Testify To Love

2011-03-05T23:58:00.002+08:00

Watched a rather thought provoking show today. It's called "Blood, Sweat & Takeaways". I chanced upon this show while channel surfing earlier. It is about a group of 6 young people from UK that travelled to various countries in South East Asia, to learn about the hard truths. A realisation of how their food comes about and what is involved.

After watching the show, it really brought alot of thoughts into my mind. Have we become so uncaring to our surroundings? By surrounding I mean the world as a whole. We have become so concerned with ourselves and take things for granted that we forgot about others. We want things to be cheap and affordable. Yet, cheap goods do come at a price. A price that the workers will have to bear, in the form of lower wages. It was really sad to see how workers having to work long hours in poor working environments in order to earn that amount of money that some of us would call "loose change".

Perhaps having compulsory National Service is a good thing afterall. It allows us to get out of our comfort zones. Allowing us to see the hardwork and effort that goes into keeping something running. Learning on the way about caring for one another even in times of suffering.

If I have the time next week, I will catch that show on TV again. Must watch.

2011-01-23T00:12:00.002+08:00

You can respect a person for many reasons. Whether is it for their achievements, seniority, positive attributes or even through the way he/she has impacted your life. Respect is something that has to be earned. Once lost, it will take a long time before it is ever restored.

You see, we can all identify people whom have caused us to lost our respect for them for whatever reasons. Sometimes I really wonder, where has their sense of pride and dignity gone. Do they not care or simply can't be bothered at how others treat or look at them. Or is it a problem of arrogance?

I don't consider myself to have a relationship with you. Wait, you never had a coversation with me. What relationship to talk about right? Perhaps a miracle will happen one fine day. Yes a miracle.

2011-01-21T22:37:00.003+08:00

If I have a choice, I would live my life with a much slower pace. Do things at my own pace and take a walk through the neighbourhood in the evenings.

Sometimes it does cross my mind that perhaps human beings were not made to live such a fast pace life. Imagine all that rushing and rushing ultimately leads to nothingness? I'm not talking about rushing for a train or a meeting, I'm talking about the ultimate goal. The place that we are going to end up when all has been said and done. It is eternity.

There are only two paths - One with God and the other being without. Which would you choose.

2011-01-04T22:42:00.006+08:00

Taking a tour to places is a good way to not only get away from the routines of our lives, but also a good time for us to experience things from a different culture. What we may find acceptable in our country or culture might not be in another. We are foolish to think that we should conform to a particular culture and be unwilling to experience or even embrace another.

Recently I took a trip to Hong Kong. My second trip to the place. Many things have changed since my last visit two years ago. The standard of English amongst its young people are getting better. The quality of its service staff seems to be improving. Perhaps as a result of keen competition from countries in the region and beyond. However there are still certain things that remain largely unchanged, as far as I could remember. Certain sights and sounds have remained.

For example, the noise and chatter in a Dim Sum restaurant in the morning. You see waiters pushing trolleys of dim sum stacked high up. Some others with two tea pots (One pot containing tea and the other hot water), making sure you have a healthy dose of tea during your entire meal. All that noise and chatter does not annoy me a single bit, but I embrace it as part of their culture and my dining experience.

All in all, a good experience. I'll be back soon. For more dim sum and mango dessert

2010-09-25T22:55:00.002+08:00

It's been a rather long week for me. Three duties in a week, starting from Sunday. Yes my week in camp started on a weekend. In case you are thinking, I didn't sign any extras.

Preperations for my 21st birthday are well underway. I am combining my celebration with my dearest as our birthdays are relatively close to each other. Now all I have to do is cross my fingers and pray that I have no duties or whatsoever coming my way on that day.

I shall endure 10 and half months more and I'll be a civilian once again. Ahh that life. I can't wait.

2010-08-28T00:39:00.002+08:00

It's been awhile since I last did an entry here. I've been busy playing my part in the first Youth Olympic Games (YOG). My assignments ranged from doing some "sai-kang", being part of the safety crew and a traffic marshal. It was an awesome experience. An experience that I will never forget.

In fact I felt that the concept of YOG was a pretty good and far-sighted one. Youths are the next generation of people to take over from their parents. They are going to be leaders in their own field. There has to be a time and platform for youths to stand up and show what they are made of. And I think YOG certainly did so.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to be part of YOG.

2010-07-12T21:42:00.002+08:00

Something that dearie confided in me this afternoon is just so true. I've been feeling that way for awhile and it seems like i'm not alone. Telepathy eh. It got me thinking that people can be so good at doing the work of the Lord but yet neglect His people.

Friends can be so nice and friendly towards you on Sunday, yet they do not really know you. Do they even know what gives you the greatest joy? Do they even know what are your hopes and aspirations. Perhaps they write you off as just someone. Just a face in a big group of people.

Maybe in a way we all are hypocrites. Hiding our unhappiness behind a smiling face.

On a lighter note, I went to work at the floating platform today. Booked out of camp at 930am. I was given time to go home, shower, take a nap and be at the platform by 130pm. Along the way, I sat down for some macs. I'm starting to get the hang of my job. I like the view at the top too. Ahh the only problem would be getting to the toilet when nature calls. But anyway, I just hope the job would be fun and smooth sailing.

People say the only constant in this modern world is change. Yet I think my only constant is God.

2010-07-10T23:28:00.002+08:00

It was great watching a national day parade, though it was just a preview. The last time I watched one at The Padang was when I was in primary 5. Although the parade segment is almost the same every year, I always enjoy watching the soldiers march smartly. I appreciate it even more now that I'm a soldier myself. Being able to sing the national anthem is such a privilege.

Woke up pretty early in the morning to meet someone to collect the tickets for the parade. Head over to dearie's place to sleep in after that. It rained heavily while dearie was having her tuition session with Enzo. It got me alittle worried and I prayed that God will stop the rain before the parade. And He did!!!

After waiting for dearie to put down her tuition stuff and change up, we took a bus to North Point to get some accessories for our Crocs. Train down to City Hall and went straight to The Padang. Got our nice looking fun pack and walk up to find our seats. The view was nice. The setting sun, Marina Bay Sands on our left, City Hall on our right. Pictures turned out nice. It was even better with my love by my side to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds.

Stayed till the finale - Fireworks. Somehow God placed a thought in my head that we as Christians should be like fireworks. It has a pretty short time to show what it has. Yet in that short time, it is spectacular and exudes a beauty that captivates people time and again. We have seen fireworks so many times, but yet still can't have enough of it.

Our lives are short, we can be here today and gone tomorrow. Leave a legacy by exuding a beauty from within. Just like fireworks.

2010-07-09T23:18:00.003+08:00

Watching NDP preview with my love tomorrow :)

Did quite a bit of shopping today with dearie and her younger sister. First of all, I met dearie after she was done with school. First stop was to "The Bencoolen" to redeem some Adidas merchandise that she won in a lucky draw (My share of it was a France football jersey)

Second stop was to The Central @ Clarke Quay. Stop by the basement of the shopping centre to buy some sweets from a shop called "Sticky Singapore". The sweets are hand-made and looked really nice to eat. Dearie bought some for herself, CEP group and her classmate. My share is at dearie's place. Yum yum shall eat it tomorrow. They are really colourful.

Third stop was to Marina Square for lunch, movie and shopping. Took a train from Clarke Quay to Douby Gauht, changed to the Circle Line and stopped at Esplanade station. Short walk from Esplanade station to Marina Square. Lunch was at food court.

Dearie's younger sister joined us after our lunch to watch "Twilight - Eclipse".

My target for the day was to buy a new pair of shoes to alternate between the one I'm wearing to camp every week now. Saw a really nice pair at Everbest. The price was quite good so.. you know the story. Accompanied my love to do her Crocs shopping. I was psycho-ed by her to buy a pair for myself. We got a pair each and at the end of the day, I ended up with two pairs of foot wear. Nice. I like my new pair of crocs alot ! :) Its bright red in colour. Woohhoooo!!!

It's been a long time watching NDP at The Padang. The last was when I was in Primary 5. Tomorrow is the day :)

2010-07-05T22:38:00.000+08:00

I'm now as red as a lobster, from spending almost 8 hours under the sun. I'm involved in setting up some water based special effects for the Youth Olympics. Working with some french guys. My neck and my face hurts like mad. Dang but the thing is that I will not become tan. As usual, I will become red, skin turns brown, peels and then back to square one.

On the other hand, while some of us are working our butts off, others only know how to talk or provide "Eye Power". Thanks man. In the end you're complaining that we ended late. Who's to blame. I would give you a piece of my mind if you piss me off again. I'm being nice today when you said something that offended me, I chose to keep quiet. Just wait and see.

Gotta be back at the floating platform again tomorrow. Apparently we will be boarding some ship to install some stuff. Well, the french guy says that it would be fun. Ahh not if we have to move really heavy pumps and equipment. For now, some body maintenance will probably restore me back to shape. I'm really tired. ZZZZZ

2010-06-26T18:31:00.003+08:00

Last Sunday:

Didn't had a chance to attend church last Sunday. I was involved in some youth olympics thing on the particular Sunday. All of us weren't exactly sure of what would we be doing. We only had a very vague idea.

Woke up pretty early to fetch dearie. Yes we soldiers were allowed to bring our GFs or a friend of the opposite sex. The venue of the activity was supposedly at Bishan Stadium. Thank God it was eventually changed to Singapore Sports School (So that I don't need to travel so far, which means waking up earlier :P). Arrived at SSS alittle earlier. Found my army buddies sitting at the entrance waiting to take attendance. Waited for quite a while before we were taken to the running track area. Apparently we are to act as "spectators" for a sporting event. The whole thing was pretty funny. First of all, most of the so called spectators were guys ! Only a handful of us brought along a person of the opposite sex. Imagine a sports meet having just a few ladies. Me, dearie and a few of my buddies were assigned to see at the front row. Thats where the camera is ! Like dearie said, our faces better be on the video. Talking about it, the video is to be shown during the opening ceromony of the youth olympic games.

The group of us decided to have brunch at CWP Mos Burger after everything ended. It was pretty fun as usual. Dearie enjoyed herself so much that she was still talking about it when we got home. Ahhh your caleb right dearie.

Yesterday:

Finally, the long awaited Young Adult's makan biking session happened yesterday. Met nick at Yishun after me and dearie were done with Toy Story 3 (TS3 is a must watch. 5/5 rating from me). Headed down to ECP and waited a long time for everyone to arrive before we began around 11pm. The route revolves around most of the East part of S'pore. From ECP, we cycled to Changi Village for a meal. Then it was to Bedok Reservoir through Pasir Ris and Tampines. Lastly, it was from Bedok Reservoir back to ECP. Ended the whole activity with breakfast as a group at Macs. Cabbed home and sleep till way past lunch time. Yawnx. Shall continue my body maintenance.

2010-06-12T20:47:00.002+08:00

Me and dearie got a hair cut. Yea I had a hair cut less than 2 weeks ago. Then again, the previous hair cut wasn't up to my expectation. In fact, it seems that my hair grew much longer within such a short time. Hair cut hair cut hair cut. Now I spot a really short hair cut!

Fri:

I booked out for physiotheraphy in the morning. Its been a while since I had a session. Due to BRCC that is. Ahh back problems. Smsed my buddy to ask if our half day off request has been granted and it was ! I went back to camp, packed my stuff, took a shower and book out! Half day offs are always good especially when it happens on a Friday. Essentially it means booking out early and you have more time for youself.

I headed back home and had a short rest before going out to meet dearie for dinner. We had subby at Northpoint and then did some shopping. Then home sweet home!

Sat:

Spent time with dearie at home. Send her for her tuition session with her primary 2 kid. Went back to take a nap and then dinner. Plus hair cut for both of us. Now i'm craving for mango. Just that somebody doesn't want to cut it for me. Right dear.

Sun:

Open topic for CEP tomorrow. I guess alot of people will not be around as the church camp is on in Malaysia. Hmm when I ORD-ed, I will go for it too! And when I have a car, I will drive up. Ahh dream, carry on dreaming.

2010-06-04T00:08:00.002+08:00

Block leave is a good time for me to relax and spend more time with my family. Through the past few days, I've made full use of lunch time with my mum to catch up with her. Short time, but quality time. After the meal, she is always busy with her chores and me with my TV or computer. I did the same today. Bum around at home till 2pm before I head down to NTUC to do some grocery shopping for dinner. To be exact, I'm cooking dinner for my dear girl and her family.

Ah dang! Forgot to take pictures. Mouth-watering dishes I tell you.

That brings me to the thought that its quite a blessing to be able to cook for the people you love. Why? Cause you spend the time to plan the dishes, buy and prepare the ingredients, also making the effort to ensure that it taste reasonably good (Or at least edible). The food that I cook is not only edible, its delicious ok. Just ask my dearest. (Nods in agreement).

Shopping at town tomorrow after dearie's school ends.

2010-06-02T23:07:00.001+08:00

The customised pouch that dearie surprised me with :) thanks dear

2010-06-02T22:34:00.002+08:00

The past few weeks has been pretty eventful if not really busy. The lunch outing at Matheus's house. The really nice house that left me talking long after we left the place. The church annual family day (AFD). Block leave.

First of all, lunch at Matheus's house was a blast. The food, company, place and atmosphere was good. I somehow always love to eat at places with nice things to look at. Perhaps when I go to a restaurant, I might even pay for the atmosphere (Like Secret Garden, right dear). Still, all of those still can't beat the human factor. When you have a meal, it is always nice to have good and fun company. People who will tell jokes or have engaging conversations with you. People whom you can let your hair down with. Ahh thank God for Uncle Adrian and his family's hospitality towards us.

Next is the Annual Family Day. Honestly, I thought I would just be a spectator there and end up feeling I've done nothing productive at the end of the day. I thought wrong! I thoroughly enjoyed myself at this year's family day. Took part in lots of telematches, captain ball games and once again, enjoy it with the person I enjoy being with the most :)

Today is the second day of my block leave. I just love being away from the army routine. The regimentation and all. Not that I dislike regimentation. In fact I think it keeps you disciplined and organised and it makes you more productive in certain ways. It's just that we do need a break from something we do day after day. I will take this leave to unwind. Do what I love to do and take a rest, fetch dearie from school and being with her. Now thats my kind of enjoyment. :)

2010-05-15T23:29:00.003+08:00

The past week has been pretty busy. I was outfield from Wednesday till Friday. As usual, helping out with the stores and all. The only thing I looked forward to was spending my weekends with my dear girl and I did today!

Slacked at home and played psp & nds before heading to town. My dearie is seriously into gaming consoles now. Right now she has my sexy black thing (Yes, that is what she calls my psp) and I have her nds for the night. We went to ION Orchard around 4 something. Jalan jalan and bought multi-flavoured popcorn for dearie. Sour cream & onions, tom yum and nachos bbq. Weird flavours for popcorn, I know. I bought a large bag of it for dearie and I tried some myself. Its good ! Next time I'll buy the wasabi flavour popcorn. Ahhaahaa then dearie would not be able to fight with me for it. Went to a teppanyaki restaurant for dinner. Yum yum yes half a wish came true for me.

Headed home after some walking around to digest dinner. Tomorrow my CEP group will be having a makan session of sorts at someone's house. Nice and big house I heard. Shall see. Tomorrow is also book in day!!! arghh !!! but well, its ok. Life is good still :)

2010-05-07T21:47:00.002+08:00

The journey through recce course has not been smooth sailing. I was declared out-of-course (OOC) on the third day due to an old back injury that act up when I did my fast march. I guess the load is simply too much for my back to take. For now, I'm with the admin party doing stores and all.

It is now the end of week 3 of the recce course. The fitting fit guys had just completed EX. Longwalk. Utmost respect for those who completed. Imagine having to navigate through at least 60km within, if i'm not wrong 48hours. That is just crazy. Most of them came back with big blisters, foot rot (Due to the heavy rain) and tired bodies. Yet, it will be something that they can talk about for years to come. For me, I can only take pride that the logistical work I do enables the guys to have more rest. It is also my form of support for them. Though I can't walk with them literally, I "walk" with them through other means. :D

Watching IP Man 2 with dearie tomorrow. It's been awhile since I last watched a movie. Dearie has been saying we seldom go out and pator this days. Ok so tomorrow we go out pator k :P
For now I shall have an early rest and enjoy my weekends. Bubye !

2010-04-17T22:32:00.002+08:00

I booked out on Thursday evening and I had a super long weekend. However, all of it would end tomorrow when I book in at night. It is strange how fast good times passes by you. Sometimes I just wish life is just like a video recorder. You can fast forward the bad parts, rewind to the parts you wana relive and pause to enjoy the good times. Maybe to press the "play" button to see what lies ahead for you. Then again we know that is not possible.

Thursday:

Booked out at noon to go for our National Education tour. It beats staying in camp doesn't it. Hmm so my unit's first stop was to the URA's City Gallery. It showcase the master plan for our country's urban development. It's pretty cool to see a big map infront of you, complete with buildings and other features.

Then it was off to the Marina Barrage. To be educated about Singapore's strategy in ensuring that we have a constant supply of fresh water. The shiok part was, Me and my buddies "parked" ourselves at the cafe after touring the exhibitions and slack! Second last stop was to Bukit Chandu. I've not been there before and I thought it was pretty cool to visit the Reflections of Bukit Chandu Museum. Ahhh I love history so how can I not look forward to it. Last but not least, it was to the Floating Platform to hear brigade commander give a speech. Then it was off to meeting my dearest at Esplanade.

By the time I met dearie, I was already suffering from mild gastric pains. We crossed the road and headed for Marina Square. Dinner was at Raffles City basement. At a Jap food bazaar restaurant called "Shokudo". I felt slightly better after having something to eat. Walked around abit before home sweet home.

Friday:

Dearie had school in the morning, so I took the opportunity to have a good rest. I slept for almost the whole morning, till I had to get myself out of bed to meet dearie. The rest of the afternoon was spent at her place and dinner was at SSC. Rainy rainy day.

Saturday:

Woke up pretty early this morning. Dearie baked brownies in the morning and it was really good ! Haahaa. She even packed quite a large portion for me to bring back to camp tomorrow. Hmm, I will consider sharing with my buddies :P Watched dearie study and do her revision. Erm I fell asleep in the process la.

On a side note. I was watching Nat Geo Adventures "By Any Means". Travelling through various countries and places, using various forms of transport. It was really cool and I remarked to dearie "Hmm how cool if I can do this as well, travelling around places". Ahhh continue to dream and dream.

Monday will be the start of another chapter in my NS life. Ahhh recce course. 6 weeks. The jungle hat. I just want it to pass quickly. Tough times don't last, tough men do.

2010-04-03T20:32:00.002+08:00

Had bike riding on Monday and Tuesday. Never thought that I would have the chance to ride just two weeks after bike course. I did day riding on Monday and both day and night on Tueday. Off road riding will be coming pretty soon. Just before BRCC I suppose.

Had nights off on Wednesday and Thursday. I headed to dearie's place to take care of her. Poor girl caught the flu bug from me and she was sick from the beginning of the week. Had duty on Good Friday!!! Which means I have another off day to claim. Wonder when can I clear it ar.

Booked out this morning after my 24 hour duty. Went back home to rest and take a shower before I head to dearie's place to have lunch with her. Lazed around at home before going to NTUC to get some snacks.

Easter Sunday tomorrow. Booking in tomorrow also :( ahhhhhh

2010-03-28T19:24:00.002+08:00

Weekends have been great. Today was great in fact. I was almost late for the announcement though. But thanks to Uncle David, I was just in time. If you are guessing what announcement.

I'm officially a member of Bethesda Hall Ang Mo Kio! Yes I've finally been received into fellowship. Thank God for the many new friendships and opportunities to serve. I pray for more opportunities to serve and also for more spiritual growth :)

As I'm typing this, grace's mom is talking to my mom on the phone. Apparently both of them were from the same secondary school and grace's mom is talking to her about some school gathering. Weird. I've never heard my mom going for any gathering or whatsoever. Then again, who knows she might after talking to grace's mom.

Island wide riding tomorrow and Tuesday.

2010-03-26T21:49:00.002+08:00

Booked out after lunch today for my dental appointment. Met dearie at Faber House for our appointment. By the time I arrived, she was already done with her treatment. Nothing serious or significant for this visit.

After the dental appointment. I called back company line and I was told that I wouldn't need to go back. For one, dinner was not indented for today. Secondly, by the time I'm back, it would have been too late and the rest would have booked out. Thank God. Else I would have to travel all the way back and then book out for my weekends from there. Changed into my civilian clothes and off I went to have a meal with dearie. That sweet girl of mine bought me a teddy bear sock and a cup of KOI bubble tea. :) Of course I'm a happy boy ! (Let me try and find your polly pocket la k). Head back to dearie's place after that and I went back home shortly after.

Sunday would be a significant day :)

2010-03-21T17:22:00.003+08:00

Going back to camp today. And by camp I mean the camp that I was posted to. Bike course has come to an end and so has my stay out period. I think I'm going to miss staying out for like an entire month. The 8-5 feeling and being able to raid the refrigerator at home and most of all, being able to chat online/phone with darling almost every other night.

In the one month that I stayed out, many things happened. First and foremost, my grandmother passed away. Me and dearie had a little arguement (Patched things up already). Learnt how to ride a bike and eventually passing the course. Looking back, it was a short month, but yet it seems as though many months has passed. At certain point of the month, I wondered about what life is really all about. How people can be here today and gone the next moment. Be it relationships or even a person that you know. Yet a Christian song titled "I know who holds tomorrow" reminded me that it is God himself that holds my tomorrow.

For now I will look forward to the next weekend where I can spend it resting and having dearie by my side.

2010-03-13T20:08:00.003+08:00

Bike course is almost coming to an end. I have just completed the second last week of the course and next week will be the last. Many things were being done within a short span of time. The course has only a 1 month duration. I've also learnt how to ride a bike amongst many other things. I made friends with personnel from other units as well. Soon, it will be back to unit. Hopefully from there I will have more chance to "clock mileage" on my bike. Reach 7000km in order to convert to civilian license? Alittle impossible.

Next week: I will be participating in the Island Wide Confidence Riding. I will be riding through the various expressways of Singapore. I will also be doing some off road riding along some dirt track before I get my license.

For now, I will enjoy my weekends before I get back to unit and my weekends become unpredicatable at times again (due to guard duties luh).

Anyway a big thank you to dearie for buying me a pint of Udders D24 ice cream !!! It's yummy-licious. Above all, I just love spending quality time with you. Even if it is just taking a bus ride with you and just enjoying having you by my side :)

2010-02-28T23:02:00.002+08:00

Grandma has always been a simple woman. A woman with almost no other desires but for her family to stay united and happy. She is one of the most kind hearted person I've ever met. I've never seen/heard her shouting at anyone of us in the family since the time I could remember.

Sad to say, she left us on Wednesday, 24th Feb 10. She died in her sleep at home. I was sadden by the fact that I last saw her on the first day of the lunar new year and days later she is gone all of a sudden. I really miss her ever encouraging words that she has for us all. I really miss her sitting on her couch and just looking at me with a smiling face. I like to look at how her face would lighten up when she sees us.

As I followed behind the hearse during what the Chinese call "The Last Journey", I can't help but wonder about how fleeting life is. We are like a vapour in the wind and a wave tossed in the ocean. Here today and gone tomorrow.

Ironically, in the process of the five days wake, I can say that I've grown closer to my family members. I guess it is in times like this that we begin to realise that we have to treasure what we have before it is too late. Humans are like that aren't we ?

2010-02-23T22:09:00.002+08:00

Bike course has been pretty fun and enjoyable so far. Like what my instructor says "Eh you ride bike garang but face smile lah, don't need to fierce la". Basically I have pretty funny and interesting instructors and my buddies with me. For now, I gota concentrate on clearing the highway code test before we can all proceed on the public road for our training. One thing is for sure, our instructors like to make us change our bikes regularly. As in we don't hold on to the same bike for too long lest we get too used to one bike. Reason being: To enable us to "feel" the machine. I've been assigned a new bike and well I'm still getting used to its behaviour.

It's another new day tomorrow. More practical lessons and our dreaded highway code test. I pray that all of us would be able to clear it. Then we can spend more time on our practical.

Ohh let me backtrack abit ar. I was at CEP singspiration on Sunday morning and there was one song that really spoke to me. The lyrics are as follows. :)

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.He,
whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,
"This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then, in every tribulation,
So to trust Thy promises,
O Lord,That I lose not faith's sweet consolation,
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till with Christ the Lord I stand.

2010-02-17T21:11:00.003+08:00

Lets start from last Sunday, which was the first day of the lunar new year.

I managed to get the opportunity to drive the car to church alone. Before that, I drove over to dearie's place to fetch her family to church. I left after morning worship and did not attend CEP as I had to drive back home to fetch my family for visitation. Typical chinese new year routine.

Headed over to my paternal grandparent's house followed by my maternal grandparent's house. For my family on both sides, most of the aunties and uncles would gather at just one house. It spares us the trouble of having to visit so many houses in a day. Talking about visiting. I realised that my grandparents have aged so much in a year, especially my paternal grandma. She can barely talk to us all now. It just makes me wonder how much things can change within such a short time. It also make me realise how precious time and youth is. It will be gone as soon as it comes. Each year when I see my cousins, I have also seen their progress in life. How they have gone on to become JC students, soldiers, starting a family etc. I guess time and tide waits for no man huh.

Anyway, I met dearie in the evening at City Hall for our Valentine's Day dinner. I placed two reservations at Pariss restaurant. The one at Marina Square where they serve a wide variety of food, ranging from Chinese, Western to Seafood. We went there once and I decided that it would be a good place to have a nice dinner. Moreover there aren't many other choices around since many places are closed for CNY. Overall we had a nice dinner there, though we didn't eat as much as the previous visit.

Tuesday was spent mostly at Uncle TK's place. Its been two years since I last went there for makan. Our visit to Uncle TK place is always filled with alot of makan, laughter and nice fellowship. Uncle TK and his family are always so hospitable and warm towards us. I really pray that when I grow older and start to have my own family, I can be like them. Not only being able to take care of my own family, but also make it an effort to reach out to other people. At the same time, being a good testimony for God :)

Wednesday:

Beginning of bike course today. Had to report at 730am !!! I left house with dad around 630am. Thank God dad was kind enough to give me a lift. The driving centre was all the way at Kaki Bukit. Still, I'm grateful for the luxury of staying out for a month. Today was mostly concentrated on the theory aspects of bike riding. Tomorrow will be about highway code. Oh man there we go again. I took highway code more than a year ago for my Class 3. Now, I gota do it all over again. Hais. Nonetheless, I hope I will be able to enjoy this course. It sounds kinda dangerous but yet fun also. Ahh well, we shall wait and see what unfolds in the days to come.

p.s: Sometimes it does makes me wonder about my ability to make people happy. Maybe i'm not good at giving surprises, but I've tried my best to give you the best. I've tried, I thought it would bring about happiness, but it turns out otherwise. How sad for me.

2010-02-13T23:20:00.002+08:00

It's been awhile since I last sat down with my family for a meal, even if it was just a very simple meal. I miss the times when I sat down at the dining table in the evening having my meal and enjoying the view of the sun setting. Now I still get the view of the sun setting, in an army camp that is. Still, being able to have that joy of being with your family beats any chinese new year goodies.

I had guard duty from yesterday 12 noon till this morning 8am. While the rest of my company had a half day off after lunch, I had to stay back to do my duty. Hmm I shall claim my half day off after bike course. Anyway, thank God that nothing happened while on duty.

After getting some rest at home this morning, I met dearie at Semb MRT with the intention to go to AMK Hub, but we decided that it was better to go CWP. Dearie managed to get her CNY bag while I accompanied her on her hunt. Dearie bought some stuff for me too !!! For V'Day :) Thanks dear !

In less than an hour, the year of the ox would be gone and we will be ushering the year of the tiger. First day of the lunar new year is about to begin. Hong bao hong bao !!!

2010-02-10T19:58:00.002+08:00

The big day was on last Sunday. My CEP group was in-charge of the gospel service that very evening. Instead of presenting a song item, we decided that it was better to do a skit. Nat was the script writer and I must say that he came out with a very meaningful story line. It was relevant to each and everyone of us. It also allow you to reevaluate the priorities in your life. Most important of all, it was to reach out to the unsaved in our midst. I was the main actor for the skit and I really enjoyed working with the rest of the group members. In fact I kinda like acting after this episode. I invited a few friends from Salem over. Glad to see them after such a long while. After the performance, I rushed home with dearie to get our dinner and it was back to camp.

Been fortunate enough to have nights out for two consecutive night. Yesterday our company had our cohesion day at Sentosa. I went back home after my guard duty ended to grab my beach wear and headed to Habourfront to meet the rest of the fellas. I was feeling really tired and sleepy as I only managed to sleep 3 hours during my guard duty which lasted from Monday 6pm to Tuesday 8am. While me and a few other guys were doing our duties, the rest of the guys got to go home for the night and be at Beach Station by 11am the next day. Too bad, I had duty. Anyway, I reached Beach Station around 1045am.

After the rest arrived, we went ahead with our games which was organised by Platoon Sergeant. It was a mini amazing race and my team came in first !!! The mini amazing race felt like a NAVEX all over again, except that we are in civilian clothes. The race ended around 3pm and we went to a quiet corner on Palawan Beach to give our storeman a farewell and also a chance to deliver his ORD speech (I will write a speech too when I'm going to ORD). Thereafter, we were given nights off and released from the beach.

As usual, I headed over to my darling's house to meet her for dinner. By the time I reached her place it was slightly over 430pm. Sat down to see her study, spent some time together, dinner and off I went back to camp.

Today, we had lunch super early at 11am. I was still feeling full from my breakfast a couple of hours ago. The reason why we had lunch so early was because we were to head to Kaki Bukit Camp for our bike course briefing and selection.

We left the camp around 1205 and began our journey to Kaki Bukit Camp. It is a super ulu place to go to. Upon reaching the camp, we were given a general briefing of the course. Then we boarded a tonner for the driving circuit. The driving circuit will be the place that I will be after CNY for the next 5 weeks. The driving circuit looked and felt like a desert. First it was really hot when we arrived there. Secondly, it doesn't have tall and big trees to provide substantial shade/cover.

We then began our bike course selection. It just require us to mount on a bicycle and do a couple of maneuvers. If we managed to do that, then we are considered to have been selected to do the course. The maneuvers were fairly simple to do and I passed.

After the selection, we were being brought to a classroom where we waited for super long to get our course materials. Eventually, we managed to leave the driving circuit slightly later than 5pm.

2010-02-06T17:22:00.002+08:00

Its getting nearer to Chinese New Year. This year, the first day of the lunar new year happens to fall on Valentine's Day. Hmm. I wonder if the shops will be open specially for this day.

Anyway the week passed by pretty quick. We didn't really do much for the week. It was mainly lectures and company administrative work. Other than that, it was just some mild physical training. The next week seems like a pretty slack week as well. Judging by the schedule and what 2IC told us, we will be mainly doing prep for our bike course. Bicycle training etc. We will also be heading to Sentosa for our company cohesion day. Fun fun fun. The bad part is that I have guard duty the previous night that will last till the morning when we go to Sentosa.

Also, we were told by 2IC to bring new year decorations when we book in tomorrow. He wants his company line decorated. Hmm maybe I should bring it a zao cai mao ar. You know the white ceramic cat that has one hand raised up? Yeah. But anyway I already bought some super cheap but nice looking decorations already. I was just joking about the cat part.

After the CNY, it would be the start of bike course. Heard from my commanders that it is a pretty fun course to go through. While going through the course, I better keep up my fitness ar. If not ar, I will just grow fat during the course, thats what they told us. The good thing about bike course is that I will be able to stay out and having to get stuck in camp. No guard duties, at least for that month that I'm on course. The down side is, I have to wake up super early to head to Bedok area for my course. That is if Dad doesn't want to fetch me there.

Tomorrow will be a pretty big day for me. I'm acting in a skit at Bethesda Hall. I'm the main actor for that skit and we have been preparing for it for a month already. Not that it is a grand production or what. But we have a message to bring across to people.

The thing is many of us live through life not knowing what are we here on Earth for. We feel bored, feel frustrated or even feel empty with what life has to offer to us. We go through each day as if we are a programmed machine just performing the same task over and over again. The question we should ask ourselves is "Is life really meant to be that way". We see disasters and bad things happening all around us, whether it affects us directly or not. Do we care? Do we know why this kind of things happen? If you want to know how life is meant to be. Head to Bethesda Hall Ang Mo Kio tomorrow, 7th feb 10, at 6pm. You will be surprised at how meaningful and purposeful life can be for you.

2010-01-29T20:54:00.002+08:00

The week went by pretty quick. Today is already Friday. The main highlight for the week was our navigation exercise (Open Terrain NAVEX). It was our very first navigation exercise and we did quite abit of preperations before that. Alot of planning in both logistical and route of advance was done. The exercise was divided into both day and night. We started the day exercise around 1030am and my team finished around 415pm. I was the navigator for the second half of the day exercise.

For the night exercise, it was alittle more challenging as we weren't allowed to use our torchlights to find our way. Instead we were told to be confident and practice light discipline. Finding checkpoints in the dark is almost like walking blind. The checkpoints were planted in vegetation, though it was an open navex. I was the basher for the night exercise and I was responsible for clearing the tall grasses and bushes so that the person behind me could find the checkpoint. My team finished the night exercise first at around 2145. The incentive for the first three team to arrive at the finishing point was being able to go back to camp without waiting for the remaining three teams. To God be the glory.

All of us managed to go to bed around 2am this morning. The good news was, we have an off day today. It came as a surprise to all of us. We were told to wake up at 7am this morning and fall in to book out at 730am. Finally, I get to enjoy a long weekend without the worry of guard duty.

Headed to lot 1 with a couple of guys for breakfast before I went home to bathe and take a short nap. Met my dear girl after her lessons ended and we went to shop for CNY clothes. The shopping is still not exactly done yet. Hopefully I can complete my shopping by tomorrow. I don't want my mom to nag at me :P Got a top for CNY. Now I need to shop for a bottom. Hmmmm.

2010-01-24T16:38:00.002+08:00

The weekend is almost coming to an end. I always enjoy having the weekends. Not only to relax and recharge, but it also provides a break from the army life. This week, we are on manning and all of us are waiting in anticipation to see if we will be called back. For now, it seems we are safe. Well, nothing is really certain till it happens in the army right?

Met dearie on Friday night for a late dinner or for me supper. We went to Mr. Pang Seafood as my dear girl was too lazy to go anywhere far. Yes Sunplaza included. Finally had a chance to see my dear girl and have a peaceful meal with her. In camp, meal times always accompany a timing to meet. Ok lah, to be fair ar the timings are always quite reasonable. Unless we are running short on time, which happens rarely. After the dinner and NTUC trip, I went up to her house to laze around. It wasn't for a long time though since it was getting pretty late after we were done with makan. Dearie "chased" me home as she didn't want me to return home too late. So it was home sweet home.

Woke up early on Saturday morning to meet dearie for breakfast. Headed to the new NTUC again. This time, it was to buy snacks for the coming week. I was kinda surprised that I bought so many of it. Ah well, I get hungry in camp ma. Plus the occasional snacking gives me a sense of reality and forgetting the rigours of army life :p Yes excuses lah huh.

Basically Saturday was spent at dearie's home as I waited for the recall. Then it was to SSC for turtle soup and resupply of dog food.

The last high risk day of being recalled. Woke up early once again to go to church. Lugged my book-in bag with me, for fear of being activated. Went about the usual routine till lunch. I told dearie this:

"At least we went through the whole morning without anything and now I can have lunch with you. If I do get activated, we'll just treat it as an early book-in".

For now I shall just cross my fingers and wait. While doing so, I pray that the coming week will be a good one. Theory tests coming up, I need all those brain juice to remember what I've learnt !!! Help !!! Ohh NAVEX coming up this week as well :)

And for those who know about 7th Feb, please pray that I don't kerna any guard duty or whatsoever. It is fun serving the Lord. It is not that we deserve to serve Him, but God so gave us the strength and the grace to do so. I always consider it an honour to serve Him, regardless of our flaws. Jesus loves us regardless of what we have done. Come to Him. Do come join us on the 7th of Feb 2010, 6pm @ Bethesda Hall Ang Mo Kio. Come and hear what the God of the universe has to say to you. Do not be quick to dismiss Him as another old man high up and invisible, but come hear the plans He has for Your life. :)

2010-01-16T20:08:00.004+08:00

Tdy's candlelight dinner at home. Prepared it together with dearie.

I will be getting "married" on the 7th of feb 10. For more details please contact me :)

The week passed pretty fast as I was involved in Exercise Bulldog. My unit acted as the enemy for another unit and initially I thought it was going to be like the field camp I had back in BMT. As it turns out, it was a complete opposite from BMT. It was really fun to do all those exercise. Going to ambush a convoy, flanking the enemy, camping in a building being fired at by MGs etc. It was fun. Too bad for those who didn't managed to go outfield due to whatsoever reasons.

Celebrated our 3rd year anniversary with a Siam Kitchen dinner yesterday and a home cooked western meal today. It was pretty impromptu and many things were decided at the very last minute. Still, it was fun celebrating with dearie. Sometimes the simplest things in life makes you contented. Perhaps one of the hidden agenda of army is to instill in us a sense of contentment. Well, they have certainly achieved their objective :)

Tonight,I have to go back to camp,hopefully for a short while to report as a reserve for tomorrow's guard duty. Crossing my fingers that no one on duty tomorrow would pull a stunt on me or other reserves. I want to go to church tomorrow and spend time with my dearie. Pray that no one would ruin my plan. For now, I can only prepare to go to camp and hope for the best.

P.s: Spending time together with you is love :)

2010-01-10T19:54:00.004+08:00

Had CEP lunch yesterday at Northpoint Pastmania. It was a good opportunity for us to get to know the new members of the group and also to hold a farewell makan for Ruth and Maria. I guess through activities like this it allows people to bond and sit down after a hectic week. It has been a busy week for me and I finally had the chance to sit my church mates and joke around with them again.

Woke up early this morning to go to church. My first attendance in church for the year 2010. I was having guard duty on the first Sunday of 2010, so that explains. Anyway I saw many new faces from Sunday School coming up to CEP. Suddenly, I feel old. When I look at my peers around my age group, people are maturing. Responsibilities are growing and piling. Soon, I will have to provide for a family and manage my own household.

For the coming week, I really pray that everything will turn out fine. It will not be so hectic and I also pray that dearie will be able to readapt to going back to school again. My poor girl does not want to go to school. I can understand how she feels. Just like me not wanting to go back to camp. Well, thats life. We all have our responsibilities and we have to fulfil them in one way or another.

God help us. We do not want to depend on our own strength. We can't do things on our own. Apart from You, we cannot do anything. Lord, help me and dearie to go through each day feeling Your love abounding in our lives. Help us Lord, for we are merely humans that have little strength. In Jesus name, Amen!

2010-01-09T19:36:00.002+08:00

It was a pretty long week for me. I was in camp from last Saturday night as I have a 24 hour guard duty beginning on Sunday morning. The guard duty in itself was pretty tiring and when I ended my duty on Monday morning, I was so tired that I just feel like lying on bed the whole day. However, you can't do that in the army. I had only 1 hour plus of rest after I reached my bunk and I had to join the rest in lectures and practical training.

The following few days were marked by what we call the Advanced Infantry Training. We build on stuffs that we had learnt in BMT and were also taught new things. It was pretty ok, though it does kind of frustrates you sometimes when you need to do the drills over and over again. Sniper drill, artillery drill, habour drill etc. What to do, infantry soldiers fight on foot and in the mud.

We also had our first nights out on Wednesday evening. It came as a surprise to us as we were already prepared to go to the lounge in camp to watch tv or do our own stuff in the bunk. The following was how it was announced to us by our beloved Staff Kenneth:

SK: Ok guys I have a piece of news for you..
All: (Looked at him with a serious face and the whole training shed was super quiet)
SK: I have told you guys before that if you give me what I want in training, I will give you what you want.
Me: In my mind I was thinking, die already, going to get punish for being sloppy or for whatsoever reason
SK: Therefore tonight, you all will get a nights out.
All: Stunned and looking at him with eyes wide open
SK: Why?! why all look at me till your eyes want to pop out?
SK: Don't want nights out ar ?!
All: No Staff !!!
SK: Go change to your civilian clothes and disappear from this camp

I initially wanted to surprise dearie at her door step but decided to obey the prompting I had. I gave her a call and she told me she was outside with her friends!! Goodness. Thank God it did not appear at her door step unannounced.

Met dearie at Northpoint after some discussion and went to Popular to get some stuff for my field pack inspection. Thereafter, we went to Starbucks for a cup of white chocolate mocha and a hazelnut swirl (Pastry). Sat there for a while and began to chit chat. Head to the food court after that for pig stomach soup and more chit chat. We had a good heart to heart talk. It has been a difficult week for the both of us too as dearie experienced some problems at home. What affects her affects me in a certain measure as well :) Nonetheless I'm glad that more or less everything has turned out fine, if not better for her.

Did another guard duty starting Thursday evening. This time, I was a prowler and it was pretty fun walking around the camp. It definitely beats standing at the concrete platform as a sentry. My fellow prowler buddy was a fun guy to talk to as well. Dot, in case you're reading this. We both know Jeremy Goh !!! That funny guy. I ended my duty on Friday morning and I didn't had much rest. The very little rest time I had was a 15minute power nap. Then, I had to make sure my field pack was up to standard as the rest of them had theirs checked the previous night.

Field pack inspection does makes me wonder plenty of stuff, which I shall not say here..

The whole of friday after I ended my duty was a long long day. We had plenty of stuff going on in camp and we were in the midst of preparing for something. Blah blah blah. The only thing that matters to me on that day was my book out time. In the end, the whole lot of us booked out at 9pm. It was frustrating, irritating and the whole episode before we booked out still makes my blood boil. Thanks to those goondus who like to screw things up for us. If not we would have booked out earlier. I hope those people learnt a lesson.

I hope the coming week will be a good week. No more of such stuff again. For now, I will enjoy the weekend that I have. Time is precious.

2010-01-01T15:17:00.002+08:00

First day of the year 2010. Started it off with a movie with dearie and her sis. Alvin and The Chipmunks (The Squeakqual). It wasn't really as nice as the first one I must say.The story line wasn't as good as the first one. It was kind of predictable. Nonetheless it is still a movie that you can watch if you want some entertainment.

Right now, I'm at dearie's home. Headed home straight after the movie as she wasn't feeling well. As i'm typing this entry. Dearie is sleeping soundly (I hope) on the bed. Pray that she will feel better when she wakes up.

Gota book in tomorrow night. I have a guard duty starting Sunday morning. Though I have a hundred and one complains about doing guard duty, I must thank God that my duty for this week doesn't fall on Saturday. You see, those doing guard duties on a weekend would have to book in the night before. If I have a duty on Saturday, that would mean booking in tonight ! Then, I will book out on Sunday morning and booking back in on Sunday night ! Weekend duties are 24 hours. Therefore I gota thank God that at least, I can still enjoy this holiday alittle and then go back to ensure the security of my camp.

2010-01-01T01:14:00.003+08:00

First of all, I wana wish one and all a happy new year. Its the year 2010. Most importantly I want to thank dearie Grace for spending a wonderful 2009 with me. Ohh and thank dearie for giving this blog a new blogskin!!! Its kinda cute ar the new skin :) Thanks alot darling :)

Year 2009 was an eventful year. Many things happened. New friends were made and new experiences were gained. Several milestones of my life occurred in the year. One, I graduated from polytechnic and is one step closer to the working world.

Two, I sort of moved over to another church. Many questioned and doubted my decision to do that. Yet there were also those who patiently prayed, guided and encouraged me as I went on my way. Maybe one day those who doubted and questioned will understand my reasons for leaving.

Thirdly, I was enlisted into the army. It was sort of like a life changing moments. I experienced emotions that I thought I was immuned to. I experienced life in a different way. I experienced very trying times that I just felt like giving up if not for those who encouraged me. And to all those who did encouraged me when it was really most needed, thanks alot. Even a simple sms asking how am I in the army brought much comfort. Its the quality of your gestures that count. It was through those times that I become stronger. Whatever does kill you makes you stronger right ?!

Fourth, my relationship with dearie grew stronger this year. There was a tremendous growth in our relationship this year. We learnt new things and matured in this relationship, especially this year. I guess it has to do with NS. We had to adapt to one another after my enlistment and it wasn't easy. It was through dearie's support that I could serve the nation without any cares and worries.

Last but not the least, 2009 was when I realised how much family means to me. Indeed, home is where the heart is. I thank God for a wonderful and intact family. A family that supported me in various ways as I go through my most trying times. Though they do not openly say "I love you", their gestures of love goes a long way.

All in all the year 2009 was an eventful one. One that would eventually slip into a distant memory, enhanced by the one that is coming in the year 2010. Let us also remember that as the year passes, we are getting closer to Christ's second coming. Are we ready? Am I ready? Let us pray that when He comes, we are ready :) God bless all of you in the years ahead.

P.S: I love you deep deep my dearie :)

2009-12-25T23:01:00.002+08:00

For me, Christmas is a time not so much for presents, log cakes or turkey. Rather, it is a time of reflection, gratitude and anticipation. A time for us to reflect on the things we've done throughout the year. A time for us to give thanks to God, regardless of it being a good or bad year. A time of anticipation as we look forth to the new year in a few days time.

I started Christmas morning with a service in church. It was simple enough. A time of worship, choir performance, message and refreshments. Yet I guess it is in simplicity that we can find beauty. God is not looking for a service that is rather "rah-rah" and all. He is looking at the heart of men.

After service, me and dearie stayed back for the young adults gathering. When dearie asked me whether we should go for it earlier in the week, I immediately said yes. I thought it was a good chance for us to engage with various young adults in the assembly. Moreover, by the time service ends, it would still be too early in the day and we wouldn't want to end up having nothing to do.

The gathering was really fun. I thought it would be quite awkward as there are people that we are not very familiar with. Yet we managed to get to know new people and I guess soon enough the young adults ministry would be formalised :) Hope so ! Then the young people would be able to gather together and contribute to the service of the Lord. Dearie said the gathering was like a speed dating session ! Goodness la. Well but it was fun nonetheless. :) Games, chit chat session, food and knowing new people. What better way to spend Christmas.

Headed over to dearie's home after the gathering. Took a short nap till dearie's sister and mom woke us up for dinner. No log cake, no turkey, no Christmas trees. Yet my Christmas is still good and meaningful. Thanks to the people that made it good :)

2009-12-20T19:27:00.002+08:00

Going to my new unit tomorrow. It isn't exactly something that I'm pretty excited about. I will miss the civilian way of life. I will miss spending time with my dearie. I guess that is the sacrifice that I have to make. I don't know how will it be like. I don't know what the future will hold. One thing is for sure, that the Lord is by my side, never leaving nor forsaking me.

Lord,

You hear the cries of my heart. You know the emotions that I go through. I need your strength and grace upon mine and grace's life. I can't do this on my own. It is only through you that I can accomplish things. Without You I am nothing. I pray that you will protect dearie and keep her safe and healthy. I pray that you will grant her peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding. And I ask God that You guard her heart and mind. Lord, I also ask that you keep me safe as I go through the training. That I will have good buddies and instructors with me even as I walk through this journey. Apart from You I can do nothing. Lord I need You. Walk with me and talk with me. Do the same for dearie, that you will not let her feel lonely, but let Your presence feel her very life.

In Jesus Name, Amen !

2009-12-18T14:17:00.002+08:00

The getaway with dearie for the past few days was great :) We din really do much but mainly slack around, makan, sleep, watch tv and the cycle repeats. It was really relaxing and I really love this kind of life. Seriously, how I envy civilians, they have this kind of freedom.

First day: Upon stepping into E-hub, we went straight to NTUC to stock up on our snacks and necessities. Food and drinks how to not have right. Went to check-in after that and we got a room that is relatively far from the BBQ pits and it was on the second floor. Yet, it was also convenient for us to go out and get stuff. The best we've ever gotten I guess.

Arranged and unpack our stuffs and basically slack the whole afternoon till it was time for our dinner. Dinner was at two places. The first was at Fish & Co Express and the other at Mr Chicken Rice. Our plan was to share the food at each place and go food hunting along the way. In that way, we can eat a variety of food :) Before going back to the apartment, we bought durian pancake from Emicakes. It was really good lah. The durian filling inside was really super duper shiok. Burp !!! Ohh and back at the apartment, there was still packets of sushi for supper :P We are big eaters I know :)

Second day: Got up relatively early for breakfast. Mash potatos and turkey sausage for me, while dearie ate a mash potato and beef pattie set :) The food was pretty decent. After breakfast was once again slacking time back at the apartment. Then lunch was korean food and pig stomach soup from the food court. Later in the afternoon, both of us went cycling. Thanks darling! I know you really wanted to go swimming. Thanks for giving in to me :) Really appreciate it. We finished our cycling trip just in time to welcome the heavy rain ! How timely.

Dinner was at a Tze Char restaurant, dearie's recommendation. The food was indeed good. Two dishes only, but it was pretty satisfying. Dearie went for her mash potatos once again after dinner and we decided that we would get shaker fries later in the night :)

Later that night, it was shaker fries, snacks, hong kong drama and off to bed.

All in all, times like this are always happy times for the both of us. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I'm sure dearie felt the same way as well. I love you dearie :)

On a side note, I received my unit posting this morning and I was speechless after I opened it. I have to run faster, walk quieter and bear a load heavier. Most importantly, I cannot be seen. Go figure. Hais.. why like that. :(

2009-12-13T23:07:00.002+08:00

Today is Sunday. I woke up thinking that I have to book into camp later in the day. Dang ! I forgot that I'm still on my block leave. Thinking about it, I still kinda enjoy being a civilian. Though I'm pretty accustomed to the army kind of life, a civilian's life is still the best. Talking about being able to wake up almost anytime you want, open the fridge with a whole lot of goodies waiting for you. Most importantly, being able to see your loved ones. I guess it is only through the army experience then I begin to treasure things that I normally took for granted.

Likewise, have we taken for granted the mission field in our own country? Or have we forgotten about that lone missionary the church has sent out to the field. Do we care so much about our own lives that we have forgotten about others. Today's CEP lesson was about the challenges and problems faced by missionaries. The things talked about are very real and practical, even for a normal Christian.

I cited an example of a missionary having to struggle with her emotions as she is out in the field alone, without any family members. I'm guilty of not taking time off to pray for the missionaries on my heart. I've heard and seen the problems they faced, but yet never lift a finger to help. I guess like what Uncle BY say, one practical way to help them can be to gather the bibles that are left on our shelves and donate it to the people who really really need one. I know of people in Thailand whom are hungry for the Word but have no bible of their own. Many of us can't be there personally on the mission field, but I think we should still do our part and support the work in ways possible. Sending an encouragement letter to the missionary, contributing financially, prayer or through other means. The thing is, it has to come from the heart.

2009-12-13T22:47:00.003+08:00

There is always a three month period in a year when my pocket will have a big big hole. It starts from December till the month of February. The thing is, I'm happy as long as my dearie is happy. It is not that I need to spend money in order to make her happy. Let me give you an example. There was a particular year on Valentine's Day when me and dearie had porridge for our dinner. It was simple but yet still happy for us both. It is not the amount of money or the big-ness of your present that counts, but it is the company you have :)

December: Dearie's bday
January: Anniversary
February: Valentine's Day

Celebrated dearie's bday yesterday. In fact the celebration started on Friday with the presentation of presents to her. Then we both met Uncle Jem on Saturday morning for a dim sum treat. He brought us to a very good dim sum restaurant at Chin Swee Road and it was really good. When we sat there and eat, it felt as though we were in Hong Kong once again. Ahhh memories. The staff spoke in Cantonese, people were talking loudly and not forgetting the mouth watering dim sum pushed around on trolleys. Thanks for the treat Uncle Jem :) Also spent some time talking to him over the meal. Catching up catching up.

Uncle Jem alighted us at Orchard Road before he went on his way and we walked or rather hopped, from shopping centre to shopping centre. From Ion to Cineleisure to Somerset 313 to Marina Square to Suntec and back to Marina Square again. Lots of walking done and dearie's legs just needed to rest. Hohoho the timing couldn't be better. I made reservations a few days back at Paris International Seafood Restaurant for their seafood buffet dinner.

We arrived at the restaurant around 1730 and it was still quite empty. Being the birthday girl, dearie had the privilege of sitting down while I go "hunt" for food. Chilli crab was a must-take item and of course the crocodile bak kut teh. Both dishes were great and we went on to many more dishes. The price was reasonable and the food was good. I wouldn't mind going back there again and please make reservations. By the time it was 1900, the restaurant was kinda packed, so please book in advance.

P.S: Me and dearie have matching ______ :)

2009-12-10T23:54:00.002+08:00

After 9 weeks of training and learning, I've finally POPed yesterday. Its been defining, challenging and perhaps life changing. Sounds dramatic but it really opened up my eyes to things that I used to take for granted and did not treasure as much.

We started our day yesterday with a 24km route march. The whole platoon was in high spirits and most of the march was quite a breeze. Except for a particular part where we had to go uphill and then down and then up and down again. On rocky paths mind u. Nevermind the blisters and some abrasions on my thigh, the graduation parade was at the back of my mind. I was thinking of dearie's encouragement along the way as I march. Like what PC said during field camp, we have to find a purpose or a reason for doing what we are doing, then we can press on though the going gets tough. The whole company company completed the march around 1230pm and we had lunch just right behind the parade square. We had plenty of time to change into a new set of uniform and also time to sleep.

Then came the parade. We've been waiting for that fateful day and from the moment we threw our caps up into the sky during the finale, we became privates. No more chao recruit ar !

BMT was a test. A test of your physical fitness and mental fitness. Perhaps what really matters is your mental fitness. It's all in the mind. I achieved things that I never thought possible. Through all this, I have several groups of people to thank.

First of all, must thank my beloved dad and mom for giving me support all this while. For telling me to pursue my dreams and happiness. Thank you dad for fetching me faithtfully each time I booked out. Thank mom for bearing with my smelly laundry. I washed quite abit of it in camp and I know how tough it must be for you.

Next I wana thank my dearie. It's been tough on you as well. Like you said, you feel as though you are serving national service with me. Yet through it all I guess it made our relationship stronger. You've grown :) I'm very proud of you. Thanks for showing me support, love and concern. I really appreciate it. Love ya

Thirdly, my platoon instructors. An influenctial group of people. They teach you stuff that you don't learn outside. Enforce discipline without an iron fist and treating everyone fairly. Thanks for being an important part of my NS journey

Last but not the list. I wana thank my buddy SK for always being there. And of course me being there for him when his things go missing. Anyway I wana thank him for being sucha good buddy. Thank you for being the best buddy you can be :)

Ohh how can I forget this. I wana thank those who keep me in prayer. I'm always reminded that the times that I stand up high in life more often than not results, because of someone's prayer over my life.

For now, I shall enjoy my leave and pray that I will get the posting that I desire. Lord you know my heart :)

2009-12-04T20:39:00.002+08:00

5 more days to POP and I am so happy.Seriously I'm kinda glad that BMT is coming to an end. Yet I wonder what lies beyond BMT. Perhaps it will be a different kind of life when we are posted out, whether is it command school or unit. Now whats left would be the 24km route march and our passing out parade. Booking out today was a bitter sweet kinda thing. On one hand I'm happy to be able to go back to the civilised world. On the other, I will be leaving Tekong pretty soon. That includes leaving my beloved section mates. I really gota thank God for good section mates. We help each other when possible and encouraged each other when the going was tough. We are almost there. Let's hope that we will stay in contact after we're posted out. Who knows we might have a chance to go through a page of our NS chapter once again :) To all the soldiers in Falcon Coy, all the best ! POP POP POP POP !!! 9 december 09. Waiting with excitement and anticipation

Next, I came to know about something pretty disturbing and upsetting, which I shall not elaborate in detail.

What is really love? Is it only shown when you have something to benefit from it? Is it something that despise and judge? Or is it something that is only shown between a couple in love? Perhaps I don't deserve the care and concern since I left. Be reminded that I did not stop attending church, but rather went to another. And be reminded once again that it was not a rash and impulsive decision. In case you are wondering, I'm not henpecked or whatsoever. I took that step of faith and uprooted myself. If you think that I don't feel the pinch, think again.

P.S: Maturity is a subjective word. It comes when we are in Christ. In Christ alone.

2009-11-28T18:50:00.002+08:00

Almost coming to an end of my long weekend break.Sad.Nonetheless,I enjoyed myself thoroughly the past few days.

Me and dearie went for CEP chalet organised by uncle Tk.It was at Aloha Changi,a place where it holds fond memories for the both of us.The chalet started on Thursday but before that I gatecrash dearie's maths lecture.Finally have a chance to see the funny lecturer.Ohh and the lesson ended pretty early.

Both of us went back to Sembawang for dearie to get her hair done up nicely,then off we went to chalet.It was BBQ for that night and knowing uncle tk,the food was sure to be good and it was!!! The BBQ session was also a meet the parent session.Not so much of talking to the parent about how their child fared during CEP but more of like a chit chat session.

I had very little sleep at night as the beds were occupied.Dearie was more fortunate,she enjoyed the comforts of sleeping on a bed.

We started off next morning with a time of worship and a short devotion.Interestingly,Uncle TK mentioned about a time for everything.A time to enjoy and a time to labour and the list goes on.Headed for breakfast at Changi Point after that and then the group decided to go for cycling.

It was back to the chalet after that and part of the group departed for home or elsewhere,while me and dearie stayed back to help out with dinner preparations.At this point,we weren't sure if we wanted to stay for the night but decided to wait and see.Then,Uncle TK suggest that I drive a few people back to church as they have a full dress rehearsal to attend and that was how I ended up staying for the night.Ohh and it was another round of BBQ plus steamboat :)

Overall,I enjoyed myself and I must thank Uncle TK and Aunt Eliz for being so generous and gracious in organising the whole thing.Thank God for them :)

2009-11-25T22:33:00.002+08:00

It is officially week 7 of my basic military training.I'm one and a half weeks away from my passing out parade.Everything seems to be happening so quickly.Perhaps like what they say,enhanced batch ma,so everything also chop chop.

Somehow we have already started to transit into the relax mode.I only had two key events this week.IPPT and 16km route march.Of which I did my very best for IPPT and attained a pass.It might seem like nothing to some people,but I climbed my own mountain and I scaled it.I achieved a personal best of 10.55 timing for 2.4km.I've never run that fast in my life before.The rest of the stations I did ok,except for SBJ.It never fail to give me problems.Well I might go for a retest coming Monday.I didn't managed to get a silver because of SBJ. rahhhh. Nonetheless I wana thank God for giving me the strength to pass my IPPT.

16km route march was tiring.Every step that I took after the 10km mark was a struggle.I had to constantly push and motivate myself to carry on with the next step.What made the march worse was the hot weather.All of us were perspiring like crazy.However it was quite cool to have quite a few companies marching together.All in all,no one from my platoon fell out from the march.No one dare to.

Chalet tomorrow and I think I really deserve a short break from all that army routine.Who knows i've gotten so used to the army life that I would start waking up at 5pm and wash up and then go for a run.haahaa. Enjoy my long weekend and having dearie with me makes it all the more better :) cheers

2009-11-14T18:01:00.002+08:00

As an NSF,off days that I have are spent with my dearie,going to church on Sunday or going to top up some of my essentials.Weekends are extremely precious.I have so much to do but with so little time.Perhaps thats how I learnt to make every second and minute count.I treasure small little things that I used to take for granted.Even things like having a hot shower,watching tv or being able to take my own sweet time to do certain stuff.I guess you must lose something in order to gain more of it.

Anyway I'm at my dearie's house now.Quality time ma.We wanted to rent VCDs to watch but the shop wasn't open when we went there in the morning.Headed home and slack.Tomorrow will be the start of my SIT test.12km route march to camp site in FBO.Dang my back sure break ar with the heavy load on my back.Anyway many friends have told me that SIT test is fun and you get to slack your day away once you are done with your missions.Hopefully its fun lah huh and hopefully the commanders don't make life difficult for us.

For now I shall continue to look at my dearie doing her school work and await the arrival of our dinner.Pizza Hut!!!! MmmmmMMmmmmM.Dearie was sweet enough to order my spicy wings.Lagi best ar :) Good food + Good company + Love= Quality Time

2009-11-13T20:39:00.002+08:00

It was a rather slack week for me this week.Its the fifth week and I have about four more to go before I pass out and leave Tekong.Anyway the key event for this week was the Live Grenade throw.Once in a lifetime you get to throw the grenade eh.

We practiced for the actual throw through quite a few sessions.We went through the theoretical part of it,the grenade assault course,SPG 93 and finally the actual thing.

The actual throwing day was yesterday,which was Thursday.Thanks to two blinds (Blinds are grenades that do not explode due to mechanism or human fault)that occurred before our turn,my detail waited from the morning till mid noon before it was our turn to enter the restricted area.

When we entered the restricted area to draw our live grenade,all of us were excited but yet fearful of the thing going off anytime.We had to place the grenade in a pouch just infront of our heart,how not to be afraid right?! However thanks to my buddy that threw a blind,I had to keep the grenade in my pouch for an additional half an hour.Whenever a blind occurs,the whole range goes into a stand still for half an hour,before the explosives people go in and detonate it with C4.

When it finally came to my turn,I couldn't wait to get rid of it.

Safety ring twist
Safety ring pull
Safety pin out

*PC tap me on the shoulder*

GRENADE!!!!!

*Count 6 seconds*

Kabooomzzz!!!!

It was over in almost an instant.Once in a lifetime,exciting and fun lah :)

After the throw,we were all in high spirits as it was book out day the next day.Hohoho we got to book out at 1230pm today and of course it came at a price lah.We had to go to Singapore Discovery Centre for some talk before we could officially book out.Met dearie at Boon Lay and we went to Lot One for dinner.

For now,i'm enjoying my time with her :) SIT Test this Sunday.

2009-11-08T16:42:00.003+08:00

The only motivation I had while in field camp was to see my darling over the weekends.She told me she had something up for me.Birthday celebration for me ma.

I booked out around 4pm and reached pasir ris around 5pm.Dearie was already there waiting for me.Xing ku ni le bao bei.Walked over to my dad's car with her,lugging my ultra heavy bag that contained all my clothes for the past few days.Upon reaching home,darling hurried me to go and bathe as she wanted to bring me somewhere.Keeping me in suspense yet again.

After leaving the house,she told me that we were headed for Bugis.Off we went and she brought me to a European cuisine restaurant.The ambience there was great! Nice and quiet,though there were quite a few customers around.It is definitely worth going back there again.The food was good,though our main course took quite awhile to arrive.Something went wrong along the supply chain la.Must be.Anyway,what matters most is we both enjoyed each other's company.Dearie gave me my birthday present and a card.It was something simple but yet something that I will hold close to my heart.

Seriously ar,if without the support of dearie during my BMT period ar,I would have gone crazy.Right now I just pray that everything would turn out smooth and alright for the rest of my BMT.No shit,no trouble,no nonsense from my instructors. Also,I'm called to go for a particular vocation's selection test on the 23rd.Hopefully this is a door that God has so graciously opened for me.He knows me best.Pray and hope for the best.

Once again,I don't know what other things may come my way,but let me be able to say that it is well with my soul.

P.S:Darling thanks a million for all that you have done.Thanks for being my pillar of strength.Being there to support me and love me through even the toughest of times.Love you lots.

2009-11-08T15:27:00.003+08:00

I survived 6 days of field camp.It was definitely the toughest part of my BMT thus far.It was also the dirtiest part of my life,made worse by constant downpours over the few days.We were always muddy and smelly.Everyone smells like crap.Everyone did not have a good sleep and yet we had to go on with normal activities as though we had more than 7 hours of sleep.What more,we are constantly being punished or shouted at.It was like a recruit's version of hell week.

Ok la give field camp abit of justice la.At least I took home several precious lessons.At least there was a surprise from darling and my family while I was out in the field.On the fourth day we all receive letters or notes from our loved ones.Most of us teared upon reading it.Many began to question our motivation for serving NS.At that point of time,our morale dropped valley deep.Yet in our deepest need,it was our family members and loved ones that came and lift us up emotionally.I guess we should never take them for granted.That is one lesson that I learnt.I really thank those who wrote notes and letters to me.My dad,mom,dearie,dearie's mom and dearie's sister.Thanks for taking the time to encourage me and support me.Without you guys,I would not have done it.Of course I gota thank God for protecting and watching over me.Indeed I can say that whatever trials that come my way,I will say that it is well with my soul.

I don't know about tomorrow,yet I know who holds it.. :)

2009-10-31T20:02:00.004+08:00

Confinement is officially over.Its THE second bookout of my BMT.Hohoho i'm glad to be able to come back to civilisation after being confined on Tekong for nearly 2 weeks.Of course,I'm ultra happy to be able to see my dear girl.I really appreciate her for being so understanding and patient even as I serve my NS liability.What to do,I'm a Singaporean male ma. Though I have to book in tomorrow evening and field camp commencing on Monday,I will treasure this short time that I have out in the civilised world.

I booked out at 10am this morning and thank God dad came to fetch me at Pasir Ris.I was dead tired that I told my dad that I'm not gona drive.Instead I slept and sms dearie on the car.I unpacked my stuff and washed up quickly upon reaching home.Then I went over to dearie's place for my lunch and quality time with her.

On a side note,I can really see dearie becoming more mature and understanding.She is placing greater emphasis on the welfare of others above herself more.So God won't you protect Grace,grant her good health and let her mature even more :)

Dinner,dearie decided that we should go to ChongPang for seafood.Unfortunately,the shop was closed for the day and we went to another good alternative.The food there is cheap,serve in big portions and delicious.Most importantly,the service is good.Burp! Its been almost a year since we both last went there to makan.

Now I'm using dearie's laptop to blog.At the same time,spending quality time with her.Afterall I won't be able to use my phone for 5 days starting from Monday morning.Field camp oh field camp.Pray that it will not be a problematic one.I will be able to learn new skills and go through it with the strength of the Lord.

P.S:I love my dearie lots :)

2009-10-17T11:18:00.002+08:00

Other than my dearie's house, Tekong Falcon Coy is my another home :) Yes i'm back in civilisation thanks to Deepavali celebration. I have the chance to recharge, see my dear girl in person and of course to break away from that rigid and regimented army life.

The saying that BMT is no day no night is really true. When we are training, we forget about the time. Train and train, run and run. I've never perspire so much in my life. Never in my life have I drank so much water. Before and after every physical activities, we have to drink at least 500ml worth of water. Burp !!! Nonetheless I gota survive BMT. Instructors consists of the good, bad and the ugly. I like some of them and I dislike some as well. What to do. Everyone of them has a different personality and style of doing things.

On a side note, Tekong is an ironic place. It is such a nice place. We get to see really nice sun rise and sun sets, but yet we have to suffer and sweat it out on such a nice place. The hardest thing for me in Tekong is not about physical training or having to endure punishments and all. Rather, I miss many things in the outside world. One of it is my dear girl. I miss her like crazy. Miss even the simplest things I used to do with her. For now, my short term goal would be to survive and pass out from BMT. Pray for me and hope for the best. Pray that I don't commit any mistakes or whatsoever that will warrant serious punishments like DB or even the dreaded confinement !!!

2009-10-06T22:05:00.002+08:00

It was a family day out for us on Sunday evening. Dad brought my family and dearie out for a farewell dinner at Grand Hyatt Hotel. Buffet dinner. Straits Restaurant or something along the line. In short, we had plenty of local food and delicacies to enjoy. The mini buddha jump over the wall was a favourite for me and dearie. We had two rounds of it. The rest of the dishes were great too !!! Not forgetting the durian ice cream. Yum!!!

I was woken up by my handphone vibration this morning. My dear girl sms-ed me and told me that she sprained her back. Goodness, must shock me first thing in the morning. I got up and replied her, asking whether she was alright and all. Seriously dearie, you need to do more exercise, other than doing house work and walking !!! All those doesn't count as serious exercises. Badminton, swimming, or brisk walking sounds more like proper exercises to build your body -.-

I accompanied her to the doctor in the evening and that clinic which I shall not mention its name is really. Sigh !!! She went in and came out in less than 5 minutes ! As I predicted, the doctor would prescribe pain killers and medicine to relax the muscles. Maybe I'm paranoid or asking for too much, but it was too fast. Ok lah, maybe the doctor has plenty of experience to just hear what you have to say and know what is wrong with you, without even taking a look at the affected area. :P

I will be having home cooked dinner tomorrow. The chef will be dearie and I will be in-charge of the soup of the day :)

My pink IC will be apart from me for 1 year and 10 months (In case you are wondering why not 2 years, its because I passed my NAPFA and I got a two month reduction). Nonetheless my green 11B here I come !!!

2009-10-05T23:15:00.002+08:00

It's three more days before I answer the call of the nation. Hmm mixed feelings I would say. I'm relieved that it is finally coming after such a long wait. Yet I can't shake off the thought that I would be losing my freedom, at least for awhile.

I've heard many of my friends telling me about NS or rather BMT. From what I gathered, better enjoy BMT (Listen to instructions, don't chao keng, don't act smart etc, no responsiblities etc). Most if not all of my friends enjoyed their BMT and I pray that I will feel the same way as well.

I'm pretty sure that there will be days where I feel so dead tired that I don't feel like doing anything else but sleep. No quiet time with God or anything else, but sleep. It will be a test, physically and mentally. Waking up early in the morning, dragging myself to the company line for the days' activities. I'm pretty sure that I will miss plenty of stuff.

The CEP group organised a farewell dinner for me today. It was a simple meal, a group of people coming together to eat, laugh and encourage one another. I truly appreciate all who turned up. Taking time off to have a meal with me :) Don't worry, I will survive !!!

I pray Lord that You will grant me favour with my platoon mates and instructors. That I will be a light that shines for you brightly. I will be a positive influence to others. That you will bless and prosper the works on my hands :) For I remembered that You know the plans You have for me, plans to prosper and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future :) Therefore Lord I commit this new chapter of my life into Your hands. Praying and asking in Jesus' name. Amen !

P.S: Dearie I will miss you and your cooking :) There is a motivational sign at the entrance of Tekong that goes "It is not what you've left behind, but the things that you will gain in the days ahead".

I love you dear :)

2009-10-01T23:54:00.003+08:00

It has been awhile since I last log in and update this blog.

I've been pretty busy eating. Not eating 24/7, but for most of last and this week, I've been spending my time eating with somebody. Starting from last week, me and dearie had a big intake of protein. We cooked alot alot of beef. We had shabu shabu, ribeye steak (3 pieces each) and Wagyu beef. Then it was Sakura International Buffet with dearie and Farhan on Friday. More meat and food. Wahhh getting fat already. Ohh and on Monday met Ps Ban at City Hall for another round of makan (Thanks to his generosity I get to taste really really good durian pudding. :) Thanks Pastor !!.

After that "protein spree" that lasted almost two weeks, me and dearie decided to cut down. We even cooked an all vege dinner. Stir fried xiao bai chai, radish soup and cabbage with fried beancurd. Healthy right?! I will be fitter and healthier in no time. Being a soldier brings with it plenty of benefits also right. Godly and positive attitude :) Hooorahhh !!!

2009-09-11T23:24:00.002+08:00

Dearie has been pretty busy with her ESL essay. Apparently the _______ is crap. There are times when I encounter lousy and cannot make it type of ________ . They are the ones where I can't wait to end their ______ . Yet there are also some that left a lasting impression upon my life. I helped dearie with her essay in small ways. Helping her to rephrase certain sentences. She has the idea, she voices it out and I sort of helped to refine it alittle. Not that my england is powderful or that her's is lousy. We complement each other.

I left her place to meet my mentoring group for our outing. We went to SAFRA Yishun for three rounds of bowling and then we went to the arcade as it was pretty quiet and deserted. We stayed there for awhile and off we went for our dinner. It was a great time indeed.

Anyway, I'm thinking of buying the newly launched book titled "Men In White". Looks like a good book to read if you want to know more about Singapore's political history :)

2009-09-10T23:59:00.003+08:00

Today was makan day. I met dearie after her school ended and we went to town. We planned to use the Pasta D Waraku voucher before it expires. Before heading to use the voucher, we went to Cineleisure to have some snacks as dearie was feeling hungry and my mouth was itching to have something to eat. Kimchi, Cheng Tng and lotsa water. It wasn't exactly spicy for me lah the kimchi. Dearie found it rather spicy. :) Oops we couldn't understand the korean words written on the packaging. hahaa. ok there was a word we could understand but we didn't notice :P

After having our snacks, we went to Pasta D Waraku. We ordered the Scallop & Prawn pizza and the Scallop & Mushroom Pasta. Plus a cup of green tea. The two dishes were great. In fact the pasta was real good. We had the same pizza on our previous visit. Burp !!! Man i'm getting fat before enlistment. Nonetheless I enjoyed taking pictures before our food is served, enjoyed spending time with dearie :)

Awhile ago, I was watching this video on Youtube. I've watched it before, but thought I would like to view it one more time. The video was about a father and son group: Dick (Father) and Rick (Son) Hoyt. If you are interested, you can google or wikipedia about them. The feats that they accomplished are amazing. Through it all, what really impressed me was the father's love for his son. Likewise, though the son is handicapped and has difficulty communicating, he finds ways to love his dad. Amazing love, how can it be. God the father, His father's love is definitely worthy of our love and adoration as well :) If you are interested, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GphmdhLMGE

2009-09-07T00:02:00.004+08:00

The New Paper today (Sunday) ran an article on the seventh month "Getai". The article revolves around the topic of whether the "Getai" was getting too sleazy and some say, too much to see. There were various comments from people that agree and disagree. One of the person interviewed talked about Taiwan. About how shows of such kind are even more liberal there (Performers would do striptease to bring in the crowd). Shows in Singapore are considered "Conservative".

It seems that the word "Conservative" has increasingly been given a negative connotation. People associate it with something bad. When people say that we are conservative, it is as if we have been insulted. We then strive to "Keep up with the times".

Maybe we should do a role reversal. Conservative people telling open minded people that they are too liberal. I wonder what would the result be.

At the same time, we can argue with our friends about what is considered conservative or liberal till the cows come home and we will probably not have a conclusion. Yet, Christians should always refer back to the Word of God. And it does not mean that the conservatives are always right as well. Look at the Pharisees whom were obssessed with following tradition, that they couldn't recognise the Saviour. Above all, what matters is what the Word of God says.

I was at dearie's church the whole morning today. During the morning ministry or we might call "Sermon", the speaker talked about the blessings and prophecies on the twelve tribes of Israel. It was done shortly before Jacob passed away. It was pretty interesting as I saw how Jacob predicted their future. Each of his sons.

One lesson I learnt was this. Our past can shape our future. Past experiences can shape how we deal with challenges, how we perceive people and their intentions. How our past can also affect our future. :)

Lastly, it will be Army Open House 09 outing with my buddy tomorrow. Its a guy's thing. All the tanks, guns and equipment.

Someone once said this "Boys never really grow up. Their toys just got bigger and more expensive".

2009-09-04T23:03:00.004+08:00

I had intended to go for a run this morning. Yet because of me being an owl last night, I had to give it a miss. Instead, I will go for a run before I head to church tomorrow.

Today was fun fun day. I went over to dearie's place near lunch time. Her mom was on leave and at home. Me and dearie planned to go for a few rounds of bowling at Yishun SAFRA. Dearie was partly inspired by the game we had with Uncle Jem last friday. It was supposed to be just me and dearie playing, her mom decided to join us. The more the merrier.

Reached there and I saw Jared. Jared Leong to be exact. After the initial greetings, we each headed to our respective lanes. I played a reasonably good game last friday and I expected the same thing today. Unfortunately, I just can't seem to get a good shot. Hmm. I wonder why. Only at the very last game, I played "Ok". Still, it was fun watching funny things happen to dearie's mom and also seeing dearie improve on her bowling skills. Dearie got her first strike today. :) I'm so happy for her. It's not the result that matters, but the journey. I'm glad she enjoyed herself.

After bowling was two rounds of pool. It was a first for dearie's mom. I don't really believe. When we started playing, her shots were kinda accurate and she scored a few. I guess dearie sure had fun playing pool. The last time we both played was with Charissa. I had fun too :) Me and dearie in a team, playing against her mom.

Dinner at Northpoint thereafter. We were kinda hungry even before we were done with the last round of pool. We hurried to Northpoint and headed for the Japanese foodcourt. I ordered my beef patty omelette rice and dearie ordered a few order dishes. The Unagi pizza was good. Like the one we had at Pasta D Waraku. Ohh we have to make full use of our voucher hoh dear :)

Got to go and have a good sleep. Running running running !!! :D

Let it be a strike..

Dearie having a nice shooting posture there :)

Wooo. look at the white ball. You almost missed it. It went too fast

Hmm. Concentration is key to success

2009-09-04T00:17:00.004+08:00

I was sitting down thinking about certain things. Thinking about what is going to happen in 34 days time. A day where I will begin a new phase of my life. For some, it will be a culture shock. I've experienced a small measure of the army life when I served in the NCC for 6 years. Yet I feel that there will be so many things I will miss having.

For example, the freedom to open the fridge and eat whatever junk food you want. Waking up near lunch and just slacking the whole day. Having dearie by my side and going on our dates. (Disclaimer: Not that all of it will be totally gone, but I would say.. Restricted?)

I can already imagine that fateful day being a rather memorable one. One that will probably leave me sleepless the night before. One that will make me miss all the memorable times I spent with dearie. One where I begin the transformation from a boy to a fine young man. From the pink IC to the 11B. From a head full of hair to you know, Botak ! A rite of passage that all eligible and fit young man in Singapore have to go through. Part of nation building they say :)

Positive attitude, thats what I must have. I pray that God will grant me the strength and the resolve to go through it all, come what may. Not that I'm going to war or what. Yet I believe that army life will bring with it new challenges and temptations. I pray for good instructors and good buddies.

Most of all, I will definitely miss my dearie alot, my bed and my mum's cooking. My close friends as well.

P.S: I'm not being emo FYI. I'm just reflecting :)

2009-09-01T22:08:00.002+08:00

Dearie started school yesterday. Her university education has begun, while I can only begin mine after I'm done with serving the country. Nonetheless I decided to give her a surprise yesterday since it's her first day at school. I went down to her school to fetch her though I was feeling alil tired. Yet I felt that it was worth it to see her smile and being surprised :)

Before that, I went back to my secondary school with Weiquan for the teacher's day celebration. It brought back quite alot of memories as I met former classmates, schoolmates and teachers alike. Talked about the mischievous stuff that we did. Pranks, detention classes for not doing homework, whole class getting punished etc. It was, memorable. Also I noticed quite a few changes made to the infrastructure as well. Definitely better lah. I was telling WQ that why didn't the school made those changes before we left. Ah well. It will be quite awhile before I step into my secondary school again. :)

Met dearie at Lot 1 today for lunch as she ended school quite early today. She bought me a Casio watch as a 32nd month present. For me to use it when I enlist also. I will upload a picture of the watch once I get it from her.

On a side note, I like the weather today. :)

2009-08-30T21:50:00.004+08:00

Humility is like an underwear. You wear it, you ought to have it, but you don't show it.. :)

I went over to dearie's church in the morning. It was sunny one moment and then started raining heavily when I stepped into the church. Weird weather. The topic for CEP today was "Humility". It was kinda interesting and refreshing to go through the topic once again. It is not as if when we've heard of it once, we will keep it in our heads. We need reminders and new perspectives don't we. Uncle TK suggested having a group outing on Hari Raya Puasa. Bowling !!! Must go practice hoh darling :)

Took a taxi back to my own church as it was still raining in the afternoon. Short distance though. Thank God. I'm a poor boy you see :)

I thought I was late for the mentoring session, but I was not lah. Apparently uncle jem couldn't get through to the Pizza Hut delivery hotline. What to do. Rainy day and weekend some more. So our lunch had to wait. Meanwhile me, Chris and Shaun went to the sanctuary area to enjoy some curry leftover from a buffet lunch. Managed to grab one piece of Konnyaku and a bowl of curry. I wasn't keen initially to eat as lunch was already on the way. After hearing more than two people saying that the curry was good, I decided to try :) Ohh it was really good !!! And that is one dish I have not yet learn to make. Hmm dearie, when ar ?

Had our pizza lunch after that and started our mentoring session. Mentoring group outing during the sept school holidays :) Before I serve the nation.

Head to dearie's house after I was done. Slacked around and watch her use her Hp to go online. Dinner at Mr Pang's.

Dearie will be starting school tomorrow. Pray that God will give her the courage to make new friends. She will be able to concentrate in class. Be a good influence to those around her. Bring her poly classmate and now her uni classmate as well to the Lord. Enjoy her three years of Uni. May she also grow in maturity and trust in the Lord as she embarks on a new phase of her life :)

God bless you and keep you darling !!! :) Love you tooo !!!

2009-08-28T23:09:00.003+08:00

Me and dearie went for an outing with uncle jem this evening. We headed to SAFRA Yishun to play bowling. It was kinda fun right dearie :) Dearie, you just need to warm up and you'll be fine. Anyway, we played three rounds of it.

Eatzi Steakhouse & Bistro for our dinner. Its kinda like Jack's Place and the location of the restaurant was pretty good. A fair bit of people visit the restaurant, business can be considered good. Yet it was still quite peaceful there. Me and dearie had a super duper big combo. The combo is part of a set meal I think. Anyway the combo was for two persons. Just nice. Uncle Jem's food was nice too.

When the food came me, dearie and uncle jem were shocked at the portion. It was really big and you really need two people to finish it. I can't imagine how one person can finish the whole thing. Madness. It was sort of like a seafood platter of sorts. There were NZ sirloin steak, dory fish, prawns, lobsters, chicken sausages, vegetables and fries in the combo. Power right ?! Yet I think that it was really value for money. Shiokness. Thanks to my dear mentor uncle jem.

Dessert was also good. Mango jelly delight. Burp !!! How to not get fat ?!

All in all, thank uncle jem for his time and generosity to us both. It was really a great time having fun and fellowship.

I'll be attending a session by a NASA professor tomorrow. He will be talking about the universe with regard to the Word of God. Sounds interesting :) Gota buy some sweets also. Hope I don't fall asleep lah huh :) It will be a long day tomorrow.

Dearie !!! Phom Rak Khun !!!! Go figure what that means. heee

2009-08-26T21:46:00.004+08:00

Poor dearie. Don't worry, your patience will pay off :) God is a good father and He hears :)

Second movie in a week. Me and dearie went to Yishun GV to watch "The Proposal". Not usually my type of movie. Yet once you purpose in yourself to watch it, it can be a good experience as well. I kinda enjoyed it.

Brought dearie to have dinner at "Eighteen Chefs". I was there last Saturday with my church friends and I thought the student combo, though alittle small in portion, has a reasonable price. What more, the food is good. Above average I must say. Dearie enjoyed her mango sauce pasta. Unique, she says. I kinda like that as well, just that the spaghetti was alittle hard for her. It was fine for me lah. I'm not that choosy :P ok ok. I'm not saying dearie is choosy. :) Ahh well, she has the taste bud of a chef ?

The original plan was to go home after dinner, but dearie decided to bring me on a tour. A tour round her old neighbourhood. We boarded 811 and off we went on our mini tour. Part of knowing more about each other ma :) About two months back I drove dearie around for a tour of the neighbourhood where I spent my childhood. So, it was good to go on a tour and look at her old neighbourhood, the place where she spent most of her childhood.

Dearie has also been sharing alot with me with regards to her Uni orientation held yesterday. It seems like she had alot of fun, though the organising of it still has plenty of room for improvement. I guess it all boils down to being open minded with whatever comes your way and enjoying the experience. It seems also that good company counts :)

When I went to met her at Vivo for dinner yesterday, I was kinda glad that she wasn't sun burnt or tanned. If not she would be peeling like me in a few days time. (I played soccer over the weekend and I got sun burnt - Skin peeling in progress). School will be starting soon for her. For me, I will have to prepare myself to serve the nation pretty soon :)

On a side note, some people just don't have a filter between their brains and mouths. They say whatever they want and think that it's their right to do so. Yea you have every right to say what you want. How about I do the same thing back to you? I doubt you will like it. My patience has a limit..

2009-08-25T00:15:00.005+08:00

I was on the way out to meet dearie for a movie today when I witnessed the following scene.

A primary school boy was sitting with another girl, either the younger sister or a fellow school mate. After a while, the boy stood up and began teasing the girl by poking her. The small girl was obviously not very keen to entertain his nonsense so she protested by saying "Eh don't play already lah....". Despite her protest, the boy did not stop. He went even further by using a strap attached to his wallet as a cow boy style type of sling shot on the little girl.

One lady whom was getting down the bus stood up, walked over and told the boy off. Instead of apologising for his silly behaviour, he went "So.. so.. so.. you stupid i***t".

The lady alighted and could not be bothered with the boy. Seriously, I see the importance of having godly parents, or parents whom are firmed with their children. I see so many kids in our society this days "riding" over the head of their parents. Some people might say that they are still young, its ok.

I can understand that young kids can be real naughty, but yet parents must be the one disciplining the child, teaching wad is right and wrong. I've seen parents allowing their children to be a clown in public places, without restraining them. Is that how parents would want their child to be. An unruly fella ?

When I saw what the boy did, I really felt like giving him a tight slap on his face. Teasing the little girl was bad enough. A disrespect for the elderly and possibly authority as well. Fancy a young boy being so rude. tsk tsk tsk.

Proverbs 22:6 - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it".

I went to watch a movie with dearie today. It was a Hong Kong production "The Turning Point". Not bad at all I must say. It is kinda like "Infernal Affairs", but yet it also differs alittle. You must really pay attention to the movie as they have mutilple flashbacks that gives u alil background about the character. All in all, it was a reasonably good movie.

After the movie, both of us went shopping, or rather dearie went for a small shopping trip. I did not buy anything. Went for dinner after the mini shopping trip. Yoshinoya!!! Its been awhile since we both ate that. Bought the student meal. Ahh its good having a student card and being a student. In less than two months time, I will be a soldier. Hmm, I will not be a student again till I'm done with serving the country :)

2009-08-06T22:50:00.002+08:00

"The tongue has the power of life and death... "

Wars were being started by words of politicians, and peace being brought about by almost the very same way. Even in our daily lives, as common people, our tongue (Mouth) is an important part of the body. We not only use it to eat, but we use it to communicate as well.

Yet in the process of communication, there are two end results. One, we encourage the person of the receiving end. Two, we discourage those listening. By discouraging, I also mean hurting the listener. The bible talks about the tongue as being small, but yet powerful. An example would be the rudder of a big ship. The ship is many times bigger than the rudder. Yet, without it, the ship will not have a direction.

Likewise, the tongue is small, but yet it can bring people closer to us or we can make people dislike us with it.

We use words like: "I hate this or that... "

Yet have we also realised that the word "Hate" is a strong word. Though we may think that it is nothing or we don't mean any harm. Perhaps we live in a world where the "Freedom of Speech" has become a right and not a privilege anymore. We think that we have the right to speak what we want. Ohh if we don't make our stand, we are a coward or a weakling.

When we are in the midst of an arguement, do we realise that we are not really listening to the other party. And I mean 100%. We are dividing our attention with thinking of a rebuttal and a response to the other person. We are not really listening. Therefore in James 1:19 it says

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."

So, before we speak, let us consider the weight of our words. Whether what we are about to speak encourages or discourages.

James 3:9-12 -> "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."

2009-08-06T22:38:00.002+08:00

Wo hao you kou fu !!! Ok it simply means in Chinese that I'm blessed, with regards to food.

Dearie cooked watercress soup and steam fishpaste toufu. Her soup was super tasty. Yum yum. She added alot of nice ingredients in it. Woohooo. Big improvement. The steam fishpaste toufu was good too. I had the honour of cutting it like a pizza. And, I took two big slices :P Ohh i almost forgot about the hand-made chicken patty that she made. Onions and chicken and some other seasonings, it was good. Real good. Haahaa. So you see, ain't I blessed ?!

While she was preparing the dishes, I was experimenting with my jelly again. This time, with almond syrup and well, it was good. Mom said so and dearie gave her approval :) The jelly consists of four layers of different colours in all. Only the top layer had almond syrup in the mixture. The syrup has a pretty strong smell and thus if I put in the other three layers, it would be kinda overwhelming. So, only one layer had the syrup and it came out fine :)

The rest of the time I had was spent on watching CSI !!!

Tomorrow accompanying dearie to her church to help out with some stuff. Hopefully I can be in time to see the cute and adorable kids in the kindergarten.

2009-08-05T23:48:00.002+08:00

My first attempt at making jelly yesterday was not very successful. The jelly itself came out better than I thought, but i forgot to add sugar -.- Only after I put in the fridge to chill then I remembered. Too late. So the jelly only had condensed milk to sort of sweeten it. Dearie, myself and mom got a taste of it. There is room for improvement.

So, since I still have some jelly powder left, I will make it again tomorrow. This time, with almond syrup to go with it. heehee.

I was preparing for my Sunday sharing in dearie's church and a thought came across my mind. Are we willing as Christians to stand out in society like a sore thumb? And as Christians, where do we keep our treasures?

Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I'm pretty excited about sharing over at dearie's church this Sunday. I found the book of Acts pretty interesting as well, in the process of preparing for Sunday.

Apostle Paul - A Man of God :)

2009-07-31T23:12:00.007+08:00

I've been working part-time as an admin staff at the kindergarten in dearie's church. Thanks to the lobang provided by one of dearie's elder.

It was kinda fun working there, though i'm left alone in the office most of the time. I pick up phone calls, attend to "emergencies" (Kids vomitting, sick kids etc), stack some tables and chairs and also an opportunity to do quiet time. Ohhh and also to talk to the principal if she is in the office. Though there were times I felt like just lying on the table and sleep, there were also funny and amusing times.

One example that happened yesterday. I was seated at my table minding my own business and doing my work. One of the teachers came in and sat at the table next to mine. She picked up the phone and started calling somebody. This was roughly how the conversation went:

Teacher: Hello, This is Mrs XXX calling from XXX Kindergarten ar. How is your so and so doing so far at home?

(Silence for awhile)

Teacher: Haahaahaa head lice. Your child kena head lice?! How did you all treat it? Haahaahaa

(Seems like the parent was also laughing with the teacher)

Honestly, I was kinda shocked as to the reaction of the teacher. Well, it provided me with some funny moments to remember. When I told dearie about it after work yesterday, she found it so funny. What to do, she used to be an employee at that kindergarten ma :P

One more example happened today. I received a call on the office phone of a parent wanting to fetch her child from the kindergarten at an earlier timing. In fact she was already at the gate waiting. So, off I went to get the girl from where she was and informed the teacher. The teacher told her to get her bag and other stuff she brought along with her. While she was packing up, her classmates began asking me:

Kid 1 - "You are Sarah's father ar"?
Kid 2 - "You Sarah's kor kor (bro) ar?"

Another incident today was as I was taking the lift to go to another part of the church building. There was already a class of kids in the lift by the time i entered. As i was letting the lift take me to the level I want to go, one of the kids began calling out: "Hi uncle!" The rest of the kids became parrots and followed his example. Man, I'm getting old :P

Goodness. Those kids are really cute la. Not forgetting to mention one really pretty small girl. She has really nice and neat features and she looks like a model. Not that she is vain or what, but it's just the features. Ohh I almost forgot about this. Me and dearie has a new way of classifying the kids based on the levels. Partly due to my experience while I was in the office. Hohoho.

You see, in the kindergarten office, there is a big ticket box like type of glass panel counter. Which means, adults or someone tall enough can stand at the counter with a glass panel in between and interact with the person on the other side. So, my table is near the counter. I would sit there and look around occasionally. From time to time, I would see just hair walking pass and dearie calls them Nursery (Cos they are short and small). Next would be those that I can see their eyes upwards. Dearie calls them K1. For the K2s, we would be able to see their entire face.

So whenever I tell dearie of this cute kid, she would ask: "Can see hair only or face also". From there, we would have a rough idea of the level the kid is in :)

All in all, interesting experience so far. The principal seems keen to get me on board for one of their special occasion. I think its either Teacher's Day or Children's Day. We shall see what is in store for me :)

Going to dreamland pretty soon. Pray that I will be able to wake up on time tomorrow morning. Real early in the morning. Pray that I don't snooze the clock and continue sleeping till late morning. The running routine seems interesting tomorrow.

Another half an hour to go before my mom's birthday. Happy birthday mom ! Thanks for the effort all these years. :) Also have to thank darling and her mom for writing birthday wishes for my mom. Dearie went with me to shop for my mom's present as well. Well, we couldn't decide what to get. So dearie made a card for my mom and I attached a surprise for her in the envelope :P

Ok, I better go to sleep. Else I can't wake up tomorrow morning for my run :)

2009-07-29T23:22:00.005+08:00

Me and dearie baked Oreo Cheesecake today. It was our first time baking cheesecake and it was great! It turned out better than we expected. It was yummy yummy. When I get the pictures from dearie, I shall upload it :)

I saw a rainbow, a small and fading one as I was crossing the road on Monday. I managed to take a picture of it once I was on the other side of the road. After taking the picture, I stood by the side of the pavement to admire that beautiful sight.

As I was looking at the rainbow, I can't help but look at those walking by me. I wondered, "How many people actually saw the rainbow?" Most of the people were busy with their own activities. Having to get to somewhere, having to get something done, having to contend with the 24 hours we have. Only one other guy saw the rainbow and looked up while I was standing there.

We are always so busy aren't we. Too busy for quiet time with God (I often find myself giving that excuse). Too busy to serve God. Too busy this and too busy that. Many a times, we get ourselves busy with things that does not really matter in the light of eternity. It may seem important at that point of time, but is it really?

I once read an article that goes along the lines of "When life ends, nothing else matters. All you need are six people (Pallbearers) to carry you to your final resting place".

Genesis 9:16 - "And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth".

2009-07-28T23:01:00.002+08:00

What if a diabetic needs to consume a sweet before his sugar level goes too low?

What if a passenger is having motion sickness and needs a plum or some sour stuff to ease that feeling?

What if a passenger is on a long journey and is feeling thirsty (Plain water)

The solution?

"SMRT said parents of young children are advised to feed their children before boarding the MRT. But if the need arises for them to feed their children while travelling on the MRT, they can approach station staff for assistance and necessary arrangements will be made. This also applies to passengers who need to take medication".

Enforcing the rules just because superiors are pressuring those below. Simply put, common sense was being thrown out of the window and some enforcers forgot why the law/rule was being passed in the first place. True, we have nice, comfortable and pest-free trains to ride. Yet where is the humane and common sense factor in this case? Out of the window it goes...

Anyway, another round of shaker fries today :) It was practically the McDonald's day today. Had big breakfast in the morning and then a filet-o-fish meal upsized for dinner with dearie. Maybe I should buy another round of shaker fries tomorrow. Ok dearie, I wont leave you out of this really good stuff k :) And maybe someone should start an online petition to make shaker fries a permanent item on Mac's menu. Hohoho !!!

2009-07-27T00:09:00.002+08:00

Isaiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace

Sometime ago I saw a poster in Mount Zion Bookshop about the names of God. Maybe I should buy a copy of it and paste it on my wall. Seriously, the names of God is so interesting. It speaks of the character of who He is and what He does. :)

Attended dearie's church for the whole day today. I was kind of excited to hear the sequel of Kenneth Wong's sermon. Last week he titled his message as "Gospel Rally, Gospel Really?".

This week, he titled his message as "Leaving a legacy". The message for both weeks focused strongly on the evangelistic nature of the Christian walk.

There are always thousand and one things that we HAVE to do, other than preaching and sharing the gospel. I'm guilty of that too. When was the last time I shared the gospel with someone? I wonder..

Are we getting too comfortable sitting on the pews that we have forgotten about the many lost sheeps out there?

Romans 10:15 - How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.

The word "Beautiful" is not referring simply to the female gender. The word means "Seasonable, just at the right time".

Queen Esther, she was placed in a position of influence and power for "Such a time as this" She was at the right place, right time and in the right vocation.

God has placed each of us in our respective schools, jobs, circle of friends etc, to influence in a positive way and to share the gospel. Not for our own benefit, but for the work of His kingdom. Seize every opportunity that we have :)

After church, went to dearie's house for a nap and I had dinner at her place before I went back home. Hohoho!!! the seaweed shaker fries is back ! And the wasabi burger is not too bad :) Dang! why can't they make the seaweed shaker fries to be a permanent item of their menu. It is like an illusive food/snack/junk food. Here today and gone tomorrow and then back some time later. -.-
Nonetheless, I will enjoy it before it's gone AGAIN!

2009-07-24T23:32:00.002+08:00

Watched "Public Enemies" today. It was kinda weird to see Johnny Depp not being "Jack Sparrow". Nonetheless I thought he did quite well in this film. Acting as "John Dillinger", one of the most notorious criminals during the Great Depression period. Certain parts were pretty draggy, but considering that the film makers are doing a true story, cut them some slack lah. I would give the film a 7/10. Hohoho machiam movie review like that.

After the movie, dearie went back home while I went to CCK to meet Nick for the soccer game at Jurong West. Met up with the guys from dearie's church at "Fico Sports Hub". I didn't know such a place actually exist in Jurong. We played on artificial turfs and I thought the place was not bad, just alil expensive lah. Still, it was fun playing with them. I think I will wake up aching all over tomorrow. Zzzzzz

If only I have a Jacuzzi at home. Ahh !!! Soaking in a pool of water, yet getting a massage. *Pock the bubble* It's not going to happen -.-..

2009-07-21T23:00:00.002+08:00

Attended dearie's church on Sunday morning. The message shared by Kenneth Wong during the Morning Service was pretty interesting and it was sort of a reminder to every Christian.

His definition of an evangelist is as follows:

"An evangelist is a nobody who shares to everybody (Non-Believers or even believers) about somebody (Jesus Christ) who can save anybody (Regardless of race or citizenship, rich or poor)".

He was sharing about how many a times we miss out on the opportunity of harvesting a soul. When we organise an evangelistic meeting or outreach, we invite friends or loved ones to attend. Yet many times, we fail to engage them and talk to them. Some of them sitted on the pews are "Ripe", ready to be harvested. Yet, due to the lack of engagement by friends who brought them there, they just simply stay silent.

I guess I've missed many opportunities too. Some of us sow the seeds while others get the joy of harvesting the fruits of it. What matters is, we seize opportunities. Know our facts well, share our testimony and the results lie in the hands of God.

Talking about sharing. I'm glad to be given the opportunity to do a short sharing at dearie's church. During CEP on 9th aug, I will have the chance to share with her cell group several chapters in the book of Acts. I have a rough idea of what to share and well, let God increase and I decrease :)

Anyway, I'm feeling kinda hungry now. I should raid the refrigerator for ham and maybe bread to go with it. Ohh dearie cooked chicken stew today. I helped ok. I was the "Chemist". Responsible for adding in the seasoning, stirring it and cutting some of the ingredients. Hohoho.

Now talking about the cheesecake, I have a craving for it too...

2009-07-17T23:10:00.002+08:00

Well first of all I have to thank my dearie for being understanding towards me. For celebrating our 2 and a half years together a day ahead, due to me being busy tomorrow :)

Both of us brought the sister (Dearie's sister) to watch a movie today. The sister has the "Harry Potter Fever" you know. She can even remember what happened in the previous few series. The movie itself was ok I would say. It seems as though it is a prelude or sort of a background for the next movie, which will be out in the year 2012 (I heard). By the time the next one is out, I would need dearie's sister to refresh my memory of the previous one again.

After going back to dearie's house for a short rest, off both of us went to SSC for our dinner. Fish & Co !!! It's been a long time since we ate that. I had an easy time eating that swordfish collar. Someone didn't :P Ohh we ordered the very nice calamari rings as well. We had to tar bao as we couldn't finish everything. Thank God we ordered the rice for the swordfish collar meal rather than the fries. If not both of us would suffer from carbo overload.

All in all, peaceful and fun day :) Enjoyable of course :)

(The photo frame made my dearie and Telgip a.k.a Piglet given by me)

P.S: Strawberry & Tangerine is love :)

2009-06-30T22:12:00.003+08:00

Hoho. Dearie cooked pasta for me today. Ok ok, for the whole family and me to be exact. It's been a while since she cooked pasta and well, her skills improved!! I think it is even better than the one at Jalan Leban. At least I don't have to wait half an hour for this plate of pasta.

It will be my turn to whip up something nice, unique and delicious soon. Hohoho! Just wait and see. Ohh I have a craving for mango salad. Thai mango salad. Yum yum. Just the thought of the one I ate in Chiangmai makes my mouth water. Ok stop the talk about food...

2009-06-23T23:02:00.002+08:00

Now, here is an update on my recent trip to JB, Malaysia. It has been a long time since I've been to JB. So near but well no time and no company to go, till now ! Went for the trip with people from dearie's church. The aunties and uncles, together with some children and teenagers.

Woke up super early to fetch dear and her mom from their place. I overslept and as a result, I had to drive faster than normal to dear's house. tsk tsk tsk. Drove to her church and we were there just in time, right on the dot. Thank God. The traffic lights that day seems to be cooperating with me.

Boarded the bus for Woodlands Checkpoint. It was quite.. crowded lah. Being Singaporeans, we were able to clear immigration double quick time, through the automated gate lah. You know, where the machine scans your passport and your thumbprint also. That one lah.

Over at Malaysia's Checkpoint, our passports had to be "checked" manually. The "Machines" were exclusively for Malaysian passports I think. Nonetheless, the manual way was alittle faster from the last time I was there.

After all the procedures, boarded the bus again and off we went for breakfast. One thing to thank God for was for our tour guides. Both of our tour guides, one from S'pore and another Malaysia, are Christians! They were friendly and jovial. They shared many interesting facts about the local culture, food etc etc. That includes how the name for "Durian" came about.

We went to a local shop to buy stuff like bubblegum, tao sar pia, durian cake etc after breakfast.

Chocolate "factory" next. There were many varieties of chocolates available, but sadly, it wasn't really fantastic. Ok lah, give the shop some credit. The chocolate drink was good, though it does taste abit like Milo.

Next up was Batik painting. Hohoho, I love this part of the trip most. Initially, when I heard of it, I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about it. I'm not an arts kind of person lah. When we got there, I started getting excited about it. It does seem kinda fun. Gave it a shot and I love it !!! Some of the aunties from dear's church came and ask me for tips leh :P Ok ok, I got the tips from the shop assistants there.

Left our paintings there to dry and set off for durian farm. Now that's something that I was looking forward to. Eat all you can ! How can you resist it eh? Upon reaching the place, the workers were busy moving baskets of durians to the table and opening it. The smell was... fragrant! The taste was.. Shiok ar!

Though the durian was super nice ar, I had to control myself ar. Don't want to lose my voice ma. Eventually, dear's mom bought my family a 3kg durian for me to take home. Eh of course without the husk lah. How to bring home one with its husk intact?! One of the staff there kindly cut it open and put it in a air tight box (Credits to dear's mom). Yum yum, more durians to enjoy back home. Ohh, the durian buffet was our lunch by the way.

Got back on the bus and nap alittle as the bus made its way to a big shopping centre. Ok lah, upon reaching there, I realised it wasn't exactly big lah. I didn't had anything to buy there. I was looking forward to the seafood dinner after the shopping slot.

Back on the bus after all that walking around in the shopping centre. The tour guide brought us to this restaurant by the sea. The supposed good view was kinda obstructed by heavy rain that came right after we arrived. But God was good! The rain stopped after about 15 minutes and I was able to enjoy the good view. Not forgetting the good food. I got to eat a large portion of the food served. You see, there were only two guys at my table, me included. The ladies decided to eat in "moderation" and thus me and another uncle had to "sacrifice" ourselves to finish the food. No complains or whatsoever. The chilli crab was superb!!! Yum yum. Good view and good food. What more can I ask for.

Home sweet home after dinner and the checkpoints on both sides were almost empty! Cleared immigration in double quick time and I took a taxi home from Woodlands Checkpoint thereafter. The smell of durian still lingers...

Ohh, the batik painting was given to us while we were on the way to the Malaysian Checkpoint to go back home.

(Dear doing Batik Painting)

(Colours for the painting)

(Our masterpieces)

(Husk in basket, flesh in stomach)

(Spot the thorny fruit)

(Seafood restaurant - Dinner)

(Sembawang is just opposite)

(The nice view that I enjoyed for dinner)

2009-06-19T23:56:00.001+08:00

Yes darling, I know I am kinda blur today.

Well, I kept forgetting stuff today. Maybe I didn't had sufficient intake of omega 3 during the 4 days that I was away for youth camp. I will be away to JB tomorrow for a short getaway. Durian farm, chocolate factory, shopping etc... Maybe to have seafood for dinner as well. Ahh! that is where my omega 3 intake is going to come :)

The theme for this year's camp was "Transformation". Key verse being taken from 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come".

It was a 4D3N camp (15 June - 18 June 09) at the National Service Resort & Country Club at Changi. I took on the appointment of Camp Commandant and I must say it has been a wonderful journey. From the planning till the execution stage, God has been with us all this while. Showing me many valuable insights into His heart. A heart that loves His people and desires for them to draw near to Him.

The people were divided into five groups of about five to six people upon reaching the camp site. It was to facilitate and encourage bonding among the youths. As part of creating a team identity, they were asked to create a team flag using very simple materials. Namely, a piece of cloth, a wooden stick and markers that come in four different colours.

The people were quite ingenious in creating a nice and simple team flag. What more, the flag has to symbolise something. Like Abel's team, they had a picture of a fish and the word "Omega" right below the picture. Alpha means beginning and Omega means Ending. Like what the team very nicely quoted from the bible "The first shall be the last and the last shall be the first". Despite the very simple materials given to them, the people exercised their creativity and did pretty well.

Ice breakers done by Amanda was also lotsa fun for all of us. Not forgetting all of us being entertained by the sight of Chris running round and round the circle. Ending up with an aching butt. Now thats what you get for not exercising for a long long long time.

The sessions at night by Pastor Caleb was also enriching. He talked about being in the presence of God. Being in the presence of God does not only mean coming to church and worshipping Him then we can be in His presence. Rather, we carry His presence with us. Unlike in the past where God's presence rested in the Ark of The Convenant and only the Levites can carry it, we now have His presence with us because of what Christ has done for us. He bridged the gap for us and enable us to be able to reconcile with God.

We also prayed for one another as the Holy Spirit leads. I believe that the words prayed were sincere request to God on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Certain people that I thought were so quiet and shy step forth to pray for others. People like Martin and Jeremy. It was a prayer of blessing and of encouragement.

Each day of camp, we have a session in the morning and another at night. The next day, we had our mini amazing race. I was the station master for two stations. The H2O and Bible School stations. Ohh, if in case any Bethesda Hall youths sees this, I copied the Bible School idea from you guys :P Nonetheless, I thought it was quite challenging to memorise a verse backwards. I saw some groups pulling their hairs out for the Bible School station. The H2O station was a no brainer. Participants just had to finish up a 1.5 litre bottle of water as a team and they receive their next clue. Staying hydrated is important k. Hearing the feedback from the youths, I guess they had fun in other stations as well.

The next day, we had our bowling competition and BBQ.

The bowling competition was fun! Well, pure clean fun and harmless competition, just don't get too carried away about winning.

For the BBQ, I guess we all need to thank Nick's mom for helping us with the food. She not only bought the food, but marinated the food amongst many other things. Without her, all of us would not be able to enjoy such good food. The banana coated with butter and cinnamon sugar, Kebab, Fruit salad, pork ribs etc. There was so much food that we had to go for a round 2 after the night sessions end.

Of course, I gota thank God for enabling me to start the fire and not sending heavy rain upon us. Talking about weather. The weather throughout the camp was so good that I couldn't ask for more. Thank you God ! :)

Also gota thank Pastor Ban and Uncle Jem for contributing behind the scenes. May God bless you for your heart of service. Ohh and Auntie Lee Noi for being the "Suspicious Person" as part of the mini amazing race.

Next group of people to thank would be the campers, the Sojourners. Without you guys, all the planning would be nothing. Without your participation, each of you, the camp would be less fun. Remember this camp, let it be a milestone in your spiritual life.

Last but not least, I would like to thank my committee members. You guys have been great. Though most of you are young and inexperienced, you all have done a great job. God places all of us in positions for such a time as this. Thank you all for serving with me. It has been an honour and privilege.

I believe all of us had fun in one way or another and I guess camp is also a time for many of us to be charged up. Whether are we dry souls that need the river of life to refresh us once again or an even deeper desire for the things of God.

All glory be unto God for all that He has done and about to do !!! :)

2009-05-27T22:41:00.002+08:00

Pressures of society indeed.

It is not the society that is pressuring me, it's you. I know you are concern about my Uni education. Yet, I've told you that I will get it done by the deadline and why are you assuming that I'm not doing anything about it. Isn't it bad enough that I can't get into a local uni, thanks to some stupid quota they have with regards to Poly students. I'm not sitting on it. It is not that I don't care. I just don't want to do something I have no interest in and the qualification being ultimately useless or not recognised.

I'm pissed off. Don't keep repeating about how I will end up nowhere. I know that full well.

(I'm pressed on all sides, but not crushed)

2009-05-07T00:40:00.002+08:00

I had only one meal throughout the whole day. Let me tell you why.

First of all, lazy me woke up at 11 something and I had to prepare myself to go out. Secondly, upon meeting the person I'm supposed to meet, there wasn't any opportunity for me to grab a bite. The place that we were heading to is a government building, so no food and drinks allowed. There you go, no breakfast and lunch.

Last but not least of the reasons, after settling official matters, it was sushi and sashimi time at Suki Sushi !!! Free flow of sushi and sashimi !!!!

Dearie arrived at the restaurant first and started ordering so as to feed this hungry bear later on. Boy was i glad to see the table full of food when I arrived. I began tucking into the tako and salmon sashimi first and all the other items can afford to wait. Sashimi expensive you know, so first priority la :) Burp ! Then I finished my meal with a cup of blackcurrent juice and a good sleep on the MRT.

Now, thats what I call, Eat & Sleep :)

2009-04-25T00:02:00.003+08:00

Me and darling were at KFC for dinner and we had a rather interesting conversation.

(An air-force Major walks into KFC wearing his uniform)

Me: Hmm that guy should be getting promotion soon, since he looks about to retire.

Grace: What rank is that?

Me: He is an air-force Major

Grace: Ohh you mean he takes care of the air-force "MINORS"?

I almost fainted from that comment. My goodness, i wonder how does her beautiful brain work O.o

2009-04-07T22:43:00.003+08:00

I've finally graduated from my polytechnic. It has been an eventful three years. In the midst of it, a special someone was found and precious friends being made along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole journey though at times it just doesn't seem like a good choice being in that school. Nonetheless, if there is one thing I could take away from there, it would be to perservere and trust in the Lord, regardless.

The VIP for my graduation ceremony today was Rear-Admiral Lui Tuck Yew. He gave a pretty interesting speech and he said this " Education is what we still remember, despite forgetting everything that has been taught to us". In essence, it is saying that learning is all about internalising the things that are being "given" to us. Either we are convinced by that knowledge and apply it in our lives or we reject it.

I don't have fantastic results, my overall gpa is 3.11 . Despite that, I still gota praise and thank God for that. I really do hope that I can make it into the universities that I applied. Yet if in the end I do not get into any, I will still praise Him. God has brought me this far and He is my provider of all my needs.

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want".

2009-03-04T23:21:00.003+08:00

(While on the bus today)

Me: "Very funny ah, although it's raining heavily, the sun is still shining so brightly!"

Grace: "Ya lor. you know why?"

Me: "No, why?"

Grace: "Because GOD is laughing. He laughed until He cried! i think an angel told Him a super funny joke!"

Me: "Aye dear ah, the bus very cold already can?"

Grace: "Oh if you see there's a bad thunderstorm, GOD is very very angry, till He cries!"

Me: No comments -.-''

2009-02-25T23:11:00.002+08:00

I am just frustrated, irritated and basically not in the best of mood. In case you're wondering, it has nothing to do with my dear. It is someone else.

I miss the days when I was a taekwondo instructor. When i'm mad or not in the best of mood, I vent my anger through several bouts of sparring. Now all I wish is to scream at the top of my voice.

2009-02-16T00:05:00.004+08:00

Valentine's Day -

Woke up later than usual on a Saturday morning since I wasn't going for the practice run. Sat around, watched tv and waited for the time to head out. Did some last minute shopping at Lot 1 and went to meet dear at CCK MRT station. Hohoho, told her that we will be taking a bus to Jurong Point! It ended up having me being the tour guide for the bus journey. You can't blame me you see, it was a "rarely seen part of Singapore" that covers most of the bus route.

Chose Jurong Point as the place for V'Day is because, it has a new extension which dear has not been to before. To satisfy her curiosity la. People suaku ma :P

Sat down at some Japanese food stall, bought food and she gave me my presents. In case you're thinking where are her presents. I gave her one a week before V'Day and the rest yesterday. The main present was the one given a week ago.

Did some window shopping and we saw some crazy people waiting in line to catch a glimpse of JJ Lin. Dear was also commenting on the possible reaction of the fans upon JJ's arrival at 6pm. The girls would probably go like "JJ we will support you forever". Try translating that in chinese and you can imagine the high pitched voices shouting that in a shopping centre. Brrr!!!

Anyway, with the Seoul Garden outlet at JP closed, we went for Fish & Co. I was alittle disappointed that they didn't had the very nice drink called "Jungle Freeze". Nonetheless, I ordered a fish and chips. Dear ordered Grilled Calamari Rings. We both had passion fruit drink to wash all that down. In the end, Dear couldn't finish her food. I had to finish my fish & chips, half of her calamari rings and 1 1/2 cup of passion fruit drink. Burp !!!

For dessert, we went back to Lot 1's Ministry of Food. They have really nice ice-cream there. The pictures below are presents that dear gave/made for me. Her level of creativity is definitely higher than mine, handicraft wise :P

(Love Cookies)

(Love Cookies - In the container)

(Book on relationships)

(Love coupons - If you wanna know what exactly is it, ask me.)

(At Fish & Co)

All in all, I enjoyed the day. It's the company that matters :)

2009-02-05T23:00:00.004+08:00

Wooo, I had a fun day today. Dear was asking me what to do for today yesterday night. I suggested picnic in her room !!! Well dear wanted something romantic and being the not so romantic me, I thought of that idea.

I was supposed to further develop that idea, meaning to think of what food to get etc. End up, I fell asleep due to a long day yesterday. Dear being nice, woke up early and almost single-handedly planned and bought the groceries from NTUC. I met her at the MRT station and helped carry the bags. Thats why I said "Almost single-handedly" :P

We had many types of food to enjoy. The best of which: Chocolate Fondue. My goodness, it was so nice. I mean I can't imagine paying so much more for the same thing outside. Ohh and how can I forget the green tea jelly. Wooo

(Yum yum)

(Chocolate Fondue)

(The whole collection)

(Heart shaped bread)

(Green tea jelly)

Fun.

Talking about yesterday, I had a pretty long day. I woke up at 6am. Followed dad and sis out. The first stop was my sister's school, dropped her off and off we went to Sembawang MRT station. I was supposed to go for my Vocational Assessment at Sembawang Naval Base. Since I was pretty early, I went to Q-Bread to buy a hotdog bread for breakfast. Coincidentally, I met Han Ting when I went to the toilet. He was also going for the VA. Great! I have someone to talk to.

The vocational assessment is a selection test for the Naval Diving Unit. We went through a series of test throughout the day and we ended around 8:30pm. By the time we left the camp, I couldn't wait to get home and rest. If you are wondering why in the world did the selection test took so long. It is because, 60% of the time, we were waiting. Waiting for this or who to finish. -.-

2009-01-24T00:04:00.005+08:00

Took a bus from school and we ended up at Sembawang Shopping Centre. For those Suakus (Frog in the well) out there, the shopping centre mentioned earlier has reopened :)

Me and dear went to Fish & Co for our dinner, or rather early dinner. It was one of the rare times when I have dinner around 4 something. Somehow dear persuaded me to eat first before I do some new year goodies shopping.

We ordered a Swordfish Collar, Grilled Calamari Rings and Jungle Freeze. Yum yum. It's been a long time since I ate at Fish & Co. The last time was probably before October 2008. Yes long time. Seafood platter next time round eh dear :)

Dear's mom gave her $50 to buy new year goodies for my family. Hohoho, because my family bought new goodies for her family :P This time round, there is alittle difference. I get to choose the goodies on behalf of my family. Although some weren't really new year goodies (I can imagine Grace nodding her head). Nonetheless, thanks so much for the goodies. Don't worry, I will do my best to finish it :)

Went up to dear's place after dinner and some walking. Her house still looks like a war zone (Spring cleaning ma) and I almost thought I entered the wrong house. Her mom rearranged the furniture and even the two dogs were confused, or at least Jowen looked lost. Played a flintstone game on dear's laptop and it was fun. In many ways huh dear :P It's all about practice :)

(Swordfish collar with fries)

(Grilled Calamari Rings)

(Brain freeze!!!)

(Erhmmmm. Nice !!!)

(It is all about D.I.Y)

(Heehehee. We are going to take over the world *Lightning & thunder*)

(The aftermath)

(No, I'm not being sad here.)

(Concentration is the key. Focus!!!)

End of a chapter. Beginning of another...

2009-01-23T23:11:00.003+08:00

End of a chapter, beginning of another.

Stepped out of class for the very last time today. Did my very last reflection journal as part of my homework. Sat in the nice air-conditioned classroom for the very last time. Patronise the very nice uncle who sells nice chicken chunk. Drank cheap and fresh fruit juice. Took pictures with classmates and coursemates. Walked around the school proper for one last time with dear. Teased my teacher in a class setting for the very last time. Went through the usual first meeting, first break, second meeting, second break and then presention for the last time.

I can clearly remember the first day of my poly life. I sat in a white and newly painted classroom. It resembles a hospital, to be honest. I was one of the earliest in class and the teacher was already standing at his table greeting each of us. People started coming into class and settled themselves at one of the five tables. I knew no one and so kept silence...

Looked at a girl opposite my class, or like what dear says - Spying. Got to know her through Sam Low. Now we're together for more than two years. :)

Three years later, which is today, a chapter of my life has ended, another has begun. Memories will stay and so will friendship.

All in all, I completed my studies for my diploma. It is over.

2009-01-22T23:51:00.002+08:00

Last day of school tomorrow. After that graduation and celebration. Time really went by so quickly. It was as if I enrolled into RP yesterday.

I'm so going to miss playing games in class while listening to the teacher talking and asking questions so that the teacher thinks I'm paying attention :P

I'm gona miss playing pranks on my coursemates

I'm gona miss eating two sticks of chicken chunk for breakfast

I'm gona miss drinking cheap fruit juice

I'm gona miss having dear to accompany me for breakfast

I'm gona miss arguing with the Oh so not friendly female security guard whenever she goes on her rounds after school, while my FYP team is sitting in the classroom minding our business.

So many things that I'm gona miss. No !!! I'm not emo. -.-

Anyway, after much discussion with dear, we both decided to go to school :) Initially, the plan was for dear to go back to school and get her testimonials. Thereafter, we head for IKEA Tampines and enjoy our meatball treat. Now, we will go to school and enjoy our very last day there :) Hopefully the teacher tomorrow is nice enough to buy us a treat :P

P.S: Thanks darling for the assurance, much appreciated by me eh :)

Cooking, baking, playing and spending time together...

2009-01-21T22:36:00.003+08:00

Woohooo !!! It just feels so good to be free on Wednesdays and doing my own things. For the past few months or so, my Wednesdays were being taken up by final year project meetings. Now that the project is done, I'm free. :)

Woke up kinda early today, 9am to be exact. Before any of you say "Wa seh, you call 9am early?!", let me explain myself :P When I have off days during the week, I tend to sleep till 11am or even later. Today I woke up early to buy breakfast for my dear one. I was supposed to accompany her for her job interview and then to Little India subsequently with Hui Min. Plans changed last minute and I suggested doing some baking (Chocolate coated corn flakes).

Went down to the supermarket to buy ingredients and I suggested "Eh dear, why not you cook dinner eh. Very long never eat the food you cook leh". She agreed !!! And as a result, more items were added to the shopping list.

Her house was pretty much in a mess as her mom was doing spring cleaning. So we confined ourselves to the kitchen and occasionally walking to take a seat at the living room.

While dear was baking the chocolate coated corn flakes, I had the task of peeling chinese chestnuts, to be added into the claypot rice dear was gona cook. So many chestnuts to peel !!! My goodness. For the sake of good food, what to do :P

In the end, the claypot rice was superb I tell you. Grace can open shop already la huh. More to come ok :P Yes I am greedy. Who doesn't want more of good food eh. :)

2nd last lesson tomorrow.

2009-01-19T23:31:00.003+08:00

I've been having headaches for the past few days. It gets especially bad during day time. Come night time, I will go to sleep and it will be gone the next morning. The headache comes during the afternoon and I will have to tahan with it for almost the whole day. Ohh man.

Well, at least my life is made better when dear takes good care of me. Hohoho. She keeps reminding me to take my medicine and massages my head to make me as comfortable as she could. Thanks eh dear :) *Pat on the head and hugs*

Last week of school and polytechnic life. I have mixed feelings actually. On one hand, I am happy that I will be graduating soon. Yet, It just feels weird to see three years pass by so quickly. It just seems so unreal. With NS round the corner, some of us do wish to stay in Poly for alittle longer.

I cannot imagine how would it be like on Friday where the graduating students end their very last lesson in RP. Ohh man, I sure will miss those times spent in RP. I will come to miss many things in the school as I look back in future. I mean who doesn't.

When we have a beginning, there must be an end :) Next phase of life coming and another chapter of my life ending soon.

2009-01-19T11:24:00.004+08:00

It was our 2nd anniversary yesterday :)

Met dearie after church yesterday and we took a bus to town. Like last year, we went to Yuki Yaki for our makan makan. And darling took so many prawns and this time I have to finish majority of it. We had fun laughing at Ang-mohs who ate only sushi and some small little things at the buffet. Must make your money worth ma !!! aiyo.

Then we went to The Esplanade to do what we've been waiting for for so long - Bear making ! The CoolBear Making Workshop. We bought two bears, one named Noodles and the other, Doodles. Hohoho. Now Waffles and Puddles have new siblings :)

After bear making, we walked down the corridor and went into Haagen Dazs. Took a look at the menu and decided there we should do what we did in Hong Kong. Which is, to walk out of the shop. Hee. Well we thought that ice creams at Ministry Of Food was more worth it.

Just a short walk across Esplanade Bridge and we were at the bus-stop infront of the The Fullerton Hotel. Took 167 to Sembawang Shopping Centre and MOF !!!! Hohoho !! Yummy ice cream mixed with dumplings and jelly.

All in all, a fun fun 2nd anniversary celebration. Nothing grand or whatsoever, enjoying myself with her is well, good enough :) Heh heh dear, if you're reading this. Your Valentine's Day present will be as amusing as mine. Trust you to present me with "Breathe Right" to correct my snoring habits -.- Thanks ar XP

- I can't see you, you can't see my eyes :)

- At Ministry Of Food

- At Yuki Yaki

- One, two, three and smile !

- Doodles (Left - Blue) and Noodles (Right - Pink)

2009-01-02T23:31:00.003+08:00

DAY 2

woke up for the free halfday guided tour at 715am. First stop to hk conventional centre to look at some nice scenery and we managed to see the flag raising ceromony. Then off we went for breakfast or what they call "Yam-Cha".

Yamcha was great. big fresh prawn dumplings. scallop porridge. the best.

Next was Victoria (half way point) Peak then to Repulse Bay which had a mixture of cold air and warm sunlight. It was kinda weird to feel cold and warm at the beach. Nonetheless, it is a good place to be if you love the beach but want to feel as though you're in an air-conditioned room.

Then we were brought to this crystal-jewelry factory and chinese medicine hall.

The factory trip was boring to the max. I just don't like the way they sell their products to tourists. Most of the people in the group entered into "screen-saver" mode not long after. Boring ma. The female staff from that factory just went on and on and on. I was simply not impress or interested at all. I mean, it just turns me off just looking at how they sell the products -.-

The trip to the chinese medicine hall was alittle better. There was a free "check-up" of sorts by a chinese physician. I didn't bother, but dear went and well the physician diagnosed her with several stuff. Not life threatening of course.

Took a short walk to a building opposite the chinese medicine hall and had our lunch at some chinese restaurant. Food was good. Too much in fact. Considering that I like to eat and saying that there is too much food.

After lunch, we decided to shop at the Prince Edward area where there's a goldfish street selling things that fish lovers would probably like or buy. Ohh how can we forget about smelly toufu (One of my main reasons for going there)

Too much snacking at Goldfish Street. Off we went to Temple Street.

Shopped till we almost dropped. but the buys were great, VERY. In fact, we walked around that area (street to street to more street) from 3pm to 1030pm before the mothers remembered that we havent had our dinner cos we had egg tarts, sharkfin soup and smelly toufu in between.

Proceed to find a nice place for dinner. As we were asking for directions, we met a nice lady on the street and she walked us (about 15mins) to an area full of street hawker stalls like tze char (claypot rice, fried noodles, etc). Thanks to the nice lady, we managed to have a nice and cheap dinner. For digestion, we walked quite a distance back to the MTR station to take the train back to our hotel.

By the time we reached our hotel, it was already near 1am and they were still selling dessert! HAPPY! so popped our daily vitamins in and I went to sleep after bathing like a log while dear and my family packed the bags.

very refreshing morning. was near 8am.

very appealing seafood
the best timsum ive had

nice cooling beach

the fishing village

MTR card

hongkong's MTR station

fat yuen street at prince edward

smelly toufu, our favourite

damn ugly random picture, posing with smelly toufu

freshly baked hot piping egg tart. damn nice

shark fin. we even asked a local standing next to us if it was nice. he said yes, so how can we not give it a try

look at those shopping bags. they're not mine actually. No prize for guessing whose.

the adults having meeting behind for day3's activities

back in our hotel room. the mothers sorting their buys. Spot me at the top left hand corner of the picture. I was trying to sleep you see.

2008-12-31T13:19:00.003+08:00

DAY 1

so I met dear and her mom at T3 at 430am then headed to have breakfast. It was a bad idea to eat so so so early. we were practically pushing bread down our throats.

boarded plane at 630am. flight was around 3 hours. landed at 1025am.

get all the procedures done was outside the arrival hall at 11am waiting for coach to pick us to hotel. so we reached hotel at near 1pm. checked in. settled the lugguages, settled in and went to langham place which was linked to our hotel (langham hotel, mongkok) for lunch.

lunched then we decided to walk the streets near our hotel and there were a few shopping malls so we conquered them and walked ladies' street.

ard 6pm we headed back to hotel cos we were all tired. so adults decided that we take a bath then come out for dinner again.

so at 730pm we headed back to langham place for dinner - ajisen. then we walked around langham place

so by 1130pm we ended our walk and decided to get dessert (tong sui in canto) and take-awayed back to enjoy in our rooms.

i tell you hongkong desserts are fabulous. especially mango! they aint singaporeans who give stingy-ly on mango portions. the mango paste is THICK and mangoes are SWEET.

thus this made us crave for dessert every night in hk before we sleep.

Nice? Of course !!!

if you notice, the 4th picture is of a coffin shop

our hotel located in a "strategic location" - behind was some laoya ugly looking streets and in front was the "orchard" area of hk

familiar food places we see. honeymoon dessert shop really has nice mango dessert

view from langham hotel, mongkok

our darlings and their share of mango dessert

tugging darlings to bed

2008-12-11T22:23:00.002+08:00

Hohoho!

Yesterday was finally a day that I can rest and relax. I've been so busy this whole month. Doing this and that, pulling my hair out for FYP etc. I am pretty contented with a one day rest. After not being to the zoo for like 10 years, I was finally there again. Yes, I am a suaku la huh. Well, it was kinda fun to see all the animals and hearing dear and Gloria commenting on each and every one that they came across. Don't you just love snakes?! haa. I shall visit the birdpark next.

Lesson today was kinda slack. Err but well I think it can't really be considered as a lesson la huh. Our lecturer decided weeks back that the class should do a Christmas gift exchange and a potluck, with minimum work on the problem of the day. We did it !!! Half the class brought food, snacks and drinks. My lecturer bought Pizza and chiong ar !!! Yes la, we are growing people you see.

Played quite a few games as a class and well Pictionary is fun (Is that how you spell it) I can still remember how i drew "Crocodile tears".

FYP meeting after school and we are almost done. Just have to submit and after the presentation when school opens, we can declare FREEDOM!!! Ohh I seriously can't wait for that day.

Tomorrow will be dearie's big day, in fact just a few more hours to her turning a year older. I'm sure she will have fun tomorrow. I'm an event planner in-training ma :)

2008-12-09T23:52:00.002+08:00

Went to watch Chihuahua with dearie today after her lesson ended. The dogs were kinda cute and I guess its a rather good movie. Something to raise people's awareness on animal cruelty. It was also pretty funny la. Dogs doing funny things.

Head for dinner and then after sending her home, it was also home sweet home for me. Upon reaching home, my mom told me to go and see the traditional chinese physician opposite my house for my swollen ankle. I was like "Huh, is he good". Still, I decided to go and give it a try.

The physician was super friendly, kept talking to me throughout the whole time I was there. I guess it is sort of like to distract me kinda thing, since he would be administering acupuncture on my ankle. It was my first personal experience with acupuncture treatment. Feels weird having like 3 - 5 needles on your ankle.

He gave my ankle some massage after the acupunture treatment and went on to wrap it with bandage. Minor sprain he said. Well hope the treatment works :)

Zoo trip tomorrow with dearie. I have not been there since don't know when. The last time I was there was probably when I was in lower primary. Long long time ago. The trip will be fun :) Shall go see the monkeys swing from tree to tree.

2008-11-27T22:40:00.003+08:00

The situation in Bangkok is, I don't know how to put it. I've been keeping myself updated with the latest news of the happenings in Thailand lately. It is pretty worrying for me since I have a trip scheduled on the 14th December to Chiang Mai. You might say, "Aiya Chiang Mai worry what?"

Well number one, I will be transiting over in Bangkok since I can't find cheap direct flights to Chiang Mai. Number two, the thai PM is in Chiang Mai. I would not be surprise should the protest spread all the way there. I'm praying and keeping my fingers crossed that things will be alright in the end. I might even have to cancel the trip for the safety of my team. One step at a time. God I know you are in control. :) That is all that matters.

Anyway I will be waking up early tomorrow morning for my army medical checkup at CMPB. Ohh man I really pray that I will get a PES A or B la. I wouldn't want to work as storeman or clerk during my NS days. Not that those jobs are no good or what. I prefer charging up hills and firing or detonating some stuff la huh. Nonetheless, I shall see what happens tomorrow.

Now poor darling is having an allergy. Pray that she will be ok also. Must be the stress la huh :) Get well soon dear !

Meanwhile, please do continue to pray for Thailand and Mumbai.

2008-11-21T22:46:00.002+08:00

What can go wrong will go wrong...

I took my NAPFA test today and well I'm pretty disappointed with myself. Specifically for the 2.4km run. My goodness, I've been running more regularly than the rest of my peers and I thought i saw a 13mins timing flashed on the big timer when I finished -.- For the other stations, I did better than expected and some of which left me pretty amazed with myself after I'm done.

The time for 2.4km run came and the "Go" was given by the tester, I ran as you would expect. However, I don't feel as light as I would normally feel and in fact I felt that my muscles were sore and aching. Darn! Shouldn't have ran twice this week. Nonetheless I tried to keep running, but my legs just wouldn't obey me for today. What a day to go on a strike huh.

The full results will be released sometime next week and I really pray that I will manage a pass somehow (Nothing is impossible for God right). You see, I really don't want to retake the whole test again. If I want to retake only the 2.4km run, I would have to take part in the school's fitness program -.-

Felt pretty disappointed after the whole thing ended and I just left the school without my friends. No, I'm not a loner. Called my dearie and told her about it and she was very nice and comforted me. Thanks darling :) Make my way to the Macs near my house for my dinner and walked another big round to avoid the stairs on the way home (My muscles were strained, remember?)

Reached home and went online, checked my mail and saw that dearie sent me an E-Card. Of course I went on to open it la. So sweet of her to encourage me using an E-Card. Million thanks to dear eh :)

Nonetheless, I still give God the glory.

2008-11-15T00:49:00.002+08:00

I went to buy lunch with Mui mui today during one of our breaks in school. Mui decided to buy some Ikan Bilis as she had some craving and so we stopped by a Malay food stall. Undecided and paiseh, Mui wondered how to ask the auntie if they sell Ikan Bilis as a side dish. Conversation between Mui and the auntie is as follow:

Mui: Err auntie do you sell Ikan Bilis as a side dish?

Auntie: Ahhh ya, How much you want? $1 or $1.50

Mui: Erm, $1

The auntie went to pack the Ikan Bilis in a small plastic bag and at the same time was talking with another auntie in the same stall. Both of them probably thought that since both me and Mui are Chinese, we would not understand Malay. Well, at least I do understand and can speak Malay. This was what they said:

Auntie 1: This girl cute la

Auntie 2: Ya lor, buy Ikan Bilis only

(Laughed among themselves)

Afterwards, Mui was wondering if the two aunties were laughing at her for just buying Ikan Bilis. Of course, I told her what the aunties said and she was like "Huh!!". Anyway, it was real funny.

p.s: eh mui ar, we go and buy Ikan Bilis again next week k :P

2008-11-13T00:41:00.002+08:00

Ephesians 4:29 - "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

Hur hur I am guilty of letting corrupt speech coming out of my mouth. I do get carried away by emotions or like what some people say "I think I must say what I feel is right to say".

The problem with the latter is that what we feel is right to say might not be right. In this case, right speech is talking about speech or words that edifies. Meaning, it is to build up the hearer rather than discouraging.

Corrupt speech can bring about division in the body of Christ and could to a great extent hinder unbelievers from coming to God.

Unwholesome talk (NIV translation) causes division because people gossip about one another, criticise one another and cause hurt.

Perhaps we have been so used to "Eh it is my mouth what, I can say whatever i want to". Yet we must realise that from that same mouth we talk bad about people, we are also using it to praise God. Therefore let us not forget to control our mouth as words can "kill" someone.

2008-11-12T13:32:00.001+08:00

Hohoho!!! Mui mui is the best of the best :) Bestest !!! Muahahaahaahaaahaha *Lightning & Thunder*