父亲节快乐。Happy Father's Day.

I love my 老斗 (Dad), even though lately he likes to wake me up with the blasting of his karaoke songs that echoes through both his and my room doors. It could have been worse... it could have been my mum's off key singing. Right now, he's somewhere out there in Rivervale Plaza performing for some 'Father's Day' singing competition. I'm sure he'll be bringing home a prize to show off tonight, and to add to his cluttered collection of trophies. Just what a 狗窝 (dog-homed) house needs. And I thought I was good with all my sport medals, he had to put me into place... And that's my dad for you, constantly trying to steal my limelight. I refuse to forgive him for his exclamation on my b'dae party. "平时讲话那么大声,现在唱歌这样小声。" (Normally talk so loud, now sing so soft).

But of course, this 'happy-go-lucky' disposition is not what all there is to my dad. On the Wednesday morning, I took a humbling lesson from him. We were talking about his retirement and was just going on about what he intends to do after those years of hard labor work. Then i asked him (due to the nature of my current job in landed properties), why don't he make an investment with his savings and let the money grow? Why not get a bigger house? He replied: "住这样都很开心了，那么大的房子干吗? 钱都够了，拿来投资又怕这个怕那个。多钱很多问题的." (Why need such a big house when we're happy staying like this? There's already enough money, if you invest them, you're constantly afraid of fluctuations. Too much money will create a lot of problems.)

When I heard what he said, I was rendered speechless. I'm utterly amazed. True, one may strike my dad off as 不上进 (not ambitious). But in my opinion, he is the one who has truly struck the gold. By being 知足 (satisfied), he lives his life happy and fulfilling and makes the most of what he has. What's the point of working so hard when you're not happy? What's the point of having so much money when you don't know what to do with it, when ultimately... you don't know what brings you true joy? Desire for luxury surely isn't the answer.

Many people always think my 老爸 is very silly and blur but i beg to differ.. Dad has come a long way. He nurtured 3 successful daughters (pretty much la) and 1 very demanding wife.. he started his business from scratch with his own hands when there were others putting him down. He is one very strong man who buries his scars deep so that we won't see and worry for him. He is so amazing. I'm forever thankful and blessed to have him. My sisters used to squabble over who has inherited more of Dad's genes and temperament. HAHA. I'm proud to be his daughter and certainly hope he is as proud of me.

老爸， 我爱你。
父亲节快乐.
=)