Happy New Year 2013!

 Aunty Jo Jo with Kiersten and Katelynn during Christmas 2012

As fireworks pounded the skies at midnight, I spent the first few minutes of the new year in prayer, thanking God for all the blessings that came my way in 2012.

• The first sight of Jerusalem in March on an unforgettable trip to Israel.  My eyes have seen the wildflowers around the lake of Galilee, the valley of Elah where David defeated Goliath, the Western Wall where a temple once stood, the empty tomb at Gethsemane and the port of Caesarea where Paul set sail for Rome.

• A place where I can go to every day to make a difference.  It's not often in one's career when one has the opportunity to shape the DNA of an organisation.  That's precisely the challenge I accepted in February.  To be part of a team that's overflowing with intellect and heart to transform a local postal provider into a regional ecommerce logistics provider.  I can't remember a time when I've been so excited to go to work every morning with a head brimming with ideas, an expectation of meeting and working with new people, an energy to charge through my tasks knowing that their completion means that another piece of the jigsaw is in place.

• An afternoon on a yacht with girls whom I had the privilege of growing up with.  We left school 25 years ago to build careers and families only to gather again one day last September to revel, not in our individual glorified achievements, but to find "delight in simple things" - hugs, laughter, memories, cupcakes and champagne.  To celebrate the years of friendship.

• The final closure of the chapter of my life in KL with the sale and handover of all my properties.  I am leaving behind the city where I was born and bred in order to "root myself in where I'm going and not where I came from, to be an honorary citizen of tomorrow.  Because home is something I construct within, invisible and portable, a state of mind or part of my soul more than a piece of soil." (words in bold italics borrowed from Pico Iyer)

• Being able to sow into the future of others with financial rewards from work and investments.  My parents' new church building in Bayan Baru, Penang and a children's library in Cambodia through the Room to Read foundation.

•  And finally, the company of family and friends (both old and new) who have accompanied my journey in 2012, whether in person, online or in spirit.  I am always encouraged by your kind words, thoughtful actions and generous gifts of time and companionship.

Here's wishing you and your families all the very best for a fruitful and blessed 2013!

All my love,
Joanna

Memories of Fort Canning

Ever since I moved to Singapore, dad has been regaling me with stories of Fort Canning where he was stationed in 1963-64 when Singapore was part of Malaysia. He was among the first cohort of army signals technicians sent from KL to set up the communications centre in Singapore.

As a surprise treat, I decided to check mum and dad into Hotel Fort Canning on their recent visit.  The historic building was converted into a hotel, which opened to the public last year and I also arranged for the hotel to take us on a tour of the premises and park.  Dad was beside himself with excitement checking out his former barracks, workshop and battery store etc. He almost took over the tour at one point, with his trademark exuberance and extroversion!  Like father, like daughter.

Oktoberfest at Harbourfront

The wonderful thing about living in Singapore these days is that the city has turned so cosmopolitan that one needn't travel very far to experience foreign culture. It arrives at your doorstep.

Take for example one evening in early October when I was invited to attend a management dinner and drinks at Harbourfront. Only to find an authentic Bavarian spread of beer, bratwurst, sauerkraut and pork knuckle. And as icing on the cake, my bosses turned up in lederhosen! Bravo Wolfgang and Sascha.

Happy Oktoberfest. Clink!

Front row at F1

I was delightfully surprised this year when the boss started handing out F1 tickets. Even more delighted to discover that my seats were right in front of City Hall at the Singapore Sling - the infamous 90-degree corner that all drivers dread. Had a wonderful time watching with colleagues and friends at the 2012 F1 Night Race. Very happy and proud that Singapore signed up for another 5 years.

Door Art

I wish I could travel and have fun all the time but that's wishful thinking.  I do have a day job and love what I do.  So I'm always looking for ways to have fun and encourage my colleagues to do the same.  Came up with this idea while trawling through Facebook and it's called Door Art Inspirations.  Every month, I put up a different message on my office door to communicate with the many who trudge in and out of my office.  Wonder if I'll become a social media sensation? ;-P

 Door Art Inspiration for July 2012

Door Art Inspiration for August 2012


Door Art Inspiration for October 2012