It's SAJC Symbolic Move back to Woodsville today. SAV is really a huge place. The campus is so large; it's true. We are not even done with walking through the school once, not to mention 'exploring' it. That's how huge it is. But I must say, from what I've saw, that the school is quite conducive for studying and sports. The classrooms and laboratories are reasonably spacious, and there's more fans in place of air-conditioners. The track, is in its 'tip-top' condition, and the grasses on the field seems longer than they were back in the old campus. These are just some of the many good points in the new campus. There are many more; like I say, I have not finish exploring the place.
In a few more days, 2005 would be a history, and 2006 will no longer be the future. I thought it would be meaning for me to think back about the past year and learn from my mistakes and give thanks and grace for everything good that had happened to me and my surrounding friends and family. Hopefully, this will gear me to be a better person in the new year. Maybe you can try that too.

Merry Christmas everyone. Tis the season to be jolly. Spread the love and joy He had given to everyone. May His glory spreads and may all of us be embraced by His love. Merry Christmas!

Elf For a Day

Faith was not happy. It seemed like everyone in the whole world was having a good time. Everyone else, that is. Nothing was going right today.

"I can't find my Gracie, the doll. Joy can't come over and play. Now I have to stay here with a babysitter." It was a new babysitter, not even someone familiar.

It was two days before Christmas, too! This time of year was supposed to be special!

"You look like you could use some cheering up," the babysitter said. "Would you like to play with this snow globe?"

Faith walked closer. The babysitter smiled and handed Faith the snow globe. "Turn it over and watch the snow fall," she said, her eyes twinkling. "It's Santa's Village - Santa's Secret Village. This is where Santa, his elves, and his reindeer live."

Faith picked up the snow globe and shook it until it was filled with floating snowflakes. There were little buildings inside and-look, there was a reindeer, and a tiny elf. They looked so real!

Suddenly Faith had the strangest feeling, as though something wonderful was about to happen.

Faith blinked. Snow was falling and voices were laughing. What had happened?

"Welcome to Santa's Secret Village, Faith," said a cheerful grownup voice. Faith looked up into the smiling, bearded face of Santa Claus! "You're our honorary elf for the day! These are my elves, " Santa added, looking around at the little people around them.

One elf handed Faith a green jacket and a funny-looking pair of shoes. "Hi, my name is Bud. Just put these on over your clothes. They're woven with North Pole fleece and they will keep you warm here in Santa's Secret Village." Faith quickly pulled on the elf clothes. "There!" said Bud, "You could almost pass for one of us!"

Santa placed a red and green striped elf hat on Faith's head and said, "I have to go check on my reindeer now, but I'll see you later. Have fun!"

Bud took Faith to Santa's Workshop, where elves were assembling and painting all kinds of toys.
"I bet all the kids in Singapore combined don't have this many toys!" said Faith.

Burt, the elf in charge of the toy production, showed Faith how to make a toy robot. "Very good!" said Burt, admiring Faith's work. "You can be my helper any time!"

Next, Bud took Faith to the Mailroom, where Bif was surrounded by mailbags overflowing with letters.

"Hi, Faith, Santa told me you might drop by. I sure could use some help sorting the letters that came today. It's getting close to Christmas Eve and we don't want anyone to be disappointed on Christmas morning!"

Soon Bud and Faith were helping Bif open envelopes and sort the mail for Santa to read. Faith looked for letters from Joy and other kids back in Singapore but there were just too many letters to read -- and Faith was only 18 anyway!

When they were finished, the three hurried to Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, where the other elves were eating lunch. "Hi, Faith!" they called. "How do you like being an elf?"

"I love it!" replied Faith. What a morning! Wouldn't Faith's family be surprised if they could see Mrs. Claus standing here serving lunch and chocolate cheesecake to Faith and a kitchen full of elves!

After lunch Bif went back to the Mailroom, but Bud and Faith stayed to help make cookies. Mrs. Claus even let them eat cookies right out of the oven. Yumm!

Bud led Faith to the Reindeer Barn, explaining that he learned how to groom reindeer at the Elf Academy. "But I can show you how it's done," said Bud.

Soon Faith was handling the brush with ease. After brushing each reindeer's coat, Faith polished their antlers, then fed them carrots. The reindeer quickly grew fond of their new caretaker.

"I see you've made friends with my reindeer," said Santa, walking into the Barn. Santa then spoke in a low voice to the reindeer. Faith wasn't sure, but it sounded like he was talking in a special reindeer language. The reindeer perked up their ears, and their hooves danced in place, as though any second they would take flight!

"Faith," Santa said, "you've been a great honorary elf today -- and you've been good all year, too -- we want to give you a special treat. Would you like to ride on one of our reindeer?"

"Oh, yes!" cried Faith, jumping up and down in excitement. Santa sat Faith on top of the little reindeer called Raymond and gave the reindeer his instructions. Raymond pranced around, then leapt into the air, taking Faith for an exciting ride over the village.

"That was more fun than watching television, sighed Faith. "Oh, Santa, thank you so much for bringing me here!"

"We've enjoyed having you here today," said Santa. "Come back and be an 'elf' with us again! Now I have to go check my list, and it's almost time for you to go home. But first, Bud, take Faith to the Clubhouse and play for a while."

Faith was getting tired, and it was time for supper back in Singapore. How would Faith get home?
At the Clubhouse the elves showed Faith their toys and books. Faith spotted a snow globe on the table and picked it up. "How strange," thought Faith. "That tiny town inside looks like mine."

"Wake up, it's time for supper." Faith blinked and looked around. This wasn't Santa's Secret Village. What happened?

"You're back home," said the babysitter. "Your family is back, too, and it's time for me to go. I hope you have a Merry Christmas. Here, this is for you." She held out the snow globe. "Santa wants you to have it -- so you can visit again."

So it wasn't a dream! Faith was so happy! What a wonderful day it had been. This was going to be the best Christmas ever!

THE END!

Working in the lab has been quite all right. It can be quite monotonous sometimes, though. But I get to see many, many different and interesting urine, and blood samples, not only from homo sapiens, but also samples of cat's and dog's. Oh my, isn't that interesting? That day, after work, I had some questions in my mind. Not about what I'm supposed to do...just some random questions.

1. Does twins share the same cord blood?
2. If the twins each have 1 umbilical cord, does that mean that their mother has 2 placentas?

If you do have an answer, please tell me. If not, then it's okay. I hope that these questions will set you into the momentum of thinking.
Enough of all this. Christmas is coming. Soon. In less than 4 hours. During this festive season, I hope everyone will enjoy themselves, and spread the love around, with everyone else. While celebrating, do remember the less fortunate, and give and help out in any way that you can. And of course, do remember the reason why we are celebrating. Yes, it is the birth of Jesus Christ that we are celebrating. Merry Christmas Eve.

Christmas is coming! I can feel the spirit of love, joy, happiness coming, overwhelming me. More than this, I think I can see more of the spirit of consumerism that come together with Christmas nowadays. As I shopped with my mum the day before at Orchard, we spotted countless of people carrying bags of clothes and groceries (us included). No doubt, people most probably have gotten their year-end bonuses and are now shopping for gifts to their beloved and loved ones.
Shopping with my mum is so fun. Really. Honest. I did not realise it until recently. Perhaps I was never in the mood to go shopping befor; I mean it can be quite hard going out with your brain still with your books at home and being physically out. But now, it's different. My mind, soul and body are out when I'm out. Even when I'm staying at home, sometimes my mind is out as well! And now, I understand why my dad do not accompany my mum to go shopping. Well, my mum simply shops too slowly. She claims that she must examine every single piece of clothing carefully before buying. Here's her routine to buying clothes: First, she will check the design or "cutting" in her own words. Next, she'll check out the texture. After that, she'll check if they fit her (just by looking first). Then, she'll check the price. She will most probably take the clothes off the rack if it is reasonable, or if there's a discount. Then, after taking a few blouses, she'll head for the fitting room. If she's happy with how the clothes look on her, she'll but them. Just that day, she went in (to the fitting room) with 3 pieces of blouses. Chances are, I guess, she would come out with at least 1 suitable one. But guess what? She said that they don't look nice on her. Oh well! And in order not to go home empty-handed, she headed for the shoe department, where she quickly bought a pair of heels(trust my mum to wear heels at her age!).
Anyway, after that, we shopped around that area opposite Specialist's Centre and bought Cheese Tofu and Sotong balls. They really taste wonderful, especially the cheese tofu. There's really a lot of cheese inside. And the taste of cheese still linger in my mouth after quite a while. I know cheese fishballs, or anything with cheese inside may sound cliche or cheesy now because of the Chinese drama. But they really taste nice and good. And such food products really exist in real life!!!
We then walked to PS to get some groceries and to checked out my brother's shoes at City Hall. It was such a tiring day, but fulfilling in terms of the time I spent with my mum. And it helps me to sleep soundly at night.
And oh, did I mention? I'm now working in a laboratory. I get to see urine, stool and blood samples!!! It's so cool. I mean, not everyone get to see them. The only urine and stool that I ever saw before this was my own. And working in the lab reminds me of last year's attachment at IMCB. I mean, the gloves and all. I just found the job yesterday and yesterday was also my first day. Or should I say night? It's only for four hours. It's quite all right, the work and everything. Plus, it's working in a lab!!! It's really different from the department where I was attached to at IMCB, cos, here, they'll do all the required tests on those sample. I'm still learning, of course. I think they really teach us quite a lot. In the meantime, I'm also looking for students for tuition. Do refer to my previous posts for more information on that. Early Merry Christmas everyone!

Oh! What a holiday! I guess I'll be getting bored with all the television programmes soon. I have been staying at home, watching the square box with great graphics and sound surround; though it's not as comparable as those in the cinemas, I just make do with it- Schedule goes something like that: CNA in the morning, breakfast, Channel 8 (for that Taiwanese drama...now I understand why Dad used to enjoy watching that), then read (books, newspaper and magazines), lunch, and from 4.00pm onwards, it's back to that amazing invention again...Channel 5, then Channel U followed by Channel 8 all the way...I think I most probably would not get addictive to television. Reason being that it's so so boring. I think I'm on my way to becoming a potato crouch...But I do go out too!!! To the library...the library is so quiet in the morning when it first opened. There's so few people there and this minimise the chance of them looking for the same books as you. For some reason or another, I can't seem to find books by my favourite authors, Nicholas Sparks and John Grisham. Well, I mean books I have never read before. And when I checked, it is said that they're all on loan. So, I ended up borrowing and reading books by authors which I never known. Just as well. Hopefully, it can widen my horizons. Oh, I also went out with my mum! It's so fun going out with her. Well, firstly, she'll pay for all of my expenses. And secondly, she can shop quite the whole day. The last time I went out with her, we went to Bugis to shop for her clothes. Now, I do understand why those flowery-print blouses sell so well. Well, it's because they're expensive; so people who buy even 1 will make the fashion label rich; and the material as well. The material is so soft and silky and mostly appeal to people who are scared of the heat, like my mum; also their range of sizes. The blouse sizes range from small to extra large, so people of all sizes can find a suitable size for themselves. So much for blouses. Oh, one more thing. Yesterday was the release of GCE 'N' Level results. And St Margs had produced 2 top scorers. I think theyhad all done well. Well done girls!!!Holidays are ending soon and 2006 is arriving soon. I think I'm going to get a job. Mum is looking out for me, and I'm also looking for students for tuition.And below is some information:

Looking for tutors?

Subjects offered: A/E Maths, Pure Chemistry, Lower Secondary Science

Frequency: Once a week, 2 hours per session (negoitable)

Fees: $100 per month (negoitable)

Tutor's qualifications: The tutor is currently awaiting for the 'A' levels results. The tutor took both A and E maths at 'O' levels and scored A1 for the 2 maths. The tutor maintain an A grade for her junior college Maths.

Interested?

E-mail me at: ban_leng13@hotmail.com

Thank You.

Looking for tutors?
Subjects offered: A/E Maths, Pure Chemistry, Lower Secondary Science
Frequency: Once a week, 2 hours per session
Fees: $100 per month
Tutor's qualifications: The tutor has got no prior experience in tutoring and is currently awaiting for the 'A' levels results. The tutor took both A and E maths at 'O' levels and scored A1 for the 2 maths. The tutor maintain an A grade for her junior college Maths.
Interested? E-mail me at: ban_leng13@hotmail.com
Thank You.

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.

I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates.The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.

The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face.......... and I wanted to be with them and share their table.

In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise . I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho!He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying : "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the party were in his honor !

At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other ; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and....do you know .... no one hugged me. S uddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.

I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all you heart. I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party.

I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation, will be left outside.


Do you know how you can answer this invitation? it is by extending it to others whom you care for...
I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party this year...
See you soon....I love you!

-Jesus-

Indeed, Christmases nowadays are too commercialised. Most people want new handphones, digital cameras, i-pod nano, or some others gadgets or commercial products and cause the original meaning of Christmas to be lost. A pity. Christmas, is such a beautiful season; a season of love, joy, giving and sharing. With advertisements constantly bombarding our young, it is no wonder that most young people do not know and understand the origin of Christmas. The good, old way of sending Christmas' greetings to friends via snail mail has been replaced by the faster and more convienent method of sending e-cards. But the familiarity of hand-written words is lost as a result. I realised this every year when I write Christmas greetings to my friends. The desire to want to remain close to my friends keeps me sending Christmas cards every year. The joy of receiving cards from them keeps me going as well. If you hasn't try sending out Christmas cards to your friends, do so this Christmas. I'm sure your friends will appreciate them. Happy early Merry Christmas.

Quite a few things happened for the past 2 weeks. First of all, my brother got his results. Not major exams. Just Sec 2 streaming results. And he's taking the same subject combination as me; even his elective is the same as mine; triple science, a and e maths with elective geography. But finally, he can inherit all my notes and textbooks. It's going to be really useful for him, no doubt about that. The thing is that no one is extremely happy and proud of him getting into the "best" class (as assumed by many throughout the decades, including yours truly), except my father. Dad was so ecstatic, so much so that he looked at my brother's report book not just once or twice, but trice. And he still hasn't sign it. I think he would be signing it until much later so that he'll have an excuse to take a look at it later. Mum said Dad is just being Dad; he loves and dotes on his youngest child the most. I remember the day when my brother came home and told us that he's going to be a prefact. Dad was so happy and he wouldn't stop smiling and telling everyone in the family that my brother is a prefact. When I told him that being a prefact is not anything great, my dad told me that I said that because I was never a prefact. Well, the fact of the matter is that there's really no big deal being a prefact. A prefact is just like any other student, just that he/she has more responsibilities. Oh well.
Graduation Night was 2 nights ago, on Monday night. It was a beautiful night with friends and teachers. Let's not comment about the food; that's not the main idea here. Anyway, so that evening was great. I took many pictures with many of our friends; classmates, CCA friends, friends who have been with me since the St Margs' days and "hi-bye" friends. I chatted with many others about what they have been busy with and their plans for the coming days. Grad night offically ended with the college song, college hymn, college cheers and the dessert. However, many of us stayed back for more photographs taking and chatter. It was definitely one memorable night with beautiful memories. I hope to see many of my friends on 28th Dec when we move back to SAV at Woodsville.
And yesterday, I met up with Lydia. Funny, this time, we met up not for study purpose. It just seem so weird. Not that we didn't enjoy it; it's just that I realised our ability to crap is making great improvements. But she's leaving for Malaysia today and will only be back on Friday, I guess. And oh, I told her that I would make the base of the Hershey Sundae Pie (which we both like). I did that this morning, and the base is still in the making. It's in the freezer. Will only know the end result in about an hour's time. So excited.
I'm currently reading John Grisham's The Summon. It's really a good read. It keeps my fingers flipping the page. Not exactly exciting, but you'll be wanting to know what's going to happen next. Well, maybe I'll just stop here. Hope that everyone will enjoy this December holiday.

What is the first thing you look for when you are at the library or bookshop?
Look for books by Nicholas Sparks or John Grisham.
What is it that will catch your attention when browsing the library or bookshop?
Books with nice cover illustrations or tittles.
What do you look for in a book when considering to borrow or buy it?
Good content, storyline and suitable font size. I prefer to borrow large prints if I'm planning to read it at home. Small prints would be preferred if I'm planning to read the book on bus trips.

You are White Chocolate

You have a strong feminine side with a good bit of innocence thrown in. Whether your girlish ways are an act or not, men like to take care of you. You are an understated beauty, and your power is often underestimated!

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

Your Engagement Ring

Platinum Tapered Cathedral Setting

What's Your Engagement Ring?

Your Nail Polish Color Is

Cafe au Lait

What Color Nail Polish Are You?

Your Wedding Gown Is

Sean Collection Ruffle-Trim Beaded Dress with Train

What's Your Wedding Gown?

You Are Apple Pie

You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional Those who like you crave security

What Kind of Pie Are You?

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Very popular, one of you is not enough.

What Kind of Candy Are You?

Slow and Steady

Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It'd really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment. They expect you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it.

How Do People See You?

Your Kissing Purity Score: 89% Pure

You've hardly ever been kissed But the kisses you've given are very missed

Kissing Purity Test

You're a Romantic Kisser

For you, kissing is all about feeling the romance You love to kiss under the stars or by the sea The perfect kiss involves the perfect mood It's pretty common for kisses to sweep you off your feet

What Kind of Kisser Are You?

Your Ideal Relationship is Marriage

You've dated enough to know what you want. And that's marriage - with the right person. You're serious about settling down some time soon. Even if you haven't met the person you want to get hitched to!

What's Your Ideal Relationship?

You Aren't Scary, You're Scared

Probably even scared to see how this quiz came out!

How Scary Are You?

Your Heart Is Pink

In relationships, you like to play innocent - even though you aren't. Each time you fall in love, it's like falling for the first time. Your flirting style: Coy Your lucky first date: Picnic in the park Your dream lover: Is both caring and dominant What you bring to relationships: Romance

What Color Heart Do You Have?

You Should Get a MD (Doctor of Medicine)

You're both compassionate and brilliant - a rare combination. You were born to be a doctor.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult Classic

Quirky, offbeat, and even a little campy - your life appeals to a select few. But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky. Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big Lebowski

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?

Your Animal Personality

Your Power Animal: Deer Animal You Were in a Past Life: Panda You are a fun-seeker - an adventurous, risk-taker. While you are spontaneous, you are not very rational.

The Animal Personality Test

Your Personality Is

Guardian (SJ) You are sensible, down to earth, and goal oriented. Bottom line, you are good at playing by the rules. You tend to be dominant - and you are a natural leader. You are interested in rules and order. Morals are important to you. A hard worker, you give your all at whatever you do. You're very serious, and people often tell you to lighten up. In love, you tend to take things carefully and slowly. At work, you are suited to almost any career - but you excel in leadership positions. With others, you tend to be polite and formal. As far as looks go, you are traditionally attractive. You take good care of yourself. On weekends, you tend to like to do organized activities. In fact, you often organize them!

The Three Question Personality Test