Lion King Junior - school production

What's the chance of Disney releasing the new Lion King, and your son's school production being "The Lion King" Junior all happening in the same year?

The little guy is a preppy this year, and all the preppies get to be meerkat. So proud of him, and so proud of the school too. All the teachers and staff in the school went way above and beyond the call of duty to make it a wonderful experience for everyone involved. 

Very to the point.

"There is a sort of a culture war going on within the Christian community ... between those who believe that the heart of the Christian way ... is to continue the way of life pioneered by Jesus - inclusion, reconciliation, care for your neighbour, building a society good for everyone - against those who say it's about adherence to some rules that were laid down for another age."

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/112619131/former-methodist-leader-keith-rowe-says-church-groups-havent-gone-far-enough-in-accepting-islam

Elisha's 4th Birthday!

Was it just not long ago Jonathan had his PJ Masks 4th birthday?

So it is so true when they say the days are long but the years are short. With a blink of an eye, Elisha turned 4! We are so blessed to have these two little ones. In those moments when I can see past the routines of daily life, there are enormous joy. "Living the moment" is so easy to say and preach, but so hard to practice. Well, practice, practice, practice!

Korea 2019

Sam's wedding, in the middle of Jonathan's first school holiday, provided an unique opportunity to take the kids for a proper long-haul flight. Even then, it was MEL to HKG first rather than MEL to ICN direct. 

We had a blast. Period. I have never came back from a holiday feeling so refreshed, that I truely wondered why I'm back at work. Never. The trip has all the feel good factor: kids first Korea trip, epic holiday with mother-in-law's side of family, throw in a wedding, it was perfect. 

In 2010, I truely thought HKIA is a far better airport than Incheon. Not anymore. 9 years is a long time and while little has changed in HK, the rest of the world, including the Koreans, have definitely up their game. The facilities are faultless - kids play area, food, space. Further, there is clearly an emerging, strong middle class in Korea. It is somewhat sad to see the contrast, in my opinion, a shrinking middle class and lack of social mobility in HK. 

Where are we going next?

Another milestone

Dani's PhD is supported by 3 different scholarships, an amazing achievement. It always amazes me how capable she is.

BHB, MBChB, FRACP, FRCPC and soon, PhD. 

I'm humble and grateful to be her husband, and father to our two kids. 10th year anniversary this year!!

2019!!

We ended 2018 with a break in Auckland. Beautiful summer weather, Jonathan and Elisha get to see the quintessential NZ pohutukawa trees. It was an absolutely delightful trip. Have a feeling we odd to do this every year...  

Little ones

Well, we were in Doncaster Westfield, they went to Rebel Sports, saw these glasses, and tried them on!!!

Jonathan's 5th Birthday

Jonathan turned 5 last Friday. 

Back in 2013, it's almost unimaginable how things are like now. The days are long but the years are indeed, short.

I'll be taking him to his first Orientation session at his primary school tomorrow. Another milestone, another adventure.

I really hope it's not just a blink of an eye before he turns 10. 

I love you and am most proud of you, Jonathan.

Success

Three scholarships, numerous exams, endless nights and days spent studying, my wife finally will get admitted to RACP and RCPA as a fellow later this year. You see, as I of often said to others, while it wasn't exactly Grey's Anatomy... and I'm no McDreamy, we met when I was a pre-exam registrar, and she was, 1st week into her internship. To see her reaching this milestone for a physician is quite something. Well done, very well done my darling.

Darling Harbour - Sydney

In Sydney for the annual SSA conference - the last time I was here was more than 5 years ago, well before Jonathan was born.

A lot has changed, the Harbourside Shopping Centre looks very dated now. Up next to it is the new Sofitel and ICC, two amazing structures. The Powerhouse Museum will also make way for other new developments.

Never say never. My impression of Sydney is quite good this time. But then again, one of my colleagues reminded me - I stayed in Darling Harbour, and that probably explained how I felt...