.: this-is-sam :.

not quite a revival

2008-11-26T00:56:00.003+09:00

well.. i thought that would be the end. but after the great sharing night we had at BSF last night, i wanted to pen this down (in some way or another).. to encourage future me and anyone doing God's work.. :)

the book of Matthew seemed all too familiar.. the parables.. the events in Christ's life.. but digging much deeper into it throughout the year has made me appreciate so much more Jesus's power and authority over all things, and how He knows His disciples so intimately.. each and everyone... its mind-blowing really.

God has taught me to be still and wait His time. to know, not only in my head, but believe in my heart that all the uncertainties that lie ahead rests perfectly in His hands. and that faith waits His time.

and also, hearing mums who have kids in the children's program share how much the kids have grown through the study made my heart melt and almost teary. it really has been such great encourgement because sometimes it seems like the kids don't learn anything some nights when they are super-hyeractive, or just flat-out tired.. but to see that God and the Holy Spirit are teaching them His truth in the Bible, and putting them in situations where they can apply it.. I just feel blessed to be a part of their Spiritual journey and discovery.

indeed God is good. and He has given me much encouragement and confirmation that this is what I am meant to be doing at this season in my life.

done and dusted

2008-07-12T22:59:00.004+08:00

as most phases go, this blogging one has died down.
i have since lost the patience to sit down and blog anymore.
there might still be occasional bits and pieces to remind myself of memorable moments that come by, but for now.. its a wrap!

Attempt at revival

2008-02-15T13:10:00.004+09:00

What better way to try and revive this blog with the official start of a new chapter in my life..

yes.. i am now officially a uni graduate and also an official bum.

thanks for those who came and congratulated me via email, sms, facebbok.. whatever.. thanks for remembering!

more pictures to come on my facebook and hopefully another update in the near future.

also do pray for me that i will continue to persevere in finding a job and that i will never forget to look to God to provide for whatever i may need even as the future seems uncertain.

info-techno sabbath

2007-10-04T10:38:00.000+08:00

read this article on boundless today.

it resonated with me.. having 24/7 broadband access and scheduling the computer to turn off while i'm asleep and wake up when i'm awake has made IT and the whole web thing such a large presence in my life.

there's just so many distractions while the computer is on.. from checking emails a few times a day, IMing friends and family, blog reading, facebooking and so many more... and they make the hours fly past ever so fast.

so i wonder.. if i declared an info-techno sabbath, and spent time with God instead, would i make it? should i take a deep plunge, or try baby steps? perhaps half a day without the computer to start with?

i think this is something God has been challenging me with. from the study of Romans, in evaluating what/who i spend most of my time with determines what/who is the god in my life. and even most recently from the returnees workshop, on developing and keeping spiritual disciplines, and taking time to spend in the stillness of God.

i shall set my schedule to switch off my computer on Sundays. i think its time my computer had a rest too.

p/s: my chatterbox died.. i dont think i'll revive it since no one seems to come round anymore, just leave a comment if you're really bursting and need an outlet! :)

what i do when i'm procrastinating...

2007-08-30T23:35:00.000+08:00

stumbling is so highly addictive. i've got things to do but just can't seem to pull myself away!!

this is a video i stubled upon that is just too cool not to be shared!

all i want for christmas...

2007-08-08T23:39:00.001+08:00

yes... i would love to have me on of those sitting prettily on my desk.... its just so pretty.. mmmm..
i must say.. the team at apple has outdone themselves yet again.. click to see more

veggie rocks!

2007-08-01T23:41:00.000+08:00

guess what i found?

ive heard this song lotsa times.. but i've never really seen it.. it's even funnier to watch!
i love veggietales and silly songs with larry!

i choose to trust

2007-07-20T13:17:00.000+08:00

I'm believing, trusting in creative hands

received some really big news from home just the other day. it would have worried the heck out of me. but after what i have seen happen recently, i will choose to trust that God will continue to provide, just as He has, and that we are never out of His sight and His grace.

when i worried if i would pass a unit, He proved my worry fruitless, and gave me much more than expected.

when i wonder if we'll ever get the money in time, He again provided through someone and met our needs.

when i worried if i would ever find the time to do so many things, He sustained me and i was able to do what i was supposed to do.

all these and countless more. God will see us through. and He has already given us much assurance, we just have to trust.

Lord unveil my eyes,
help me see Your plans,
and though i don't always comprehend,
i place my life in Your loving hands.

blessed

2007-06-17T23:52:00.000+08:00

turning 21 has not been that much of a difference in terms of what we usually associate with turning 21 (ie freedom and all that jazz), but this birthday has been special nonetheless.

from the surprise pre-birthday party that 2 lovely people painstakingly schemed, to the yummy dinner with the shistas to the gelato cake (although not my favourite fererro :[ ), and also all the lovely gifts from people who love me and care for me so much.

i've been asked countless time what i wanted for my birthday, and besides the very pricey MacBook.. i really couldn't think of anything material that i really really wanted, but the surprises that came my way were lovely! from the book that reminds me that God thinks i'm wonderful, to the pretty trenchcoat.. i love surprises, and also all the thought put into figuring out what i would like.. makes present-opening all the more exciting!

so.. i did have a wonderful birthday this year, and remembering God's grace in watching and keeping me and providing for my need all this while. and being reminded that He has known me beforehand, and has destined me to be more like His Son, that I am His child and that no one can take that away from me. it has been a great year indeed! :)

p/s: pictures with actual people in it will be up soon when i get it off others.. so.. if i don't put it off for too long.. it actually might be posted up. :P

how bizzare!

2007-05-21T23:41:00.000+08:00

for those who live in aussieland, u'll probably know that majority of the news is dominated by what goes on here or to an aussie somewhere in the world, and only big international news pieces get the lime light.

so, imagine my surprise when i read this. of all news from malaysia to make it to aussie news.. strange!

the God of impossible

2007-05-18T11:36:00.000+08:00

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations... Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." - Romans 4:18-22

we did this passage in bsf several weeks ago, and i remember one of the questions asked 'what is one thing u've learnt from the study this week?' or something to that effect. and i remember writing down my answer as 'to have a faith that is like Abraham, who believed that God could do the humanly impossible, because he recognised God is God' or something to that effect..

and now, i come to the part where i have to really put this into practice. how do i trust God, when things don't go as you thought it might. and at this point, it seems so difficult.

but yet, i also do know that my God is a God of wonders, and He will do whatever He wills. but knowing this and reconciling it with whatever that goes on in my head to solve the problem before me is where the challenge comes in.

now i guess its time to really get down on my knees, and give it all into His hands. for there is nothing that i can really do but trust that He will work it out. that He will provide whatever i need to get through the year, and through that, He will be given all glory.

p/s: if you'd like to know the full story behind this post, you can ask me. i won't bite, promise.. :)

blogthings frenzy

2007-05-08T01:07:00.000+08:00

i wanted to distract myself from some work.. again.. guess what i did? :)

You Are Somewhat Mature

You definitely act like an adult sometimes, but a big part of you is still a kid at heart.
While your immature side is definitely fun, you're going to have to grow up sooner or later.

Are You Immature?

hmm.. the quiz confirms it.. nooo.. i dont wanna grow up! haha

Your Personality is Somewhat Rare (ISTP)

Your personality type is reserved, methodical, spirited, and intense.

Only about 6% of all people have your personality, including 3% of all women and 8% of all men
You are Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

i'm special :) only 3% of women... hehe

You Are 20% Slacker

You are anything but a slacker. You're truly a go getter.
You never let laziness get in the way of living your life - and you can't stand to see it in others.

Are You a Slacker?

no one would believe this! even i don't!!

Your Hidden Talent

You are both very knowledgeable and creative.
You tend to be full of new ideas and potential - big potential.
Ideas like yours could change the world, if you build them.
As long as you don't stop working on your dreams, you'll get there.

What's Your Hidden Talent?

"ideas like yours could change the world" i like the sound of that.. nth better than an ego booster.. :)

an interesting sermon

2007-04-28T23:18:00.000+08:00

came across this sermon today. found it really interesting. have a listen here. its superbly long (about an hour), but i think many of the things he says are relevant. about how we know we have really been saved not just because we said that prayer many years ago, but it is shown in our lives and actions- a life that seeks to honour God.

it seems the talks i've been hearing lately are connected to what i've been learning in Romans. and seeing how i might have forgotten some things since i've done it several weeks ago, it serves as a reminder of the many many truths i have learnt about my faith, things that i've never thought about or understood are becoming clearer. i do think that every Christian should study Romans at least once. well, that's just me..

my song for the moment

2007-04-23T16:30:00.000+08:00

heard this song playing on random and i thought i'd share it here. such a great song of proclamation and affirmation. my God is a great and powerful God and He is also living!

Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullen click to play

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
and Who told the ocean you can only come this far?
and Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives

The very same God that spins things in orbit
runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

To take away my shame
And He lives forever, I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and
There's an empty grave

Because He lives I can face tomorrow
I Know I know
He lives He lives yeah yeah I spoke with him this morning
He lives He lives, the tomb is empty,
He lives I gotta tell everybody

2007-04-19T00:00:00.000+08:00

back when i still tuned in to radio on my handphone to keep me company while busing to and from places and even in work, i used to tune in to Sonshine's late morning program hosted by Rodney Olsen. and today, while blogsurfing, i chanced upon a topic that's been getting lots of attention- the shooting at virginia tech.

this is a chat between him and a regular guest. it talks about how a Christian should react to it, in the midst of all the questions on where God is, why God allows this, and how we can, though so far away from all that has happened can find comfort in His word when all that is about us seem so evil. have a listen.

she's a funny one, my mum

2007-04-05T20:56:00.000+08:00

today i received this in the mailbox:

Hi Girls,

Got some white nectarines from Taman Connaught Pasar Malam!!!

So excited...can't wait to get home to eat them. Anti-climax...still hard.

Got to wait for them to get ripe.

How are u girls keeping? Hv not heard from u for awhile.

Mummy

my mummy is so random its hillarious.. made me laugh out loud... and you wonder where i get my randomness..

2007-03-24T21:42:00.000+09:00

you know you're putting off getting into your assignment when putting the laundry back seems more appealing than gathering articles and thinking of what to write..

bah.. theory units are one of the banes of my existence.. whoever thought design was mindless sketches and doodles should sit in my design methods class.. gah!

*you can tell i'm majorly procrastinating when i bother to blog too...

Me? a sluggard? no way!

2007-03-23T09:39:00.000+09:00

It's strange how i find the time to blog only when i have heaps of other things to do.. i'm such a huge procrastinator.. and this happening less than a week after the sermon on a sluggard's way of life...

A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.
-Proverbs 24:33-34

scary warning huh? even God warns that procrastination is bad! but i saw this on someone's blog and thought it would be interesting to do.. or rather.. i welcomed ANY distraction! :)

10 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME

I used to always wake up on the right side of my bed.. but started waking up on the left these past few months.. it takes some getting used to..
I like going shopping on my own ocassionally.
I have a bad habit of picking and peeling scabs
I love squeezing pimples and watching everything ooze out.. haha
My mum said I always liked eating vegetables (but i don;t like brinjal, ladies fingers and bitter gourd at all! eugh!)
I say "squeeze you" instead of "excuse you" and "spank you" instead of "thank you".. only to a select few though.. :)
One of my worst fears is losing my loved ones on a car accident.. its just too sudden
I watch a current affair while having dinner
I LOVE the weather now!
I'm bad at coming up with random facts about me

9 WAYS TO WIN MY HEART

You love God more than anything or anyone else
You do random acts to show you care
...
...
...
...
...
...
If someone had already won my heart, he wouldn;t need a list now would he?

8 THINGS I CARRY/WEAR EVERYDAY

wallet
phone
house keys
my pod
a top
a bottom
my watch
a hair tie

7 THINGS THAT ANNOY ME

people who whine and complain too much
people who are too self-absorbed
flies in the summer
buses that don't show up or come late
handphones with no snooze function.. haha.. this is getting trivial
people who make a mess in the bathroom
couples who make out on public transport.. get a room!

6 CITIES I'VE VISITED

Singapore
Sydney
Melbourne
Adelaide
Hobart (a city? hmm..)
Bangkok

5 THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE

do the backpacking thing in Europe/UK
design a really cool and useful product
start driving on my own
get married and have kids
trusting God with not even a HINT of doubt

4 THINGS I'M AFRAID OF

losing my loved ones in a car crash
being run over by a car
walking alone in the dark
not doing what i wanted to do before i die

3 THINGS I DO EVERYDAY

sleep
eat
bathe

2 THINGS I'M TRYING NOT TO DO NOW

work, work, and did i mention work?
get changed out of my pjs

1 PERSON I WANT TO SEE NOW
only one???

The Chans' adventure in the most isolated city

2007-03-11T19:00:00.000+09:00

this is a pretty long overdue update, but since i'm trying not to think about the work i have piling up, i decided.. what better way to procrastinate? :p

so, in case those uninformed didn't know, the parents and the youngest sis came down to perth for my jie's graduation. they came after only 2 weeks i left home, but it was really really great having them down and spending cny with them (sans the whole visiting thing). and also, having mummy cook every meal was definitely a bonus.. not to mention having daddy cook us breakfast too.. felt just like home!

so.. here's those 2 weeks in stills..

first up, the day after the family arrived, was a friends' wedding. it was a really beautiful ceremony, lovely weather, and seeing 2 lives coming together..

the sisters with the newlyweds

my shistas! can you spot the latest addition? :)

then came the big sis' graduation.. after 5 years.. she finally graduated!! and we can truly testify that God is faithful and will provide for our every need.

the sis decided to parade her gown all over town, this one's in kings park, one among many stops.. :p

one for the album!

after all that, we went holidaying around.. doing the touritsy stuff.. here's out holiday in images..

my sis reckons this roo looks like me when sleeping..

perth city and kings park by night

the family on the busselton jetty

at cape leeuwin "where the 2 oceans meet"

sis: so if the sign says its that way.. is it actually....
my sis having a blonde moment :p

hanging out at freo (top) and enjoying fish and chips (bottom)

trying out sandboarding (top), mummy gave it a go too (center), exhausted after a few rounds (bottom)

so thus ends the update... next one will probably be up some time away.. so don't hold ure breath!

what would i say?

2007-03-10T00:10:00.000+09:00

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. -Acts 20:24

was back to my usual blog reading today.. after a long while away, and i read this verse from a friend's blog.

Paul really is one great character. such courage and strength that only the Lord can give.

I think about the verse and ask to myself, is this true of me? is telling others the Good News such a central part of my life, that if i did not do it, I would consider my life of no worth of all? really hard stuff.

i'm now studying the book of Romans, and learning about God, and His standards, and how we fall so so far short of them, and how only HE can save us from the stench of sin, makes me realise how important it is to tell people of the good news- the good news that Jesus Christ died for my sin, and yours, and all we have to do is believe that and receive God's free gift of being free of sin and death.

it will be selfish of me if i kept this Good news to myself, and let my friends and all those close to my heart go on living without ever knowing about God's goodness and grace. it is selfish of me to let my insecurities and lack of courage stop me from sharing about the story of Jesus.

what is my life worth to me?

p/s: update on family holiday coming soon.. hopefully

2007-02-14T01:36:00.000+09:00

stumbled across this video.. and yes.. i'm a mac user.. but i think its quite funny. can see how apple uses a minimalist design philosophy to set them apart. hmm.. sounds like one of the essays i wrote on.

anyways.. decided i should put in a post here.. the last post being my new year's post.. now that's how you know a blog's dead!

2007-01-04T11:18:00.000+09:00

the new year is as good a time as any to jot down some thoughts..

looking back at the year that has passed, i see yet another year of my Father carrying me through. He has taught me and shown me that even though things ahead are unknown, that He has it all under control, and all i need to do is let Him take me through it. like the patriachs that trusted in His promises to them, i have learnt that his promises are sure

i also look back on the past 2 years of being away from home, and thank Him for all the people he has placed in my life. the close friends and brothers and sisters in Christ with whom i can share my life and my walk with. who are always willing to pray for whatever, and who share their lives and experiences with me. the bestest sister who is my ever present (most of the time..) companion and fellow junk-food enthusiast.. :) also seeing how God has brought us through each semester, providing for our every need, at the very moment that we need it. He is indeed amazing!

what would the year be if i never mentioned the privillege He has given me to be part of the lives of several young kids. they may be difficult at times, but seeing their face when they discover a truth, or recalling something they have learnt about God, or even being excited to come week after week.. it really is a joy working with kids! and He has shown me that what He calls me to do is never easy and smooth sailing, but it is then that i learn that i can never do anything on my own.

so yes, the past year has been filled with many great lessons and cherished memories. i think reflecting on the year that has passed will show how god has carried me through each situation, and how each and everything that happens happens for a reason, which can only be seen in retrospect.

so i look forward to the new year. its gonna be the final year. and i don;t know what to expect. and there will certainly be many things to think through.. but i think it really is comforting to know that He will be there once again to see me through, and He will give me the help and support i need through many special people.

happy new year to you all!

home!!

2006-12-19T13:42:00.000+09:00

as most of u would know i'm back in bolehland..
lack of posts and updates is due to lousy internet connection.. darned streamyx!
anyways.. its good to be home and around people i haven't seen for 10 months..
i'm free to be called out.. so if u ever need a lunch dat.. i'll (try to) be there!
and now i'm off to savour more wonderful malaysian food in good ol' humid kl..
toodles!

a little surprise

2006-11-22T11:58:00.000+08:00

this was a little something i got from one of my boys at bsf.
some of them are just so thoughtful and polite, though i'm sure the mum had something to do with this lovely surprise.
it was a great few months teaching them and seeing them discover truths in Genesis for themselves. and there is so many many things you learn when teaching kids.. like how you have to be patient and encouraging, even though they drive you up the wall!
but i thank God for this wonderful opportunity, and look forward to another year :)

so much time, so little to do..

2006-11-15T16:12:00.000+08:00

felt in a blog-y mood today.. but due to its infrequent use, my brain has run out of stuff that is remotely blogworthy.. so i decided to do me one of these things that have been going around.

1) Are your parents married or divorced? married. this year makes 25!
2) Are you a vegetarian? HAHAHAHAHAHA
3) Do you believe in Heaven? yes.
4) Have you ever come close to dying? can't say that i have.
5) What jewelery do you wear 24/7? gold chain and pendant from mummy and daddy dearest
6) Favourite time of day? bedtime!
7) Do you eat the stems of broccoli? uh huh
8) Do you wear makeup? nope. makes the skin itchy..
9) Ever have plastic surgery? nawp
10) Do you color your hair? never have
11) What do you wear to bed? nightie in summer and trackies and sweter or warm fleece jammies in winter
12) Have you ever done anything illegal? *think**think* don't think so... i good girl :D
13) Can you roll your tongue? yea.. i think so..
14) Do you tweeze your eyebrows? nope
15) What kind of sneakers? comfy ones
16) Do you believe in Abortions? no
17) What is your Hair color? black with the ocassional streak of brown
18) Future child's name? hmm... *think* dont know.. any sweet girly name.. havent thought for the boys tho..
19) Do you snore? according to the sisters, yes
20) If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? europe and UK and new york.. wanna see the big cities
21) Do you sleep with stuffed animals? yeap.. 3 over here and a gazillions back home..
22) If you won the lottery, what would you do first? pay for the rest of my education, and leave the rest in the bank.
23) Gold or silver? silver.
24) Hamburger or hot dog? doesnt really matter
25) If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? rice, but what does it matter, i'll get sick of too much of anything anyway
26) City, beach or country? beach
27) What was the last thing you touched? my mouse
28) Where did you eat last? at home.. leftover rendang
29) When's the last time you cried? just now, when michelle was saying by to uncle jesse
30) Do you read blogs? uh huh..
31) Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex? nope
32) Ever been involved with the police? nawp
33) What's your favourite shampoo conditioner and soap?shampoo.. pantene anti-dandruff, conditioner.. anything goes, soap.. shokubutsu orange.. smells extremely yummy
34) Do you talk in your sleep? no one has told me that i have
35) Ocean or pool? hmm... pool..
38) Window seat or aisle? aisle.. doesnt really matter as long as im not in the middle
39) Ever met anyone famous? don't think i have
40) Do you feel that you've had a truly successful life? bit too early to tell
41) Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it? twirl
42) Ricki Lake or Oprah Winfrey? oprah.. who's ricki lake? im assuming another talkshow person?
43) Basketball or Football? neither
44) How long do your showers last?about 15 minutes. (steal lisa's)
45) Automatic or do you drive a stick? how bout don't drive?
46) Cake or ice cream? ice cream.. fererro gelato.. mmm
47) Are you self-conscious? uh huh
48) Have you ever drank so much you threw up? nope, don't intend to
49) Have you ever given money to a beggar? no
50) Have you been in love? no
51) Where do you wish you were? somewhere that's not 30 degrees
52) Are you wearing socks? nope
53) Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? nope
54) Can you tango? nope, never learnt
55) Last gift you received? too long ago to remember.. the birthday few months back i would think
56) Last sport you played? went swimming, and the neck aches a bit
57) Things you spend a lot of money on? groceries, snackies more often than not
58) Where do you live? the isolated city in the land down under
59) Where were you born? i think its a hospital in pudu
60) Last wedding attended? january, singapore
63) Most hated food(s)? eggplant and ladies fingers.. slimy.. *bleargh*
64) What's your least fav.? see above
65) Can you sing? everyone can sing!
66) Last person you instant messaged? BEWHY!!!!! :)
67) Last place you went on holiday? singapore for the said wedding
68) Favourite regular drink? h2o
69) Tag 3 friends: eenie-meenie-minee-moe, anyone who has much time and little to do like me
70) Current Song? hmm.. toughie.. till i see you, hillsong united

challenge from the pulpit

2006-11-12T16:09:00.000+08:00

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

-Legacy by Nichole Nordeman

this song was part of a presentation after the sermon this morning. and just thinking about the BSF lesson this week, how what we do here and now, has an effect on what is to come. thinking back about the patriachs in Genesis, and how their lives reflected God, and how the people around see it in them.

and the question that always jumps out at me: do others see God in me? as reflected in the song "did i point to You enough to make a mark on things?"

***

on another note, you might have noticed i have once again changed the blogskin. yes, i have lots of free time on my hands. i like this one quite a lot, so it might have more staying power than the past ones.. only time will tell. to all those still suffering the exams, all the best and i'm praying for you! :)

grace

2006-11-10T11:49:00.000+08:00

since finishing and handing in my last assignment for the semester, i have given myself the freedom to do things i didn;t allow myself.. like blog-reading, and one of my usual reads is the boundless line. it was through this that i found out about the latest thing that's causing a stir among the Christian community. Rev. Ted Haggard, now former senior pastor of a huge church in Colorado had admitted to his secret sins, uncovered by someone.

now, many of the columnists for the blog have given comment, and one thing that stood out most was about how his sins are not any darker than any of ours, and how this reveals our desperate need for a saviour.

also, in the newspiece, it showed the grace of God working, how the church pastors have come together, and helped him seek help, how his wife stands by him, even through all this. and i am reminded once again of how God's grace is so clearly shown when we sin, and how we do not deserve it, but it is given to us anyway.

and what is all this to me? in view of His wonderful grace for me, am i being God's grace to others? God has given me beyond what i deserve, do i treat others solely as they deserve? that's what the world teaches us doesn't it? an eye for an eye. tough questions indeed. how do i be nice to someone who doesn't even bother making the effort to be friendly? there lies the challenge..

gah!!

2006-10-30T18:07:00.000+08:00

the dreaded season of deadlines have arrived.
and my slackness throughout the semester is catching up on me.
gah!
2 due in the next 2 days and another next week.
currently unmotivated and taking unneccesarily long breaks.
gah!
blog revamp imminent in keeping with traditon. :)

now aint that pre'ey?

2006-10-24T15:01:00.000+08:00

was walking home from the bus stop today, and guess what i found by the street?

its so yellow and pretty that i had to pluck it (also cos my phone camera wouldn't do it justice, with the superbly bright sun).. only God can make weeds look so pretty.

even my lil piggy likes the weed/wildflower :)

(insert title here)

2006-10-23T23:31:00.000+08:00

was doing something i haven't done in a long time today. no.. it's not work.. i went stumbling again. and i stumbled upon this list of car bumper sticker statements.. one of which is my current msn message. the other which really stood out was:

"If going to church makes you a Christian, does going into a garage make you a car?"

now there's one i would like to put on my bumper. certainly stopped me in my tracks. and worth remembering as well.

guilty conscience

2006-10-22T01:57:00.000+08:00

Yes, my poor blog has been pushed aside once again.. and my conscience (or rather a group of ppl) has been bugging me for an update. and then.. i remembered this stabbing i got some time ago and decided, just once, to use the lazy way out.. :P

Bold the statements that are true to you.
Italise the statements that you WISH are true.
Leave the Fibs alone.
Then, stab 5 people to do the same test.

I miss somebody right now. (umhmm... home in.. let's see.. 1 1/2 months!!)
I dont watch TV these days. (HAHAHAHAHAHA... me?? not watching TV?? my sis will die of laughter!!)
I wear glasses or contact lenses.
I love to play video games.
I’ve tried marijuana.
I’ve been in a threesome.
I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.
I believe that honesty is usually the best policy. (well.. "the truth shal set you free".. and we all know dishonesty never pays off)
I curse. (been brought up not to be a potty-mouth.. although sometimes there's a slip.. but no.. i dont pepper my conversations with curses)
I have changed mentally over the last year. (would mentally and spiritually be the same? i think it is. my Father has been doing some pruning..)
I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.
I’m TOTALLY smart.
I’ve broken someone’s bones.
I’m paranoid sometimes. (yes.. when im lying in my bed and can't sleep.. i can conjure up anything! )
I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe , free of cost, and scar-free.
I love sushi. ( i wouldnt say love.. but i get the ocassional craving..)
I talk really,really fast. ( and witty.. like in gilmore girls.. that would be really cool.. haha)
I have long hair.(and thick.. and wavy.. )
I have lost money in Las Vegas.
I have at least one sibling. (I have two! what life would be without siblings!)
I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.
I couldn’t survive without Caller I.D.
I like the way I look.(i am contented with what God has given me.. but sometimes.. there are those "what if"s)
I am usually pessimistic.(hmm.. i think i have blogged about this before.. i always seem to think of the negative side on impulse.. hmm)
I have a lot of mood swings.
I have a hidden talent. (well.. God gave me talent(s))
I’m always hyper no matter how much sugar i have.
I have a lot of friends. (definition of a lot? but i thank God for those He has put in my path..)
I’m currently single.
I have pecked someone of the same sex. (lets see.. there's my mummy.. and bewhee.. wet sloppery ones!! haha)
I enjoy talking on the phone. (hmm.. definitely not.. im more a sms/email/msn person)
I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants. (in winter, when i stay at home the whole day)
I love to shop. (esp with the bargains all year round!)
Enjoy window shopping. (well.. when one does not have the money.. its the next best thing... the other day me and my sis spent a whole afternoon looking at kitchen utensils and appliances.. we have evolved into housewives!!)
I would rather shop than eat. (WHAT?!?!?!?!)
I don’t hate anyone.
I’m a pretty good dancer. (hmm.. i think being less self-concious is the key)
I’m completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother. (nope! my mummy's cool! haha)
I have a cell phone. (which came free and with a stunning iPod Video!)
I believe in God. (yes i do! who loves me and called me His child)
I watch MTV on a daily basis. (i think what my mummy said years ago is true: total waste of time)
I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.
I’ve rejected someone before.
I want to have children in the future. (children are the adorable-est!)
I have changed a diaper before. (yeap... when bewhee was too young to remember!)
I’ve called the cops on a friend before. (i've never even called the cops before!)
I’m not allergic to anything.
I have a lot to learn. (don't we all?)
I have been with someone at least 10 years older or younger.
I am shy around the opposite sex. (shy.. hmm.. more like less open..)
I have tried alcohol before.
I have made a move on a friend’s significant other or crush in the past.
I own the “South Park” movie.
I would die for my best friends. ("Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends", to love like God loves..)
I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
Halloween is awesome because you get free candy.
I watch Spongebob Squarepants and i like it.
I am happy at this moment! (well.. nothing's particularly making me upset..)
I’m obsessed with guys.
I study for tests most of the time. (tests?? what's that?? muahahahaha *hides from objects being flung*)
I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I’ve ever met.
I am comfortable with who I am right now. (i would think so.. yes)
I have more than just my ears pierced.
I walk barefoot wherever i can. (i can never understand the aussies who do that.. weird..)
I have jumped off a bridge. ( i wonder how it will be like to bungee jump)
I love sea turtles. (Squirt in “Finding Nemo” is sooooo cuteeee! - shamelessy plagarised from jin :P )
I spend ridiculous money on makeup. (never really did like makeup)
I plan on achieving a major goal/dream. (ooh.. many many dreams.. maybe i'll blog about it one day.. haha)
I’m proficient in a musical instrument. (sometimes i wonder what wouldve happened if i didnt give up piano..)
I have worked at a McDonald’s restaurant.
I hate office jobs. (if its some dead-end clerical job.. then yes.. but if its a design firm.. why not?)
I love sci-fi movies.
I think water rules.
I went to college out of state. (well if college and uni are one and the same.. then try out-of-country)
I like sausages. (they're ok)
I love kisses. (makes me feel loved.. :) )
I fall for the worst people.
I adore bright colours. (mm hmm.. look at my room back home.. and my orage-yellow-red striped quilt cover set..)
I can’t live without black eyeliner. (once again.. makeup... bleargh!)
I somehow enjoyed this thingy.
I usually like covers better than originals.
I can pick up things with my toes.
I can’t whistle. (nope.. tried it many many many times...)
I can move my tongue in waves, much like a snakes slither. (that would be cool!)
I have ridden/owned a horse. (does a pony count?)
I still have every journal I’ve ever written in. (sometimes i wish i actually do journal.. i should try and start...)
I can’t stick to a diet. (diet? what's that?)
I talk in my sleep. (at least i don;t think i do.. but my sis complains that i snore..)
I try to forget things by drowning them out with loads of distractions.
Climbing trees is a brilliant past-time.
I have jazz in my blood. ( i think it'll be so cool to play something jazzy)
I wear a toe ring. (not much of an accessory person either...)
I can’t stand at LEAST one person that i work with.
I am a caffeine junkie. (but i do love coffee)
I cosplay or know what cosplaying is. (nope.. do i really want to know? )
I have been to over 15 conventions.
I will collect anything, and the more nonsensical the better. (if i had limitless funds.. just so i can look back and crack myself up.. and also cos it may be attached to some random memory...)
I’m an artist. ( or at least i would like to think so.. many say design and art are 2 different fields.. but to many others.. theyre the same "artsy-fartsy" stuff)
I only clean my room when necessary. (my mum can testify to that)
I like a person of the same sex.
I love being happy.
I am an adrenaline junkie. (sometimes i think if i'll be too chicken to try all the things i want to try..)

i stab:
whoever feels like being stabbed/needs a shortcut to blog-updating like yours truly

so yea.. i think i'll let you guys in on what i've been up to since the last update with some pics. (in no particular chronological order as dates have since become but a fuzzy memory)

went to the royal show with my dai ka jie.. and we spent.. let's say.. a substantial amount of money. it was fun just going around the grounds.. guide in hand.. and deciding which showbag is the best value for money.. such practical-thinking housewives we have become.. here's the stash we got.. highly satisfying!

loads of goodies!!

and then we (myself and several other ocfers) went for john curtin weekend again.. this time to the sleepy, traffic light-less town of lake grace, somewhere in the south east of WA. the weekend this time around was not labour-intensive as last year's bush-walking adventure.. in fact it was hardly any work.. but just spending a weekend out of perth with some friends was good fun.. ooh.. and we learned to lawn bowl too!

death by firing squad

(clockwise from top-left): sealing the mosaics while breathing in plenty of "happy" fumes; the mosaic tile footpath; pretty mosaic; another pretty mosaic; trying to lawn bowl; the sis trying to lawn bowl as well

so yea.. thats about the highlights since i last updated.. oh and also i got myself some gadgets.. a new phone that came with a bonus ipod video :)

black is the new black

the phone is not exactly up the in terms of fancy schmancy techo stuff like bluetooth and 3G and 3.2 megapixel camera and all that other jazz, but it comes with an ipod.. so i'm not complaining at all. and all those other features will be underutilised anyway.. my last 3G phone was used mostly for call and text... the novelty sorta wore off after time.. as they usually do..

that's it from me.. i shall remember never to attempt to accumulate posts.. esp one with pictures.. takes forever to upload.. bleargh! and yes wan, i can hear you say "see! update more la!" haha :)

it's all about the motives

2006-09-23T22:27:00.000+08:00

today i finally sat down and read (not scroll through) this article lisa had recommended quite some time back. and it was really a different perspective on blogging- God's perspective.

we are called to in all our actions to reflect God and His glory- even in our blogs for fellow Christian bloggers out there. and one thing from the article that really hit home was this

But as Christians, we're commanded to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8). That includes quite a bit. What it doesn't include is saying whatever I feel like saying, rehearsing how lousy I feel, wallowing in self-pity, or stirring up unnecessary controversy. God says we'll be held accountable for every word we speak — and blog.

i guess you can say its a reminder.. for sometimes i do feel like all i want to do is type and rant.. then i read this, and it got me thinking.. there are others out there reading what i write. my life is my witness and testament to what God has done and is doing in my life. what sort of message am i sending if i were to whine and rant.. that God is not handling things i want Him to? that my first instinct when troubles come is to blog and not bring them to Him? or living a double life.. where everything seems fine and dandy but in actual fact there is much struggle going on?

indeed, this has been served as a reminder. that in everything i do, i have been made and called with a purpose- to reflect the glory of my Father. not only in my everyday life and speech, even my typed words. may i always remember this the next time i open this and want to channel my grouses to the masses.

if i were a product on the supermarket shelf

2006-09-09T10:22:00.000+08:00

i came across this site just now.. a whole site dedicated to bar code art. this guy has done everything and anything with bar codes. then came the really interesting bit.. bar coding myself!

so yea.. i put in the details and all.. and here's my bar code

and... i could also scan my barcode to see how much i was worth

yeap.. that's what i amont to... $4.30.. american dollars i would presume.. and then i decided to try doing one if i were living in malaysia.. and guess how much i'm worth?

yeap! a measly $2.02! i think i'll stay in aussie then.. where i'm worth more.. haha..
but its interesting to note that this is not just some randomly generated figure.. that it's based on the nation's gdp.. and the person's bmi.. interesting.. no?

but don't worry.. i'm not depressed at how little i amount to.. i know i'm worth much more to my heavenly Father and my family and friends... definitely more than $4.. right? :)

real rambling.. hopefully..

2006-08-31T11:46:00.000+08:00

someone has complained to me that i've been doing fake updates.. truth is.. ive just become plain lazy. however, i have decided i shall attempt at writing a non-fake post. so here it is..

i was reading the national prayer and missions month booklet this morning, and i found this really simple way of describing grace.

whenever i return home in summer, i can freely plop myself on the sofa, watch the tv, open the fridge,eat the food, drive the car. there's always a place for me in my father's house. these are available to me not because i was on the Dean's list at uni, but simply because i am loved as a daughter of dad's

there weren't any creditsa at the end so i dont know who wrote this, but it paints a pretty simple picture doesnt it? (i think even the kids at sunday school and bsf would understand this). we receive God's grace not because we desrve it for being good, obedient children, but because he loves us just as we are- his children. and another part which made me smile from the reading:

the best way to thank God for His grace is to use it. just like the best way to appreciate mum's cooking is to eat it.

so yea, ive been reminded that God is gracious to me because He loves me, and to thank Him for it is to be always mindful of His grace in my life everyday.

***

i was reminded it was merdeka day when i received an sms from xin.. and also when the word "merdeka" was a reoccuring element in most people's msn usernames. yes.. it was not in the foremost of my mind.. probably cos i dont get a holiday for it.

then it got me thinking.. it seems that that is all merdeka day seems to be for me. no overwhelming sense of patriotism or national pride.. well maybe a little. but even though in history lessons we learn of how we struggled for independance after the japanese and british occupation, the meaning of the nation's independence seems to be lost as the years go by. to many (me particularly) it's just another holiday to sleep in. sad state it is.. no wonder i scored being 70% un-malaysian in the most talked about quiz in the blogsphere. yes.. i'm as malaysian as guy sebastian.

national pride.. hmm.. its almost foreign to me. we always talk about our inefficient government, our lousy infrastructure, our lack of civic awareness and so on it seems that there's always something bad to say about our country. perhaps the grass is greener on this side, but i am born malaysian and my passport tells me im malaysian, and my home is in malaysia, along with my family and friends. and after all, home is where the heart is. so i guess its in malaysia. and i am glad and thankful to have a place to call home even as i think of many who dont.

so let us (fellow malaysians) say a prayer for our homeland, and for the leaders and forpeace and tolereance. amen.

anticipation mounts

2006-08-27T21:24:00.000+08:00

the long awaited fall tv programs have arrived!

whee! i will now be reverting back into my tv mode... well.. not that i ever got out of it.. but yea.. all the series are making their return after a looong break...

the first ep of prison break was good! it was over too soon! now i have to wait for the next one to come... *sigh* once an addict.. always an addict... must.. control.. self...

among the shows i can't wait to start are:
grey's anatomy- who will she choose????
gilmore girls- what will become of luke and lorelai??
one tree hill- someone's pregnant.. and.. yea.. i think thats the only suspense.. don't think they'll kill nathan off
and the amazing race!!- no explanation needed

let the shows begin!! whee!!

big city life

2006-08-17T22:57:00.000+08:00

architecture these days are amazing. whoever thought of living on rooftops to counter the problem of high-density living?

forget studio apartments. i would love to live in one of these

now that's what i call living. i bet my home in heaven will be way cooler :)

p/s: StumbleUpon has got to be the perfect boredom buster- or rather every procrastinator's favourite tool. thanks banana!

pp/s: does typing in all small caps really annoy people? i know its random but i read it off one of those "how to annoy the people around you" lists. hmm...

***

on another note, i think its amazing how God's guidance comes just at the right time, not too early, or too late. this was just something that came to me. may seem out of the blue but i thought i'd jot it down for future reference.

lacklustre

2006-08-14T00:52:00.000+08:00

my updates have become few and far between as some of you might have noticed. it seems that lately i can't be buggered to sit down for more than 5 minutes to pen down some thoughts.

perhaps it's the fact that life has been settled down into a routine again and there seems to be less things to find to blog anout

or perhaps my brain has learned to reserve its creative juices.. only to be used when assignments pile in (in which they are already starting to)

or perhaps its just plain laziness. i do have thoughts that pop into my head to which i go "hmm.. maybe i should blog anout this"... then i sit in front of my computer.. and i'll be like.. "bah.. nothing's coming"

or perhaps blog-therapy has just lost its effect on me... blog-reading on the other hand still piques my interest.. i'm being blessed through other's writing.. yet i realise i shouldn't always be the taker huh?

or perhaps... perhaps.. hmm.. i've run out excuses... i guess it just comes down to procrastination.. my greatest weakness as i have admitted to many. there's always tomorrow to do that. and tomorrow rolls around.. and there's tomorrow again. going on like this is no good. during last week's bsf lecture, i learnt that even delayed obedience is a sin.

so yea. i realised that at this point i need to learn to be more organised. more prioritised. i have an organiser which is hardly used. and yet i wonder why things always slip my mind. will i never learn?

***

i just read sekteng's blog.. besides the highly disturbing birthday entry.. i sorta felt the same way he did when i saw the melb pics too.. the only thing that stopped me was the $400 and 5 hrs .. *sigh* no use living in regrets...

and so begins another sem...

2006-08-01T23:07:00.000+08:00

i think i have come to a point where i'm too lazy to blog.. even though there are some vague ideas .. i just can't seem to be buggered.. must be the holiday mode...

so yea.. uni started again.. the workload does not seem all that overwhleming YET.. considering i hv only attended 2 classes so far... but i forsee another hectic one ahead. thankfulness must be given to God for bring me through the past sem despite my laziness and general procrastination i still managed to do okay..

anyways, i got something from class which i absolutely have to share. (for those who do not/have not lived in perth and don't know its surrounding suburbs i guess u can skip it)

this was given during my fashion merchandising unit and this article (if u can call it that) was difining the market sector using the iconic Barbie.

Floreat Barbie:

This princess Barbie is only sold at DJ's or Myer. She comes with an assortment of LV handbags, Lexus, a long-haired foreign dog named Honey, and a cookie-cutter house. Available with or without tummy tuck and face lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with "augmented" version.

Ellenbrook Barbie:

This modern-day homemaker Barbie is available with Toyota minivan and matching tracksuit. She gets lost easily and has no full time occupation or secondary education. Traffic-jamming mobile phone sold separately.

Balga Barbie:

This recently paroled former "Adult Actress" Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, hunting knife, Kingswood with dark tinted windows, and a methlab kit. This model is only available after dark and can only be paid for in cash. Preferably in small, untraceable bills. Unless you are a cop, then we don't know what you are talking about.

Crawley Barbie:

This yuppie Barbie comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Volvo. Included are a Dome travel cup, credit cards, French pedicure and exclusive gym membership. Also available for this set are Real Estate Magnate Ken and Private School Skipper. You won't be able to afford any of them.

Rockingham Barbie:

This pale model comes dressed in her own jeans two sizes too small, oversized Holden t-shirt, and Tweety Bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a six-pack of Bundy & Coke and Cold Chisel CD set. She can spit over 5m and kick mullet-haired Ken's butt when she is drunk. Purchase her custom Torana separately and get a 'Bad Bitch' bumper sticker absolutely free. Also available in single mother variety with matching lycra/flannelette shirt outfit for her visits to the local shopping centre.

Peppermint Grove Barbie:

This collagen injected, rhinoplastic Barbie wears a leopard print bikini, Jimmy Choo slides and drinks cosmopolitans while entertaining friends at her custom, 2,000m² house. Shallow Ken can be found in the cabana making out with Jail Bait Skipper. Valium prescription recommended.

Gosnells Barbie:

This Winnie blue smoking, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased Beer-Gut Ken out of Rockingham Barbie's house. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, and a see-through halter top. Also available with a caravan.

Fremantle Hippy Barbie:

This doll is made of actual tofu. She has long straight brown hair, archless feet, hairy armpits, no makeup, and Birkenstocks with white socks. She prefers that you call her "Willow". May not want or need a Ken doll, but if you purchase two Fremantle Hippy Barbies and the optional Subaru wagon, you get a rainbow flag sticker free. Bonus John Butler CD with every purchase.

Midland Barbie:

This Barbie now comes with a stroller and infant doll. Optional accessories include a MultiRider and Centrelink card. Parole Ken and his XF Falcon were available, but are now very difficult to find since the addition of the infant.

South Perth Barbie:

With frosted blonde hair and a French manicure, she's perfect in every way. We don't know where Ken is because he's always away 'on business' or 'golfing' possibly with East Perth Barbie.

East Perth Barbie/Ken:

This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Ken by simply adding or subtracting the multiple "snap-on" parts.

for those perth residents i'm sure uve had a good laugh. u can sure tell which are the less high class areas and which are the 'bangsar"s of perth.

***

another thing i wanted to blog about is reading other peoples blogs- esp those who you aren't very close to but you just read out of kaypohness.

a few weeks ago someone passed me the link of someone's blog who i knew a few years back. and reading it made me realised how people are so different from when they are theyre blogging selves and when they are in person. same goes with msn and all. prob the fact that u can filter ure expressions and ure initial reaction gives some that freedom.

but i have to say my pet peeve when reading blogs is those blogs that seem to go on and on and on about the same thing. i mean.. get over it! makes u wonder why they put it out there for others to read...

okies.. its all out.. and p/s: wan... here's ure "real" post... :P

false update

2006-07-23T23:37:00.000+08:00

seems about time i posted something again on this, no?

anyway.. this was a random something i came across while blog surfing...

Sammy Wammy --

[noun]:

A person with a taste for acorns

'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

decided to use the name most people call me here... as my *actual* name had quite boring definitions...

is that acorns i see you holding?? *mad possessive glare*

*actual update on its way... hopefully*

what if cartoons were saved?

2006-07-14T02:06:00.000+08:00

wow! another post! this is shocking indeed. anyways.. i came upon this song and i absolutely love it and have to share it!

I was thinkin' the other day,
"What if cartoons got saved?
They'd start singing praise
In a whole new way..."
Yeah, I was thinkin' the other day,
"What if cartoons got saved?
They'd start singing praise
In a whole new way..."

Fred and Wilma Flintstone
Sing "Yabba-dabba-do-lu-yah"
Scooby-doo and Shaggy:
"Scooby-dooby-doo-loo-yah"
And the Jetsons' dog named Astro:
"Rough-ray-roo-loo-yah"

Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtles:
"Cowabunga-loo-yah, Dude!"
Then there's, "Kermit the Frog here, singing,
High-ho-le-loo-yah"
And that little bald guy, Elmer Fudd:
"How-ay-woo-yah"

Oh that big old moose and his friend Rocky,
"Bullwinkle-loo-yah"
And our favourite bear named Yogi,
"Hey, Boo-Boo-loo-ya"
Then there's all those little blue guys
And they'd sing, "Hah-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lay-loo-yah"
How about Beavis and that other guy?
"Nah!!"

Now, there's a point to this looney-tune
I'm not an Anamaniac
But there's a lot of praisin' to do
And cartoons weren't made for that
It's our job
So, let's sing hallelujah

-Cartoons by Chris Rice-

this song beats Jesus You're My Superhero anytime... :)

that 4-letter word...

2006-07-14T00:14:00.000+08:00

sale

whats better than the end-of-financial year sale? the after-the-end-of-the financial year clearance sale of course!

walking through the shopping mall on my way into work and back home is having a damaging effect on my wallet. i like it how the sales here are actually sales... the ones back home are just sad. i mean i can get decent stuff here for under $20!! i know after the conversion and all its not THAT cheap, but imagine if you were working here.. $20 is like.. measely.. but then again.. a couple of $20 here and there and you're as poor as a pauper. *must save money* chants along with jin

to be loved...

2006-07-09T21:06:00.000+08:00

during the sermon today, one thing that ps graham said stood out. it was along the line of if there is anything we can do to earn grace, then its not really grace anymore. and it struck me that god chooses to extend His love and grace to people like me, even when we are weak and broken, and the best thing is that its unconditional, and nothing i can do can take it away. i also remember rob sharing about a sermon he'd listened to, about how God doesn't use those pretty, perfect vessels, but the broken, ugly ones. when i was thinking these things through this song came to mind

Ever patiently accepting me
You love in spite of everything I do
But oh so faithfully
You’re committed to the process that makes me like You

Not when I’m good enough
Not when I clean my act up
Not when I cross that line the thousandth time
And become a better man
Your grace is more than enough
To cover all my sins You washed them away
So right here today
You love me just the way I am

-Just the way I am by Big Daddy Weave-

isn't it just amazing to know that God accepts us just the way we are, all our imperfections included, that He does not need us to clean up our act and get it all together before He can start using us. and the fact that God doesn't compartmentalise us.. "the poor", "the knowledgable", "the hardworking".. but He sees that each and everyone of us is so special.

bumming around guilt free!

2006-07-03T12:07:00.000+08:00

the holidays had started about 2 weeks ago. winter camp came and went. now i have officially nothing to do during my winter break, except, perhaps a few extra days at work.

camp was great. learning again and again that God has the big picture before Him, that all i see is a small fraction. yet i still fret. also knowing that i'm not the only one who struggles with waiting patiently upon God's answers even after much prayer. spending time with fellow brothers and sisters, and having the chance to talk and laugh with them, things we hardly have the chance to do. seeing some people step out of their comfort zones, and learning heaps. indeed, this camp was different.. not to mention the luxurious accomodations with electeic blankets and bathroom heaters. :)

that aside, here i am looking forward to a totally directionless break. spontaneity is the way to go, but its just not me. maybe i should make a list of stuff i SHOULD do.. ie: clean up my post-assignment-mode room.. or maybe i should take it as it goes. see what i feel like doing when i wake up.. oh well..

ooh.. something just popped in my head... went to myer in the city after lunch yesterday.. and i found love.. the new MacBook.. sweet thing that one.. and it costs an arm and a leg too! a whoopping $2400 AUD.. christmas is in 6 months *hint* :P

oh.. and i think i shall go blogskin hunting.. time for a change...

the middle child syndrome

2006-06-21T17:42:00.000+08:00

no.. i don't think i had (or have that problem)... think being the keywod.

anyway, i just watched an episode of full house... no.. its not that korean series that is apparently all the rage back home, its a telly series waaaay back in the 80s, which i remember watching as a kid.

so, this episode i watched was about the middle daughter being felt left out. and at the "inspirational" part of the show [each ep follows a pattern: story-complication-moral/lesson-everything's dandy]. yeap.. its a feel good movie squeezed into 20+ mins every show.. but i digress, as i was saying, stephanie (the middle kid) was being told how special being the one in the middle is:
*she's the only one with a bigger sister AND a younger sister (hah!! bet u older ones and babies of the family can't say that!)
*whatever mistake they did make bringing up the big one would not be repeated one the 2nd.. :P
*the best part of a bologna sandwich is.. nope.. not the bread but the bologna... and same analogy using an oreo cookie (but i personally don't like the cream in the middle that much.)

and so yea, if ure a middle child and have moments when u feel u've been left out or side stepped. remember.. ure the bologna (or whatever your favourite sandwich filling is) in the sandwich! :D

turning twenty

2006-06-16T23:21:00.000+08:00

i think there's an unwritten rule about blogging about one's birthday. it seems like everythime its the writer's birthday, a post-birthday post will follow. hence, i think it my obligation to you, my dear reader, to tell you about this (supposedly) monumental milestone age... im not a teen no more!! *nooooooooo*

a biiig thanks to all your well wishes.. calls from all the way home, smses, msn chats, emails, cards *yay*, tagboard posts etc.. you all make me feel loved (and less lonely)! and yes, jin, i got ure sms.. u can stop hopping now.. :)

so yea... my 20th came and passed. its funny. before that i didn't even feel it coming, until on wednesday when i went to the post office to apply for something, and the lady went through my documents and said "it's your birthday tomorrow!", and i thought "oh, ya! thats right!". birthdays come and birthdays go.. and before you know it the next one's around the bend.. no biggie.. i know, i sound so jaded. its funny how the kids at sunday school are so happy to announce their birthdays, and as we get older.. that excitement fades... i think we become jaded so easily.

that aside, i do think birthdays are a good time to take a look at the year(s) that has passed. and to take stock of everything that has gone on, how things several years ago has brought me to where i am today, choices made etc. i think we can learn so much from hindsight.

in hindsight, we see how God has use every circumstance, every choice, every decision to bring us to where we are at present. though things may have just seem to fall into place, but in hindsight, u see that there's no such thing as coincidence. that every step has been carefully planned by Him. this thought came to me one day as i was showering (as most of my thoughts often do.. weird.. i know).. anyway.. digression.. yar, as i was saying, looking back on how brought me away from home here. He knew that i'd need my sis around, something familiar, to help me adapt to unfamiliar surroundings, knowing how long it would take for me to adept to new things. and he probably gave me these few years with my sister before she enters the never-ending abyss of coupledom.. nooooo (haha... im sure its not THAT bad.. just being overdramatic). and also the fact that He brought me into this city, into this life i now know, to give me this great oppurtunity to be able to serve Him (not that i wouldn;t be able to elsewhere, but it definitely will be different). i also came to realise how He has used this time away from all things familiar to grow me. therefore, i do think that nothing that happens is of chance. that God has everything planned for us. that if we happen to deviate from it, it would just take longer to get to where he wants us to be, but that we will get there eventually (think the Israelites and their 40 years in the desert). yes, now i do think i know what they mean that God has placed me here in this place, in this time and in this season. that even though things may not have seem so clearly planned out, it is!

so yea, i do thank God for drawing me to Him in this stage of my life. for Godly parents who are always there to encourage and offer counsel. wonderful sisters, whose lives display His work. dear dear friends who are always there to listen and to experience this life with. all it takes a bit of retrospect to discover God's hand in everything and how He blesses His children. :)

the origins of street names

2006-06-12T23:47:00.000+08:00

i've been working for a bit more than 2 months for an alternative transport awareness project. this involves looking at maps and finding streets etc. through the process i have come to realise some things about street names (well, in the southern suburbs at least). street names here are so different from those back home. i think developers back home lack some creativity. i mean, jalan 2/25?? they could have just picked a random word from the kamus.. but there probably isn't enough words to go round.. hmmm..

anyway.. back to them street names... there's an area where the streets are named after places in the uk (sussex st, westminister st, canterbury tce); and then there's another area which has an astronomy thing going on (solar st, star st, solar way, galaxy st). see.. even though these street names aren't highly creative.. at least its a word.. not a number/number... ok i'm rambling... but it sorta makes you think how the process of street names come about. i remember in one episode of gilmore girls, the town council decided to take on the original names roads to give them a more small town feel. and the lorelia's inn was on some street that had something or other to do with warts and sore.. revolting no? where the heck do people come up with street names?

hmm.. i think i shall stop my ramblings... this was just a thought that occured to me..

on another note... i STILL cannot believe that japan got a whooping from the socceroos... in the last 10 mins of the game!! goes to show that it ain't over till it's over. i do believe some people may have lost quite a bit of cash on this game.

just one of them posts...

2006-06-03T23:38:00.000+08:00

i have realised my little blog here has laid dormant for quite some time. i guess its that (very rare) time of the year where im buried deep in my assignments and i am totally cut off from the world. anyway.. here's a long overdue update. WARNING: this may turn out to be one of those i-woke-up-this-morning-then-ate-this-then-did-that-kinda post... so if that's not your cup of tea, please move on to the next blog on your blog-reading list... ain't no intellect-stimuli here... YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

anyway, as i was saying... i'm almost halfway through my course.. can't believe how fast time flies... and yeap.. deadlines are drawing close.. just had two massive assignments done, and had 2 and 4 hours sleep before each of those hand-ins respectively... and one of them nights (or early mornings) was spent in my backyard.. in the blistering cold spray-painting and waiting for paint to dry... exciting indeed! having less sleep than usual was not that bad.. considering my classmate slept a total of 0 hours on both nights... oh well, as one of my lecturers put it... welcome to the life of a designer!

so yea.. winter has finally arrived.. marked by a thunderstorm on monday morning and the blistering cold mornings where all you want to do is curl up and sleep and wish that you did not have to go to class for that crucial presentation. life's not always fair is it?

i sound like such a whinger i know... and i also know that i would have got more sleep and be more satisfied with my work if i did not procrastinate as much... *sigh* its a lesson i am yet to learn... but i am thankful that God enabled me to finish the last 2 assignments on time... i guess i should practice self control from my tv show and chinese serials more...

but yea.. so here's my update,, in case some of you were wondering if i am still alive...

2 more assignments and i'm done for the semester!! ooh.. can't wait!! just as tsuen blogged few weeks ago.. just keep swimming...just keep swimming.. (taken from finfing nemo, for the uninformed)

meet rover- the random rolling milkshake/drink maker
was up till the wee hours in the blistering cold watching the paint dry on him

the tell tale signs of winter...

2006-05-22T22:45:00.000+08:00

time flies really really fast, and before i know it, another semester is ending, and winter break is approaching. this got me thinking, there are things everyday that remind me that winter is almost here....

the sky starts getting dark at 5.30 pm, and it is getting increasingly difficult to wake up at 7 am to catch a bus for 8 am classes. snuggling beneath warm covers is just waaay more inviting.
those studying in the nothern hemisphere are preparing to go home (or, for a fortunate some- are alradey home) for the summer break. [northern hemisphere summer=southern hemisphere winter, comprende?]
the end of the semester is looming... 3 assignments due in 2 weeks *shudder* and another week for an essay... *takes in deep breath*
its crunch time for everyone.. no matter which hemisphere.. everyone's facing end of semester exams... hence explaining the sparse blog updates in cyberspace...
winter-friendly foods are going cheap in supermarkets every week- soups, hot drinks etc.
winter sales!!! muahahaha... all the pretty jackets going on sale *must... not.. splurge...*
all the talk of going home over the break... which is not too far away... how nice....
the rain is beginning to come back... days are getting gloomier... and im feeling inclined to sleep more.. hmmm... winter=hibernation.. mebbe thats why we get a whole month off!

yeap, thats all i can think of. so autumn's slowly ending, and winter's coming... along with the rains, amd the muttering under the breath of having to drag myself out of bed. but i do think that i should be thankful to be able to experience all 4 seasons (albeit the snowy winters), better than nothing i guess. indeed, i am blessed! :)

[Insert appropriate title here]

2006-05-14T00:35:00.000+08:00

happy birthday to you!
happy birthday to you!
happy birthday to....

... my teman during the walks to the bus stop after college, and the loooooong waits for that blasted putra lrt bus!
... my fellow specialist-maths conquerer... we actually passed!! can u believe it!!! and we made top 10% for TER.. muahahahaha *pats ourselves on back*
... my fellow co-conspiritor in "the book"- the ultimate love story.. haha... good times
... the only person who is sane enough to carry out several hours-long MSN conversations with me in bm... we tried hanyu pinyin ones.. but didnt really jadi... we shall attempt that one again
... the person i got to test out video calling with.. it was totally cool.. no?? :P
... the person everyone should stay away from after she consumes cupious amounts of choc/cookies/ice-cream/soft drink (or any other form of glucose)... proceed with caution!!
... the utter perfectionist-bordering on OCD- all her pencils in her pencil case face one direction.. she can draw a straight line without a ruler... liquid paper is her lifesaver (no strikeouts, mind you!)... and so so much more!

yeap! thats my ah ma!

happy birthday to you!! :)

also, a happy mother's day to my mummy!

thank You God for my mummy. for the words of encouragement she gives from Your word, Lord. for the wisdom and strength that can only come from You. for being patient, for being my personal prayer warrior :).
thank You God for keeping mummy safe thus far, and for guiding her through everything, and for making her who she is today. for the laughter she brings to us, for bearing with 3 always-bickering yet sometimes wacky girls.
thank You God, for my mummy! my mummy who is fond of ducks, who cannot stand our messy rooms, who cannot stand a speck of dust, who wakes us up early to go breakfasting with her, who has loads of caffeine in her system everyday, who always wants only whats the best for us. thank You God, for showing Your love to us through her!
may God continue to bless you and watch over you mummy, as you look forward to this new phase in your life! amen!

i love you mummy!! *big hug* :)

shock horror! ... yet another (shocking) online discovery

2006-05-04T23:58:00.000+08:00

google is an amazing tool.. in case you guys didnt already know that.. too bad they dont have all of their applications for macs.. but i digress.. yea.. so as i was saying.. i decided to google my alma mater.. MCKL (or wesley methodist school *bleargh*)... dunno wat possessed me.. mebbe its all the MC nostalgia wan has been injecting into her posts and everyone's tag board.. hmm... yead.. so.. 1st shocking discovery- they actually DO have a website!! (i think if ure not an MCian you wouldnt know wat a big deal this is.. but yea..it actually does function quite well)

yes.. so.. onto 2nd shocking discovery- see right, they have the list academic of staff, and pn. faridah was the oldest staff member!! even longer than mrs bala! oh and also, zabedah has been teaching in mc for 10 years! thats freaking long.. longer than mr. chiang!! its like in ocf.. where members who have been around for 3 or more years are called dinos... then fossils .. then natural gas.. (according to how long you've been around) and yea.. u get the picture.. so yea... 26 years is like phwoar!

so yea.. i started.. and was more intigued.. the philosophy and history and acamdemic achievement bits were a bore... and then... they had pictures from sports day... images... along with my 3rd and 4th shocking discovery- 3rd: the cheerleaders actually had proper cheerleading uniforms... well... the last i saw our schoold "cheerleaders", their uniform consisted of black shirts and trackies if im not mistaken.. so yea.. this was indeed a surprise..

cheerleaders... in actual uniforms! :O

and then my 4th discovery: the librarians and monitors (upper form ones i assume) have blazers.. not just ANY blazer... horrific maroon and brown colour (respectively) ones... at first i looked at this pic then thought.. eh.. apa ni?

(top pic) see in the far left corner.. maroon blazers.. with matching maroon ties.. that could only be... the librarians!
(bottom pic) see the girl holding the wilayah persekutuan flag.. brown blazer.. with brown tie.. that would make her.. u guessed it! a monitor!! oh.. and notice they've got boy scouts too!

gone were the days where blazers were a prefects-exclusive thing.. now everyone has one!

ooh... and the icing on the cake... the ultimate school experience to bring all the memories flooding back... *drumroll*

tiny lil things (the susceptible lower sec students) in white trackies.. with the most awful looking tops.. along with ridiculous prop of the year... that could only mean... THE "OPENING CEREMONY" PERFORMANCE!!

now... no MC experience is ever complete without being part of the "opening ceremony" performance... haha... narendra and all the work she put us through!

hope you fellow MCians had a great time walking down memory lane with me! go check out the webbie yourself!

p/s: click on the pics to view images in their full glory.. esp the horrendous outfit one! :P

the man in my life

2006-04-30T23:48:00.000+08:00

so.. apparently (according to my dear dear friends.. or so i thought.. ivy and banana), i have fallen head over heels for a hk-hip hop-bling bling wearing-kawasaki riding- ah beng footballer named shining pong. yes.. we met at one of his footy games, and instantly connected.. and we rode off into the sunset on his kawasaki.

i'm sorry i've been hiding it from all of you for so long. it was meant to be a surprise u see.. but those 2 had to go and blurb it all over my chatterbox.. *sigh* how will i ever trust them again..

just wanted to update you guys, in case you went to my chatterbox and wondered what all that nonsense is about.

p/s: if you guys wanna know how the whole madness began, you can click on the little book icon above the chatterbox... its pretty self-explanatory from there..

jie look! it really does exist

2006-04-25T22:25:00.000+08:00

i got this email from ben just a few minutes ago, and the title read: "A Store Selling Husbands". the first thing that came to my mind was one (among gazillions) of the wacky conversations my sister and i have when we are high/bored/in crazy stupid mode.

i think it started with us asking my cousin sister what she wanted for her christmas pressie, and to which she replied a guy. so we said ok, we'll go the the guy supermarket, where they stock all kinds of guys, of which at least one would be to your liking. frozen, canned, instant, u name it, they've got it, asian, aussie, eurasian... they stock it... and on and on it went. (disclaimer: we do not talk like this on a regular basis, it was just.. one of those moments.. you know..)

so yea.. back to the email, here was an excerpt ( is that the right spelling? oh well!):

WELCOME TO THE HUSBAND STORE:

A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City, where a woman may go to choose a husband.
Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates.
You may visit the store ONLY ONCE!
There are six floors! and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights.
There is, however, a catch...you may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building! except to exit the building!

so yea! they really do exist.. wel.. not the way we had visualised it.. but heck!

this post really has no actual point.. yes.. it is totally pointless... i just found the email amusing and coincidental.. here's the rest of that email... didnt put it up there just now cos it sort of veers off my intended topic (if there was one to begin with..) towards the end..

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband...
On the first floor the sign on the door reads:
Floor 1: These men have jobs and love the Lord.
The second floor sign reads:
Floor 2: These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.
The third floor sign reads:
Floor 3: These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids and are extremely good looking.
"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.
She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:
Floor 4: These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead good looking and help with the housework.
"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"
Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:
Floor 5: These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.
She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads:
Floor 6: You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please.
Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!

so yea... this ends my oh-so-pointless post!

amazing discoveries in cyberspace

2006-04-21T01:15:00.000+08:00

so.. i just discovered that Phases, the magazine published by scripture union that i used to read year an year ago has been revived and is now in cyberspace! yea.. so i popped on over.. and it was awesome! it feels to good to read something that's actually contemparary and non-trashy and edifying as well! and yea.. so i came to this page and i dicovered this gem.. ship-of-fools.com

they had this section where people who sign up as mystery worshippers would go around churches worldwide and give feedback on their services etc. among the churches they visited were paradise community church in sa, trinity methodist in pj and even a church in bethlehem..
here was one i found interesting

Cross Island Chapel, Oneida, New York, USA.

this church is said to be the world's smallest. it's 51"x81", and has 4 seats and a pulpit, talk about close fellowship! and its only accessible by boat! now that's something u don't hear of every other day!

and then there was also this section entitled gadgets for God. hadn't had much time to browse through, but i had a look at the newly discovered merchandise. the hilariousness is not so much in the absurdity of the product, but the product description (in italics) that comes along with it and these are my favourites:

iBelieve Lanyard

At last – your iPod Shuffle can now be born again! Simply remove your existing, non-believing Shuffle cap and snap in place the t-shaped iBelieve cap, and lo! your Shuffle is instantly transformed into a giant, white cross. Sanctify that Shuffle for just $12.95! Ideal for listening to Black Sabbath tracks during church services.

now doesn't that want to go out an get one to convert your sinful, unbelieving iPod Shuffles?? :P

Wait Wear

Teens everywhere just love Wait Wear. Once they've decided they want to save themselves for marriage, they buy some suitably chaste undies from Wait Wear which proudly proclaim: "No Vows No Sex", or "I'm Saving It!", or "Traffic Control: Wait for Marriage". Then, when their boyfriend or girlfriend asks why they're all reluctant, they can simply unzip their jeans and let their underwear do the talking.
May we humbly suggest a new slogan for their passion-free panties? "If You're Reading This, I've Changed My Mind About That Abstinence Thing."

the description says it all. now wouldn't these underwear be heaps of help...

Talking Jesus Action Figure

Herobuilders.com of Connecticut, USA, have announced the addition of a new hero to their ranks of action dolls – "the ONLY real hero," in fact. Standing fully 12" tall, the Jesus Christ Action Figure comes with an optional microchip, which enables him to declaim the 10 Commandments in the sort of American accent you hear on the movie trailers.

Now Jesus can stand proud alongside the other heroes celebrated by herobuilders.com. There's the heroic George Bush Action Figure for example. And the "Talking British Ally" doll, bearing the familiar features of Tony Blair. Yes indeed. Jesus has at last joined the War on Terror, on the side of the good guys.

hmm.. controversial.. but all in the name of good humour..

so.. anyone of u got some brilliant gift ideas for christmas this year??

in Christ alone

2006-04-17T14:43:00.000+08:00

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

In Christ Alone // Stuart Townshend

we sang this song in church yesterday.
was reminded onf how because of Christ's death on that cross, we have the strength, the power to face anything that's thrown at us. that on our own. we can do nothing.
thank you, God for paying that ultimate price!

ooo.. and as you can see.. i hv revamped my site! complete by parachute band is such a lovely song.. u guys should go hv a listen here!
soeey for the disappeared posts for that short while.. noob at htmling u see!

the line that defines

2006-04-15T21:30:00.000+08:00

there are so many grey areas in life. sometimes u cross that line, and u risk hurting someone, dont cross it and you end up in internal conflict... we human beings (or most of us) aren't made like computers, where its on-off, yes-no etc.

where do you draw the line between indifference and being overly concerned?
where do you draw the line between being over-analytical and taking things at face-value?
where do you draw the line between jugding and admonishing?
where oh where?

sometimes makes you wish we were programmed like computers now doesn't it? but where would the fun in that be?

we all go around searching for answers.. we search high and low, not realising that the answer is there all the while, in the evening breeze, in the rising and setting sun.. they all tell us that there IS someone who holds all the answers... the all-knowing God.. its just a matter of whether we want to trust Him to reveal them to us.. to take hold of His hand and let Him guide us through all the uncertainties.. it is hard to let go of selfish pride and let go of the reins.. but if only we could see the joy and peace that comes from trusting!

and i've found the perfect song that resonates these uncertainties...

Here I am
In a river of questions
Can I pour my heart out to a listening ear?
I see this life
Its valley's and mountains
And I think of all the roads that brought me here

I've questioned my reasons
The life I'm living
I've questioned my ability
To judge wrong from right
I've questioned all the things that I've ever called certain
My race, my religion, my country, my mind

But the one thing I don't question is you
You really love me like you say you do
You really love me like you say you do
Hold me
Hold me

I've questioned significance
Meaning and relevance
Does the work I'm doing really matter at all?
Well I've questioned my friendships
Alliance, dependence
Who will still be here when I fall?

Only one thing doesn't change
Only one thing stays the same
All I know at the end of the day is your love remains

- the one thing by Paul Colman

to know that there is one constant in life, that is God and His amazing love for us, should be comfort enough in this life where uncertainties and questions abound.

the things that make you think

2006-04-10T00:45:00.000+08:00

was watching the most recent episode of ne tree hill. it was so emotional *sniffles*

it made me wanna go and hug my best friend...

but she's miles and miles away... in a completely different continent!

so here's my virtual hug *biiiiiig hug*. love you and missing you ivy lee.. :)

see you in christmas!

perspective...

2006-04-09T17:31:00.000+08:00

i was about to write a post to whinge about my life, my work and everything in general. but then a song that we sang in church today played on my itunes. and i was reminded of the service, and the sermon. it's funny how when tragedy happens to someone else, all my problems suddenly seem so minute. i cannot even start to imagine how life would be for the husband who lost his soulmate all of a sudden, or the kids, who will have little or no memory of their mother.

things like this make you all the more thankful for what you do have. a loving family, friends who are there for support all the time, and the promise that He will always be there. God, in His infinite wisdom also knows full well what i can and cannot bear. God knows what would happen if something like that happened to me... would i be mature to say that "it is well with my soul"? i don't know, really.

but yea, my problems have been put in perspective, not to say that it is too trivial for God to deal with, but knowing that with all that God has given , i am in no position to whine and grumble. it's always easy to say "count your blessings" but more often than not i ten to focus on what i do not have. i thank God for this reminder of always acknowledging what we have in Him.

random update..

2006-04-08T02:05:00.000+08:00

... the first of many more to come.. seeing as how my thoughts float around my head like how gas particles float around in a closed container (read:random).. yes i still remember my physics.. thank you! thank you! *takes a bow*

anyways... was mucking around with my camera.. and photoshop.. seeing as i havent been using either much.. and these things were lying around... and then.. *sudden stroke of inspiration*

there is a story behind the apple that was lying around my study table ok!
yar.. i have re-joined the working masses.. and this time round.. i do more than just sitting in front of a PC scanning stuff.. i have to go from door to door to do surveys.. and in the 2 rounds of door-knocking, i have encountered a myriad of characters..

it is funny how some people can seem so friendly outside be so cold inside. they wouldn't even let me explain that i am not SELLING anything... even though the person who slammed the door shut on me was a total stranger.. it left a sort of sourness...

then on the other end are the "dao" looking ones who are so very very hospitable. i was invited into the house.. seated down and even given a nice cold drink! (cold drinks are always welcome... its freaking hot in the afternoons! i think i'm sunburnt!) anyway.. i digress.. so yea.. and here's where the apple comes in.. this chinese lady.. who looked really steely.. u know like how a typical school teacher would look like.. she answered my questions and blah blah blah.. then when i was done she asked if i wanted lunch.. if i wanted a bottle of water.. both to which i declined.. paiseh mah.. but she insisted i not leave empty handed and gave me an apple and a few cherry guavas she planted (they were yummy... think ripe guavas the size of cherry tomatoes...) and yea.. believe it or not she's malaysian! we arent that rude after all!

so yea... looks really can be deceiving.. and for those who wax lyrical about how foreigners are so much friendlier than malaysians... please dont generalise and group us all as cold, heartless people who are out to get your money..

oh my goodness.. i dont even know if my post was even coherent at all..
oh well!

oh ya... my inspiration to take the pic of the apple next to me mac was from debbie.. cos she calls all apple appliances ping guo.. which is also what i named the picture! i know.. my creativity knows no bounds!

my friend, the idiot box

2006-04-01T16:25:00.000+08:00

here's something i got off my bewhy's blog (italics are my response to it)
[edit: its a poem by roald dahl.. dont we all just love him?]

The most important thing we've learn
As far as children are concerned
Is never, never, never let
Them near your television set
Or better still, just don't install
The idiotic thing at all.

idiotic?? how dare he?? haha.. a bit melodramatic.. but come on.. the TV does have its functions... right?? i do think idiotic is a bit too harsh.. anyway.. moving on..

In almost every house we've been
We've watched them gaping at the screen
They loll and slop and lounge about
And stare until their eyes pop out
They sit and stare and stare and sit
Until they're hypnotized by it

"you are feeling very sleepy... give me your money... give me your money..." well.. that IS what advertising is in a nutshell.. i think i should retreat to my hideaway.. lest i get stoned to death by all advertisiers out there.. and to think i did an essay on corporate hacks in favour of the designer.. im such a hypocrite...

Oh yes, we know it keeps them still
They don't climb out the window sill
They never fight or kick or punch
They leave you free to cook the lunch
And wash the dishes in the sink

who needs super nanny when we have the good ol' telly??

But did you ever stop to think
To wonder just exactly what
This does to your beloved tot?

It rots the senses in the head!
It kills imagination dead!
It clogs and clutters up the mind!
It makes a child so dull and blind
His brain becomes as soft as cheese!
His power of thinking rust and freeze!
He cannot think-He only sees!

oh dear oh dear... is that what is to become of my brain? (or whatever's left of it after the whole bm saga) i'm gonna be a stuttering incomprehensible being even befor i reach 30!!

"Allright! you'll cry."All right!" you'll say
But if you take the set away
What shall we do to entertain
Our darling chidren! Please explain!"
We'll answer this by asking you
"What did the darlings used to do?
How did they keep themselves contented
Before this monster was invented?"

monster? it is NOT a monster.. or at least i refuse to believe so.. it has educational purposes too okay?? this is like one of those bm karangans where you have to write about the kebaikans of the tv.. hmm.. bm karangan.. *blog topic idea coming on*.. hmmm *rusty wheels in head due to excessive tv-watching start spinning* (they do work indeed!! but for how long??)

Have you forgotten? Don't you know?
We'll say it very loud and slow
They.....used.....to....read!
They read and read and read and read ,
And then proceed to read some more.

really? did they really? i thought they went disco-ing.. and butterfly catching... and masak-masaking.. no meh? or mebbe its just the msians.. since some survey did show that msians hardly read... its the culture!! its not my fault my books have been collecting dust!! (lazy people are so good at blaming others...) i think my mummy's eye's will go wide when she reads this "whaaat???"

so... the conclusion of the matter.. i am not giving up my telly! no matter what you say!! i'd resign to the fact that it may make me as idiotic as itself one day.. but i'd have that over the withdrawal symptoms any day!

DISCLAIMER:
sam does have a life and tv-watching isn't the only thing she does. and her dependence of it isn't that significant. REALLY.

To my dear reader

2006-03-30T20:42:00.000+08:00

i apologise gravely for my temporary lapse of sanity during the previous post.
i apologise for the distress that i have caused you, my dear reader, for the horrigible bm u had to endure.
i hereby promise not to undertake a similar task in the near future.
i cannot however guarantee that future posts will be written in sound mind.

regretfully yours,
sam

mari saya cubakan

2006-03-27T23:47:00.000+08:00

setelah berchet selama bejam-jam dengan xin yi dalam bahasa melayu di msn, dan setelah membaca cubaan jia ling untuk berblog dalam bahasa melayu, saya telah mendapat inspirasi untuk menulis pos saya ini dalam bahasa nasionalku.

oleh kerana saya tidak dapat fikir apa-apa topik untuk diblogkan, saya telah menggunakan satu laluan singkat, iaitu menyiapkan tag ini yang telah diberi saya oleh kaka sepupu saya.

SEKOLAH LAMA

BERAPAKAH SEKOLAH PERNAH KAMU PERGI?

1. Tadika Calvary
2. Tadika Antarabangsa Taman (Garden International School- Kindy)
3. Tadika Sayang-sayang (memag itu namanya!)
4. SRJK (C) Chi Man
5. Kolej Methodist Kuala Lumpur (sekarang dinamakan Sekolah Wesley Methodist)
6. Kolej Taylor's
7. Universiti Teknologi Curtin

ADAKAH SAYA NERD YANG SUKA BELAJAR, ATAU WIRA MINIT TERAKHIR?

ini sukar sikit. ada ketika yang saya amat malas dan tak siapkan kerja rumah semasa di sekolah rendah. tapi apabila masuk sekolah tinggi, ada disiplin sikit. semasa menegah tinggi plagarasi berlaku dengan berleluasa. tapi i masih pelajar baik ada baca buku teks and membuat revisi masa peperiksaan.

sekarang di uni saya berprokrastinat banyak, dan banyak kali tidak tidur sampai awal pagi menyiapkan projek. bolehlah kata amat minit terakhir sikit...

ADAKAH SAYA 'TAIKO' KELAS ATAU MURID KESAYANGAN CIKGU?

bukan taiko, tapi bukan murid kesayangan juga. mungkin kerana kelas saya sangat demokratik. semua pun berbaik-baik.. dan sangat beramah (?) dengan cikgu-cikgu.

APA PERATURAN TERBESAR YANG SAYA TELAH MELANGGAR DI SEKOLAH?

aiya.. saya ini murid baik, mana ada melangga peraturan punya?

kalau nak kata, saya korek sikit la.. er.. saling bertukaran vcd dvd dan cd dengan kawan, tulis dengan liquid paper di dalam laci, meninggalkan buku dalam laci walaupun tidak dibenarkan dan menyembunyikan buku di bilik guru semasa ada spot check (pn. bala dan cik zabedah memang bersporting)... baik saya henti kat sini... nanti orang anggap saya ni budak samseng!

3 MATA PELAJARAN (atau kelas) YANG SAYA MINATI:

1. Kimia: semasa menengah tinggi dan di kolej- eksperimen yang kul (cool) dan cikgu yang membuatkan proses membelajar menyeronokkan
2. BM: semasa tkt 5- kerana ia seperti masa lapang.. tidak buat apa-apa produktif.. patutlah tak dapat a utk spm *malu*
3. warna dan tekstur: semester 2 tahun 1 uni- lekturer yang amat berpengetahuan dan aktiviti kelas serta kerja projek yang menarik

3 ORANG CIKGU YANG TELAH MENGINSPIRASIKAN SAYA AKAN MENGINGATI SELAMANYA

1. Pn. Bala: guru kelas saya semasa tkt 3 yang telah menyelamatkan kita dpd diajar oleh seorang cikgu sains lagi yang menyakutkan. biliknya telah menjadi tempat lepak kita semasa waktu rehat. beliau juga mempunyai (passion) belajar and telah membuat proses pembelajaran kurang membosankan.
2. Pn. Narendra: guru PJK dan ekonomi rumah tangga saya semasa menengah rendah. suara nyaringnya akan tinggal dalam minda saya untuk selama-lamanya. *menggigil ketakutan* sekarang apabila saya tonton acara lompat jauh di tv saya akan mengingati teknik yang diajarnya "mengayuh dalam udara!" lucu sial!
3. En. Yong dan Cik Wong: saya tahu soalan in hanya minta 3 orang, tapi saya menggroupkan dua orang cikgu ini, lekturer saya semasa kursus SAM di kolej. lekturer fizik dan kimia saya. mereka telah membuatkan saya minat pada dua-dua subjek ini, dan mereka begitu ramah dengan kita. waktu saya di kolej memang seronok dengan kehadiran mereka

SIAPAKAH YANG AKAN SAYA MENGETAG?

1. JiaLing
2. Shin
3. GianWan
4. AndrewPereira
5. HoSek
6. Tsuen (jika kau masih membaca blog saya)
7. Jin (bagilah eksepsi ini dan pulang ke sfera-blog hanya untuk seketika.. (: )
8. sesiapa yang ingin melatih menggunakan bahasa melayu untuk berblog :P

DISKLEMER:
*proses menulis pos ini telah memakan masa dua kali ganda berbanding dengan biasa dan otak saya telah digunakan ke kapasiti maksimumnya
*sesetengah perkataan adalah ciptaan sendiri dan tidak akan didapati dalam kamus dewan

[and that was my lame attempt at blogging in BM, for those who did not understand a single word and feel left out, sorry, but i decided i'd practice my long gone BM after talking to xin and mh and sekteng in bm on msn.. it was fun.. but just too tiring!]

bring on the jackets!

2006-03-24T00:12:00.000+08:00

the weather has finally took a turn for the better! it was actually cold and windy today! what a lovely change... no more slapping on sunblock and readying yourself for the sweltering heat out! (well, for the next few days at least) but i shall make the most of it..

***

studying the book of Genesis has been full of marvellous discoveries.. reading it for yourself and not some edited children's bible version.. or exerpts of the book really does shed a whole new light on God's wonderful hand in creation, and His initial plan for mankind.. how he intended to give the whole world to us (literally). it is just mind-boggling at times, to know that we are such precious beings in His sight.

also, i had this notion when i was a kid that when eve ate the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, it was sorta like snow white when she bit the apple that witch gave her. but it was not the fruit that brought sin into their being, but it was actually their act of disobedience that caused it. and even after that, God still sought them out, and made a way so that they could be redeemed. now isn't that awfully merciful and gracious.. and awesome?

indeed there are so many things that i have discovered anew from these opening chapters of the book.. despite me rushing my bsf homework all the time.. i think the new insights i gain each time is worth all the time!

***

today has been an extremely tiring day.. sorta a lead up from the past few days.. been working on building a prototype.. and been up to my waist in cardboard for the past 2 days.. and had a full day in uni.. 8-5.30 class followed by helping out at the ocf stall for the harmony in diversity carnival. was thinking of whinging about it, but i remembered this song..

On a day like this I want to crawl beneath a rock
A million miles from the world, the noise, the commotion
That never seems to stop

And on a day like this I want to run away from the routine
Run away from the daily grind that can suck the life
Right out of me
I know of only one place I can run to…

Chorus:
I want to hide in You
The Way, the Life, the Truth
So I can disappear
And love is all there is to see
Coming out of me
And You become clear
As I disappear

I don’t want to care about earthly things
Be caught up in all the lies that trick my eyes
They say it’s all about me
I’m so tired of it being about me…

I would rather be cast away
Separated from the human race
If I don’t bring You glory

-Disappear by Bebo Norman

and yea.. i'm reminded yet again that in all i do its for God's glory.. not my own.. that was the purpose for which i was made. such beautiful words in that song.. and timely too.. God will give me strength to pull thru, as He always has...

the controversy of it all

2006-03-15T10:21:00.001+08:00

2 updates in less than 24 hrs? this must be a record indeed.. but i stumbled upon this video and had to share it.

it's called "brokeback mountain-christian edition" did i just see some eyebrows raised and some alarm bells going off? just watch it for yourself.. and remember.. it is after all a parody..

to play without hiccups, click play first then pause and let the video finish loading. then play again. enjoy!

what's in a song

2006-03-14T23:33:00.000+08:00

been meaning to do this post for quite a bit of time, but never found a time to sit down and type it out.

its amazing how songs can help you jog back long forgotten things of the past. i remember asking sam lim if she thought in songs.. u know, how hearing a word can trigger a song. well, some songs do trigger memories of certain events or people. here's what i can think of so far:

we could be in love by lea salonga and brad kane
i remember pui li telling me she rediscovered this song.. brings me back to the days i was over at her place ever so often (not as frequent as xin.. but still).. miss hanging around there.. she'll be home for christmas anyway.. so yay!

any slow tempo songs from the 60s till 90s (think superwoman by karyn white, frank sinatra, bette midler.. i think u get the drift)
flashbacks of riding in daddy's car.. fighting over the radio channels.. anything but LIGHT & EASY, PLEASEEEE!! haha... and how we would wait for a malay or crappy song so daddy would opt for the more "in-between" mix fm.. ahh.. good times.. and how becks' eyes would go saucer-wide when daddy would sing along to a uber old song.. or even more shocking.. mummy singing along!

i've finally found someone by barbara streisand and bryan adams
the last night of c2g camp in may, seok ying and li's room. may was stuck while writing one of the notes to a certain someone, and suddenly broke out into this song, full of emotion. hmm.. dunno if i should be divulging this, but i dunno if i'll ever see them again (li.. definitely.. but the other 2.. hmm) so yea.. have to immortalise them. those 8 days were great with your company!

i'll be there by jackson 5
me, pui li and anna's song during the mc days. i have blogged about this one before and so it does not need much elaboration..

last kiss by pearl jam
the first song anna taught me to play on guitar! although i have flushed it all down the drain due to lack of practice (*hangs head in shame* sorry banana!).. i dont think i actually really got it.. and my fingertips hurt after trying for several hours.. but it was good fun.. plus.. we had nth to do post pmr (i think) anyway...

my redeemer lives, everyday, king of majesty, here i am to worship, and many more hillsong songs before 2002/03
brings me back to the days of morning chapel and cf back in mc. i did miss having daily worship sessions when i moved on into college. i think there was this effect of having a praise or worship son playing in your head throughout the day. some days it can be reassuring, some days it can be encouraging.

fame, and the songs from the musical
watching my first live stage muscical. watching it with pui li, and missing the first song.. definitely was worth every sen! i think watching these shows live help you remember the scenes more vividly, u tend to connect the song to the scene.. and it all comes flooding back.. thats the magic of theatre!

bee gees songs from saturday night fever
catching the show with gian wan and paying much less for the best seats in the house. once again, it was awesome! the company.. the show.. everything

crown him with many crowns, holy holy holy and various other hymns
hymns i dub as becks' absolute favourites! her face lights up everytime its being played/is sung. really, those at home.. try it.. and see what reaction u get out of her! :P

tragedy by the bee gees
the 3 little pigs performance during winter camp last yr. classic! will probably be remembered for a long time to come..

gloria by paul colman
attending church together last year. i've never been to such a massive church event. and to see so many children of God gathered in the heart of the city is an amazing sight altogether. it shows that even tho we may be diverse denominations wise, we are all united in Christ. and paul colman performed at the end, gloria was one of the songs among several others he performed.

one love by blue
a certain live performance by someone.. haha.. and ben and debbie creating a theme song for esthey.. "esthey is all we need"... *dissolves into hysterical laughter*

unwell by matchbox 20
pui li's song when insomnia strikes.. "all night hearing voices telling me that i should get some sleep".. hmm.. *cheeky grin*

just thought of a few more before drifting off into sleep last night (or rathe early this morning)

hanson (the mmmbop era)
jia ling and her undying love for taylor hanson. but i think (or hope..) that she has since moved on since he is already married (and not to mention his hair's not as long and nice as she liked it anymore) hmm.. that came out sounding a bit odd.. sorry mary! :P

any bsb song before their recent comeback
esthey's heartfelt renditions during our karaoke session in sg. i think it shocked all of us... but we all had a good time, no?

any jay chou song ever produced
ruthie and her undying love for everything jay chou. and of course her expert impersonation of him singing/mumbling. no one can do it better than ruthie i dont think.. :D

i'm sure there are many many other songs that have marked significant events or bear memories of certian people in my life thus far, they're just within the dark recesses of my failing memory and will probably surface when that certain song is played.

***

sent ming and li-na off on sunday afternoon. who would've thought that their presence in just one year of my life could make such an impcat. it was great having these 2 around, great company and wonderful friends. indeed life here would never be the same (can imagine ming's head swelling.. :P) all the best in the future guys! see u when i'm home.

dont know if this was ironic or not but goodbye by spice girls was playing on debbie's ipod on our way back from the airport. definitely apt for the situatiom, dontcha think? yet another memory to attatch to a song...

[edit: i do believe that was the longest post i've written to date.. *pat on back*]
[to reader: hope i did not cause those keyboard imprints on your forehead.. oops..]

bad news.. :(

2006-03-07T17:17:00.000+08:00

was watching telly just now *surprise* they had the highlights for the evening news..

and guess what? ian thorpe wont be able to swin in the commonwealth games! noooo!! and grant hackett isnt in this time either.. and there's no michael phelps since US is not a commonwealth nation... so.. as my sis put it (rather dramatically).. there's no reason to watch swimming anymore!

haha.. just wanted to post something random..

[edit: this whole posting with ny dashboard widget thing is way cool.. limited.. but still cool!]

ta-ta

back to the grind.

2006-03-06T22:34:00.000+08:00

you know, some people may hate the thought of having a routine. they think that monotony is NOT a way of life.

however, there are times when you need a set routine to get things going. a familiar load of work or activities to help you feel at ease (and not as if you are wasting your life away.)

well, the new semester has started. last week i still felt like i was on holiday. then later in the week, the work came pouring in study calendar after study calendar outlining due dates and assesments. and then on fri night, there came the first public meeting for ocf. and from then on, it felt like i had got my routine going already. doing my work and all. i think nothing feels better than knowing that your time is not wasted on something utterly useless (like hour after hour of tv shows.. hmm..)

so.. maybe going back to the grind is not such a bad thing after all. it keeps me occupied. too much excitement and uncertainty might after all, be bad for the heart (over-pumping and all). i guess as in all things in life, we have to find that balance *life lessons from esthey*- sorry.. digression.. but yea.. whatever works! watever keeps me from bumming and rotting away can't be all that bad.. or maybe its just the excitement of a new semester... lets see how it all is when the novelty wears off...

***

on another note.. went crabbing on fri nite/sat morning. (crabbing is an activity where we catch crabs.. for the uninformed).. it was hard work spotting them, but great fun! becks was a wonderful partner and great company in the darkness of night. we caught 19 crabs in all (more if we didnt let some get away!).. but it was satisfying... and so was the dinner... crabs.. *yum*

***

so yea.. there's my update for now.. be back the next time inspiration hits. (happy? sekteng and minghong? now uve got something to keep u occupied for 2 minutes

are those cobwebs i see?

2006-02-27T22:24:00.000+08:00

hmm.. it seems ages since i have blogged, yet it has only been about a week plus since my last post. somehow time seems to have went past real slow. had loads of stuff to keep me occupied. new people coming in and all.

last week at summer retreat i remember sharing with some people on how i forsee the year ahead to be very different from the one before. and i have come to realise that this would be the pattern for the next few years. how change would be inevitable. how the people i have come to know over the past year are going to move on, going to move away etc. and one thing i know is, i am not very adaptable to change. i take so long to get comfortable with something, and all of a sudden the rug is swept from under my feet, and my world is sent into a spin.

however, i have also come to realise that God has it all in His hands. that with the departure/absence of familiar faces come the beginning of closer bonds with not-so-familiar faces. so yea, i do look forward to the year, albeit with a bit of apprehension, but i have learnt, that indeed with God's help, i will be able to cope.

while on the topic of new beginnings, today marked the beginning of 2nd year for me. there seem to be loads more asian students this time around. my schedule seems much free-er this time around. i need a job. or more like i need/want a job. time to get on my knees once again.

okies. thats about all the updates from me for now. till the next time i feel like dusting the collecting dust off my blog... toodles!

it's back!

2006-02-18T14:19:00.000+08:00

afdlin shauki's blog is the place to go for latest updates on the malaysian theatre scene.

and it's there that i discovered that actorlympics is back next week (although i remember anna mentioning it to me vaguely), and also that puteri gunung ledang the musical was a huge hit an all the tickets have been sold out (who would've thought? a big scale malaysian musical!)

but alas, i could not catch pgltm while i was back, and will not be there for actorlympics.. those of u who can catch it.. go!

*points to second postcard* look! douglas lim is in the cast this time... how cool is that?

*sigh* no malaysian theatre for another 11 months...

looking up

2006-02-17T22:42:00.000+08:00

i decided to cast a glance into the night sky, and i remembered one of the things i missed about perth... the sparkling, shiny stars..

it's not like we don't see stars in kl.. but being the "city" perth is, when the sky is dark, you can see big stars in the clear dark night sky, not the specks of white one spots off and on through the clouds in kl..

*sigh* stars.... :)

strange feeling...

2006-02-16T21:10:00.000+08:00

it feels funny how one can call 2 places home..

yes, ive just touched down today. and being on the streets of perth does have a sort of familiarity to it, as if it had been my home for years. it does seem strange how i have become attached to this home of mine for 10 out of 12 months of the year. not just the streets, but also my house, my room..

it is also strange how when i am here in perth, i think of my home sweet home in kl, with the warmth of my family; and then when i am back home in kl, how i miss my life over here in the land down under..

i guess the grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side huh?

***

on another note, the week's been a pretty hectic one.. last minute shopping/packing/meeting up.

i would like to thank all the brothers and sisters in Christ who were there to witness my big step in faith, and thanks to those who sent me encouragement smses as well. indeed i am blessed. god has placed such wonderful people in church who are genuinely excited for me, now that's the love of God!

***

so.. here's to another year ahead. uni is bound to be busy, but i can't wait to see what i get to do this time around!

here's to another year of experiencing the Father's faithfulness, His provision, and the joy of doing His work! :)

testing....

2006-02-09T14:46:00.000+08:00

i just changed my skin.. and added some stuff.. but it doesnt seem to show up!

why oh why? this is frustrating!!

***

on another note, i was suffering another bout of insomnia the other night (miss wong, i blame u for this!)... and i was looking through the cards i have received over the years...

cards from my primary school friends given during chinese new year.. no i struggle to try and decipher what was actually written.. yes, my ability to read chinese has deteriorated, and so has my ability to speak it fluently.. i am ashamed..

anyway.. back to the topic at hand... cards given on my birthdays from my sec school friends thruout the year, and when i read them i remembered all the gifts and the birthdays i celebrated (or didnt.. *blush*) with them.. the birthday where i got many many candles/aromatherapy stuff... the birthday where i got my presents spread over a week... the birthday where i got my first car (whether its drive-able or not is but a small detail...) ah.. i love these guys to bits!!

ahh... my trips down memory lane.. i dont think high school would have been half as fun if not for theses people... i dont think i say this enough, but thank you, each and everyone of you... hope to see u guys soon... wherever u are!

moving house...

2006-02-08T13:53:00.000+08:00

after just a bit more than half a year of blogging at xanga i have decided i want to move... i get bored easily...

setting up everything again is such a hassle, and i wanted to test out other blog hosts... and decided to use blogger.. tried and tested by many.. lets see how long before i get bored and look for greener pastures...

anyway... like moving a physical house, moving my "house" would take some time to set up till it fits my liking.. so.. yea.. till later!

-sam-

first round of birthdays for the year...

2006-02-05T22:48:00.000+08:00

a month has passed... and ive celebrated the first bout of birthdays.... with chinese new year soon after...

here's to the january babies:

Kae Shin... who turned 20.. the oldest of the lot!
was glad you were genuinely surprised after all our carefully orchestrated plans! hope u love the little present we gave u too and putting it to good use!

andrew... who turned 19...
this picture is priceless and therefore needs to be shown to the world! haha!!

my mummy.... whose picture i'm having difficulty posting.. and who reached the big 5-0..
thank you mummy for always being there and always encouraging me in my spiritual walk, and sharing so much of your life! indeed the year ahead will be tough, but im sure with great excitement, to see God's hand at work! may God continur to bless you and keep you close to Himself! love you!

mun ling
<insert pic here>
sorry.. have no pic of her with me at the mo.. sad right? i know... hardly saw here when she came back over christmas as well... happy 20th birthday! hope all's well in that cold cold land!

***

chinese new year came ... and is going in a few days.. which means i'm this much closer to going back to the land down other...

everything about chinese new year is still the same.. the sweltering heat... the heaps of food... but whats missing this year is the noisy relatives (cos granny's away on holiday).. it feels funny somehow.. hmm.. when the noise is there i complain.. and when it isnt.. it feels sort of... non-festive.. oh well... and ive got the good fortune of contracting a sore throat... no more prawn crackers for the next few days.. *big sigh*

***

my holidays are coming to a close... i dunno whether to shout for joy... or sigh...
oh wells.. lets take it a day at a time...

toodles!

reality tv?

2006-01-23T00:47:00.000+08:00

while still in my holidaying mood, most of my nights are spent plonked in front of the idiot box (well, come to think of it, thats how i spend my nights in Perth, but thats besides the point...). anyway, 8tv seems to have an endless supply of reality tv shows, there's at least one on every night (yes, i still am astro-less and watch free tv)

i must admit, i do enjoy a string of reality tv shows, although after sometime it gets stale (think survivor, the bachelor etc..) and it got me thinking, what actually makes good "real" tv? (yes, i'm so free to even analyse alll these shows i watch!)

here's what i think:

have a cast of entertaining people: opposing personalities who will definitely clash (think cat-fights in "america's next top model", feuding young ppl and old ppl in "survivor"); quirky entertainers (the whole idol franchise... need i say more?)... and its funny how they say reality tv isn't scripted when sometimes it so obviously is!
having twists that will keep the audience on their toes ("amazing race" and "survivor" has their fare share of those), it wouldnt hurt if u adapted your formate every once in a while... keeps your series going for longer...
have a great editing team on board... have u ever noticed in "amazing race", how "close" the last 2 teams are towards the end of the episode, how it looks like they're actually neck-to-neck, but in actual fact they're but 5 minutes apart or something? and also the effect music has on certain scene to create suspense, humour (a deapan is only effective with accompanying music..).. but really, the editors of "idol" and "amazing race" are genius, they know just what is right for good tv
just think of anything possible you can make people do, throw in a cash prize (or equlavent), and you have people lining up to sign up.. really, deep in everybody everyone wants their 15 seconds.... think wacky ppl on "idol" who can barely sing..

but these shows are entertaining none the less... some people say that reality tv is so well accepted because people see themselves in the "charcters", and that is true to a certain extent... especially when people go all out to get their hands on some green...

so yea.. this is what i have observed from the many many reality tv shows i've watched..

on a side note: those who follow malaysia's most beautiful, who the heck put jessy in the final 2?? (i only watched last week's ep since coming home..) i think malaysians really are blind if she wins.. *shudder*

blessed...

2006-01-18T08:05:00.000+08:00

... to be called a child of God, even though i stray so many many times ... to have a loving and supportive family, especially God-fearing parents, who, i'm sure prayed for me unceasingly even through my darkest days
... to have found brothers and sisters in Christ, who have upheld me in prayer, and who have so helpful since i started serving in the LC
... to have experienced God's amazing grace, and be able to see how His timing and providence is always the best
... to still be able to talk and laugh with my high school friends , as if we just graduated yesterday.. you guys still are my closest friends, and i thank God for each one of you.. *aww*
... to experience life away from home, i know there are those less fortunate, and i am learning not to take each and everyday in Perth for granted (yes, even the hot summer days... not looking forward...)

this list is a bit overdue, seeing as it already is almost a month into the new year, but i guess i realised that its better than not penning these down. amidst all my busy-ness of going out, enjoying the yummy food, meeting up with ppl i haven't seen in ages, shopping at my parents' expense .. i haven't really actually got down, and take stock (so to say) of how God has blessed me, not only in the year that was past, but for the past 19 years of my life. One lesson from the book of Ruth which has stuck to me is the fact that God is always working behind the scenes, and if we don;t look close enough, we might just dimiss it as pure coincidece or good luck. God needs to be given glory where it is due, and i do think that without acknowledging the presence of God in every aspect of my life, i will never come to appreciate fully all that i have before me. so it is my prayer that as i look toward this new year, that i will never take for granted all that i have, for it is all from God!

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness

And I look to You
And I wait on You

I'll sing to You Lord
A hymn of Love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all

-Through It All by Hillsong

come back down to reality, girl!

2006-01-07T02:30:00.000+08:00

it's dark outside, and the clock reads 2am, yet, sleep eludes this very being. she reaches for the switch and turns on her bedside-cum-study lamp. her eys adjust to the sudden stream of light that pierces the darkness. she stumbles out of bed and her eyes start to focus as they scan her bookshelf, with a handful of titles sitting on them. and there, she sees a few titles she had read in her pre-pubescent days.. Love Stories. she wonders what those are doing there and figured her 13 year old sister might have dug it out, after exhausting the whole library of books in the house. nevertheless, since she had nothing better to do with her time, she dusts one of the books and flips it to the front page...

yes, genius, for those of you who haven't figured it out yet, that "being" was me last night, or shall i say early this morning... (i'm expanding my creative writing horizons okay?) it is funny though, how a few days ago i said i have lost the drive to blog, i read one of this love stories, and find a realisation i just can't wait to share.

for those who have read any of the books under the title "love stories", "sweetheart", of even "svh" (god forbid!), would have noticed that the stories go something like this, girl (usually in high school) meets guy (either in school or on some vacation), they cross paths, and to add some variation, sometimes they like each other instantly, other times they are like sworn enemies, then through some magical event they decide *surprise* they do like each other, and then *dramatic music* some trouble arises and the two have some disagreement, and then in the next few chapters boy and girls realise that the other person is The One, and life is incomplete without them, and they get back together, and they live happily ever after *cue sparkles and glitter and happy music*

if you didn't detect my cynicsm, yes, i find these stories so ridiculous now, stories only girls 13 and under can be drawn to. real-life is so far detatched from such notions. the thing is, all this often happens in a few days, a few weeks the most, yet, what healthy relationship can be established in a month??

look at disney cartoons, i love the characters and all, but ariel married eric in the span of 3 days (if i'm not mistaken), and all it took was a whole night of dancing and cinderella found her prince. reality? i think not... that is why i think they should stay in the world of fairytales. who are we kidding? do fairytale endings actually exist? me, the cynic says no.

it takes so much time to get to know someone. to know how they tick, what makes them happy, what infuriates them. yet, to start a relationship with some one you've known for say, 2 weeks, is ridiculous, dontcha think? especially if that is the person whom you're gonna spend the rest of your life with.

so, is there really such a thing as love at first sight? i think not.

i'm still looking for that elusive "prince", yes, but i'm in no hurry. i'm 19 (yes, it's not june yet!! ) and have my whole life in front of me!

[edit: i just contradicted myself in saying i dont believe in fairytales... but oh well]

didja miss me?

2006-01-03T01:43:00.000+08:00

i'm baaaack!!

if u guys haven't noticed i have been missing in action for a month plus...

what brought about this unforseen hiatus, you ask?

well... as soon as i arrived home... i stepped into the land of non-working dial-up internet... yes... and after much twisting of my daddy's arm... and persuasion from mummy... and lots and lots of prayer.. we finally get broadband!! is that a whoot i hear from my sis in kiasuland?? ... yes... there's broadband all ready for u to use when u come back!!!

okies.. that aside... so many many things happened in the past month... meeting up with high school friends... primary school friends (it feels funny to see ppl u havent seen in 7 years.. and discover you have so much to laugh about... was fun seeing ppl i spent my first few years in school with...).... celebrating daddy's belated birthday.... grandma's birthday... christmas dinner with family... more family dinners.. christmas celebrations in between... then new year's eve with the mc gang.... then after 1 whole year of no malaysian theatre... actorlympics!

phew.... that was tiring... trying to write 1 whole month's activities in a single paragraph!

okies... there you go! my first update after very very very long..

have become lazy of blogging liao...

mebbe next time i should just post pics until i feel like writing something decent other then "to day was a lovely day so i went to such-and-such a place and met so-and-so and did this-and-that.. whee... wasn't that fun!" seriously... i think thats what my blog has been reduced to... so if ure looking for anything remotely thought provoking.. skip thisa blog and proceed to the next one cos u ain't gonna find nothing here.. well... at least not at the moment when my brain is in full-holiday mode and all i do is eat, sleep, watch telly, go out ocassionally etc.

so... till my brain kicks back into motion, my blog will be no more than a photo album with ocassional phrases stringed together...

enjoy, and adios!

anticipation...

2005-11-29T21:28:00.000+08:00

just felt like posting some pictures up today... so i thought i'd do a picture summary of my year in perth... which is coming to close in about a week...

lovely trips and day trips with wonderful people

precious sisters-in-christ who have given up their wednesday nights to come for prayer meet, and sharing their lives with me... all of you have been a great blessing!

watching the sunset... only in this side of aussie! it's great to be able to sit and watch God's artwork unravel before you... how the sky changes from blue... to various shades of red, yellow and orange to the pinks and red just before the sun disappears over the horizon....

and.. i saved the best picture for last....

having a schechial friend make out your name in the sand for you!
wah!! so happy!! haha right, debbie??

indeed God has been good.. He has seen me through this year.... and has blessed me with so much...

i can't wait to see what my Father has in store for me in the year to come!

and now... a great way to end such a wonderful year here in perth.. convention!! *rubs hands in anticipation*... this is gonna be loads of fun!!

to all back home... one more week!!

short shout-out

2005-11-27T09:23:00.000+08:00

happy 19th birthday pui li!!!

hey girl! hope uk's winter isnt getting to you!
to my dear friend since form 1.. it has been a blast knowing you. indeed it has been a great joy seeing you grow more and more in Christ the past few years. i was expecting to see you at the end of this year... but it seems God has other plans for you. may you continue to keep Him close to you, and remember that i'm always praying for you, dearie!

anyway... i'll miss hanging out at your place, and just spending time with you, since you'll be at the other end of the earth when i'll be home... but yar... hope you had a good birthday... and also thanks for being such a wonderful friend!

love you and miss you! *BIG HUG*

cynic i am

2005-11-26T11:05:00.000+08:00

i think i'm a cynic... or a pessimist..
i find it hard to see the positive side..
everytime something happens, my reaction is almost always negative.
why am i this way? i have no idea..
but yet, i know that my Father is getting me out of this mindset slowly..

studying the book of Ruth has come to teach me many things that i've never really seen when reading the book..
the lesson that seems to jump out at me week after week is the fact that God is in control of all things, that He will always provide, that He has even the smallest details down pat...
our God is an awesome God..
so.. what has this got to do with my earlier mentioned pessimism one might ask... well.. now that i know that i have a God and loving Father who knows exactly what He's doing, and the fact that He has promised that in all things He works for our good, there really is no bad side now is there?
of course, i still do tend to have negative thoughts and all, but i think that God gives me reality checks every now and then...

so now, i shall put on my rose-tinted glasses every now and then and enjoy the life that i know the Big Guy up there has planned for me

always look on the bright side of life.. *whistles*

i'm a coming home soon!

2005-11-21T21:13:00.000+08:00

part I in sam's preparing to go home series...

top 10 things to do as soon as i touch down:
(in no particular order)

give hoooge hugs and slopperry kisses to becksee, mummy and daddy
disinfect the bed which has been inhabited by becks and then enjoy sleeping in the comfort of an air-con room tucked under a nice, warm comforter... mmmmm...
take up driving again... yes.. the loss of my driver for the month of january has forced me into this... desperate times call for desperate measures.. (haha.. drama.. well.. ppl seem to think i live in the bangsar station *cough* anna *cough*... have to get rid of that rep...) or unless some people would be so kind as to offer to drive me around.. *schweet smile*.. i know.. i'm a bum.. so sue me!
go out with everyone back home as often as my financial situation can allow!! (rm 9 movies!! haha so cheap compared to aud 6.50... but of course.. let's not go overboard..)
bake sessions and sleepovers with the girls... anna!! we're crashing ure place again!! muahahahaha
erm.. i'm running out.. aha! get my jap buffet lunch that sek teng owes me... hahaha... see its written here.. can't back out now!
shop.. shop.. and shop.. its much more fun when you don't see the money disappearing from your wallet and mummy takes out THE credit card!
catch whatever's on at actor's studio.. i miss watching plays.. also.. as long as my financial situation allows...
go down to spore to visit lonely minghong (who's with me??).. well, actually that isn't my primary purpose.. but let's just make him feel special ok?
the end of the list is the worst... u have to pull stuff out of the most obscure places... oh yes! how could i not have mentioned this?? enjoy all the yummy yummy food back home.. *salivating*

more to come.. the top 10 must eat food! stay tuned! haha

counting down the days... 2 weeks and 2 days...

looking @ u looking @ me

2005-11-13T23:38:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I have a fear
That you will see a mirror
And get the thought that it's the main attraction
But all that you detect
Is just what I reflect
Of the object of my own affection

It's understandable to want a hero
But people can't meet all your expectations
Still some can teach you things about the love He brings
Just know the source of life is in the Savior

I'll lead you to the One I found
He'll give you everything you need

Don't look at me if you're looking for perfection
Don't look at me I will only let you down
I'll do my best to point you in the right direction
But don't look at me
No,no, no
Don't look at me, look at Him

He's the One who lived a perfect life
He's the One who always gets it right
He's the One and only guiding light, Ohh, yeah
He is everthing you want to be
He's the answer to your every need
If you follow Him then you will se He's like no other

Don't Look At Me- Stacie Orrico

now, i don't normally listen to stacie orrico songs... i think they've been overplayed on the radio, and her voice gets a bit difficult to bear after a while... but that aside, let's talk about the magic of the shuffle function on itunes... which played this song and it caught my attention while reading...

this song reminded me about something a sister shared during prayer meet... how people automatically expect Christians to be perfect... yes, we are called to be perfect, but we are still getting there!

we are being renewed day by day, and we are only reflections of the glory of our Father. it is like peeping into a keyhole... what is seen in us is only but a small fraction of our God... His goodness, His love, His grace....

so let's take this to heart next time we want to judge fellow believers, or if you see a Christian friend behaving inapropriately. granted, it is no excuse for us, but we are all still getting there, and that besides growing in Him each day, we are to point others to Him....

"don't look at me if you're looking for perfection,
don't look at me, i'll let you down,
i'll do my best to point you in the right direction,
don't look at me, look at him"

sweet freedom...

2005-11-12T02:28:00.000+08:00

so here i am sitting...

my long awaited freedon has arrived!!
no more assignments, deadlines, early mornings till march.... aah....

so... the question is.. what do i do now??
it's still a whole good month before i board the plane and head home, of course... 1 week will be taken up with convention.. ooh... its getting closer...
so that leaves 3 weeks...

i NEED to keep busy.. or i'll rot and NEVER make it home!!!! *insert petrified-looking smiley*

and so yea... still thinking of what i should do...

sitting around for 3 whole weeks is NOT an option.....

the familiarity of home...

2005-11-06T22:43:00.000+08:00

nothing feels better than talking to a loved one from home...

just talked to my daddy over msn just now... it's like i can hear him saying the stuff he typed.. just like how we'd talk back home... [was that a few aaaws i heard]

it just left me with a warm fuzzy feeling....

cant wait to get hoome... 4 more weeks.. 4 more weeks

i lub my mummy and daddy and becksee!!... and my cousins.. and aunties.. and uncles... and friends... and the glorious food... ooh... can't wait!!

i see the light!

2005-11-01T10:59:00.000+08:00

the light at the end of the tunnel is getteing closer... and closer...

i can see it! growing brighter and brighter....

3 more days to go...

3 more hurdles in the form of assignments to clear....

and then it's FREEDOM!!!

ooh... i can taste it!!

*wet blanket covers over*

back to my digital rendering work... ^sigh*

conflicts and resolutions

2005-10-31T02:59:00.000+08:00

just had to jot this down from church yesterday, before it all flies out of my brain..

yesterday's service was different. Instead of the usual singing session for worship, we had a reflecting session. and i guess it was different in the fact that we were praising God not with words written by some gifted writer and song composer, but rather just talking to God, going through our week with Him, thanking Him, and acknowledging His presence in our lives every step of the way.

the sermon was good too. it reminded me that just merely tolerating sin is a sin too,

"19I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 20Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols"- Rev 2v19-20

and that God will not tolerate that. it hit me quite hard, since i'm surrounded by aussie classmates, and things they're involved in are in fact, displeasing to God. but yet me, being my un-confrontational self, just closes an eye to whatever they say, do, or regarding whatever lifestyle they lead. i've been hearing so much about how we are called to be lights just where we are, yet i find that it is most difficult for me, cause im not one who wants to rock the boat...

i guess i'll have to continue looking to God for strength.

talking about not causing conflict.. it amazing how God can work out some things that has been bothering you.. or maybe my sis is just a superb mind-reader.. glad that's cleared up!

new toy!!

2005-10-28T12:43:00.000+08:00

christmas has arrived early this year!!!

haha... no la.. not really...

MY COMPUTER FINALLY ARRIVED!!!

my long awiated and prayed for computer has finally arrived...

i dont know who's happier... my sis who had to share her comp with me... or me.... hmm

oh well!!

*rubs hands in glee*

new toy!!

haha

laters!

disguised ministers we are!

2005-10-24T09:16:00.000+08:00

"how does God reach out to a teacher?
by sending a full-time minister disguised as a teacher!"

among the many things that stuck with me from Wayne Codeiro's talk during church together. we don't have to be paid by a church to be a full time ministers... we're all full time ministers... disguised as whatever we are doing.. be it a student, a businessman etc... what a great challenge and also reminder... especially since that's the direction OCF curtin is going towards next year...

***

on another note...

Happy 21st birthday Lydia!!

i was searching for "happy birthday to me" by dr. seuss that Wayne Codeiro read yeasterday... cos i think it really tells of how special each of us are... presented in a child-like manner.. so cute... anyway.. till i find it... happy birthday, girl! hope u had a good one!!

cracking open my shell

2005-10-18T22:21:00.000+08:00

To anyone who hides behind a smile
To anyone who holds their pain inside
To anyone who thinks they’re not good enough
To anyone who feels unworthy of love
To anyone who ever closed the door
Closed their eyes and locked themselves away

You don’t have to hide
You don’t have to hide anymore
You don’t have to face this on your own
You don’t have to hide anymore

So come out, come out
Come out wherever you are
Anyone who’s trying to cover up their scars
To anyone who’s ever made a big mistake
We’ve all been there so don’t be ashamed
So come out, come out and join the rest of us
You’ve been alone for way to long

And if you feel like no one understands
Come to the one with scars on His hands
Cause He knows where you are and where you’ve been
His scars will heal you if you let Him

- Hide by Joy Williams

many of you may know this (or maybe not), but i am a really private person. i let thoughts germinate in my head and only let them out when i'm comfortable or trusting enough of the other person.

and in the song it says "you don't have to face this on your own" and "and if you feel like no one understands/come to the one with scars on his hands". i guess i'm learning that keeping everything within me is not good.. fo myself and those around me.... and i am slowly learning to open up..

i guess what i have been fearing all along is that if i do open up, make myself vulnerable, i'll be.. urm.. disappointed??

anyway... im not a very verbal person.. and i think that writing is my best way to pen down what i've been wrestling with... and hence i think starting a blog has been a hooge step for me.. in opening up a part of my life that no one except God had access to..

so here i am.. learning to come out of my shell.. one step at a time.. to all my close friends and loved ones.. just bear with me...

no ordinary love...

2005-10-16T22:23:00.000+08:00

was listening this song from the ocf wa cd today. it's funny how sometimes a song you listen to so many times, and then there is this one time, when it cuts deep within your heart. the part of this song that sticks with me

seasons change,
yet your love remains,
your faithfulness
amazes me

-no ordinary love by joanne chong (deb's friend... as posted in my tag board..)

in the book of Hosea, this is the heart of God that we see over and over again. it's amazing how even when we are so stubborn (the Isrealites were DETERMINED to turn away from God), God still says "how can I give you up?". indeed, our God's love is so deep, so vast, so incomparable. and why is it that sometimes we (or maybe me) are still not contented? we chase after facets of love that humans can only show, when God offers so much more!

Your faithfulness.... amazes me...

thank You God, for you are God, and not man.
thank You for such a great love.
thank You for forgiving me over and over again.
thank You for staying by me, even when i don't acknowledge it.
thank You for Jesus Christ, my righteousness!

bush walking 101

2005-10-11T22:32:00.000+08:00

meant to blog this for a while now.. and since i'm free (or sort of) now, i shall tell you about my exciting weekend...

i went to wubin, a small country town 4+ hours away from perth. what was i doing there, you ask? well, i was part of a group for John Curtin weekend, where we basically spend a weekend with the community and getting involved in their activities... sounds fun?? of course!!

here were the highlights of the trip:

singing for 4+ hours all the way there with lindy, glenna and ming (i bet we gave the others on the bus a throbbing headeache, but it was fun!! )
going bushwalking. now, bushwalking isn't as easy as it sounds.. its not walking on a footpath with kneehigh, living bushes at your sides. it was an experience, being pricked and poked, walking through cobwebs (did i see some people cringe), having a gazilion flies stick to you, and the scorching sun didn't help very much... plus almost getting lost for short periods of time.. THAT was really an experience i'd never forget.
finding a malleefowl mound myself .. well.. that was our whole purpose going there.. we went bushwalking with a group of malleefowl (that's a kind of bird) preservationists, to help the look for these mounds, where these birds lay their eggs. learnt lots.. and it still amazes me how a bird can build a "nest" so many times bigger than itself!!
yummy food prepared by the oh-so-hospitable folk over at wubin. they're quite a fun bunch as well.. and ever so accomodating
playing with the dogs on the farm... oh so adorable!!
having a glimpse into farming life.. having a close up at the hoooooge machinery... and learning to appreciate how much of effort and money these farmers put into ensuring there is a constant supply of food..
last but not least... GREAT company of awesomely fun people: li-na, ming, glenna, lindy, my sis, kelvin, goodwin, bua and xiang hui.... u guys made the whole experience all the more fun!!

pictures... to come!!

but all in all i thank God for giving me this wonderful experience, giving me a chance to step out of my comfort zone and do things i never would've done back home...

also, i learnt in the bush, how at times we have to stop and listen.. to faint rustlings, or ocassional sounds from the leader's two-way.. in order to navigate our way through the bush.. and also, how sometimes, we have to stop trying too hard, and just listen...

spring break 05

2005-10-03T18:32:00.000+08:00

today marked the end of my spring break.. (read: back to uni)

anyway.. that was a good week break of hardly any work... and lots of bumming and going places..

here's some piccys of my spring break!

monday: went to King's Park for the wildflower festival..

the group of ppl that went...

some of the preetty flowers there.. felt a bit ripped off.. i see these flowers by the roadside.. but oh well... they look pretty in a whole field i guess.. and actually having the time to stop and appreciate it without a truck blaring away in the background is sorta nice too..

some pictures i find fascinating... (left): talk about stating the obvious.... ; (right): hmm.. didnt really understand why an old cupboard & a few pots were placed in the middle of a field of WILD flowers... where would you find that out in the wild??

then... tuesday and wednesday was pretty much uneventful...

and then came thursday!! we went to caversham wildlife park.... and yet again.. piccys!!

once again, group pic.. with the highlight of the trip.. the cute, not-so-little wombat!!

(left): me hugging the wombat... nope.. we couldnt bring it home.. (right): the "cool" people.. kekeke

some of the oh so adorable animals we saw... a sleeping koala (left).. doesnt it look soooo comfortable?? and a quokka (right).. the drawing on the Quokka newspaper logo just doesn't do it justice!!

another sign which fascinated me.. the bird on the sign just doesn't look like it'll bite, does it?? .. oh and ruthie had fun with the bird that was in this cage...

then it started to rain.. so i stopped taking piccys.. too lazy.. things that happened after that?? got surrounded by a group of hungry goats... saw some farm animals.. butts of sleeping possums, then went home..

the kangaroos there are lethargic i tell u!! all they do is sit around and wait to be fed! poor animals in captivity...

then went shopping with dai ka jie on friday.. bought myself a pair of preetty sandals..

the weekend.. was not so fun.. rushing for deadlines....

aah... what a fulfilling break... only downside is.. i missed the Perth Royal Show... nevermind.. there's always next year!!

countdown to SUMMER HOLS: 4 weeks... whee!! *rubs hands in excitement*

what if?

2005-09-27T14:27:00.000+08:00

what if the person you were closest to suddenly seemed so far away,
and you were thrust into a world of loneliness,
would you still turn to God as your companion?

what if your life seemed to go so smoothly,
and you get news that you do not need to go in for work anymore,
would you still trust God to continue to provide?

what if you cry out to God in desperation for guidance,
yet all you get for weeks is silence,
would you still say that God's timing is perfect?

what if the world you had become so familiar with,
slowly started fading away, baing taken over by strange things,
would you still trust that in everything, He works for those who love Him?

what if?

went for BS leaders' traning yesterday, and brad talked about how sometimes we can know God's promises, and character, and His Word so well, but when we are asked to apply it to our lives, it often seems the most difficult to do...

just needed to pen some thoughts down...

what would you do?

2005-09-20T11:23:00.000+08:00

yessssss!!!!! i finally finished my assignment.... whiles waiting for lunch (11 am is jus too early man...) went blog-surfing, and what do i find?? a tag from AhJin... darn!! well... here we go!! she modified it a bit.. so i'll take the liberty of modifying it too...

Seven things you plan to do before you die:

graduate
backpack around europe *eyes go dreamy and stares off into the distance*
find my soul mate (or close enough)
touch at least one person's life with God's love
bungee-jump/ that rolling ball down the slope thing they have in new zealand (see whichever i have enough courage to do)
have my own custom designed house.... *faraway look again*

Seven things I could do:

get my butt out of the comp lab and get my shots for photography
tell my mummy and daddy and sisters i love them over and over and over again for all they had to put up with
NEVER take my everything God has given me for granted
stop procrastinating and whining that i never have enough time to do anything
cut down on hour-long (or more) naps
make time to call home more
make a list of things i MUST do when i get home

Seven Celebrity crushes:

Can't remember the last celebrity crush i had... i guess i'm just a realist... they're all just eye-candy and spectecular in what they do... and it ends there.. no fantasies whatsoever... i wonder how those people who write fan fiction can be so into their "idols".... hmmm....

Seven often repeated words/phrases:

anything lah
i dunno
what the??
if you say so...
good night (given my frequent napping)
it was.... okaay... [in response to how's ur day, how was the event etc...]
[to be added later, as i had squeezed my brain dry]

Seven traits (physical/non-physical) I look for in the opposite sex:

loves God
loves me
loves my family
witty sense of humour
good looking enough (hey... it wont hurt!!)
has the same aspirations/goals
can put up with whatever mood/rants/rubbish i may dish out

——————————
My Tag-O-Matic churns out: (hmm.. this is a tough one...)

[i would include my sister... but she's already got a tag which she's yet to post.... oh wells...]

hmmm... that wasn't half bad....

okies ppl.... i'm waiting to read what u've got!!

looking from outer space

2005-09-19T00:17:00.000+08:00

took a break from my assignment and came to check in on my blog.
saw anna's post on my flooble, decided to try google earth for myself...
here's what i found....

home sweet home..

haha... it was so exciting!! im lucky my house is so close KLCC and the lrt stations... they're so easy to spot! which made looking for my house to easy to look for... *claps hands in excitement* look!! there's my room!! at the back of the house!!

and the great exodus begins...

2005-09-14T21:42:00.000+08:00

.. actually, it began a few days ago already... if ure lost and have no clue what i'm talking about.. i'm referring to the people who are flying off / have already flew off to uk..

just got an email from kah mun.. saying how she's taking in everything.. and just thinking back on how that was me few months ago.. and how it wouldve been so difficult to adapt without my sister and her network of friends... thanks a lot guys, for making me feel welcomed!! *hugs*

also thought about how time has flown past since our high school days...

ooh.. heard this song at work today... this song is for anna and pui li.. our song!! haha... c'mon.. lets sing together!!

*imagine opening chords*

You and I must make a pact
We must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I’ll be there

I’ll reach out my hand to you,
I’ll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I’ll be there

Chorus:
And oh - I’ll be there to comfort you,
Build my world of dreams around you
I’m so glad that I found you
I’ll be there with a love that’s strong
I’ll be your strength, I’ll keep holding on
Yes I will, yes I will

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well that’s all I’m after
Whenever you need me, I’ll be there
I’ll be there to protect you
With an unselfish love I respect you
Just call my name and I’ll be there

If you should ever find someone new
I know he’d better be good to you
’cos if he doesn’t, I’ll be there

Don’t you know, baby, yeah yeah
I’ll be there, I’ll be there, just call my name, I’ll be there

and to the sesat fella flying off to aberdeen tmw.. have a safe flight, and throw ur mom over to manchester if u cant take the stress anymore!! also remember that God is always there to listen to you ok... call me anytime if u wanna talk ok?? uve got my number!

to my dai ka jie..

2005-09-12T13:01:00.000+08:00

here's ANOTHER birthday shoutout... this time to my dai ka jie!!

happy happy 22nd birthday!!

thank You God, for giving me this wonderful sister, my comapnion over here in this place far away from home. thank You for seeing her through all these years. thank You for the blessing she has been in my life, as you showed me how you can work marvelous things through her. thank You for giving me the patience to endure her ocassional outbursts. thank you for teaching us to bear with each other. thank You that we still haven't killed each other yet. thank You for giving me this opportunity to show love to another one of Your precious creations. and most of all, thank You for the grace, and blessings that You have shown her, that you have called her Your own! and dear God, please help her continue to persevere this very tough course, and help her ALWAYS focus on the purpose that You have called her to. in Jesus' name i pray, amen!

have a wunnerful day dai ka jie!!

hopefully you'll have dinner waiting for u at home tonight!!

see you later!!

*big hugs* *big sloppery kisses*

to 2 wonderful sisters...

2005-09-08T10:06:00.000+08:00

happy birthday to you!

happy birthday to youu!!

happy birthday to esthey and becksee!! (haha.. they rhyme!!)

happy birthday to you!!!

hmm.. i dont even know if the people above read this.. but anyway...

becksee:
to my baby sister!!! thanks for all the great times... for giving me a chance to be a kid all over again.. for the silly silly squabbles.. for letting me into the lives of 13 year olds nowadays... for introducing me to a world of disney and nickelodeon cartoons on saturday mornings... and above all... for letting me bully her.. muahahaha
happy birthday bewhy!! ur veggietales bible cover is on its way!!! (haha... did i mention she started me watching veggietales??)

to esthey besty... (can hear her saying "hey!!")[ur name's in ur fave colour!! ]
haha... its been great knowing you!! may God continue to guide you through the challenging yet exciting year ahead!! [so old already!! ]

once again.. happy happy birthday to these 2 wunnerful people!!!

lovely pretty flowers in spring..

2005-09-04T11:36:00.000+08:00

okies.. pretty piccys as promised..

group pic of all who went (cheewee, sheryl, ruthie, britt, lindsey, li-na, me, sulin, goodwyn and ming [the cameraman])

pretty flowers made by my Daddy in heaven for me to enjoy!
(left: yellow and purple tulips. right: hmm... not sure what flowers they are.. but they were planted below the tulips...)

preeetty tulips especially for li (look! they're yellow and ORANGE!!)

one of the many ways to make use of a mirror!!

heavy british accent: "care for some tea?"
(afternoon tea of scones with cream and jam *yumm* and a [british accent] cup of tea, before heading back to perth)

more pics available in my photo album..

patrioutism.. right...

2005-08-31T21:07:00.000+08:00

jane wished me happy merdeka day just now.. haha... didnt realise till then..

to make up for my lack of patriotism.. i shall dedicate today's post to my home country.. sure it's not the best place on earth.. but its home.. where my loved ones are.. and where all the good food is.. *licks lips*..... and we always defend our countries in front of sigaporeans.. so.. HAPPY MERDEKA DAY, my fellow Malaysians... "we are proud to be malaysian..." can't remember how the rest of the song goes...

Bersemarak Malaysia tercinta
Kibarkan panji kebesarannya
Kami rela menjaga namamu
Sejahtera Malaysia

haha... feel so patriotic all of a sudden...

[xanga gave free rich texting formats to all classic users!! yay!! no need to bother with html bodes no more!!]