Hope Centre organised the Family Ties Event which was held at Sengkang CC today. Afew districts from church were involved and people from our unit were involved in either ushering, managing the X-box challenge, ushering or face-painting.
I was involved in face-painting. Woke up really early this morning while the sky was still dark. While it was the first time for most of us who were involved in face-painting, we had great fun. We were worried that we couldn't draw most of the designs intially. But some of them met up at the CC yesterday to practice.
So by the time we reached the CC @ 7am this morning, we started experimenting on ourselves enthusiastically. Before you know it, there was a continuos stream of kids asking us to draw on them. I never knew it was so popular. We drew all the way till 12noon.
I think each of us definedly threw more than 10 pix. So collectively, we did afew hundred paintings. But mostly on the hand. Rena did most on the face. I remember doing an ernie and the dolphin design on 2 kids, a few designs on the arm and many on their hands. Mostly cartons such as ducks, picacho, rat etc. Gee ... i didn't know i could draw cartoons. Not too professional but at least, it looks like the picture which they wanted. Phew ... no complains so far.
It has been fun.
Some pictures below. Didn't manage to take more esp. on the cartoons coz. we were extremly busy.
Anyway, my verdict? Well, we could combine our skills and earn some money out of it when we are free. Can do some side line already. Ha ha!
Portfolio as below (available in slideshow or individual pix format. Enjoy!):
Just came back from dinner @ No Signboard Restaurant in Geylang with friends from cg. There were suppose to be more people joining us for dinner but they couldn't make it. I suppose most wanted to go home to rest early coz. we need to be at Sengkang CC tomorrow for the Family Ties event at 7am. Attended the tertiary service this evening. In a way, it's kind of strange seeing Jasmine instead of Pastor Ben, Pastor Jeff or Pastor Lawrence preaching. But well, Jasmine preaches quite dynamically, in her usual self.
I was at Bugis this afternoon. As i got out of the train station, i was quite puzzled as to why there was a crowd of people standing behind the railing. Were they looking at some buskers performing? Selling things? I got curious coz. there seems to be some commotion going on. At first i thought someone was injured. I stopped for afew seconds before realising that there was a bad quarrel between an old lady and a middle-age woman. Could be daughter and mother. The old lady was crying so badly and i guess most of the passer-bys were trying to figure out what happened.
Most of us were not in a position to judge as to who was right or wrong? Was it the old lady or middle-age woman. The middle-age woman was angry or rather, trying to find some solution to 'ask the old lady to stop her nonsence'. She tried to tell the old-lady to stop if not, she's leaving.
In my heart, of course, i asked if i should help but i knew it wouldn't help in anyway. It was something which the both of them has to settle. I saw a young guy with a guitar who stopped for awhile and tried to help the old lady. But the middle-age lady walked towards them and ask the guy to leave the old-lady alone so that she could cool down. Surprise! The middle-age woman spoke in english pretty well.
It left me with many thoughts. Not a scene which i would normally encounter. The first is that i will never ever want it to happen between my mom and me. That's a no no. No matter what happens. Of course, throughts came by as i try to figure out what happened? Was the middle-age lady trying to send the old-lady to old-folks home? I think not but it did make me worried. Nope, there is no way it's going to happen to my grandma's or mom.
It also reminded me of how fortunate i am. While things may not be perfect, i have my family and friends who care for me. There is no major family problems.
Had a good session doing support singing for Alvin at sub-d meeting. When he msg me on wed, a sudden thought came by. What took me so long? I could have done it many years back. Maybe i wasn't prepared then. Maybe i'm a late bloomer for certain things. But well, better late than never.God sees the heart and gave me opportunities. Anyway, i was glad to be given the chance to serve (in that manner). It's just so great and wonderful being able to serve the Lord. Thanks for all the good comments but personally, i know it could have been better. That's because my throat wasn't feeling good that day. And also, i was trying to remember how to sing the first verse of 'Oceans Will Part' which was a new song.
I am thankful to God for answering my prayer over a trival thing this week. It was just so amazing. I was desperatly trying to search for 'it' and 1 or 2 days later, i found my answer in a most surprising manner.
It's been a hectic week and i'm definedly looking forward to the weekends. Went in to JB with some colleagues to view 2 Golf Courses yesterday. One was Sofitel Palm Resort & Golf and the other was Poresia Country Club. I kind of enjoyed the ride except for the weather which was terrible (35degree).
Anyway, the best thing which i got out of it is that i finally know where Senai airport is. Looks quite nice. It's defiendly cheaper getting a flight out from Senai but i wonder how i'll get to Senai from Singapore if i don't drive. I certainly don't mind driving in to pick relatives up from there if there is no jam @ second link and the weather is good. But well, don't know when there is a need to coz. John, Pat, Kimberly & Stephanie has just been transferred to Holland from Kuching. Miss that 2 gals much.
I miss the times when they came over to stay with us. The last was 2 christmas ago. How time flies. The house seems alot more alive when Kim & Steph were around. The 4 of them would sleep in my brothers room while my brother sleeps in mine. It may not be so comfortable for them but well, it's really the bonding and time spend together which is more important. My family miss them alot.
These 2 gals are really smart. Always the top few students in Kuching. They are high fliers too. Follow the dad's gene. Kim wants to be a doctor (which i am sure she would) and Steph, well .. she's still too young to decide. Kim always tell me that her sister cannot make up her mind. Ha ha:)
After all these years, i still can't quite remember how related we are with Patricia's mom who passed away when Pat was still studying in Perth at that time. She use to transit in Singapore for a couple of days before flying off to Perth (which explains why she is rather close to my mom, even now). I think she looks up to my mom as an auntie, sister. And she'll always be my dear sis.
Am at my cousin's place rite now. Had a chat with him and it's great to know that he went for his water baptism last year. Only thing is that no one in the family knows about it yet (except me). He's currently serving in the ushering team in his home church and i do look forward to seeing him grow in the Lord more and more each day.
Just heard from mom that one of my cousin would be getting married in Nov and dinner will be on a monday nite @ Marina Mandarin. Not a problem for their friends since they are both teachers and it's gonna be school holidays.
Well ... time flies and before you know it, it'll be her wedding. And before u know it, another year would have gone by. While it's hectic at work, i look forward to evenings where i get to do God's work. Be it in ministry, serving in cell groups etc.
Time flies and i'll make sure that i don't look back in regrets. While i still love doing the things which i enjoy, my greatest joy & passion is still serving the Lord. I look forward to full-filling my purpose.
Received an sms from Karen afew days back that she has just given birth to a cute and handsome baby boy (Rylan). Baby Rylan was born on 16 Aug, 3.7kg although she's due to deliver only on the 25 Aug. Looks like Kallista (her eldest daughter) and a copy of his daddy. Should be quite handsome looking coz.. Steve is quite good looking. Looking forward to seeing the pictures.
And just yesterday, my dear shepherd & friend, Cheryl (Ng) just gave birth to Baby Zoe. Looking forward to visiting her later after lunch with some friends.
It will indeed be a fruitful weekend. Hope to meet up with more friends (new and old). Have not been doing that for a long time. Had a great time last nite catching up with Susan and Wendy (Chia). If it's not because she had to leave earlier to pick her dad up from the train station, we would have chatted till the wee hours. Now that she's an Australian PR and will be buying a house & car in the most happening 'Eastern Suburb', bondi area, i certainly look forward to saving up for a trip to Down Under sometime next year. Not only can i visit her, but will be able to check out Hillsongs Church & perhaps Colors Conference too. That will be awesome.
Another strange thing that has been happening recently. Received the good news from friends that they were pregnant. One on Sun, another on Mon and yet another on Tue.Wow ... it's totally unbelievable. One was through sms, another was through a friend and the third, it was a friend cum work associate when she came to my office.
So coincidental!
Just 2 - 3 weeks back, my colleague just told me that the sister-in-law was pregnant. So just for this month, i come to know of 4 pregnant women already.
For those who are from cg, hey ... well done and congrats! In a way, you are contributing to the growth rate of our church by birth. Ha ha! Can't believe who i told but my cg is quite power. Produced 4 pregnant women already. For those who want to get pregnant, want to get a transferral to my gp? Just jokin'.
Hmm ... me ...??? What am i doing in that cg?? Ha ha ... just kiddin'. No worries. My turn will come. By then, there will be alot of u who's experienced and will be able to share tips and advice with me.
My friend commented last week that reading my blog is like reading a story book. Hmm ... how true. Sometimes, i feel that way too. Nope ... i think i feel like being Carrie Bradshaw aka Sarah Jessica Pakar in Sex And The City. Penning her notes on the computer. But well, it's just moi.
Anyway, it has been strange, totally strange. It seems that God is telling me something about people whom i am close to or have strong relationships in the past. Friends, Ex-Colleagues, People whom i know and am close to through the course of work. People who have been so dear to me in the past but for these couple of years or past ten years, just somehow drifted apart. I still love them for who they are and treasure them alot. It's just that through the big grand nonsence excuse of being busy, somehow just lost touch or did not speak to eachother more.
It takes two hands to clap and also, the effort from both parties to stay in touch. Which right now, serves as a reminder for me to do so. How could i just let go? I would not have forgiven myself for that. I remember letting 2 good friends 'go'during primary school days and even rite now, i really wonder what's the matter with me at that time.
For the past week, it was like one after another. Either bump into people or received their sms or email. I look forward to catching up with them. I remember telling a friend in the beginning of the year that i had the opportunity to meet up with my childhood friend. In fact, she could be the first friend i ever had. It's a family friend whom i have totally lost in touch with. Memory of us being together goes back to our kindergarden and early primary school days. Heard that she was back to SIN from states for holidays. While it seems like a tremendous opp to meet up, i guess i didn't have enough courage. But luckily, i have her mom's mobile number. Will probably get her email from her mom soon.
Anyway, these are the people who have played a big part in my life. And i don't think i want to have any regrets abt letting them go or drift out of my life. Sometimes, all it takes is a little courage to make the first move, of saying hi! In a way, it's like having a second chance to rekindle old friendships.
Pour Out Your Heart Before Him, God Is A Refuge For Us
For the past few days, i've been feeling rather angry and upset about myself. Again, it's the whys? During times at such, i played my fav worship song and dvd and poured my hearts out to the Lord. Felt more comforted after that.
Well! I always remember someone telling me that Christian life is never a bed of roses. But i'm glad i am able to turn to the Lord in times of needs. I never walk alone. It's just that many times, you see things from your own perspective. You see things according to your own timing. End result ... u only end up feeling frustrated when things doesn't happen according to your ways. It's just so important to hold on and wait upon God's timing and to hear from him.
A friend forwarded the e-daily bread to me and this really encourages me.
From Our Daily Bread, 7 August 2006
Pour out your hearts before him; God is a refuge for us - Psalm 62:8
You've felt it yourself, or at least listened to other people talk about it - the blues, times of dark discouragement. Lynette Joy in an article for christianwomentoday.com, tells of several steps we can take during those dark times to turn toward Jesus, the Light of the World:
- Light up your heart through prayer Pour out your heart to God when you're feeling overwhelmed (Psalm 62:8). Take your anxieties to him in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). And if your journal or write down your prayers, you can look back to see how the Lord has answered you.
- Light up your mind with truth Read the word of God every day, at least for afew minutes. Let his truth challenge. permeate, and transform your incorrect thinking that life is hopeless (Psalm 46:1, Romans 12:2)
- Light up your life by doing God's will His will for you is to worship and serve him. Stayed involved in your church where you can worship and fellowship with others and serve him (Hebrews 10:25). This will help you grow in your trust of God.
When we feel darkness begin to close in on us, we need to turn to Jesus, the Light. He will be a refuge (Psalm 62:7-8) and will give us the strength to keep going - Anne Cetas.
Lord, give us strength to trust you when Life's burdens seem too much to bear; Dispel the darkness with new hope And help us rise above despair - Sper
You won't stumble in the dark if you walk in the light of God's Word.
Have not been able to blog these few days because i do not have access to computers at nite. And there's simply so much things to write.
Went out with Sharon on sat to discuss about her wedding preparation. We wanted to see fireworks after dinner. Couldn't find any carpark space and thus, we ended up seeing fireworks from the car at ECP. It was nice in a way. There was nice music and we viewed it from the comfort of the car. Wish the rest of the gals were with us.
I've been pondering, wondering, asking and praying. Lord! I hate to feel the way i am feeling now. Feeling of despair, feeling of stress, feeling of uncertainty, feeling of not able to cope.
It's just like walking alone in the dark, under the clear moonlight. Just asking God questions as i walk. Although it may seems to be a lone journey at times, i know that i am not alone and God is guiding me and guarding me. But i can't help but simply ask the Lord: Hey, so when's my turn? Please don't forget about me. Sometimes, there's just so much to bear.
I know very well that i need to wait upon God's timing and not my own timing. But just being the human me, it just feels tough at times. If only he could reveal to me on what went wrong so that i can work upon it. Just hang on k! Can't belive it. Am encouraging myself here.
Help Me, God -by Kathy Troccoli
Help me, God I'm scared, And I'm unprepared to face the night alone. Heal me, hear my prayer, My soul it aches and I've nowhere to go. Help me, God.
In this dark hour I know only the power that made the stars Can mend my heart Oh, I've tried on my own but I'm not that strong, You're all I've got, all I've got Help me, God
Sometimes, people leave And I can grieve cause life's not always fair Help me, to hold on Though I can't see you, I believe You're there I KNOW You're there
In this dark hour I know only the power that made the stars Can mend my heart Oh, I've tried on my own but I'm not that strong, You're all I've got, all I've got Help me, God
I've tried on my own, but I'm not that strong, You're all I've got, all I've got Help me, God.
So coincident. Karen told me thru sms this afternoon that she'll be delivering on 20 Aug. And was talking with Chery (Ng) just now and she mention that she may deliver before the due-date on 25 Aug, depending on what the doctor says tomm.
Cool ... i'll be expecting 2 babies from my close friends this month. Will be praying for them.
Went to Festival of Praise with Cecilia on Friday. I almost forgot about it till someone reminded me. For the past few years, i've been attending and have enjoyed the session much. It was Don Moen this year but i think having just attended Fire Conference, i enjoyed Fire Conference more with Paul Baloche being the key worship leader.
After a nice supper @ Jackson's Hawker near our place, i went home to pack my room, source music for Hope Vision clip and started to started to watch my K-Drama which i just bought. OK .. that was it ... i ended up sleeping only at 8.00am in the morning. Terrible terrible. So in a way, my sat was gone.
Currently Watching:Princess Hours (Goong)
Based on a comic book series, "Princess Hours" (Goong) is based on an interesting premise that Korea is still ruled by a royal family, the drama portrays a romance between two people of different social standings and backgrounds. Starting with the classical setting of an encounter between the upper and the common classes, Princess Hours has created a unique couple: a 19th century prince and a 21st century commoner. Their relationship starts as part of an arranged marriage but they soon find that they love each other. The drama also depicts how the crown prince overcomes hardships, finds true love, and becomes a respected emperor.
Princess Hours in Brief Producer: Hwang In-roi Cast: Yoon Eun-hye, Joo Ji-hoon, Kim Jeong-hoon, Song Ji-hyo
Synopsis: Chae-gyeong is an ordinary art high school student. One day, she hears totally unexpected news that, based on her grandfather’s will, she must marry the unemotional Crown Prince Lee Shin who attends the same high school. Free-spirited Chae-gyeong resists the proposal, but reluctantly marries him to help her debt-ridden family. As she struggles to adapt herself to the proper manners and royal duties of palace life and to her disagreeable husband, Lee Shin’s sentimental cousin and second-in-line to the throne Yul steps into her life. She feels like she can rely on Yul to help her, but can’t help worrying about her haughty, cold-hearted husband.
To help bridge this gap, the senior members of the royal family take some special measures to get them to spend the night together. Along the way, you will encounter numerous delightful episodes among the cute and lively Chae-gyeong, the cold heartthrob Lee Shin, the handsome, down-to-earth Yul, the perfect ballerina Hyo- rin who just can’t get over Lee Shin, and all the other members of the royal family. Will the Crowned Princess, Chae-gyeong be up to the challenges of royal life? Come and join us as these wonderful tales of the crown princess unfold.
Anyway, missed sunday service today because i woke up with a bad migrane and did my best at being a 'merlion' again (if u know what i mean). Terrible! Luckily, i was alright by mid-day and manage to meet the gals (Pat, Yvonne, Sharon and Mabel) for a belated lunch birthday celebration for Mabel. While waiting for Mabel to arrive @ Centrepoint, bump into my ex-housemate, Chow Lin.
She called me and blur me, i couldn't recognise her at all.For some seconds, i just mind her familiar and not sure where i got to know her or what's her name.I was trying to figure out how i got to know her. Was it someone from church. After all, have not seen her for gee .. close to 10 years.
We've kind of loss in touch ever since we left Melbourne or rather, shortly after i shifted out. Well ... she looks very different. Luckily, she introduced herself quickly. We couldn't chat much coz. she was in a hurry and mentioned tht she's going back to M'sia. She passed me her name card which i'll probably drop her an emal tomorrow.
She's now the GM of Floristika which i believe is her family's business. If u ask me if i'm surprised, i'm not. She is one capable 'business-woman'. And barely two minitues later, bump into my 'cousin', Juan & family.
Anyway, we had a good lunch at Lei Garden and went to check out some dresses for Sharon's wedding in Oct. And also, cake-shopping for me. Celebrated Grandma's birthday @ Long Beach just now and it was great to have the whole family together for dinner. We should do it more often. There's always addition in the family. Weilong (lynn's boyfriend), Huixian (Patrick aka Ah Liang' galfriend)& Victor's galfriend joined us. And of course, grandma is happy. I guess the next time everyone gets together is Christmas.
Just came back from Taipei on Monday and by the time i reached home, it was almost midnite. As expected, i was really tired and 'stone' when i went to work the next day. So naturally, it was an unproductive day @ work.
My cousin just went to Taipei recently and told me about her trip. Thus, i didn't go with very high expectations. It was alright and it turned out to be a mix of hong kong (which has alot of billboards in chinese words) and perhaps Thailand. In terms of pricing, it's similar to Singapore too. I love the food there but the only complain is that the weather is hot. Abt 35 degrees. Had to carry an umbrella around.
We took Jetstar (budget carrier) to Taipei and guess what, most of us were surprised that our boarding pass turned out to be just like a receipt. People like me was quite amused by it. OK! We're travelling onboard a budget carrier and thus, everything is budget ... down to boarding pass.
Met Ginny's husband who's on duty at the airport.
Strange as it may be, the flight seems to be rather long although it's just 4.5hrs flight. Most of us were feeling quite uncomfortable & lethargic because of the little leg-room which we had. The space was much smaller. Most of us were complaining and thus, it must be tough for Nic & Jeff who is tall and has long legs. There's no inflight entertainment or food served, thus we had to entertain ourselves with DIY massage.
By the time we reached Taipei, it was around dinner time. We quickly checked into the hotel and head straight for a sumptious Japanese buffet dinner.
After dinner, we took a stroll back to the hotel and most of us were excited when we saw our fav Korean actor's billboard advertisement. Hmm ... soo cool. I guess there will be more if we were in Korea.
We had a half-day tour the next day. After breakfast, i went to check out Taipei 101 which is just opposite our hotel.
Taipei 101 You can find most international brands here and I would say that the tenant mix is similar to Paragon. You can find luxury brands like LV, Nine West, Polo Ralph Lauren, Mango and even Jason’s supermarket here.
Taipei 101 is one of the most memorable landmark in Taiwan and is the world’s tallest building (1,671ft – height structure), surpassing the height of the Petronas Twin Towers in KL. The 89th floor holds an indoor observation area, and an outdoor observation deck is located on the 91st floor.
The elevators are the fastest in the world, rising at 1008 meters per minute (60.48 km/hour) and descending at 610 m/min (36.6 km/hour). The top speeds are 34 percent faster than the previous world's fastest elevators in Yokohama Landmark Tower.
Didn't go up to the observatory deck @ Taipei 101. Two of my colleagues did. This is the view from the deck.
Before the tour started, tour-guide brought us to eat taiwanese food which i personally think it was nothing to shout about.
Our tour starts and the first stop is:
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a memorial for the late President Chiang Kai-shek. It shares the grounds of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park with the National Concert Hall and National Theater and is one of the city’s defining landmarks.
The main building is white with four sides. Its roof, rising 70 meters above the ground, is octagonal with blue glazed glass tiles. The blue and white colors of the building and the red color of the flowerbeds provide the symbolism found in the flag of the Republic of China. Two sets of white stairs, with a total of 89 steps representing Chiang's age of death. The ground-level of the memorial has a library and museum that displays photos and mementos of Chiang Kai-shek's life.
Next Stop: National Palace Museum The Museum was first established in 1925 at Beijing and finally relocated at Taipei, Taiwan after WWII. The Museum is now one of the most important museums as well as research institutions through out the world, and it is also a "must-see" for foreign visitors.
Third Stop: Martyr’s Shrine The Martyrs Shrine is dedicated to the people who sacrificed their lives fighting for the Republic of China. The 330,000 men who sacrificed their lives to the revolution before the establishment of the Republic of China & who fell during the Sino-Japanese war & the Chinese Civil war are worshipped here. Plates of these brave & loyal martyrs have been inserted into the four walls of the main building in testimony of their heroic deeds.
The shrine is guarded by 4 military officers, 2 at the front gate and 2 at the main shrine inside. They are trained to stand like expressionless statues & remain unmoved. The ceremony for changing of guards take place every few hours, beginning at 9am and the last at 4.40pm.
Thereafter, we headed to: Shilin Night Market the largest and most well-known night market in Taiwan. The night market has two distinct sections: a section for mostly food vendors and small eateries; and the surrounding businesses and shops selling other nonfood items.
Famous Food @ Shilin - fried chicken - oyster omelet - stinky tofu - small bun wrapped in large bun - bbq sotong
We wanted to make sure that we covered as many places as possible, after going back to the hotel to put our stuff, we were out again in just half-an-hour. This time, checked out the 24-hour bookstore called Eslite @ DunHua South Road. We checked out their cafe before the books. It was a little disappointing for me because me because 90% of the books are all in Chinese and it’s much smaller than Borders and Kinnokuniya at home. So my verdict: Borders & Kinnokuniya is definedly better.
Sunday was our FREE day. My cousin Lynn told me that i had to visit Danshui, which is a smaller city to the north of Taipei. Danshui was the center of shipping and commerce in northern Taiwan in the 19th century. The city is still popular with visitors from Taipei and boasts many historical atttractions, and is a popular location for viewing the sunset.
It is located near the outlet of the Danshui River into the Taiwan Strait. The area was first settled by non-aboriginies by the Spanish in 1629 as the town and mission of Santo Domingo. The Spanish were expelled by the Dutch in 1641 who renamed it Fort Provintia, forming what is known today as Hongmao Castle. Following the departure of the Dutch in 1661, Danshui continued to grow, becoming the largest port in Taiwan by the 19th century. By the 20th century, accumulation of silt in the river forced most port operations to move further north to Keelung. Due to its close proximity to Taipei City, Danshui has become a favorite destination for city dwellers to take a stroll and enjoy a coffee along the riverside.
Danshui MRT Station
Thereafter, it was shopping time @ Wufenpu, a fashion wholesale place which has lots of shops(a place where Lynn recommended too). Only managed to cover 2 rows. At that time, really wish that my shopping kaki,Fish was here with me. U'll love the place. There's just so many things to check it out.
Call us shophaholics or what. We missed lunch and went to shop at Ximending, Taipei's answer to Tokyo’s Shibuya area or the equivalent of Bugis in Singapore. It’s the place for young people and a great place to go for clothes or movies.
Had an early MaLa HuoGuo (Mala Steamboat) at one of the famous resturant there.
After that, Ginny, Mag & May plus me went Karaoke @ Cashbox. Wow … we were deeply impressed with the KTV in Taipei. The lobby was just like a hotel with chandlers. We first went to the one at Ximending to check it out and later went to the branch opposite SOGO @ Dunhua South Road (recommended by Isabel from Taiwan Visitors Association). Can u believe it .. it was plasma TV (BenQ) and we even had our own private toilet.
KTVs in Singapore still has a long way to go.
On the last day, Grand Hyatt Taipei hosted us lunch. While most complained that they ain't hungry they still had a feast. We checked out the presidential suite thereafter. Didn't take any pictures although this is the room which Nicholas Cage and his young korean wife stayed when they were in Taipei.This is the view from the suite.
I love to check out new things and places. Enjoys travelling and hope to visit the seven wonders of the world one day. A shoe and bag lover. Love reading, movies, music, musicals, singing, writing, taking photos and many more. Started this blog at a time when I don’t even know what blogging is but have since become a part of me.
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