Thailand Trip

Well, it's been a bit - well..maybe slightly..well rather seriously overdue...but here you go ... the random shots of the Thailand trip. The pics are from my Olympus..the N95 ones are still pending..

will continue later as Wabe is staring at me to stop.

Above: Fifth Auntie with Wabe

Above: Dinner - almost vegetarian steamboat - the glutinous rice with mango WAS DELICIOUS!

Above: Mini bus ride enroute to the Golden Temple..mum-in-law obviously is not impressed:)

Above: Cannot believe it..the NTUC gang at work again...

Above : The fabulous dad and son team. :D

Above : 3 smiling ladies

Engrossed in guess what...arcade games...:)

Pictures of Bird Park Trip and some underwater shots.

Exams Over!!!

Wednesday...Yang came home with a big grin ... this is the end of the exams..his first.

One of the many he will have to go thru - but for now...tis play time..it was wonderful to see him relaxed and we indulged him in his requests...the last few weeks were quite intense for him.

Results - preliminary from his teachers are back.

Math: 70
English: 79
Chinese: 85

Perhaps not the standard parents go gag-ga over..but in my heart, I rejoiced and celebrated with Yang over them. For tomorrow and ever, he has conquered his nemesis - this is a small celebration - so he has managed to stay afloat in P1 while having a incredible childhood of pure fun..no extra lessons etc.


God be praised and may He continue to bless Yang.

Sam

Yang's Progress

These few weeks has been a trying time for little Yang.

Tuition after school...tuition after swimming..I think he never has been so driven before...

The results are kinda encouraging...the Nan Hua papers I gave him for Maths was 86% and 76% for English..

Perhaps this is not entirely typical of Singaporean parents but I am actually very pleased.

For one who was almost deemed to have dsylesia - to achieve this in the space of less than 5 months is very good - IMHO.

Moving forward, the pace will be quicker and perhaps then we can talk about setting higher goals..but one step at a time ok? :)

One incident affected me greatly...Yang was telling me last week that the post of monitor was vacant after the current one was sacked for being naughty. He told me he wanted to try for it.
There was this glint in his eyes which betrayed his ambitious heart - something latent like Wabe.
But 3 day ago, I asked him again - he told me "My studies are so poor - I am afraid I cannot be a monitor".
I told him firmly that a leader is not one who has good grades but one who is kind and disciplined - who knows how to help the teacher maintain order.

I hope he gains a lesson there... in the journey of life - he has to learn this lesson several times again ..

Hm....1 last day of exam tomorrow for Yang !!! Already planning toys...excursions...etc...such is the life of children...


Adios!

Sam

First attempt

Today I am on leave as we are going to join Wabe in KL tonight.

I decided based on last night's 6km comfortable run - that I am sufficiently fit to attempt at least the cycle/run portion of the triathalon.

Cycled to Mandai Avenue and back - average at 18km/hr - was ok ...legs didn't feel that tired. Distance clocked 25km..15km less than the Olympic distance but heck :)

Happily, I parked my bike and changed to my Asics 2120 and stared at the blazing stretch of tar road ..the shimmering heat wave suddenly felt very burning...

Confidently chanting the mantra "Never give up" I strode away...
Alas, I overestimated myself, 1.5 km down the road, fatigue set in...it's not the stamina...it's actual energy deficiency... my legs felt like lead....it reminded me of those stupid sprints training in my water polo days!

I walked the remaining road back to home...humbled by a small taste of the triathalon. By no means is this merely physical endurance...I reckon mental strength will play a great deal in the completion of it - especially during the last few km of the last leg.

In the words of Robert Browning:
"But that a man's reach will exceed his grasp - else what's a heaven for?"

Words that will apply to this little trial in my life and probably to all of you in all aspects on your life.

Sam

Paris and Running

So where do I start?

Perhaps with the Paris trip...

On the flight there, I shared a row with a professor from Luxembourg and exchanged interesting tales with him...

I was amazed to know Luxembourg is even wealthier than Switzerland! Apparently their banks allow ...numbered accounts..heh heh..

Anyway, he inherited huge lands from his farmer ancestors and is now rich beyond anyone means..he told me he have 4 Nissan GTR and is awaiting the latest one..and lived in Shangrila SUITES....

I was like Wow...and WOw....then I paused...I am in a damn economy class (abeit the new ER jet) but still...why is this rich bloke in the SAME row as me?!?!

Perhaps Singaporeans aren't the only ones to boast..heh heh

Anyway, I must record the superb way French drive - they don't have the concept of sensors..their reverse is literally "Long Tio Wu Siah" (Hit already got Sound).

I with a Finn and Malaysian colleague actually witnessed a brand new CRV reverse into a lampost..and the driver didnt even flinched....I think I will have a heart attack if my Odyssey kena the same...

What do I think of Paris?

Hooligans. Graffiti. Ruins.

FRankly I did not find it beautiful at all.

I wonder what the hype is all about this place..

I will let the pics do the talking..the touristy details.

Running...I am really into running now..bought a ASICS 2120..wow shaved 2 minutes off my 6km run...amazing!!

Am I ready for the tri now? Not by the hair of my chimmy chin chin!! Individually, this should be ok...but I haven't try the combined one...1/2 more year to train...never give up!!

Olympic
1.5 km(0.93 mi) swim
40 km(24.8 mi) bike
10 km(6.2 mi) run

God willing, I will try to complete one this year - nmind the timing :)

Sam

Replace

My new Ody got caught in a stupid log which fell...technically the car isnt spoilt...but I didn't feel good...every sound I hear I imagine it to be from the perceived incident..
so what did I do?

I sold off my current Ody and ..... got a similar new one from Kah Motor.

GRIN.

Although, I had thought of using this chance to buy the Mark X but Wabe still insist on MPV..what to do..GRIN.

I think I will INSIST on the car brand and COLOR next round....


Will be going to Paris and Finland back to back next month..and KL next and Thailand in June.

Funny thing is...I used to think going to Paris etc is exotic..but I found I look forward to more Asia trips ... perhaps has to do with the company you are with but still...I always prefer Asia getaways...at least the food is so MUCH palatable.

Till next time, adios!

Sam

Lament

Remember when I spoke on my mental burdens I carried over the years ?

The anger which I felt towards the vipers - the relatives I blamed for my grandmother's sufferings?

Recently, when I had the time for my solitary runs in the evenings - I thought over it a lot.

Why did I feel so angry?

In my heart, I knew partly the anger was to mask my own guilt. That I did not do enough for her when she was alive and when she left, I felt so guilty that I resorted to blaming others for her "misery".

Where was I when the rest of them were with her at the hospital?

Why blame my auntie when she was the one who shouldered the responsibility of caring for my grandmother? What did I do that was better?

The more I thought of it - my irrational anger suddenly seems very foolish.

To drop my burdens, I need to not just forgive..I need to come to terms that I was a poor grandson who did not treasure my grandmother when she was alive. And now that she is gone, I do not have any rights to start blaming everyone.

"Let he who have not sinned - let he cast the first stone".

Before we point a finger, remember to ask if we are blameless.

If we are, start by forgiving ourselves and admitting our mistakes.

The journey in life has too many wondrous things to marvel - then to waste time mulling over past.

Have you seen a butterfly slowly emerging from a cacoon?
Have you seen a young seedling emerging in the early morning?
Have you seen the mighty Nigara Falls thundering down?

Treasure what we have and move on. Like me, I have started my own healing..

Sam
-healing-

My dream skills...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0s4D7FDYeRA

Pics from my N95

Yang's 7th birthday! Notice the dragon motif:)


Mountain biker wannabe - Yang ! heh heh


Amateur mountain biker :)


First tuckshop - notice his bored buddy...


Home bound from KL to Singapore (Dec 2007)


Sleepless in KL 2 (Dec 2007)


Sleepless in KL .. Dec 2007


The Tale of 2 Odysseys :)


Yang before he went to pray for mother-in-law when she was sick.


Yang after his Kinderland graduation performance.


Me taking the team out for dinner after a successful performance tuning exercise.



Yang - after his golf lessons.

Fitness

Ran 6 km each for 2 days consecutively and still able to breathe easily...I think I am getting there with my tri-athalon dream....will need to intensify my core strength training from current 100 push ups 50 sits up and 100 squats each day to 1.5 times more...then perhaps with my new bike..I might just be able to complete the course:)

NEVER GIVE UP!!!

Sam
in his determined mood.

My son the evangelist

Not too long ago, I related to Yang on how the Christians view the dragon. This topic is of immense interest to this little boy since he always pride himself on his lunar sign, Dragon.

I told him the Bible says the dragon is evil and represents the Devil or monster in his language.

Little will I know what ramifications this story will bring..

It seems or so it goes that, Yang actually have a friend who is a Christian. Being branded a "monster" in his terms, he was out to seek redress and seek out this obvious target.

"Why your God say I am a monster?" he intoned.

"my God like that one lar.." the Christian replied.

"Aiya, your God is not good hearted lar, say I monster... I tell you lar, you just come and pray to A Mi Duo Fuo (Buddha) can already...very good one.."

By golly...he is showing the traits of a spiritual evangelist at such a young age ! haha

I bet the Christian who IF he grows up to be a good one, will always recall that he was once being converted by a insistent Buddhist Yang :)

*stretched and lean back*

On the grand scheme of things, perhaps not scoring full marks for his spelling isn't such a big deal now...:) the important thing is that he is kind and he enjoys his childhood:)

Sam in his contented mood.

PICS

Never Give UP!!




The road to glory!! uphill all the way!!!










My new MTB - Trek 6500 DISC !!!

Trek 6500 DISC

Finally, I upgraded my MTB to a new Trek 6500 DISC! WOO HOO!! Cost around 1800 bucks with all the accessories like speedometer, lights, water bottle rack and a snakeskin protector for the sides.

This morning, I snapped on the Saris rack to my Odyssey and secured the Trek to it - the feeling of it is so good..haha.. premium brand makes you so dizzy with cockiness ..haha

The ride is so smooth - Trek makes it so easy with the uphill and with the hydraulic brakes - downhill also feel safer...but shit I encountered 3 cobras ...lucky did not fell down..else will be bitten..

I joined the singapore mtb group - will join them for rides so it will be safer.

Sighz....no time to focus on my tennis and golf...went golf last week with Yang and Jun Chee...in Executive course ... consistency in the short game has went down - only managed to "on" 2 times..the rest has to depend on the chip..but no choice...MTB rulez now!! heh heh

PICS To follow.

New Saris Bike Rack

After last Sunday's discovery of a alternative entrance to the BT mountain trail, I have invested in a Saris bike rack...200 plus...not as fierce looking but very functional...next will be my MTB upgrade to a Trek bike..

Here's the details:


So what to do with my Aleoca bike....maybe keep it..this is after all my first MTB....deprived childhood that I have ... heh heh.

Sam
in his Trek mood.

Tennis

I rekindled my love for tennis recently.

Bought an used Head i.prestige for 80 bucks - the control is very good though you have to generate your own power in your strokes. Still, it is a solid racket - heavy but powerful. The new Microgel Prestige costs 280...I still cannot bring myself to buy at such prices despite income appreciation all the years..I guess this is something good..

Let's see how I can improve on my game - the old Hammer can amplify the forehand power but lose control..hopefully my increased core strength now can compensate the lack of power amplication and make use of the control!

Sam

Story

To make up for the lost story...I have started on this epic one :P

Who knows..it could feature in Russell Lee's series years later :)

The House

It stood dilapidated with its greenish paint peeling off in most places and its monstrous many antennas erected all over the roof. Passer-bys will see a creaky old house that has seen its better days but to me, it will always remain a place of foregone boyhood where I had my most fun during my growing years. But it wasn’t ALWAYS like this..

Sammy! Yelled my paternal grandmother…it was already 9 am and she was getting ready to lug my kid brother and myself to my MATERNAL grandmother’s house in the east side of the Singapore for a game of “Dua Dee” – the colorful cards the older ladies were so fond of. For me, a 14 year old, the day stretched magnificently ahead – school exams were over…holidays are here (yah!)..and I am going to my favourite haunt then – the big house in East Coast!

The number 10 bus then will take us from Telok Blangah to Siglap – the 45 minutes were in my memories always warm and cosy as we chugged along lazily away from the city and we began to see more and more houses rather than flats. The anticipation of what we were going to do (the other cousins and me) always created a buzz of pleasant fluttering in my stomach..and I always will look out for the BP (then) sign which will tell us, we are reaching the place.

- to be continued.

Copyright Statement
The article herein attached is the property of Sam Ang Keng Siong, except where noted. Permission is required to copy, download or use any part or whole text.

New Year 2008

It's been a while since this blog has been updated.

Much has happened since the last update ...

Let me categorized the salient points.

1) Kee passed out from Kinderland to CCK Primary One - much to be said about it later...
2) I have bought the new Honda Odyssey Absolute - pics to follow...
3) A memorable trip to Genting and KL ... pic and stories to follow..
4) I won a quality award for work in Nokia..heh heh... getting a free internet tablet as reward.
5) We are going to khng our house again..this time transforming our masterbedroom to a mega big one by combining 2 toilets and 2 rooms...equipped with state of art jacuzzi, toilet TV, walk in ward-robe and automatic blinds..heh heh. Talk about crouching tiger and hidden dragon. :)


What else...the details will have to wait...but I just want to make sure the main gist is there...

Happy New Year everyone. Be smart not stupid :)

Tolerance

Everything in the world maintain a thin razor sharp edge of equal and opposite forces which keeps them in a stable state. (I believe this is Newton's First / Third Law).

This law I believe aptly also applies to the chaotic world of human relationships.

We always should be mindful of what to give and take in a relationship.

Whereupon a party decides to upset the balance, the state of the system goes to an unstable state and by Newton's laws, it will change the equation or the physics of the system to maintain a new stable state.

Sam

Loan Cleared! And new hobby.

It is so wonderful...whilst the rest of Singapore are going crazy speculating with houses ... I went and redeemed my car loan and now MY HONDA IS TRULY MINE:) Even the log book is ORIGINAL :P
heh heh
Also, renovation loan with Wabe's company also ended. :)

The feeling of almost debt free is SO EXHILARATING :)

Few more years and even our house will be cleared ... WOO HOO!!

Bonus in Sep:) My god, this feels like the old days of dotcom .... BUT! lest we grew overconfident, remember the days of yore...

Economic cycle is shorter these days...we cannot depend on IR everything...

Truly the richest man is one who owes nothing and yearns nothing :)

Let me see if I am ultimately right....


BTW: Mountain biking is REALLY FUN.....will update more..

Sam

Quatrain of Seven Steps - 七步诗

煮豆燃豆萁，
豆在釜中泣。
本是同根生，
相煎何太急?

Boiling the beans to create the soup,
filtering them to extract the juice.
The beanstalks were charred amidst the flames,
and of this the beans thus wailed:
"Borne are we of the same root, brothers two;
should you now burn me with such disregard?"
.............................................

When a man speaks, his eyes betray his intentions.
His actions define his generousity,
When you give to your God, do not be like the Pharisees who go about boasting of their "great" contributions.
Have you ever look back and have "conscience" ?
A wise man will speak in clear direct words.
Speaking in riddles do not mask thy shallowness of thoughts.
A simple monk sweeping floor can attain Enlightenment.
The time will come when you have to face a war.
Beware of the time when your shouts for help will go unheeded.
For such befits the evilness in the heart.
The wayward son can still go back....hearken! lest it grows short...



LET HE WHO HAVE EARS, LET HIM HEAR.

Sam
(very extremely disappointed and angry)

Do you believe in miracles?

Was due to be back on Sunday morning from Finland.

I arrived on Friday night though...Wabe had called me to try to make it back earlier.

Somehow the sense of dread is very real...I kept checking via sms with her when I transited at Frankfurt and when I arrived back in Singapore. Thankfully all was well then..

The trip to hospital ... Wai Por was faintly conscious but she looked very very frail..they had finally administered morphine.

Wabe said a fellow Buddhist has advised them that Wai Por's breathing pattern indicates the end might be near...she was breathing through her mouth...

Should she be moved back home? But there is no standby morphine machine..

The final decision was to risk bringing her home next morning - I had thought it might be otherwise... but I guess we are all humans..my thought was ... 12 hours vs an eternity of happiness..but .. I am in no position to comment..there are so much feelings and human emotions...

And then the miracles started....

I was driving Yang to visit her and the rest of them in the morning as Wabe has told us she will be moving back from hospital that morning and told us to wait in Wai Por's house direct.

As I drove out of the estate, Yang took out a picture of Buddha and started to sing the Medicine Buddha's sutra - repeatedly....
For some reason, the verses sounded very surreal .. it sounded of a child's innocence as it pays homage to Buddha...and for some strange reason, I felt this incredible sadness which I cannot explain as I drove.

10 minutes later, Wabe msg me as I neared Wai Por's house telling me she has passed away...For some reason, Wai Por managed to send this message to us that she is leaving and cannot wait for us already. I know 4th Uncle said if there is chanting when Wai Po passes on, she will reach to the Lotus Land. I hoped in a small way, Yang has helped Wai Por in this..

Tayetha Om Bengkanze BengKanze Tayetha Om....


I learned later that Wai Por managed to make it to her own house and within an hour, she passed on - and everyone can pray for her as planned. 2nd miracle.

The sky I remembered started to drizzle...creating a cool atmosphere..very pleasant ..it is as if Wai Por knew we always found it hot in her house and is making it nice for us..3rd miracle.

Before her resting into the coffin, Wabe told me Wai Por's body did not suffer from any rigidness even though it was 10 hours since she passes on. In fact, I recalled she looked very serene as if she is sleeping even when we last saw her body during the funeral. 4th miracle.

So many miracles...4th Uncle's no pay leave ends next Friday...Wai Por's last day for the funeral has a major event the next day for multitudes of prayers scheduled for departed souls..etc etc.

The food tonight was sumptious...and in ABUNDANCE :) The noise and din was so LOUD:)
Exactly the way Wai Por would have liked it.

Yang asked me if he can still talk to Wai Por - who taught him Hokkien "Der ai kuai ar.." (You must be obedient..)

And for some moments, I could not control my emotions and did not answer him.

He seems to know and said Wai Por will hear us..and we can always call to her..

Years ago, when I was in my darkest period of my life when my own grandmother passed away..Wai Por asked the family to arrange a picnic for me and spoke to me not to be sad...I recalled being cheered and very very much appreciated that.

The time has come for me to show my gratitude and I have decided I will offer a joss stick for the first time in 20 years to this great person who is such a wonderful wonderful grandmother to my Wabe and "ah Chor" to my Yang..

Rest well and we will always remember you, Wai Por.

Sam

Talk and God

How do we communicate these days?

Electronic means like this blog allows instant broadcast of information to all users.

In the old days, this type of data transfer depends on a very professional breed of people - the Gossip.

:)

I find this strain of Gossip DNA still persist in this modern day - and man..words can indeed be sharper than any sword...

So is it idle mind that produce wicked thoughts? I think so.

Throw in a dash of insecurity - why don't you:)

But still, I think I will savour my reservist days memories - it is not worth to sully those fine times for the spat of a viper's tongue. ;-P


So what about God?

When we complain that Christians belittle you on your beliefs..how arrogant they are.. remember the world is round.

On this note, I will specifically use the Bible to quote:

"Judge not and ye would not be judged".

When a thief steals from you, he is guilty. If you steal back from him - you are a thief too. That's just the beauty of karma - and that is using Buddhist concept. :)

How one is saved for salvation is according to the doctrine of the path chosen.


Salvation on faith is not as simple as one thinks. Merely having the promise of salvation if one accepts Christ at death is not as simple as promoting wanton lifestyle and repenting before one dies.

Think about it. Do you know when you will die? :) The promise is like a marketing campaign - look out for the hidden truth:)

The same goes for the promise of Amida Buddha promise that calling his name in your last moments will ensure your rebirth in the lotus land.

This type of issues cannot be so easily resolved...

Basically, when you demand respect for something..make sure you can respect others too. I can....can you? :)

Sam

The Last Stand

The trenches are dug deep..but the guns no longer spat fire ..nor are they loaded..
Is the war lost?
But when the citizens of a country come together despite their differences to battle an invader..when the people of a country unite with a single goal...when the crisis allows a doctrine to be adopted and understand by all..the moral victory is there.
Still....in the trenches...we need to boost the troop's morale occasionally..
The Enemy cometh but It will not conquer..but will be subdued and surprised by the force of the karmic nuclear bomb created by the people of the country..

It's been more than 1/2 year? Continue the legacy and continue the nation building..

Sam in his pensive mood.

Incidental Encounter

Last night, I drove Wabe, Kee and Hui Yu to the relative's house who is currently accomodating the little boy who is said to the reincarnation of an esteemed lama.
I had originally decided not to partake in the "blessing" ceremony as I felt awkard if I did not perform the gesturing required of the people of the faith and would appear to be rather aloof.
Surprisingly, I was drawn inside despite my initial discomfort..and I even knelt to be be patted by the little boy on the head! (I hope he isn't spooked by my GEL hardened SPIKEY hair..heh heh)

Almost 20 years ago, I remembered I read on a book .. TB Lobsang ..if I did not remembered wrongly..the mythical world of buttered tea..ricecake..third eye..monks who was full of humour...has fascinated me. Yesterday, I actually came face to face with such a person...

Incidentally, 2 days ago...my Ping An amulet was discovered to be smashed to pieces...the last time such things happened to me..was when I miraculously escaped unscathed when a motorcycle drove straight to me....thank goodness Wabe bought it for me that day... ODE TO BEE!

Sam

Silent !

I fixed up my trusty old Honda with the Silent sound proofing..heh heh
The acoustics is really different now...not to mention the solid thump of the doors which is not unlike a BMW's :) It is a kinda scary silence when I drive in the heavy traffic..muted vacuum feel..feels so..ah..Continental:)

Cheap thrill .. beats incurring another fresh car loan though:)

Need to be liquid.. for the next correction...and hopefully that time, I'd have the leverage to go for the big haul...sigh..one can dream :) but if I succeed...hmm..:)

Sam

Long long time ago, in a HDB close close away...

Been a long while

It has been a long while...

There were so many things happening...at work ...in family.

Was it a omen for more crisis to happen - that putting a Medicine Buddha mandala in the centre of the house in the 3 houses were not sufficient to ward off the illness star...

Things like this are always a rude reminder in our frantic lives that we live in the world of chaos..of mathematical probabilities which are infinite...each move spans billions of endings..that we are mere nothings in the grand scheme of things.

Are we like what Seth who coached Jane Roberts, said merely travellers in a certain plane of existence..that what we are going through-life that is..is but a momentary experience in the cosmic journey?

Well...if so...make the most of this brief time...learn to see past other's shortcomings...learn to rejoice in the goodness however little in others.

For myself... the happiness comes from my nuclei family..Wabe and Yang Kee...2 angels who light up my life in the darkest path of my life.

Ode to these 2 wonderful wonderful angels :)

Sam

Loads of PICS

This Flower Arrangement by Valerie.

Pictures worth a million bucks :)

Chinese New Year

The new year with all of us posing with the "Ong Lai" stance and our feng shui dicated auspicious colors :)

PLUS: Kee in his Garfield imitation eyes :)

Ramayana

Now reading a modern prose of the classic Ramayana.

Spans 6 books to date...

It is interesting to see a de-deitified Rama enjoying a small repast of salted unripe mangoes and yet transforming into a unfeeling being when filled with the brahma shati.

Will continue later...

$$

The savings since I implemented goverance in our bank account is growing - Wabe needs to be reined in on some of her spendings.

But looks good - I am very pleased:)))))

Dark Day

The last few days were bright and hopeful - the situation had looked good with Wai Por able to go home on Thursday.

Alas, the cruel Rogue dealth another blow.....she had severe bleeding in the motion twice and passed out....Wabe called me at 3 plus pm crying saying the doctors are saving her....I rushed with a heavy heart to SGH...things do not look good.

Saw Wai Por revived but weak...has to go High Dependency Ward ... Dr Lim had to set expectations..I believed the message was ...the family need to get ready and be prepared...

At this, saw mother-in-law cried. There are admonitions from her to 2nd uncle and 3rd uncle to remain brotherly...I believe the message got across as the baser nature of both uncles are good...just a matter of understanding and communicating.

Then, 4th aunt's husband joined and youngest uncle .. rebuked ( for lack of a proper correct term) him. Actually, at first it was a request for respect for the family's religion and Jesus Christ, I can't believe Uncle William actually spoke on some manhole theorem! Basically, we cannot always use our beliefs and ignore the basic social decorum ..much more this is a family crisis. Expressing sadness that if one cannot preach to the patient and thereby she is going to Purgatory in front of grieving relatives is way .... way... beyond my understanding of a true servant of God.

There are ways you can save the sinner...if the faith of one is so great that one can disown one's son so one can receive salvation, well hey ...thy faith would be greater than a mustard seed and thus, one would SURELY be faithful enough to pray to God and request to be the intercessor to Jesus on behalf of Wai Por so she can be saved despite her earthly beliefs...did not the Bible say that - so ye man of little faith?

I remember my own grandmother had converted during her last days. Apparently my aunt had managed to convert her on grounds that if she doesn't, no one will pray for her after she passes on.

Vipers! Do I really think my grandmother felt comforted ?

I had a dream many days after her funeral. In it, I found myself wandering on a void deck in a funeral ... then I saw my grandmother burning some funeral accessories...I quickly ran over and asked .."Ma! What are you doing??" She said.."Sammy, Ma has nothing ..nobody burnt anything so I have do it myself.."
I said "Ma!...Stay with me..I have plenty to give you!" She then said "Sammy, Ma has to go now..Ma cannot take care of you anymore."

I always remembered this dream and somehow I felt really doubtful my grandmother got her peace despite her conversion.

For now, pray hard...and sound the battle horn again...the fight continues...

Sam

The Final Frontier

Wabe decided not to make the Paris trip after all - a decision I know did not come easy for a person who put so much into her work.

There are many sacrifices from others which I will keep confidential even in my blog.

The battle horn has reverberated over the dark sky - the message is clear. The family is here to fight and defend Wai Por against the Rogue who seek to claim her.

I do not know if this is appropriate to liken it to a war but truth be told - this is a war - spiritually, physically.

The chemo treatment was administered..the initial effects of Wai Por trembling sent everyone to a near manic anxiety.

This is the first step of the campaign - let's soldier on.

In Sun Tzi Art of War, he said "Know thy enemy" or "Zi Chi Zi Pi , Bai Zhan Bai Sheng". We pored over internet articles..there is a TCM in Paragon who was rumoured to have been our PM's chinese physician who treated him. So many information - so little time...

My collague whose father went through this situation, mentioned something which struck me. He said "For those in the family, single out individuals who are emotionally rational and calm of heart. These people have to map out what IF the battle is lost, what can be done in the meantime...wills...last words..." Practical words..but from what he said, the one who have to wear this hat will bear most of the hurt and pain as deeply as Christ wore his crown of thorns..

Another day now...Saturday morning - another small victory over the Enemy!

Sam

News

The confirmation of the test.

It is greeted by muted feelings of anxiety, helplessness and sadness.

However, I sense the family cuddling together closer...like ancient people who drew close to the fire as night darkens around them...seeking support and warmth from each other. The atmosphere is one of wanting to win...as with the family's religion..all pledged karma towards redemption of the illness - the air is full of positive vibes and being very attuned to such things, I told Wabe - if this continues..it bodes well for Wai Por.

It differs greatly from people of my own belief ... who always use times of illness as a opportunity to use fear of death as blackmail to convert the patient. Sometimes, we need to bend our actions to suit the situation. Why, even Jesus Himself does that....

When the elders asked Him, "Is it wrong to pay taxes to Caesar?"

He knows if He said yes, He will be arrested and His ministry will be cut short.

So He asked them to show Him a Roman coin and asked them whose image they see on the coin..which is Caesar.

So He said, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's...and give to God what is God's"

If the Lord knows when to speak properly to achieve good, how much more should we, brothers and sisters learn to do that?

Sam

The whole Istana gang (include me as photographer) .. absorbing the royal air of the Istana ground..infusing all of us with luck, health and prosperity in 2007! YAH! 

As requested by grandmother-in-law... 

Nice resolution.. 

Ever wonder why the red flag is different from our national flag? 

The jovial dad and son pair *GRIN* 

Tong Kali Tong with 2nd Auntie  

Taking a pose during a break on the uphill. 

En Route to Istana...near the entrance:) 

Rash Words

The events recently has taken its toll on Wabe and I feel sad and yet proud of her for such unselfish care and concern for her grandmother.

Perhaps my words earlier was too strong and it did not get published - well too bad for that!

From my past experiences, the true faces of loved ones will come to reveal themselves as the crisis persists .. spiteful words will be hurled... accusing fingers pointed...

It takes great maturity and strength to walk this path correctly and to focus on the act of providing the best for the loved one who lie sick.

Action speaks louder than words - it is easier to rant than to offer a simple act of help.

Tis not the time to lament on the indignities of life unfairness - it is unfair anyway.

We do not shake the dust of our sandals like the apostles of old and leave the village who do not accept them - cursing "Even Sodom will be better than you in the lasy days.." More importantly, we should listen with ears to the real message behind a rebuke - we do not cuss family members with vulgarities ( vipers who caused my grandmother's misery not included:)).

Remember and hope and pray - Wai Por is sick. Keep this in perspective.

Yours truly disgusted,
Sam

A Better 2007...Hopefully

Told da that I would like to write in his blog today and he wanted me to do that after he is done with his blogging...and god knows, his access was denied (must be due to the earthquake in Taiwan)....and he was not successful in pasting over what he had been writing for the past 15 or 20 minutes. Well, told him that this is just a sign that his blog is not meant to be published then.

Anyway, this is the 2nd time that I am writing and the reason why I am writing, cos it is towards the end of 2006 and I am sincerely hoping for a better 2007. Have been going through a lot mentally lately...starting from the time when Yang appears to have learning disability to grandma not being well physically and then to office work becoming heavier and of cos, with my upcoming Paris trip and Krabi trip where both trips requires me to be very focused and will suck all my available timing...

January is gloomy, I feel...the stress from work and family....
Work - lotsa things uncompleted...and having different bosses with different expectations and half the time caught in between them...is a real pain. But I have wanted very much to show that I can perform and out-perform and am trying very hard to achieve this. Did not want to leave this place with people feeling that I am going off because I CANNOT do it, which will definitely not be the case. My egos does not allow me to have this happening!
Family - Yang's report from the therapists will be out soon and while I can't wait for the reports to be available, I fear when the reports are available. Am fairly sure that I have to start sending him for therapy sessions....
Then comes Grandma's condition. Everytime I bring her for sessions with the doc, my heart aches...she seems to have aged so much that she cannot move like before, she express fear about things like the day surgery, like having to do the various tests to prepare for the day surgery, etc. And as much as I would like to be of help, there is nothing that I can do except bring her there and ferry her home. For this, I thank Da for all his kind acts of helping me with all this driving around...with no complaints.

Seems to be more emotional lately...talk to anyone for a while and I suddenly feel like crying...just like yesterday, quarreled with Da over some small stuff and cried and the crying help...cos I realised that I have not dared to cry openly lately..and the crying help let loose some emotions...

Spoke with the other cousins today whoever is there and all seems to understand and willing to do a part for the family, which is a consolation....and of cos, the next thing is when mum joins the conversation and went on and on and on....about responsibility, about the friends around us who may not be that good, about things that all should have been doing, etc, etc. And frankly, the way she puts it across is not friendly at all...if I were much younger, i would have taken offence, but I know that she is just as frustrated and there is no point pointing fingers at each other over all these happenings. I let her be and sincerely hope that the cousins would not think too much into it...

Mum told me Grandma cried just now...saying she owed me and Sam a lot...and it hurts even more to hear that...she has been very caring towards me all the years and what I can do for her is just so little...if money can buy anything, I would have bought her HEALTH. I know she fears being a burden and does not want for us all to suffer, but there is just so much that I or we can do.

Wanted to try to bring her around as much as I can, and wonder how much more time we can do all these...she looks so tired...she slept much much more than I ever know and she has not much energy and strength like before, every step that she takes, it seems to be so difficult...walking round from one corner to another is no longer a simple chore for her...she worries for everyone at home...and I believe all we can do to help is to let her have less worries.

For once, besides my own religion, I prayed to all gods that can help her...and if you can hear me...please do all you can to make her better.

Family Musings

Family Musings

Beijing 2

So anyway, this will be a regular thing...
Next month..might be a Dallas trip to evaluate a data center...that would be steaks and beer galore :) on vendor account of course:) ....heh heh

So until then, have a merry Christmas amigos:)

From Sam, Wabe and Yangkee :)

check out the latest Yangkee!

One of the many thrones... 

majestic.... 

Beijing

Back from the trip in Beijing.

It was cold but not as cold as I thought - most days I wore only my business coat..but of course my office is like next building from Zhao Long Hotel.

Infrastructure wise - it is so much better than Bangalore and this is the first place I did not see Indian staff in a IT office! Truly my last assignments in Bangalore are hardship cases:)

I had my assistant from Accenture Beijing, Ruan Hang and he is a humble and capable chap and a bunch of Oracle account managers from Hong Kong who were US citizens. So there you have it - a motley crew of chaps working together in an ancient capital of China where Kangxi and Qianlong once ruled. :)
Ruan Hang is the poor chap - always have to make sure our logistics is ok so we brought him out when we are doing business lunches and dinners. Brought him to HardRock Beijing and introduce him to burgers where he smoked a China cigarette and called it capitalist garbage ..the rest of us ROFL for minutes! Chap is from Qing Hua Uni ok...dont pray pray...and one of the Oracle chaps is a PHD in IEEE - I feel so inadequate sometimes :)

Wrapped up on Thursday evening and so went to Forbidden City (Gu Gong) on Friday morning.

The wonder of it - the vastness...you can only ... experience it when you stand in the open court and gaze at the structure...imagine the old officials of old as they make their way up to the imperial court...these were made to impress and intimidate...

Some pictures I took...

"Wu Men"  

New Post

It's been a while eh.

Well things have picked up quite a bit at work..

The China team has requested me to their architect - so now I am feeling some load:) heh heh well compared to the old work, this is "manageable activity" - after all, I do not need to have to take of sales related activities anymore...I can concentrate fully on the geek stuff - hehe pure hardcore software engineering..I never felt so ALIVE:)

I am amazed that a company like this, being more communciations focussed are ... so imbuded with IT principles..the way of architecture...etc...it is like being in NUS again..

For one, my cuff link shirts is gonna look out of place ..i am going to start look for short sleeved shirts with pockets in front so I can stuff many pens and notes etc hehehe..I need to look the part of the geeky architect and not a business consultant:P

Sam

New Tires

JC recommended me to Hankook tires...not bad...the place has great games and free coffee and pool table and a lounge!

Got 225/45/18 and a battery. Alignment was done and damn, so many faults....

Finally, the sweet sound of silent tires....grip is quite good compared to Aspect in the rain. :)

FINALLY!

Sam

$$

Find more results for ORCL

19.66

Total Profit per share= 1.66 USD

10,000/18 = 555

Total profit to date = 922 USD = 1383 SGD

All within 1 month.......enuff said :D

Sam

$$

Oracle Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:ORCL) - Add to Portfolio - Discuss ORCL

Find more results for ORCL

19.66

Total Profit per share= 1.66 USD

10,000/18 = 555

Total profit to date = 922 USD = 1383 SGD

All within 1 month.......enuff said :D

Sam

Finland

of all luck..my luggage for stuck at Frankfurt while I am already at Helsinski...luckily the electronic tagging systems works and it will be delivered to hotel later at 9 pm.

It is incredibly cold...and I first saw snow in my 35 year old life...it is very surreal to have breakfast while seeing the flakes gentling flutter down in a big city square..the pavement was lightly cloaked in white...

Whilst enjoying this... I also heard from Wabe that Yang is not doing as well in school... invariably guilt sets in and my being away so far did not help things... I felt so helpless and wanting to go back and support the family. Well, no use lamenting ...we have to take action ..once I am back - we will need to see what is the problem - it's heart warming when a family cuddles to face adversity:)

Hmm...oh yeah ... was surprised to see a Singapore stall in a Finnish mall earlier! BEEF KWAY TIAO, I hollered. The owner was surprised and grinned..."Singapore ar? heh heh... ai harm chio mai?" hhehe damn it is so heart warming to hear local slang in a foreign country..the owner is also thrilled to see fellow countrymen :)

But still, missed Wabe and Yang Kee...can't wait to be back :)

Now watching them via webcam...:)

Sam

Yang's Performance

It's the morning before I will hop on the plane to Finland later.

Temp check - minus 5 degree max... not as bad as predicted! Got even a few days of 2 and 3 degree!

Last Friday was Yang's performance. Watching the play gave me a bittersweet feeling...while my heart burst with pride as a father when I see my little boy running and dancing on stage...I also realized time indeed has flashed past almost without us knowing..

Children....why do they grow up so fast?:) Such that every action..every word becomes memories quickly...

When I first saw Yang...he was wrapped in a blanket - with eyes wide open looking at me. I just bend over and introduced "Baby..this is Papa..welcome to the family..." The experience is something I will never forget in a hurry.

Right now, my boy still sleeps with us in our bed and likes to bury his hands and feet under our bodies to get warmth. Sometimes, you get irritated when he kicks you repeatedly in the night but..sigh..one day one will look back and gives a million dollars just to replay these childhood days with your children again.

I am glad we have resisted the travelling jobs before during these formative years - truly nothing will compensate these times with your child.

Yesterday, Wabe gave me a "Ping an Fu"..I wore it during the dinner and trip home :) I am very touched by the gesture... sometimes you realized one do not need much to be happy.. happiness comes from contentment and I am blessed with my family :)

Sam

Top Joy and meet up and all

Met up Roger, Chun, Che2 and Kwang Meng over Kah Soh at Queen's Town Club. I tried my new Top Joy 5 Iron which I bought at Grand BigWin last week - it is very very good - the same quality as my 7. The new set costs 5800 - that's an amount which I think is quite ridiculous - I spied a 2nd hand one at 850...that might be a choice later.
Still, I am quite satisfied with the strokes - darn thing is ..my driver back got whacked when I swinged the iron - dented! my 400 bucks driver...but luckily only a bit at the back and not the club face.

Dinner was fun CKM got lost and there was a lot of wisecracks going on and stories of our uni days .. of weird professors and skipped lectures and the then MUDD games.
Shared some financial talk - CKM went for Masters in Applied Finance and jumped ship from IT...bloody traitor:P He too advocated paying up house loan early..his will end next year!! I must work harder!!!

Coffee at Red Hill coffee shop and then it was time to go - for some of us...it will be a long time before we will meet again..till next time..

Finland trip is confirmed ...2 trips in Nov ...wow....will update when I come back.

I bought the new Olympus miu 720 - water resistant t0 3 m!! 7.1 !! slick with audio video!! Will use it to record my Finland trip :)

ORCL latest quote:

Oracle Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:ORCL) - Add to Portfolio - Discuss ORCL
18.46

Still above 18...I heard the APAC Business Object management team has left - is this a sign that Oracle will buy up BO as speculated? Should I plunge into the BO shares? Thinking.....


Sam

Ong Saleh Dah Vader Din Din!

Ok, the round starts..


Oracle Corporation (Public, NASDAQ:ORCL) - Add to Portfolio - Discuss ORCL

18.10

10 cents above my expected price...waiting for it to dip...I sold off at 18.26.. give this a 3 year horizon....I believe this baby can rock.


Incidentally, if I had bought USD 10k ORCL shares in 1986, I will be a USD4 millionaire now....man..that's really amazing isn't it.


The China thing is more difficult...when I am in Beijing..I will do more local survey... I will think infrastructure stocks will still do well as the country is big and they are still expanding. If we hit jackpot, this will surely be the fastest ticket to Financial Freedom.

Ok...meantime, let's pray ORCL dip below 18 tonight.

Sam

Investment

There can only be so much one get reap from mere savings. Even FD just mitigate the inflation rate..as well as safeguard any unforeseen circumstances.

I bought a PaySafe insurance as one of my flexibenefits recently - this will ensures 75% of my last drawn if I suddenly cannot work. This latest safeguard frees up some worries and since we are already well covered in other safe equities like FD and bonds, I think it is time we venture into the "DArK" side :P

Briefly, I analyzed a Orchard studio for rental returns... based on Buffet's Forum advice ..dropped it almost overnight.

For a start, I will use a test sum of USD 10k to invest - and track my returns in this blog from now.

I am a rookie investor and hopefully this exercise will lead to passive income to sustain me and Wabe when we are retired and Yang is working.

For a start, I have decided USD5k to be put into a tech stock for Oracle.

Another USD 5K will be invested in a China company ( currently still researching).

Debt side, the stupid car loan sticks out like a sore thumb - a painful reminder of stupidity extreme in days of yore. The only consolation is we will ride out the stupid remaining years...sigh.

On brighter note, house loan should be cleared in 5 years or less.

Overall, the battle plan looks fine. Wabe will be the sanity check for all of us in case *ME* goes crazy again:)

Here's to financial freedom.

Sam

Investment

There can only be so much one get reap from mere savings. Even FD just mitigate the inflation rate..as well as safeguard any unforeseen circumstances.

I bought a PaySafe insurance as one of my flexibenefits recently - this will ensures 75% of my last drawn if I suddenly cannot work. This latest safeguard frees up some worries and since we are already well covered in other safe equities like FD and bonds, I think it is time we venture into the "DArK" side :P

Briefly, I analyzed a Orchard studio for rental returns... based on Buffet's Forum advice ..dropped it almost overnight.

For a start, I will use a test sum of USD 10k to invest - and track my returns in this blog from now.

I am a rookie investor and hopefully this exercise will lead to passive income to sustain me and Wabe when we are retired and Yang is working.

For a start, I have decided USD5k to be put into a tech stock for Oracle.

Another USD 5K will be invested in a China company ( currently still researching).

Debt side, the stupid car loan sticks out like a sore thumb - a painful reminder of stupidity extreme in days of yore. The only consolation is we will ride out the stupid remaining years...sigh.

On brighter note, house loan should be cleared in 5 years or less.

Overall, the battle plan looks fine. Wabe will be the sanity check for all of us in case *ME* goes crazy again:)

Here's to financial freedom.

Sam

Housing

I was mildly surprised whem my 2nd uncle in law mentioned that he did not make much from his flat - they have bought less like 20 years ago?
Granted prices are still pits now...but then I realized he was talking about opportunity cost!
You lose interest in your CPF when you use it to supplement the housing installments..
Therefore the actual gains ...might not be as hefty as you think.

This is a good lesson.

Despite all the negative images tagged to a thrifty person, I believe this behavior augurs well for the family and I believe and is glad that my 2nd uncle in law family will be the most secured financially moving into the future.

Which then spark off another argument: We will need to enjoy as we do not know when we will die....

I guess this is because we are all in this world for a different purpose.

Why do men of great standing like Dr Tony Tan stood for public service when he could well earn much much more in private? I believe we are all imbued with different values - we have a purpose to fulfill in this world and we are made to ease into the role.

I belong to a segment that believes in the Reward / Effort ratio which Wabe is strongly against. :)

Simply put, any effort I put into a job will need to have a big reward...i.e if Reward value is high and Effort value is low, then Reward/Effort will definitely be high!

Not exactly a very moral guiding principle for life but like I said, we are all born differently.:)

HOWEVER, I think it would be very unwise if I were to not make any disclaimer to this idea. Make no mistake, the Reward/Effort is RELATIVE...it's just a ratio..we are not talking absolute values here...so it is not as if you can reap much for no work coz.... 10000000000/0 has no value (IT's not infinity, smartass).
So hard work is still needed. Then we can talk about Rewards :)

Sam

New Wheels

I went to meet Justin from Poh Heng. He is as legendary as they claim...very helpful

Traded in my 17 inch and get a new used 18 inch with Federal 595..very noisy as they are performance tyres...will wait till next year then change back to Aspect db.

Damn fierce man the rims..heh heh

Will post more pics next time.

Sam

Tarot Cards & New Skin

I changed my blogskin today... jesus christ I sound like a teenager...which 35 year old dude still blogs..(please excuse commercials like mrbrown..).

But here you have it... the new non nonsense blogskin.

I read the last few entries and I must say, the standard of my writings had been deplorable recently. I guessed I was too eager to show off my new "toys" etc that ... my thoughts overrunneth my speed of typing (this stupid ergonomic keyboard sucks big time btw...). Anyway I realised that the wit or if there was ever one was missing. I need to refocus man..:)

Went to a tarot card reading today in Maxell House with Zi Lin, Yang, mum-in-law, 5/3 aunties. Heck...I think I did that kinda stuff before..before my then pastor stormed my house to clear my amulets...books etc to burn in church. I remembered telling Lawrence that I can't meet him to play tennis because my pastor was exorcising me.. he was like "What the fuck ..your excuses are getting very kua zhang". I said "My pastor is doing qu mo for me.." He said "Qu ni ma de mo lar..." and hang up. heh heh

But this was indeed the truth - they struck the buddhist amulet I bought from a thai monk for 150 bucks with a hammer and burn it..
On hindsight, I could have sold it off in the bbs (no ebay in those days). They keep pressing my forehead and saying "In the Name of Jesus , get out"..
Actually, for a moment I thought they were talking to me..and tried to get up..then the 2nd priest muttered "Not you , idiot".
I felt very stupid then.

Sigh...I think they were expecting me to ..what you call..ah yes manifest...gutteral voices etc and strength of 10 men etc...they got 3 other guys to standby.

I just asked them after a while.."Finish already or not?"

They did not comprehend as ...perhaps I wasn't too grammatically correct...so I repeated "Are we done with the exorcism?"

They asked me if I felt like coughing..I said i did...I coughed once.

"YES! this is it..they have been expelled with that cough"....intoned the pastor seriously.

I was like.."Ok...so can I go back now?"

Man....very exciting times...I was told some people will vomit green stuff ..actually...from a scientific perspective, I think they had bronchitis and green phlegm..

Anyway, I am glad to be back on my sarcastic self:)

Signing off..

Sam

New Job Day

It's been almost a week in my new job. Pretty slow compared to my days in Oracle..
I was told to be "less" on the ball ... don't rock the boat, Tornado...me?...on the ball? Blokes really have it real easy as end users..haha .. no wonder I worked my ass off as a vendor previously.

I keep getting good news... we get several hundreds a day if we travel (!!?) ... they give us thousands each year to buy insurance!?!? this is getting fun man...

I still feel like in a dream.....

God...I need to buy a NEW golf set liao.....heh heh
Sam

PS: If this is a dream, God don't let me wake up!

Last Day In Oracle

Today is my last day in Oracle.

It's been almost 2 years since I joined as a TAM... strangely I do not feel anything...perhaps our nature of job made us so detached from the company as an entity.. it did not matter to me and thus did not have any emotional impact.

Incidentally, one of Siebel's last remaining VP has resigned today...so hey..I shared in his exit:)

Anyway, the new load of options just got vested TODAY...and I immediately exercised them away ..heh heh...some more pocket money..it's begining to look like the dot com days...

With that, my last assets with Oracle are transacted...I doubt I will come back again... so here's a final farewell...hope the product will grow and thus enhanced my skills value..:P

Sam

Golf

I managed to finally mastered my 3 woods...

This is one good bargain James Kong gave me... heh heh I think it was 99 bucks for this superb piece of Joy product.I think it cost 400 in its first entry.

And no wonder...the sweet ping of the contact is exhilarating..and the distance...beyond 180...this is simply too good..

I got so worked up..I went to buy a new golf bag...this Mizuno compact bag which weighs only 1.5 kg and looks really good...

I wonder if I have the time to continue this after I start my new work...hopefully..

Yang is sick for the last 2 days but he was still quite energetic ..this is probably a virus and Wabe is still working...this arrangement is not very comfy..sigh...

Hopefully, things will get settled down soon.

Lawrence is just begining to get used to being a father...I think he is scared shitless...heh heh

Come Saturday he was planning a golf trip with me...OMG~!! I think I will wait to see if Jolene kills him or not first..heh heh

Ok time to go..I am looking for a Callaway set ...heh heh..

Hmm... this feeling is very good..when I was young...I always do not have what I want ...no cool toys like Ninetedo..control cars...
Hmm...think I better stick to my thrify mode...as always it is not what you earn but what you save..

Sam