T.G.I.F.

Why TGIF? Why not TGIM, or TGIT? What is so special about Friday?

Well, Friday is Friday! It is dress down day! We can be casual on Fridays! It marks the end of a working week. Not just an ordinary week, but one in which we have worked hard like a dog. It's time for us to look forward to a well deserved good weekend; "stop working like a dog and start sleeping like a log."

Riddle: Do you know why the devils celebrate TGIF in Hell? Thank God it's FRYday!

In Happy Valley, Fridays are also special days for two other reasons:

(1) Farmers' Market - the day when we buy fresh produce directly from the farmers. A section of the downtown road is closed for the farmers to set up their stalls, just like "pasar malam" in Singapore; except that fresh produce, fruits, flowers, cakes, bread, conserve etc. are sold here. It is a very vibrant place, colorful and cheery! Unlike the wet markets back home, the farmers' market is very clean. We also get to see Amish farmers in their traditional costumes.

(2) Garbage Day - Here, the gabbage is collected once a week. Thankfully, the weather here is cool. Otherwise, imagine how the gabbage will smell if they are left uncollected for a week in S'pore! We have to bring out the rubbish bins to the road side and separate the refuse into those that are considered truly garbage and those that can be recycled.

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A good reminder: (1) Not to carry any baggage from the past. Periodically, take time to clear junk from our lives. (2) Not all bad things that happened to us are really 'bad'. Some can be recycled for our good, if only we learn to recognize them and treat them in a positive way. As they say, a bad experience can either make you into a "bitter" or "better" person. The choice is yours!

What is the secret of happiness? In their search for happiness, most people focus on the IF part of the T.G.I.F. "I will only be happy if this and this happens". Usually, when that "if" is fulfilled, there will be another "if", and then, another one after that. It just goes on and on and on .... True contentment does not rest on IF... Matthews, the author of a popular happiness book (which have nice cartoons in it as well) said that "it is not what happens to you that determines your happiness. It’s how you think about what happens to you (p.27)".

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My Conviction: I am convinced that the key to true happiness lies in the TG part of T.G.I.F. Listen to what Matthews say, "When you are thankful for what you have – for the friends you have, and for the things you’ve got – you attract more good people and good things. Be happy with what you have now" (p.67). Another author says, "Count our blessings and name them one by one. An attitude of gratitude rids our lives of the film of frustration, the rust of resentment and the varnish of vanity – all destroyers of self esteem." - B. Johnson (1992) Author of "Splashes of Joy"

I am reminded of an old song we used to sing in church,

I will rejoice, I will rejoice
I will rejoice for I’ve made my choice to rejoice in the Lord

It doesn’t depend on the circumstance
The strength of my arm or my voice
It doesn’t depend on the way I feel
I’ve made up my mind and I’m gonna rejoice.

Thank God for his blessings: Most find their happiness from the outside in. Blessed are those who can find happiness from the inside out. Oh God, I am truly blessed!

Four Wheels

For me, a car is a car! Just a mode of transportation. A vehicle of convenience to bring me from point A to point B. But for some, a car is more than a car. It is a status symbol which defines their identity and success in life. People have different preferences. Some like their cars to be sleek, fast and flashy. Some, like theirs to be huge - King of the Road. Others, like theirs to be old (vintage).

Me? I prefer mine to be safe, reliable, practical and economical. Hence, a Japanese car will do just fine. Anyway, my wife is already my precious BMW!**

Photo: Our 2002 model Honda Accord, which we paid just below US$ 9,000 (S$ 14,000) for it. At 2.2 litres, it is the largest car we have owned. Originally, we wanted to buy a smaller car (Honda Civic) but were advised to get a bigger one because it will be more comfortable and safer for long distance driving. Also, the extra power will come in very handy in wintry and snowy conditions.

TIP: Before we agreed to buy the car, we sent it to an independent mechanic to check out the condition of the car. It was given a clean bill. The US$ 25 is worth paying, for the peace of mind since we know nothing about car engine and maintenance. When buying second hand cars in the US, it is also important to find out the history of the car. For a small fee, you can request over the internet a vehicle report which will tell you the number of previous owners, whether the title is clean, any recall by the manufacturer and if it has been involved in any insurance claims or accidents.

So far, the car has took us to Pittsburgh and East Virginia without any hiccups. We hope to get more mileage out of it. Another reason why we choose a Honda is because it is the most popular model in Happy Valley. This is an important consideration as it will be relatively easier for us to sell the car, and hopefully, at a good resale value, at the end of our sabbatical.

Interestingly, Japanese cars are very popular in US. Much more popular than the US models. Note that in Pennsylvania state, it is not mandatory to place the licence plate at the front of the car. We only need one at the back. For those who are into the "number game", our car licence plate is:

** BMW stands for Be My Wife?, which was what I asked her to be when I proposed to her!

Seeds Need Good Soil

More on the miracle of a seed. The photo below show the leaves and seeds of two trees I picked in front of the house: The graceful maple (leaf on the left with its seeds shaped like a winged butterfly) and the majestic oak (sharp leaf on the right with its acorns). Contrast the shape and color of the seeds with the leaves. They look so different! One so alive & green, the other so dull & "woody".

Considering how tiny those seeds are, it needs faith to believe that once planted, they can grow into large trees where birds can come and find shelter, and where squirrels can climb and play. An old English saying "many an oak from a tiny acorn grows".

Reflection:

(1) What does seed represents? In our daily life, either through reading, observation or conversation with others, we come across inspirational words - quotes, truths, wise sayings, advice and lessons, which are good for us (seeds could also be "little" ideas).

(2) What to do with the seeds? Some people collect "seeds" as hobbies, but seeds are meant to be planted so that they reach their full maturity.

(3) Where to plant them? There are different type of soils; some more fertile than others.

Photo: Sarah watering the lettuce seeds she has just scattered into a bowl of compost. Why sow the seeds in compost? Because they are broken and soft enough for the saplings' tender roots to burrow and rich in nutrients to promote growth.

The heart condition of the hearer is like the soil condition for the seeds. Consider the following story:
"A farmer was sowing grain in his fields. As he scattered the seed across the ground; (a) some fell beside a path, and the birds came and ate it. (b) And some fell on rocky soil where there was little depth of earth; the plants sprang up quickly enough in the shallow soil, but the hot sun soon scorched them and they withered and died, for they had little root. (c) Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns choked out the tender blades. (d) But some fell on good soil, and produced a crop that was 30, 60, & even a 100x as much as he had planted." - Matthew 13: 3-9

Now, here is the explanation of the story:

1. The hard path where some of the seeds fell represents the heart of a person who hears the message and doesn't understand. He allows others to come and snatch away the seeds from his heart (c.f. Vincent, "they would not listen, they did not know how").
2. The shallow rock soil represents the heart of a man who hears the message and receives it with real joy, but he doesn't have much depth in his life, and the seeds don't root very deeply, and after a while when trouble comes, or trial begins, his enthusiasm fades, and he drops out.
3. The ground covered with thistles represents a man who hears the message, feels good about hearing it but lacks focus and devotion. He allow the cares of life (and worries, ridicule, taunting from others) to compete. As a result, the thistles choke out the tender sapplings.
4. The good ground represents the heart of a man who listens to the message, understands it, and acts upon it. The result is his life becomes fruitful, and goes on to produce more seeds.

All great things starts with a tiny seed - a good idea or a word of advice: So, be faithful with "small tasks" and never underestimate "little things". Who knows, what they will grow into one day. The miracle of a seed requires the farmer first, to have the faith to sow the tiny seeds and second, the discpline to nurture it continuously so that they grow in the right environment.

Red Hot Chili Padi

Do we miss spicy food? Yes and no. Eating out, the food is relatively mild for our taste bud. For example, we had lunch at the Indian Pavilion yesterday. The tandori chicken, naan, basmati rice and "curry" were tasty but not spicy enough. At US$ 7 per pax, the lunch buffet is value for money though!

Rating: *** (good, can go back)

Fresh chillies can be bought at the farmers' market and supermarkets. There are more varieties here: Thai (chili padi), American (pepper) and Mexican (jalapeno).

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Photos: Two types of chili plant with their bountiful fruits in a garden patch beside the house we visited at Chesapeake Bay recently.

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The miracle of a seed: All the plants we have encountered so far (blueberry, corn, apple, and even the majestic maple tree) start with a seed. Without seeds, there will be no life!

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"Hidden inside a single seed lies the capacity to grow a new plant, and to pass on the traits of the parent from which the seed came. The new plant can mature and reproduce, creating a field or a forest of plants, all the result of that tiny seed."

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Some time ago, I disposed some fresh chili seeds into a flower pot. Look what we found recently (photo below). The seeds have germinated and we now have around 20 tiny weeny chili plants. .

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"When a seed is planted, a truly amazing miracle happens. The seed absorbs warmth and moisture from the soil and the interior begins to swell, eventually bursting the protective outer seed coat. Then, with more magic, a tiny root forms and heads downward deeper into the soil, seeking nutrients. At the same time, responding to light, the plant emerges upward, pushing bits of soil away as the sprouting seed takes on the immature form of a plant and pushes itself into sunlight." - Jim Long (2006)

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Note: The tiny plants are chilies, whilst the one with broad leaf is the shoot of a sweet potato. Sadly, I don't think they will reach full maturity and produce fruits. Why?

Several interesting facts about seed.

1. Seeds found in Egyptian tombs, sealed up for thousands of years, when planted, still grew.
2. Proper light is essential, not only for seeds to germinate, but for plants to thrive.
3. Plants are amazingly resilient. Even smashed into the soil by stupid eighth graders, most of my plants recovered and resumed growing. From the grass we mow on a weekly basis to trees damaged by storms, plants have the ability to survive injury.
4. Plants require specific nutrients. Too much or too little of the basic requirements and the plants will not reach their full potential. And yet, plants are resilient enough to withstand wide variations in their nutrient supply.

Source: http://www.longcreekherbs.com/2006/08/small-miracle-in-every-seed.html

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Starry Starry Night!

Can you see them? No? Look closely! The photo on the right was taken at Chesapeake Bay. It is one of the most captivating scenes that we have encountered. In the pitch darkness, we saw thousands (not exaggerating) of stars hanging in the sky. Gazing at the twinkling stars and galaxies does make us wonder how huge our universe is and the Maker behind it.

Reflection: Ever wonder why our eyes cannot see something as big as the stars? Regardless of whether we see them or not, the reality does not change. They are still there! The problem is bright lights can easily distract us and make us miss the obvious. I agree with Helen Keller who once said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart".

Whilst gazing at the stars, we are reminded of the song Vincent, which goes "Starry, starry night. Paint your palette blue and grey, Look out on a summer's day, With eyes that know the darkness in my soul. Shadows on the hills, Sketch the trees and the daffodils, Catch the breeze and the winter chills, In colors on the snowy linen land.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dipFMJckZOM.

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On reflection, I think the words in chorus are especially sad:

Now I understand what you tried to say to me,

How you suffered for your sanity,

How you tried to set them free.

They would not listen, they did not know how.

Perhaps they'll listen now.

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But, the ending of the song hauntingly concludes, "They would not listen, they're not listening still. Perhaps they never will... "
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Prayer: God, open the eyes of my heart so that I can see you and "understand what you are trying to say to me". That I may see the unseen and listen to the sound of silence. As I visit new places and meet more people in the US, help me understand that "the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes - Marcel Proust."

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Trivial: Who is Vincent? The song was written by Don McLean in 1971, after reading a book about the life of the artist, Vincent Van Gogh. The following year, the song became the #1 hit in the UK and #12 in the USA... Although Van Gogh sold only one painting in his life, the aftermath of his work is enormous.

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As far as the song goes as a tribute to van Gogh as the man himself, the song reflects on the lack of recognition that van Gogh received. In each chorus, McLean says. They would not listen, they did not know how, perhaps they'll listen now. McLean feels that this message was made clear to him: "And now I understand what you tried to say to me", he sings. Perhaps it is this eventual understanding that inspired McLean to write the song.

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There is a single line describing van Gogh's most famous set of works, Sunflowers. "Flaming flowers that brightly blaze" draws not only on the luminous orange and yellow colours of the painting, but also creates powerful images of the sun itself, flaming and blazing, being contained within the flowers and the painting (Source: Wikipedia).

Nevertheless, the starting verse in the song came from Starry Night, which was painted by Vincent with the "eyes of his heart" because by then, he was in an asylum.

Country Road, Take Me Home

Almost heaven, west virginia, Blue ridge mountains, Shenandoah river - Life is old there, Older than the trees, Younger than the mountains, Growin like a breeze... Country roads, take me home. To the place I belong. West virginia, mountain momma. Take me home, country roads!

- John Denver

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John Denver is one of our favorite singers. Take me home, country roads is one of his most popular songs, sung often around campfire! For those who do not know who he is or the song, click on the link below for a video webcast of a youthful John Denver singing the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC8nDdPM_Qk

Last weekend, we visited Virginia. Instead of west Virginia, depicted as heavenly in John Denver's song, we went further east to Reedville @ Chesapeake Bay. We had a perfect weekend; staying in a huge beach house (the white house in the photo above) on a remote private beach. Our cosy room/patio has a breathtaking view of the sea, as well as sunrise in the morning, and starrry starry heaven at night! We tried wind sailing for the very first time! We also did some swimming in the bay, canoeing on the huge lake behind the house, trekking in the woods whilst enjoying the crisp fresh air and stumbling upon an open soya bean field.

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More than that, we enjoyed the intimate chit chat and wonderful fellowship with our hospitable hosts, David (another leading real estate professsor from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond), Meg (his wife) and "Mia" (their dog). The meals were excellent - for dinner, David bbq steak, broccoli and potato, whilst Meg made sumptuous crab (caught fresh from the bay) cakes with plenty of crisp salad (tomatoes plucked fresh from the vine). Truly, it was worth the tiring 6.5 hours drive each way from Happy Valley to East Virginia (we drove 720 miles in total, passing through Richmond, Baltimore and Washington D.C. enroute). Everything was memorable!

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Rating: ***** (WOW, Once in a life experience!)

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Continuing on the theme of sunshine, here are four more things Americans like to do in the summer.

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(4) Go to the beach (or river, lake, swimming pool or any water body)

(5) Sailing (or canoeing, fishing, or any other water sports)

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(6) Hiking (for the nature lovers)

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(7) Ice cream (homemade daily from fresh milk and produce) .

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Sunshine In My Eyes!

If I had a tale that I could tell you
I’d tell a tale sure to make you smile
If I had a wish that I could wish for you
I’d make a wish for sunshine all the while!

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry

Sunshine on the water looks so lovely

Sunshine almost always makes me high

Sunshine almost all the time makes me high

Sunshine almost always!

- John Denver -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eivZd4j5MBs..

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Three things that you could do on a sunshine day!

(1) Sun tan

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Whenever the sun comes out, it is not uncommon to see students lying on the grass; we have seen some sun bathing in their bikinis around campus!

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Photo: Froggy relaxing in our backyard (sun bathing in his birthday suit) enjoying the sun and aromatheraphy (basil herb).

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(2) Amusement park

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A popular destination for families with young children.

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Photos: Brent and Abdullah (two distinguished real estate professors in PennState) with their daughters. No chance of catching them in research, but will try to beat them nevertheless - in the kiddy car race! We are extremely grateful to Brent and Sharon (his wife) for helping us find the house we are currently renting in Happy Valley.

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(3) BBQ

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Barbecuing, as a cooking technique, combines American's love of the outdoors with the love of convenience and meat. According to a survey, 73% of Americans own a grill! Popular bbq items include steaks, chicken, pork, kebabs, sausages and burgers. All very meaty and yummy!

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Photo: Austin, Head of the Department of Insurance and Real Rstate at PennState. He taught me real estate investment in 1990-1 when I did my M.Sc. (Real Estate) in NUS. He was the visiting professor then. Austin played an instrumental role in enthusing me to specialize in real estate investment and finance. One of my mentors whom I am indebted to, especially for his advice and guidance during the early stages of my academic career! A giant in his field! A former president of the American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association (AREUEA) and author of "Real Estate Investment Analysis",, the green cover textbook which I used when I was a student.

Friends impact our lives in many different ways!

Apple Season Almost Here!

"If you haven’t had a Honey Crisp, we’ll I’m pretty sure they were the ones in the Garden of Eden."

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The photo on the left is shot a few streets from our house. What first caught my attention was not the apples on the tree but the simple sign put up by the owner, encouraging passers-by and strangers to pick the apples free of charge! Apparently, the tree is so productive that there is more than enough apples for the owners. Note the ladder placed next to the tree. How thoughtful (and generous) is the owner!

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"Rare is the farmer who brings in a harvest without having a great deal of deep inner satisfaction and joy." The end of summer is a time for harvesting. When we start to reap the fruits of our labour (i.e. when we begin to see success), don't let our feelings of accomplishment, and the resulting self-empowerment, go to our head. Instead, remember to place our harvest in the following four bins (Waitley, 1992; 268). :

1. A place for storing a portion to eat now - some never partake of the rewards they have earned. Sample a portion of your reward. Delight in it. Enjoy it to the max. And don't feel guilty about it.
   
2. A place for storing a portion to save for future eating or emergencies - don't spend all that you earned. Set aside some as savings with an eye toward withstanding future emergencies or pursuing unanticipated opportunities.
   
3. A place for storing a portion to take to the market - for reinvestment in your field and for purchasing future seed, equipment and more acreage! So that you will remain competitive! In particular, reinvest in your education, training, or skill development. Otherwise, our skills become obsolete, knowledge old, and ability to think, write and remember rusty.
   
4. A place to put the portion of your harvest that you will give away - in ancient days, farmers left a corner of their fields unharvested so that the poor might glean them. The practice ensured that everybody in a community had sufficient to eat. We owe our success to others, and it is only right that we contribute to others' success.

Alright to ask for and seek success: You don't need to apologize to anyone for having your success, for desiring to be a success, or for trying to succeed. Anything that you can achieve through honest, genuine effort is inherently good, especially as it spills over to benefit others along the way. Hence, my prayer:

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"Oh God, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!"

(1 Chronicles 4:10)

Heroes without cape

Girls dream of a hero coming to rescue them and sweep them off their feet! And guys hope to play the part of a hero, saving a damsel in distress.

Who's your favorite hero? America is the birth place of many super heroes; Batman, Superman, Spiderman, X-men, Fantastic Four, etc. What differentiate them from the villains (their arch enemies), who also possess extraordinary powers, is that they use their talents for the good of mankind, defending the weak and helping the helpless. Often, they do this at the expense of their personal interests. A good example would be Spiderman, who often forsake his pizza delivery or show up late on dates with Mary Jane, just because his web service is needed urgently elsewhere.

Last week, I became a hero to two “damsels in distress”. First, a young lady who had just moved into the neighbourhood struggling with a sofa on the roadside. My wife and I decided to lend her a helping hand even though we were actually rushing to go to church. Second, a student who was staring blankly at a street map. Sensing that she was lost, I asked if I could help. She couldn’t find the building she wanted to go and also, did not know where to park her car (most all the car park in the university is reserved for staff). She was also not feeling well and was close to tears. I took out my map and helped her find her direction to the building and the nearest car park. As a result, I was nearly late for my class.

Ordinary Heroes: The church we are attending in State College just completed a series of study on the lives of ordinary people in the Bible whom God used to do extraordinary things that were seen as heroic to others. We learned from the series that although we may not have superpowers, we can still be ordinary heroes, like the Good Samaritan in the following story:

A Jew going on a trip was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes and money and beat him up and left him lying half dead beside the road. By chance, a priest came along; and when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A scholar walked over and looked at him lying there, but then went on. But a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw him, he felt deep pity. Kneeling beside him the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his donkey and walked along beside him till they came to an inn, where he nursed him through the night. The next day he handed the innkeeper monies and told him to take care of the man. (Luke 10: 30-35)

Who's the real hero? The Samaritan of course! His main concern was, "what would happen to him if I didn't stop?" In contrast, the priest and scholar's main concern was, "what would happen to me if I stop?" The Fear Factor, I think, is what stop many from being a hero. To overcome fear, I have learned from the pastor’s preaching that:

1. "The more self-centered we are, the more we struggle with fear”, and
2. “When we care for others more than ourselves, we will begin to do courageous things".

Heroes are, therefore, those who act courageusly in spite (not the absence) of fear. For most of us, the real hero in our life would be our mother, who sacrificed so much for her children. Why not do something special for her today? Tell her how much you appreciate her heroic acts. No need to wait until mothers' day!

Happy Happy Happy Birthday

6th Sept was her birthday. To celebrate, we decided to dine out. The Tavern Restaurant, which has been in business since 1948, is a popular dining joint for the locals (mostly families, too expensive for students). We reached the restaurant at 5 pm and by 5.30 pm, it was already quite crowded. It has a cosy and rustic ambience, a bit dark but each table is lighted with an antique incandescent lamp.

Starter: She tried "Broiled Clams Florentine with Bacon", whilst I went for my favorite, "Onion Soup Au Gratin". Both turned out to be very good. The onion soup in particular was one of the best French onion soup I have tasted (**** die die must try!).

Main course: (called entree' in US). We decided to order one each. Usually, we would order one entree to share because the American portion is huge. She ordered "Sauteed Shrimp and Scallop Scampi" which came with fresh sea scallops and jumbo gulf shrimp sauteed in garlic and herb sauce, and served over a bed of tomato basil fettucine. Me, I ordered "Tavern Prime Rib of Beef Au Poivre". According to the menu, the prime rib coated with crushed peppercorns and marinated in a sauce of garlic, soy sauce and wine will be served with a pepper sauce of beef broth and marinade. We also ordered two salads, one portion of French fries and zuchini creole (just a more fancy word for salsa). The entrees sounded much better on the menu than it tasted. For the latter, I was expecting a huge rack of prime ribs but to my surprise, it turned out to be a rib steak, which my wife enjoyed nevertheless. Rating (**, so so).

Dessert: Although they were tempting, we didn't order any. Already, we couldn't finish the huge steak and had to ask the waitress to "tapau" the leftovers.

Eating out in the US is expensive. In addition, it is customary to tip the waitress with 15% being the norm. But the 5% extra is worth it as you get much better service than in Singapore. Our bill including taxes and tips added up to US$65. Thankfully, our landlady had earlier blessed us with a US$40 gift voucher, which we used to redeem part of the bill.

Overall, a good place to sample local American dishes. We could patronize the restaurant again (and even bring guests) but would go for their starters. Also, I would leave some room for thier desserts, which I think are good and moderately priced.

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life...

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom

and faithful instructions is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of the household

and does not eat the bread of idleness...

Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

(Proverbs 31: 10-30).

Sugar Maple

A land flowing with milk and honey! Well, there are plenty of fresh milk here, but where is the honey? So far, we have not come across any honey bee farm in Happy Valley; although there was a swamp of hornets which decided to built a hive at our back porch. The hornet hive has since been removed by the pest controller.

Our house, nevertheless, is surrounded by maple trees. In early spring, the sweet sap of these trees flows abundantly , and is used to make delicious maple syrup for pancakes and waffles. We have been told to look out for the maple syrup tapping/pancake festival in Happy Valley in spring.

Besides producing syrup, the wood of the maple is also prized for furniture and flooring. Bowling alleys and bowling pins are both commonly manufactured from sugar maple. It is also the wood used for the flooring of basketball courts, including those used by NBA. Hence, trees, are like human beings. We are created to be productive and useful. If you wonder what is the shape of a mapletree leaf, look no further than the emblem on Canada's national flag.

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Young saplings: The maple trees around the house are quite tall and mature (approx. 20-25 metres). Underneath the mature trees, however, are many young saplings. Most of them will not reach their full potential because they live under the shades of the mature trees. Over time, their growth will be stunted but once they are exposed (i.e. when the mature trees are gone), the little ones will grow very fast to replace the fallen ones! Inspiration: For those who are starting their career and working under a "giant", wait for your time. With patience and preparation, you will one day become a "giant" too. Remember then to play your part as a mentor; shielding the saplings under your canopy until they are ready to take the sun squarely on their shoulders.

Maple Bonsai: On the left, is a very rare sight! It is a sapling of a maple tree I transplanted into a small pot! My very own version of a maple bonsai, which I can bring into the house when the weather turns nasty! Actually, I did this to remind me of a question I had posed to my students earlier this year, "what is the difference between a plant in a pot and a tree planted on the ground?" Let me share one response from a student:

Thus far, the education that we have undergone liken to plants in a nursery. We are all in a protected environment, nurtured and prepared for the working world where we will individually and independently take root to find our niche and reach our potential. Currently, we are in the transition stage and I wish to take full advantage of this last sheltered learning environment before embarking on the next phase of my life that I excitedly look upon!

Growing roots, building character: Another student came up with this interesting quote: “Everybody wants to be somebody; nobody wants to grow” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. I think it is true. We all want to be a tree that stand tall and mighty, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither (c.f. Psalms 1:3) But the secret is in their roots, which grow deep to draw vital minerals and water, and provide a strong anchor in times of adversity. But not many of us like to grow roots, because it is hard work breaking new grounds and it goes unnoticed for many years!

The Greatest Profession!

Happy Teachers' Day: Well, we almost forgot that Sept 1 is Happy Teachers' Day in Singapore! It is not the case here (yet to find out when is HTD, if at all it is celebrated here). My wife and I are, nevertheless, pleasantly surprised to receive well wishes from our former students who still remember us despite the thousand of miles separating us! We would like to say:

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Have you ever really had a teacher? One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine? If you are lucky enough to find your way to such teachers, you will always find your way back." – Tuesday with Morrie

Continuing on the theme on "teachers", I would like to share a testimony I wrote last year paying tribute to a former teacher who greatly impacted my life. I would say that to a large extent, I am what I am today because of her input in my life.

One of the teachers whom I am most indebted to is an intern teacher who spent less than two months in my secondary school in 1978. I was in Sec 2 then attending an average school in Malaysia. I was an average student in the B class. Out of the whole cohort of 200, my position would be around 70. I was average in most subjects except for mathematics which was my strongest subject. As a reward for doing well in a test, the intern teacher took me and few classmates for an excursion to her campus. She showed us the lecture and seminar rooms where she took her lessons and encouraged us to study hard and aim to enter the university.

One day, I received a message that she requested to see me in the staff room. Our conversation was brief, 5-10 minutes at most. She said it was her last day teaching in my school but she could see a lot of potential in me. She made me promise that I would do my best for the year-end exam. Guess what? That year, I topped my B class and even performed better than all the students in the school (except for the top student in the A class). Overall, I was placed 2nd in the whole school. From 70 to 2! Till today, I still remember the promise I made to my intern teacher, "to do my best and fulfill my potential".

Looking back, it was at this point in my academic life that I experienced a quantum leap. All thanks to an intern teacher. Come to think about it, the intern teacher was around the same age as my current students (she was then still in her university). So, I believe that as teachers, our words are very powerful.

Unleashing Minds, Transforming Lives!

This is why my wife and I regard teaching as the greatest profession. For us, teaching is more than a career, it is a calling! So, this posting is dedicated to all teachers (including those who are giving tuition!).

“The future of the world is in my classroom today!

A future with the potential for good or bad. Several future presidents are learning from me today; so are the great writers of next decades, and so are all the so-called ordinary people who will make the decisions in a democracy. I must never forget these young people could be the thieves and murderers of the future. Only a teacher? Thank God I have a calling to the greatest profession of all! I must be vigilant every day, lest I lose one fragile opportunity to improve tomorrow.”

- Ivan Welton Fitxwater.

The House Called "HOME"

We have been in State College for exactly one month! The beginning of Sept officially marks the end of summer and the start of autumn (the americans call it "Fall"). Let me share some photos of the house that we are currently staying in.

The top photo is the view of the house from the backyard. The house has 2 levels with a basement. The small window at the top level is our bedroom. The large window on the mid level is our living room, which enjoys plenty of sunshine in the morning). The window at the ground level is the family room, where we stayed in during the first week here. This is where the guest room is located. It has a direct access to the backyard, which is currently covered with pretty yellow flowers.

Bottom photos are views of the house from the front.

Trivial: Can you spot the wife in both photos? (clue: if not, try to enlarge the photos by clicking on them).