First Getaway After 12 years

Three days ago Ed and I celebrated our 15^th wedding anniversary. How time flies. I can’t believe I have spent almost half my life with him.

This year we did something we have not done in 12 years, since our first child was born and that is to take a short vacation alone without the children. It was a tough decision but we know the kids are older now and also well cared for by my parents. As much as we knew we would miss them, we went ahead with this short little trip.  

On the morning of the 16^th of April, Ed and I saw both the kids off to school and then we made our way to the Harbour Front Ferry Terminal.

Come to think of it, this short trip would actually be our honeymoon since we never took or had one after we got married. OK….I lied….. we did go to Memphis and such….

I was excited and also nervous. I was sure I would miss them.

The ferry ride was about an hour and from the terminal, the hotel van picked us up and it was just a 10 minute ride to the hotel. Upon arriving at the hotel, we were greeted by friendly staff at the Harris and while checking in, we were offered a cold face towel and a lemon grass welcome drink. 

For the low price we had paid for this hotel stay, I was already pretty much very impressed already. I dare say they are 100% better than most 5 star hotels I had stayed at.

We finally checked in to our room. They were nice to upgrade us to a higher floor with a balcony and a great view of the sea. The room was even made extra special when they had rose petals on the bed and love swans made out of face towels. Impressive.

What was the first thing the both of us did? We had a Skype call with the kids then made our way down for lunch. We had to have the most talked about brick oven pizza. It was good stuff.

After lunch, we walked about the hotel property and explored then decided we’d head back to our room for a nap. You think it’s boring but it was our vacation and we were allowed to do whatever the hell we wanted to! Ha.

A call to our room woke us up. It was from the hotel asking us for our feedback. It seemed a little strange seeing that we had only just checked in a few hours earlier….but I still gave them the highest compliments coming from me.

Then a few minutes later, there was a knock at our room door and it was the Harris staff asking my hubs if we wanted to buy some things…. and I was thinking… “What the fuck? Is this hard selling as what they call it…”

While I was beginning to fume, another hotel staff walked in to our room with a cake and they started singing “Happy Anniversary to you” in the Happy Birthday tune. Ha.  What a surprise it was and again, this hotel had earned another point.

Hours in to the first day, we were enjoying the stay, but I was missing the kids very much.

In the evening, Ed and I watched the sun set and had an evening swim before dinner. Amazing how we miss out on these simple pleasures of life that comes almost free but always over looked as we are always so busy with our daily life.

The nice staff prepared a candle light dinner by the pool to celebrate our 15 years together as husband and wife. Perfect way to end a perfect day.

Moving on to day two of our ‘honeymoon’….

We woke up early and went down to the pool area. We had our coffee and watched the sun rise. Again I have to say that such a simple thing like this had filled my heart with so much warmth and pleasure. After this vacation, we should continue to take some time to enjoy this with the kids instead of moving so fast all the time.

We decided we would explore the surrounding areas of the hotel. We walked out to have brunch at a nearby shop. The coffee was amazing although a bit too sweet for my taste buds.

We explored around the area a bit more after bunch…mostly because we wanted to find the famous monkeys of the island. We walked past a group of Indonesians who I think were taxi drivers….I asked them in Malay if they knew where we could find the monkeys. They were more impressed with the fact that I could speak Malay. They showed us where the monkeys were.

Headed  back to our hotel room after and in desperation for real coffee, Ed brewed Dunkin Donuts coffee in our hotel room with whatever we had (we brought the coffee grounds, by the way). Not the best but better than nothing I suppose.

We had a shuttle bus pick up to take us to the Nagoya mall in the afternoon and before we left the room, we left a little note and a tip for the housekeeper. I thought it would be a nice to do it.

So we spent half a day at the Nagoya Hill mall. Wasn’t much to see or do or buy… But we managed to get the kids and my parents something. We decided to get a massage to kill time. It was a nice full body massage where they actually hung on to ceiling posts so they can walk on your back! And the last hour at the mall was spent getting my manicure done. I tried Gelish manicure for the first time. I like how it looks but I am not sure how I am going to have it removed or if I should just let it grow out. We shall see. Oh did I mention we had lunch at the mall. A&W!!

We got back to our hotel room at about 5pm and took a short nap before waking up to watch the sunset from our balcony. Then we headed down to have dinner by the pool again. Damn I could get used to that.

Right after that, it was a night swim and margaritas by the pool bar!! Didn’t I just say I could get used to that?

After the swim, we got hungry so we walked across the street to our new found food haven and had supper. Ordered a feast and paid only SGD $20.

Another great end to a great day. It was also our last night there…. A little sad to leave but excited to see the kids. The next time we go back to Harris, we will get the family room right beside the pool and the kids will be with us. I am sure they will enjoy their stay here as much as we did.

Day three and it is finally time to head home to our babies.

We woke up early to watch the sun rise again and had an early morning swim. Our last few hours to enjoy this short little vacation alone.

We decided we would visit our favourite food stall outside of the hotel before leaving Batam. Had breakfast there then visited the monkeys one last time. We will definitely come back here and the next time will be with the kiddos.

Got back to the hotel and had lunch…or should I say second breakfast. I just had to have the oxtail soup again before I left the place.

Took another walk along the resort, enjoyed the view from our hotel room balcony and another last swim before we checked out and headed for the ferry terminal.

It was an enjoyable, relaxing and memorable vacation for both Ed and I. The first vacation without the kids since having them. I have missed the kiddos terribly but I think Ed and I really needed this and I thank my parents for agreeing to take care of them.

The moment we got in to Singapore, I got a text from my son asking when we will be back. 

Needless to say, we spent the evening enjoying cuddles from the kids!

Goodbye Mr Lee Kuan Yew

On March 27 (Friday), I accompanied my colleague and buddy Imhar and volunteered my time at the LKY memorial at Bedok Central. What an eye opener it was and it sure did make me realize that if not for him, we would not have what we’ve got right now. I am thankful I was given the opportunity to volunteer as a last resort to show my appreciation for everything Mr Lee has done for us.

We have all been crying since we learnt of the death of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. In fact, it is odd for me since I have never met him and since I never really appreciated the fact I was a Singaporean. I admit, I was one of the unappreciative ones who wanted so much to get out of Singapore during my growing up years… and I did… for 11 years.  But I have learnt that the grass is not always greener on the other side and we moved back to Singapore where I can rest my heart and know my kids will have a good education and will be safe.

We all anticipated this as Mr Lee’s health was fading over the years but I suppose we wish he would have remained with us for a while longer and to at least be able to celebrate SG50 with us. But people die and that is life.

The whole nation mourned and waited outside the Parliament house for close to 10 hours just to pay their last respect to Mr Lee. It says something about a person if the nation is so affected by his passing and so willing to wait in the heat just to get that few seconds by his casket to pay their last respects to him. Even world leaders showed up to pay their last respects.

-- Old friend of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Henry Kissinger teared up as he paid last respects to him at Parliament House. --

I do feel a sense of regret for not showing my appreciation sooner to Mr Lee for his vision and for building a nation from a swamp to a city. I appreciate the fact now that he remained tough and for putting his life on the line so we have a future, a nation that is recognized all around the world. We are no longer just a little red dot on the map.

I am certain we all feel a sense of loss just like how anyone would feel when we lose someone who has touched our lives. Despite not knowing Mr Lee on a personal level, we’ve all seen him on TV, heard his speeches and benefited from his work. From being educated to gaining employment, a home to live in, transportation and safety.

I regret the fact that I misunderstood the man and his intentions. I assumed too much but understood too little. I failed to see the fruits of his labour yet I enjoyed these fruits and forgot about the source of where it all started.

I finally see… despite his hard persona, he was a man who cared and loved deeply.

He cared for the people of Singapore. He cried 50 years ago because his vision of a better Singapore was ruined when the merger failed. Many would have given up but Mr Lee Kuan Yew fought on, never giving up and perhaps sacrificing more than he should. It was never really about him but about the people around him.

There is also much we can learn about his commitment and love for his wife. He never hid how much he loved his wife. He listened to her, consulted her and treated her like a partner who was his equal. He made time for her and cared for her until her dying day.

-- Lee Kuan Yew's Final Farewell to Mrs Lee (Madam Kwa Geok Choo) --

We were often labelled as a materialistic society that only cared for ourselves, but we saw how Mr Lee’s death brought out the best in us. From free food and drink and volunteering our precious time. We gave freely perhaps because we have received.

We saw a side of Singapore that we never knew existed. We were a country that was determined, patient, resourceful, adaptable, caring and grateful. We finally saw a side of Singapore that came forth beautifully even as a life was taken away. We have grown as a nation but we now have to stand on our own.

If not for Mr Lee Kuan Yew, our lives could all have been different. We were blessed to have such a man of such foresight to lead our land in the yesteryear so that we can enjoy what we can today.

I will miss Mr Lee Kuan Yew. He wasn’t perfect. No one is. But for what he did, he did for the greater good. We cannot fault him on that.

It’s been a week of crying and a week of reflections. It’s been a tough one for us Singaporeans but also an enlightening one as the tears gave us clarity to our sight, for what we have taken for granted, for what we have failed to see.

Today, we waved our last goodbye and we gave our last cry as it dawned on us that the future is left for us to shape and mould.


Tomorrow, we may forget the past week. But may we never forget the many lessons we can learn from this man and how he has inspired us and what we can do to continue his legacy.

Thank you, Mr Lee. You have moved me and the rest of the Singaporeans, even in death. You have made me more than proud to be a Singaporean. Thank you for building a beautiful country for us. We owe you a debt that cannot be repaid. But the best we can do is to continue to live by the principals you laid down for us and that is to uphold justice integrity, honesty, hard work, love for our family, self sacrifice for the good of society and to do our part in making Singapore a better country for all of us to live in.

Goodbye Mr Lee. Your work is done. May you rest in everlasting peace knowing that your people love you.

Lee Kuan Yew - National Anthem Tribute (By Disrupt)

Funeral procession from Sri Temasek to Parliament House

Thousands attend funeral of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew

My Personal Memorial For A Buddy

Yesterday evening after dinner, my hubby and daughter helped me put together this little candle memorial for my buddy Jamey Griffin.

I really appreciated their help because it gave me some comfort.

Went to bed at about 11pm but had set my alarm so I could wake up in time for Jamey's memorial service that was taking place back in Memphis. Yeh the 14 hours time  difference is a killer. However, I didn't not want to miss it. It was important to me.  It would be the only way for me to say goodbye to Jamey at the same time as everybody else in Memphis.  I still wish I could have physically been there though. 

Nevertheless, I woke up at 1.30am, Wednesday (February 18 - Singapore time). Which means it was 11.30am, Tuesday, February 17 in Memphis Tennessee.

Right at that time mentioned above, Jamey is being laid to rest beside his dad James Griffin. If I had still been living in Massachusetts, I would have taken the next flight out to Memphis to be there. But the costly flights and ridiculous hours of flying (almost 25 hours each way) from Singapore to USA just did not work in my favour.

So I decided to light 4 candles in memory of my dear friend Jamey Griffin who left us too soon. I did this at the same time he was being remembered in Memphis.

The first candle I lit represented my grief and pain of losing him.

The second candle lit represented my courage and to be able to confront my sorrow and to find comfort that he is now in a better place. He is with his dad in Heaven and they will continue to make beautiful music together. We will one day meet again.

The third candle I lit was for Jamey's memory to forever stay alive within me, inside my heart always. For the times we laughed, the times we cried, and the silly things we talked about.

And last but not least, the fourth candle I lit was for the love and friendship we shared. I lit this so that Jamey's light will always shine.

The other day, I noticed how beautiful the sky was then I realized it's because Jamey was up there. God only takes the best, and now I know this, because he took Jamey. I'd give anything just to be able to say goodbye.

“Jamey, every once in a while in our life, we meet someone whom we never thought would affect us in a special way even if they've been around just for a short while. But you did just that. Four years is nothing to sneeze at anyway. You will always have a special place in my heart and I thank you for the gift of your friendship.”

“Rest In Peace my friend. I'm missing you more than ever. In my thoughts you are today, but in my heart you'll forever stay. Please don't forget me! I promise not to forget you!”

A Last Goodbye

It was another normal Thursday morning on the fifth of February for me, or so I thought it would be until I received a call from my mother while I was in the bus, on my way to the office...

"Did you know that Jamey had passed away?" Was what I heard my mum say to me and my mind just froze right there and then. Everything else was a blur right after that but I started to feel the squeeze in my heart and the tears slowly start to form in my eyes.

"Are you sure mum? Could this be another one of those sick pranks that happened last year?" Yes, some time early last year Jamey had lost his phone and the b*stard  who took the phone must have seen texts from Jamey's mum and sis asking about him so he texted back saying Jamey had passed away. It wasn't long before Jamey called them to say he was alright and got online to tell me the same.

"No it's not" was my mum's next reply. "Check his mum's Facebook timeline."

That was about all of the conversation I remembered. Good thing I was seated in the bus when I heard the news because my tummy started to knot and my legs were trembling. I couldn't believe what I heard. Controlling my tears was all I could think of doing at that moment as I did not want to look like a retard crying in the bus.

The first thing I did when I got in to the office was to get on Facebook to see it for myself. I should have just taken my mum's word for it because the numbness started to set in. It was real. I felt tears roll down my cheeks but quickly wiped them away before people at the office saw me cry. I always portray myself as a strong woman and I refuse to show anyone any signs of weakness by crying. If possible I don't even do it in front of my family...not even my husband. Why? That's just the way I am. But he knows when I need that comforting.

I went the whole day like that...controlling my tears. But at different times of the day, I felt lost and could not get much done. I would stop work to just watch videos of Jamey singing. But that didn't help much. In fact, it made it hurt more.

I got through the day at the office. I got through the evening with my family.

Finally when everyone was asleep, I sat at my computer and had some time to myself. I got online and spoke to Jamey's mum. I browsed through Jamey's Facebook timeline, his albums and listened to his songs. And that was when I finally was able to let it all out. I sobbed quietly at my desk not wanting to wake my husband up. It didn't feel any better to be honest because each time Jamey popped in to my head, the water works started again. My heart ached. My dear dear friend has left us. 

To think this is how I am feeling. What is his mum, sis and daughter actually going through right now? I can't even begin to imagine. Yes, his mother is heart broken. Which mum wouldn't be? No mother should ever have to bury her child. But I am so proud of Kathy. She's one amazing woman who raised a fine man and shared him with the rest of the world. She continues to show such strength and so much love for Jamey. She said she's just comforted knowing Jamey is now with his dad in heaven and to me that takes a lot of courage to say it out loud. 

Almost two weeks have passed and I'm still feeling the hurt. Not as bad but it still hurts. I know I should already be alright by now but I'm not. I am filled with guilt and regret. The people who have made this a whole lot easier are the 3 ladies closest to Jamey; his mum Kathy, his sister Katy and his daughter Laura. They've been so strong throughout this journey and it’s only given me the strength to carry on myself.

I feel like I have failed as a friend. I had always promised Jamey things would start looking up. I promised him everything would be alright. I promised I would do everything in my power to get him the gig he deserved and so very much wanted. We always said we would travel the world together when we got to that point although he knew for a fact I was only all talk about the travel part. He knew I couldn't bear to be apart from my husband and kids. That’s how much he knew about me. And he was right. I even promised to get him here to Singapore for a little change for him although I always talked him out of that one as Singapore wasn't all that it’s cracked up to be.

I failed in all the above. 

Now, in my head, I have all the “what if”… What if he did start performing sooner and he kept busy? What if I got him to Singapore? Would that have helped? Would he still be around today if I got that all in place sooner?

I know everyone is telling me not to be too hard on myself. But I can’t help it. I could have possibly saved him. But I did not get to it sooner and now it is too late. Crying tears of blood will not get my beloved friend back.

The last we spoke was July of 2014. I remember Jamey being so determined and so upbeat. We spoke of our plans for him and I told him I was in touch with a friend who was in LA and who could help. He was excited and so was I.

A couple months after, my friend in LA got back in touch with me with good news. I tried to contact Jamey but to no avail. I didn't think much of it as that was how he was. A free spirit. Never did I expect to get news that he had passed away by an accidental fall.

I tried my best but I guess my best just wasn't good enough. I was too late.

Forgive me please, my friend.

-----

Yes, Jamey is the son of James Griffin; Academy Award winning professional musician best known for his work with the 1970s rock band, Bread.

Jamey continued in his dad’s footsteps. He loved to perform his music more than anything.

But whatever it was, he was just Jamey to me. His status or who he was didn't matter. Our friendship was based on the fact we were both just us. Ordinary folks. Of course, I was proud to be his friend. Of course I was proud of who he was but our friendship was built on the fact that he was just a regular down to earth guy. Always such a gentleman, polite, caring, loving and so damn funny.

The reason why I am bringing this up is because I have had a couple people ask me why I am so affected by his death when he was just another ‘celebrity figure’ or ‘celebrity child’.

No. Jamey wasn't just that to me. He was more than that. He was a friend. He was my buddy. When we did speak or chat, we would catch up on anything and everything. 

Knowing me doesn't mean you need to know everything about what I do or who I speak to and what about. So if I am completed affected by his death, I will deal with it.

Don’t question me. I am not seeking your comfort or pity. I will get through it on my own.

It’s just funny how if I think about it, I had known Jamey’s dad longer than I had known Jamey. Both my mum and I met his dad when Bread performed in Singapore in 1996. It was only after his dad passed away that I started to get to know Jamey. 

It’s no wonder Jamey had such a beautiful heart. James Griffin was such a darling and not to mention Jamey’s mum Kathy a sweetheart herself.

-----

When I first heard the news, the only way I tried to get through it was to send Jamey a text message like I used to every once in a while. I’d tell him to reply via FB instead as it wouldn't cost him so much that way and he always thought I was nuts wasting so much money….then we just giggle about it.

The other night I was sitting by my computer in the dark, thinking of my chats with Jamey when I felt a gentle wind blow through my window and I felt a sense of calmness. I felt his presence. I wasn't afraid. I smiled and tears rolled down my cheeks. This time it was tears of joy knowing he was watching over me.

That was not the only time I felt he was there trying to assure me that he was alright and that everything will be alright.

The other time was when his mum Kathy shared a link to a song he had written. A song I knew well because I had called him before and he played it for me. But back to the link….I tried everything but it just would not play. So I left it as is. I stopped it and got off my computer to head out to the store. I got home and my computer was on sleep mode but the moment I stepped in to my room, while my computer still remained on sleep mode, his song started playing. Again, I was not afraid. I knew he was trying to tell me he was still there.

I suppose Jamey knowing me well enough and how I usually need reassuring and me always being a skeptic,… so he showed me the third sign. It was another evening when I was at my computer and suddenly his name popped up on my Facebook chat list. It has not been up there in months and usually the ones on there are usually the ones I'm always in touch with…and now all of a sudden he’s there!

"OK Jamey. I get it. I will also stop being so stubborn as you say I am. But I miss you and I can’t help it. It is going to be a while before I am better but I will never stop missing you."

We've always had each other's backs even from so many thousand miles apart. We have been each other's pillar of support to lean on. We've shared happy and sad times without complaining. He was a true friend. I am going to miss his humour, his music, his passion, his determination and everything about him. 

"Rest well my friend. But never stop making beautiful music. Now you can do that with your dad and the angels in Heaven. And I look forward to the day we meet and I get to watch you perform on the big stage up in Heaven."

"I still want that very first autographed CD from Heaven! You promised I would be the first and I am holding you to that."

"For now, I will keep your memory alive. I will help you take care of your family. I can’t do much but I can promise to always check up on them. I hope to meet you mum and sis soon."

I've converted Jamey's songs into MP3s. This helps me get through my day as I have his songs now on my phone and on repeat.

I just wish I could be there in Memphis to say my final goodbye to Jamey, to give his mum a big hug. I am just very grateful that his mum will be recording the service so I will be able to find some closure at least.

Anyway, just some last words before I put a close to this blog entry…

Jamey,

I will remember the love you gave so unconditionally

I will remember the joy you brought to so many lives

I will remember the smile you showed so frequently

I will remember the laughter we shared together

I will remember the sentimental tears we shed

I will remember the songs you sang to me

I will remember the music that you played

I will remember your strength

I will remember your pride (your kids)

I will remember the joys and the pains we've endured individually

I will remember your fear

I will remember your courageous struggle

I will remember you

Gone yet not forgotten. Although we are apart, his spirit will live within me forever and he will forever have a place in my heart.

At times I still question, “why did he have to die?” because I really don’t want to say goodbye.

God must have thought he was special to take him away but why could he not have waited another day? But I know God is looking after Jamey now, high up in the sky.

I know he wouldn't want me or anyone else to make a fuss, because after all, he's still down here with all of us. And just because we can’t see him, doesn't mean he's not here.

I know Jamey is somewhere very very near. I love him so much but it’s time to say, “Goodbye" because his life here on earth has come to an end. A new chapter opens up for him in Heaven where he will continue to make beautiful music.

It’s time for him to rest in peace and have eternal love. There’ll always be a star burning ever so bright from now on because that will be Jamey watching down at us. Memories of our times spent together will stay deep inside my heart forever.

"Thank you Jamey for showing me how to be strong and how to love unconditionally." 

“If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane…I’d walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again…”

Going Back To School

In a few weeks, they will be closing the gates to my old Secondary school and possibly tearing down the whole building. I have mixed feelings about it. I never liked school when I was in Secondary but this whole place is filled with so many memories for me. Good and bad.

I decided to take the day off and together with both my kids, headed over to CHIJ Katong Convent Secondary to share some memories with my children, soak in all the memories of the place myself and to visit with the Aunty and Uncle from the bookshop who will finally be retiring.

My kids and I walked past Block 51. The memories already started to pour back in. How the void deck used to be our hang out after school. We’d meet with the boys from St Patricks. We’d head up the block and smoke. How the Town Council took away the stone chairs that were under the block because of us and in hopes it would stop us from hanging around…but we just sat on the dirty concrete floors.

Walked through the front gates of the school, only to pass the security. I then thought to myself, “Son of a gun….I am glad there was no such thing when I was in school. How would I escape during recess?” …. Haha

Everything was still the same….the foyer, the stairs heading up to the hall, the chapel…. We then made our way to the canteen where the bookshop was. Mr and Mrs Lim were both there. Mrs Lim was especially happy to see me. She’s always remembered me since I was a little girl in Primary 1. I would always cry and not want to go to school, so my mum would have to bribe me by taking me to the bookshop to buy something. Mrs Lim always remembered that.

She was thrilled to meet my kids and gave them each a pencil. And as we were chatting, my most hated teacher walks in. After the time I told her off, all she could do was give me half a smile. Haha.

We then went over to the drinks stall as the kids were getting thirsty.  The aunty and uncle there also remembered me.

Continued to walk around the school grounds. Went in to the AVA theatre, the art room, science labs, classrooms…. There were so many good and bad memories. I recalled the places we would hide at when we wanted to skip a class or assembly. The bridge that would connect St Patricks to our school, the fence with the hole we used to use to escape school whenever we wanted to.

Those were the days. That was my childhood. I just do not know how I would react if my daughter turned out to be exactly what I was in Secondary school?? I would say KARMA. Hahaha…..

Tua Pek Kong's Birthday

The temple beside my office had been setting up for what seemed like a big event. Yesterday, my new colleague Ah Ling and I walked over to the temple to ask what they were celebrating and I was pretty surprised to hear them say "Tua Pek Kong's Birthday." I thought his birthday was beginning of the year between February and March?

So I asked around as to why this was so....

You see, I'm still learning more about Taoism each day.

So from what I've found out. Yes, Tua Pek Kong's actual birthday is around February. But a Tua Pek Kong temple may celebrate his birthday a second time that year to to commemorate the opening of the temple or anniversary. There are usually a few days a temple may choose to celebrate the birthday or other auspicious events.

Now I understand. This event is pretty big. There have the Chinese wayang outside the temple and a huge area across the street that is serving dinner.

I've also learnt that this temple is called Soon San Teng and was founded in the late 19th century and has remained at the same location. The original temple was an attap-thatched house situated between banyan trees, and so Soon San Teng is also known as 'Banyan Tree Da Bo Gong (Tua Pek Kong) Miao'. The temple was later rebuilt into one with brick walls and tiled roofs.

Today, Soon San Teng temple celebrates the 8th Lunar Month which coincides with the birthday celebration for Da Bo Gong (Tua Pek Kong).

I met my mum after work and we had dinner at the Indian restaurant before heading to the temple to pay our respect and to watch a few minutes of wayang and take photos. Was a real interesting evening. I would like to head to the birthday celebrations at Pulau Ubin next year. That is an even bigger event! I just need to get the dates right.

The Cast of Potted Potter

Yesterday, my daughter together with two of her best friends caught the Olivier Award nominated Potted Potter at the Raffles Hotel Jubilee Hall. Any fool could have guessed that the girls had enjoyed the performance tremendously because my daughter couldn't stop talking about it once she got home and the girls kept texting back and forth about it.

My daughter then tweeted about the performance and one of the guys from Potted Potter replied. I then told my daughter that this could be the opportunity for her to tweet them back and asked if they would meet her for a photo and autograph? At worse, they won’t reply or just say ‘no’. But with our track record of meeting celebrities … why not give it a shot?

A few minutes later, they replied and would love to meet the girls. My daughter was over the moon!! Bet you five bucks she didn't even sleep properly last night! I did tell her to not get her hopes up too high until it happens because anything can happen with celebrities and performers.

So all of today, while I was at the office, she kept texting me about it and while she was doing that, the two wonderful performers were tweeting me about this evening. Looks like the plan was concrete. I then got in touch with the mothers of my daughter’s two other friends and arranged this meet-and-greet.

We were supposed to meet the performers; Benjamin Stratton and James Percy outside the venue after their last show.

Our first stop was Raffles City in hopes we could find some Singapore souvenirs. We did managed to buy two Singapore keychains and two postcards. Then walked over to Raffles Hotel.

We didn't have to wait long. Right after the show and as soon as the crowd started to clear out, the guys came right out! That was another thing that really impressed me. Most performers would take their time and rest and come out when they were ready but these guys wasted no time…rushed right out to make three young girls so very ‘giddy’.

About two minutes into meeting the girls, a couple approached them to ask if they could have their photos taken with them. Ben and James politely told them sure they could right after they meet with the girls. Gosh…. I really hope the couple weren't pissed waiting so long and I hope the couple didn't think of the guys as snobbish because they are not. They were just fulfilling what they promised 3 young fans. You cannot hold that against them.

The girls presented them with the souvenirs and postcards and they were like little boys on Christmas day. I suppose they really weren't expecting it?

My daughter presented them with her drawings on their performance set and they absolutely made her feel so special. Told her she nailed it and all. They signed a copy for her. The guys were also amazed with the girls’ home made wands that lit up. And about 10 minutes later, we said our goodbyes.

What great guys!!

Some may say they are not even well known celebrities and blah blah blah but they are two guys playing to sold out houses all over the world. They could have said, “No. Sorry we don’t have time”…but instead they agreed to meet three young fans.

I, personally didn't attend the performance. I would not have understood a thing because I am not a Harry Potter fan. But from what I have read about it and learned from my daughter, this performance was the Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience.  A parody. Benjamin and James takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books and a real life game of Quidditch (I hope I spelt it right) into seventy hilarious minutes.

However, I have been told that even if one did not know the difference between a horcrux and a hufflepuff, you would still have enjoyed Potted Potter and you would be roaring with laughter. Darn it!! Now they tell me…. I am just going to have to wait till they come back around here to catch them again.

Before I end this post, I would like to thank Benjamin Stratton and James Percy again for making 3 girls so very happy. I think they were on Cloud 9 that evening. I wish you guys all the best life has to offer and the very best of success because you deserve it. Thank you.

And as if that meeting wasn't wonderful enough. I walked in to my daughter’s room to find her jumping and almost hyperventilating because Benjamin Stratton had tweeted about meeting them and posted a photo of the gifts the girls got them.

Kudos to Benjamin Stratton and James Percy from Potted Potter!