U

While having our breakfast,
I had a chat with Younger Boy.

I :  A uni graduate works in Amazon.

YB : Really?

I : Yes, for £7 an hour, 12 hrs a day.

YB : Which uni did he go to?

I : Cambridge.

YB : Which subject did he study?

I : Music.

YB : Hm......

I : His elder brother had a Maths degree,
Also from Cambridge Uni.

YB : Really?

I : Yes. His elder brother also got a...
Master degree in Computing Science.

YB : Wow!

I : But he could NOT get a job at Amazon.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2526054/The-Cambridge-graduates-grateful-earn-7-hour-Amazon-drones-As-Ben-reveals-working-gruelling-shifts-warehouse-job-get.html


Terence
Unique Skills better than uni degree
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaiyU2Zptjg

What

One of the questions,

I often ask my boys is,

If there is a problem,

And those meant to deal with the problem,

Walk away or not deal with it wholeheartedly.

What would they do?

Now I'm asking myself the same question,

After reading yet another heart breaking report,

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2522903/Primary-pupils-trapped-failing-schools-fail-reach-minimum-standards.html

What would I do?

Pretending nothing has ever happened?

Because my boys are now at secondary.

Accepting nothing can ever be changed?

Because our education system is failing.

What about changing our mindset?

Rather than hoping something may happen,

Sometime in future by someone that cares,

Could we stop giving up & start stepping up?

That's what I'm planning to do from Mar 14.

Start offering free help to local children,

Within 5-minute walk of my home;

Every term time Fri between 1605 &1715 hrs,
When my boys learning piano at home,

I'm to visit 2 children from 2 local families.

Terence

Not What others can do for us,

But What we can do for others.

www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com

E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaiyU2Zptjg

Favourite

After having his breakfast,
Younger boy started a chat.

YB : Today is your favourite day.

I : My favourite day?

YB : Yes, your favourite school day.
Because I've the core subjects today.

I : Right.

YB : It's also my favourite school day.

I : Really?

YB : Yep.
Because no PE today.

I : You don't like PE?

YB : I like PE.
But today I'm quite tired.
Nice to have a break.
And...

I : And?

YB : I've DT today.
So I can finish my design.


Terence
Favourite Keeps One Focused
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaiyU2Zptjg

Lucky

I have always reminded our boys...
How lucky we have always been.
Always have food on the table,

Always have a roof over our heads,
Always have things to look forward to.
Because not everyone have simple things.

Things that we often take for granted,
That are basic but essential.
Like Health.

Luckiest of all, we are in a  position...
To offer help and more importantly,
Give Hope to other less lucky ones.

We have just done something together,
Hoping to make other lives better.
Would you support them like brothers or sisters?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaiyU2Zptjg


Terence
Good Luck for those with Good Hearts
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com 

Best

Having finished writing an E-Book,
I had a chat with Younger Boy.

I : I'm to put my E-Book on Amazon.
What do you think is the best price?

YB : What prices do you have in mind?

I : Well, a lower price & a higher price.

YB : What's the difference between them?

I : Well, higher price is twice of lower price.

YB : Hm...
I'll go for higher price if it's not too high.

I : Why?

YB : Well, if someone likes your book,
They will pay more.

I : That's true.
But if I sell it at a very low price,
I may sell double or treble more.

YB : Yes...
But you may sell the same amount...
No matter it's lower or higher price.

I : That's true.

YB : Did I tell you how many...
I thought you might sell?

I : No.
How many do you think?

YB : To be honest, around 50.

I : Wow! That's good!
Anything more than 1 is good for me.


Terence
Try Your Best, Forget the Rest
www.fatsecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Truth

I am to use 2 recent events,
Involving 2 public departments,
That supposed to safeguard us,

To remind our boys of 3 Facts.
Fact 1 - how far a few will go...
To cover up their wrong doings,

Their Improper, Immoral, Illegal acts.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-24819973

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2487782/Plebgate-pair-face-MPs-theres-apology.html

Fact 2 - how important it is...
To discover/know/share the Truth.
Not only because everyone has...

The Basic Right to know,
But also because (more importantly),
It may be able to stop the worst...

From happening,
Or to prepare better for the worse.
Can everyone face the Truth?

Fact 3 - how true it is...
No matter how hard to cover up,
The Truth WILL come out.


Terence
The Truth is : What Goes Around Comes Around
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Disco

After picking up Younger Boy,
I had a chat with him in our car.

I : How did the Yr 7 disco go?

YB : Good.

I : Good?

YB :  A bit noisy, a bit crowdy.
But it's good.

I : Did you dance?

YB : Not a lot.
I'm not very good at dancing.

I : OK.
So what else did you do?

YB : Talking.

I : Talking?

YB : Yes. Talking with other Yr 7.

I : So what's the highlight?

YB : Well, it's...the food.

I : Food?

YB : Yes.
They had my favourite flavour of crisps.


Terence
Like Father Like Son...Like Eating
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Sad

Sad to see the OECD report.
Though I knew it long time ago.
UK is lagging behind in Education.

Numeracy : 21st out of 24.
Literacy : 22nd out of 24.
For the 16-24 age group.

To start saving our nation,
We've to help children at young age.
To build a good foundation at primary.

I offered a local primary headteacher,
My FREE maths help to his students.
Twice - 1 in conversation, 1 in writing.

He didn't reply to my detailed plan.
In fact, he wasn't even bother to...
Acknowledge receiving my Email.

I also offered help to another primary,
Which had only 16 students,
And could soon be closed down.

I Emailed the headteacher,
Explaining in details of my FREE help.
No acknowledgement let alone reply.

Although there was about 80% rise...
In Education spending over the years.
Has the Education standard got better?

Where was the money spent?
Sad to see those were trusted...
Abusing the Trust.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2449481/Education-crisis-Pupils-worse-maths-literacy-grandparents.html


Terence
Sad to see Parents Picking Up The Pieces
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Millionaire

While having after school snack at home,
Younger Boy started a chat.

YB:  Dad, I read your Personal Statement.
The one for our school governor election.

I: Yes.

YB : Are you really a millionaire?

I : Yes, I WAS.

YB : A million in Pounds?

I : No, in HK dollars.

YB : So that's about £80,000 now.

I : Yes, but it was about £100,000 then.

YB : How did you make it?

I : I bought shares.

YB : Do you still have a million?

I : No... I now have 2 million.

YB : Really?

I : Yes. I have 2 sons.
Each of you is worth a million to me.


Terence
Family Sweeter than Money
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Giving

I always remind my boys,
They've to give back to community.
And I've been giving back too.

Amongst other things,
Helping at Elder (now Younger) Boy's,
School library for the last 2 1/2 years.

Other than normal library duty,
I enjoy stimulating students when free.
Like when one bought 2 pens, 1 glue...

I asked him how much he'd to pay me.
Then how much change I should give back.
All mental calculation.

Like when one borrowed a book.
I asked her how she found the story.
She replied the ending was a bit expected.

I then asked her if she was the author,
How she would have ended the story.
All fascinating imagination.

Like when one borrowed a finance book.
I asked him to describe Globalisation in 1 word.
All instant reaction.

Like when one prepared her uni interview.
I asked her to describe herself in 3 words.
All focus preparation.

And for the elderly.
At the Colyton Public Library.
http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/cultureheritage/libraries/yourlocallibrary/east_devon_libraries/colyton_library/events_at_colyton_library.htm

Terence
Giving gives a Great Feeling
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Attention

After Younger Boy started at new school,
I decided to bring forward our routine.

I : So, you've been at your new school...
For 2 weeks now, how do you find it?

YB : Good.

I : Good.
So, you know what I'm to ask you to do?

YB : Oh...no...

I : You know?

YB : You want me to write down...
All children's name in my class?

I : Yes. You're good.
But let's start with how many in your class.

YB : 31.

I : OK. One more than the normal 30.
How many boys and girls?

YB : 19 boys & 12 girls.

I : Well done.

YB : So you want their names?

I : Yes, please.
As many as you can remember.

YB : Do you want their last names too?

I : Well, if you could do that,
That'll be even better.


Terence
Paying Attention to others, Making one goes Further
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

One

One word I very often use,
When chatting with our boys,
Ever since they're very young.

'Duty'.
One phrase I very often say to them,
'It's your Life, it's your Duty.'

So they understand very well that,
What they should and should not do,
What consequence would follow soon.

To help them understanding others better,
To help them one day to be a better father,
I very often ask them one question,

After me reading an article about children,
After tv reporting a child related incident,
'What would you do if you're father?'

Terence
Sons & Father, all come Together.....as One
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

2014

Saw a press release by chance,
I had a chat with Younger Boy.

I : Did you remember the lady from US?

YB : Which one?

I : The one from the Spelling Bee,
Giving a talk during Child Genius final?

YB : Yes, the one failed her 1st attempt,
But won the Spelling Bee the 2nd time.

I : That's right.
I was thinking if you'd be interested in...
Taking part in Child Genius 2014?

YB : They've another one?
That soon?

I : Yes.

YB : No.

I : What do you mean?

YB : I don't think I should do it again.
It's so stressful.

I : Yeah, I understand.
The questions, the time limit....

YB : No. Not that.
It's that 3 to 4 hours travelling to London,
That's stressful.

I : Oh, OK.

YB : Also, it's unfair to others.
I've done it before.


Terence
New Challenge Brings Out New Potential
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Sharing (7 Sept)

I've been thinking,
How I could continue progressing,
And help others to be more focusing.

I've this idea of 'Face to Face',
Enabling me & others to share their case,
And all become better at the end of the day?

Since I'll be in Seaton this Saturday,
September  the 7th Day,
Why not having it as a Sharing Day?

I'll be at the Cafe Temptation,
Enjoying a cup of tea for relaxation.
1145-1230 hrs is my intention.


Cheers
Terence
Together We Become Better
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Compare

While us in Australia,
I asked our boys to compare...
Our stay in OZ and Hong Kong.

In 4 different areas :
FAAT.
Food, Activity, Accommodation,Transport.

As usual, boys had different views.
As usual, I was pleased by this fact.
Because it's a fact that everyone is different.

Because everyone has different focus,
Leading them to have different conclusions.
Our boys are heading different directions.


Terence
Everyone Compares Everything
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Something

After a 12-hour flight, we arrived HK.
After hotel's check-in, we arrived a mall.
Boys and I then had a chat.

I ： Should we get something to eat 1st？

B ： Yes.

I ： What should we have then？

B ： Perhaps, something light？

I ： Sure, we'd lunch on the plane.

B ： Also, something quick？

I ： Sure, we've luggage to unpack.

B ： And, something familiar？

I ： I know what you've in mind？

B ： Do you？

I told them and they smiled.
Then, we all smiled.
Because we each had one ...

Delicious, decent sized/priced muffin,
From the one and only one ...
MacDonald's - sausage muffin.


Terence
Something Old, Something New, giving you the Greatest Feel
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Why

Not just about what we saw in Child Genius,

But more about what we learnt from the series.

About us asking, 'Why,What, How, Who...'

Like why this father declaring his boy a 'genius'?

Why all other parents were being interviewed,

And written by an independent reporter?

How he could write about himself, his son,

And then accused another father being 'pushy'?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/10107793/My-child-is-a-genius-and-it-isnt-always-easy.html

Like why this experienced TV critic,

Who should have known better than most...

About TV's clever editing, selected scenes;

Why she criticised a responsible parent?

Why turned TV off when hearing a Fair comment?

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/grace-dent-on-tv-child-genius-channel-4-8657562.html

I always remind our boys on 2 things :

Don't trust anyone has a Conflict of Interest.

Never, ever Jump Conclusion.

Terence

Most Love Criticising Others

Some Enjoy Helping Others

Few Just Inspiring Others

www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com

E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

President

While doing weekly school quiz homework,

Younger Boy asked me about US President.

YB: Dad, which President was sacked?

I : Sacked? 

Hm..... Not sure if there's one.

But do you know which 1 was assassinated?

YB : Kennedy.

I : Good. 

Which family has 2 Presidents then?

YB : Bush.

I : Well done!

YB : But do you know which 1 was sacked?

I : Well...not really.

But do you know how to find it out?

YB : I just googled it but couldn't find it.

I : May be you need to try an indirect way.

YB : What do you mean?

I : Well, I mean, well, something like...

YB : Oh, I know.  Something like...

I could check which President had...

The shortest time in White House?

Terence

As long as there is a Will, there is a Way

www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com

E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Test

After watching the last episode,
I had a chat with Younger Boy.

I : Could you devise an activity...
For the Child Genius competition?

YB : An activity?

I : Yes.
Testing children's raw intelligence,
And not their memory or ...
Their (Their parents') preparation.

YB : Hm...OK.
Ask them to take turn to enter a room,
To get information from a child already...
In the room who speaks no English.

I : What information they need to get then?

YB : Well, like name, age, DOB...
What language they speak and...
What activity they like to do etc.

I : Great idea.
No preparation at home.
No adult's input.
Think & work it out on the spot.

YB : And no pen or paper in the room.

I : OK.

YB : And...

I : And?

YB : Every contestant faces the same child.


Terence
Fair Test is the Best Test
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Genius

Child Genius 2013.
6 children remaining.
1 to be crowned.

I've 3 favourites.
But I prefer not saying it cos...
I prefer you decoding my hint.

I saw 3 Genius at an early stage.
During my 3 trips to London,
For the filming of the series.

Oliver.
A boy met in Bristol Regional round.
He & Longyin probably the only 2...

Children not playing computer games,
Amongst the about 45 children thereat.
He's eager to learn & play with us.

In Round 2,
He gave Longyin a 'Good Luck' coin.
To me, Oliver is the 'Kind Genius'.


Daniel.
Whose mother said at the start of the programme,
'He could speak a full sentence when he's 8 months old.'

He's a very tidy, calm & polite young gentleman.
Always had eye contact when speaking or spoken to.
To me, Daniel is the 'Manners Genius'.


Rosa Maria.
The lovely girl from London.
She stood out from the other 20 children.

Because she always smiled.
She always had that enthusiasm, energy.
To me, Rosa Maria is the 'Smile Genius'.

Although they all couldn't make it to Round 3,
I've no doubt they're to make it in Life,
Because Attitude counts MOST in Life.


Terence
Every Child is a Genius
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Attack

I always remind our boys,
Some like to attack others...
Because they love the attention,

Or have a bad day, a bad experience,
Or being misled by 'clever editing',
Or just simply being jealous,

Or just enjoy bullying others...
So, they've to learn how to deal with...
Attacks - especially from social network.

Good comments on the Twitter, 

Appraising Younger Boy & I.

Also offensive/mean comments on me.

Visit www.twitter.com, put longyin or chinese,

Or  terence or asian  before child genius,

Then press search, you can see the comments.

I do take Twitter comments 'seriously',  

But only to turn the Negative into Positive, 

Use it as 'Real Life Learning Material'.

To help our boys to Stay Calmer, Think Harder, 

Visualise Better, Plan Further, Solve Bigger etc. 

I showed our boys how I dealt with this Negative,

Stay in charge, 

Have a good laugh,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbk_u_l9rgk&feature=youtu.be

Terence

Good to see the Good in Control 

www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com

E : tlai1388@hotmail.com

Intelligence

After the TV series was on air,
We had a chat during breakfast.

I : So, if anyone asks you about who won...
The contest, what'd be your answer then?

YB : I'd say,
'Can't say. Legal papers signed.'
Then walk away.

I : Good. I'm glad that you'll keep...
A promise.

While I picked him up from school,
Younger Boy started a chat.

YB : Did you know how one tried to get...
answers from me about the contest?

I : Did they ask you , 'Who won?'

YB : Exactly.

I : How did you answer it then?

YB : I told them,
'I'm afraid I can't answer this question.'

I : That's good.

YB : Then the same person asked again,
'Will you appear in the last episode?'

I : Very clever.  What did you say?

YB : I replied,
'Changing your words doesn't change my answer.'

I : Ha ha, that's very good.

YB : And the same person asked a 3rd question.

I : Really?

YB : Yep,  it was,
'Which episodes are worth watching?'

I : Wow, that's smart!  And your answer was?

YB : I said,
'Every episode is worth watching!'


Terence
Real Situation demands Real Intelligence
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Show

To help our boys preparing Life better,
I often show Real World to them,
Through different avenues.

So this time,
Unlike any other time,
I encouraged Younger Boy to...

Take part in a national competition,
Which was also a new tv show.
Because I'd like to show him...

How Competition is part of Life,
How Strength & Weakness identified,
How Success & Failure managed;

How to learn from Others,
How to be part of a Team,
How to be KFC : Keep Focused & Calm.

Younger Boy did show his potentials.
In this full of drama new tv show,
Everything expected, unexpected...happened!


Fate
The Show must go on...and on Channel 4...at 9:00 pm on 11 June
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Strange

Strange.

To see Younger Boy & I in magazines.

On 8 June.

'What's on TV', 

'TV & Satellite Week'.

The good thing is .......

Unlike some, the reporter has NOT...

Put words into my mouth.

The writing actually based on what I said.

Stranger.

To see our (same) picture appearing....

In The Times paper on the same day.

In particular,

The Headline of the article in Times2,

'Genius? It's a Curse. I want him to be happy.'

The reporter actually quoted what I'd told her.

But still funny to see YB's  'round'  face!

It's really happening.....

The new 4-part tv series,

Which YB was involved in.

On air Tue (11 June) at 9:00 pm on Channel 4.

Strangest of all,

Everything expected to happen....happened.

Everything wasn't expected to happen.....happened!

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/child-genius/episode-guide/series-2013/episode-1

Fate

Strange Feeling = Happy Ending?

www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com

E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Help

I always remind our boys,
'Help others whenever it's...
Safe & Sensible to do so.

'And whenever possible,
The Priority is to help those...
Helping themselves.'

Because it's lucky that they're...
In a position to help less lucky ones,
Rather than them needing help.

Because it's essential that they're...
NOT doing everything for the others,
Making others sitting there to be helped.

Offering help to others is an Art.
Too little won't make a difference.
Too much will make others Dependent.

I'm offering help to some parents,
At this very moment.
Time will tell if they've the Will...

To make things happen,
For their children's all round development,
By creating the Right Environment.


Fate
Promoting Proactive Positive  Parental Participation
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Culture

While me driving him to school,
Younger Boy started a chat.

YB : Did I tell you about a story, dad?

I : A story?

YB : Yes.
The one I heard during school assembly.

I : Hm...which one?

YB : The one about Africa.

I : No, you didn't.

YB : OK.  It's like this.
A professor flied to Africa,
Visiting a tribe & studied its culture.

I : That's interesting.

YB : The professor gathered all children...
From the tribe in a woodland,
Then said who reached the distant tree first,
Would get a prize.
Do you know what happened?

I : No children took part in the race?

YB : No.  They all took part.

I : Really?

YB : Yes. They all did.
But they were all holding hands,
Walking at the same pace,
Reaching the tree at the same time.
And...

I : And?

YB : They all shared the prize!


Fate
Good Culture brings Good Future
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

C

I often remind our boys,
No point in getting a C grade,
If they can get a B grade.

Because one should try their best,
Should Constantly to improve, progress,
To become Better of Themselves.

I also remind our boys to be a C person :
Confident, Consistent, Calm and...
Above all, Caring.

So they've been giving back to Community,
Playing Classical & Contemporary piano,
To the elderly, Charity...

So, they're to play at the Seaton Town Hall,
Between 1830-1900 hrs on (Wed) 22 May,
Opening the Community Hospital's AGM.


Fate
'Can Do' attitude Can Change Lives
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrtes@gmail.com

Smell

After me giving him a hug,
Younger Boy started a chat.

YB : Do you know you smell, dad?

I : Oops...do I?  Bad smell?

YB : No. It's just...
You smell like tea and soap.

I : Oh...better than I thought.
Perhaps I drink too much tea....
And use too much soap.

YB : Hm...perhaps.

I : What does mum smell like?

YB : A bit warm...and a bit old.

I : Really?
'Warm' is a smell?

YB : Yep.

I : So, what do you smell like?

YB : Of course, you know.

I : Do I?

YB : Yes...I smell like...

I :A baby?

YB : No, not a baby.
But a child.

I : A child?

YB : Yes.
Because I'm the youngest in our family.


Fate
Children have 7th Sense - Common Sense
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

ABC

I always remind our boys,
What Mentality they must have,
What Skills they must possess.

At the same time,
I've also reminded them,
What they should NOT be.

NOT to be ABC.
A = Arrogant = You're gone.
Also = You're finished.

Because once they start to think,
They're the best,
They'll  start offending & self-destructing.

B = Blaming others.
Also = Bringing Disasters
Because not admitting own mistake is bad.

Blaming others for own mistake is worse.
So, more & bigger mistakes will strike those....
Fail to Admit & Learn from their own mistake.

C = Complacent.
Also = Unpleasant.
Because being self-satisfied invites dangers.

Why change when nothing ever went wrong?
Because things change so sudden these days,
One has to change before being forced to change.


Fate
Life is as simple as ABC - Always Be Calm
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Genius

While having breakfast with boys,
I'd a chat with Younger Boy.

I : Who do you think is a Genius?

YB : Can be anyone that I know?

I : Yes.

YB : They can be dead or alive?

I : Yes.

YB : Hm...I think the one invented...

I : Car?

YB : No.

I : Plane?

YB : No.

I ; Alright.
Must be computer then?

YB : No.

I : Would the person be...
Issac Newton? Albert Einstein?

YB : No. I think the one invented...
Toilet is a Genius.

I : Toilet?  Why?

YB : Well, he made us the human...
Civilised.

Fate
Everyone is a Genius in someway
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Ready

I keep reminding our boys,
The importance of certain things in Life.
One of which is : Be Ready.

Ready to Learn.
Have a good sleep at night.
Have a good breakfast.

Pay full attention in class,
Make relevant notes,
Revisit notes at home.

Ready to Learn.
Outside classroom.
From anyone, anything in anywhere.

Be Curious - why it's happening etc.
Be Imaginative - what's to happen next etc.
Be Creative - how to improve it etc.

Fate
Get Ready for a Great Journey
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Factor

Having been renting for 2  1/2 years,
My wife & I are tempted to buy.
Just in case our landlord wants it back.
So, I had a chat with our Elder Boy.

I : What factors should one consider...
When buying a house?

EB : It's obvious.
The 1st has to be the Price.

I : That's right.
Buy what one can afford.
The 2nd factor?

EB : It's also obvious.
You always say it,
'Location, Location, Location.'

I : That's true.
I always say that.
And the 3rd?

EB : Well, the house has to meet...
The buyer's needs.

I : What do you mean?

EB : For example, if they've children,
They may want a house with a big garden.

I : What about for our needs?

EB : Well, then it's to have a big lounge...
To put our table-tennis table!

Fate
X-Factor for a Relation is Good Communication
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Care

I remind my boys a few things in  Life.
One of which is...
They should care.

Like care about environment.
So, they've been putting litter in a bin.
Because they don't like a rubbished playground.

Like care about public property.
So, they've been reading carefully.
Because they don't like a damaged library book.

Like care about others.
So, they've been playing piano to the elderly.
Because they don't like a lonely empty home.

Only when one cares about others,
Putting oneself into the shoes of others,
They could then become Better.

Fate
You Care, You Share, You're Rare
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Fridge

After getting into my car,
And me starting the engine,
Younger Boy started a chat.

YB : Wah, it's cold here.
It's colder than our fridge.

I : Really?

YB : Yes.
Our fridge is 4 degree.
But...our car is 3 degree!

I : Oh, yes, you're right.
OK... if you can be anything in a fridge,
What do you want to be?

YB : Hmmm.. Ham?

I : Why?

YB : Because I like ham.

I : Good.
Do you know what I want to be?

YB : Bacon?

I : Why did you think that?

YB : Because I like bacon.

I : No. Not bacon.
I want to be......Milk.

YB : Why?

I : Because it's healthy.

YB : Hmmm...
I change my mind.

I : Yes?

YB : I want to be......cheese.

I : Why?

YB : Because it's.....healthy!


Fate
Good Observation > Good Conversation > Good Relation
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.clom

Potential

I saw a challenge by chance.
At first, I thought it's pointless,
'What I'm trying to prove?'

Then, I changed my mind.
I could prove a few points,
Not to myself but to our boys.

The Points :
Always look for new challenges,
Not only to stretch ourselves but...

More importantly,
To discover our Potentials.
So, I got my brain & hands ready.

Started following the instructions.
Spent time to do the preparation.
Then to slowly do the execution.

To my & our boys' surprise,
I made it - once to me Mission Impossible...
Now became a task easily achievable!

I'd managed to be completely focused,
Developed a unique method to remember.
Potential - surface only when one is tested.

Another point I was making to our boys :
'If an old man like me can do something,
You two can do better, can do anything.'

One doesn't have to pay others to be good,
Only need to practise, focus &....practise!
http://www.hkmsa.org/index.html

Fate
New Environment, New Stimulant, New Achievement
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Angry

When me driving out from a small road,

Younger Boy started clapping.

I : Why did you clap?

YB : Because you deserved it.

I : Me? Why?

YB : Because you didn't get angry.

I : Angry?

YB : Yes. 

Every time you drive past here,

You're angry because of the builders.

I : Yes, I am.

Because these builders just park everywhere,

Convenient themselves by inconvenient others.

YB : But this time you didn't get angry.

I : Might be because I forgot?

YB : Still, I clapped because you had a good...

Anger Management.

Fate

Better Management , More Enjoyment

www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com

E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Talk

Is it only me?

Do others see what I see?

The New Norm.

When I shop at supermarket,

I often see mum pushing hard a trolley,

& her teen child texting hard on a mobile.

When I stop at road junction,

I often see mum driving with full attention,

& her teen child surfing with total concentration.

They don't look at each other.

They don't talk to each other.

They seem like they don't know each other.

Since when teens like to talk to strangers,

Someone they've never met on the net,

And yet not to their caring mum & dad?

Is it us the parents,

Not spending enough time with our children?

Make them feeling like being abandoned?

Is it really that hard to start a talk?

A relaxing talk to bring each other together.

A reassuring talk to support each other.

Fate

Start Talking, Life Changing, Happy Ending

www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com

E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Privacy

While having breakfast at home,
I started a chat with Younger Boy.

I : Did you forget something?

YB : Oh...yeah...
(He peeped at his watch)

I : Telling us the date?

YB : Of course, I remember.
It's....27 February 2013...Wednesday.

I : So, only 2 more days for 1 March.

YB : And?

I : And more children know 11+ Result.

YB : Oh, yes.
Did I tell you what a friend told me?

I : About 11+ Result?

YB : Yes. He said I was the only one....
NOT asking him about his 11+ result.

I : But he knew you're in Category A?

YB : Yes. But I've never asked for his.

I : Why?

YB : Because I don't want to invade his...
Privacy.


Fate
Show Decency, Respect Privacy 
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

IQ

I've been asking a question for sometime,
'What does a High IQ score mean?'
And I've been asking others this question.

Some replied, 'Clever?'
Some, 'Quick Learner?'
Some, 'Not quite sure.'

I'm interested because I'd like to know...
If those with High IQ are Highly Successful,
And/or are Highly Happy too.

But I saw a documentary about a year ago.
A US man with an IQ of 200,
Higher than Issac Newton.

Work as a nightclub bouncer & is miserable.
The only thing he does: set up an IQ club,
Having a monthly quiz at a local pub?

So, a person with an IQ of 200 only means,
He scored 200 at that particular IQ Test,
With particular questions on that particular day.

Nothing more, nothing less.
He might not score the same on another day,
Even with the same questions.


Fate
High IQ NOT = High Problem Solving Skill
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Know

While having breakfast at home,
I started a chat with Younger Boy.

I : Do you still want to be a doctor?

YB : Yes.

I : Even though you know junior doctors...
Have to work long night shift?

YB : Yes, I know.
I can sleep in the day time after night shift.

I : Even though you know you're always...
In contact with many deadly virus?

YB : Yes, I know.
But if I'm a doctor, I should know how....
To deal with the virus, shouldn't I?

I : What else do you know?

YB : Well, I know I need to get A* in A level.

I : What subjects then?

YB : Definitely Biology.
Also Chemistry and possibly Maths.

I : Now I know you really know.


Fate
Knowing is the Beginning
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

S

It's a fact that everyone knows in UK.
What almost every child wants to be.
The 1st S and the 2nd S.

The 1st S = Soccer 'Hero'.
The 2nd S = Singing 'Angel'.
Most children want to be famous, rich....

But I would like to promote another S.
The 3rd S = Smart person.
Hope everyone wants to be one, one day.

Being a Smart child in UK is hard.
One has to hide themselves like a criminal,
In case others dislike you for being Smart.

To me, Smart person = Problem Solver,
Self Improver, Forward Thinker........
Enjoy True Happiness by Helping others.


Fate
You're Smarter than You Think
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Inspiration

While on our way to my car after school,
Younger Boy started a chat.

YB : Dad, we played a new game at school today.

I : We?

YB : Yes, I played it with a friend during lunch.

I : What kind of game was it?

YB : A word game. Do you want to play?

I : O.K. I'll try my best.

YB : Which word rhymes with 'hope',
& is related to 'string'?

I : Hm... 'rope'?

YB : Correct.
Now, Which word rhymes with 'plague',
& is related to 'general'?

I : Hm...'vague'?

YB : Yes, very good.

I : Very good game.
How did you find this game?

YB : I made it up.

I : You 'invented' this game?

YB : Yes.

I : What inspired you?

YB : Well, isn't it obvious...?

I : Hm...

BOTH : 11+!


Fate
Invention Comes From Inspiration
www.fatesecrest.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Competition

Recently being asked a few questions.
On camera by a tv producer.
And would like to share it now.

One of the questions was,
'How do you feel about competition?'
(i.e. children competing in a contest)

Funny that the producer had reminded me,
Before she started asking me the questions,
'Time's short, please keep your answers short.'

 So, OK, my quick & short answer was,
'Competition, in my view, is good for children.
Because Competition is a FACT of Life.

'Many parents these days are 'too protective',
Trying to keep their child away from the Reality,
Just keep telling their child how good they're.

'But when their child reaches the age of 16/18,
When their child enters the real world,
Their child will be very shocked.

'Their child is most likely to become depressed,
As they've not prepared themselves well enough,
And hence not good enough to handle the Reality.

'Reality : Competition is here everyday, everywhere.
In fact, everyone is being compared all the times.
Like a scholarship, may be only 1 in 4 can get it.

'Like a job, could be only 1 in 10 can get it.'
Now, with the benefit of hindsight,
And 7 weeks after answering this question,

I can now give more real life examples :
One has to get up early everyday to 'compete',
For a parking space at work, a seat on a train....

One has to reduce cost everyday to 'compete',
Against internet traders, overseas firms......
Although many may not know they're 'competing'.

What's Competition all about?
A chance to identify Own Strength & Weakness,
A chance to learn from Others and be Better.

And the only way to 'survive' any Competition?
Start Young is the First and Most important step.
Because a child's ego isn't as BIG as their parents'.


Fate
Be Positive. Be Proactive. Be Competitive.
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com 

Turn

When I picked up Younger Boy from school,
He turned the table by asking me questions.

YB : Dad, do you know what happened today?

I : Something interesting?

YB : Yes. And...?

I : And...let me think...

YB : Do you want some hints?

I : That would be nice.

YB : It's to do with our music lesson.

I :O.K...
You'll play piano for school's musical play?

YB : No.
Music teacher asked who wanted to sing a solo.

I : Did anyone raise their hand?

YB : Yes.

I : Well, so...did you raise yours?

YB : What do you think?

I : No, I don't think you did...
But...perhaps you might...
Did you then?

YB : I did raise my hand.
And... I'd sang.

I : You sang? I'm surprised!

Fate
Life often takes a Surprise Turn
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com

Health

I always remind my boys,
'Health is Wealth'
& it's their responsibility to exercise regularly.

So, they've been doing various sports,
Badminton, table tennis, swimming etc.
To ensure they've Physical Health.

So, I've been asking them various questions,
'If you're to have children, how many do you want & why?'
'If you win a lottery, what would you do with the money?'

'If you're a boss, what would you look for when recruiting?'
'If you're a headteacher, is there anything you would change?'
To ensure they've Mental Health.

Essential to have one's Body & Brain constantly stretched,
So that they could be as Healthy as they could be.
& they just joined a local chess club - stretching Brain again.

Fate
Good Health comes from Good Habits
www.fatesecrets.blogspot.com
E : fatesecrets@gmail.com