Thursday, May 10, 2007

Went to vivo with the girls today... walked into Aldo, Mango, River Island, Vivi, Valerie (yes, it's a name of a shop) to checked out their clothes, accessories,... but we didn't buy anything... ha, but i must say that the clothes at Valerie and River Island are worth checking out... the style and price are alright, that's what I meant...and of course, we had our usual Ben and Jerry Super Mix ice-cream... fantastic... I haven't had that kind of feeling in a long long time... indulgence... below are some pics from today...


Before Joce was there...


Childhood memories?

Doesn't these remind you of your childhood days? When did we ever have those soft, plush toys?


In deep thoughts... or so it seem...Deciding what to have?

At Ben and Jerry's... and according to cgy, that's the misson of Ben and Jerry... don't how how true it is... but she studied it as a case study in a Marketing module...hmm...


Drooling? keep your saliva to yourself...



That's Elmo and Big Bird outside Giant... oh, you can see Barney too...


The happy us...

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AYuWrJs0cNmGG for more pics...

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Here's a message that will bring you chills. Have
you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then
just put it on a list and said, "I'll pray for them
later?"

Or has anyone ever called you and said,
"I need you to pray for me, I have this need?"

Read the following story that was sent to me and may
it change the way that you may think about prayer and
also the way you pray.

A missionary on furlough told this true story while
visiting his home church in Michigan.

"While serving at a small field hospital in Africa,
every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the
jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This
was a journey of two days and required camping
overnight at the halfway point.

On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city
where I planned to collect money from a bank,
purchase medicine, and supplies,and then begin my
two-day journey back to the field hospital.

Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men
fighting, one of whom had been
seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries
and at the same time
talked to him about the Lord.

I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and
arrived home without incident.

Two weeks later I repeated my journey.

Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the
young man I had treated.
He told me that he had known I carried money and
medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed
you into the jungle, knowing you would camp
overnight. We planned to kill you and take your
money and drugs.

But just as we were about to move into your camp, we
saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.

At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all
alone in that jungle campsite.

The young man pressed the point, however, and said,
'No, sir, I was not the
only person to see the guards, my friends also saw
them, and we all counted them. It was because of
those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.'

At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the
congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the
missionary and asked if he could tell him the
exact day this happened.

The missionary told the congregation the date, and
the man who interrupted told him this story:

"On the night of your incident in Africa, it was
morning here and I was preparing to go play golf.
I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray
for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so
strong, I called men in this church to meet with
me here in the sanctuary to pray for you. Would
all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?"

The men who had met together to pray that day stood
up. The missionary wasn't concerned with who they were,
he was too busy counting how many men he saw.

There were 26.

This story is an incredible example of how the
Spirit of the Lord moves in mysterious ways.
If you ever hear such prodding, go along with it.

Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of
hell. I encourage you to forward this to as many people as you know.

If we all take it to heart, we can turn this world
toward God once again. As the above true story clearly
illustrates, "with God all things are possible".

More importantly, how God hears and answers the
prayers of the faithful.

After you read this, please pass it on and give God
thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith,
for the powerful gift of prayer, and for the many
miracles He works in your own daily life... and then
pass it on. Who says God does not work in mysterious ways

I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you
today. To guide you and protect you as you go along your way.
His love is always with you, His promises are true,
and when we give Him our cares you know He will
see us through.

So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult
at best, Just remember I'm here praying, and God will do the rest.

Pass this on to those whom you want God to bless

Saturday, May 05, 2007

Have been wanting to show you guys my bros... remember I have not 1 but 2 younger, mischievous bros? yep... well...

They used to be oh-so- cute , endearing and adorable...
Look, aren't they loving? Ha...
Can't believe that they have grown into the terrors they are today... hmm... i'll try to find some recent pics of them... Ha... actually they aren't that bad also... really...well, I guess we have all grown up...
it's time to say bye to pillow fights, sibling spats...
Have you been nice to your bros/sis? Well, it's time to...
I remember going past these places many years ago... I would always look out if the car/bus window and stare at the smooth flowing waters... the peace and tranquility it brought to me as a child...



How about buying an apartment there? I wish...
Some pics I took when I was out...
The Ferris Wheel... will you be there? Will you be willing to pay some S$29.50 or so to be up there?

Friday, May 04, 2007

Did you know..that
"SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS!"
is one of the longest words ever?!
It is used to describe the most fantastic of feelings or experiences and comes from the musical Mary Poppins.
try reading it out in one breath if you happen to be really bored!
Should have posted these pics up long time ago...
it's last Dec's trip to Underwater World/ Vivo...

I like this pic personally... the crabs...
The smart dolphins

Of course there's more... but it's kind of troublesome to post them on blogger... check out the link instead...
I really find the posting blogs in Chinese very cool albeit the long duration taken to type that post. You should try it too...

Thursday, May 03, 2007

忽然心血来潮,想用中文来写一篇文章放在部落格这儿。 好久没用中文来写作了,所以,各位,献丑了。刚看完台湾版的《白色巨塔》, 那最后一集,的确给了我好多启发;启发来自于关欣写给怡华的信,也来自于怡华最后勇敢地面对未来的挑战,也来自于怡华在送关欣到火车站给关欣的所谓‘医生宣誓’。先说那医生宣誓吧:每一集完结,漆黑的荧幕,便会响起苏怡华的医生宣誓:“当我进入医业时,我郑重地保证要奉献一切为人类服务,凭着良心跟尊严从事医业,病人的健康为我的首要顾念。在那最后一集里,在怡华送关欣时,关欣突然要怡华再念一次这词给她听;我顿时感到讶异,心想为什么关欣会要怡华这么作呢?当然编剧会这样写是有原因的。原来,那宣誓是怡华为了关欣而改的。当时,我的第一个反应是;‘哇!好厉害,竟然可以把那宣誓改成一个爱的宣言。’那是多么的浪漫,多么的有创意的一件事。我便打算以后,当我踏入我的事业是也来写个这样的宣誓,好让我有个工作的集中心。其实,在求学的我们也是可以这么做的。然后还有关欣写给怡华的那封信。信里提到关欣是怎么发现自己想要的幸福与快乐。原来,幸福与快乐是可以那么的简单及单纯。我想出了社会的人,然后又卷入权力斗争,一个人就会时常感到很疲累,也会很不开心,还可能失去生命里的很多美好的人与物,例如亲情,爱情等;就好像剧里的唐国泰与邱庆成。他们俩都是很优秀的主任与医生,都具备高超的医术,但他们都因为争院长和主任之位而不择手段,下场都很糟。一个中风,搞到精神错乱;另一个的家庭也受到了影响。真的,这又何必呢?我最讨厌这些权力斗争的;它好黑,好可怕。但又有好多人卷入它里面,明争暗斗地,真不了解这些人。说回重点,关欣说的其实一点也没错。幸福可以很简单,只要能做到自己所要的东西,那就是幸福了。所以即使她离开医院,不当麻醉科主任,跑到山上开诊所,去帮助需要帮助的人,这就是幸福了。有很多人,一开始他的事业时,都会有很多崇高的理想;什么造福人群啦,帮助他人等。但往往几年后就会卷入权力斗争,搞累自己,也把当初的崇高理想给忘了。有很多人是不会象戏里的怡华那么的正直,单纯,开朗,热情,坚守原则呢?人嘛,就是这样,苏怡华毕竟是个虚假的人物;事实上,有很少人工作了这么久,还是会那么地热情。所以,我们应该尽量学习怡华的开朗态度-虽然感到疲累,但却还是以那灿烂的笑容来赶走黑暗;以乐观的态度来迎接挑战。唯有这样,我们才能以热忱的心情这我们人生中的巨塔做出贡献。没想到看电视也能学到那么多东西吧?其实只要在在多做人物分析,相信我们还可以学到更多。只是要用中文来写的确是考功夫的!我足足用了一小时多来写出这篇文章;嗐,我的华文写作能力的确是退步了许多。有好多字我都把它给忘了,也有很多时后,我停顿了很久,不知道要如何表达自己。。。毕竟我已两年多没用中文来写作了。我想,我应该不会在以中文来写部落格了。除非。。。我也不知道。
Woohoo... finally exams are over... shall not dwell on it for now and shall keep my fingers cross for my results...
Hmm... don't ask me what my plans are this hols cos i'll see how things goes... but one thing for sure is the prayer for matric event and plans to meet up with old friends and chat over lunch/tea/dinner... yep... but we'll see.
Something funny happened today... as you would have guessed, it's my parents... you know how my parents will quarrel over the tinest bit of stuff... it happened almost everyday, and it happened today... in the public...
As the story goes, my mum was done with shopping for some household stuff and groceries at Pasir Panjang and was walking to the bus-stop to take a bus home when she felt a vehicle stopping beside her along the road. She stopped. To her initial delight, it was my dad. She had thought that he, upon seeing how much stuff she has to carry home, will give her a ride home... talk about rescuing a damsel in distress. But nope... he was not about to do so... instead he scolded her for buying so many unnecessary stuff and wasting money on bus to buy groceries instead of buying them from the nearby market/supermarket. In response, my mum placed her index finger to her mouth to ask my dad to tone down. Luckily for them, there wasn't anyone along the road side. If you happen to see a pair of middle-age couple along some roadside at Pasir Panjang behaving funnily, they were my parents. How childish can they be, fancy bringing their everyday quarrel to the roadside. The way my mum told me about this was even funnier. I shall ask dad for his version of the story when he's home today.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Haven't written in here in a long time...have been busy with stuff I guess... all the tests (the mid-term that never really end before today), the lab reports, tutorials... ok, I guess I'm just looking for excuses here... anyway, these few weeks had been good for me... luckily for all the friends and prayers... really, God has been providing...
Seriously, friends around me have been a true inspiration to me. The CSP people, Janice, Si Hui, Jia Hui, and a whole lot of them... without them, I really can't imagine myself surviving through this sem... have been thinking about my csp plans these few weeks; it's not only me... but many others as well; there's been many issues about it... seriously, i need to sit down and think of my academic plans some time soon.
And oh did I mention anything about the matric prayer com stuff that I'm going to get involve in? Yep... I was approached by someone, shall not mention names here, to join her... and yes, I agreed... I feel so privileged to be part of the com... I had been praying about serving for a couple of weeks after dg sometime ago... and I'm glad for this opportunity that has been presented to me... I'm not at all sure of what to do, all I'm sure is that God will make us able to serve Him. I'll continue to pray about it, and in the mean time, I'll also be praying for more such opportunitites...
And as you all know, Good Friday is this coming Friday, 6th April... As we take a rest from our hectic schedule and school and go to service, may we have a grateful heart, and appreciate God's mighty love for us, love that is so great and overwhelming that He send His Son, Christ Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so that we can be with Him. Do take some time off to ponder over that. And so, enjoy Good Friday for it is good.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Dear friends, if you have a problem with eye bags and are trying desperately to get rid of them, the below would be of help to you:
According to my mum, these are the ways to get rid of eye bags, believe it or not.
1. Get sufficient sleep (where's the time? Ok, then read on)
2. Wear specs; they can hide those eye bags. Plus, you don't have to wake up early to put on your contacts. More sleep for you.
3. Wear make-up, or at least eye shadows. (I vividly remembered my Sec 1 Chinese teacher's eye shadows...was she trying to hide something?)
4. Get those eye bags removal masks.
Im still thinking of more ways... in the mean time, if any of you have any ideas, pls tell me. With love.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Chinese New Year Visitation yesterday with the Sci crusade people... Really thank the Lord for the wonderful time of getting to know them... as I'm new to crusade, yesterday's session was really a good way of getting to know them... really had so much fun visiting people and travelling all over Singapore; ventured out of my usual central, west areas and to the east and north-east...it's knid of fun but a pity that I can't do that often... but then again, if you do that often, there won't be any fun to speak of...
And so, I met up with a lot of new people yesterday... seniors, peers, from different backgrounds, but all having the same love for the Lord and with the same passion to desire more of Christ. Wonderful people of God. So happy to have them as my brothers and sisters- in-Christ. As we travelled from one part of Singapore to the other, via MRT, bus, cab... we chatted and talked about all things under the sun... from worship, church, school, teachers and the good-old sec and jc times... there seemed to have a underlining consensus among many of us that we all miss our sec and jc school envt... (so I'm not alone...) really, there's nothing that we haven't talk about... that's how long we have spent together... and now, I feel much better abt going to sci crusade... though I miss my old dg... but now, with them around, it make things better and the transfer easier...
Visitation began yesterday at Amanda's house... we actually walked there under the hot 1pm afternoon sun from Boon Lay MRT, with me leading the way, for her place is opposite my student's old home... so, we spent so time there, playing games and eating the goodies, after which we travelled to the other end of Singapore to Eileen's place, where we made Bananna Split... oh, no, it's called the Bananna Explosion for artistic and design reasons. Then, we proceed on to Terrence's place for visitation and worship... The worship and the sharing part was the best part of the day... it reminded me of God's love for everyone and that He is always present in our midst, around us... How He is always at work in our lives simply amazes me.
I left around 7 plus to go for my tuition lesson... and thanks to Sharon, Shu'en and I managed to get a free trip to Bugis... Tuition was good too... managed to get to know the student better, in terms of her learning abilities and how she is adjusting to school... Everything is going alright for me... but I will still be prayful in everything I do. Here's a note to everyone who reads this blog, friends and relatives:
As you have realised, I always blogged about how prayer and God has been part of my life. This is so for I feel that God is really a part of my life and that prayers help and He answers them. So, if you have anything you want to pray about, feel free to drop me your prayer requests through via sms or email. I'll be happy to pray for you. [P.S: You don't have to be a Christian to drop me a prayer requests. This is for everyone out there who believe].

Friday, February 23, 2007

Woohoo...post Chinese New Year, pre- start to the school after sem-break... how should I desribe my feelings right now? I really have no idea... the past 1 week have been rather good, thank God for that... I had spent quality time with my bros, my parents... hmm, looks like CNY i a good time for family bonding... we bonded over th extra long dinner on CNY eve and the first day of CNY... plus, everyone is in good mood because of the red packets and yummy good food... That's so much for post CNY thoughts... as for pre-start to school..hmm, I don't think I'm looking forward to it afterall... all you people out there must be shocked... how can such a thing come out from my brains...hey, I know that you all thought that yours truly here would love school since I'm such a nerd right? Well, I used to look forward to going to school back in secondary school and JC... no doubt about that... ha... I love the teachers, and friends... but now, going to school is kind of different... not that I don't enjoy the company of friends or the learning... it's just that I find that uni is really for the self-motivated... there's no one there to nag at you and give you pep-talks. And you know what, I find pep-talks very encouraging and motivational though many will diagree with me... (but Irma would agree with me). And so, in uni, you need to constantly motivate yourself to keep you moving forward... if you, you may just find yourself not wanting to study and move on... and this happens to me quite often... (Huh, another shock of the day for many people out there, ha)... But seriously, I find myself struggling to keep the passion for studying alive in me... But, I must say, I'm not alone in this... I discovered recently that my brother is going through this as well... It was in one of our most random conversion that he told me this... well, actually i's not that random. It started with the concern sister who wants to care for a younger brother who's taking 'O' levels this year. It goes something like that: Sister, S (me): So, have you been studying? Brother, B (still staring at the computer screen with MSN logged on, and a couple of other windows): Huh? S: Do you know what you are in for this year?B: What? S: It's your 'O' level year... B: Oh that... I know... S: And then? B: Then what? S (obviously frustrated at his lack of concern, and partly jealous at his ability to remain so relaxed even though he's taking the 'O's this year and truly amazed by how he could still sit in front of the computer for hours): So what are your plans? B(suddenly serious): Oh, I hope to do something specialised... but I don't know what yet... S (surprised by his reply): Ok, so do you intent to go to poly or jc? B: Hmm... I just put in my best effort and then let my results decide... S (marvelled by that reply): Huh? B: I mean if I do my best and can't get into jc, then I guess I can only settle for a place in poly... but if my results will get me a place in jc, then I'll make the decision later... so, all I have to do is just to work hard... S: Ok...(so he knows he has to work hard)...so, is this how you work hard? (referring to the comp). B: But studying is so boring... I must first find some interesting things to do before doing the boring studying...and hopefully, the interest will be spread... S: Ok (what a lousy analogy, but that sounds like what I will say too). B: But seriously, do you really find studying interesting?S (another shocking remark from him): Well, (in deep thoughts) I used to a few years back... I don't think I can say so now... B: That's why I want to do something specialised and hands-on... it's more interesting for me... S: Ok, everyone has different interest... but no one can escape the studying part... B: True, but I'm not trying to escape... I'm finding the interest to study through games .. it's my tactic... S: Oh... I see... you better get down to doing your homework soon... B (nodded, engrossed in his games)... Yep, so even my little brother is looking for the motivation to study, abeilt the warped theory... But I guess there's a lot of things that I can learn from him... like learning to relax and not be so engrossed in the paper chase that I'm chasing for it blindly... at the end of the day, it's not the paper qualifications we will be concerned about... Press on people... Cheers... and have a blessed CNY.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Wow...time seems to fly (both literally and metaphorically) this semester...it's the sixth week of the semester this week... i've haven't really got the time to sit down to reflect and to organise all my work... all thanks to all the practical reports that I've to do every week... thanks so much... but speaking of labs, they are generally fun... and I stressed that not every lab sessions are fun... especially when you have to clean up and rush for another lecture at engin... oh my, I hate having to rush to catch the bus to engin... so, the impending mid-sem break is definitely welcoming... together with the Chinese New Year...all the new year goodies, fun and laughter... and some people termed CNY as the 'get-rich fast' festival... how true. I heard that one of my JC teachers/ tutors/ lecturers is going to Thailand for missionary work (I'm not sure for how many years though). Amazing isn't it. I also marvel at how God touch our hearts and inner souls to reach out, to spread the good news to others... hopefully, one day, God will use me for that purpose as well. Will be praying for that to happen and also for the missionary work that he's going to embark on. Speaking of which, I'm in the midst of switching to Science Crusade... yep, just met up with the in charge from sci... and she'll be looking for a dg slot for me...hopefully everything will be finalised by next week and i can start dg after the mid sem break... i miss my old dg group... everyone of them...all their jokes, even they're not really funny. I'm now listening to this Chinese hymn, which Si Hui recommended. It's the first Chinese hymn that I listened to... maybe not if you count the Chinese Amazing Grace... anyway, it's a nice, sweet, comforting hymn... shall attempt to look for the lyrics later. I think I better stop blogging here and prepare to go for my engin tutorial. But before that, here's wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. Enjoy yourself everyone.

Monday, January 29, 2007

This beloow quote was taken from the book A Return to Love written by Marianne Williamson.

"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?You are a child of God.Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Sunday, January 14, 2007


Ok, so here's so beautiful, pretty, funny pictures from 5th Jan... we were all kind of high that day...that day..5th Jan... i'll remember this day with my mind and heart...
Thanks guys for that wonderful day.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

School has started...just started...so all the tutorial slots are not quite confirmed... but one thing for sure, this sem is much more hectic than the last... just the practicals alone...it's twice that of last sem...imagine the number of lab reports i have to do in the coming weeks... but one good thing about the new sem is that i get to meet my friends back in school... haven't been meeting up with them during the hols... so yep... if I were to think of one good thing about the new sem, this will be it. Anyway, friends do make life easier. Much easier. They listen to do, you listen to them and we all will realise that we are actually facing the same struggles and the good thing is that you realise that you're not the only one feeling lousy about yourself... everyone (well, i expect most) struggle at some point in our life and need a listening ear, though I need more listening ears cos i like to talk to many people about my problems cos i will feel better... i talk to my mum, my dad, and recently, I started telling my bros about my emotional struggle with school... i don't know if they understand, but it's enough that they listen. Over the last few months in uni (that is from last sem), I'm more willing to share my struggles with people... I feel the release of stress after talking to people. And of course, prayers help a whole lot too. So, if anyone's feeling stress or what so ever, do talk to someone. Never be afraid to let someone know your weakness and struggles. Hope we'll all grow with all the struggles and challenges that come along.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Hello 2007. A brand new year; a brand new start; a brand beginning; it seems to be right to talk about New Year Resolutions. I don't like to set resolutions per se for myself, but I do hope to:
1. Be a better daughter to my parents
2. Be a better sister to my 2 younger (read between the lines: mischievous) brothers
3. Be a better friend to my friends
4. Be a better and more independent student in uni
5. Be a better Child of God and walk more closely with Him in my daily life.
Better is a rather vague word. But nevertheless, it serves to remind me that I should be more mature in terms of my thoughts and actions.
Hope 2007 will bring about new opportunities for growth for everyone. Have a blessed 2007 everyone.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Goodbye 2006...
2006 is coming to an end...
Beautiful memories of everything in the past year shall be fondly looked back upon from time to time as we usher in the new year.
Cherish what you have and never be afraid to try any new challenges in the new year to come for this is the only way we will grow and mature.
Have a blessed 2007.

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Results are out...well, actually, they were out a few days ago... my results are all right... I don't have the habit of publishing my results on blog, so those who want to know can sms me to ask me...anyway, i should really be thankful for the results. I remembered going for dg during the study week...and talking to the grp, evan and evon and being reminded of God's words and promises really calmed me down then. 'Do your best and God will do the rest'; in simple words, you work hard for it, and leave everything else to God. This somehow takes off the burden and stress on you. It may sound simple, but to be truely able to do your best and leave everything to God reqiures tremendous faith in Him. I have to keep reminding myself that He will provide for me in every circumstances. And at the end of the day, you'll find yourself just relying on Him more and more. I realised it in college days, and I starting to feel so more and more. So, I guess, the moral behind this is that God is good and faithful.
2006 is coming to an end. This may well be the last post of the year if I don't post any tommorrow...we'll see. Looking back, this year has been a fruitful year for me in many areas; academic, spiritual and personal growth.
Academically, I did reasonably all right. I mean, given my grades, I can safely enroll for any course in uni, that's what I mean. And in uni, I'm just beginning to learn to be independent and responsible for my own learning. Now, this, I learnt is rather hard and difficult; given that I've been spoon-fed for about 12 years. I miss those days of just opening your mouth (or rather brains) and simply learn what the teachers tell you to learn and study. Those were the days... but yes, life goes on...so, it's more adviceable to be independent in uni...and yes, there's friends around to ask for help... erm, friends.
Spiritually, it's been a big leap for me this year. I joined Campus Crusade and being in a Discipleship Group (DG) really keep me reminded of God's goodness everyday. I am becoming more reliant on His strength day to day. I used to listen to God's words everyday back in secondary and college days during morning devotions and chapel(once a week or two)...but now, there's no morning devotions and so I only have the weekly DG sessions to look forward to. But, in terms of Quiet Time(QT), I think I'm making progress.
Personally, I'm learning to manage time better and to organise my stuff better. With tuitions and studies, I think I have to plan my study time so that I don't compromise my studies and students. That, I'm still learning.
All in all, 2006 has been a fruitful year for me; a year full of learning opportunities and challenges. Hope your 2006 has been wonderful too. Best wishes and have a blessed 2007 ahead.

Monday, December 25, 2006

Christmas is here again. Aren't all of you glad? For this is the day on which Christ was born so that He may save us from our sins. I'll be looking forward to Christmas every year. Not simply because of the good food and presents. Instead, it's because of the greetings that I look forward to receiving from my friends and others around me. I love the greetings, the company of friends and family, the carols and all. But I don't really like the too much commercialisation that's accompany the economy boom. That's not what Christmas is supposed to be! Christmas is about the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. We should be in the celebratory mood not because of the presents that we receive but because Christ is here and in our hearts. This Christmas, may we all join the merry-making with Christ in our hearts. Merry Christmas and God Bless.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Went to Sentosa yesterday with who else, but the SS people; Cheryl, Angela and Lisa. In my opinion, it hasn't changed much since the last time I've been there erm some 1 or so years ago...But, something interesting to blog about this time round... yesterday's trip to Sentosa was probably the cheapest trip I had. Well, first of all, we didn't have to pay for the entrance fee cos of some connections that we had and secondly, our tickets to Underwater World were given to us (courtsey of the SS module). So, people, do choose the correct SS module if you want to enjoy yourself...And so, that explains the cost of the trip there. I guess Underwater World is the most expensive attraction in Sentosa...but if you are a marine lover, then I guess it's worth the money. Afterall, you do get to see some of the rarest marine creatures found in Singapore, SEA or probably in the world. I like Gracie the dugong the most. (Gracie, btw is a name given to the dugong not by me. My bro actually I gave it the name cos I like the name too much). Anyway, I like Gracie cos it looks so harmless, demure, docile and 'huggable'. But beside this dugong, there's many other marine creatures like the jellyfish, sharks, crabs and ...The trip to Dolphin Lagoon (complementary with the purchase of the Underwater World ticket) is also memorable. The performance put up by the 3 pink dolphins is explementary and has won the crowd's applause. They are such clever and gentle creatures. But it kind of pains me to think of the trainings that they have to undergo...I really don't know what to think of this. After Sentosa, we went to Vivocity's Food Republic for lunch...The deco of the food court was that of olden times...1920s China, similar to Food Republic Wisma. And since it's Christmas season, they have some Christmas decorations like snowflakes hanging from the ceilings which in Cheryl's opinion clash with the interior deco of the place. But the food there is quite ok. I'm not a fussy eater and so I don't think I'm in a good position to comment on the quality of food. After luch, the 4 of us went to the rooftop's wading pool and and sat there for the next few hours, though Lisa and Angela left earlier to get something...it was the most interesting part of yesterday. Yes, you've got that right. Just sitting there, taking pictures and enjoying the wind blowing against our faces. And, I must add on...I guess we really have an affinity for kids...boys especially. Cos, some boys came to our area and started splashing water among themselves and you know, soon enough, they started splashing water at us and using their baby talk to talk to us...cute! And, after Lisa and Angela left, another 2 boys came and the same thing happened, except that we understood what they were talking and got wetter. I tell you, it's all Cheryl's fault...ha...cos the boys liked me so much that they couldn't bare to splash water on me and ask me to move away...but as I'm a loyal friend, I couldn't possibly leave her behind...so I stood (or rather sat) by her and got splashed as a result...I think I'm wetter than her seriously...ha. But the feeling of the water soaking through your clothes and into your skin is kind of nice and enjoyable. I haven't had so much fun ever since many many years ago. Soon later, it started drizzling and we decided to seek shelter and continue to soak our legs inside the pool and continue talking. I'm surprised that the skin of my toes didn't get wrinkled. But last night, my legs did have the floating feeling as if I was swimming...ha. Nevertheless, it was fun just seeing how the kids had fun...it's like going back in time and searching for our beautiful childhood memories.
A note to my SS people: I love you girls! Take care and God Bless.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Some advertisment... Metamorphosis Camp- Be that Someone.

Interested? Contact me.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

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.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

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

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

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.)

Monday, November 06, 2006

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

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

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.

Friday, October 06, 2006

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.

Saturday, September 30, 2006

Thursday, September 07, 2006

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.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

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.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

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.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

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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.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

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?

Saturday, July 15, 2006

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.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

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.

Friday, June 30, 2006

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.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

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.

Friday, May 26, 2006

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,
Sec 3&4 a maths, e maths, biology and chemistry
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...

Thursday, April 13, 2006

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".

Saturday, April 01, 2006

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.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

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.

Saturday, March 11, 2006

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.

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

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.

Friday, March 03, 2006

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.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

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.

Saturday, January 21, 2006

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.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

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.

Friday, January 06, 2006

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.

Thursday, January 05, 2006

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.

Monday, January 02, 2006

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.