... it is so good to catch up on the entries

It has been almost 3.5 years since I last posted. What happened? 

A couple of things - Connie retired end 2015 and Nathan arrived in Feb 2016!

Connie retirement means that I have less access to iMac and the photos that are stored there. We also fired the maid so I am busy doing most of the house work - cleaning, ironing and washing. Nathan's arrival meant a lot less 'me' time was we have grandparent duties from early in the morning till the evening every weekday. So much so I am now referred to by friends as 'grandpa' and everyone know that I am only available on Thursday afternoon for golf or DDZ. All in all life seems to be too hectic to post.

Going forward the posts will be infrequent as Dylan has arrived and we are even more busy. Even though J&A has hired a maid, life is just activity packed. From sending and fetching Nate from kindergarten, buying lunch, bringing him to swim lessons, putting him down to nap, ...

Life is busy, hectic and tiring but still great ... as we watch Nathan and Dylan grow! They are real cuties and brings lots of joy. 

Also am really happy that Ken has found his niche - living in SF, enjoying the life style there, playing golf, squash and skiing and meeting Audrie. Hopefully things will take it's natural course and he will have a life partner.

I have always expressed that my expiry date is 65 and in half a year I will reach that mile stone - also eligible to start receiving my retirement monthly payout. As of now - I am happy to say good bye if it so happens. Life has been good and regrets have been few.

Life has been and is great! 

... so good to celebrate Connie's 60th Birthday

10 July 2016 marks not only Connie's 60th birthday (and officially becoming a senior citizen) but also marks our 34th wedding anniversary. 

As in our tradition, we gathered our close friends for a Chinese dinner with karaoke! This year the group was extended to include Lawrence and Cindy. Lawrence has always been a close friend of Connie and unfortunately the relationship was strained over the last decade but things seems to have been patched up. 

It was additionally special that Kenneth was back from US for a friend's wedding but also managed to celebrate the occasion with us. He made a guest appearance before heading off to the wedding. Of course, her BFF were all present. We thank God for these friends that have shared our lives over the last 40-50 years through thick and thin, ups and downs. joy and pain! 

We had a second round of celebration with the family at Woollonmooloo Steak House. Though the name is Australian (Woolloomooloo is a suburb of Sydney) it is actually an Hong Kong chain.

Their speciality is the Tomahawk steak which was about 2+kg of meat that we shared. We definitely rate it better than Morton or Lawry. Great food and feeling so blessed to be surrounded by family. Nathan is 4 months old and a very behaved baby - such a blessing that he can be with us through dinner without fussing.

Thank you, Connie for 34 years of continually supporting me. I know at times you may disagree with my decision but you have never failed to stand beside me. As the mother to our children and grandmother to Nathan you have done an excellent job of loving and caring for them. I am eternally grateful to God for bringing you into my life!

.. so good to extend the Chan family line

12 Feb marks a major milestone for the entire family with the birth of Nathan Chan at 10.03am. But the drama started the night before around 10pm when the contractions started. From then it was a real roller coaster experience for his parents and the grandparents.

Before that Andrea had requested that we prepare some jello for her to have as sustenance during labor. Connie was supposed to cook that night but the call came in even before the jello set.

We all rushed down to the hospital but the dilation was so slow that we were advised to go home and come back the next day. Furthermore only Jon was allowed to be in the delivery room with her. So reluctantly we left but even before we could drive out of the car park, Jon called to say that Andrea wanted to come out and be with us. So we all turned around and headed up the delivery area again.

Andrea was determined to deliver naturally without any pain killer but we could see that she was in intense pain though dilation was extremely slow. We stayed for a couple of hours after which Andrea really had to go back in and rest as the pain was getting too intense.

We went home but for the rest of the night, we slept fitfully half expecting a call from Jon to say Nathan was delivered. It wasn't until early morning to say that the gynecologist was coming in to deliver Nathan. So we rushed down again at about 7am. But we had to wait for another 3 hours before we could see Nathan being wheeled out of the delivery ward to his room.

We went through the whole range of emotion - excitement when we first heard that Andrea was going into labour, to pain as we shared the intense pain of her labour, to anxiety as we did not know what was happening through the night and finally the joy of seeing Nathan - healthy and full of hair!

When Jon was born it was an amazing miracle to us - how we could instant love him and want to protect him. Nathan's delivery brought us to an even higher level of love! This day will always be a special day in our lives along side our wedding day, the birth of each of our son! Praise God for the miracle of life!

Thank you Jon and Andrea for sharing with us this wonderful day!

... so good to start a new tradition

This is the first Chinese New Year since Jon and Andrea got married. So Connie wanted to start a new tradition of having a steamboat dinner on CNY eve. Looking forward to many more such meals especially when we can have 3 generations at the same table!

Connie prepared a great spread with scallops, sliced beef, sliced pork, prawns, crab sticks, many different kind of balls and lots of veggie.

Though Andrea was close to the delivery date of our first grand kid she continues to have a healthy appetite as she did not experience any morning sickness. Actually she had a great pregnancy with little discomfort.

Really thank God for the easy pregnancy and the gift of a grand kid!

... so good to celebrate Sau Chee's 60th birthday

Connie's best friend for over half a century celebrated her 60th birthday! Sau Chee (Eileen) not only has been a faithful and great friend but she also gave half her life to serve God as a missionary in Indonesia. Her life is an inspiration to all around her.

She is truly a gift from God to all of us. It was a joy and privilege to share the celebration with her! God is great ... life is good!

... so good to have another break at the beginning of the year

To kick off the year - 3 couples (Gabriel & Maria, Wilson & Selina, Connie & I) decided to take a quick break to Bangkok for golf, massage, food, shopping and relaxation!

It was so good to be with friends and enjoy chit chatting over wine and snacks during happy hour. Thai food is delicious and not so expensive! 

Golf was fun though we all played less than good. Ended up how many balls were lost instead of strokes!! But it was fun walking 2 X 18 holes around some beautiful scenery. 

No sight-seeing this trip as we did all that in May last year. So we spend the rest day at Healthland Spa - loved the massage. Followed by shopping at Thaniya Plaza with 5 storeys of golf shops. Bought some cheap arm sleeves, belts, gloves, legging, etc

All in all - a great start to the year with a quick break! Life is great!

... so good to start the year celebrating Stephanie's wedding

Stephanie (my colleague from Infor) got hitched on the second day of the new year! Her wedding dinner almost became an Infor D&D event!! Lots of old colleagues catching up over cocktails and dinner. We were the noisiest tables that night - including the loudest 'yum seng'.

It was also an opportunity to pull out the casual jacket that Jon bought for me! No bad looking couple at almost 60! Mary Loo had an application on her phone that was supposed to beautify selfies - I guess to remove wrinkles and blemishes! 

Stephanie was a lovely gal that helped organised many Infor gathering and we are so happy for her that she found her special one! Congrats! Life is so good when we can celebrate!

This year Christmas party was a smaller party as Dave and Wai Sin; Johnny and Oi Leng and their respective families were away on holidays.

But we kept the tradition and had a small and cozy gathering. Andrea and Jon joined us for dessert! It has been a tradition for years and we hope that we can continue to celebrate the birth of Christ and the redemptive act for many more years to come.

We also joined the Baker's traditional Christmas lunch. So good to have an extended family to celebrate the season with.

Of course, Shirley and Yew Kong (and family) joined us in spirit! Life is good!

.. so good to meet old (literal and otherwise) class mates

This was the Senior (Citizens) Prom for RI Class of 71/73.

Almost 100 of us gathered together at NUSS, Suntec to celebrate us surviving since we left school in 71 (O Levels) and 73 (A Levels). That's like 32-34 years ago that we shared classrooms. Above is the 'Arts' classes representatives and you will noticed that we had the most girls in our classes compared to the nerdy science and medicine classes. We were also known to be the most fun stream.

The night was spent recollecting our fun times - parties, pranks on teachers and fellow students, the nick names that we gave teachers and each other. Those were such care free days of pure fun mixed with some academic pursuits. Most of us turn out quite  fine despite our (non) interest in classes.

So good to catch up with 'old' school mates. Some that we still see around the golf clubs!

... so good to take a quick break to Hong Kong / ZhongShan

So good that Connie is retired and we can just take impromptu trips.

Knowing that our wings will be clipped in 2016, Connie and I decided to take a quick break to HK/ZS for golf, food and shopping!

Wilson and Selina hosted us at Agile Golf Club, ZhongShan where they are members. They also brought us around ZS to try all the different food. Worthy of mention is Shi Qi with the roasted pigeon and open kitchen concept. One can see the chefs preparing and cooking the food right in the front. Many unique dishes to try.

Then back to HK for more food (roast goose at Ren Ren Heping) and many other HK specialities like egg tart, clay pot rice, dim sum, ... Connie also went shopping with Selina for herbs, nuts and waxed duck leg. etc

We took a quick trip to Shenzhen for a spa day as well. An experience not to be missed to be pampered at a reasonable cost.

Met up with CP Tsui for a round of golf and catching up on ECS. Sad to hear that Roger had a stroke and Nolan had to migrate to Australia as his son was not behaving there. Business partners that have become friends. I am so thankful that many of the people I worked with have become friends even though we longer work together.

The trip made us thankful for friends (who showed us ZS and HK), for health (to enjoy all the lovely cholesterol loaded food) and energy to golf and shop. 

Life is great ... 

... so good to have another cruise

Another year, another cruise. This time we decided to do the Grand Mediterranean cruise. Though it covered some of the ports that we have been to; there were many new ports that we have yet to explore. Furthermore many of the repeat ports had attractions that we did not see the first time e.g. in Athens we saw the Acropolis but we decided to visit the museum this time and it was a totally different experience; at Sorrento we finally purchased the wood inlaid lazy Suzy (after debating for 5 years); etc

Since we discovered the fun and ease of cruising we have been doing almost an annual cruise. We love the fact that we don't waste time travelling from city to city and there is no checking in and out of hotels, packing and unpacking. The food is always good. Furthermore, we can always tag on pre and post cruise destinations. On this trip we explore Venice for 3 days before the cruise and 2 days in Barcelona after. We also appreciate the sea days that allow us to relax and catch our breath before the next batch of excursions. 

It is so good that we are still able physically and fiscally to enjoy these cruises. Thank God for the energy and ability to enjoy the many wonders that He has created all around the world!

... so good to catch up with old friends

It was great to catch up with Laus! The Lau clan were in town for a wedding and we managed to catch them for one dinner together with Oi Lin and Fong Oi.

The food was good but the company was better as we gossiped on everyone we knew - on both sides of the pond. Folks at LSBC/Holland/Exodus and at Mascot Fellowship. Wonderful to catch on news from every front but also a timely reminder that we should be making our decade (ly) year trip down south to catch with folks there.

We are so blessed by friends that we can catch up after many moons as though it was yesterday that we met. 

(I am reminded of how blessed I was in Australia as a student to receive the many blessings from the folks at the church especially the Jees, Laus and Harts. I am eternally grateful to them for they made the whole Aussie experience such a warm and unique one. Those 3 years made a huge mark on my life!)

Life is so good when you can count on friends like them.

... so good to reach the big six-O

Reaching sixty meant several birthday cakes and celebrations. Started with celebrating with the Chan family at home with a cake baked by Michelle. Followed by dinner with the core group and then another with the ex-IFS/Infor friends.

Feeling wonderfully blessed to have great friends and family to celebrate with.

Six decades of life - half of them spent with Connie - my lovely life companion, friend, travel partner, , mother of my children, wife and confidant! Life has indeed been good to me. As I have always stated ... 死而无憾 (hee hee... not bad for a RI boy who failed his chinese at O level)

... so good to celebrate National Day together and to remember Dad

We celebrated National Day as a family (LF, LY and our spouses) at my place. But more so ...

10th August is a memorable day for us ... it is the day that Dad passed away 33 years ago... exactly one month after our wedding. It came as a shock as he was in good health. He was on his way to work as usual and (we heard) that he felt unwell, sat down to drink from his bottle of tea and then just collapsed on the road side. It was the first time in our lives that we had to deal with death in a real way ... when we went down to the police station to identify his personal belonging we were shell shocked! And when we were at the mortuary to identify his remains, we were still unsure what had happened.

We were traumatized by the suddenness of his passing away but on hindsight we are glad that he did not suffer long with sickness or be in hospital for an extended period of time. 

Dad was a good provider and worked till his last day. He cared and loved us though he never verbalized it. His way of caring was to provide for us. Thus it was a struggle to cope with the funeral arrangements. Dad had not accepted Christ and we had to have a traditional Chinese funeral but as Christians we did not want to participate in some of the rituals which involved ancestor worship yet we wanted to show him the respect due to him as our father. I had to take the lead as the Christian male in the family. It was an extremely stressful period ... glad that Connie was by my side and supported me.

Some 33 years later - I am now in his position - being a father-in-law, provided for my own sons and soon to be a grand father; I am filled with gratitude for his care, provision and love but more so I understand his feeling of pride in seeing our off spring mature and establish their own family and the loss of knowing that our son will soon have his family as priority!

But to sum it all,  it is so good that the Lord has blessed us with so much - health, our daily bread and our family and friends! 

... so good to welcome our grandson

UltraSound Scan of our Grandson

On our return from US, we attended David's wake. Jon and Andrea picked us up and send us home that evening. In the car, Andrea gave us the news of the year - we are going to be grandparents in Feb 2016

Connie was so tired that she did not hear the announcement and only later when I repeated it to her  that she realised it and was overjoyed. It was a surprise to them and us but it  was truly a blessing. On hindsight I think they realise it is a good thing that the 'accident' happened.

So good to know that another generation is on the way!

... (not) so good as David passes on.

Just as we were about to leave SF to return to Singapore we heard the sad news that David (Connie's second brother) passed away from complications from his cancer. This is the second person we lost in the month of July. Life is indeed short.

David was diagnosed with cancer of the throat more than a year ago. He went for surgery and recovered well enough to complete a half marathon in early 2015. So it was a shock when we heard (during our trip) that he was hospitalized from a relapse.  

Though Connie had her differences with him over the care of their mother, she was still upset by her loss. Theresa (his wife) held up well and is now volunteering at a hospice to look after a priest from their church. 

David was the most health conscious and it came as a shock that he was the first to pass on - it just goes to show how unpredictable life is. We can do everything to prolong our journey here but when it is time to go; there's nothing we can do to change it. Just a reminder to value each day we have - to live and love to the fullest.

... so good to celebrate Connie's birthday with Ken in SF

It was the last day of our stay in SF - flying off at midnight but we managed to squeeze in a birthday dinner for Connie at  Scoma's Restaurant - one of the best seafood restaurant in the Fisherman's Wharf.

The food was great but greater still was being able to celebrate Connie's birthday with Kenneth who has been away for six years and missing on his mum's birthday for quite a few years!

Such a blessing to be able to just have a celebratory dinner with him and his flatmate (Ian). The perfect end to another great trip!

... so good to be in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

We accompanied Ken to San Francisco to help him settle into his new apartment. The original plan was to help him do apartment hunting but that was settled by Ian (his apartment mate) - so we had more time to sight see and help him set up the apartment.

On arrival we did household goods buying at Ikea and Target - even at the Premium Factory Outlet we bought household stuff (on top of clothing). Ken and I also managed to play 4 rounds of golf at Golden Gate Park and Lincoln Park. The weather was perfect - 20º plus minus.

Ken went with us for a wine tour and Segway tour. 

Connie and I also managed to hop on to the Big Bus HOHO (hop on and hop off) 48 hours tour which included a night tour and side tour to Sausalito. 

On the pier at Sausalito

We also did a 3 day/2 night tour to Yosemite National Park. We were blown away by the sights.

At Glacier Point with the Half Dome in the background

Life is great - spending time with family and seeing so many wonders of the world!

... so good to have Ken back for 3 months

Kenneth came back for Jon's wedding but stayed for an extended break before starting his new job in San Francisco. So we had a great bonding time - playing golf and traveling to Bangkok (to play doubles with Zainal), China (his first trip to China) and Siem Reap (to see Angkor Wat).

Family Shot at Bridge over River Kwai

Feeding tiger cub at the Tiger Temple

Really glad to have Ken make his first trip to China even though it is to Kunming and Lijiang for golf and sight seeing.

Golf at Jade Dragon Snow Mt Golf Course - the longest 72 hole course in the world. Elevation - 3,200 m

We also visited the Stone Forest in Kunming is also a World Heritage site.

Another item off our bucket list - Angkor Wat in Siem Reap which is another World Heritage Site.

In front of the refelection pool at Angkor Wat

Lots of air miles but also a good bonding time. During the travel, we also realize how much Ken has matured. From some one who hardly reads, he was reading on his Kindle. 

His thinking has matured and his general knowledge has grown multiple folds. Guess his education at Yale has paid off!

... so good to see Jon and Andrea tie the knot

Today will be one of the most memorable day for Connie and I. We have not travelled for almost half a year in anticipation of this day and it has been all worth it. I have not seen Connie as excited about anything as this wedding.

Jonathan has always made us proud in everything he did, every decision and how he has grown into a matured young man. Andrea is also a well brought up intelligent and loving lady. Perfect couple.

The church ceremony was really meaningful. The tea ceremony was simple but significant. Dinner was perfect - the food was great, the band entertaining and the speeches well crafted and delivered. Perfect day!

Words cannot express the joy we feel today! Just like a sense of wonder over came as when we first saw Jonathan as a baby, today a sense of fulfillment, pride and achievement swept over us!