Wednesday, July 29, 2015

En Bloc Potential Or Not

This old condo I live in now has got tons of old folks. I hear that a lot of them have even lived here since day one, back in the seventies when this place was still a HUDC.

The oldies are very nice and friendly. Many a times if you're stuck in the lift with one of them, they'd be the first to initiate some form of polite conversation. It's very informal.

Yet this begs the question.

When you're already so old, chances are you won't want to move out of this place no matter how much money some cash-rich developer could pay you right? Home is where the heart is and these people have lived here all their lives, their comforts are all here. What would abit more money do for them? Money cannot buy the familiarity of this place they've lived so long, nor can it buy the old neighbours and friends they've grown to know and grow up with? Heck many of them have even seen their friends kids grow up and move out.

So what en bloc potential are we talking about afterall? 

The vote will never come to pass in this old town. Probably over their dead bodies.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

EPL 2015/16

Memphis Depay

Damian Matteo

Bastian Schweinsteigger

Morgan Schneidelin

Sergio Romero

I can't wait for the new EPL season to begin!

Let's win the league next season!

GGMU!!!

Saturday, July 25, 2015

KidsStop! @ The Singapore Science Centre

So disappointed that after a fulfilled day, I accidentally overwrote all my new photos when I synced my new iPhone 6 Plus later that night :(

Anyway we were at The Singapore Science Centre yesterday to check out one of its latest offerings. KidsStop! Is like a mega playground that filled with educational activities for kids 8yrs and below. 

There were a lot of interactive stations and hands-on things to do which was great. The kids loved it!

Since I don't have the benefit of posting pictures, let me see if I can recall much of it in words:

- There was a construction site station allowing kids to dress as construction workers and move fake bags of cement around. It also let you move a crane that picked up balls which was quite cool.

- There was a grocery store station where it simulated a grocery store and kids could role play as if they were customers or grocers and they could check out their items as well.

- There was an aircraft cockpit and mini planetarium to show the stars.

- There was a dinosaur fossil excavation site where the kids basically played with sand in an aircon setting. Pretty easy to manage I must say.

- There was a media room where kids could record themselves singing or performing to kids' songs and then watch themselves. It also came with a simulator that made you feel like you were in a car chase or chased by a dinosaur.

- There was a hanging climbing structure where kids could climb some three stories up and at the top was a music room. Not many kids made it to the top though.

There's much more little nooks and crannies for kids to play at but the above are the main stations.

Then we also watch this short film called "Back To The Moon For Good" which was nothing more than a lame-ass advert for Google's LunarX Program about sending a rover into space and onto the moon, plus move a distance of 500m.

All in all a great day for the kids! 

Friday, July 24, 2015

Fatherhood Reflections XII

The kids are growing so much faster now.

Right now they're at that age where they are self-sufficient, aware of what is going on around them, and have feelings. They can talk with alot of sense too.

They are alot more understanding as well, so it is very easy to talk to them these days, even though I still take on the fierce role of having to beat them once in a while still.

Right now I try to give an air of non-chalence in front of them, trying my best not to show like my whole world revolves around them. It is not easy, and it is necessary to prevent them from growing to be part of the strawberry generation.

The boy is quite sensitive and can relay his feelings well. He is very obedient most times and can be rationalized with. He tends to be very timid though, and is easily pushed around. Particularly by his sister. Haha. Nonetheless he's very entertaining to have around. I wonder what type of professional position would suit his personality? A doctor perhaps?

The girl is also rather sensitive and at the tender age of 3, is almost as tall as the boy and very good at relaying her feelings too. She is more stubborn and definitely more assertive. She is also decisive and shows a level of maturity far, far beyond her little age. Very entertaining. I can picture her growing up to be in some sort of leadership position in the future.

To many more years of happiness with the kids! Or what's left of it!

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

祝我生日快乐

Another year older but none the wiser.

Here's wishing myself many many good years ahead.

I really need that.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

David And Fiona's Wedding

Was one of the groomsmen yesterday at my good friend's wedding.

It was such a fantastic event. Morning, drove the groom to St Regis, followed by a very meaningful solemnization and then prepared for the wedding luncheon. This was followed by a surprise drinking party at a secret location (The Black Swan).

"You owe it to God and all the witnesses present today at your solemnization to lead a happy and meaningful journey as man and wife" - the pastor/JP

Here's wishing the couple an everlasting journey or love and happiness.




Singapore River Safari

A great day out to one of the few attractions in Singapore which we haven't been to!

















Friday, July 10, 2015

Travel Halt

I've been jetting in and out far too often in recent times.

It is time to take a short breather and take stock of what I'm doing and how I'm spending my time.

Honestly a big reason why the longer term planned move to Shanghai didn't happen was simply because of the kids. I'm glad I chose to stay that's for sure.

Right now the focus is on getting the finances in order and prepare for the big ticket items due at the end of next year.

Beerfest 2015


Definitely wasn't as good as last year's. 

I think it was the music that just didn't cut it for me.

Last year we had the power Killer Queen as the marquee act whereas this year it was a so-so Lez Zeppelin.

Still ended up drunk nonetheless!

Back In The Shang


Seems as though I've been away for a long time, and yet it's only been a month.

I guess I miss this place and its people somewhat.

Hope to make the most of this week here with the staff in the Shanghai office.