2012 resolutions
I still believe in writing down my new year resolutions as it is a form of motivation and tracking for myself.
“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.” – W. Clement Stone
Personal
- Read at least 5 books about Management
- Journal & Reflect my thoughts per week
- Be thankful for things whether good or bad
- Go for at least 1 mountain climb trip
- Write to my 3 kids from World Vision
- Plan to start a family 2nd half of 2012
- Join Toastmaster in the 2nd quarter of 2012
Spiritual
- Spend 30mins every morning on devotion
- Pray before I sleep using ACTS
- Keep a record of prayed answered by God
- Share the gospel to 5 individuals
- Attend church service regularly
- Ask for praying list from friends
- Join a CG
Health
- Run twice a week (5km)
- Train for my 21km
- Eat in moderation (1 day on fruit/juice diet to detox)
- Reduce my weight to 75kg (82kg now)
- Sleep before 12am
- Pick up golf after CNY
Work
- Serve 30 more families
- Pass my M8A & M9A
- Have 5 COF
- Write Will for 25 individuals
- Cross $100k income mark
- Recruit 5 new advisers
- Co-Employ a personal admin
2011 at a glance
Looking back into 2011, there were alot of ups and downs… happiness, sadness, joy, disappointments. Nevertheless, it was a good year.
In January, I was away with my wife for our 1st anniversary in Vietnam. We had lotsa of fun there, enjoyed french cuisines at a fraction of the price we would have to pay in Europe. Have cheap local food and fell in love with the weather in Dalat. Had my 1st experience of being pick pocketed which left us with little to spend for the rest of the trip in Ho Chi Ming City. I’m still thankful that God protected us from harm.
In February, we couldn’t give ang baos cos it was advisable since Dad is not gone for 1 year so we couldn’t really celebration CNY. This was the 1st year, Dad wasn’t around anymore to cook for the whole Tan clan. I deeply missed him, his dishes, his presence in the kitchen. At the same time, discovered that my 2nd uncle’s health was falling.
In March, it was both joyful & sorrowful month, Jac’s shop was officially open on 12th Mar 2011. It was a tremendously happy occasion as she finally have a shop of her own to welcome her clients and work in. It was a milestone for her. On 24th Mar 2011 my closest 2nd uncle passed away from liver failure due to late stage cancer. It brought me down because he is my closest uncle & one of Dad’s closer brothers. When he was around he was one uncle that in his quiet manner shown his love to me. Doted me when I was young whenever I stayed at his place to play with my cousin. A man who had no temper and quiet… I will miss him deeply as I miss my own Dad.
In April, I was in hospital for health check up and was cleared with a clean bill of health cos I wanted to make sure I am still fit for my 21km run.
In May, went to Genting with some of my colleagues and had a wonderful time of fun and bonding. Did my 21km run after a good 10 years of not running for such long distance. Dad was gone for 1 year but I still can feel his presence & miss the late night tea session with him. I miss sharing my achievements & problems with him. I miss his wise insight on the situation.
In Jun, visited a colleague for her baby’s 1st mth and return to be in my greens which I dreaded because I got so much unfinished work to be done.
In July, I was still in my reservist till the middle of the month, it was the longest reservist 4 long weeks… I was sponsored to be on 2 courses which benefitted me much for my work and growth.
In August, was blessed with one of the industry veterans who personally mentored me. He trained and moved me into a new level of doing my work with even more pride and integrity. It was as though God gave me another fatherly figure whom I could looked up to.
In September, there were few incidents that I was contacted via FB to help to provide financial planning to help the various families who wanted unbiased advises for the families well being.
In October, went overseas twice. It was a break for my wife for her to reflect and recharge. God was good to us, Thailand was experiencing flood but we were not affected in any way. It was only when we came back then we realized the seriousness of the flooding in Thailand. Went to Penang with 2 brothers and befriended a few new friends there. They took the step of faith by starting up their own church with little funding and witnessed God’s miracles. The congregation grew through sports.
In November, hosted the family from Penang and was blessed by the family’s prayers. Had a simple celebration for my 34th birthday . Discovered that I was betrayed by a friend after knowing him for so many years. I totally lost my respect and trust for the person. It took me quite awhile to regain myself and stand up again to move on.
In December, I completed my 1st ever 42km marathon I finally achieved my personal goal of running a full marathon before I turn 35. Organized a successful Christmas lunch for my colleagues and everyone enjoyed and had fun. Wrote on the floating balls for NYE countdown our wishes for 2012. Celebrated NYE hunting the open display of elephants and watched one of the spectacular fireworks which lasts for a good 9-10mins.
Looking back at my 2011 resolutions
It is the end of the year where I am taking a slow down to reflect on the things that I set myself to do… I am glad that I had achieved some where there are rooms of improvement for some.
Personal
- Read at least 10 books about Management - (Manage to read 2)
- Journal & Reflect my thoughts per week - (Pen down almost bi weekly)
- Be thankful for things whether good or bad - (Most of the time)
- Go for at least 1 mountain climb trip – (Nope, suppose to go but pull out last min coz of bad timing)
- Sponsor 1 more kid at the end of the yr – (Sponsored 3!!!)
Spiritual
- Spend 30mins every morning on devotion – (Some days my morning was on a rush, so I did it at night. By and large quite ok)
- Pray before I sleep using ACTS - (Prayed but hardly do using ACTS)
- Complete reading the bible using ESV – (Failed)
- Keep a record of prayed answered by God – (Here and there recorded them)
- Share the gospel to 5 individuals – (Done 2)
Health
- Run thrice a week, 5km – (2 times in the last quarter)
- Train for my 21km, 42km run – (Didn’t really train hard for it but manage to complete both 21km & 42km)
- Eat in moderation – (I still love hunting for yummy food) (Started doing that the last quarter coz of 42km)
- Reduce my weight to 75kg (85kg now!?!?!) – (Down to 82kg, got way more, More, MORE room for improvement)
- Sleep before 12am – (Failed miserably)
Work
- Serve 50 more families – (Served 20 families)
- Obtain another professional qualifications – (AFP, CFP, etc) – (Not yet)
- Have 5 COF – (Have 1)
- Write Will for 25 individuals – (Written 5, quite a no pending)
- Help newer advisers to achieve their targets – (Encouraged a few)
A reflection of the past 3 mths
The past 3 mths went off like a blink of an eye…
Jac opened her 1st shop as Love Droplets. my beloved 2nd uncle passed away, I fell really illness till my world almost come to an end.
As I reflect all the things that happened for the past 3mths… I can only give thanks that God saw me thru…
It was an exciting time when Love Droplets open its 1st shop… or rather had a home for all the customers to visit and get inspiration for the wedding.
My world almost crumpled down when I found out that my 2nd uncle suddenly walked his last journey… he was one of the closest uncles among my dad’s side. He was a quiet man whom I respect… in his own way he showed care and concern for me… I remembered when I was young he is always there to give me a pat when I am crying or sad. His departure left me lost… there will never be a time that I can call him anymore… a man I totally respect besides my dad.
I was down with a sever food poisoning that I thought the world was coming to an end. The toilet bowl was my companion for the last 36hrs… I puked and puked till I was so weak that I could only crawl back to bed to rest.
The 11th Mar massive earthquake that stuck Japan… many lives were lost… till date they are still trying to savage nuclear power plant from the radiation and meltdown…
Work wise many things had changed… I am getting more and more involvement with my branch. I am stepping up to foster team bonding and my personal production to another level. I will be helping to grow the existing team by looking out for potential candidates so that they can enjoy this rewarding career.
On a personal side, I am working harder so that I can paid off the $200k housing loan that I will be taking up most likely at the end of the yr. I pray and hope that I will earn enough money to clear the debt within 6-7 yrs. If possible 5yrs so that I can focus on my own retirement.
During this period, I also find myself having problems with self management as I consistently struggle to have time to do my own things like reading, going for a trip for climbing some mountains, taking up a new hobby, etc…
Even going to church become so irregular as I am just too tired by the time it comes to sunday… I want to go back to church to be nourish again. I miss going to worship and listening to sermon.
9 more mths before 2011 comes to an end… Jia you Raymond!
Resolutions for 2011
I believe that unless I write down my resolutions and make it public if not I dun think I will be motivated to press on and achieve them.
I
Personal
- Read at least 10 books about Management
- Journal & Reflect my thoughts per week
- Be thankful for things whether good or bad
- Go for at least 1 mountain climb trip
- Sponsor 1 more kid at the end of the yr
Spiritual
- Spend 30mins every morning on devotion
- Pray before I sleep using ACTS
- Complete reading the bible using ESV
- Keep a record of prayed answered by God
- Share the gospel to 5 individuals
Health
- Run thrice a week (5km)
- Train for my 21km, 42km run
- Eat in moderation (I still love hunting for yummy food)
- Reduce my weight to 75kg (85kg now!?!?!)
- Sleep before 12am
Work
- Serve 50 more families
- Obtain another professional qualifications (AFP, CFP, etc)
- Have 5 COF
- Write Will for 25 individuals
- Help newer advisers to achieve their targets
Looking back at 2010…
Looking back at 2010, there alot of Ups and Downs… it had been an extremely eventful year for me. I thanked God for seeing me thru all the Downs… giving me all the Ups to encourage me thru those difficult times.
On 30th Jan, I finally married to a talented, comical, creative, beautiful, etc gf, Jac. She has bring me alot joyful times, sometimes upsetting moments. Nevertheless, I am thankful that we had tied our knots. Many of our friends, relatives witnessed our wedding vows happened in a church context. Dad was smiling the brightest that day 
On 8th Feb – 24th Feb, we went for our honeymoon after our 2nd wedding dinner. We were in Hokkaido for the 1st time… I saw snow falling from the sky for the very 1st time. Celebrated our 1st valentine’s time & CNY in Otaru, a romantic town filled with old warehouses along a beautiful canal in Hokkaido. We skied for the 1st time in the snow. Saw iceberg in Abashiri, the northeast coast of Hokkaido.
On 21st Mar, Jac & I stayed in Ritz Carlton coz we got this 1 night free stay thru a talk… the experience was wonderful. Overseeing the beautiful skyline of the biz district… We had a great time off work and shared our inspirations.
On 23rd – 28th Apr, I went to China for the 1st time… it was an eye opener for me… China was more advance then I tot it was… the only thing was most of the devices are in chinese which take a while to get used to. Food was cheap and nice… Had my massage done traditional chinese way… it was extremely painful as compared to those in Thailand but extremely gd coz I felt my stressed muscles due to the work in S’pore loosen… my blood circulation was better. I dun mind going back for another painful torture… hahaha
31st May was the darkest day of my life. my closest friend, most talented man, best dad left us after battling in the hospital for more than 1mth. It broke my heart the most seeing my dad leaving us before we could create more wonderful memories together… there were some many things that I wanted to learn from him… his cooking skill, wisdom in handling things and so much more… Till today, I still think he is ard though he is no longer there… but I know he is already in a good place in heaven. God has already taken him in His arms… I look forward in meeting him one day in heaven.
In mid Jun, we started our kick boxing session… It was interesting yet embarrassing moment for me coz I was the only man in the entire class… O.o After 9wks, the other sessions we wanted didn’t fit our busy schedule… we hope to join KB again next yr.
On 29th – 30th Jul, I attended my 1st AFA congress. I learnt alot of stuff from the industry veterans… my mindset changed… I was motivated by all the speakers and trainers. In order for me to fly, I need to mingle with the eagles… I was encouraged that beside working hard and earning money… they serve the less fortunate either by giving or going to these countries to build homes, educate and train the poor for life skill that enable to earn money for themselves.
On 7th – 10th Aug, the AG went overseas together for our 1st time… we were at Melaka… ate alot of gd penarakan food, chicken rice ball, dim sum… It was challenging to have little children and adults driving up… the trip was filled with fun and laughters… the children din want to go back on the last day… some of the adults dun want to face the reality of work… hahaha.
5th Sep, I ran in support of the Yellow Ribbon Run… 10km after 10yrs of not running for such distance… I was an enjoyable run… accompanied with my sister and brother in law… Oh I ran in the rain for the 1st time. 
On 17th Oct, I ran for 15km with an army fren… I was rather painful run for me as I wasn’t really fully prepared… I was walking when I hit the beach area… Nevertheless, I completed the run… and is determine to go for one next yr 2011 to improve my timing.
20th Oct – 2nd Nov, I was having my reservist… one of those reservist that I found myself having the least sleep… coz of timing of duties… I felt my life got wasted inside the camp… thankfully, the OC was awesome… we got to go home early on certain days… I got to know an army fren better during the reservist than I was when I was during my active NS days.
On 9th – 15th Nov, we went overseas as a family (namely Jac, my sister, BIL & mom) to Taiwan, Taipei… It was my 1st time overseas with my family… my mom took the plane for the 1st time… the entire trip was an experience… I overcome my fear of eating smelly beancurd… and I overcome it… Wahaha… I will only eat those which are nice… coz the taste wasn’t as stinky as I tot… while those that are lousy are smelly and tasteless. Yucks!!! Drank alot of milk stuff there… my fav is the papaya milk… the one u found in Amoy street has the standard… Went to hot spring for the 1st time. We witness the giant flower expo… 4 huge parks having the exhibition, we only managed to cover 3 parks… 
Had a best steamboat buffet … the food was neatly placed and the selection was awesome… I dun mind going back to Taiwan again… this time rd with Jac coz it is easier to travel with just two person. Oh yeah… i celebrated my nephew’s bday on 7th Nov with him for the 1st time
4th – 9th Dec, we were involved with Navcamp… one of the most enjoyable camp as a laborer… though I was sick and could run my 21km standchart run… Next yr I will conquer the 42km run. Coming back to navcamp… I had a wonderful time involving myself in food dept… I guess maybe cos this will be my last time involving in navcamp as I wanted to take a break to concentrate in my work and explore my involvement in church next yr.
15th Dec, Love Droplets finally have a shop of its own… Woohoo… how cool is that… I will post an entry of the journey another time as its reno is not complete yet.
This kind of sums up my journey in 2010… this yr I ran in and out of hospital the most… mainly coz of my dad… the later half of the yr… quite a no of my frens were in hospital as well… it was a difficult time to see pple whom are closed to you sick… Everytime when I am there… I will be praying for them and asking God to keep them healthy and give them speedy recovery.
I had many 1st time in 2010… God is really gd to me… I look forward to 2011 with much excitement… and I pray that I will continue to see his sovereign hands in my journey with Him…
Happy 2011 New Year to all!!! God bless!!!
Sometimes God answers our prayers differently
A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him.
He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man’s name embossed in gold. Angry, he raised his voice to his father and said “With all your money, you give me a Bible?” and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father’s house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father’s important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. And as he did, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired.
On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words “PAID IN FULL.”
How many times do we miss Spirit’s blessings and answers to our prayers just because they do not arrive exactly as we have expected?
-Author Unknown
I’m still waiting for God to answer my prayers… God had closed many doors thus so far… Praying that I will be patience and see the open doors from God’s perspective.
In the greens
This yr isn’t e best time for me to be my annual ICT cos my parents’ plc was having the HDB home improvement project… The whole hse is filled wif dust after all the hacking and reno of the two toilets… Before they were completed… I was called into to fulfill my obligation to the nation. I wanted so much to clean up e hse but I couldn’t… I have to leave e task to Jac to do most of e major cleaning.
For a person like me who is the doer kind… I just couldn’t stand, waiting for things to happen… It is slowly killing my brain and life… I can only pray that this will soon be over so that I can go live a normal life again…
The only incentive I have is that I will complete my cycle by latest 36yo.
In e event of war, though I dragged going back for ICT… I will definitely be e 1st pick up my arms and defend my nation. I want to protect my love ones and others.
God help me thru this remaining days…
Too late… I need a new underpant :)
I always enjoy the way Thai people do their commerical… make u remember it very well… Enjoy
Liu Wei – Armless Pianist, Do it anyway – Mother Teresa
I saw this clip over the fb update of some of my friends… I admired his courage to live on his life instead of giving it up. At the tender age of 10, he lost his arms through an accident…
At first he was at a lost, how he is able to eat without his hands… his mom told him, he had to learn to eat on his own coz when they are gone there will be no one there to help him. Hence through his adversity he overcome his own inability. He used his legs instead.
Later on, he picked up piano when he was 19 due to his interest… after that enter the show to show the world that he can still play the piano without his hands.
I like what he mentioned… he got two choices either to die due to his misfortunate or live his life to the fullest. He chose the latter. I felt encouraged as well as touched by his determination and courage.
One of the judges said that he didn’t complain or allow about his circumstances to stop him from living life. I agreed with the judge fully.
I looked at my own life and have to be honest, sometimes I do complain about things from time to time… I need to remind myself and others that complain get us nowhere… instead it brings us bitterness, anger, discontentment, etc…
Instead of complaining of life, I ought to see life in a different light… I have a complete functional body, a roof over my head, enough money to spend, a job, a loving family, etc. I need to appreciate life as it is…
I need to take charged of my life… if things can take action I will do it… not blaming others for my adversity, hate myself for its circumstances, etc.
I love Mother Teresa’s quote.
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
-this version is credited to Mother Teresa
