#59 Gifts

We don't profess to be enthusiastic gift receivers nor givers. We really are the practical type; cash and vouchers will do just fine. Having said that, we've received some truly thoughtful gifts that transcend the generic, mundane and unthoughtful gift-giving process. Some of these were pre-loved, but many were sincere and well-meaning. For these, we thank you. You've shown us that a thoughtful gift can go a long way, and can even mean a whole lot to pragmatists like us, 'cos it takes a whole lot more effort to think of a useful gift than to just give a voucher. That doesn't mean that vouchers are thoughtless; it just means we have friends and relatives with different languages of love, and we need to respect that.

But still, Sarah'd prefer pre$ents to gifts.

#58 Bumbo

Finally, a way to train her to sit up straight without using my own muscles!With the Bumbo, she can soon join us at meals!

#57 Jasmine Tang

Where would I be without my wife? She's the gift that keeps on giving. I've never found a more sacrificial, empathetic, principled person. She'll deny all of this, of course, but I'll argue that she shows these traits more to people she loves.

23 Nov 2004: The day I got a second chance at the gift I forsook.

#56 Learning journeys

Love them or hate them, they're a great way to bond with your students. I heard my introverted girl laugh so loud. I saw the boy who can't make friends actually observe plants side-by-side with his classmates, make a supreme effort with his handwriting, and make invaluable contributions to the discussion. And I realise what a fun class I actually have. =]

#55 Lamaze

I'm just thankful for anything that can make my daughter smile like that. =]

#54 Birthday cards

Personally, I'm not really a fan of presents. An article I read said that presents were a sure way to waste money, as whatever money you've spent on it is immediately diminished as the person receiving considers it worth less than what you paid for it, or if they like it, it's only equal to what you paid, and now it's second-hand.

Cards, though, are something you can add value to. By buying a blank canvas, you allow people to express their gratitude towards that deserving person, and the person is gratified. All for $2; what a keepsake! Which is why we do it all the time for Christmas.

#53 Ikea knick-knacks

If you want to improve your home and get ideas for it, nothing comes faster and cheaper than Ikea. They have great habitats set up in their store that you can glean ideas from. Also, many of their knick-knacks have multiple uses that you can customise for your home.

For example, check out how I freed up some desktop space using a kitchen internal shelf, and how we can place easy-to-reach stationery using a remote control holder.

#52 National competitions

Yes, they take up a lot of time going to far-flung locations and preparing for training. But there's nothing like interacting with pupils that you know are set up for success and seeing how they respond to your tutelage. I see myself in them, getting opportunities I never did. Otherwise, who knows what might've been?

#51 A smile

After a long day at work, the only pick-me-up I need is a smile from Sarah. It's as if all the negative vibes disappear into the two black holes that are her dimples. Given that she's now entertained by the smallest thing, playing with her while waiting for her milk to heat up is a sure way to make myself that little bit happier.

#50 Bubble tea huts

These places are virtually extinct. They had homely good food, great drinks, all for a student-friendly price. Imagine our joy, then, when we discovered one a stone's throw from our church. We'll be coming here really often now.

#49 See-thru kitchen

Hacking the kitchen wall and putting in a half-glass turned out to be a pretty good decision. It continues the visual flow and allows us to keep an eye on Sarah when she's at the platform. It does seem to attract dust mites, but I think that's a Punggol problem.