Wednesday, August 29, 2007

beautiful stranger

Beautiful Stranger - Chrissy


Brushed shoulders, blank expression, not a word exchanged
Standing in the masses, disoriented in thoughts, lost in transition
The mind takes on a life of its own, warring to self destruction

There got to be something for me somewhere

Out of the corner of my eyes, I caught a familiar sight
My eyes sweep across the aisle and fix on you.
A beautiful stranger

An overwhelming sense of deja vu

You stood there staring at me, I wonder why
Time stood still in anticipation when your vision align with mine

What is to come, each step closer send shockwaves through
Electrifying, sometimes painful, other times fearful
Your visage faltering like a mirage, unreal

Escape on my mind, realisation of disillusion plunges deep
The hope of the unknown hanging on...

Should I stay or should I go?

Sunday, August 12, 2007

of discovering Grace

"Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us more and there is nothing we can do to make God love us less."


Grace comes so freely but yet people just can't accept that. Refuse to accept it even though it is staring us squarely in the face.


Coming from the mentality that "there is no free lunch in the world", we tend to question God's Grace the same way. Is it really given freely? No question asked?


In almost everything we do, there is often a hidden agenda, something that is of our vested interest. Grace on the other hand works on the opposite of the pendulum. It requires nothing from us, makes no demands and ask for nothing in return. The only thing I could think of is that it requires us to have the full assurance of the definition of Grace.


However our thick head just refuse to let that truth sink in. Is that so hard to comprehend? It might be incomprehensible at first, but just wait and see...

Eph2:4-5 (NIV) But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

The alchemist

It was yet another sad parting when I bid farewell to the last page of ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho. Reading his book is like talking to an old friend; a friend whom knows every of your deepest and most profound thoughts. Thoughts which nobody has excess to and it was imbedded deep into the recess of your soul. You will feel like you have the best conversation yet none of you spoke a word.

I have heard many positive comments regarding ‘The Alchemist’ but didn’t have the chance to read it. Yiling was the first person to recommend me his book with ‘Veronika decides to die’ as the first entry point. I couldn’t keep my hands off his books ever since.

Based on my own interpretation: (Spoilers)

The story speaks of a boy in search of his calling in life. To put it tangibly, he traveled all the way from Spain to Egypt looking treasures base on his recurring dreams and omens that he has. So off he went, selling all his possessions and embarks on the journey of his lifetime. Throughout his experience, he met many people whom became teachers to him, teaching him of the simple and yet unseen lessons of life and how to attain his personal callings.

Hypotheses of the lessons in life include:

Principle of favorability.

When we play the cards for the first time, we are almost sure to win. (some people call it beginner’s luck) It is because there is a force that wants you to realize your personal calling and will whet your appetite with a taste of success.

The destination of your goal is a mean to an end, not an end itself.

When we are too focused on achieving our goal, we forget the most important things; which is to learn the lessons along the way. To achieve your goal without learning anything is a futile process. You haven’t really attained your goal anyway.

Simplest lesson in life: When you possess great treasures within you and you tell people about it, they will seldom believe you.

I was reminded of Jesus. Jesus has the truth inside him that He knew that He is the Son of God that will redeem the sins of the world. He told his disciples about it but none of them really understood what he is talking about.

These are just some of the hypotheses that he has conjured about life. The book contains cauldron of such philosophies and is really interesting to read.

Anyway, the boy made his way to Egypt at his final destination. Unfortunately, he met a thieve that stole all his possessions and even tries to kill him. Not only has he lost all his belonging to get home, he didn’t find his treasures.

The irony twist came when the thieve told him that 2 years ago, he (the thieve) has a recurring dream to go to Spain to look for treasures under an old church but he wasn’t stupid enough to be like the boy to go just because of some stupid dreams.

The boy finally knew where his treasure was.

It was right where he has started his journey; In spain, besides an old church.

Fate has led him on a merry-go-round in search of the thing he was looking for but little does he knows that it was all along right under his nose.

I believe this is very applicable in real life. See, many times we are searching for happiness, love, money and what have you, but it was under our very eyes. We couldn’t see that we simply need contentment to enjoy those things. Until we went on a journey searching for them, going through difficult times, bruising our head and our heart did we find it where we have left off.

Do you think we could have found it if we weren’t led through the difficult period? Will we appreciate it just as much? What exactly do we find at the end of the journey is not really happiness, love or joy because we have them all along. But it is to be contented to know that they are there and to learn to appreciate them.

If the boy hasn’t gone all the way to Egypt, would he found what he is looking for? Even if he has found it, will he treasure it as much knowing that attaining that doesn’t come easy?



Give some thoughts to that.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Random and poignant feelings

The mind starts the idling process evident by the absence of entries. Inspirations dart around like transitory arrows, missing the target. Nothing was really registered, nothing was really recorded. It seems like it was everything yet it was nothing.

The moment before bedtime, thoughts mirrored the myriad of stars in the sky, but just like stars, they disappear when the day break. You tried to seize them but the motion felt like capturing wind with bare hands; you feel the wind’s caress but can never hold it.

It may be like trying to articulate a thought but the words refuse to come out right. You knew there is a perfect word to describe the exact feeling yet the word seems to go into hiding. Other words do not suffice but you have to make do with them, settling for second best.

Or perhaps trying to mask the real you by pretending everything is rosy and nice. You want to look big on the outside but you felt so small on the inside. Something is eating you up but you could not confront it. And slowly, you shrink smaller and smaller and cease to exist all together.

Sometimes you look on the left and the right, you wonder why everyone seems to be alright. You want to know when is the exact moment when your world starts to crumble. You apprehend they do not happen overnight. They creep up on you slowly but gradually when you least realize. You wonder if everything will eventually be alright.

You look into your lover’s eyes and see an imprecise vision of yourselves inside. Have he seen you in a different light. A gap was conceived between the perception and reality. Who is to build a bridge and reconcile the gap?


The sudden birth of random, poignant thoughts. It captivates the souls, yet unsettling it and heighten the ordinary of things.

Dedicated to the ‘just because’ moments of our life.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

100K Campaign Drive Part 1

The word she whispered was pain.

Like a sensation that comes from the inside of her heart, radiating outwards. It slowly consumes her until what was left was something she could not grasp hold off. She finally realized what it means by “hanging on thin thread”. It could snap anytime.

She is falling into the abyss of darkness, straight into the devil’s lair. Above her was the world she came from. It smells of freshly-cut grasses and vanilla ice cream. She missed the warmth of the sun rays and the coolness of the sea breeze. The rustling sounds of trees invoked in her a sense of nostalgic. That’s where she belongs.

She has forgotten how laughter sound or felt like. Her tears accompanied her days and nights.

Is it too late now?


Then she remembered SOMEONE once told her this.

THERE IS A GOD THAT TAKES AWAY ALL PAINS. THERE IS NO SORROW ON EARTH THAT HEAVEN CANNOT HEAL.

She decided to take a chance. The only one she has left.

And the word she whispered was Jesus.

(Acts 2:21)
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

She got saved by Jesus. Instead of falling into the bottomless pit, she is now falling in the abyss of the love of Jesus. It grows more and more each day. And how do I know?

Of course I do. After all we know ourselves best isn’t it?

Be that SOMEONE to speak of Jesus love today to others in need. Be a blessing to others.

Are you part of the 100K campaign?

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Graduation


My life, unlike this blog, haven't been stagnant. Well, i can't really say that I've been on a roller coaster ride but I guess it has been an uphill journey. Life's been treating me kind. More than kind actually.


The new job is worth raving about. I guess it is really what I have been praying for. God is good to me. As always, He hears my prayer. Besides getting invitation to media events, the perks of having beauty samples, going for free spa treatments, working on magazine print advertorials, religiously surfing through beauty magazines during work, having a team of fun-loving colleagues, meeting with media personnel and working closely with them. What more can a girl ask for right?


I was actually referring to the free samples and spa treatment, I'm sure you know.

Of course there are the OTs and weekends reporting back for work. But in life, you win some and you lose some. Not everyone can have their cakes and eat in. All the time.

But I guess with God, we can. Have the cake, eat it and even top it off with ice creams and delicious looking toppings. That is how generous God is. This morning while doing my quiet time, something daunt on me.

Each new day, we were actually given a blank cheque to fill in. We can put in any amount that our hearts desire and God will credit into our account. Well, not literally of course. But something along that line. The start of each day started on a clean white slate. We could design, write, draw, paint or do whatever we like onto it. At the end of the day, stop and admire the piece of art you have created. God's love is new every morning.
Of course, with God as my banker, I shall lack nothing.






Oh, graduation ceremony was on monday. Here are some pictures from that day;





Chris & Mummy. Wish pupz was there.





Chris & Crystal. Tolls of projects & exams were all behind. Too bad couldn't take a 'family potrait' with Genesis







Cathay Pacific gang

My 2 'mummies'

Just an afterthought:

What is life after graduation?

Thursday, April 12, 2007

My first full time job

Great news my friends...

I have found my first full time job! A real job which brings bread and butter back every month. Not forgeting many beauty products!!!! Nonetheless, there will be the added responsibility that I have never encountered in my student life. But I am so looking forward to it.

I held the position of marketing executive but I reckon that it is more of a Marcom Executive. Which is exactly what I love! I get to write press release to be published in women magazine!, liaise with the graphic designer and produce communication materials and prints, going to the sales floor and gather feedback, meet up with working partners to tie in events, set up atrium for direct sales! and may get to travel around attending events and seminar on behalf of the company. It sounds so challenging but I am sure I will have so much exposure and so much fun!

God is really so good. I told him that I am very picky about my first job, I want to do things that I love and not just take up any jobs that come along. Many people advised me that my first job will not be my dream job. They said that I will need time to find something which I will love. I guess it is their way of protecting me, cushioning me for the dissapointment that usually comes along with great expectation.

Even my own mother says that to me. Accussing me of being too idealistic, a dreamer in my own world. But I'm not affected by their words because I know I trust a faithful God. A God that will come and rescue me in the nick of time. Either too early or too late. I just need to trust Him. This is really God's appointed time. 11th April. A couple of days before my departure to Sydney, not too early and not too late. If it is any time earlier, the employer wont be able to wait for me or if it is any later, I wont be able to make it for the interview. At the nick of time.

The journey of my job search didnt come easy. I was led on a merry-go-round by my own desire. Upon several failures and dissapointment, I finally gave up my desire and choose to give in to God.

I was reminded by this verse by Shelley.

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart

I guess that I have always been too preoccupied with the latter part of the verse which states that "He will give me the desire of my heart" that I overlook the first and the most important pre-requiste of it. That is to "DELIGHT myself in the Lord".

I believe that my giving up of my dream of being a cabin crew is the starting point of delighting myself with the Lord. Of course God doesn't despise any type of (legal) jobs. It is just that He knew that I am not ready for a flying position. He knows of my yearning to break away and be set free. He knows that I am impressionable and will be lead and tempted beyond me and God undestands that. He is trying to protect me by closing all the doors.

I vivdly remember a day when I simply sit down on my bed and cry before the Lord, I told Him that I will give up everything that is not of Him. My dreams and my hopes, my fears and my doubts. I gave up all of it. I am also reminded by Crystal who very wisely told me that: "If you hold something so tightly in your hands, your hands doesnt have rooms to receive more blessing from God. You need to let go to be able to receive. That moment is the turning point.

Mark8:35
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it

This verse came to pass for me.

I tried to wrestle with the Lord with my dreams but in the end I lose much, but as I learn to give up wrestling, He blessed me back multiple-folds.

Throughout these few months of searching, standing in many cross-roads, I finally can see God's hand upon me ALL the time. Even when He is silent, He is also waiting with me. He wants me to look on hindsight and be able to testified His faithfulness in my life. He never fails.

Right now, I feel so blissful, so excited about what is to come. A new chapter is going to unfold. I am confident that the Author of my Life will weave yet another wonderful chapter, a new phase that I will have to walk through. I thank God that many friends whom I love have walked with me even when I have given up. I know that they will continue to walk on with me .

I hope that this will encourage those who are searching for something in their lives to know that there is a God that is looking at every steps you are walking. He hopes that you will allow Him to walk with you. Give God a chance. Give yourself a chance to make a brand new start with God.

Monday, April 09, 2007

Countdown to Sydney: 5 days!

  • Bags unpacked.
  • Travel insurance unsettled.
  • Itinerary unplanned.
  • Research undone.
  • Goodbyes unsaid.

Feeling: Jitters, tired, overworked, but can't hardly wait.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

My best friend - Wendy

When is it that your friend becomes your best friend?

Can you remember the exact moment where the transition takes place? At that moment, you know that this particular person will be the one that you will laugh and cry with for the rest of your life. They have become an invisible shoulder that you can lend on even when they are not physically there?

Can you recall that defining moment?

I was transported back to that moment when I was talking to Wendy the other day on MSN. The conversation started simply as an invitation for her to go hiking with me to MacRitchie Reservoir’s HSBC Treetop trail this coming Friday. But then it became a time of reminiscing of how our friendship started.

Back in JC 1, I wasn’t close to Wendy even though we took the same subjects. In fact, I find her a bit of a social butterfly going from group to group. (This is something which she still hold grudges against me for calling her that) I find her ‘girl school style’ rather hard for me to accept since I was from a neighborhood school. But the turning point came when we both sigh up to go to the OBS Camp during the school holidays. At that time, none of the friends from my clique were there and she wasn’t really on talking terms with one of her good friend who went at the camp. So we were like both lost girl seeking solace in each other’s company. (Like we have a choice right?)

On the 3rd day, we were asked to canoe to the extreme end of the island and hike our way back to base camp. That doesn’t sound too hard right? But try imaging that you were canoeing for half the day under the scorching sun that burns your skin, stung by jellyfish along the way and being thrown into some weird places with just a map to navigate our way back. That’s not all. We were both carrying this SUPER heavy haversack that weighs more than ourselves with 2 jelly cans. I really believe that if it were heavier by 1 gram, I would have fallen backwards. That is the maximum threshold weight I can ever carry.

So both of us were grumpy (I was grumpier), tired and frustrated while trying to decipher the map. Even though both of us were geography students, we just couldn’t understand what those lines are trying to tell us as they are blurred into a big mass of irrelevant lines like children drawing right before our eyes. I was on the verge of crying due to the desperation.

But what really makes me so miserable is the darn heavy bag on my shoulders. I couldn’t even walk ten steps without stopping. Wendy was so patient with me and waited for me the whole time with the same amount of junk on her back. She then did the greatest thing anyone can do for me at that point. She picked up my gigantic haversack and slung it across her front and encourages me to move on.

At this point of time, I must really EMPHASIZE the weight of the haversack. It is really almost equivalent to the weight of carrying another person. So she had 1 haversack behind her and 1 in front of her. Try to picture that scene. I was just carrying both the water can. Haha. I am almost too ashamed to say that.

I don’t know if I am really naïve or being in denial. I actually believe her when she told me that she don’t find the bag heavy at all! There wasn’t even tell-tales sign from her face that shows that the bag was actually killing her. She kept assuring me that it is really not heavy. I thought that she was really speaking the truth and think that I must be really very weak. (But she is a black belt so it is not hard to believe her) Haha.. So I let her carry my load.

It was only the other day when we were talking that she confessed that the bags were really darn heavy. She was on the verge of a breakdown as well. Haha… She has waited 6 years to tell me that.

That was really the defining moment of our friendship.

I saw something in her that I never see in anyone else before. She always thinks of others before herself. That is what I love about her.

Well, I think the reasons why I want to blog about this is because I wanted to remind myself of the that moment I have 6 years ago, remind Wendy that she is still a great person, a great friend to me at this point of time, when she has doubts about who she is becoming.

But most importantly, I think that it is about giving people a second chance to prove themselves. We should not discount them base on our feelings of them as feelings are usually a distortion of reality. If I wasn’t given a chance to get to know Wendy through the camp, our friendship will not even be what it is today.

God is a God of 2nd chance and He never discounts us because of something we did wrongly. He simply look past that mistake and start a clean slate for each of us. That’s the beauty of my God. I thank God I have a 2nd chance with Wendy.

Give someone that chance today.


P.S: I hope Antz won’t read this entry. You know what I’m thinking right Wendy?

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

perfectionist streak

Question: What is the worst job for a perfectionist?

Answer: Typist (using typewriter)

Just the other day, someone asked me to help her prepare some document to be fed-ex out. She asked if i know why to use a typewriter and I was like (duh). So she gave me a blank template and asked me to type according to the default one. Knowing myself well (a pefectionist) and playing it safe (being cautious), I went to photocopy a few more copies (8 to be exact) of the blank template because I am sure there bound to be mistakes. Haha... I think I must have underestimate myself.

I took almost 50minutes to get the document ready. I could use 5 minutes to type it in Microsoft Word. And you know what, I used up 18 blank templates before I am satisfied with my work. I was mentally exhauted after that. Haha.. That was really hard work (for me).

I don't know why I am so fussy with the way I do things. I always believe that everyone should put in 110% of themselves in what they are doing. Maybe because I cannot tolerate people doing their work in a sloppy manner, I will not allow myself to committe such acts. And I guess because of that, I tend to push myself harder. It may be doing a big project or just typing a simple letter.

But anyway, I think that the lady notice how long I took to complete the letter and the amount of waste paper in my bin, she never asked me to type any letters for her anymore. Phew... Great relief. Haha...

So moral of the story...

Never ever ask a perfectionist to type any letters using a typewriter.

Friday, March 23, 2007

for wendy and amber

A poem for a dearest friend
Who is standing on the fence
Looking right and looking left
Plunging into her own death

Tossed about in the strongest wind
She has forgotten who she is
Drowning her sorrow with toxin
Someone please redeem her from this

Thursday, March 22, 2007

long long ardous bus ride

I felt like I have embarked on a road to eternity when I stepped out of my office heading to church. In total, I have spent close to 2 hours commuting from Loyang to Marine Parade. I could have reached JB with that time! How thick can it get?

The rain has caused the traffic to be slow moving. The speed of my bus cease to a slow crawl. It made me developed motion sickness throughout the journey. My stomach was threating to regurgitate every bit of my lunch. Yikes! Its really sickening. This is definitely one bus ride that I don't enjoy.

Today was really challenging for me physically. My body kept screaming for me to go back home and sleep but I dragged my foot to choir rehearsal. Say in normal circumstance, I won't consume coffee but today is really abnormal. I had 2.

TGIF tomorrow.

Sunday going Natas Fair with Linda!!! Guess where are we going for holiday? Haha... I'm sure all those that know me don't even have to guess. The country that scream: "Where the Bloody hell are you"? or the more mellow/censored version of "So, Where are you"? The secret is out in the open! =)

Well... actually I don't really like to blog about the coming and goings of my daily life but then I guess the bus ride really eeks me so much that I have to pour it out. Haha... Wanna get it out of my system.

Sleep is creeping up my back, I guess its good night then..

Night world.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

the kingdom of heaven

Troy, Arc of Joan, Kingdom of Heaven, Lord of the Ring and 300.

They are the genre of movies that I love. Ancient history/civilisation and ancient battle. The movies that speak of the glory days of the Roman and the Greek empire where they conquere the rest of the world..

They intrigues me beyond my understanding. Being the sort of girl who dislike watching gory film, I cannot understand what makes me love such films.

Definately not brad pitt in his non-existence waist clothes in Troy or Gerard Butler with his six packs in 300. Well not really anyway. haha..

But they have something that captivate me in that cinema seat. Something that makes me held my breathe. Something that makes my heart beat faster. (its really not brad pitt! believe me) I thought that maybe I'm a saddist that enjoy watching people slaughtering others, blood being spilled, heads detaching from their bodies.

But no, because speaking of all that really grossed me out already.

So I don't think I am a saddist.

Its something else.

Then it dawn on me...

Its about the men fighting for a cause that they believed in. Fighting for their freedom, to protect their love ones, and for the land that they call home. And thus creating history with their stories.

But there is always this leader, this one man. The bravery of this one man that lead his people into battleground. The man that instill courage and strength into his people. This man that urge others to never retreat or surrender. The one that roars the loudest so that other could find their strength to do the same. The one that stands in the frontier of the battleline.

And I saw this one man in someone I know.

The one that says: "If i perish, I perish".

And i know why I love those movies. Because something inside me that is so primeval yearn to be in a battle with him. A battle not of flesh and blood.

Without a battle, there will not be Victory!

And I know I was born for Victory!

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

back at one

Its really funny when u think that you have walked away from your heartache and disappointment only to find yourselves confronting the very same thing once again. You dont know whether to laugh or to cry. Literally. You tell yourself you have let that go and ready to put it aside only to find yourself back at the original starting point. Back at square one.

You wonder if this is yet another test you have to pass or is this the real thing this time? What if it is something that God has put in front of me once again and take it away once again? I never know. But i am still going to find out.

I am back at where I was. Will thing turn out differently this time? How many times do I have to go through it before I finally pass the test that He set for me?

Have mercy on me, I cried.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

goodbye my lover

Pen in my hand, staring at empty space.
Trying to put all that is up there into a page.

A writer without a muse.
Impatient into frustration and finally into desperation.

Late at night, you told me you couldn't sleep.
I have hurt you beyond your wildest dream.

But don't you understand.
I am just too far from where you are.

Hoping to make your pain go away.
So I stay away.

For the first and the final time I say this to you instead.
I'm gonna let you go.

αντίο

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Yes I do

I carried the weight of the world on my shoulders.
They pushed me down further and further.
I feel the pain, tears sting my eyes.
I am carrying more than what I can bear.

You then said to me: "Rest on my love, and cast all of my cares on you".

I walked on because I know only I can carry my cross.
Only I can to do this on my own, walk this stony path alone.
Broken into a trillion pieces, thrown all over the place.
Never to be One again.

You then said to me: "I had already walked down that thorny road while carrying that cross for you".

You make everything sound so easy.
Like all my brokeness and pain will just go away.
I wanted to hand you that baggage that I clinged so tightly on.
But I so afraid to let it go.

You then said to me: "Trust in my unfailing love for you".

There are so many questions with so little answer.
I want to know why must I carry this load.
Please tell me how far must I go till I know why.
Why must I wander down this road.

And you asked me: "Do you trust me? Do you trust me? Do you trust me?"

I do, I do, I do

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Breaking free

Many times, we do things out of obligations, live to fulfill unspoken definition that govern our life. We stuck by them because we have to not because we wanted to. And we are restricted in the way we want to live our life.

Then when can we do things that truely pleases us?

Wisemen love to give advise thinking that they know it all, live it all. But they never asked if we needed them in the first place. They have forgotten that it is through the trials and errors that they have been through that truely defines who they are.

If you never try, we'll never know. And if you never try, you never really live.

Maybe we know the dangers of what lurk ahead and know that we might even get ourselves hurt. But isn't that the most exciting part?

I'm tired of living my life with people telling me what I should do, what I shouldn't.

"You should get a job soon"
"Maybe this isn't the will of God"
"With your result, it is a waste that you don't want to apply for university"
"You shouldn't travel alone because it is dangerous for a girl to do that"
"This job might affect your ministry in church so it is better to find something else that won't"

yadayadayada....

Don't they think I don't know all that? Why is it that when I want to do something radical, I have to seek their advise? Because they know better?

Their opinions and their voices became louder and louder and I become smaller and smaller. I cease to become who I am, while trying to please them.

I hate responsibilities, commitment, have a deep hatre for doing things that I don't have a passion for. I always thought that the rules in life don't apply to me.

I don't need another advise to tell me that whatI should do. I know what I should do. But I just choose not to do it. I know it is wrong to say this, wrong to do this. But why can't I be wrong for once? Why do I always always have to do what is right?

I am tired of doing what is expected of me. What I expect of myself.

I want to do something which is out of the ordinary for once.

To live for myself, for once.


Break Away - Kelly Clarkson

Grew up in a small town,
And when the rain would fall down,
I'd just stare out my window.
Dreaming of what could be,
And if I'd end up happy,
I would pray.

Trying hard to reach out,
But when I tried to speak out,
Felt like no-one could hear me.
Wanted to belong here,
But something felt so wrong here.
So I'd pray,
I could break away.


I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly,
I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky,
And I'll make a wish, take a chance,
Make a change, and break away.
Out of the darkness and into the sun,
But I won't forget all the ones that I love.
I'll take a risk, take a chance,
Make a change, and break away.
Wanna feel the warm breeze,
Sleep under a palm tree,
Feel the rush of the ocean,
Get onboard a fast train,
Travel on a jetplane,
Faraway, and break away.


I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly,
I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky,
And I'll make a wish, take a chance,
Make a change, and break away.
Out of the darkness and into the sun,
I won't forget all the ones that I love.
I've gotta take a risk, take a chance,
Make a change, and break away.


Buildings with a 100 floors,
Swinging around revolving doors,
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me.
But I gotta keep moving on moving on,
Fly away, break away.


I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly,
Though its not easy to tell you goodbye.
Gotta take a risk, take a chance,
Make a change, and break away.

Out of the darkness and into the sun,
But I won't forget the place I come from.
I've gotta take a risk, take a chance,
Make a change, and break away.

Break away, break away

Friday, March 02, 2007

eye of the storm

Like all thunderstorms, the precipitation will eventually cease and the strong gust of wind will stop blowing. And if you observe carefully, you might even see the rainbow that comes after that.

Common sense tells us that the rain will stop and the sun will come out exhibiting its manificent glory.

But it didn't tell us how long the rain will last.

Similarly like the storm of our life, we know that we will eventually see the light at the end of the tunnel but we don't know when.

Fear crippled us when we are standing in pitch darkness. Our cries hit empty walls echoing our loneliness. Our vision is impaired by the total darkness that surround our heart and envelope our soul.

And like King David, we cried out "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me"? -quote psalm 42:5

My life is now in the presence of a major thunderstorm, wondering when will it go away. But God says "Put your hope in God, for I will YET praise Him, my saviour and my God".

And suddenly I find myself in the eye of the storm.

Safe in the arm of my Savior.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Be still and know that He is God

Waiting for the letter is like waiting for the rain to come in the middle of the drought.

Slow, painful and seemingly impossible.

I have been pacing around my letterbox for days and the letter has yet to arrive. The postman comes and go but without the envelope that addressed my name. Excruciating torment torture me days and nights.

But I put my trust in God. The One that specializes in the impossibles. The God that is above all things. I put my hope in God. The One that says to me that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me".

Be Still and knows that He is God.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Crossroad

After all the festive feasting, visitation and late night majong sessions, my body finally surrender defeat. My immune system was attacked and I am officially down with the flu virus. It has actually been awhile since I was down with serious flu. This time it hits really hard and I have to stay at home, rest in my bed.

Darn...

Anyway, last night was really fun BBQing at Mark's place. The choir friends from church all gather together to have fun, sing worship songs and stuffing our face silly with food! It was great, especially the singing part! Haven't had that in a long time.

I'll probably will have more time for fun since I have now (un)officially graduated from TP. I have no intention to further my studies in the university and no intention to start looking for a job yet (almost true) so that leaves me with so much time on hand.

What should I do?

I really hate standing in the crossroad wondering where to go next. It bothers me so much that it can give me sleepless night (almost true too) Well... not really sleepless as it take much for me to have insomia but bad enough to give me nightmares. Maybe I am someone who really need to have control over things. So it kinda scares me when I don't know what is the next step for me. But doesn't everyone feels that too?

I remembered watching a show call "CrossRoad" by Britney Spears. Haha.. Ok I admit that I rather fancy her in the past. But that was in the past, so no more raking up the closets. She is really diving headstrong towards a mental breakdown right now. Poor her. Anyway, ya coming back to the movie, it also shows 3 girls standing at the crossroad of their life. And it work out perfectly. I believe that mine will too. Even though it is just a movie.

If you don't know by now. I always believe in the movies because they allow me to be in denial. haha

Anyway, my cough now seems to have worsen. I better go else I'll splatter my monitor with my germs.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Flower power

My Valentines' Day Flowers!

I recieved these flowers for my Valentines Day. Technically speaking, I only received it on the following day due to the overwhelming delievery that the florist have to cope with.

I was happy nonetheless.

The sender of the flowers came as a big surprise to me because he lives an 8 hours flight away in Melbourne. How we meet was even more amazing. We met about a year ago when he was transiting flight in Changi Airport and I happen to be working there. We chat once in a while and this friendship was on and off-ish. But to think that I receieved flowers from him, well, 'I didn't see that coming'.

I am never a big fan of flowers but then I must admit that my stomach did a couple of somersauts when I received it. And probably more than that. haha.. I think women is really not after the flowers. Afterall they are just some dead plants bundled together delicately (no offence). But it is the feeling of receiving something pretty. Knowing that someone is thinking about them. It is all about the attention.

Haha..

Anyway, dad is back! He is busy in the kitchen doing his thing. Whenever he is home, the house will be filled with aroma coming the kitchen. That is how a home should be. Without him around, I can hardly find anything edible in the fridge, sometimes not even instant noodle in the cardboard!

Anyway, I had crabs for breakfast! He steams it for me the moment I wake up! Pippin' hot when I put the sweet white meat into my mouth. That's the perks of having him around! =)

Well, today is the eve of the lunar chinese new year. Let the feasting begins.
Have fun everyone!


Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Valentines Day

Love is a funny thing isn't it. It comes when you least expected it. Maybe Cupid plays a trick on Valentines Day. To the cynic of love.

This stone cold heart felt an aching pain. Like it was falling into love, involuntary. Butterflies were fluttering in the stomach, lips were parched dry.
The mind tries to hold back, but this time the heart won. It finally gave in after the long tug of war.

He said: "Don't back fight the feeling, just let it go".

Just for that few moments, it finally let go. Cupid has struck his arrows.

For just that few moments, its gonna hurt for awhile. But in the name of love, I guess it is all worthwhile.

All seems surreal, like being taken on a magic carpet ride. There were just the two of them, a world new world just before them. But like shooting stars, it lasted only for awhile.





A song came to mind: Can't fight the moonlight - LeAnn Rimes

Under a lovers' sky gonna be with you and no one's gonna be around
if you think that you won't fall well just wait until til the sun goes down
underneath the starlight - starlight there's a magical feeling - so right
it'll steal your heart tonight

you can try to resist try to hide from my kiss
but you know but you know that you can't fight the moonlight
Deep in the dark you'll surrender your heart
but you know but you know that you can't fight the moonlight
no, you can't fight it it's gonna get to your heart

there's no escape from love was a gentle breeze weaves it's spell upon your heart
no matter what you think it won't be too long til your in my arms
underneath the starlight - starlight we'll be lost in the rhythm -
so right feel it steal your heart tonight

you can try to resist try to hide from my kiss
but you know but you know that you can't fight the moonlight
deep in the dark you'll surrender your heart
but you know but you know that you can't fight the moonlight
no, you can't fight it, it's gonna get to your heart.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Tulip Tulip

Feeling kinda emotional right now with a thousand things flashing across my mind but none choose to stay. There were like fleeting thoughts taking flight prematurely. Just when I thought I've found the right word to describe how I feel but then the feeling is gone and a new one took over.

Ever felt the same before?


Like maybe webster haven't found a word to describe that state of emotion. You know that it is either black or white. So it must be something in between. Just how to describe the in-betweens? You felt that the word is just at the tip of your tongue but it just refuses to come out.
Alright, maybe I'm not making much sense? I always don't. do I?

Anyway, on a lighter note, I discover my favourite flower today. In the past, people always asked me what is my favourite flowers and I will say flowers that are not dead yet. There were even this time when I tell my JC classmates that I like 'baby breath' and they must be thinking "is it counted as flowers"? Well anyway, they got me a bunch of 'baby breath" for my birthday. Haha.. I'll never forget that. Well.. actually "baby breath" is a type of fillers, not flowers. (Fillers as in those that compliments the flowers and 'fills' up a bouquet) It was funny. They tried! =)
*I hope juli is reading this!!*


Ok coming back, my favourite flower is TULIP. And of course those that are not dead yet, meaning still rooted to the ground. Its such a nice feeling seeing a sea of Tulip! How can anyone not like them?


Their petals are all close up as if hiding something underneath. They look so dedicate yet strong. Stretching all out to reach they sun. They look so elegant. Oh, and by the way, tulip means Perfect Love.
How Sweet.
What a timing entry for the Valentines Day! =)
Happy Valentines Day in advance to all the love birds out there. And to my friends whom I love and love me!

Check this out:








Images taken from getty images

Friday, February 09, 2007

Aramsa

Today is a day of pure indulgence...

Think Spa. Got the idea?

Kudos to Aramsa Spa. It was an award wining spa in Singapore Tourism 2006 award for "Best Garden Spa". Well.. it is an understatement actually.

Nestled in the green canopies of Bishan park. Like an oyster that hides the pearl, its unsuspecting exterior conceal that what lies behind its door.

Walking into the entrance makes me feel like I have walk right through an episode of Samantha Brown's travel and living program. This time I am really not kidding.

Miniature ponds, waterfall, pebble-cobbled walkway, individual treatment rooms, vichy shower! (yes, I'm not kiding). Everything was in place. I bet Samantha Brown wishes to be in my shoe (for once not the other way round!!!)

I chose their signatured 'Aramsa Touch Massage' which work on my tired and aching body. I felt 'brand new' after the 1 hour treatment.

To my surprise, the lady told me I could use their spa facilities which include the steambath! Of course I would not miss such good opportunities! Hehe.. Their showers room make use of the open outdoor concept and is incorporated with vichy shower-head. (yeah i really got a thing with shower-head) Haha..

I'm pampered from my head to my sole. And into my soul.

Well.. the thing is when I walked out of the Spa, I felt really good. Like happy. Its weird because I didn't know that the place will have such a hugh impact on me. I felt my body releasing surge of that positive emotion throughout the day. I know I sound really superficial right now, (gosh, and it sounded stupid) but I'm not kidding! Haha.. So they say "money can't buy happiness" Maybe they haven't been to a spa.

Speaking of all these, I must of course thank one person because without her, there is no such privillege...


*Drumroll please*

All these have been courtesy of Shelley! The best person in the world to me! And no, not only because of the spa treat. But because of every other things.


disclaimer: for your records, Aramsa Spa did not pay me any royalities for promoting for them. All on my own because they have truely *wow* me. =)

Thursday, February 08, 2007

unique?

Spice girls once croon: "Too much of something is bad enough". I'm final understand their sentiment.

I've been searching the web the entire day for my project on the branding of "uniquely singapore". I think I really had enough of this. I can't seems to find anything I want online. Its always the positive stuff, horses riding into sunset horizon and happily ever after stories. I am sure there are some areas of Singapore that is not what we claimed to be. Right? Look, I'm not saying that we have failed to live up to our branding. However, I'm sure there is always a "but" in everthing. I can't find that "but". It is like finding a needle in a sack of hay. Only this time I not even sure someone puts the needle inside.

Frustrated. Anxious. Cranky.

My eyes are failing me after reading through all the articles. All the words seems to be dancing before my eyes and is starting to make no sense to me anymore.

Murder me, she wrote.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Police incident

Right now, my mind is actively running refusing to take a rest. It could be due to the long afternoon nap I took earlier. And since it refuse to shut down, I thought that the best thing I can do is to let myself run loose in the world of make-beliefs and fantasies. I read. Unfortunately, I realised that I have read every books in my home. Even the old issues of magazine and newspaper had been reread in the last couple of days (yes i'm that desperate). I need to run to the library first thing in the morning. Thank God it is only 5 minutes walk away from my place.

Its really strange because I didn't know that reading is that addictive. I have the constant need to supply my mind with thoughts from those materials else I feel something is missing. Is there something wrong with me? Hmmm.. Is it just me or what? I probably have too much free time on hand! Maybe I'm bored with life.

Well... something happen today actually. There are some problems happening at my grandma place and it involves the police. I spend my entire day accompanying my gram. I went over her place immediately after class. When I was there, the policemen was already there. They were taking statements from her. At that split second, the scene seems so surreal to me, like I was watching an entractment from True Files or something. It was exactly like the show, I almost wanted to ask where is the TV production crews. Haha.. Just kidding. I think I watched too much TV (besides reading)

In case you are worried, it is nothing really. Just hope that everything will be settled soon enough.

Yesterday I said I wanted to go dye my hair, well apparently I didn't get to do that. Maybe it is giving me another chance to rethink my decision to dye to a darker shades. Haha.. Maybe I should really reconsider.

Alright alright, I know I have ran out of topics to write. I better stop. Hopefully the next time I have more interesting revelations that I can share. Its been quite sometime isn't it. Good things goes to those who wait? I dunno.. Till then.

Ciao.

Monday, February 05, 2007

random

Life's been treating me well recently. I've been blessed with plenty of free time on hand and that means lotsa reading, shopping and all the what's not. I have polished off at least 5 books in 3 weeks. I would say pretty impressive, don't you think? Anyway, I really cherish these couple of weeks because I know it may be the last hiatus before my search for a REAL job begins. *horror*

I'll probably go for a long holiday before the search begin. I think this time it will be HKG. I can go look for my dad too and spend a couple of weeks over there. I need to get away for awhile. To wake up to a different view, meet strangers that will become friends, see the world in another light and become a better person. haha. sounds good to me. Speaking of my dad, he is coming back on the 15th Feb for CNY. Honestly speaking, I'm not too thrill about seeing him. Well, I have my plight......*lost for words*

Anyway, last sunday, i went for a hair cut and the salon charge me $10 more for CNY surchage! damn. The bill came up to almost $50 and less than 2inches of my hair was chopped off. Tomorrow, I will be going for hair colour (to a different salon), hopefully there is no such ridiculous happenings. I was thinking of dyeing my hair to darker shades but i know that dark shades don't really suit me. Should I take the risk? =(

My friend, Ivy, has kindly offered to accompany me to the salon. I thought it was very kind of her because she will be sitting there and wait. Haha.. Let's hope she will not be bored to tears and hope that she will not regret her decision. haha..

Alright better go to bed soon. Meeting the tutor at 8.45am for consultation. My 2500 words report has so far ZERO word. I'll be screwed if I don't start writing soon. Anyway, u guys can contribute your views if u like. I'll be able to gather more opinions too!

Topic: "Evaluate the branding 'Uniquely Singapore'. Does this branding encapsulate the essence of what Singapore has to offer to visitors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of this branding?"

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Queues?? no thank you

Today is the first time I've tried the famous Hokkien Mee at Republic Foodcourt at Wisma. (hey, don't look at me like that. I know i'm kinda slow at keeping up) Me and Wendy both agreed that it was too overated. Seriously. I think that the Hokkien Mee stall near my place taste better than that. No kidding. And i don't even see a bee-line for it.

I think that Singaporeans really really love to have something that they work really hard for. Say for example, queuing? And queuing is a big NO-NO to me. Which explains why it took me such a long time to try the Hokkien Mee at Republic Foodcourt. Haha. You know the recent (or not so recent) craze of the donut from Donut Factory? I wondered if it really taste so good that people queue for hours to get them? Novelty? I don't know but I should really yank my tooth at one of those, probably when the queue ceases. Which may be about in a few months time? Haha.. Probably.

Monday, January 22, 2007

the notebook

Half the day had gone by and I have yet to accomplish the things I wanted to do. Procrastination sets into motion on the first day when I promised myself to start compiling my portfolio. I wonder how the rest of the week will go. Useful, I hope.

I have just finished watching another rerun of 'The Notebook' and it still never fails to fill my eyes with tears. The love between the couple is unprecedented in modern times. Such love, I yearn with great intensity. Such love that burn a mark in my soul. Such love that will set me pursuing it till eternity. Yes. Summer love that is passionate and mindless which develops into something much more. A lifetime of memories, a love that create miracles and bring us back each time when we drifted away.

Maybe that is the reason for me to stay in singleville. I see no reason to come out. I'm happy where I am. Until the love that I'm looking for comes to me. Until then. Call me an idealist if you want. I couldn't deny that. But wouldn't we all want the best? Wouldn't we all not settle for anything less? I wouldn't do that for sure. I have decided to measure love on a different benchmark. It is harder to reach this time. But isn't the journey of love not make easy? Decimated with thorns and planted with tears.

The film has reignited the passion back into me. A passion that was buried by reality, disappointment and lies. I thought I could well forget about the four lettered word, move on and simply just live. But I couldn't. The core of my being is made with love, nurtured with love in mind.


I'll wait till it comes to me. For the once and final time. I'll wait.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Blood Diamond

Every once in a while, there will be a movie that can capture your soul. It will leave a deep burden in your heart and you can never be the same again. The movie that speaks volume of the dark abyss of a world where I can never in my life, comprehend. One that provoke an inner sense of shame and shake me hard to realise how indifferent I have been. That is the aftermath of my thoughts after watching 'Blood Diamond'. - A wake-up call.

The exploitation of the poor by the rich. Throughout the show, deaths, lies, betrayal, greed and violence are the overlying theme in the movie. The idea behind the violence on the screen is to show the brutality and senselessness of violence, both in Africa and around the world. The most disturbing scene is to see children picking up weapons and started a killing spree without batting an eye. Their eyes reflected not even a sense of remose. A show not for the faint hearted.

During one of Leonardo DiCaprio's weaker moment, he asked a rhetorical questions: "Will God ever forgive us for what we've done to each other?", to which his own response is "God left this place a long time ago". A nation without a hope. TIA - This is Africa.

To me, the irony of the story is after all the innocent bloodshed and the merciless killings to obtain the diamond, it was simply put into a vault in London. Totally unjustifiable. The present day struggle between the west and the third world country is at play.

I remembered a commericial that advocate for us to stop the demand of sharkfin's. "The killing stops when the eating stops." This is the same for the movie.

The opposite of love isn't hate. It's indifferent. Yes, I couldn't agree more. And so how I have hated the world, by choosing to be indifferent. A movie that urge me to do something to make a little difference. Anything.

I strongly encourage everyone to watch this film. A movie at its best to give us a reality check of what may still be happening all around the world. It may not be diamond this time.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

financial reds

Stealing some time to blog before I knock off from work. I'll be meeting Yiling and Jinwen for a comedy play at the National Library. Reading from the various critics, it seems to be a 'must-watch' for this season. I'll tell you if it is so after tonight.

My financial statement seems to be in the red lately. There is so much things i NEED to buy but have to be put on hold till the moola appears. Too bad they don't grow on trees. Haha.. I'll have to find a part time to hold the fort in the meantime.

Alrighty, till then.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Everything in this world will come to an end eventually

2 more days and 5 months of internship will come to a closure for me. 5 months seems so daunting initially. But then I don't know where the days have gone.

In these 5 months, I have an awesome experience! I get to dine at fine restaurants, meet up with experience industry player, handle challenging projects and most importantly, knowing the best supervisor and manager anyone can ask for. It is one of the best experience in my life. If I am allow to say that. Through this, I gain better understanding of the travel and aviation industry. One that I can never learn in a classroom.

I must really really thank God for this. I know that all is not possible if not for him. Initally, it didn't even occure to me to apply to this company. But with his miraculous intervention, I was one of the choosen few to be able to work there for my internship. Everything falls into his perfect and pleasing plan - for me.

Tears will be shed on friday as I bid farewell to my colleagues. All of them.

There is a chinese saying that says: "Tian di xia mei you bu shan zi yan si". Everything in this world has to part eventually. (loosely translated)

I couldn't agree with that more.

Shakespears says that "parting is such sweet sorrow". But I can never understand the sweet part.

With heavy hearts.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Top 10 Lists in 2006

2006 is will soon finish its race in another day. I thought it will be siginificant to come up with some my favourite and not-so-favourite things and memories of 2006 as a form of remembrance to this year. Well writing some of these down, I was brought back to memory land, remembering some my laughters and tears, some of the essential ingredient of life.


Here goes:

Top 10 Movies in 2006 (not in order of preference)



  1. Da Vinci Code
  2. The Lake House
  3. Devil Wears Prada
  4. Step Up
  5. Click
  6. Take the Lead
  7. The Guardian
  8. Happy Feet
  9. Eight Below
  10. Poseidon

Top 10 Books read in 2006 (not in order of preference)

  1. Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
  2. Under the Duvet - Marian Keyes
  3. Chasing Daylight - Eugene O'Kelly
  4. Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Mark Haddon
  5. At First Sight - Nicholas Spark
  6. My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
  7. Veronika Decides to Die - Paulo Coelho
  8. Eleven Minutes - Paulo Coelho
  9. The Devil and Miss Prym - Paulo Coelho
  10. Memoirs of Geisha - Arthur Golden

Top 10 Dining Experience

  1. The Line - Shangri-la Hotel Singapore
  2. Melt - The World Cafe - Oriental Hotel Singapore
  3. Ellenborough Cafe - Swissotel Merchant Court Hotel
  4. Sakura Restaurant - Orchard Shopping Centre
  5. Crystal Jade Korean BBQ - Takashimaya Shopping Centre
  6. Tapas Tree - Clark Quay
  7. The Soup Restaurant - Changi Airport T2
  8. New York New York - Citylink
  9. Khansama Tandoori Restaurant - Serangoon Road
  10. Long Beach Seafood Restaurant - East Coast Seafood Centre

Top 10 Happiest Memories

  1. Going Bangkok with Jorine, Jinwen and Yiling
  2. Getting the progress package
  3. Being the top student in CRS and getting $300 for that
  4. Internship at Cathay Pacific Airways
  5. Winning Ipod Nano during Company's DnD
  6. Playing tour guide to Max from UK
  7. Ben passing his final year exams, one which he did not put in effort till last minute
  8. Making new friends like Costa and Shane from down under, and Maisie from China (haha) I think I mean Singapore
  9. Dad coming back Singapore to celebrate his birthday with us
  10. The discovery of the mystery of 11:11 (secret)

Top 10 Significant Moments

  1. Last Examination in Poly
  2. Xueli's ROM
  3. Chiew Ling's ROM
  4. Dad leaving for Guangzhou to work
  5. Voting for the first time
  6. 1 year in serving my church's celebration ministry
  7. 1 year after baptism
  8. Carlene's 21st Birthday Celebration
  9. Trying photoshop for the first time and really really loving it (I really use to hate all thing dealing with computer)
  10. Getting a call from Wendy informing me that she is officially a Singapore Girl

Top 10 Things to Try in 2007

  1. Perm my Hair
  2. Learn something new (option: Spanish, Photography, Dancing, Pilates or Photoshop)
  3. Read the entire collection from Paulo Coelho
  4. Try Online Shopping (haha.. I really didn't try it before)
  5. Redecorate my room, especially the noticeboard
  6. Go on a mission trip
  7. Go to Disneyland to fulfill my dream of being a disney princess (big grinz)
  8. Start a saving plan
  9. Get to know Singapre better, visit SAM, Red Dot Museum, MINT, etc...
  10. Go to somewhere out of Asia

10 Things I'll not do/try in 2007

  1. Cut my hair real short
  2. Wear Bell-bottom pants
  3. Get into a relationship (yet)
  4. Work in a travel agency
  5. Dye my hair Black
  6. Eat anything that is still alive
  7. Be selfish with my praises to others
  8. Get drunk (again)
  9. Accept anything that it not within my expectation
  10. Stop Dreaming

I hope that you enjoy looking through the lists and hopefully tour mind invoke up some memories of yourself in 2006. I hope it rekindle of something in you, reminding you that the best thing in life is yet to come. Continue to dream. But always remember that God can dream a far bigger dream for you than you can ever imagine. That I believe.

May the year 2007 brings even more happier memories, unexpected surprises, closer family ties and friendships, greater desire to make your life story an inspiration to others.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

New year resolution

So late into the night, yet sleep haven't found its way to me. My mind been running its own course, thinking of what I have done in 2006. I'm finding some ways to sum up and have a closure of 2006.

What have I done?

Frankly, I didn't set out to any resolutions in the beginning of 2006. I wanted it to be a year where there is no expectations to be fulfilled. I wanted it to be a year where I set no boundaries or limits to what I do. I thought that I can be free from any promises that I make myself fulfilled.

But instead, it become a year where nothing significant happen. Because I didn't have any dreams.

Quoting from Malcolm S. Forbes, "You cease to dream you cease to live".

How true is that.

Man without dream is living a life not worthy of himself. They are short changing themselves for something much more than they could possible be. It would be a tragedy for me to be less than what I could possibly be.

And so I decided to start off the new year with a list of resolutions I hope for in 2007. I want 2007 to be a year of Victory. With boldness to conquere what lies between the gap of reality and dreams.

I'm sure 2007 will make a difference to me. Because I dare to dream it. Nothing happen unless first dream.

Let's wait and see.

Monday, December 25, 2006

Christmas bane and boon

The most meaningful thing I have done this Christmas is to visit a family service centre and Tiong Bahru to sing Christmas Carol. Underprivilledge children and their parents were invited by the centre to join in the celebration. This is how we reached out to the community by telling them that they are not alone in the time of celebration. I can tell from their faces that they are touched by our presence.

My idea of how I wanted to spend Christmas?

Gone were the days of hard partying, hitting to town to join in the rowdy bunch of party-goers. Even the thought of that makes me tired.

An intimate dinner with the closest friends, a potluck party at someone's home, coffee at a beachfront cafe (pacific coffee at Vivo!) or even sipping red wine on the couch watching reruns with people I enjoy. These are enough to make happy.

Am I psyched about Christmas?

Not entirely.

I hate gifts shopping together with the whole population of Singapore. I hate being having to plan what to do on Christmas eve (or I may appear as boring/lonely??) I hate being disappointed by friends who disrupts plans. I hate seeing reds in my account balance after all the shopping and feasting. I detest traffic congestions.

I asked myself this for many years. When will I fall in love with Christmas again?

I guess I'll never. For someone as anti-social as me, I don't think so.

But that does not mean that I hate Christmas. I may dislike to routine celebration. But I remembered the reason for it. It is the time to remind myself to pass the love around. You may asked me why do I have to wait till Christmas to do that?

I don't know either.

May we never forget that among all the partying and feasting, Jesus is the reason for Christmas. It is more than the food, the hype, friends or even parties. It is all about Jesus. He is the reason why we celebrate Christmas.

Come to think about it, Christmas ain't so bad after all. If we celebrate it for the right reason.

Friday, December 15, 2006

picture perfect


The wind flirting with my hair, the sun dimming into a romantic hue of amber, palm tree swaying to the rhythm of the waves.
Picture perfect.
It took away the toll in my emotions that was building up throughout the week. See that picture put hope in me once again. I don't know why. Maybe because I'm a dreamer.
Thank God it is friday today. 5 more hours to weekend!
Once saturday comes, I'll put off my mask and put on myself once again and join the ladies at Yiling's to feast, drink and be merry. We are having an advance Christmas party to celebrate coz Yiling will be leaving for Finland on the 18th Dec. Lucky her. She'll get to sit on Santa's lap and whisper into his ear and tell him her Christmas wishes.
Anyway, this entry is just to share with all this lovely picture. It is taken from Colombo, Sri Lanka

Saturday, December 09, 2006

The curious incident of the dog in the night-time

Recently, I just read another fantastic book that that gave me the "I mustn't read too fast or it will be over too soon" feeling. The title of the book is 'The curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time' by Mark Haddon. I thought that he is very clever with how the plot progressed and how he joined all the fragments of seemingly unrelated pages together. He is able to narrate a story that differs entirely from his own world.

Spoiler Warning....

The story is about a teenager, Christopher, age 15. Christopher is unlike any teenager his age. He is really different. He lives in a world of his own and detest any human contact. Christopher excels in Mathematic, has a photographic memory, love Sherlock Holmes but hate the author and live by his own sets of rules.

He is autistic.

Autistism is a paradoxical word itself. Could it be said that the person is cursed with a gift or gifted with a curse.

Either way.

The person could be the smartest person in his entire school but is not able to commute to school on his own. Or he could solve challenging mathematical equation but not able to understand metaphorphical statements like 'an apple of his eye' or 'I laugh my socks off' . He gets confuse because he cannot imagine how this is so.

He is able to understand and explain the Monty Hall Problem (very interesting, go find out!) which I find it rather difficult to understand mainly because I am someone guided by intuition and not math.

The plot of the story is actually how he tried to be a detective (like his favourite Sherlock Holmes) to investigate who killed his neighbour dog. (Decided not to spoil the story by revealing the ending and this is not a lie because previously I wrote 'Spoiler Warning' and this is just a clarification) Pg177

In the entire book, not once was the term 'autistic' mentioned. I believe that the author is trying to mimick reality where it is a taboo word which no one speak off audibly.

Everyone should really pick up this book off the shelves (if you are lucky enough to find it since it is the winner of the whitebread book of the year) and read it. You will surely gain great insights into their enclosed world as well as other pieces of information that the author includes.

3 cheers to Mark Haddon.




Credits to Mark Haddon who inspired this entry.

Friday, December 08, 2006

Future

What do I want, where do I want to go? What do I want to do, who should I follow? My dreams and vision of the future vesus the truth of reality. How can I reconnect the dots to complete the picture?

A true idealist at heart. How can I brave myself for the seismic wave of destruction that promise to come along with life?

I'm standing at the crossroad once again. Idealism vesus Realism. Who will win?

It somehow induce a feeling of excitment and fear simulateously. Not knowing what the future holds yet anticipating it to be a dream come true. Conflicting emotions yielding me to my knees.

Will I make the right choice this time?

Time will tell.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Daydreams

I wish for a cup of hot tea to warm my hands, curl up in my bed and cover myself with duvet.

Let me close my eyes gently and fall into a sweet slumber.

Maybe I'll dream about heaven with singing angels, lavender garden, clouds and cotton candy. Everything moving in slow rhythmic motion. And I know where I am happy. With warm hands and joyful heart, innocent laughters filled the air.

Let me close my eyes gently and fall into a sweet slumber.

So that I am not here.

Sunday, December 03, 2006

CX DnD

The uber chic, alluring and ever-smiling Princess from the Land of a Thousand Smile!

The 4 interns from town office together with the regional manager of singapore Cathay Pacific Airways.


Clockwise: Ben, Runi, BoonKiat, Jenny, Chris, Judy, ST, Samantha, Sheril and Elaine. The whole lot from sales and marketing department
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Judging from the pictures, you could surely tell that I had a great time at my company's annual dinner and dance party held on friday. The theme of the night was International Costumes. We have to dress to best represent all the destination that CX flies to. I choose Bankgkok, Thailand. =) I was thinking maybe I want to dress as Cleopatra, Greek Goddess or Victorian Lady but choose otherwise. It must be my Asian roots' talking. =)
Me and ST were part of the organising committees among others. It was a good experience to see our efforts to fruitation. The performaces put up by the various department were something to remember. I especially love the piece put up by Avril and Shawn. Their salsa Ballroom dancing makes me think of JLo and Richard Gere in the movie "shall we dance". It seriously makes me wanna go and sign up for dance classes immediately. Haha.. They are such a compatible couple.
Oh by the way, I won a 4Gigabytes iPod nano during the luckydraw! Woohoo.. Thought of selling it so as to put away more money for my graduation trips, if any. All wells that ends well huh. Went home a happy lady.







Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Fits of euphoria

This morning, I woke up accompanied with fits of euphoria. It appeared the moment I open my eyes. I was greeted by the shy morning ray that shine through my window. Simple bliss. Then while bathing, the euphoria feelings subtly came upon me again and I felt really joyful. Just before I stepped out of the door, I saw my reflection in the mirror. My make-up is perfect, volumized hair, dazzling smile, and was drenched with sweet smelling perfume. I was ready for the day. It wasn't a surprise to know that by the time I was walking to the train station, I was already beaming from ear to ear. What an unique change since I was dragging my feet to work every morning.

But somewhere along the way; on the train, during WORK, during lunch and all the other nook and corner of the daily routine, people come along and took a piece of that joy away from me. Some of the demanded things to be done their way, some impose their ways on me, others use words to dampen my spirit and yet other just behave indifferently. Stupidly, I allow them to do just that; stripping me of my beauty and the felicity I had.

Who are these people anyway?

It is people like you and me. Are you guilty of doing that to someone? Plundering them of their joy because of the cause of your words and actions? Maybe something you did or say carelessly is the turning point of somebody's day where all they wished they didn't even leave their home?

I am guilty as charge.

Many times, I flippantly said or do things that may cause others their misery. Which in turn may be passed on to someone else. Before I know it, it spinned off and circulate to other people they come into contact with. I may have ruined the day of many people! What a heavy sentence.

God says his love is new every morning. Let us keep ourselves in check all the time. Each new day can be a day where we make a difference in somebody's life. Small things count.

Go the extra miles if you can. Say something nice. Smile. Pass it on.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Animals kingdom

Right now, I'm sitting at my work station freezing my ass off in my office's artic condition. My fingers are numbed by the cold wind from the blast of the air-conditioning. Hate that feeling.
This is the first time I am blogging while working, hopefully I won't get scolding from anyone.

Work has been really frustrating of late. I really hate taking calls. These people are really rude and are hurling insults at me at the speed of 300words/minute. All my self-esteems are trampled on the ground and thrown out the window. I seems to go home everyday empty inside. It is no wonder I feel so tired everyday. It is really a challenging task. People scrutinised me with every words I spoke, trying to pick out every mistake I make.

People are so hard to please..

It is a real test of faith for me learning how to love people who are unlovable. Jesus died for me just as He died for them. He loves me as just He love them. So why should I feel that they are not worthy of His death?

I should really slapped myself for thinking that but it just come to me. My mind is known for having a mind of its own, if I am allowed to say that. =) She is a classic character i must say. My body is a slave to her whims and fancy.

I find myself having bad blood with human being in general. I have a general animosity towards them. This feeling amplified itself when I am in the train on my way to and from work, during work. However, come to think about it, it is basically every other time I come into close proximity of them.

It come to a point that I start to question "is it just me or it is them?"

I may be a freak for all I know. *shrudder*

Maybe I should be like Wendy. She loves animal more than human. I used to think that her thinking is uncanny but think again she may be right. At least animals wouldn't shove me around on public transport (they are not even allowed in right?), call me up and throw me upside down with their words (or barking/meowing/neighing/whatevering). Hypothethically, if I own a pet, they will be the one that sit by me when I am lonely and listen to me. Wendy sweared that her dog, Jaz, understands her when she talked to him.

Talking about that, it reminded me of the little black dog that is around my neighbourhood. He/She is always resting at my void deck almost every morning when I am on my way to work. When the elevator's floor pry open, I will simply see her standing there looking at me. Sometimes during my evening jog, she will be at the park doing her usual walk. At times, she will join me for a some distance until she found something more interesting that deserve her attention. I reckoned that she belongs to some family living in the first level where she is allowed free reign around the neighbour. When it is time for meal, she will then head back to her home. That is what I call faithfulness. =) Even man can't do that! Haha..

Oh I think I have done a major side track from my misery at work to animals. Anyway, I hope this post entertain you guys. Since majority of it is about animals, this post shall be dedicated to ms wendy.

I'm outta here.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Updates

For that split moment, I almost forgotten my sign in password to blogger. This really shows how long I haven't been updating my blog. What a pity since there is so much happening this few weeks. I decided not to blog about all those delibrately now that it is over. Also due to my laziness. Shall let it surface when the urge for me to write about it comes to me.

Every evening, I came home with a load of tired and aching bones. Dragging my feet home every night. Not that there is much to complain at work. It is the good type of tired. It means I really worn myself out working and going out. Its definately the good kind. (though i do wish for more sleeping time)

What can I say? It is still the same me, same dreams and same grouse. Hehe... I thought it will be good for me to update of my recent life, telling you guys that I am well. (very well lah..) Internship has really been exciting!!! And period to exams. (what can i say??)

Just came home from dinner with Xueli. Had a good laugh over silly things. It was really nice to know that some things still remains unchange, especially friendship. =) It definately warms my heart.

Anyway, all my language sense seems to be left at the door replaced my monotous rumbling. I better stop now before I shame myself further. I have to pushed the blame to my tiredness. They are the culprit. Really. I swear.

Monday, September 25, 2006

sister woes

If I have follow my emotions today, it would have been a bad day. Not even Daniel Powter's bad day could have rescue me out of the abyss of frustration. It all boils down again to making choices even whenI don't feel like it.

I had a verbal conflict with my sis this morning. It always started with me using her stuff or wearing her clothes. I don't and cannot understand why couldn't I? We are sisters after all right? Can the kinship of sisterhood be destroyed just because the owner of a sweater demands to wear it for that day and thus make the other person take it off? I guess for my sister, it could be. How sad to know it.

It sounds even more pathetic if you have eavedrops on our conversation this morning..

Sis: Have you seen my black sweater?
Me: Yea, I'm gonna wear it.
Sis: I AM GOING TO WEAR IT (walking away and knowing that she has win the arguement).

That's all she needs to say. And me, struggling with my own emotions, withhelding myself by slashing her, hard with my words. But I hold my tongue, instead I walk away. Walking away doesn't make a person weak. Sometimes, it takes stregth to keep quiet too. So I sat there pondering hard how can I love a person that is so unloveable? We even quarrel over tissue paper! 30cents/packet! Such an insignificant object could make me see a person's heart. Such a selfish, self-centred heart?

Has she has no respect for her flesh and blood? Respect is too diplomatic a word. Or should I say, has she has no love for her own sis?

No, there isn't any love.

I would determined by that piece of tissue paper. That's is the measure of her love for her sister. Cheaper than a litmus paper, but it direct me the colour of her heart. Neither blue nor red.

Is this the measure of her heart?

I fear so....

Why has we gone so far from each other? How can two person be so similar yet has become so different at the same time? How has the distance crept between us, leaving only a gap to fill the void?


Slowly but gradually...
Unknowingly but eventually...

That is how it happen.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

All about love

I have witnessed a marriage solemnization today at Fort Canning ROM. When the couples were exchanging their marriage vows, a single tear slide down my cheek. At that moment, I was touched by the promises that the man and wife have vow to keep. And I thought to myself: "such a sacred union that God has created when He intend man to leave his parents and stay with his wife.

I pray that when I have found the man that is worthy for me to exchange such vows with, we'll keep the promises we made in our heart.

I feel honoured to be invited by my good friend in her matrimony. And I pray that her marriage will last her lifetime.

However, I couldn't help myself but to think of the other side of the coin. (No implication to anyone) In this perverse world, it is a commonplace for adultry and divorces to take place. Families are broken up and children were force to grow up under dysfunctional environment. People always say "rules are meant to be broken and promises are meant not to be kept". And so, why in the first place will they commit to such dire promises of taking care, caring, comforting and loving another person in the first place? Why make such tall promises that they couldn't keep?

I feel very fortunate and blessed coming from a duo parents family. However, not all my friends are like me. In my younger days, I was naive about the fact that duo parents family are the most natural thing in the world. I haven't heard of any divorce families when I was in my primary school or not even when I am in secondary school. It was until when I was in JC and Poly do I encounter such things. Not only that, it seems that increasingly, I came to know more and more friends that are not living with both parents.

I have to say that I am not trying to put these people down. I don't even have the slightest intention to do that. Why I mentioned it is because I feel sad... When parents divorce, children are the worst victims. There is nothing they would want most than to wish for their parents to get back with each other. I swear that it could be their birthday wish every year.

People always ask the age-old question: "What is Love?"

My answer will be this: "It is a delibrate choice we make everyday to love our husband/wife. It is a decision we make to love our wife/husband even when they say something hurtful. It is a conscious choice we make to love no others than our wife/husband.

Love is a choice we decided to make and keep to it.

Love is a choice.

I used to romantizied love thinking that it is all about butterfly in the tummy, dizzy and light-headed feelings we get when that someone is near. It is about sweaty palms and flowery kisses. It is about sugar and spice and everything nice. But it is much more than that.

All these will somehow fades away when one gets into marriage. Feelings are not constant. We can feel love for one day and not so tomorrow. So does it means that when marriage kills the passion of love? No I say. More like the mundane kills the passion.

And so how can passion be kept alive in marriage?

It is a choice we decided to make.

"Let what God has put together not be separated by man". - Such simple words with yet profound understanding.

Cheers to that. Or shall I say "yum sheng"!

Monday, September 11, 2006

Ben

A lot of good things are happening to me recently and most of it involve my family. I am sure that God is hearing my prayers and making things happen for me and my family, especially my borther. I have a closer relationship with him now. And the relationship he has with others are not exclusively with the computer or with the people he met at 'maplestory'. haha. I thank God for that. I am truely glad...

Work's excitment has been picking up. We get to plan their marketing campaign, attend the management meetings and get to organise some of their events for them. We did a proposal for the manager of how we want to run the campaign and he is calling for a meeting tomorrow to hear us out! Wow! And we are only forth day into the job. Can't believe how God has blessed me! Indeed, truely, I am blessed.

However, the down side to all these is waking up early. At 6.30AM to be precised. Even Ben, who has to attend morning assemble at school wakes up later than me. And every morning, the bed seems to have a gravitational pull towards me and I can't say NO to it. =( Sobz.. I thought I'll never be caught saying this, but... I think schoolings are more flexible and I kinda miss it.
Right now, my eyes are failing me as I type this.. I can't go into a slumber just sitting here. Haha...

Hmm.. Another day before everyone from school will officially start their SIP. Crystal and Yilin will start their work at the service apartment, Mais will start her hospitality training, amber at her sunny island of Sentosa. And 5 months later, everyone will go back to TP and share about our experience. 5 months.. Neither fast nor slow. All those that are dear to me will be sorely miss by me, especially those far away, especially those that are in China, particularly Shanghai. Haha *hint hint*

Been reading "The memoirs of Geisha" for over one week and still can't seems to finish it. I guess this is one book that I'll have to put it down halfway. It is not particularly enticing to me, just now my cup of tea i guess. Hmm... Have to catch up on my reading. Just check out the bookstore during the weekend and there are so many new books on the shelves. Hafta get my hands on them before my brains are left on the shelves too..

Alright, hafta go now. Sleepy... yawnnzzz... Night world.


Before the world began, you were on His mind. And every tears you cried was precious in His eyes.

Friday, September 08, 2006

CX 3rd day

I should be sitting in front of the telly set watching 'ghost whisperer' right now but not sure why am i still yacking away in front of the computer. I should be so sick and tired of facing the computer screen considering that this is exactl what I have been doing for the past 3 days.

The first few days of my attachments was spent learning their internal system. Well... quoting from Dakota Fanning in 'uptown girls', "foundations are the building blocks of fun". Well, I hope she is right. my immediate supervisor is a very nice. She has already drawn out some of our internship activities and it seems nothing sort of dull. So excited to really get started.

But really, the down side to it is that i've gotta wake up at 6.30am every morning! Before the sun is up. Just when I thought school is over. Duh! And the 'never-on-time' me have to struggle hard to reach the office before the clock struck 8.30am. So far so good. But its only the 3rd day. Haha...

Well, I guess I don't have much creative juice coming out of me right now. All I could think of is Jennifer Love Hewitt in her lovely vintage dress and 'oh so dramatic' long lashes. ciao.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

corporate world

Today mark the last day of my free and easy lifestyle. Starting tomorrow, I'll be thrown into the dog eat dog working world. Sounds scary huh.. Well, to me at least. I'll be the Shenton way girl clucking my heels up and down the pavement. Have to figt with all the crowds! Oh man, I HATE CROWDS. Everywhere I turn, I'll see them. They erked me like hell. Tsk tsk tsk..

The only good thing that came out of this is that these few days, i have been shopping for my work clothes. Shoes, clothes, bags and you name it.. Hehe... Retail therapy is the best therapy, or so they say. Hehe... Looking my best so as to leave a lasting impression!

So i guess today will be my sabbath day. Doing nothing but relaxing my mind, willing it to get ready for work tomorrow.

Just last saturday, I caught the show "Devil wears Prada" and it reminded me of how it might be working in the real world. But then the purpose of watching the show is actually to admire those fashion label and little did I know that there is a moral behind the story. I think everyone should really go watch it. It is very entertaining.

I guess I better stop here. Wait till my attachment start, I think there will be more things to blog about. Till then. Ciao