Evangelism Training (ET) Reloaded- 9th Dec 2006; 9am-6pm; M10 Seminar RoomToday's ET was fantastic! I didn't think that it would be this fun and inspiring in the first place. I just went there with the hope that I do fall asleep throughout the session; and I didn't. Instead, I was wide awake. Really have to thank the Crusade staff for making the session interesting. The session was also useful to me, in helping and guiding my walk with Him. Really. I've been feeling kind of spirutally dry these few days, but today's session and all the messages brought up really drawn me back to God. So, yep, praise God for that. During the session, we learnt how about "Living in the Spirit" (Satisfied? Booklet), and how to present the "What you see is not all you get" (WYS) Booklet. (this booklet is really interesting; more about that later), and also about Realising our Mission. I think the "Realising our Mission" section was the most insightful and helpful to me at this point in time. It helps me better understand the Great Commission and how to fulfill this Great Commission. What is the Great Commission?The Great Commission of our Lord is the greatest plan ever given to men, by the greatest Person who ever lived, concerning the greatest power ever revealed and with the greatest promise. The Great Commission is Jesus Christ's command given to the apostles and to every believer in every generation to make disciples. It involves building multiplying disciples in all their generations so that they can, in turn, saturate their nations with the Good News and train their own disciples to do the same, generation after generation. And there's a few reasons why we should fulfill the Great Commission and a few ways where we can help fulfill the Great Commission; first by starting with our immediate friends and family members. I believe that if every Christian commits him/herself to this mission, we would definitely create a phenomenon of 'movements everywhere', where everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus. Indeed When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power to testify about Me with great effect, to the people in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, about my death and resurrection." Acts 1:8 (LB). Every Christian has this mission trusted upon him/her. The testimony shared about Dr. Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ is no doubt very inspiring. He was a bright student and graduated with top honours from school and had a very good, bright future (in the worldly context) ahead of this. But instead of embarking on this path, he chose to follow God and commit himself to fulfilling the Great Commission. Indeed, we can see the fruits of his labour today. Thank God for this one obedient man. The following information about Dr. Bill Bright is taken from ttp://billbright.ccci.org/public/. Bright was so motivated by what is known as the Great Commission, Christ’s command to carry the gospel throughout the world, that in 1956 he wrote a booklet titled The Four Spiritual Laws, which has been printed in some 200 languages and distributed to more than 2.5 billion people, making it the most widely disseminated religious booklet in history.In 1979, Bright commissioned the JESUS film, a feature-length documentary on the life of Christ, which has since been viewed by more than 5.1 billion people in 234 countries and has become the most widely viewed, as well as most widely translated, film in history (786 languages). In 1996 Bright was presented with the prestigious Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, worth more than $1 million. The Templeton Prize isthe world's largest financial annual award. Bright donated all of his prize money to causes promoting the spiritual benefits of fasting and prayer.“He has carried a burden on his heart as few men that I’ve ever known. A burden for the evangelization of the world,” said Rev. Billy Graham, a long-time friend of the Brights. “He is a man whose sincerity and integrity and devotion to our Lord have been an inspiration and a blessing to me ever since the early days of my ministry.”Bright’s work through Campus Crusade for Christ will continue under the leadership of Steve Douglass, a long-time associate whom Dr. Bright tapped in 2001 as his successor. “Not only have I lost a dear and lifelong friend in Bill Bright, but the world has lost one of its greatest visionaries and faithful servants of Jesus Christ,” said Douglass. Praise God for Dr. Bill Bright.
So much for the indoor learning. Before we went out for Street-E (not some new dot.com term, but it stands for Street Evangelism), we have to check-out with a staff or senior- to allow them to check on our skills that we have learnt about street-evangelising. At this moment, I have to thank Weiyan for helping me refine my skills and also my testimony and also for giving me so many pointers and answering my doubts. Thank you so much for that, Weiyan.
And so, here cmes the Street-E part. We were supposed to go in pairs around to share the gospel. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. At least the inital part where we have to take the first step to approach people to share the gospel with. But I'm glad that the Lord still send some people to us. Amen to that! I also have to thank Christine, Joanne, and Evan for guiding me as to how to go about approaching and sharing the gospel with the people. And to the many people who have given us their time to listen to us, many thanks. I hope you all have benefitted from our sharing. My prayers will be with you. And so, we first approached a Chinese national lady, who understands a little English. So, we shared the Chinese version of "The Four Spiritual Laws" (4SLs), in a mix of English and Chinese. I'm glad that she's very open to the idea of Christianity and willing to share with us. Though language was a bit of a problem, I'm very thankful that she can understand us. Next, we shared a little bit of the WYS booklet with 3 teenage girls. They're kind of reluctant in the first place, but it got a little better along the way. I really hope that they would go through the WYS booklet carefully and contact me in the event that they are interested to know more. And after that, we met up with the rest and tried to get more people to listen to the gospel, to no avail. But still, I'm glad for this Street-E experience. My very first. And so, everyone who's interested to know more about the WYS and Satisfied booklet or anything about Christianity and contact me and we'll arrange for a time to meet up to talk about this more. Really, I cannot emphasis this any more- I'm really nothing without God.

This is long time ago business...the trip to RMBR

Well, exams are now over and I shall keep my fingers cross for my results...
Anyway, the first post-exam activity this time round is kind of different...it's not the usual post-exam stuff I would do...like going for lunch and then followed by a walk in the mall or something like that...guess what we actually did?! We went to West Coast Park!!! and we walked there! Cool! Well, West Coast Park is actually kind of near NUS...it's just a brief 20 or so min walk from the Kent Ridge Terminal...depending on how fast you walk...The walk there is just an appetizer kind of thing...you wouldn't believe what we did there! At least I did not imagine I will do that kind of thing at this ripe old age...(but come to think of it, I think I'm still quite young... young at heart, oh, whatever). Anyway, back to the main point, we actually played in the West Coast playground and I kind of like that sort of fun... it's so different from my usual idea of relaxation and fun like catching a good movie and reading a good book with nice, hot chocolate in this northeast monsoon season...(come to think of it, I haven't finish reading Three Weeks with My Brother by Sparks...) yep, so, I was 'tele-transported' back to the time when I was young, say 12-13 years ago...the feeling of sitting up there...having the wind blow against your face, looking at all the wonderful creations of this earth...how I wish I am young again...
What adds on to the fun was the rain...it's the first time that i actually walked in the rain without an umbrella. I think walking in the rain can be kind of therapeutic.(and if my mum knows about this, I'll be......)And I seriously think that I will not fall sick due to this reason. Check with me again. But I seriously doubt I'll fall ill. After West Coast, we went to Pizza Hut for dinner...dinner was like the usual lunch kind of setting where you know, the main lead will crap and entertain us with lame, not-so-funny kind of talks...but crapping sessions help. The highlight of the evening...neo-prints! See i told you, we are young at heart. But then again, taking neo-prints is not just restricted to kids and teenagers...we saw a bunch of adults taking neo-prints too alright! I think they are just so cool! I must be like them too. Five, ten, fifteen, and even twenty years down the road, I'll be calling my friends and dragging them to take neo-prints with me...ha! I think adrenalin is building up in me...somehow the more I blog, the more excited I become...talk about the after-effect of blogging. There's so many things to think about now...i better stop writing here. Good night.
(In case you are wondering, the pics were PRETTY...the decorations, and everything else.)

And in case you want a closer look at breath-taking, pretty...erm...surrondings and ...

Labrador Trip

What is a Christian?
- By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
who received God's good grace, somehow!

Share this with somebody who already has this
understanding, as reinforcement.

But more importantly, share this with those who do not have a clear understanding of what it means to be a Christian, so that the myth that Christians think they are "perfect" or "better than others" can be dispelled.

I realise I haven't been writing a proper post in a long time...the last one-word post is simply to let people know that, yes, I'm still alive though not really kicking. Let's blog a little about the mid term break...how should I begin? Well, the break was filled with tuitions and more tuitions...cos the lessons on the previous week were postponed...how coincidental...oh right...and so, it was tuition from Mon, Tues, Wed, and Thurs...th HIGHLIGHT of the week was probably tues and fri when I met up with Cheryl, Lisa (on Tues) and Lydia (on Fri). It's been ages since I met up with that GREEN girl...we were at anchor all the way from the morning to night...except when we went for IKEA for a little while...old good anchor... i kind of miss that place...and oh, it was also on Fri that I finally ate the Secret Recipe cheesecake after a long, long time...how I miss it...talk about indulgance...i know it too well. So, that's the mid-term break for me...how interesting it was... Anyway, this week has been a quite a good week for me. It's the exam week. ANd i guess, you all know what's coming...i'll soon be free from tuitions. So, for this week's tuition sessions, I didn't really teach the kids (ok, they're not that young...but calling them kids sound nice), instead, I focus more on stress management, pep talks and all that...i know that i'm not quite qualified to talk about that...but hey, i've been through all that; and it's heartening to hear that one of my students went to St. Andrew's Cathedral to sit and quieten herself before my lesson. I guess I will miss all of them...i'll miss their inquisive nature... miss having them around...but we all have to move on with life...
Talk about moving on with life...Shirley announced during dg that she'll no longer work with crusade...how sad...i mean, we all loved her...i've been talking quite a lot to her...and she's a good listener...in addition, i have a great deal to learn from her in terms of my walk with God. But i guess we can still keep in touch...By the way, tml's Mid Autumn Festival. Got your mooncakes and lanterns ready? Enjoy.

Hey

It's the fourth week of school today! I guess I'm getting used to the pace of school and everything else. Today's Chem quiz was alright and I guess it's kind of irritating to be sitting in front of some guys who complaint about making some silly mistakes which caused him not able to get full marks! I'm not even thinking about full marks here, hello. A reasonable grade will do for me. Besides, it's all over, no point in complaining. My friend and I were like: "What's all that about getting FULL marks?" But that guy DO SOUND smart. And there's actually no harm in listening to him, except for all his complaints. Oh well!
So that's Chem. Maths lecture was alright as usual. I like Maths. Attending Maths lecture feels like going back to SA. The format of the notes were almost the same as those in college and the lecturer is nice enough. Besides, I like Maths. Singapore Studies were alright too with the girlies around. Cheryl and I are planning to study together on Friday; really hope that we WILL STUDY and bond as well. After all my lectures ended, I went for tuition session. I'm getting close with the kids. I'm not sure how I'll feel when we eventually stop these tuition sessions after the exams.
As for tommorrow, our DG will be doing the Crusade noticeboard. Oh, I don't know how it'll turn out; I haven't actually done up a noticeboard before, but I hope that everything will turn out nice and pretty. So, do look out for the Crusade noticeboard outside LT 28. Back to studying.

Wow! Today is the first time I blog since school started about 2 weeks ago. For the whole of two weeks, I’m busy with many different things; getting used to know friends from different modules, registering for tutorials and labs sessions and all. I remembered being very apprehensive about school on the first day of lecture. But, not anymore. Instead, I’m starting to LOVE school. LOVE sounds very extreme. But I do LOVE school now; especially the SS module. Today is probably the highest points of my life since school started. It must be because of the lunch cum bonding cum self-entertaining sessions we all had just now, before the guest lecture started. It was so fun, getting to know each other and crapping together. It was definitely not what I had expected from the SS module. I was not expecting to meet new friends who can click so well with me! Cheryl, Angela and Lisa! Thank you so much for making the SS module so fun and enjoyable. Thank you for the enthusiasm that you all had for the course. I remembered the first time we met. The only thing we all had in common is that we were alone in the huge LT 25 for the first lecture. I’m glad that I was alone then. If not, I don’t think I would have been friends with them! So, being alone is not so bad afterall.
I had my first Discipleship Group (DG) session yesterday with the nursing girls. I really want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to get to know and grow in Him through this group. I hope all of us will grow together and be true, living testimonies for Him. The spiritual support is great and much needed by me. I’m grateful that I can still turn to Him and for the spiritual support on campus.
Thinking back of everything, I'm more sure than ever that He has a good plan for me. He had meant for me to go to the course alone so that I can make new friends; if not for this, I would have stick with my friends. Of course, this is just one of the many many examples that happen in my daily life and spirtual walk with me. I hope that I will keep Him on the throne of my life and let Him guide me.

To impart, impact and not to impress- I'm still learning to do that. Seriously. I think I tend to be egoistic at times. Some times, not all the time. I'm still learning. I have lots of things to learn. Lectures commencing next week. Really need to learn to juggle lessons and tuitions. After all, common test and prelims are around the corner for my students, and some of them requested extra lessons. Really, they're hardworking students. Hope that they will learn as much from my lessons as possible. And I hope that I can be of some help to them. I want to impart them knowledge and skills, make an impact in their lives and not to impress them with my credentials. I don't want the glory for myself. The glory goes to Him, for whatever I do.

  

  

Every human being is alike in the basic sense that they have an aim in their live; either a life-long aim or many aims at very other point of their life. In my opinion, I think that many people will have the latter instead of the first-mentioned, especially in these days when kids and children are constantly being bombarded my parents and teachers alike to do goal setting for their PSLE, “O” and “A” levels. That’s already 3 goals in the short life span of 18 years. And this is not mentioning the little target settings for minor tests and C.A.s. And as one proceeds on in life, one will be overwhelmed by the number of goals that the society expects of the individual and what one expects from oneself; achieving financial stability, career advancement, starting a family, bringing up one’s own children in the best possible method, planning for retirement so on and so forth.
The above passage may have a negative tone to it. But I’m definitely not saying that having goals and aims to achieve is a bad thing. Instead, I’m implying that the exact opposite is true. Goals and aims can really spur a person to work hard. Without them, it simply feels like I’m missing something in myself. The something can be the drive to work, or anything else. I know it just too well. I mean, for myself, I’ve always have had goals and aims to work towards to. In secondary school, it was to study hard and score at least 5 distinctions for the “O” levels so that I can have my name up on a star and displayed along the stretch of walls leading to the classrooms. I achieved that goal of my 3years back. Then, the next goal was to study hard to make it to the university of my choice. I achieved that as well. And I find that though I spent the last 4 to 5 years studying very hard for the “O”s and “A”s, I find that period of time very well-spent and I don’t regret not spending as much time with my family so that I can focus on studying. (Well, at least I’m not regretting now, maybe in the future, I don’t really know). It was because of the aims that I had that pushed me to study hard so that I can achieve them. And now, after more than half a year of not studying, I feel that I have lost the momentum and the drive to do anything. I figured that it’s the aimless lifestyle that caused this. Other than preparing for tuitions and tutoring, I’m not looking forward to anything else. One can argue that to lead a relatively free and easy life can be an aim. Yes, this may be the lifestyle that many is looking for, but it’s definitely not the kind of lifestyle I want to lead. I feel the need to be doing something constructively during most of the time. This explains the restlessness in me right now. Hopefully, when school starts, this will change and that I will have a aim to work towards. I guess, that aim will be to balance studies with tuition assignments.

I’ve just watched I Not Stupid 2 on disc last night. All right, I know, I’m sort of outdated…but hey, it’s better late than never. And I didn’t regret staying up till about 2am to finish the two discs. In my opinion, it’s time well spent. And yes, all the media reports about the movie and the comments from movie and independent critics are right; the show really does make even hearts of metal tear. I myself use up four pieces of Kleenex, and I believe I’m not the extreme case. The movie does have its humorous side as well. Such as how Jerry’s mischievous friends tricked Jerry into believing that he got his female classmate pregnant. The scene featuring the adults speaking the lingo of the teenagers brought laughter as well. Just their tone and pronunciation can make one roll on the floor, laughing. But overall, I guess it is the messages that the movie sent to the audience that make it stand out from other mediocre, commercial movies. I don’t know about others; but for myself, I can pick up about three to four points/ messages from the movie.
The most obvious point is about how parents should discipline their children. In the movie, Tom’s parents are busy working to even enjoy dinner with their children, not to even mention teaching and communicating with them. To the parents, Tom is basically a good-for-nothing. Nothing that he does ever pleases them; not even when he won the championship for the national blogging competition. In addition, they often misunderstood his intentions, leading their already sour relation to worsen. I know every parent have their own method of disciplining their children, and it is thus not very fair to comment. But as far as I’m concern, I think that the least parents should do is to spend some time with their children. It’s not about quantity, rather, it is the quality of time that make the difference to the upbringing and behaviour of the child. If parents do not spend time with their children, children may turn to their friends for company. Should they fall prey to bad company, I don’t wish to imagine that scenario. So, that’s the part about disciplining the child as a parent.
Secondly, we shouldn’t blame the parents all the time. I think as children, we should also put ourselves in our parents’ shoes and think from their point of view. We always ask our parents to do and buy things for us and behave as if they owe us a living. But truth of the matter is that they don’t. Why not pause and think about what we can do for them? If we can do them proud by doing well in our exams, I don’t think our parents will be unhappy. If we can grow up and mature and not anger them, I don’t think they will nag and scold us. Take me for instance, I try not to anger my parents by not quarrelling with my brothers. I make them happy by putting my best efforts in every thing I do. Those who know me well will know that my present to mum and dad for Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day, their birthdays, Christmas, and what not, is what I work hard every year for; my exam results. So long as I put in my best efforts and do well, they will be happy, which is something that they always wanted from us. I guess, it is not that hard to please parents after all. In a sense, they are easier to please compared to us, don’t you think so?
Thirdly, it is about how schools and teachers should discipline their students? I am rather concerned about this point since I am going to teach in about four to five years time. In my own opinion, I don’t think I will be a teacher who will use violence and corporal punishment to punish the students. I would prefer to punish them constructively and use logic to reason with students. If they do not listen, I’ll have to resort to nagging and in the worst case scenario, I will approach my ‘saviour’; the discipline master. Hey, there is a reason for the existence of discipline masters/ mistresses in schools. But that is in the worst case scenario and I personally hope that I will develop my own methods of dealing with my students. Well, that’s something to worry about in four to five years time.
And lastly, I’ve also thought about how I would teach and discipline my children in the future. I know that future is not so near, but nevertheless, that taught did came to my mind. Would I be very strict with my children? In my opinion, it is very tiring to be strict with children. You’ve got to have loads of energy as you need to monitor and correct their behaviour, actions, speech, school work and other aspects. Would I bring up my children like how my parents brought me up? I always thought that my parents are not those types of strict parents who will force their children to study and study. On the contrary, my parents never force us to study, neither did they force us to learn things we don’t want to learn. In fact, sometimes, when they see me studying for five to six hours consecutively, they would tell me to take a break or something. I guess, how I’m going to bring up my children is something I will have to think about in the future.
All in all, this movie really brings across many points worth pondering over. It’s a movie worth watching and shedding your tears over. The four Kleenex has being put to good use. But seriously, when was the last time you praise someone?

Just got my laptop...Compaq Presario...with white piano finish...that's what caught my attention first...so, this is the first post that I'm using the laptop to type and post. I've always wanted to get a white laptop, but the more common white colour laptop is iBook is more expensve...but the price of compaq is more affordable...so I decided to get this limited edition before it gets sold out...besides, I thought that it would be good to get to know the functions of the laptop and get used to using it. And that's the laptop...
These few days have been tiring for some unknown reason; probably I've been sleeping late and waking up early. And I've been thinking a lot...about school stuff, wondering what's uni is going to be like and other stuff. I don't deny that I'm looking forward to school, but on the other hand, the prospects of school and exams seem to daunt me. The idea of having to manage finances, choosing and bidding for modules and all...I guess there's always challenges for every new beginning and it is always these challenges that make school worthwhile, fun and meaningful. Though I miss those days of wearing the school uniform, the idea of starting a new phase of eduacation process seems exciting. And I really have to pray to God to help me get oriented and used to uni life. Prayer is the best source of strength.

  

Well, I like what I'm doing now; reading the books that I've always wanted to read, surfing the internet, sitting in front of the idiot box, preparing for tuition, giving tuition and so on... it's a reaxing lifestyle, I would say. But not very much fulfilling except for the reading and tuition part as they keep my brain alive. Nevertheless, this long break before uni starts is welcomed. I've never rested like this before.
Anyway, two Saturdays before, I've signed the agreement. I really have to thank Uncle Alex and Auntie Chris who agreed to be my sureties. And so I guess, the next nine years or so will be good and fulfilling. I certainly hope so. And last Friday was SAJC 29th College Day. I'm still secretly excited about it. I got to meet up with people whom I otherwise would not have met. And going back to school sort of bring back the memories of school life. Plus, choir performance was great. I mean, they are much better now...which is the reason why I do not regret buying the concert tickets. Giving tuition is wonderful. It gives me an immense sense of achievement when I see my student improves. And it makes you think; think of how to best explain concepts to the students, and how to plan the lessons and so on...all these, help to keep the brain working in the midst of a long break from school and studies.
To end things off, I'll share a little secret: I'm excited about starting uni. It's no longer a secret.

Had a fun day at East Coast yesterday. It's been a long time since I was so active physically. We did roller-blading and cycling. Though it was physically demanding and with the sun sorching hot, it was a satisfying day for I like the feeling of the beads of sweat and perspiration running on my skin. It makes me feel more alive. I suddenly miss PE at this point in time and I seriously doubt I will make time to exercise come university days.
July is going to be a busier month; not that June was busy. Well, at least I have more stuff lined up for the month of July and afterall, it is going to be the last month before school starts. Talking about school, I think I have lost the momentum for studying. I wonder is it going to be hard to pick up the momentum and study. As a freshie, I certainly look forward to the different lifestyle of university and the different culture. But yet, on the other hand, I'm apprehensive of having a culture shock and having to meet new people and to study again.
I'm not sure how I will do in university. But one thing I know is that I can rely on
my friends, family and God. Since He brought us to it, He will bring us through it.

Hey pple! It's been ages since I updated...Maybe not ages, but a long time... Anyway, I have been rather busy for the past weeks. Busy and yet fulfilling. Anyway, I may be going to NUS Science instead of Engineering. I think many of you know the reason. But if you don't and you want to know, just msg me and I'll share my reason with you. And if anyone knows of any person going to NUS Science, kindly inform me as well. So, that's uni update.
Another thing worth mentioning is that I've started tutoring. I'm currently tutoring a Sec 2 girl in her maths and science. And I was really glad that I got along with her and her family. What's more is the family shares many similarities with me...For instance, her mum was from the same secondary school as me! Also, the girl and her younger sister studies in the same primary school as me! Talk about coincidences. Anyway, I really enjoy the tuition sessions.
I have been enjoying my time at home so much so that I don't really feel like going back to school. Well, I'm not really that lazy and lackadasical. I went jogging twice ast week and went out cycling and shopping. It's just that I'm used to this lifestyle that I think I'm going to take a long time to adjust to school life again come this August.
I'm going to school to collect my cert later this morning. And I have many things that I have to attend to; like going to the optician for an eye check-up, and going for medical check-up this or next week. Enough about all this. I shall update another time.

Looking for tutors?

Well, fret not!

Charge: $120/month (1.5 hr/wk, 4wks/month) (negotiable)
Subjects: Primary school maths and science,
Sec 1&2 maths and science,
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JC1&2 maths, chemistry and biology

Tutor's qualifications: The tutor has is currently waiting to enter NUS(Chemical Engineering) and would be willing to follow through secondary school or college.

Interested?
Contact me at 91623996 or e-mail me at: ban_leng13@hotmail.com
Thank You.

Due to popular demand, I think I shall post for the sake of posting and updating... Well, I have already stop working at the lab...and enjoying my time at home and with friends...it is good timing as the Great Singapore Sales is coming and I can go shopping with my mum again! As expected, I went shopping with my mum, not just shopping for clothes and all, but also shopping for baking needs...I'm going to learn how to bake cookies and brownies (someday). Oh...I also went out with Lydia and XY the day before yesterday, and found out that the 3 of us are going to work till uni start...so fun, I can meet up with them more often...Back to that day, we met City Hall and walked all the way to Marina Square...to bowl...didn't know that bowling can be so fun and exciting...should master bowling skills someday as well. And the 3 of us are going to East Coast tml! To cycle. But I also hope that we can roller blade...I bet rollerblading will be more fun and exciting. As for today, I'll be going out with mum and spending time with her.
As for university application, I think I'll settle for chem eng at NUS. Not too sure now...if you happen to know of anyone who is going for chem eng at NUS, do let me know...and I'm also looking for students for tuition...let me know if you know of anyone who needs tuition...well that's all for now...

People come and go. Seriously. Especially in the working world. I really miss the part of making lasting friendships in school. In school, your friends will most likely stay in contact with you for years and even for your entire life. However, the reality of the working world really hurts. People move on to greener pastures. And sometimes, it came at such a time when we are getting to know each other better. Indeed, there are more longer such things like a "metal or steel rice bowl" these days. I had seen many of my colleagues leaving in merely 4 months. Of course, I've met new people as a result. However, I dislike not being able to build a lasting friendship with many of them. My only hope is that I will build more of such friendships come university. As the saying goes "Friends are friends forever".

Faith in HIM
Love given by HIM
Joy because of HIM

Had been relief teaching for 2 days. I would say that it was really a valuable experience for me. I was rather apprehensive about it at first; however, I soon realised that my worries are in fact unduly. First of all, I was afraid that I couldn't project my voice. Though I do speak up in class, the class population in a primary school is larger than that in college. But fortunately, my voice was loud enough to be heard by all. Secondly, I was worried that I would not be able to teach them anything if they get too noisy and playful. However, the class did pay attention to what I was teaching and did some work which I marked. Thirdly, I was afraid that I would be like some of the relief teachers (which I had during school days) who simply just give us work to do and walked away. I am glad that I manage to interact with them and help them when they needed my help. They really make my days and I would love to go back and teach them again. Though they tend to get too vocal at times, it was nevertheless a joy to teach them. However, I don't think that I am suited to be a teacher. Or rather a primary school teacher. No doubt, I love teaching them and imparting them my knowledge, I think I am not very good in instilling values and discipling students. And students, especially young children, need positive role models who will continously drill the right values and message into their brains. And this, I don't think I'm very good in. Perhaps this will change as I grow older. Maybe. No matter what. this relief teaching stint really widen my perspectives and make me learnt a lot of things about myself and the students.

Polkadot for life!

Saw that? Missing the days back there.

Work is getting busier and more monotonous. Sometimes, I really feel like quitting. But I don't like being a quitter. I need time to reflect about my life. I realised that I haven't actually done a lot apart from studying all these years. I'm also not a very independent girl (according to my parents), though I would like to think otherwise. Which is probably the reason why my parents don't really want to to go overseas to study. But I do know something about housework; I can sweep, mop. Cooking? I guess I can. I never cook a meal for my family but I can cook for myself. Laundry? Just simply leave it to the laundry shops. See, I can settle all these myself, but according to my parents, they claimed that I can't take care of myself. They said that I'll miss home and will have no one to turn to when I need help. They said I may not adjust a life overseas. But who knows when I don't give it a try. Anyway, I guess I'm most likely studying here in Singapore. Firstly, I don't want to go through all the admission procedures again. Secondly, I don't want to upset my parents. And perhaps, deep down inside me, I don't really want to go overseas to study at all. But given a chance, I would. I guess, I really need time to think about my future. Moulding in the process. Am nothing without God.

Just the other day, I was reading my dairy entries for the past year, and suddenly found myself looking back at those memories fondly. I am glad that I can be able to do so. I found myself being grateful for many things. I think I have enjoyed my past 2 years in SA and will have to move on with life. Of course, my friends will move on with me. I think I have to thank many people who have had made life in college as beautiful as it was. Firstly, my OG and OGL. They were the first group of people I had met in school. Newly found friends came from there first. Next, my civics groups; both the first 3 months and after. I love talking, studying with these people. Of course, not forgetting my tutors and lecturers and everyone else who have been a part of my 2 years in college. And oh! There's another special group of people whom used to sit with me at a table in the cafe almost every morning, where we would discuss abt school and school work. You all know who you are. And I really miss those mornings.
Thinking back, I feel a little nosgtalgic. Just a little.
Enough. I have to move on.
I'm starting to like work. I like the interactions with the people there. They're nice, friendly people. But I think there's going to be a big project soon. I don't know how soon, and I don't know whether I'll still be there. Part of me wants to stay; but the other wants to leave. Anyway, I'm off work today and tommorrow. I'll be going out with mum, and I will make use of the time to think about the courses I want to apply for in university.

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

Results was out yesterday. Though I stepped into the college with a rather heavy heart, I was glad that I did not walked out there like that. I think I have to thank a lot of poeple for this. I did well, I guess. [To whoever who wants to know my results, kindly msg me.] I'm truly grateful for the results. Grateful to my tutors, my friends, my family and of course, God. Really, nothing can taste sweeter than this; tasting the very fruits of our hard labour. It's sweet, I can tell you. Thanks to everyone for making this possible. Thank you for letting me taste this sweetness of life, for which I'm sure the taste will still linger for the rest of my life. For those who are not satisfied with their results, do not be disappointed. God did not fail you. He has a plan for you. Continue to place your trust in Him. He is forever faithful. Am nothing without Him. To God be the glory.

Happy Lunar New Year everyone. Hope everyone is enjoying themselves, eating, visiting, exchanging greetings, spending time with loved ones and simply enjoying the time off from work and school. CNY is an excuse for us to put on the weight and enjoy all the new year goodies and sit in front of the television set and enjoy all the CNY programmes. All the fireworks and various performances at the many different locations are indeed beautiful and splendid and really keep me glued to the television sets. All the new year goodies are so delicious that I couldn't stop eating them. The lightings at Chinatown are really beautiful and pretty. But the crowds there kept me away. If I happened to be at a crowded place, I'll be more concern with how to get out there rather than with shopping. Then again, I doubt I'll ever be at a crowded place.
I do understand why some people choose to get down to Chinatown or any place for celebrations and countdowns. It's the crowd and the festive atmosphere that entice them there. Talk about the attraciveness. Well, and I do know that some people do go to Chinatown on CNY eve to get new year goodies at a cheaper price. But, I prefer to stay at home and watch countdown programmes. Think about the comfort of your cosy sofa set and air-conditioning at home. And nowadays, more and more families are going to restaurants for reunion dinners; because of the convenience. All the commercialisation and money earning opportunities. Restaurants are competing for more patrons and hence many are offering compeitive prices to attract more patrons. Well, after all, the consumers are those who benefit the most out of this. Anyway, while more and more are going to restaurants for reunion dinners, I still prefer the good old traditional reunion dinner at home. The joy of every family member coming together for an extra long dinner; the smile on every person's face; the bits of perspiration rolling down the cheeks; the warmth generated when everyone sat so close to eat; all these, definitely make the preparations and the so-called inconvenience worth it. Not that you can't experience the joy and warmth when eating at the restaurant; it's just that you can take your own sweet time eating at home without worrying about the next batch of patrons. Also, you don't really have to care about your table manners when eating at home; when we are eating outside, we tend to talk more softly and more conscious but at home, we tend to be less conscious about all these and enjoy ourselves more. Plus, home always serves our favourite dishes.My brother alone ate 4 bowls of rice that night. These make eating reunion dinner at home enjoyable; a tradition I really hope that we will observe every other year.
Here's wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. May all your dreams come true.

All I can say about my life right now is that I'm rather satisfied with what I'm doing. The work, though temporary and has got weird working hours, is quite all right. Though there's some 'office politics' and some other stuff among the people, I got along rather well with them. I'm starting to enjoy their company now, and I hope more so in time to come. Today, I did something new. That is, helping them to do the barcoding and pouring the urine samples from the containers into tubes. Something new and it kept us really busy and tired. But, it's better than sitting there doing nothing. I feel bad and I really have to worry constantly about being asked to explain why I didn't look for work. That's me. Oh well. Anyway, this week is the first week that I ever work for full 6 days. I started work on a Wednesday for the first week; then next was a Christmas holiday on a Monday, if I remember; then it was a New Year Day holiday; and next was Hari Raya. So, you see, I've been working for a month. Though I'm happy with my life now, I miss school! Seriously. I miss the people, the friends, the lecturers and the tutors. I miss the lectures, tutorials, breaks, and I miss the mornings when we always sat together at a table in the cafe to do our work and to talk. I miss having to do tutorials and having to read notes. The 2 years spent in college flew by so quickly. Flew; literally. I will cherish all the wonderful and beatiful memories and the friendships forged in those 2 years. I hope you will too. Take care all my friends, and do continue to keep in touch. Thank God for everyone who have come into my life and has helped me in one way or another.

I've just recieved my pay for the past 2 weeks. Not much; I'm just a few hundred dollars richer. But money is not the issue here since my family doesn't need it. I'm fortunate, I know. This is my first pay check and I haven't really figure out how to use it. I know I'm opening myself to people asking me for treats; I know what to do. In my opinion, I don't equate money with the type of work that you do. One can earn a lot. But if one does not get along with the people in the company and colleagues, then I guess, one will not be happy. I'm not trying to say that I'm noble by not thinking of the amount of money one gets from work. Bread and butter issues are still the most important for many people; especially for parents and many others. But what I'm saying here is that, for me, I think relationship with people and getting along well with others one of the more crucial factor. I'm still trying to bridge the gap between me and my other colleagues. It's improving; but there's still quite a way to go.
Ever since I work, I have come to realise the expenses needed to maintain a family; with children. I'm not sure how I know, but I just do. Really, believe me, it's not easy. Our parents really are doing their best. I mean, they have to pay for our food, clothes, education, and not forgetting the water, electricity, gas and many other bills. Though what's left goes into their banks, but remember who pay for the occassional holidays and other luxuries? It's reaaly not easy on their part. Now, when you spend your next dollar, try to think of your parents who are always working for our sake.

I'm sure we all like to be loved by everyone around us; and thus, most will go all out to be accepted by others. And they included ways like the following:
1. Following the crowd. Or more simply "Monkey see, monkey do".
2. Behaving the way that others wanted you to.
And so on...
Basically, for those in an all new environment, be it a new class, a new school, or even workplace, we will all be anxious about being accepted by someone, if not, everyone. It's the nature of a social being, no doubt. But does that include going against your own character just so to be accepted? Sometimes, being in a new environment does force one to grow up and mature, and to open up to others. But the basic principles that one live by should and must stay and not change with the flow. Sure, one can be a smart worker when it comes to work, but that doesn't mean that one should slack when working, or do the job badly. The main thing is to get the job done well and good. And also, do not be so eager to be accepted by all. It takes time for them to warm up to you. And you certainly do not want to mix with the wrong company. So, take your time. Besides, we are all accepted by God. A God who so loved us that He gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ to die for all our sins. Well, by writing all these down, all I hope is that God help me set my priorites right and not to go with the flow that I lose sight of my goals. I am learning to put everything into God's hands. Sometimes this can be hard. But I'm learning. Moulding in the process. And all glory goes to Him. Nothing without Him.

Isn't it very troublesome to tap your ez-link card before alighting from a bus? I was so so afraid that I might forget to do so and the moment I broad another bus, the card reader would give off a loud, disturbing sound. I'm sure it's not just me who find this too troublesome. I seldom have to do so when still schooling. And now, I would be so conscious of the amount of money left in my card and to top it up when necessary. Oh, how I miss those days when I have student concession.
And on working life. I'm now working longer hours. Positive and negative. Good because I earn more, and there's nothing I can do at home and there's only me and my mum. Bad because the hours are kind of weird. It's not like those 9-5, or 8-6 hours, but 1-8!!! it's like in the middle of nowhere. I can't go out before or after work. The only days when I can go out is on Saturday evenings and Sundays.And I'm usually so tired after work that I really don't feel like doing anything when I get home. I still prefer schooling days. Oh, how much I misses school. Wouldn't it be nice if I can don't tap my card before alighting the bus and not work and still get the money? I better face up to reality.

A brand new morning; a brand new year; a brand new start. Happy New Year, everyone. 2005 has become history and 2006 is the present. There are wonderful memories of 2005 that will always be remembered and looked back upon fondly by many, and I hope that 2006 will be one with many beautiful memories as well. Here, I must thank many people who have made my 2005 a wonderful year. Without them, there would not be such fond memories. And there are my classmates, my schoolmates, my juniors, my ex-schoolmates, my teachers, my lecturers, my tutors, and God Almighty of course. I want to thank them for making this year (deemed to be one of the most important years of my life), memorable. The journey towards the 'A' levels seemed much easier with them around. Without their constant encouragement and motivation, I would not have studied so hard. Without their friendship, I would not have graduated from college feeling loved and accepted. Without the love and care from the tutors and lecturers, I would not have felt that college was my second home. Without the strength and guidance of God, I would not have sailed through this journey as smoothly as I had. So really, a million thanks to all these people. Now, 2006 would be one of new challenges. Work, and university. These would be new things that I've never been through. I pray for God's guidance for me to get through them. Also, I hope that everyone will be safe from all harm in this brand new year. God bless.

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

Your Inner Lip Color Is

Casablanca

What's Your Inner Lip Color?

Your Eyes Should Be Gray

Your eyes reflect: Intensity and drive What's hidden behind your eyes: A sensitive soul

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?

Your French Name is:

Musetta Charles

What's" Your French Name?

Went out with the gang yesterday...to Orchard. Really had a good time, despite all the walking to and fros. It has been a long time since I had such a fun time with them. Hope it's the same for them as well. Anyway, we met at Orchard and walked to Lido to get tickets for Harry Potter. It was so empty; I mean, of course as it's still early for movie goers. After that, we walked all the way to cineleisure in the hope of getting something...and ended up taking pictures...If memory serves me, I think the 5 of us never taken neo-prints together before...so, it was kind of wow... After that, we went to Heeren, again, with the hope of getting something. Yet again, we did not. Next was lunch at Crystal Jade. Cool, isn't it. We have "upgraded" from fast-food to restaurant...Then, we rushed to go back to Lido for the movie. The show was all right. The effects were good; but I heard from many who had read the book that many parts of the story were cut off or shortened. But it does not matter much to me as I did not read to book, so well. After that, we walked around before we parted for our ways at around 6.00pm...it had been a long long time since I had walked such a distance and my feet are feeling sore from the walking, well, at least a little. Go figures for yesterday's trip:

5- tickets to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
4- trips past the Puffer fish at Wisma
3- different types of La Mian ordered at Crystal Jade
2- trips to The Heeren
1- toilet trip after the movie

$35.00- spent on 5 movie tickets
$8.00- spent on Neo-prints
$48.85- spent on lunch at Crystal Jade
$9.50- spent on bubble tea

Phew! 'A' Levels is over! Now, I shall take a good rest and keep my fingers cross for the result; I shall not ponder over it. I have been wanting to do a lot of things and now, I finally have the time to do so. Well, better do something constructive and productive. But, first things first, I shall take a break and rest before doing them. As for those people who still have papers on Monday and Tuesday (Biology S Paper, Economics S Paper and Literature S Paper, or any other paper), all the best and press on. Take care everyone.

Life Science Camp 

My Life 

"The journey can be lonely at times; it doesn't help if you are alone. The journey can also be tough sometimes; and it doesn't help if you are alone, and not asking for help."
I said that. I think it is rather true, well, at least for me, at this point of time. Go ahead and ponder; I think most people will find that it's true also. Once that is said, it is definietly better is one can seek company and help. From friends, teachers or family or whoever else. For me, I know I can always count on my friends, my parents, my brothers and teachers of course. Seeing them and being with them never fail to make me better and happier. Well, of course, I go to God and pray. Praying makes me feel lighter and more comforted; for I know "Knock and the door will be open. Seek and you shall find."

Sometimes we all lose sight of what we want. Many a times, we forgot that there is a whole lot of other things in this whole wide whole waiting for us to accomplish. Our whole seem to be revolving around the same thing all the time. At least for me. I seem to be doing the same thing over and over again these past years. The only difference would probably be the surroundings and the content. But the activity is the same. Perhaps you are like me too. But I'm not going to feel weary, tired and exhauseted. I'm going to strive on. I'm going to finish this race and finish well. I know I can do this because of my friends, my family and my Lord. They have all been wonderful. I'm not going to let them down. I'm going to do well.