New Year Old Resolution

2017 is here, as usual all of us will for a moment think about the resolutions we want to make for the new year.

In the past, I used to say “new year new resolution”, but as I grow older, I realised that this statement is actually not entirely true. We tend to make the same old resolution year after year.

1. Spend more time with family.
2. Eat well, exercise more, have a balanced lifestyle.
3. Spiritually (for those who has a religion), walk closer with God, do our QT, etc.

Are these resolutions useless? Are they new? NO! But we keep setting these resolutions every beginning of a new year, and maybe fail to do it and another new year has arrived.

Here is my take. Do not be afraid of making “old” resolutions, as long as we continue to have the mentality to improve and work on it. Most projects in life is a WIP thing, we hardly achieve something great overnight, it all takes time.

Take for example, my quest to run a full marathon. I have this dream since my secondary school days, discarded the dream in 2010, picked it up again in 2016. Now after one year’s of “hard work” (I’ve actually grown to like running), I have achieved something (completed 2 half marathons). So my 2017 resolution is to complete the full marathon before my 43rd birthday!

New shoes, Old resolution!

Another old resolution is writing. Precisely why I am updating this blog post is because I used to like to write. I am the first to admit that I am not a good writer like my wife and many other bloggers out there. But writing has always been a form of stress relieve for me. Writing is my way of bring brutally honest with myself, and leaving behind no regrets.

So I’ve picked up a nice leather notebook (need some motivation) on my recent trip to Ipoh.

New notebook, Old resolution!

One more resolution that I have made every single year for the past 30 over years, is to read the bible more. As a Christian, there is no other book more important than the Bible. For my own spiritual growth, I need to read the Word more and understand my Father in a deeper way.

So for this year, I am embarking on this new app “Reading Scripture” recommended by another good friend of mine. To read through the Bible from cover to cover in a year. And I have encouraged my wife, my cell group friends to join me. So far, it has been very exciting as we go through the same readings and sharing what we have learnt. Another I learnt, to successfully complete a task or resolution, get others to join in and motivate one another.

New reading plan, Old resolution!

Hope this short post will inspire some of you to keep on keeping on. Don’t give up yet!

“The Champion you want to be tomorrow is created by the training you do TODAY!”

Primary Concern

It is almost 3 weeks of school since the beginning of this new academic year. This year Jayne finally stepped into her journey of studies from Primary all the way to University (hopefully). Looking back just a few months back when I just attended her K2 graduation ceremony, I was slightly worried if this little girl would make it in Primary school or not. As compared to her elder sister, Jayne is more willing (fearless at times) in adapting to new environment and things. Talked to a few other parents, made me realized that 2nd born are usually more “garang”.

It might be because Jayne tends to stick to me more than Joey, I had this feeling that she is not ready for Primary school. Plus her small frame really didn’t add much confidence to me. She is still just my 小不点.

Joey on the other hand tends to be a bit more reserved when it comes to trying new things. But I have seen her grew so much in the past 3 years in her Primary school life.Though as parents, they will always stay like a child in our hearts, but Joey has taken her role of an elder sister very well. Maybe it’s in her just like me to be the one who will take charge most of the times. Looking at her, I really see so much of me. She hardly needs us to coach her in her school works, always clear of what to do and bring for school, sometimes I even hear her telling Kless what to do too.

On the first day of school this year, we woke up early to ensure that all the necessary items are prepared. Jayne put on her school uniform and was so eager to go. If I remembered correctly, Joey was not as excited as Jayne 3 years back. Looking at both of the girls in the uniform that is so familiar to me, brings forth a special pride in me. My girls are in Primary School now!

And Joey is a full-fledged Prefect this year. I was a Prefect too =)

My primary concern for both of them is to enjoy school and learn as much as they can. I do wish to be a stressful father,  stressed out with their results and in turn stressed them for performance. I know to survive especially in Singapore, academic results are extremely important, but if a person is bad in character and has no love for others, being the brightest kid really doesn’t matter much. I just want my girls to have lots of friends in school, loved by most of their classmates, have respect for teachers, not afraid to learn, and takes care of one another.

Simple? I don’t know too. Just try lah.

2016 Resolution

Every new year, I will feel a slight pressure to write out my new year’s resolution. Especially when researches have shown that 92% of people fail to accomplish their goals every year. And statistics show that people who write down their goals have over an 80% higher success rate of achieving them. Hence, I have decided to write down my goals for 2016.

Family
This year, I want to date my girls. Planning a D&D (Daddy & Daughter) project. The idea is to bring one of the girls out on a 1-on-1 date night. Daddy has to be his girls’ first date. Hopefully along the way, I will be able to cultivate a habit for the girls to share with me what goes on in their lives, before they are all grown up and leave the nest.
For the missus, this year we are finally planning a trip to Seoul, and a chance to experience  冬季恋歌.

Ministry
This year will be a year of discipleship. I’m looking forward to the chance to know some of the members in the team a bit more and hopefully have the chance to serve together and even go for an overseas trip.

Friends
2016 will be a year for reconciliation of relationship. There are some friends I have lost in the past few years, hopefully this year we will be able to catch up and rebuild that friendship.
Another group of friends I want to know more is this awesome group of Daddy Bloggers. We have known each other for about 3-4 years, some even longer. But usually we only meet at events we attend, maybe this year we can be a bit more proactive and stay in contact more with side events for our families.

Health
My aim is to stay fit and hopefully complete a 21km run by the end of this year. I am already signed up for a 10km race on 31 Jan, more to come! Beside the run, I am targeting to ‘flatten” my growing tummy.

Social Media
Target to write one blog post every week. So if you are reading this, you can keep me in check and see if I accomplish this goal or not. Last year on Instagram, I did a 365-days of B&W photo series, so this year, I am giving myself a small break and probably do a 52-weeks B&W series instead. So watch out for it!

N.E.mation! 10 - Call For Entry

It is back! For the 10th year running, N.E.mation! 10 is back to entice all students aged 13-17 to participate!

It’s your turn to visit the renowned Animation Studios in the USA!
(Prior experience or knowledge in animation techniques is not required. Training will be provided.)

Visualize yourself with your team in this photo. N.E.mation! 9 Champion Team.

This year’s theme is Together We Keep Singapore Strong.
“At the start of the next 50 years, it is a good time to reflect on and reaffirm the strength, values and beliefs that have brought Singapore this far and, more importantly, the values that reside within each and every Singaporean to take Singapore forward. Together, we will continue to play our part to keep Singapore strong.”

An easy 3-steps to register.

Step 1: Form a team of 3-4 students from your school
Step 2: Register online at www.nemation.sg
Step 3: Submit your ideas on the theme “Together We Keep Singapore Strong” by 16 Aug 2015

Keep update by liking the official Facebook Page for N.E.mation! 10.

And do you know that each team can submit up to 3 stories? Now you know, so what are you waiting for?

N.E.mation! 10 – Call For Entry!

AirAsia Free Seats!

Who doesn’t like to travel?

There is a Chinese proverb said, "Traveling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books." It means you can learn more from traveling to places as opposed to reading about them from books. It is very true that you can learn more by actually experiencing things by yourself. While you are traveling, you will be able to meet different kinds of people from different places. You can also learn and experience their unique culture while you are spending time with the locals.

Sitting in 2015, I’m looking into 2016. The stunning Vivid Sydney 2016 festival, an 18-day festival of light, music and ideas. I can imagine how my family will be basking in the atmosphere and soaking in the culture. Probably seeping my Latte and my girls eating their gelatos.

Vivid Light transforms Sydney into a wonderland of ‘light art’ sculptures, innovative light installations and grand-scale projections for all to enjoy – for free! It is a magical celebration of light-design excellence and the world’s largest outdoor ‘art-gallery’, a unique Vivid Sydney experience.

Get excited for 2016 with AirAsia!

A Letter to 2014

This year has truly been a very different year. Penning down my thoughts and feelings is just a way to remember the things/people I have gained and the things/people I have lost.

This year is special because ever since I had a vision of what I want to do in life, I have always earmarked the year when I turn 40 to be a year that will change my life. Year after year, I will tell myself that when I reach 40 years old, my dream will be fulfilled. Little did I know what was in stored for me.

The year began with a sentence, "leaving your comfort zone". I knew it will be a year of new challenges and probably challenges in mindset as well.

On April 24, I lost my father suddenly. He just left in less than 8 hours. Without a last word, without a goodbye. The pain and anguish stays even till now after 8 months. I miss my father. And since that day, a part of me changed. For the first time in my life, I experienced sadness that cannot be removed. I was emotionally very weak. I started to think no one loves me, friends round me are suddenly not as close as before. Even family seemed a bit different. I felt like even family cannot understand how I feel. I felt lonely and that has been my nemesis for a long time.

On Aug 14, barely 4 months later, my father-in-law also left us. Battling with cancer for more than a year, he has been as close as my own father to me in the past 12 years. Physically and mentally I know it may be a relief for him to go but no one can be emotionally prepared for death. I can only thank God that I went through it first so that I can stand stronger for my wife and my extended family. Going through the same ceremonies struck a raw nerve I thought was buried.

Now, both Kless and I are only left with our mothers and we will do our best to keep them healthy and happy. That is my resolution for the rest of my life.

In work, for a 40 year old man, this should be the time for consolidation and stability. But far from it, I was asked to switch department in my office. To a very different job scope that in my wildest dream, I would never thought of doing. Like I said, this year is a year of "leaving the comfort zone", so I am ready to take on the challenge if I am needed. I have no time to slip into mid-life crisis as some may say. I can only go forward and stronger than ever. Usefulness creates purpose!

Personal - this year I did something I didn't plan for - a solo overseas trip. Without my wife, my family or my friends. Many friends came to me after the trip and questioned how did I get permission from my wife to go alone. Irony was, Kless planned the trip for me. She suggested the venue, chose the dates and booked the flights for me. But I'm thankful for such a great wife (not because she allowed me to travel alone), because she is truly one who cares for me and wanted me to be better. And indeed this trip changed me. I was more opened to risk and changes. Which probably resulted in my decision in the career switch as well. Now a few friends were jokingly saying, solo trips when you are 40 is the benchmark for a man.

There are a dozen more events that are significant in 2014, like career KPIs, ministry breakthroughs, family trips, etc. But to end off this year, I just want to say a big Thank You to my wife. She has been my support for as long as I can remember. She has been by my side all the time, through the bad and through the good, so much so, I told her that traveling with her alone is equivalent to traveling solo. We are just too close to be separated. I love you dear!

Not a single year passed for the last 8 years I will not give thanks for my family. They have been my support and will be my support forever.

2015 will be another amazing year for sure. At least I know in work, I'll be expecting lots of changes and adjustments. For my family, I want to create more memories before my girls outgrow that stage of wanting to bond with me. For my mothers, I want them to enjoy life more than ever. For my friends who have seen me through the dark times, I sincerely appreciate your love and concern, we will grow stronger next year!

Last but not least, I pray that 2015 will be a victorious year for my spiritual family, all my leaders will be blessed and God's hands will not be shorten towards them.

Just Random Photos

Haven’t been around for a photowalk for a while. Finally had a chance last week to bring the 50mm out for a shoot.

Actually I have no idea what to shoot, but I chanced upon this photo and it set the theme for the day.

N.E.mation! 9 - Call For Entry

N.E.mation! 9 has begun! Registration is now open and all it takes is 3 simple steps to start your journey that may win you and your team a trip to USA!

Step 1: Form a team of 3 to 4 students from your school.
Step 2: Register online at http://nemation.sg/
Step 3: Submit your story ideas on the central idea (Because We Believe) by 15th Aug 2014.

Interested but don’t know how to start? Just watch the free online story workshop and get that creative juices flowing.
http://nemation.sg/story

What is N.E.mation! 9 Central Idea – Because We Believe? Glad you asked.
”Singapore is what it is today because our pioneers believed in Singapore and were united by a determination to build a strong, secure and cohesive nation. As we mark Singapore’s 50th year, it is a good time to reflect on the values, principles and convictions that will continue to shape the nation and the home that we want for Singapore and our future generations.”

If you are still unfazed, then watch this video featuring last season’s champion’s trip to the USA visiting some renowned studios and famous attractions.
http://youtu.be/U65TKlTdPh0

N.E.mation! is a digital animation competition organised by Nexus for youths to express their thoughts on Total Defence. With the completion of the 8th season in February this year, the competition as proven highly successful, with more than 11,500 students participating since its inception in 2007. With training and guidance, students with no prior experience in animation have been able to produce clips of broadcast quality to screen on free-to-air television. Some of these clips were even selected for international animation festivals and won several awards.

 

Additional Resources on N.E.mation! 9
Central Idea: https://nemation.sg/about/central-idea/
Prizes: https://nemation.sg/about/prizes/
Competition Schedule: http://nemation.sg/about/competition-at-a-glance/
Eligibility: https://nemation.sg/about/eligibility/
Judging Criteria: https://nemation.sg/about/judging-criteria/
Rules & Regulations: https://nemation.sg/about/rules-and-regulations/
FAQ: https://nemation.sg/about/frequently-asked-questions/

Official Website & Social Media Channels
Website: https://nemation.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nemation
Twitter: http://twitter.com/nemation
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NEmators
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nemation.sg/

Microsoft Surface 2

Product Review

I had the privilege to try out the newly launch Microsoft Surface 2. This is a step up from the previous Surface RT with better display and processor, quicker and better battery life.

Made of magnesium alloy and toughened glass, the Surface 2 uses a 1.7 GHz quad-core Nvidia Tegra 4 chipset with 2GB of RAM. For the full specifications of Surface 2, you can click on this link.

Together with Surface 2, comes the updated versions of the Surface’s cover accessories like, the Touch Cover 2 and Type Cover 2. Both covers are slightly thinner than its predecessors and now include a “dynamic” backlight system. The Touch Cover 2 has over 1092 sensors on it compared to just 80 on the original Touch Cover.

Doesn’t it look sleek to have the Surface 2 in your office? Simple and powerful!

Alright, enough of the tech stuff, I’m just a simple dad happy to have a new toy for my kids to try out. Like it or not, our world is no longer the same with all these introduction of smart phones and tablets. Our kids are not like us when we are just contented to know how to catch spider or play zero-point. The kids nowadays want to know more and are encouraged to explore more.

With modern technology, learning has become more interactive and fun. Like recently we were teaching Joey on Maths, and it was quite a frustrating experience as we were trying to explain simple equations with our level of knowledge (you will understand what I mean if you have a child this age). I almost gave up even though Maths has always been my best subject in school.

With iMath app, the learning became easier for Joey. At least there is no angry parent breathing down her neck. With a timer to beat as she solves the questions, immediately her learning curve increased. She was able to think faster and did the calculations much faster than having me by her side. I totally lost to an app, but all for the good of my child, I admit defeat.

For Jayne, she tried out the GS Preschool Games, an interactive gaming-education app. It was very interesting especially when the instructions on how to play and learn were spoken out instead of reading. This forces Jayne to learn a different skill – listening skill. Also given her a task to concentrate and listen well, if not she will not get her answers right.

Again there were some timer games like this “Spot the Differences” game. I really like such timer games, as it trains the child to think fast, but at the same time when the timer is up, it doesn’t end the game, giving the child still the chance to complete the task. Excellent design!

 

All work and no play make both Joey & Jayne a dull pair.

Joey plays the Supermarket Mania 2.

While Jayne tries the Ice Cream Truck game.

 

It’s not just all for the kids, adults can fully enjoy the Surface 2 too. There is a fantastic app suitable for people who likes to cook. Under the Bing Food and Drink app, you can browse hundreds of recipes and even keep a collection of your own favourites to share with others.

 

The cool part about this app is the “Hands-Free Mode”, as seen on the photo below. This mode allows users to wave their presumably dirty hands in front of the Surface 2’s camera to turn the pages in a virtual recipe book. This is definitely better than some other “voice command” app I have seen before, which is useless once you are in a noisy place.

For the sports enthusiastic like me, or for those who are health-conscious, there is the Bing Health & Fitness app. This app helps you to take care of your fitness and your nutritional, health and wellness needs. It tracks your calories, workout trends, and basic health parameters like weight. Even for children, there is a section for them to explore on the human body in 3D.

Last but not the least, one thing I like personally on this Surface 2 is the convenience for bloggers like me. I can blog anytime I want with the Type Cover 2. After I have taken all my photos for a certain event, all I need to do is to download the photos and save it on OneDrive (cloud storage device) which offers up to 3GB free space for photo storage. OneDrive is supported on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Plug in the photos, open up the blog page access on Words, and I can blog on the go. Simple and nice!

Microsoft Surface 2 is not available at both 32GB and 64GB, retailing at S$618 and S$748 respectively. The covers comes separately at S$183 for Type Cover 2 and S$168 for Touch Cover 2.

Hope you find this review useful and by all means, check out the tablet at the various major store to understand more for yourself.