What if You Have ______ to Live?

We went to Noah's Ark for a school trip last week. We watched a mini show and at the end of it, we were told to scribble what we will write to our love ones if we had only 30 seconds to live. Well, that got me pondering a little.

Recently, my cousin had to make that decision. When she found out that she had cancer, it was already at its terminal stage. She probably had six months to live. There must have been really hard decisions that she had to make. I guess it must have been a difficult time for her.

I thought and wondered what if I was in that position, what would I really do? For starters, I'll spend a month in California visiting my cousins and best friend. The second month, spend time with my family and friends in Spore and the final four months, I'll hole up at home with Babe and spend all my time with him. But then again, this is what my current thoughts are and when it truly happens, things may truly change.

Yes, as usual, I am quite morbid. I tried to figure out what will I write in 30 seconds, but it was hard. How can I condense my love and gratitude to all that I love in 30 seconds? All I could think of was, "See ya later! Love ya all and will be waiting in heaven for you!" And don't worry, I'm fine, just a little overweight!

End of Summer Holidays and Start of Work

We're finally back in Hong Kong. We flew back last night. Felt a little pang when I kissed JC goodbye. It sucks to realise that the next time I see her, it'll be three months later. Oh well.....

The short trip back was really good. I caught up with my cousins. I really had a great time catching up with them. It was rare actually to see Sharon, Morgan and Xiao Di all at the same time. Was really good to see Morgan again. Am truly glad that he's doing fine. It was fun to see the next generation of cousins playing and hanging out with each other. It's rare for cousins to love hanging out together but in our family, it's quite a norm. Am grateful for my parents for that.

On the flight, I read an article from Straits Times about wayward teens. Got me into a pensive mood. I remember joking with Joanne telling her to save money so that she can send JC to Havard. Reading that article, and thinking of JC, no mother or aunty can ever envision that her daughter or niece would turn out to be a wayward teen. We all have hopes, aspirations and dreams for our children but what went wrong that they turn out wayward.

Anyway, work started today. Went in for meetings. It was nice to see colleagues and share holiday stories. Tomorrow, we're heading to Noah's Ark. It was strange to actually look forward to work today. This is the first time that I felt this way. With the new academic year, it marks my three years in Hong Kong. When we were back, friends would ask when will we head back to Spore and the answer has always been, we don't know. But one thing is for sure, I MISS JC!!!

Getting lost in my Home Country!

Can't believe that I actually got kinda lost in the MTR station today. Well, this afternoon, I was in Orchard and decided to take the train to Clark Quay to meet a friend for dinner. And what was interesting was that this friend recently moved from Hong Kong to Singapore and she gave me instructions on how to get to Clark Quay station.

So I got onto the train from Orchard, no probs, at all. Got to Dhoby Gaut station and there I was like....hmmmm.....what do I do now, followed the signs but have to say that the signs were misleading and point forward instead of pointing down to the escalators. Or, I might be too stupid to read signs. Got to Clark Quay station and got out of a mall and I was like....where is Clark Quay and where are the restuarants? Kinda shy to say that my friend had to bring me around Clark Quay instead of me bringing her around!

Singapore Again

Yup! We're back in Singapore again. I know, it sounds a little crazy and silly since we just went back to HK a couple of days ago.

Before we left Singapore for HK, there was a special from Singapore Airlines and we discussed if we should come back. And we thought, since there's still time before school starts and Babe has meeting in Singapore, so why not. Mum's leg isn't that great too and Babe's dad teeth needed to be fixed too. So on the plane we went again. But God really works in ways that we really don't know.

A cousin of mine returned to Singapore today. I've not seen him in years and I've been really concerned and worried for him for a while. But well, a call came today to say that he's coming back today. Well, even though I didn't get to see him today, hopefully, in the next couple of days, I'll be able to catch up with him.

Every day, I never cease to be amazed by God's goodness and timing.

Up - A Wonderful Love Story

Being wanting to watch Up eversince Mel mentioned the movie. I've a weakness for 3-D movies. We were going to catch it in Singapore but guess we were too busy eating and didn't have the time. Came back to HK and realised that it's still at the movies! Yeah!!!!

It's such a heartwarming movie. Boy walks past an old and depilated house and finds a girl whose as shares his dream of being an adventurer. They both have the same adventurer idol. Falls in love and gets married. Boy is an introvert and at this point of the movie, he reminds me very much of Babe. My babe. But they get along perfectly well. Life got in their way of their dream of visiting South America and soon, girl dies of old age. Boy becomes a widow and then little boy comes along and became his travelling companion.

It was such a beautiful love story. Falling in love, growing old together and when girl finally dies, boy becomes sad and grumpy. It took a little cute boy to bring back the laughter and joy. I know this sounds silly but it brought back my faith and belief in the institution of marriage. The movie also brought out the regrets that one has in his or her life. But, it also showed that even the girl didn't get to fulfil her dreams, she had a change of dreams. Her adventures in life became her adventures in a marriage.

Babe and I, by God's grace, this Novemeber will be married for seven years. It's truly by God's grace. I've friends whose marriages have fallen apart and even my favourite reality show couple's marriage have ended and think it's even getting ugly now. It's never easy for marriages to last but when I was watching this show, it made me wonder what will I do without Babe. Boy fell in love with his best friend. I fell in love with my best friend. And I pray that the day will never come that one of us will go first. But then again, who am I to dictate when mine or Babe's time is up. Go watch Up.....And I didn't cry although I almost did.

Back in HK

After about a month of being away, we're back in HK. It's nice to be home. Chilling in our little apartment and seeing Happy. Missed Happy heaps! And yes, missing JC now too.

It has been a nice time away. We spent lots of time with the family. Spent lots of time with JC. Was a little reluctant to go because of JC. Yes, I know it sounds really silly. She's such a cute and adorable baby. Would have loved to smuggle her home!

It was really nice meeting and catching up with old friends. It was especially nice catching up with Michelle and her little son. The last time that I saw her was probably about 2 years ago at Stan's wedding. At the same time, there were friends that I didn't manage to catch up. This trip although was a long trip home, but it was also a busy one. In the first week, my cousin passed on, second week, we were in Bali, mid third week, mum had a minor operation and was hospitalised. And then the fourth week rolled on. I must admit that this trip turned lots better than I expected. Ate loads and now, its time for a diet! Anyway, enjoy the pics!

JC on her play date with Cayden. Aren't they both adorable? And they both look alike too.

A bird's eye view from Mandarin Hotel. We went to Chatterbox for an early dinner. Was a little lost looking for Chatterbox in Mandarin Hotel and finally found it on the top floor. It was there temporary as the hotel is renovating.

JC was visiting mum in hospital. We bought her the yellow roly poly before going to see mum. JC started playing with it and she was really intent on pushing the toy to hear the sounds it made.

Babe's practice of being a father. He was really good with her. Very proud of him.

Check out that intent and focussed look on JC. She was really into playing the toy.

JC chilling on her play gym. Think she must be tired from all the playing.

JC looking cool in her aunt's sunshades.

Renee, Babe's cousin's daughter, in other words, his niece. Isn't she a cutie too!

JC frowning and pondering and thinking and making a poo at the same time!

JC in her bumbo seat. Think she might be trying to sit up better.