Made In China

The term made in China will forever mean something different to me. No longer will it mean tainted milk products and plastic toys that contain high level of toxins. No longer will it mean shirts that stretch after a single wash or the collar loosens out of shape after a few wears.

Since two Thursdays ago, it will mean a child conceived between me and my dear Syl in Beijing. Yes my faithful readers (not sure if there are many of you as it must be a turn off to read a blog that is rarely updated) , I am going to be a Dad in May 2009.

After discussions between ourselves and with our parents, after a lot of soul searching and guidiance asking from God, we have decided to have this child. In many ways this child is a blessing; as I am losing my direction and motivation to move forward in life generally, I found myseld floating around with so many choices and so many priorities, I felt lost. This child is a like an anchor to me, a compass that allows me to reset my priorities.

Sylvia sees this child as a restoration of the things she should have, her life that should have been hers but was snatched away. It is also a physical healing of her body (pregnancy cures a condition she has) and a emotional healing of strained ties in her family. This child also is a that to my family. My father is so excited, so is my mom (but she doesnt show it as much). I do hope this child brings them closer together- my brothers too.

Its times like this that I see the master stroke of God, using one child to bring to balance so many circumstances. The only ingredient is whether Syl and I are up to the task... ... with each other, loving family and God, I believe it is very possible.

Not just this child is made in China, I believe, the Syl and Joa that is now was also made in China. Like a vase strengthened in fire, our relationship has been reinforced through the trials and tribulations we faced in China, where our personalities, strenghts and flaws are revealed. I believe we have found the partner that we always need and always meant to be. It funny to think back on our ten year friendship and 8 month relationship and see how everything has been building up for a time like this. Call it fate, providence or God, its funny how life pans out.

Made in China- yes we made it in China.

Cheers

Joa

really really big news!

I am about to be a father.

joa

9 days

Day 9 of my ankle sprain. Does look it here, but when this was taken, the left ankle was literally the size of my calf. Now the swelling is gone and I can actually see the shape of my ankle bones.

9 days, takes 9 days to walk without crutches. 9 days to go to the gym once again (no running for me though). 9 days to stand without having to cringe cos the it hurts like hell when the blood flows down the veins.

Poor me.

: (

Back to Reality

Remember when you were in uni/ high school and you were thinking you're hot shit and that you can do anything you want?

I do.

Nowadays I don't though. I realise that I'm a number in society, and this society is looking for workers so that it can extract as much value as it can from it and then discard them. Looking for new workers to extract value from. People don't really care about other people, its about what's in it for me first. And if I have left over, maybe I'd consider you. I think successful people all adopt this mindset. The more philantropic ones give what they can spare, but at the end of the day, its me first, the rest of the world later.

Sounds pessimistic yeah? Or, maybe its just the way it is and we (I) just need to get off my high horse and play the game. Be plastic and fake if it gets me what I want. Pretend that I am too busy to help cos its just too inconvenient. Say No more! Work smart, not smart. Relax lah, no
need to stress so much.

This is the real world and to do well, one has to play by the real world rules.

hmmm....