What a week!

140507:
Mum informed me dad will be back in Singapore after an ordeal in Indonesia. A part of me was glad and hopeful that he had changed for the better. A part of me was sad to find out what he went through the past few years. There was a tinge of suspicion yet a voice whispered forgiveness… Perhaps this is the much needed closure on this episode a man called ‘dad’… Oh God, guide me to the straight path and protect me from hell’s fire.

150507:
The 3 hour gathering was compact with catching up on each other’s lives - V’s second baby girl is due this September (let’s go for 13th), Paul got married this year as planned; Spens to walk down the aisle next (good luck!), Y’s new job seems to bode well for her current married lifestyle. Talk of sideline business came up again… interesting conversation. Spoke to a dear friend in between dinner and dessert; glad mum is doing ok.

160507:
Went back to check on the lil tyke – Irfan…wonder if there is a way to put it tactfully across to his mum not to take food she is allergic to… looking at the eczema on poor Irfan enraged me…I know he is not my child but could you bear seeing the poor tyke itching and not knowing how to communicate the discomfort to people around him? For God’s sake, he’s a baby.

Imagine your hands being tied, your mouth gagged and itch powder poured all over your body - you have no way to scratch or yell out to someone to help you get rid of the itch. Suffering in silence is something no one condones right? I rest my case…

At the end of the day, it boils down to mindfulness… Save the debate about different living standards and definition of hygiene… Any mother would want to protect, nurture and bring up her child in the safest environment possible… that’s what we call motherly instincts.

180507:
Tender closes today and I could already envision the busy months ahead once the project kickstarts end June... So now is the time to really hang loose and de-stress as much as I can... Seeing the way things took a turn this week, all I can say is "Expect the unexpected"... Somehow that seems like an understatement... vibes, folks. Oh how I love it that God loves me so much! Amen...

190507:
NLB’s inaugural Sports Carnival in the morning. Verdict = interesting. Saw my HOD in action - she's really good with ping-pong (those smashes!)... And of course my dear Idah playing soccer with the guys...

Met up with Rye to see how he was doing over brunch. “Certainty”… what was that about? Hmm… Anyway, got to rush home to change and head to class. In between, had an interesting conversation with aunt Sophie… learnt a lot from her about 'marital bliss'. Resolved to take up course on child psychology…

PS: What a week… Grandpa is rather unwell. Stay tuned to find out what will happen in the next Episode on “The Journey back to Batu Pahat”…

Planet Earth...

A variety of deep emotions tugged at my heart strings as I witnessed the hungry polar bear tries his best to spread his weight evenly on the thin glacial ice (that are melting drastically by the seconds due to global warming) as he searched for food... not a bite in weeks while braving the windy ice storm. It could die in such sad conditions any time soon. Not just the polar bears, even the penguins and walrus are fighting for their livelihood. Read the Ice World documentary brief at http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/planetearth/

And to think that it is men, the 'creature of great intelligence of the highest order' in the animal chain that are doing the greatest damage to planet earth. How much longer could we tolerate seeing the sufferings of others? Do we have to wait till the consequence of our action or lack of it (disrespect for the natural order of the world) hits close to home or directly affects those close to us to make a difference? Imagine if you are the dying polar bear... Is that the state you want to die in? What kind of living conditions do we want our future generation to live in? Imagine the worst from now on.

Prevention is better than cure. There needs to be a united global voice to ensure a conducive living condition for our future generation. You may think that we are powerless as individuals and do not feel the need to make a difference and improve the living conditions of all species on planet earth.

If you feel at a loss as to where to start, there are hundreds of websites with great tips: you can start by seriously reducing, reusing and recyling. Check out:
http://www.wastewatch.org.uk/
http://www.wrap.org.uk/
http://www.recyclenow.com/
http://www.wwf.org.uk/

Get involved. There are small changes we can all make which will make a big difference. And if all else fails, in the words of one man, "if you cannot save planet earth, do not breed.You are not helping human kind one bit! Remember, the planet does not need us like we need it for our livelihood."

PS: The image of the dying polar bear haunts me till this day and I can't help but tear up just thinking of it.

Little Miss "Fifi"

Something was amiss when the scan took awhile to complete.
Guess no one knows your body better than yourself...

The report came back 3 weeks later.
Diagnosis - a 15 x 12 x 7 mm right breast fibroadenoma.
Verdict - Not the end of the world.
If this test is a sign of God's love for me, I accept it with open arms.

Surfed the web to find out as much accurate info about it.
Spoke to my family before making an informed decision.
Will remove it... Will get a referral letter soonest possible.

In such a situation, keep an open mind and think positive.
Everything happens for a reason;
God works in mysterious ways...

I hope by sharing this story, my lady pals will go for screening:
- the painless breast ultrasound (if you are below 35) or
- mammogram (if you are above 35).

If you need more info before investing in a screening, read these:
http://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/c_breastcancer.htm#H
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understanding-breast-changes
http://www.healthsearches.org/Categories_of_Q&A/Diagnosis/1370.php http://www.youngsurvival.org/young-women-and-bc/survivor-stories/

Early detection could change the outcome of your life.
You live life just this once... Go for it - you have nothing to lose!
Meanwhile, have a good rest on Labour Day :)

Look to your health; and if you have it, praise God and value it next to conscience; for health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of, a blessing money can't buy. - Izaak Walton

the M word...

"You start with the ingredients for a highly compatible, successful relationship, and then you work to develop closeness and intimacy. Does this mean you lower your standards when it comes to finding a partner? Absolutely not! It simply means you 'expand your field of vision."

I enjoyed reading the book by Dr Neil Clark Warren and totally agree with his 29 Dimensions... something I wished for at the back of my head; its not about being 'selective' mind you. What a revelation! View the list and make an informed decision yourself:

A. The Screening Dimension:
1. Good character
2. Good self-concept
3. Watch out for red flags
4. Anger management
5. Obstreperousness (harsh, unappreciative, difficult, etc)
6. Understandings about family
7. Good family background

B. Core Personal Dimensions
8. Intellect
9. Similar energy levels
10. Similar spirituality
11. Similar education levels
12. Appearance
13. Sense of humour
14. Mood management
15. Traditional vs Nontraditional personalities
16. Ambition
17. Sexual passion
18. Artistic passion
19. Good values
20. Industrious
21. Curiosity
22. Vitality and security
23. Autonomy vs closeness

C. Skills that can be developed
24. Communication
25. Conflict resolution
26. Sociability

D. Qualities that can be developed
27. Adaptability
28. Kindness
29. Dominance vs submissiveness

Above it all, there must be chemistry and commitment, the glue that keeps it all together.

Seven checkpoints to ask yourself before you make that plunge:
1. Take plenty of time to evaluate your relationship
2. Make sure you are the right age
3. Beware of being over-eager
4. Make yourself happy (above everyone else)
5. Make sure you have a broad spectrum of experiences before marriage
6. Make sure your expectations are realistic before saying "I do"
7. Address any character issues, behavioural problems or personality quirks

A wedding vow is a lifelong pledge to love someone unconditionally (its not easy to love someone, sometimes its tougher to like your partner at certain moments but you still regard your other half as a person of great worth and value), honor someone (treat your partner with respect even when he/she is different from you.. you honor the words and the eye contact with your attention and actions, saying "You are important to me"), cherish someone (treat your partner withh tender affection even under circumstances that aren't easy as it requires self-sacrifice; setting aside your own desires/needs at that moment to better meet the needs of your partner), forsake all others (not something I would reckon but in essence, it means treating your partner as important in your life enough to not play around with voices calling to you from outside the relationship or compromising impulses within you i.e. your partner can have deep and total trust in you), perform all duties (providing physical and emotional protection; all-nurturing relationship at all levels) and most importantly, under every kind of circumstances as long as we both shall live (in plenty and in want, in joy and sorrow; in sickness and in health...)

Squash, Anyone?

My Chief Exec (CE) emailed this across to us today.

Creative, don't you think? :)

Here's wishing you and your loved ones

A year of good health, blissful joy,

peaceful serenity & bountiful prosperity.

What if...

I did a quick personality test and here's the findings; be the judge and see if it is a true reflection of the 'ME' you know:

1.0 TAKING CARE OF OTHERS AND TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

1.1 Words that describe you:
Fair, considerate, collaborative, responsive, sensible, diplomatic, contemplative, indulgent and rational

1.2 General description:
You are important. So are other people, especially if they are in trouble. You have a tender heart, but you know how to establish and keep personal boundaries. You are empathetic and compassionate, but you also believe that it's best if people solve their own problems and learn to take care of themselves, if they are able.You are deeply moved by the needs of others, but you know that if you don't take good care of yourself, you'll wind up being of no use to anyone. So yours is a thoughtful compassion.

You strive to be fair and sensible, taking care of others while also taking care of yourself.When someone really is in trouble, you like to collaborate with them toward a solution; they do their part, you do yours. You consider carefully, and respond in a sensible way; they do their part, and together you move through the difficulty. You seldom act impulsively; rather, when a problem arises, you take your time to think through the situation. This contemplative quality usually means that you'll arrive at a diplomatic solution, one that's fair for the other person and also fair to you. It's frequently a win/win situation.

2.0 CURIOUS

2.1 Words that describe you:
Original, inventive, thinker, brave, eccentric, avant-garde, out-of-touch, unique

2.2 General description:
You think like an artist. Or better, you SEE like an artist. While most people look at life's straight lines, its height and depth and width, you're bending the lines with your imagination and turning black and white into shades of blue and yellow. And in conversations at work or with your friends you want to ask, "Do you see what I see?" A few might, most don't, but you've piqued everyone's curiosity with your own original and inventive ways of thinking.

You can, if you must, think in conventional ways. But left on your own, you'll usually opt for the eccentric or avant-garde; in fact you're usually bored with what everyone else is comfortable with. You learn from reading, talking, watching people and other fauna and flora, and simply sitting in the soft chair of your mind and wondering how people would learn how to count if they could only use uneven numbers. You are out in front of conventional ideas, bravely originally defining true and false, right and wrong, the good, the bad and the ugly.

3.0 VERY RESPONSIVE

3.1 Words that describe you:
Emotional, insightful, perceptive, sensitive, self-conscious

3.2 General description:
Each one of us encounters some hard times; we get caught off guard, or feel a sudden swell of emotion, whether from fear, joy, anger or sadness. Life is just like this sometimes. You know that because you are an emotional person. Some people go to great lengths to keep their emotions under wraps, to keep a stiff upper lip, to not let others know what emotions they are feeling. But that is not you. You embrace all of life's emotions, both the joys and the turmoil that life brings our way.

When you're having fun with a group of friends you don't even try to contain your pleasure; you laugh hard and feel every moment of the conversation because of the joy that comes from the experience. You make very intense friendships; ones where all of the depth of emotions that you feel can be shared. Emotions are such an essential part of your everyday life. You may cry at intense movies or when watching a sad story on the evening news. You get angry, at others or at yourself, and you do not stifle it.

Emotions drive your personality and your relationships - you simply are what you feel. You experience both the highs and the lows more profoundly than most. And you usually relish the intensity of your emotions. For sure you enjoy the positive times. There are those times, though, when your feelings get the best of you and you wonder how you will manage the moment. But because you are so in tune with all of your emotions you will experience something very pleasant and will be able to engage with that positive feeling to again enjoy the wonderful intensity that life brings you.

4.0 FOCUSED

4.1 Words that describe you:
Deliberate, careful, regimented, determined, proactive, obliged, methodical, perfectionist, purposeful

4.2 General description:
Everybody knows they can count on you to do what you promise to do, be where you say you'll be "on time" and finish what you start. If you say you'll chair the committee, you'll come with an agenda and a clear outline of the tasks to be accomplished, give everyone a chance to speak their minds, and then call for a vote on each issue, schedule the next meeting, hand out assignments and adjourn at the appointed time. You like order and discipline, and use these to methodically accomplish whatever goals you have set for yourself and for others. And you have a strong sense of obligation if you accept responsibility, you are proactive; you take it on with a single-minded commitment, as if you've pledged your allegiance to the assigned task. People know that they can depend on you.

Your personal life is also one of order and discipline. You are likely to have a pretty firm schedule, and to stick to it. You make time for your friends, but not at the expense of your work duties. You can be talkative and funny in social situations, but seldom out of control. In fact, you are pretty careful; you seldom, if ever, cross the line into impulsive behavior, and you are even careful to control how much of your inner world you disclose, even to your close friends. You keep yourself in check because you don't want whatever mess might be inside you to leak out into conversation or make a mess of a relationship. There are things to accomplish in life, both at work and in your social world, and you don't want to let unnecessary clutter hamper your drive to get all of it done, and done well.

5.0 SOMETIMES OUTGOING, SOMETIMES RESERVED

5.1 Words that describe you:
Moderate, amiable, laid-back, temperate, relaxed, poised, civil, uncommitted, pleasant

5.2 General description:
Lucky you! You enjoy your own company as much as you enjoy the company of others. You are a great conversationalist and thrive in the wonderful kinds of connections you know how to have with your family and friends. You also equally enjoy your own company, whether sitting in a favorite chair with your book and soft music playing or meandering in the woods by yourself. You like coming home to your family or your roommate; but if no one is home, you find quiet, solitary time to be just as pleasurable. What a great combination to enjoy being outgoing and to be just as comfortable being reserved.

Because you are so amiable and relaxed, you are comfortable with almost any group of family or friends. Whether they are pumped up and lively or calm and subdued, you remain at ease. If someone needs to take over the conversation, you are comfortable taking the lead; you can also lay back and let someone else be in charge. If the conversation gets rowdy, your moderate demeanor will often draw it down to a more temperate level. If someone in the group loses their cool, you will most likely maintain your poise, and if they get nasty you know how to keep a civil tongue.

You may find yourself out of balance on occasion. If you're alone too much, you may need to get in touch with someone. If you spend too much time with your family and friends, you may need to sneak off for a day by yourself, to putter and read and clear your head of the noise of too much conversation. When you're at your best, you live with a rhythm of time with others, time alone, time with others, time alone It's a satisfying, comfortable balance. Lucky you!

Where there is love there is life...

Hatred ever kills, love never dies. Such is the vast difference between the two. What is obtained by love is retained for all time. What is obtained by hatred proves a burden in reality for it increases hatred. - Mahatma Gandhi

Finally, Its Over!

The freedom to be your best means nothing unless you are willing to do your best. So wherever you go, go with all your heart. To have striven, to have made the effort, to have been true to certain ideals - this alone is worth the struggle. - Collin Powell, Confucius & Sir William Osler.

What I learnt @SHRI was that staying focused is essential for any project to be completed on time - there's time for fun and there's time for serious work, especially since most of us have commitments besides class (some have family matters to attend to, some just starting out on a new job, some looking for a job, some have other classes to attend to besides SHRI), yet we still have to keep to project timelines set by the lecturers...

I instinctively knew that some of my classmates either 'love to hate me' or simply 'fear' me for the consistent dedication I put into every project assignment... to the point they feel pressured to keep up with my expectations or standards...

Now, this is something I never expect from them, simply because each of us signed up for the course for diverse reasons - some just want to pass each module to get the much needed cert, others just wanted to see if there are greater opportunities by exploring this aspect of HR. For me, it was to learn as much and gain the necessary knowledge and skills as I see this as an extension of my instructional design role. With this in mind, I push myself to absorb and contribute as much.

I hope my dear classmates will reflect on the learning curve we went through together and appreciate the team work we had, given the situations we were in. Outside of class, I am of course not the 'serious' person I am in class; my RMIT alumni mates could testify to that (hmm, think its time for another reunion, eh?)

So what's next?, Dannie asked... I was dumbfounded for a split second (suddenly, I recall grams telling me.. to take it slow, settle down.. right) All I know, at least for now, is to finish up my masters and plan for my phD; I shall not comment about matters of the heart as I have time and again resolve to leave this to 'act of God'. In the words of Brad Pitt in "Meet Joe Black", "It'll come to us" and only God knows who is the 'best fit' for me :)

Anyway, immediately after submitting my final assignment, I went straight to see my guy whom I have 'neglected' for the past 3 weeks...he's 4 months now!

PS: Happy belated b'day to Rye... it was nice catching up with you last week over celery+apple juice, yum! And my heartfelt thanks to Arnold, Irene & Nelson...I learnt a lot from you.

Tests are GOD's way of loving you...

I can't wait to get my hands on Dear John. It's been awhile since I picked up a good novel. With my last module endling late Feb, its time to put aside all those HRD/Management books and turn to some leisure reading. God! I really miss those days... and those stress-free days when I scuba dive, which reminds me I should get my wetsuit back any time soon now (Ms A, you copy that?).

Work has been crazy; when I mean crazy, its probably an understatement. What do you say of a gal who works 12-hour shifts, literally 7 days a week in a super-duper cold enivronment (on rainy days, I wore thermal, no kidding!), managing 7 elearning projects concurrently + diligently going to classes on Mon, Tue, Fri and Saturday nights? Off late, sleeping at wee hours seems like a habit. Some people say I'm crazy; I may just start to believe them... no, not just yet!

I feel tired like the energy is being sapped off my skin and bones (that's right, you heard me right 'no meat'.. ok that was a vent!) and I look the part. Went to see my nice GP and he said I'm experiencing 'burnout' and have contraction headache (aka migraine and when was the last time I had that? NEVER!) Geez... those people who says public service is easy life ought to be shot. Have they been in public service lately? Its really tuff work especially since where I am currently working is project centric in structure.

On a positive note, I've had great reviews on my assignments... looking at the grades really made my day. My team expects that of me but seriously, I am learning just like everyone else. And it just spur me further to really save up to further my studies and make me, above everyone else, fulfilled.

In retrospect, looking at the first set of courseware that will be launched soon, it instilled within me a deeper sense of confidence... that I am good in what I do and that I am passionate in what I believe in and people see that. To have your work acknowledged by people in the industry (rather than your boss) is such a joy.

Let me end this post by saying that I can never understand how some people can live on this earth by skiving, deflecting the issues when decisions need to be made and then shamelessly accepting the credits when most of the work is done by someone else. They lost my respect even if its all in a day's work. Such things make me really mad and its not pleasant when I'm mad.

As they say, you are truly tested because GOD loves you and knows how much tribulations you can handle with dignity... sometimes I just wished GOD doesn't trust me so much (ok ignore that last bit!) Amen, thank the Lord for loving me ;-)

My Handsome Guy @3months

Mum called to say the little guy is back home, yay! I purposefully went over to Simei after work just to see 'my guy' and judiciously took snapshots of him at 3 months, in stark nudity nonetheless. But of course being the great aunt that I am, I won't publish that here... duh! Will do it when he is bigger and knows the meaning of 'blackmail'... wicked! ;P

I have to mention that of late, I have been corresponding with my dearest cousin who is pursuing her phD dream down under... strange sometimes how distance brought us closer. And I'm thankful to have Ms S (my soon to be cousin-in-law, yay!) there to take care of W.

Be tuff cousin W, the journey has just begun and its normal to feel a tad home-sick; embrace it because when you reach the end of the journey and look back at all the sacrifices you've made, it will make your union with your loved ones more worthwhile.

Missing 2-month Old Irfan

This picture was taken of Irfan before he leaves for Trengganu, a day after he turned 2 months. He will be celebrating Idul-Adha with his maternal grandma and be back in Singapore first week of 2007. I pray that the village he is putting up is not affected by the rampant floods in Malaysia. Miss you, young guy!

Did you know:
An infant at 2 months, are still not able to see colours but he is able to identify familiar voices and react but coo-ing. I also read that

PS: Happy birthday Aunt B...

Eulogy for Nan...

What broke my heart was that nan missed me and that I was 24 hours too late... God works in mysterious ways... Only when nan is gone did I truly knew the depths of my love for her... Till today, the final kiss on her forehead is embedded in my mind...

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off. I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,in secret, between the shadow and the soul. I love you as the plant that never bloomsbut carries in itself the light of hidden flowers; Thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; So I love you because I know no other way in which there is no I or you. So intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand. So intimate that when you fall asleep it is my eyes that close

- Pablo Neruda

The Design of Everyday Things - Great Stuff!

Met Rye @NLB for this session by Dick Powell and Richard Seymour. Was not expecting a great turnout - the room was packed with design students! Good stuff nonetheless especially some of the examples to illustrate good design.

In retrospect, I can't stress enough the importance of design by empathy, at least from an instructional design standpoint i.e. empathise with the personas of the product you are designing for. And its great to know that Design Singapore is set up to advocate a similar principle.

Let me end this blog by sharing this interesting article, "Bringing Your Personas Life" as well as an interview transcript between Maish and Don Norman. Enjoy!

Gurteen @Knowledge Cafe!

Suddenly KM is abuzz again; Must be due to the Learning Festival and the fact that KM Asia was on between 7 and 9 November. Had the privilege to meet David Gurteen... interesting lad! Unfortunately, was busy with organising the event to really reap the full benefits of his session. Judging from the happy sheet, it was great that everyone enjoyed the informal session and would request for more. Click here for some pictures from the session.

Btw, thanks to Maish, here is an interesting read on Innovation in Networks. Enjoy!

Sbarcea - The KM Lady!

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Thanks to Patrick Lambe, I had the privilege to meet Ms Kim Sbarcea from Thinking Shift yesterday over a KM session entitled "Establishing CoPs".

She is one of Asia Pacific's most experienced KM practitioners and has worked in KM roles in the legal and accounting industry before her current role at ASIC. She is currently best known for her work in building communities of practice and regularly advises organisations on this.

What I took away from the session was:

• How to identify and work with informal networks in the organisation
• The process of implementing CoPs (SOAP - Strategy on a Paper)
• The pitfalls, challenges and benefits of CoPs

An interesting new 'toy' a.k.a. tool I learnt was the Social Network Analysis (SNA) - the mapping and measuring of relationships and flows between people, groups, organizations, animals, computers or other information/knowledge processing entities.

These key learning points reinforced my understanding of Peter Senge's Learning Organisation concept as well as Michael Marquardt's 16 Steps into Becoming a Learning Organisation.

And this is essential info, folks, especially in an era where change is a constant. So it all ties nicely with John P. Kotter's philosophy. In his book, "Leading Change", he outlined the critical steps to successfully lead change in your organisation. My recommendation is to read the insightful reviews of the book before rushing to the bookstore or library... good stuff!

An Intelligent Conversation...

Now this is one guy I would love to chat, pick his brain, etc. Not only is he talented, he is uber intelligent. From his biodata, he comes across as one with the sheer determination to excel in life.

And for a 28 year old, he is indeed a visionary guy who knows where his heart is and let's his brain do the talking...

I respect the fact that he takes the welfare of his siblings at heart, expanding the business for the sake of his siblings' future is a heart-warming afterthought.

In retrospect, its indeed rare to have a well-traveled Malay guy, what more a good-looking Malaysian to be this successful... Good on you, lad! View more of his pictures here.

For his noble attributes and sense of relentless giving, may Allah bestow him with a wife and family that he very well deserves... Speaking of which, here's a snapshot of his new wife :)

PS: To similar 30-something lads out there who has an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong believe in his faith, leave a comment please... ;)

Irfan @1month...

Every baby is a God-sent blessing from above, who comes into this world with a purpose that would unravel in time...

Couldn't help but share these adorable pictures of baby Irfan at 1 month. He has gained much weight since birth... Just feeding him gives me a sense of quiet bliss... ok that must be my maternal instincts on an overdrive, ha! Enjoy the pics...

FYI: I've been told that newborn babies change their skin pretty frequently... one thing's for sure, Irfan will be a handsome lad...

A Fruitful Life...

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.

- George Washington Carve

231006:
Can I not go to work? So much spring-cleaning to do and to complete my assignment and presentation before end of module... Ok that was a vent btw... I wish I could do more for my faith but looking at the schedule, I pray that GOD forgives me for my less-than-brilliant conduct this month...sheesh.

291006:
Happy birthday to Dayat (cousin's hubby) and for making history in getting us lost in transition from Tampinese to Sembawang and for being unable to cut the frozen cheesecake ha! It was fun spending perhaps the first and last raya with the family from Kluang/Kedah as my cousin will be leaving for Australia National University to pursue her 3-year PhD... I'll definitely pay you a visit @Canberra sweetie :)

301006:
NLB Academy launch went without any glitch, thank GOD! I have to thank my dear friend, Ryan for his willingness and patience in crafting the flash demo for the website's launch.

Also today marks a special day - my dive buddy got married and sadly, I missed her banquet due to the Learning Festival hustle and bustle...

311006:
Happy birthday to dear Inez who is currently busy being an entrepreneur and MIA-ing. Miss you...Also today marks a special occassion where NLBA launched its Trainer & Facilitator Community of Practice (CoP)... What a way to officially close NLB Learning Festival.

021106:
Happy birthday to dear Luke who turned 28 on this special day. May you be blessed with great things in life... and that your mum recuperates from colon cancer and your nephew is free from the terrifying illness...

031106:
Irfan just turned one month and is gaining weight and his aunt (that's me!) is looking forward to driving him around for the festive season. It'll be loads of fun.

061106 to 071106:
Looking forward to the staff orientation that is long overdue, hmm...

081106:
A bundle of nerves, awaiting in anticipation of the feedback from my boss on my PMP mid-year review... hope I did him proud...

091106:
The next eClinic is due and I hope we can finalise the content before vendor engagement. I'm looking forward to working with the vendors on the elearning project. And the satisfaction of crafting the requirements and standards in setting the precedence for the entire organisation to adopt is gratifying...

141106:
My next module will start and I'll be back in class... persevere Azzah.. just 2 more modules and you are done! Yippee... Then up one notch ... Masters then PhD, God-willing!

So stay tuned when Azzah finds time to catch her breath and Rye, I didn't forget our dinner outing, owe you one! ;P

Muhd Anis Irfan 031006

I interrupt this session to bring you a news bulletin - After 3 false alarms, on 3 Oct 2006, a baby boy, Muhd Hanis Irfan, came into this world close to midnight. Weighing at 29.3 kg, with a height of 50 cm and a head circumference of 33 cm, he is an angel! Cradling this adorable tyke who was sleeping soundly (and who happens to resemble his mum... good looking!), I only have great wishes for him...


May he be, as his name suggests - A praiseworthy companion whose heart is filled with thankfulness for God's gift of life. And may his life be filled with richness of love and knowledge. Amen!

Special thanks to Dr J and his team @KK Women's hospital for taking good care of mother and child...We are eternally indebted.

Analogy...

There are things I'd like to say to you on your special day... I am forever thankful God sent you my way. Like a gift from up above, you showed me how it is to feel real love... unconditional love. I know many mountains we've had to climb and sometimes forever has seemed like a very long time... never devoid of misunderstandings; we are only human... and sometimes I wish you open up to me more, let me in to share your burden, instead of facing the tribulations of life alone. Yes, we've endured our share of pain, but together we have so much to gain. Bigger mountains may lie ahead, but together there is no hill we cannot tread. So always remember, and there is nothing together we can not do. I'll be here forever - my love is true. The person beside me, that would be you...

PS: Mama, Happy Birthday [060906].