LiveReds

Le Le Pot

2011-02-01T23:00:00.000-08:00

Recommended by Joyce and Nick, we decided to try out this laksa steamboat at Tiong Bahru. It’s easy to locate the place but parking needs a bit of waiting.

Le Le Pot
58 Seng Poh Road #01-23
Opp Tiong Bahru Market
Tel: 6222 9442

The ingredients are very fresh. The shop offers 6 different soup base, laksa is a must try and if you are bold enough, can try the coconut chrysanthemum soup.

Mix your own sauce station.

Good food and a happy wife! Mission accomplished.

大中国年糕

2011-01-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Every year, our family will buy this 年糕 from 大中国 along Bukit Pasoh Rd in Chinatown district.

Before you start to think what is the big deal, I have to first say we eat the 年糕 as it is. I know a lot of people eat it fried with egg. If that is the case, any 年糕 will do cos once fried there isn’t much difference le.

This is how we eat it!

大中国饼家 is one of the oldest shop selling all the specialities for CNY, Mid-autumn, etc..

Check out the shop for yourself. I’m sure you will find something you like.

Year of Tiger

2010-12-31T07:30:00.000-08:00

I was born in 1974, that means I am 36 years old now. Maybe because I was born in the year of Tiger, I really think Tiger is one of the most awesome animal. Handsome and majestic!

36 years is a short time. Cos I feel I have just started in my life.

Today is my birthday. Thank you everyone for the well wishes and gifts. I thank God for all of you and really appreciate all your friendships.

But the person I want to thank most is my wife. She has been my supporter and friend all the time. Everything I am able to do now is because she has been there for me always. When I am down, she is there to silently help me up. When I am happy, she will be doubly happy for me. You are the best!

Love you Dear! 2011 will be BETTER!

Buckaroo Restaurant

2010-12-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

I can’t remember who recommended this restaurant to us, but since the first time we have been there, it has become one of my favourite!

It is situated at Andrew Ave near Sembawang Beach. Not an easy place to find but very worth the try.

The deco is not too elaborate, but just gives the warm feeling of a home. Probably because the restaurant is just among houses and the staff are very polite.

They have a few good beers and this is my choice, Erdinger-White.

A must try chicken wings at Buckaroo. Just 6 of them will be good enough as a normal meal.

Our ‘must order’ Greenhouse Salad. Superb! Huge portion and filled with all sorts of veggie and fruit.

If you like soup with bread, try this. Either Mushroom Soup or Clam Chowder, both are equally nice. As you can see, it’s Joey’s favourite.

The portions are generally big, if you are a small eater, can order a main and share. But the sides are not to be missed.. Yummy!

UP Retreat @ Bintan Lagoon Resort

2010-12-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

Truly blessed to be part of this amazing retreat! From the planning committee to the details of rooming, everything was superb! A really BIG CLAP to the all who made it possible!

A total of more than 200 staff and spouses, children and workers were present. For such a crowd, we were able to charter a ferry just for us. Cool!

Basically the entire Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal was filled with our people =)

Our Camp Commander, the winner of Nuyou Men We Love 2010

The room we had was fantastic! Totally exceeded our expectations..

There was a tatami style bed by the windows, this is where Joey and me slept. It was just slightly smaller than the double bed you see in the photo above.

The bathroom was okay, clean with a bathtub, obviously the girls loved it. Jayne didn’t want to leave the tub most of the time.

Balcony. Klessis’s favourite. And the view was great.

Bintan is really a very relaxed place. The greens just creates that feel good feeling.

The girls had a great time with the rest of the kids too

The sessions with Pastor Kong were the best of the 3D2N stay. It was a time of refreshing and strengthening. Nothing beats that!

This has to be the best Retreat I had in a long long time. Hopefully I won’t have to wait so long again before we have the next one.

UP! UP! And Away!

On Hari Raya Haji

2010-11-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned this before? I am really blessed to have this group of very close friends whom I always am very happy to spend time with them. Regardless of what we do or where we go, we had tremendous fun. Thanks for the fun!

Took some random photos before dinner. The place is China Square.

My model of the day.

Feel by Jeffry Lim (from EdwardFoo.com)

2010-11-18T18:39:00.001-08:00

I can't help but re-blog this entry from my cousin's blog (sorry Edward, didn’t get your permission first).

It doesn't matter if you like photography or not, these pictures are simply awesome!

I know all the shots have been edited before. But the real amazement is how did Jeffry managed to capture those moments. I truly understand what it means when people say every photo tells a story!

Just one of the few photos to entice you.

You won't regret spending a few minutes looking thru it. Just click on the following links.

Edward Foo's blog

Jeffry Lim Visual Story Teller

FEEL Exhibition by Jeffry Lim

Nuyou “Men We Love 2010”

2010-11-11T20:48:00.001-08:00

Wee Lee! Winner!

The poster photo he did for Nuyou. Cool man!

About 12-15 of us were there to support our Man of the moment. The event was held at Zouk. This is the first time I have been to Zouk (since army days).

Me and Simon getting excited even before going in =)

BOBs (incidentally all LFC fans coming together to support a ManU fan). That says it all for LFC fans. YNWA!

It was fun to go out with the people in office. My first time going out with them.

The stage, the gigantic poster, and some deco in Zouk.

The host was my favourite ex-933 DJ. Still as pretty as ever. 林灵芝.

2 of our local singers performed while the contestants were changing back stage. I have to say, both of them are not too bad.

Interview time.
“What was the most proud moment in your life?”
”It has to be the time when I saw my son perform during his graduation ceremony.”
Spoke like a true man and a good father.

There was also an on-the-spot voting. We have to paste the stickers on the contestant we support. You can see Wee Lee got more than quite a few votes.

A few prizes were given out. Most Urban Male. Most Audience Votes. But our dear Wee Lee didn’t win anything. Just when we were thinking it’s all over. The final award was being announced. The most popular, most voted Men We Love 2010, based on online voting. And the winner goes to……

Group photo of all the contestants.

Winning poses! Enjoy!

Behind every successful man, there is a even greater woman!

Happy 8th Anniversary

2010-10-17T18:37:00.001-07:00

it’s been 8 years. Counting our courtship, this would have been the 18th year we are together as a couple. Thanks for being with me all these years! No other woman can understand me better. No one can complete me just like you. I love you Dear!!

Only with your beauty and cuteness, can we have such beautiful girls =)

Thank you for being such an understanding wife. You allow me to play soccer with my kakis. Watch matches till late nights. Encourage me to go gym to be healthier. You are simply the BEST!

To the greatest and most important person in my life! Love you till I die.

王杰：是你是你是你

2010-10-08T02:12:00.001-07:00

王杰：是你是你是你
版本：国语 ------专辑：孤星·1989.09
歌词：
词曲：王杰

别再用那冷漠对待我
是否能够再明白地告诉我
是否已经不再爱我
是否真要离开我
我有话要说

也许人们不会在乎我
不会在乎我的孤单寂寞
可是只有你不能够
让我在风中消瘦
你不能够

哦你是你是你
才让我如此地沉默
徘徊在你的窗口
承受着风雨的折磨
只要你告诉我
你会永远爱我
别再让我眼泪流
让我能够重新拥有你的温柔
是否愿意让我停留在你
心底最深的角落

he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother…

2010-09-05T06:14:00.001-07:00

friends are there most of the time. we joke, we laugh, we even cry together sometimes. but no matter what, they are still friends and never can be compared to how our family can touch us.

over the past 2 years playing football with a superb group of friends, i have seen a fair share of injuries, mild and serious. of course, Jack and Gary are the most serious ones. had to go for surgery and after that hang up their boots forever. both times i was there with them, sending them to the hospital. both times i felt bad cos i was the organiser for the games.

today my brother fell and had a very bad sprain. the moment he fell, he cried out loudly and buried his face in the ground. i rushed over and held his hand. he held back tightly and said that he heard a crack sound and was worried the bone was broken. i can hear from his voice he was scared. he was helpless. at that very moment, my heart went for him. i wished i was the one who was injured. i wish i was the one who had to go thru the pain. no joke, i nearly cried too. suddenly i felt like the elder brother who once hold my younger brother’s hand when we were young. how we went together from our 1-room flat to buy dinner, and on the way back, i injured my hand when we were playing kicking.

i love my brother dearly! no one else can replace his position. i only have 1 brother. no matter what he has done, no matter how he has disappoint me, no matter how far we are in life, he will always be my younger brother.

he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother…

It is done

2010-08-23T21:54:00.001-07:00

After wandering for 4 years, the day has come for me to enter e promised land once again.

Today I signed my contract. Today I made a commitment. In a week's time, I will start a life where many are called by few are chosen.

I'm definitely looking forward to all e things to come. Be able to work n get paid for something I like is heaven. Not saying there won't be challenges, but I believe I can overcome.

To a better life!

Cheers!!
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

Convenience or Conviction?

2010-08-21T21:55:00.001-07:00

i am so always bothered about this question!

let’s be truth ourselves, everyone of us will do things out of convenience. but it’s the type of things we choose to do so out of convenience that tells us what is important and what is not.

seriously, i don’t really know am i a person of convenience or conviction. i choose to believe i am the latter.

conviction spells determination!

i am convicted to God, my Family, Friends.

Liverpool Pledge

2010-08-15T06:51:00.001-07:00

We e citizens of Liverpoolnians. Pledge ourselves to never walk alone. Regardless of manu, chelsea or arsenal. To build a team of champions, based on teamwork n unity. So as to achieve EPL , FA Cup and CL champion!
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

"Lonely" lunches

2010-07-19T21:46:00.001-07:00

Sitting in a nice restaurant. Savouring a nicely done garlic prawn pasta. Ending it with a perfect earl grey tea latte. That is life in it's fullest!

Bought a 2nd hand book for $2. It's time for self. It's time for relaxation.

Suddenly I feel like I'm away in a foreign country. Just sitting in a cafe, waiting for something to happen. No agenda. No deadlines. Just relax!

I enjoy "loneliness"...
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

when men become boys

2010-07-18T08:39:00.001-07:00

a group of men almost everyone above 30 years old. some of us have 6-packs before. some of us have more hair in the past. some of us weight 10-15kg lesser before. some are fathers. what can cause this group of grown-up men to become boys once again?

what else?? football lor!!

if we are as suave as him, maybe such action will be acceptable.

thankfully none of the guys did this!

Daniel tried to cover his head after scoring a goal, but maybe jersey was a bit small… opps! =)

best of all, none of us are as gay as this 2 ManU fans…disgusting!!

when was the last time?

2010-07-04T07:27:00.001-07:00

today i twisted my ankle again… haizz… at 36, it will probably take me a longer time to recover bah… if i remember correctly the last time i injured myself while playing football should be at least 8-10 years ago bah…

now my ankle is like…

Father’s Day Card

2010-06-19T08:04:00.001-07:00

first time in my life, i got a father’s day card. my dear Joey drew a card and a tie for me in her art lesson.

You can’t write if you can’t relate

2010-06-19T07:55:00.001-07:00

heard this sentence from one of the songs in Glee. can’t remember which song. but the line got stuck in my mind for a while.

initially i was a bit puzzled why writing is related to relating. but i guess all emotions need a source of outlet and one of the best way is to write about it. no wonder blogs, facebook and twitter is so highly used nowadays.

most of us writes to document our lives. also it’s a good way for our friends to know what is going on in each other’s life. it has come to point whereby messages are spread before people meets. i mean, so many times i read some new developments in some friends’ lives and when we meet, we start to talk about it.

so it’s important to know how to write. personally i like to write. of course i like to talk too la. one of the constant comment that stuck with me throughout my entire 6 years of primary school was ‘Kar Keong is a talkative boy’… hahaa..

however, some individuals like ms xx writes to generate hits and to promote their popularity. these are people i think, missed the real meaning of writing…

World Cup

2010-06-15T08:32:00.001-07:00

every 4 years the entire Kuan family will be united. more than we are during CNY. i was talking to a friend and told him that i was watching WC match with my mother. he was SHOCKED!!!

many friends can’t believe that my mother is a WC fan. and in fact she is more than i am. so far, she has been following more matches than i do. she kept all the scores in a small notebook. if you do not know her, i won’t blame you if you think she is a football bookie…

my mother started my football watching since 1982, as you have guessed, WC @ Spain.

my mother’s favourite teams in this order:
1. Brazil
2. Argentina
3. Germany

it is during WC season, you can see my parents sitting around the TV watching a same program together. how amazing a small round ball chased by 22 players can have such a power to unite…

Asia Conference

2010-05-31T04:28:00.001-07:00

It's over!!

Day 1:
- Heard live for e first time, Dr Yonggi Cho, e founder of e largest church ever in Christianity. Yet he is one of e most humble man alive! There is no wonder why God uses him so greatly. Totally amazing!
- Pst Phil shared for 30mins after that. He really demonstrated e power of God's anointing, just half an hour, but his topic on prayer was so inspiring! Pst Phil is definitely my personal most favourite pastor! Super cool n fun! And also powerfully spiritual n inspiring.
- our own Pst Kong shared for e opening night. It is always e most difficult to preach on e opening night. But pastor nevertheless preached up a storm! If I am a foreign delegate, I will be so charged up to serve e Lord after this conference! Cheers to Pastor!

Day 2:
- I got to work and only able to attend e night session. None other than Pst Phil again!! C3 band led p&w. Their style is so different frm chc, more groovy, more soul in e singing. Very performance style! I like.. Pst Phil brought his iPad on stage n e crowd went 'ooooh', so envious!! Super cool pastors uses e cool gadgets! Maybe I shd get one too. I think he planned to share a msg, but e HS moved so mightily and Pst Phil just followed e guide n started to pray for different pastors from ard Asia. China, India, Vietnam, Butan, Pakistan, Cambodia n USA. Tho we we all just standing at our seats n praying together w him, the presence of God was so so strong! I cried a few times just becos of e presence. So much love n passion n compassion for e lost n for e different countries. Amazing!! Like what Pst Kong said at e end of e svc, this AC is amazing becos we have e impartation, we have e Word, we have e works of e Holy Spirit! With e word n HS, we will grow!!

Day 3:
- Dr Cho sharing again. But kless got to work, jayne is sick, means I hv to take care of her n can't attend e svc. A bit disappointed but family is equally impt! But still I managed to see Dr Kim Sung-Hae played e piano. She is GOOD!!
- the most influential evangelist preacher is up next. Pst Reinhard Bonnke! He is amazing, at 70 years old, he is still preaching with fire, full of strength! Africa is saved becos of his commitment n obedience to God's calling. He said something that impacted me. "God has no maximum!" Woo!!

Day 4:
- it's a resting day for us. No sessions in e morning or afternoon. It's e AC games.
- CHC BBG won football, beating Japan team 4-2. These guys can do business n play! Kudos!!
- CHC won captain's ball, beating KL team 5-3. Another hurray for CHC!!
- New Life Taiwan won basketball, beating CHC 39-29. Taiwanese team is good!!
- Reinhard Bonnke blew e house! His passion n love for e lost touched n impacted e thousands listening to him. A side note of humor, a mbr tweet that he wished all his friends r Africans, so that they can be saved. His cgls's response was ....... :)

Day 5:
- Dr Cho's last sermon for this AC. Touching e way he speaks of his wife n how he looks at her. Really a great man w a great example for us! The licensing of e 12 pastors was one of e highlights! Darren, Mengchin, Edmund, Kim Hock, Jeremy, Yan Chee, Jimmy, Glordia, Lily, Lynn, Aizhen & Yalan. Congrats Pastors!!
- the afternoon session was an evangelistic session with special performance by 蔡琴! She is a diva! Powerful n captivating voice!
- Finale!!! The atmosphere is electrifying!!! Goosebumps upon goosebumps! CHC Band rocked e place! Dr AR Bernard inspired e entire crowd with e self-concept sermon which is in fact e essence of e cultural mandate.

Asia Conference is a success!! Looking forward to Suntec Asia Conference 2010!
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

What makes our principles?

2010-05-29T22:03:00.001-07:00

Yest night at 1am, both kless n I are still awake. Not feeling tired at all. It's one of those moments we have a heart-to-heart talk. Nothing serious but just talking abt our lives in general. But I always enjoy such talks. Reminds me of why I married her in e first place. Cos she completes me, she understands me e best!

She asked, "what do u is different in me now as compared to e past?" Wow! I was for a long moment lost for words. Having been married for 7 coming to 8 years, dated for 10 years, this question is a valid one but I dunno how to answer. Haha.. Talking abt being soul mates..

Well I won't discuss in details what we shared with one another. But one thing for sure, we have changed to be better in terms of character building.

In the end we concluded that a lot of our thoughts n actions are based on how we have set our life principles. And for me, the words that fashioned my principles in life is none other than e bible!

I grew up in church. Going to sunday school since birth. Listening n memorizing all e bible stories. Received personal salvation n baptism of e Spirit when I was 9. Water baptised at 12. My primary 3 composition was to be a pastor. I started fasting at 13. In short, I breathe n lived a Christian life all these years! And I am proud to say I hv no regrets!!

However, I slowly grew older n start to realize that I cannot judge e pple ard me with e standards n principles I live by all these years frm e bible. It makes me a very disappointed person, cos not everyone has gone thru e same as me. The Word is a mirror to those who diligently seek Him, personally.

Is having principles good or bad? Sometimes I'm confused. Being rigid/ stubborn is definitely not a good principle of life...
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010

2010-05-28T22:47:00.001-07:00

once again the yearly event is coming up! 5th Dec 2010.

this year, i will run the 10km again. despite doctor’s advise to stop running for a while. haizz… stubborn man!

but the excitement will be all Joey’s!! i’ve signed her up for the 750m kids dash! woohoo!! i believe she will enjoy it totally!!

next up, trying to get some of my cg mbrs to sign up too!

Signs of tiredness

2010-05-28T03:59:00.001-07:00

I am super tired..how do I know?

I drove home, I parked e car down at my flat. I carried e girls back. I came down to drive e car back to multi-storey carpark. I walked from my flat to carpark. Where is my car? Still at my flat...
I walked back to flat. I parked my car correctly. I took e lift. Reached 6th floor. Walked down 3 floors. I live on e 4th....
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

First Born

2010-05-27T08:59:00.001-07:00

is there a more special bond between a parent and their first born? as compared to the 2nd or 3rd child?

i have 2 girls, both i love dearly. i don’t think i will practice favouritism in future lah. but whenever i sees my first born, i just have this feeling within me that i can’t describe with words. it’s like she is special.

i am also my parent’s first born. but seriously i don’t feel i am that special to my parents la.. just normal lor.

recently we just celebrated our 2nd girl’s 1st birthday. but the scale and excitement was not as great as the 1st girl’s party. why? are we tired already? or we don’t have enough time to prepare? or just something that is different we can’t describe?

i feel bad for my 2nd born. i will then do more to sort of compensate her. but why will i have this feeling to compensate? i can only say deep inside first born will always be first born. just like in the days of the old testament in the bible, the first born is different and will always get the double portion anointing and blessing. first born is always born when the parents are the strongest.

i don’t want to do things for my 2nd girl becos i have done it for the 1st. i want to do it becos i love her and i want to do it to make her happy.

the night is dark and late, maybe that’s why i am so emo now…

Names we call each other

2010-05-14T00:51:00.001-07:00

I guess all of us have gone thru e stage where we give every single friend a nickname. Most of e time we will give nicknames to pple we either like or dislike. If that particular friend is just a hi-bye friend, why bother to nickname him, right?

I have all sorts of nicknames..
1. Kang Kong (cos my dialect name is Kar Keong n I am very skinny, this was a nick that stayed with me for all my primary sch days)
2. KK Hospital (again becos of my name, but this time it was also to suan me for being pretty close to e girls ard me in secondary sch days, my guy friends were jealous)
3. KK本笨 (given by Kless, why else, cos of my name, and also becos I started to call her 口木呆小姐. This is actually the best nick I had, cos our relationship then was 暧昧 n in such cases, any nick is sweet!)
4. 老大 (given by Kris when she was my pcgl, but it stayed n e rest started to call me that at times too. Even my staffs at work calls me that. As a guy, this nick is wonderful, cos it feeds my male ego totally, hahaaa)

Nicknames are fun as long as it doesn't hurt others too deeply. Sometimes nicks pull individuals closer, like sharing a private moment. Some nicks I have for friends...

米粉妹, Ah Heah (Serene Heah)
Gerald.com (Gerald Tay)
Ching ching (Peter Ching)
李小龙 (Bruce Lee Kok Siong)
Uncle Wei Wei (Ziwei)
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

I like my girl with long hair

2010-05-10T00:01:00.001-07:00

Today, this afternoon my ex-girlfriend is having her hair cut. It's a very expensive cut but becos of Nanz Inc, she is doing it for free.

As expected, the hairstylist says that her face is small n short hair suits her better. So e over shoulder length is gone. Replaced by a slightly over e ear length. Ooooohh! Heart pain ah!

Someone asked me why I like long hair. Of course long hair usually is more feminine la.. But I think e main reason is whenever my ex has short hair, she reminds me of her TKGS days. Now she is all grown up, mature n sexy, compared to those days when she is just a cutie pie.

I like my girl to have pony tail. So my style!
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

my girls

2010-05-06T07:16:00.001-07:00

finally able to use the camera (read my own canon camera!!)

took a few random photos of Joey n Jayne before dinner..

Joey took one of me

the usual self-taken dad n daughter (can you see that i am trying to keep her still with my head?)

What to do when you are waiting?

2010-05-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Waiting is a difficult thing to do...
Japanese = 待って
Korean = 잠깐 만요
Spanish = Esperar
Hebrew = חכה
Malay = Tunggu
Chinese = 等待

I am waiting for a call. I am waiting for a confirmation. I am waiting for a breakthrough.

What can I do in e meantime???

I pester all my good friends every morning!
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

157

2010-04-14T07:51:00.001-07:00

tonight we went back to the kopitiam that was near to last house i stayed before i was married. the food is okay, tho the famous chicken rice stall and fishball noodle are no longer there. but the feeling is so nostalgic.

after dinner, i took a stroll with Jayne. and just so naturally i walked towards my the flat i lived in for 16 years. with Jayne in my arms, the feeling is so warm, speaking softly to her, telling her this is papa’s old flat. this is where i grew up.

walked the familiar staircase. walked past the round stone table at the void deck, remembered a time when 1 friend came and met me there after he broke up with his girlfriend. we drank beer and he smoked.

went into the lift, ascended to the level so so familiar. stepping out into the common corridor, i saw myself in school uniform, slinging my bag, walking home after a tiring day in class.

walked past the exact flat. peeked in. the living room is quite messy, very different from how i remembered it to be. they have added a lift just outside the unit. things looked a bit different. in fact, it’s very different. the feeling may be there, but yet there is a sense of unfamiliarity.

i’m glad we have moved on. the future is going to be even better. cos i have my wife and 2 girls!

Happy Birthday Joey

2010-04-08T04:15:00.001-07:00

today is Joey’s 4th birthday! we took the day off to bring her out. but 人算不如天算. Jayne is down with fever the moment we wake up to prepare for the day. haizz! so sorry baby! so so sorry Joey!! we will make it up to you again!

4 years is not a short time. that is 1460 days! that is the number of days my life has been transformed. i frequently wonder how blessed i am to have such a beautiful and clever daughter! girl, you have definitely changed my life forever!

a trip down memory lane

papa with Joey

Dear Joey,
Papa loves you very much! Forever I will be your hero and best friend! When you are tired, I will carry you. When you are upset, I will cheer you on. Just remember, papa will be there with you always!
Love Pa

A visit by NEA

2010-04-08T01:59:00.001-07:00

an officer came in the afternoon when i happened to be at home. he identified himself from NEA. flashed his card like 0.5sec, how am i suppose to see it clearly?

eventually i let him in based on the NEA shirt he was wearing. ok, i know that is not very good, but i dun think he looks like a crook tho.

i was carrying Jayne when he proceeded to check the kitchen and the common toilet. nothing for him to find, with a cleanliness freak like my mother at home, we will never get a ‘F’ for being dirty. he wanted to check the master bedroom toilet, but Kless was sleeping in the room, so told him not convenient. he looked a bit disappointed, maybe he was hoping to report some findings from our house.

before he leaves, at the doorstep, he gave his lecture.
”must take care hor. you got baby (pointing at Jayne), must make sure no water is stagnant for more than 2 days. must take care of baby.”

siao! i dun know its important to take good care of my kids meh! how are the govt officers trained nowadays?

Glee

2010-04-07T05:41:00.001-07:00

i’m totally crazy over this new drama! i have the soundtracks and have been listening to it almost everyday 24/7. the songs are simply the best!

the cast is not so fancy super-famous actors and actresses. but the amazing thing is every single song on the show was sung by the characters themselves, 100%.

can’t wait for season 2!!

Confucius 孔子

2010-03-25T08:13:00.001-07:00

yesterday, cos i need to go for a medical checkup. i had the chance to go for a movie. can’t rem when was the last time i watched a movie.

watched the 10am show. i was the ONLY ONE in the cinema!! haha, a private screening! i felt like a VIP having a quiet time alone… =)

Chow Yun Fat played Confucius. I think he did quite well. the movie is a very slow paced show, i think it’s about 2hr 30mins.

Confucius (September 28, 551 – 479 BCE)was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher, whose teachings and philosophy have deeply influenced Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese thought and life. His philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity.

just in case you are wondering, the relationships between the different great philosophers are as follows:

Laozi (老子) influences Confucius (孔子) who in terms influences Mencius (孟子) and Xunzi (荀子).

same of the quotes from Confucius:

1. It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.

2. Respect yourself and others will respect you.

3. He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.

4. What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.

Osgood Schlatter’s Disease

2010-03-24T06:22:00.001-07:00

finally i made an appt to see a specialist to have a proper check on the lump on my knee. as shown on the x-ray, the white dot pointed out by the red arrow is the dislocated bone that is protruding out on both my knees. and becos of this problem, the knee caps are slightly slanted and out of position. that is cause of the pain i have.

doc says i will need to have physiotherapy to help strengthen the muscles around the knee so that the knee cap will be position correctly again.

finally able to understand the reason and cause of pain and discomfort. i should have made this decision much earlier! haizz, the bad of procrastination!

Dads For Life – Canon Photography Talk

2010-03-22T07:42:00.001-07:00

recommended by Edmund to Kless, i somehow got registered into this photography talk held at the Singapore Discovery Centre.

since i like photography and have been wanting to do more things with my girls, why not sign up and go. the event was quite okay. not a lot of participants, i guess probably the DFL program has not really been promoted much. i mean it started last Nov and i only got to know about it this Mar. or maybe i am just being very sua-ku la..

the talk was done by Dr Leslie Tay, a famous food blogger in town. he is not a professional photographer but his photos are pretty well taken.

met an old friend who is now one of the organizer for DFL. it’s just so fun to meet old friends from school and see that all of us are married with kids.

i think i will be joining more events from DFL. it’s quite fun.. =)

Testing

2010-03-22T05:50:00.001-07:00

This is a test blog! Cheers!
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld from M1.

DD Retreat – Pulai Spring Resort

2010-03-21T02:02:00.001-07:00

just came back from a retreat with the leaders from DD zone. how should i describe it? hmm… it has been a long time since i took time off from work and ministry and be gone to a retreat like this. feels like the old times when we used to have church camps or family camps.

i think all of us need such a time to take a break and be immersed in the presence of God, doing the one thing we have been created for, to worship and be close to Him.

while, i drove in with Kless and the girls. and since Ziwei has to take his driving test on thur morning, we waited for him. thank God for that arrangement, we were able to pick up some impt equipment left out by the advance party from JW church. with the map printed from the website, Ziwei tobo and i drove.

as expected, we missed a few turns here and there. ended up we wasted about 30mins trying to look for the right exit. but nevertheless, we finally arrived and only missed the 1st session =)

the sessions were excellent! i must say it felt like SOT again! able to spend amble time to experience the presence of God and have training by Pst Derek.

the ministry sessions were fantastic! Pst taught about receiving ministry, going thru some of the notes he had prepared for us. we went thru 4 different areas of possible sins that might hinder our relationship with God and man.
1. Ancestoral Sins & Curses
2. UnGodly Beliefs
3. Inner Hurts
4. Demonic Oppression

to be frank, initially i tot to myself, do i have any problems still unresolved? i dun sense any big problem in my life at this moment. however, when we were all tasked to fill in the questionaire for the ministry, i told the step of faith and be honest and open. amazing, when we are open, the HS can work wonders. during the ministry, i was reminded of some memories that were hidden in my life all these years. the inner hurts that has hindered the breakthrus i am seeking in my life. the wrong ungodly beliefs that caused me to be so frustrated and inefficient.

now, i am recharged! ready to take on new challenges!

how good it will be be if we can do something like this on a cg level…

Tag Heuer Silverstone

2010-03-13T07:03:00.001-08:00

this is the perfect watch and my dream watch! first launched in the year 1974, Heuer re-release it again in Feb 2010.

how fitting for me to get one! we are borned in the same year!

Dads For Life

2010-03-11T05:23:00.001-08:00

DADs for Life is a national fathers movement that seeks to inspire, mobilise and involve fathers to become good influencers in their children's lives....for life.

isnt this cool? i am signed up for the 21 march session! will be bringing joey and jayne, of course with kless =)

cant wait for this day, we will surely enjoy ourselves! watch out for out photos!

maybe after this, i will change my mind and buy a canon camera instead… =p

Work hard. Work smart. Right place?

2010-03-04T03:37:00.001-08:00

In the days of our parents, nothing beats the notion of working hard. “If you work hard, you will surely succeed.” We heard this statement since young. I can only say it works when you are in the 70’s era. But moving into my era of the 90’s, working hard no longer guarantees success. The new slogan is “Work smart not hard.” How truth this statement was for a period of time. But if you are like me, in my mid 30’s, worked for about 10 years, this statement of working smart no longer holds such a revelation to success anymore.

Example: Accountant in a MNC vs Accountant in a SME
If you are working in a MNC, you will be given the prestige of showing off a namecard bearing a nice logo and maybe a fancy title. You will be 1 of the many Accountants in the office. To be able to shine and climb up the corporate ladder, you will have to work hard, work smart and pray that not too many people perform like yourself. Then maybe you will be given a chance to do something more like Group Accounts or Consolidation.

If you are working in a SME, you do not have the perfumed namecards, you will have to work very hard, cos no one else is there to help you much. But once there is an opportunity to be promoted, you will stand a pretty good chance. The probability is higher.

So is this a case of working hard, working smart or just being at the right place?

Recently, there was an opening for a promotion in my life. Different people from different departments are given equal chance to be selected. Needless to say, I was not selected (if not I won’t be writing this right?). The reason for not being selected is becos in my department, I am not the most outstanding. But if I were to place everyone on a linear graph, I would probably be one of the top few. Which means I should or can be in the promotion list.

Did I work hard? I think so.
Did I work smart? I believe so.
Am I in the right department? Maybe not!

BB 9700

2010-02-27T01:32:00.001-08:00

finally after waiting for more than 3 months. here is the phone i have been waiting for!

you won’t believe how much i paid for this great phone..

retail price with contract = $448
extra cost to re-contract = $100
total to pay = $548

discounts:
phone plan rebate = $100
BB plan rebate =$100
trade in E71 phone = $200
sunperk points rebate = $50
Citibank cash rebate = $67

amount to be paid for BB 9700 = $31!!!!

2 man shopping

2010-02-16T02:55:00.001-08:00

after being a zombie at home for more than 24 hours. no contact with any human. only talking thru msn, facebook and twitter. i finally made the decision to go out for a walk. who else can i ask?

of course another “zombie man” who has just got thru the same ordeal as me. he actually watched the entire 40 episode of 倚天屠龙记. he is Simon…

we met up at Tangs. walked from Tangs to Ion, then to Wisma, to Paragon and back to Tangs.

i wanted to buy some clothes or maybe a pair of shorts. Simon wanted to look at some jeans. but ended up, the only things we bought were biscuits from Mark & Spencers. and each bought an electrical appliance. steady bo??

Simon bought an electric insect repellent

i bought an iron

impossible is nothing!

blessed Joey

2010-02-09T05:16:00.001-08:00

who knows what can a kid get in a lucky draw..

we bought some drinks from cold storage just now and there was a chance to spin the wheel for a lucky draw. before the spin, the young salesman told us the big prize is a can of New Moon abalone.. i was thinking, shui bian lah..

so giving Joey a chance to have some fun, my mother carried her up to spin the wheel. da da!!

it’s blessed to have a blessed child in the house!! hahaaa…

my turn

2010-02-08T05:29:00.001-08:00

the strongest person at home is KLESSIS..she is a superwoman!

jayne was sick for 4 days, joey was next, fever for 2 days. not it’s my turn. 37.6 degrees!

haiz..can’t afford to take mc somemore! tons of work, preparing for year end. today i had to attend 5 meetings. can you imagine that? totally not efficient at all. nothing much was accomplished except to know that more work is waiting for me.. OMG!

father’s heart

2010-02-02T07:38:00.001-08:00

yesterday we went over to JB, to my auntie’s house. kless went over in the afternoon with the girls. i drove over after work, was stuck in the traffic for ard 2hours. really at times, i wanted to just get out of the jam and turn back home. but the images of kless and the girls taking bus home is just too difficult to handle.

when i reached my auntie’s house, all 3 ladies were there at the door waiting for their man. as usual, jayne was waiting for me to carry her. so without much thought, i carried her over. walked into the house, went to the dining table, all still carrying jayne. then suddenly, joey came over and asked me to carry her too. wow! at that moment, i was so guilty. i felt so ashamed that i have neglected joey.

of course without anymore delay, i handed jayne back to kless and gave joey a big hug. she was super happy, kissing me on the cheek.

i love both my girls. frankly speaking, i do not have any favourites. if i do, i will say probably it’s kless. i once asked myself a stupid question. if i need to make a choice between my daughters or wife, i will choose my wife. but that is not the topic today.

i love joey and jayne equally. but i have to constantly remind myself to be fair. never to allow any one daughter to feel neglected. it’s not easy girls, but papa will try…

today jayne is sick. high fever and vomiting. took her to see a GP and then to KK hospital. she was so weak and lethargic. everytime i carry her in my arms, she will just slump into my chest and sleep. really pains my heart to see her go thru the pain. everytime she drinks her milk, she ends up vomiting it out. i can see that she is very hungry, but nothing stays in.

baby, papa is praying for you. get well soon! papa loves you!

Love is …..

2010-01-21T09:07:00.001-08:00

when you watches someone’s back as they walk away and can’t take your eyes away…

In His time

2010-01-20T07:22:00.001-08:00

saw a vision of a cuckoo clock during prayer meeting yesterday. in everything we do, there is a specific time for it to mature.

in God’s time, we do not need to hurry.

Emo for Liverpool

2010-01-14T20:58:00.001-08:00

we can be emo about so many things. but right now (1243pm) sitting at starbucks i can’t help but feel sad for my beloved Liverpool FC.

before you judge me, i do care and feel for the people in Haiti too.

we are out of CL, we are now out of FA Cup. we are long out of Carling Cup. we are almost certain out of EPL champion dream, just hoping to finish 4th, if possible.

but on top of all these, the best players in the team got injured. Torres out for 6 weeks, Gerrard out for 2 weeks, Benayoun out for 4 weeks.

WHAT IS HAPPENING???

can’t wait for this season to be over. maybe the Carlsberg curse will be over, with the new sponsor Standard Chartered Bank in, let’s hope we will be starting a new successful era soon.

i know my ManU friends will once again say the same old things again.. but it’s ok! we are a group of supporters who will always believe..

my tag line for this year:
see the invisible! believe the incredible! receive the impossible!

Singapore Tat2 Show 2010

2010-01-09T06:27:00.001-08:00

went to the show this afternoon. tho the crowd was much lesser, but the excitement is still fantastic. i think this year there are more participating tattoo artists involved compared to last year.

of course, the very prestigious guest Chris Garver (Miami Ink Fame) is here this year again. the master at work.

however this year’s special guest is this lady from LA Ink Fame, the beautiful Kim Saigh…wooo!!

another guest is Tim Hendricks who occasionally appears in Miami Ink Fame.

but i think the biggest crowd puller this year has to be debutant Japanese tattoo master, Shige. he is cool!

besides the common machine-needle tattoo at work, this year for the first time i saw live old-traditional inking style. not sure is it more painful than the usual style..

some pics of tattooist masters at work

award winning tattoos on show

this guy is one of the visitor, but obviously his unique art pieces all over his body caught several onlookers and people are queuing to take photos with him.

my own ink when i enter the hall

like last year, i made a decision to buy a t-shirt from the show for keepsakes. so i found a nice tiger tee. the year of tiger and also my year!

waiting for year 2011

the best thanksgiving

2009-12-30T18:03:00.001-08:00

last sunday was the annual gathering for our gang of friends. we are an unique group of friends. ranging from 20 to 35. but yet we can share a joke together, tease one another, encourage one another. of course, it’s always a superb blessing to have a friend like Tristan who is rich and yet so approachable and generous enough to allow us to use his wonderful house to have a pool-side steamboat.

house = 100 points
food = 100 points
gift = 100 points
fellowship = 1,000,000 points

1 odd photo

2009-12-29T12:05:00.001-08:00

tristan took this photo with a wide-angle lens. i think i look like a ghost…

35 Celebration (Part 2)

2009-12-29T07:28:00.001-08:00

i had no idea at all. after our cg thanksgiving, we went to orchard 313 shopping mall to take a look. tried to ask the usual gang to come along, but everyone has their own agenda. tristan and jieyin have to attend a christmas party. gerald and kristie have to run some errands. peter and cherry have some personal plans. so only serene, kless and the kids were with me.

little did i know that without my knowledge, my dear wife has already planned for a surprise birthday party for me. the planning was 2 months ago, wow! she got all the close friends to come and celebrated for me at “Love the World” bristo bar.

the place was very nice and cool.

my dear friends were there early to perform a live band ‘happy birthday’ song. i was totally caught off-guard. hahaa…let me introduce the band.

on keyboard, the self-proclaim “handsome” guy, Tristan Lin

on guitar, the wonderful Gerald Tay

on vocals, the beautiful JieYin

the choir, Bruce, Shaun, Kristie, Cherry

can you see my surprised face?

the perfect gift from a ManU fan

can you spot the difference? done by Peter Ching.

the meal was pretty good

the best friends in my 35 years.

my greatest friend and fan! Klessis, i Love you! i LOVE you! I LOVE YOU!!!

happy birthday Isaiah, you are 35 now! jiayou!!

35 Celebration (Part 1)

2009-12-28T16:02:00.001-08:00

the cg celebrated my birthday last friday. after our cg’s thanksgiving luncheon.

nothing is happier than having my family with me.

the card prepared by my good friend, Serene. super nice!

every page has a photo of various cg members and their well wishes. so blessed.

thank you guys for a wonderful celebration =)

N252 Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-27T17:47:00.001-08:00

it has become an annual event that all of us will be looking forward to. this year is special cos we have some new additions.

the theme for this year is simple, “we are one”. what i believe as a cg, unity is the most important thing to move forward and to stay strong as a group. so i wish that everyone in the group will continue to be unified in all that we do and also to be able to share our happiness and sorrows.

booked a place in thomson for our gathering. the place is very colorful and cosy. we had a lot of fun, playing games and sharing jokes. with all the children, 8 of them in total, not a second was quiet =)

kids are a blessing!

exchanging tips on the most in-thing now, iphone!

checking the menu, hmm…the desserts are good!!

everyone took turns to carry the babies in the cg, thank God for members who are willing to share the burden..

the food…yummy!

the gifts

the family

i really love all of them!! thanks for being such a wonderful friend for the past year! we will be moving to greater heights in 2010!

Secondary School Song

2009-12-25T04:12:00.001-08:00

English Version
School Song of Bukit Panjang Government High

Forward forward onto glory
Let's march in wisdom hand in hand
To build our school's and nation's story
With pride in our multiracial land
Come fear no hardship
Live and toil in duty, strength and devotion
Like the granite of our soil
We will make a hardy nation
Bukit Panjang, Bukit Panjang
How proudly our school stands amid the hills
Diligent in study and practice is our motto and our will.

click here to listen to the music
http://www.bpghs.moe.edu.sg/bpsong.mid

Lucky Face

2009-12-21T06:21:00.001-08:00

today after work, as i was walking towards my car, i saw a bayi singh walking towards me. he was smiling and seems to be asking for directions.

as a helpful singaporean, i stopped for a moment to hear him out. he pointed at me and then his face and said, “my friend, you have a lucky face. you will …………” (unable to hear him clearly)

shit! another bo-liao conman trying to say something stupid. i walked away immediately. ignoring him totally.

actually i wanted so much to reply him, “i have a lucky face, but you have an unlucky face, cos i dun care a d*** what you say.”

so do u think i have a lucky face? ^-^

Hero

2009-12-04T07:51:00.001-08:00

just click on the link to see the definition of HERO!

http://www.tackfilm.se/en/?id=1259902440430RA23&q=low

Birthday Celebration in Office

2009-12-04T07:44:00.001-08:00

we did a birthday celebration for a colleague today in office. one of our colleague baked this wonderfully nice cheesecake. i seriously think she can start an online biz. of course must work on the presentation la…

the birthday gal and the rest of the gang

the cat is away, the mice comes out to play.

trying to celebrate my birthday. fyi, my birthday is 31st dec.

Ubin Cycling

2009-11-30T04:41:00.001-08:00

went out with a group of friends to Pulau Ubin a few weeks ago. amazing there are still Singaporeans who have not been to this wonderful island before. this is a great place for a short breakaway from the busy life in Singapore.

the boat ride from changi jetty to ubin. $2.50/pax one way.

main transport on the island, bicycle. $6-15 rental for the entire day depending on what type of bicycle you choose.

breezing thru the kampong is so much better than the standard tracks in ECP.

some cool pics of myself.. =)

chek jawa, i’m still trying to organize a tour to go when the tide is low. but here the group is taking a break from the scorching sun.

we are planning another trip next Jan, join us if you are interested.

3 sleeping beauties

2009-11-22T03:48:00.001-08:00

this is a common sight when i drive home. the afternoon sun shining into the car, aircon blowing across the face, 933 music in the background, the sleep-inducing vibration of the road.

beauty queen

beauty princesses

the poor driver (aka papa, aka husband) got to keep himself awake by counting the number of red cars on the road. i counted 12 today.

Before & After

2009-11-19T08:00:00.001-08:00

before Jayne was born..in fact just 1 day before kless gives birth

after jayne was born..6 months later

The world’s greatest striker! No doubt!

2009-11-15T04:35:00.001-08:00

Gerrard in Adidas Advert

2009-11-15T04:27:00.001-08:00

You ain’t heavy, you’re my sister

2009-11-12T05:41:00.001-08:00

i pray that Joey will grow up to be a great elder sister to Jayne, give in to her and take care of her.

i pray that Jayne will grow up to be a wonderful little sister to Joey, always loving her and support her.

Wife + 2 Daughters

2009-11-06T07:37:00.001-08:00

told this 3 photos from my phone. not too bad hor… can spot the similarity?

Scented Bath

2009-10-29T06:01:00.001-07:00

last sunday after our regular futsal game, i went back to pasir ris to fetch kless and the girls. so naturally i bathed at my in-laws’ place (save water), hahaa…

the bath was refreshing, but more than that, it was super scented! i washed my hair with honey shampoo. the body form is rose smell. even the facial wash has to be mint smell.

after the bath, i really had a feeling of walking through some garden or maybe the perfume section in a shopping mall. i’m not sure whether my body is clean or not la, but sure smell very nice.

I did it again!

2009-10-22T06:11:00.001-07:00

for a 2nd day running, i ate breakfast! steady boh?!?

what is even more amazing was, i went back to the same “M” fastfood again…

today the staff that served me is very nice. served with a smile. no wonder i didn’t have stomach ache after my breakfast.

expensive=good, cheap=bad

2009-10-21T04:57:00.001-07:00

you may disagree with the statement. but sometimes, things or people just make us feel so, to the max.

i was very hungry this morning, so for the first time since working in bugis, i went to a famous fast-food ‘M’ outlet to buy a breakfast set. i didn’t know that there was a promotion going on, 1 free coffee for any purchase of a set. so i was totally caught off guard (plus early morning, brain not working yet) when the counter-lady asked.
M staff: “do u want extra cup of coffee?”
me: “pardon? i tot the set comes with a coffee?”
M staff: “ya lar, buy 1 get 1 free mah.”
me: “oic, hmm, sure why not.”
proceeded to pack my order and handed me just 1 cup of coffee.
me: “sorry i tot there is a free cup of coffee?”
M staff: “you say you dun want!”

win liao lor! what a way to start the morning…

later in the afternoon, met kless for lunch. after lunch we went to a very nice and cosy small cafe along north bridge road. (read more on kless’s blog if you want). so we went in to enjoy a cup of coffee. the price was much more expensive, in fact the cup of coffee itself is more expensive than the entire breakfast meal. but then the service was excellent. the staff greeted us warmly when we entered the cafe. served the drinks with a smile. before we left, every staff in the cafe bid us goodbyes.

win liao! a perfect lunch time…

IK & JK2

2009-10-19T07:18:00.001-07:00

just a random series of photos

Married for 7 years!

2009-10-19T06:47:00.001-07:00

blessed to be still married with the woman i love. i was wondering what can i do this year to surprise her. give her a gift? (have been doing it for years). give her flowers? (done it before too). buy her an expensive meal? (food is not her most want).

the answer is to book a hotel stay. all this time, i feel booking a hotel stay in singapore is so ‘diaoz’. i can have a better rest at home for free, why need to pay to sleep outside? but for a girl i have dated for 10 years, married for 7 years. i can put aside what i feel and do something impractical for someone i love. anyway, the stay turned out to be pretty fun! =)

dinner @ robertson walk

start off with a glass of champagne

salad with parma ham

hawaii pizza, super nice!

main course, linguine and grilled chicken

the happy couple

thank God for my mother, she took care of Joey while we brought Jayne with us. its Jayne’s first time staying overnight in a hotel.

can we don’t watch this show?

the flowers

the gift

Garden Hotel

2009-10-17T05:40:00.001-07:00

for those who don’t know where is this hotel, never mind. it’s going to be demolished by the end of this month. this hotel holds a special meaning to both Kless and myself. we had our ROM celebration there 7 years ago, on 18/10/2002.

so today we back one last time, but not to celebrate our upcoming anniversary, but to have an early birthday celebration for Kristie.

the nice table layout for us, machiam like wedding

with a pool view

the food was nasi lemak buffet

the usual gang

not forgetting the 2 wonderful girls

Just Jayne

2009-10-17T05:08:00.001-07:00

White Blackberry Bold

2009-10-15T00:59:00.001-07:00

this is what i will buy if i were to change..cool x 100!!!!

Congrats Adrian & Esther!

2009-10-10T02:01:00.001-07:00

7 years after i got married, finally today another family member is married. just came back from a simple but very nice and warmth wedding at Raffles Town Club.

both Adrian and Esther are very good communicator. their video montage is very nice. they even sang a song for one another on stage. kless was telling me that the wedding was a bit like western style, very free and casual.

tomorrow we are driving over to JB for round 2. chinese wedding banquet. this will be the big thing. 100 tables, 1000 guests.

can’t be helped when my uncle is the pastor and elder of the church in JB. it will be tiring but should be quite joyous. seeing old friends, meeting cousins and relatives. we have all grown up. no longer the kids playing in the garden. times flies.

blissful marriage!

RIP Shankly

2009-09-29T06:00:00.001-07:00

In remembrance of the greatest manager of Liverpool, Bill Shankly.

*****

'If you are first you are first. If you are second you are nothing.'

*****

'Liverpool was made for me and I was made for Liverpool.'

*****

'The trouble with referees is that they know the rules, but they don't know the game.'

*****

Talking to a reporter about Roger Hunt – 'Yes Roger Hunt misses a few, but he gets in the right place to miss them.'

*****

Explaining to Kevin Keegan what's expected of him at Anfield - 'Just go out and drop a few hand grenades all over the place son!'

*****

'I know this is a sad occasion, but I think that Dixie would be amazed to know that even in death he could draw a bigger crowd to Goodison than Everton on a Saturday afternoon.' – speaking at the funeral of Everton legend Dixie Dean

*****

'If Everton were playing at the bottom of the garden, I'd pull the curtains.'

*****

'Sickness would not have kept me away from this one. If I'd been dead, I would have had them bring the casket to the ground, prop it up in the stands, and cut a hole in the lid.' - after beating Everton in the 1971 FA Cup semi-final.

*****

Addressing the Liverpool fans who turned up in their thousands to welcome the team home despite losing to Arsenal in the 1971 FA Cup final - 'Chairman Mao has never seen a greater show of red strength.'

*****

After signing Ron Yeats - 'With him in defence, we could play Arthur Askey in goal.'

*****

To Alan Ball after he'd signed for Everton - 'Never mind Alan, at least you'll be able to play next to a great team.'

*****

To Tommy Smith after he'd turned up for training with a bandaged knee - 'Take that poof bandage off, and what do you mean YOUR knee, it's LIVERPOOL'S knee!'

*****

To the players after failing to sign Lou Macari - 'I only wanted him for the reserves anyway.'

*****

To Ian St John - 'If you're not sure what to do with the ball, just pop it in the net and we'll discuss your options afterwards.'

*****

'In my time at Anfield we always said we had the best two teams on Merseyside - Liverpool and Liverpool reserves.'

*****

About the 'This is Anfield' plaque - 'This is to remind our lads who they're playing for, and to remind the opposition who they're playing against.'

*****

Shankly to the Brussels hotel clerk who queried his signing 'Anfield' as his address on the hotel register - 'But that's where I live.'

*****

Shankly explaining rotation to a reporter - 'Laddie, I never drop players, I only make changes.'

*****

On awaiting Everton's arrival for a derby game at Anfield, Shankly gave a box of toilet rolls to the doorman and said - 'Give them these when they arrive – they'll need them!'

*****

'I always look in the Sunday paper to see where Everton are in the league – starting, of course, from the bottom up.'

*****

'It's a 90 minute game for sure. In fact I used to train for a 190 minute game so that when the whistle blew at the end of the match I could have played another 90 minutes.'

*****

What Shanks disliked about football - 'The end of the season.'

*****

Radio Merseyside reporter to Shankly - 'Mr Shankly, why is it that your teams' unbeaten run has suddenly ended?' Shanks replied: 'Why don't you go and jump in the lake?'

*****

On hearing a rival manager was unwell - 'I know what's wrong - he's got a bad side!'

*****

To reporters after a 3-0 defeat - 'They're nothing but rubbish. Three breakaways, that's all they got.'

*****

Talking about Tommy Smith - 'If he isn't named Footballer of the Year, football should be stopped and the men who picked any other player should be sent to the Kremlin.'

*****

After winning the FA Cup in 1974 Shankly goes into a fish and chip shop and orders a fish supper. The woman at the counter asks - 'Mr Shankly, shouldn't they be having steak suppers?' Shanks replied - 'No lass, they'll get steak suppers when they win the double!'

*****

Shankly on boardroom meetings - 'At a football club, there's a holy trinity - the players, the manager and the supporters. Directors don't come into it. They are only there to sign the cheques.'

*****

Talking about the Liverpool fans - 'I'm just one of the people who stands on the kop. They think the same as I do, and I think the same as they do. It's a kind of marriage of people who like each other.'

*****

Explaining on what the off-side rule should be - 'If a player is not interfering with play or seeking to gain an advantage, then he should be.'

*****

'I was only in the game for the love of football - and I wanted to bring back happiness to the people of Liverpool.'

*****

'"If you can't make decisions in life, you're a bloody menace. You'd be better becoming an MP!'

*****

After a 0-0 draw at Anfield - 'What can you do playing against 11 goalposts!'

*****

'Fire in your belly comes from pride and passion in wearing the red shirt. We don't need to motivate players because each of them is responsible for the performance of the team as a whole. The status of Liverpool's players keeps them motivated.'

*****

'Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly simple.'

*****

On the leaving of Liverpool – 'It was the most difficult thing in the world, when I went to tell the chairman. It was like walking to the electric chair. That's the way it felt.'

BILL SHANKLY – 1913 to 1981 – Gone But Never Forgotten

He ain’t heavy – The Hollies

2009-09-26T05:05:00.001-07:00

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
If I'm laden at all
THEN I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another
It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

When Jayne denied Isaiah

2009-09-19T08:41:00.001-07:00

dunno since when Jayne is not willing to let me carry her. suddenly she doesn’t seems to recognise my face anymore. she will only allow Klessis to carry and coax her. haizz…

today we were in JB having dinner, Kless has to bring Joey to the toilet, so i am left alone with Jayne. suddenly she started to cry and cried very loudly. i was totally lost. diners around us were looking over at me and must be thinking is he the real father?

before Kless returns, Jayne will deny her father 3 times…

nvm Jayne, papa still loves you!

Interpret my Dream

2009-09-10T06:04:00.001-07:00

i had a weird dream last night. see if you can be a joseph..

i was waiting for a bus

then after a long wait the bus finally arrives, so i boarded the bus and found a girl on the same bus, a girl i have like for a long time. naturally i was super happy lah.. machim like puppy love..

just when the bus is moving off from the bus stop, i saw my brother running from afar, trying to chase after the bus..i called out to the bus driver to stop and wait for him. but the driver went on and my brother is further is further away le.. not knowing what to do next, i took a look at the girl on the bus and then jumped off the moving bus..

ran back all the way to meet my brother and on the way, passed by a river and saw an aeroplane crashed into the river…

found my brother watching the crash and he was injured, probably fell when he was running after the bus…

anyone care to comment on my dream?

Retirement Plans

2009-09-03T08:01:00.001-07:00

is it too early to talk about retirement at the age of 35? i know i have 30 more years before i reach legal retirement age la, but still i am already more than half way there le right? (before any friends out there thinks that i am looking for some financial plans, please don’t misunderstand, thanks but no thanks)

i am talking about what can i do after retirement. when i no longer need to worry about work, worry about my children’s needs, etc.. what do i wish to do?

play gateball with old friends?

play chess with old friends?

i wish that when i finally retire, i can fulfill my other desire since young. to be a photographer. travel round the world with my nikon camera (yet to buy) and my forever love (already married her). i can imagine kless sitting in a cafe along the sidewalks of paris and i am just sitting besides her with our lattes and taking photos of her blogging about our trip and me providing the pictures. perfect! occasionally send some postcards back to our still working and slogging friends in s’pore and see the smiles and anguish on their faces… hahaa… priceless!

Life in Singapore

2009-09-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

In Singapore , the majority of us live in Highly Dangerous Buildings (HDB), and most people have already got used to Paying and Paying (PAP). Not only do you have to pay, you Pay Until Bankrupt (PUB).

If that's not enough, somebody still Purposely Wants to Dig (PWD)and get more from you. So what more can you do when you are in the Money Only Environment (MOE)?

With the current Mad Accounting System (MAS), you are forced to Pay the Sum Ahead (PSA), which will leave some people Permanently Owing Some Banks (POSB).

And forced to live on the Loan Techniques Always (LTA) system.When you fall sick and happen to be admitted to a Money Operating Hospital (MOH), You might be able to use your Cash Prior to Funeral (CPF) fund.

If you are out of luck, you may meet doctors who Never Use Heart (NUH) to treat you, and you will be Sure to Give up Hope (SGH).

To help ease the traffic, motorists have to pay Cash On Expressway (COE). If that doesn't help, they can always Eternally Raise Prices (ERP) on the roads. If you don't own a car, you can always make a Mad Rush to the Train (MRT), or get squashed in a bus Side By Side (SBS).

Lastly, under all these pressures, there are not many places we can relax, not even the good old place we used to go because it has become So Expensive and Nothing To See Actually (SENTOSA)!!

if only…why not…

2009-08-26T07:49:00.001-07:00

i was watching liverpool v villa match and by the end of the agony, i just had this phrase in my mind.

if only alonso did not leave in the summer…
if only gerrard scored in the first half…
if only lucas was a bit more composed in midfield…

in life, we have a lot of “if only” too

if only i have more money to buy that thing…
if only you can understand me better…
if only he can love me more…

the problem with this “if only” attitude is we will never achieve any difference. nothing will change. after 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, or even after an entire lifetime, we can hear some people say, “if only i had known earlier”.

why not change our perspective of things? why not say “why not” and don’t say “if only”?

why not i start to save and plan my spendings wisely so that i can buy that thing?
why not i start to understand the people around me and build that bridge so that we can all become more understanding?
why not i learn to speak his/her love language and not ask for returns but start to give?

life is just so amazing. so many things can happen just becos we choose to say the right and postive things than the negative things..i rem pastor said before, life is full of choices, its our choices that shapes our decisions and our decisions shapes our future..

Welcome the new Liverpudlian, Reuel Rao

2009-08-26T07:08:00.001-07:00

welcome baby! you are formally christened into the Liverpool family! will be looking forward to see you in your first liverpool jersey.

Big Head

2009-08-20T00:00:00.001-07:00

Read Tristan’s blog. His head is exploding, mine is super heavy!

This is how I feel every moment I am awake.

My Sweet Girl, Joey

2009-08-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

旋: 爸爸，你那里不舒服？
强: 爸爸感冒。

This was the conversation this morning in the car. After I told my dear girl I am sick, she pulled my left hand towards her and hugged it. Then used her 布布 to cover my hand and sayang my hand. At that moment, I felt like the happiest father in the world.

Fly Kite

2009-08-12T05:49:00.001-07:00

Have been talking about it for the longest time. I think this time was suggested by Serene. We just went along. I can only say I am thinking of buying a bigger kite now after this round.

Photos say a thousand words

Number 11

2009-08-08T09:02:00.001-07:00

Over the years, I have never thought of a single number as my favourite. But if I were to choose, I think the number 11 is a number I really like. Don’t have a specific reason for it. Just a liking.

Since my schooling days, maths has been my best subject. I am just good with numbers. Resulting in my choice to be an Accountant now. I remember numbers better than names, I remember numbers better than words.

11 is the number of my volleyball jersey in primary school. 11 is also the jersey number I wore for 1 year in secondary school before switching to the number 8. I proposed to Kless on 11 Jan 2002. I stayed on the 11th floor for most of my years.

Did a research on the web and found out that in Bible Numerics, the number 11 means revelation. How cool is that! Check out this website to know more.

http://vic.australis.com.au/hazz/Numbers.html

11 is the number of revelation. The first time 11 is mentioned in the Bible is:
”And he (Jacob) rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two women-servants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.” Gen 32:22

At this time Jacob’s wife Rachael was pregnant with his 12th son Benjamin. Jacob and his family were returning to the lands of his father after many years away. Jacob originally left to flee his brother Esau's wrath after tricking him out of their fathers birthright. Upon this return trip he sought to placate Esau with gifts before he actually met him. They crossed the ford Jabbok the night before they finally met Esau. It was this night that Jacob spent wrestling with an angel and was rewarded with a blessing. His name was changed from Jacob to Israel meaning a prince of God. Thus the first mention of 11 occurs on the night that Jacob receives revelation from God that he is to be known as a prince of God.

Jacob's 11th son was Joseph, who received in a dream a revelation that it would come to pass that, all his brethren and his parents would bow down to him. In due course he was sold into slavery in Egypt. There, God allowed him to reveal the meaning of dreams, firstly to pharaoh's baker and butler then to pharaoh himself. Thus in Israel's 11th son the theme of revelation is clearly seen.

The Bible is Gods revelation to us as such we could expect 11 to figure strongly in its organization and construction. In fact the incidence of 11 in the overall organization of the Bible is probably the strongest evidence for the meaning of the number. Firstly note that the sum of the numbers from 1 to 11 is 66 (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 11 = 66). This is the number of books in the entire Bible. Thus the number 11 is intimately tied to the definitive work of revelation, the Word of God. Remember that 6 is the number of man, so 6 times 11 could represent a revelation unto man - the Bible.

The Most

2009-08-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

I watched and cried..

Did we let ourselves down?

2009-08-01T00:15:00.001-07:00

Following what TNP had published in the past few days regarding the match between Singapore & Liverpool. Why wasn’t the National Anthem played? Were the players being respected? Did the fans let Singapore down?

I particularly like one of the replies in the papers, “when was supporting football a symbolic act of nationalism? the fact was the entire event was a showcase of Liverpool team in Asia. not a showcase of any national team, be it Thailand or Singapore. so what is the problem of thousands of fans showing their utmost support to the team they paid to come and see?

i support what a lot of fans said, if the National Anthem was played, no doubt everyone in the stadium would have stood up and sang our hearts out. We are true Singaporeans all our lives. But can’t we be more gracious for just 4 hours or more for showing a support for a club many of us supported since young? I don’t see the PM or President Nathan coming out to rebuke the 45,000+ people in the stadium for being disloyal to Singapore, of course as political leaders, it would be silly to do so..

I’m not sure who started this whole talk about letting Singapore down. But hopefully not one of those opposition team’s fans who are jealous becos they were not given the chance to show their ardent support like the Reds did. So with nothing to say, the next best thing is to attack the fans who were truly enjoying a rare chance to experience the Anfield atmosphere in Singapore.

In Chinese, we have a saying that ‘one kind of rice feeds a hundred kinds of people’. We will never be able to please everyone. I don’t think the organizers or LFC were here to please all. But I am sure, 100% that at least more than 45,000 people were super pleased for the match last sunday. And thanks for that!

CHC 20th Anniversary

2009-07-31T05:46:00.001-07:00

Kless and I have been in CHC for slightly more than 7 years. That means we have been thru 35% of the glorious 20 years in CHC history. It is really an honor and blessing to be part of this wonderful family. I can never imagine what and where will we be if we have not made the tough decision to move on 7 years ago from our former church. But one thing for sure, we have matured a lot spiritually.

I reflect on the past 7 years in CHC, I think besides the spiritual part, the other thing that I have gotten must be the precious friendships forged with so many different ones. Friends who have helped me grow as a leader, friends who have seen me down and up in the race, friends who have been with me right from the start till now.

What have I learnt in this journey?

I learnt to be giving, cos love is about giving and not receiving. I learnt about sacrifice. I learnt about accountability, this is one very important lesson, cos without accountability, we can never grow to take on bigger roles and responsibilities. I learnt much about true leadership, to lead is to influence. I learnt about the spirit of excellence.

What have I gain from this journey?

I married Klessis, we had our ROM and wedding ceremony both done in CHC. We had 2 wonderful girls in this journey. I cleared all my debts. I bought a car. I had more holiday trips in the past 7 years than the earlier 28 years. I fulfilled my life-long desire to study in SOT. I fulfilled another life-long dream to work as full-time in church for a period. I have a group of very close friends whom I will never trade for anything.

Just like Pastor shared a few weeks ago, as we move into the next 20 years in CHC, this is really a crucial moment for us to reflect and grow stronger in the Lord. I can’t remember who said this before, but the longer we are in the Lord, the more we realized we need Him. If not for His guidance I would not have achieved all that I have now. But to think that this is just a small portion of what is in store for me ahead, I can’t help but be amazed and in awe. The church will grow on with or without me, but I do know, if I am on the boat, I will only stand to gain and not lose. I want to be part of what God is planning to do in CHC. That is why I need to get even more committed and closer to Him than ever before.

The KOP, Liverpool FC

2009-07-28T09:04:00.001-07:00

many people have been asking me what is the meaning of the KOP in the past few days. especially after the tremendous match last sunday. more are interested to know the real meaning. i only know its name the KOP in memory of some Scousers who died in a certain war. but here is the entire story.

"The Kop at Anfield dates back to 1905-06. At the end of that season which saw Liverpool lift the second of their league championships the directors at the club decided to reward the loyalty of the fans by building a new brick and cinder banking at the Walton Breck road end of the ground. It was christened as the Spion Kop by Ernest Jones in memory of the many scousers who died in battle over a hill in South Africa by the same name during the Boer War. In 1928 The Kop was altered to terracing and a massive roof added to protect the thousands of fans who gathered to watch their beloved team play. Other teams named their stands as the Kop but the one at Anfield was the original and the best."

"Over One Hundred years ago, on the evening of Tuesday 23rd January, 1900, 1,700 British troops prepared to attack a hill in South Africa known as Spionkop. Spionkop means 'Spy Hill' and was coined by the Dutch settlers for the commanding views it afforded. The following days witnessed a bloody battle between the British Empire and a ragged collection of Boer farmers and the British Empire lost. However, that reckoned without a series of blunders by the British High Command, led by Sir Redvers Bullers, and the terrifying fighting qualities of the Boers. Reports at the end of the battle, which raged for two days stated 332 killed, 563 wounded and 163 prisoners taken, but these figures are still open to question with some claiming up to 340 killed and 1000 wounded. The Boers had beaten the mightiest army in the world and the reverberations were felt around the globe. To commemorate the their fallen, upon returning home the surviviors named stands at their local football grounds 'the Kop', the most famous of these being 'the Kop' at Anfield(Liverpool FC). The Kop remembers the Liverpool men who lay, frightened, at the foot of an obscure hill in Africa all those years ago. The Kop has proved equally daunting to visiting teams and has witnessed many great victories for Liverpool FC. Hopefully, it will continue to do so for another 100 years."

Anfield Trip – Liverpool vs Sunderland

2009-07-28T08:55:00.001-07:00

Duration: 25^th – 29^th March 2010, Thursday – Monday
Match Date: 27^th March 2010, Saturday
Total Budget: S$1320

Brief Itinerary:
§ 25^th March 2010, Thursday
o SIN-KUL (Airasia), depart 11:30am arrive 12:25pm (S$40)
o KUL-LON (Airasia), depart 3:35pm arrive 10pm (M$1400 = S$560)
o Lodging in London (friend’s apartment, FOC)

§ 26^th March 2010, Friday
o LON-LIV (Virgin Train), depart 5:40am arrive 8:40am (£30 = S$75)
o Stadium and Museum Tour (£11 = S$30)
o Free and Easy in Liverpool
o Lodging in Liverpool (S$70)

§ 27^th March 2010, Saturday
o Match at 3pm (£40 = S$100)
o Free and Easy in Liverpool
o Lodging in Liverpool (S$70)

§ 28^th March 2010, Sunday
o LIV-LON (Virgin Train), depart 6am arrive 8am (£30 = S$75)
o Free & Easy in London
o Lodging in London (friend’s apartment, FOC)

§ 29^th March 2010, Monday
o Free & Easy in London
o LON-KUL, depart 11:15pm arrive 8pm (next day 30^th March 2010)

§ 30^th March 2010, Tuesday
o Lodging in KL (M$120 = S$50)

§ 31^st March 2010, Wednesday
o KUL-SIN (Airasia), depart 6:25am arrive 7:15am

Food & Beverage:
25^th March – L (M$10), D (plane) = S$5
26^th March – B (£3), L (£10), D (£10) = S$60
27^th March – B (£3), L (£10), D (£10) = S$60
28^th March – B (£3), L (£10), D (£10) = S$60
29^th March – B (£3), L (£10), D (£10) = S$60
30^th March – L (plane), D (plane)
31^st March – B (M$10) =S$5

All time stated are local time at that point of time.
No flights from KUL-SIN on 30^th March 2010, Tuesday.
Exchange rate as of 28^th July 2009:
£1 = S$2.40
M$1 = S$0.40

Liverpool in Singapore

2009-07-27T07:16:00.001-07:00

The best game in the world!

2009-07-26T09:22:00.001-07:00

Liverpool vs Singapore

Many of us have been waiting for this match for months. Finally it’s the day and thousands of fans gathered for the amazing time to witness the greatness of the best team on the earth, LIVERPOOL.

Besides the great game, the other interesting thing that happened during the wait for the match to start was the appearance of some idiots. A few individuals came into the KOP end wearing Man U jersey. Are they mad or what? I think if we are not in S’pore, they might have been killed (ok, i am exaggerating). But you get the idea. A girl came in Chelsea jersey, she also got the same treatment, hahaa…no excuse for ladies… it’s only one team tonight. YWNA!

A photo of me in the car driving to National Stadium, all excited and still fresh..

Arriving at the Stadium, thousands of fans already queuing to get in. Time is 4pm, match starts at 7pm.

A big group of Liverpool fans all the way from Indonesia.

In the Stadium, Simon is already inside, booking seats for us. Hahaa… CHC trained.

The players were out for warm-up. That alone brought the entire Stadium to it’s feet.

One of the highlights, a gigantic Liverpool flag passed through the crowd.

The Scores.

The souvenirs.

What type of friend?

2009-07-25T06:52:00.001-07:00

as i grow older, i realised that i have become more a friend-mediator. by that i mean i mediate the friendships between different people around me.

friend 1 doesn’t like friend 2. friend 3 is not happy with friend 4. me as the older and hopefully wiser mediator, i will try to tone down the differences, the angry feelings.

i dun know if i am doing the right thing. i just hope to see the friends that matters to me are happy with one another. but then i was wondering, should i stick my leg in to mediate when sometimes people just can’t get along with one another. it’s the nature of relationships. right?

should i “play god” for me friends? i sincerely hope that my friends do not think me as a kaypoh.

How to lead yourself?

2009-07-23T04:52:00.001-07:00

I believe Pst Jeffrey Rahmat is one of the most sought after speaker on the topic of Leadership. His insights and teachings are simply mind-blowing. Not bombastic truths, but just some simple yet very powerful truths in becoming a better leader in any given field.

Leadership is about adding value to people’s life.
Leadership is a position of sacrifice.
Leadership can lead us to a place where passion and love cannot lead us to.
Leadership is leading by way of influence, becoming a source of inspiration.

He mentioned about 4 different ways of leading people:
1. Leading Down
a. Serving as overseers, this is the easiest way of leadership
b. Just need to give instructions and ensure people follow it
c. Boss to staffs
d. Requires only 5% of a leader’s capability

2. Leading Lateral
a. Leading the peers around us
b. Giving positive influence and support
c. Colleague to colleague
d. Requires only 20% of a leader’s capability

3. Leading Up
a. Setting examples in all areas
b. Able to influence people higher level than us
c. Staff to boss
d. Requires only 25% of a leader’s capability

4. Leading Yourself
a. You need to have self leadership before you can lead anyone
b. It will be hard for someone to lead others if he cannot lead himself
c. When a leader cannot lead himself and still wants to lead others, he will only be able to lead by manipulation and not by inspiration
d. Able to lead oneself is a sign of maturity
e. A manipulative leader gets his security through the security of the people he leads

How to lead up?
1. Do your job extremely well
2. Build a good relationship with your leader
a. People will not go long with you if they cannot get along with you
3. Be willing to do what others won’t do
a. But first do your job extremely well
4. Prepare the things you want your leader to know
a. Speak in a way that your leader will understand
b. Not only bring complaints
5. Understand your leader’s mood

To a friend in Australia

2009-07-20T09:18:00.001-07:00

i can count with one hand, the number of friends i maintain constant relationship overseas. so would be nice to post it here where i know you will read. happy birthday! i remembered your birthday leh! =)

If the price is right

2009-07-17T14:44:00.001-07:00

no one player can be greater than the club. we see it best in ManU’s example. selling their best player for £80M.

if Alonso is keen to play for Liverpool,then no amount is enough. but if he is wavering to leave for Real, then just go. it’s a sad thing to lose one of our most consistent player, but no point staying if the heart is no longer there. so if the rumour is true, £32M is good money to accept. at least with the proceed we can consider some other players like David Silva, David Villa or Frank Ribery…

all the best Liverpool!

My Secondary School Photos

2009-07-16T08:41:00.001-07:00

found some of my own photos in our alumni FB account. brought back such fond memories. i think my secondary school days are the best of my life in terms of fun and learning.

sec 2 class photo, still black and white de leh.. OMG!

a rare class photo to celebrate after we won the best class award. we went on to win it for the next 2 times. 3-in-a-row. *proud*

if you rem the movie ‘dead poet society’, this is one of the most classic scene.

Ever tot i will stop?

2009-07-13T05:55:00.001-07:00

never!!

another Liverpool jersey

another cube, its not a rubix, its cube5, rotates smoother