#48 Swimming

Swimming is one of the few exercise activities I can do when sweat aggravates my eczema. Yes, it's repetitive, the water's probably filthy and the less said about the changing rooms the better. But the feeling of hunger after a multiple-lap swim just tells you how much your body has worked, and nothing beats that feeling.

When I was young, Yishun Swimming Complex was my haunt. Our lessons included learning to float with pyjamas, the practicality of which I still haven't fathomed. I had a phobia of the deep end, but this was assuaged by the promise of fresh, crispy French fries thereafter. Soon, it'll be Sarah's turn!

#47 Burger King

For all of McDonald's success, its food is generally inferior to Burger King's.

For the McChicken, the Tendergrill trumps it.

For the Big Mac, the Whopper slams it down.

For the Filet-o-Fish, the Big Fish sends it swimming.

I could go on.

A tad more expensive, but the King beats Ronald anytime.

#46 Model drawing

Singapore prides itself on being the popularisers, if not the inventors, of model drawing. The bane of many a Singapore student, yet this method has proved its longevity, predicated on the principle of reverting to the Pictorial stage instead of the Abstract when understanding a word problem; George Polya would agree that it would be an important tool for an important step.

However, it is one of the hardest skills to teach, as any Maths teacher can testify. It also requires ridiculously complicated concepts that lack relevance, such as unchanged total with internal transfer, changed total with external transfer - you get my drift.

Hence, it is refreshing to see pupils break free from such mind-numbing stupor, and rely on their natural ability to make sense of the world, and entertain me along the way.

#45 Manchester United

I've loved United since the 1993/94 vintage of Cantona, Kanchelskis, Ince et al. I've seen Fergie and his teams progress and regress, culminating in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich I so should've watched; I can't believe I actually prioritised sleep over that.

Watching them today is a much less romantic and passionate affair. I don't stay up for them anymore, and limit myself to highlights unless it's convenient. Nevertheless, the Red Devils have always been the only one.

#44 Rainbows

Whenever I see a rainbow, I'm reminded of God's promise that He would never let a flood strike Earth again (Orchard Road ponding notwithstanding). I'm also reminded that it has just rained, bringing cool weather to our sun-baked isle. Rainbows FTW!

#43 Swanky pencil boxes

These held me enraptured throughout primary school. A simple rubber game became and all-out turf war with pencil boxes that served as the first Counterstrike maps. Endless fiddling with the different compartments, using the spring-loaded lid as a catapult, taking an inventory of my innumerable pens and pencils - the possibilities were endless. Pity pencil boxes had to become simpler.

#42 Willing barbecuers

Actually, I hate barbecues. The stifling heat, the massive cleanup, the undercooked food, the many ants - there's a reason why we've got kitchens and restaurants.

Having said that, it's as good a social synergiser as any. So if I'm to attend one, all I want to do is schmooze, eat and chill. So it helps that there're a bunch of people willing to expend time, sweat and muscle to make raw food edible.

To all those of you who helped out at the Sunset BBQ - you're the unsung heroes.

#41 Birthdays

I'm a melancholic, you see. So I'd much rather have a small birthday celebration with close friends the some big bash. I'm also not for buying gifts for Christmas.

So what I do for friends' birthdays is I get them personalised gifts, and I leave the cards and handmade stuff for Christmas. Whatever it is, I've always felt strongly that gifts should not be edible nor generic; if I'm getting something, I want it to be meaningful for the person, or I would put it off till I do find something like that.

#40 Electric shavers

To be sure, I'm not a morning person. So, if I were to handle the complex task of manipulating shaving cream and a razor blade at 5.50 in the morning, there would be more than one close shave. Not to mention the sheer hassle of shaving this way. I'm not one with copious facial hair growth anyway.

Hence, when Yew Hock gave me my first electric shaver, it was sheer bliss. Nothing has worked better so far. Together with rechargeable batteries, they're my best friend.

#39 Crankiness

This is going to be a really short post, because it is really difficult to be grateful for crankiness. If anything, at least we know she's alive and kicking, and it'll gradually and painfully increase our patience. Also, we feel for her as she's hardly getting any sleep during the day.

Now excuse us while we go pacify her. As the picture suggests, she's turning our world upside-down.

#38 Ambigrams

I'm forever grateful to Jade, an itinerant ambigrammist (?) at NIE, who introduced me to the art of ambigrams. What other gift can scream 'unique' like a one-of-a-kind combination of two names, that can be read right-side-up and upside-down?

I've since honed my skill somewhat, and dare say I now have my own style, though I still lack speed. This is for all the students I've taught since 2008, all of whom have a little piece of me in their wallets. I know this because they show it to me on Teacher's Day every year.

#37 Facebook

How else was my sister, who is now studying in Perth, supposed to let me know in an instant that she found a Coke bottle with my daughter's name on it? Only by the power of Zuckerberg.

Just had a conversation today about the benefits of Facebook. I narrowed it down to staying connected with people I should be closer with, and sharing my life with these people.

Now, especially with my sister on another continent, will I truly appreciate Facebook, Skype, MSN, and any other app that brings us closer.

As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Or was that 'out of sight, 'out of mind'?

#36 Burps

There's little more satisfying than a timely burp. After a ill-advisedly heavy meal, nothing (apart from Eno) feels better than a barbaric belch. Even internal burps are gratifying.

Little did I know that someone else's burp would be more pleasing than my own. Sarah burping after a feed is essential for her to feel comfortable. It requires us to contort Sarah in all kinds of positions and takes ages to get her to do so. But when she finally does, it's music to our ears.

#35 Pram pushers

Without prompting, many of the people we go out with offer to either carry Sarah or push the pram. It really does make it easier when we go out with Sarah and gives Jasmine and I a chance to have a life. Thanks everybody thanks!

#34 Agape Life Groups

Thank God for supportive brothers and sisters in Christ. They truly provide a helping hand in time of our need. Catching on a flippant comment by Jasmine that we needed a bottle warmer, our ALG bought it the day before service and presented it the next day. Now, that's a thoughtful gift. Thanks, one and all!

#33 Pacifier

That one object can hold infants in such thrall. Unfortunately, Sarah's keeps spitting hers cos she can't get the grip on it. But the silence that ensues when she does get it right is sweet. There're arguments for and against pacifiers, but I do see that it soothes her when she is troubled. Just have to be careful when weaning her off it.