my haven

2009-02-09T08:21:00.004+08:00

Gosh, I had wanted to do this before I left for the States. Well, though it's now the 45th day here (I've been away so long??), it's always better late than never!!

Do what? Like having a 'last' entry for this blog before I went to CA so that I can start 'anew' somewhere else @ a new addy? But as usual, I was still packing before the day I flew

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One sentence which struck me in service today - The teacher is silent when there is a test.

Yes, the Teacher is silent when there is a test. It aptly explains my past 2 years - one of THE phases of my life. Now, given a choice, I probably would not want to go through the motions (for the benefit of others, let's just say personal struggles) again. Everyone likes answers, you know sort of a proper closure even though the explanations might not take away the pain or be understood.

Yet, I would not have been the person I am today. James 1:2-3 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produce steadfastness.I like to think that I have been growing since - like being in God's community and understand why, seeing others/things increasingly in Jesus' perspective (always trying) and knowing who the focus should be, among other things. I also realized how much time I have 'wasted' in being fixated on certain issues but it's been a lesson learning to let go and live by faith :) & still learning
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So yah, the new addy has already been in existence for some time. It's not necessarily to end before you can start. Life's always a process.. Yeah, I will come back to SG. But here? Perhaps on a random day. I mean, I'm random, right? e.g. this entry

2008-12-04T09:40:00.003+08:00

Covering 3-4 places in 8 days from the north to the south.. so exciting!! Travelling free and easy is a joy as you plan your own destinations at your leisure pace.. or you don't even need to plan until you are there. That's what we are doing :) haha we have only settled accomodation at Hanoi and the flight to Nha Trang, thus far. No routines, no rushing to and fro places etc.

As I am typing this, I realised that though I dread routines and detailed plans, I grapple a lot with not being in the know, like how loved ones can leave you without a word, without a reason. Uncertainty is certain and we have to learn to live with it because it is ever present in our life. Why!?!, one may ask especially with the recent shocking happenings. However, know that we gotta trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding.

Although we do not have control over everything, there are some things that are still within us..

2008-12-02T13:47:00.006+08:00

The finals are over yet December is a more stressed month for me since I will be spending only 2 weeks in town and have lots to pack&do!!

(i) The examinations.
I don't know which is worst: falling sick before, during or after your exams. Anyway, the results is in His hands. It's a good thing I recovered the moment the papers are over. I found out the worst thing about having an MC is not being able to use it - twice.

(ii) The Vietnam trip.
Haha this is why I only have 2 weeks left for preparation. Pray for us: the journey, the weather and the food (heh this is for me la since I have a weak stomach). God bless us :) as none of us took the vaccinations beforehand.

(iii) The tuberculosis test.
I did a mantoux test (skin test).. ouch!!
and then went back again to take a measurement of the reaction. The test was positive, with me scoring 18mm, above the safety 10mm.

me: what does this mean?
doc: it means you are having tuberculosis now, but you have already been vaccinated.

thank God for bcg.. So, why did I need to do this test? This brings me to the part of my exchange which I am very excited about!! :D

(iv) Being a Preschool Teacher Assistant for course credit (heheheh)
As part of a course, I will be working with disadvantaged preschool children and be a mentor to one individual. This also means more administration stuffs to do (e.g. social security number etc)besides the mandatory ones. Pray for me a smooth procedure :)

red tapes

2008-11-21T14:44:00.002+08:00

S ervice to students?
What do you make of it when asking for assistance only from those whom you think are best suited to help results in being coldly directed to someone convenient, not anyone appropriate?

Pls Stop Using 'mugging'

2008-11-16T21:25:00.008+08:00

And so this sign in the library reads..

It used to be studying in progress.. so why the change? Trying to connect to the youths by talking their slang?

Nowadays, mugging is interchangeably used with studying. The former is a a stinging sound to my ears. You can say I'm being anal but these two words have REALLY different meanings. Mugging has a negative contonation to it while studying indicates something positive.

E.g. He's a mugger (read: hardworkingly swallowing everything you read without filtering). He's a studious student (read: diligently chewing the materials into meaningful pieces).

Not every youth-created words should be embraced enthusiatically, certainly not this word at the tertiary level where critical thinking is promoted. This author stands firm against the use of the word 'mugging' (albeit stubbornly) unless you really want to call yourself a mugger.

Anyhow, I still have 3 more papers to do before I can study for my exams, so off I go..

Ps: Why is this sign only put up during the last week of semester.. Isn't the library always used to study and to read anyway?

2008-11-05T22:03:00.003+08:00

Silence.

As I mentioned before (perhaps in previous entry), silence is beautiful. It can speak volumes of the unexplainable understanding and the knowing presence of one another.

BUT, I discovered another side of silence recently. It's not the silence of a tantrum like not picking up the phone because you don't want to. Being on both the receiving and giving end before, I find this acceptable since we all need our reflective moments. Neither is it the loud sound of the clock ticking away because there's nothing to be said. The new silence is very much terrifying. It's like the silence on that answering machine where you don't even know whether the line's been changed.

Silence is beautiful. I shudder to think further. It can be THE present to give. However, as always with gifts, it's the thought that matter not the present itself.

A tuition kid of mine always can't wait to tell me her 'jokes', so let me share one of them with you:
What's one word the moment you say it, you break it?

2008-10-20T23:36:00.002+08:00

Politics can be humorous!

Guest speakers for the Alfred Smith Dinner entertain with humor on the political scene:
McCain is absolutely funny

& If you didn't understand the background to what has been said earlier (fortunately, I had an avid like-minded person to do some explaining for me), this will just do just fine.

2008-10-19T01:18:00.005+08:00

I have been so politically apathetic that even when there was a big ruckus about the 2.15m paycheck, I could not care less. But America 08 has been riveting for me. (I don't quite know why)

It is easy to know who I support if you know me well. I prefer actions, not words.

To make it more obvious, read on (Justin Taylor's summary of Robert George article on "Voting for the Most Extreme Pro-Abortion Political Candidate in American History Is Not the Way to Save Unborn Babies"):

.. let me explain why I have described Obama as “pro-abortion” rather than “pro-choice.”

2. Obama has promised that “the first thing I’d do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act” ( FOCA). This would make abortion a federally guaranteed right through all nine months of pregancy for any reason. Virtually every state and federal limitation on abortion that is currently on the books would be abolished (e.g., parental consent and notification laws for minors).

5. Obama refused to support the pro-life Democrats' “95-10” legislation (designed to reduce the number of abortions by 95% in 10 years by strengthening the social safety net for poor women). This would not have made abortion illegal; it would seek to reduce abortion.

6. Obama "opposed legislation to protect children who are born alive, either as a result of an abortionist’s unsuccessful effort to kill them in the womb, or by the deliberate delivery of the baby prior to viability." The bill contained a specific provision that ensured that the bill would not affect abortion laws (Obama and his campaign lied about this fact until it was proven in the records).

George ends his article in this way:

.. In Obama’s America, public policy would make a mockery of the great constitutional principle of the equal protection of the laws. In perhaps the most telling comment made by any candidate in either party in this election year, Senator Obama, when asked by Rick Warren when a baby gets human rights, replied: “that question is above my pay grade.” It was a profoundly disingenuous answer: For even at a state senator’s pay grade, Obama presumed to answer that question with blind certainty. His unspoken answer then, as now, is chilling: human beings have no rights until infancy—and if they are unwanted survivors of attempted abortions, not even then.

.. Voting for the most extreme pro-abortion political candidate in American history is not the way to save unborn babies.

Thanks to you for sharing this with me :)

2008-10-17T20:05:00.004+08:00

FFH song reflecting the sentiments of the previous entry..

2008-10-15T21:24:00.004+08:00

Because of the Cross

The ‘i’ in my pride has blinded me to the Christ in me
I cared about how man look at me,
the consciousness has taken me unaware
But now I know, down on my knees

Because of the cross,
love has not a reason
Because of the cross,
mysteries have a purpose
Because of the cross,
the fear, hurt and bitterness do not matter
Because of the cross

Time has since passed
I pitied myself in misery
Couldn’t see beyond the rejection
But now I know, down on my knees

Because of the cross,
never will I be forsaken
Because of the cross,
I won’t be left alone
Because of the cross,
I have a future of hope and protection
Because of the cross

* A speck of dust so small can blind the whole vision. How delightful it is to see clearly!!
inspired by God 14/10/08

What's in a name?

2008-09-15T12:56:00.002+08:00

So, I hit the big two-O today, like right at this time.

Let's go back awhile in history to the origin of my name since all names in the Bible mean something significant, with a story to tell. I do want to know what's mine..

Here's what I got from googling:
- French name
- There's a small river in France called the Yvette
- Female form of 'Yves' (meaning: yew tree)
- Meaning: archer

How about the yvette writing this? While my name is Yvette, don't try to define me the person. Things are always seen in perspective, on a relative scale. Since things done before are no longer being carried out, somewhere feelings must have change or vice-versa.. right? Likewise, characteristic and personality are always on a continuum, depending on the situational factors and interaction of elements. No one, I dare say, is a total introvert. If they do appear so, they just haven't found their place.

So, why shape people to stereotypes? Similarly, statuses, titles and qualifications doesn't say much about anyone either.. that includes age. Today I'm older than yesterday, perhaps I have gone through more experiences than last year, but I'm still me. Nicknames/baptised names are probably more apt to know someone if you insist. What's my story? Nothing you can know from my name because I want to live it out according to God's way and pray that I already am

2008-08-11T12:33:00.002+08:00

The song mentioned 2 entries down is Christine Glass's My Love Will Get You Home. It first started ringin' on my mum's hp before my summer stint & then again non-stop on a 30hr drama serial which I spent my time on while recovering from jet-lag. (that's probably how I gained weight, not from the trip but after the trip).

The song promises of a love that's always not too far off, always guiding, always present and definitely lasting - only God's love. & I certainly don't need any stubbornness to tell me that..

2008-08-04T23:00:00.005+08:00

Dont waste your $ and time (even if the company's good, you are still wasting one another's time) on senseless mainstream movies!! Though some blockbusters can be good, but your senses are desensitized by the explosions, sound effects, CGI-effects and the artificiality.

Watch this instead!! Definitely worth your time and money.. real, humanizing and simple.

LA MISMA LUNA

2008-07-22T11:10:00.001+08:00

If you wander off too far, my love will get you home.
If you follow the wrong star, my love will get you home.
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone,
get back on your feet and think of me, my love will get you home.
Boy, my love will get you home.

If the bright lights blind your eyes, my love will get you home.
If your troubles break your stride, my love will get you home.
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone,
get back on your feet and think of me, my love will get you home.
Boy, my love will get you home.

If you ever feel ashamed, my love will get you home.
If it's only you to blame, my love will get you home.
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone,
get back on your feet and think of me, my love will get you home.
Boy, my love will get you home

If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone,
get back on your feet and think of me, my love will get you home
Boy, my love will get you home
Boy, my love will get you home

2008-07-21T19:37:00.002+08:00

Rmb siti? the lil gal who came crying to me during my first time asst coaching in NT and made me realised what shui wan wan de yan jing looked like. That was 2007 jan.

Well, fast forward july 2008, I did my first coaching (!nerve-wrecking!) at NT (by no coincidence) today and guess who was in my class (it's a no brainer). Actually, when I know that it will be at NT, my first thought was her.. but never thought it will materialise to this. Don't think she remembered me though but I was elated to see her.. no more crying but innocent-like smiling. Such doe-eyed cheerfulness and chubbiness that I hope she will always possess

.. a sure sign from God that I'm on the right track admist the trepidation

2008-07-19T01:13:00.000+08:00

Final photo galore!!

First up, awesome pics taken by tianjian ascuncion:

Credits to the man!

the last night in yale:
forlorn-looking me doing my paper :(but actually I didn't start till the next morning; i was msning here)

Last glances from the common room before departing:

look! how boring my room was initially (if u rmb how I changed the layout in an earlier post)Time for some randomness:
In the dining hall, at the tray racks

voted best ice cream in New Haven and thoroughly deserves so

a drive thru' atm

great! maybe a drive-thru restroom in the near future?

Anyway, at Washington DC for a field trip, again thanks to USP:
the Holocaust Museum
recounting what a survivor said: Giving up is never the final solution (ponder ponder*)

the Vietnam War Memorial

A discussion at George Mason University's Center for History and New Media.
http://chnm.gmu.edu/ (useful for teaching and learning & many fascinating exhibits)
History will never be the same again with ever-advancing digital media and computer technology

Newseum (relocated 6 months ago to DC and is one of the few musuems here that do charge an entry fee, US20)
an interactive museum of news and journalism dedicated to
Gutenberg Bible - supposedly the first printed bible

9/11 Gallery As I watched the first-hand accounts and scenes of 9/11, an overwhelming feeling arose. An impact never realised then when I was just 4 days shy of my 13th.. (ponder ponder*) Perhaps I will never understand some things, but I know God is always in control. That is assuring enough.

To end this entry off, what else but food? The most memorable food here gotta be Potbelly Sandwiches. A bread meal that I actually craved for. That's something.

Here's a cute oreo shake

2008-07-17T12:56:00.002+08:00

no more lookin' from below, but looking from above.

6 weeks abroad has led me to learn and experience so much, that textbooks can never teach. I know others who have been on exchange etc and who became increasingly dissatisfied with the way things are here. It's not that the pasture is greener on the other side.. it's just the realisation that our priorities are mismatched with the system. However, home is still Singapore. The desire to spend a long time away is only because of the knowledge that returning is a certainty.

Reflection #1:

Window seat - my fav.

Lets you be isolated from the rest of the passengers,

Immersed in the scenery outside.

As I looked out from the plane on my return journey, I was awed by the beautiful clouds after clouds. Pure and white. Simple and sweet. Out of the corner of my eyes, a deep realisation struck me. I saw the wing of a huge machine, so lifeless and rigid. It moved nothing like a bird. What's that machinery doing up there? God certainly did not intend for such an invasion when He created His masterpiece.

This is not about how technology has become so invasive but the undeniable rapid progress of science. While we cannot stop that progress, what we can do is prevent the invasion of technology in our daily lives, taking time with our loved ones. It's a pity how in a family, each member watches his or her shows, working on their personal computers or idling in their individual rooms.

Our generation is always complaining of a gap and doing nothing while our parents are always trying to close that gap. When they do that, we complained further. Having your parents as your facebook friends would probably be an embarrassment. Yet, we always say they would not/never try to learn/know what we are doing even if we tell them. If they are learning things which would naturally be slower for them, why don't we learnt things that they like? We would surely be faster, right? oh, the narcissism of our generation. Anyway, self-criticism outside, let's do something before time runs out

2008-07-16T12:10:00.003+08:00

Knowing very well that chinese food in the US cannot make the mark,
still the craving and the missing leads one to make a silly decision.

me in serious doubt of the shrimp and egg rice initially.. but it was very much edible and that's good enough =) After a month of Western food, I had to eat sth chinese, sth seafoodish, sth chillish. Yet, I would have been too lazy to get them if not for Joyce!!Here's she with her char siew pau. (not da pao okay! I really wondered how big is their da pao)

This entry wasn't intended but just to make a point.

Knowing very well that it's no longer the same,
still the missing leads one wanting to try, to make a silly decision.

Make that many silly actions..

2008-07-08T21:12:00.001+08:00

Day 38 854pm

In case you're wondering, I'm now in DC. Will be back in Singapore on fri midnight.. local delights, here I come!

anyway, created this entry halfway so might as well finish it (was rushing papers before and after leaving new haven.. & hadn't had internet access here),

Day 24 We went to Louislunch which was where the original hamburger first came about

It's not the usual hamburger we had.. but it's so much better!
Anyway, some random trivia learnt in class:

- if you are Singaporean and planned to start/have a family, you are warned not to proceed further.. IQ goes down an average of 4 pts with each additional child. However, it will go up from the 8th child onwards. But take heart, IQ here might just mean the norm measured analytic intelligence whose validity is questionable. (Okay, okays! As you can tell, I'm obviously not the firstborn.)

- Kids' IQ drop between June & September (so, school's actually good for you!!)

- Apparently, having the use of computer technology in school is bad for the nurturing of social skills of children.. (so much for higher-education)

- A minimum of 4 mins is needed for manual strangulation to be successful

- Though caucasians are generally taller and bigger-size than Asians, Asians' skulls are much bigger

2008-06-27T00:04:00.001+08:00

infant lab: summer volunteer positions for non-Yale students are also available :(

2008-06-24T09:47:00.003+08:00

Day 23 945pm

Saturday: Trip to Woodbury Premium Outlets (an hour from NYC) It's actually quite a beautiful place to be.. just that the shopping left no time for that

& after shopping was done, good guy gab sent this: www.storyofstuff.com great reminder for all!!

2008-06-20T05:38:00.002+08:00

Day 19 538pm

One thing I realised about people being extremely good at their craft is that besides being endowed with talent, is their persevering diligence. Talent only allows you to be slightly above average easily, that's all. Beckham puts in consistent countless hours of individual practice after his training on his freekicks to be that specialist and so it goes for other sportsmen, etc. Perhaps it's the consistent commitment and effort needed that stops many of us for pursuing that excellence. One must really like that craft so much to want to achieve that excellence. This could be why I am a jack of '3min' hobbies but never a master of one.

Similarly, in our Christian walk, we often stop short of achieving that excellence. We believed in God (in this case, having that talent) but if we do not constantly spent time in prayers with Him, reading His words and worship (that abovementioned persevering diligence), we will not have that close and intimate relationship we so desired.

4 key ingredients which are essential in cultivating that diligence:

1) Passion - the hunger and love for God

2) Discipline - the ability to prioritise and not get distracted

3) Dedication - the wholeheartedness in striving for perfection

4) Preparation - the readiness

to be constantly reminded!!

2008-06-19T23:31:00.000+08:00

Day 19 1137am

In my 2 semesters in NUS, I have never been to the health center. Just 2 weeks here, I have already visited

They actually leave their patients in an isolated room for several minutes 3 times!! Thank God I had accompaniment. Talk about experiencing the local student's life..

Anyway, my allergic rashes have since recovered :D but I might have to go back there to see the allergist.. let's see how efficient they are

2008-06-17T23:40:00.002+08:00

Day 17 1139am

This is the kind of jeep I like but not available nor practical on Singapore roads.

2008-06-16T23:15:00.003+08:00

Day 16 1117am
It's week 3, midterms for the others but not for me ;) though I have a response paper and a quiz every week.

Here's my Dev Psy classroom: (they have leg rest underneath each chair, good for slouching!)Saybrook courtyard:harry-potter like ar?

This is the Sterling Memorial Library - the largest in Yale. Adjoining underground is the Bass Library. I heard that they even have the Singapore Ghost Stories Collection there and you can catch on your Strait Times backdated several days.They should have such bins in Singapore too.. protect the environment!

2008-06-16T08:45:00.002+08:00

Day 15 845pm

First baseball game at Shea Stadium. It's 7-storeys high!

NY Mets vs Texas Rangers. Mets were trailing 2-8 and went on to lose 7-8.. argh! On a random note, baseball games are good to chill out tgt since there's lots of waiting time.Dad, this one's for you!

2008-06-14T14:41:00.001+08:00

Day 14 241pm

I'm been here 2 weeks.. wow! how time flies.. anyway, here's pics from the Big Apple from last saturday (Day 07):

The day starts at like 7am and we took the campus escort security service (it operates like from 630pm-730am and will bring you from anywhere to anywhere around campus) to the Union Station. This is a good break from the walking: walking up and down the stairs (unfortunately, I lived on the 4th floor), walking to and fro from classes (unfortunately, I have one class right at the end of the campus which is about 15 mins from Saybrook) and more walking around the streets. I have been taking for granted the transportation system in Singapore. Took the Metro North train which costs US$28 for a return trip.

We took about 2 hours to reach Central Park.
The skyscrapers that greeted us when we first stepped out of the train station.

Only to the street corner tho'

Went to the UN building but unfortunately, their guided tours were fully booked.On the subway to Lower Manhatten. The subway is complicated and the rides are bumby, a far cry from our MRT.. but we can eat and drink here. L-R: aik, devereux, jeanne, ruhan (they weren't actually posing but somehow they appear to be)Brooklyn Bridge. I still much prefer Golden Gate Bridge in LA; though it seemed transient, you know it's always there even as the fog and mist cover it beautifully. (leaning theologically, if you get what I mean)

Come again? F-B: miki, ruhan, tae ho (he's camera-shy).

the weather that day was really hot, comparable or even worse than Singapore (I have been mentioning the S word a lot, probably signs of missing home?) Ice-cream vans are extremely welcomed! It's very creamy tho'
Did they mean chilli?
These are actually pedestrian and not zebra crossings. My natural instinct tempt me to cross the road many times even though the red hand signal was on.Took a ferry to straten island to catch a glimpse of ..
the Statue of Liberty as we passed by the New York Harbor. Ever wonder why nobody taken a picture with her? b/c she's at the edge of Ellis Island

Wall St

& that bull..Times Square. This looks more like the NYC I know (from movies of course, where else?) Billboards everywhere.Went to TGIF (yea, it's really the tgif that you know) for dinner Dirt, anyone?
This picture is badly taken but my camera went dead straight after, so too bad, here it is: Chicago (we bought the tics online and it costs US$82 (before tax) each but a friend who joined us later and bought his ticket 2 hours before the show started got it for just US$50, 60? I can't remember and he had a better seat!) Well, anywayI love musicals so I was sooooo excited about catching this Broadway show. It is like catching a soccer game @ Wembley or Stamford Bridge for that matter. But after the long and tiring day, I was dozing in and out of the play. Disappointed and irritated with myself.. totally :l

When I do watch my fav Phantom of the Opera (hopefully here), I will darn well make sure I will not be worn out.
These pics I received are really small, make do with them first till I figure out what to do, if I ever..

2008-06-11T10:00:00.005+08:00

Day 10 1007pm

The weather here (heat) is turning worse than Singapore but it's not humid.. & the thing is, I am now able to sleep well, because of the change in weather. Irony. Anyway, been busy with night activities haha like table tennis. WOAH! I miss playing that.. & since I'm the only one in the school team before wahahah, I get to show off ;) Anyhow, it's funny remembering what my coaches taught me before and all the basics & realised how important the techniques are as I teach my 'students' (just kidding)

this is miki and she's so badly addicted to the game that she wants to play every night.. that's why I have no time to update haha

NBA Finals. But since my fav Spurs is out, I will just watch the last quarter for each game while enjoying food from the buttery at midnight.. (This is miki's peace sign btw) This is not healthy living!! Anyway, I eat ice-cream like 3 times a week (or more?) b/c they served it all the time in the dining hall & you need ice-cream to eat waffles right? Haha this is my 3rd attempt.. finally successful! BUT the batter was sour, oh well.. At the rate I'm going, though I am avoiding rice and some tasteless food here, I will still be growing in width.. mum, your worries are unfounded though I REALLY REALLY want to eat grandma's style popiah a lot when I come backahha! I did my own laundry for the very first time.. it's pretty easy, just throw in the clothes, press some buttons and wait! same thing for the dryer

On a random note, Jennifer showed me this: a physics textbook here which uses my name.. nowhere will I see this back home.

NYC updates will be coming soon.. I promise! Game 3 is ongoing right now..

2008-06-05T22:26:00.007+08:00

Day 05 1025am

Morning!! (been waking up really early at like 5, 6am :s automatically)

Anyway, this is a picture of me with Yale's Department of Psychology :D ha I hven lost or gain weight I hope..
The food here is quite alright since they served a variety and changed every meal.. tho' the rice here is really tasteless. Now, I will just avoid the rice. They served lots of fruits and green here!! it's like part of their meal like chili is for me. Oh, they only have ketchup here.. mustard, etc.
Their serving is gigantic!! Compare their pizza size with ours

there's also a waffle-maker here at Saybrook Dining Hall..

Our (joyce and me) failed attempt b/c we forget to add the anti-stick thingy

Haha but I will make a successful one late :)

Cars you will never see in Singapore:

Check out the plate!

This is my part of the room. I have a roomie!

Here's my textbooks and coursepacks which cost a whooping US$260 approx.. gosh!!

Check out the thickness :X

Will update more.. got homework to do & probably going to NY for the weekend & catch Broadway YAY

2008-06-02T21:33:00.015+08:00

Day 02 932am

Gosh slept for 3 hours only (afternoon nap in SG time) due to the jet lag. Ever since I woke up at 6, I have heard at least 3 ambulances passing by.. dreadful. It's quite a happening area.. I just witnessed a 'live' mini protest "Prayers back in school".. I could hear them frm my room far away and there were policemen ensuring their safety, I guess. Here's more info about it http://www.petitiononline.com/pray2002/petition.html (I missed the prayers back in primary school)

how I became an accidental tourist in Narita:

The first flight got delayed by 4 1/2 hours and I (& the 6 others) missed the connecting flight to Minneapolis. So, we get to stay in Narita for one night thanks to Northwest but they provided us with free hotel accomodation, dinner, breakfast and lunch.. here's the first thing I ate in Japan, Western-styled food.

The beautiful view from our hotel room.. down below is the indoor swimming pool

Toured a bit around Chiba? Narita? Honestly, we have no idea where we were..

yes.. this is still in japan

the park think it was some wedding ceremony..
sake brewery for chomei-shu (I think).. me doing the intro b/c I drank that at the bar the night before

All of the above thanks to: Original Octopus ball, much softer than those in Sgp

Hey, I bought this already.. oishi. HAHA! I might end up eating all ;) by myself
Saybrook's gaming room! There's a pool table and a DDR
The view from my room:

2008-06-02T14:09:00.008+08:00

Day 02 June 208am (New Haven is behind by 12hrs)

Appreciated those who wanted to/sent me off =) I finally arrived in Yale after a very long time, albeit becoming an accidental tourist in narita. I should be sleeping now, considering that I have classes tml and hven figure my way around New Haven yet.. But I'm seriously jet-lagged, not able to sleep and hven unpack.. tata (update asap)

2008-05-31T02:12:00.002+08:00

Hihi,

I will be leaving in like 4 hours.. *..* don't really know what I feeling right now but I'm sure it will be quite an adventure.

You can contact me by emailing, msning, smsing/calling (I'm not too sure about the charges tho' so just do next best thing =>) or skyping & by snail mail (it's primitive but I like it because it carries the surprises and thoughts which travelled miles and miles just to get there). Anyway, I should be updating here quite regularly =) New Haven is about 14 hours behind Singapore's time

Packin' is such a whacking time.. you seem to need everything that you want to bring but the elimination rounds are definitely a yes-yes even if your luggage is 29''..

Pray for my flights, spanning over 30hrs!!

SAT 31MAY DEP SINGAPORE 0600

ARR TOKYO NARITA 1400

SAT 31MAY DEP TOKYO NARITA 1630

ARR MINNEAPOLIS ST PL 1325

SAT 31MAY DEP MINNEAPOLIS ST PL 1905
ARR NEW YORK JFK 2246

Tada

I will definitely miss the local delights (pray that the food there will be tasty to my buds heh), my bed and of course people ;)

2008-05-25T23:25:00.003+08:00

Just last year, an aunt was telling me past memories with her deceased husband and how he felt which she never knew till she read his diary. As she recounted, amidst the smiles of remembering him, the tears rolled down the cheeks as the bittersweet reality kicked in.

Writing a journal might be therapautic for yourself but you will never know how precious and soothing it will be for your loved ones too. So, write down the happiest and sweetest memories down for our brains work in such a way that the unhappy moments always pop out and false memories are aplenty.

So, with that in mind and my parents' constant worrying about my Penang trip, I became paranoia about the travelling that I prepared my last words, well just in case. This really sounds silly. But I can't swim, neither can I fly like Nathan and I definitely don't want to be struck in mid-air, etc penning down my last thoughts on a piece of paper that no one will ever get to read and feeling regretful of the things I didn't do or the words I haven't say! Of course, having the fear doesn't mean that I believe it will happen and that's why I only wrote halfway because it was a impromptu decision and well, packing my luggage is practically more important lol.. this time maybe I will complete it?

Upon reflection, I think everyone should prepared such last words, not just for those going overseas because anything can happen any time. James 4:14 "Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." We should always be ready and seize the most out of everyday. Perhaps it is for our individual need that the things one have not say or done due to pride, lack of assurance or not knowing whether it is still status quo will finally be revealed. On the other side, it will also be comforting for those who will know and need not guess further. That's what make Gerry in ps i love you so sweet to get his wife on track in her life though I don't like how she resumed her life.

2 years ago, I told my parents that I want a white (white's beautiful, isn't it?) coffin and that nice&tasty food must be served (let's do away with the red strings, peanuts and melon seeds). Perhaps it seemed unfilial but it's never too early for such discussion, I mean the first 2 wakes I went were my peers. Not sounding morbid, but it is always good to have some expectations. Take pictures with me.. it's your last chance, so smile and make sure I look good in the pictures. Don't use my wake as a family gathering or to catch up with other peeps..It will be my wake, make sure I'm the topic of discussion haha. & while you can cry, be happy for I will go home to be with the Lord =)

2008-05-18T23:51:00.000+08:00

As I was saying, I won't be able to watch Euro '08 (no, SCV you can't earn the exorbitant fees from me).. because I will be going to New Haven, Connecticut for a summer school session!! =) & pending is a 5-month SEP next year..

Always wanted to leave & now that suddenly I'm really going to places, well I'm hesitant but still very much excited!! Perhaps cuz I be going alone and independence is a new word to explore.. Sometimes I wished that I have a close relative living overseas and that I could just leave everything here and join him/her there.. Carefreeness or irresponsibility? I couldn't care less.. okay maybe not but having memories (be it good or bad) in such a small place can be painful

Thank God for this opportunity. His presence was throughout the application process: giving me hope when I was making excuse not to do the essay (because I won't get into the program esp when priority given to Y2s); encouraging me through different people's prayers when I was faithless; granting me a place in this program when my interview was like so inadequate & for the current exchange rate =)

When others asked me about the interview, I could only lament how horrible it had been. Then a voice asked "Why do you have so little trust in Me?" "But I really didn't do well in the interview.." The same question was asked once again. When I was asked about the interview repeatedly, this question kept popping out.. Until when I reached home and my dad asked me about it, I just replied "I don't know.." Then out of nowhere, my mum congratulated me when she knew how 'well' the interview had been and she isn't exactly the encouraging type.. & I know it was a sign that I will be selected. During cell group, I was prompted to share with them. But you know, to share this before I knew the selection result would be quite embarrassing if I didn't get in later & the 'i' in my pride is quite strong. However, I responded to the second prompt and by faith I told them what happened before the results were known :) It's not about getting what I want but Him showing and reminding me to have faith in Him and what it means to do so.

Oh and if you haven't hear about it, there's a new donut outlet called j. co in town. Almost everyone is flocking there.. How fickle people can be? Anyway, also probably because the donut craze is fading, one can now get his/her donuts from donut factory immediately donut. Haha as for me, donut factory is where I will get my Singapore dosage but I am looking forward to dunkin' Krispy Kreme donuts heh!!

Left 2 weeks.. must try to eat all my fav foods before I am overwhelmed with bacon, burger and bread. Eg.

GWP durians! Don't try the brownie or the crepe combination tho', doesn't taste well tgt.

2008-05-09T12:32:00.001+08:00

& now the long-waited (?) promised photos of Penang.. well, I only got all the pictures 2 months after the trip lol

the urge to post the pics is gone but this picture struck me the most

a good reminder not to begrudge my one-hour bus journey to school when children travelling by foot to school is still very real.. her home is up somewhere in Penang Hill.. can you imagine up and down the hill everyday is like us taking the lift up and down our flats - only the beginning of our daily journey

Another striking thing: This lady is a talented henna artist. She took right only 3 mins to complete my intricate design and she drew it so easily when I have to put in effort to write nicely, not to mention doing other stuffs.. (me in a awkward position trying to show you the artist and her design together)
I'm the one with the design on the left foot

Some interesting stuffs:haha my screen was working but not c's.. & it was about a 10-hour ride lol.. I watched Narnia and Stardust - fantasy shows which I thought I wouldn't like due to the movie trailers previously but I was proven wrong =)
don't be deceived by this scenic picture.. it was actually very smelly b/c there was a sewage nearbyit was supposed to be a picture of us and penang hill, not the banner!!

Now, for the foodie's moments!! How can I miss out these?
A&W, when art thou coming back to Singapore? (tho' by right, I have to avoid such stuffs amap)
the sisters' char kway teow (the portion is too little though and they open for a few hours only in the afternoon)
this chendol stall can certainly beat Bedok's Hollywood
When I first saw the stall and the uncooked ingredients, I was actually very unimpressed.. but I found them to be so crispy, so nice, awesome. It was in a ordinary coffeeshop but food in Penang is probably nice everywhere..
from the same coffeeshop.. I had expected fried hokkien noodles but they only served it this way in penang *thumbs up*
the famous penang laksa at kek lok si.. we walked about an hour from penang hill for this and had to decide between 2 stalls which one was the real one.. I still prefer the Singapore version (read: coconut, read: unhealthy) though, not this asam typethis is not a chinese medical shop.. it's the famous tau sar pias! remember it's Him Heang, & not the other Heangs
a friend drove us to this isolated seafood place (about 30 mins out of buttertown).. the locals sure know where the cheap and good stuffs are..the condiments used for the crab dishes here are unique from those used in Singapore and taste differently shiok =)
guessed how many of us polished off all the food?

2008-05-03T13:55:00.002+08:00

When I saw Lampard picking up the ball to take the penalty, I was bit worried too (yesh!! I watched the match.. tells you how anxious I am about my exams). After all, we all know what bereavement can do to our mental state.

He scored the penalty with such composure and competence and then let loose his emotions as he dedicated it to his late mother.. gosh my emotions went with him too. Give me sports over music anytime.

As usual, I need to neutralise the above touching moment. Take a look at this:

Well, all I can say is no sportsmanship and probably no referee there too..

2008-04-30T10:08:00.003+08:00

cool stuffs!

This was at Grand Central New York. sth interesting to look out for: The REAL Singapore freeze is going to happen this may 17th 4pm around Taka..

2008-04-24T17:03:00.001+08:00

Some people at Tuas have already finished their exams and here I am only in my study week (I am not even mentioning the early birds in the city area).. Still left with a final paper due tml. Yes.. Finally the last one!! From 9 deadlines to 1 all within a week or so, albeit the hair-pulling cum binging moments. The end of each sem brings realization of how productive I can be and also how ineffective I have been prior to entering uni.. only because of deadlines which cant be procasinated eventually.

On a random note (what's new?*), I went for the worshipcentral celebration (planetshakers + Tim Hughes) only to find that the keyboardist has changed :( but keyboardists are not my favourite, saxophonists are. When they play, it is as if they are immersed with the saxophone and the music as one. Charming. Not Kenny G pls, his hair spoils everything lol..

*what's new? If analyses are actually carried out on my convos, you'll realised that they are content which are incoherent, needing to be inferred, ma-chiam guessing/chasing games to know what I am referring. & I enjoyed it of course not all the time, not to be isunderstood, but doesn't beauty lies in the abstractness? i.e., rather than hearing ILY (look, I cringed to even type it in full), how about knowing this through the gaze? Now, having said this, some people will think it's cast in stone.. but no, exceptions are still happily accepted in rarity. Or perhaps it's a perfect excuse made up to spare the blushes

Anyway, recently I was asked 'Can snow cry?' and 'How do you make the snow smile?'. Literally speaking, I don't have an answer, not that anyone else will have. Besides, msn nicks aren't supposed to be one dimensional. They are thoughts that you want to share but not to be obvious. Those who understand will know.. Perhaps, no one would.. so be it. As I laid in bed yesterday thinking, some explanations would actually be good, here it is:
You may never know when the snow is crying but surely you can make the snow smile? - You can make someone happy despite not knowing their sorrow.
& a fav I like to share,
soundless waterfall - tearing silently

I like the metaphors of rain, snow, ice, etc whatever that can relate to crying because there's the element of thoughtful reflection within a cold disposition.

Only a fine line exist between creativity and ambiguity.

2008-04-22T21:45:00.003+08:00

I've always heard there is a land

Beyond the mortal dreams of man

Where every tear will be left behind

But it must be in another time

I've grown so tired of earthly things

They promise peace but furnish pain

All of life's sweetest joys combined

Could never match those in another time

Oh, my heart's been burnin'
My soul keeps yearnin'
Sometimes I can't hardly wait
For that sweet, sweet someday

2008-03-17T22:08:00.002+08:00

I wonder who wlse come here besides those names at the tagboard.. perhaps STILL would be a good key word

Anyway, check this out :D who else is keen on this?

This is actually my first 'Live' match. Apparently, this is still not the last match @ National Stadium.

& I probably won't be able to watch Euro '08 and I am not sobbing over it (hint: it's not just the exclusion of England).. will reveal more the next time :)

2008-02-23T22:51:00.001+08:00

Darn! I don't even have the option of having a day to myself during recess week.. sums up pretty well these days

2008-02-15T23:02:00.003+08:00

LOL!! I randomly googled my name & I found my long lost P6 "Learn@Zoo" competition entry. Oh well, I can't open the ppt. Haha the content somehow seem unfamilar to me.. hippos and hawks?? ;p
Though we weren't exactly willing participants, getting 2nd and winning $60 each make it worthwhile.

http://72.14.235.104/search?q=cache:k5TTkfFO4E4J:www1.moe.edu.sg/learn%40/zoo/geylang%2520meth%2520pr/gmps.ppt+yvette+oh&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5&gl=sg

Introverts II

2008-02-05T22:43:00.000+08:00

(To add on from the previous post)

Some perhaps unknown characteristics of the introvert:

Who growls or scowls or grunts or winces when accosted with pleasantries by people who are just trying to be nice? ["How are you? I'm fine, thank you. How about you?" come on, spare me that!!]

"A minority in the regular population but a majority in the gifted population." [winks*]

The only thing a true introvert dislikes more than talking about himself is repeating himself. [don't make me repeat this okay?]

When you see an introvert lost in thought, don't say "What's the matter?" or "Are you all right?". Don't say anything else for that matter. [shh..]

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200303/rauch

"Every Word You Say" by Jesse Winchester

I'm no good company, I guess that's true
I like my silence, like I love you
But if you feel like talking, talk away
I'm gonna hang on every word you say

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200604u/introversy

Introverts I

2008-02-05T22:16:00.000+08:00

Review - Others
Hush is the word
Janice Tay, For The Straits Times
1223 words
26 January 2008
Straits Times
English
(c) 2008 Singapore Press Holdings Limited

WE HEAR a great deal about freedom of speech but what about freedom of silence?

Ironically, from the nation that talks the most about talking comes a push for the right to say nothing at all.

It comes in the form of an American magazine article entitled Caring For Your Introvert by The Atlantic correspondent Jonathan Rauch. Written in 2003, it continues to draw more hits than any other piece on the magazine's website.

As an introvert, Rauch says, he belongs to one of 'the most misunderstood and aggrieved groups in America, possibly the world'.

Being introverted does not necessarily mean being shy; it just means that people tire you out.

While extroverts need company like the Energizer Bunny needs batteries, introverts recharge by spending time alone.

But Rauch makes it clear that introverts don't harbour a grudge against the rest of the human race: 'We love people...We just can't socialise with them all the time. We want to hold their hand or hug them or just sit quietly and read a book with them.'

What introverts don't want to do is go to parties and make small talk.

But the world is filled with people who do - and they set the standard for what is considered normal and desirable behaviour.

Some introverts learn to keep up a stream of conversation but those who can't or won't tend to get labelled as shy, aloof or arrogant.

Rauch notes that female introverts have a harder time because people don't usually think of women when you say 'strong, silent type'.

But whatever their gender, introverts are almost always outnumbered in politics, a field where what you say appears less important than how you say it - and how often.

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda seems to be one of the few 'introverts' who have risen to the top. I don't have conclusive proof that he's one but I have my suspicions because whenever people try to describe him, the same words keep cropping up: undemonstrative, self-effacing, steady, grey.

According to an article in The Times last September, when a supporter encouraged him to 'express his personality', he replied: 'I have no personality.'

But of course he does. It's just the kind of personality that's at the other end of the spectrum from former premier Junichiro Koizumi's. Though I think most people, and not just introverts, would look dull beside somebody who has a habit of breaking into Elvis impersonations.

But, writes Rauch, 'if we introverts ran the world, it would no doubt be a calmer, saner, more peaceful sort of place'.

I don't know if this is true. But I do know that in a world run by introverts, no meeting would last over an hour because they don't think by talking; they think by thinking.

And I know this because I'm an introvert too. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy conversations. In fact, I consider them one of the best ways to have fun with another person without taking your clothes off.

But I can't have them all the time. In fact, I don't have them a lot of the time, which prompted one friend to say: 'You're so quiet I sometimes forget you're there.'

Ouch. Still, this could be useful if I ever decide to become a ninja. Or wallpaper.

By now, you should be able to work out on which side of the conversation gap you belong. And if you're an introvert, what can you do?

First, understand what you are - and look after what you are.

If you need time away from the maddening crowd, take it. Fighting this is like resenting your need for sleep.

Rauch recommends helping extroverts to be comfortable with their opposites. It can be hard to relax with another person when silences keep breaking up a conversation. But not if you understand that 'if someone is being quiet it doesn't mean they're having a bad time; it doesn't mean they're depressed; it doesn't mean they're lonely or need psychiatric help or medication'.

If you're an extrovert, be confident that the introvert next to you is enjoying your company. If he isn't, don't worry about it. It's not like he's going to tell you.

So, yes - I think it's time to raise some awareness. Start by sending this article to 25 people within the next three days. Failure to do so will mean being trapped at 75 parties where people won't stop talking at you.

But whether or not extroverts take any of this on board, introverts should be prepared to meet them halfway because we are, let's face it, not the easiest lot in the world to live with.

Having once had to keep a dinner conversation going around someone who sat silent with his eyes down for hours, I can understand why extroverts get frustrated with us.

There are more ways to fit yourself into a conversation than by talking; you can do it by showing that you're listening. Just looking interested can take you as far as a well-placed witticism because who doesn't like a bit of attention?

But why should introverts have to go to such lengths, you may ask. Let me be clear about this: You don't have to do anything, except maybe breathe. But what you do or don't do will always have consequences.

The trick is to read far ahead enough to see those consequences, decide if you like them - and then act. Come to think of it, you don't even have to breathe if you don't mind losing your vital signs.

But whatever you decide to do, I hope you'll be happy with yourself. And from there, to be happy with others.

The story that gives me the most hope for introverts comes from the unlikeliest of sources: an article about how Japanese men express themselves in love.

Whatever their sterling qualities in other areas, the men of this country don't have a good reputation when it comes to telling their partners how they feel.

So when The Japan Times reported last March on a magazine poll to find out which expressions they favoured in such situations, the howlers came as no surprise.

But the article ended with a housewife's story about her husband, who said something unforgettable for the right reasons.

She said: 'When we started going out together, he nervously blurted, 'Mari, you don't talk much, do you? But whatever we do, just being with you is so much fun.''

Sometimes, you don't need a lot of words to tell a story with a happy ending.

tastingjapan@gmail.com

The writer, a former sub-editor with The Straits Times, is studying Japanese in Kyoto. Rauch's article can be found at http://www.theatlantic.com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/doc/200303/rauch

2008-01-31T21:55:00.000+08:00

me ordering prata:
"one koso, one egg"
"koso sold out, want cheese, onion or egg?"

Oh well..

2008-01-27T17:10:00.000+08:00

Here my randomness go again:

& so school has started.. from a 3-day to a 4-day with some early(sigh), some long (sigh) days. Once again, the activity I want to join (go-karting for this sem) is held on my free day!!

Watching tennis now.

An Open final but no Federer or Nadal.. how rare since 2005. It's between Djokovic and Tsonga, relatively unknown (to me).. Gonna support Tsonga since Djokovic came across as arrogant after winning 'my' Federer (i'm not a tennis fan but he's the only one that will keep me to the channel, even if for a while haha)

But from the powerful aces Tsonga has been torturing Djokovic with and his exciting 'impossible shots' that he managed to make, he is beginning to really win me over. Hopefully, he win his first Major today.

Muhammad Ali lookalike Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

He look like Ronaldo (the Brazilian, not the vainpot) too from this shot. On a sidenote, Fifa should take the leaf out of WTA's book and implement video-technology to decide ambiguous offsides and goal-line goals. Accurate and efficient. Shouts of "kelong!" & "ref kayu!" would probably become a thing of the past.

What makes sports so much interesting for the fans is not just being able to watch beautiful skills being performed but also to be part of the player. You cheer/wince as your fave hits/misses the notes. Just for that period of game, your 'fate' (if I should use this word) seems to be irrevocably linked with the player/club results. What is even more exciting is watching with rival supporters (perhaps except for your own national team sports). There is competition both on and off the screen haha.. Watching Arsenal fasincating youngsters this season is enjoyable (for the record, I still support Chelsea) and it's the only team in the top 4 I would rather see at the top if it's not Chelsea. But it gets really exhilarating when I watched the games with my dad (the ultra anti-Arsenal fan who prefers Man U and Liverpool) who goes at least 1000 degrees myopic whenever the Highbury team plays. I won't disclose what does happen but voices are raised and emotions do get higher but it's all part of the game. I think we both derive much pleasure from those moments. Don't worry, it never gets physical lol :)

Perhaps I'm one of those who needs a little fight/quarrel to spice things up heh.. If not, life does get boring ar?

Anyway, for those who thought(/hope) Chelsea was a goner when Mourinho left, dream on! They are still contending for all 4 competitions :) even with Grant at the helm. You are welcome to watch their matches with me, just make sure you bring your pillow along.. for some 'fun' time

2008-01-21T18:29:00.001+08:00

There I was @ Bedok Food Centre, savouring Lee Kee's jackfruit fritter and Hollywood's chendol with al..

An elderly woman of about 80 came to sit with us - very near. Puzzled and uncomfortable because there were empty seats around the table but she wanted to take the very seat (which had been occupied by my bag) next to me. Of course, I shifted my bag away so that she can delight in her katong laksa. Thereafter, she asked me to take another bowl so that she can give us some of her laksa. Not being used to this warmth by a stranger and seeing her rather delicate and thin, we declined and asked her to eat more. However, she insisted, saying she won't be able to finish.

The amount she scooped for us was more than half of her bowl. (It reminded me of a parent eating lesser so that the child have more to eat. Usually, people gives less than half of their possessions to strangers, not the other side of the scale) I would rather have bought the laksa and shared it with her instead. (teaser: Don't go on diets! Eat more while you still young and have a larger appetite)

We thanked her but she said "No, thank God!!".

It dawned on me why she wanted to sit so close. She probably knew that with her small appetite, she can't finish any food she ordered, so she wanted to share in close proximity. She was not trying to be generous (in this case, read: having more thus able to give), she just wanted to share. Many a time, you heard of somebody having the heart for something/someone, but how much do they actually act on it. It's easy to say "I donate to this-and-this annually" or "If you need help, I'm just a call away". People who need help won't initiate asking for help, but they will accept help.

She could have just sat across us and still share with us her food, but the exchange would have just stopped there. She took the iniative to break the barrier (my bag in this case). Many of us (not just at-risks groups) have this built-in barrier, stopping others from coming too close. Come any nearer and get rejected. However, put in time, effort and care, perhaps the most freezing ice glaciers may melt. (a note of caution: don't remove the barrier only to move on..)

A timely reminder since I'm getting involved in a youth programme.

Thank God, not only for the laksa, but for her.

2008-01-18T12:57:00.000+08:00

It takes 2 hands to clap, literally.

Some people with things occupied on one hand, tend to slap their wrist/pat their thighs as a form of clapping. I think it's rather insincere and half-hearted.

You either clap or not.

Just like it takes 2 to agree or disagree. If in an argument, you can only hear one party shouting/sobbing/shoving met with indiffernce, it's probably a monologue - perhaps a tantrum deemed unreasonable by the other person who can't be bothered and feel that it will pass with time.

Most of the time what someone wants you to have is not your needs required from the person.

For the hand that doesn't reach the other hand, a clap it will never manifest

2008-01-13T23:17:00.000+08:00

Hands straightened and relaxed, wrist held by the other hand.

If you tightened the trip on the wrist, your fingers will clenched naturally. You can control and avoid the reflex clenching but it's a struggle. Any momentarily distraction & your fingers lapse into the natural state.

Just let it be, suppressing doesn't equate to protection.

When thunder roared deafening, people get a shock and some cover their ears (if you don't hear it, you are perhaps safe).. hmm the latter probably applies more to the females and children or both, and it's perfectly alright for them to react this way.

Some little girls want to show that they are undaunted, even by the most deafening thunders. When the loudest thunder crashed, the only betrayal of expression from her is perhaps a cringe or a quick recovering action while other children (boys included?) continue to cover their ears in anticipation of the second one.

As the years go by, she realized that she's really afraid of the thunder & so what if she shows it. Maybe because adults should not be scared of loud thunders and she might be seen as over-reacting?

Should have just let it be right from the start..

Pity the little boys.

2008-01-04T16:11:00.000+08:00

When You Believe (Hebrew)

This is like the all-time favourite. Powerful and passionate from the 2 singers of the original English version(check out the sidebar if you want to hear that).
Just believing and that is going to bring you through :)

Many nights we prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hope for a song
We barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains
Long before we knew we could, whoa, yes

There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
Its hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe somehow you will
You will when you believe[mmmmmmmmmyeah]

In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer bird
Too swiftly flown away
Yet now Im standing here
My heart's so full,
I can't explain
Seekin' faith and speakin' words
I never thought I'd say

Bridge:
They don't always happen when you ask
And it's easy to give in to your fears
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see the way, get through the rain
A small but still, resilient voice
Says hope is very near

2008-01-01T22:31:00.000+08:00

It's 2008!! .. so fast

Before I move on about the new year, shall recap a bit on the last few days of 2007.

Guess where this ulu place is yesh it's Punggol MRTWas at Punggol Way for the K1 motorsports series biker gal
Check out this mini bike. A little girl was happily zooming past us a few times on her customized vehicle. LY and me enjoying our free Red Bull drinks (hence the free publicity here haha they sponsoring 2 F1 cars if I am not wrong). Anyway, I thought Red Bull was an alcoholic drink all along. Well there you go, my blonde moment of 2007!

a preview of others fun-karting
was really excited when I saw the beginners driving clinic (who wants to join me :) but the website stated was really disappointing..
ly and me revving it up
me in action hee

after the 5 mins of exhilarating karting

We could not get enough of it. K1 caps which came with the karting experience. Don't ask me what I was trying to do, just being too high after the ride

there were many cars on display too
a cute lil volkswagen

ly with a jap car

me with a korean (duh!) car (hmm so mashimaro originated from Korea)

last shot before we left.. a spacious area not yet invaded by blocks of buildings

There are still 8 other heartlands for this series:
Ayer Rajah-West Coast
Keat Hong
Sembawang
East Coast
Tanjong Pagar
Geylang Serai
Marine Parade
a Safra club house

haha I want to continue go-karting at these places but probably not possible for the first few faraway locations.. but those who are interested to go-kart in any of these places, let me know!! :D

2008-01-01T21:30:00.000+08:00

@Suntec City

Check out this outlet..no queue!! Though Krispy Kreme is said to have the best doughnuts, I haven't try it. Meanwhile, this is the best that I know. Of course I won't pass out on the chance to get my doughnuts within 5 mins.
Decided to go for Spicy Cheese!! after my hairstylist reminded me that the chocolate flavours are diabetic sweet.. haha yesh you hear me right. My hairstylist for the past 2 years from tp to yishun to suntec. I just like the the luxury of being able to pop in, not knowing what I want but still able to leave the salon feeling satisfied because he knows me and my style. This time he tried something new..
As usual, I get into a picture frenzy mode after a haircut. Look good, feel good heeSometimes, acting cute is perhaps just to cover up something as simple as a pimple. So, look beyond the surface though there's no need to complicate things..

& tada! my fav - the thinking intellectual look (i wish)

Able to guess what I am thinking? Of course, you can't!! Only God can.. Actually it's quite scary if you can read my thoughts though it would be really sweet if you could tell without me saying when I am upset (or whatever emotions) and be concerned. I think it's your failure when others can't tell that you are sad unless you are masking your feelings. Then again, some people need to be told

2007-12-18T22:34:00.000+08:00

back from PENANG!!

This entry has been delayed for quite a while. Back on late Saturday night and down with gastric flu since monday. Never felt so terribly sick before. Feeling lethargic even though I have been sleeping the days away. Loss of appetite, ha maybe it is the bland food. Still recovering..

Anyway, I'm here to give thanks for the trip!! Never felt so blessed and protected before for a holiday. This is especially comforting for me because I was on my first solo trip (without my family that is)..

with Carolyn and Sarah.

As everyone knows, December is a wet weather month. Our first day in Penang was bright and sunny!! Though it did rain (lightly) the next 2 days, we were in the shelter (eg. shopping) when it did.. & it was still largely bright and sunny most of the time for us to do our walking and sightseeing :D

God did not promise that there will be no rain. But when it does, His shelter is guaranteed.

Also, what we thought was a simple dinner with Sarah's friends turned out to be so much more. They were very hospitable and took us around for the good food (eg. a very yummy but isolated seafood place across the bridge from Penang), and even helped us with the buying of

Penang's famous tau sar pia (special request by my mum)

yawn.. wanting to sleep again. I'm improving haha getting tired only after 4 hours now, better than yesterday when I head back to bed after 2 hours of being awake. More penang updates soon when I get the pics from the other cameras and when I recovered.

Shall leave you all with a scenic view from Penang Hill

& a song which we sang on the coach back

with Christ in the vessel

we can smile at the storm

smile at the storm

with Christ in the vessel

we can smile at the storm

as we go sailing home

Back safely we are!! Looking forward to a free and easy trip again.. & they are going to be my schoolmates soon (for further studying) whee :) so exciting

2007-12-11T16:53:00.000+08:00

Was chatting with a friend about our final year playing competitive sports for the school, how horrible it felt because more than the results, we just couldn't play our game, 就是没有感覺.. I lost the plot.

In the previous years, I was able to play my stuffs and did all I could.. I didn't lose, my opponents won.

This time, I did all I could, bear more than enough and waited very eagerly yet patiently but I concede: you win

haha and now for my random moments again:

1) haha I translated the theme song of 天堂鸟, thought the lyrics was meaningful and some parts of the song were sang by children, so it was quite touching and the ad pic for the show was something like this (due to copyright issues, I can't get the original one):

strong and simple love

If there is a kind of strength
Which overcomes anguish
I think it is love
letting us live our dreams

If there is a kind of answer
Which empowers life
I think it is love
Blossoming our happiness

The waves may be torrent
They can’t break the firm grip of your palm
Always looking towards the source of love
& never give up

I am past caring about being hurt
Willing to fight for my love
Like the moth which is attracted to fire
Even if it does become extinguished
In ashes
Yet the hope of love is planted

lol does not do justice to the original lyrics but still a decent translation

2) I love the nikon ad:
sentimental song (in this ad, it's Through The Years by Kenny Rogers) + beautiful scenery/adorable children/sweetness = hit

3) I'm going to penang tonight

2007-12-04T13:16:00.000+08:00

gaga the first cycle of uni exams ended early for me :) but at least another 5 more cycles to go through bleah bleah..

Since then, my eating and sleeping clock has been on a horrible manic mode. It's so tiring. Finally, a respite today. A rest from people and the streets. Just me and my space. Relaxing and comfy. Not that I am anti-social, but it can be trying at times to be constantly interacting with people and not being able to drift away into my dream land.. lalala sounding kooky? Of course, for those who are comfortable/allow me to drift in and out as I like, I'm perfectly fine in their presence all the time. A quiet rest on the shoulder beats all words of concern.

Watched death note 1&2 (with jappy girl resources) at one go. Wittily written though towards the end of Part II, it felt like an endless cat-and-mouse chase. L is so kookily adorable. Anyway, are weird people defined as those who does not adhere to society protocol?

Watched this too:

The Bothersome Man (The Norweigan Film Festival) with ahpo, my art film kaki :) The city Andreas arrive in seems to be ideal and.. perfectly devoid of emotions. No children, no tasty food (aww that would be absolutely terrible for me) and no genuine love.. hmm actually all 3 would be terrible. It is rather sad yet provoking. What kind of world are we chasing after?

Beginning to like this genre of films than the mainstream ones. One play on the afterthoughts while the other capture your attention on the technicalities.

Holidays = freedom
University = be on standby 24/7

Psychology has really been interesting and lovable for me (except the biological parts). I know what I want to go into - developmental psy. Perhaps childhood experiences have been a really HUGE impact on me..

But it's really irritating everytime I say I'm studying psy and people start to arch their eyebrow and comment, "So you can read my mind ar?" The question smacks ignorance. It's like asking an engineering student whether he likes cars. Besides, you don't need to be a psy student to be able to predict behavior. Logical reasoning and sound interferences will do. And rational thinking may not always be correct.. If you are having a heart attack, you will have a greater probability of getting help if there's only one person around rather than a group of people (bystander effect)

What makes me happy??

.. of course yummy food!!

choc eclair

Jack's Place - Lobster Bisque
(but ever since mav remarked that it smelt like prawn noodle, it doesn't seem that heavenly)

current fav - unagi

aunty, this is for u :)

Bakerzin cakes - wonderful for birthdays heh *hint*

Some people seem to think that nice food = expensive. But I would be just as content with a bowl of simple, tasty homecooked macoroni. Homecooked food rules any time, anywhere. It's more than the taste but the effort and love that goes into the food. ah-huh, me sounding sentimental? Nowadays, there's so many types of instant food that cooking is made much easier and faster. But for those who still take the whole day or at least a good several hours, what else can be the motivation when the end product is perhaps only 30 mins of having dinner together? Another factor that transcends the taste is definitely the company.

All-time favourite: authentic Peranankan food!!

(craving for that popiah for the past 9 months and still waiting..)

Perhaps you say why don't settle for the other popiahs oustide. But there can be no second-best, only second-rate. Second-choice is only a substitution for the first choice. Best means only one right? Ssecond-best is at best a cognitive dissonance..

Oh and I am going to Penang for a short getaway FINALLY!! Guess what's on the top of the list?? Haha penang laksa lol

My entries or rather my thoughts have never been coherent. Thoughts seem to be poppin' and jumpin' about. I like the fact that thoughts are not language; if that's the case, then it would have been easy to put your thoughts into words (which would have done me very well indeed or perhaps not).. The stanford prison experiment shows that the thin line which behavior thread upon is not based on nature but on the context. You could say one's internal focus of control tend to be overpowered by an external focus. Then all or nothing, does it matter anymore? If I die.. I die

can u see the light at the end of the tunnel??

2007-11-22T15:34:00.000+08:00

ENGLAND is out

Glad that I switched off my alarm and went back to sleep at 4 this morning. Saved me another heart-wrenching moment. Everyone kinda expected England to get that point needed for the ticket to Austria and Switzerland after given an undeserved lifeline by Israel. What did they do? Lose. McClaren's tactics are always horrible as we have learned (play Crouch but not Becks? The only reason why Crouch is picked is because of his height which he SOMETIMES not always put to good use on those pin-point crosses. Also, Crouch is not an out-and-out striker, playing him as the lone striker is suicidal. This is a universal fact that everyone knows except a certain McClaren) but the determination shown by the players is thoroughly lacking. Come Euro '08, no more england but for entertainment: 1) be anti-portugal (HAHA aunty!) 2) cheer for Romania and Czech! nice names that I like heh

On a happier note, Singapore is actually in the third-round of the World Cup qualifier = top 20 in Asia!

And I desperately need to exercise.. any kakis?

2007-11-18T21:42:00.000+08:00

Guess where I went today??think travellator

yesh!! it's the new T3

this looks a bit like the road to changi..

the butterfly-shaped reflectors

more pictures..

exciting stuffs..
heh what else but food for me :p

make a date with me!! =)

LOBSTER - my fave

I wanna walk through this gate again..

the similarities between airport & hospital:

- pple come, pple leave

- the food's really lousy (whether as a passenger or as a patient)

- lots of waiting, tears and hugs

2007-11-17T13:30:00.000+08:00

Rmb him (Nick Vujicic)? http://www.56.com/u47/v_MTMzNzk1NTY.html

Come & hear his message!!

2007-11-10T19:06:00.000+08:00

Let's have a rest from all the recent 377 debates.

The New Paper
November 09, 2007

IF you happen to be at the British parliament, just make sure you don't die in there, or you might get a jail sentence too.

Dying in British parliament is an offence, reported AFP. It is also by far the most absurd law in Britain, according to a survey of nearly 4,000 people by a television channel showing a legal drama series.

And though the lords were clad in their red and white cloaks and ambassadors from around the world wore colourful national costumes, at least nobody turned up in a suit of armour. It's illegal.
Other rules deemed utterly stupid included one that permits a pregnant woman to urinate in a policeman's hat and another allowing the murder of bow-and-arrow-carrying Scotsmen within the city walls of York, northern England.
A law stating that, in Liverpool, only a clerk in a tropical fish store is allowed to be publicly topless, was also ridiculous, said a poll of 3,931 people for UKTV Gold television on Tuesday.
But a Liverpool City Council spokesman told UPI that such a law does not exist, calling the so-called legislation a mere urban myth that gained some notoriety.
Nearly half of those surveyed admitted to breaking the ban on eating mince pies on Christmas Day, which dates back to the 17thcentury.
It was originally designed to outlaw gluttony during the rule of the Puritan Oliver Cromwell.

The laws and other regulations were culled from published research into ancient legislation that has never been repealed although subsequent statutes have rendered them obsolete.

Other ridiculous British laws:
- Placing a postage stamp bearing the British monarch upside-down is an act of treason
- In Scotland, if someone knocks on your door and requires use of your toilet, you must let them enter
- Head of dead whale found on British coast automatically becomes property of king. Tail goes to queen
- Illegal to avoid telling tax man anything you don't want him to know, but legal not to tell him what you don't mind him knowing

Laws and regulations are supposed to be serious matters, right? Wrong. At least, 377 is appropriate.

2007-11-09T23:36:00.000+08:00

It's back to..

Our team's usual eating place after training.

ever-so-busy-yet-took-the-time to-meet-up-w-us mr weibobo :Dthen it's back to sch..Feels really great to be back here. The familar places and memories even tho' certain things have changed. Now, why is there a mirror next to the ladies?will anyone ever steal this?A rainbow at the end - celebration of our return

& now it's time to leave

2007-11-03T23:04:00.000+08:00

I missed my sports!!

the excitement, the adrenaline, and perhaps the perspiration(?).. but definitely not pt!! unless it's wei-bobo pt..

2007-10-29T10:15:00.000+08:00

Stuck in a massive jam :X was so bored that I took theseLook at the big truck on the highway. See the distance from the same lamp post in the 2 pictures? There was a time lag of a few minutes and it moved like only 3 truck lengths..

Now, the speed on the road below: erhm 30 mins for one bus stop?

I could take the traffic lights properly because the bus wasn't moving at all!! Green light = stationary vehicles.. geddit?

& no, I am rather impatient.. declared a 2-day week and went home = )

2007-10-25T18:25:00.000+08:00

I realized that my October posts (unintentionally) are on children!! & now a deviation from this topic:

Sth that got me excited & before this enthusiasm runs out:
Instead of the intended formal in-class presentations, you will now be blogging.. Cool bananas! no more presentations = )
It will be collaborative blogging with students from Stanford and Örebro (an extended peer review) so I will still be doing serious, academic work (in case someone reading this is envying), in fact it will be more tho' informal.. hmm maybe the enthusiasm was uncalled for

2007-10-20T13:06:00.000+08:00

The Italian is a film about reality, compassion, and really about hope - pure, innocent hope. The english title is rather deceptive about the content but the chinese translation which is 寻找幸福的起点 will be a better description. Vanya (the adorable russian protagonist) yearns to find his mother even as he is going to be adopted by an italian couple. Amidst all the negative reactions and the obstacles faces, you will feel for Vanya and admire his strong yet naive desire to find his mother. Perhaps she has abandoned him, perhaps she has lost him, perhaps she has given him away.. whatever it is, he cares less as long as he can find her - his happiness. It is certainly better than a golden ticket to the luxurious and warm life in Italy.

*thumbs up*

Why bother with the transient stuff.. Have you 寻找your幸福的起点?

It makes me wonder why movies like Woodcock (a grade lower than slapstick comedies; yep it's really bad) can climb to No.1 at the Singapore's box office and films like The Italian generates lil publicity and audiences.

2007-10-04T22:56:00.000+08:00

vote okay?

Children

2007-10-01T00:04:00.000+08:00

http://www.babyblues.com/index.php

Children

Children!
They are meant to be loved, not hurt.
They are to be taught, not punished.
They only want your memory, not your money.
They cry not because of pain, hunger nor the need for the potty.
They cry because they need and want your hug.

Children.
They ask questions because they want answers;
unlike you who answer so that there will be no more questions.
They have no need for intelligent answers,
just give them your attention.
They treasure promises,
so please keep yours.
They will never leave you
perhaps unless you first forsake them.
You can easily expose their lies because they cannot lie well.

Children?
While they change their toys often,
the people whom they asked to buy remain the same.
They do the silliest of things only
to make you smile and hopefully melt your hardened heart.
They want to have self-control but sometimes they just cannot help it.
The world may encourage novelty;
fortunately or otherwise,
their world tends towards constancy.
Hold your scoldings
for their desire is just the comfy small space of you and them.

Children do want to forget but you cannot blame them for having a good memory.
Children say the darnest things because they are not confined to society’s protocol.
Children are not through accidents or purposeful acts – they are God’s gifts.

Children are called in accordance to your whims for they are to behave like adults when you want them to be sensible.
Adults? Whatever happened to the children they once were...

2007-09-23T20:51:00.000+08:00

Complete by Parachute

Here I am, Oh God
I bring this sacrifice--my open heart.
I offer up my life.
I look to You, Lord.
Your love that never ends
Restores me again

So I lift my eyes to you Lord
And by faith, I will walk on, Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day,
And I will be complete in..

I look to You, Lord
Your love that never ends
Restores me again

So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In your strength will I break through Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears.

Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And I pray I will hold on, Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in
I will be complete in
I will be complete in You

postman party

2007-08-25T23:28:00.000+08:00

Went to crash ntu on friday, before tutorials start (& my already packed schedule to be filled up more). Glad to see many familar faces (who are tucked away in this island of their own haha). But no photos, as my hp cam is still spoiled & I haven't get a new one since I started rambling a year ago. You can see what a procasinator I am.

There's photos from a TNP postman party at iShop about a week ago though:

Some goodies given. First up, this badge

CDs of EPL's top 10 in the '90s & highlights of Singapore-Malaysia cup

You are welcome to borrow these and if you are a Star Wars fan, I can give this poster to you :)
& from psyche camp: SUNSHINERS!
& from gatherings:

at my favourite slipper lobster pasta place :)

sunshiners at settlers! Hmm guess what animal am I holding..

HCTT 04/05 (minus jiayi & heidi)

me then still having the jap-like hairstyle & of course, being said looking like one. honto uni?

Busy busy.

2007-08-16T05:24:00.000+08:00

Had another 12-hour long sleep yday and my free day became just half a day. Haha another reason why it's good to have a 3-day week & not stay in hostel: I get my mid-week doses of soccer without worrying not being able to wake up for sch!! Yesh as you can see from the time

If you are not into soccer, you can just skip this para: (random)

I always thought that if Rooney hadn't injured his metatarsal bone during Euro '04, England would surely be the champs. Unfortunately, after that first injury, he hasn't got back his form. 3 years later, he is currently suffering from his third metatarsal bone injury. Tough luck for him. His replacement at Man Utd is Tevez the argentinian hotshot (he scored my fav World Cup '06 goal). But he is still lacking in fitness in his debut today. I think Man U's jersey looks awful with that extra patch of white at the back, like they are being tagged.

I don't really care if you are a soccer fan or not: Chelsea has become so much an attacking side haha but not that apparent in this game. Chelsea had their 2nd succesive wins while man u their 2nd draw. I love the new Chelsea away team kit

Wanted to tell Aunty & the hostel peeps if they need any soccer updates, just let me know. Then I realise there's a thingy called the Internet & there's actually a TV room in ntu with cable channels. Hmm I shall not attempt to be made redundant.

Tata!

2007-08-14T22:28:00.000+08:00

A really touching clip that's as true as u:
http://www.56.com/u47/v_MTMzNzk1NTY.html

2007-08-12T22:50:00.000+08:00

*dreads* Tomorrow is the start of semester. Hmm wondering what have I been doing for the last 9 months.. oh gosh!

Anyway, I planned a 3-day week :) but 2 of the days are from 8-6 :x haha then there's this film training school which I'm rather interested but held on either of those 2 free days.. argh argh! there goes my 3-day week

We can always plan things our own way right down to the last detail but you never know what's gonna happen or change. Like how I realise not getting one of the modules I wanted was actually a good thing.. Since you won't know what's in store for you, just let God take charge. He has it all planned out for me :)

2007-08-05T19:17:00.000+08:00

The difference between magazines photos and newspaper shots: the former is all about the glam and the posing while the latter is about getting the candid moment (make that the very very candid moment) for the natural and real-life touch.

Similarity? They both use photoshop.

2007-08-04T13:33:00.000+08:00

my art drawings!!

The first set (a kfc toy) was in sec 1 where art was compulsory :x. I actually got an A2 for that. This really shows that hard work pays as anyone can tell you that's an awful piece of drawing.

One year later where art was still compulsory, the second set (toothpaste tube) was drawn with roughly the same criterias and a lack of new ideas. Still a clown drawing but my marks dropped by 3 grades.

The moral of the story: Do not copyright ideas even it they are your own.

My moral of the story: Do not do the exact same piece of work twice. It drains away your creativity juice.

Nonsense of the day: By and by, everything metamorphizes into clowns.

ps: the only reason why I keep the drawings is I still can't believe I got an A for art.

2007-07-30T11:18:00.000+08:00

La femme Desperado Sub-theme

Play at 3:06. melody that makes me groovy

Here's the simplified chinese version for you the readers (ok fine it's actually for myself; i know i'm the only reader here):

有过去的女人

几多打击几次跌伤懂得坚壮
最怕处事未曾成熟至扮强捍
几多伤口几个重担在我肩膊
流泪也说这是汗
全为要万人看

好想饮泣偏偏今晚尚有工作
倦了都得这空房
及半边冰冷睡床
当初多天真的恋爱试过向往
但嫁衣不再青春
没法穿得好看

爱是最大寄望难免只得失望
根本不想工作至上做人硬朗
我用岁月去换嫁妆
但哪位在乎我给我御寒

说说笑笑匆匆交往试过几趟
被爱都感到惊慌
未信天生有情郎
始终很天真想找我命里主角
为了他主理清令我掌心火烫

爱是最易去令女人死心失望
相恋分手拥抱放下例行动作
再尽努力去换嫁但我的心已慌

渐渐习惯不要伴侣
然而夜半恶梦乍醒抱着谁
强人活到八十岁
庭园怎么宽敞都要独居

真的不想死撑下去勉强说谎
请准许我软弱从此拥抱到天光
某某抱抱也是理想
越去追越迷惘花也渐黄

2007-07-29T20:25:00.000+08:00

why do words of sarcasm come easily but words of love & praise flow so unnaturally?

new media technology

2007-07-28T16:06:00.000+08:00

pens with hidden cameras?Nah.. it's a laptop (of the future kind)

huh?
Now you will see.
Say goodbye to heavy laptop days

Have we been netted by the Net?

2007-07-23T15:11:00.000+08:00

netted by the Net?

Just thought that it is really the ultimate when outings are announced or arranged through friendster, email groups or even tagboards.

If you don't happen to check those sites regularly, you are out of the fun. Of course, the consensus is that these places are and should be daily visited. Moreover, if the outing is a regular or big group one, for the sake of your monthly handphone bills, it is only common sense to make use of the easy accessibility to people on the Net.

Speaking of which, therefore it is agreed upon that SMS has been the tool for such outings for as long as we can remember. Ever reminisce about pre-SMS days when you had to make calls ('Hi, may I speak to ...?'/'Hi, is ... in?') for your outings to be a success? Or do you dread them now? Rejecting and being rejected or speaking to acquaintances certainly have never been this easy. Instant results rue the day.

If there's statistics given by Singtel, I would not be surprised if residential phone bills are on the decline as compared to pre-internet era (unless they are connected to the modem for internet usage). I am not saying that people don't communicate anymore. They do, they just don't talk as much as before. This should come like a consolation for me (as mentioned previously, I am shy; infer). Unfortunately, it doesn't.

My case for concern has transcended even the prevalent use of SMS (At least, there is still that personal touch, however minimal.) Akin to how people now preferred customized goods to mass production, i guessed it's the same thing here.

Perhaps one day I will just switched off my hp and be permanently offline. If you want (or should I say need) to reach me, try my house. Too bad if you don't know my number! Then again, the 'Too bad!' might very well be for me.

2007-07-19T21:31:00.000+08:00

You scored as Shy, Your shy. Lots of people are.

Shy

75%

Immature

69%

Nice

50%

Fun

31%

Dramatic

25%

Outgoing

25%

mean

13%

what kind of person are you?

created with QuizFarm.com

It's a no brainer.. & I am stuck here.

Such tests are as true as you allow them to be.

2007-06-30T22:05:00.000+08:00

Feels like another vacation taking place now because I'm done with working heheheh

My last day (20/6):

First up, my wallpaper haha not done by me though.

Our efforts in duplicating the picture. Right arm & shirt courtesy of me :)

More notes since the last time.. yea I don't feel like leaving too but I need a break break!! haha.

My clean and neat table. Beat that!

Realised almost every picture above has pooh. Seeing too much of pooh is not that cute afterall :x *Million-dollar question: Is pooh he, she or it?*

Anyway, with him (poohlet), I bide adieu. Once again, thanks goofy and buttercup ;)

More pictures (random):
Martini, anyone?

My first seoul~ed experience. Sze Chuan chicken was yummy..

Tempting?

haha it's from an organic cafe in vELOcity. I think the chicken is overcooked though.

Just don't feel like smiling

There you go: a photo-spamming entry. Nice change from my usual essays?

2007-06-26T00:18:00.000+08:00

Driving isn't that fun afterall. *daytona no more*

1)Nearly had an accident lol my reaction to avoid a collision is to accelerate so that I won't collide.. what irony! (like how I jumped off a bicycle rather than stopped it so that I won't get hurt; that's my way of protection for you) But instructor to the rescue haha emergency break

No horning. No screaming. It was just 'Oh no!' inside. *dumbstruck* I will probably be one of those who will just freeze when there's imminent danger though I can dream a million times of becoming the hero

2) There were also many errant drivers whom you might never noticed as a passenger. Though I was in the right of way, (and I do sometimes feel indignant) seriously at the end of the day, does it matter who's right? What is important is everybody's safe.

As always, words are easier said than done. It is not just about driving but really the way you get through in life. I can insist my way and prove the point.. but at what cost? & after proving it, what do I get? Satisfaction? Not really. Just a truth that is pointless..

2007-06-24T22:32:00.000+08:00

You are important? That might be an overstatement..

There's always someone else to bring the smile to their faces
There's always someone else who meant as much to them
There's always someone else who will do the things you have done before
There's always someone else to fill your position.. you ain't indispensable

The world will continue to spin without the insignificant (insignificant does not equal to not significant) you but without the significant Him, there would not even be the universe to speak of. When you can acknowledge your insignificance, you come to realise the need to decentralise yourself. Know that your world is not about you and perhaps be amazed by how much you can do and your reorganised priorities. Will your magnanimity be more than you can bear?

Of course, it is easier said than done. Duh.

If someone else can do the job, I will take the backseat. Unless there is no one else, I am inclined to not appear. Between a person and people, the former is my choice just plainly because there is no one else. Between a person and a person, it's down to priority of dearer. Between a person and myself, I am just human. Guess you know the answer..

I love those moments before sleeping or while resting (not sleeping; just that eyes are kept closed).. it's not like I delibrately pondered, just that those thoughts simply wondered in. Yesh, even in the middle of a severe headache. That's God for you :)

2007-06-02T14:45:00.000+08:00

I'm now into the third month of my 4th job (in 6 months). Talk about job-hopping lol. Quitting isn't quite the word, but I do want a break soon..

A great thing about this job is sometimes I don't feel like I'm working haha. Most probably it is when I go out to schools.. Some of the kids are just adorable: There's this boy who actually calls me sister lol and he's very cheerful in spite of the happenings. Too bad I got to see him only once.. and I can't seem to remember his name. (i'm plain lousy at names and faces); but I remember Siti (haha easy name). On my very first day, she came crying to me. She was chubbily cute and her eyes were big -- much bigger than mine heh. & for the first time, I really understood what is 'shui wang wang de yan jing'.

haha let's talk about something more uplifting. Praise awards!!

haha I got (or rather I ask them to write for the kiddy me) them from the aunties/uncles at work. ok actually they are just a few years older than me.. & I am still clueless about who wrote the changing chair note

Everyone loves to be praised, especially kids. & maybe it's in our culture not to give praises or rewards easily as compared to other cultures.. because I don't feel generous when I write praises for the children. I mean I try to but when I see that they aren't really what I praised them for, I do feel inadequate though I know I can't expect them to be an angel all the time. Likewise for myself. Anyway, give it a try and keep the praises going, you never know when your words are gonna be real sources of motivation.

Suddenly, it seems like the loooooooong holidays are going to end rather soon & I haven't attempted many stuffs I have in mind but I am still being worn out.

University life seems to be attractively distant yet near. I don't look forward to it. Neither do I not look forward to it lol.. heheheh I got into usp!! was hoping to get in but when I actually received the email, there was also a tinge of sadness somehow (I know why but I can't say it)

Anyway, I wrote about the chicken and the egg for the essay. Don't 'huh' me. It's not about evolution or about which came first. Both the chicken and the egg can be eaten -- period. Guess I'm not in the mood for any intellectual confusing theory.

Haah woke up in the wee hours of this morning for the England vs Brazil match and was falling asleep again till

commentator: ...kaka...

mum (who haven't slept yet): how come got gaga (read: insect)?

(hmm actually she meant kaka but I heard it as gaga)

That amused me alot and kept me awake for another 10 more mins.

This entry is rather long and random (as you can tell from this sentence).

Speaking of insects, I've been attacked by bedbugs (gasp!) for the past weeks.. gosh it seemed to be forever. Awfully scarred -- especially my back. Hmm take away the bed, where do the bedbugs go? *yesh, I'm sounding very ignorant but let me satisfy my child-like curiosity* & whoever invented the bed!!

2007-05-28T21:55:00.000+08:00

Was playing the chorus of 'Your Name Is Holy' on my keyboardie for a while

In Your name, there is mercy for sin
There is safety within
In Your holy name
In Your name, there is strength to remain
To stand in spite of pain
In Your holy name

Was rather immersed in it & I came up with my own lyrics

In Your name, there is hope to believe
A future of my own
In Your holy name

In Your name, there is nothing to fear
The perfect love I have
In Your holy name

In Your name, illnesses must go
They can hurt no more
In Your holy name

Hmm then I looked at the original compostion and thought to myself
"woah, kiddo! you still got a long way to go.."

2007-05-28T20:02:00.000+08:00

Why people dearest to us hurt us the most:

Contrary to what many may think, it is not the number of times stabbed that hurts the most. Rather, it's the place where the stabbing occurs. Twice on the exact same spot probably hurt much more than 5 stabs over the body.

The first time you are stabbed,
the pain come mostly as a shock
& just when you are overcoming the physical pain,
the second one comes - at the same spot.
The old wound reopens
& this time, the stab is deeper
because the path through
had already been paved the first time.
It's no longer ouch!
but
ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..

Now this is the amazing part: unless you are sleeping or unconscious, no one can actually made that hurtful 2nd stab without your consent. Hard to believe? Think again.

Our natural reaction when someone strikes at us is to defend or to retaliate. Even if we fail to pre-empt the first time, we will automatically protect the wounded part & the surrounding area just in case there's a second attempt. However, we are absolutely defenceless against the people dearest to us because no matter how many times they hurt us, we will still welcome them back with open arms. That is why only they can make that 2nd stab (or even 3rd/4th/5th...) while the others can hurt us on the outside, but not the inside.

People dearest to us hurt us the most. (qed)

2007-05-23T17:01:00.000+08:00

Hors de Prix: French films are known to be artistic but I thought this was somewhat minimal. Besides, just keep your eyes on the facial expressions. That's what acting is all about. Right?

Refreshing and humorous.. & jean's (pronounced the french way) silliness is just plain cute. This film is just as entertaining as Spidey 3 (if not more) which is of a totally different genre.

Haha really amused by Mcguire's scenes when he was under the control of the black suit.. all of us do have our 'jerk'y moments & while others can forgive us, I think what we need to learn is to forgive ourselves

Food (III)

2007-05-23T14:57:00.000+08:00

A tale of 2 slipper lobsters

The one at Pasta Cafe tops the version at Miss Clarity -- from the smell right down to the taste.

Indulge (@The Cathay)

seafood linguine (yumyum) & ribeye (haha i don't really eat steaks). However, the menu is quite limited and once again, the side-dish/soup of the day is disappointing. See the single piece of tofu there? That's the side-dish. The soup? Just some normal soup, really.

Haha at least one will be able to finish the set meal at ease ;)

2007-05-20T22:33:00.000+08:00

slick one-touch football

the goal which decided the FA cup winner (the blue team from London ;). With that, 06/07 has come to an end. Time to find new activities for Sat nights lol..

After the goal, Drogba did a rock the baby (made famous by Bebeto in the 90s). A common celebration is the silenced-the-crowd gesture. Some players have their own trademarks eg. Keane with his Irish somersault and shooting. While goal celebrations are supposed to be cool, we were proven wrong with Robo-Crouch.

sometimes, the best part of the game is not the goals but..

the goal celebrations!!

2007-05-19T15:31:00.000+08:00

The Cry

Under the canopy of the stars
Away from the smell of the rain
Lies the beautiful silence
More touching than any words

Yet it is not easily done
Nor readily unguarded
For what more can be expressed
Than the simplest of truths

Perhaps no further than the eye

2:21, 1:42, 1:35, 1:21, 1:06(!!) if you don't want to see the whole 3:53

Full House. The original k-drama. At least for shows (eg. My Lovely Samsoon, My Girl) with typical content like this:
Guy meet girl.
Guy have no liking for girl.
But guy need girl's help.
What do they do?
Sign contract -- for an in-name-only relationship.
Of course, gradually guy likes girl and vice versa.
Contract ceased to be valid.
Both parties together.
Happy ending.

Oh, I nearly forget. & many teary scenes..

aww

2007-05-13T23:59:00.000+08:00

Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed.

Some say love, it is a hunger,
an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,
and you it's only seed.

It's the heart, that's afraid of breaking,
that never learns how to dance.
It's the dream, afraid of waking,
that never taks a chance.

It's the one who won't be taken,
who cannot seem to give.
And the soul afraid of dying,
that never learns to live.

When the night has been too lonely,
and the road has been too long,
And you think that love is
only for the lucky and strong.

Just remember in the winter
far beneath the bitter snow,
Lies a seed, that with the sun's love,
in the spring becomes a rose.

(Rose by Amanda McBroom)

I say love, it is the river that flows endlessly..

2007-05-12T00:08:00.000+08:00

word teaser #001

A fool is not just someone who does foolish things. Rather, it is someone who knows that doing may be foolish yet still do it willingly.

2007-05-10T22:09:00.000+08:00

'Do you know what day is this comin' Sunday?'
'I know! It's mother's Day.'
'Wah! So smart. How you know?'
'I know because that's the day I'll go bankrupt..'

hmm kids do say the darnest thing. Hey! But no one's complaining

Why don't adults say such stuffs? (They were once kids, right?) Is it because of the fear of embarrasment/being seen as ignorant/not being sensible enough or just because of that word maturity? It can be both or neither. Rather, it is the experiences we have been through that shaped us up (with regards to our behaviour, the kind of words we say or don't say, our expectations and temperaments).

I vaguely remember some teacher telling us to express ourselves and that we can write down our feelings (or along the likes of these). When I did these, what I received were confidence busters.
Okay, I can't continue anymore. Actually I typed out 2 incidents about this but I decided to delete them. Afterall, I'm really a private person (shaped by my childhood or is it innate?).

The moral of the story: Don't have feelings.
My moral of the story: Don't let people know your feelings.

2007-05-08T23:50:00.000+08:00

kewl.

i miss school?

2007-05-06T23:16:00.000+08:00

i miss school?

A classic example of misinterpreting the question (& writing whatever you like):
The Postman's Question of the Week: Using the Champions League's broader stage as a platform, is Liverpool's Rafael Benitez actually the most tactically nifty, and therefore, the "best" manager among the Big Four (Ferguson, Mourinho and Wenger) in England?

Let’s take them as students, the Champions League as the external examinations (eg.PSLE/O levels/A levels) and EPL as the school internal tests and examinations.

Ferguson is akin to a disciplined student who thinks that by following a strict schedule, he will get what he wants. But by being hard on himself, he cannot bring out his best consistently.

Mourinho is like the gifted student who views himself as the elite. That’s where he falters because he is over-confident with his external examinations that he doesn’t do much studying but rather made the preparations based on his knowledge and experience.

Wenger is the inquisitive student. He likes to study creatively and learn more than the syllabus requires. His preference for style over substance resulted in him being an under-achiever.

Thus, they may do well in EPL but the CL’s charm seems to elude them.

Bring in Rafa the examinations-smart student. He put his focus on the external examinations which is the one that matters. He knows where the big prize is and his tactics worked well.

Though this pragmatic way of determining who’s the best student is not a good indicator, EPL bosses do think like Singaporeans.

LOL.

-.- hans

2007-05-05T16:37:00.000+08:00

see the oxymoron above?

:z went to hans (b/c of colleagues). Perhaps my first time was biased but this time definitely no more trips to my 'favourite' restuarant.

I was taught something. Fruits are considered desserts --

that is half a slice of honeydew. Wellwell, even the monday blues could only made me finished 1/2 of the fish and chips.

My mum always say I have a 'ong teng qu' (emperor's taste). My cheeky reply: I would not have one if I had grew up with your cooking instead of mahmah's.

2007-05-04T00:17:00.000+08:00

(in general) I always feel that

'Hearing is nothing.
Seeing is something.
Experiencing is everything.'

I am rather of a sceptic here and I know while I can talk about God's love or even show God's love through myself (*hopefully* no matter what the extent is), what matters most is that you are able to feel His love for you.

Whatever it (joy/happiness/emptiness/difficulties/curiosity/illness/pain) is, you have absolutely nothing to lose just by knowing Him. Come join me :) for service!!

Anytime you want to, just tell me. Or if you are shy, drop me a hint! I am rather sensitive/intuitive?

I will be more than glad and so will He

2007-05-02T02:49:00.000+08:00

What kind of a person are you?
Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest... Not a person who takes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.

It's funny how the conclusion is made based on the questions asked..(http://www.my3q.com/home/terence/whatperson_viewData.phtml?&uid=1178045656109550)

or the pictures in this case (click on the picture)

Introspective Sensitive Reflective
You come to grips more frequently and thoroughly with yourself and your environment than do most people. You detest superficiality; you'd rather be alone than have to suffer through small talk. But your relationships with your friends are very strong, which gives you the inner tranquility and harmony that you require. You do not mind being alone for extended periods of time; you rarely become bored.

2007-05-01T00:41:00.000+08:00

'Miracle baby' MILAGROS

(aint she CUTE)

Milagros, who turns 3 years old next week, now takes ballet classes and runs around the playground with her classmates.She was born with a rare congenital defect known as sirenomelia or "mermaid syndrome," which left her legs connected from her heels to her groin.
(http://www.komotv.com/news/health/7133721.html)

2007-05-01T00:22:00.000+08:00

This week:
' i ask you a joke.. what does my skin remind you of '
aint't it supposed to be: i tell you a joke
but never mind, 'erhm tanned?'
'nope.. my skin reminds you of life! because it's not fair..' yes, you did it :)

God never promised a smooth-sailing life but He did assured that He will never leave nor forsake us. (Heb 13:5)

Last week:
Just knowing is not sufficient.
Neither is it enough to show that you know.
It helps to react to show that you really know.

Heh ap (this sounds cooler than the actual word ar ;), I still don't know how you could tell. Though you weren't always there, you came when it matters. And Lord, You show Your presence in different ways :)

2007-04-29T17:58:00.000+08:00

Last week:
All Chelsea had to do was to win when Man U drew. Yet Chelsea ended up in a draw.

Yesterday:
All Chelsea had to do was to add on to their 2-1 lead while Man U was 0-2 down. Yet the worst-case scenario (a total 180 degrees change) happened. Now it is a 5-points gap.
Got nothing to say since nothing can be changed. The chance was there but you just sat down there, wasting time away and doing nothing. Yesyes, you know what you want to do and had to do but at that critical point, you didn't execute the intended plan. You had a brillant speech in mind yet could only utter silence? bleah -.-
waiting for a third opportunity? Open up your dry eyes and face reality. The title could have been already lost.

2007-04-28T15:45:00.000+08:00

Reaching the extreme of emotions, we seemed to have this extra boundless energy which can be used in different ways:

1) Violence
- a violent tendency towards others or the wall (or a punching bag).
- usually not deadly at all, but just a want to release the pent-up frustrations

2) Food therapy
- a senseless need of eating to keep one from thinking even when the food taste worse (than my cooking lol)
- usually found in girls since it is difficult to tell from a guy's appetite.

3) Retail therapy
- spending without a care in an attempt to make oneself happy (/reward oneself)
- again usually found in girls since guys are rational(?) enough to be practical

4) Endurance of pain/fear
- try doing something that you would not fathom yourself doing before and you probably realise you can now because your threshold of pain/fear has increased
- it's the belief of what can be worst than the current feeling

5) Words
- the most hurtful things are being said because there is no self control
- it's the once-and-for-all mentality

6) Sports therapy
- to work off the adrenaline building up inside (cool down)
- make yourself real tired so that you can't even reflect

7) Work
- it's the numbing effect

8) Sleep
- the self-delusion that everything will be alright in the morning (it's only a nightmare)
- also a good way to break away from the current mood

9) Crying therapy
- it's an admittance of their emotions though many do it privately

10) The worship therapy

The above 9 ways seem to be hurting yourself/others or about running away. However, this tenth way is about surrendering all your troubles to Him and He will take care of the rest.

What is your way? Use your energy wisely ;)