Here Fishy Fishy!

Got this from the mall today. For free!

At first, I have mistaken it for a fly, with its large bulging eyes but at the second glance I've recognize that it's actually a fish on a fishing pole!

I have to admit, this balloon twisting thing really interests me. I think it's because this is done completely by hand by a balloon artist, unlike commercial ones such as mylar balloons with prints on it. Also, I think it is an art in its own right.

Actually, I'm planning to learn the basics so that in the future, I can do some balloon art for my daughter's birthday party. Cool! (plus I can save a lot!)

Back to Nemo (in blue), I think this one is cleverly executed. I definitely like it, maybe more than Ashrie does. It's cute! Don't you agree?

Enough said, here is a demonstration on how these lovely, animated, balloon creations are done. Watch and learn... and enjoy!

Island Getaway

Ferry tickets booked, land transfers arranged and hotel accommodation reserved.

Next Friday, we (meaning me & my girls) will be leaving the shores of Singapore to spend a weekend on a beach resort in a nearby island that is Bintan, Indonesia.

The northern tip of the island, Bintan Resorts is 45 minutes from Singapore by ferry, full of expensive resorts and manicured lawns. Quite different from the rest of the island, it is the home for several resorts of international calibre. One of which is Angsana Bintan, our resort of choice.

Looking at these pictures alone makes me feel relaxed and calm. I can't wait. I can almost hear the waves...

Mona Lisa Smile

Oh dear, it's raining! It is planned that after my half-day work in the office today, we will conduct a major photoshoot at the playground or at the park with Ashrie. Unfortunately, it has been a Saturday drenched by rainshowers from morning until late afternoon!

Nevertheless, we managed to get out of the house, probably an hour before sundown and took some clicks. Here is her best shot.

Taken just at the void deck of our apartment. She looks stunning in that generous smile! Showing off her eight pearly whites! Oh, I just love that smile!

Pobody’s Nerfect!

Nobody’s perfect!

Come to think of it, there’s really no such thing as a perfect family, perfect wife- none, perfect kids – (I hope, but) none. But have you heard of a perfect husband?

Here’s a story from jokes.christiansunite.com, The Perfect Husband. Read on.

There are several men in the locker room of a private club after exercising. Suddenly a cell phone that was on one of the benches rings. A man picks it up and the following conversation ensues:

"Hello?"

"Honey, It's me."

"Sugar!"

"Are you at the club?"

"Yes."

"Great! I am at the mall 2 blocks from where you are. I saw a beautiful mink coat... It is absolutely gorgeous!! Can I buy it?"

"What's the price?"

"Only $1,500.00"

"Well, OK, go ahead and get, if you like it that much..."

"Ahhh and I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the 2001 models. I saw one I really liked. I spoke with the salesman and he gave me a really good price ... and since we need to exchange the BMW that we bought last year..."

"What price did he quote you?"

"Only $60,000..."

"OK, but for that price I want it with all the options."

"Great!, before we hang up, something else..."

"What?"

"It might look like a lot, but I was reconciling your bank account and...I stopped by the real estate agent this morning and I saw the house we had looked at last year ... it's on sale!! Remember? The one with a pool, English Garden, acre of park area, beachfront property..." "How much are they asking?"

"Only $450,000... a magnificent price, and I see that we have that much in the bank to cover..." "Well, then go ahead and buy it, but just bid $420,000. OK?"

"OK, sweetie... Thanks! I'll see you later!! I love you!!!"

"Bye... I do too..."

The man hangs up, closes the phone's flap and raises his hand while holding the phone and asks to all those present: "Does anyone know who this phone belongs to?"

Happy Sacrifices

We rarely see these two words together. It is such an ironic combination because the adjective “happy” is seldom used to describe sacrifice. We always have the notion that sacrifice is difficult, it’s heavy and toilsome.

But I say it’s possible. Ultimately, if we do things for God, it has eternal gains. In Galatians 6:9 (NIV) it reads: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. So, sacrifices which are done for God can be a happy thing because we will receive a reward, if not now, in the future.

Also, it can be happy sacrifices when we do difficult things for our family. Though we exhaust ourselves and grew weary, it’s good to know, that we are doing the right thing, not only for ourselves but most especially for our loved ones.

So every time you think of sacrifice, look at it at a different perspective. Think of it as good, think of it as beneficial, not only for the ones you’re doing the sacrifice for, but also for yourself. And most of all, think of it as happy!

SmartParenting Seminar

Yesterday, we attended a Parenting Seminar held in Marina Mandarin Singapore. Topics include:

How TCM helps to alleviate stress effectively for you and your child
Is Your Child Financially Ready?
Nurturing the Winner & Genius in Your Child

As you know, we are taking parenting seriously. And I think every parents should do the same. It's ever difficult to raise good kids especially in our time, but I believe nothing is impossible if we rest our faith in Him who knows the future.

Parenting is a learning process, so we grab every opportunity to learn new things and relearn the basics. It's essential alongside prayers and determination to be better parents for Ashrie everyday.

Pininyahang Manok

Here's for lunch today!

Pineapple Chicken, Chicken Aloha, call it whatever you like, but for me it's Jane's Pininyahang Manok. Tender-juicy chicken pieces with creamy sauce and sweet pineapple chunks. Great with hot rice!

I really enjoyed it! Yum!

Screaming Ashrie

I posted this photo on her Perfect 10 (Tenth Month) Album in Facebook and I thought of sharing it here. Well not in her most glamorous pose I should say but I think nonetheless adorable. And many others thought so. I love this pic!

We’re on the Magazine!

We are indeed on the magazine!

Although not on the cover and definitely not our best shot, but there we are... on a page of Singapore’s No. 1 Parenting Magazine, Young Parents Magazine, March 2010 Issue.

 

This ala-paparazzi shot was taken when we attended a parenting seminar at Marriott Hotel Singapore, 24 January 2010.

 

Hmmm, I always knew we have that star quality!

A Good Weekend

What a terrific Sunday! Made more special with Jane's Bacon & Egg Medley for breakfast! Hmmm, Yummy!

Hula-Hoop Baby

I really had a good laugh with this one!



Funny it may seems, this taught me a very important lesson.

Encouragement builds confidence. As you can see, the little boy really doesn’t do anything! He cannot do the hula, he dropped the thing even before he starts shaking his cute little hips. But ironically, his parents cheered him on, gave good remarks, and everyone shouted with glee! The older sister also made a tremendous effort on her part by freely sharing the toy with her baby brother without hesitation. What a happy family!

I wish we can all do the same in our own families, to support them, may it be a little activity or great ventures. To just be there, no matter what...

I’m sure this little boy will grow without insecurities because he knew his family believes in him.

Keeping the Baby Alive till Your Wife Gets Home

I have read this book about a year ago, during the time my wife was still pregnant with Ashrie. But seriously, the only thing I can remember was the catchy title - KEEPING THE BABY ALIVE TILL YOUR WIFE GETS HOME. Actually, this is an exaggeration, but the truth remains it’s not easy to look after the baby.

Fortunately, never have I been given a task to look after the baby for long hours, it’s just short minutes of togetherness with the baby when I return from work. But even in that little span of time, accidents still happen! With my defensive mode on, I would like to ask the big question. Why do mishaps usually occur during my watch?

Yes, it’s a fact. Ten-month-olds are very active, thus prone to little accidents, but again the question: Why on my time to look after her? Is it that I have been careless, maybe I’m not attentive enough, or is it that I am plainly stupid? (Well, probably all of the above) or perhaps Ashrie is very confident that I, her loving dad will always be there to catch her whenever she falls?

I must admit, even though fate has not been fair to me, it was me. It was my fault. So sorry baby, and to my wife too!

And finally, lessons learned, and this is also my advice to young dads out there. NEVER blink an eye whenever it’s your time to look after your little darling and NEVER EVER blame the baby for her boo-boo!

Newbie Blogger

With the unlimited space in this very "public diary" (though I am certain that at this point no one else is reading), I plan to share the overload of my musings, my reflections, my thoughts, views-of-the-matter and what have I.

I guess you've noticed that this blogging thing is very new to me and I must admit, I have stopped writing since I graduated from the university about 10 years ago!

Anyway, I hope to be of assistance, an inspiration, a companion and friend, or even a blessing to someone. And let be known that it is never in my intentions to hurt or offend anybody in my writings. So help me God.