Online Friends

I have to say that I have been pretty fortunate “meeting” many wonderful people online (my hubby too, in case some of you didn't know).

But looking at the above screen capture from my Facebook page, I wanted to blog about how lucky I have been over the years when it comes to meeting people online. Through the years, I have made many friends who even if I have not met in person (yet), still plays an important role in my life. A handful I have known since 1998 and some I have recently gotten to know, but no matter how long I have known any one person, each one of you play a different role in my life. You've been there with me through thick and thin. You have seen me take that giant leap and move 12,000 miles away from my country to meet my husband and get married. You saw my kids grow up. And many more milestones in my life…you showed me love and given me so much support.

Thank you.

Moving back to the above screen capture…

I have recently met this wonderful online friend by the name of Kevin Patrick O'Brien Jr. How you might ask? I don’t really remember. But if I am not mistaken, he had added me through NKOTB friends which I am glad he did because he is a riot and never fails to keep my online life colourful.

Both Kev and I have figured that we’re long lost evil twins. We must have been separated at birth or something although how the hell one would have an Irish twin and as Asian twin, god only knows. However, there’s something different above Kev. He speaks his mind and whatever comes out of his mouth, you know for sure it’s straight from his heart (whether you like it or not).

He fills my heart with warmth through his statuses and comments and makes me laugh with his goofiness. I think I do the same for him because he never fails to tell me so. Thus why we came to a conclusion that we’re evil twins. I just feel accomplished knowing that I do play an important role in his life, that I am that friend who is there for him to leave him in stitches and with stupid big goofy smiles and I hope I never will stop doing that for him.

Kev, thanks for coming in to my life. I will forever be grateful and will forever support you in all that you do. You’re a good man and you deserve the best things life has to offer. If at any time you hit a low, I will be there to kick your ass back up and that is my promise. Ha!

(You really touched my heart greatly when we had the above conversation on Facebook. Never in my life, did I think I would play an important role in a friend’s life…important enough to be mentioned during your get better sessions).

Oh and by the way, I am very proud of you attaining four years sobriety. Keep it up!!

And in case some of you didn't know... Kev is a really awesome singer/rapper. Check out his latest song: 50 Shades Of Shay

-----

It was the year 1998. I was damn proud to have bought myself a laptop. It was a boat anchor but a laptop all the same.

Upon applying for internet connection with Pacific Internet, I got on a chat line so check out what all the hype was all about. Just as I had figured how to log in, I got into mIRC and #soundbar channel, and I received a private message from a “LordVader”. Yes, little did I know he would be my husband.

He was obviously more grounded than everyone else, and his grammar was impeccable. He knew so much about where I was from. Or at least he Googled it. He asked me interesting questions. I could already tell what he was like, just from the messages.

We talked for about 5 months or so before losing touch with each other. Didn't think much of it since we initially met, both of us were involved in other relations.

A couple months later, I finally started to get a bit more tech savvy and downloaded ICQ in which I remember him asking me to get. So who was the first person I added after installing it? Yup! I added ‘my future husband’.

One day, he got online again and I asked if he remembered me and he answer, “Of course!”. As fate had it, we had both broken up with our partners at about the same time. He sent me a photo of him but I didn't exactly want to believe it was really him. One day, I finally found the courage to call him and we spoke for a bit.

We soon switched to email, which felt like a serious commitment. Things were moving fast. It wasn't too long before we decided to meet. It was either he come to Singapore or I go to America. I jumped at the opportunity as it had always been my dream to visit the USA. Applied for my travel visa, bought my tickets and headed up to meet “LordVader” for the first time. I am actually surprised my parents didn't stop me but I admit, I told them a lot of lies too. Haha…for one, I told them I would be staying with his sister. Oops!

I was all excited until it was 10 minutes before the plane would land in NYC! I have never felt so many butterflies in my stomach. I just whispered to myself, “too late now fool”. Got off the plane and there he was, with his long blonde hair let down, wearing his long leather trench coat. One consolation was he didn't lie when he sent the photo to me. I remember my heart raced so fast that I almost couldn't control my nerves.

Just a week into my trip, we headed up to Maryland to visit with his baby sister and there, after a great dinner, he offered me a glass of champagne. At the last drop of it, a ring slipped from the bottom of the glass and hit my lips. Oh my god! It was happening…. The day I had always dreamed and imagined what it was going to be like. He got down on his knees, asked if I would marry him and the moment I said “yes”, he slipped that beautiful diamond ring on to my finger. I was going to be a wife soon…but how am I going to break this news to my family?

Somehow everything fell right in to place. After three months of being with him, I went back home to tell my family about it and packed my bags to leave my country, my family, my comfort zone for good. Twenty years of my life was packed up in two suitcases. It was a huge leap for me and I took that risk and today I am glad I did.

We were married in April 2000. I was two months shy of turning 21 years of age. My mum was the only family I had there at my beautiful park wedding. But a year after, we made our way back to Singapore and did it all over again…we got married the second time. This time it was for my family to witness.

This April would be 14 years since we got married, and I don’t feel butterflies in my stomach any more when I see him (it’s a good thing), but it is pretty nice to remember when I did.

-----

To think I was one of the skeptics about online romance.

But after all that is said and done, I feel that sometimes it’s easier to meet people online. But trust your gut – things aren't always what they seem.

In some ways, meeting people online is similar to meeting people in real life. But online relationships can be different – and more dangerous – than meeting people in real life.

There’s some real risks in meeting up with people who you've only had contact with online. The thing is, it’s hard to know what the person is really like – because the only thing you know about them is what they've told you. When you haven’t met face to face, you can’t easily pick up the body language cues that can help us to judge whether someone is genuine or not. You might not know their friends or family or anyone around them. You don’t have any way of verifying that they are who they say they are.

I sure did take a huge risk and Ed wasn't even in the same country as me! Sometimes it scares me and I wonder about the “what ifs”? But I followed my heart and my gut.

If there’s a little voice telling you something’s not right – listen to it.

So I’ll say that it’s damn important to be smart. You need to protect yourself.

Again, though, for all its dangers the web can bring wonderful things as well.

Happy Birthday My Son

My little man is a whole year older!

I dare say that only a few parents are privileged to be blessed with a son like him. The day he was born was a day to celebrate! He changed the world as soon as he entered in. Time flies so fast and he has become a lot stronger and bigger but he will always be my baby. I just cannot find the exact words to tell him that we are so proud of what he has become through the years!

He is making us more and more proud with each year that goes by. We hope he is as excited about his birthday this year as we were the day he was born. It was a magical miracle.

We've always been proud of him. Now more than ever, our hearts are bursting with pride, because he is growing into a remarkable person — so full of love and joy. He's growing up so fast, and I'm starting to feel old but it's worth it as I get to see him become the wonderful young man that he is becoming.

Happy birthday to the best son in the whole wide world! We love you so much Logan Aaron Palmer!

I hope that when today is all done, you can say that your birthday was fun.

Shine bright like your cute smile, always!

-----

It was a fight but we finally gave in to our heart and kept the kids home from school today.

Logan woke up early this morning and came running in to our bedroom with his presents, and saying, "Look at my happy face!"

For a week, he's been patiently waiting to open these presents...

His little desires were fulfilled as he opened his two gifts from Ed and I and another from my mum. He got what he wanted...the so very expensive Roadbuster Transformer and his Nerf Gun to add to his collection.

By 10.45am, we were out the door and heading to Seoul Garden at Tampines Mall for lunch as per request by the birthday boy. We spent a good two hours there. The kids really do enjoy themselves there.

Made our way back home and while Logan enjoyed his new toys, I baked his birthday cake for him.

The rest of the day/evening was relaxing but most of all, the kids especially Logan had a great day. Not to mention Logan was thrilled that his Google page on his computer was personalized with a "Happy Birthday Logan" message!

I still can't believe how much my little man has grown.

The First Day of School

The first day of school is always a big day for children especially for the parents (ME!).

This year would be the first day of primary school for my son and I was assuming it must be a big day for him (or so I thought!) and I had months of sleepless nights over it…but try asking him and even you would be surprised by what he will tell you.

Did Logan have any concern prior to his first day at Primary school? Of course he did. He wondered if his classmates from kindergarten would be attending the same primary school as him, and he was hoping they would be in the same class. “Networking” has now started early.

Come to think of it, this was exactly the main concern of my daughter who is now in Primary 5 – if her best friend would join her in class this year. As I see it, my kids have moved on with the times. First-day anxiety or clinging on to mummy's arm probably happens only on the first day at nursery or kindergarten only… Although my kids never had that problem (thank goodness).

In that respect, I can't over-emphasise the importance of attending pre-school or teaching your kids from a young age to be independent and not to shelter them too much and to give them the opportunity to socialise with other kids and adults from a young age.

My hubby and I have always introduced our kids to the real world in stages. At a young age, we taught them to share and respect other children and adults, and they were taught to obey rules and take instructions.

As my kids were raised more in a Western way with Asian values, they have already been introduced to the real world since they were able to understand it, so the first day of primary school was rather a non-eventful one for them (it was for me though as I get to see my babies move on to a new chapter in their lives). My kids were in fact more excited about the new bag, stationary, water bottles and lunch boxes.

Even so, as independent as my kids were, both my husband and I still explained to Logan about the difference at primary school. Primary school is where he would have to sit down and pay extra attention.

For my daughter, out went the pink Disney Princess school bag. It's like she was coming of age (and she is although I never want to admit that).

As to what was the most daunting task most kids had to face during the first few days of primary one: my guess is that it would be using money to buy their own food during recess. Thus why school nowadays actually have parents pay in advance for packed meals for their kids for the first 3 days of school. I did it so my son would slowly ease into the primary school lifestyle and after which, they will have a buddy to accompany them during recess for another 3 days.

All the worrying I did went down the gutter when I sneaked into his school with all the other anxious parents to peek at him during recess. He was comfortable in this new environment and didn't show one bit of nervousness. The fact that he ran up to me showing food and drinks that was not the ones that I had paid for in advance, made me so damn proud. He's going to be ok.

It's amazing how my kids pick up different skills like ducks to water!

To many of us, our school years were the best part of our lives (for me, it wasn't just school and studied but what was memorable was the mischief and trouble we got ourselves into). So make sure that the tradition lives on with our children (not the getting into trouble part)! Children can enjoy going to school even if it's not for the lessons, they can still enjoy the bonds of friendship with their peers.

It doesn't take one long to realize that primary school education has evolved (and is still continuing to evolve) way beyond what parents were used to during their own days as students going through the Singapore education system. I have mixed feelings about it. It's good that our kids would be smarter than us and move forward quicker but I don't like the fact that kids are so stressed. Because of this fast paced education system, kids are not allowed to be kids and before they know it, they've missed out on their childhood.

Yes of course I want my kids to excel but I don't intend to push them like how majority of the parents around here push their kids. Tuition classes one after another, ballet, golf.... I want my kids to study but I want my kids to enjoy their childhood and remember it when they are parents themselves.

Well, today is the day my son will move on to a new chapter in his life where he will face new challenges, new responsibilities and will make many new friends.

I couldn't be more blessed to have my two angels.

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

-----

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...