Most of the people I meet regularly are away this week in Malacca. I was thinking, this is a guage of whom I spend much time with every week. Would there be a difference in my social life this week?
Surprisingly, there wasn't much of a change. I realized an "independence" from an entity. It strengthened my understanding, that i "choose" to be where I am, and who I want to be with, who I want to invest my time with.
Through the period, I realized that the people I talk much to, weren't merely from a particular organisation, but were all around. I guess, that's what I am hoping for too. My role, is supposed to bring people from one end to another. If I have all people on one end, and not the other, that's not very possible too.
Then again, I find that I am also one who tends towards the other end.....the forbidden fruit always seem to taste better.:P
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Growing Up
Maturity is interesting. It is a state of your mind. Your mind will never stop gaining experiences, until you tell it not to. Until you refuse to gain and make sense of your experiences, you'd keep growing.
There are quite a lot of ways how one grows in God. It can be through the truth setting you free, your experience with God, correction from people and so on. Each one of the ways has it's pros and cons. Sometimes, we see the need to grow, that we don't see that growth comes from God.
I realized this about myself after reading this book - there are many ways of growth, and each person has to have a combination of ways to grow. One must not impose our ideology of growth on the person.
As the verse states, I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 1 Cor 3:6
God made it grow. I am the instrument to other's growth, and also of my own growth. There are dual responsibilities of each person - to personally grow, and to help others grow. Yet, it should never inhibit God's working in that person's life. Now, that's the challenge.
There are quite a lot of ways how one grows in God. It can be through the truth setting you free, your experience with God, correction from people and so on. Each one of the ways has it's pros and cons. Sometimes, we see the need to grow, that we don't see that growth comes from God.
I realized this about myself after reading this book - there are many ways of growth, and each person has to have a combination of ways to grow. One must not impose our ideology of growth on the person.
As the verse states, I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 1 Cor 3:6
God made it grow. I am the instrument to other's growth, and also of my own growth. There are dual responsibilities of each person - to personally grow, and to help others grow. Yet, it should never inhibit God's working in that person's life. Now, that's the challenge.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Real - life crisis
Previously, I spoke about change management from a bystander's point of view in my previous organisation.
In this organisation, I am a change agent. Trust me, you can never be graded for emotional management.
To me, change management = emotional management. If you can manage the emotions of the people, then you have aced the "module", if not, good luck!
Today, my colleague and I went into a room filled with boiling-blooded creatures. I don't know, I thought hot was an understatement, hence boiling should be more apt. It started off like any other briefing, it reached the middle with spices & even more spicy spices, and ended off chao tar.
There was the cynical, the critic, the conventionalist, the contortionist, the case-builder, oh man, but thank God, there were some compassionates. For the time I was in there, I really just had eyes on one person, the cynical one, and I really felt like walking over to strangle him. And of all things, we were in the same colour shade - purple. Gosh.
As my colleague and I walked out of the room, all I could think of was. If only we had this filmed down, perhaps, my appraisal for FY 07 will have more compassionate points to add. It was also the perfect video for a change management consultant to use, captioned - 10 things you should never do as a change agent.
It was a good experience. Good, perhaps, an understatement? As that visa advert goes. Salary -peanuts. The experience earned - Priceless....
In this organisation, I am a change agent. Trust me, you can never be graded for emotional management.
To me, change management = emotional management. If you can manage the emotions of the people, then you have aced the "module", if not, good luck!
Today, my colleague and I went into a room filled with boiling-blooded creatures. I don't know, I thought hot was an understatement, hence boiling should be more apt. It started off like any other briefing, it reached the middle with spices & even more spicy spices, and ended off chao tar.
There was the cynical, the critic, the conventionalist, the contortionist, the case-builder, oh man, but thank God, there were some compassionates. For the time I was in there, I really just had eyes on one person, the cynical one, and I really felt like walking over to strangle him. And of all things, we were in the same colour shade - purple. Gosh.
As my colleague and I walked out of the room, all I could think of was. If only we had this filmed down, perhaps, my appraisal for FY 07 will have more compassionate points to add. It was also the perfect video for a change management consultant to use, captioned - 10 things you should never do as a change agent.
It was a good experience. Good, perhaps, an understatement? As that visa advert goes. Salary -peanuts. The experience earned - Priceless....
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Bittersweet
First, I shall start with the bitter.
Someone close to me was accused of something that could not be proven. Really felt for her. I guess, if there's one thing that I cannot tolerate is that of being given a tag that I shouldn't have "earned". It made me realize how difficult it is to be wronged. It made me realized how He was totally wronged, yet still see beyond that, for a purpose greater than His own pride, and status.
It was a very angsty day yesterday. It still is today, as I met her in the morning. Hopefully, things will get better as she cools down, and sees beyond as well. It made me sit up, and reflect more about my purpose in this place as well.
Now the sweet. One of my colleagues came to church last sunday. A personal breakthrough. Had been asking God over time that though I seem to keep sharing His word, and love, but then, why is there not much progress, not much fruitfulness? He gave me some encouragement through this colleague last week. She's a new friend I made, and also one I am beginning to know better and find that we can "click", even though she's six years junior.
I'm looking forward to having more of His presence at work, be it through me or others. Yet, I wish to be a vessel of love for Him. That's one of my purpose in this place.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Facets About Taipei
I guess, I won't do justice to my trip if I don't talk more about the interesting things in this bustling city of Taipei. Some after-trip thoughts about the culture, architecture and idiosyncrasies.
Before I begin, I think, I should add a disclaimer - The below are merely what I observed in Taipei. It is not a full representative of the place.
1. The toilet cisterns do not take in toilet paper, tissue paper and whatever rubbish. Perhaps, the pipes underground are too small, or too fragile? Mainly, though, I believe that they are just very environmentally friendly.
2. Recycle bins for various objects are all over the place, and rubbish bins are labelled if they are for every kind of junk, or specific junk. Yep, they are quite organised. And, they seem to use those recycle bins quite seriously!
3. People are very colourful in their dressing. They don't seem to like plain colours. There must be stripes, dots, etc of some sort.
4. They speak mainly mandarin, hokkien, hakka and minnanese. The MRT train announcements also revolve around this few dialects.
5. They speak American - accented English a la mei yu.
6. They seem to love to read. Chen pin bookstore cum departmental stores are all over the place.
7. Quite a number of mountains.
8. Sales people have saccharine sweet and persuasive antics. Customer service is definitely very good. (which i find surprising, thought it was just towards tourists)
9. Buildings are rather old, to the extent of dilapidated. Cost of living is low. Salary is also low. Minimum income for a gold credit card is approx S$9K per annum (vis a vis S'pore)
10. The only acceptable coffee you can find is at cafes such as Starbucks, Dante's Coffee and those NT35 coffee stalls....the rest, CMI! Boo hoo hoo....
11. Shilin night market is any girl's paradise. Wufenpu wholesale market, provided you buy in bulk.
12. Those with a penchance for sweet stuff and fruits will find this place heavenly. They give you extra topping for milk for your ice shavings.
13. Snacks galore, food galore and nuff said. Just eat!
14. If you are in a hurry, forget about the lifts at the MRT stations....walk is faster. Even the cleaning auntie told us to walk "kah ging". =p
That should be the main points...till I think of more...
Before I begin, I think, I should add a disclaimer - The below are merely what I observed in Taipei. It is not a full representative of the place.
1. The toilet cisterns do not take in toilet paper, tissue paper and whatever rubbish. Perhaps, the pipes underground are too small, or too fragile? Mainly, though, I believe that they are just very environmentally friendly.
2. Recycle bins for various objects are all over the place, and rubbish bins are labelled if they are for every kind of junk, or specific junk. Yep, they are quite organised. And, they seem to use those recycle bins quite seriously!
3. People are very colourful in their dressing. They don't seem to like plain colours. There must be stripes, dots, etc of some sort.
4. They speak mainly mandarin, hokkien, hakka and minnanese. The MRT train announcements also revolve around this few dialects.
5. They speak American - accented English a la mei yu.
6. They seem to love to read. Chen pin bookstore cum departmental stores are all over the place.
7. Quite a number of mountains.
8. Sales people have saccharine sweet and persuasive antics. Customer service is definitely very good. (which i find surprising, thought it was just towards tourists)
9. Buildings are rather old, to the extent of dilapidated. Cost of living is low. Salary is also low. Minimum income for a gold credit card is approx S$9K per annum (vis a vis S'pore)
10. The only acceptable coffee you can find is at cafes such as Starbucks, Dante's Coffee and those NT35 coffee stalls....the rest, CMI! Boo hoo hoo....
11. Shilin night market is any girl's paradise. Wufenpu wholesale market, provided you buy in bulk.
12. Those with a penchance for sweet stuff and fruits will find this place heavenly. They give you extra topping for milk for your ice shavings.
13. Snacks galore, food galore and nuff said. Just eat!
14. If you are in a hurry, forget about the lifts at the MRT stations....walk is faster. Even the cleaning auntie told us to walk "kah ging". =p
That should be the main points...till I think of more...
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Refreshed, Renewed, Recharged
I am just back from my holiday. Six days of getaway. One which gave me an injection of new energy for the upcoming months ahead.
Taipei - beautiful place, friendly people, environmentally friendly, delectable delights, breath-taking views, weather to die for. Sounds like I should just move over there, right? On hindsight, perhaps, it's because I am only there 6 days, so everything looks nice? Ha ha..
As I am typing this, am really thinking, what should I write about? The experiences that I had at each destination I went? The description of the things I did, felt and enjoyed? The bottom line is - the trip's really satisfying. A time for me to smell the flowers, feel myself walking, breathing, thinking. Seriously, when I slow down, I realize that walking is something to give thanks for too.
Many interesting and quirky things happened in Taipei, which I believe my travel buddies will also agree with me. A number of firsts, in this trip, including places which were not on our itinerary, and happenings that never thought would occur. Then again, all the experiences lived up to the plan that we had - free and easy. It was a myriad of experiences and feelings.
Through the time in Taipei, one thing that came to my mind most was this. How you want something to be like, how you want your mood to be like, how you hope to see something - it is a decision to make at each point.
As I marvelled at God's creation of nature, the culture of the place, the lifestyle of the people, many things ran through my mind. The differences are rampant. The geographic location is different. The systems are different. One can keep focusing on differences, or find the binding point that brings people, things and faith together. Which one do I want to look at?
It was a fruitful trip. All the way.
Oh, and this I must add. We bought enough shoes, bags, clothes, pastries and instant cup noodles to probably open a store at the pasar malam!
Enjoy the photos on flickr. (=
Taipei - beautiful place, friendly people, environmentally friendly, delectable delights, breath-taking views, weather to die for. Sounds like I should just move over there, right? On hindsight, perhaps, it's because I am only there 6 days, so everything looks nice? Ha ha..
As I am typing this, am really thinking, what should I write about? The experiences that I had at each destination I went? The description of the things I did, felt and enjoyed? The bottom line is - the trip's really satisfying. A time for me to smell the flowers, feel myself walking, breathing, thinking. Seriously, when I slow down, I realize that walking is something to give thanks for too.
Many interesting and quirky things happened in Taipei, which I believe my travel buddies will also agree with me. A number of firsts, in this trip, including places which were not on our itinerary, and happenings that never thought would occur. Then again, all the experiences lived up to the plan that we had - free and easy. It was a myriad of experiences and feelings.
Through the time in Taipei, one thing that came to my mind most was this. How you want something to be like, how you want your mood to be like, how you hope to see something - it is a decision to make at each point.
As I marvelled at God's creation of nature, the culture of the place, the lifestyle of the people, many things ran through my mind. The differences are rampant. The geographic location is different. The systems are different. One can keep focusing on differences, or find the binding point that brings people, things and faith together. Which one do I want to look at?
It was a fruitful trip. All the way.
Oh, and this I must add. We bought enough shoes, bags, clothes, pastries and instant cup noodles to probably open a store at the pasar malam!
Enjoy the photos on flickr. (=
Thursday, May 3, 2007
FareWell
"do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can,
at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can....."
This was the farewell quote that a particular Dep Dir sent to all the staff in my company. I was rather amazed by it, and I believe, many others too.
The above quote, can be shown forth in his life. Anyone who knows him, knows that he has somewhat described what he lives for. The man who walks the talk. The above quote, describes how he treats people around him, how he lives his life. For the 11 years that he has been in this organisation, he left a great impression and impact in this place, and the people.
For my department, who used to be led by him, tears were shed, and many memories were talked about regarding this man. He is a man whom I had come to know briefly this period of time, and I can just say that he is a man who puts a few "F"s first in his life. Faith, Family and Friends.
You don't meet such people often. But when you do meet one, your life's changed, just merely being around him.
at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can....."
This was the farewell quote that a particular Dep Dir sent to all the staff in my company. I was rather amazed by it, and I believe, many others too.
The above quote, can be shown forth in his life. Anyone who knows him, knows that he has somewhat described what he lives for. The man who walks the talk. The above quote, describes how he treats people around him, how he lives his life. For the 11 years that he has been in this organisation, he left a great impression and impact in this place, and the people.
For my department, who used to be led by him, tears were shed, and many memories were talked about regarding this man. He is a man whom I had come to know briefly this period of time, and I can just say that he is a man who puts a few "F"s first in his life. Faith, Family and Friends.
You don't meet such people often. But when you do meet one, your life's changed, just merely being around him.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Quarter Time
The real test of a man is not when he plays the role that he wants for himself, but when he plays the role destiny has for him. - Vaclav Havel
Letting God take the front seat, instead of myself. That's what the above implies. Building my house versus building His.
God gave His children gifts. We can use the gifts in what we think is best, or we can use the gifts in accordance to what He made us for. In short, the calling that He gave each of us. There is something unique that each of us do best. Something that one of His child is able to do which is different from another. The particular niche that we are created for.
The work that He has created us to do, is definitely different for each one of us. As He had carefully and fearfully crafted us, He knew what He had crafted each one of us for. He wrote our stories before even the start of time.
As I seek forth His calling in my life, I come to realize more and more each day, what makes me smile in my heart when I do it, and what I like to do, but does not have that same satisfaction. I guess, that's one of the understandings. When I sense the Holy Spirit seem to beam within me, I know I am doing what He had crafted me to do, at that particular time. It is something that cannot be explained rationally, no matter how rational I can, and want to be.
As I face a quarter of a century of life, I begin to see how much I desire to be in the centre of His will, and how much I desire to be doing what He has always desired me to do. That we may both smile together in our hearts, that we may both know that that's the best thing on earth that I can do.
There are some things on my mind and heart, I know He has sealed. As the plan of His unfolds, I see my part in it more and more. The adventure that He has given me, and will give me, will be what I am looking out for. I may be driven by my own whims and fancies, but what will keep me going even more, will be what I am called for. The drive from that, will be even better than my personal drive. I just hope to be able to distinguish the two.
Letting God take the front seat, instead of myself. That's what the above implies. Building my house versus building His.
God gave His children gifts. We can use the gifts in what we think is best, or we can use the gifts in accordance to what He made us for. In short, the calling that He gave each of us. There is something unique that each of us do best. Something that one of His child is able to do which is different from another. The particular niche that we are created for.
The work that He has created us to do, is definitely different for each one of us. As He had carefully and fearfully crafted us, He knew what He had crafted each one of us for. He wrote our stories before even the start of time.
As I seek forth His calling in my life, I come to realize more and more each day, what makes me smile in my heart when I do it, and what I like to do, but does not have that same satisfaction. I guess, that's one of the understandings. When I sense the Holy Spirit seem to beam within me, I know I am doing what He had crafted me to do, at that particular time. It is something that cannot be explained rationally, no matter how rational I can, and want to be.
As I face a quarter of a century of life, I begin to see how much I desire to be in the centre of His will, and how much I desire to be doing what He has always desired me to do. That we may both smile together in our hearts, that we may both know that that's the best thing on earth that I can do.
There are some things on my mind and heart, I know He has sealed. As the plan of His unfolds, I see my part in it more and more. The adventure that He has given me, and will give me, will be what I am looking out for. I may be driven by my own whims and fancies, but what will keep me going even more, will be what I am called for. The drive from that, will be even better than my personal drive. I just hope to be able to distinguish the two.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Bee with An Itch
Colleague 1: Really can't stand this particular person! Argh..
Colleague 2: Yep, she's definitely a bee with an itch..
Get it? =pPp
Colleague 2: Yep, she's definitely a bee with an itch..
Get it? =pPp
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Values Dilution
Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do. Mark 2:17 (nlt) This was the verse I pondered upon this morning.
At lunch, I had a chance to meet one of my colleagues in another department. It was a rare lunch meet up. Somehow or other, we talked about doctors, and the lack of professionalism in some. It's a growing trend it seems.Eventually, she ended off saying, the reason that her husband died is because of a doctor. The nonchalence that the doctor gave in diagnosis and explanation of what she will do in the operation resulted in them not having the faith to go on with the operation. The choice of not going through the operation, than to leave it to the hands of a doctor who doesn't seem to care.
It's not only this profession that is the case. Many professions now have people who are no longer passionate about what they do, and hold the values that is required in the job. It is just a job. One that brings in the money.
Values are diluting. Evident even in the supposedly occupation with the most stringent criteria in recruitment.
As I thought about it, I give thanks that the doctor I read about in the morning, is a doctor who is always passionate, a doctor who always sticks to his values.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
A Passing Thought
Emptiness - reminds me that I am human. It leads me to the same conclusion - I need to be filled.
By what? Only He knows :)
By what? Only He knows :)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Clarity & Assurance
Stayed back to clear work once again. As usual, a particular ADir came along to disturb my colleague and I. He has a penchance for sweet things, and my colleague's pocky sticks were gone within minutes.
The talk turned to catholicism and christianity. The two of them were catholics, and for me, christian. The initial casual talk, became one of depth when the two lamented on how their passion for what they believed in were withered along the way.
After some time, the ADir left for home, and I decided that since we were on the same topic, I wanted to find out if my colleague's stand on who God was and the fundamental of what Jesus came to earth for held true for her.
I heaved a sigh of relief in my heart when she agreed that Jesus came to die for our sins, that we are saved through Him, and that we are awaiting His arrival. Though of course, there were differences in how much emphasis we look forward to His arrival, and also the various rituals that catholics practise. The basic understanding that she understands that she is saved allowed me to thank God. She also shared her experiences with God, and how He called her back to Him. Though the "relationship" is not that intimate, and she still experiences that gap of awe with God, yet, I am just thankful throughout the discussion, that at least, all these were surfaced. It refreshed me. This was one of my objectives in this organisation. To bring people to God, else, to help clarify the fundamentals. Today, one came to pass.
It is the beginning of many more to come. It is my hope, to touch people through my work and also through sharing of His love. The partnership with Him, in spreading the love, is one which surpasses all other matters. The joy that comes along with it, is irreplaceable.
The talk turned to catholicism and christianity. The two of them were catholics, and for me, christian. The initial casual talk, became one of depth when the two lamented on how their passion for what they believed in were withered along the way.
After some time, the ADir left for home, and I decided that since we were on the same topic, I wanted to find out if my colleague's stand on who God was and the fundamental of what Jesus came to earth for held true for her.
I heaved a sigh of relief in my heart when she agreed that Jesus came to die for our sins, that we are saved through Him, and that we are awaiting His arrival. Though of course, there were differences in how much emphasis we look forward to His arrival, and also the various rituals that catholics practise. The basic understanding that she understands that she is saved allowed me to thank God. She also shared her experiences with God, and how He called her back to Him. Though the "relationship" is not that intimate, and she still experiences that gap of awe with God, yet, I am just thankful throughout the discussion, that at least, all these were surfaced. It refreshed me. This was one of my objectives in this organisation. To bring people to God, else, to help clarify the fundamentals. Today, one came to pass.
It is the beginning of many more to come. It is my hope, to touch people through my work and also through sharing of His love. The partnership with Him, in spreading the love, is one which surpasses all other matters. The joy that comes along with it, is irreplaceable.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Found
There are some things which are lost, but can be found. There are others, which are lost, and never can be found. Why so profound? I am in the mood for rhymes once again.
Recently, someone made me remember something which I loved to do when I was younger. This has always been around, just that, I had not taken notice of it for a long, long time.
Today, I re-opened it again, and spent some quality time together with it. It's amazing, that connection with it. Something that I almost forgotten. It is my organ. I had intensively developed a relationship with it for around five years. Thereafter, I lost touch with it.
As I touched it again. I realized, that I am no longer as close to it. My fingers no longer tap it as well as I used to. Yet, the connection that I had lost, returned. When you find time between you and your instrument, making music, no one can intervene it. The music that is created, is something you will enjoy, it's something between you and your instrument. That something, is something I found back today, and boy am I glad I found it once again.
Recently, someone made me remember something which I loved to do when I was younger. This has always been around, just that, I had not taken notice of it for a long, long time.
Today, I re-opened it again, and spent some quality time together with it. It's amazing, that connection with it. Something that I almost forgotten. It is my organ. I had intensively developed a relationship with it for around five years. Thereafter, I lost touch with it.
As I touched it again. I realized, that I am no longer as close to it. My fingers no longer tap it as well as I used to. Yet, the connection that I had lost, returned. When you find time between you and your instrument, making music, no one can intervene it. The music that is created, is something you will enjoy, it's something between you and your instrument. That something, is something I found back today, and boy am I glad I found it once again.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The Pursuit
Recently, I caught the show Pursuit of Happiness. The theme revolved around commitment, hope and perserverance. Never giving up the fight, and never letting the critics get into your system.
All the values are critical to life. Without them, there's nothing much of life left. Without commitment to something we truly believe for, or in, there isn't anything much to wake up to in the morning. Life becomes aimless.
Without hope, there is nothing to look forward to.
Without perserverance, we would never get to our finishing point.
Life doesn't seem fair to us at times. All the more when we look at things using our own set of scales - which inevitably ends up imbalanced. How do we embrace life such that it gives us a sense of purpose and joy? There is only one answer. Life with our Maker.
I have a lot of dreams that I wish to pursue. Are those dreams really what I am made out for? No one knows better than the one who thought of what I was created for. He began with the end in mind.
Daily, there are always the challenges in life. The things that I refuse to face, yet have to face. How I face them though, depends on how I see myself in the situation. How can I get a clearer picture? When I see it through an elevated platform. A platform that only He provides.
Once again, I am back at the source of life. There's no pursuit more worthwhile, than the pursuit of the greatest love of all. The pursuit of meaning in life, from the creator of meaning Himself.
All the values are critical to life. Without them, there's nothing much of life left. Without commitment to something we truly believe for, or in, there isn't anything much to wake up to in the morning. Life becomes aimless.
Without hope, there is nothing to look forward to.
Without perserverance, we would never get to our finishing point.
Life doesn't seem fair to us at times. All the more when we look at things using our own set of scales - which inevitably ends up imbalanced. How do we embrace life such that it gives us a sense of purpose and joy? There is only one answer. Life with our Maker.
I have a lot of dreams that I wish to pursue. Are those dreams really what I am made out for? No one knows better than the one who thought of what I was created for. He began with the end in mind.
Daily, there are always the challenges in life. The things that I refuse to face, yet have to face. How I face them though, depends on how I see myself in the situation. How can I get a clearer picture? When I see it through an elevated platform. A platform that only He provides.
Once again, I am back at the source of life. There's no pursuit more worthwhile, than the pursuit of the greatest love of all. The pursuit of meaning in life, from the creator of meaning Himself.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Some thoughts on Nonchalence & Comparison
I was reading the cover story on TNP yesterday, with the focal point on the top JCs and their pursuit of perfection. There is an air of nonchalence of their perfect results, however, if there is one blemish to their perfect results, there will be an outburst of hysterical cries.
Personally, I hail from a heartlander JC, while my other better half sibling hails from one of the top JCs. I can see the difference clearly in how my brother looks at his results vis a vis my reaction a couple of years back. It is a far cry. I could see his nonchalence even though his results are way better off than mine.
Why this nonchalence? There was not much of a joy nor that of sadness. There was just nothing. To this group of people, it is something expected.
Are these the people who really walk in the clouds, and don't feel what the normal people feel? Are their lives really much better off? Most of them have one goal - to obtain their coveted scholarship, which eventually lands them in their dream job. For such souls, they do not seem to need to face much roadblocks in their early part of life. Most scholarships would want them. It takes away the agony of going through job selection after graduation, the stress of their parents hounding them to look for jobs quickly, the stress of having to repay their tuition fee loan and many other nitty gritties in life. Their life plan seems set the moment they obtain their scholarship.
When you have reached the top of your class, what do you pursue next? Keeping the top position, or is there more to things than as such? How do you keep your head intact to your neck?
One thing I remembered from one of those serious conversations with my brother, he said, "It doesn't matter what others do - better or worse. What matters is that you have conquered yourself. You know where is your limit, and you choose to stretch yourself beyond that. You know that you have done your best when you have conquered yourself, and that's enough (paraphrase)."
How true. When you start to compare with others, you will never be contented, and you will lose your focus. Face your giants, but do not lose your focus.
Personally, I hail from a heartlander JC, while my other better half sibling hails from one of the top JCs. I can see the difference clearly in how my brother looks at his results vis a vis my reaction a couple of years back. It is a far cry. I could see his nonchalence even though his results are way better off than mine.
Why this nonchalence? There was not much of a joy nor that of sadness. There was just nothing. To this group of people, it is something expected.
Are these the people who really walk in the clouds, and don't feel what the normal people feel? Are their lives really much better off? Most of them have one goal - to obtain their coveted scholarship, which eventually lands them in their dream job. For such souls, they do not seem to need to face much roadblocks in their early part of life. Most scholarships would want them. It takes away the agony of going through job selection after graduation, the stress of their parents hounding them to look for jobs quickly, the stress of having to repay their tuition fee loan and many other nitty gritties in life. Their life plan seems set the moment they obtain their scholarship.
When you have reached the top of your class, what do you pursue next? Keeping the top position, or is there more to things than as such? How do you keep your head intact to your neck?
One thing I remembered from one of those serious conversations with my brother, he said, "It doesn't matter what others do - better or worse. What matters is that you have conquered yourself. You know where is your limit, and you choose to stretch yourself beyond that. You know that you have done your best when you have conquered yourself, and that's enough (paraphrase)."
How true. When you start to compare with others, you will never be contented, and you will lose your focus. Face your giants, but do not lose your focus.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Touched by an Angel
There is a show by the same name. It is a show that never fails to inspire and touch my heart. I never thought I would meet one in real life. I did. In the form of a taxi driver.
On the third day of the Chinese New Year holiday, I took a cab back from Bradell station. I don't know the name of the driver, and I wished I had asked. Usually taxi drivers place their name tags on the dashboard. He was a freelance taxi driver who drove only for those few days of the CNY holiday. Hence, he didn't have one.
As we chatted, he revealed more to me about his job, and I came to discover that he was a christian counsellor. On the way that he drove me back home, he asked me a simple question:
How do you know you are a Christian, a child of God?
I explained to him, and eventually, he told me that I am one of the rare people whom he asked who could give him such a clear answer why I believe strongly that I am a child of God. This was not what mattered to me though - the praise that he gave to me on how well I answered did not matter to me.
I realized what mattered to me - that I am a child of God. Nothing is going to change this fact. I am a child of God. I read Psalm 73 on the way out of my house the same day, and that very psalm stated that even I had envied the way of the sinners, and behaved foolishly, God is still the God who holds me by my right hand, and guides me with His counsel.
As we spoke, he revealed even more on how whenever he drove the taxi for a living, he'd never fail to strike up such a conversation with people, and from the place where he picked up the passenger, he'd never fail to present the gospel within the span of the journey. I was inspired, yet at the same time saddened. I knew very well, I had lost that flame within me. The very same flame that this taxi driver had. The fire within him that keeps him being an ambassador for God wherever he goes.
As I got off the cab, I told myself, I must have met an angel who was sent by Him. He has spoken through this person. He is clearly calling out to me. I told Him the past few weeks that I am seeking for Him once again. He lived up to His name. He touched me once again in a way that I receive the best. As I walked back to my home, I told Him that I have returned. I am now by His side, and long to be even closer to His side. I want to listen to His voice, and to know more clearly how much He loves me, how much He is the one that I know I can't live without. Everything else becomes small when I am embraced by the one and only Abba Father who always patiently waits and speaks words that I ever so need to bring me back to the race that I had started, but digressed from. The journey is still on, and I am not giving up. The inspiration for this race is the love that I have daily with Him. I may fail, and forget who I am, but He never fails, and never forgets who I am, and the purpose He had created me for.
Each day, I journey with Him, at times I run, at times I walk, at times I limp, at times I crawl, but the journey still goes on. As long as He keeps His breath within me, His purpose for me is still being unveiled. I look forward to His daily revealing of what He wants for me. I know that it will always be the best for me, whatever the situation.
On the third day of the Chinese New Year holiday, I took a cab back from Bradell station. I don't know the name of the driver, and I wished I had asked. Usually taxi drivers place their name tags on the dashboard. He was a freelance taxi driver who drove only for those few days of the CNY holiday. Hence, he didn't have one.
As we chatted, he revealed more to me about his job, and I came to discover that he was a christian counsellor. On the way that he drove me back home, he asked me a simple question:
How do you know you are a Christian, a child of God?
I explained to him, and eventually, he told me that I am one of the rare people whom he asked who could give him such a clear answer why I believe strongly that I am a child of God. This was not what mattered to me though - the praise that he gave to me on how well I answered did not matter to me.
I realized what mattered to me - that I am a child of God. Nothing is going to change this fact. I am a child of God. I read Psalm 73 on the way out of my house the same day, and that very psalm stated that even I had envied the way of the sinners, and behaved foolishly, God is still the God who holds me by my right hand, and guides me with His counsel.
As we spoke, he revealed even more on how whenever he drove the taxi for a living, he'd never fail to strike up such a conversation with people, and from the place where he picked up the passenger, he'd never fail to present the gospel within the span of the journey. I was inspired, yet at the same time saddened. I knew very well, I had lost that flame within me. The very same flame that this taxi driver had. The fire within him that keeps him being an ambassador for God wherever he goes.
As I got off the cab, I told myself, I must have met an angel who was sent by Him. He has spoken through this person. He is clearly calling out to me. I told Him the past few weeks that I am seeking for Him once again. He lived up to His name. He touched me once again in a way that I receive the best. As I walked back to my home, I told Him that I have returned. I am now by His side, and long to be even closer to His side. I want to listen to His voice, and to know more clearly how much He loves me, how much He is the one that I know I can't live without. Everything else becomes small when I am embraced by the one and only Abba Father who always patiently waits and speaks words that I ever so need to bring me back to the race that I had started, but digressed from. The journey is still on, and I am not giving up. The inspiration for this race is the love that I have daily with Him. I may fail, and forget who I am, but He never fails, and never forgets who I am, and the purpose He had created me for.
Each day, I journey with Him, at times I run, at times I walk, at times I limp, at times I crawl, but the journey still goes on. As long as He keeps His breath within me, His purpose for me is still being unveiled. I look forward to His daily revealing of what He wants for me. I know that it will always be the best for me, whatever the situation.
Friday, February 16, 2007
God Looks At the Heart, We Are Learning to As Well
"God looks at the heart, but we are not God." - someone from Church.
I am still trying hard to look at the heart. It's really hard to see what actually goes on in the heart - it's not something that you can see. But when you do see it, it becomes something that you keep within yourself for quite a while.
To the brothers of NG14B3. This is for you. Giving words of affirmation is my love language. I shall use it to bless all of you (I hope!).
There are only four guys in the caregroup. Of these four, they have different traits and idiosyncrasies. The lame, the stable, the sincere chap and the public relations officer. They make up an interesting combi, and provide much entertainment to the ladies.
Key point note for this post is to thank them for the thought that they had put in appreciating the sisters in the caregroup. Personally, I don't feel I did anything much to be appreciated.
The band of brothers made paper roses for the sisters. They did some research on origami, and even gotten a book of it to look through. Of course, there is a mastermind to it. Yet, it is the effort that is put in to make the rose. Three hours to make one paper rose is no joke. I understood that one stayed up till wee hours of the morning to make it.
Just would like all of them to know, that they are endearing brothers. Brothers who are not loud, flamboyant, and aim to be the centre of attraction. Yet, they are brothers who seek to bless, provide stability and desire to develop themselves for the better as they seek forth their calling in God. Through this time, I have seen their quiet perserverance, their willingness to bare their hearts openly regarding their lives - good and bad, and providing the binding effect to the group. More importantly, I affirm the brothers' courage to undertake new challenges, be it in their careers, walk with God and many others. This courage stems forth from the relationship they have with God, that reveals the trust and confidence they have in God to make bold decisions that gravely affects their lives, and to some, especially their pockets. Kudos to all of you, brothers of NG14B3. May the Lord continue to pour forth His blessings, vision and power into your lives. As you serve, may you be blessed.
I am still trying hard to look at the heart. It's really hard to see what actually goes on in the heart - it's not something that you can see. But when you do see it, it becomes something that you keep within yourself for quite a while.
To the brothers of NG14B3. This is for you. Giving words of affirmation is my love language. I shall use it to bless all of you (I hope!).
There are only four guys in the caregroup. Of these four, they have different traits and idiosyncrasies. The lame, the stable, the sincere chap and the public relations officer. They make up an interesting combi, and provide much entertainment to the ladies.
Key point note for this post is to thank them for the thought that they had put in appreciating the sisters in the caregroup. Personally, I don't feel I did anything much to be appreciated.
The band of brothers made paper roses for the sisters. They did some research on origami, and even gotten a book of it to look through. Of course, there is a mastermind to it. Yet, it is the effort that is put in to make the rose. Three hours to make one paper rose is no joke. I understood that one stayed up till wee hours of the morning to make it.
Just would like all of them to know, that they are endearing brothers. Brothers who are not loud, flamboyant, and aim to be the centre of attraction. Yet, they are brothers who seek to bless, provide stability and desire to develop themselves for the better as they seek forth their calling in God. Through this time, I have seen their quiet perserverance, their willingness to bare their hearts openly regarding their lives - good and bad, and providing the binding effect to the group. More importantly, I affirm the brothers' courage to undertake new challenges, be it in their careers, walk with God and many others. This courage stems forth from the relationship they have with God, that reveals the trust and confidence they have in God to make bold decisions that gravely affects their lives, and to some, especially their pockets. Kudos to all of you, brothers of NG14B3. May the Lord continue to pour forth His blessings, vision and power into your lives. As you serve, may you be blessed.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
You Can't Hurry Love
"Can't hurry love, no, you just have to wait.
Love don't come easy, you just have to give and take."
Dixie Chicks
I walked out of my cubicle just now, and met my tempstaff along the way. The first thing she exclaimed was, "It's V-day tomorrow, and I don't have any date. I'm meeting someone on Thursday, but it just ain't the same!" She's only 18 years old. I was laughing at her candid-ness. Those are the very words that will never come out of my mouth!
It's V-day. To some, it's Singles Awareness Day. It causes me to chuckle when I bump into people who tear their hair over this date. The day when supposedly cupid actually takes a blind stab at shooting his arrows, and all hell breaks loose.
To the enterprising, this day is perfect for profit-making, where dating couples wouldn't mind spending ridiculous amounts of money for flowers that would die within a day or two. To the the dating couples, it's a day where surprises are required, and late nights are spent to plan for the special date. To the skeptics, it's just a day that causes people around to lose their minds, and their sense of taste in order to get THAT date, and to make it perfect. To the bochaps, it's just another day on the calendar.
To me, now what can I say? It's a day for me to realise that my biological clock is catching up with me fast. It's a day where reflections are made on this part of life. I've always been a cynic of romance. Of late though, I realized I changed. Being cynical doesn't help in anything. It only helps in missing out the good part of life, it's better if one looks forward to hope for something good to happen. And this applies to all parts of life. This is one of the parts of life that one can't control. You can't make someone fall in love with you. It's a part of life where if it comes, it comes. Yes, perhaps, one can work towards winning that dream guy/gal. Yet, when one tries too hard, it doesn't really last. That is not the true self. That's not allowing someone to love you for who you are, but yet, still hope that you would always continue to develop to someone even better.
I've seen countless of broken marriages. Too many for me to count on my fingers. It doesn't matter if it was a 1 year marriage, 10 year marriage or 20 year marriage, if one loses the cool, if one just snaps for good, then that's the end to the entire "romance".
Romance, in itself, is not the bottom line. Question now, are we chasing romance? Or are we chasing a life-long union that we wish to have and hold? What does V-day represent? A day of romance, or a commemoration of romance that lasts through the union? It all depends on oneself.
In the meantime, on with the roses, champagne and chocolates!
Love don't come easy, you just have to give and take."
Dixie Chicks
I walked out of my cubicle just now, and met my tempstaff along the way. The first thing she exclaimed was, "It's V-day tomorrow, and I don't have any date. I'm meeting someone on Thursday, but it just ain't the same!" She's only 18 years old. I was laughing at her candid-ness. Those are the very words that will never come out of my mouth!
It's V-day. To some, it's Singles Awareness Day. It causes me to chuckle when I bump into people who tear their hair over this date. The day when supposedly cupid actually takes a blind stab at shooting his arrows, and all hell breaks loose.
To the enterprising, this day is perfect for profit-making, where dating couples wouldn't mind spending ridiculous amounts of money for flowers that would die within a day or two. To the the dating couples, it's a day where surprises are required, and late nights are spent to plan for the special date. To the skeptics, it's just a day that causes people around to lose their minds, and their sense of taste in order to get THAT date, and to make it perfect. To the bochaps, it's just another day on the calendar.
To me, now what can I say? It's a day for me to realise that my biological clock is catching up with me fast. It's a day where reflections are made on this part of life. I've always been a cynic of romance. Of late though, I realized I changed. Being cynical doesn't help in anything. It only helps in missing out the good part of life, it's better if one looks forward to hope for something good to happen. And this applies to all parts of life. This is one of the parts of life that one can't control. You can't make someone fall in love with you. It's a part of life where if it comes, it comes. Yes, perhaps, one can work towards winning that dream guy/gal. Yet, when one tries too hard, it doesn't really last. That is not the true self. That's not allowing someone to love you for who you are, but yet, still hope that you would always continue to develop to someone even better.
I've seen countless of broken marriages. Too many for me to count on my fingers. It doesn't matter if it was a 1 year marriage, 10 year marriage or 20 year marriage, if one loses the cool, if one just snaps for good, then that's the end to the entire "romance".
Romance, in itself, is not the bottom line. Question now, are we chasing romance? Or are we chasing a life-long union that we wish to have and hold? What does V-day represent? A day of romance, or a commemoration of romance that lasts through the union? It all depends on oneself.
In the meantime, on with the roses, champagne and chocolates!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Communi-Cation
The Learning Needs Analysis is an important portion of all good companies who want to provide their staff with cutting edge education so as to develop them for better productivity and results.
I just went through mine. The main topic on my plate this year is communication. How to be better trained in communication to the masses.
Breaking up the word communication, led me to find community within the word. Communication that occurs when there are groups of people. Despite attending countless of communication modules, and even being a communication trainer, it is always difficult to put across things to others in a way that is best for every situation. Either there is a lack of communication, or over-communication.
Sometimes, not saying everything is supposedly better than saying what you really feel about things. More so when the issues are just to sensitive to the other party. No matter how nicely one tries to put it, it will still end up with a wound in the other person. Sometimes, to keep the communication going, one has to decide what to say. It's responsible communication. Putting yourself in other's shoes. Sounds as though it's a very gallant role. However, it is definitely not. Most times, one struggles the most internally in such exchanges.
Communication, a life-long skill. Even a trainer who has trained for 30 over years in communication modules told a class of us - one can never stop perfecting the art of communication.
I just went through mine. The main topic on my plate this year is communication. How to be better trained in communication to the masses.
Breaking up the word communication, led me to find community within the word. Communication that occurs when there are groups of people. Despite attending countless of communication modules, and even being a communication trainer, it is always difficult to put across things to others in a way that is best for every situation. Either there is a lack of communication, or over-communication.
Sometimes, not saying everything is supposedly better than saying what you really feel about things. More so when the issues are just to sensitive to the other party. No matter how nicely one tries to put it, it will still end up with a wound in the other person. Sometimes, to keep the communication going, one has to decide what to say. It's responsible communication. Putting yourself in other's shoes. Sounds as though it's a very gallant role. However, it is definitely not. Most times, one struggles the most internally in such exchanges.
Communication, a life-long skill. Even a trainer who has trained for 30 over years in communication modules told a class of us - one can never stop perfecting the art of communication.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
MC & AFC
It's the fourth day that I am sick. I am now finished with puking (I hope). Scrambled back to office for an hour this morning to clear my desk for the new incumbent, as I shift to another corner, which is supposedly nicer. I have been warned though, to be selectively deaf to certain dirty jokes that happen in the adjourning department.
Received smses from my crazy colleagues once again...
Exercept One
Colleague A: Hey, you ok or not? Stopped puking alr?
Me: Hopefully stopped puking liao la. Btw, is the new gal pretty? More importantly, can play ball games?
(My company has this interdepartmental games thing, that we young ones have to join)
Colleague A: Pretty - probably ten years ago.....and I don't think she plays games, came in 3-inch high heels..btw, think u shd go guardian and buy pregnancy kit, see if there's any blue line..
Exercept Two
Colleague B: Take care...dun go for interviews, but can proceed to go for date.
Somehow, I felt better already.
Last night, watched AFC, S'pore vs Thailand. It was a good score 2 -1. S'pore won by penalty kick. Yet, a little worrying. Didn't seem a clear-cut penalty. Controversial. It seemed scary actually. The Thais refused to go back to the pitch initially after the referee ruled it a penalty. Looks like S'pore won't have a very nice welcome in Thailand this Sunday. Tensions are going to run high. Will see how it goes then.
Received smses from my crazy colleagues once again...
Exercept One
Colleague A: Hey, you ok or not? Stopped puking alr?
Me: Hopefully stopped puking liao la. Btw, is the new gal pretty? More importantly, can play ball games?
(My company has this interdepartmental games thing, that we young ones have to join)
Colleague A: Pretty - probably ten years ago.....and I don't think she plays games, came in 3-inch high heels..btw, think u shd go guardian and buy pregnancy kit, see if there's any blue line..
Exercept Two
Colleague B: Take care...dun go for interviews, but can proceed to go for date.
Somehow, I felt better already.
Last night, watched AFC, S'pore vs Thailand. It was a good score 2 -1. S'pore won by penalty kick. Yet, a little worrying. Didn't seem a clear-cut penalty. Controversial. It seemed scary actually. The Thais refused to go back to the pitch initially after the referee ruled it a penalty. Looks like S'pore won't have a very nice welcome in Thailand this Sunday. Tensions are going to run high. Will see how it goes then.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Bread w Blueberry Jam & Cheese
Been plagued with some funny illness these few days. I was on borderline sick past weeks. Now, it's no longer borderline. I had no chance for medical leave the past weeks. Yesterday, was the only possible day I could finally let myself crumble for a while. Before that was on sheer will power not to fall sick.
I thought it was just something simple - bad throat and fever, and would be over in a day. I guess, the germs refused to let me go without a good battle. Today, I had pasta that stayed within me till now. How do I know that? Apparently, my digestive juices were on holiday, else the pasta is darn stubborn. Everything that refuses to go down, well, comes back up. Alright, I shall censor that part. Anyway, I just stared at the remnants of my lunch.
Went back to work today, and scrapped my way through everything. My mind was working, my body was complaining. After work, it malfunctioned again.
That's where I ended up home settling down for dinner. Bread with Blueberry Jam and Cheese. A combination which I had not taken for some time. Together with a warm glass of milk. Mmmm....sudden comfort swept over me. The sense of satisfaction all over again.
It is always such moments, that make me thankful for the little things in life. The inexpensive, simple, inconspicuous things that when mixed together, creates a little heaven on earth. That's how God works, doesn't it. Most of the times.
I thought it was just something simple - bad throat and fever, and would be over in a day. I guess, the germs refused to let me go without a good battle. Today, I had pasta that stayed within me till now. How do I know that? Apparently, my digestive juices were on holiday, else the pasta is darn stubborn. Everything that refuses to go down, well, comes back up. Alright, I shall censor that part. Anyway, I just stared at the remnants of my lunch.
Went back to work today, and scrapped my way through everything. My mind was working, my body was complaining. After work, it malfunctioned again.
That's where I ended up home settling down for dinner. Bread with Blueberry Jam and Cheese. A combination which I had not taken for some time. Together with a warm glass of milk. Mmmm....sudden comfort swept over me. The sense of satisfaction all over again.
It is always such moments, that make me thankful for the little things in life. The inexpensive, simple, inconspicuous things that when mixed together, creates a little heaven on earth. That's how God works, doesn't it. Most of the times.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Face it...We are getting OLD!
When we were about 15, we were the bunch who hung out together in school. Today, it's been 10 years, and we meet again - at Bhupi's BBQ. A sense of deja vu. Only Bhupi will have BBQ sessions, the rest of us are too LAZY to do such stuffs.
The group has always been insane, and prolly I'm the most sane, I think. In the canteen, we made the most noise, and people generally know us as the councillors who probably needed to be counselled.
In our careers, we are all headed in different ways. I am shocked though, that many had chosen the path to mould the future of our nation. Looks like a particular organisation's marketing has been working well!
It was a non-stop yak yak yak. I am utterly amazed once again at the mock arguments between aini and lokie...thereafter, bhupi will always come in to do mediation. Aih..she's leaving for Oz soon..wonder if June would be a good time for me to go visit her with lokie? Will see then. June's really a tight month.
The highlight of the night, would be looking at the letters Ms Marian, my ex Geog relief teacher, and also their ex English relief teacher sent them recently. During one English lesson, she made them write letters to themselves, and promised she'd send it back to them ten years later. Ten years had passed, and they received the letters they wrote to themselves. Gosh. It was eerie reading what you wrote to yourself ten years ago, and it came to pass. Ms Marian is really one dedicated teacher! She is now residing in Australia, and she took those letters over to Australia and remembered to send them back to her students!
It was a wonderful night, and I'm looking forward to Feb, where we'd meet again. This time, for a proper dinner, in our usual hangout in tampines.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Specially for a Princesse
This post is for a special princesse.
For those who have known me for some time, they'd know that I am perpetually stuck with two lovely ladies - SR and RTham. Two crazy, hilarious gals who'd provide you more entertainment than you can ever imagine. Perhaps, simple life may be less entertaining than having the two of them around? Okay, they are definitely non-bimbotic, but they can surely "pretend" to be one. When the three of us are together, we are literally "unstoppable", in our endless banter and episodes of comedy. A particular comment that was bestowed on us was this:
The Unsanctified Nuns of S1 (S1 being the name of our old cell group)
We are unique yet all focused on one main passion - running the race well and achieving the most for our Abba Father.
The friendship has spanned since 2001, and it's still going strong, if not stronger. We are in our 7th year! We are all in different professions, one deals with kids, another with figures, another with irritating people (okay, sometimes there are those lil angels around).
Recently, SR celebrated her nth birthday. As usual we were out together and with Ms Flo (who came later)- from 630pm till 10pm, we had a solid 3.5 hours continuous eating of japanese cuisine at Waraku. We had the feeling that the waitress was utterly astounded by the capacity of our gastro cavity. We practically ordered from appetizers, to main course, to dessert. And NOW, a noteworthy mention - the tab was lovingly picked up by SR, the birthday gal herself. BIG SMOOCH
We continued the night with KTV, not before exclaiming in mock disgust at the lateness of the availability of the smaller room time by the both of them (I had no part in that! Serious). So there we had three siao char bor singing and singing the night through till 1am...we could have continued on, if not for the early wake up time the next morning.
The above is just one of our exploits. I have a feeling, that if we would seriously pen down all our exploits, it'd be like the Jason Hahn, Amanda & Saffy kind of column (would it be gals?). I don't know. Just a wild thought.
Main point though, is not the above. As a special dedication to my long-term companion, and other half (if only you were a guy, I believe I'd die die want to marry you). Haha..
Thank God for creating you the way you are to complement my seriousness, naughtiness, coldness, and also my lack of objectivity at times, my nemesis with plenty of numbers, my occasional procrastination, whinings, temper, negativeness and the list never seem to end. You have been there at many of my "moments" in life - good or bad, you've walked it through with me, through tears and joy.
Interestingly though, God has always placed us in locations within easy reach of each other. That, I'm truly amazed.
Thanks pal. Hopefully I wouldn't forget all these moments I spent and will spend with you, even when I'm ageing and becoming senile!
For those who have known me for some time, they'd know that I am perpetually stuck with two lovely ladies - SR and RTham. Two crazy, hilarious gals who'd provide you more entertainment than you can ever imagine. Perhaps, simple life may be less entertaining than having the two of them around? Okay, they are definitely non-bimbotic, but they can surely "pretend" to be one. When the three of us are together, we are literally "unstoppable", in our endless banter and episodes of comedy. A particular comment that was bestowed on us was this:
The Unsanctified Nuns of S1 (S1 being the name of our old cell group)
We are unique yet all focused on one main passion - running the race well and achieving the most for our Abba Father.
The friendship has spanned since 2001, and it's still going strong, if not stronger. We are in our 7th year! We are all in different professions, one deals with kids, another with figures, another with irritating people (okay, sometimes there are those lil angels around).
Recently, SR celebrated her nth birthday. As usual we were out together and with Ms Flo (who came later)- from 630pm till 10pm, we had a solid 3.5 hours continuous eating of japanese cuisine at Waraku. We had the feeling that the waitress was utterly astounded by the capacity of our gastro cavity. We practically ordered from appetizers, to main course, to dessert. And NOW, a noteworthy mention - the tab was lovingly picked up by SR, the birthday gal herself. BIG SMOOCH
We continued the night with KTV, not before exclaiming in mock disgust at the lateness of the availability of the smaller room time by the both of them (I had no part in that! Serious). So there we had three siao char bor singing and singing the night through till 1am...we could have continued on, if not for the early wake up time the next morning.
The above is just one of our exploits. I have a feeling, that if we would seriously pen down all our exploits, it'd be like the Jason Hahn, Amanda & Saffy kind of column (would it be gals?). I don't know. Just a wild thought.
Main point though, is not the above. As a special dedication to my long-term companion, and other half (if only you were a guy, I believe I'd die die want to marry you). Haha..
Thank God for creating you the way you are to complement my seriousness, naughtiness, coldness, and also my lack of objectivity at times, my nemesis with plenty of numbers, my occasional procrastination, whinings, temper, negativeness and the list never seem to end. You have been there at many of my "moments" in life - good or bad, you've walked it through with me, through tears and joy.
Interestingly though, God has always placed us in locations within easy reach of each other. That, I'm truly amazed.
Thanks pal. Hopefully I wouldn't forget all these moments I spent and will spend with you, even when I'm ageing and becoming senile!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Passion of Life?
I was reading a particular industry magazine when I chanced upon a familiar face. She was nominated for young gun of the year for my particular industry. It was my coursemate when I was studying just three years ago. She has been in the industry for over two years now, and is definitely making contributions to the company that she is in.
It made me wonder. If only I had the headstart to what I am doing today, instead of joining just a couple of months ago, what would I be doing, and where would be my standing in this profession?
A good friend asked, "Do you regret staying in your previous job?"
Somehow, my reflex answer was, no.
Thinking through later, made me realize why I said that.
One and a half years in my previous organisation gave me a perspective that I couldn't have gotten if I had embarked straight into this current place. The people whom I met there are still people I keep in contact with to this day. The relationships that were forged were splendid, whether it was professional or casual friendships, it was wonderful. I gained a lot from the experiences of those people, and also a taste of turbulence in a company.
Yes, it is true, that if I had started earlier in the field that I knew I always wanted, I would probably be somewhere by now. There's this drive in me when it comes to this industry, a sparkle in my eye when the ideas pass through my mind, when work comes, and when I get cracking on it. Long hours and difficult people doesn't seem to get in the way (as yet), and I know that there's something I'm aiming to attain in this industry.
Sometimes, I do wonder, how did I get so involved in this industry, and what makes me tick when I see the challenges of it. Is it a passion for the work I have, or something else? Could this be a life-long passion? This, I'd have to let time tell.
It made me wonder. If only I had the headstart to what I am doing today, instead of joining just a couple of months ago, what would I be doing, and where would be my standing in this profession?
A good friend asked, "Do you regret staying in your previous job?"
Somehow, my reflex answer was, no.
Thinking through later, made me realize why I said that.
One and a half years in my previous organisation gave me a perspective that I couldn't have gotten if I had embarked straight into this current place. The people whom I met there are still people I keep in contact with to this day. The relationships that were forged were splendid, whether it was professional or casual friendships, it was wonderful. I gained a lot from the experiences of those people, and also a taste of turbulence in a company.
Yes, it is true, that if I had started earlier in the field that I knew I always wanted, I would probably be somewhere by now. There's this drive in me when it comes to this industry, a sparkle in my eye when the ideas pass through my mind, when work comes, and when I get cracking on it. Long hours and difficult people doesn't seem to get in the way (as yet), and I know that there's something I'm aiming to attain in this industry.
Sometimes, I do wonder, how did I get so involved in this industry, and what makes me tick when I see the challenges of it. Is it a passion for the work I have, or something else? Could this be a life-long passion? This, I'd have to let time tell.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Afternoon Teaser
The story goes like this. My colleague and I went out to the atrium for a breather in the afternoon. Someone from our neighbouring department saw us, and came to ask us what we were doing. Next came this dialogue:
Colleague A (the one who saw us): Hey, what were you two doing in the atrium (place where performances are held) ah? Thought you all were about to start performing.
Colleague B: Yeah, yeah....we were doing striptease.
Me: *flabbergasted and in mock dismay* Yup, she stripped, I teased. *wink*
Colleague B: ... ...
Another male colleague walked past: Thank goodness I wasn't there....
Oh well, this is what happens when we get stressed, perplexed and frustrated. We've gone nuts!
Colleague A (the one who saw us): Hey, what were you two doing in the atrium (place where performances are held) ah? Thought you all were about to start performing.
Colleague B: Yeah, yeah....we were doing striptease.
Me: *flabbergasted and in mock dismay* Yup, she stripped, I teased. *wink*
Colleague B: ... ...
Another male colleague walked past: Thank goodness I wasn't there....
Oh well, this is what happens when we get stressed, perplexed and frustrated. We've gone nuts!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Taboo
I couldn't believe it when I heard it. But, there were a few witnesses, and personally I saw things walk out of the office. So how can I not believe it?
I found garlic in between my stuff on my desk after my holiday. On top of that, I found a piece of paper with Javanese writings stashed under my keyboard.
Those were the very words of my colleague. Garlic to ward off evil? And those Javanese words? It sounds eerie. Serious case of intimidation with black magic? Really, try to make more friends as much as possible. How far people will go to cause you to be unsettled.
I asked her on her missing bible. She confirmed that it walked off too!
This is really getting out of hand. Eventually, my colleague and I just concluded that God will protect His children, and we must continue to live our lives purely, with a good conscience.
I found garlic in between my stuff on my desk after my holiday. On top of that, I found a piece of paper with Javanese writings stashed under my keyboard.
Those were the very words of my colleague. Garlic to ward off evil? And those Javanese words? It sounds eerie. Serious case of intimidation with black magic? Really, try to make more friends as much as possible. How far people will go to cause you to be unsettled.
I asked her on her missing bible. She confirmed that it walked off too!
This is really getting out of hand. Eventually, my colleague and I just concluded that God will protect His children, and we must continue to live our lives purely, with a good conscience.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Basic Instinct
Watched the second installment of the show recently.
Sharon Stone was menacingly seductive. Her poise throughout the show was incredible. She was such a natural. It makes me wonder if she's really like that in real-life. That aside, I was really caught by how the human brain is really one fragile organ. Not only in it being soft physically, but the mind - the fragility of it, is something that makes one shudder at the thought of it.
Do intellectuals have a fetish for mind games? The deadliest sins begin with the mind. One can sin in the mind without people even knowing. That's the most intriguing of all. You'd never ever know the deepest, darkest secrets of people.
A sudden chill just went down my spine.
Sharon Stone was menacingly seductive. Her poise throughout the show was incredible. She was such a natural. It makes me wonder if she's really like that in real-life. That aside, I was really caught by how the human brain is really one fragile organ. Not only in it being soft physically, but the mind - the fragility of it, is something that makes one shudder at the thought of it.
Do intellectuals have a fetish for mind games? The deadliest sins begin with the mind. One can sin in the mind without people even knowing. That's the most intriguing of all. You'd never ever know the deepest, darkest secrets of people.
A sudden chill just went down my spine.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Learning to Wait
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isiah 40:31 (KJV)
Today, I am in office. There is some work to be cleared. As I took a breather, I saw this bookmark that my predecessor left behind. It is a simple verse. Today, it brought me another "moment" in my life. A moment I will remember. He just spoke. I understood what He meant, once again.
Impatience is a trademark of me these days. Perhaps the work that I do had sparked off this much more. Something I need to look into. There are many things that require time to cultivate, to appreciate and to learn.
This very verse answers my inadequacies. I keep finding myself wanting to accomplish more, in a shorter time. Yet, I find myself tire out very easily. As usual, my agenda had overtaken His. I am to wait. Yet....wait....is such a torture at times. Without waiting for His guidance, His revealing of path, His manifold wisdom that provides me the inspiration, instruction and support I need, I am impatient for nothing.
To do the utmost, for His highest. This requires waiting on Him, for Him. That's where strength comes from. In receiving through the wait. "Nothing" happening in our lives, doesn't mean He is not doing anything. Thus, wait.
Today, I am in office. There is some work to be cleared. As I took a breather, I saw this bookmark that my predecessor left behind. It is a simple verse. Today, it brought me another "moment" in my life. A moment I will remember. He just spoke. I understood what He meant, once again.
Impatience is a trademark of me these days. Perhaps the work that I do had sparked off this much more. Something I need to look into. There are many things that require time to cultivate, to appreciate and to learn.
This very verse answers my inadequacies. I keep finding myself wanting to accomplish more, in a shorter time. Yet, I find myself tire out very easily. As usual, my agenda had overtaken His. I am to wait. Yet....wait....is such a torture at times. Without waiting for His guidance, His revealing of path, His manifold wisdom that provides me the inspiration, instruction and support I need, I am impatient for nothing.
To do the utmost, for His highest. This requires waiting on Him, for Him. That's where strength comes from. In receiving through the wait. "Nothing" happening in our lives, doesn't mean He is not doing anything. Thus, wait.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Words of "Advice"
Never trust men....you can see one example for yourself....
This was the first word of advice I received this morning. I couldn't refute the person who said it. I was stumped. Within me, I am fighting the battle that never seem to have been won in this aspect. It's a sweeping statement that holds so much truth to me. Yet, I have to make the decision not to believe in this "truth".
It's another battle of words. I like the beauty of language, the flair with words that one can have, the descriptive emotions that come with it...all adding up to form the picture in my mind. Yet, the very same language that is used to bring joy, also brings a lot of pain.
Enlighten me.
This was the first word of advice I received this morning. I couldn't refute the person who said it. I was stumped. Within me, I am fighting the battle that never seem to have been won in this aspect. It's a sweeping statement that holds so much truth to me. Yet, I have to make the decision not to believe in this "truth".
It's another battle of words. I like the beauty of language, the flair with words that one can have, the descriptive emotions that come with it...all adding up to form the picture in my mind. Yet, the very same language that is used to bring joy, also brings a lot of pain.
Enlighten me.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Reflections & Resolutions
Every new year, it is a "tradition" to do reflections and resolutions. This year, isn't different either. The only difference, perhaps, is that I find it had become a "habit" in that it comes naturally, yet, somewhere in the recesses of my heart, I didn't feel like committing to doing them both. Somehow, it has become more technical than heartfelt. R & R, would more preferably be rest & relax rather than anything else for me.
2006 - in a nutshell is a year of changes
Jan - May 2006: Preparation to move to the adults ministry - a time of preparation of the arduous, torturous, humongous project of all - time, affectionately termed SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). Many of my fellow brothers and sisters spent almost our entire last leg of USM in this. It is memorable. Very, very memorable.
May 2006: I went for two interviews. I got my current job at one. I remembered clearly that both interviews were equally long - stretched more than an hour plus. I thank God, I landed in the right job. The one I love.
June 2006: The exodus from tertiary ministry to adults ministry happened. Indeed, the land flowing with milk and honey was very enticing.
July - September 2006: This is probably the start of turbulent times in my relationships with people. I cleared more conflicts here than any other months in the year. Painful times, but I won't trade it for anything else. It made me realize a lot of things. It opened up my mind and heart to have capacity to swallow more difficulties that come along the way.
October - December 2006: This is the peak of the turbulence. There was another change in my ministry group, albeit a not too pleasant ending to the previous. Much of my convictions were tested. Many questions surfaced. Questions that I do not have all the answers to. Questions that made me wonder why am I where I am, doing what I am doing. Questions that challenged me - if I would like to wonder away to probably unknown lands that bring more challenges than the one I am at.
2006 was a year that strengthened some of my convictions, and at the same time, ended off with the appetizer questions to 2007. There are many answers I am still seeking. It was also a year I found my first corporate mentor. Someone I truly thank Him for leading her into my life. She created moments at work that I will not forget. Lessons that I will forever remember, and a friend that I know I can look for when I am down at work.
Now that 2006 is sealed with the treasures that I have captured. 2007, I believe, will be another year of enticing, fun and greater endeavours with my all-time best friend. Cheers to a greater year, my friend!
2006 - in a nutshell is a year of changes
Jan - May 2006: Preparation to move to the adults ministry - a time of preparation of the arduous, torturous, humongous project of all - time, affectionately termed SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). Many of my fellow brothers and sisters spent almost our entire last leg of USM in this. It is memorable. Very, very memorable.
May 2006: I went for two interviews. I got my current job at one. I remembered clearly that both interviews were equally long - stretched more than an hour plus. I thank God, I landed in the right job. The one I love.
June 2006: The exodus from tertiary ministry to adults ministry happened. Indeed, the land flowing with milk and honey was very enticing.
July - September 2006: This is probably the start of turbulent times in my relationships with people. I cleared more conflicts here than any other months in the year. Painful times, but I won't trade it for anything else. It made me realize a lot of things. It opened up my mind and heart to have capacity to swallow more difficulties that come along the way.
October - December 2006: This is the peak of the turbulence. There was another change in my ministry group, albeit a not too pleasant ending to the previous. Much of my convictions were tested. Many questions surfaced. Questions that I do not have all the answers to. Questions that made me wonder why am I where I am, doing what I am doing. Questions that challenged me - if I would like to wonder away to probably unknown lands that bring more challenges than the one I am at.
2006 was a year that strengthened some of my convictions, and at the same time, ended off with the appetizer questions to 2007. There are many answers I am still seeking. It was also a year I found my first corporate mentor. Someone I truly thank Him for leading her into my life. She created moments at work that I will not forget. Lessons that I will forever remember, and a friend that I know I can look for when I am down at work.
Now that 2006 is sealed with the treasures that I have captured. 2007, I believe, will be another year of enticing, fun and greater endeavours with my all-time best friend. Cheers to a greater year, my friend!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas Weekend
This has to be one of the quieter Christmases I have celebrated. I'm not complaining. It's in fact something I like. A quiet christmas with time for deeper bonds to be built, and a reunion for old friends.
23rd December - I bumped into Lokhie at Raffles City...we just stared at each other and went, you look familiar!!! After that, we just talked non-stop...asking about bhupi, spence and the other usual suspects. These were the closer friends I had in my secondary school days. I still remember our cosy corner that we always hung out at, and the times where we just yak yak yak at our canteen..from teachers, to bitching about one another, to bgr, to our dreams, opinions and the nots..but institutions kept us apart..will have to work at rebuilding these relationships. It was GOOD to meet Lokhie again....malay/malay lit teacher in the making! Ha!
24th December - A night out at Pasta Fresca, Clarke Quay, spent with my fellow brothers and sisters with the theme, Wild Wild West! Didn't really look too cowgirlish, yet it was quite a fun time together. Getting to know a new friend better, and also to spend it together with my other friends. I called it a day early. Somehow, didn't really want to roam the streets and do the countdown. Am I getting old? Ha..
25th December - A day for RnR. Caught up on my beauty sleep. The day unfolds with time with family, and time to exercise! All those alcohol that I took? I believe it's adding on to the numbers on the scale. Sheesh. Also, a time to think, pen down my thoughts, and prepare for the new year ahead!
23rd December - I bumped into Lokhie at Raffles City...we just stared at each other and went, you look familiar!!! After that, we just talked non-stop...asking about bhupi, spence and the other usual suspects. These were the closer friends I had in my secondary school days. I still remember our cosy corner that we always hung out at, and the times where we just yak yak yak at our canteen..from teachers, to bitching about one another, to bgr, to our dreams, opinions and the nots..but institutions kept us apart..will have to work at rebuilding these relationships. It was GOOD to meet Lokhie again....malay/malay lit teacher in the making! Ha!
24th December - A night out at Pasta Fresca, Clarke Quay, spent with my fellow brothers and sisters with the theme, Wild Wild West! Didn't really look too cowgirlish, yet it was quite a fun time together. Getting to know a new friend better, and also to spend it together with my other friends. I called it a day early. Somehow, didn't really want to roam the streets and do the countdown. Am I getting old? Ha..
25th December - A day for RnR. Caught up on my beauty sleep. The day unfolds with time with family, and time to exercise! All those alcohol that I took? I believe it's adding on to the numbers on the scale. Sheesh. Also, a time to think, pen down my thoughts, and prepare for the new year ahead!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Getaway@BINTAN 16-17 Dec
SR, Min, PJ and I got ourselves to Bintan last Saturday. It was a wonderful time of pampering ourselves. From the moment we stepped onto the ferry, we were letting our hair loose and just soaking in the holiday mood. Mainly, we wanted to get to the spa and try out some seasports.
We reached Tanjong Pinang at around 11:15am ID time. Indonesia's an hour behind us. It sort of made the day feel that tad bit longer.
The bus took us from the ferry terminal to our resort. It was quite funny. I was thinking why the "guide" who brought us to the bus didn't say anything much. Until this tai-tai looking lady got off the bus, did he finally open his mouth to talk to us. That lady, was the boss! He was apprehensive of speaking, as he was afraid that his boss will laugh at his broken mandarin! Haha...
Later, when he did talk, he talked quite a fair bit. We came to the understanding that the people there mainly spoke Teochew....haha...my dialect....Bahasa Indon and bits of english and mandarin. The town size's only a few hundred thousand, which explains why the place was all filled with shanty towns, and NO shopping malls (the part which min, our shopping queen was not really excited about) as there would not be sufficient market for the viability.
A lot of the architecture there were kept simple, and mainly wooden. All kampung-like. The main mode of transport - bikes. It's somewhat similar to Thailand and Malaysia. One bike can be a transport for up to 4 people (1 adult, 3 children).
The people whom we met were ultra friendly, and my guess was that we were tourists and those kind of outrightly spottable kind of tourists. The service was superb! They covered our needs very well, machiam personal assistant. The guys at the reception helped us plan our itinerary, provided prompt transport service, morning calls (more than one, to make sure we were awake!), and umbrella service at our doorstep to ensure we didn't get wet due to the rain whilst crossing over a short path, and the list goes on. It's very worth it, for the amount we paid. We felt like princesses!
We tried the banana boat - tugged by the motor boat in front of us. Those guys made sure that we fell in the water! sheesh. PJ tried snorkling!
Finally, we did our long-awaited Spa! It was great - they practically scrubbed you from head to toe, massaged practically all your nerve points. Never felt so relaxed and released! How nice, if it never ended! It was quite funny also. That, however, I will keep it under wraps.
Overall, it was a memorable getaway! I wouldn't mind going back there. Probably when I start to crave for my next Spa treatment again...now, I'm rejuvenated, recharged, and renewed! Time for the next lap of work and play in the upcoming season!
We reached Tanjong Pinang at around 11:15am ID time. Indonesia's an hour behind us. It sort of made the day feel that tad bit longer.
The bus took us from the ferry terminal to our resort. It was quite funny. I was thinking why the "guide" who brought us to the bus didn't say anything much. Until this tai-tai looking lady got off the bus, did he finally open his mouth to talk to us. That lady, was the boss! He was apprehensive of speaking, as he was afraid that his boss will laugh at his broken mandarin! Haha...
Later, when he did talk, he talked quite a fair bit. We came to the understanding that the people there mainly spoke Teochew....haha...my dialect....Bahasa Indon and bits of english and mandarin. The town size's only a few hundred thousand, which explains why the place was all filled with shanty towns, and NO shopping malls (the part which min, our shopping queen was not really excited about) as there would not be sufficient market for the viability.
A lot of the architecture there were kept simple, and mainly wooden. All kampung-like. The main mode of transport - bikes. It's somewhat similar to Thailand and Malaysia. One bike can be a transport for up to 4 people (1 adult, 3 children).
The people whom we met were ultra friendly, and my guess was that we were tourists and those kind of outrightly spottable kind of tourists. The service was superb! They covered our needs very well, machiam personal assistant. The guys at the reception helped us plan our itinerary, provided prompt transport service, morning calls (more than one, to make sure we were awake!), and umbrella service at our doorstep to ensure we didn't get wet due to the rain whilst crossing over a short path, and the list goes on. It's very worth it, for the amount we paid. We felt like princesses!
We tried the banana boat - tugged by the motor boat in front of us. Those guys made sure that we fell in the water! sheesh. PJ tried snorkling!
Finally, we did our long-awaited Spa! It was great - they practically scrubbed you from head to toe, massaged practically all your nerve points. Never felt so relaxed and released! How nice, if it never ended! It was quite funny also. That, however, I will keep it under wraps.
Overall, it was a memorable getaway! I wouldn't mind going back there. Probably when I start to crave for my next Spa treatment again...now, I'm rejuvenated, recharged, and renewed! Time for the next lap of work and play in the upcoming season!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Sometimes I wish....
Thought I would like to write about something like this. Though many times I am practical at heart, yet, there are times when I do wish and hope for miracles to happen. Sometimes, I just wish that I could just stay at some sea-facing house, and do nothing much all day except to cycle to a nearby charitable organisation to spend time with the people there, whilst pursuing my interests in arts, writing and even cooking.
At times when I am bored, I could just pick up my guitar and croon to the waters...okay, that's just a dream. My phone just rang, and I have to rush for my next appointment.
Bubble burst....
At times when I am bored, I could just pick up my guitar and croon to the waters...okay, that's just a dream. My phone just rang, and I have to rush for my next appointment.
Bubble burst....
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
CrossRoads
It's been five years. Five years of a clearer understanding of why I am here, why I am created this way, why the decision I made five years ago was and still is the best decision that I can ever make in my lifetime.
Five years on, I ask myself, if I would still wish to continue on this journey in this particular place, in this particular time and space. Somehow, five years ain't that long, yet, it ain't that short either. I had countless memories in these five years. Some of it, I would never wish to give it up, even though it had much pain. I could say, the tears I shed are probably the most worth it ones in these five years.
Much things have come along the way, with the blessings of the One who loves me the most. Yet because of the circumstances and experiences I have, I wonder to myself, of how I should continue to run the race that I am in. Do I wish to change tracks? Do I wish to change the partnerships I have? What is best?
The lure and enticement of other things have seem to come into the picture. What seemed to be a simple, clear cut decision is now clouded by the naggings in the heart of what do I really want? Is this how I wish to live my life?
The answers should come soon, I believe. It's another major decision. What would the next lap of life be like? The journey into the sixth year, seems a daunting one..somehow, I can sense it.
Five years on, I ask myself, if I would still wish to continue on this journey in this particular place, in this particular time and space. Somehow, five years ain't that long, yet, it ain't that short either. I had countless memories in these five years. Some of it, I would never wish to give it up, even though it had much pain. I could say, the tears I shed are probably the most worth it ones in these five years.
Much things have come along the way, with the blessings of the One who loves me the most. Yet because of the circumstances and experiences I have, I wonder to myself, of how I should continue to run the race that I am in. Do I wish to change tracks? Do I wish to change the partnerships I have? What is best?
The lure and enticement of other things have seem to come into the picture. What seemed to be a simple, clear cut decision is now clouded by the naggings in the heart of what do I really want? Is this how I wish to live my life?
The answers should come soon, I believe. It's another major decision. What would the next lap of life be like? The journey into the sixth year, seems a daunting one..somehow, I can sense it.
Monday, November 6, 2006
Thoughts Republished
Been a long while since I last placed my thoughts here. Realized that I come back to this place when I have a lot on my mind, and need some space to straighten them out in a place where require much thinking before I write what I want to write.
In a matter of months, I experienced a totally different kind of environment. At times hostile, at times happening, at times friendly, at times confusing, complicated, and the list goes on. It sort of speaks forth the waves that are in my emotional life. Thank goodness that they are under control by an anchor that is so much bigger.
Find that I have learnt much more in this span of four months than my one and a half years in my previous haunt. Indeed, the environment changes people. I can feel that change through my bones. The rush of adrenaline, the speed, it excites me, yet at times place me at the cliff - of being burnt out. Yet, without such an experience, how would I know of Matt 11:28, and Isa 40:31 so much better?
Everything seems to come much clearly to me lately. It is a time of even deeper discovery. Adventure awaits me.
In a matter of months, I experienced a totally different kind of environment. At times hostile, at times happening, at times friendly, at times confusing, complicated, and the list goes on. It sort of speaks forth the waves that are in my emotional life. Thank goodness that they are under control by an anchor that is so much bigger.
Find that I have learnt much more in this span of four months than my one and a half years in my previous haunt. Indeed, the environment changes people. I can feel that change through my bones. The rush of adrenaline, the speed, it excites me, yet at times place me at the cliff - of being burnt out. Yet, without such an experience, how would I know of Matt 11:28, and Isa 40:31 so much better?
Everything seems to come much clearly to me lately. It is a time of even deeper discovery. Adventure awaits me.
Monday, August 7, 2006
1 Corinthians 13:7
7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (NIV)
7Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. (Amplified)
7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.Someone spoke a truth in my life of late. Love always trusts. Something that I lack. Looking at three different versions, I know I have a long way to go. Yet, it is not me, but He who works through me. He who shows me why I can trust, why I can believe the best of every person, why I can never lose faith.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Thump...thump..thump...thump.....
That's the sound of my heartbeat, going faster than it seems. I have shifted from my beloved boon lay jungle, to the novena town. It's closing to two weeks that I have shifted to my new-found "home". One thing's not changed - CONSTRUCTION sites. Why am I faced with them so often? God knows.
Each day I come to work, at times with fear and trembling, at not knowing what to expect, who I am to meet. I asked for a job that is challenging. Boy was that prayer answered! There isn't much guidance in this job. I am given the expected outcome, and various contacts whom I may liaise with. The rest of the work - look for a way out yourself. Hence my last week, and I believe, upcoming weeks ahead of reading, reading and reading. Next, observing, observing, observing. At the same time, whoever I could get hold of, I started to ask all sorts of questions. Of course in the midst of this, there were dumb questions asked. But what the heck, better to ask anyway. Kiasu spirit in me working hard.
There's this weird drive within me at this workplace. Yes, the pressure is a big difference as compared with the past, yet there's this thing in me that makes me tick. Tiredness has seeped in greatly - in my bid to balance the various aspects of my life. Yet, there's this satisfaction that surfaces. Wonder if this will end? Whether I'd stop feeling this way as reality sets in?
In all these, I see how the entire situation was set out in front of me. How my life has been finely and intricately planned. Just like how I was made. At this moment, at this point in time, I am marvelling at how I managed to get to this point in the first place. Yet, also looking ahead to what I am set to accomplish here. A purpose, which I am still discovering the mysteries to it.
Each day I come to work, at times with fear and trembling, at not knowing what to expect, who I am to meet. I asked for a job that is challenging. Boy was that prayer answered! There isn't much guidance in this job. I am given the expected outcome, and various contacts whom I may liaise with. The rest of the work - look for a way out yourself. Hence my last week, and I believe, upcoming weeks ahead of reading, reading and reading. Next, observing, observing, observing. At the same time, whoever I could get hold of, I started to ask all sorts of questions. Of course in the midst of this, there were dumb questions asked. But what the heck, better to ask anyway. Kiasu spirit in me working hard.
There's this weird drive within me at this workplace. Yes, the pressure is a big difference as compared with the past, yet there's this thing in me that makes me tick. Tiredness has seeped in greatly - in my bid to balance the various aspects of my life. Yet, there's this satisfaction that surfaces. Wonder if this will end? Whether I'd stop feeling this way as reality sets in?
In all these, I see how the entire situation was set out in front of me. How my life has been finely and intricately planned. Just like how I was made. At this moment, at this point in time, I am marvelling at how I managed to get to this point in the first place. Yet, also looking ahead to what I am set to accomplish here. A purpose, which I am still discovering the mysteries to it.
Friday, June 30, 2006
One.Five Years
I have been in NTU for 1.5 years as an Asst Hall Officer. I always had a lot of apprehension in introducing my occupation throughout this time. People whom I meet will look at me with all kinds of weird expression, trying immensely hard to understand what is my occupation about. "Hm...what does an AHO do ah?" This is a follow - up question that I will face all the time, whenever I introduce myself in this way.
Thereafter would be another five minutes of a brief job description of what I do. I think, my mind is regularly "refreshed" in the work I do at the Hall Office. If my explanation satisfies the other party, well and good, if not, further questions will be asked. Eventually, half an hour talks on my work at the Hall Office will arise. Hence, it turns out to be a good conversational topic?!?!
All the while I was in this job, there were mixed feelings. Exactly what am I to do here? What's my direction in life, all came about. Then again, the free pockets of times in this job allows me to really set my mind to think about what exactly I want to achieve in life. Though I don't have all the answers, but I want to discover them as I live life.
"Visions are refined, they don't change. Plans are revised, they rarely stay the same."
Got this off a friend's MSN nick, according to him, it's from this book, Visioneering. Perhaps, it's also time for me to look at this.
Overall, it's a wonderful 1.5 years spent in this office. Many valuable lessons were learnt here, from the people around. I am glad as well, that I have learnt to relate with people many decades older than me. On top of that, learning from their years of vast experience. The enrichment from this, is priceless.
Thereafter would be another five minutes of a brief job description of what I do. I think, my mind is regularly "refreshed" in the work I do at the Hall Office. If my explanation satisfies the other party, well and good, if not, further questions will be asked. Eventually, half an hour talks on my work at the Hall Office will arise. Hence, it turns out to be a good conversational topic?!?!
All the while I was in this job, there were mixed feelings. Exactly what am I to do here? What's my direction in life, all came about. Then again, the free pockets of times in this job allows me to really set my mind to think about what exactly I want to achieve in life. Though I don't have all the answers, but I want to discover them as I live life.
"Visions are refined, they don't change. Plans are revised, they rarely stay the same."
Got this off a friend's MSN nick, according to him, it's from this book, Visioneering. Perhaps, it's also time for me to look at this.
Overall, it's a wonderful 1.5 years spent in this office. Many valuable lessons were learnt here, from the people around. I am glad as well, that I have learnt to relate with people many decades older than me. On top of that, learning from their years of vast experience. The enrichment from this, is priceless.
My staff in office, and my boss just next to me, in matching colour tops. It's an experience I am glad to be placed in this place for.
Somehow, I have this sense, that these 1.5years, are the preparatory years, thereafter, I am going for the kill. Haha...not sure about that. Yet, I sense my drive being stronger after here, and I am looking forward to scale the heights that will be placed in front of me in my new vocation.
Jer 29:11. He knows what's best for me, and the seasons in my life. Yes, there were countless struggles, countless conflicts, countless bargainings with Him over what I want in my life. After all these, that sense of assurance and security in walking with Him. Priceless.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Some Things Just Can't Be Expressed
There are times when I find I want to say more, but I can't bring myself to say it. Some expressions in my heart, that at times is bursting at its seams to be overflowed, but I can't release it.
Sometimes, I just don't know how to make it sound how I really feel. There are deep churnings of emotions in my heart, but I can't release them. Am I not able to face up to it? What is it that is hindering me from releasing these? Not releasing it in a hurtful way, but just to release it.
Looking for directions here, to be self-controlled, yet at the same time allowing myself to release these feelings within me, in a right way. Then again, what is the right way?
Sometimes, I just don't know how to make it sound how I really feel. There are deep churnings of emotions in my heart, but I can't release them. Am I not able to face up to it? What is it that is hindering me from releasing these? Not releasing it in a hurtful way, but just to release it.
Looking for directions here, to be self-controlled, yet at the same time allowing myself to release these feelings within me, in a right way. Then again, what is the right way?
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Delayed Reflections
On certain days, I can't help but smile. Sometimes, it is on my face, other times, it is on my heart. Today, both happened. (=
Today, I woke up to dark, overcast skies, threatening to rain all it can on me. At that point, I gave thanks to God for the shelter He placed over my head. I also gave thanks that He understands how I felt early this morning - gloomy. Glad that he feels like I do, or I felt He is telling me He understands, by painting the skies this way. Anyway, He does know what I feel. Period.
The mornings have been rather cold. Bitterly cold at times. Yet, throughout all these, He lets His love shine through. That ray of light that just creeps its way through the crevices of the trees I walk under, reminds me of that ray of hope I have in Him.
As I walked to my office, I asked myself. What have I gained in my service to my current organisation? What have I contributed in it for the past 2 years? Had I really made an impression, a good one, I hope, to the people in this place? I had no answers for a while, then it started to come in.
After my resignation was announced, I received phone calls from colleagues all around. Some called to ask about my decision, expressing their shock, and also that they'd miss me. Thereafter sending me their well wishes. Boy was I surprised. I thought I would make a quiet exit out of my organisation.
I thought that was it. A moment in time where people generally would just say their goodbyes out of mere courtesy. Then further came gifts, emails, even visits to my office to talk. Really pleasantly surprised that such efforts were made. In total, I received a good sum of angpao. I was surprised. Never did i think of so many people contributing to it.
Throughout this while, I realized that somehow, through His grace, I had impacted some people in this organisation. The things they wrote, the thoughts they have about me, encouraged me to see that God, You have placed your imprint in this place through me. I am glad that I had heeded Your direction, Your hope for me in this place. That, your very word in Matt 6:33 really meant so much. All I asked then, was a workplace on campus, to reach the student ministry more effectively. You gave me that, and so much more!
Hence, my gloomy day, became one of thankfulness, one of hope. You made it come to past. Your partnership with me has been impeccably wonderful.
Today, I woke up to dark, overcast skies, threatening to rain all it can on me. At that point, I gave thanks to God for the shelter He placed over my head. I also gave thanks that He understands how I felt early this morning - gloomy. Glad that he feels like I do, or I felt He is telling me He understands, by painting the skies this way. Anyway, He does know what I feel. Period.
The mornings have been rather cold. Bitterly cold at times. Yet, throughout all these, He lets His love shine through. That ray of light that just creeps its way through the crevices of the trees I walk under, reminds me of that ray of hope I have in Him.
As I walked to my office, I asked myself. What have I gained in my service to my current organisation? What have I contributed in it for the past 2 years? Had I really made an impression, a good one, I hope, to the people in this place? I had no answers for a while, then it started to come in.
After my resignation was announced, I received phone calls from colleagues all around. Some called to ask about my decision, expressing their shock, and also that they'd miss me. Thereafter sending me their well wishes. Boy was I surprised. I thought I would make a quiet exit out of my organisation.
I thought that was it. A moment in time where people generally would just say their goodbyes out of mere courtesy. Then further came gifts, emails, even visits to my office to talk. Really pleasantly surprised that such efforts were made. In total, I received a good sum of angpao. I was surprised. Never did i think of so many people contributing to it.
Throughout this while, I realized that somehow, through His grace, I had impacted some people in this organisation. The things they wrote, the thoughts they have about me, encouraged me to see that God, You have placed your imprint in this place through me. I am glad that I had heeded Your direction, Your hope for me in this place. That, your very word in Matt 6:33 really meant so much. All I asked then, was a workplace on campus, to reach the student ministry more effectively. You gave me that, and so much more!
Hence, my gloomy day, became one of thankfulness, one of hope. You made it come to past. Your partnership with me has been impeccably wonderful.
What Can I Say?
I have changed. I think so.
At least, my vocation has changed. My ministry has changed. The people whom I am hanging out with often has also changed.
My perspectives and viewpoints have changed. My relationships with people have also changed. My heart condition has changed.
Yet, He has not changed. His love has not changed. His patience has not changed. His hopes and dreams for me has not changed.
What can I say? I just can't help but break into a song, to praise His goodness. In moments like these, I sing You a Love Song.
What can I say? I can never thank Him enough, never love Him enough, never seek Him enough. There's always so much more to Him than I ever can imagine.
God - More than you can imagine....
At least, my vocation has changed. My ministry has changed. The people whom I am hanging out with often has also changed.
My perspectives and viewpoints have changed. My relationships with people have also changed. My heart condition has changed.
Yet, He has not changed. His love has not changed. His patience has not changed. His hopes and dreams for me has not changed.
What can I say? I just can't help but break into a song, to praise His goodness. In moments like these, I sing You a Love Song.
What can I say? I can never thank Him enough, never love Him enough, never seek Him enough. There's always so much more to Him than I ever can imagine.
God - More than you can imagine....
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Hard to Describe
Feeling under the weather of late. There are things which can't be put into words, even how much you want it to be put into words. Case of not facing up to the reality? I presume so.
Upcoming period of time, will be challenging - to people around me, and to me. Just trying to keep my head above water, and remembering to paddle at the same time, not forgetting, to paddle in the RIGHT direction. Wow, now that seems hard. Hmm...
Upcoming period of time, will be challenging - to people around me, and to me. Just trying to keep my head above water, and remembering to paddle at the same time, not forgetting, to paddle in the RIGHT direction. Wow, now that seems hard. Hmm...
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Questions
The older I get, the more confused I become. Why? Had been thinking about life, mine in particular. The so many things that I have been led through with Him. But I don't know what all these lead to.
Something I realized about myself recently though - I have developed some kind of dementia. I can't remember certain unhappy things, rather, I have a difficult time remembering what exactly was hurting. What's happening?
Something I realized about myself recently though - I have developed some kind of dementia. I can't remember certain unhappy things, rather, I have a difficult time remembering what exactly was hurting. What's happening?
Thursday, March 2, 2006
Change Management
I remembered I took this module - Change Management in my final semester as a student. If I wasn't wrong, I scored an A -grade for it. Weirdly, one and a half year on, I am taking it again. This time, a practical course.
Whatever that was discussed in the past on employee unhappiness, low staff morale, lack of direction and vision in an organisation, the lack of a positive culture, etc, all are now being enacted in front of my very eyes.
It surely doesn't feel good to be in a situation where the entire organisation is going through a major upheaval. It adds to the emotional strain of the employees when the change management team is not doing much to allay the fears of the people by telling them the truth.
I remembered a course where I attended. The course instructor didn't say anything profound, but he just said it plainly. "You may say a lot of things, but those lot of things doesn't really matter, unless it is the truth." Yes, people may grieve over it, rant over it, but at the end of the day, they can pick up and move on. When the truth is witheld, the entire organisation will be in a frenzy. How true. It is what I am looking at now.
The way I see it, strengthens my stand on one thing. Everything may be shaken in life, the security of the job, the changes in people and the organisation. One thing still stays the same, still stays stable, unchanged - the character of God, and His promises laid out.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth will give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3
How apt. His direction and purpose is what that keeps His people assured and at peace despite the upheavals around us. I may not know exactly His plan for me, but I sense it is unfolding and I'd find the answer to the reason why I am still here, soon.
Whatever that was discussed in the past on employee unhappiness, low staff morale, lack of direction and vision in an organisation, the lack of a positive culture, etc, all are now being enacted in front of my very eyes.
It surely doesn't feel good to be in a situation where the entire organisation is going through a major upheaval. It adds to the emotional strain of the employees when the change management team is not doing much to allay the fears of the people by telling them the truth.
I remembered a course where I attended. The course instructor didn't say anything profound, but he just said it plainly. "You may say a lot of things, but those lot of things doesn't really matter, unless it is the truth." Yes, people may grieve over it, rant over it, but at the end of the day, they can pick up and move on. When the truth is witheld, the entire organisation will be in a frenzy. How true. It is what I am looking at now.
The way I see it, strengthens my stand on one thing. Everything may be shaken in life, the security of the job, the changes in people and the organisation. One thing still stays the same, still stays stable, unchanged - the character of God, and His promises laid out.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth will give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3
How apt. His direction and purpose is what that keeps His people assured and at peace despite the upheavals around us. I may not know exactly His plan for me, but I sense it is unfolding and I'd find the answer to the reason why I am still here, soon.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
JC kakis
Met up again over the week. Let me see, the last time we three met was at shan's birthday. And that was like a zillion years ago!!! Hmm...ok, that was three years ago? Yup, I think so.
Interesting to see how we have not changed much in the looks section (still young, pretty...=p), but in ourselves, within our hearts, a lot of things have changed. Ms E has since been training to be a budding pianist at La selle....Shan's working at a finance company.....and in paper qualifications, mine seemingly is in society's standard, the best, but guess what? Monetary standards are not very proportionate. Ms E earns $50 bucks per hour, just by whacking some white keys with a student!
We caught up at Tampines, Century Square, our JC hang out place. It felt good to be back there, with familiar faces, talking about our crazy times together in our green uniforms, people in our class, our teacher, etc, etc. Think we should do it sometime soon. Probably at Ms E's house the next round! =)
Interesting to see how we have not changed much in the looks section (still young, pretty...=p), but in ourselves, within our hearts, a lot of things have changed. Ms E has since been training to be a budding pianist at La selle....Shan's working at a finance company.....and in paper qualifications, mine seemingly is in society's standard, the best, but guess what? Monetary standards are not very proportionate. Ms E earns $50 bucks per hour, just by whacking some white keys with a student!
We caught up at Tampines, Century Square, our JC hang out place. It felt good to be back there, with familiar faces, talking about our crazy times together in our green uniforms, people in our class, our teacher, etc, etc. Think we should do it sometime soon. Probably at Ms E's house the next round! =)
Monday, February 13, 2006
Farewell...
There's quite a bit of movement in my organisation lately. It's farewell after farewell.
I've got to miss one farewell dinner as I'm typing this now, but it's still a sense of loss.
One is a person who guided me a lot in my work when I started off, another is a friend I gotten to know recently but the friendship deepened in a short period of time, and the last, a friend whom I've yet to get to know better, and they are all leaving.
Yet, it's still something to thank for, that in the story of my life, they are people who contributed some content in it, some more, some less. Nevertheless, they have played a part, and I hope that they'd continue to be at some point or another.
The gift I made for one of them.......
I've got to miss one farewell dinner as I'm typing this now, but it's still a sense of loss.
One is a person who guided me a lot in my work when I started off, another is a friend I gotten to know recently but the friendship deepened in a short period of time, and the last, a friend whom I've yet to get to know better, and they are all leaving.
Yet, it's still something to thank for, that in the story of my life, they are people who contributed some content in it, some more, some less. Nevertheless, they have played a part, and I hope that they'd continue to be at some point or another.
The gift I made for one of them.......
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
Focus, Direction
There are 24 hours in a day. Of these, not all are moments, moments that I'd stop to ponder over. The great ones, seem to last only those few minutes. Or in some days, I find none to be considered a moment to keep.
How much of these moments have I missed? How much of these moments are meant to be for keeps?
Focus - on the moments that I can give thanks to, rather than the many hours of events, circumstances that I dread. Learning to see what's the truth behind romans 8:28.
In my heart, I have planned for a particular direction. Yet, will that come to pass? I shall see.
How much of these moments have I missed? How much of these moments are meant to be for keeps?
Focus - on the moments that I can give thanks to, rather than the many hours of events, circumstances that I dread. Learning to see what's the truth behind romans 8:28.
In my heart, I have planned for a particular direction. Yet, will that come to pass? I shall see.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Christmas Weekend
This year's christmas is really hectic! Five services of performance, a birthday celebration, a christmas party, and watching Narnia all rolled into three days over the christmas weekend. Hardly a time of shut-eye.
The Dance! Thank God all went well...and we did our best! It was a great team to work with! And one thing good - they were all so young, made the older ones look young also! =p
The Dance! Thank God all went well...and we did our best! It was a great team to work with! And one thing good - they were all so young, made the older ones look young also! =p
We ended off the Sunday of Christmas with a Christmas party. It was a themed party. We were supposed to look futuristic in our dressing....haha
Every Christmas's a nostalgic one for me. It's just that time of the year that I remember what happens in the entire year. The highlights, and the ones which I want to unhighlight.
The main thing this year I received, is the gift of friendships growing in richness. Relating is never easy. But this year, through the hard times, I found this much cherished circle of friends. His christmas gift to me.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
In Much Need of ZzZzZz
Christmas!!! =)
I appreciate the meaning of it, a time of remembering Christ and His love for all of us, and His love that wants to touch more people around, to find a hope, and a future...that fulfillment in life...
Yet, I'm also in need of my beauty sleeeeeeeeeeep! It's the umpteenth time I cabbed to work today...now I know why God gave me a good bonus! The rest doesn't seem to be enough...and at times like this, I really, really wished that my office was located in Shenton Way and not Boon Lay!
2005 passed very quickly. I realized, I was forced to grow up rather quickly this year. Overall, this year had been one where I found myself in predicaments after predicaments of looking beyond what my human eyes can see, but at what God wants me to see. The hope and the love that can be found in all hard times. The bonds forged, and the friendships deepened. There are just too many things I can give thanks for.
Now, my hope - a merry sleepmas! hehe....December 26! I'm looking forward to my much awaited sleep! After all the joy, fun and excitement this weekend...all I want is my trustworthy slumber mates and a nice, sweet time with my Abba Father!
I appreciate the meaning of it, a time of remembering Christ and His love for all of us, and His love that wants to touch more people around, to find a hope, and a future...that fulfillment in life...
Yet, I'm also in need of my beauty sleeeeeeeeeeep! It's the umpteenth time I cabbed to work today...now I know why God gave me a good bonus! The rest doesn't seem to be enough...and at times like this, I really, really wished that my office was located in Shenton Way and not Boon Lay!
2005 passed very quickly. I realized, I was forced to grow up rather quickly this year. Overall, this year had been one where I found myself in predicaments after predicaments of looking beyond what my human eyes can see, but at what God wants me to see. The hope and the love that can be found in all hard times. The bonds forged, and the friendships deepened. There are just too many things I can give thanks for.
Now, my hope - a merry sleepmas! hehe....December 26! I'm looking forward to my much awaited sleep! After all the joy, fun and excitement this weekend...all I want is my trustworthy slumber mates and a nice, sweet time with my Abba Father!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Hardest thing to DO
Going back to the favorite of all favorites, the topic of love. Thinking back of the age-old mushy lines, such as Jerry Mcguire's, "You had me at hello." That's really a good one, I thought. The next, "You complete me".
What really is defined as love nowadays? The mere fluttering of the heart? The butterflies in the tummy that never fades away?
I know what's the right definition. Yet, the above definition is much more fascinating than the one which I saw below. The Message version 1 Corinthians 13:4-9.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
5Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
6Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
7Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
There's so much of a commitment. It takes a life time to love. Countless times the reverse of the above happens in my life. How often have I been impatient, how often I keep scores after scores. I definitely can't put up with anything. I definitely care for myself more than others, and I definitely desire what I do not have.
Yet, it brings me back to the one who did it all. For me, for us. I'm awestruck.
What really is defined as love nowadays? The mere fluttering of the heart? The butterflies in the tummy that never fades away?
I know what's the right definition. Yet, the above definition is much more fascinating than the one which I saw below. The Message version 1 Corinthians 13:4-9.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
5Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
6Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
7Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
There's so much of a commitment. It takes a life time to love. Countless times the reverse of the above happens in my life. How often have I been impatient, how often I keep scores after scores. I definitely can't put up with anything. I definitely care for myself more than others, and I definitely desire what I do not have.
Yet, it brings me back to the one who did it all. For me, for us. I'm awestruck.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Grr....Here are the SEVEN....
At the request of a Mr Lim H.K.
7 things that scare me:
1. People who are close to me leave me
2. Flying cockroaches
3. Losing my faith
4. Losing my direction in life
5. People finding out my deepest darkest secrets
6. Drowning
7. Heights
7 random songs at the moment:
1. Chicken Little song (mu-ee-wah-hee)
2. You're Beautiful Beyond Description
3. Eternal Flame
4. Raindrops keep Falling on My Head
5. All Heaven Declares
6. Victory Chant
7. Still
7 things that I like most:
1. Sleep
2. Lim kopi/teh-si
3. Writing my journal
4. Dreaming of great things
5. Ban mian
6. Marcoroni & Cheese
7. Being with good friends
7 names i go by:
1. Genie
2. Ginny
3. Jenny (people who don't believe that my name is pronounced as genie)
4. Ni-ni
5. Shuyi
6. Chimney
7. Girlie (only mum uses tis)
7 important things in my room:
1. Journal
2. Fan
3. Air-con
4. Bed
5. All my Cards from friends
6. Handphone charger
7. Gifts!
7 random facts about me:
1. Loves reading bimbotic novels e.g. shopaholic
2. Had short hair for first 18 years of my life
3. Used to like hello kitty and little twin stars
4. Started wearing specs in primary 1
5. Am very stubborn
6. Stays opposite a reservoir
7. Feminist at heart
7 things I plan to do before I die:
1. Tell as many people as I can about Christ (especially see all my family receive Him into their lives)
2. To engage in counselling work
3. Visit Venice
4. Live for a few years in any other country except Singapore
5. Own my own studio apartment (dream)
6. Obtain another degree
7. Get married and have kids (multiply - literally)
7 things I can do:
1. Daydream
2. Make noise on my guitar and organ
3. Irritate the hell out of jieyun
4. Write long long encouragement cards for people
5. Shop, shop, shop all day long
6. Score an average of 100 plus at bowling (pathetic ah)
7. Change my mind in a splitsecond
7 things I can't do:
1. Run more than 5km
2. Splits
3. Eat durian
4. Multi-task more than 3 things at a go
5. Mental calculation, quickly
6. See without my specs (yup, that blind)
7. Talk non-stop
7 things I say the most:
1. lalalalala
2. huh?
3. chey
4. goodness me
5. pengz
6. dotz
7. sian
7 qualities I want in a potential boyfriend/ girlfriend:
1. Sensitive
2. Wise
3. Firm
4. Patient
5. Humble
6. Some humour
7. Follows His ways wholeheartedly
7 Celebrity Crushes
NIL
7 things that scare me:
1. People who are close to me leave me
2. Flying cockroaches
3. Losing my faith
4. Losing my direction in life
5. People finding out my deepest darkest secrets
6. Drowning
7. Heights
7 random songs at the moment:
1. Chicken Little song (mu-ee-wah-hee)
2. You're Beautiful Beyond Description
3. Eternal Flame
4. Raindrops keep Falling on My Head
5. All Heaven Declares
6. Victory Chant
7. Still
7 things that I like most:
1. Sleep
2. Lim kopi/teh-si
3. Writing my journal
4. Dreaming of great things
5. Ban mian
6. Marcoroni & Cheese
7. Being with good friends
7 names i go by:
1. Genie
2. Ginny
3. Jenny (people who don't believe that my name is pronounced as genie)
4. Ni-ni
5. Shuyi
6. Chimney
7. Girlie (only mum uses tis)
7 important things in my room:
1. Journal
2. Fan
3. Air-con
4. Bed
5. All my Cards from friends
6. Handphone charger
7. Gifts!
7 random facts about me:
1. Loves reading bimbotic novels e.g. shopaholic
2. Had short hair for first 18 years of my life
3. Used to like hello kitty and little twin stars
4. Started wearing specs in primary 1
5. Am very stubborn
6. Stays opposite a reservoir
7. Feminist at heart
7 things I plan to do before I die:
1. Tell as many people as I can about Christ (especially see all my family receive Him into their lives)
2. To engage in counselling work
3. Visit Venice
4. Live for a few years in any other country except Singapore
5. Own my own studio apartment (dream)
6. Obtain another degree
7. Get married and have kids (multiply - literally)
7 things I can do:
1. Daydream
2. Make noise on my guitar and organ
3. Irritate the hell out of jieyun
4. Write long long encouragement cards for people
5. Shop, shop, shop all day long
6. Score an average of 100 plus at bowling (pathetic ah)
7. Change my mind in a splitsecond
7 things I can't do:
1. Run more than 5km
2. Splits
3. Eat durian
4. Multi-task more than 3 things at a go
5. Mental calculation, quickly
6. See without my specs (yup, that blind)
7. Talk non-stop
7 things I say the most:
1. lalalalala
2. huh?
3. chey
4. goodness me
5. pengz
6. dotz
7. sian
7 qualities I want in a potential boyfriend/ girlfriend:
1. Sensitive
2. Wise
3. Firm
4. Patient
5. Humble
6. Some humour
7. Follows His ways wholeheartedly
7 Celebrity Crushes
NIL
Monday, December 5, 2005
Tagged!!
Alamak!! I thought, with such a pensive post. I'd not kena anything weird. Yet, still can kena....all thanks to Ms Tham!!!Tagged me for what?!?!?! =p
Aiyah, very ley chey...but oh well, for the fun of it..here goes....
1. Whenever I'm in need of comfort food, I'd go for ban mian (specifically qiulian's).
2. All I need to amuse myself is my journal, my pen and a cup of coffee.
3. My student life jobs included being a flyer distributor, donut stall helper, cosmetics salesgirl (hard to believe ah!), vitamin salesgirl, maintenance office administrator, paper sorter for insurance company, pokemon/gundam salesgirl.......I think that's it?
4. I love receiving cards (greeting,encouragement, etc), especially those with essay long messages.
5. Three women who impacted my life in the early years: Mrs Hedy Vaithilingam(pri 1-4 teacher), Mrs Tan Hang Wan (Pri 5-6 teacher) and Mrs Karen Tham (JC Geog teacher). All three shaped my thinking structure, passion for the arts and provided words of wisdom for my growing years. Interestingly, all three are all sisters-in-christ!
But no worries, I'm not going to tag anyone...to lazeeeeee for that....=)
Aiyah, very ley chey...but oh well, for the fun of it..here goes....
1. Whenever I'm in need of comfort food, I'd go for ban mian (specifically qiulian's).
2. All I need to amuse myself is my journal, my pen and a cup of coffee.
3. My student life jobs included being a flyer distributor, donut stall helper, cosmetics salesgirl (hard to believe ah!), vitamin salesgirl, maintenance office administrator, paper sorter for insurance company, pokemon/gundam salesgirl.......I think that's it?
4. I love receiving cards (greeting,encouragement, etc), especially those with essay long messages.
5. Three women who impacted my life in the early years: Mrs Hedy Vaithilingam(pri 1-4 teacher), Mrs Tan Hang Wan (Pri 5-6 teacher) and Mrs Karen Tham (JC Geog teacher). All three shaped my thinking structure, passion for the arts and provided words of wisdom for my growing years. Interestingly, all three are all sisters-in-christ!
But no worries, I'm not going to tag anyone...to lazeeeeee for that....=)
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Why?
Have a lot of questions on something. Hold back to ask.
Feel a lot for something. But not to the extreme. Hold back to feel all the way.
Why the holding back? What's stopping it to go all the way?
Do I know?
Feel a lot for something. But not to the extreme. Hold back to feel all the way.
Why the holding back? What's stopping it to go all the way?
Do I know?
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Question
How do you receive sympathy?
This is a question that was posed to me recently. Is there a right or a wrong way? Why the question in the first place?
Life is already a maze to figure out. We do not always have the bird's eye view, but a question like that, makes it even much more puzzling. Much more into the question, why does one need to ask how to receive it? Is there a particular way to receive it?
The education I received gave me the other way of asking it. How to provide sympathy for people? The model of grief - what to say, or not to say to someone grieving.
In a situation where the outcome is not favorable to a person, sympathy comes naturally. It is also something that the person needs, yet to a considerable extent. There isn't any right or wrong rule to it. Probably, a matter of, does the sympathy-giver care? I think, if care and love is the motivation, this question, is probably redundant? The one giving sympathy should stand in the position of the one needing it? This would mean the person thinking for the other. Hence, why this question in the first place?
This is a question that was posed to me recently. Is there a right or a wrong way? Why the question in the first place?
Life is already a maze to figure out. We do not always have the bird's eye view, but a question like that, makes it even much more puzzling. Much more into the question, why does one need to ask how to receive it? Is there a particular way to receive it?
The education I received gave me the other way of asking it. How to provide sympathy for people? The model of grief - what to say, or not to say to someone grieving.
In a situation where the outcome is not favorable to a person, sympathy comes naturally. It is also something that the person needs, yet to a considerable extent. There isn't any right or wrong rule to it. Probably, a matter of, does the sympathy-giver care? I think, if care and love is the motivation, this question, is probably redundant? The one giving sympathy should stand in the position of the one needing it? This would mean the person thinking for the other. Hence, why this question in the first place?
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Sadness.Comfort.Gladness
In food terminology, i feel like rojak now. All mixed up, sticky, black, liquidity, yet also certain parts hard, some wet, some dry. Alright. I'm just mixed up within.
Things that happened in my life I've always believed that there's a purpose for it. This one is no different.
Yet in this time, there's a calmness. A hope. A sense of peace and comfort. A lot of things are not explainable. I think that's very Him. A source of peace in a time of turmoil. A time where answers are not able to be found that quickly, but to pray that everything will turn out fine. That's where my gladness is found.That's where I know, that I've made the right choice about something.
Things that happened in my life I've always believed that there's a purpose for it. This one is no different.
Yet in this time, there's a calmness. A hope. A sense of peace and comfort. A lot of things are not explainable. I think that's very Him. A source of peace in a time of turmoil. A time where answers are not able to be found that quickly, but to pray that everything will turn out fine. That's where my gladness is found.That's where I know, that I've made the right choice about something.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
MAS Lunch Meeting!
Haha! It finally happened! Our University Support Ministry's Manpower, Administration & Stewardship Department (what a mouthful) met up for lunch!
Slurp...really enjoyed the time...It's just so rare that we are not facing the computer, accounts, email, etc, etc....
Slurp...really enjoyed the time...It's just so rare that we are not facing the computer, accounts, email, etc, etc....
Friday, November 11, 2005
Ramblings
Reading: Lies women believe, And, The Truth that sets them Free. I've been lying to myself, everyday, every minute, yet, I didn't know! The biggest liar of all? My mind. Ha.
I can't help grinning at some pictures that were sent through my email. There's only that someone who would know why. I can't imagine what else will there be tonite? ;p
Emily Rose: Yessssssh, I want to watch this!!! But coordination seems like forever....
Yeah, this is incoherent, but what the heck, it's the weekend!!!!! I need to get out of office!! Then again, do I? GACI - so many things to prepare....:S
Oh, whatever, in the end, one thing - God is good! Smile.
I can't help grinning at some pictures that were sent through my email. There's only that someone who would know why. I can't imagine what else will there be tonite? ;p
Emily Rose: Yessssssh, I want to watch this!!! But coordination seems like forever....
Yeah, this is incoherent, but what the heck, it's the weekend!!!!! I need to get out of office!! Then again, do I? GACI - so many things to prepare....:S
Oh, whatever, in the end, one thing - God is good! Smile.
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Wide-open wonder
I was on MRT this morning, wearing mismatched slippers with a formal looking outfit. I had no choice. I had left my heels in office in a haste to get to the tutorial rooms yesterday, hence my weird lookingness this morning.
To top it off, I was super duperly sleepy, as I sent princesse off to Shanghai late last night, rather, it was early, early this morning. I don't know if it was the way I slept, the way I looked whilst I slept, or was I drooling (don't feel wet though!), but this fella opposite me was looking at me with wide-opened wonder when I woke up due to the jerk of the MRT. BUT, I just didn't care! You could look all you want! I need sleep! I finally woke at Boon Lay, again to his wide-opened wonder look. Alright, probably he just has that kind of look!
My mind was filled with what princesse told me yesterday on her trip to Bangkok, hill tribes to visit the churches there. I was utterly encouraged by the testimonies, stories and experiences shared. What really, really encouraged me was - princesse has grown up! I was so warmed by her stories the whole night, if not for that early boarding time on SQ, wished we could talk so much more.
Simple stories, and simple heart of serving our loving God.
A pastor in the church had a very bad curvature on his leg, making it so hard for him to walk. Yet, he looks at it as an encouragement to others instead of a flaw. For with his physicalities, he serves the Lord wholeheartedly, why not the rest? "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 1 Cor 12:9
In a village with no electricity and proper water supply, a pastor consistently visited his neighbour to share the goodness of God. How? By walking 20KM of terrain to the neighbouring hilltribe. He did so for two years, and finally, saw the neighbours coming to experience the love of our Lord. I'm touched by that simple heart to bring across the love of God to the others. Despite all the lousy infrastructure, long distances travelled, outcaste treatment (natives of hilltribes are termed to be a lower status than their city counterparts), they all had one commonality - to love Him with all their heart, all their soul and all their strength and all their mind.
To top it off, I was super duperly sleepy, as I sent princesse off to Shanghai late last night, rather, it was early, early this morning. I don't know if it was the way I slept, the way I looked whilst I slept, or was I drooling (don't feel wet though!), but this fella opposite me was looking at me with wide-opened wonder when I woke up due to the jerk of the MRT. BUT, I just didn't care! You could look all you want! I need sleep! I finally woke at Boon Lay, again to his wide-opened wonder look. Alright, probably he just has that kind of look!
My mind was filled with what princesse told me yesterday on her trip to Bangkok, hill tribes to visit the churches there. I was utterly encouraged by the testimonies, stories and experiences shared. What really, really encouraged me was - princesse has grown up! I was so warmed by her stories the whole night, if not for that early boarding time on SQ, wished we could talk so much more.
Simple stories, and simple heart of serving our loving God.
A pastor in the church had a very bad curvature on his leg, making it so hard for him to walk. Yet, he looks at it as an encouragement to others instead of a flaw. For with his physicalities, he serves the Lord wholeheartedly, why not the rest? "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 1 Cor 12:9
In a village with no electricity and proper water supply, a pastor consistently visited his neighbour to share the goodness of God. How? By walking 20KM of terrain to the neighbouring hilltribe. He did so for two years, and finally, saw the neighbours coming to experience the love of our Lord. I'm touched by that simple heart to bring across the love of God to the others. Despite all the lousy infrastructure, long distances travelled, outcaste treatment (natives of hilltribes are termed to be a lower status than their city counterparts), they all had one commonality - to love Him with all their heart, all their soul and all their strength and all their mind.
Monday, November 7, 2005
Of Beauty Regimes & God
When I was beleaguered and bitter,
totally consumed by envy,
I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox
in your very presence.
I'm still in your presence,
but you've taken my hand.
You wisely and tenderly lead me,
and then you bless me.
You're all I want in heaven!
You're all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
GOD is rock-firm and faithful.
Ps 73:21-26 (MSG)
Something that caught my attention today...a dumb ox in your very presence - something very true to me...I am just like that at times.. don't get the full picture, but keep going head-strong...using brute force, speech, etc. After it all, I'd just take a step back, and then literally LAUGH at my foolishness. And, I'm doing all this in the presence of a holy God. His patience is just so great.
In NIV, verse 26 reads, My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. In the message version, how direct and clear cut...skin sagging and bones gettin brittle (2 of the fears of women), He still remains firm and faithful.Irregardless of what I am like inside (my heart attitude) and outside (how I look). Indeed, that's all I need. That assurance from Him. That very acceptance.
Essence to keep me going and admiring the beauty of the works of His. A moment with Him in the morning, brings me a long way.
totally consumed by envy,
I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox
in your very presence.
I'm still in your presence,
but you've taken my hand.
You wisely and tenderly lead me,
and then you bless me.
You're all I want in heaven!
You're all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
GOD is rock-firm and faithful.
Ps 73:21-26 (MSG)
Something that caught my attention today...a dumb ox in your very presence - something very true to me...I am just like that at times.. don't get the full picture, but keep going head-strong...using brute force, speech, etc. After it all, I'd just take a step back, and then literally LAUGH at my foolishness. And, I'm doing all this in the presence of a holy God. His patience is just so great.
In NIV, verse 26 reads, My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. In the message version, how direct and clear cut...skin sagging and bones gettin brittle (2 of the fears of women), He still remains firm and faithful.Irregardless of what I am like inside (my heart attitude) and outside (how I look). Indeed, that's all I need. That assurance from Him. That very acceptance.
Essence to keep me going and admiring the beauty of the works of His. A moment with Him in the morning, brings me a long way.
Friday, November 4, 2005
Reminisce
The clock struck ten past five, and I made my way to prepare some soup for some people mugging in the south spine of where I was working. It had been some time since I have made such soup, and seriously, I was just hoping that the prayers work - that He will help me make good soup, or else, at least protect their stomachs, or even better, provide them with taste buds that won't tell that the soup tastes bad!
An hour later, it was ready, and I made my way to the place. It had been some time since I have walked the corridors of this familiar place. The reddish rectangular tiles, the black benches along the lecture halls, the dim lights and the never-ending carpark. I had spent some good three years in this place studying. Each nook had a story to tell. One which brings me back to the various project discussions, another the haven of all of most of us where we rushed our FYP, yet another where my bimbo HR group surprisingly managed to come up with some commendable presentations. Yes, it was all coming back to me.
I reached the place, greeted by some familiar faces and some not so familiar ones. It was good to see them once again. The examination period is a time where the family bonding in this group grows by leaps and bounds. The whole place looked like a home - hot water flasks, sleeping bags, and the well - stocked "provision stall" marked the decor of the seminar room.
After some chatting, guitar playing, crapping and all that sort, here I am, typing out the very thoughts that came. Here I am, sitting in a tutorial room where I used to have my lessons, only now that, I am blogging instead of preparing my reports. It's all so different now. How I wished I was back studying again.
It was good memory though....
An hour later, it was ready, and I made my way to the place. It had been some time since I have walked the corridors of this familiar place. The reddish rectangular tiles, the black benches along the lecture halls, the dim lights and the never-ending carpark. I had spent some good three years in this place studying. Each nook had a story to tell. One which brings me back to the various project discussions, another the haven of all of most of us where we rushed our FYP, yet another where my bimbo HR group surprisingly managed to come up with some commendable presentations. Yes, it was all coming back to me.
I reached the place, greeted by some familiar faces and some not so familiar ones. It was good to see them once again. The examination period is a time where the family bonding in this group grows by leaps and bounds. The whole place looked like a home - hot water flasks, sleeping bags, and the well - stocked "provision stall" marked the decor of the seminar room.
After some chatting, guitar playing, crapping and all that sort, here I am, typing out the very thoughts that came. Here I am, sitting in a tutorial room where I used to have my lessons, only now that, I am blogging instead of preparing my reports. It's all so different now. How I wished I was back studying again.
It was good memory though....
Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Nothin' but the whole truth
" U just let all ur emotions take over now....Ur emotions r eating up everything of u..And much of it isn't even true!"
Yup, how true it is. I needed it. Thank you for being so frank with me, and putting up with all my nonsense.
I am really blessed to know you.
Yup, how true it is. I needed it. Thank you for being so frank with me, and putting up with all my nonsense.
I am really blessed to know you.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Mum & me....Again...
Sometimes, I wonder if I should've taught my mum how to SMS...
She went for her doctor's appointment today for her fractured wrist..and well, here it goes:
Mum: me need to go for physiotherapy..
Me: oh? When?
Mum: don't know yet
Me: ok, you can start moving your fingers more then..
Mum: doc says can play mahjong
Me: (purposely ignorant) which type? electronic?
Mum: do you know the meaning of exercise?
Me: ok, we shall play mahjong then!
Mum: forget it, you got not much money
Me: ... ... ....
She went for her doctor's appointment today for her fractured wrist..and well, here it goes:
Mum: me need to go for physiotherapy..
Me: oh? When?
Mum: don't know yet
Me: ok, you can start moving your fingers more then..
Mum: doc says can play mahjong
Me: (purposely ignorant) which type? electronic?
Mum: do you know the meaning of exercise?
Me: ok, we shall play mahjong then!
Mum: forget it, you got not much money
Me: ... ... ....
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Mugging Time!!!!
This is what happens at NTU each time it is the EXAM SEASON!! The Canteen becomes the students favourite home....for MUGGING!! (the group above looks happy though)
But..some...need more Tender Loving Care......=p
There she goes...
She walked into the room, all filled with the warmth and sweetness of what she could ever dreamed of. The people whom she had thought were the best in the world. People whom she thought that she could spend a wonderful time with. It was as though she had came back from a faraway land, to be received back into the arms of people whom she loved, and who loved her.
Yet, as she walked further in, as she talked with them, it was as though the thoughts she just had was a fleeting moment of euphoria. A moment in time to hold, just for that moment. The warmth melted, the place became cold. The feelings faded, the closness vanished. It was all just an illusion. All in her thoughts. Thoughts that was built on the past. The past which she thought was so, but was it really so?
Reality, always seem so different. It is different. That was the ideal. The reality has quite a way to go from the ideal. Yet, without the ideal, there is no way to reach what we want in reality. Oh, whatever the matter. We still need to hold onto the ideal. Another round of complication? Yeah, I think so.
Yet, as she walked further in, as she talked with them, it was as though the thoughts she just had was a fleeting moment of euphoria. A moment in time to hold, just for that moment. The warmth melted, the place became cold. The feelings faded, the closness vanished. It was all just an illusion. All in her thoughts. Thoughts that was built on the past. The past which she thought was so, but was it really so?
Reality, always seem so different. It is different. That was the ideal. The reality has quite a way to go from the ideal. Yet, without the ideal, there is no way to reach what we want in reality. Oh, whatever the matter. We still need to hold onto the ideal. Another round of complication? Yeah, I think so.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Complicated
Why commit so much into something, when the commitment doesn't seem to yield the results that one is looking for? Then again, the results are of a system of thoughts that doesn't belong to me.
You put in so much thought into wanting to change something, only to know that somehow, that something has changed the perspective of the environment. A sense of insecurity, betrayal, disappointment. The something has won the votes of another, only for me to be left in a sense of utter disillusion.
Yes, hard to understand? Now, I'm making sense of things. The uniqueness of each one of us.Complicated.
You put in so much thought into wanting to change something, only to know that somehow, that something has changed the perspective of the environment. A sense of insecurity, betrayal, disappointment. The something has won the votes of another, only for me to be left in a sense of utter disillusion.
Yes, hard to understand? Now, I'm making sense of things. The uniqueness of each one of us.Complicated.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Thursday, October 13, 2005
SMS Dialogue bet Mum & me
Somethin' between mum & I via sms tis morning.....=P
Me: Mum, this birthday, can you pay ur hp bills tis mth as a gift to me? hehe
Mum: Why? You broke ah?
Me: Nope, planning to go on a trip, so slightly tight this month, but not cfm lar
Mum: Why dun u find a good man and settle down first. u can travel later
Me: .......................
Me: Mum, this birthday, can you pay ur hp bills tis mth as a gift to me? hehe
Mum: Why? You broke ah?
Me: Nope, planning to go on a trip, so slightly tight this month, but not cfm lar
Mum: Why dun u find a good man and settle down first. u can travel later
Me: .......................
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Giant Slippers, Geraldine N me!
We met, we ate, we talked....and talked.....and talked.....
Time flies, it's been one year since we graduated. Thank God for MSN that we still can keep very much in contact! My working partner..just that she is in Raffles place, and I'm in 鸟不生蛋的 western most end of Singapore.
This's a friend who has been by my side in support. Though never meet up often, but appreciate the efforts she puts in to show concern for my life and all that. Yup, this is dedicated to you. Thanks dear! =)
Time flies, it's been one year since we graduated. Thank God for MSN that we still can keep very much in contact! My working partner..just that she is in Raffles place, and I'm in 鸟不生蛋的 western most end of Singapore.
This's a friend who has been by my side in support. Though never meet up often, but appreciate the efforts she puts in to show concern for my life and all that. Yup, this is dedicated to you. Thanks dear! =)
Tis's for you....He knows what He's doin in your life! 
That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Rom 8:28 (msg)
Monday, October 10, 2005
WaShin MaChines
"Hello! Ask you ah, what's the diameter of the tubing for your place's washing machine?"
I was caught by surprise who on earth was it. Didn't say who he was, just asked the question. "I gotta go measure lar...how to know off hand?" It was my colleague from the other hall....ha...the crappy one..
Yup, and in the end I went to measure....2 inches...so, that's the size of a washing machine's tubing...interesting.
Yes, the most minute of things...yet...the most important.....new washing machines coming in soon....(=
I was caught by surprise who on earth was it. Didn't say who he was, just asked the question. "I gotta go measure lar...how to know off hand?" It was my colleague from the other hall....ha...the crappy one..
Yup, and in the end I went to measure....2 inches...so, that's the size of a washing machine's tubing...interesting.
Yes, the most minute of things...yet...the most important.....new washing machines coming in soon....(=
Sunday, October 9, 2005
(= Birthdays!
There are things that I know I should do, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Tough...my mind and my heart find it so hard to coordinate.
Anyway, we celebrated Dingting and Meiling's birthdays last saturday at PS Cartel. What caught my attention was this "cake"! (in comparison to that container of dairy milk - my God..huge isn't really a good representation of it, and on the right - the dice used to "sabo" DT & ML)
Anyway, we celebrated Dingting and Meiling's birthdays last saturday at PS Cartel. What caught my attention was this "cake"! (in comparison to that container of dairy milk - my God..huge isn't really a good representation of it, and on the right - the dice used to "sabo" DT & ML)
Why are the two of them sooooooooooooooo serious? What's the news?!
This one...should be ba gua news!
Actually, it was their sheep's dedication to them...recorded on a SE phone....too soft!
Friday, October 7, 2005
Friday
The weather ain't that warm, but I am. I think, I might have lost quite a lot of water whilst on the way up to the Finance Office. Uphill climb from the foot of the hill. Oh, if you haven't realized, my office is located at the foot of the hill, and the Administrative offices are seemingly all quite high above sea level.
Walking over, I paid a visit to my ex-colleagues. They were surprisingly dumb-founded when they saw me. Irene, my dear colleague there said that I look very havoc-girl now...whatever that means.
Met Joe there too...sometimes, makes me wonder if I should have introduced him to the job. He seems happy, yet, like not so happy. Hopefully, he start to see things differently, I hope. He's really a very nice chap, and I think, a good helper to Irene, especially when she was on maternity leave.
Anyhow, it was a good, short reunion. It's my first time after so long talking with Irene. Really miss her voice...very saccharine sweet. =)
Walking over, I paid a visit to my ex-colleagues. They were surprisingly dumb-founded when they saw me. Irene, my dear colleague there said that I look very havoc-girl now...whatever that means.
Met Joe there too...sometimes, makes me wonder if I should have introduced him to the job. He seems happy, yet, like not so happy. Hopefully, he start to see things differently, I hope. He's really a very nice chap, and I think, a good helper to Irene, especially when she was on maternity leave.
Anyhow, it was a good, short reunion. It's my first time after so long talking with Irene. Really miss her voice...very saccharine sweet. =)
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
No Rhyme Nor Reason
I walked through my house door, threw off all the stuff on my hands - paper bag, handbag, key pouch, and whatever nots, I slumped onto my bed, only to find that my sheets were changed! mmm.....smell of clean sheets were great!!! Grandma dearest had washed my bedsheet! Such lil' things she does just make me go....mmmm....*smiles
It has been quite a roller-coaster ride in my feelings of late. The emotional department of my heart had decided to do quite a fair bit of OT...which I dread...yet, it had to be so...some things just come, and they keep coming too!! grr...
Anyway, life's never a bed of roses...just that I am taken by surprise by the thorns I have experienced this year. Those thorns were good though. It was required, something that I did not regret going through this year. This is probably one of my most memorable year. Though not all memories were sugary sweet, coated with chocolate rice...ooh, I'm thinking of food again...but yah, they were strengthening.
"Life's never a bed of roses,
so let's hold on to all of God's promises,
just like our big brother moses."
A sudden inspiration to write the above...no rhyme or reason..haha..
It has been quite a roller-coaster ride in my feelings of late. The emotional department of my heart had decided to do quite a fair bit of OT...which I dread...yet, it had to be so...some things just come, and they keep coming too!! grr...
Anyway, life's never a bed of roses...just that I am taken by surprise by the thorns I have experienced this year. Those thorns were good though. It was required, something that I did not regret going through this year. This is probably one of my most memorable year. Though not all memories were sugary sweet, coated with chocolate rice...ooh, I'm thinking of food again...but yah, they were strengthening.
"Life's never a bed of roses,
so let's hold on to all of God's promises,
just like our big brother moses."
A sudden inspiration to write the above...no rhyme or reason..haha..
Monday, October 3, 2005
Normacy Required
Something's really weird. I need some normacy!!!! This is the umpteenth time this year I am making hospitals my second home. First time was in March, which lasted till now, and Grandma is going for her last radiation session tomorrow. Now, as I thought I could have some rest, I am to be welcomed by the next thing -- my mum going to the hospital on Sunday night. Goodness!
One moment, I was doing my thing, the next, I was with mum, supporting her and telling dad how to call for the ambulance. Yup, what in the world's happening these days. A test of my calmness? Seriously...I don't know. Yet, there's this trust, which I hold. The trust that kept me going, and will keep me going still.
At this point, I just want to thank my dear sisters for your concern - jieyun, sarah, rachel, geraldine. Your words and actions have touched me greatly. Not only this time, but even when it was in March, when my grandma was unwell. I'd remember all of you dearly. I thank God for letting our paths cross, and you gals being a support in my life.
Now, on a lighter note. Some interesting happenings in a particular hospital in the east which I decline to name. Probably, I will do it in a news brief format.
It is reported that a particular doctor in a hospital located in the east had poked himself with the needle after drawing blood from a patient. Proper training should be done in order to prevent such kinds of incidents from occurring. The danger in the life of the doctor is evident, as one will never know the kind of diseases the patient is carrying. Probably, there should be a 100-time practice of how to draw blood from patients before the doctor should be released to do such procedures. If not, it is best to leave it to the nurses.
In the same hospital. A patient was found on the top of the building. It is not a usual sight, and the patient was not up on the roof of the building to check tiles. He was threatening to jump. Several civil defence officers were there to keep the situation under control. Fortunately, they managed to calm the patient down.
These are the excerpts of the ongoings in a day at a hospital. I found it interesting.
One moment, I was doing my thing, the next, I was with mum, supporting her and telling dad how to call for the ambulance. Yup, what in the world's happening these days. A test of my calmness? Seriously...I don't know. Yet, there's this trust, which I hold. The trust that kept me going, and will keep me going still.
At this point, I just want to thank my dear sisters for your concern - jieyun, sarah, rachel, geraldine. Your words and actions have touched me greatly. Not only this time, but even when it was in March, when my grandma was unwell. I'd remember all of you dearly. I thank God for letting our paths cross, and you gals being a support in my life.
Now, on a lighter note. Some interesting happenings in a particular hospital in the east which I decline to name. Probably, I will do it in a news brief format.
It is reported that a particular doctor in a hospital located in the east had poked himself with the needle after drawing blood from a patient. Proper training should be done in order to prevent such kinds of incidents from occurring. The danger in the life of the doctor is evident, as one will never know the kind of diseases the patient is carrying. Probably, there should be a 100-time practice of how to draw blood from patients before the doctor should be released to do such procedures. If not, it is best to leave it to the nurses.
In the same hospital. A patient was found on the top of the building. It is not a usual sight, and the patient was not up on the roof of the building to check tiles. He was threatening to jump. Several civil defence officers were there to keep the situation under control. Fortunately, they managed to calm the patient down.
These are the excerpts of the ongoings in a day at a hospital. I found it interesting.
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