#86 New members

You know what they say about the church with the open doors: Inevitably, people leave through these doors too. Hence, for equity, let alone healthy growth, there has to be an influx of people as well. Every year, I look forward to AGM, as we see new Agapeans presented to the body. It is irrelevant if they are transfers, new believers, or even graduands from Children's Church; we take equal pleasure at everyone who takes this step of commitment with us. Congratulations!

#85 Thank-you notes

No matter how big or small, never take these for granted. It still takes effort to write these, encourages more of such behaviour, and actually makes you happier. So, thank me, and thank you!

#84 Sleep

The older you get, the more precious sleep gets. Now, I employ a high-tech alarm that detects your body movements and wakes you when you are in your lightest sleep, so you have less grogginess. I must say it's not working so far.

#83 Racial harmony

Cliched as this may sound, this is really one thing we take for granted in Singapore. With the influx of foreigners into Singapore, it appears racial tension will continue to rear its ugly head.

When that happens, it pays to harken back to the innocence of childhood. In my class, Chinese, Malays, Indians, Bangladeshis and Filipinos mix freely without fear or favour.

If we could all get back to doing that, wouldn't that be better?

#82 Football tournaments

There's nothing like testing your mettle and skill at a proper football tournament. Sure, we were just competing against other schools in our N1 school cluster, but what was really outstanding was how we cobbled a team from next to nothing. Our riff-raff motley crew: Kok Leong (MT) as keeper, me, Aidil & Mr Chia (VP) in defence, Fairus (AED) in midfield and Mun (admin) up front. We even had new guys like Muru (UCT), Mr Lim (adjunct) and Harold (practicum) with us. For goodness' sake, Harold hadn't touched a football till two weeks ago, and Muru had no boots! Mr Lim is from the Samad Alapitchay era, Kok Leong lost a contact lens and Mr Chia came straight from a meeting!

We acquitted ourselves pretty well, remaining unbeaten with four draws. We were the only team to avoid defeat to ultra-competitive Hougang Sec. With a bit more luck, we would have won a couple of matches and made it to the knockout stage.

PS: Too bad didn't meet Xinmin Pri. I always enjoy their relaxed style of play.

#81 American Express

Of all my credit cards, I think Amex is the best. Their points don't expire, rewards are attractive - that's all I ask for. And sometimes when you get a new country manager, you get movie tickets!

#80 Fruit

When it's time for a meal but I'm not that hungry, there's always fresh fruit. All this for $1 in my school canteen!

#79 My best man, Sarah's godpa

I was so glad when I heard Yew Hock was coming to Singapore to work. For years, this was someone I looked up to as an older cousin. I always remember the fun times we had every Chinese New Year in Melaka.

And now, I get to do ministry with him! I'm so blessed to have such an intelligent and caring person as my best man, and now my daughter's godfather.

#78 Students' parents

Love 'em or hate 'em, getting parents on board is the first step to succeeding with teaching children. I was at first reticent to connecting with them, but I realise most parents are like me - a little too busy for their own good, a little misguided, but still wanting the best for their child. Once we acknowledge that, you'll realise engaging them is better than not doing so. While not all may agree, I provide my personal mobile number to them, to facilitate communication. Over the years, the grateful parents have far outweighed those who abuse the privilege (I can think of just one). So, to the people without whom I would not even have children to teach.

#77 Sleep

There's nothing like someone carrying you to sleep, especially if you can drool all you want on the person's shoulder. Bliss.

#76 Mornings

While I'm generally not a morning person, (un)fortunately, my wife and daughter are. They're full of smiles in the early hours, while I'm full of scowls. But then, with this sight to greet you every morning, wouldn't you cheer up too?

#75 Sun-dried tomatoes

There're tomatoes, and then there're sun-dried tomatoes. Just in case you underestimate what the Sun can do, this little treat proves you wrong. Juicy and packed with flavour, this unassuming fruit can turn a simple aglio olio into a veritable tour de force. Now, to try it with feta cheese...

#74 Rebecca Lim

For all the fresh-faced ingenues on Mediacorp, I think we've finally found a role model. A devout Christian, she never shows too much skin, gives a good account for herself, looks great, and most importantly, acts well. Jeanette Aw, take note.