eC's Chillout Lounge

We just finished a 3 Day conference yesterday with Pst Mike Brumback from International House of Prayer (IHOP), based in Seattle.

He mentioned that a lot of us did not have a great relationship with our fathers. It made me think back how many a times I was angry with my father for things that he didn't do.

I was angry at him for being negative all the time towards me. Whenever I had an idea or want to get something, he would always talked a lot of negative things about it. I was often left demoralised or feeling stupid that I even thought of it in the first place.

The most significant one was when I wanted to buy a new car when I was with Unilever Singapore. My peers got new Honda Jazzes and Mitsubishi Lancers, so I wanted to buy a new Civic.

I almost wanted to take finance for the car and he really made me felt super sian by advicing me to take a second hand instead.

"But all my friends are getting new ones! I can afford it, so why not?"

"What is your objective of getting a brand new car" he asked me.

"Got warranty what. You never know what is going to happen to a second hand car".

"So how much is the price difference?"

"At least $12k for the model I like."

"Do you think the 3 year old second hand car will give you that much problem? And let's not talk about depreciation"

I doubt so. I hated it when he is right all the time. I just hate it and got angry.

Because of his advice, I saved heaps of money because the COE plunged. My friends lost $10k overnight in paper loss. Newer cars were going cheaper than theirs.

And I could sell my car before coming to Australia without forking out extras. My friends could not sell theirs, not for at least 3 more years later.

I really treasured the times when we went to play badminton together. For those who thought that I'm talking about my childhood days, you are wrong. I still play with his group of friends after work when I was still back in Singapore.

After the session, we would go for supper and chit chat.

I realised a lot of people didn't really have a chance to have a heart to heart talk with your dad. I am glad that we almost chatted daily over dinner at their place when Eliss was based in Sydney. This was really a time of bonding.

I knew that he was going through a rough patch, and he is doing all he can to provide for this family.



Dad, if you are reading this. I just want to let you know that I love you.

If not for your help in this and more, I would not be able to come to Sydney to join with Eliss.



I got to know a couple of PHD student here, whom may become uni lecturers in the future.

Well, I wish you all the best during your survey question sessions!



We are shopping for a car now. After a round of elimination, we have decided to get Honda Civic Hatch CXi. So if you know anyone selling, let us know, ya? Preferably red.