Real - life crisis

Previously, I spoke about change management from a bystander's point of view in my previous organisation.

In this organisation, I am a change agent. Trust me, you can never be graded for emotional management.

To me, change management = emotional management. If you can manage the emotions of the people, then you have aced the "module", if not, good luck!

Today, my colleague and I went into a room filled with boiling-blooded creatures. I don't know, I thought hot was an understatement, hence boiling should be more apt. It started off like any other briefing, it reached the middle with spices & even more spicy spices, and ended off chao tar.

There was the cynical, the critic, the conventionalist, the contortionist, the case-builder, oh man, but thank God, there were some compassionates. For the time I was in there, I really just had eyes on one person, the cynical one, and I really felt like walking over to strangle him. And of all things, we were in the same colour shade - purple. Gosh.

As my colleague and I walked out of the room, all I could think of was. If only we had this filmed down, perhaps, my appraisal for FY 07 will have more compassionate points to add. It was also the perfect video for a change management consultant to use, captioned - 10 things you should never do as a change agent.

It was a good experience. Good, perhaps, an understatement? As that visa advert goes. Salary -peanuts. The experience earned - Priceless....

Bittersweet

First, I shall start with the bitter.

Someone close to me was accused of something that could not be proven. Really felt for her. I guess, if there's one thing that I cannot tolerate is that of being given a tag that I shouldn't have "earned". It made me realize how difficult it is to be wronged. It made me realized how He was totally wronged, yet still see beyond that, for a purpose greater than His own pride, and status.

It was a very angsty day yesterday. It still is today, as I met her in the morning. Hopefully, things will get better as she cools down, and sees beyond as well. It made me sit up, and reflect more about my purpose in this place as well.

Now the sweet. One of my colleagues came to church last sunday. A personal breakthrough. Had been asking God over time that though I seem to keep sharing His word, and love, but then, why is there not much progress, not much fruitfulness? He gave me some encouragement through this colleague last week. She's a new friend I made, and also one I am beginning to know better and find that we can "click", even though she's six years junior.

I'm looking forward to having more of His presence at work, be it through me or others. Yet, I wish to be a vessel of love for Him. That's one of my purpose in this place.

Facets About Taipei

I guess, I won't do justice to my trip if I don't talk more about the interesting things in this bustling city of Taipei. Some after-trip thoughts about the culture, architecture and idiosyncrasies.

Before I begin, I think, I should add a disclaimer - The below are merely what I observed in Taipei. It is not a full representative of the place.

1. The toilet cisterns do not take in toilet paper, tissue paper and whatever rubbish. Perhaps, the pipes underground are too small, or too fragile? Mainly, though, I believe that they are just very environmentally friendly.

2. Recycle bins for various objects are all over the place, and rubbish bins are labelled if they are for every kind of junk, or specific junk. Yep, they are quite organised. And, they seem to use those recycle bins quite seriously!

3. People are very colourful in their dressing. They don't seem to like plain colours. There must be stripes, dots, etc of some sort.

4. They speak mainly mandarin, hokkien, hakka and minnanese. The MRT train announcements also revolve around this few dialects.

5. They speak American - accented English a la mei yu.

6. They seem to love to read. Chen pin bookstore cum departmental stores are all over the place.

7. Quite a number of mountains.

8. Sales people have saccharine sweet and persuasive antics. Customer service is definitely very good. (which i find surprising, thought it was just towards tourists)

9. Buildings are rather old, to the extent of dilapidated. Cost of living is low. Salary is also low. Minimum income for a gold credit card is approx S$9K per annum (vis a vis S'pore)

10. The only acceptable coffee you can find is at cafes such as Starbucks, Dante's Coffee and those NT35 coffee stalls....the rest, CMI! Boo hoo hoo....

11. Shilin night market is any girl's paradise. Wufenpu wholesale market, provided you buy in bulk.

12. Those with a penchance for sweet stuff and fruits will find this place heavenly. They give you extra topping for milk for your ice shavings.

13. Snacks galore, food galore and nuff said. Just eat!

14. If you are in a hurry, forget about the lifts at the MRT stations....walk is faster. Even the cleaning auntie told us to walk "kah ging". =p

That should be the main points...till I think of more...

Refreshed, Renewed, Recharged

I am just back from my holiday. Six days of getaway. One which gave me an injection of new energy for the upcoming months ahead.

Taipei - beautiful place, friendly people, environmentally friendly, delectable delights, breath-taking views, weather to die for. Sounds like I should just move over there, right? On hindsight, perhaps, it's because I am only there 6 days, so everything looks nice? Ha ha..

As I am typing this, am really thinking, what should I write about? The experiences that I had at each destination I went? The description of the things I did, felt and enjoyed? The bottom line is - the trip's really satisfying. A time for me to smell the flowers, feel myself walking, breathing, thinking. Seriously, when I slow down, I realize that walking is something to give thanks for too.

Many interesting and quirky things happened in Taipei, which I believe my travel buddies will also agree with me. A number of firsts, in this trip, including places which were not on our itinerary, and happenings that never thought would occur. Then again, all the experiences lived up to the plan that we had - free and easy. It was a myriad of experiences and feelings.

Through the time in Taipei, one thing that came to my mind most was this. How you want something to be like, how you want your mood to be like, how you hope to see something - it is a decision to make at each point.

As I marvelled at God's creation of nature, the culture of the place, the lifestyle of the people, many things ran through my mind. The differences are rampant. The geographic location is different. The systems are different. One can keep focusing on differences, or find the binding point that brings people, things and faith together. Which one do I want to look at?

It was a fruitful trip. All the way.

Oh, and this I must add. We bought enough shoes, bags, clothes, pastries and instant cup noodles to probably open a store at the pasar malam!

Enjoy the photos on flickr. (=

FareWell

"do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can,
at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can....."

This was the farewell quote that a particular Dep Dir sent to all the staff in my company. I was rather amazed by it, and I believe, many others too.

The above quote, can be shown forth in his life. Anyone who knows him, knows that he has somewhat described what he lives for. The man who walks the talk. The above quote, describes how he treats people around him, how he lives his life. For the 11 years that he has been in this organisation, he left a great impression and impact in this place, and the people.

For my department, who used to be led by him, tears were shed, and many memories were talked about regarding this man. He is a man whom I had come to know briefly this period of time, and I can just say that he is a man who puts a few "F"s first in his life. Faith, Family and Friends.

You don't meet such people often. But when you do meet one, your life's changed, just merely being around him.

Quarter Time

The real test of a man is not when he plays the role that he wants for himself, but when he plays the role destiny has for him. - Vaclav Havel

Letting God take the front seat, instead of myself. That's what the above implies. Building my house versus building His.

God gave His children gifts. We can use the gifts in what we think is best, or we can use the gifts in accordance to what He made us for. In short, the calling that He gave each of us. There is something unique that each of us do best. Something that one of His child is able to do which is different from another. The particular niche that we are created for.

The work that He has created us to do, is definitely different for each one of us. As He had carefully and fearfully crafted us, He knew what He had crafted each one of us for. He wrote our stories before even the start of time.

As I seek forth His calling in my life, I come to realize more and more each day, what makes me smile in my heart when I do it, and what I like to do, but does not have that same satisfaction. I guess, that's one of the understandings. When I sense the Holy Spirit seem to beam within me, I know I am doing what He had crafted me to do, at that particular time. It is something that cannot be explained rationally, no matter how rational I can, and want to be.

As I face a quarter of a century of life, I begin to see how much I desire to be in the centre of His will, and how much I desire to be doing what He has always desired me to do. That we may both smile together in our hearts, that we may both know that that's the best thing on earth that I can do.

There are some things on my mind and heart, I know He has sealed. As the plan of His unfolds, I see my part in it more and more. The adventure that He has given me, and will give me, will be what I am looking out for. I may be driven by my own whims and fancies, but what will keep me going even more, will be what I am called for. The drive from that, will be even better than my personal drive. I just hope to be able to distinguish the two.

Bee with An Itch

Colleague 1: Really can't stand this particular person! Argh..

Colleague 2: Yep, she's definitely a bee with an itch..

Get it? =pPp

Values Dilution

Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do. Mark 2:17 (nlt) This was the verse I pondered upon this morning.

At lunch, I had a chance to meet one of my colleagues in another department. It was a rare lunch meet up. Somehow or other, we talked about doctors, and the lack of professionalism in some. It's a growing trend it seems.Eventually, she ended off saying, the reason that her husband died is because of a doctor. The nonchalence that the doctor gave in diagnosis and explanation of what she will do in the operation resulted in them not having the faith to go on with the operation. The choice of not going through the operation, than to leave it to the hands of a doctor who doesn't seem to care.

It's not only this profession that is the case. Many professions now have people who are no longer passionate about what they do, and hold the values that is required in the job. It is just a job. One that brings in the money.

Values are diluting. Evident even in the supposedly occupation with the most stringent criteria in recruitment.

As I thought about it, I give thanks that the doctor I read about in the morning, is a doctor who is always passionate, a doctor who always sticks to his values.

A Passing Thought

Emptiness - reminds me that I am human. It leads me to the same conclusion - I need to be filled.

By what? Only He knows :)

Clarity & Assurance

Stayed back to clear work once again. As usual, a particular ADir came along to disturb my colleague and I. He has a penchance for sweet things, and my colleague's pocky sticks were gone within minutes.

The talk turned to catholicism and christianity. The two of them were catholics, and for me, christian. The initial casual talk, became one of depth when the two lamented on how their passion for what they believed in were withered along the way.

After some time, the ADir left for home, and I decided that since we were on the same topic, I wanted to find out if my colleague's stand on who God was and the fundamental of what Jesus came to earth for held true for her.

I heaved a sigh of relief in my heart when she agreed that Jesus came to die for our sins, that we are saved through Him, and that we are awaiting His arrival. Though of course, there were differences in how much emphasis we look forward to His arrival, and also the various rituals that catholics practise. The basic understanding that she understands that she is saved allowed me to thank God. She also shared her experiences with God, and how He called her back to Him. Though the "relationship" is not that intimate, and she still experiences that gap of awe with God, yet, I am just thankful throughout the discussion, that at least, all these were surfaced. It refreshed me. This was one of my objectives in this organisation. To bring people to God, else, to help clarify the fundamentals. Today, one came to pass.

It is the beginning of many more to come. It is my hope, to touch people through my work and also through sharing of His love. The partnership with Him, in spreading the love, is one which surpasses all other matters. The joy that comes along with it, is irreplaceable.

Found

There are some things which are lost, but can be found. There are others, which are lost, and never can be found. Why so profound? I am in the mood for rhymes once again.

Recently, someone made me remember something which I loved to do when I was younger. This has always been around, just that, I had not taken notice of it for a long, long time.

Today, I re-opened it again, and spent some quality time together with it. It's amazing, that connection with it. Something that I almost forgotten. It is my organ. I had intensively developed a relationship with it for around five years. Thereafter, I lost touch with it.

As I touched it again. I realized, that I am no longer as close to it. My fingers no longer tap it as well as I used to. Yet, the connection that I had lost, returned. When you find time between you and your instrument, making music, no one can intervene it. The music that is created, is something you will enjoy, it's something between you and your instrument. That something, is something I found back today, and boy am I glad I found it once again.

The Pursuit

Recently, I caught the show Pursuit of Happiness. The theme revolved around commitment, hope and perserverance. Never giving up the fight, and never letting the critics get into your system.

All the values are critical to life. Without them, there's nothing much of life left. Without commitment to something we truly believe for, or in, there isn't anything much to wake up to in the morning. Life becomes aimless.

Without hope, there is nothing to look forward to.

Without perserverance, we would never get to our finishing point.

Life doesn't seem fair to us at times. All the more when we look at things using our own set of scales - which inevitably ends up imbalanced. How do we embrace life such that it gives us a sense of purpose and joy? There is only one answer. Life with our Maker.

I have a lot of dreams that I wish to pursue. Are those dreams really what I am made out for? No one knows better than the one who thought of what I was created for. He began with the end in mind.

Daily, there are always the challenges in life. The things that I refuse to face, yet have to face. How I face them though, depends on how I see myself in the situation. How can I get a clearer picture? When I see it through an elevated platform. A platform that only He provides.

Once again, I am back at the source of life. There's no pursuit more worthwhile, than the pursuit of the greatest love of all. The pursuit of meaning in life, from the creator of meaning Himself.

Some thoughts on Nonchalence & Comparison

I was reading the cover story on TNP yesterday, with the focal point on the top JCs and their pursuit of perfection. There is an air of nonchalence of their perfect results, however, if there is one blemish to their perfect results, there will be an outburst of hysterical cries.

Personally, I hail from a heartlander JC, while my other better half sibling hails from one of the top JCs. I can see the difference clearly in how my brother looks at his results vis a vis my reaction a couple of years back. It is a far cry. I could see his nonchalence even though his results are way better off than mine.

Why this nonchalence? There was not much of a joy nor that of sadness. There was just nothing. To this group of people, it is something expected.

Are these the people who really walk in the clouds, and don't feel what the normal people feel? Are their lives really much better off? Most of them have one goal - to obtain their coveted scholarship, which eventually lands them in their dream job. For such souls, they do not seem to need to face much roadblocks in their early part of life. Most scholarships would want them. It takes away the agony of going through job selection after graduation, the stress of their parents hounding them to look for jobs quickly, the stress of having to repay their tuition fee loan and many other nitty gritties in life. Their life plan seems set the moment they obtain their scholarship.

When you have reached the top of your class, what do you pursue next? Keeping the top position, or is there more to things than as such? How do you keep your head intact to your neck?

One thing I remembered from one of those serious conversations with my brother, he said, "It doesn't matter what others do - better or worse. What matters is that you have conquered yourself. You know where is your limit, and you choose to stretch yourself beyond that. You know that you have done your best when you have conquered yourself, and that's enough (paraphrase)."

How true. When you start to compare with others, you will never be contented, and you will lose your focus. Face your giants, but do not lose your focus.

Touched by an Angel

There is a show by the same name. It is a show that never fails to inspire and touch my heart. I never thought I would meet one in real life. I did. In the form of a taxi driver.

On the third day of the Chinese New Year holiday, I took a cab back from Bradell station. I don't know the name of the driver, and I wished I had asked. Usually taxi drivers place their name tags on the dashboard. He was a freelance taxi driver who drove only for those few days of the CNY holiday. Hence, he didn't have one.

As we chatted, he revealed more to me about his job, and I came to discover that he was a christian counsellor. On the way that he drove me back home, he asked me a simple question:
How do you know you are a Christian, a child of God?

I explained to him, and eventually, he told me that I am one of the rare people whom he asked who could give him such a clear answer why I believe strongly that I am a child of God. This was not what mattered to me though - the praise that he gave to me on how well I answered did not matter to me.

I realized what mattered to me - that I am a child of God. Nothing is going to change this fact. I am a child of God. I read Psalm 73 on the way out of my house the same day, and that very psalm stated that even I had envied the way of the sinners, and behaved foolishly, God is still the God who holds me by my right hand, and guides me with His counsel.

As we spoke, he revealed even more on how whenever he drove the taxi for a living, he'd never fail to strike up such a conversation with people, and from the place where he picked up the passenger, he'd never fail to present the gospel within the span of the journey. I was inspired, yet at the same time saddened. I knew very well, I had lost that flame within me. The very same flame that this taxi driver had. The fire within him that keeps him being an ambassador for God wherever he goes.

As I got off the cab, I told myself, I must have met an angel who was sent by Him. He has spoken through this person. He is clearly calling out to me. I told Him the past few weeks that I am seeking for Him once again. He lived up to His name. He touched me once again in a way that I receive the best. As I walked back to my home, I told Him that I have returned. I am now by His side, and long to be even closer to His side. I want to listen to His voice, and to know more clearly how much He loves me, how much He is the one that I know I can't live without. Everything else becomes small when I am embraced by the one and only Abba Father who always patiently waits and speaks words that I ever so need to bring me back to the race that I had started, but digressed from. The journey is still on, and I am not giving up. The inspiration for this race is the love that I have daily with Him. I may fail, and forget who I am, but He never fails, and never forgets who I am, and the purpose He had created me for.

Each day, I journey with Him, at times I run, at times I walk, at times I limp, at times I crawl, but the journey still goes on. As long as He keeps His breath within me, His purpose for me is still being unveiled. I look forward to His daily revealing of what He wants for me. I know that it will always be the best for me, whatever the situation.

God Looks At the Heart, We Are Learning to As Well

"God looks at the heart, but we are not God." - someone from Church.

I am still trying hard to look at the heart. It's really hard to see what actually goes on in the heart - it's not something that you can see. But when you do see it, it becomes something that you keep within yourself for quite a while.

To the brothers of NG14B3. This is for you. Giving words of affirmation is my love language. I shall use it to bless all of you (I hope!).

There are only four guys in the caregroup. Of these four, they have different traits and idiosyncrasies. The lame, the stable, the sincere chap and the public relations officer. They make up an interesting combi, and provide much entertainment to the ladies.

Key point note for this post is to thank them for the thought that they had put in appreciating the sisters in the caregroup. Personally, I don't feel I did anything much to be appreciated.

The band of brothers made paper roses for the sisters. They did some research on origami, and even gotten a book of it to look through. Of course, there is a mastermind to it. Yet, it is the effort that is put in to make the rose. Three hours to make one paper rose is no joke. I understood that one stayed up till wee hours of the morning to make it.

Just would like all of them to know, that they are endearing brothers. Brothers who are not loud, flamboyant, and aim to be the centre of attraction. Yet, they are brothers who seek to bless, provide stability and desire to develop themselves for the better as they seek forth their calling in God. Through this time, I have seen their quiet perserverance, their willingness to bare their hearts openly regarding their lives - good and bad, and providing the binding effect to the group. More importantly, I affirm the brothers' courage to undertake new challenges, be it in their careers, walk with God and many others. This courage stems forth from the relationship they have with God, that reveals the trust and confidence they have in God to make bold decisions that gravely affects their lives, and to some, especially their pockets. Kudos to all of you, brothers of NG14B3. May the Lord continue to pour forth His blessings, vision and power into your lives. As you serve, may you be blessed.

You Can't Hurry Love

"Can't hurry love, no, you just have to wait.
Love don't come easy, you just have to give and take."
Dixie Chicks

I walked out of my cubicle just now, and met my tempstaff along the way. The first thing she exclaimed was, "It's V-day tomorrow, and I don't have any date. I'm meeting someone on Thursday, but it just ain't the same!" She's only 18 years old. I was laughing at her candid-ness. Those are the very words that will never come out of my mouth!

It's V-day. To some, it's Singles Awareness Day. It causes me to chuckle when I bump into people who tear their hair over this date. The day when supposedly cupid actually takes a blind stab at shooting his arrows, and all hell breaks loose.

To the enterprising, this day is perfect for profit-making, where dating couples wouldn't mind spending ridiculous amounts of money for flowers that would die within a day or two. To the the dating couples, it's a day where surprises are required, and late nights are spent to plan for the special date. To the skeptics, it's just a day that causes people around to lose their minds, and their sense of taste in order to get THAT date, and to make it perfect. To the bochaps, it's just another day on the calendar.

To me, now what can I say? It's a day for me to realise that my biological clock is catching up with me fast. It's a day where reflections are made on this part of life. I've always been a cynic of romance. Of late though, I realized I changed. Being cynical doesn't help in anything. It only helps in missing out the good part of life, it's better if one looks forward to hope for something good to happen. And this applies to all parts of life. This is one of the parts of life that one can't control. You can't make someone fall in love with you. It's a part of life where if it comes, it comes. Yes, perhaps, one can work towards winning that dream guy/gal. Yet, when one tries too hard, it doesn't really last. That is not the true self. That's not allowing someone to love you for who you are, but yet, still hope that you would always continue to develop to someone even better.

I've seen countless of broken marriages. Too many for me to count on my fingers. It doesn't matter if it was a 1 year marriage, 10 year marriage or 20 year marriage, if one loses the cool, if one just snaps for good, then that's the end to the entire "romance".

Romance, in itself, is not the bottom line. Question now, are we chasing romance? Or are we chasing a life-long union that we wish to have and hold? What does V-day represent? A day of romance, or a commemoration of romance that lasts through the union? It all depends on oneself.

In the meantime, on with the roses, champagne and chocolates!

Communi-Cation

The Learning Needs Analysis is an important portion of all good companies who want to provide their staff with cutting edge education so as to develop them for better productivity and results.

I just went through mine. The main topic on my plate this year is communication. How to be better trained in communication to the masses.

Breaking up the word communication, led me to find community within the word. Communication that occurs when there are groups of people. Despite attending countless of communication modules, and even being a communication trainer, it is always difficult to put across things to others in a way that is best for every situation. Either there is a lack of communication, or over-communication.

Sometimes, not saying everything is supposedly better than saying what you really feel about things. More so when the issues are just to sensitive to the other party. No matter how nicely one tries to put it, it will still end up with a wound in the other person. Sometimes, to keep the communication going, one has to decide what to say. It's responsible communication. Putting yourself in other's shoes. Sounds as though it's a very gallant role. However, it is definitely not. Most times, one struggles the most internally in such exchanges.

Communication, a life-long skill. Even a trainer who has trained for 30 over years in communication modules told a class of us - one can never stop perfecting the art of communication.

MC & AFC

It's the fourth day that I am sick. I am now finished with puking (I hope). Scrambled back to office for an hour this morning to clear my desk for the new incumbent, as I shift to another corner, which is supposedly nicer. I have been warned though, to be selectively deaf to certain dirty jokes that happen in the adjourning department.

Received smses from my crazy colleagues once again...

Exercept One
Colleague A: Hey, you ok or not? Stopped puking alr?

Me: Hopefully stopped puking liao la. Btw, is the new gal pretty? More importantly, can play ball games?
(My company has this interdepartmental games thing, that we young ones have to join)

Colleague A: Pretty - probably ten years ago.....and I don't think she plays games, came in 3-inch high heels..btw, think u shd go guardian and buy pregnancy kit, see if there's any blue line..

Exercept Two
Colleague B: Take care...dun go for interviews, but can proceed to go for date.

Somehow, I felt better already.

Last night, watched AFC, S'pore vs Thailand. It was a good score 2 -1. S'pore won by penalty kick. Yet, a little worrying. Didn't seem a clear-cut penalty. Controversial. It seemed scary actually. The Thais refused to go back to the pitch initially after the referee ruled it a penalty. Looks like S'pore won't have a very nice welcome in Thailand this Sunday. Tensions are going to run high. Will see how it goes then.

Bread w Blueberry Jam & Cheese

Been plagued with some funny illness these few days. I was on borderline sick past weeks. Now, it's no longer borderline. I had no chance for medical leave the past weeks. Yesterday, was the only possible day I could finally let myself crumble for a while. Before that was on sheer will power not to fall sick.

I thought it was just something simple - bad throat and fever, and would be over in a day. I guess, the germs refused to let me go without a good battle. Today, I had pasta that stayed within me till now. How do I know that? Apparently, my digestive juices were on holiday, else the pasta is darn stubborn. Everything that refuses to go down, well, comes back up. Alright, I shall censor that part. Anyway, I just stared at the remnants of my lunch.

Went back to work today, and scrapped my way through everything. My mind was working, my body was complaining. After work, it malfunctioned again.

That's where I ended up home settling down for dinner. Bread with Blueberry Jam and Cheese. A combination which I had not taken for some time. Together with a warm glass of milk. Mmmm....sudden comfort swept over me. The sense of satisfaction all over again.

It is always such moments, that make me thankful for the little things in life. The inexpensive, simple, inconspicuous things that when mixed together, creates a little heaven on earth. That's how God works, doesn't it. Most of the times.

Face it...We are getting OLD!

When we were about 15, we were the bunch who hung out together in school. Today, it's been 10 years, and we meet again - at Bhupi's BBQ. A sense of deja vu. Only Bhupi will have BBQ sessions, the rest of us are too LAZY to do such stuffs.

The group has always been insane, and prolly I'm the most sane, I think. In the canteen, we made the most noise, and people generally know us as the councillors who probably needed to be counselled.

In our careers, we are all headed in different ways. I am shocked though, that many had chosen the path to mould the future of our nation. Looks like a particular organisation's marketing has been working well!

It was a non-stop yak yak yak. I am utterly amazed once again at the mock arguments between aini and lokie...thereafter, bhupi will always come in to do mediation. Aih..she's leaving for Oz soon..wonder if June would be a good time for me to go visit her with lokie? Will see then. June's really a tight month.

The highlight of the night, would be looking at the letters Ms Marian, my ex Geog relief teacher, and also their ex English relief teacher sent them recently. During one English lesson, she made them write letters to themselves, and promised she'd send it back to them ten years later. Ten years had passed, and they received the letters they wrote to themselves. Gosh. It was eerie reading what you wrote to yourself ten years ago, and it came to pass. Ms Marian is really one dedicated teacher! She is now residing in Australia, and she took those letters over to Australia and remembered to send them back to her students!

It was a wonderful night, and I'm looking forward to Feb, where we'd meet again. This time, for a proper dinner, in our usual hangout in tampines.