the other, on road

Car occupies entire motorcycle lot

Why is this car parked in a motorcycle lot?

Sad....

Are bikers really second / third class road users??

Motorcycle Face Mask

2008-12-06T23:35:00.002+08:00

Bought this really cool mask / "air filter" in Bangkok.
*Hey, bikers dun enjoy Air-Conditioning / Free Air like car drivers. We need to be more careful of the air quality that we breath in.

Wondering what's gonna happen if I were to wear this out for a ride?

Day time
Night Time

Creative Zen Stone Plus with speakers Review

2008-11-26T22:46:00.002+08:00

Music soothes the savage beast...

But I needed this to sooth the kids.

Before buying this, I was comparing this with...

But then... the logic took over...

* I have 3 iPods mind you... and I ain't a big fan of Creative's products.

Anyway, most of the other reviews will tell you the common functions of these 2...

Here's my 2 cents.

Zen 4 gb
iPod 2gb

Zen - FM radio (But reception is not that hot)
iPod - None

Zen - Double the size of the shuffle
iPod - Compact even with the clip

Zen - With display
iPod - w/o display

Zen - General USB cable
iPod - Needs docking station

Zen - Direct transfer from PC w/o other sofware
iPod - Needs iTunes

One of my bigger worries about the Zen, there was no hold button.
Solution... when the screen is off (To save power) the first click turns it on, the second activates the function.
e.g.
First click - Unlock
Second click - Activate the command of the button.

Speakers - great when I need to soothe / get the kids to sleep.
*I have kids lullaby songs in my player.
And it help lots when we were in TH.

Recording...

Well... I have yet to fully utilise this yet... but am not hoping for too much.

Summary of Thailand Trip

2008-11-26T22:29:00.004+08:00

Doris & I are so so tired...
I came back with a swollen knee...
We got back 1 day before BKK airport was closed because of the riot...
I almost was pick pocketed...
We had the best Banana Roti Prata in Thailand (Puts the Jln Kayu prata to shame)
the best Mango sticky rice
Spent more than expected / we thought we needed to spend there... (Well, guess that's normal for all overseas trips)
Did not really get my daily dose of massages that I wanted... :) (Neither did Doris)
Only had 1.5 bowls of Bird's nest soup in the whole 7 days... (As compared to my 1 bowl / day when I was in Hatyai...)
Only > 0.5 bowl of shark fin soup in the 7 days... (See bracketed comment above)
Took a Tuk Tuk driven by a maniac...

But what I enjoyed the most is...
Spent some really good quality time with the kids.
Spent some quality time with my brother and his family.
The kids enjoyed themselves to bits

Summary of Chiang Mai vs Bangkok...
Chiang Mai
Great for family

Bangkok
Great for shopping.

But next...

Doris & I need to find sometime for ourselves.

Day 7 Thailand

2008-11-26T22:23:00.001+08:00

Day 7

Coming home...

Anyway, as mentioned, the day after we arrived home in SGP, TH's Opp party decided to "close" the Bangkok airport. Thank God we are home!

Anyway, I cannot stress enough... do not, I repeat... DO NOT take the Un-licensed "transportation". e.g. Van service that brings you back to your hotel. etc.

Super bad experience.

I don't even feel like mentioning here... Just take a red cab. 300 Bht.

Day 6 Thailand

2008-11-26T22:22:00.001+08:00

Day 6

This was another day of food & shopping...

But I kinda enjoyed the food more than the shopping.
:)

Mango with Sticky Rice... Super Sweet!

From Day 6

Chicken Rice... I kinda pref the SGP one.
But the soup was wonderful

From Day 6

Funny thing was that we went to a Japanese Restaurant in Thailand... Cheap & Good...

From Day 6

This wasabi was the real thing... Not the fake stuff that we get normally.
Anyway, real wasabi is a root "extract".

From Day 6

Day 5 Thailand

2008-11-26T22:21:00.001+08:00

Day 5

Good bye Chiang Mai, Hello Bangkok

From Day 5

Power Nap

From Day 5

First things first... Food!

From Day 5

Thailand Style Satay

From Day 5

Shopping again!

From Day 5

& Food again!

From Day 5

Shark's fins & Bird's nest!

From Day 5

And on the way back... we decided to try the tuk tuk...

Bad idea...

I thought I was fast...

This guy was worse.

From Day 5

Day 4 Thailand

2008-11-26T22:20:00.002+08:00

Day 4

Free and easy... that's what this day is about.

Juz shopping & eating.

From Day 4

Day 3 Thailand

2008-11-26T22:19:00.001+08:00

Day 3

On the 3rd day, we were out on our own along with the tour guide.

This time, we went to the Long Neck Tribe Village.

These folks were from Cambodia who "came" w/o a holiday / perm pass.
:)

The TH govt somehow allowed them to say around the boarder of Thailand and allowed tourists to visit to generate income for them.

& they were really poor

From Day 3

The govt also "taught" them how to make artifacts to make a living for themselves.

From Day 3

Anyway, the brass "wires" around their necks served a purpose... Other than "trying" to look beautiful that is... if you noticed... it was actually also for protection from wild animal's attacks.

From Day 3

Quite Chio right??
The brass wires I mean..
:)

From Day 3

Next, we went to a snake show.

From Day 3

Then, I saw something that "caught" my eye.

From Day 3

An antique bike.

Cool ya.

Anyway, next... Royal Flora... Kinda boring that place...

But the temple was kinda nice.

From Day 3

Day 2 Thailand

2008-11-26T22:17:00.002+08:00

Day 2

The busies day was today...

Our little group joined another bigger group and we set off to a couple of places.

We visited the
1. Orchid Plantation

From Day 2

2. Maesa Elephant School / Camp

From Day 2

Honestly, I wasn't exactly impressed with some of the tricks that they made the elephants do...
e.g. Twirling their trunks (looked painful)

From Day 2

But I never knew they could be so artistic...
It doesn't come cheap too... @ about SGD100 a piece.

From Day 2

But the ride was fun. @ about 800 bhat / elephant for 30mins.

From Day 2

Some of the view there were pretty awesome too..

From Day 2

3. Silk factory
Rather boring if you ask me.

From Day 2

4. Umbrella factory

From Day 2

Where they would gladly use the same paint that they use on the brollies to paint on whatever you like. Aprox 50 bhat / picture.

From Day 2

5. Silver factory
Boring!!!

From Day 2

6. Bird's nest & shark's fin soup
As expected, these places that the tour guide brought us was a rip off...
The soup was bland... and expensive!
Bird's nest soup.
150 Bhat for such a tiny bowl

From Day 2

& the sharks fins was @ 350 bhat / bowl...

forget it.

Day 1 Thailand

2008-11-26T22:14:00.003+08:00

Day 1

Day 1 was rather standard...

Waking up @ 5am, trying to get ready by 6 & reach airport by 6.30am.
But when we got to the expressway, Doris remembered that we forgot Jadyn's pram....

When we got there... the cab fare was about $25...

Well, it was the kids first plane ride... and from the pict, you can see that we had the "Business Class" seats... they were awesome.
And the kids were busy entertaining themselves with the systems.

When we got there, I was rather surprised that the tour group only consisted of my bro's family & my family.

First Place...
Temple.

From Day 1

Nice place with lots of nice art.

From Day 1

We were also supposed to visit the Royal Garden but cancelled as they close early that day.

The Matrix Runs On Windows

2008-11-26T13:44:00.000+08:00

Funny as hell!!

A MUST see!

Thailand cancels flights

2008-11-25T23:28:00.001+08:00

Thank God I'm home.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_306525.html

---------
BANGKOK - BANGKOK international airport cancelled all departing flights as hundreds of protesters stormed the terminal on Tuesday night after scuffling with riot police.

Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy members broke through police lines and began roaming through the sprawling US$4 billion (S$6.03 billion) terminal as startled tourists looked on.

Earlier, anti-government supporters clashed with guns, knives and slingshots, in the latest sign that the country's long-running political crisis may be veering toward open violence in the streets.

The fighting occurred as anti-government demonstrators were disrupting traffic on another highway on the other side of town, delaying travelers to and from the city's main airport.

The clash began when government supporters threw rocks at a truck carrying members of the People's Alliance for Democracy along a busy highway.

The alliance members were returning from a rally at Don Muang airport, which they had been besieging since Monday in an effort to stop the government from meeting there. The prime minister's office, where meetings are normally held, has been occupied by the protesters since late August.

The members of the anti-government alliance - wearing yellow arm bands and camouflage clothing - responded by firing slingshots and a half-dozen shots with two pistols from their truck, according to footage shown on Thai PBS television.

They also hoisted a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand's revered monarch, whose interests they claim to be working for.

The footage showed the alliance supporters surrounding a motorcycle taxi driver and putting a knife to his throat. After the driver fled, the protesters battered several motorbikes with steel rods and set fire to another one.

The clash was the second time in recent months that the two sides have fought and marks the first major violence since Oct 7, when street battles with police and anti-government forces left two people dead and hundreds wounded.

In a Sept 2 clash between the two sides, a government supporter was beaten to death, while two alliance members were killed last week in grenade attacks.

The rivals are fairly easy to distinguish, since the protest alliance favors yellow shirts and their rivals red ones. Some of the government supporters seen fleeing were wearing red shirts.

Police Col. Piyapong Ponvanich said 11 people were wounded in the clash, most of them government supporters, some with gunshot wounds.

Government spokesman Nattawut Sai-gua said authorities would beef up security, but that it was premature to talk about declaring a state of emergency.

'The police have beefed up security all over the city after what happened. They have set up 53 checkpoints on the streets of Bangkok in case of more chaos of this nature on the street. The situation is still under control,' he said.

The pro-government crowd appeared to be members of a loose association of taxi and motorcycle drivers who support the government and are supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Protesters elsewhere used trucks to block part of the expressway to Thailand's main international airport, tying up traffic ahead of the planned Wednesday return by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from Peru, where he attended a summit of Pacific Rim leaders.

They have blocked all but one lane of the road to the airport, the main hub for millions of tourists who visit South-east Asia.

The alliance opposes Mr Somchai's government because it considers it to be a puppet of Thaksin, who was accused of corruption and abuse of power and deposed in a September 2006 military coup.

Tuesday's clash came a day after thousands of anti-government supporters besieged Parliament and then Don Muang airport in a bid to shut down the government.

On Monday, police yielded as demonstrators pushed past them, even though the protesters sometimes showered them with expletives in an apparent effort to provoke a violent response to discredit the authorities.

The government evidently sought to turn the tables on the protesters, who in past actions managed to attract public sympathy with claims of police brutality.

Protesters seeking Mr Somchai's resignation have occupied his Bangkok headquarters, known as Government House, since Aug 26, forcing him to relocate to a makeshift office in the VIP area of the former international airport at Don Muang.

A strike called by state enterprise unions to disrupt air, road and rail service in support of the protest fizzled - the second time unionists have failed to deliver on promises of a crippling work stoppage.

Thailand's political crisis began in 2006, when a similar campaign against Thaksin led to a him being deposed by the coup. But further efforts to cripple Thaksin?s political machine failed, and his allies won a December 2007 election.

The alliance then resumed its street protests and finally stormed Government House in August, vowing not to leave until they have forced Thaksin's allies from power. They accuse Mr Somchai of acting as a proxy for Thaksin, who is his brother-in-law.

Thailand's economy, already struggling amid the global downturn, has been hit hard by the political turmoil. The state planning agency said on Monday it grew at its slowest pace in more than three years this past quarter. -- AP, REUTERS.

Back from Bangkok

2008-11-25T10:17:00.003+08:00

After about 8 years, Doris & I managed to have alittle extra for a short trip to Chiang Mai & Bangkok.
*and @ the last min, we changed our minds to bring little Jadyn along.

Bringing Jadyn also meant bring alot more baby "stuff" along, more attention required, more work, more... sigh...

Anyway, both Doris & I are physically tired out.

But the thing that we learnt that it's little "inconveniences" like these that "bonds" the family together.

Well, more coming right up...

Picts, shopping, experiences, tips, etc.

Jed's graduation presentation

2008-11-05T23:47:00.001+08:00

Time flies.

Before you know it... he'll be in U.

Kulai Makan Trip.

2008-11-02T23:51:00.001+08:00

Did something crazy over the weekend...

http://sgbikerblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/kulai.html

Sinful...

But am looking forward to the next one.

:)

Are you busy?

2008-11-01T22:50:00.002+08:00

Sometime, do we just say we are busy cos everyone else is?

Or

Cos we want others to think we are busy?

Or

Cos we wanna have an excuse to "do" or "not do" something?

Read this poem.

Hope it inspires you.

The Poem
I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done ,
My soul could rest at ease.....
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.
No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die
I went before the Lord,
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God! held a book;
It was the book of life.
God looked into his book and said
'Your name I cannot find
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time'

Dun call me a "Cute Gangsta" Dog.

2008-10-27T23:54:00.002+08:00

I can juz hear it...

50 cent music playin in the back...

Feed My Sheep

2008-10-27T23:25:00.004+08:00

Some people tells me that Doris has a heart for the unsaved (aka people who does not know Christ yet) around her.

The Great Commission Says:

Matthew 28:19-20

19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in^[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus said this after He was resurrected.
Almost ever Xtain knows this Verse, if they have not memorised it by heart yet...

But here's a part of the bible that I personally feel that has not been emphasised enough.

John 21:15-17

15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Honestly, IMHO, I think this other verse which is almost as important of as important as the great commission...

Looking after God's sheep. I mean... it's important enough for Christ to repeat Himself 3 times in a row (Not 3 times in Him life).

What do you do when 1 is wondering from your 99?

Matthew 18:12

12"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?

And something which Doris does pretty well in... I mean, after all these years, she still "Bugs" Lisan who is her shepherd to meet up for shepherding. Also to take up the responsibility to take care of younger Xtains around her (In a way, shepherding them).

So then.... who are you a shepherd of?

How is your flock's "well-being"?

Trigger Happy

2008-10-27T23:13:00.003+08:00

Well, not the gun trigger... but quite similar though...

I've been quite on the edge recently and well.... it's always the people around that "suffers".... esp the ones whom I love dearly...

In this case... Jed.

I noticed that how short tempered I was with him and was quick to correct him whenever I see a mistake.

But little did I notice that I was only showing him the mistakes that he was making and doing nothing about the good things that he has done.

Remember the times when we, yes, we all... were to do something wrong and gets yelled @.... and we start to think... "what about the times when I did something right??" Where was the complement/s??

Suddenly, I thought about this when I "corrected" one of Jed's mistakes.
...and I realised... I never really told him that he was mostly good, but the times that I "correct" him was the few times when he was "playful".

This was tough...

Tough enough as it was that I was brought up in a family where I cannot even remember when was the last time my dad hugged me, or if he even ever said that he loved me.
Not to me mistaken that I think that he doesn't but that my family had an issue with expressing such emotions.

Anyway, I couldn't just let it be... I had to speak to Jed again.

This time...

I tried to reaffirm him
1. that Mommy and Daddy loves him dearly.
2. that it was daddy's fault to forget to let him know that he has in fact been a good boy most of the time and that it was daddy's fault for not pointing it out to him.

Was it tough....

Yes it was!

Even to say this to a 6 year old.

But I also know this....

If I were not to do this now.... It'll just get harder and harder to say it in the future....
and worst case scenario, he'll be wondering... "Does daddy and mommy even love me??"

Medicine = Sweet Sweet?

2008-10-23T00:08:00.003+08:00

How many time have you seen a parent coaxing a kid with sweets.

Honestly, I guess I have been guilty of that as well...

But this is not my point...

But how many times have you as a parent coaxed your kid to drink the medicine and saying "sweet sweet"?

Note, kids medicine are sweeter than the adult version to make them more palatable for the kids. But as parents, should we use the sweetness as a way to coax them to drink it?

I noticed myself doing that... and am worried that Jadyn would get the wrong concept to link Sweets to Medicine as well...

Why??

Coz, we used to do that with Jed and once we "caught" Jed trying to take a swipe off the Cough Mixture... Saying "Sweet Sweet".

But that was of course, years ago.

So...

Think twice before telling your kids that the medicine is "sweet sweet"

Life Skills???

2008-10-13T22:17:00.004+08:00

Not too long ago, I was @ the Cashurina Roti Prata place with a friend when I heard a kid's mom telling the boy.

"If you want to win your borther, then you better learn how to argue properly!"

I was like "?????????????????"

ok.........

1. She sounded as if she was trying to get both kids to start a fight
2. "How to argue properly???"

How should we prepare our kids? The ways of the world? Or the ways of Christ?

I'm Watching You Dad (GodTube.com)

2008-10-09T23:12:00.002+08:00

Great video... From Soo Suan & Karen's Blog

A good reminder to all the dads and even moms alike... that our kids are watching...