A Note From My Heart

New beginning~~

2009-05-10T11:44:00.002+08:00

The past months have been tough for me...like the roller coaster ride that goes up and downs so fast that you were totally caught off guard. I am really tired now...broken and tired to speak of...

I never expect much, hope of or even think of something I could get what I want...the more you wish it happens, the more depressed you become when you know it is just not meant for you...

It feels good the moment I told myself to give up...to let go of that pain and struggle...and now I know I am set free....

I don't want to know what's going on...but being so closely related I have to face it every now and then...can I really be this strong to face it all? Can I walk away and laugh it off? I am uncertain...

The level of forgiveness is the level of faith.

You still hold a place in me...

Spread Awareness, Not Prejudice

2008-11-09T16:33:00.004+08:00

AIDS is arguably the most stigmatised disease in the human history. This is possibly why a country as rich and developed as Singapore is so reluctant to support its HIV-positive patients.

It is pretty amazing to know how many people have misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. In fact, with such advancement in the modern educational system, many people are still not as willing to learn about the disease, nevertheless to admit how wrong they can become. You have to know the right information and education before coming into any prejudgements over anything that could affect the lives of another person. If you are in their shoes, how would you think you will feel when people look at you like that?

The conference is truly an eye opener for me. It is really helpful.

Fighting for the rights for the AIDS patients is not something that can be done over a short period of time. And it is not an individual effort that can manage. Everyone has to come together, and be willing to stand up and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Will this ever be successful?

Pondering upon this question, it reminded me of someone -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Quoting from one of his speeches:

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be
made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood."

His legacy has lived on.

His dream has come true.

Today, we have our first African American President of the United States.

Having the chance to come close to them this year as a volunteer, I can finally feel how precious life can be when death can be so close to you. I can understand what discrimination can really mean besides its definition in the dictionary.

It can be frustrating to see what prejudice is being done on them. Yet, it is truly this positive anger inside us that motivate us to do what we can do best for them.

Fear Not

2008-11-05T12:55:00.002+08:00

Somehow I don't want to think too much...just enjoy this moment while I can.

There is a special feeling and unspeakable joy hanging around like that.

Perhaps...well, we are still young and too early to say if there is any changes...right?

I believe it could work out...if this is meant to be...

Just one rule to stick to...and I won't give it up...not at all... =))

Feels so vulnerable...why?

2008-11-01T22:14:00.002+08:00

We finally ended the 2-days retreat at Sentosa this afternoon, dragging our feet and our heavy load back home can be quite a tedious task too.

In a way, I am glad it is over as I am tired. Tired because we had so much fun yesterday night hanging around and enjoying the sea, playing UNO till super late at night. Oh wells... =P

I am enjoying at some time. Well...not at all in some times too. Especially...when I think about what is going to happen next.

It is not that you are fear of your future...for to me it was already planned. Just...well I don't know how to describe that feeling. Uncertainty? Clueless? ...Fear...?

I just found out that my primary school classmate is going to work in my firm as permanent staff...and what's more she is going to be in the same group as me! That is if I still stay in the same group...hmmm...what a surprise huh?

I don't know how it would be like. Really. Really!

I mean...I can still remember our childhood days in YNPS...studying together, how innocent and naughty we can become in those days...and see who we have become now? COLLEAGUES!!!

HMMM...perhaps I just cannot connect work and private life together for this reason...they just don't match!!! =S

Another part of me needs to be guarded now. I don't know where I am going. I need to hold back. This is scaring me too...hahaha...lol

Oh well...my secret shall not be revealed...if not I will just have to kill you...hoohoohoo... =P

喜欢你

2008-10-23T23:21:00.002+08:00

我喜欢一个人。。。不自觉的。。。也不知道几时这种感觉来得这么强烈。。。
不应该的。。。却又好想见到他。。。为什么就是等他‘搬’了以后，我才更怀念他和我聊个不停的情景？

。。。他也喜欢我吗？
。。。还是只有我的胡乱猜测？

我好希望那答案是‘是’。。。也好希望那是‘不是’。。。
。。。这全都是因为我们应该是不可能的。。。不可以的。。。

我没有勇气去问他。

我希望他永远都是我那位特别的朋友。
因为认识了他以后，我有一种回家的感觉。。。好久没那么轻松自在了。。。

嘉葆，别想太多了。。。‘是’与‘不是’都好，你很清楚你只有一个选择：继续为他祈祷，祝福他。。。然后忘了他吧。。。

New Hot Spot -- Pacific Cafe @ VivoCity (18/10/2008)

2008-10-21T11:30:00.002+08:00

Fellowshipping at Pacific Cafe @ VivoCity has turned into our latest hot spot after service! =D Well quality time spent while enjoying our drinks...life is just so wonderful...hahaha...lol Lovely dearies -- Xinyi & Bao! Very serious business talk between the 2 IT smarties...hahaha...a place of common interest is also a place of new friendship! *wink* =) Flo is just so cute in this photo...being our new drink lady! =DD The swing is certainly one thing that attracts this bunch of childlike beauties to come back...again and again...ya? *grinz* =))

Dinner with my happy bride-to-be bestie Steph! (08/10/2008)

2008-10-21T11:03:00.013+08:00

ROM gift for Steph...all the way from Vietnam! =DWhat's the need to spend on those packets of paper shreds from the art shops when you can make your very own FOC paper shreds from your office paper shredding machine!

But the price to pay? To carefully sort out the hundreds of pinky paper strips bits by bits... =X Nice lacquer ware handmade by the Vietnamese...wish I could go back there again to buy somemore for myself...hehe...lol *bleh* The card, the gift...they are all carefully chosen by me for my bestie ROM...for my present for you will be there to represent me while I am in Phuket... =))

Finally all wrapped up and ready to go to her hands! *wink*

The happy-bride-to-be STEPH!!! She is certainly glowing with radiance from the happiness of getting married even after a long, tiring day of work! =D

Best friends forever...juz missing Yingz who can't join us...love you guys! *muackz* =D

Welcome...back...?

2008-10-14T11:20:00.005+08:00

Many wonderful trips have come and gone. Great times shared, beautiful sceneries for visual pleasure......these are more than what I would have asked for.

Yet coming back home now there is such an emptiness twisted from within. Is this the post-holiday boredom? Is it the mundaneness of my job (waiting endlessly for the transfer to take place and just counting down my days in the office)? Is it purely some kind of ups and downs feeling that I am having over my life?

I am so tired and dried up...wishing I was never back here and just indulge myself in the sun, the beach, the sand, the sea, and the fishes forever......

Phuket is lovely....2 days are not enough at all...

So many photos to filter and arrange for before I can blog about them...well stay in tune then... *wink*

F1 Grand Prix Singapore 2008! (26/09/2008)

2008-09-28T02:17:00.002+08:00

Lewis Hamilton & his McLaren Mercedez F1 racecar! Nice poster of the F1 team @ Suntec! I guess gambling is just popular leisure among Singaporeans...so wanna bet who will win the F1 race Singapore? =DModel of the F1 VillageLooks so real that you can race a mini toy racecar here too...hahaha...lolModel of the technician working on the F1 cars at the pit stand

Mini F1 race or preview??!

Hahaha...well just manage to snap this photo while the persons-in-charge are playing with the toy racecars here...looks real ya? =PEntering the F1 Village through Gate 4 @ Padang

Welcome to F1 Grand Prix Singapore! =))Two good friends with the same interests at heart! *grinz*

Tenhnician team waiting by the side for any emergency assistanceViewing F1 race from PadangI am so glad and blessed to be here...thanks dear for the tickets! *muackz* =D

F1 cars are so fast (travelling at >200km/h) that it needs skill to take their pictures...wooh...

Video of F1 cars zooming past from Padang

This cool mini satellite mobile TV control that shows the F1 race is for rental at about $100...everything in here comes with a price manz... =X

Overpass @ Gate 4Grandstand @ PadangMap of F1 Village

Due to F1 race, the skyline of Singapore becomes brighten up these few days...beautiful isn't it?Roaming around...The fountain looks exceptionally beautiful tonight...hahaha...lolFood & F1 merchandise stalls can be found everywhere in the villageF1 Singapore Official MerchandiseModel of Lewis Hamilton and his McLaren Mercedez F1 racecar...I want one too!!! =(F1 merchandise are like super branded goods that is trendy and cool to have...and perhaps a symbol of wealth to own one of them I guess as they are very much overpriced too...The sea of hot red Ferrari merchandise draws the most crowd among the other stalls Curve near the memorial statue and City HallF1 cars usually slow down a little here so you will get a better view tooLove to see them make the smooth swift... =)Ferrari -- F. Masa!Capturing more F1 carsWatching the F1 cars zoom past us is quite an enjoyment for me!Two hot babes at the F1 race! *wink* =P

So many F1 cars yet still not getting enough of them! =D

Video of F1 cars at the City Hall curveThe enthusiastic crowd waiting with their cameras to snap the best shot of their favourite racecars...how interesting to people-watch here too...hahaha...lolBao & I at the curve

Say CHEEZE! =)

Ferrari flag!!!Love this shot of us taking photos with the FERRARI FLAG!!! =D

Met a few "scary" F1 performers around -- Mr Spiddy & Miss Fly...from Singapore Flyer?? =PBao is scared to take this photo with me wor...coz she doesn't want to have nightmare later on with Miss Masquerade...muahahaha...lol

Miss Starry-Head spotted the parazzi (me) and posted for the photoshoot...THANKS! =DRow of the antique carsI love these antique cars too! =)Looking at the antique cars...I seem to be able to feel the great advancement of the world in contrast to the world fastest cars racing around here...can you feel it too? =)The narrow bridge that increase difficulty for the F1 racers stood quietly and still in the night...just for this moment... =))I have assimilated as a tourist tonight! =DThe group of technicians who spotted me taking photos of them...ooops! =PEsplanade looks stunning with the well-lit F1 trackOverlooking the F1 Village from the other sideJust love the bridge

=)Taking snapshots everywhere now before the race starts again...My artistic photo of the track...nice right? =DSingapore CBD at nightWell I love our CBD at night too! =)Concert playing at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre for the F1 crowd

Cyril Niccolat playing contemporary pop and soft rock music...nice... =)

Video of the band playing some rock music

Watching F1 race from outside Esplanade

This turn is a big challenge for the F1 racers at such a great angle!

F1 car in green, white and blue...forgot the brand but it is sponsored by Earth Dreams

Different shots of the different F1 cars

F1 car in white and red

Renault F1 cars in white, dark blue and orange...sponsored by ING...

F1 cars in blue and red...sponsored by Red Bull...

BMW F1 cars in white and navy blue...one of the most stylish and coolest cars I find here for the night...hehe...lol

Lenovo F1 cars in white and black...the most posh and stylish race for my taste! =P

F1 cars in white, red and orange

Sorry I just can't recall or figure out what brand and who sponsor this car manz...oops! =P

Ferrari F1 cars in the sybolism bright red...one of the most popular team and brand among the crowd as people would cheer or wave to them when they passed us...so coolz... =D

F. Masa is racing in the Ferrari car! =D

Saving the best for the last as McLaren is my most favourite team in the F1 match...especially with Lewis Hamilton in the group, the F1 champion who is only 23 years old and win the race in his FIRST F1 year!!! =DD

McLaren Mercedez F1 cars in silver and orange...so COOL! =D

Video of F1 cars turning at the curve near Marina Hotel

Video of a small hiccup of F. Masa during the practice round

Just be patient with the start of the clip though as I was trying to record the laser wordings shown on the top of the hotel before I realise what happened before me...geez... =))

F1 experience is truly unforgettable and great precious chance to view these world's fastest cars in action....I just love them!!! =D

You certainly need to put on the ear plugs as the sound is totally deafening! I actually thought that watching these cars zooming past us rounds after rounds would be boring and tiring...BUT it's not at all! They just look really cool and smooth as the make the quick, elegant swift turn and move in a speed of lightning on the straight road...well...it is just hard to put it in words that SHIOK (thrill) feelings unless you were there to feel it for yourself! *wink* =P

Thanks dear for the extra ticket that I am able to come and watch the race. This is really a very precious ticket to me as money can't buy them now since they were all sold out!!! I feel so so SO BLESSED!!! *muackz* =DD

Thank you Jesus for the wonderful experience! =)))

September Babies!

2008-09-27T11:16:00.001+08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Isaac, Dom & Chris Tan! =DD Little McKayla celebrating her parent's birthdays...she got to be the best birthday present for them ever ya? *so cute!* =DThe surprise, the cake, the present...everything is beautiful in His time... =)May all your birthday wishes come true...

...and may God's blessing be with you always! =D

Sneak preview of Renault's F1 racecare @ Marriot Hotel

Counting down to the F1 race is just a short while...Innovative and automated way to take photo with the racers ya? *wink* =P

Lenovo F1 racecar and racers details @ Raffles City Level 1

The F1 racecar looks totally cool and stylish in white and navy blue colour...can't wait for the race to begin! =D

The Turning Point

2008-09-24T14:42:00.007+08:00

There is a stir in my stomach right now. And the cause of it......has nothing to do with the recent milk scare.

This morning I got a surprise from F, one of the partners in my company. Never being under any of his job, I was called to see him at his office. Gosh...what have I done in the office?!!!

Was I caught for playing games and watching video in the office during the trainings?
(but EVERYONE was doing the same thing!)

Did I offend any of the clients whose job I had done in the past?
(well...very unlikely as I have never being aggressive to anyone)

Is he going to kick me out of the firm because I was not assigned for any jobs recently?
(that's should not be the reason as I was not the one who do the job planning...this is not the reason to fire me!)

Wait a minute...why am I so scare of seeing him???!
(is this some kind of guilt?)

Well, since there is no other way out, I ran to his room to see him.

F: "You are Christine?"

C: "Yes."

F: "How long have you been working in the firm?"

C: "Since last July."

F: "Oh that's very long. How come I never see you around? What jobs have
you done so far?"

C: "Erm...ya...coz I have never under your job I guess.
Erm...well...Cityneon...MI Holdings...Euromonitor..."

F: "I see. You see our company needs a balance in the two groups, Group A
& B. Right now, Group A has too many staff under it. (Silence) So
we need to relocate some of the staff to the other group. (Silence)
Your name was mentioned and I was thinking of relocating you to the other
group. (Silence) So I just want to let you know about this. You
have any comments to make?"

C: "Oh...(silence)...erm...would you know which partner I will be
under? Am I still in the Singapore team or...?"

F: "I don't know yet as it is still in the process of many decision making.
Might be RC. He handles both local and China jobs. (Silence) You have
never been on job to China? (Silence) But are you comfortable with job
in chinese or going to China?"

C: "(Nervous) I have been to China for stocktaking once last year. (Silence) Erm...still okay for me...(regretting what she just say)..."

F: "Very well then...I will tell you more about the final decision when
things are confirmed."

C: "Okay. (Leaving the room...feeling super uneasy right
now)"

Okay...let me just clear all the main points in my head -- transfer to Group B, might be assigned to China jobs -- but WHO is my partner and manager?? I don't even know who are the partners in Group B except for one, the one who everyone fears of, the rudest of all, and...gosh please I don't want to be under him!!! =X

As for local or China jobs...well...if it is for a short term (1-2 wks) I won't mind gaining some working experience in China. Yet if it is for 1 mth or more...I think I will miss my friends, my church and cell group, my home, my TV, my bed, my neighbourhood...who cares if Punggol is a place where even birds won't lay eggs! I love it here! *cry* =S

And for a moment, I feel totally NOT right. This is not myself thinking. What are all these depressing thoughts all about?!

Unwillingly, I start to think of the goodness about the change...even if it means finding a needle in the ocean...oh wells... =P

1) If I am ever assigned to China jobs, I will be given allowances. Lots of savings can be done since there aren't much chances for me to spend there anyway!

2) Even if I have to come under the worst boss in the firm, fear not for this will also be a chance to learn. Remember what Darren taught us from the Wheel of Life seminar? --> Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. ~ Albert Einstein

3) This will be good on my resume also...some overseas working experiences...yupz...

Well, let's just see this change as a chance or a turning point in my life. Whether the outcome is better or worse, I shall be the one who make it happen for myself.

Remember everything has a purpose behind...for this is certainly in God's plan for me too.

Thank you Jesus for the change...I put my trust in You always... =)

Farewell My Pink Dutch Lady!

2008-09-23T11:14:00.012+08:00

China milk scare recently has affected me too as I am left with no milk to drink after my long-time milk supplier, Dutch Lady Strawberry Milk, has been tested positive for the presence of melamine, the industrial chemical that caused nearly 53,000 children being taken to hospital after drinking the contaminated milk in China! What more traumatising to me is the fact that I actually just bought 2 bottles of the pink milk just days before the incident happened!!! =X

Just last week, I had finished 1 bottle 2 or 3 days before the news announcement and even half of the other bottle after the news because I didn't know Dutch Lady is in the contaminated list! My mum was totally shocked to find out I was still drinking it!

Well, thank God I am pretty okay right now...besides the fact that I had the usual flu which I believe the cause of it is not from the contaminated milk I drank...phew...

Yet, I guess after this incident, it will certainly take me some time to reconsider if I should go back to Dutch Lady or another brand. After all, I can only accept milk from a few brands only because of I am lactose intolerant and certain milk taste will make me want to puke. Gosh...I will miss drinking milk! =X

There are so far 4 milk products manufactured from China and imported in Singapore that are tested positive with melamine. Besides Dutch Lady Strawberry Milk, the White Rabbit Milk Candy is the other one that I ate often, especially when I was younger and during Chinese New Year season. Thankfully, I don't eat much of it other than those special occaions...

Honestly, I hope there won't be anymore products that are tested positive with melamine in Singapore. It is really scary to know that part of the daily needs of our lives are not healthy, especially you bought them home for consumption in the thinking that it is healthy and will imporve your body!

To me, after traumatised by the Dutch Lady news, waiting for the health board to announce which products contain melamine now is like waiting for a potential time bomb to explode.

Trust...is certainly something that needs a long time to build up and a second to destroy it all...

LINKS TO THE NEWS ON CHINA'S MILK SCANDAL:

Number of sick Chinese babies soars to nearly 53,000 as milk scare spreads http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/377582/1/.html

Major supermarkets recall over 15 brands of China-made food products
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/377699/1/.html

Importer of Dutch Lady brand milk destroying all milk made in China

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/377297/1/.html

WHO hits out at China over milk formula scandal

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/377447/1/.html

Ban on China milk products affecting business of small retailers

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/377665/1/.html

"White Rabbit Creamy Candy" from China also tainted with melamine
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/377459/1/.html

F1 Singapore @ Paragon

2008-09-22T10:29:00.010+08:00

F1 racecar @ Paragon!This is such a wonderful thing to take picture with one of the world fastest car...woohoo! =DF1 Grandpix craze is hitting Singapore now...especially over this coming weekends...Another glance of the coolest car...whoever drives muz also be a world-class driver manz...The technical specification of the racecar...I have little idea of what comprises of the racecar actually but the big name 'McLaren' sure can be seen everywhere...Another car lover, Bao, who is going to be an usher for the event...she is so lucky! =D

Will I ever get the chance to sit on a F1 racecar?

Hahaha...well it's good to dream so let's dream on! =p

Eye-catchy Public Art @ Raffles City

2008-09-16T15:04:00.003+08:00

The coolest public artpiece is in town...right outside Raffles City!The 2 different colour stands for you to view this interesting art piece.Caught me inside the red box? Come and I show you what you will see here......in the red box is a little girl looking sad and pathetic...

...in the blue box is a man crying out in pain...gosh...

Artist's Name:

Montoya, Isaac (born 1963, Spain. Lives and works in Spain.)

Name of the artpiece:

Fantasmas (Phantom), 2008 public art

"In this work by Isaac Montoya, a rainbow coloured portrait of a young woman screams from a large scale photograph. Layered within are two more images that are revealed once one looks through the red and blue filters.

The initial image is one taken from our consumer laden culture, familiar and trendy. The hidden images reference the tragedy present in other places around the world."

My colleague, Andrea, and I just love this cool artpiece! =D

MAF Celebration 2008! (14/09/2008)

2008-09-16T14:52:00.001+08:00

Steamboat dinner @ Flo's place

Our brothers actually help us with the preparation work...thanks to the gentlemen! =D Sumptuous steamboat dinner is ready! =) Our prawn-peeling lady -- Miss Ellouise! Steamboat is pretty a good way to get to fellowship with one another in a nice, cozy settings...

Andy Shi just can't resist playing the guitar...is this a special combined cell group meeting? =P

After dinner, we continue to laze around the house before we went for the West Coast Park to play lanterns and watch the moon...hahaha...lolYummy refreshing strawberries!

Andy Shi and Kian Hoe cutting the mooncake together...hmm...are they hinting us something? Muahaha...lol *wink*

Lanterning @ West Coast Park

Anyone wants some ice cream? =))

Gosh we are certainly one bunch of old kids who just can't resist the McDonald's ice cream cones!Is it a look of boredom or a look of tiredness on their face? *spot the extra in the background* =P

We fellowship quite some time at the Mac...basically what we do there is pretty much the similarities you can spot from the photos -- that is STONING! =D

Ooops...gotcha the scandalous picture! *blush* =P

We didn't buy any lanterns as they were sold out by the time we got to the stalls. Yet, amazingly we found in abundance of useable lanterns, some still in good shape, abandoned by their original masters after the enjoyment. So, here we have our lanterns...freely provided for! =D

Some memories of our childhood ya? =)

Me & Ellouise!

Cheers to MAF! =D

Strolling the West Coast Park with our lanterns...this is just like when we are young...some many many years ago...hehehe...lol

Kian Hoe is back perfectly at the right timing to enjoy MAF with us...woohoo! *grinz*

Looking for our favourite playground equipment to play with...and spotted more leftover sparkles sticks and lanterns...hahaha...lol

The view off the coast from the park...quite beautiful isn't it? =) Working out at the mock-skateboard equipment...let's swing high manz YEAH!!! =D

Ellouise and I found some unfinished sparkle sticks and we just play with them...and the sparks last more than 2 minutes!

The joy of the MAF celebration is written all over her face...hahaha...lol

Comical Andy lit up 2 candles in the mooncake box and pretends to be some carol singers on the streets. This is really hilarious when you watch him singing "Auld Lang Syng" like that...muahahaha...lol The highlight of the walk ended up as the burning of the lanterns. We use the mooncake box as the holder and burn the lanterns in the box. This is some kind of a darker fun manz...hehe...lol

Yet what is more amazing is that the mooncake box is very fireproof! The lanterns were burnt in the cardboard mooncake box for close to 30 minutes and yet the box is still most intact and not burnt at all...WOW...lol

Watching the lantern being burnt up can be fun...and beautiful from another angle...and solely only adults can do that. So children don't follow k? =O

Swing KPE Run! (14/09/2008)

2008-09-16T12:09:00.004+08:00

Swing KPE Run @ The new KPE Tunnel (offically open for use on 20.09.2008)This will be the very few chances where you get to walk freely on the road without being hit by cars...hehehe...lolThe crowd @ the 5km starting pointShuhui and I signed up for the 10km run which has its starting point way further up right at the entrance to the tunnel.Smile for another memorable run...a race in the tunnel! =DThe 10km starting pointOur minister Teo Chee Hian has come to grace the event as well...Masquerade performers walking on high bamboo sticks!Class 95 DJ Glenn Ong and another chinese DJ from FM 95.8 were the commentators for the run...and here the run is finally flagged off!

This is my first time running in a tunnel in Singapore...and indeed this is another meaningful event to remember... =) In the hope of breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest number people holding lanterns in the tunnel, there is an approximately 2km of the section in the tunnel that is blackout.

I thought I would be afraid of the darkness but actually it feels good somehow...especially when they have blasting music playing, disco light and laser beam show, bands performing dance and music in the blackout zone...feels like you are having some party here!!! =D Though I didn't run all the way this time round (run 5km and walk 5km), the fact is that I have finished yet another 10km...woohoo! =DD

The 10km finishers...girl power rocks ya? *wink* =D

However, the highlight of the event for the day is actually towards the end of the run.

What attracted a big crowd to stand and stare in awe is to watch almost 30 latest models of Lamborghini and Lotus, two of the world most expensive cars, zooming past us on the road to the new KPE tunnel!!!

Manz this is even more majestic than the sight of the long queue of the luxury antique cars zooming past us just minutes ago...what a feast for the eyes! *bleaming* =DD

Short video clip of the row of Lamborghini Murcielago zooming past us... *awww* =D

Timbre Night Out! (13/09/2008)

2008-09-16T09:39:00.002+08:00

Night out @ Timbre after Sat service! Cheers to another great Saturday night! =D
Service has ended but our fellowship has just begun...muahaha...lolCheck out Timbre's great promotion...I think it is totally worth it...do you agree? *wink* =)*Yummmm SENG!*Everyone wants a piece of the pizza! What is better:

1) One pint of great Erdinger beer
2) Yummillicious Timbre's signature super-thinned crusted pizza
3) Great live music performance by our local uprising band -- E.I.C.
OR
4) ALL of the above? =DD
From left to right: Daynia, Andy Shi, Dennis, and Esther!

Cheers to S41! Tonight is the 14th August on the Lunar Calendar, the day before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Well, the moon is truly getting rounder...and brighter...and prettier! Muahaha...lol

This is my cell group, members of S41...and the most funky bunch! *yeah* Hahaha...lol

Holiday!

2008-09-12T21:57:00.003+08:00

Elle, Bao and Flo is finally back from Bali on Tuesday...it's really good to see the girls in town...though they actually just went for a 4-days trip...ooops! Hahaha...lol

And looking at their pictures makes me regret that I didn't join them on the trip...coz no leave and have training on last Friday...haiz... =X

Well, never mind...I will go there next time...perhaps with a hunk ya? Muahaha...lol *wink*

Showing you some of the photos the girls took from their trip...just look at this sunset!!! *Awww* What a beautiful 'egg yolk' at dawn...mesmerizing... *hmmm*
...一切完美，只因有你... =)

The travelling bug is creeping up again and truly thank God for making this happen to me again. Coz though I missed the Bali trip...I am blessed with a family trip to Ho Chi Minh end of this month...WOOHOO! =DD

The trip was only made a few days back when my travelling friend, Chor Cheng, whom I know from my Europe trip last year, informed me about the recent Tiger Airways promotion of a S$0.04 air tickets to certain destination. So immediately I checked for the details.

What's more is that this promotion comes at such a perfect timing as my dad happened to return home end of the month. Since my whole family rarely see each other and get together ever since Dad starts working in China almost 10 years ago, our family trips or gatherings are almost impossible to happen. Thus, I take this chance and suggest to my parents......and guess what we ended up going to Ho Chi Minh for a short family holiday! YEAH!!! =D

And the best part is yet to come. I was rejected for a hotel booking as the room that we want is already fully booked. Not knowing how the situation of accomodation booking is like at Vietnam as this will be my first time there, I panicked a little. I want to make this trip relaxing for my parents as they hardly go to such a foreign place without in a group tour. I want to make it perfect for them.

Immediately, I turned to help a friend of mine who used to travel to HCM pretty often last time. All I actually asked from him is to advice me on which hotel he knows of and for recommendations and what to look out for when I choose the hotel. Yet, his reply is a nice surprise as he offers to help me book the tickets...at his corporte rate of S$60 per night! The price was absolutely attractive as the room rate for the initial hotel that rejected my booking is more than S$170! So now, with his help, I have actually saved up about S$400! WAHHH!!! =D

Honestly, I never thought I would be able to travel much this year after burning my wallet and my bank account last year over the 36-days Europe trip, a childhood dream that I have make it come true. And now looking back this year and the plans ahead, I have and will be going to 6 countries this year...in which 5 out of 6 of them are my very first time being there!

#1: WUXI

Period: 30 Dec 2007 - 1 Jan 2008

My very first overseas work trip as I went there to the client's warehouse for the year-end stock taking for our audit. I landed (for the first time too) at the Shanghai Putong International Airport, travel on the private car for another 3 hrs before reaching to the heart of Wuxi, a well-developed industrial area with many expats from Japan, Korea, and especially Singaporeans working there as well in the Wuxi-Singapore Industrial Park.

Most remembered for:

Being my FIRST overseas work trip!
Being the coldest New Year countdown I have ever been through -- at -4 Cecius degrees and strong winds blowing on the streets at night.
The yummilicious Wuxi pork rib (sweet and juicy)!
The cheapest yet delicious Korean BBQ as the last dinner for 2007.
The first time I count down to New Year Day by myself, without my usual close friends around, in a completely foreign land!
My first free trip (for air tickets and accomodation and even some of the meals and transports!) by the company! =P

#2: HONG KONG

Period: 7 - 10 March 2008

Blessings from my parents as they paid for my air tickets for me to go to reunite with them for this special occasion, catered specially for family to get together. =) I rushed right after work in the morning and head down straight to the airport to take the afternoon flight...just in time for the traditional family reunion dinner! With Shuhui coming along with me, I planned an itinerary for her and revisited Tai O Village, one of the fishing village that I have not been back here ever since I migrated to Singapore! Great memories indeed...hahaha...lol

Most remembered for:

Family reunion dinner @ airport. The word "F-A-M-I-L-Y" speaks it all... =)
Trip with Shuhui...needs to take care of my guest.
Tai O Village -- a place I have yet to return after more than 15 years...
Dongguan Ladies Street...gosh this is so SO much cheaper than the HK ladies street! =P
HK food...something I missed and will never be sick of it!
The peak, the victoria harbour,...oh I love them!

#3: TAIPEI & KAOSIUNG, TAIWAN

Period: 30 June - 10 July 2008

This is my FIRST mission trip!!! =D Helping out at 2 youths camp we organised with collaboration with the local churches there. The Taiwanese youths are truly on fire for God and everyone is totally enjoying themselves in the P&W session, the games and so eager to hear the preaching by Pastor Kong! The trip has edify my faith too as there are many encounters with God through the trip...these are experiences that I will never forget as God becomes so real to me at those moments. It is true that only if you are willing, he will show to you at the perfect timing. Gosh...I love and want more mission trips! =DD

Most remembered for:

Being my FIRST mission trip that will open me to more mission trips to come!
Many unforgettable encounters with God as I serve in all the areas where needed during the trip.
Witness the passion and feel the hunger of the Taiwanese youth for more of God's presence and His Words in their lives that moved me to reflect on my own spiritual growth, my attitude towards God, and edify me to stand firm in my faith and belief.
Being my FIRST trip to the land God has opened doors for us to go, to the food and shopping paradise, to the vibrant nightlife at the night markets, and to the friendly hospitalities of the locals...and that's all happen in Taiwan! =D

#4: HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM

Period: 28 Sep - 1 Oct 2008

A family outings overseas and out of China and HK for more than 10 years. The more busy we are, the more costly our leisure time will become for us. So this trip is very precious to me and my family. I miss my dad so much. I want to make this trip perfect for them (especially their birthdays fall at the end of Sep and at the beginning of Oct). I also want to challenge myself that I am capable of organising a great trip for my parents...I realise how tedious it can become and I feel so bad that I must have tired my friend out for the planning last year over the Europe trip...so sorry manz... =X

Can't wait for the trip because:

It is a family holiday trip!
My FIRST time to Vietnam!
My FIRST time taking Tiger Airways...if not for the promotion I probably won't take it! =P
To see the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnant Museum to experience and witness the damages and cruelty done for this Vietnam War.
To Mekong Delta (if can find the day trip there) to experience the beauty of the floating fishing market.

#5: PHUKET

Period: 10 - 12 Oct 2008

This year is special for my company is bringing us to Phuket for retreat...plus dinner and dance! =DD I have never been to Phuket and I have ALWAYS wanted to go there...for the beach, for the sun, for the sea! What's even more wonderful is that we are going to stay in the 5 star hotel -- Millenium Hotel. Nothing's going to beat such a great offer!

Can't wait for the trip because:

This is my FIRST time to Phuket!
This is my FIRST time whereby I have an oversea dinner and dance!
For the sun, for the beach, for the sand, for the sea, for the....... =)

#6: SKUDAI

Period: 8 - 10 Dec 2008

This shall be my second mission trip, the original one and only trip I have planned to go right from the beginning this year in substitution to Taiwan mission trip because of my tight budget. Yet, right before this trip I was already given so many opportunities to go overseas! 2 trips paid by company, 2 trips blessed by my parents, and only 2 trips I paid for myself! I can't wait for another chance to serve God in another place!

Can't wait for the trip because:

This is my second mission trip...another time to serve God in the mission field!
It is really great to see great revival in another place outside Singapore, to see and be part of God's work outside.
Oh I just love going on mission trips! =D

What more can I say...I AM VERY VERY BLESSED! =DD *grinz*

Welcome back! =D

2008-09-12T15:46:00.007+08:00

Somehow Flo says I look like a hamster in this picture....hmmm...do I?? =P

KTV with the babes immediately the night when they return back to Singapore from Bali...gosh I miss you guys so so much! =D

Now you see me with my specs......and now you don't! *DUH!!!*

Eh...which one I look nicer in? Or...perhaps I look great in both? Hehehe...lolDaph's birthday celebration at Darren's house...so long never see her and she changes so much!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAPH! =)

Rubber Ducky

2008-09-08T10:24:00.004+08:00

Herbal roasted duck at JB is a sensation that you would want to have once in a while... =)

This is going to be a boring and long grumpy entry as I guess I am troubled and frustrated. My only joy is totally found outside my workplace...which I don't feel right about having such feelings in me too. What is God's purpose for me in my work I am already lost in the maze. My mind is all about finding the exit now.

I have no idea why I put that title for this entry anyway.

Perhaps is because of the delicious herbal duck (but super lousy services) I ate yesterday...

Or perhaps I just wish to be a rubber ducky that keeps floating on the surface of the water.

Because the feeling I am feeling now just keep sinking and suffocating my mind to think further...

#1: Working in the office

Let's just put it this way...I am TRYING hard to work in the office. I have totally lost interest in auditing and now I am just waiting for the day I can hand in my resignation letter to the HR. It is really tough if you are stuck in a place you dislike most...and it is a place I need to face daily for 5 days every week! Try to imagine yourself in that position and you must just feel how fast the energy can be drained out from you in that way. Honestly, I am not trying to discourage anyone about work here but you really to find a job that you would enjoy...and that's just not for me now...

What's more depressing recently is that I realise how many people had quitted the job lately...especially the significant number of people who are willing to pay the penalty to terminate their contract before the 2-years term! And this is also when I realise we were all contracted on a different basis for our penalty fee. Some needs to pay 50% of the remaining total salaries that they can earn before the contract expires...while some needs to pay 3 months' salaries regardless of when you want to quit the job. Has penalty payment just become part of the companies income too? I really want to know how much a company can earn from this "other operating income"...hmmm....

Oh well, but if you have a boss like Mr Y in your office, honestly you don't need any other enemies in your life. He is just the most arrogant, rude and sarcastic person I can ever find. I just hope that one day he will understand that even being in the top managerial level doesn't entitle him to be rude and even throw files at someone else's face (fortunately not mine)! Respect needs to be built up and earn through the heart of the other person...which is never to be gained through demanding and harsh commands!

#2: Standard Chartered Marathon 2008

Troubled because I am still pondering on the thought of signing up for the Standard Chartered Marathon this year. I have missed it last year due to my CFA exam. And this year there is an uncertainty floating as I will be away for another mission trip (to Skudai) just the next day and I am not sure if I will be free on that Sunday for any preparation work.

Moreover, because of my hesitation about whether to sign up for half or full marathon, I just realised I have already passed all the early bird stages and now I am down to the normal no-discount period! Sigh... =X

Yet, what is drawing me to signing it up is that they would have a S$50 rebate if you sign up for their credit card (yes I am looking for a credit card to sign up) or opening a e$Saver account (no min balance nor deposit required anyway). That just means that if I signed up for the half-marathon, I just need to pay S$15 only! That's like the cheapest race for the longest distance I had signed up this year. Gosh...am I drawn to the run for a totally absurd reason after all??? Hmmmm......

#3: I feel slumpy

How to phrase this?

I want to sleep but I can't even when I am so tired at night.

I want to read books but I will push it away when it landed on my hands as though it is a bomb.

I want to tidy up the house but whenever I start doing it I will end up simply moving the mess from one side of the house to another.

Gosh...how lazy I am! In fact, I feel worse than that...like I am living a life in the slump?!

NO I NEED TO DISCIPLINE MYSELF!!!

I need to follow my planned schedule: to wake up in the morning to pray and jog regularly.

I need to tidy up my house before my dad's arrival end of this month!

I shall not make myself looks like a panda anymore! (Gosh the dark circles are getting more clear than ever...)

Perhaps I should start planning and saving up for my future right after Aug 2009...1 year should be good to have a new and fresh beginning. =)

#4: XXXX

Now I really need to rethink about it. And perhaps I am not ready yet...or am I? Honestly, the temptation is huge for me to sidetrack again. But I want and I am closer to God this time, I finally know what he wants to give me in this area. As I look back now, it is all the same in the past. How the devil would arrange the same arrangement whenever I run back to God. This time when I learn and decide to shift my focus on God, he appears like those stories in the dramas. But I am not going to fall for it this time. I know all I need now is to trust in His plan and also prepared myself well before I can receive that gift. For if I stay the same, the result will not change and I will not enjoy it either. I need to mature, and learn to have those qualities that I have set on him as well as on myself too...

If you believe, the things you pray for will come over time. I never know what I really want until I pray for those signs. And I believe that is the rhema for me in this area. Now looking at those 3 points, he only fits into one of them...especially not the most important basic criteria. So I will tell myself to move on and prepare my heart for the destined one. And about the others? They should just stay as small thrills in my life now...if it is yours, it will still be yours for the time to come...yeah...hehe...lol

Perhaps I just can't grumble for too long, after all these, I guess the only gift I am sure God has entrusted into my life is the positive thinking that I would have over the things in my life. I grumble now coz it makes me feel so much better. I still believe in His plan and his purpose for me. Just that sometimes we baffled for a while as we left the keys to these doors somewhere and we need to look for it to retrieve them before we can open and see what's behind those doors again...

Ray & Rachel's Wedding Dinner! (01/09/2008)

2008-09-04T20:15:00.001+08:00

Wedding Dinner of Ray & Rachel @ Orchid Country Club The Grand BallroomA new chapter of the lives of a newly wed begins tonight!A grand wedding at the grand ballroom...what a perfect picture! =DMe with my cell group member & also my ministry leader -- Andy Shi!Want a ride with us? *wink* =PSaw another ministry leader and member, Wai Sum and Wai Teng at the wedding to0...they happens to be the bride's cell group too! What a coincidence! =DDFrom left to right: Deanna, Xue Fang, Me, Baoli, Andy Shi, Andy Loh, and Justin!The lovely ladies of the night!

Left to right: Sing Yee, Me, Lynn, Xue Fang, Baoli, Rachel, Daynia, Esther, and Flo!Entering the grand ballroom at last...gosh there are more than 70 over tables for the dinner!!!Me and Ellouise, the new graduate from SOT 2008! =DMore beautiful ladies! =DDEven the table settings is well decorated...candle lights are just perfect for building up the romantic ambience...hahaha...love is in the air! *grinz* =)Our next bride-and-groom-to-be? Hahaha...lolThe extRAordinary march in!See the glow on the most beautiful woman of the wedding dinner tonight? *bleaming*The moment that the couple has been waiting for all this while...when 2 is becoming 1... The holymatrimony combines together with the dinner...so we will be their witnesses for this beautiful moments of their lives...

Thanks to Ray & Rachel, they shared their love story with us -- how they get together, their time shared, and of course how Ray proposed to Rachel (4 times in total!) -- all in the comical and romantic animation...WELL DONE!!! =DD The moment WE are waiting for...hahaha...lolThe newly wed and their parents!Here they come -- Mr & Mrs Chua! *applause* =)Hahaha...this is certainly the happiest moments of their lives...the smiles are all over their faces!It's tuck in time! *drool*Besides the wedding couple, the next highlight of the night lies on our little McKayla...and she looks so tired after attracting so much attention from us...ooops! =XEveryone loves wedding...everyone loves babies too! =)Time has passed really fast for Dom & Isaac...last year they just had their wedding and now they already have a one month old daughter!

Gosh...hmm so when do we get to see little Ray and little Rachel running around too? =PThe couple returning to the ballroom on the Club car for the toasting session!The touching moments when the couples give their thank you speech to their parents, friends and everyone in their lives..."Yum Seng" is the most cheerful time for the dinner...let's toast manz! =DMembers of S41:

(left to right) Dennis, Bro Darren, Andy Shi, Florentine, Me, Andy Loh, Lynn, and Chris Su! This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it! =)Flo, Lynn and myself!Chris Su, Lynn and me!Dennis, Esther, Me, and Daynia! Capturing the beautiful moments of our lives too!Spot the thorn among the roses! =D Wedding dinner is a time when we get to catch up with old friends...Chiobus Elle and Rachel! Long time never see Daph and Alan too...hahaha...I wonder when is their turn...hehehe...lol

Cheers to the newly wed...cheers to the cell group emerge!

Nike+ Human Race 10K! (31/08/2008)

2008-09-04T20:14:00.000+08:00

Getting ready for the Nike Run? We are! =D
Weng and I seem to blend in perfectly with our red background......and here's the non-reds! *duh??* =PMy supporters ya? Hahaha...lolWe depart from Paragon and arrive at Padang where many runners have already gathered around the area and all set to go for the run!Hailiang, Weng and I just before the run!The sea of reds!The starting point of the Nike+ Human Race 10K!The cute panda mascot! Alright...let the race begin! =)

After about 1 hour plus, I have finished my race! =DSaw Aik Hong and Boon Kiat, my DHS classmates at the carnival too! I like this picture -- JUST DO IT! *wink* =)

Finally get Weng to enter the race too...hahaha...good job bro! =D

Well...Weng is the guys I know who loves to take pictures even more so than I do! Muahaha...lol

Want to go up to the stage and sing too? Hehehe... =P

Finally meet up with Xinyi!

Well...and of course our purpose is to take pictures too...hehe...lol

We are the 10km finishers! *thumbs up*After the run, Weng and I finally meet up with the cool pool player who returns from UK for a short visit -- Mr Kian Hoe, the doctorate-to-be scientist from Cambridge! =)The two brothers will have a great time playing pool together manz...hahaha...lol

The same old pool gang is back at last! (missing Katherine...come back soon babe!) =D

Siemens Family Day! (30/08/2008)

2008-09-04T20:13:00.001+08:00

On our way to Sentosa!Neatly trimmed grass patch that looks like a turtle...how cute! =)) Finally at the Siemens Eutopia Centennial Party! Xue, Flo and her colleagues participating at the captain's ball challenge! Great fight for their first game! Nice play by Flo!Great job done by Xue too!

They actually won the first game though losing in the next round...but still good work manz! =D Fire performance is also presented at the carnival...coolz...We left early and took a stroll at the Palawan beach before returning home...nice shops at he Sound of the Sea manz...lolAnd we had not enough fun yet...so guess what we are taking the Sky Ride and the Luge Ride!This is going to be fun ya? =POverview of the coast of Sentosa...very lovely...I love heights so taking the ride is very enjoyable for me...hahaha...lolHere we go for the Luge ride!

Trying to capture the ride down the hill but I guess it is too dark and too fast...but I just love the speed and the thrill of it!

Thanks to Flo for inviting me over to join her for this carnival where the employees of Siemens can bring their friends and family members over...I am so blessed and have so much fun! =D

McKayla's 1 month's celebration! (30/08/2008)

2008-09-04T20:08:00.003+08:00

Baby McKayla is finall one month's old! =D Pretty little girl!

I still think she looks like Dom when she is sleeping and like her Dad as she has Isaac's eyes...oh well simply said she is just so lovely and beautiful! *awww* =D

The highlight of the celebration!

She is so chubby and cute!!!

McKayla: Hmm...what are the aunties and uncles doing over there?

McKayla: OMG I see so many eyes staring at me! Is there something on my face?

Sweet thought of Isaac and Dom for putting up the baby's name's pronunciation...so don't pronounce McKayla (Mer-k-le) wrongly ya? =P

Thank you to Isaac and Dom for inviting us over to their shop for the full month celebration of little McKayla!

May she grows to become a beautiful lady and a great woman of God! =D

Isaac is certainly a dad who would dote on his little girl...he even puts in much effort in preparing a powerpoint presentation for McKayla...how sweet! =DD

Smile McKayla...you are on the camera! *grin* =))

She is just so adorable that I don't want to let go! =P

Ellouise SOT Graduation! (23.08.08)

2008-08-26T21:09:00.005+08:00

Congratulations to Elle upon your graduation! =D Now we are going to witness another leader to rise up in the church...yeah...lol Flo & Ellouise!

The women of God we are looking at in this photo ya? *wink* =D

Well, up to now, almost every year from the two of our cell groups there will be someone graduating from SOT. This is just amazing to see the change in a person as he/she goes through the course and emerge out as a person who is much stronger, positive thinking and joyful.

Indeed, God works in the hearts of us so much so that the inner beauty in us will gradually shines and change the outward appearance of everyone of us if we never give up of Him.

How I wish my turn to go for SOT would just come much sooner...2010 will be the year manz...hehe...lol

So who will be going next for SOT 2009? =D

Difference between the Rich and the Poor

2008-08-26T20:48:00.002+08:00

Have you ever thinking of what you want to do when you are rich?
What you going to buy if you have unlimited money to spend?
What kind of houses would you want to live in?
What kind of lifestyle would you want to lead?
And most important of all...what kind of food would you want to eat everyday?

Jack Neo's has a movie screening that is titled "Money Not Enough 2". With the inflation rate constantly present in our society, majority of the people are just working to live. Only the blessed handfuls will have the luxury to enjoy their life in this world. Well well well...how true can this be?

Recently, I have fallen in love with strolling at the Japanese supermarket (Meidi-ya @ Liang Court Basement) ever since my discovery a month ago. The place sells 85% of Japanese products, including fresh fruits, meat and seafood imported from Japan! It is a supermarket totally cater for the Japanese residents in Singapore.

As you would know, the standard of quality for Japanese is very high. Japanese stuffs are never cheap and you will just be surprised how much the Japanese would be willing to pay for having high quality of food for their daily living...even down to the perishable food items like fruits and vegetables...

My UNBELIEVABLE discovery of imported grapes from Japan...guess how much this is??

It's S$125 for just a box of 1 kg of grapes! Manz I won't be willing to pay that price...for just grapes!

I just have to make a reflection of myself here then...what would I spend if I would have just S$125 in my hands now...

...how about a plate of chicken chop at the new SMU foodcourt? One set of chicken chop only costs S$4.50...with choice of spaghetti/rice/mash potato and coeslaw as its sides...it's totally worth it! =D

Coming to think about it...one shouldn't feel sad for not being rich then.

Just take a look at the grapes and the chicken chop! For not being so rich and having a rich lifestyle, I can buy almost 25 sets of chicken chops at SMU! The rich? Just 1 box of nicely packaged grape which you probably can finish in a very short while...is that really so enjoyable after all when you can't even taste the grape enough before it is gone? Well, I am happy with my chicken chop and I would even be happier to use the left over money to do something else! =P

I believe as long as you look on the positive side for any matters, you will find the treasure of joy in every situations you are in...even that applies to your daily meals! =D Is it a little pathetic when you spend the same amount of money for a small box of grapes (which you have no guarantee it is the best yet!) compared to an abundance of endless chicken chops (which you probably would not have to worry for starvation for the next whole week...or even months!)?

Grape or chicken chop? Think twice before making your decision...that's all that matters for the outcome. It's all YOUR choices to make...so make the wise choice! *wink* =))

Value = Social & Economic Cost / Emotional & Functional Cost? Or Vice Versa?

2008-08-25T16:52:00.003+08:00

With the increase in GST, oil price, rice cost, utilities bills, petrol price, ERP, road taxes, bus fares, MRT fares, . . . . . . how does the inflation affecting you even when your salaries stay the same? How you are going to manage your finances now will be the key to your success!

I don't believe myself to be someone with good financial management skills. Yet, the values of each individual things are priced by ourselves. I have my own pricing system too. What about yours? =)

#1: Food from the Zhu Cha Stall @ 83 Genting Lane

This is the place where I have my lunch for more than a month daily in the beginning of the year ever since I am assigned to work on Cityneon's audit...and now we are back here again to do their June audit review!

What is my value for their food here? Let's see...

1) Being greatest food so far out of the Aljunied industrial area...

2) Being a place I am not entirely sick of even though I ate here for over a month DAILY...

3) Being a stall that sells low prices of Chinese, Western and even Japanese food...

4) Being my best look forward place to go during the long work hours...

...I guess I will put an 8/10 for this place! =)

#2: Fellowship @ Ah Chiew Dessert Stall along Liang Seah Street

Last year we came here more often as our cell group was held at the building just next to the famous food street, Liang Seah Street. Ah Chiew Dessert Stall was then our most favourite supper place right after for a good time of fellowship.

This time we are back here after our service...with almost the similar group of members plus some new friends. Oh well...I miss their MANGO POMELO SAGO!!! *yummy yum yum* =D For a nostalgic person like me...this place is somewhere I will miss too....

1) For a place where I enjoy great fellowship with my church friends, my family in Christ...
2) For a place where I found the dessert from my birthplace in the heart of Singapore...
3) For a place that produces the best MANGO POMELO SAGO ever...

...you represent 9/10 for the feeling inside my heart...#3: Cell group newest member baby McKayla!

This is Isaac and Dom's new born and they brought her over during cell group on Thursday night. She has been very obedient that night as she just lay in Isaac's arm and in her sweet sleep...she is TOTALLY ADORABLE! =DD

This Saturday will be her full month's celebration...gosh how fast it is that she is already a month's old! =) Thank you Isaac and Dom for inviting us to celebrate this joy together! =D

Baby McKayla, you will certainly have our 10/10 welcome to our big family! *muackz*

#4: Hanging out at the pubs with the girls!

Well, just don't be mistaken we don't always pub...hahaha...oh well though for a while we love the Timbre so much so that they went there weekly for close to a month (and I was not there for any sessions at all....sadz.... =X)

Today we are here at Cafe Iguana throwing a small birthday celebration for Flo right after our bible studies! =D We ordered some tasty Mexican food and snacks as well as trying out their signature Mexican beer Red Iguana Lager (their house beer)...not bad at all! =D

Perhaps you will like a mug for yourself? *wink*

Most important thing is still the great fellowship with them. The casual chit-chatting, the giggling at the jokes, the serious talk over some current affair issues (is there??), and the slight preview of the questions asked in SOT, kindly made by Chau according to her past experience and the confirmation from Ellouise after she shared to us about what she did and learnt from SOT this year...

[Note: School of Theology (aka SOT) is the school I will enrol to in 2010...yeah...lol]

Well, if you ask me what I would want to bring with me if I were to die tomorrow *touchwood*, these are certainly one of the moments I want to bring along with me! (10/10!!!) =DD

Night Cycling! (16/08/2008)

2008-08-24T15:27:00.002+08:00

Night Cycling @ ECP > Changi Village > ECP

Baoli needs to learn cycling before she can join us...jiayou gal! =)Getting ready at the bicycle kiosk!

The funny trio at the bicycle kiosk who snap a shot of themselves instead of taking ours...yeah good service or.......? Hehehe...lolLet the ride begins! *wink*Pit stop #1: Bedok Jetty!

The night is still young for all of us...yeah...lolThe glitters of the ships faraway off the coast...

Thanks to night mode that we can take such a nice picture! =DPit stop #2: Changi Village Hawker CentreSupper highlight -- Changi Village Nasi Lemak! =DRecharging for the rest of the night is in the progress!We are one bunch of hungry cyclists! =DCute kitten in an unmovable position as she sleeps...hahaha...lolReady for the next round? =)Pit stop #3: Changi BeachSome are resting on the road curb...preparing for the next long ride back to ECP......while some (or just Xinyi and I) have too much energy that we need to start some exercise to waive off that sleepy bored feelings...hahaha...lolGosh sit and reach is my killer ever since back in those NAFA days! =SPit stop #4: Rest Shelter behind the Changi Airport RunwayThis smooth path is perfect for a mind-blowing speeding ride!Chris Tan with 2 fully charged Energizer bunnies behind him doing the jumping jack!Are you scared of the month of hungry ghost?? =DThe reflection of the number plate on the lamp post behind me can be quite scary though... =XEnough or not enough? =))We just had so much fun even during our breaks...hahaha...this is really fun! =DHomecoming in just a few more hours now!

Mighty feet coming together...you know who we are? =)

[Answers: Find it on my facebook!]

Pit stop #5: Pitch black jetty at the end of ECP

We rested for quite a while there as the sea breeze is strong and the view of the sea is just perfect...I think I slept for about 30 mins juz sitting on the floor like that...haha...lol

Pit stop #6: Some tables and chairs appearing out of nowhere along the track back to ECP

Final Destination: ECP McDonalds

WE MADE IT! =DD

Our reward for this overnight cycling trip:

1) Greater bonding between one another

2) Healthier and fitter bodies after a long night of exercise

3) Nice night scenes of the the sea coasts

4) Eye opening experiences of the night life in the east of Singapore

5) Taste of local delicacies -- Changi Village Nasi Lemak and the best Mac's breakfast! =DD

Happy Birthday to Flo & Esther! =D

2008-08-17T20:45:00.015+08:00

My family in Christ -- S41! =DRight after our cell group meeting we have our birthday celebration for the girls -- Flo & Esther!Happy Birthday babes! *muackz* =DDAnd the excitement of opening their birthday gifts from us...hehe...lolFlo, I wanna watch you wear that off-shoulder tee ya? Woohoo SEXY BABE! *muahaha* =P

Their presents from S41...thanks to Daynia for taking the time & wisdom to choose for them! =)

The cutest shot of Sing Ee! =DDI am just so bless to be in this family where we shared our joy, our sorrows, our dreams and our visions together as we seek to fulfill God's destiny in each of our lives... =)

08.08.08

2008-08-16T13:22:00.002+08:00

08.08.08 08:08pm -- The moment when all the Chinese have been waiting for, the moment we are finally feel the pride and glory on everyone's faces as the 19th Olympics Game is finally opened at the Beijing National Stadium...

08.08.08...what is there for me to remember for this special day? [Oh well of course besides working in the day...hehe...lol]

#1: Meeting up with Daryl and Huiling!

This great brother who had travelled together with me in Europe is finally back in the sunny island of Singapore! =D

We had a great dinner at Sugisawa, Jap restaurant along Robertson Quay [Check it out at my food blog The Food Law later ya?] We had our dessert at the chocolate shop right next to Harry's Pub where both our friends recommend...but sadly to say it was not satisfying at all!

Hmm...did we order the wrong dessert there? Oh wells... =X

#2: Midnight movie with the girls!

We went to watch the Jack Neo's new movie Money Not Enough 2 at Orchard Cineleisure as a support to the local movie industry! Hehehe...lol

From left to right: Sing Yee -- the one who is a counsellor @ MINDEF, Xue Fang, Ellouise, & Xinyi -- the one who played the saxophone! =PSupper-ing @ Billy Bomber before the show starts! =P

The candid shot of Flo and Bao...muahaha...lol

My dears in the cell group: Baoli and Florentine! =D

After watching Money Not Enough 2, I guess my money is really not enough too! Hehehe...lol

The show is about a local family where there are 3 brothers who fall into financial difficulties after they have failed in their business. They ran to their mum, without telling the others, for help in their bad times and totally forgotten about her again and again. Yet, the mother who loves her son so well, continue to give again and again in all the ways she can....even until her very last breath...

It is a story that is hilarious yet very touching. It reminds us of how often we could just take things for granted, especially take our parents for granted. And yet, do you know how much our parents love us?

I remember there is a Chinese saying: "No parent in this world would not love their children." The actress who act as the mother in the show give her jewelleries, all her money, her bank book and whatever she can find whenever her sons came to her asking for money.

She didn't ask when they need to return the amount back to her, but instead she would ask them: Is this enough? Even the very last savings she had for her survival, she gave it away. She was not rich, she needed those money on her own too. Yet, she suffered in silence and cried to herself alone. She didn't even want to let her sons know how she feel for she would worry if it would affect them. Gosh...what an agape love, an unconditional love she had for her sons!

The sons, who only thought about themselves all the time, didn't appreciate and acknowledge her of what she did for them until she was gone for good. The mum, died because she plugged out her own tube in order she could die and donate her O- blood to her granddaughter who needs the rare blood type for her surgery at that moment. You can see even with her very last breath and strength, all that is in her mind is her sons and their children. How great this love is! Do we see ourselves there in the movie?

I am not a local movie fan though. In fact, this is the 2nd local movie I ever watched in my life and the very first Jack Neo's movie. Yet this is good and I highly recommend you guys to watch it too! The story is meaningful and I cried for almost half of the show! There is a common grace here. As a christian, it reminds me of Jesus sacrifice for us. As a daughter, it reminds me of my mum's unconditional love for me despite of our totally different and clashing character and stubborness.

You can CHOOSE to deny it is there but you know by denying it with your mouth does not equal to the feeling you feel in your heart. Stop all that you do and listen...can you hear what is your heart tellling you?

I look forward to many more meaningful movies like this. So far Jack's movie has always goes with a moral behind every movie he made...and with a very good value in terms of family, friendship, and many other social issues. I can see the rising up of Singapore movie industry ya? =D

Well done Jack Neo! *thumbs up*

National Day @ Sentosa! (09/08/2008)

2008-08-16T12:58:00.001+08:00

Last 2 years I have spent my National Day at the KTV. This year we went to SENTOSA! =D

Beach volleyball, hot babes and hunks, sun tanning by the sea.....you should know how great my National Day has been! *wink* =DD

Lunch @ Koufu Sentosa Palawan Beach

They finally have food court on Sentosa...YIPPEEE to cheap and affordable food at last! =D Spirits high again back to this sunny beautiful beach! =P
Sentosa has changed so much over the past few years...getting more and more stuffs along the beach, attracting more and more people to come and enjoy this great sensation of being a Sentosa islander! =DThe beach babes for the day! =D We went to watch the animal show to show our support for our friend, Joanne, who works there.

And guess who we found there?! *shhhh* =P
The eagle is also a performer for the show...she is beautiful isn't she? =)So cool even the king of the sky will know how to bow! *grinz*Let the show begin! *wink*A monitor dragon that you can find running all over the island...juz don't mess with it manz...Sienna, the sentimental parrot! See her kissing her trainer? *awwwww* My favourite SIBERIAN HUSKY! =DDD

And at last our girl JOANNE is on the show! =DThe most amazing that I found out that day...Joanne is in charge of the big python! =O

You are really a brave girl my dear...woohoo... =D

The crew and a brave lady! =DSpot this cute little girl who, in the midst of the who, ran and squat right in front of us and started eating the chips in her hands...hahaha...she is so CUTE!The audience are allowed to go and have their pictures taken with the animals after the show has ended...so we too have some fun shots with the animals! *bleam* =)Jo, are you trying to act like your snake in your hand too? *bleh*

[Notice their mouths here...hehe...lol]Taking photo with the eagle over your head is the most heart-thumping experience you can ever have...and the hand of the trainer which keep touching the back of my head certainly increase that heartbeat even more!

Phew...I am just glad that both of us still manage to put off this with great smiles manz...
Look who we have here?

The most beautiful girl on Sentosa...the Siberian Husky! =DDShe is such a lovely dog whom everyone wants to have a shot taken with. And she is very friendly too as she would try to lick you whenever you try to give her a hug...awwww... =DHow I wish I can have one back home too! *muackz* =DChilling out @ The Beach Cafe We take a rest here while waiting for the drizzling to stop outside...I just love to hang out by the beach with the girls...yeah...lol

I think I am falling in love with this place all over again...hahaha...lol *wink*Lovely beautiful sunset

Caught another parazzi around! =PHow can we miss playing beach volleyball on the beach! =DThanks to Ellouise for bringing the ball here...I love volleyball at Sentosa! =))We played only for about an hour more and the sky is getting almost too dark for us to continue the games anymore...nvm we will come back soon anyway ya? *wink* =)We catch a glimpse of the air show performance of the National Day Parade since it is visible here. We watched the 5 fighter jets zooming pass side by side as well as how they form the heart shape in the sky...pretty cool manz...lol Dinner @ Food Republic VivoCity

The prawn mee is really good there...so go and queue up for it if you are there ya? *wink*

Finally going home!

Oh well we just feel so shag...hehe...lol The purple line girls: (left to right) Xue Fang, Sing Yee, Me, & Baoli!

KTVs! =D

2008-08-16T11:58:00.001+08:00

With the uncountable sessions of KTV recently, let me juz show you a peek at how fun it is...hahaha...lol

Well, I am just high in the spirits...hehe...lol Jason, Me & Flo! =DD
Singing and singing and singing and singing... =)) Jason the funniest guy you can ever go out with for KTV manz...hahaha...lol

TADA!Gotcha Baoli! =D

Dennis, our KTV king...woohoo! =D

Guess who is here at KTV today?It's Mei Fang! =D [with someone extra at the back...hmmm... =P]I am enjoying my KTV sessions with you guys! =)Baoli and her friend, Shu Ling!

Hehe...with him around how can our KTV session be boring at all right? =P

Cheers to a fun-filling KTV! =)

The Tabasco Saucy Elephant

2008-08-08T15:16:00.007+08:00

Cycling @ Pulau Ubin! (03/08/2008)

2008-08-08T15:14:00.001+08:00

Shu Hui's birthday celebration @ Changi Jetty!

I wonder what she is wishing for...looks a little desperate...hahaha...lolThe excitement of opening up her birthday present from our cell group......and TADA...it's a shirt! =D

Happy Birthday Shu Hui! =) Hanging around the jetty before setting off...and busy signing the birthday card with our wishes!From left to right: Daynia, Terence, Andy Loh, Birthday Girl and Deanna! =))The ride is a short short 15 minutes but everyone still looks a little sleepy...haha...lol

Thank God for the clear sky and cloudy weather! Snap or nap? =PFind this picture a little classic...it may look better in black and white...hmmm...Here we are at Ubin, the island with its original look in this advancing city!

Welcome to Pulau Ubin!Let's go WEEEEE...! =D

As Chris Su and Andy Loh being our leaders for the day, we headed to Check Jawa.We should feel like celebrities as there are so many cameras focusing on us...hehe...lolA European cottage-like visitor centre @ Check JawaWelcome to Check Jawa Visitor Centre!

Nice view of the sea for the side of the house...lalala....I find the greediest creature here! For its name is called Anemone (aka Anymoney?) =P

There are only exhibitions displayed on the shelves in the centre...S41 is here! =)Can you recall our purpose of coming here today? I think it slips my mind...hehe...lol Beauties from S41! *whistle* =DGirls, I think we should consider charging for the modelling fee for these shots hor... =P Coconut tree or men?Oh well it's us again...heehee...lolI just like looking at the sea...feel so peaceful somehow...hehe...lolOne of my favourite photos taken... =) Walking on the bridge that is leading out to the sea...It's photo taking time again! *wink* Reaching the end of the bridge...yeah...

And we saw Pualau Sokudu from afar...and it does have its own story to tell...hmm...Say cheeze!I think we have somehow sidetrack our purpose of coming to Pulau Ubin...hahaha...lolBut well...who cares! =P(singing) "Christ the solid rock we will stand..." =)Watch Tower @ Check Jawa Overview of the sea just off the coast area... Climbing up to the top of the watch tower is certainly an exercise too...hmm... *panting* =SWe are on TOP of Ubin...woohoo! =DLet me introduce you the guys (Chris Tan, Andy Loh, Chris Su, Terence).......and the girls of s41 (Sing Ee, Daynia, Florentine, Shuhui, Baoli, Deanna, and Me)!Our bikes unite!Will Sadako come out at night?This is our resting place before entering into a 'jungle trial' that is a dead-end...thanks manz...*faint* =X

Our reward after the cycling -- Pulau Ubin authentic coconut drinks! =DDEveryone is busy drinking, munching on the fresh and juicy and chewy coconut meat while our dear accountant lady helps us with the accounts of the estimation of having a lunch here......and our conclusion is we can afford a nice and affordable lunch here! =D

Good food makes one's heart merry...see all our smiling faces? =) Hmm...you can tell on the faces of the guys that the month of Hungry Ghost is just around the corner...hehehe...lolWe look strange in this photo...and who's Flo saluting to??? *shocked*...oh mine....are you thinking what I am thinking? =OWhy not next time we just say we come to Pulau Ubin to take photos? Sounds good? *grinz*Here states our agreement -- we HAVE A NICE DAY! =D All good things must come to an end...we will be back and we know it... *wink*

Andy, sorry I am not charming enough to lure the guy away from my photo wor...hahaha...lol

[Note: If you don't understand my caption here, pls refer to the comment for this photo in my facebook! =P]Waiting for our ferry...waiting for the tiredness to set in...waiting...just waiting...and waiting...

Energy level has finally lowered...everyone is resting on our boat and enjoying the seaview...
...but I am still here! Say cheeze ya? =POur cell group always like to promote on Xinyi's 写真集...of course she is our lady who successfully put off weight and look slim and pretty again! I ALSO WANT! =DGeez...how can we stay on the ferry without snapping away ya? =D

Chris Tan and Terence's candid shot on the bus...our good brothers need a rest for sure after these few days of heavy serving at FOP...I am just glad and thankful you can make it to join us today. =)

Yanning's Birthday Celebration! (30/07/2008)

2008-08-08T15:00:00.007+08:00

Happy Birthday Yanning! =)My old church friends ever since primary...gosh we are all so old now...haiz... =SOur little celebration @ Suntec NYDC

Thanks for your help dear as at that time Tina's mum was in critical condition and my handphone is totally flat.

Thank you dear for your generousity to use your phone to inform all my cell group members and at the same time praying with me there.

I really see a great change in you and I hope you will stand strong in your faith as blessed are those who make God his trust... *hugz* =))

This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it! =D

Festival of Praise Sermon Notes

2008-08-08T12:50:00.005+08:00

Festival of Praise has finally ended last week. It was the first I listened to Parachute Band performance and they are cool! =D Next year FOP dates have already been out and certainly I WILL BE THERE! =P

Rev. Mark Connor is a powerful speaker and I certainly love his humour too. Stil remember he is the guest speaker on my very first service at CHC...the presence of God is so strongly felt that day that I just know I have to come back to Him. And I am glad I am back now...yeah...hehe...lol

Anyway, just thought of sharing with you all the sermon notes for the 3 nights...in case you miss one and want to see what Rev. Mark Connor had preached...enjoy! *wink* =)

FESTIVAL OF PRAISE – DAY 1

Ingredients of a Healthy Church (01/08/2008)
By Rev. Mark Connor

Acts 9:31

“Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.”

Luke is focused on the atmosphere of the church.

Peace
Encouragement
Comfort
Fear of the Lord

#1: Peace -- Harmony / Unity

Define peace with God
Philippians 4:6-7

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Romans 12:18

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

“Go” in Greek is just means GO!

#2: Encouragement -- Edify

“Encouragement” in Greek means to “build up”.
How to encourage others:

[A] Affirm what other has already accomplished.

Look for the good in the other and speak it out!
Eg. God was praising Jesus the day he was born, that is even BEFORE he had done anything yet!

[B] Add to what is already there

We see one another’s potential.
God look at us the way we are and the person we can be.
Speak to the other person’s potential and possible future!
In Ephesians “…speak the truth in love…”
The sooner you find mistakes / weaknesses, the sooner you can correct it.

#3: Comfort

God choose to bring us THROUGH the fire (not above / below).
Holy Spirit will come only when we call.
We can draw on God’s comfort.
Eg. Call the plumber when you need to fix the spoilt tap in your house.
Can we do better than Job’s friends?
When you go through difficult times, you don’t need a theological debate.

#4: Fear of the Lord -- Reference of God / Respect to God

When you fear God, you will be more aware that He is with us all the time.
Proverbs 9:10

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Eg. Drivers will change their way of driving when they see a traffic police car nearby.
If we live with the awareness that God is with us all the time, we will make a smarter and better choice or decision in our lives.
Acts 10

**Obedience is the ultimate act of worship.**

**Most Christians are educated beyond the level of obedience. ~John Maxwell**

**Ultimately, your church reflects who you are!**

FESTIVAL OF PRAISE – DAY 2

Growing Old or Growing Up (02/08/2008)
By Rev. Mark Connor

1 Corinthians 13:11

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

Being child-like NOT childish!
Keep that child-like attitude à the quality of behavior!

**Maturity doesn’t come with age, but come with the ability to take responsibilities.**

Exodus 32:21

“And Moses said to Aaron, ‘What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?’”

Romans 14:12

“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”

“Responsible” refers to the ability to response.
God held each one of us to be responsible for our lives.
Think à what is inside your circle of control and what is outside?

**What you have control over, you have the responsibilities over them.**

**We are responsible to people NOT for people.**

#1: Mind

Our lives are shaped by our thinking.
Bring captivity to every thought.

#2: Will

Give leadership to our wills / decisions.
Realizing and recognizing what you need to be done.
Exodus 8:9-10

“And Moses said to Pharaoh, “Accept the honor of saying when I shall intercede for you, for your servants, and for your people, to destroy the frogs from you and your houses, that they may remain in the river only.”

So he said, “Tomorrow.” And he said, “Let it be according to your word, that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.”

#3: Emotions

Emotions are indicators that tell us what’s happening.
Do you replay the movies that you don’t like?
Do you replay those sad moments in your life?
You can choose to tune into positive or negative channels in your life.
Joy is a CHOICE!

#4: Physical Body

1 Corinthians 9:27

“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

Growing up is to take responsibilities and leadership of our lives (body, mind etc).

**Hurt people tends to hurt people.**

**God is calling us to be the THERMOSTATS in our world and in our local church.**

Inside the house, a thermostat is something we set that dictates the temperature in a room.
A thermometer simply tells us what the room temperature is.
People are either thermostats or thermometers.
You either gauge the temperature (thermometer) and gripe about the temperature, or you do something about it (thermostat).
Christ wants us to live in such a way that our lives would set the tone in our workplaces, in our homes, and in our neighborhoods.
Thermostats influence others for good and positively impact the social climate in which they are placed.
When we take responsibilities of our own circle and make it healthy, the area outside our circle of control will also be influenced to move to the healthier level!

FESTIVAL OF PRAISE – DAY 3

Living in the Light of Eternity (03/08/2008)
By Rev. Mark Connor

Psalms 39:4-5

“LORD, make me to know my end,
And what is the measure of my days,
That I may know how frail I am
Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths,
And my age is as nothing before You;
Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah”

James 4
No one knows how long is the length of time between your birth date and your death date.
What is it like to live your life everyday with the aspects of your eternity?
What we value and therefore affect how we make our decisions.
Where do we get our values from.
1 John 2:15-16

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world.”

Romans 12:2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Values of the World:

Entertainment à Pleasure to life (Hebrews 11:25)

“…choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin…”

2. Possession à Lust to buy (1 Timothy 6:7)

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

3. Prestige à Pride of Life (Mark 10:31)

“But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

1 John 2:17

“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

3 Things that have Eternal Values

#1: Knowing God

Not just knowing Him but to be his friend.
Spend quality time with God.
1st Commandment: Mark 12:30

“And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

This is the first commandment.”

#2: Love People

2nd Commandment: Mark 12:31

“And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

There is no other commandment greater than these.”

1 Corinthians 13:12

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”

The way you treat people matters eternity.
Jesus treats everyone with a 10.
You treat people on how much value you see in them.
Learn to treat people the way Jesus does à Put a 10 on everyone!

#3: Invest Your Time, Talents and Resources in the Works of God.

Ephesians 2:10

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

It is in serving that you will find life.
Eg. The selfish exercise: Open and close your both palms as you lay them shoulder-length apart in front of you. -- Do you realize how silly you are by putting out your hands and keep asking?
The church and God’s work is NOT a one-man show!
Be a participator and NOT the spectator.
Matthew 7

**2 Questions to ask yourself before you die:

What did you do with Jesus?
What did you do with your life?

Note: These are not salvation questions but questions for God’s reward.

12 Ways to Healthy Eating

2008-08-07T11:16:00.003+08:00

In front of my seat in the office now is a list to "12 WAYS TO HEALTHY EATING". I wonder if it is the guilt in me or if God wants me to see this to remind myself that the way to reach my dream is to have a healthy diet, let me just share with you these 12 interesting and practical ways to eating ya? *wink* =P

12 Ways to Healthy Eating

Retain original meals state of food; do not overcook. (Hmm...true true...so sashimi is the best right? =D)
Fruits before meals -- to stabilise increase of blood sugar level. (What about bananas?!)
Do not overeat; fill up tummy 70% to 80%. (Alright that means no buffets for me...sigh... =S)
Main dish eat last. (You mean the food or the plate?)
Do not eat with soup or drink, drink before or after. (Hmm I thought this actually helps to keep slim down as you will feel just so bloated and can eat less after that...hehe...*bleh*)
3 meals on time. (Lunch, dinner & supper??)
At least 3 hours apart. (With snacks in between... =))
Eat slowly, enjoy your food, chew 30 times and use both jaws. (Let's count 1, 2, 3, 4...15, 16, 17, ...29, 30!)
Dessert should not be taken after meal. -- Pancreas panic, prolduce insulin. (Oh I take them in anytime of the day...hehe...lol)
Breakfast must eat. (Break fast of course must eat!)
No to coke, coca cola -- Will make body feel need more sugar. (Juz take Pesi!)
Eat the right kinds of food, quality not quantity counts, have harmony and balance with your meal. (My translation --> Eat right no left, do inventory count so make sure both sides have the same number...and no arguing about this!)

Marvelous Cream!

2008-07-30T16:23:00.009+08:00

Marvelous Cream @ CityLink Mall

You can read more of my comment in my food blog...just click here!

Check out this brand new shop and take a look @ their official website: http://www.marvelouscream.com/ (Japanese)

They sell french ice-cream and sweet parfaits! You can customise your own favourite flavour of ice-cream too! Haha...perfect for ice-cream lovers like me ya? =P

I take the recommendation from the staff and order #10 Saison de Fruit! =)The staff is making my ice-cream right on the spot...hahaha...some entertainment ya? *wink* =)

Tada I present to you Saison de Fruit!

It is a product of strawberry and apple ice cream plus fresh cream, mixed with fresh berries, maracon and apple bites...sweet, refreshing and YUMMILICIOUS!!! *grinz* =DD

Taiwan Mission Team Meet Up! (26/07/2008)

2008-07-28T15:45:00.017+08:00

Taiwan Mission Team Meet Up @ Marche VivoCityFrom left to right: Tina, Me, Valerie, and Sharon.

Sis Angela was there @ Marche too...didn't get to see her as she arrived late and was not sitting near our group...hahaha...lol

Photo-snapping time with everyone's joyful faces!Roommates @ Chinatrust Hotel, Tamsui, Taipei

The girls acting cute ya? =PGreat friendships are created through this mission trip too...haha...lolKenneth is so nice to burn a copy of the camp video for everyone...with personalised DVD cover!

THANK YOU Kenneth and Nicole for the hard work! =D

Wish to be back serving God together again next year in the camp! *wink* =)

Happening week of July!

2008-07-28T12:25:00.020+08:00

Island Creamery @ Serene CentreThe long awaite birthday treat and ice-cream outing is finally here! =PUnique flavour of ice cream available @ Island Creamery

Wanna guess what I've got there? Mud pie & ice-cream: Puluo Hitam & Apple Pie flavours! =P

Dinner with the hall people...too bad our Timbre is fully booked for night......so we changed to a Jap restaurant @ Robertson Quay!A good jap restaurant is usually filled with the authentic Japanese customers......and we make the right choice! =D

Good price, good serving, good quality of Jap food! =))Drinks @ Wine Connection, Robertson Walk Cheers to good wine & good cheeze! Hehe...lol

First Hand Team Building @ Changi Airport

We were divided into different smaller groups and played photo hunt all round T2, T3 and Expo. We were given photo which show clues to where we should go to, and just take a photo of all the team members together with the place or item in our photos to finish!

Though our team didn't win the game but we had a great time spent too...yeah...lol

Lunch @ Shokudo + KTV afterwards

Hahaha...promised someone that I should not reveal too much about the KTV session part though...coz we had TOO much laughter and fun manz! =P

But God

2008-07-25T15:04:00.001+08:00

As I worked these days, things are getting heavier and more tired. In Luke 15, we read aobut the prodigal son who has lost his purpose in life that God has planned for him when he went away with half of his father inheritance and squandered them away.

Honestly, I dislike what I am doing at work now. I do not like audit work at all. I feel I am just like the younger son now, losing that vision of the God's plan for me, losing that purpose in my work...

Yet I do not want to show any bad attitude in my workplace. For we are called for a purpose in wherever we are and our destiny is to shine for God. Can I still shine for Him here? I am having that undesirable doubts now...but I don't want to give up...I really really want to shine for Jesus. Yet what is covering me from seeing that destiny in this work? Where am I heading to? God, I can't find your purpose here...pls show me the way...

Yesterday cell we talked about turning your negative thinking into positive thinking with just two important words -- BUT GOD.

In Acts 13:29-30,

"Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him,

they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.

But God raised Him from the dead."

In Psalms 73:26,

"My flesh and my heart fail;

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

In Psalms 49:14-15,

"Like sheep they are laid in the grave;

Death shall feed on them;

The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning;

And their beauty shall be consumed in the grave, far from their dwelling.

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave,

For He shall receive me.

Selah"

In Isaiah 17:12-13,

"Woe to the multitude of many people

Who make a noise like the roar of the seas,

And to the rushing of nations

That make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!

The nations will rush like the rushing of many waters;

But God will rebuke them and they will flee far away,

And be chased like the chaff of the mountains before the wind,

Like a rolling thing before the whirlwind."

In 2 Timothy 4:16-17,

"At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me.

May it not be charged against them.

The Lord Is Faithful

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me,

so that the message might be preached fully through me,

and that all the Gentiles might hear.

Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion."

In 1 Corinthians 10:13,

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man;

but God is faithful,

who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,

but with the temptation will also make the way of escape,

that you may be able to bear it."

In Genesis 50:20,

"But as for you, you meant evil against me;

but God meant it for good,

in order to bring it about as it is this day,

to save many people alive."

God did not promise days without pain; laughter without sorrow; sun without rain -- But God did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

I am lost in my direction; but God will light up my path.
I am depressed with my work; but God will give me peace in my heart.
I cannot find my purpose in my workplace; but God whatever you want me to do I will follow and obey.

Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 Special!

2008-07-24T15:24:00.008+08:00

Haha presenting to you here are the essence of the trip of what's happening behind the scene!

It is always great to remember the good times that have happened in your life so then you will learn to appreciate the things in our lives and treasure them... =)

This cool picture is taken by our photographer Kenneth! Nice view indeed... =))Psalm 95:1-7

"Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;

let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving

and extol him with music and song.

For the LORD is the great God,

the great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth,

and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The sea is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Come, let us bow down in worship,

let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God..."

Walking down the memory lane of Taiwan Youth Camp 2008... Do you see the new generation of Taiwanese rising up? =)

Campfire that warms up everyone's heart in this dark, cool night.Faith is to believe what you do not see;

and the reward of this faith is to see what you believe. ~ Saint Augustine WYZ's members...so many of them came for this mission trip... =)The new generation of terrorist -- JC warriors! *wink* =P

Behind the scene...behind the scoreboard...Mission @ Kaoshiung!

The mission warriors!Have you ever seen terrorists armed and charged into the hall with water guns and balloons?

Well...we are the first ones! *bleh* =D

Very very interesting signboard...hahaha...lolThis is what I called: "Work hard, play hard!" =POur Mr Manhunt of Emerge 2007 -- Edwin Ong!

He is applying exactly what Pastor Kong preached on the weekend service:

"做人爱ZAI! (要酷)"

Thanks to our usher leader, RJ (aka Roberts), for the smooth flow of human traffic for all the sessions in this camp!Lynn Choo: "Let me in! I wanna come in! Hehehe..."Lesson to learn here:

Always remember who's the key keeper...if not remember who is fit enough like Zhenyang to climb through the door window!God's joy is present with all of us always no matter how tired we can get...or cranky...

Funniest shot of DT you could possibly find...hahaha...lol

TFV (Taiwan Funniest Video) contestant #1: Carrot or whistle?

TFV contestant #2: The yummy dumplings

TFV contestant #3: Drinking competition

So pick your vote NOW! =P

“凡事都有定期，
"There is a time for everything,
天下各樣事務都有定時。
and a season for every activity under heaven.

生有時，死有時；
A time to be born and a time to die,
栽種有時，拔出所栽種的也有時；
a time to plant and a time to uproot;

殺戮有時，醫治有時；
A time to kill and a time to heal,
拆毀有時，建造有時；
a time to tear down and a time to build;

哭有時，笑有時；
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
哀慟有時，跳舞有時；
a time to mourn and a time to dance;

拋擲石頭有時，堆聚石頭有時；
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
擁抱有時，不擁抱有時；
a time to embrace and a time to refrain;

尋找有時，失落有時；
A time to search and a time to give up,
保守有時，捨棄有時；
a time to keep and a time to throw away;

撕裂有時，縫補有時；
A time to tear and a time to mend,
靜默有時，說話有時；
a time to be silent and a time to speak;

愛有時，恨有時；
A time to love and a time to hate,
戰爭有時，和平有時。”
a time for war and a time for peace."

傳道書第三章：第一至八节
Ecclesiastes 3 : 1 - 8

BS Jokes by Bro Gabriel

2008-07-24T10:08:00.003+08:00

My bible study lecturer, Bro Gariel, is a man full of humour. He always tell us jokes and stories during his bible studies which are interesting, inspiring and enjoyable. I enjoy the lessons with him and I just look so forward to every Wednesday! =D I have memorised most of his jokes and stories that he has told us so far.

Here's a few for your entertainment...enjoy! =P

Fasting for Exam

A student, who is very spiritual, believes that through God everything is possible. So he makes a decision to himself that for his exam this time, he will fast everyday for 1 month before the exam date -- that is without relying and studying his notes at all during this 1 month of intense fasting.

So he prayed and fasted as planned. When the day for his exam finally comes, he went to the exam confidently and finished the paper.

Two weeks later, he got back his result slip. He looked at the result slip and just cannot believe his eyes. His results are just very 'spiritual' too -- all were 'fasting' with the big letter 'F'!

God Knows

A boy is trying to answer a difficult question during his test. He has no clue to the right answer at all. Yet he does not want to give up. So when the time is about to stop, he scribbles this on his paper:

"I don't know the answer. But God knows."

The boy, believing that his answers would impress his Christian teacher, hand in the paper happily.

The next day, the boy gets back his test paper. As he flipped through the paper, his eyes fall on the difficult question that he was trying very hard to answer during the test. Right there next to his answer is the marker's remark that says:

"Well you have failed this paper. But God passed."

Made to Love

When God created Eve, Adam looked at Eve and he asked God: "God, why did you make Eve so beautiful?"

God looked at Adam, smiled and said: "Adam, I made her so beautiful so you would love her!"

Adam looked at Eve again, his eyes examining her up and down this time. He noticed that Eve has an hourglass figure and is indeed very sexy. So he decided to ask God: "God, why do you make Eve's figure to be so perfect?"

God smiled and said: "Adam, I made her this way so you would love her!"

But Adam is not satisfied and he asked God: "God, then why do you make Eve so dumb?"

God, thought for a moment, and said: "Adam, I made Eve so dumb so that SHE would love you!"

Wedding Toast

There was a Chinese couple having their wedding banquet at a nice hotel ballroom. According to the customs, the newly weds are expected to go around all the tables and toast to their guests. So as they were toasting, they would shout "干杯!" (pronounce as gan bei) very loudly as their spirits are high.

Among the invited guests there was an Indian man sitting at one of the tables. He was a rich man and a close friend to the couple. After the couple have toasted to about 10 tables, they finally arrived at the table where the Indian man was seated. So likewise, they bring up their glasses, and was about to toast when the Indian man suddenly stopped them and said:

"It's okay if you can't pay (干杯 gan bei) for this dinner. I will pay for you!"

Jason's baby full month celebration! (19 July)

2008-07-22T16:36:00.010+08:00

Jason's baby, Leong Deng Yun, full month's celebration!

He is so chubby, cute and he smiles so often when he is asleep...Awwww! =D

The usual red eggs for the baby's full month...hahaha...not Easter ya... =P Little baby boy Leong Deng Yun!

He looks like both mummy and daddy...how adorable... =)

My colleagues, Joyce and Dawn...everyone is so excited to hug the baby boy! =DMeng Hwa totally has the fatherly look...hahaha...lol

This month has so many new born babies!

Jaz's baby girl Cayla's full month celebration earlier this month.
My neighbour, Lester's baby boy was born when I was in Taiwan and we juz got their inivitation card to their full month celebration at Grand Menicure Hotel next Sunday afternoon.
Jason Leong's baby boy Deng Yun's full month celebration now.
And juz the day before Jason's baby celebration, my cell member Dominique juz gave birth to her baby girl Mckayla at TMC at 6.28am! Gosh 4 babies in a row...all in this rat year! =D

Well, I like what my neighbour says: "Something must have happened last year!" =P

Shape Run 2008 (20 July)

2008-07-22T16:06:00.009+08:00

Shape Run 2008 @ Padang, The Esplanade

Again there are 8,000 women runners running for the event...let the race begin! =)

My lucky number -- 1212! *wink* =D

The 10km finishers! =D

Many others could not sign up for the race in time as the response is very good. Only the 3 of us and Sing Yee from E266 manage to sign up for this year race event.

There goes another running event...next up The Singapore Bay Run! *grinz* =)

Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 > Before Camp Preparation! (30 June)

2008-07-22T10:05:00.001+08:00

FINALLY I have consolidated most of the photos we had taken during the mission trip! So now it's the SHOWTIME!!! =DDD

As I have shared earlier on how much the Taiwan mission trip has made a great impact on my walk with God, how I encounter God as I serve in the camp, I guess there will always be a part of me left back in the days of serving in this youth camp. Looking back on these photos will certainly bring me back to the past, and might even be the start of the history of a new generation of future church leaders.

Well...juz sit back and enjoy the ride ya? *wink* =))

Setting off to Taiwan!

From clockwise: Andy Loh, Benny, Me, and TinaI SEE TAIWAN!!!Since the Taoyuan International Airport is located in the suburban area, the land below are mainly farmlands, industrial areas and pieces of undeveloped flatland.

Our China Airlines flight...oh well not as bad as I would have thought from my previous experience with this airline...

Welcome to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport!The Taiwan airport is not as big as our Changi Airport though...but still rather clean and neat. =)

The immigration custom areaTaipei!On our way to our hotel, the surrounding areas from the highway are mostly still undeveloped...well looks just like China though with all the direction and signboards in Chinese.Our hotel!

The church has arranged the coach to pick us from the airport to our hotel in Tamsui. The brothers are nice and gentlemen enough to help us unload all our heavy luggages off the coach.

Nice river view from our hotel room! =DOnce we settled down our stuffs, we immediately gather again and took cab in groups of 4 to the campsite located on top of a hill at Christ's College. Tina & Me!The function hall for the P&W and preaching sessionsMy first Taiwan bento! =D

All our meals are catered in the camp. Yet Taiwan meals are not like those in Singapore where we only ate the usual veggie and meat plus rice packed in the styrofoam boxes. In Taiwan, they called these takeaways "bentos" and they can consist of a large variety like dumplings, cold noodles, japnese bentos etc.

I LOVE TAIWAN BENTOS~! =D

Taiwan Metro Map! We didn't buy the Easypay card (= EzLink), so we juz get the usual one way ticket. Yet in Taiwan, they don't use 'ticket' but a token or coin-like thing to board the train. You just need to scan the coin, like EzLink, on the machine when you enter, and insert the coin to the coin slot when you are exiting from the platform.

It's THAT simple! =) Guess where we are going that makes me so happy? =PIt's the SHILIN NIGHT MARKET! =DD Taiwan is famous for their night markets as you can find the tastiest, hottest, newest, most creative, weirdest,......hot snacks and food in this place! *drool* =D It is like a larger scale of our own pasar malam as there are stalls selling clothes, bags, shoes ets here at the night market. The difference is that the fashion here is more trendy and the quality of the clothes and accessories are generally higher too...and it's cheaper! =DMy beloved SMELLY BEANCURD! =DD

This is the food that I CANNOT afford to miss as I was a fan of smelly beancurd since young...and now I am hooked to Taiwan because of the smelly beancurd! It is just so tasty and delicious and super duper YUMMY!!! =DDD

Oh well...not everyone will like it though...my dear friend Tina dislikes it as she finds it TOO smelly...hahaha...so anyone dare to try?? =P

Taiwan bubble milk tea is GOOD! =D

I am just glad we have the time on the first night we arrived to go to the Shilin night market to walk around and enjoy all the shopping and the good food. The preparation for the camp is all ready for tomorrow. And we are all prepared to work the OT for the Lord's great work in the Taiwanese youth by then...I am just so excited! =)))

Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 > Taipei Camp 1! (1 - 4 July)

2008-07-22T10:04:00.001+08:00

Getting up for a great start of the day!

And hotel breakfast is always a good energy pack to recharge your sleepy state of mind... =PTamsui is a nice place at the far north end of Taipei......I like it here...do you? =)Lunch @ our logistic room

The Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 has begun! =D Camp 1 @ Taipei has about 700+ students, aging from 12-18 years old, participated in this camp. Gosh I feel so old when I stood among them and watched...bring me back to those days I was back in ASC camp every June for almost 10 years before I went to CHC...haiz... *shrug* 死蚂蚁 (dead ants)!

When the emcee shout "dead ants" in chinese, everyone in the hall would have to act like an ant, flinging their hands and legs upward, struggling on the ground. They did this almost at the start of all the sessions...pretty cute to see the whole hall of students doing that on the ground...hahaha...lol

Video of the ice breaker games played in the hall...死蚂蚁! =D Ice breakers @ the fieldThe students are divided into 6 different colour of houses - Blue, Red, Purple, Orange, Yellow, Green. In each house, the students are further divided into 6 smaller groups.

Since this is the first day of the camp, some ice breaker games would be a great start to get the bunch to know one another much better... =)Taiwan bento - cold noodles - for lunch! *wink* =P 蝉 (Cicada)!

Cicadas live in temperate to tropical climates where they are among the most widely recognized of all insects, mainly due to their large size and remarkable acoustic talents.

According to the Taiwanese there, the cicadas will stay in their cocoons underground, usually at the bottom of the trees, for about 13 years before they evolved into the adult cicada in the summer and live just for that summer. How precious is their summertime manz... =X

The enthusiatic students forming long queues outside the hall just before the sessions where Pastor Kong is going to preach. Gosh it is really touching to see that they are so passionate about it and hungry for God's words...this is truly amazing! =DD Balloon fighting session! The presence of God is so strong in the camp that many times everyone would fall down on their knees on the floor and sang in tears to God. This experience is juz overwhelming and so wonderful...I juz enjoy dwelling in His presence...

Right after the session on the first day is telematch, captain's ball and dodge ball. I was placed to be one of the helpers at the telematch there. Some of us, like Jeremy Kuang, would act as demonstrators so the campers can understand the games stations much well off. =) Let the telematch begin!Most hilarious station -- Melting the ice block! Guys will have to sacrifice a bit here by showing off their macho backs for the other to run in order to melt the ice.

Oh well, a cold massage in this hot weather shouldn't be too bad ya? =PSome of the Taiwanese celebrities came over to share their testimonies and to encourage the students to grow in their faith for God......and of course among them is one of our closest friend to Pastor Kong -- Liu Geng Hong & his wife, Vivian Wong! =) My lunch...erm Taiwanese sesame salad popiah?? Human Monopoly PIP (Preparation-In-Progress) The helpers! =))Don't mess with us coz we've got the guns!Nick Chor looks coolz in this picture...hahaha...lol A day of fun seems to be coming to an end... F.I.R. is here! =DDFei Er and Ah Qing came to the camp on the last night to share their testimonies with the students, as well as to encourage them to grow in their faith for God.

Well, and of course, they will perform their best songs again, "Yue Ya Wan" & "3 Wishes"! =))Each house is to perform a drama about christianity. The winning team for camp 1 actually has a part that imitates Pastor Kong giving altar call during one of his services. The way they try to imitate his accent and the process is super hilarious manz...hahaha...lol

It's CAMPFIRE time! =DEveryone is dancing and enjoying every moment of the campfire as it marks the closing end of the camp...how fast the time has passed by...But the least they would expect is that this camp is not ended yet...for the Terorrist Attack!The Night Mission begins in 5...4...3...2..1!The main purpose of this night mission game is actually to let them know the real situation of being christians in some places where they would face oppression and trials and christianity gathering is deemed to be illegal.

Yet, we know our God is real and alive and we know our paths with him shall not always be smooth sailing. So this game is to build their faith and to train their character when they face such situations.

Some students are really frightened while some really show their brave side in defending for their friends here too...thumbs up for them... =)

The big camp photo! =)

It is time to say goodbye...and hopefully see you next year! =)

From back row clockwise: Valerie, Yu Fen, Charlene, Pastor Ariel, and Me!

The Singapore Mission Team with Pastor Kong!

[Note: I am standing right next to Pastor Kong and he is so tall! =DD]

Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 > Kaoshiung Camp 2! (4 - 7 July)

2008-07-22T10:03:00.000+08:00

Taipei Train Station! All of us took the HSR (High Speed Railway) to Kaoshiung from Taipei.The babes!The journey took only about 90 minutes to travel from the north to the south of Taiwan island. Here we are @ Kaoshiung! =DThe best hotel we could stay in this mission trip. All thanks to the blessings from one of the Taiwan pastor who have connection with the owner of this hotel that they gave us more than 50% discount on our room rate...HURRAY! =DDSee what I mean as the best hotel?? =)) Waiting for our room keys to be distributed to us at the lobby.My 5-star hotel room! =DThe lunch bento in Kaoshiung is slightly different than those we ate back in Taipei, consists of mainly bread, rice dumplings and a packet of drink.The hotel is just newly renovated so that make things even more comfortable and beautiful to us who would be all weary at the end of the day and very in need of a nice, soft confortable bed... =POur hotel building! Our hotel is located right next to the railway of the HSR. You will get to see the train sped by us most of the time as we would be held at the traffic junction for the train to cross first... =)On our way up to the mountain!The school where the camp is held is located right on top of the Guanyin Shan. So there will be coach catered for us to go there this time as the journey will take about 30 minutes to get there. Private estates up on the hill are beautiful! Here we are @ Yi Shou University!This is an international school compound and newly renovated too...everything looks so perfect!A huge swimming pool! =)View of the hall right before the storm The hall where the sessions are held...nice hor? =P

The hardworking chorus board ministry helpers working their heads off here...evident by the numerous water bottles on their desk...hahaha...lolA great revival is in the progress!The games are repeated here from the first camp. It will be easier for us to know what to do too since we have gone through it once... =)Our handsome game demonstrator -- Edwin Ong! =DD Students are still very enthusiatic about the telematch. We even saw a group praying right before the game starts!

The telematch helpers!Sunset is as lovely here in Kaoshiung as it is back in Tamsui... =)

Since there is time for us, some of us went to the nearby night market near our hotel. But take my advice: Never to trust walking to the night market when the Taiwanese told you the place is very near...the distance might not be as short as what you could have imagined...

Ruifang Night Market!

Some of them ordered the teppanyaki steak noodles...it tastes as good as it looks...lol

The cafes are all closed now during the holidays...this place is just so cozy... =))Preparation before the start of the Human Monopoly. Since some of the games are changed, we volunteered to be the testers for the new game.

Dodge ball!

The 'suffering' at the jail...hehehe... =P

Video of Human Monopoly game...guess which part of the monopoly is this?

Hahaha...yes it is the jail (aka tekan station)! =PCampfire again! Campfire at Kaoshiung is much more marvellous as there is fireworks display here...so spectacular... *wahhh* =D

Video of the spectacular fireworks!

Cute act from Val before the night mission.Evening view of the Lotus Pond from our hotel. Last day for the camp...last day for this Taiwan mission...

Students fill the hall as soon as the doors to the hall are opened.

The scoreboard helpers!

After these days of games and sessions, the students have built bonds and relationships with one another. Cameras were clicking everywhere in this place on this last day, leaving behind the footprints on their own individual memory lanes...

Me, Tina and Andy!Taking pictures with the Taiwan helpers we juz got to know...hope we will see one another again next year! *wink* =)

S41 Taiwan Mission Team!

DTZ!

The Singapore-Taiwan Mission Team!Erm...Edwin as our new host for the Harvest Highlights?? One last look at the school campus...will be back someday... =)

Having fun around...

Scooby!

He always roam around the hall and there are even times he took the lift and almost attended one of our sessions with Pastor Kong! Well he is a cute dog after all...Goodbye Scooby! =)

Mass photo taking again! Hahaha...see you guys next year! *wink* =)

Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 > Camp Aftermath! (7 July)

2008-07-22T10:02:00.001+08:00

Setting off from the school after the camp...the big guava is still there...hehehe...lol Finally taking a better look at Kaoshiung...On the FREEway! =DFinally we are approaching our destination... ...the 3-in-1 mega mall, DREAM CITY! Dream City -- dream for the shopacholics ya? =PLunch @ Chinatown While the rest of the group went to a Japanese restaurant for buffet, the 3 of us wants to try out something closer to the local cuisines.Beef soup wanton!

The soup is really really delicious...hahaha...lolLooking out from the shopping mall...nice view... =)You can probably spend a very long time shopping in this giant shopping mall. Each mall seems to have a specific target group of customers too -- high-income, youngsters, family etc...

Shop, shop, SHOP! =P你够坏吗? =PHello Kitty cookies from Hoikkaido! =DDThe Ferris Wheel! The most amazing thing about this ferris wheel is that each carriage are painted with hello kitty or the saniro friends (aka XO, melody etc)...KAWAII neh! =DFinding our childhood memories...hahaha...lolWe took cab back to the hotel to wait for the coach to come and pick us up to the train station......some were resting on the sofas at the lobby, some chit-chatting around... ...and some even provide free entertainment for all us by playing a sweet melody with the grand piano there...nice play Edwin! =D Here I am @ HSR Zuoying Station!We bought the cheaper free seating tickets back to Taipei...taking the 6pm train... =)Now then I realised that next year The World Games is going to be held here at Kaoshiung!Sitting by the window and enjoying the sceneries of the stretch of Taiwan from south back to the north. Most of these places are farms and industrial areas...so peaceful... =)

By some miscommunication, Tina was the only one who accidentally hope on the 30 minutes earlier train back to Taipei. The door closed immediately after she board the earlier train. We will meet her there then...Back to Taipei Train Station!Dinner of hotstone bbq and steamboat buffet!

This dinner is actually a treat from Pastor Ku for the Singapore mission team for helping out in the last two camps. It is such a wonderful blessing for us manz...thank you pastor! =DD

Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 > The Taipei Tour! (8 - 9 July: Taipei 101, Wufenpu, Shilin Night Market)

2008-07-22T10:01:00.001+08:00

Breakfast @ Rainbow Hotel, Taipei XimendingWe extended our stay for just one more day so we can tour around Taipei!Taipei 101!We took the train to the Taipei City Hall where all the government buildings, hotels and big shopping malls are located. This is such a well-developed place indeed! =))Me & Taipei 101!New York New York!New York New York is the shopping mall famous for the electronic gadgets!Still wants to go to New York? =PWalking to our main destination...Taipei 101...The closer you get, the harder you get to see the full view of the world's tallest building.Taipei 101 shopping mallHere's the place where all the world most renown brands gather: LV, Gucci, Chanel, CD, Prata, DeBree, Tiffany & Co etc....Can you still see Taipei 101 from the window?Reminds me of Paragon back in Singapore...The circle that shows the direction to the various countries in the world.I found Singapore! =DLunch @ Jason's Market Place!See my trophies from the supermarket? =PIt's WAGYU beef! =DD

This high quality beef is very expensive in Singapore too as the fats on the meat are evenly distributed. This small plate of beef already cost us S$30 for just about 200g! =X

Well, it is all worth it still...hehehe...lol *grinz*...juz look at my expression and you will know the answer...hahaha...lol *bleh*Taipei Sovenir Shop...my postcards! =DDGet to know that the salegirl here is from New Life Church and she couldn't participate in the camp because of her work. Well, just glad that God arranged this chance for us to meet too as we get to shared about the camp to her...what a pleasure! =DWalking out of Taipei 101...the icon of Taipei......remind you again that this is the world's TALLEST building!The familiar LOVE icon! =)L-O-V-E = LOVE! =DD Our shadows! =P
The art structure built in memory of those who have contributed to the construction of the Taipei 101...a very big and historical project indeed... =)A project to build the world's tallest building certainly involves many people...and even claiming lives of a number of them...Of course some of the highest leaders of Taiwan will be involved too... =)View of Taipei 101 from World Trade Centre!The flags of the different countries in the world...sadly to say Singapore flag is not around... =SOn our way back to the train station...Wanna play a chess game with us? =)One last look at Taipei 101 before heading off to Wufenpu for a round of shopping...hahaha...lolDinner @ Wufenpu...trying out the Taiwan braised meat rice...yummy! =)Back to Shilin Night Market for supper!Andy & Tina can't wait to get their hands on the famous Taiwan XXL crispy chicken chop!Hot snacks in Taiwan are really hard to resist manz... =P My most desired Mango Shaved Ice!

Breakfast @ Dunkin' DonutsWe waited for the shop open just to try their donuts...hahaha...lolThe vibrating alarm that alerts you when your order is ready for collection...innovative rite? =)My bagel! =DBack to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport...we took a bus here...Exhaustion from the camp is sinking in on everyone's face...Walking and shopping around the transit area for any sovenirs we might have left out.Our CI flight!Boading AreaWaiting and enjoying our time at the boarding area...almost fell asleep on the sofas around...The weather is perfect for taking off...thank God for this good weather! =DGoodbye Taipei!See me waving goodbye to the green patches below? =)

Going up into the clouds now...Still can see Taiwan from above... ...and the coastline of Taiwan...

...fading away at last...

I love staring out the airplane and look at the blue sea below. It always feel so good and relax at the sight of it...hehe...lol

I want to go back for the youth camp again next year.

Pray for me that my wish could come true. =)

Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 -- Praise & Worship Songs Lyrics

2008-07-16T00:22:00.009+08:00

The Indonesia worship songs are making quite a great influence these days over CHC, or probably christians outside Indonesia. I was listening to the True Worshippers CD that I bought from the Attributes Private Sale on last Sat and I just love all their songs! Many of them had even been translated into english and chinese! I even recognised quite a number of the songs were actually sung during the Taiwan Youth Camp! Their songs truly rocks! =D

So here's just a few songs that I have fallen in love with during the camp. They were sung in English during our service but I guess I still prefer the Chinese lyrics...for the time being. =P

Hahaha...enjoy! *wink* =)

PS: You can search the guitar chords at the forum from http://www.guitar4christ.com/ using the Indonesia song title...truly great songs for quiet time! =DD

Dalamnya KasihMu Bapa

我何等愛你阿爸天父
你無條件為我付出
犧牲愛子叫我得贖
你愛充滿我

主你寶血為我而流
洗淨我罪給我自由
你的愛是何等偉大
喔主耶穌

一生要讚美
我美好救主
你的愛是我生命全部
一生要敬拜
我親愛天父
你無條件的愛
讓我心得滿足

Walau Seribu Rebah
[Listen audio @ http://www.imeem.com/jkiagape/music/6XkN-jBr/walau_seribu_rebah/]

我从来不曾怀疑过 Mercies that rise with the new morn
到底你有多么爱我 Set me apart as a new born
我生命里的每一分钟 Each moment I live, by faith I believe
都有你看顾着我 With You I'm never alone

有的时候黑暗临到 Darkness may come, trials seem so long
有的时候巨浪狂风 You are the light I depend on
我心依然满有平安 Through valleys and storms, Your word keeps me strong
因为有你看顾着我 My shelter, refuge and song
我的主 I trust in You

不管前面道路有多困苦 Everyday I live ,I know You are my God
耶稣你永远是我的帮助 I lift my face and look to you my God
只要有你在我身边永远都看顾 Even when the mountains tremble, And a thousand fall
我必能一路永跟随我的主 I will stand with You, My Jesus, Take my all

Hati Hamba (Servant's Heart)

我永远不会忘记 Standing in awe of Your grace
主你那丰富恩典 Setting my feet in Your ways
如今我在天父怀中 Entering into Your presence
因为你舍下自己 To behold You face to face

你不看我的过去 God of all heaven and earth
只是完全接纳我 Holding me in Your embrace
主你的爱何等伟大 Unfailing love that surrounds me
我的心完全融化 Oh God I stand amazed

我亲爱救主 My Jesus, My Lord
我心何等感谢 You're the love of my life
你单单在意 Wherever You go
我这爱你的心 Wanna be by Your side
我愿一生 No longer I
追求跟随我主 But Christ living in me
谦卑为你服事这世界 Serving You for all eternity

我亲爱救主 My eyes set on You
我要一生敬拜 In this race that I run
在我生命中 No longer my ways
你是唯一的爱 Let Your will be done
毫无保留 Make me a servant
我愿献上所有 My heart's ever true
何等渴慕能为你而活 Clinging to the cross, I'll follow You
耶稣我主 I'll follow You

Ku Kan Terbang (I Will Fly)
[Watch video @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v80Efwnfeog]

主祢的话语 YOUR WORD IN MY LIFE
是我脚前的灯 IS A LAMP ONTO MY FEET
祢应许 AND YOUR LOVE
照亮我未来所有道路 SHINING BRIGHTER DEEP INTO MY HEART

主祢的真理 YOUR TRUTH IN MY LIFE
引导我的脚步 BRINGS ME CLOSER TO YOUR STRENGTH
当我全心等候 I WILL GIVE YOU PRAISE
主必叫我得力量 WITH ALL OF MY HEART I WILL SING

I will fly high AND I WILL FLY
尽情地遨翔 HIGH ABOVE THE CLOUDS
有祢同在 RIDING THE SKY
我必不困倦 LIFTING YOUR GLORY
主祢话语 LET ALL THE EARTH
维持我生命 WATCH US LIVE IN LOVE
祢的平安 PRAISING YOUR NAME
永远在我心 AND FLY ALONG WITH YOU

祢道路，永远高过我的道路 AND YOUR WAYS, ALWAYS HIGHER THAN ALL MY WAYS
主祢意念，永远超越我的意念 AND YOUR PLAN, RISES HIGH ABOVE ALL MY PLAN
祢真理，释放我脱离了捆绑 AND YOUR TRUTH, SETS ME FREE FROM ALL OF MY CHAINS
我要带着祢话语 LET ME WALK WITHIN YOUR TRUTH
行走我一生道路 LET ME FLY ALONG WITH YOU　

Mujizat Itu Nyata

全能的神你能力无限
有了你万事都有可能
纵使大山在眼前
你也能够挪去
在你绝对没有难成事

主每当我软弱无力
你的恩典够我用
只要我能够相信
奇迹必会降临

不靠才能
不靠势力
依靠神灵的能力
只要我全心呼求
奇迹必会降临

只要坚定来宣告就有奇迹
坚定相信就必会成就

Mutton Satay

2008-07-15T10:02:00.003+08:00

Yesterday was the first day I went to work again after more than 2 weeks of break. It feels so monday blues. And now it's the off-peak period...nothing much to do in the office can also be quite a torture...hahaha...lol

The one and only thing I look forward to on Monday is my ministry after work. First Hand. This will be my second session for the ward visitation. First session has been great and I really wish to serve again to the patients there.

Since I was still a newbie there, I was paired up with a senior and another newbie and the 3 of us first went to ward 71 to visit a female malay-chinese patient. Honestly I never really take notice of how thin she was (coz I was focusing on what she is saying as she speaks with a Malay accent that is not that easy to catch)...not until she told us her weight loss from 68kg to only 25kg now!

When the senior help her to do the leg message, her leg was really bony. She seems to enjoy the leg massage by us as we continue to watch the TV that her friend gave her in her ward. She can talk and joke around with us. Andy Shi came in half way to play songs for her with his guitar. He is super funny even though he forgets most of the lyrics. And the patient is very cooperative too that she will joke and try to make some fun out of the songs. It was a very wonderful time spending like that indeed. =)

Yet when we were about to leave the room to visit another patient, she held my hand and asked if we can do her a favour -- that is she wants to eat mutton satay. The way she asked of it looks really important, like she HAVE to eat it. Probably because she only has such a short time to live, she wants to eat the things she really desire before going. So I promise her I will try my best to bring it to her. I even want so much to bring it to her before next Monday comes. Well hope I can really go down to visit her again on Saturday as I am asking my seniors-in-charge now... Time can be pretty precious...

We went to the next patient at Ward 76. We spent time with one more patient who is a newly diagnosed. Wai Sam is there when we went into the room. She looks much healthier and was chatting with Wai Sam cheerfully. She was holding to her favourite PSP given by her husband and she told her she had like 3 PSPs! Wow...hahaha...lol

Most of our conversation surrounds the topic of her 2 children, 4 and 3 years old. Can tell she really love them and adores them much. Mother's love is really noble isn't it?

This is just my second session at CDC and the meaning of death suddenly hits me harder on my head and become so much more real to me now...how long more can anyone of us live and make the best out of our lives?

Life is really precious and you can live it only once...treasure it manz before you will regret it...

The Day I Went To The Zoo! (13/07/2008)

2008-07-14T11:34:00.003+08:00

The day we went to the zoo! =DAnd of course our purpose of coming here is to see ANIMALS!Beautiful white tiger! =DDWhite tigers look ferocious...their eyes are actually blue! Ang moh tigers! =PA small boat secretly waiting for its passengers...The rarer sort of animals found in the zoo...Hippo mama & hippo baby!

Gosh they look so CUTE soaking in the water side by side...how adorable! =DDDThere are only pygmy hippo in our zoo for now...and they already weight at least 160kg! Imagine how will the workers transport a nile hippo to our zoo! That's gonna be a tough task manz...hmmm.... =\The Australian Outback...where are my wombats, kuala and kiwi??! *pout* =XHELP! Pls don't transport me to the Australian Zoo! =PWe are the nature rangers! =))And I am the Missy Driver (enjoying my lollipop!)Welcome to the Great Rift Valley! And here's the famous Peeing Bamboo!

[Note: It actually squat down to pee like normal human beings! =O]Hardworking elephant being escorted back to work after the feeding time show is over for the visitors to ride on them...poor things... =(The elephant area is designed to have the Thailand style with cute elephant statues all around......see how adorable this statue is! *muackz* =DAccording to Baoli (not knowing how she got the information...maybe through family line...?! *hmmm* =P), this is the granddaughter of our beloved icon of our zoo, Ah Meng, who passed away earlier this year.

She certainly has the genes of her grandfather because she is HUGE!!!Flo trying to see if her foot is as big as Ah Meng (or Chun Ming...?? =P) Hahaha...lolI find tortoise are very cute when they try to eat their grass...small little head poking back and forth from its humongous shell...hahaha...lol
Long live the tortoise! =)

So many many animals in the zoo! =D

The beauties: Bao, Xue, Me & Flo! *wink* =)

In the snake area, they also displayed the skeleton and skin of the snake...it gives me creeps...

The King of the Jungle!

Nice view of the mandai reservoir!~

Elegant giraffe!

The more tamed animals: zebra, ostrich and deers!

Do you see the zebra crossing? =P

Picture taken at the zebra crossing...where's the traffic police?? Hehe...lol

Let's sing with me: "Doe, a deer, a female deer..."

Still...more...animals... =)

Cute direction signs with the animals heads! =D

This is a back flipping otter!

You can watch him showing off through this video clip! =D

I feel I am back to the time I was a little girl when I came back to visit the zoo. It feels good sometimes to look back and see how much you and the things around you have changed.

Thank you for bringing me back to the memories of my childhood. =)