Shazperenza

Dog Breeds That Didn't Quite Make It

2010-05-07T11:59:00.002+08:00

Came across this in my inbox today.

Aren't they so typically Russell Peters? :)

I think a Peekasso would be kinda cute.

Deerhound + Terrier = Derriere, a dog that's true to the end

Spitz + Chow Chow = Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up a lot

Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso = Peekasso, an abstract dog

Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever = Lab Coat
Retriever, the choice of research scientists

Newfoundland + Basset Hound = Newfound Asset Hound, a dog
for financial advisors

Terrier + Bulldog = Terribull, a dog that makes awful
mistakes

Bloodhound + Labrador = Blabador, a dog that barks (or
drools) incessantly

Malamute + Pointer = Moot Point, owned by ... oh, well, it
doesn't matter anyway

Collie + Malamute = Commute, a dog that travels to work with
you

Bloodhound + Borzoi = Bloody Bore, a dog that's not much fun

Collie + Lhasa Apso = Collapso, a dog that folds up for easy
transport

My early berfdae brunch

2010-04-19T23:25:00.004+08:00

JX fulfilled one of the things on my wish-list for my berfdae! :)

I ALWAYS wanted to go for a Sunday brunch with him, but we never had the chance to do so till last Sunday.

It's a leetle early for my berfdae, but our next two Sundays are packed.

Plus, he's recovering from his sprained ankle, so he couldn't play basketball as he always does on Sunday.

So ... here we are at Epicurious for my berfdae treat!

I've been craving for Eggs Benedict ... especially when I remember those we had by the pool on our honeymoon.

Yum.

Slurp.

As usual, he's VERY focused on his food. :P

His came with sausages and mushrooms and bacon.

I added smoked salmon and bacon to mine.

The place was teeming with ang-mohs.

We ended up sitting at one of the al fresco tables belonging to the restaurant next door, which incidentally was the Jap restaurant he took me to for my berfdae before we got together.

I don't remember the name of it, but the food there was goooooood too.

Haha.

The Music Of A Dream

2010-04-09T16:22:00.008+08:00

Wow ... I haven't been back here in ages! Someone asked what I was busy with, and I answered cheekily, "I'm busy being a wife!" To which the poor guy had no answer for ...

Sometimes, when JX and I get into the mood, we'd play this game where one of us sings a song, and the other has to identify the song name and singer--although I must say that most times he's the one belting out songs for me to guess, cos he's got a bigger repertoire. Last night, while playing, I started singing My Favorite Things--which we both agreed was a beautiful song, way up there with Edelweiss and Over The Rainbow. I'm always reminding myself that our kids must grow up with musicals like The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz and My Fair Lady.

I mean, which kid doesn't know how to sing "Do-Re-Mi"? But when TSOM first came out, who would have thought it would go on to be popular for more than almost half a century? I liked what Christopher Plummer said when he was interviewed 40 years after TSOM. When reporters and the whole media hoopla started appearing onset, he told Julie Andrews, "Looks like this may turn out to be a hit ... for all you know, we could become famous!" Not extraordinary lines, but it told me that when they went into TSOM, they never expected it to become a sleeper hit, and it was probably something they did as part of their daily jobs, just hoping to make some moolah for the family.

Isn't it true that so often, the dreams that come true start off as the least extraordinary things we do daily?

Ecclesiastes 11:6 (MSG)

"Go to work in the morning and stick to it until evening without watching the clock.

You never know from moment to moment how your work will turn out in the end."

Bet you didn't know this was in the Bible. Of course, the more well-known version is this:

Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NKJV)

"In the morning sow your seed,

And in the evening do not withhold your hand;

For you do not know which will prosper,

Either this or that,

Or whether both alike will be good."

You may dream of the kind of legacy you want to leave behind, but you will only ever know the full impact of how it has turned out when you look back many years later.

In the meantime, keep sowing and working hard and above all, don't ever stop dreaming and hoping!

A hanger's pledge

2009-10-26T10:42:00.005+08:00

I, an anonymous hanger, pledge to live to the best of my abilities to create maximum frustration for my laundry-hanging owner. On my way up towards the clothesbar, I will reach out in all possible angles to snag any piece of clothing accessible to me. In between my working hours, I agree to sit in a position that will accentuate my already-awkward and inconvenient shape, so as to prevent orderly storage with other hangers. Lastly, I will engage without fail, every other hanger near me, to have and to hold on to them for dear life, even if I should dangle precariously upon manic shaking by the aforesaid owner. Together we, the Hangers, will create one tangled mess as a tribute to our founder, Albert J. Parkhouse.

Cheers to CY! :)

2009-10-21T10:47:00.003+08:00

Not many people know this but I'm still giving English tuition to one Sec 2 boy.

Today he sms-ed me, "OMG!! My English mark is highest in class with 65% :) I'm so happy :-D"

And he thought he would fail.

When I first started teaching him, I asked what grade he was aiming for.

His answer: I just want to pass.

Experience had taught him that it would be futile to hope for more.

But we raised the bar, a little at a time, and eventually he managed to climb from his perennial D to a C ... and then finally and incredulously for him, the B came into sight.

65% is not a lot to us Singaporean kiasus.

But to a boy who is hoping to be promoted to the Express stream next year, it is massive.

And to a boy who only dreamt before of passing, being first in class for English puts him right on top of the world.

Meet Mrs Eee

2009-09-29T19:07:00.002+08:00

I am MARRIED!

It still takes some getting used to. :P

From time to time, I still go, "Can you believe we're married?!"

It feels so grown up. Hahaha.

Anyway, you can check out a preview of the wedding pics here.

And the honeymoon pics part 1 here.

For now .... this is me and Mum having yummy Mac's brekkie on the wedding morning.

Nothing like hotcakes, sausage & hash browns to begin a special day!

That's me soaking in the sun on our honeymoon.

That's us posing while waiting for lunch at Kan Eang@Pier. :)

Countdown: 2 days away!

2009-09-19T09:33:00.003+08:00

OMIGOSH!!!

It's 2 days away!

We had our rehearsal last night, amidst one of the worst jams in Singapore ever!!

Pastor got caught for 2 hours on AYE, PIE etc etc.

Till now, we have no idea why ... but we suspect it's because everyone's going to Malaysia for the long weekend.

I'm packing my luggage for the actual day, tying down seating arrangements, and trying to clear up my table! :P

Oh btw, I am very happy over our march in!! Can't wait...:)

How time teleports

2009-09-13T02:42:00.003+08:00

Time does not fly.

It teleports itself.

Lo and behold, I am 8 days away from my wedding!

I'm in transition every morning.

If simply for the fact that my stuff is all over the place!

Every day I've to re-orientate myself on where my belongings are hiding.

The RSVPs go on and on ...

We are about to attempt the fastest moving project ever in a day...

The house is in the midst of being painted ... by my mum ...

We have yet to enter the massive world called Seating Arrangements...

AND what's more, I have 2 articles to write before I can go on leave to settle all the above!

Me--The bride-to-be who is currently in a state of mental "duh."

Getting married is fun.

But planning a wedding is no joke at all.

I am one raised eyebrow away from becoming a bridezilla.

But despite the fact that I feel I'm being slowly lambasted by mini bombs everyday...

I am excited at the tot of it all, and enjoying the process. :)

Last night, I had a superb hen's night, organized and executed by the funnest bunch, who set out to give me the most fabulous memories.

I felt so loved by all their efforts, and we had so much fun I can't wait to see the videos ... :)

And through all my mini-fits, I get to see how my husband-to-be is such a committed man to me.

That he may be carrying the 1001 stresses of being a man (what's more, one who is about to take on the gargantuan challenge of a wife)--but he never lets them hold him back from learning how to be a better man everyday.

Neither of us are near perfect, but most times I feel he tries soooo much harder than me! :P

I am truly blessed.

Have a twinkle in your eye!

2009-09-01T18:01:00.002+08:00

Who cares what they're wearing
On Main Street,
Or Saville Row,
It's what you wear from ear to ear
And not from head to toe
(That matters)

So, Senator,
So, Janitor,
So long for a while
Remember,
You're never fully dressed
Without a smile!

Zzzzzzzz.........

2009-08-24T23:43:00.003+08:00

I took one look at the remnants of the wedding invites to write, and I fainted.

The invites can wait.

Because I'm off to bed ...

Good nite! :P

When I grow up, I wanna become like King David.

2009-08-14T11:55:00.006+08:00

Last couple of days I was wrestling with something God put in my heart to do.

Then yesterday I felt very strongly that it was time.

So I sent the sms, and did the meeting up.

I thought to myself, even if it ended badly, the most important thing is that I did what God wanted me to.

How I appeared to others wasn't as important anymore, as knowing that I pleased Him.

I'm glad to say it had a good ending. :)

God really moved in the whole situation, and in His time, He really does make all things beautiful.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (MSG)

2009-08-13T15:33:00.005+08:00

A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.

Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.

Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.

She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.

She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.

She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:

"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

A simple tot, Benji and a wedding

2009-08-12T19:16:00.010+08:00

A Simple Tot

Recently I was just thinking, it would be nice to have some new shoes.

But I had not the time to shop for them, and besides, I was trying (yes, TRYING) to save money.

Then, lo and behold, I had 5 pairs of shoes given to me over a couple of weeks!

Here's one of them. :)

Benji--An Update Thanks To CT

Apparently, tucked under Benji's floating head was a silver bowl that he was guarding ... while intent on keeping watch, he got sleepy and fell asleep right on top of it!

Finally, he knocked out and slumped into a deep sleep .... voila! Silver bowl!

A Wedding

Check out my mum and fiance in matching clothes at Jayson and Michelle's wedding.

Erm ... it takes a real man to carry a lady's purse with such poise I guess.

The groom looking all relaxed in his happy Crocs after the wedding.

Us with the wedding couple!

I'm getting a little annoyed with the low-res pics taken from my hp.

Maybe I shd invest in a new digicam slim enough to make me wanna take it out.

Quotes that caught my eye

2009-08-04T13:07:00.007+08:00

~Mark Twain~

"After all these years, I see that I was mistaken about Eve in the beginning; it is better to live outside the Garden with her than inside it without her."

~The Wizard Of Oz~

"Hearts will never be practical, until they are made unbreakable."

Back after 2 years

2009-08-02T00:36:00.005+08:00

Me and Pei Sao at this Italian restaurant which has just made its way onto my list of favourites!

Lurf the attentive yet non-intrusive service and addictive food.

Me and the ubermost-active boy ever, Wu Yi Rui.

The little guy behind me at dinner

2009-07-25T16:54:00.003+08:00

Ain't he cute? :)

Look at the fat cat staring up at us.

In TW till Jul 28

2009-07-22T23:40:00.005+08:00

It's great to catch up with frens.

I've not been back here in Taiwan since my dad was sick.

This time, I got to come on a last minute work trip.

Busy busy busy working ... but at least it's in the company of vendors who have also become friends. :)

Some random pics

2009-07-17T12:29:00.013+08:00

Bye bye Long John Silver's .... We will resume our rendezvous after my wedding. :P

If you are thinking, "That doesn't look like Shar..." You're so right!

That's the decoy I set up to pass off as me.

It was a hi-stress day.

We haven't queued at our Jurong West church building in eons! I had almost forgotten what it felt like. While trying to get as much air-con as possible, I whipped out my hp and asked the man to smile.

Me and my Harry Potter buddy Nicole!

I call him Sunshine Baby Kaiser.

He smiles and laughs at everything, and is an absolute darling!

Go green, everyone! :D

JX wrote an iPhone app!

2009-07-15T16:49:00.004+08:00

OMIGOSH, my fiance wrote an application program for iPhone!!!

And it's on sale now for only $0.99!!

Check it out at http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSto re/woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=307701202&mt=8.

You can also do a search for GREAT QUOTES on the Appstore.

Just double check that the developer's name is JayAxe!

Thanks for your support! :)

I'm off to rave over my amazing husband-to-be!

Peevish laughter

2009-07-14T13:35:00.009+08:00

I was in a grouchy mood last night.

Cos of a combination of several factors.

Then I looked at my room and got even more peeved cos I badly wanted to pack it full-force, but I couldn't cos I had many other things to do!

So there I was, stalking in and out of my room with a "don't touch me" face....

Then the fiance called, and he asked why I sounded so stressed.

I said, "I'm very MANG ZANG!!" and started to tell him why.

To his credit, he laughed and light-heartedly took all the complaining in his stride.

He even played along, which made me laugh.

But I was still crabby, until he suggested something for our honeymoon which completely changed my mood!

He felt maybe we should go for a shorter and cheaper honeymoon, and use the money for something else.

That was a huge risk to take, telling a crabby woman to give up on her ideal honeymoon!

Logically, the thought of not visiting Europe should have made us go, "HUHHHHH...."

But on the contrary, I found myself smiling from ear to ear.

Cos it's something I had been thinking about too, but I was just trying to find a good time to share with him.

I think we both felt it was a God-inspired thing.

Especially as we were so in agreement about it.

And everything else seemed to fall into place with this decision.

Then somehow the conversation led us to share about some stuff we felt God was speaking to us during the day and week...

So, by the time we hung up, I was one happy girl. :)

Let's give the man of the house a big hand!

Speaking of laughter, don't these precious couples look so happy??

Snippets

2009-07-13T01:32:00.006+08:00

Highlights of today:

- I got ready in 15 mins; earned JX's applause for the feat.

- We were blessed by Dr. Bernard's sharing at the Expo service this morning.

- I caught up with Nic and Daz over dessert (this one was when I was still awake).

- JX's parents successfully asked (on behalf of their son) for my hand in marriage ... or what we call "ti qin" in Chinese.

- Both families had a good time food tasting at our wedding dinner venue ... the conversation was practically non-stop from when they met at my place right through the entire dinner. Amazing for a first meeting. :)

- Caught up with JX, Nic, Daz, Celine over drinks at Esplanade after the dinner (I was already half gone here ... and the Dirty Harry didn't help things ... JX left earlier cos he was even more zonked out than me!)

So now I'm off to bed, thanking God for a good albeit tiring day. :)

I lurf this song.

2009-07-10T17:16:00.002+08:00

Calm down
Deep breaths
And get yourself dressed instead
Of running around
And pulling all your threads saying
Breaking yourself up

If it's a broken part, replace it
But, if it's a broken heart then brace it
If it's a broken heart then face it

Hang on
Help is on the way
Stay strong
I'm doing everything

Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way

Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?

Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Hearts will hold

Eyes wide open

2009-06-23T11:43:00.002+08:00

I'm starting to feel like I'm on the edge of a major stress crater!

Hahaha....cos as we draw closer to the wedding, I'm imagining the onslaught of things to do!

On the other hand, we are picking out our honeymoon....

Yay!! So fun! :)

Ps. Kong's take

2009-06-18T16:39:00.002+08:00

I take my hat off to Ps. Kong for the boldness to address a sexual issue such as masturbation.

Take a look at his latest blog post here.

Yah or But?

2009-06-12T13:15:00.003+08:00

At early morning prayer today, Ps. Tan shared about "homologeo."

It means "Confessing (the same thing as God)."

When God and others speak, is your instinctive response "YAH!! Let's go for it!"?

Or is it "Mm....BUT...."

I'm looking out for the times I use "but" in my conversations, and how often it's negative.

I believe you are affected by what you speak, because more than anyone else, you hear it the most.

Balinese moments

2009-06-03T10:59:00.009+08:00

I really lurfed this beach!

But we didn't get to take our wedding pics on it ...

Because that reflection you see is actually a whole spread of mud.

And my gown's train is about 1.5 m long. :P

Amazingly, this is the SAME beach at high tide.

Min and me along the shopping belt of Kuta.

We bought NOTHING there. Woo hoo!

It's nightfall and Wolverine has emerged ... with Min's hairclips.

I just realised we didn't take any pics with the photo maestro, Jimmy! :P

Check out my Facebook to see the rest of the pics.

homesick?

2009-05-14T17:58:00.002+08:00

Recently I've been having recurring bouts of a strange feeling within.

It's hard to describe ... but it's kinda like a sudden longing for and need for something badly.

The first time I experienced it was in Primary 5 when I went away to camp with the Brownies.

I laid on the upper level of the bunk bed, trying to sleep.

And all the while, this feeling was making me oh-so-uncomfortable.

I didn't analyse it too much, and in view of the circumstances, I simply labelled it "homesickness" and then cried myself to sleep. :P

2 years ago, it came back once, I think ... when something very upsetting happened, but I can't remember exactly what.

Then, these few days, it's back again.

And I don't know why ... will prob need a while to figure this one out. :P

But I do know by now that it's probably NOT homesickness.

Haha.

rays of sunshine

2009-05-14T15:03:00.001+08:00

Reuven

Asher and Baby G.

TODAY (the money version)

2009-05-04T12:49:00.003+08:00

Today I'm leaving credit cards behind

I'm banning cabs

I'll skip my lunch

I'm holding on to all my moolah

I see the rising costs

This month's only just begun

No more buying stuff

I'm tight for this month

Well it's got me here

It's got me

I see my bank account

I'm going nuts

It's got me here

It's got me

Me and the sweetest guy around

2009-04-30T17:41:00.002+08:00

Apostleship

2009-04-29T18:32:00.003+08:00

I read this in Ps. Phil Pringle's book.

"God directed Elijah to the brook Cherith when Israel suffered famine (1 Kin. 17:3). He commanded ravens to feed the prophet at the brook ... Ravens are one of the most selfish of creatures, unwilling to share anything they've discovered with another, yet their nature had been so altered by God that every morning and evening they brought food they had found to the man of God."

Change is possible with God.

The signs are telling ... it's around the corner ...

2009-04-28T11:25:00.006+08:00

Welcoming my wedding perfume: Gucci by Gucci!

Given by: W356

It's got such a great lingering scent. :)

I came into office today to a yummy treat by Audrey, especially welcome because I hadn't had breakfast! :)

Dark chocolate cakes = comfort food.

Had a most enjoyable celebration with the ching gang last night too.

Lots of laughter.

We didn't take any group shots, but if you wanna see me blow out candles, click here.

my mouth feels empty

2009-04-23T12:28:00.002+08:00

I was brushing my teeth and suddenly felt that my toothbrush was VERY soft.

I looked at it to make sure it's mine (Ew if it isn't!!).

Correct ah ... it's the lime green one what.

So what was the issue?

Then I remembered, "Oh yahhhhhhh ... my braces have come off ..."

*smile*

It's a temporary thing tho.

They're going back up in October.

Haha.

Hoop-ee!

2009-04-21T11:18:00.005+08:00

I bought my wedding ring!

Then I changed my wedding ring! Hahaha.

We both managed to find our wedding rings last week.

Not only are the rings non-matching, but they are from competitors!

He got his at the Soo Kee warehouse sale, and I got mine at the Lee Hwa warehouse sale.

Why? You may ask.

Because what suits him does not suit me, and vice versa ...

Besides, we're not too particular.

It's the differences that make up our life. Haha.

Similarities make life boring.

Anyway, back to my ring.

Initially, I got a 3-row micro-pave with 61 oh-so-small diamonds making up 0.24 carats.

It looks something like this, but the diamonds only go halfway around.

But it was too big, so I needed to send for alteration.

Before I went to the shop, I was asking Min, "How ah, should I alter??"

She was like, "Shake and see if it comes off lor."

I was super CAREFUL ...

I put my hand into my bag and shook it violently, so that if the ring does fall off, it would fall into my bag.

Smart right?

But I didn't count on my butterfingers.

And Murphy's Law.

The ring did come off in my bag, but as I was picking it up to put it back into its box, I dropped it on the floor~

One miniscule diamond fell off.

Take 0.24, divide it by 61 and you'll know exactly how miniscule.

So you can imagine, two babes kneeling on the marbled (MARBLED!) floor of Paragon, trying to find it.

Thank God for Min's very sharp eyes!

She spotted it very quickly and we quickly secured it in the box and took it to the Lee Hwa shop, where we were informed that the diamonds on micro-pave rings have quite a tendency to drop off.

Especially after alteration.

So salesperson Andy suggested, "Why don't you try another design?"

I considered, what are the odds that my diamonds will fall off in future?

The answer floated back immediately, "High lor, considering WHO is wearing the ring."

Sigh. I am well aware of my klutz tendencies.

After trying on quite a few, I narrowed my choices down to two.

Then after much ping-ponging, I finally eliminated the other choice for this!

The other was a single row of Destinee diamonds in a claw setting.

I was tempted to take it up cos even tho they'll cost me the same price to top, the Destinee had a better upgrade value.

But I tot, being old sentimental me, how likely am I to upgrade my wedding ring for something else?!

And I lurfed how thin the Destinee was, but it looked perilous for ole butterfingers too.

I figured that in the long run, it's better to have something that's secure.

At least my diamonds are safe in the channel! Haha.

It needs to be altered too, cos apparently my fingers are below averagely thin. :P

Then I'll have it engraved once I'm happy with the size. :)

Babe in the woods

2009-04-16T18:48:00.002+08:00

There's Hollywood, Bollywood and Lollywood.

The Singapore movie industry will be called Sollywood.

Aiyoh, solly for being so corny.

The new man in my life

2009-04-16T15:41:00.005+08:00

Meet Mr. Clocky, whom I just bought off eBay.

I need him.

I was highly attracted to this other guy too.

He rides up the string whenever it's time to wake up, so you have to climb up to turn him off.

But he's just a tad too ex.

While we're on this topic, reading this on a forum really cracked me up.

I found a cheaper way to get up on time: take an old fashioned metal alarm clock, put inside an aluminum cooking pot, place the pot on a glass plate, and push it to the most inaccessible spot under your bed. Guaranteed to get you up, because you can't shut off the racket without climbing all the way out of bed...

Can't you just imagine the NOISE?!

I think I should try it out for fun. :P

shd I have breakfast?

2009-04-01T04:55:00.004+08:00

Good morning!

It's 4:56 a.m. and I'm in the office with 3 other colleagues, working to make the launch of Harvest Times Online perfect.

Pls log on to harvesttimes.com.sg and enjoy what we have prepared for you okei! :)

In the meantime, while waiting for the file to be uploaded online, I've decided to revisit my long-lost blog.

I went for the first consultation with my bridal studio today.

Michelle and Cedric took out 6 gowns for me to try so I can get a feel of what I like and what works for me before she started designing my gown.

She's really good with clean lines ... which I absolutely lurf.

Honestly, although it was such a thrill to be in those gowns, and it was really great to have JX sitting through it with me so he could offer his opinions ... I literally yawned my way through the whole thing!

For one, the gowns were rather heavy ... and I wasn't feeling too well ... so I was very tired!

Good thing I had my trial make-up session first and Alicia was entertaining me with the anecdotes of some of her previous clients.

It felt a little funny, cos she did night make-up, but day hair for me!

So my front does not match my back.

But I liked both individually.

The hair was not the real thing though...it was more to give me a rough idea cos I was trying on all those gowns.

And then, we secretly took photos ... and that's when I realised I really do look like a GIRL!!

(even though Alicia kept saying it throughout the whole session)

Not woman, mind you ... but girlish girl!

What's more, I colored my hair reddish brown last night, so somehow it emphasized it even more.

Oh man....good thing JX looks like a boy. Hahaha.

I think it's cos we both have single eyelids.

I was telling Alicia I shall pray for our kids to inherit our parents' eyes, but she was all "Hey, single eyelids are better!! They have more scope for make-up variety, and they tend to make you look younger ... etc etc etc."

She went on for a while, until I really started to see the potential of single eyelids.

Besides, I think it's kinda cute.

We can take a family portrait with all of us wearing those bamboo conical hats.

Ala samurai warriors.

Or take on the Chinese stereotype as our family theme.

Ala Mulan.

Hahahaha!

I'm nuts for lack of sleep. :P

21092009

2009-03-16T13:11:00.002+08:00

It's confirmed!

We're getting married on Sept 21, 2009.

It's Hari Raya Puasa, so we'll have plenty a-Muslims celebrating with us.

Haha.

It's scary though!

We booked 55 tables for the wedding dinner, and already we need to do some major cutting down. :P

My family and family friends alone are taking 20 tables.

However are we gonna do the one-photo-a-table thing?!

Banquet madness

2009-03-06T17:24:00.004+08:00

This is the story of my banquet location search.

I armed myself with the list from www.singaporebrides.com, and started researching like mad.

Firstly, we need about 50-60 tables (!!!!)

Yes, many relatives and frens we are blessed to have, so already that was a limiting factor when it came to our choices.

Secondly, because of the immense figure, we had to stick to a smaller budget so we wouldn't end up with a financial headache after the wedding.

After doing all the research, I had my heart set on Noble House initially.

It has the capacity, great central location, price within our budget and it's under Tung Lok so food shd be good.

No free hotel nite stay, but we figured we could take a room at nearby Fullerton and chill out after the whole day's happy madness.

We were all ready to book Sept 5 there, until ...

JX checked with his parents and they were not for the date cos it was still within the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Okei, we're cool.

But Noble House was not available on those dates.

Nor the days before, after, or anywhere in the vicinity of the ninth month of 2009.

Not cool.

So, the search began again.

Now, we needed to find a place that can take 60 tables minimum, because our guest list seemed to be growing bigger and bigger.

I came across:

Hilltop Garden - Nice! High ceiling, can take up to 62 tables. Free flow beer and wine somemore. We've gotta pay an extra $1,200 for the crystal ballroom, but we figured it works out to about $30/table, so ... okei lah.

BUT!

It was not available on the dates we wanted.

Between the end of the Chinese 7th month and October (we didn't want to hit October and beyond), we only had 2 weeks.

We comforted ourselves, "Okei lah, anyway Hilltop a bit far hor..."

So I started looking through my list all over again, and calling the restaurants to ask when they had a freed-up slot.

A word of advice to all BTBs, ask for the restaurant/hotel's available dates in the whole month, the month before and after.

It saves you time and you can have your options if things don't work out with the matrimony etc.

I found myself ping-ponging back and forth between the restaurants and the church, because we were trying to find a date that worked for both.

I didn't want to bother JX too much with the details until I had shortlisted the really good ones.

But after all my very "oh-man-how-depressing" research, I felt it was necessary to pre-empt him.

So I told him, "Our budget kinda allows for limited choices, most of which are too far, or too ugly. It's a challenge to find a place that can accomodate our 60 tables within our budget and looks decent, but I'm still trying lah ..."

My optimistic fiance is a man who believe IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING.

So he stepped in.

We checked out Dragon Gate at Harbourfront which looked slightly potential in its photos on the internet.

JX took a look around and went "Okei, not bad..."

I didn't like the place very much, but I was prepared because we didn't have many choices left.

So I asked all the necessary questions.

When we finally walked out of the place, JX went, "Actually ... quite depressing hor..."

He couldn't be more right! Haha.... I said, "Now you know what I mean..."

The place had 4 big pillars and it was way too erm....pink. Haha.

So on we went to the bridal fair at Vivocity where we discovered Pioneer Spring.

They were available on Sept 19, so we quickly booked it! Yay!

Plus, they threw in a free night's stay at Copthorne Waterfront + $500 restaurant voucher.

Yay, I get my hotel room!

So we were very happy.

Until the sales manager Kenny sent us the proposal.

It was a $100 more per table than we wanted.

When we asked why, he insisted it was the minimum, which got me fuming mad.

Cos then it was a misrepresentation on the brochure!

Yes, such things trigger my hot buttons.

Especially because I was careful enough to study the whole thing to ensure we don't hit any fine print boo-boos.

The matter went up to the Managing Director who told me the same story, that it's a weekday price, and the price we wanted is for the ballroom.

Allo .... we are taking BOTH the restaurant and the ballroom!

So shouldn't we get an even better rate?

It was a ludicrously thin argument that made no sense.

He said, "I can offer you a lower price lah, since you want ... but I have to take out some things from the package..."

Whoa.... You're not exactly doing me a favour now, you know...

Anyway, I told him to speak to THE man, who amazed me cos the MD finally admitted to him they made a mistake, and hence JX asked him to come up with a package under our budget that we could agree on.

They reverted with one under our budget all right, except they really took out several stuff, such as the free flow beer and wine and some other what-nots.

Not agreeable.

Hence, we decided to drop them and I'm now reverse-advertising on their behalf.

At this point, Susanna from Hilltop Garden called me and asked if I still want the tentative booking I made for their Jurong branch.

After discussions back and forth, we finally decided to take it.

(Yes, I know ... It's even further than Hilltop! Hahaha...)

As I'm sitting here typing this, JX is with Susanna putting the downpayment.

It's due to be completed in April, so we won't be able to see it till then, but we're going by faith after seeing the artists' impression and their other branches.

Hahaha.

That's one thing down.

Now to settle my church matrimony!

But that's another story altogether. :P

Just pray I get to use the JW church on the same day okei?

Btw, the dinner is set for September 20!

Haha ... I know it's a wildly popular date, and not that we bothered about it, but it's rather nice to know our wedding will be on 20092009.

Haha ... I believe it's a quirky thing God threw in.

He knows we are 2 ppl with short-term memories! :P

From the windows of Suntec

2009-02-25T18:54:00.002+08:00

Chk out the HUGE and oh-so-bright rainbow that was shining today!

And this is where it falls.

You can also catch a glimpse of the lighter one behind.

Sidetrack: Dawn popped by my table today.

"Hey, you will need many many red packets for your wedding, so do you want to take these? They are all in the same design too, so will look nice."

The other day, she went "Hey, I was thinking about your wedding ... do you want to check out these restaurants........?"

She's such a sweetie. :)

Boing!

2009-02-23T12:32:00.002+08:00

I am ...

Wondering when my braces are coming off.

Wondering where to go on our honeymoon.

Wondering if anyone wants to buy over my Truespa package?!

Looking for a house.

Looking for a reasonably-priced ooh-la-la bridal package.

Looking out for more dinner venue choices.

Drawing up my guest list (Oh man!!!!!!!! Faint)

Drawing up my helpers' list. Or at least I'm starting on it REAL soon.

Drawing up our budget for what looks set to be our maddest and funnest year so far! Haha.

I am ...

Having such fun! :P

I said Yes!

2009-02-14T01:47:00.002+08:00

Yes, it was a Valentine's midnight proposal.

of weddings and such

2009-02-07T12:24:00.003+08:00

I once had a 4-yr crush on primary school classmate.

From P5 to Sec 2!

Of course, the last 2 years weren't really counted, cos we were in different secondary schools, and I barely saw him, so basically it was a leftover crush on a memory.

Haha.

Anyway, I attended his wedding solemnization and dinner last night.

And it was a very sweet one.

His sister shared stuff like how he would eat nasi lemak EVERYTIME he took his then-gf out, cos it was the cheapest, just so he could have more money to buy what she wanted.

(Everyone say, "Awwww"....)

He's still very much the nice guy he was, except now he's really grown into a nice man.

Haha.

I had fun catching up with Sven and Dezhong too.

I haven't seen either of them in ages, although I do sms Sven from time to time.

I didn't manage to get a pic with the wedding couple, cos I totally forgot about it when I was leaving.

But thanks to the wedding photography mobile studio, I got a namecard-size pic of me with Sven and Dezhong.

I'm too impatient to wait till I get back to the office to scan in the pic, so here's a blur version of it.

I really like the idea of the mobile studio.

They go around taking pics of ppl during the cocktail reception, then you get a copy of it almost immediately.

Then you also get to write on their tablet pc next to your pic so your greetings to the wedding couple can be immediately flashed on the projector screen.

How cool!

(Some of his frens posted the results of the Toto draw ... haha.)

You can find out more at www.livestudios.sg if you're interested.

I hear it's $1,588 tho. :P

Anyway, I was very glad I got to share in the wedding joy, and even gladder for the frenship, which has lasted all of 20 years.

Goodness!! 20 years!! :P

How we have all grown.

Shoop shoop shoop!

2009-01-29T07:19:00.001+08:00

Shachew went ice-skating!

Yay!

Now contemplating making it a regular activity.

Hee hee. :P

Where the _ _ _ _ is everyone?!

2009-01-23T12:26:00.004+08:00

If it doesn't load, click to watch on Youtube.

Happy praying!

2009-01-22T08:26:00.003+08:00

Okei I haven't been blogging much.

Forgive me.

I'm in the midst of turning my sleeping hours around.

Trying to sleep by 11pm, or latest midnight everynight, so I can wake up at 6am. :P

Yes, since coming back from Korea, I've been waking up at 6am to pray!

Wah ... clap clap for Shachew.

Double clap clap from those who know how well I enjoy my sleep! :P

After reading Dr. Kim's book, I figured I know how to make this happen and SUSTAIN it.

She would "punish" herself by saving a certain amount every time she forgot to do something.

So I've decided to adopt that strategy and "punish" myself by saving $1 for each minute I'm late in my prayer time.

Which means, I'll either be very disciplined and prayerful; or very rich!

Either way, I win.

So far, it's going pretty well, except for the two occasions that I overslept for half an hour each, so my savings are now up by $60.

I donno whether to clap or mourn. :P :P :P

JX came up with a prayer chart based on the 7 parts of creation that I tot was really good cos it's so easy to remember (or work out when you can't remember).

Feel free to use this if you wanna!

1st: Light - Pray for your "today" word from God; the light of your rhema.

2nd: Waters - Pray for dependence on the Holy Spirit; the water that springs forth in your life.

3rd: Land - Pray for your finances and wealth; what you plow the land for.

4th: Vegetation - Pray for your health and physical body; what you feed on.

5th: Animals - Pray for your career and ministries; what you have dominion over.

6th: Man - Pray for your relationship with people around you.

7th: Rest - Pray for your walk with God.

I've also decided to go swimming three times a week.

For any one time I fail to do so in a week, I'll put $5 towards my Christmas gifts funds.

So if you get cheap cheap gifts this year, it probably means I'm very fit and healthy. :P

Hahahaha!

check out the 12,000 at 4.30am

2009-01-14T12:37:00.003+08:00

I'm back from Shoppers' Paradise and Prayer Capital!!

I totally enjoyed myself crossing over to year 2009.

It's good I shopped much in HK, cos I could barely find anything to buy in Korea... :P

But I got excited and inspired to imagine the future of CHC as I watched and joined the Koreans in their daily morning prayer!

Imagine an audi of 12,000 full to the brim at 4.30am!

While we were trudging up to our seats, middle-aged uncles and aunties were running past us to start praying as quickly as they could.

Goodness.

Pictures tell a better story, so check out the rest of my photos here.

It's time to get elbow deep into work again, and everything else.

Haha.

Wishes

2008-12-28T01:27:00.003+08:00

The song Auld Lang Syne will always remind me of my dad now.

Esp. the Sex & The City version.

Cos I used it for Dad's photo montage at his funeral.

We sang it in church today at the last weekend service of 2008.

And I couldn't help remembering that Dad's not around to go into the new year with us.

I miss him.

I took my family to watch Red Cliff earlier this year.

And at the end of the show, I was dismayed to realise there was a part 2 to it.

I remember thinking, "I hope Dad gets to watch Part 2."

I saw the poster 2 nights ago.

Part 2 is coming out on Jan 9, 2009.

Mum says Dad's prob seen it, and I agree.

I think heaven would have a cinema.

Probably a drive-in one.

Haha.

At the beginning of Nov, I thought, "I hope we get to celebrate Dad's berfdae with him this year."

We didn't, but I think he probably had a rocking good time with Jesus.

After all, they share the same birth date :)

This has been a big year for me.

I've been to both ends of the emotional spectrum, and now I'm on the trapeze, somewhere in the middle, trying to adjust.

Don't really know what to expect right now.

At the end of 2008, I feel like relationships in my life have become a little consolidated.

Not something that I intentionally set out to do, but somehow it has happened.

My social circle feels like it has tapered into a bottleneck.

I am grateful for those who choose to be stuck in the bottleneck with me though.

One day, we'll squeeze through.

And when we do, I'll be happy to whoosh out in a champagne-pop with you.

For now, I just wish sometimes I had a one-size-fits-all answer for everything; that I was instantly wise and mature enough to take everything that life throws in my stride.

I wish I knew when to be gracious; and when to teach a necessary lesson.

Or when to be scrappy and press in; and when to let go & back off.

But yes, I know it's a journey.

I lurf the journey.

And JX will tell you this: Sometimes I'm so much on the journey I forget the destination...

Or I get waylaid by a bag in a store window display.

But sometimes, I just wish I was already at my destination.

I'm pretty sure I've grown since years ago, or even from last year.

I just wish I could see how much I've grown.

Or someone could put it into words.

Songs that bring out the season

2008-12-18T09:48:00.004+08:00

As one of the songs go ... it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! :)

What are some songs you lurf in this season?

Some of my big-time faves:

(Click on the names to link to the Youtube videos)

Silent Night

The power of this song cannot be denied. :P

I've chosen a version by Sixpence None The Richer here.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

This song was made famous by Judy Garland in Meet Me In St. Louis.

Yes, the same lady who immortalised Over The Rainbow. :)

But I also like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra's version.

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

What a picture of Christmas this paints!

It always makes me long to lounge before the fireplace, surrounded by my loved ones, with a cup of really good hot dark chocolate in my hands, while it's snowing outside.

And of course, the perennial

O Holy Night

Chloe has such an angelic voice. :)

While you're checking this out, catch her singing Someday.

For laughs, here's the worst rendition ever. Ever.

Hear it to the end!

One song that always makes the corners of my mouth turn up is Jaci Velasquez's duet with Alvin & The Chipmunks!

I didn't realize I kept humming it until JX asked me twice what song it was. :P

i'm so glad I'm going overseas!! :)

2008-12-17T16:55:00.004+08:00

I'm in the midst of:

- shopping for Christmas gifts!

- wrapping Christmas gifts!!

- organizing Christmas/Thanksgiving nite with my cell group,

- tying down HK holiday plans with my family,

- amassing money to go for the Korea prayer trip!

- finishing all the work I can/need to before I go for the aforementioned trips!

- working out my finances for 2009,

- a renewed resolve to exercise :P,

- squeezing in some visitations before Christmas,

- packing as much as I can into the rest of 2008!

For now, some comfort food to end off this post.

And doesn't this cake look SCRUMPLIDICIOUS?!

Courtesy of AC - not Asia Conference, but Awfully Chocolate.

Bobbieeeeeeeee!

2008-12-09T13:40:00.004+08:00

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

My cousin popped by for lunch with me and to deliver my Christmas gift!

She's really the sweetest....plus she's practically carrying a bowling ball around...

(Yes yes, she's pregnant...:P)

Look what she got me....

I say it again, she's the sweetest! :)

IT RAINED THE WHOLE DAY

2008-12-09T10:45:00.006+08:00

We were supposed to go wakeboarding yesterday.

Yah ... Mum and me and Ah Ee and Uncle and Rachel and Rebekah plus JX.

Cos Uncle Robert is migrating to Canada just before Christmas.

So we tot we'd squeeze in one more session before he leaves.

Then IT RAINED THE WHOLE DAY!!

Sigh.

Change of plans.

We headed for Tekka Mall (yes...Little India) instead to go shopping for Christmas trees and ornaments.

Here's the view from the carpark.

I didn't get a pic of all the trees lined along the 6th level, a'waiting to be taken home.

But we had loads of fun posing with the ornaments. :P

We chose most happily... and all I can say is ... it's not cheap to buy a tree and all its dingly-dangly things!

After a yummy dinner at Golden Mile Complex, we headed home to put up the tree.

Alvin and Angel stopped by with Caleigh to add to the joy and cheer.

Thanks to Alvin and his engineering mind, our tree doesn't look chopped in half when the lights are on cos he taught us to alternate our 2 strings of lights.

And of course, Ah Ee added her magic decorative touch to the whole mini-project throughout. :)

We had fun. :)

JX left for his basketball game just as we were putting up the tree, so he was hit with the ooh-lala-ness of the finished product when he came back after the game.

I'm soooooooo proud of it, but you've gotta see it 'live to be wowed cos these 2 pics don't do justice to the yumminess of the ribbons and ornaments. :)

I'm biased, but I think it looks as good as what you see in departmental store showcase windows. :P

My first 2008 Christmas gift

2008-12-05T08:52:00.005+08:00

I've been meaning to blog about this.

The day after my dad's cremation, the postman stopped by my place with this!

How sweet is the gal who lives in Perak and whose name is Natelyne Baker?!

She went to search online for a copy of The Chronicles of Narnia that is like the old old copy that I lost and miss so very much....

Then she got the guy in America to mail it over to me.

Postage alone was USD30+! Faint.

The cover is different from my original, but the illustrations and everything else inside are exactly the same, and that's what matters for me.

It felt like I was meeting old friends. Haha.

Thanks gal.

I'm amazed and most touched. :)

His promises are beautiful

2008-12-02T08:25:00.002+08:00

Caught this rainbow in the midst of my dad's wake.

My mum was very comforted to see it. :)

Bye bye Papa

2008-11-22T01:49:00.002+08:00

Dear all,

My dad's gone home to be with the Lord.

We thank God he was water baptised this afternoon ... just in time.

I wasn't tho ... in time, I mean ... to catch his last moments.

I was late by a few minutes.

Am a bit envious of Jon, as he came out just in time to see Dad's last breath.

But I'll be okei.

I'm comforted by the thought that I'll see him in heaven.

And that I've told him all I wanted him to know.

I heard he passed on very peacefully, with none of the struggling we were expecting.

And now he's got a smile on his face.

So we're all glad that he's gone on to a happier and better place.

I imagine that now he's finding Jesus lovelier and more loving than he expected. :)

If you'd like to come for the wake, services are on Sun and Mon, 8pm at Blk 44A Marine Crescent.

The cremation will be on Tues morning, 9.45am at Mandai Crematorium.

We'll leave Blk 44A at 8.30am.

My family and I noticed, the cremation is exactly a month before his berfdae. :)

off the cuff

2008-11-17T02:06:00.004+08:00

Shar is basking in the coolness that the monsoon season brings.

Shar is keeping her eyes and mind on the King.

Shar wants her dad's cough to BEGONE!

Shar wants to lose some weight. Just a tad. So my pants fit nicely again. :P

Shar can't wait for Asia Conference!

Shar beseeches everyone to hold her back from that Charles & Keith bag and that Zara dress. Oh, and those Muji noodles. Haha.

Shar is grateful.

Shar is happy at the thought of Christmas. Already! :)

Shar wants laughter in her life, everyday. HO-HO-HO!

reservoir in the city

2008-11-10T14:17:00.005+08:00

Guess what, it takes my family 40 mins to settle down for a dinner!

Hahahahahahaha....

Guess who kept track. :P

We celebrated Jon's and Uncle Richard's berfdae last night.

You can catch the pics on my facebook.

After dinner, I finally went to check out Marina Barrage!

I like the HUGE grass patch and the concept of it.

It's so fresh JX said he can smell the dung. Haha.

I tot it smelt more like bird food.

The place needs more cafes and chill out spots, basically more air-conditioned spots.

Cos last nite was suuuuuuper hot and humid!

It made me miss Melbourne's Docklands leh.

Or rather, the tot that I can sit and chill whole day by the waters.

In a temperature that does not entice your pores to open. :P

Sorry Jim and Zhen for going first without u two, but we went to er ... recce the place!

Hee hee. We'll def go for our picnic okei ...

When the dung settles, it'll be nice to sit on the grass.

Walking over it last night, I was reminded me of when we were in Israel's Bedouin Desert.

Here's a psychedelic pic I like.

But because I know it's photographically sucky, here's another one a kind soul took for us using his tripod.

You know how sometimes, you are so engrossed by what's on tv, you don't realise that where you are standing, you're blocking yr family members?

Then they go, "Oei! You transparent ah?!"

Well, in this photo, I really almost am.

This is such a tourist shot. Haha.

photo-fun-yah

2008-11-07T12:27:00.003+08:00

Jon Obi-Wan-nabe.

Never thought I'd be on display.

i found photos taken earlier this year

2008-11-03T13:31:00.008+08:00

When Dad was in hospital, everyday was a long day...

This is what we resorted to doing, in between his awake moments and visitors.

Playing BABY mahjong! Haha.

Look how busy Jon is, having to sneak bites of his lunch in between his turns.

My bro good-looking hor?

hee hee hee hee....

2008-11-01T22:51:00.002+08:00

I was doing my work at Starbucks until I looked up and realised my bf was tired out by the story of the phenomenon that was almost called Googol.

And here's me on the opposite side....

Haha. :P

happy girl

2008-10-28T00:52:00.004+08:00

Isaiah 54:4 (MSG)

"Don't be afraid--you're not going to be embarrassed.

Don't hold back--you're not going to come up short."

Job 22:27 (NLT)

"You'll pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfil your vows to Him. You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you."

I was praying about something today, and I got my confirmation for Arise and Build at the same time.

And now, I'm soooooooooooooo excited I can't stop smiling! :D

Cos I am all ready for Arise and Build!

*Boing!* That's me jumping around in my buzz. Hee.

I remember giving a most significant amount for A&B last year.

To say all my previous giving paled in comparison is an understatement.

I wondered if I was actually giving in the past years! Hahaha.

This year, God spoke to me to give a certain percentage of my salary, and the total amount kinda made my eyes bulge -- a considerable task considering the size of my eyes. :P

It was a scary percentage, a definite increase from last year.

But I was also reminded of what I reaped in this year, which I feel sure is a harvest from my giving last year (yes ... and also a starting build up from all the giving in the past many years).

Not once in any month of 2008 has my tithe been merely based on my gross salary.

Meaning I've been paying more tithes in every month cos extra income and blessings have been pouring in.

So, 3 John 2 is true.

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."

Then, I was also reminded of what happened in my family.

It's true that my dad is sick, and my whole family has had to juggle taking care of him with work etc.

BUT!

He got saved in this year!

We got all the idols removed from my house too.

And, now my mum has not only rededicated her life back to God, she's even recently been baptized in the Holy Spirit and prays in tongues!

She prays for my dad EVERYDAY.

My mum is a faithful woman. :)

And of course, there's getting attached this year too.

As Ps. Yong and 11,720 other ppl have said to me, I'm very blessed to have JX.

I think so too!

Hahaha! :P

Sidetrack: Credit goes to KK and YL for matchmaking us. :P

(I'm saying this here, just in case anyone who is reading this blog is approached by YL with a matchmaking prospect ... trust me, go for it. Heh heh.)

Anyway .... So, Psalm 35:27 is also true!

"Let them shout for joy and be glad,

Who favor my righteous cause;

And let them say continually,

Let the Lord be magnified,

Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."

Prosperity is not limited to finances--it includes happiness, health and peace.

Honestly, I never thought I would come to such a place.

But I've seen it: God does reward His people.

I told my mbrs that I've never felt so blessed in all my life, as I do in this year.

And you know what, I was on the bus today feeling absolutely blissful at the thought of all these.

And then, very HUMAN-ly, I started thinking I should just get myself prepared for in case tough times and trials suddenly come man, 'cos how can life be such a blessing?!

Hahaha....You know, like be all suspicious when things go too well that kinda thing? :P

Then God reminded me of James 1:16-18 (MSG) ...

"So, my very dear friends, don't get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle."

Haha ...

So, with a promise like that, what's a girl to do but just be merry? :)

Of course, I have more testimonies up my sleeves, but they shall be revealed in due time.

Suffice it to say that for now, I am compiling them for the time when I will stand on stage to share my ooh-la-la testimony!

p.s. You heard it here first! :)

have fun anytime u want

2008-10-20T02:53:00.008+08:00

Giselle Lauren Omar

Wheeeeee!

Turning into a wax figure

Me and 2 other fishes

Star couples at Keppel Bay

2008-10-19T01:47:00.002+08:00

John goes, "So Krystal, what would you like to order?"

Jayson goes, ".... Will you marry me?"

You can't see it but he's down on his knee and THE question is on the plate surrounding the cake. :)

Those are John's fingers forming the heart-shaped mistletoe.

Haha.

You can't hear it but we are all screaming and cheering our lungs off and every head in the place is turned towards our table.

My CG knows how to get attention, no worries.

Haha.

The Screening Room

2008-10-18T00:53:00.009+08:00

I finally got to go!

Carol and I sat in the Moo chairs, which were on the other side of the room today.

They were screening the Korean flick "Le Grand Chef" which we both really liked.

It was sensitively well done enough to draw tears and laughter from both of us.

And they way they cooked ... Wah. :P

I like shows where they zoom in on the cooking...

We were watching the trailer playing on the screen while waiting for them to start, then someone clicked on the remote and we found ourselves staring at a DVD MENU screen.

Haha.

We looked at each other ... "Pay $20 each to come here and watch DVD?"

Hahaha.... It was fun tho.

We did say however, the next time round, we should request for the white armchairs in the pic foreground.

We secretly went to test them out after most of the people had left and they were much more comfortable (sad to say) than our Moo ones, even tho I couldn't stop stroking the Moo fur. :P

We also checked out the rooftop terrace on the 5th level.

Which is nowhere near as tranquil as it looks in this pic man....

I was hoping to discover another nice place to CHILL.

But I could barely hear my own thoughts as the music was blasting so loud!

It followed us all the way as we were escaping downstairs oh-so-quickly.

Shachew the "I-lurf-finding-new-places" then goes, "Let's try walking this way okei? If I'm not wrong, it's a bridge of some sort that leads to Club Street then to Tanjong Pagar MRT station."

Cos the other day as I was going to meet Derek, Remy, Regina for a TP catch-up at Beng Hiang, I walked past this doorway-looking thing that said "Ann Siang Hill Park Entrance."

"There's a PARK here?!"

I was already running a little behind time, so I only managed to walk in a little way to catch a glimpse of it.

I told myself I'd check it out some other time and hurried on to join them for yummy kong bak. :P

So Carol and I took the route that led us past the back of shophouses, some sort of bridge down a mini-hill and eventually came out on the other side of the Ann Siang Hill Entrance!

Along the way, we walked past no lesser than 10 men, and no women at all.

I think we also passed a nightclub entrance in the middle of nowhere.

That explains why we didn't choose to continue along this route ...

Cos even though it was the more scenic one, it would have taken us further and who knows how many other men we'll meet along the way.

That's a feat to be repeated when we are walking with the men in our lives who can go "Haiiiiiiii- yah!" while we scream our lungs out in case anything happens.

So .... we turned right instead and hopped down the stairs (Carol traipsing carefully in her new ostrich skin boots) ....

And before we knew it, we were at the main road heading home! :)

I'll definitely go back to Screening Room ... but must either go early to chope the good seats or reserve them.

Wanna head back to Ann Siang Hill to check out Books Actually too. :)

Yawn.

It's back to work for me.

Something's exciting is in store for tomorrow! :)

i meet the nicest cab drivers sometimes...

2008-10-15T02:42:00.003+08:00

I caught up with June over supper after leaders meeting tonight.

And we ended up chatting till 1am plus.

So I caught a cab home.

And my cab driver was a rare breed!

Before I got off the cab, he noticed a guy walking past and he said, "Be careful...."

Then as I was walking halfway towards my block, I realised I could still hear the engine of the cab whirring away...

So I turned around, wondering if the cab driver was waiting to see me arrive at my block safely.

And amazingly, I was right!

When he saw me turn around, he waved at me most frenly-ly.

Naturally I waved back and gave him the thumbs up to signal that it's okei, I'm safe and he can leave.

How sweet of him!

He's just like a caring uncle!

I regret that I didn't get his license plate number, so I could write a letter of appreciation to the cab company.

Look what I found!

2008-10-13T16:09:00.003+08:00

In my fave color!

And only $4.82!

I really should go back and get the other titles. :P

Especially since JX already applied for the discount card and he's gonna give it to me.

Muahaha.

I wonder if they have "The Little Princess."

Just a quirky post

2008-10-12T16:15:00.005+08:00

So, here I am ... taking a break from doing some work to daydream about travelling.

(Cos I'm at the airport, you see, and countless ppl are strolling past with their luggages)

It's just as, I am imagining myself in my hotel room in Maldives ...

... that I realize I sorta have a mini travel routine.

Whenever I check into a hotel, the first thing I do is unpack all my stuff...

Yes, while everyone is eager to dump their luggage at one corner and get out of the room, I'm busy making myself at home!

I'll arrange my toiletries oh-so-nicely on the bathroom counter.

Then I'll hang up my clothes or pack them into the drawers.

Followed by stacking my Bible and bedtime reading books on the bedside table.

I'm a VERY neat hotel roommate.

Which I find strange but quirky.

Because on a DISC personality scale, my level of C-ness (aka: Melancholic. Whose traits include: systematic, perfectionistic, deep thinker) is like Australia ...

Down under.

So it's strange that I pack to destress.

A quirk especially pronounced when I was living in Melbourne.

My housemates will hear me stacking the dishes from the whatchamaycallit into the cupboards every night.

(They also hear me sneaking a packet of cheese rings into my room, but we shall not discuss that today....)

I like going to bed knowing that things in my house are where they are supposed to be.

Eg. Nothing lying randomly on the kitchen top or living room coffee table.

Now, the strange thing is, I'm less like that when I'm back in Singapore!

Hahaha.

Maybe cos we lived with lesser stuff in Melbourne, so it's easier to get rid of clutter.

Whereas my Singapore home just has TOO MANY THINGS.

Or it may also be because BOTH my parents have high levels of C-ness!

There's nothing left for me to be fastidious about. :P

But here and there, I still do it with my Singapore kitchen.

I'll do stuff like pack everything into tupperwares and label them for easy access.

Especially after weekly marketing trips with Mum.

I lurf it when you can tell what something is at a glance!

Haha.

I remembered!

2008-10-12T00:59:00.006+08:00

"Smile!"

"Hm.....why like that huh?"

"Cos it's at night...."

"But we are indoors.... it's artificial lighting..."

"Same thing ... You need natural daytime lighting for hp camera."

"Hm....let's try with flash instead of automatic!"

"Won't make much of a diff...."

The face of a man who is thinking, "I don't believe it'll work ... but I'll humor you..."

The faces of 2 ppl who now know how it works.

Just turn on the flash. :)

Just a reminder for myself

2008-10-11T12:38:00.002+08:00

Always trust God to do something about things behind your back.

He totally set up a conversation that led to where I wanted it to go.

And I didn't even know from the beginning that it was gonna take on that direction.

I fell asleep the night before thinking how to work out a win-win result in something that was frustrating me.

In between pondering, I was searching the Bible for answers and muttering to God, "Please please....work Your hand in this.... Okei?"

Haha.

And He did!

For once, I'm so glad I'm phlegmatic and decided to "wait and see" for a while first.

If I had listened to Frank Sinatra instead ("I did it MY WAY....."), it would have resulted in a disaster and an explosion on my end.

Cos I was already frustrated, see.

But God turned the frustration into a breakthrough.

Yay. :)

Still clapping my hands in glee.

I lurf how each day is unfolding. :)

I'm going for my poly classmate, Ah-Mich's wedding dinner tonight.

Whoo hoo....I haven't seen her in YEARS. :)

Can't wait!

The Difference Between Men And Women

2008-10-10T12:21:00.005+08:00

Let's say a guy named Fred is attracted to a woman named Martha. He asks her out to a movie; she accepts; they have a pretty good time. A few nights later he asks her out to dinner, and again they enjoy themselves. They continue to see each other regularly, and after a while neither one of them is seeing anybody else.

And then, one evening when they're driving home, a thought occurs to Martha, and, without really thinking, she says it aloud: "Do you realize that, as of tonight, we've been seeing each other for exactly six months?"

And then, there is silence in the car.

To Martha, it seems like a very loud silence. She thinks to herself: I wonder if it bothers him that I said that. Maybe he's been feeling confined by our relationship; maybe he thinks I'm trying to push him into some kind of obligation that he doesn't want, or isn't sure of.

And Fred is thinking: Gosh. Six months.

And Martha is thinking: But, hey, I'm not so sure I want this kind of relationship either. Sometimes I wish I had a little more space, so I'd have time to think about whether I really want us to keep going the way we are, moving steadily towards, I mean, where are we going? Are we just going to keep seeing each other at this level of intimacy? Are we heading toward marriage? Toward children? Toward a lifetime together? Am I ready for that level of commitment? Do I really even know this person?

And Fred is thinking: ...so that means it was...let's see...February when we started going out, which was right after I had the car at the dealer's, which means...lemme check the odometer...Whoa! I am way overdue for an oil change here.

And Martha is thinking: He's upset. I can see it on his face. Maybe I'm reading this completely wrong. Maybe he wants more from our relationship, more intimacy, more commitment; maybe he has sensed - even before I sensed it - that I was feeling some reservations. Yes, I bet that's it. That's why he's so reluctant to say anything about his own feelings. He's afraid of being rejected.

And Fred is thinking: And I'm gonna have them look at the transmission again. I don't care what those morons say, it's still not shifting right. And they better not try to blame it on the cold weather this time. What cold weather? It's 87 degrees out, and this thing is shifting like a garbage truck, and I paid those incompetent thieves $600.

And Martha is thinking: He's angry. And I don't blame him. I'd be angry, too. I feel so guilty, putting him through this, but I can't help the way I feel. I'm just not sure.

And Fred is thinking: They'll probably say it's only a 90-day warranty...scumballs.

And Martha is thinking: Maybe I'm just too idealistic, waiting for a knight to come riding up on his white horse, when I'm sitting right next to a perfectly good person, a person I enjoy being with, a person I truly do care about, a person who seems to truly care about me. A person who is in pain because of my self-centered, schoolgirl romantic fantasy.

And Fred is thinking: Warranty? They want a warranty? I'll give them a warranty. I'll take their warranty and stick it right up their...

"Fred," Martha says aloud.

"What?" says Fred, startled.

"Please don't torture yourself like this," she says, her eyes beginning to brim with tears. "Maybe I should never have...oh dear, I feel so..."(She breaks down, sobbing.)

"What?" says Fred.

"I'm such a fool," Martha sobs. "I mean, I know there's no knight. I really know that. It's silly. There's no knight, and there's no horse."

"There's no horse?" says Fred.

"You think I'm a fool, don't you?" Martha says.

"No!" says Fred, glad to finally know the correct answer.

"It's just that...it's that I...I need some time," Martha says.

(There is a 15-second pause while Fred, thinking as fast as he can, tries to come up with a safe response. Finally he comes up with one that he thinks might work.)

"Yes," he says. (Martha, deeply moved, touches his hand.)

"Oh, Fred, do you really feel that way?" she says.

"What way?" says Fred.

"That way about time," says Martha.

"Oh," says Fred. "Yes." (Martha turns to face him and gazes deeply into his eyes, causing him to become very nervous about what she might say next, especially if it involves a horse. At last she speaks.)

"Thank you, Fred," she says.

"Thank you," says Fred.

Then he takes her home, and she lies on her bed, a conflicted, tortured soul, and weeps until dawn, whereas when Fred gets back to his place, he opens a bag of Doritos, turns on the TV, and immediately becomes deeply involved in a rerun of a college basketball game between two South Dakota junior colleges that he has never heard of. A tiny voice in the far recesses of his mind tells him that something major was going on back there in the car, but he is pretty sure there is no way he would ever understand what, and so he figures it's better if he doesn't think about it.

The next day Martha will call her closest friend, or perhaps two of them, and they will talk about this situation for six straight hours. In painstaking detail, they will analyze everything she said and everything he said, going over it time and time again, exploring every word, expression, and gesture for nuances of meaning, considering every possible ramification.

They will continue to discuss this subject, off and on, for weeks, maybe months, never reaching any definite conclusions, but never getting bored with it either.

Meanwhile, Fred, while playing racquetball one day with a mutual friend of his and Martha's, will pause just before serving, frown, and say: "Norm, did Martha ever own a horse?"

And that's the difference between men and women.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAH!

Okei guys, speak up and defend yourselves! :P

This is so hilarious...especially the last question about the horse.

things are heating up in the last quarter of 2008

2008-10-08T15:30:00.006+08:00

My mum just rededicated her life back to God!

Pst. Ming came to pray over the house, and led her in the prayer.

Tomorrow he'll come back to pray for her to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

An extract of my happy sms conversation with BL.

BL: Praise d Lord! :) God is so so good...

SC: Yah! Sometimes it's still quite unbelievable that it's happening in my home... But praise the Lord! :)

BL: I totally know wat u mean... Look @ my dad, he's now a Christian n my whole house is also now a house of God! :)

SC: Yah! Just a few months ago, I was totally envying u and yr family, and before I know it, it's happened for mine. No fireworks and all, but surely, God is wkg.

BL: Amen Amen Amen! Itz so true, when 1 is saved, d whole household shall b saved!

SC: Am so glad I got to see it in action! :)

Note the number of smiley emoticons.... haha.

It's been a most eventful year, without doubt.

On a sidetrack: My mum gave me Taka vouchers the other day...

Today I realise the last piece was a $50 and not another $10!

Hee hee.

Hm.... wat should I get with $110? :P

And I've yet to spend the Capita-vouchers Pheebs and KS gave me for my berfdae this year.

It expires on 27 october...

So that means I have no choice but to go shopping soon right?!

Hahahahaha....

Clapping my hands in glee.

it's been 6 years!

2008-10-08T13:14:00.005+08:00

We finally got to meet up again!
This is a come-together of the old and new gang in Melb, and some other halves (and one 1/4? Haha.)
Some of us didn't even know each other initially ... but it was great to come together and realize we find humor at the same kind of jokes anyhow!
Check out the rest of the pics here.
This is one of the funnest gang I know in my life.
Friends born out of trials and tribulation and quirkiness and the occasional accident. :P

I was freaked out cos it turns out they were all wanting to meet JX!
Haha....
He only managed to make it much later cos of his basketball game.
So only the 5 happy peeps who were able to stay later got to see him in Taboo action.
He and Sherl tied for first place, while Elaine and me couldn't stop laughing cos we had such a hilarious time!

idol no more

2008-10-08T01:00:00.002+08:00

My house is rid of all the idols!

Thanks to Vincent!

The house feels great, and I can tell Mum's a lot happier already.

Pst. Ming is coming over tomorrow to pray over the house too! :)

I'll post the Melb gathering pics tomorrow, but for now, I'm off to enjoy a great night's sleep. :)

The Little Princess

2008-09-30T23:10:00.001+08:00

The Walking Joke Dictionary

2008-09-30T13:15:00.004+08:00

Jianhe called me this morning with the funniest joke.

Yah, he does that from time to time to sprinkle some laughter my way. :)

Aliens were invading our planet, so the world's biggest powers got together to defend it.

The USA general said, "We have the soldiers, so let us do the fighting."

The Russia general said, "We have the tanks, so we'll send them in."

Both pointed at the China general and said, "You have so much land, can you store the supplies and make sure we get them when we need them?"

He said, "Sure!"

So they fought long and hard, the Americans and Russians...

As they were running out of weapons, tanks and steam, the USA general looked at the Russian general and said, "Where is the Chinese general with our supplies?!"

At this point, the Chinese general jumped out from the bush he had been hiding in, and shouted,

"SUR-PLIZE!"

Hahahahahahahahahaha.....

I laughed myself out of bed.

He's the guy for jokes man.

On a sidetrack, I hear Russell Peters is coming!!

F1 sponsor

2008-09-29T01:11:00.005+08:00

I made JX's day today.

'Cos I managed to get him a free ticket for the F1 Grand Prix.

At the Pit Grandstand!

It's worth $2,000!

Oh goodness.

Can you imagine paying that amount for the tic?!

I shall not reveal who the generous donor is, lest he gets hantam-ed by all his other frens for not giving them the ticket.

But let's just say I'm very grateful that he happened to visit my dad on the day he had an extra ticket ... and he gave it to me even though he was planning to sell it off on Ebay. :P

Greater things have yet to come....

2008-09-28T00:46:00.003+08:00

"Though your beginning was small,

Yet your latter end would increase abundantly."

~Job 8:7~

A couple of times, i thought about how my parents started working early in their lives.

My mum was fresh out of secondary school when she entered the workforce.

Which meant she started contributing to her household expenses at the age of 16.

In comparison, I started working full-time in a permanent job only when I was 27 years old.

That's a difference of 11 years!

And as I looked around at some of my friends and thought about what I read in the news from time to time, I began to think that it's not just me who's started late.

Many of my peers had delayed entries into the workforce, mostly because of further studies.

The previous generation seemed to have it hard in that, not only were they giving to THEIR parents, they also seemed to be providing for their children (my generation) longer than their parents had.

Throw in inflation and stuff like overseas studies, and it's easy to understand why they feel the need to become more and more thrifty over the years.

On a parallel dimension, it seems that my generation is in such a stage when it comes to family salvation.

Not only are we praying hard for our parents' salvation, but we are also learning how important it is to grow spiritually with our spouses and raise and lead our children with godly values.

The generation before us may be carrying the baton longer when it comes to family finances, but we are now reaping from their sacrifices.

Their wise planning, insurance payoffs and investments are carried forward into our lives.

Likewise, my generation may be carrying the baton a little longer.

But I believe this generation is the pivot point where things begin to change.

Not only will we see our parents saved, we will leave an inheritance, a spiritual legacy for our children and their children.

My generation is the one in which it becomes fashionable for the entire family to serve God together.

The one in which it is the norm once again, for the sons and daughters to be proud to take on their parents' DNA.

Things are starting to get exciting. :)

simple pleasures

2008-09-25T01:55:00.003+08:00

One of my absolute faves since before I left for Melb.

Laine will remember this ... haha.

Our frens who pop by at night always can tell that I've just showered.

Like my bro says, the scent "lingers...."

Yes, he's been won over too.

For some reason, it's seasonal, and hence not always available.

So when I saw it at Guardian, I grabbed 2 big bottles!

Only because I had no free hands to carry more. :P

It's 946ml each, so it should last my family and me awhile.

Plus, a little of it goes a long way too. :)

It makes me want to take more showers ... Haha.

i lurf impromptu days

2008-09-24T12:21:00.005+08:00

Monday was a happy day of spontaneity!

I rushed out of the house in the morning to help Amelia (she's my sec school fren, beat that) with some stuff.

Then somehow we ended up at Central lunch time, meeting Min for Jap. :)

Accompanied Amelia for her X-Rray after, then caught up with Pheebs for her unplanned berfdae treat at Bakerzin, before she headed for dinner with KS.

We got too busy chatting to take photos tho! Haha.

Then it's Min time again as I suddenly thought it'd be nice for us to go for one of our massages.

Ahhhhhhhhhh...............

We then caught up over one of my faves for supper. :P

I really miss my gallivanting Mondays these days, so it's extra nice when I get a day off to play and do what I wish, at the snap of my fingers!

Plus, it's always a bonus when the paths of good frens cross mine then too!

Joshuarandom

2008-09-22T01:23:00.002+08:00

I donno where Josh gets all these quotes!!

This is on his MSN nick.

"Take my advice. I don't use it anyway."

HAHAHAHAHA.

kisses from heaven

2008-09-21T15:51:00.004+08:00

This is a very late entry, but we had the scare of our lives last week.

On Thurs night, Mum said Dad was suddenly shivering very badly.

So I rushed home after CGM.

By then, the shivering had stopped but he seemed super agitated and scared.

So we prayed for him, and then he finally went to sleep.

The next morning, he wouldn't wake up no matter how we shook him.

Usually when he's very tired, he'd keep his eyes closed and still open his mouth to eat.

But this time, he couldn't even open his mouth.

I kinda freaked out. I thought we were losing him.

Called the nurse to come check on Dad, and summoned Mum and Jon home.

Then I smsed Ah Ee, YL and Ps. Tan, who came down as quick as they could.

Later Dua Gor came and suggested we try to feed him sugar water.

And once Ps. Tan came and said hullo to him, he was a little more able to open his eyes.

We were like, "Whoa...the anointing?!"

Ps. Tan stayed for quite a while, praying over and talking to Dad.

And arranging for Chinese Church staff to come down and follow up etc.

They've been so faithful in visiting Dad, and I can tell Dad's very touched by them.

The nurse and doctor didn't manage to come until late afternoon, and thank God, by then Dad was slowly getting better.

Turns out his blood sugar level was low, cos he hadn't eaten much since 6pm the night before.

So the sugar water really helped...

Now we are paranoid and feeding him every few hours.

He's tired more easily now, and can only sit up for a while everyday.

But in the midst of all these, I thank God for blessing us with a good maid, Sri.

For what she has been doing, she's been exemplary in her care for my dad and us.

With Dad's erratic bladder and bowel movements, we have to wake up 2-3 times in the middle of the night to change his diapers and sometimes even the bed-sheet when it gets soiled.

As I don't sleep early, I manage to help if it happens between 11pm-3am.

Dad can't really shout out, so he alerts us by pulling out the bed-sheet and most times the pressure relief mattress too.

Sri gets the bulk of it because she sleeps on the floor next to Dad's hospital bed, whereas the rest of us sometimes sleep right through it.

Sometimes we tell her to get some rest in the afternoon when Dad is sleeping, but she'll always refuse.

Neither does she seem to eat! Goodness.

I'm always nagging at her to eat, which is an irony seeing that I am irregular with my meals. :P

Mum and I are also so thankful to our companies for their understanding when we need to take urgent leave, and allowing us to work half day from home.

God does bring blessings during valley-times. :)

I call them kisses from heaven.

On a lighter note, here's something nice that Nat did for me.

She calls it Glamour Girl.

I lurf it. :)

By demand

2008-09-11T16:08:00.002+08:00

Okei for those of you who've been asking...

Here's a pic of me and Jianxiong. :)

Yes, will take a nicer one another time...

I keep forgetting lah... :P

Hawaiian Coach

2008-09-07T09:53:00.005+08:00

Wee Tat's back from his 99-day sailing and we've all got gifts!

The generous man got all the ladies stuff from Coach....

I wonder how much he spent on the gifts. :P

Isn't the little white tag with the orange splotches cute? Haha.

Management Guru

2008-09-05T09:27:00.001+08:00

Oh my!

Check out Vincent's 8-year-old son, John, doing a management presentation! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdisMTc9qZ8

here it comes!

2008-08-28T01:28:00.004+08:00

Still clapping my hands at Dad's salvation!

He allows practically everyone who asks to pray for him now...

Ps. Tan arranged for pastoral staff from Chinese Church to visit him everyday, and he's very receptive to all their sharing and prayers.

And I just heard from Amy that he said Amen loud and clear yesterday when my cousin prayed for him, when I was at leaders' meeting.

Now instead of saying "You and I have different religions," he says instead, "Slowly....I've believe for 62 years....Cannot anyhow let go....slowly..."

Like JX analysed for me, it's easy for the Indians to accept Christ, but getting them to let go of their 1001 idols is another matter.

Haha....true true.

But the main thing is, he's accepted Christ! :)

WHEE!

And for those who have not yet heard, I'm attached.

I remember assuring Jeek years ago, that when it happens, I'll be sure to shout from rooftops.

Cos everyone asks me all the time when it's gonna be.

Okei, I've since discovered that HDB rooftops are not accessible to laymen like us. :P

So there you go.

My blog and Facebook are the next best things.

That and all the spreading by happy well-wishers.

I've been getting a lot of great feedback on it, so it's really quite cool. Haha.

I don't have any pics yet, but if you're curious, can pop by my Facebook to take a look. :)

Natelyne commented that it's reaping season for me, and I agree!

I used to wonder why after sowing for so many years, I haven't reaped any breakthroughs in my family.

But I constantly remind myself that God will never shortchange His people.

And true enough!

Here it comes!

I am so grateful. :)

WHEE AGAIN!!!

MY DAD ACCEPTED CHRIST!

Haha.

dad's name in THE BOOK

2008-08-27T01:22:00.002+08:00

Badly want to sleep but stopped by to say that:

MY DAD SAID THE SINNERS' PRAYER YESTERDAY!!

Dad was admitted into NUH on Sat cos he fell down in the bathroom.

I only found him lying on the floor in the bathroom because it was raining and we got up to close the windows.

Sigh, we got him a urine pot so he wouldn't have to get up from bed, but he insists on being independent.

We immediately called an ambulance to send him in.

Doc said the fall didn't do him much harm, but the tumor is growing fast and pressing on some tube in his brain, preventing fluid from flowing.

So pressure is building up, which causes him to become sleepy more frequently.

Yesterday, Pst Tan came by the hospital to pray for him and led him into salvation.

Pls keep praying that his faith will grow and he will be confused by his childhood religion no more.

We also had a revelation that he's more receptive to guys praying for him...haha.

A game or two.

2008-08-10T02:53:00.005+08:00

Gnilleps in tonight's Cranium game...

Val: Each of you take one letter each and spell this word out .... backwards. The word is: Alabama.

Wel: A

Shar: M

Wel: A....

Shar: B....

Wel: A....!

Shar: L....?!

Wel: A....Haha.

Gosh, it was like the easiest word for Wel, ever.

Btw ...

Here are the ominous looking clouds inching towards Marina Bay, threatening to make the National Day Parade a washout.

It went on anyway, and the spectators all looked most happy in their red ponchos.

the most childish post ever ... I'm in that mood.

2008-08-09T21:04:00.003+08:00

I realised ... I don't really know how much I want something until I realise I'm disappointed when it doesn't happen.

'Cos I missed the NDP fireworks!!!!

(stamps feet)

Sigh.

Okei, fine.

So it's not a big deal.

And yes, I'm sure it's nothing compared to the Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony.

But still, it's FIREWORKS!

And we only get them like twice a year in Singapore.

Sigh.

Okei lah, shall look forward to catching the Aug 22 one.

Should be good, considering it's Fireworks Festival.

For now, I'm going off to allay the despondency of the nonevent with a game of Cranium!

Hee hee.

Soul food like that make me happy again.

And maybe we can follow it up with a game of Pictionary too.

Muahahaha.

OMG

2008-08-09T02:31:00.000+08:00

Oh my word..........

YAWN.

courage of the heart

2008-08-07T16:22:00.003+08:00

I lurf this quote.

I really do.

A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.
Mahatma Gandhi

But I believe that you also learn bravery by loving.

Here's another one by the author of "The Little Prince".

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine De Saint-Exupery

It's always a matter of the heart.

missing man

2008-08-05T15:28:00.002+08:00

I was at the beach late last night to catch a bite with Val, when she noticed a hullabaloo starting to build.

Several fire engines and Civil Defence vehicles came and they started flashing super strong lights over the sea....searching....

Apparently a man was swept out to sea.

And we kept thinking it was a little boy.

Read about it here.

nokiphonekia

2008-08-04T01:18:00.005+08:00

My Sony Ericsson keeps hanging on me!!

I'm sooooo tempted to get this Nokia E66....

I've always liked the Nokia E Series...

Cos they are soooo functional.

Now, the thing is....this phone is over $600!

SNORT.

And I'm also waiting for iPhone.

So...............................

Sigh............................

Put up with Sony Ericsson for a while more....lor....

all kinds of stuff

2008-07-30T01:05:00.009+08:00

I got to go wakeboarding last Sat!

After many many weeks of talking about it.

Wheeeeeeeee! :)

The sun was sneaky though....

It was hiding behind clouds, so I figured I won't need to put on sunblock yah?

My bad....guess who had the ickiest tanlines!

I'm still red and sore. :P

But I'm so glad I got to go out on the water!

Next one will be with my cousins!

Tessa's in town, and Rachel & Rebekah have been waiting...

Plus Uncle Robert's asking about them too.

On the other hand, I also pigged out at the Orchard Cafe buffet with the ching gang yesterday.

Wel had some 1-for-1 special with his StanChart card, so he made sure we all got in on it.

The abalone is good...especially with the wasabi.

But the absolute best was the DRUNKEN PRAWNS.

The herbal soup was, in Wel's words, "to die for."

Each serving only had 2 prawns, so we kept going back for more.

Until Bry came and worked his magic on the serving guy.

He convinced them he needed portions for 4-5 people, and came back with an emperor-sized bowl with MANY drunken prawns!

Goodness....He's NOT just an aunty-killer.

And we laughed so much at Val's school antics that we barely had energy left to finish our food.

Next gathering will prob be for Val's berfdae. :)

On a sidetrack, Glyn got back from Korea and bought us all these goodies!

Here's a pic of her getting the full blast of Carmen's expression of gratitude.

I also saw this superbly adorable rabbit at a pet shop in Great World a while back.

You can't see it, but it was chomping away non-stop.

One last thing.

My dad had fits last week, and since then, he's been kinda weak, especially in his right side.

The tumor is in his left brain, so it affects the muscles on the right.

Do keep him in prayers!

I'm praying hard for him to experience God, and be saved! Soon!

Thanks!

green day

2008-07-23T17:57:00.004+08:00

I lurf getting gifts!

This cushion is from FEEEEEEE-BEEEEEEEE.....

In my fave happy green. :)

And with a lovely card too!

Okei, I didn't flip it, so the text reads:

Green pillow so soft to touch

Phoebe wants to give you a hug

Life's journey can be hard

In Jesus we can trust.

How sweet of her! :)

sinematic

2008-07-21T23:43:00.003+08:00

I finally got to check out Sinema Old School.

Tonight they screened 3 short films by Jack Neo in the beginning of his filming career.

I kept laughing throughout the 3 shorts (which kept me entertained for all of 30 mins) because they were so old and unbelievably....fake.

Haha.....despise not the days of small beginnings.

Granted, the Singaporean film scene is no Hollywood, but Jack Neo has really come sooooo far.

And besides, Recess was quite a nice place to chill out at after.

On the other hand, I bought stuff again today!

Kuah kuah kuah.

I got:

- A bag, which my mum thinks is Ah-lian cos it's brightly coloured and has a dragon+phoenix on it, but I lurf it for its chinoiserie influence. Don't worry, you'll recognise it when I carry it.

- A silk dress in sky blue and flowers.

- A top, which looks a little like the dress, but translucent, hence I couldn't resist! It reminds me of a top I sold away at a flea market last year. Guess I really did like it more than I thought I did. :P

All of them were by this local designer Elijah Lim, who was apparently a coursemate of Sven Tan, my primary school classmate.

I saw a skirt I liked by Sven too, but it's $198....

And another fab kimono-inspired top by Hiroko Ueno, that was $698........!

Not my reality yet....but someday.

On a sidetrack: I recently saw a thread running through 3 unrelated people with one mutual connection, and it's kinda freaky.

it's no joke

2008-07-19T04:25:00.002+08:00

I just caught the midnight screening of The Dark Knight.

Heath Ledger was incredible...

Can't say the same for the rest of the film though.

I think they tried to cram too much into it.

Resulting in it becoming as messy as the Joker's make-up.

I'm waiting for:

1. The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor

2. Journey To The Center Of The Earth

I'm off to bed for now.

It's a 2.5 hrs movie and it's not 4:27am.

YAWN.

I met Carl 2 nights ago.

2008-07-17T15:57:00.006+08:00

I know this is unbelievable.
But I had Carl's Jr for the first time on Wed night!

Why didn't I think to get a pic of me with Jenny and Wel?

But anyway, here's one of me with our order tag and the happy star. :)

I woke up this morning thinking of the Portobello Mushroom Burger.

Faint.

Okei, I'm hungry now. :P

professionalism

2008-07-16T20:12:00.007+08:00

Transcribing can be a tedious task for me.

On one hand, I enjoy it for what I get out of it, because when I'm transcribing sermons by preachers like P. Kong, P. Tan, R.C. Sproul and Derek Prince, revelations hit me left, right, center.

On the other hand, I have to concentrate two of my senses on the same thing, which is boring.

I can't listen to music while I'm transcribing because I have to listen to the recording.

Hence, I've discovered that when I'm transcribing, my mind is likely to have this sub-channel running in the background.

As and when I do not need 100% concentration, I have random thoughts flitting in and out.

Today's topic on Channel Shachew was: Professionalism.

I was thinking about what does it take for a person to have professionalism in his/her career.

It's one of my personal goals ...

To be professional in what I do, and not let personal difficulties become an excuse for shoddy work.

But professionalism can be a very subjective thing too...

So, out of curiosity, I did a google search and came across this.

Professionals are expected to . . .
- Establish a special relationship with clients or patrons.

- Have a lack of self-interest.

- Be involved in all aspects of the profession.

- Publicize what the profession "does" and "is."

Interesting .... I found the lack of self-interest bit.

The ideal job is when you are doing something that you love, but then it may also mean foregoing what you want and expect from it sometimes.

What an irony of life. :)

As much as you may be tempted to think so, your career and calling is not a platform to fulfill your own desires.

There is a difference between God giving it to you, and you making it happen for yourself.

But I always hold to this promise:

Proverbs 22:29

"Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men."

when you're tired, yr words come out wrong...

2008-07-16T14:39:00.002+08:00

Today Rebekah said "I am so le-kar-keet!"

Her mum took a while to figure it out.

Turns out it's LETHARGIC.

Hahaha.

We are all tee-red and full of fat-ty-gue.

I'm craving for....

2008-07-16T02:18:00.002+08:00

1. Coffee Bean's Belgian Chocolate or Starbucks' Java Chip Frappucino

2. An overseas shopping trip

3. Wakeboarding

4. Some sea breeze

5. Completed deadlines!

No. 2 doesn't seem likely for a while, but I shall get my hands on no.1 tomorrow ... and work in the rest somehow! :D