Packing

I can't believe myself. Just finish packing my luggage.Thank God i only need to leave home @ 10am. If not, i'll be quite a zombie.

Why does it always happen? There's never once where i get to sleep at my usual bed-time one day before i leave? Bad habit!

Anyway, i guess my verdict is that i'm bad at packing coz. i take the longest time. What did i do half-way through packing. Ha ha ... pamper myself with my newly bought SKII mask.

My Wed

Felt quite cheesed off with someone @ work today. I guess i am also feeling quite overloaded as well with major projects on hand. Plus i have 2 new colleagues in my team. Thank God i have a nice colleague who's formelly in my team and currently helping me to guide the newbies (on an unofficial basis). If not, i think i'll have more problems coping. Sometimes, it's just so frustrating coz. everything seems urgent.

It's been quite tiring and by late aftrnoon, i just told myself that i can't think and continue. I guess it must be bad coz. i just can't believe myself. Paid for my take-away (food) just now and was about to board the cab for cg when suddenly, just realised that i've forgotton to take the plastic bag which has my 'take-away' in it. Had to quickly walk back to the stall. Call me blur or am in a ultra stoning zone already?

Time Flies

Wow ... it's tuesday already and yet another week has passed. Lately, i've been having the habit of praying before i sleep and pray first thing when i wake up. (Or was that an excuse to stay in bed for another 5 - 10 mins)?

Anyway, i think i felt the need to pray more because there's just this sense of urgency with regards to time. And i can't afford to waste time. Anyway, we celebrated Fiona's (from choir) birthday after practice today. Just a quick one coz. i need to rush home to prepare for cg lessons tomorrow (ok ... right after i finish this entry and check my emails).

Just this month alone, i celebrated so many birthdays with friends already. No special dinners but all are birthday celebrations with a birthday cake. While it may seem to be a norm and even no surprise for many, i still think that it's always a great joy for people to celebrate birthdays together. How lucky are we coz. there are heaps of people out there who never have the privilege of celebrating their birthdays. Count our blessings! My apologies to those whom i have forgotton your birthday. My real excuse ... i changed my diary in Jan and have not had the chance to update on friends birthday. So i have no idea who's birthday is when n(unless someone reminds me).

Well ... there are afew things which i am looking forward to this month. Planning to get my first billingual bible as well as the Jamie Oliver Cook Book. And also, hope to have the time to try how to make apple crumble. I'm a big fan of apple crumble and i have a weakness for dessert. Well! It's going to be great fun. Let's see who will be the 'lucky' or 'not so lucky' ones who will get to taste my experiment. Don't worry. Shouldn't be too bad. Ha ha!

Andrew's Wedding

My bro is away and so, spend a good two hours cleaning and washing the car before i could go out. I know .. i know ... some people still don't believe that i actually wash the car. Well! I do. It's just that i don't do it so often. Usually my bro does it.

Attended Andrew's wedding yesterday and it was great to meet up with some old friends like Nigel, Adeline, Karen, Calvin, Lily, Leng Kien, Andy etc. For many, it was kind of a gathering or 'ex-cg reunion'. Sometimes, the reality is that there are different groups of friends. Friends whom you meet almost everyday, friends whom you meet once in a blue-moon and in this case, frinds whom you will meet mostly during weddings only.

Anyway, it was great. We spoke about the good old times and Nigel also told me that once awhile, he will still think about the retro party which was held at my place many years back. It will always be a party whom many will always remember. It was a great jamming session where the musicians (chun keat, the twins etc) brought their instruments over and played in my garden while everyone else was dancing. I would say it was one of the best party ever.

To think abt it, i think it's high time to organise something like this soon. We'll all have a great time.



  

Resting @ Home

Alan mentioned during cg on wed that he was so busy at work that his body finally decided to 'go on strike'. Well! It has been very busy for me this 2 weeks. In fact, it seems like it's been a long time since i had a proper conversation with my parents. By the time i reach home past 11pm, they are already resting or sleeping.

Have not had enough rest & sleep .Just this morning, i woke up with a slight headache and sore-throat. Threw up 3 times in the office and just had to drag myself to see the doctor. Doc said it could be due to stress, lack of sleep and it could be a result of migrane. Something which i could possibly be 'suffering' all these years after i came back from Melbourne. Prior to that, i never seem to have this problem.

Wow ... that's something which i didn't realise. As for stress, yes .. that's true. Many-a-times, we just brush it aside and not take it seriously. So better take care and put aside sometime to destress. So i'm actually looking forward to taking a break next week to Taiwan (company retreat). Although it'll not be the most perfect place to relax, i guess i shouldn't be complaning coz. the trip is being paid for. My ideal is to go to somewhere where i can either relax by the beach or pool, read a book, laze around and enjoy life. Bali? But well, i've had comments from afew people that they don't really enjoy the place coz. they felt that it was spiritually unclean. As for the others, they love the place. Well! It'll be perfect if i could go on a long holiday to Europe and do some sightseeing. But of course, i'll need to find a sponsor.

Anyway, the short trip will be good if it's with personal friends rather than colleagues. But well, i'll make the best out for it.

As for now, i'll 'destress' by attending a concert tonite with Mag & Ginny. So better take my medication and sleep.

Life Is Full Of Surprises

Life is full of surprises isn't it. Heard from a friend yesterday that someone whom i know has passed on (but in a way which i've never quite expected). I don't know this particular 'friend' well but she is someone who is really intellectual, high flyer, and of course, someone who can talk really well.

The last time i saw her was sometime last year for a friend's farewell. We had a good time together and was teasing the one who's going away. After that, we took a nice walk together with the owner around her new condo. And just 1-2 days before, we met eachother again at another farewell dinner with a slightly different gp. of friends (also at someone's place). The ambience was really nice that nite coz. we were sitting at the club-house area under the stars having a nice pot-luck dinner. It was really enjoyable. One of them was suppose to leave for kl that nite but was so reluctant to leave and she almost miss her train.

These will be fond memories!

For those who are close to this friend, may the Lord comfort, counsel, help, strengthen and stand by u in this time of grief and sorrow. May she rest in peace and God be with her family.

Jeff's Birthday

Celebrated Jeff's Birthday on wednesday in the office although his actual birthday is on friday. It's the second 'birthday celebration' in the office this month. Not sure who's the next.

Ever wonder why do we put candles on birthday cake?
Tradition of placing candles on Birthday cake is attributed to early Greeks, who used place lit candles on cakes to make them glow like the moon. Some scholars say that candles were placed on the cake because people believe that the smoke of the candle carried their wishes and prayers to Gods who lived in the skies.

In present times too, people place candles on Birthday cakes and a silent wish is made before blowing out the candle. It is believed that blowing out all candles in one breath means the wish will come true and the person with enjoy good luck in the coming year.

 


 


  

Babies & My Bus Ride Home

Received an email from ML from Perth. Told me that she's expecting a baby boy. That's nice. She'll be surrounded by 3 musketiers @ home.

Doris is expecting a baby gal. Karen a baby boy. OK ... that leaves my dear mrs clierinck now.

Anyway, i am soo tired today. Slept late last nite and survived through 3 back-to-back meetings today all the way from 10am - 5.30pm. Thereafter, went for WAM Vision Nite. No wonder i am so tired. I was dozing off in the bus and was kind of enjoying my rest/sleep. Can you believe it ... one of the gals had to wake me up while she was alighting from the bus. Didn't realise that i've reached the bus-interchange. Thank God i wasn't in Bus 28. If not, i'll probably end up @ Sing Expo or Changi Airport. Good Grieve. It'll be embrassing if everyone has alighted and the bus driver had to wake me up.

Hmm ... i heard someone telling me sometime back that their friend or cousin was sleeping in the bus and no-one actually realised it. He had to call his friend or family to contact the bus-interchange personnel to get him out coz. the bus was locked and aircorn was off. My goodness! Thank God for mobile phones. And also, it didn't happen to me.

I'm looking for cg tomm coz it's back to Potong Pasir. But before that, there's heaps of work to clear. Oh no ... i am so looking forward to the weekends already.

Strange

It's just so strange. I was just thinking of Carrie (my secondary school friend) last nite before i went to bed. And during lunch time, Karen msg me from Down Under. Told me that Carrie is in Melbourne for 3 weeks for work & holiday and she'll be driving her to the airport tonite. Wow! I just can't believe it.

Anyway, she told me that her baby will be called Rylan. Hmm ... something different. So in afew months time, Kallista & Jolene will have a brother. Can't believe that she's a mother of 3. I've never seen her in a pregnant stage before. Only once - and it's a photo.

Well .. coincidentally, Jan was just asking me if i have any more 'baby dreams'over the weekends. Ha ha! The answer is No. He also asked if i have dreamt of myself having babies before. Hmm ... i seriously can't remember. For those that knows me well, i have a thing for dreams and some things actually came to pass. And of course, there are some which are dejavu types. The dejavu ones ... well, the last was when i was in 'transit' in KL during the church camp. I was telling Cecilia ... hey, i've actually "been here" in my dreams just recently. She always tell me that i am quite 'power' in this area. Ha ha!

Baby Dreams .... yeap! I have this consecutive dream over 3 people that they were pregnant. And they all came true. I can't believe it myself too. Talking abt dreams, i actually saw Jan & Cheryl's new-born in my dream before. But can't really remember the look after i woke up.

When i was younger and if i have dejavu, i really felt like throwing up. Thank God i don't have the same symptoms anymore. But i still throw up quite abit ... once every few months. When the weather is too hot for me, when i take something bad. I've asked the doctor before and he can't really figure out. Could be because of an allergy to certain food, weak stomach, allergic to hot weather etc etc (Ha ha ... that's my own interpretation). My brother always say that it could be my habit. Hey, it's not that i want it ok.

Well ... i think i could actually write a book all abt dreams since i'm quite an expert in this area. Ha ha! The only thing which i am praying hard now is to have the gift of interpretation.

Anyway, it was soo strange. I got quite worried suddenly during choir practice. Was worried that something could happen to a friend and she could be crying. Called her back but no-one picked up. I think she returned my call but i miss it bec. of practice. Hopefully nothing happens. Better call her first thing tomm.

Alan's Baptism

It's Alan's water baptism today @ Big Splash. I was rather surprise when i heard from someone in the group that he's going for his baptism. We all had the impression that he's been baptised for many years. Oh ... he was baptised through sprinkling when he was very young. That's why he had decided to sign up for water baptism.

Anyway, we have been very encouraged by him especially after the church camp. Especially for Chayanid (his lovely wife). What else can i say but we are all very happy for u. Continue to seek God my frind.

Alan in various pose with his water baptism certificate

  

























What took place in the afternoon




Alan collecting his water baptism cert. from Pastor Ben

Jed Jed The Photographer

These were some of the shots which Jed took while we were having lunch @ S11. Not too bad considering that he is a kid. Or in fact, it's quite good.

A Nice Dinner @ A Nice Home

I love Johanna's Home @ The Tessarina. It's so nice & comfy. If i have a home like hers, i'll like to chill out at home and have lots of home parties.

Johanna & her husband is away in Europe for a 3 wks vacation. So Jan & Cheryl were the 'stand-in' owners during this duration. Jan was asked to help take care of their cat, (Mars) whom i call 'Garfield'.

We had a nice dinner with Mabel L, Dave & Lisan with home-made pasta. Jan spend the afternoon making and Cheryl made beef salad which is very good. Dinner was perfect with wine of course. Oh .. and not forgetting the apple crumble which Cheryl taught me how to do. It's really easy and i'll try it on my own soon. Well, i've always like the food that Cheryl cooks and she always make it seem so easy.






Wanted to take more pictures actually but too bad .. my camera had no more batt.

My Dear Auntie

When i woke up this morning, my mom told me that my auntie is coming over to our place. She needed to get out of the house coz. she needs to talk to someone as she is feeling extremly stress & depressed by my cousin. After my aunt came over, wow ... she looks skinnier than before. She lost 6.5kg within these few months just bec. of my cousin.

It's the typical problem whereby kids in Sec 2 is at a stage where they start to climb over your head and expect u to live up to their demands. Or is it because my uncle has very high expectations of her and expect good results.

My poor auntie. So stress and depressed that she wants my uncle who's a doctor to put her on depression pill. Of course my uncle says no and ask her to take a breather and get out of the house.

Hopefully, she'll feel better after mom & me took her out for a drink. Mom is also planning to meet up with her again next week. Good for them. Sister talk. It's been a long time since they went out together.

Vineyard Worship Nite

It was a good worship session @ Vineyard Worship Nite and i think i enjoyed the session. It was a good time of praying, worshipping and also, reflecting. The mood and atmosphere was just right (at least for me). I can only say that i was glad to be there.

I was quite surprise when they were praying for 2 areas which was what i was going through. One was my back which was aching badly when i woke up this morning. In fact, it was the pain that woke me up. Thank God i am feeling perfectly fine now. The other was in the aspect of transition.

While worshipping the Lord, i saw a picture of a little gal with curly hair wandering in a big open field. I was asking ... Lord ... is that gal referring to me. It seems that she is searching and looking for directions. Deep down in my heart, i knew it was referring to me. Searching for that 'something/s'. Being only human, i asked God. Lord ... have u forgotton abt me? Can i stop searching. I think i have enough. (But of course i know that God is always there for me). It's just a matter of timing.

Just last sat, Jan & Cheryl also prayed for me. Cheryl saw a picture of a shepherd & sheep. And there was me praying and seeking and she felt that there was intimacy with GOD. Which was great for me. Mabel (Tan) also told me that she had a dream about me some weeks back. In the dream, i was praying and she came forward to pray for me. And of course, there's Fiona whom i know is always praying for me. Thanks my dear.

Anyway, it was great to see Andrew @ Vineyard tonite. Jan was asking if i knew Andrew. Yeap .. he's my first CL and a very joyful one indeed. I remember meeting him for the first time at Xmas Party @ Cairnhill Hotel and the first cg was at Centrepoint Apartments. I'm always grateful for the many powerful people whom God has placed in my life. People like ML, Andrew, Daniel & Rachel, Susan, Cheryl etc.

Well, it was great to see Susan in church last week, looking really cool with her blue contact lens and brown boots (i love her boots). Marsli was so funny. Called her 'bondi babe'. Looking forward to catching up with her again when she's back from KL.

Movie Premiere - Pirates of the Caribbean

It was our company's movie treat for "Pirates of the Caribbean" last nite @ Eng Wah Suntec for our members and partners.

The few of us were there early for preparation and we had fun taking pictures.

That's Nelson & Carin (our intern with the IT department), May & myself.

CG - Praying Together

We just completed our series on "If Want To Walk On Water, You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat" by John Ortberg during cg. So for tonite, we came together to pray for eachother needs instead. Everyone was here except Jimmy, Chayanid & Alan.

It's Wed @ Dover again. How time flies. Here's Nic
who's leading praise & worship with Cheryl, our guitarist.

Doris invited 2 friends to join us. Si Ling & her sister, Jenny.

My prayer pointers (which apparently is the longest amongst everyone):

1) will like to learn how to pray in Mandarin (something which i thought it would be useful & not panick when the need arises)

2) building relationships(with people around me)

3) for the person whom God will place in my life that with our abilities, we will be able to serve well together and give our best to God & not the second best

4) God's guidance in my life

5) job

6) grow in terms of serving in cg, church, ministry (higher level & ability)

7) greater intimacy with God for myself and also, Cecilia & Mabel

8) Finances

9) faith to grow in MJ

10) improve on my weakness

11) safety and good health not only for myself but everyone whom i know

12) for family & friends who are non-believers eg. grandma

latest addition: 13) God's annointing

I think my list can go on and on and on ... there's simply too many things to pray for,

Lamborghinl on display

Was at Paragon 2 weeks back and spotted this sleek & cool looking Lamborghinl on display.

Check this out!

Wish i could take this out for a spin.

But i guess i have to settle on my black-sporty looking Mazda 3 instead.

 

Mag's Birthday

We celebrated Mag's birthday in the office yesteday. She's got an interesting cake with a cuppa on top of the cake . First time i'm seeing that. Interesting! Anyway, the birthday gal is getting a day off on her birthday.

As usual, our company will give us a $100 red packet for our birthday (presented by the CEO). And my dear friend happily use it for retail theraphy straight away. She came back with 2 new bags after lunch. Ha ha! Gals!

How Joo & Jun Ming's Birthday

We celebrated HJ & Junming's birthday yesterday after choir practice. HJ's birthday is on thursday while Junming's birthday is on friday. Wow ... just one day difference .. and a year difference too. Just like Carrie & myself. We will never ever have any excuse of forgetting each other's birthday. At least, we'll always expect the sms from eachother. For me, my birthday msg always comes in at midnite ... one after the other. For those of you who don't know why .. well ... i can only say that you'll figure it out oneday. Ha ha!

We had a great time affirming the two of them. For HJ, his smile & laughter is always there and it brings much joy to the people around him. His genuine love and concern to the people under his care is so evident. His dedication is remarkable and i can't believe that he actually came straight from the airport after a long flight from Germany to choir pratice just to 'coach' us. What can i say but we are just soo fortunate. And he actually still look and sound very much alive and energetic although it must be really tiring. Hey, u are really very much appreciated :)

Peiru also shared something which was really funny abt HJ yesterday. When she came to know Christ during her uni days, HJ was just behind her and he actually said ... you duo yi ge. Ha ha! That was really funny. And it will be something that goes down memory lane.

For Junming, although i don't really know him well, i see that he is someone who really humbles himself before God and has a great desire to do his very best for God's kingdom. I trust and have great faith that God will use him mightly as long as he continue to focus and seek God. Jer 29:11 "For i know the plans i have for u declares the Lord. Plans to prosper u. Plans to give u hope and a future"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

World Cup Final Italy V France

World Cup 2006 Finals

THE FINAL DAY REPLAYED: Fabio Cannavaro, a player who has belied his diminutive stature with some giant performances this past month, fittingly closed the 2006 FIFA World Cup by holding the biggest prize in football aloft. Fireworks proclaiming a fourth FIFA World Cup for Italy exploded into the black skies above the Olympiastadion as the Azzurri party began, leaving France – and a disconsolate Zinedine Zidane – to their own thoughts.

What an occasion the 18th Final produced with excitement at the start and incredible drama at the end as Zidane, on his farewell to the game he has dignified for so long with his graceful skill, was shown the red card. On it went to a penalty showdown and five unerring Italian spot-kicks delivered them the title of world champions, with David Trezeguet the luckless player to miss. With Fabio Grosso converting, his country edged one Trophy behind Brazil in the pantheon of FIFA World Cup winners.

Zidane will remember this night for as long as he lives. France had promised to repeat their success of 1998 for their retiring captain and only he will know what possessed him when he thrust his forehead into the chest of Marco Materazzi. Zidane had to go, accompanied down the tunnel by the glare of thousands and thousands of flash bulbs and the tears of the legions of French supporters

When God Speaks Through Inner Peace

- When God speaks, he gives us a deep sense of internal peace to confirm that the message is truly from him.

- Lay your decision on the scale with peace, don't proceed if peace cannot hold its weight against the guidance you have heard.

- We should never act without peace. God leads us by peace.

- If God is leading us by an inner prompting, that nudge will become stronger until it is obeyed.

- When God leads us to do something, there is growing zeal in us to see it achieved. Thinking about it motivates us.

- We also sense a deep peace if the desire we have is truly from God and not merely a fleshly desire.

Do i experience inner peace now with regards to what i need to decide? This is something which no-one is able to answer on my behalf. My answer is No. Not really! Coz. i still have reservations about the big TIME factor which is a major concern for me. This is something which has been bothering me and making me feel heavy-hearted from the very begininning.

Fire Conference 2006

Currently reading this book "EVEN GREATER" which was given to all delegates at the recent FIRE Conference. It's a collection of 12 real-life stories that inspire you to do great things for God.

I've randomly read about 3-4 stories and it has been really inspiring.

After this, i'll probably be reading " Hell Empty Heaven Full" (Stirring Compassion of the Lost), a new book by Reinhard Bonnke which i bought at the conference & "Secrets of the Koran" (Revealing Insights into Islam's Holy Book) by Don Richardson which i borrowed from Jan.

Sometimes, i wonder if i have the time to read so many books. Plus my monthly staple of my lifestyle mags which i can't do without. But i love to read. No wonder i've been watching less tv programs nowadays. Perhaps it's because i've been spending more time on the net. Will be on leave on Monday but i guess half the day would have probably gone by since i'll be staying up to watch the finals of World Cup. Although i like France Captain Zinedine Zidane, i'll be going for Italy. Forza Ragazi (Go Guys!) Ha ha!

Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!

Life is so strange. Sometimes u pray and ask for certain things. It comes before u and suddenly, u get stuck and wonder if it's from God, wonder if that's the right one, wonder if it's a test? And u pray & seek God's directions.

Actually, i know the answer & solution very well. That if i feel peace in my heart abt that particular thing or issue, i know that it's from God. Thus, this weekend is gonna be very important n precious to me as i look for my answers. I've only this weekend and i cannot afford to make the wrong decision. I never knew this can be so tough and also, frustrating. Maybe i'm scared of making the wrong decision. I wish God will very simply tell me a YES or NO.

I'm in search for peace this weekend. If i don't? .. i'm in such a dilemma. Quick! Help Me God!

I Miss Melbourne, My Second Home!

My bro will be flying back to Melbourne next week (12 July) for a holiday and of course, his main agenda is to visit his galfriend. That's his purpose for taking no-pay leave for one month. Or rather, he'll be more than happy to be away from his much dreadful job which he was been complaining about since the first day he started work there.

While i wish i could just pack my bag and go with him for my much needed break, sometimes, i can't make up my mind if i really wanted to go back to Melbourne for holiday. Afterall, there's still so many other places which i've not been there before. There's France, Italy, Rome, Spain, London and the list goes on. And of course, US is so big and i've only been to L.A. Gee .. that was 12 yrs ago. And closer to home, there's Bali, India, Dubai, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Shanghai etc. which i've not been. So many places, so little $$. Sob! Sob!

But anyway, it'll be great to go back with my RMIT pals to Melbourne. We've been talking about it for the longest time. Maybe next year? Well ... unless my ms mopeey gets pregnant and we can only talk abt it again. Ha ha! I miss St. Kilda, Chapel St, Ms. Dotty, Chess Cafe, Lygon St .... But somehow it'll be different. My Ms HK is not there. Wonder how is she getting along? Still at ATV or was it TVB? My dear housemate.

I'm looking forward to the weekends

Am on MC yesterday & today. Having gastric flu. Minus the discomfort and pain, i guess i enjoyed the rest and of course, am able to stay up to watch last nite's match : Portugal & France. Anyway, my bets was on France to win. And it did.

I actually have quite alot to write. About my experience @ Fire Conference, about the blessings which God has showered upon me etc. I'll probably blog abt it soon.