Embracing 2009

I have not been writing for a month. Not that i didn't want to but well, either there were too much to write or i didn't know how to start.

Whatever it is, 2008 has gone and it has PASSED. Perhaps, i am glad that 2009 is here for a brand new year brings new hopes, beginnings and a start to a chapter. What can i say but i hope i will be able to embrace the new year with much courage and confidence to work on the things which i did not achieve last year. Wish me good luck. Hee :)

If Tommorrow Never Comes

It was a saturday morning.

I flipped through TODAY papers and had the greatest shock of my life. Totally stunned. The headlines stated that the Singaporean hostage has been killed.

I was in total disbelief and took me awhile to sink in the fact that hope was gone and reality is here. And yes, i have never really felt the nearness of danger and the closeness, reality and threat of terrorism until now.

I guess being a Singaporean, i have been too complacent about safety. Afterall, most things & situations always turn out well and fine. Perhaps that also explains why i always look at the positive side of things. It was something which my faith has taught and moulded me too. But this time, it has hit me hard and showed me that life is really unpredictable.

Even when i was in Vientiane in 2004/2005 working on ASEAN projects which involves the ASEAN leaders, there were rumours of bombs. Indeed, there were several bombs that went off, but away from where all the actions took place. At that time, i wasn't afraid because somehow, i knew i would be safe. I was with my colleagues and local counterparts and we were mainly at the Don Chan Palace hotel or the Lao Exhibition Centre. But now, even hotels seems to be so unsafe. But really, nobody would have thought that terrorism would have striked in this manner.

After this incident, my views have changed. It has really reminded me to always keep our guard, to be vigilant, especially when we are overseas, be it for holiday or work.

But hey, the circumstances in which Hwei Yen lost her life is too unbelivable, too unimaginable, too inhumane. There are many very unfortuante ones who shared similar fate as hers. What wrong have they done? What wrong have she done? Sadly, it was the case of being at the wrong place, at the wrong time. What more can i say but it's really not our timing, God's timing.

Even though i do not know Hwei Yen personally, she felt like a friend to me, someone whom i could relate to. She had led a vibrant life, marked by many similar things which many of us could relate to.

Her love for musicals, good food, wine, shopping, travelling. These are the things that i like & enjoy too. She has many people that loves her, friends, colleagues, family, neighbours and a bright young life to enjoy. There were so many things to look forward to.

And just like her and many others, i travel overseas to work too. A brief stay is not supposed to turn into a fatal one. We always know that we are coming home and there's family and friends waiting for us, and maybe even deadlines at work to meet, emails to clear, errands to run or functions to attend. There were things to look forward to.

But this incident has waken me up. I could be in her shoes. Anyone of us could have because we all travel. Now, i really treasure my family and friends more. Never live a life of regrets. Enjoy everyday of your life coz. you never know if tommorrow comes. Like what my senior director always tell us .. If there's good food, enjoy it. If you can go for holidays, just go and relax. And yes, always spend meaningful time with your loved ones too. Life is just too unpredictable.

It's Over?

Just last week, i was planning for a short holiday with afew friends. We were all so excited that we were going somewhere. Accommodations were free and air tickets were really cheap. It would have been a good break for everyone after a year of hard work.

After everything has been settled, an sms came from one friend that her company is in a terrible state and filling for bankruptcy. One - Two days later, yes .. her company made it to the headlines.

Next came the news on the insurance sector. They were one of my major sponsors.

Sigh ... such is the vulnerability of life. You can't presume that everything is well at all times. Like what my friend wrote ... well, it's over ... haiz. I wish i know the perfect thing to say to her that will encourage her. But seriously, anyone who is in her position will feel lousy too. But well, what can i say but look at the bright side of things. It's not the end of the world and yes, life goes on despite the good and bad.

A colleague always tells us this ... enjoy everyday coz. u never know if tommorrow comes. While it may sound abit negative, but there's so much truth in it.

Journey

A song that i like. JOURNEY by Corrine May.



It's a beautiful metaphor for our faith journey, the uphill, winding road.

It's a long, long journey
Till I know where I'm supposed to be
It's a long, long journey
and I don't know if I can believe
When shadows fall and block my eyes
I am lost and know that I must hide
It's a long, long journey
Till I find my way home to you

Many days I've spent
Drifting on through empty shores
Wondering what's my purpose
Wondering how to make me strong
I know I will falter I know I will cry
I know you'll be standing by my side
It's a long, long journey
And I need to be close to you

Sometimes it seems no one understands
I don't even know why
I do the things I do
When pride builds me up till I can't see my soul

Will you break down these walls and pull me through?

'Cause it's a long, long journey
Till I feel that I am worth the price
You paid for me on calvary
Beneath those stormy skies
When Satan mocks and friends turn to foes
It feels like everything is out to make me lose control
It's a long, long journey
Till I find my way home to you

Well, the journey may be long, tiring at times. There are too much uncertainty in life, too stressful at times. There are things which i don't understand. I feel that many times, i seem to be running away from things which i have no confidence. I may feel down, discouraged, dissappointed, upset and afraid. The ship which i am in may seem to be in a storm. But as i was praying and crying out to the Lord, i actually saw that the sea was smooth. A clear indication and reminder that GOD is indeed in control.

Scenery & Baby Joash

It's been 3 weeks since my workplace shifted to Lower Delta Road. It's a new place and i'm slowly getting used to the new area. Besides the convenience and food that i missed, the other thing that i actually miss is the scenery. No more beautiful city skyline to admire. The scenery has been my 'source of escapade for my mind' whenever it's overloaded with thoughts. Or perhaps u can call it mind-theraphy or stress reliever.

This is the view that i get out of the window of my workplace now. Simply BORING!



It's like east compared to west from what i used to get while at the old workplace.

But one pretty interesting thing which i discovered recently is that there is a railway track just behind my building. I can actually see the train to Malaysia passing by my window in the morning. However, i have only caught it 3 times.

This afternoon, attended a church meeting at Hill Street Centre on the 30th Floor. Wow! I love the scenery. This was what i used to see everyday out of my office window.







Had fun while waiting for the session to start. Look who's here with us.

Joash with Auntie Irene



Joash with Uncle Ronald



Joash with Auntie Marsli

The Prank Call

Afew nites ago, i was told that mom received some prank calls shortly after my bro and me left home for work. Apparently, someone had called mom's mobile twice at about 9.10am in the morning and told her that 'her son' was being beaten up. And apparently, 'her son' was crying for help in the background.

Naturally, mom was so scared and worried because she said the person kept saying 'Mom, come and help me. I am your son'. And it doesn't help when mom said the voice resembles my bro. Mom kept asking who the person was and the person kept saying i am your son. And after that, the phone call was cut off.

After the call, my mom called dad immediatedly. My dad reckon that it's a prank call and reasuured mom later when he called my bro to verify and ensured that all is well.

I told mom that she should have at least verfied with the caller and asked them questions before telling them off. Now, we are unable to track because there is no number displayed on the phone.

Whatever it is, prank calls are NO JOKE and do think of the consequences as it could land you in jail or fine. And yes, it is NOT FUN or FUNNY at all.

The Wedding Invitation

Chris, my ex-housemate in hong kong just send me an email yesterday. I can't believe it but she's invited to attend Ada Choi's (蔡少芬) wedding. I love to watch her dramas. My Miss Hong Kong is making me soooo envious. I am also attending a wedding today. The difference is that it is not Ada's wedding. I suppose that's one of the perks of working in TVB station. She gets to work and travel alongside with celebrities.

蔡少芬



My friend is making me so envious. She went to Israel with Ada last year.

When we were in school, we used to joke alot of our dreams and wishes. She always told me that she hope to work in the TV station one day. And get to mingle with famous stars. It was more than a joke and dream back then. But many years down the road, it's a reality and i'm very happy for her. It just reminds me that wishes can be made true. It may seems far-fetched at times but when you work on it, it can turn into a reality.

Chris in Israel last year

Death @ 40

Came home early last nite only to be greeted by the news from dad and grandma that MC King has just died. I was just at the door-step and have not even stepped into the house yet. My family and i are not BIG fans of him but in a way, he has been pretty much a household name.

Coincidentally, i had accidentally chanced upon his blog only afew months back. After the sudden death of Kenneth & Cathy Loh's son, MJ's accdent, the passing on of grand uncle, my perspective of life has really changed alot. It reminds me that life is short. While everything is accordance to God's timing, well .. you really don't know if you will still be around the next day. Like what my colleague Patricia always say, leave life to the fullest everyday.

Looking Forward To The Weekend

I am so looking forward to the weekend. The stress level this week is over my head and the pressure is killing. I think i can usually handle stress pretty well. But the moment i say i am stress, i really am. Wish i could take a super long drive to Malaysia now or a nice holiday at a resort.I think both will be a very good stress-reliever cum therapy to me.

But well, it's not going to happen and so, i'll just rest in the Lord and in the meantime, really do look forward to the retreat with some friends in Oct. I so badly need that now.

So how's your week? Hope it's not as bad as mine.

Simple Things In Life

I did not go to work today. Took a day off to run some errands and rest. But somehow, my head and mind feels heavy because there are certain deadlines ahead of me and time is not on my side to solve certain problems. I'm cracking my head to find some desperate solutions. I think i'm getting really worried but at the same time, i'm keeping my cool because i know God never fails and he's going to pull me through. He's going to see me through the seasons.

Well, what did i do? Send some urgent emails first thing in the morning, buy lunch, run errands, took a nap, went jogging & walking around the stadium in the evening, watched tv programs after dinner.

Nothing much to shout about but somehow, it seems to be a luxury to me being able to do all these. I'll never get to do it on a normal working day.

And the best part is to just seat at the steps in the stadium, look at the pretty sky, listen to p & w songs on my ipod, pray, spend time to reflect on things and simply spend time with the Lord and me.

Simple things in life and that's what i enjoy. Wish i could do it more often.

Reflections On Life ... & Death

This evening, boss went to one of my colleagues and told her that he has something to tell her and wonder if she can take the piece of news. He told her that he has just received news that Kenneth Tham just passed away. He was teaching in poly this afternoon when he just collapsed. We were all stunned and taken aback by the news.

My boss has send my colleague to Bangkok last week to take care of the needs of one big group of golfers who were representing Singapore tourism industry for a golf competition. Kenneth was one of them and they had just returned last tuesday. The news of his death affected her more because he was once her lecturer.

His death has certainly reminded me that life is short and unpredicted. You never know when the Lord will take you home. Kenneth is pretty young .. in his 40s i suppose. These few years, there have been many births as well as deaths around me. There have been many joyous occassions as well as sad moments. I have also visited different people in hospitals for various reasons.

In the past, i used to think very little about issues on life and death. Not until things happen to the close ones around you. I have tried to answer the many 'Whys?' which my friends or even myself ask but ultimately, i guess only the Lord can answer that for me.

Like many, i have my own sets of fears and worries. I used to tell God that there is no way he is going to let me go through problems alone. But i am assured because of this:

Footprints in the Sand
Along the path of life, i see only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied:

"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

I guess as i get older, my perspective of life changes as well. In the past, it was about working hard and i thought working long hours was the 'ín' thing. After all, i have so many friends who work late. Just take a peep out of the window and most lights in the buildings around raffles place are still on. After all, it's the norm amongst friends working in the financial and advertising industry.

Not that i don't work hard now, i still do. But truthfully, i think not as hard as before definedly. Work is work and play is play. I realised the importance of having a balanced life and try not to stay late unless necessary. And very importantly, i want to have the time to do God's work. It's more meaningful. I don't know when it all started but i realised the difference in me before and then. In the past, i will look forward to extending my trip over the weekends if i am outstation. But right now, i will be happy to be back by sat. Maybe it's different priorities i suppose.

As i was heading home just now, i also bumped into an old friend, Christina whom i met when i first started work. She was telling me that we should not work so hard. We need to enjoy ourselves. Afterall, life is not abt work. It's not worth it. Hmm .. how timely! Reminder from an old friend.

One thing which i have also learnt is try not to wait or postpone certain things if there is a prompting in my heart. Once, i was driving and i stopped at the traffic light near Novena Square. At that moment, something in me told me that i should stop by at Ren Ci Hospital to visit my granduncle. After all, i have not visited him for awhile. There was this urge which was pretty strong. But somehow, i just drove passed it and headed home instead. I told myself ... nevermind .. next time perhaps since i am quite tired.

The next time never came. Coz. when i reached home, i felt something strange coz. no one was home. I usually don't call and ask where my parents are but that day, something in me told me to. I called mom and she told me that she just rushed to the hospital coz. they called to say that grand-uncle just passed away. Can you imagine ... the guilt that i have, the pain, the regret the sorrow. When i rushed down, he was already dead. Lesson learnt yet again.