.. so good to have a break without the boys

This was back in end July 2007, one of the few breaks that we took without the boys. Connie and I went to Gold Coast for a short break. We visited Univeral Studios and rode the Batman ride - it was quite fun. Saw some show there plus a show in the Jupniter Hotel - it was quite relaxing and interesting. The best show was the Australian dinner and show.

Couple of low lights though - was down with food posioning most of the trip. The QF flight was also not the greatest (no service and the seats were really small even for Asians) - swear we will not take QF again! But all in all, it was good to take a break!

... so good to meet old friends during Chinese New Year

This year we decided to do IFS gathering at Cliff's home. Here is See Hoe and Corrine - though he has moved back to Metso, we still get together at least once a year for CNY.

The traditional 'Lo Hei' - making a mess of the salad as a ritual to wish progress, prosperity and good fortune in the new year. The sign of true friendship when we can just get together once in a long while yet chat as though it was yesterday.

... so good to be recognized by Singapore Sports Council

 With the coach and his two proteges (both winners tonight)

Kenneth was award Meritorious Sportsboy Award for his achievements in squash. Nobody from squash has won this award for almost a decade. So it was a landmark event for squash community as well.

... so good to win Asian Squash Championship (Plate)

As an 18 year old boy, winning at a senior level event is another milestone for Kenneth. Though it was only a plate championship, he had to beat many up and coming seniors from Korea, Japan and other Asian countries.

Some of the team members with Zainal (Coach)

...so good to have extended family together for CNY

Family photo with almost everyone present. Missing is Lai Chun and Edwin (overseas). At least twice a year, the extended family will meet for reunion dinner and first day of Chinese New Year! Pity that these family traditions are slowly being eroded by distances and time.

...so good to represent West Coast Constituency

So much fun bringing together the residents of the West Coast constituency to play in the inter-constituency squash tournament. The team came in second (beyond anyone's expectations!). But it was a great time of bonding and just having fun - training, strategizing and just plain playing. The members included (top left to right) - Siong (our fruit seller from Holland V), Robert (our super fit weapon despite his age), Joe (upstairs neighbor), Yi Jia (neighbor from Block 22), Michael (coach as he is not really West Coast resident though he lives along West Coast Road). Bottom (left to right) Vincent (our caption and liaison), Wynn (our doctor to be), 'forgot her name',  Connie (mummy to the team), Kenneth (budding coach).

... so good to represent Singapore at the Asian Junior Championship

So good to hit another milestone. It had always been Kenneth's dream to represent Singapore and he made it at the age of 14 in what is an Under 19 Championship. His path to qualify for the team included playing trials with boys much older (at least by 2 years) to him. He wanted it so badly that in his final match for the trials, he played even though he was having fever. Consequently, he threw up during the match but his other wins and dedication won the selection committee over and he was allowed to represent Singapore in this prestigious event in Pakistan.


Connie accompanied him on this trip. It was a most unforgettable experience - being escorted by commandoes throughout the trip as security was still an issue (with them stationed on every hotel floor that they were staying; having them as out riders throughout the trip, them clearing out restaurants for the team to eat ...). But the team also visited the snow capped mountains of Pakistan, visited Fahim's family home, the markets with the unusual sights and smells. Overall, it was a great time of fun, bonding and squashing with friends all over Asia.