The Navy Next?

Having lived in Singapore for 15 years, I have learnt that most parents, youth, mainly boys, shudder at the thought of entering the inevitable, National Service. Now what is "National Service" you may ask? Well, according to the most trusted site in the world, for Wikipidiots like me, Wikipedia states that "National service is a common name for mandatory or volunteer government service programmes (usually military service, also known as conscription). In Singapore, it's at least for 2 years. For the young and virile men, their fear of entering NS, from what I gather, was of losing their nubile girlfriends to NS men who have "ROD"ed (Run Out Date aka finished with NS). For the nerdy ones, maybe the fear of missing out of 2 years of university education. Oh I can go on with the stories. The most important thing to remember is that, in Singapore, they have no choice but to be enlisted.

Derrick had to go through the same thing in the past, went through countless Army Reservist duties throughout his young adulthood.

I wasn't in the army, but I served with the Singapore Civil Defence Force. The title of "Officer", Lieutenant was given to me. For me, it was a little different: I didn't have to dig trenches, although I did have to dig through rubble during my EAS stint. I didn't have to carry a gun, but I carried syringes, needles and morphine when I was on the streets. I didn't fight crime in the street but I fought to save lives on the streets. I didn't pepper my sentences with "sentence enhancers" aka hokkien curse words ... oh wait...



And now, my daughter, my Princess, has decided, on her own free will, to join the Australian Air Force Cadet Corp.... Sigh.... I'm waiting for Bryan to join the Navy, just to complete the circle.

This is my Princess on her way to her first in-camp over the weekend

These are pictures of her, post camp, all smelly and dishevelled.

 

 

As you can see, Bryan is so proud of his big sister, Cadet Liew!

 

 

Selfie, Lobsterfie, Rayfie, Port Jackson Sharkfie.... You Name 'Em, I've Got 'Em!

Oh how the time flies... I thought I could post Bryan's birthday lunch pics up before the end of February but I failed. These were taken from one of his favourite eateries Cicerello's at Freo.

My boy turns 10!

 

One of Bryan's favourite.. the Port Jackson Shark

Can you see me?

Spot the ray....

After a very heavy lunch, we took a stroll.......... wonderful weather, beautiful skies...

Left: Before sunscreen Right: One hour after sitting out in the sun without sunscreen

Looks like the Shroud of Turin.

 

Just like the flasher from SMJK Convent, by the longkang

20 February 2014 ~ Happy 10th Birthday, Bryan!

To our beautiful Bryan,
Happy 10th birthday,
May the Lord bless you always and continue to guide you.
With love from Papa, Mummy and Caitlyn cheh cheh

Where to Next?

We're well over the halfway mark of the Chinese New Year and how's it looking for all of you? I'm looking forward to this rest of this year with new eyes. For one, my work diary is peppered with important dates to remember and is filling up fast. This year I believe there will be positive changes in my work life. Having said that, I always have this in my mind:

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. –Albert Einstein

 

 

At this point, the kids are settled in their respective schools, both coping quite well and so is Derrick, who is enjoying his new role.

It's almost mid February. 5 more sets of 2 busy months like these, and it will be Christmas again..... Time to start making holiday plans I think, at the rate these days are going!

I'm Still Dreaming... of A Holiday In Malaysia!

I'm still dreaming.

Dreaming that my holidays are over and I've gone back to work and the kids are at school.

*opens eyes*

Nope. I'm not. Dream's over.... and I'm getting ready for work. As Soul ll Soul once sang "Back to life, back to reality". How quickly those 3 weeks passed! It's not fair that a working day has 24 hours but a holi-day has just 12.

Alright! Time to put up some pictures before dementia sets in and I forget....... Time to fire up my Shutterfly!

 

 

Watch this space!