Thanksgiving week

On the topic of "nice", "singlehood", and this discussion went on from last night till now, and I even joined in a panel sharing on singlehood experiences - such raw and good sharings from 1 dear friend, and also, much about this word - nice. 

Do you describe someone as "nice", when you want to introduce a person to a friend? And what does "nice" conjure? I am actually not sure too - maybe it's different when it's used by a man, vs a woman. But perhaps for me, it comes across as too vague, and this adjective could also mean that there's really nothing too good to say, or nothing much to comment about the person, and hence, "nice". 

Definitely a good discussion topic and much learnings and understanding. 

That aside, Sunday again... I had a very sleepy weekend... felt sleep-starved, and just zzz-ed. 

My oura ring stats should be quite good for the last 2 days. :)

It is the Thanksgiving week. And I am thankful for Thanksgiving Thursday - had a really great fellowship, and traditional American dinner with Robert, Monique and their 3 lovely gals and friends. It's officially my first time joining an American family for Thanksgiving dinner, and it's a huge celebration for them. :) So much food, so much good conversations, and I am really thankful. 

First time to their new place, maybe first time in last 1 year since we met. Same lovely family :)

And Friday was good too. There are so many sales advertisements all over - every merchant and online stall trying to capitalize on this Black Friday tradition, and even Cyber Monday - to rake in the sales. And, I didn't really have anything I wanted to buy though I checked out Zoom Fly 3. Unfortunately, the discounted price is not really anything great too, and even more expensive than normal sales in the past. There's really nothing very much I want materially, at this point in time. 

But Friday was good. :) We had a good brunch and stroll along the coast. It would have been holiday season in the days of old, but I suppose we could just still pretend it's a holiday walk, stroll. :)

I am just thankful for a nice walk and a good conversation. :) Nothing fanciful, but just enjoying the moment. And because it's Black Friday, dress in black. :-)

On Thanksgiving, of this week itself, one of the small moments I was very glad for was that it rained a little, even for a short 15 minutes. It was nothing to really rave about, but it was just a strange feeling - something like a refreshing moment, thankful moment, breathing moment early in the morning. Maybe it made me feel that I was closer to home, having heard that it's been pretty rainy in Singapore. Or it's just the early morning moment of experiencing the start of a new day. It's a fleeting moment and a feeling that I wanted to capture... a newness, hope, life, and that the day had begun. The clouds came on in the early morning, and it drizzled, even as the sun starts to rise. I managed to catch the whole sunrise as I was up early for a meeting. :)) 

Earlier today, I was also thankful that I've had a good week and weekend. I also felt some tinges of nostalgia too as I went about my cleaning and laundry routine. I looked at the closet, and thought about the clothes, the make-up, the shoes, the bags. When was the last time I really decked myself in proper office wear and bought nice girlish things? I think it was quite some time ago. Maybe, this would happen in 2021. :) A little wistful feel washed over me. 

Finally, I am thankful that Christmas is coming again. :) This year will be quieter... but in it, there's surely that sense of awe, and then, the start of a new beginning, new hopes too. I am looking forward to this beautiful December season. 

我的一个小小作品

很感动。有几个好友说好听，有feel. :)

But fingers are feeling the sting now. Nonetheless, it's very enjoyable to just make music, and I'm looking forward to another WIP one with Alice. 

For now - it is just this part of 雪落下的声音。 

Of shoes, and meat

Saturdays and Sundays feel so very different. Yesterday, I was more relaxed, had guitared, and was listening to the sermon on Honour, and felt so ready to enjoy the Sabbath rest - which is a very conscious and deliberate effort, to choose not to think about areas of concerns, but to trust Him. 

Today's feeling was more - let me just check my emails first, and see if there's anything I should attend to, and then at least, I can have peace of mind to read, write, and enjoy the rest of my Sunday. 

I wonder how our brains and emotions are wired to think, feel and see. Am reading this book called Incognito by David Eagleman, and it's re-reading some parts to further understand. Some days, I feel super genki, some days, I feel a bit down in the dumps, but technically, nothing has changed on the outward. Also, I was thinking that in such a vast and majestic world and universe, my thoughts are so so so, so so so insignificant and inconsequential, in comparison, to the vastness - and yet, and yet, that God knows me by name and He is the one who is my friend, mindful and in control of all that goes thru' my life, my mind. It was a pretty much mind-blowing thought - because last week, with a sermon I heard, and with this thinking - I did wonder again, why people would want to take their lives. And - also, set against the backdrop of world events, like the recent US elections, like the pandemic - these too, are as huge as it can get for 2020, but in eternity and in God's mind, probably, just one speck (important or otherwise), in His vastness. 

I have come to this part of the year again, where I know that time will still a little as I prepare for 2021. 

So, my yesterday was a really happy and chillax one. I was told that the shoes I bought for my mum was delivered. :) She was so happy. And I asked her how she wore her shoes. I bought her a first pair 3 years ago, and I think I've brought her, like 3 pairs, and she's worn all of them out. Haha. And I am still wearing the same pair I bought for myself 4 years ago?! 

My mummy swears by these Clarks cloudsteppers ever since her doctor told her that these will help lessen her feet pain. There are no more such designs here in UAE, and I had to ship it from Amazon US. Amazon is really amazing. And finally, it was Ernest who brought the shoes back to SG for my mum. :)

And then, my sis keeps asking me to buy Alphafly. She says it is so good and helps shave her timing off her runs... and better than zoom fly 3. haha. Oh dear... alphaflys are not available in UAE, and then they are like 3 times the price of zoom fly.... haha.

And, my life's been about big eats recently. I shall talk about the Fri night big eat. 

We chanced upon this Brazilian Ola restaurant that serves 15 different types of barbequed meat, with salad, cooked food, soups, sushi, desert - buffet style. Oh my goodness. I never had so much meat ever before in my life. Seriously, my first time, and I think I cannot eat meat any more for a while. 

But, it was really quite a nice place, and not so ex, at AED 129 per person, which is about SGD$47.

And, I really liked the wagyu, beef brisket, and this other slightly crispier cut - all medium rare. 

My favourite, was the salad and salmon though. Haha, and.... the Brazilian black bean stew soup called Feijoada! Super super super delicious, and it reminded me of my mum's 黑豆汤。 

虽然看起来不起眼，有什么都看不到， 但真的很好喝。哈哈。

Maybe cos it was a Friday evening, I felt that it was such a well-deserved meal. :)) We stayed from light till dark, and the whole place was filled with merry-making. It's nice. I took some photos of the area and night sky, and also... it was all the more enjoyable as the manager gave me free Cab Sav Merlot blend. So enjoyable and thankful - last Friday evening. 

The Getting-Ready-for-New-Week Feeling

This coming week, I will be doing 3 sharings, and then 1 of our collaborators, will be doing a sharing on our work too. 

Usually, when I agree to share, I always tell myself - Just do it. And when the day draws near, I will be like... I have to think about it seriously and spend some effort on it now. It's  challenging myself to speak, to take on the QnA, to learn and improve, and understand my chain of thinking better. Sometimes, this is the JBE feeling. But yet, it is necessary, to step out of comfort zone. 

And last 2 weeks, we operated too like events company - webinar event company (as Fiona jokingly said). 

And it was also some levels of preparation, especially on an AI talent and skills topic that we had with OECD, and on a collaboration with LinkedIn. 

This part of the year, technically should be about winding down, some travels, some taking stock, some gatherings with loved ones, some reminiscing.  
However, this pandemic has really turned everything topsy-turvy, and on this Sunday evening, I am feeling a little wistful. I had completed the first presentation deck for next week, and now, cannot help but think about the "good old days" and the travelling episodes. If 2020 had been normal, maybe I would be glamping in Japan with Maki. 

I cannot be more thankful though - that today, at least I got 1 sharing done. Tmr, I will have to wreck my brains a little for a guest lecture at NYU-Abu Dhabi on Thurs. :)

Thankful to the ongoing collaboration with LinkedIn, and this year, we investigated the factors that enable success for mid-career workers' pivot into new jobs, and the employability of fresh grads.

And our first collaboration with OECD Science, Tech and Innovation Directorate touching on AI Talent and Skills. 

Work - is truly about partnerships. :)

夜深人静时刻的美

We took 2 night walks in the last couple of days with K. Tonight, I thought how beautiful the quiet night scene was yesterday. We just walked quietly, stopping for K, each of us deep in our thoughts, and occasionally stopping and sharing some reflections. 

When it comes to writing, it is really about the mood, the flow, the emotions. Maybe tonight got a slight feel. Just finished a conversation with Sabie, and I am glad Monday is over. It doesn't take very long for me to write if I feel it just coming together. And it has to be that kind of moment for me to write. Then, the words are formed - the letters becoming words, words becoming meaning, and the whole diary entry becoming an etched part of my life that I want to remember. 

And so last night I brought along my phone to capture some of the shots. I want them to be etched in memory, because it speaks of a certain feeling this Nov season. 

好美，对吧。

And the light hues, and the mosque being lit - they are really beautiful. I wondered if there were any activities going inside this grand building, and at such a late time in the night. This 80km sign is also where I usually start my run round the mosque too, on weekend mornings. I'd have run maybe about 10 minutes from Rihan Heights to reach the mosque, and then I'll decide if I should do it clockwise or anti-clockwise, again, depending on my mood that morning. 

And you can spot big S and little K - enjoying the night walk yesterday. 

And the last pic of the mosque from the back, just alongside the highway. :) There is no night walk tonight. Both K and S are sound asleep. I will have to turn in soon too. Tonight, am thankful that Monday is over. 

3 Wishes and happy little lucas

The birthday week for Steve has passed. Throw back to Oct, I thought hard and fast about what I might get for him, and it was really quite hard to get a nice surprise. I'd get him a laptop he wants, but it's out of stock for now. So on Nov 1, I really wondered what I should give him. I thought very hard and a moment of brilliance flashed by. I decided to grant him 3 wishes. 

Laugh Die Me. 

I told him I would do anything on 1 Nov for him. He has 3 wishes, and they will be valid only on 1 Nov 2020. These wishes cannot be granted after 1 Nov. Ha ha ha. 

And, he thought very hard, and he couldn't think of any possible wish except for me to mop the floor (I gave an incredulous look) and to give him a full hour massage (I gave a woeful look - 1hr? I think I will die of tiredness). Ha ha ha. To which, I asked him - are you sure? It will be such a waste of wishes since both can be fulfilled by professionals. He pondered over them for a while longer, and went back to the drawing board. 

The clock struck 12mn, and maybe 1 Nov 2021,  I will grant him another 3 wishes. This moment of brilliance brought so much laughter. I thought I was pretty clever. Hahaha. I never thought it'll be so hard to ask for 3 wishes.  

Of course we had a nice cosy dinner together at our favourite hotpot place. :)

And today, we had a simple dinner and celebration with the Rihan ATC alumni. We had a most sumptuous homecooked Mui Fan dinner (so yummy - thank you HN!), with potluck additions. 

I have never really eaten Mui Fun before. Think this could be the 2nd time only. :-D The zhap was gao and nice - the vegetables and ingredients were very good too! Felt so blessed. 

And Little Lucas was very chatty today, and was happy to hold my hands, showed me his squirrel, fire engine, played ball with me, drew bus and pictures, jumped up and down the sofa, and auntie here and auntie there. Haha, I felt wow - the boundless energy is unparalleled, and running 10km seems easier. And yet, I am just very happy to see him warm up to us. 

And as the cake was brought out, the little boy thought it was his birthday celebration. So so so so cute. He was happy and expressive, breaking out into bouts of laughter, and sang and clapped happily. So sweet and so cute. 

And the boys - a coming to 4-year anniversary for them here, and the friendship continues to grow. I know these 3 support each other at work, and cover each other's backs. I sometimes say they bromance. :-D 

And - Lucas's eyes sparkle! So bright and curious! 

The heart is full. 💓

BIG eat at Boa

We recently really liked this place. 

Basically, can BIG eat, and no need to own-self walk around to take food like any other normal buffet. Haha. Basically, just eat and eat, and drink and drink. SOUNDS TERRIBLE. 

But, this place is pretty nice. It's at Anatara, and there's a marina just outside the restaurant. 

It's fully packed for their Friday Brunches, so reservations have to be made about 3 weeks before minimally. And... it starts at 12pm onwards, till 4pm. There is this culture here where the Ang Mohs like to just chill and have free flow drinks, and so Friday brunches are pretty popular. 

Having discovered this place, recommended by Steve's colleague, we decided to try it in Aug. And... then it became a staple in our Friday brunch makans. And... it's so lovely!! Haha, big eat to end the work week is a happy feeling. 

So, I love the seafood platter with the tuna, lobster, crab, oysters, etc. And the starters (erm, the ceasar salad, the smoked salmon), the Boa creations like the Duck tart, the goat cheese baklava, the crab koroke, which are all refillable. And then the main dish - ribeye and salmon fillet for us respectively, and then the free flow drinks (wine and sparklings for me. :-D) 

And the best part is, there's Entertainer voucher, and if you consider 3 meals in 1, very worth it. :-D

So we've been there about 4 - 5 times since discovery, and yesterday, I had to take a work call at 5pm UAE time, with colleagues from SG, and collaborators from UK and US. It was my first time doing a work call outside by the marina - but, this is really the new norm already. :)

十月份的友谊点滴

October 就这样悄悄地插肩而过。

I've had some really nice gatherings and makans, and very good conversations with Herman too. :) Friendships are at different levels and the really close friends type are the most precious; and then there are the colleagues-turned-friends; and then there are those you can engage in good conversations with, and you might not really meet them often, but when we meet, we talk more about life, Singapore, opinions, perspectives. Herman is possibly one of such. And of course, there are the bigger groups of close friends gatherings - like with the ATC gang, or the groups where you gather to get to know new folks. :)

Haha - so basically, I had some good makans and conversations at different levels. 

The one-to-one, heartfelt ones - like with my mum, with Shui Yen, with Zeal - done over zoom. Can any-oh-how talk, can HTHT, share deeper things, pray for each other. 💗

The getting to know colleagues type - and I now have a new team mate, this gal called Jacinta. I've known her for a while as fellow colleagues, but now that she's joined us proper, we have been discussing work, getting to know each other better. 

And - she has a shiba inu too. 💗

And then another type - the growing of friendship over time, brought together by the fact that we are fellow Singaporeans type. And that would be that night out Steve and I had with Herman and Lily - celebrating the 3 of their birthdays together, drinking sparkling prosecco, and needing to wake up at 5am the next day. (How did I do it?). 

So enjoyable. The place was just quiet and, conversations went here and there - Abu Dhabi, Singapore, National Service, Cybersecurity, Jamus Lim, Politics, Malta, Birthdays, Halloween, Italian food, becoming an MP... haha... so many different topics in that one night. 

And then we had the Rihan Alumni type. We grew closer together because we lived in the same compound, and shared life together somewhat. It's alumni because Sean and Viven and their families have moved to another part of Abu Dhabi. The last time we met as a whole group was end of last year during Christmas. This time, we gathered and just talked, chilled, played with the dog and cat, took a walk around their new compound. I was happy to listen to the ATC chat, happy to listen to Hui Ning, and... happy to drink beer. :-D

Later - we have 1 more gathering. And this time with Viven's wife too. :-D More beer and drinks. 

And the get to know people type - with some new Korean friends. The common thread is that we are all here because of the husband's work, and all of us have tried to find meaning and lived well nonetheless. I probably wouldn't interact very much again as the paths do not really cross - but still, there is such types of group gatherings where we are mostly just happy to say hello and hi, and engage in general conversations. 

Hahahah... the ladies love to take photos. So funny. They took so so so many. The men are in another group, and they took NONE. 

好舒服的星期六早晨 💗

Weekends are a welcoming end to the week, and I've mused recently that even though weekends fly by, weekdays zoom by even at a faster rate. I am happy and thankful this Saturday morn, perhaps because I know I have been nourished this morning - body, soul, spirit. 

Last Sat and this, I end my run at the small beachfront opposite Rihan. Sat down, prayed, looked at the families and people gathered (just like me, to take a break from work, to slow down), and it was me time. And with the weather cooling down rather considerably, the sun rays providing some levels of warmth still, I just feel happy and contented. 

Today, I listened to the Kingdom of God preached from Luke by Pst Tan, and last week it was Time, Change and Transformation - what passes and what abides, from Pst Ravi Z, and Revelation Predestination by Pst Kong. Saturdays are just beautiful, bringing me back to Sabbath rest - trusting God that He works on my behalf. Trusting Him that I do not know and may not understand, but He always works on my behalf.  

I felt a little sad this week too - when Ranie shared with me a beautiful clip of a dog passing on. And I just wanted to love Kenji more. He's grown so much whiter, and the shiba in the video was even whiter. Time passes, what will abide is the love and knowing that He is in control. In any case, I cried (and I am sure all dog lovers will), and I thought it's a beautiful video - quiet, gentle, beautiful, thankfulness, love. See: https://en.goodtimes.my/2018/06/26/mama-dont-cry-15-year-old-shiba-inu-dog-put-on-the-warmest-smile-for-his-owner-before-he-left-the-world/?fbclid=IwAR09dTqA8Zr4re6oRc8oYaUAHUlhD_u5VL12kLf-qh49mPa22gH7BzFIELU 

So these last few days, I talked to K more (it's true, we talk to him and tell him we love him), hugged him more, massaged him more, kissed him more. Walked him more. Did a random night walk on Thursday night at 10.30pm round the mosque. He was so so so happy and excited to have a late night thrill, and to go to a new place. His nose twitches, he went about exploring the shrubs. He struts upright and continues on at a tip-tap-tip-tap steady pace. So beautiful, though it was almost 12mn when we returned. :))