Run with me! *wink*

I love running!

In fact, it is a joy for me to jog around my neighbourhood, after work...whenever I am free...whenever I feel like it! Hahaha...lol *bleah*

Shape Run registration finally opens today! The day I have been waiting for all this while...

Last year I didn't manage to sign up for it as it was fully signed up for just within weeks! Hahaha...now you know our ladies do love to jog ya? *wink* ;)

This year I am aiming to join quite a few runs. And up to now, I have already signed up for 3 runs and there are 2 more runs that I am just waiting for their early bird registration. My final goal for 2008 is to join in the half marathon (21km) for the Standard Chartered Run. I have missed last year's due to my CFA exam and I am not going to let it go this year for sure. Well...at least I am exam-free this time alright? =p Hehehe...lol

I am just as excited about the run as with the increase number of my friends joining in...especially the girls in my cell group! Hahaha...cheers to my running khakis Daynia, Esther and to both Xinyi(s)! =) Hahaha...hope to see more of the girls (+ the brothers ya?) joining in...heehee...so what are you guys waiting for? =p

If anyone of you are interested to join me and my friends to run, feel free to let me know ya or help yourself to register for the events. Here are the runs that I am or planning to join:

1) Passion Run [for both men & women]

Date: 8 June 2008

Venue: East Coast Park, E2 (Angsana Green)

Category: 5km / 10km [I am joining for the 5km run as I am too late for the 10km registration...oh wells... =S]

Registration: Closed

Website: http://www.singaporepassionrun.com/

2) Shape Run [women only...the men don't get it! *bleah* =p]

Date: 20 July 2008

Venue: The Padang, St Andrew Road

Category: 5km / 10km [I am running for 10km!]

Registration: Starting on 26 Apr...which is today! :o :D :p

Website: http://www.shape.com.sg/

3) Singapore Bay Run (formerly know as Shears Bridge Run) & Army Half Marathon [singaporean guys shd be more familiar with this run...]

Date: 24 August 2008

Venue: Esplanade Drive, The Padang

Category: 6km / 10km / 21km [Join me for 10km again ya? =p]

Registration: Early bird (up till 30 Apr), Normal (1 May - 30 Jun), Final (1 Jul - 31 Jul)

Website: http://www.safra.sg/singapore_bay_run.aspx?pageid=1433

4) Great Eastern Women Run [the title says it all...hehe...lol]

Date: 26 October 2008

Category: 10km

Registration: Not open yet

Website: http://www.women10k.com/

5) Standard Chartered Run [the biggest run of the year as always!]

Date: somewhere in Dec

Category: 10km / 21km / 45km

Registration: Not open yet

Website: http://www.singaporemarathon.com/

If anyone wants to challenge themselves, there is actually another...I would say more crazy run coming up...at NIGHT...the Adidas Sundown Run! Its category is certainly not meant for the fainted hearts...hahaha...sound familiar? =p

Details are as below if you want to join...but sorry this one I am not joining you...paiseh... =)

Adidas Sundown Run [join only if you are THAT passionate about it...]

Date: 31 May 2008 (2000h or 2359h)

Venue: Changi Point

Category: 42km / 84km

Registration: Ends on 30 Apr 2008

Website: http://www.sundownmarathon.com/

So are you keen to join me? =))

Getting attached to...? =)

As reflected in everyone's birthday wishes so far, most of our visions truly flow with pastor's vision this year -- to get attached! Jason prayed for a wife, Weng prayed for a wedding before 30, Caifen wants a man in her life...and Tina a husband! =D

Even from our two cell groups, more and more people are getting attached these days: Huiling, Beng Chuan, Ren Jie & Teresa, Andy Shi, Terence & Lynn, Edward (getting married!)....so who will get attached next? =p

Hahaha...honestly I feel really shy about relationship thingy and everytime I will choose to walk away or ignore it whenever someone likes me or being rumoured to someone else...haha why me?!

Maybe I should feel honoured instead for being rumoured with someone else coz it kinda makes me feel attractive! =p BUT just don't do it too many times coz I really feel shy about it and, whether it is a rumour or not, I will want to keep a distance away from that person. And if he is a good friend of mine, I hope I won't naturally keep that distance from him also...which I start to feel myself putting a distance away from him now...

Honestly, I don't think I am rejecting anyone. I am pretty opened and truly look forward to meet the man God has planned in my life. IF eventually God points me to anyone (or even to someone I least expected), I will certainly accept him with joy in my heart for I know my heavenly father will give me nothing more but the BEST man he can find for me...amen? Hahaha...lol

Maybe right now the time has not come yet...or maybe whoever he is has not appeared and revealed his role in my life yet...hahaha...well who can tell what God has planned for us unless God decide to reveal it in our lives ya? =)

In fact, I am very looking forward to see how God wants me to meet him!

Maybe God will smile at our sillyness and shyness when we find each other.

Maybe God would probably laugh at our craziness of plucking off the flower petals counting "he loves me...he loves me not...".

Maybe God will whisper to our ears and assure us saying: "You are not dreaming. He is the man you asked from me and so here he is."

Maybe God will give us a push from behind and say "Go and tell her you love her....she is waiting to hear that!"

Or maybe God is just simply waiting with his arms wide open, waiting for not just me alone but with my partner then, to come running towards him to hug him and give thanks to him for our reunion together! =D

I don't know who he will be but I know God will come and answer my prayer one day. And in the meantime, I will want to improve myself to be the better woman God wants me to be. That is my cry for God right now...

Thank God for I have signed up for my second ministry yesterday -- First Hand. It is a group under M.S. Care in which we will do visitations to the HIV positive patients. Something I desire to do for some time and I really wish to see myself to be a blessing to them. There will be training for 5-7 weeks to equip us with the safety precautions when we come into contact with them. After all, it would be wiser for us to know how to protect ourselves too as AIDS is a disease that is still not incurable.

I am believing in God for a breakthrough in the science and technology to find a cure for AIDS.
I am believing in miracles and healing to these patients.
I am believing for myself to grow closer to Him each time I come and serve Him.

In fact, I am so surprised and delighted that my mum did not reject me for signing up in this ministry. She used to worry about me a lot whenever I come to join anything that would be deemed dangerous. And to be close to AIDS patients would have been one huge worry to her. Yet, not only did she not reject me, she actually supported me on my decision to sign up for the ministry...praise God! =D She believes it will be something meaningful to do for others and the less fortunate. If there is anything she will be worried about, it will be the emotional impact on me for taking care of them. Coz after all they will leave us sooner or later some day and they may not even look normal towards the ending of their lives......well I believe I can overcome that sadness... =)

Alright I will come to learn and grow more when my ministry starts...yeah...heehee... =p

This year is going to make a big change in my life too because I have finally signed up for a MISSION TRIP end of the year...yippee!!! =D It will last from 8-11 Dec to Skudai, somewhere in Malaysia. =p It is a desire for me to go out and experience serving in other places in God's work. I can't wait for it to come...woohoo!

At first I wanted to go for a Taipei camp but I couldn't raise enough fund in time. Indonesia is out of the question since my mum already disallow me to go. So thank God there is still Malaysia and China mission trip! Hahaha...lol

Oops I simple talk non-stop this time...hahaha...yes so anyone want to go with me? *wink* =)

End off with a passage I learn from the book The Power of Simple Prayer by Joyce Meyer:

"If God always wanted our prayers to be long and drawn out, I really believe He would have put only long, drawn-out prayers throughout the Bible. He always gives us examples, and so many of the examples of prayer in the Scripture are short and concise. The enemy is the one who tells us we need to pray for hours, and then makes us feel guilty when we don't. It is fine with God for us to pray using only a few words and for it not to take any longer than absolutely necessary. When Jesus taught about prayer during the Sermon on the Mount, He said, 'And when you pray, do not heap up phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking' (Matthew 6:7)....

Just one word spoken to Him in faith from a sincere heart can reach His heart and move His hand."

Thinking With Excellence

Thinking With Excellence

by Pastor Tan Ye Ping

2 Peter 1:5-7

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love."

7 Stages of Spiritual Development

1. Virtue
2. Knowledge
3. Self-Control
4. Perseverance
5. Godliness
6. Brotherly Kindness
7. Love

Virtue in Greek (Gk. Arete) means excellence.

What is EXCELLENCE?

Definition: Excellence is to exceed a given standard that is ordinary, average, terrible or unworthy.

#1: Excellence is to be superior in quality.

• Have a purpose in our hearts to produce quality work
• Never to compromise
• The call of God is always a call to excellence and never a call to mediocracy
• When you compromise disorder, disorder invites MORE disorders!

Song of Solomon 2:15

"Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes."

#2: Excellence is to obtain greater in quantity.

• John 15:16 says:

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."

• Be willing to pay the price for success

Psalms 126:5-6 says:

"Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

A) Demand on your HEART

Proverbs 4:23 says:

"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life."

• Having a large emotional reservoir keeps you going by overcoming the disappointments in life
• Overcomers are people with excellent attitude and positive thinking

Life is full of dirt shoveling on you, and the key is to shake off the dirt and learn to step on it and pull yourself higher to the next level.

B) Demand on your TIME

• Time management is equivalent to events management

C) Demand on your MONEY

• If God can give you vision, he will give you provision

Luke 16:11 says:

"Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?"

• Don't just live for the present, but for the future!

#3: Excellence is to transcend your job description.

Matthew 5:41

"If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."

• 1st mile is the call of duty
• 2nd mile is to go beyond the call of duty
• Love only begins after the demands of duty have been met.

Romans 13:8

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."

#4: Excellence is to outdo yourself each time.

• Customer satisfaction => Exceeds expectations

Ephesians 6:5-8

"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free."

• Setting high expectation -- Professionalism
• Going for perfectionism -- Extreminism

10 words to think with excellence

1. "Liberty" instead of "Laws". [Galatians 5:13-16]


2. "Service" instead of "Systems". [Matthew 20:25-28]


3. "Spirit-centred" instead of "Self-centred". [ Zechariah 4:6]


4. "Love" instead of "Legalism".


5. "Faith" instead of "Fear". [2 Timothy 1:6-7]


6. "Concern" instead of "Control".


7. "Devotion" instead of "Duty". [Exodus 17:2]


8. "Giving" instead of "Getting". [2 Corinthians 9:6-7]


9. "Example" instead of "Explanation". [John 13:13-15]


10. "Breakthrough" instead of "Bondage". [eg. Jesus turned water into wine]

I prayed for my friend today after I realised how much her life had been changed. I wished there were more things I could do for her.

Go girl for I know you can make it through your trials... :)

Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; Everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.

Lunch-ing @ Raffles City

Perhaps listen to a lunchtime concert? :)

Oh wells I am just happen to pass by and watch this band rehearsing for their nighttime event...lucky me ya? :P

A sneak preview for you guys...they played and sing well didn't they?KTV session @ Lucky Chinatown K-ster

I am not a big fan of KTV but I would not reject any invitation to sing too. We are most surprised that this KTV session is actually initiated by Jason who don't go there at all...but it turns out to be so so SO much FUN!!! Hahaha...lolSinging is certainly a way to relieve the stress from all the work...woohoo! :D

This is certainly a night to remember...with Mr Jason as the star of the night!

Thanks for such a wonderful time...you rocks brother...hahaha...lol

Post-Birthday celebration with Dingzhi @ Aston Katong

Their steak tastes great and the price is absolutely worth it!

(Picture: Prime Ribeye for S$12.90...very affordable for a quality steak like this!)You shouldn't miss out their soup too! :PIt is amazing that we have known each other for more than 10 years now...so old! :P

Thanks for being such a nice senior and friend through all these years...and of course this wonderful dinner and time spent at Coffee Club too! :))

Our muddy mud pie @ Coffee Club! *yummy* :D

I can't wait for your birthday celebration manz...hehehe...lol *wink*

Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous. ~ Albert Einstein

Saturday night @ TCC Milenia Walk

From left to right: Me, Chau, Xue Fang, Flo, and Bao.

Cozy cafe, cuddly cushions, cute couples...& costly coffee? =p
From left to right: Joe (Esther's bf), Andy, Dominque (Xinyi's bro's friend), Chris, Xinyi, Esther, Daynia, and Dennis

It is always wonderful to spend time with great friends around. If you asked me which day I love the best through my week, I will not hesitate to reply you: "It's Saturday!" Why?

Besides it is a day without having to go to work (well...that's not entirely true for me for these few weeks...), it is the day to go for service and to hear pastor's message for us from the Word of God! I am enjoying every bits of the sermon because they truly impact our lives and change it for the better if you use it and apply it. It feels good when you know you have found your meaning to the things you do, not for yourself but for something or someone even much great than you. I agree with Albert Einstein with what he once said: "A life lived for others is a life lived worthwhile." Do you agree? =)

Another great thing to happen on a Saturday night is to hang out with my church friends and to go out together for a dinner, and just fellowship around, sharing what had happened over the week, what we planned to do, and maybe just what's going on around us. It is the little chit-chats that help me to wonder outside my own realm of stressful thoughts about work, about relationships, and go out to take a peek at other's people lives, rejoicing about the good news that had happened to them, learning to feel and empathized for what is not appearing to be as great for the moment, or simply cracking up at some lame jokes and just laze around. Friends are Godsend angels...I have no doubt about that...hahaha...lol *smile*

My favourite quote from The Leap Years:

"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."

Albert Einstein is really one of the smartest guy ever to be seen on the earth. =)

My birthday celebrations! =D

For those whose birthdays are coming or having headaches of where or how to celebrate your special day, here's some successful ideas that might be able to help you...because I am speaking from my own experience ha! =))

So get ready and here it goes... =p

#1: Customised dinner is always the BEST!

This is my pre-birthday dinner...all cooked by myself! Heehee...lol

3 reasons to eat out:

#1: You can get lazy and need not have to wash up after cooking.

#2: Restaurants often provides you your dream settings for a meal.

#3: You can give yourself the excuse to spend on food (Note: the common words used are often "to pamper" or "to give yourself a treat").

Since everyone is talking about fairness and equality these days, here's the contradictory:

3 reasons to dine in:

#1: You have the overall control of the whole meal - the food, ambience, entertainment etc.

#2: You can get the best at home with the same amount of money you spend outside.

#3: You would not have to feel guilty for putting on that extra pound on your body.

#2: Counting down to your special day with your best friend by taking a walk around your neighbourhood together.

Birthday countdown with Yingz @ Punggol

Thank you so much dear for being there for me in the midst of your crazy busy schedule! =D

#3: Go for the lunch promotions. Bonus if they even offer birthday promotions!Birthday lunch treat on my account with Yan Fang @ Swensen FunanWe manage to catch the Executive Lunch promotion which comes with free soup, desserts and drinks for any main course or pasta ordered. Moreover since it is my special day, I got myself a free Firehouse ice-cream sudae...hooray! =D

It is more blessed to give than to receive...cheers to my ice-cream muahaha....lol

#4: Dinner with a good friend at a great restaurant with recommendations (and birthday promotions too!)that both of you have never been to .Birthday dinner with Tina @ Hog's Breath Steakhouse Cafe Vivocity

Thank you dear for the wonderful dinner treat & time we shared! =))The place is uniquely designed to look like a countryside or beach-like steakhouse...love it!

I always believe in one fact about marketing: 99% of the good restaurants will give discounts or treats on the birthdays. The only thing is they will not show it on their menu unless you ask about it. So I asked and guess what they offer -- the chocolate mud cake!

I am so happy about it because I was just telling Tina I want to order that for dessert, but considering its price and the serving size, I have no choice but to give it a miss. So when I heard it was the cafe's birthday treat to the birthday stars, I am simply dumbfounded! Woohoo! =D

Glad we are smart enough to order just one main course to share...their serving size is HUGE!My chocolate mud cake!

#5: Birthday joy and blessings in the presence of God.

My birthday celebration after our cgm @ Isaac's shopThe traditional birthday celebration procedures:

1) Singing of birthday songs;

2) Making birthday wish and blowing the candle;

3) Cutting of the birthday cake.

For a non-christian celebration, the birthday celebration normally stops here. But for birthday celebrations, what I like the best is what follows:

4) Sharing of your birthday wish and what you hope to see in your new year;

5) Being prayed for by your members and leaders for what you have just shared for God's blessing to come upon you.

This year's birthday wish:

1) To be wiser and more alert in my workplace.

2) For God's direction to where or what I should do after my contract has ended...coz sometimes too many ideas can be distracting and I wish to start preparing myself for it now.

3) For more financial blessings upon my family. :)

My birthday gift from the cell -- a pair of Haviannah slippers! =)

This is actually my 4th pair of Haviannah slippers and in fact the 2nd one blessed by others...guess you can tell how much I really love them manz...hehe...lol

#6: Treat your good friends to a nice meal together...it actually makes you feel even better! =DDinner treat @ Sakae Sushi Wheelock PlaceMy favourite mayonnaise scallops! *drool*The cheesy japanese pan-friend chicken...taste not bad too manz...lol

I love cars and it is so great to see the display of this Audi R8 along the Orchard Road!

Thank God for the wonderful birthday this year! =D

What makes you feel worse: to hate someone? Or to hate yourself for hating someone?

No title as I cannot think of anything else better to describe this feeling right now.

Why does she have to keep pushing me while I hardly can go on anymore?
Why when I try to make the effort to reconcile she has to pour cold water all over again?
Why she has to stress me to insanity and totally forgets what had just happened within minutes while I had to suffer that bitterness from her?
Can't the two of us just talk things over without her slamming the phone whenever she finish what she says or I was talking things out?
I can hardly breathe anymore!

I hate this feeling.
I know I am falling into the trap of hating her.
I don't want to hate.
The anger keeps burning in me and I know I am hating her.
Yet...I hate myself even more for hating her.

O God, pls forgive me and fill me with peace in my heart....and so I pray to you...