Winter Season in Abu Dhabi

This cold weather will pass soon. By end Feb, when I return to AD from SG again, it will be turning warmer. I remember that last year in July, we were always soaked in sweat and engulfed in the thick humidity (esp. in the nights), and would imagine how nice it would be to walk Kenji when the weather became cooler.

And so these last few months (Nov. onwards) were cool, and sometimes, the wind would be pretty strong. I have to put on a sweater or jacket wherever I go. And I found myself wondering when I can jump into the pool again, when I can be in my T-shirt, shorts and slippers again, when I can get my tan back again.

Even the house feels really cold and we have to put on the house slippers, and wrap ourselves up. Ha.

Snugly tugged, 被偷拍。:D

Today, after work, I played tennis (in 16-deg weather and with some wind), and while it was cold to begin with, I soon worked out a little bit of a sweat. :)) It was so so nice. I took up tennis lessons here and the coach is a very soft and mild-mannered Arabic man from Egypt. He is really gentle in demeanor... but packs a punch on court. I thought the 45-minute session was too short. But well... I will see him again in a month's time.


Then, because it was cold.. the next best thing to do was a hot shower, followed by Hot Pot!
Actually, we are pretty boring people and never really ventured out to eat all the "must-eats" here in Abu Dhabi. We've heard different ones recommend this place and that place, but generally, we don't think about driving out far to just get dinner, unless there's a special occasion. So tonight was kind of impromptu. We headed out about 940pm for hot pot! Haha, and it was really comfort food, like any of the steamboat buffets you can find in Singapore. This Seven Hotpot restaurant is opened by Chinese, and we had 2 soup bases and lots of the usual "steamboat" stuff. It was just... nice. :)) Now, we have 1 more place to add to our list and know where to head to for this kind of strong-taste craving.


I am wrapped up all again in the pink fleece blanket. It is time to turn in.
Tmr, Kenji will go to his "concentration camp". We jokingly term it that way because we are sure he will miss us so much. And also because he always looks so forlorn when we leave him there. He will also miss his warm couch and blankets.

💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

日曜日について

This morning started out with a disruption in the electricity supply - the annual electrical maintenance. I totally forgot about it, and had to wash Kenji in darkness. :-0 Well, it also meant I decided to go to Costa, have coffee, and read a book. It is a different Sunday, causing a break to my "housewife"-routine, but whatever, I thought I would just enjoy what the disruption brought about.


So I am reading Homo Deus, and these first few chapters explore how history repeats itself, and that the human mind seeks to explore happiness and solves life's greatest challenge - overcoming death. It is an intriguing book, intriguing content. Never say never - maybe one day, #immortality?

Well, weekends are always lovely. They are a time for me to get in touch with my inner self more, to wind down a little and spend more time talking with people I love, and observing. I really enjoyed yesterday and today, especially that I am now writing my thoughts after watching Federer win his 20th Grand Slam. He teared... so 感动... I think we human beings are wired in a certain way (or at least me) - always in awe of the greatest inventions, the record-breaking feats, the stories of human strength and overcomers, whether in areas of sports, technology, business, personal life stories, etc.

I like to look at expressions. To me, the most real emotions are the most beautiful. I love it when people laugh and smile. I think people are most beautiful when they are happy. :)
This pic of Federer is one of gratitude, one that speaks of hard work and victory, toil and success, one that no one could really understand except for himself. It is not the hearty laughter picture, but one so so rich in emotions and a beautiful one of a champion.

And while weekends are to chill, life is also increasingly integrated with work (and learning matters) right now. I just saw this incredible video. Who puts this ingenuity into this little puffer fish, and taught him how to create this perfect circle and structure? How did the fish learn to do this? It is unexplainable. God must have deposited His nature into the little one.


I had a great time at work this week, and explored Medium.com today. We are thinking about starting a professional blog on the future of learning, and would likely do that soon. I pondered about skills obsolescence this week - because what we spent time learning, or what could have been a professional and technical career in just a few years back - could very quickly and snappily be over-taken by machine-wired intelligence. This is just a real example of what I learn from a friend's experience this last week. Still, learning new skills can be enjoyable, triggers the mind, brings about fulfillment. Just like the little fish. There is a purpose to his creation - it is to woo his lover. There is this nature deposited in us - to continually learn, create, do good work, be that designer.
Work and learning should be meaningful and fun. I decided to journal some of the moments of remote work in this Abu Dhabi journey because, well, this is going to become such a part of me. :))

Thankfully I could get on Video Conferencing again despite its blockage earlier this year.

This marks the end of Jan 2018.
I am looking forward to February.

5 - 14 Jan

I have been flying back to Singapore on Etihad primarily, and hence, chalked up many many miles. It was a superb New Year present when I got upgraded early Jan on the trip back. :) How nice, especially when I least expected that. Money talks, and money talks loudly --> The difference in the service treatment, the difference in the seat class... I have very bad backaches and pain sometimes... so this upgrade was really a blessing; there are massage functions on the seat.
At this age in my life, I wonder about how transient life can be, the power of inheritance, my attitudes towards what I want in life, what things truly matter, especially on plane rides.


When I am in Singapore, I think about life in Abu Dhabi. 
When I am in Abu Dhabi, I think about life in Singapore. 
This last week in particular, I keep thinking about the parallel of my day in Singapore. For example, on a Sunday afternoon, I would have been eating brunch at the local coffeeshop, drinking kopi siu dai ka C, and then perhaps do some grocery shopping, finish the Sunday Times, look forward to going for a run at the beach with Kenji or perhaps do a bike ride to ECP with Steve. These little things - I miss the most. It was so so so nostalgic when I was back last week, to just walk through the neighbourhoods of Pasir Ris and Tampines. I miss my mum. 
Maybe at the 1-year mark, most people do get homesick?

And SG is always about relationships and work for me. 
I went back for Yifang's wedding, and Zhihui and I co-emceed together, with Daphne and Lips coordinating the wedding. It was really a very good time as we have worked together as a team before. Really happy for YF and Ivann, and even even feeling more blessed by some of my dearest friends. I had so much fun with ZH... so much... thank God for beautiful friendships, and laughter always. While I fell really sick through a bout of food poisoning, I also totally recovered within 1.5 days. Too much to express; too much to remember - of this great week in Singapore.

Some of my favouritest people in the whole wide world. 




Going into office was superbly good too.
So I've taken on a new role and challenge at work, by looking at the Future of Learning for the CET sector. This is not crystal-ball gazing, but through my readings, observations, I find myself asking some key questions:
- The human species - we have the innate ability to learn, don't we? Structures, institutional systems are created to provide some form and shape to "how" we can learn. But isn't learning intuitive? A baby learns right from Day 1 how to respond and get his feed when he is hungry. For us adults - how do we continue to learn best so that we can "future-proof" ourselves? What assumptions can we challenge and are we brave enough to say that some of what we have put in place might not have worked out as well as we had hoped it would be? How will this future look like?
- Can we create and shape the future of learning in our world, especially through the many advancements in technologies and breakthroughs (which will continue to happen in our generation and the next ones to come)? I believe we can - because there are simply different societies and groups that have advanced further and brought greater good to humanity, because they create, they innovate, they learn and adapt faster and better.
- How can we then, as an organisation, define and scope out what might create the ripple effect, for the future of learning?

TRUST. AGAIN.

One of the highlights in the whole week is always to attend service and listen to sermon. The Word of God has an uncanny ability to inspire faith, renew strength from within, set perspectives right again.

January is about to whizz me by, and the start of the year has just accelerated in its pace. Thankful that I am learning new things daily. I must have been tired... I fell asleep on the coach on Friday night throughout, intermittently waking up to see Kenji’s bright eyes and black snout directly at my face. Recently, Kenji has been acting strange too, and would often give us “THE LOOK”. I can’t exactly describe it, but his eyes will narrow a little, and then there is this “Hey, why are you like this and can’t you share your seat”? energy emitted. So, we know why. He wants to get on the couch with us, and would “test” our responses. Finally, he would jump up and sit down with us. Dog behavior – and learning what is permissible and what not.

This whole weekend, I felt very much for a very dear friend. She never gives up and wonders why love is elusive and has evaded her so many times. In an era that is now so connected, we have used social media, different dating websites or applications to try to find that special someone. She has been trying too, but once again, felt crushed. When do we give up? Why do we keep keeping on? When is enough enough? Do we give our very best in loving and trying, or do we hold back? What is this mystery about a love relationship? How does attraction happen and can it be defined? I do not know. I think they defy logic and understanding. 

Proverbs 13:12 says this – That “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” The heart just keeps on searching, keeps on believing.

The Chinese language is beautiful. Each character depicts a picture; paints an emotion. I wrote this a few nights ago.

不知不觉 又过一月

不知不觉 模糊探索

有些答案 隐隐约约

有些言语 永埋心底

现实幻想 是真是假

最心深处 如何表达

痛苦快乐 悲伤喜乐

今天明天 似乎。。。 又匆匆过了一天

美丽言语 试着表达

动听歌曲 依然描述

现实幻想 模糊一片

以搞不清 是对是非

但是。。。

生活插曲 点点滴滴

依然盼望 依然美丽

神的时机 只有相信

绝续宣告 拿出勇气

旧事已过 从新再来

生命奥妙 箴言信靠

盼望无期 使人忧伤

夙愿得偿 带来生机

新的一年 从心开始

旧事已过 一切更新

再次尝试 再次努力

神的话语 舒服安逸

The best ever place in the world is that hiding place, the quiet place, where once again, strength is renewed, and that river of life begins to flow again. 

Bye 2017, Welcome 2018

It is almost 2018 where I am. 30 more minutes to the end of 2017, and 2017 has been a blast. I just felt so extremely thankful to God. 2017 started with a “step-by-step” word for me, where this time last year, I began my 3-month NPL, as Steve and I were starting a new journey of our life here in the Middle East. 

And, one year has passed. It has flown by. Each month, each step-by-step faith promise that I stood upon came to pass. By faith, I declared that by Jan, we would settle official documents. That happened. By Feb, I would pass my final theory test – that happened. By March, we would move into our new apartment; by May, I would pass my driving test first time. By June, I would get my Emirates ID. By July, Steve would pass his assessment, and Kenji would move over. By August, our house would be rented out. By Sep, Maki would complete her SOT and the new tenants would move in. By Oct, WorldSkills event would be successfully completed and by Dec 2017, I would enter into a new professional journey…. And, all came to pass. These were the planning I committed to God this time last year, and amazingly, each month, when I look back, all had come to pass. And no amount of words would be able to describe or explain how I am grateful to God.

This year, I went through many un-explainable emotions as well. Well, usually when we talk about emotions, we remember the really bad pain more, and I am no different. This year, I have not felt such a certain type of roller coaster emotion / pain before in my life and I know that with the good, there surely will also be the down times. The winter seasons, the dry seasons, the times where I felt faith and fear collide, the times where I could no longer think straight, the times where I felt I could but yet couldn’t, times of frustration and disappointment… these times are those that I could only confide in Him alone. Such moments were spent in deep reflection and prayers, calling out to Him for strength and grace, many times on my knee. I know that such times are precious too. Because it only means to me that I cannot live life based on my own strength, and everything comes from above.

The cg friends came and left. 7 days just passed by like this. It is still pretty amazing to me. They spoke about coming this time last year, and it actually materialised. The church cg folks are special because by choice, we decided we would commit to each other and live life together, week in week out, in fellowship with one another, and in loving and serving God together. I am so grateful that several of them visited and I learnt... really, that distance does not separate. It is the effort, commitment and love. So this Dec, while tired at times, the joy that flows from within is priceless. It was so good to see Kelvin, Karen, Keziah, Koen, Lauren, Alicia, Zealyn, Joshua. So good so good. I am so blessed and touched that they came to spend Christmas together. Maybe I am melancholic, but I know, this would never happen again, in such an a manner. We spent moments just enjoying Abu Dhabi and Dubai, eating together, laughing together… I really felt very touched and blessed.

Christmas Dinner – the one time in 2017 that I felt so stressed by cooking and preparing food, and Kenji was so happy to see everyone. But everyone was so wonderful. They came early to help prepare ingredients. :D haha, I hope Steve and I did not disappoint. 

Ferrari World – The brave attempted the fastest roller coaster in the world but most times, we were just happy to spend time together with the kids. And Lauren was so brave - she dared to go on this scary ride. The only gal who went up among us all ladies.

 

Louvre Abu Dhabi – oh, this place was so so very crowded. It opened to such big hype in November, and the architectural art was very beautiful. I think it is the holiday season and that's why the big crowd. Another day would be much better. 

Grand Mosque – I think I went to the mosque more times this month than to the church. Again, this place is beautiful, with its marble and grandeur.

Burj Khalifa – We scaled the world’s tallest building together in the lift…. The human being is so creative with a can-do spirit. While I cannot imagine how this feat could be accomplished, gazing at the world around us leaves me with such a sense of wonder.

Desert Safari – The desert and its sunset; the camels and the sand. The dune rides and the belly dancers; the performers and the fire. Unfortunately, I think the place was not as clean as the one Steve and I went to in Abu Dhabi. The sand dune bashing ride also paled in comparison and it was just crazy crowded. :-0 Still, how can you say you have gone to Middle East without a trip to the desert?

Boat Cruise – We saw the Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, Jemeirah Beach, and it was a nice change to just cruise around Dubai. Our captain did his best for us too. J I am sure everyone was like me. At some point in time, we would have been thinking about life while in the ocean.

Koen’s Birthday – this sweet little boy celebrated his 5^th bday. He must be so overjoyed, and his parents too… knowing that both their children are growing up well in the Lord.

Global Village – The biggest carnival I have ever been to and my second time here. The strolling, snacking, seeing the different pavilions representing the various countries, playing old-school games, enjoying the cool weather. And when the sparkles began at 9pm, the whole village literally just froze in their tracks to gaze at the fireworks display…. So happy. All these culminated into a huge yellow banana for me! Haha…. The kids love it too, and, Kenji was just so angry with the banana and the balloon.
 

YOU CAN SEE THAT I AM CRAZY OVER THIS BANANA.

Dubai Mall - Shops galore, human beings even more. It was just way too crowded. Zealyn, Lauren and I spent time just talking and well, we only shopped for 1.5 hours. Still, we managed to get 3 pairs of shoes, some running gear. Dubai Mall is just HUGE, and its fountain display was beautiful. 

Daily Breakfast with Chef Lee - or almost daily. So this trip, it was my first experience staying together with so many different ones and we booked the hotel apartment suite. It came with a kitchenette and Chef Lee would take our breakfast order and cook for us. So 幸福！

Mall of the Emirates - yet another very big mall and this would be the last stop. It was just a good lunch as we wrapped up this trip, and as Steve braved the crazy jam as well as the crowded carpark to join us. Actually, time really flies.... before I know it, I will see them again, this Saturday. Ha ha ha.

So, 2017 has really been a very good year for me.

I spent today getting back into the "gearing" mode. I checked my emails, think about work, did laundry, went running, went to the Honda service centre to get our car, and spent the last few hours with Steve just eating at the foodcourt and having ice-cream. :-D 

And, we did supermarket shopping and ended up buying a bigger fridge. Haha... means I will cook more?! 

This is also the day before VAT kicked in, so this was just a mad day. People were all over making last minute purchases before the 5% tax. I think we kinda got into this frenzy too with the fridge and car servicing. Haha. Finally, we are home to spend the rest of the last minutes of 2017 with Kenji. :))

My serious husband thinking about this Samusng fridge. It is SGD $400!! :-D

In a sense, this year has come to a closure. It has reached a peak these last few days in December, and as I spend time journaling the AD moments, I know I must embrace 2018 and look forward to what it has in store for me. I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. 2018… while I am not entirely sure how it will pan out, some days back, I felt that it would be about how old things have passed away, behold – all things have become new. For now, as I pray about my year ahead, I will always remember 2017 as a step-by-step year where as I plan my steps, God directs my path. This year is seeing His faithfulness unfold in a most amazing monthly manner.

IT IS 2 MORE MINUTES TO 2018. HAPPY NEW YEAR!