Friday, June 27, 2008

Good harvest - bottled 7 April 2001


Easily the happiest days of 2008. Coming back to Singapore, seeing the familiar faces, tasting the street foods and walking the roads that seem to be constantly changing.

Had dinner with the Xueyan's parents, my parents and aunt as part of an "exploratory discussion" on things to happen over the next eight months. Having dated for more than seven years, I think most people are yearning for a interim conclusion. But most importantly, it is between me and Xueyan. It is about time, we too concluded.

Sharing the ice-cream along the banks of Singapore River, watching people tossed into the air over at Clarke Quay reminded me of your birthday dinner at London Bridge. We shivered in the wintry cold as we strolled along River Thames, admiring the lighted Tower Bridge in the night. Time has withered us and we have certainly aged. Whether in London or Singapore, I am so thankful that God kept this relationship and how other relationships may have gone cold after such a long time, our love has only aged like fine wine. Because He has been faithful and merciful to us.

From window-shopping and slacking at Coffee Club, the topic has slowly changed to buying a place and hunting for hotels. But that should not take away the focus of the impending event - that God should be honoured in everything and first coming to God for counsel BEFORE deciding on a particular decision and asking God to bless that decision.

I used to think that LDR is difficult but the past four months have been relatively manageable, in fact it actually rekindled a greater appreciation of Ms Wee when I see her. No more British subtlety, it is actually amazing. Pak-tor has taken a different role. Remember how over 30 months in London, we have never met for lunch during the work week, yet over the last four days we enjoyed three good one-to-one over simple meals and desserts. An infinite improvement!

So as I prepare to depart Singapore shores in three days, please know that you will not leave my heart. This love was not built on past memories but great expectations of the future, the binding of the hearts not with aesthetically pretty laces but with carefully woven threads directed by the Master and, prayerfully, hearts that resonate with that of the Maker.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

A week for a lifetime of happiness...

Finally back in Singapore and it doesn't seem that long from my last trip given that I was back in Feb for three weeks. But four months away from Xueyan have made this trip especially sweet for me when I surprised her at Bukit Merah. A pity I did not have a camera with me for that MasterCard moment.

The last five days have been extremely hectic. I am basically on a pseudo-PAP meet-the-people-session. I am so blessed to have caught up with people who matter to me and you, who have spared the time for me, even if it's only for ten minutes. And for that odd free meal. And the reason I wrote this is to remind myself of your kindness...

1. Peter, the first to catch up with me. That despite going away the very next day for a week-long trip to catch the Euro - LIVE! I know you were very busy but you always make time for me. Be it before I left for London more than two years ago, blessing myself and Xueyan with your family presence in London and offering support to us during this trying period. Your God-focus life will always be an encouragement and model for me.
2. Shu Ping and Chin Chin - the only bosses whom I have worked with in Singapore. Busy partners with high charge-out rates but not withholding time from me despite the fact that I am a "KPMG-deserter". The same six years ago and the same today - can only hope to find similar bosses when I return to Asia one day!
3. Weifu/Merlin/Jeiel/Joy - my best buddy and the Ong/Wee's pillar of support. Brother, you are the absolute role model for us. Your constant emails of advice and encouragement allow me to know God is at work. Despite the flaws that I have, you were never a "judge" like others. You live the "love the sinner, hate the sin" life and I can only be further blessed as I spend more time with you and the Lees. God has blessed you richly and I can be sure that the Lees will be more blessed. And as His blessings come on you, you will be the channel from which they will be passed on to many - us included.
4. Eliza - the same today and fifteen years ago (we do go back a long time huh?). The passion for Christ has only grown deeper and I am so thankful that you are in His service - not one which any TD&H can join. I am so happy that you are now... hmmm... you know la. So as you pray about what's next, I believe the desired conviction and serenity will come. Your obedience is unquestionable. His faithfulness is the answer.
5. Pearl aka Mrs Tang - I am so sorry that you might be the only VJ gal at THAT dinner. That's because you are special! Always so encouraged by our "yearly" meetings. Remember no subtle hints and knowing myself, Edmund cannot be faulted for being blur. Stay healthy and continue to pursue God. Prayerfully, Shane will be the first of many to come!
6. Shaiful/Serene/Ivin/Yu Ching/Jan/Amy (added) - there is life after KPMG! Shaiful, your time has finally come good. Those days of ranting and "red nose" have been rewarded. You give hope to better prospects outside practice. Three in four years, Serene you are a model for the Government's procreation campaign. I hope to rival you one day! As for the ING gang, we survived and seeing you today is a reward for the countless "work-past-midnight" peak season days. A compliance officer, a MAS assistant director and a mint manager. Not too bad!
7. Weixiong - short ten minutes lunch. Now that is really touch-and-go! But just hearing you say "Marriage has been great" was good enough for me. Your maturity and concern shown during our brief conversation is testimony to His work done. From the "fire-in-the-hole!" poly boy to a now responsible "no-secrets-between-husband-and-wife" man, you have certainly taught me some good stuff!

Okay, more meetings to come over the next few days and, undoubtedly, more blessings. Hopefully my stomach can take the triple-lunch sessions!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Have a laugh!

A man and his ever-nagging wife went on vacation to Jerusalem. While they were there, the wife passed away. The undertaker told the husband, "You can have her shipped home for $5,000, or you can bury her her, in the Holy Land, for $150.

The man thought about it and told him he would just have her shipped home.

The undertaker asked, "Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your wife home when it would be wonderful to be buried here and you would spend only $150?"

The man replied, "LONG AGO A MAN DIED HERE, WAS BURIED HERE AND THREE DAYS LATER HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD. I JUST CAN'T TAKE THAT CHANCE."

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

It has been a hundred days...

So excited to see you again.

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Britain Got Talent

Another interesting talent show which concluded on Saturday. Similar to American Idol (which incidentally originated from the UK), Britain Got Talent brings in acts/people with any "talent" which may include singing, magic, dancing, stand up comedy etc. Last year's winner was an opera singer. Supporters call in to vote for their favourite act. The winning act will get £100k and the chance to perform in front of the royal family at the Royal Variety show. And this year winner is, well.... choose from the two below.

George Sampson


Signature


But the qualifying act by Signature in the auditions was my favourite.