DG has finally commenced! Sometimes I really marvel at how time flies... I seem to have completed 2 Crunaction books and am now going into my third one... Indeed, being a 3rd-year student is not easy. Getting into year 3 spells greater workload from studies, and with commitments and stuff piling up, I really need the faith and strength to persevere and press on.
I was reminded of the importance of walking by faith when reading about the battle of David against Goliath. I can visualise how the pint-sized David stood in front of the giant-sized Goliath and spoke to him when nobody else dare to. David's confidence comes not from himself. It emanated from God. While Goliath was the sight in many other persons, David seemed to see God. He was confident that God will grant him victory no matter how great the odds were against him.
In recent times, many Goliaths have surfaced in my life. I tried running away to avoid these great giants, but I know I can't hide from them. The root of this action seems to have stemmed from the fact that unlike David, it is those scary Goliaths that occupy my mind and sight. I need to see God and have faith in Him that He will bring me through those battles. Most importantly, I will do things not just for God, but with God as well as in God.

Happy 43rd National Day.
Have been busy watching the opening ceremony of the Beijing Summer Olypmics last night and the National Day parade this evening.
And oh yes, Channel 5's First Class is really funny. It reminded me of the last school-based English sitcom, @Moulmein High, but I think I relate to First Class better. Well, the story is set in a fictious Achiever Secondary School, and revolves around a new teacher, fresh out from school; passionate and idealistic about his chosen career path. It is also about how a group of 5 new Secondary 1 students become friends, and learn together. Do visit the First Class' Website. It's kind of interactive, with many videos, interviews, and a make your own comic strip section.
I think I really relate to Mr Michael Wong, the new teacher. His passion and love for teaching and nurturing the kids (remember my post some time ago when I mentioned that I can't wait to enter the teaching force?!=)). But I think I can foresee myself getting tired along the way and even complain and whine about my job. I've been thinking of ways in which I can keep all those complains away; maybe holidaying, or retreats? Or maybe interactions of other forms (CCAs, CIPs, ...) with the students will help me to love and enjoy my job more? Or perhaps juggling the other aspects of the role of an educator, cos in the process, I will (hopefully) be enriched more than I ever think i'll be? Seriously, many things may seem overwhelming at this stage and I know I have a long way to go. But, I am somewhat excited.

Friends are really God's way of showing His love for us.
Had a really good time talking to them today. I wasn't exactly excited abt the idea of going out for dinner today (*sshhss*) but the moment I met them, I knew I made the right choice.
It was all so déjà vu sitting at Subway at Marina Square, and at the same table this evening.
Meeting up for dinner, exchanging belated birthdays' presents seem to be our standard practice these years. I'm really glad that we're friends; such great friends who understand one another, and can complete one another's sentences. A toast to all these years of friendships.






Presents from Europe!


P.S.: I really like this pic, cos of the (unintentional) wink! *><*
Oh, 8th Aug 2008 has arrived! Beijing Olympics is here!

Finally, I developed some of the photos which I have been wanting to develop.

Many people will be surprised that at this digital age, why will I want to develop pictures and keep them in a photo album? Well, cos I like things tangible and I like the idea of looking at all these pictures... it's just like reading a biography as the pages of photos just flip through and fond memories just make one smile wistfully and make one yearn to go back to those good old times. Indeed, I'm sure I'll miss those times more when the new sem starts next week. Guess that's probably because I've played too hard this hols.

Just found this link on Saving Gaia: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/savinggaia/
Go check it out. It's quite interactive, offers lots of creative projects for turning thrash into treasures...

It must have been the many pbl presentations that I've sat through some weeks ago. Now, I've decided to do my part to save our Earth. It's not that I've haven't been doing so, it's just that from now on, I'm going to make a more consious effort to do so. I've even come up with a list of ideas and actions.

1. Bring a reusable bag with you all the time; you'll never know when you'll need it.

It does help to have a nice, pretty reusable bag, so, either buy a nice one or personalise your own, do whatever, so long as you'll be motivated to bring one with you all the time.

2. Recycle your plastic bottles and aluminium cans from your green tea/ coke/ pepsi...

I read that in Hong Kong (I think), the sizes of the aluminium cans for a certain drink are being reduced due to the falling supply of aluminium. So people, pls recycle.

3. Use both sides of the paper and recycle them.

4. Bring your own container if you were to pack food.

5. Switch off all switches when not using them. This will help you to save electricity and money.

I'm sure the list goes on, but I think five a good place to stop. Anymore, we'll not remember them. I really think that it is very important that we all start to reduce our ecological footprints. If we continue to use our limited resources at this rapid rate, I dare not think of the dire consequences.

Saving Gaia begins with me.

I picked these up from the library a couple of weeks ago and have been wanting to visit some museums. So, if anyone's free or interested, pls call/msg me.

It seems to me that many of my friends are flocking to Chinatown for some unknown reasons. And so, one day, I was finally dragged there (alright, it was a gathering/ meeting with some real good friends). I think we combed almost the entire Chinatown; starting from the MRT station, we walked to Smith Street for lunch, then went over to People's Park Complex and Centre and then to Chinatown Point and finally back to Smith Street. Seriously, I would not have done that alone. It would have taken a toll on my physical strength (yes, I know I should have exercise more. Anyone interested in learning squash? or going to the gym when school starts? or just running round the track before/ after school? call me).
As we walked, I saw many people. The entire Chinatown was buzzling with activities and the place was packed with tourists, retirees, housewives... it was so unlike town or even around my neighbourhood on a weekday when the place will be so quiet.
Indeed, Chinatown has got much to offer; from shops selling relatively cheap, exotic and delicious food, clothing, shoes, accessories,... to beautiful unique shophouses... that's the charm of Chinatown. The charm that is pulling many housewives, retirees, tourists and now, many of my friends there.