As The New Year Approaches

Now is a time when most of us sit back and reflect on the past year and on how to do better in the year ahead.

Technically it's that time of year again when you will make more frantic attempts to change habits, make commitments and radically shift the direction of your life. Or what is called a New Year's resolutions. More importantly, will you keep those resolutions?

According to Wikipedia, a New Year's Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day and remain until fulfilled or abandoned.

Unfortunately, most New Year's resolutions are abandoned before January is even up. I'm speaking from personal experience and I'm certain majority of you can relate to it too.

I think setting goals (and New Year's resolutions) is very important. Well for me I have goals in life and each year I do fulfill as many as I can. I've given up on yearly resolutions though. What’s the point of making them for the sake of making them and not fulfilling it?

Why do we not keep to our New Year’s resolutions year after year?

I think most of us have become numb to the idea of resolutions. Resolutions are like diets. They’re events. They’re uninspiring, and most people state them with unconscious intent.

So what is a better alternative to this New Year Resolution thing?

I've decided to revolt against resolutions. I had my very own “resolution revolution.” I decided to simplify, to focus, and to be gentle about the approach. Here it is:

Pick a word for the year.

Just one word. That’s all.

Then, hold that word in your mind throughout the year, and let your word guide you to take action. For instance, let’s say you want to make a resolution to lose 20 pounds, and to change jobs. Rather than say, “I resolve to lose 20 pounds and get a better job,” you might sit with this thought for a little while. Maybe then you would recognize that you've been scared to look for another job because there might not be something out there, and maybe you've been overeating to stuff?

So, instead of making resolutions – which do little to inspire you – you choose the word “courage.” Courage then becomes what guides you. Each day you focus on that word. When you don’t want to go to the gym, you don’t berate yourself with the threat of your resolution. Instead, you motivate yourself with your word “Courage.” You say it aloud to remind yourself. And you go because learning how to not be scared of change is exciting to you. The word then builds on itself. You might decide to take a yoga class even though the skinny yoga girls have always scared you. You might find that you have a little more energy with each new thing you try. Maybe this energy motivates you to call an old friend in your field and let her know you are looking for another job. Courage becomes the guiding force, not the harsh standard.

I am a very lucky woman, blessed a great career, great family and friends…a husband who puts up with me, and two really gorgeous, smart and amazing kids. I have everything my heart desires. What more could I ask for?

So what word am I going to choose for 2014?

I think I will choose “Self-Love” this year.

I’ve often neglected myself trying to care and provide for my family. I've pushed myself hard to be the best I can be so my family could enjoy the fruits of my labour because they deserve it. But I also have issues I need to get rid of which over the many long years have given me little senses of what it means to love and accept myself. I am not talking about loving myself to the point of narcissism. That is an entirely different thing.

Years back I thought self-love was being selfish but I've learned that it’s the other way around. It’s being selfish not to love yourself.

Yes I have a great life now but sometimes I feel I was born to get through life not being able to let go of the past, and in return feeling really depressed which concludes I am not good enough and a failure. I've continued to put a lot of pressure on myself that I had absolutely no time to care for myself. That will hopefully change this year.

So this 2014, I am going to start learning to love myself. I am going to try and realize that I am as important as anyone else. It is going to be difficult as growing up, I always felt that others are way better than me, and that I don’t matter, and people aren't interested in me unless I please them.

For self-love to happen, I am going to try to take these steps in fulfilling my 2014 goal (notice I didn't say resolution?)….

Self-Care
Consider my needs
Care for myself with the same level of effort that I do for others
Accept myself for all that I am
Set boundaries
Protect myself
Forgive myself
Become mindful
Act on what I need rather than what I want

Wish me luck…..

So what word will you choose for 2014?

Compassion? Generosity? Wealth? Gratitude?

SAM's Holly Jolly Christmas Party

The Singapore Association of Magicians once again opened the doors to the members of the public. We celebrated Christmas with members, their families, friends and some members of the public who heard about our event through Facebook.

Something a little different this year though... for me anyway. This year I performed. I guess we can call it a comeback since I've not taken the stage in over 17 years.

Buffet dinner commenced at 7.30pm and our turn out was great. We had a full house and by 8:22pm we started the evening's programme. I had requested to perform first so I wouldn't be nervous all evening but the other performers had already set the stage. Oh well....a few beers till after the break...

Break time…..

This was when I nervously helped my dad set up the stage for my performance with my daughter. Over 20 years ago, I had done solo performances, duos with my dad and brother…and now I get to do a duo with my daughter! Thrilling but why am I so nervous? Well, I have not been on stage in over 17 years!

But both my daughter and I have been practicing and going through the routine for the last two weeks. All props and bouquet of flowers painstakingly were made by my dad. (Thanks Pa) Well, we had hoped to put up a creditable performance and I don’t think we did too bad. Not bad for someone who hasn't done this in so long. But as always, my daughter is amazing. Always so cool and so confident.

So what were my real feelings from the time after I had set the stage up?

Well, I was sitting there getting ready to go out into the crowd, a rush of fear flowed through my soul, a deep and cold fear that of which I cannot explain. I had practiced and tried perfecting the routine for over two weeks. Not for a night but for weeks, a cold sweat rushed over my flesh. Creating a sticky feel on my skin that irritated me to death. I was fidgety and nervous.

My parents and wonderful husband told me that I was going to do fine and that the performance would be a success but I didn't believe them because I was so focused on what could have gone wrong, it was as if the world had come to an end only I was the only one to experience it first.

Still my heart was pounding in my chest. Butterflies in my stomach. Cold, clammy hands. Feeling light-headed, tight, weak, and shaky. I felt my mind racing. Doubts and fears popping into my head and a vague sense that something bad was going to happen....I started kicking myself for not practicing more.

For what it’s worth, I learned that anxiety is pretty common even among professional performers.

Nevertheless, our performance was well received and it went well. Most of all we had fun and my daughter and I made another lifetime memory together. Just glad everything just "clicked" and once on stage,  I actually felt like I was in total control and everything just flowed easily.

If you asked if I would ever do it again in the near future, I would reply, "I sure would! But I hope to try out a mother and kiddos routine and have my son join us to make yet another memory."

P.S. Thank you Billy Scadlock for joining us this evening and showing your support.

The Amazing Nathan Burton in Singapore

For months I've been excited about watching Nathan Burton live in Singapore but what I didn't realize was that I'd get to watch it twice...and to meet him to boot!

Nathan Burton's opening night was on Monday, December 9. The show was for invited guests only and my dad was asked to perform and do a short magic teach-in before introducing Nathan. Of course that was such an honour and then to have Nathan Burton acknowledge my dad during his performance was the icing on the cake.

We were seated at the fourth row for the Monday show. Awesome view indeed!

From escaping giant microwaves to bringing Barbie to life, nothing's impossible for comedy magician Nathan Burton who is one of the hottest attractions in Las Vegas!! With fantastic illusions and hilarious props, his zany antics left the audience of all ages in stitches. The acclaimed magician-cum-comedian from Las Vegas brought his larger-than-life brand of magic and whimsical humour to Singapore and the crowd loved him! I sure did!

For those of you who don't know who Nathan Burton is....

Nathan Burton was a magician from Season 1 of America's Got Talent. He was eliminated in the Semi-finals, but he returned for the Wild Card Show, where he was eliminated again. He returned in Season 4, where he was eliminated in the Vegas Round.

Nathan was born in Oakland, California and as he described on stage, he was bitten by the magic-bug at the age of four when he performed his first trick in front of his kindergarten class and although nothing turned out as it should have – he was hooked – and decided then and there that magic was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

You would think that someone like me who had grown up having a dad as a professional magician and who has done magic herself, that I would know the secrets to all of Nathan Burton's tricks..... I did know the trick but I was still left astonished and entertained and not to mention a belly ache from all the laughing.

Nathan possess the ability to create a myriad of mind-blowing illusions from magically making himself vanish on stage and reappear in the audience in the most astounding way. He blends original stage illusions, comedy, street magic and showgirls to create a fast paced, contemporary and riveting performance amidst his mischievous and masterful magic.

Then comes the bigger surprise....something I wasn't expecting at all because all the advertising said was Nathan Burton in Singapore with sleight of hand magician Armando. Now don't get me wrong, even though Armando only came out for a ten minute performance where he showed us an awesome close up trick, I still found him rather amazing. But going back to the big surprise was funny man Russ Merlin!! I did not know he was performing with Nathan Burton. Oh my god! I love this guy!!! I've been a fan for the longest time and I finally get to see him perform live!! I'm over the moon.

I knew Russ had performed in Singapore in the late 90's which pretty much pissed me off because I was in the USA then. And when he was back in USA I pretty much never got to hit Las Vegas to catch him and now I am back in Singapore and I get to fulfill my dream.

There's no shortage of laughs when it comes to Russ Merlin. This guy is a riot!

When it comes to explosive comedy, Russ Merlin has made a name as the master of the unexpected. Nothing is quite as it seems when it comes to this world famous prop comic. You never know what could come next as Russ will take the hand of the audience and guide them on an electric ride full of hilarious antics and the best part, the audience is never left out!

Russ Merlin puts on an energetic, hilarious and interactive show that will keep the audience laughing. His professionalism and entertaining skills makes him one of the most sought after entertainers. Russ Merlin is like a variety show all on his own. It is no surprise that audiences from all over the world will tell you that Russ Merlin is one of the premier acts of its kind anywhere in the world.

His blend of magic, comedy and audience participation is what makes the show such an enjoyable experience. One of the highlights of the act is a routine that Russ has been developing by himself for the last several years. Throughout the evolution of his act, he has created one piece that has become a highlight for all those who see (and participate in) it. Four chairs are set on stage and volunteers are asked to participate. Once on stage the volunteers have masks placed on their faces. The best part is they don’t see just how ridiculous the masks look, which makes the next part of the act even funnier. Each person on stage is given an action to perform throughout the rest of the routine and what follows can only be described as hilarious. I suffered side-splitting laughs.

However, the mask routine is only one of Russ Merlin’s many talents. He is also an accomplished magician performing some great sleight of hand with coins, balls and other props as well.

Russ knows just how to make any audience across the globe laugh till they drop!

And OMG I got to watch him not once but twice this week!! *scream*

(I'm totally sounding like a screaming adolescent teenage girl right now)

I swear today would be the second time I've watched the whole Nathan Burton, Armando and Russ Merlin show (front row today though...eeks!...*happy dance*) yet I laughed at the same routine and jokes. These are real entertainers. No matter how many times you watch them, you still leave the room in stitches. Today, I took my kids with me and they had a great time.

Alright...so let’s move on to the after show bit....

After the performance on Monday, my dad and I met Nathan, Russ and Armando after the show. We took photos and introduced ourselves and talked. Took a lot so I would remain claim and not sound like a nervous blabbering baboon while talking to Russ. The guys were awesome. Very down to earth and obliging. I managed to stay calm till Russ almost blew my "act" when he insisted both he and I took selfie together! My hands were shaking and I couldn't even get the camera on my phone right! Ha.

Great way to end a blue Monday.

Round Two.....

For tonight's show, about 60 members respectively from the two magic associations in  Singapore joined my dad, kids and I together with members of the public. It was full house!!

After the show, we had to wait for the guys to have our private meet and greet session. But my kids wanted to purchase the DVD and get it autographed. So we did. Nathan, Russ and Armando remembered me which thrilled me to no end. My kids met them and we took photos together.

Finally, it was time for our private meet and greet between the members of the magic associations in Singapore with Nathan, Russ and Armando. We took photos, talked and Armando even showed us a few more close up magic. The guys were amazing. They stayed and chatted for a good hour. They didn't rush us or make us feel rushed. It was an insightful meet up.

And to end my whole dream come true, meeting Russ Merlin finally ..... Boomz! As I'm in a conversation with him about the years he worked in Singapore, magic, my kids performing, my events company....he goes on to ask if my kids are of Caucasian mix and I reply yes. Then he asked if I am Eurasian (I love a smart man)? I wasn't embarrassed to let him know how smart he is because many have assumed I am Pinoy (WTF?) and he goes on to say he loves Eurasian girls. Talk about wobbly feet after that!

I had a great week. Thank you Nathan Burton, Armando and my favourite Russ Merlin!! You're three amazing individuals....talented, down to earth and real.

Oh did I forget to mention the tweets and retweets Nathan had given me? Yeps! Now if only Russ Merlin is on social media but I guess it's a good thing he's not or I'd be charged with Internet stalking. Ha.

Meeting Minecraft Developer Jens Bergensten

It all started a year or so ago when my kids got really interested in this game called Minecraft. Not being a gamer myself, I've not showed much interest in it but all I hear from them is Minecraft and I always remember them mentioning the name Jeb.

Sunday night, at 8.30pm I tucked my kids in to bed and 10 minutes after, my daughter stomps in to my room looking as though she was suffering from an anxiety attack. She tried to tell me something but due to the fact she was over excited, all I heard come out of her mouth was..."mummy ... Jeb.... Singapore!!" I swear I thought my child was going nuts!

However, not just thinking she was nuts, I was mad at her because she was supposed to be in bed. Nevertheless, I finally managed to understand what she was trying to tell me..."Jeb the developer of Minecraft; the game they play, is here in Singapore."

After yelling at her to get back in bed, I got on twitter and followed this Jeb guy. I remember my kids talking to me about him and how they'd love to meet him one day....so why not meet him now since he's already on Singapore soil?

So like a stalker, I followed him on twitter and tweeted him about my kids and what great big fans there were. I did this not expecting a reply because you usually don't get replies from popular and famous people like this... although I have to admit I've had pretty good charms with celebrities. Haha.

True enough, not too long after, I heard the notification come in on my iPad. It was Jeb! He was keen on meeting my kids but told me he would try as he is here for his honeymoon. After a few tweets back and forth, he asked to meet at the lobby of Marina Bay Sands (where he and his wife was apparently staying at) on Tuesday ay 10.30am! Dammit! Lani will be having her Chinese Oral examinations then. Now if she wasn't having any exams on that day, I would have allowed her to skip class...

Anyway, I didn't want to seem pushy and neither did I want to let this opportunity of my kids meeting their hero slide...so I took the chance and tweeted him a few more times asking if it was possible to change the timing as my daughter was having her exams. He replied saying he will try his best as he was here for his honeymoon but will get back to me Tuesday morning.

Told my kids about this the next day and they were excited and hopeful.

Nevertheless, up till about 12pm today, I did not get a tweet confirming if my kids could meet him before he left Singapore today. I was going to tweet him to ask but before I could do that, he tweeted to give me a time and place to meet.

As busy as I was at the office, I managed to find some time to get some things ready for my kids' meeting with their hero. I got photos printed for Jeb to autograph it for them and a couple gifts and souvenirs for both Jeb and his wife. Then it was time for me to leave the office to go get my kids. I took half a day off as I know how important this is for my babies.

We got to the the airport, Terminal 3 by 5:45pm and waited at his flight check in counter. My mum spotted Jeb first and from the photos I had tweeted him of the kids, both he and his wife recognized us. Being the wonderful people they are, instead of heading to check in for their flight first, they actually walked up to my kids who were by the way really calm.

Jeb was soft spoken but really down to earth and seemed shy. His wife was a doll. They didn't rush the kids and spent time talking to them, taking photos, signing autographs and Jeb even recorded a video for my kids' YouTube channel.

The kids passed them the little gifts and they were thrilled. Jeb's wife asked for a picture and we said our goodbyes (not without thanking them for making two kids so happy).

I never was in to Minecraft as I am not a game person. But after this meeting, even if I don't play Minecraft, I'd still support my kids with their interest in it... obviously to a certain extent as school still comes first.

Thank you Jens Bergensten. I will be ever so grateful to you for making two kids in Singapore feel extra special!

Videos of the meeting

http://youtu.be/lm9UFZwwcmg

http://youtu.be/FI9Valfj2xs

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Most of what I know about Minecraft I’ve learned through watching my kids become totally immersed in that world. They spend half their time playing and the other half between watching video tutorials other players have made or making their own videos about Minecraft.

I used to think it was a total waste of time but Minecraft is a community actively learning and discovering from one another. I've also learned that in scripted games, everybody experiences the same thing — they’re all rescuing the same princess and what not, but in Minecraft, you use your imagination to create whatever you want. It might be a story or an interesting place where you can go and play. But whatever it is, it’s a reflection of you and your intention and your creativity.

My kids have definitely exercised much more creativity since playing Minecraft and their interesting in wanting to be graphic designers and computer programmers have grown immensely.

So who is the person behind this awesome game?

Jens Peder Bergensten, also known as Jeb is a Swedish video game designer. Since December 2010, he has worked for the game developer Mojang as a programmer and game designer. He then became the lead designer and lead developer of Minecraft, after Markus "Notch" Persson stepped down from the positions in December 2011.

Bergensten was born May 18, 1979 started programming his first games at age 11 using BASIC and Turbo Pascal.

Nevertheless, the one thing I regret not doing when we met Jeb at the airport was doing a short interview with him. But I really didn't want to take too much of his time....wanted my kids to enjoy it all and didn't want to hold both Jeb and his lovely wife Jenny back from getting ready for their long flight back to Sweden. Maybe next time or maybe an email or Skype interview...

Angels Living at Bedok South

Who believes in angels? 

I do. And I believe at least two angels live at Bedok South. You say I am crazy but let me tell you my story...

The last two months or so, my family and I were going through a rough patch. A scenario that would test the strength of any family. A scenario to test how we would support one another through these rough times and how strong we will be. It was definitely a trying time. There were a few occasions we snapped at one another and fought and almost to a point of giving up...but we continued to stick together and stood tall.

The waiting (for the outcome) was the worse. We didn't know what to expect...whether it'll be good news or bad news. But we prepared ourselves for the worse.

A few days before my dad headed up to Thailand to settle the issue, he went out for a little while in the afternoon and when he came home, he was exhausted and drenched in sweat. I asked him if he was alright and he told me the story about how he had bumped into this old lady on a wheelchair and she had lots of grocery bags with her. She had asked my father to assist in pushing her back to her block of flats. My father obliged not knowing how far it was. When he reached her block of flats, she thanked him and said he can go back now as she will wait by the lift for someone who had company and who could help lift her wheelchair to her house.

I find that strange. Maybe she didn't live there? Maybe she was an angel testing my father? That was still debatable until a week after when my mum came home and told me of another incident that happened to her...

My mum was waiting by the bus stop when a nicely dressed old lady came up to her and asked her for $2 because she wanted to buy a cold drink. For your information, there were many other people at the bus stop but this old lady decided to ask my mum! And since she didn't seem like she was poor or anything, why did she ask for money for a drink?

Again I am trying to put all the points together but it doesn't make any sense. And they always said that when an angel visit you, they will always ask for something to drink....

I guess everyone has their own beliefs and everyone is free to their own opinions. But I believe these two ladies were angels. They were sent here to test my parents. To see how they would react to helping them when my family needed help of our own. So what if my parents turned those two ladies away? Would luck not have been on our family's side then?

Who knows?

All I can say is that I believe they were angels and they were sent here to bless our family because I happy to say that things are somewhat settled and my family has been blessed. Through this, we have gotten tougher and we appreciate one another more.

No child should be more important than any other child

What I witnessed in the train on my way to the office this morning is something that really caught my eye and touched my heart. What I saw reminded me the purpose of being a parent and that the love for your child is endless. It has also made me realize how lucky I am to have two smart, healthy and beautiful kids.

This morning, in the train I saw this family of three. Father, mother and son. What made them stand out was the fact their son (about 14 or 15 years old) had down syndrome. Yes I know it's pretty common nowadays but there was something different about this family. The father was well dressed and wore a Rolex Submarine watch. The mother was neatly dressed and styled herself in nothing but branded from head to toe. Yet you knew there wasn't any airs about this family and their love for one another was so great you could feel it rub off on to you. Well it rubbed off on me at least ...

The way she stroked her sons face gently as she spoke to him... You could see the love in her eyes for her child and I am almost assured that to her, he is the most beautiful person in her whole world.

Moving on to the father... The way he held his son in his arms as his son rested his head on his chest, the way he held his wife close to the both of them as they travelled to their destination together... It's so hard to describe in words. But it touched my heart so deeply.

It is something like this that should make everyone know that 'no child should be more important than any other child.'

For instance, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William just had a baby and the whole world is making a fuss over it ... I question, "what's the big deal?". Yeh the child is a Prince and not just a Prince in fairy tales but in real life but so what? I'll excuse the British as they have a right to get excited and all as this baby could be their future King but why are the rest of the world making a fuss about it?

My son is also my Prince and my daughter my Princess. I am certain majority of you feel the same way about your kids too, right?

So I end this with my conclusion of "No child should be more important than any other child".

Agree? Well, everyone is welcome to their own opinions.

Happy Birthday Little Bro

My brother have made me crazy at times in my life but regardless I love him unconditionally and couldn't imagine not having him in my life. He was born and lives to annoy me, pick on me and drive me nuts but I love him to pieces. i always believe that a brother is for life unlike friends who will come and go. 

I am thankful and blessed for the family I had during the formative years. It's thanks to my dad that I now have a temper and can hold a grudge. Thanks to my mum, I can hold it inside when I have to...and thanks to my brother I know how to get even!! Haha.

My dearest brother, I may not be by your side celebrating your SPECIAL DAY with yoU, but I want you to know that I'm thinking of you and wishing you a wonderful birthday. I wish you all the happiness and success, love and health life has to offer you. I've always been proud of you and through everything I've never once given up hope because I know what happened in the past is all a learning journey.

Brother dear, our laughs have always been limitless and our memories are countless. You're not just my brother but my friend. Our friendship is endless. 

Happy birthday brother dearest. I miss you so very much.

Debra Debra Goes To Dunkin Donuts

** NOTE: this was honestly the hardest and most painful blog post I've ever done! But I did it to amuse my colleagues because we've all been really irritated by this one "C U Next Tuesday" (take the first alphabet from each word) and this is exactly how she does her blog posts. Very Singaporean bimbo who refers to herself as a third person. Idiot!

Ok hor. Debra is writing this blog post hor because it was inspired by a very bimbo-ish girl who thinks it's super cute to write her posts in this manner.

Anyway hor, Debra want to tell you about her trip to Dunkin Donuts at ION Orchard. Actually hor Debra has been waiting almost three weeks for her coffee powder to come in leh so since hor Debra was around the area, Debra decided to drop by to check lor if stock has come in or not?

Why Debra only buy coffee from Dunkin Donuts? Because hor, the coffee very nice one leh. Also because hor Debra atas mah and because Debra lived in America many years last time mah.

So Debra goes there and asked whether stock for her coffee have come in already or not. Wah lau eh, the Supervisor remembers Debra leh! Of course Debra feels so flattered lah.

Then hor, the Supervisor told Debra hor that she only had one bag of coffee but the expiry date was in two weeks leh so since she knows how much Debra needed the coffee, she was so nice and said she will give Debra a 50% discount. Of course Debra so happy lor.

Later she take the bag of coffee out and realize that it's already been open leh. She notice Debra's disappointed face so she tell Debra don't worry because she will give Debra the bag of coffee for free lor. Wah lau!!! Debra was super super excited and happy lor. Like that Debra save $18 leh. Shiok hor? Of course lah!

Not just that ok. Debra learned it was also National Donut Day lor so this nice Supervisor want to give Debra free donuts also leh. But pai seh lah so Debra tell her no need lah but also because hor, the flavour not so nice lah. That's why they giving it away free lah.

So anyway hor, Debra still bought half dozen donuts for her family lah because Debra loves her family a lot mah.

Like that Debra happy happy go home lor. So shiok right? Of course lah!

Family

My father is now on his way to Thailand. I am not a religious person but I pray for his safety and I pray he will be able to settle the issues with my brother. I really hope things will work out and that my brother will finally wake up and work his way in the right direction. Enough with the big dreams and big ego.

The last five days has been a nightmare for us. It was a trying time and a time we finally realize who actually has our backs (friends and family). A time we fought but still stuck together as a family to try and come up with a way to solve the current situation we were put in to.

Of course under the given situation and pressure, each one of us felt we were pressurized by the rest to put in more effort in trying to handle and fix the situation. In actual fact, we were all in it together because we are a family and that is what a family should do to protect one another.

Thursday, an old mutual friend of my brother's and I sent me this newspaper clipping with the incident on it and my brother's picture. Of course it was in Thai so I had to have someone translate it for me. Nothing really major was mentioned (thankfully) but it is this that makes me think otherwise.... Yes I know my bother has balls of steel and has that bad boy tendency but he probably was framed by enemies. I have a few suspects actually. But whatever it is, lets see...

Nevertheless, within three days, we managed to pull together the bail and now it's time to put more faith and prayers that this situation isn't so huge or that these corrupted people will accept the bail as they initially asked for and not raise the amount to anything higher than what we've already got.

Right now, there isn't much else we can do but wait....it's the waiting that I hate most!! What should we expect? Good news or bad news? The time right now just can't pass any quicker can it?

It's breaking my heart!! More so each time I look at his photo in the newspaper article. He's such a smart person and so very talented and creative...all wasted.

But on a different note, my BH sister in Malaysia has asked me to meet with her friend who is in Singapore. She had asked him to deliver my NKOTB surprise box to me for my early birthday present. I was excited all day and also spent the afternoon 'creating' some NKOTB surprises for her. I made her a tin piggy bank and a couple cups. I hope she likes it.


So yes, I finally collected the box and went straight home to open it up! I was like a hyper kid at Christmas. So many surprises! I felt blessed.

Inside the box:

1. NKOTB Deluxe Box Set
2. A signed NKOTB “10” CD – YES it’s signed biatches!!
3. A signed NKOTB photo – YES again it’s signed!!
4. Jordan Knight’s “Ah F*ck Yeah” bracelet
5. Forever 21 NKOTB Edition Shirt 6. Photos of NKOTB when they were signing the CD!


Thank you Thong Yeen Fuan (Sarynna). We’ve only briefly met in Jakarta at the NKOTBSB concert and have been in touch via Social Media channels but you’re the sister I never had. Thank you for these surprises. I am ever so grateful.

YouTube FanFest

Look who is all grown up now?
Here we are sitting Starbucks Coffee at Marina Square waiting for our daughter who is attending the YouTube FanFest event at Ritz Carlton Hotel. I'm a mom with ants in her pants right now....how can you blame me? My 10-year-old daughter is at the event with her friends and here we are waiting to pick her up. I've got my phone ringer on its loudest setting and it's right beside me for when Lani calls. One day it will be time to let go but just not today...

"Ryan Higa" - before yesterday, I didn't know who the hell he was. A short introduction from my daughter and not only did I learn that he's a famous YouTuber, I've also learned that he's my daughter's idol! Not a bad looking guy. American Japanese decent. What I don't understand is how he got famous in 2006 when he posted his first video?? I honestly think his videos are no brainer and it's actually dumb but whatever tickles their fancy.

Being the cool mum I was, I tried to do my mischief in hopes I could get her to meet this guy Ryan Higa. I started by asking everyone I knew in the events industry and emailed to everyone connected to this event or this guy. I even followed this guy on Twitter, subscribed to his YouTube channel and LIKED him on Facebook!! This isn't the end to the extent I will go to so my daughter could have a dream fulfilled. I tracked his flight and the time he'd arrive and which hotel he was putting up at. Sent over a souvenir gift with a note, left a message to his room but still no luck... So as disappointed as I am, I know I've tried (to say the least).

I just hope she is having a great time and learning a few things or two. Her interest is there thus why we didn't want to stop her from attending this event. But she's here on the condition that she will have to blog about her whole experience. I mean why not start a blog since she's already got her own YouTube channel and Facebook Group and not to mention her own server for gaming.

Well it's time for us to make our way back to Ritz Carlton to wait for her to come out. I really hope she's had a great time. I hope almost as much as I did a year ago at the NKOTB concerts.

So sitting here, outside the ballroom where the YouTube FanFest is taking place, we hear screams from the girls chanting "Ryan".... I looked up and I see him walk past this small group of his adoring fans without stopping for a brief moment to say 'hi' or just making some eye contact. Wow!

Maybe my expectations are too high comparing him to NKOTB or Engelbert Humperdinck or the few other celebrities we've met and even come to know on a personal level. But then again, this guy is just a YouTube sensation, a joker in most eyes whereas NKOTB and Engelbert are true celebrities who has been in the industry for a long long time...long before this joker was even in diapers!

I'm not sour about the fact that he's not gotten back to me about my request to meet my daughter for a photo but from what I can tell, this guy is a snob. I saw it with my own eyes and I guess I can say from 'my experience' dealing with 'him' and other real celebrities.

Of course I am not telling my daughter what a dick I think he is. That's up to her to find out for herself but all I know is that as a mom, I've done my best to get her to meet her idol but he just doesn't seem to appreciate any of his fans.

Lets see how far this joker goes? One thing for sure, he'll probably never get a USD8,000 ad placed in the Billboard magazine or any other magazine, dedicated to him from his fans around the world. NKOTB got that and deserve every bit of it! Because they treat their fans like family and treat them with love and respect.

I mean really.... Big names like Engelbert have emailed us back and called us, NKOTB have emailed and sent me messages via Twitter, I've been in touch with the band members of groups till they passed on, etc. So is it so difficult for this joker to stop and shake a few hands?

One day my daughter will be old enough to understand that. One day my daughter may even be a bigger name than him and when he asks to meet her, I hope she declines! LOL. After all, he is one of many popular YouTubers in the US whereas my daughter is now the only youngest female magician in Singapore. Anything is possible.

And look who is all tuckered out after having all that fun.

Christmas Isn't The Same Without You

The long awaited Christmas has finally come and gone...just like that! We have to start working hard once more to save up for next Christmas.

My kids had a great Christmas! They have their new toys to keep them busy till they decide they are bored of it!! But kids are kids.

Since having kids of my own, I've learned that Christmas is for the kids. No matter what happens, we as parents must try to make it a meaningful one for them. Christmas is not just about money or gifts, it's about spending time with loved ones and your kids and that should be priceless!

I love Christmas. There’s no other time of the year that excites me the way Christmas does, no other season that evokes in me warm, cozy childhood memories as Christmas does. Christmas is simply a Magical season. It’s that time of the year when the air is filled with lively exuberance, when spirits soar in joyous merriment, and families and friends get together to share love and re-live old traditions. Old traditions that isn't quite the same this year because my brother is away.

My husband kept asking me what I wanted for Christmas and I've thought long and hard about it and then realized that I've already got everything...the best family and friends ever! So what more could I really ask for? Actually there is something else I want and if there was a God, I would ask him for one Christmas wish and that would be to see my baby brother and to celebrate Christmas together again like we always did,... to laugh with him, hug him and to tell him I love him and am missing him.

Things have not been quite that easy for us in 2012 but it has definitely made us stronger as a family. And I hope for a better 2013 because my family deserves it.

So since we are on the topic of Christmas.... I happen to find this photo on a Facebook page of a different religion. Believe me I am not a holy person. I've given up on praying. I don't believe in any Gods and have very little faith. But seeing this got me really angry. This group of people gets pissed and defensive when other people poke fun at them but now it's ok for them to poke fun at others...???

They had a photo of a little boy sitting on Santa's lap and the caption read, "where are you in the bible Santa?" ... Then this moron had to add fuel to the fire and remark, "yes, where are you in the bible Santa?" 

What right have they got to ask a question like that? I don't know but I think they are being trouble makers! None of their bloody business I say. But I had to have my say in this and this was what I wrote....

"All of you are ignorant!! Santa is not a religion and even if he was, you don't have a right to ask him or us where in the bible he comes in! You should not be such troublemakers. You're so pathetic and un-knowledgeable, so let me explain... Santa Claus is the spirit of giving, the joy of bringing happiness to others by sharing. Majority of us have Santa Claus in us at Christmas when we give to our family, friends and charities!"

Of course I've had morons arguing with me but I left it be knowing full well these idiots cannot be taught!