Couplehood

Monday Faithful: Down, But Far From Out

Us 3

Between Us, We Have 6 Diseases
It's true. After David's 5-in-one vaccine on Saturday, and my bout with a nasty flu bug (which I also passed on to the lady), we were all down for the weekend. You can't tell from the picture taken on Sunday evening, but, we're all running fevers.

Strangely, among us 3, David (who is carrying the bulk of the pathogens) is feeling the best.

Other Non-Disease Happenings
We were just sitting down on Friday talking about how happy we were. Man, it's been a crazy year, but we've come out the better for it. It's a test of faith, will, and commitment - these are things I never thought would be a stretch until I was stretched in those areas. As I appoach the end of the first year of marriage, I must say that it's been the happiest year of my life, and I hoping that it keeps getting better. I think the lady feels the same way.

The Very Special Stone
That's the name of the book I'm working on, and if all goes well, you can get it from your local bookstores as a Christmas present! The artwork's done, and I think I'm through editing it already - so I hope things work out and we'll see it in a couple of week's time.

Finishing Up The Year
I'm just putting the finishing touches to 2008, and hopefully, it'll end as wonderfully as I began it. Sure, there was that nail-biting rollercoaster ride in the middle, but it's starting to finish off really sweetly. And I mean really sweetly.

Right. The boy and the lady are waiting. I shan't keep them.

Something Special For You, Dear

Wasn't it just about a year ago? I do want to go back there again.

Monday Faithful: The Lives We Need To Lead

Church Anniversary
We had a nice time at Church yesterday, it was the 25th Anniversary. Lots of swell memories and tender moments. It's nice to see how we've grown over the years. (There are pictures, but they're not out yet. I'll post them the first sign on Facebook.) David had a rather non-fussy time at Church, even though it was his longest time ever outside the house. He did, however, choose to poop while the lady was trying to sit in the sanctuary during the celebration service - everyone was "heads down, eyes closed" when he heaved a deep breath and went "HHHNNNNNNNNGGGGHHHHH" in his characteristic, forceful, barbaric grunt. Adorable.

Heart-To-Heart Chats
Over the weekend, the lady and I had a chance to really talk some things through. I found out one thing: the longer you've been together, the more difficult it is to say the trivial things that you've left unsaid long times before. We dealt with something quite close to home, and I'm glad to say that I'm on track to making this family work. "I've always thought God would take care of you, you know?" she said. Man, she's got more faith than I do.

A Book, Small One Only
I'm working on a kid's book, and I'm having a wonderful time. It's not a particularly ambitious book in terms of length, but it's ambitious in terms of actually wanting to get it done. I'm on track for that too, though the timeline's really short. If all goes well, you'll be able to get it for Christmas. I'm working to see how proceeds can go to a good cause.

Hey, if you want to read it, let me know. I'll be glad to hear your thoughts on it. I'll only require you to be brutally honest and relentlessly critical - yup, it's that important to me.

Wedding Cakes For Memory (Thanks, Shuz!)

Seen here

Not exactly what I'd want for my wedding cake!Still, a James Bond Wedding Cake = super hilarious.

Monday Faithful: The Days Go By So Quickly

The Boy
Is growing fast. He's about 10cm longer than when he first pooped popped into the world on August 20th. It's an incredible journey so far watching him, even though sometimes we can get awfully frustrated at him. But he's growing more and more independent, which is good for us.

The Lady
Is losing weight fast. She's down by about 14kgs, I think. I did mention about her lovelier figure and all, but I think the weight off her sides and abs makes her feel better. "How about number 2, dear?" *SLAP*

The Lights Are Telling Me Something
I work at Orchard Road, which is the shopping mall centre of Singapore. Come November, some Orchard Road Agency puts up wonderful Christmas decorations and lights that have, over the years, become something of a special cultural moment for many Singaporeans. For me and mine, too.

But It's Not About Christmas, You See
The season of Giving, the (supposed) day of Christ's birth. School holidays. Birthdays (ahem, J-). Whatever December means to you, I'm quite sure it's not just a Christmas thing - you know, in the strictest sense of it being a Western Holiday. It's like that for me, see. December's the happiest month for me. It's almost misty and magical-like. I like December.

1st of December, On This Day, I Thee Wed
That's why. And I'm taking the day off, if I can. We'll drop the little boy with the in-laws, and we'll go have something nice. Real nice.

The Christmas Lights Are Out

Has it been a year already since Christmas?

Man.

Buying Breakfast for the Family

Part of a man's role in the family would be a hunter-gatherer, so they say.

This morning, I'll be a-huntering for wanton mee and raw fish. Nice.

It's been a week now and with a renewed perspective of life. I sense that a lot of what I've been thinking and researching about is coming through, not only to me, but to those around me.

I'm almost done with breakfast. Tell you more next time.

What Are You Building On?

credit: Mulsanne

The History of this Church:
"Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel was built by Col. Milford Howard for his first wife. It was inspired by a church in Glendale, CA which Col. Howard found on his travels. The Chapel is a quiet, inspirational place...but [it is] also a working church, with services held every Sunday. Most of the materials used in constructing the chapel are local..the huge wooden beams, the stone walls and of, course, the huge granite boulder that makes up the front of the chapel."

"... And upon this rock I will build my church..." - Matthew 16:18

What are you building your family upon today?

The Monday Faithful: Being In This Moment.

The Wife's Amazing Transformation
We were on the way out to kai-kai in the city today, but the lady had a hard time choosing clothes. Most of them don't fit anymore, even though she's lost nearly 12 kgs since the boy was born. Her body's changed significantly - it's shapelier - so even though she's shed the weight, she's way more lovely than before. If she reads this, I'm going to get a smack on my head for saying this, but it's true, she looks wonderful.

The Boy's Growing So Fast
And on the flip side to his mother's weight loss, this guy's putting on weight. He's consuming nearly a litre of milk a day, and it's showing on his cheeks. He's starting to make more complicated sounds, and he's learning how - of all things - to pinch. He's already bruised his mum and me. I can't till he gets ticklish.

I'm Here, I Have Arrived
I disappeared for three days - mostly with the wife's support. It's not easy leaving the family, no matter how important the program. She's been amazingly supportive and understanding, especially in this time. She knows how much I needed the time. I don't think I can quite nearly explain what happened over this weekend. I dug in, and I renewed. And, I realise, I am me.

I had no idea how much I had carried on my back all this time - it's not all gone, but it's a start. I'm sure now that my head is quiet - there's a tranquility that I have not had for ages.

Remember to ask me the next time we meet. I'll give you a first chapter, if you have the time.

Us at Suntec

Just having a good time. I took the day off, see. loads to tell you. In a bit! :)