Xavier Starts Toilet Training

Xavier starts toilet training today at his school. His form teacher called Lilian to let her know that Xavier is very enthusiastic about it.

Image from Amazon.com

We been gearing Xavier toward toilet training by reading the book "Big Boy Potty", getting him two potties (one the usual potty and one that enables him to sat at the normal toilet bowl) as well as asking him to tell us when he wants to pee or poo.

But we didn't get any success as he doesn't like to use the potty and usually keeps silent about his poo, even denying he had poo when I smelled it and ask him. 

The book is an interesting read as it tries to relate Michael, the kid in the book, to your boy.

Let's hope he is fully trained by mid of this year.

Update 31 Mar 11: Xavier seems to be progressing well. He is able to hold his pee and ask us to bring him to the toilet to pee when nature calls.

Still the most interesting car combo I have seen yet...

As I was going through the photos taken during our trip to Japan in 2007 for the "To Japan: Gambatte!" post, I came across these few photos that made me pause my search and take a second look again.

It was our last day at Hokkaido with the tour group before we head to the airport for our flight to Tokyo. The tour guide brought us to the Chitose Outlet Mall, Rena just at the outskirts of Hokkaido's Chitose Airport. The coach stopped right beside the most interesting car I have ever seen, a Mini with a half Mini "Caravan".

And it's still the most interesting car combo I have seen yet.

To Japan: Gambatte!

The 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck Japan on Friday, 11th of March 2011. This followed by an unfortunate chain of events including tsunamis, afterstocks, snow, bad weather, and a nuclear crisis. Yet, the people of Japan has won nothing but praises (from various reports, facebook and twitter posts) for their willingness to help each other and the calm and orderly manner they have exhibited in times like this.

Japan has always been my favourite holiday destination. Lilian and I been there twice (in '07 & '08) and it's still the first destination that pops up in my mind whenever we have thoughts of going on a holiday. Aside from the wonderful food, we love the sincerity and warmth the people of Japan exhibit and they are always willing to help.

I remember on our first flight to Japan, Lilian was sitting beside a Japanese middle-age man. I got a little worried and defensive when he tried to struck a conversation with Lilian. But upon learning that it's our first visit to Japan, he was very passionate and eager to introduce the Yuzu juice to us, insisting that we must try it on board the plane. I felt like a childish boy (for being defensive) after that and it changed my perception of people of Japan.

They also take strong pride in their jobs, whatever their jobs are. Their sky-high service level makes you feel like you are king. I recall on our visit to a Salmon farm, I was so amazed by this old man in the toilet. He was the cleaner for the toilet and he was brushing and cleaning the sink with a toothbrush. You can see the pride and joy (of how clean and shiny the sinks were) written all over his face. If only we see 10% of that on our food court cleaners.

And in the face of disaster, the people of Japan was still calm and orderly, whether it's exiting the building (during earthquakes) or queuing for water ration. There were no looting or stampedes reported. Salute to you people.

If you wish to lend a helping hand to Japan by donation, you can do it through Singapore Red Cross Society or Mercy Relief. And I am sure there are other channels to offer help to them. I have done my part and I hope you will too. And I hope Japan comes out strong from this.

GAMBATTE JAPAN! Glico Man and myself will be behind supporting you!

(Dis)Band of Brothers

This is where it all begins...

10th March 2011. This day marks the day 650 SIR (Singapore Infantry Regiment), 8th Mono Intake 3 SIR, Scout Platoon disbands. A number of brothers have received their MR (Military Release) and will no longer be call up for reservist.

Scouts are a special infantry breed. We operate in small teams and are required to walk longer than the rest of the Battalion on loads heavier than most infantry soldiers. And we do travel on "speedy" mode, often with little rest. And when you do that for over a decade with the same people, going through thick and thin and all things in between, you become as close as brothers.

I feel a little sad that it all ends so abruptly. The news that there will be a number of brothers who will receive their MR this ICT (In-Camp Training) were only told to us on the second last day of training. All the sudden I felt lost at the fact that the platoon has disbanded.

I would thank all the brothers for the wonderful bitter-sweet memories and it's my privilege to have walked/slept/eat/drink/fight/shot/run/chased after/hor-lan/swam/drove/recce alongside with you guys. All good things must come to an end. Though we will not have a chance to "cheong sua" as a platoon anymore, I believe we will still keep in touch. Let's try our best to meet up at least once a year.

54 Delta DY, over and out.