Say a little prayer.

Lesson Learnt on the Summit

2012-01-29T12:40:00.001+08:00

Was resting on the summit of Bukit Timah Hill with pops after our climb and we overheard a conversation between a dad and his children.

The son told the dad that he cannot do sth.

And the dad replied, "there is nothing you cannot do, you can do anything if you put your mind to it."

What a wise advice.

There may be things that you should not do, but truly, there is nothing you cannot do, if you set your mind to it :)

Growing Old with an Angel

2012-01-26T00:22:00.001+08:00

I'm very thankful that I have someone who watches over me.

Who listens to my every whim when I get frustrated over the smallest things.

Who teaches me to have a little more faith when I blind myself with life's littlest details.

Who reminds me all the beautiful things in life that I should be thankful for when I get too caught up with negativities.

Who holds my hand and show me how beautiful a journey and a process can be when I get to focused on the outcome and the destination.

Who let me rest my head on his shoulders and wipe my tears on his sleeves when I cry like a baby.

Who holds me tight when I'm already breathless from all the emotions.

Who counsels me patiently when I throw my unreasonable little tantrums.

I'm so thankful, that God has blessed me with such an angel.

And I'm so glad, that I'll be growing old with him :)

Amore

2012-01-21T01:13:00.000+08:00

And so I still don't have many photos of the special day, so I'll blog about something that has been constantly in my field of vision recently :)

Family heirloom aside, the proposal ring is the most special piece of jewelry one can ever have.

And because it's so special, I honestly think that it goes beyond the size and specs of the diamond.

I think I gave pops the vaguest idea what I would like for my proposal ring. I only gave him 2 criteria - preferably 0.5c onwards (because I don't like sth too cute or dainty) and a simple and timeless design.

If I were him, I would have bought a simple ring with tapered bands. Safe, effortless and classy.

But when I saw my ring that day, I was overwhelmed. It's really beyond what I've envisioned my own ring to look like. I had no idea how he managed to get it so right. I won't even think of it myself!

How the thick band gave the ring more character and made it look less 'dainty'.

The diamond details at the side of the ring so that it does not steal the light from the solitaire.

The way the setting compliments and bring out the shape and brilliance of the solitaire.

And most importantly, the way it fitted so nicely onto my finger.

As I learnt more about how my ring came about, the lovelier it looks.

Because I got to know that the ring was not simply bought off the shelf. It was made with me in mind and it's the essence of the effort, time and thoughts of some very special people in my life.

And listening to the many accounts of how poppy really puts his heart and soul into searching for the right solitaire and creating the most personalized ring for me, really really touches my heart.

When I look at the ring, I see a brilliance that shines beyond what the naked eye can see.

It comes with beautiful things and lovely memories.

Like poppy's love, blessings from my dear girls, Fairy's Inc, the lovely and thoughtful designer, the beautiful shop, the whimsical website, the joy of everyone recounting the process to me, the thought that it was made specially for me.

When you receive your very own proposal ring, you will know, that its value goes beyond its size and specs. For it represents and holds many many thing that are priceless and beyond.

Love and Joy :)

2012-01-20T01:06:00.001+08:00

Have been wanting to blog about the day Poppy popped the qn, but I don't have the time and photos to do that yet...

But I just need to express my joy and emotions :)

I feel most blessed and loved through the proposal :)

To be at such a meaningful and beautiful proposal venue, to hear his sweet words of proposal, to wear a ring more beautiful than I can hope or imagine, to know the effort, time and soul he put into everything about the proposal and to be in the presence and blessings of my dearest dearest friends :)

Seriously, I can't ask for more, but truly be extremely thankful and appreciative for everything and to everyone involved. Most importantly, thank God for placing such a great man and such loving friends in my life :) And for the awesome weather!!

I just can't say thank you enough for everything!

Breathe!

2012-01-15T01:09:00.002+08:00

Only 1 word to describe the past 2 weeks - HECTIC!
It has been so crazy I hardly had time to breathe...

Been busy preparing a dance item for the RG closing ceremony that's happening in mid-Feb with the Rec club peeps. Every Tues and Fri I had to knock off on time so that we can rush for dance! I miss dancing and I miss performing! And all those crazy moments between practices are still the fondest memories :)

A slight weight loss further justified the efforts. Which I believe will return with the festivities just round the corner :p

Then there was a whole day out in the Sun at Sentosa. Family Day and USS, one after the other!

And I spent a good half of this week planning pop's birthday. It was a simple one this year, but I'm glad pops enjoyed it :)

And I have to say this - Imperial Treasure Steamboat was fantastic!

Fun aside, there's career talks and fairs all lined up for these 2 months.

Today was spent at NTU from 10am till 5pm. With the traveling time, that was effectively my entire Saturday~!

The day ended with a photo shoot for Ashley's blogshop with Zhi Yi!

And I just received a msg from another friend to help out with her blogshop. I agreed and sincerely hope that I can help because entrepreneurship is not easy and I admire people who try :) So if I can play a role in helping the person realize his/ her dream, I'll feel most honored.

And I thank God for placing lovely people in my life during busy times to share my joy, my woes, and also to comfort and pamper me :)

Especially pops, who has been worried that I'm spreading myself too thin. He even offered to drive all the way down from home just to pick me from my photoshoot at 9pm so that he can personally bring me to pick up some food for my 1st meal of the day.

He has been my Snoopy :)

I'm off to have a HTHT with mummy now!

Sweet Warm Sun

2012-01-05T22:04:00.000+08:00

I love this ad!

How I wish life can be in such a warm and comfy shade of gold :)

~Hugs & Kisses~

Resolutions 2012

2012-01-04T19:04:00.000+08:00

Honestly, I've clean forgotten what resolutions I made last year. I can only recall that it's a really long list.

So this year, I'm keeping it simple (did I say that last year too?)!

In no particular order, I present to you, my resolution list for 2012 :)

#1 - Do 3 things that I have NEVER done before

Time simple passes by too fast. If we don't purposefully live it and do something different every now and then, we'll just end up going with the flow until we realize that another year has come and gone.

So this year, I want to do 3 major things that I've never done before :)

One of it, will be climbing Mt. K.

YUP u heard it right.... me, climbing Mt. K.

HAHA I must be crazy to even agree to this but I'm sure it's going to be one heck of an adventure!

Will be conquering the peak with poppy and the lovely bunch of peeps from IRRC :) I'm excited talking abt it already!

#2 - Take better care of myself and my loved ones

I think this was the part I got carried away last year and wrote a crazy long DETAILED list when I was doing my resolutions. This year, I'm going to keep it simple.

To take better care of myself will mean making daily life choices to keep myself healthy, in both physical and mental aspect, and keep up with the proper skin care and hair care routine.

And to be more aware of the health conditions of my family members and buy them health supps and tonic if possible to keep them healthy :)

#3 - Learn to put more time and effort into all my relationships

I'm someone who doesn't need a lot of friends, but can't do without my groups of close friends. This year, I wish to be able to devote more time and effort in maintaining and growing my relationships with my various groups of close friends.

Same goes to my relationships with my family. I wish to spend more time with them, talk to granny over lunch, bring my parents our for dinners, go on shopping and high-tea with mummy...

This year, pops and myself made a pact to take turns and plan sth exciting (or just plan STH) once a month :) We realize that we used to do exciting things last time but recently, we've been bumming ard at home most of the time because neither of us bothered to think abt what to do...

This year, we should not have any excuses!

#4 - Discover the area where God wants me to serve

This year, I feel the burden to figure out which area God wants me to serve in. I hope that by reading His words and spending more quality time with Him, He will point me to the right direction.

#5 - Learn more about myself

Sometimes, life is moving so fast that we don't realise how our true nature is revealed in the the things we do and the way we react to situations.

In the past year, I've learnt that I am someone who appreciates beauty in a very sentimental way. I get touched by things that I think are beautiful. I am easily mesmerized or moved to tears by a phrase, a picture, a scene, a thought, a setting, a scenery, an experience, a sunset, a rainbow.....

I've always thought it's because I'm just too emotional. But I've leant that it's because when I see things, I seldom see it as it is.

When I see a beautiful phrase, I think about the person who wrote it. When I see a moving art piece, I think about the life story of the artist. When I see a rainbow, I think about how can there be such a beautiful scene on earth.

So this year, I look forward to knowing myself better. So that I can better embrace ME.

2011 Flashback

2012-01-02T22:38:00.001+08:00

Happy New Year all!!

I finally have the time and peace of mind to sit down for my annual flashback post :)

2010 had been an exciting year with once in a life-time events like graduation, grad trip around Europe and starting work. I thought 2011 would pale in comparison, but 2011 had proved to be just as exciting :)

Now for a flashback to some of the highlights in the various areas of my life in 2011~!

Work

This year, Pops and I ran for the committee of our company's recreation club and we ended up as the Welfare secretaries.

My whole life (till now), my only CCA has been dance. So it's a really different experience for me to be part of a rec club and plan agendas, organize events, write proposals, etc. But that makes working life extremely fun and memorable.

It is also my 1st time working with Pops, officially. And so far, it has been a great experience :) Partners!! I'm also extremely thankful for some of the people in the committee who makes work so fun and crazy :)

We managed to pull off a successful President's Challenge Bazaar in conjuncture with the President's visit and raised a 5-figure sum for charity. That's an amazing feeling :)

Relationship

One of the highlight for our journey together thus far will be getting our house :)

The whole experience has been so surreal, I sometimes ask myself whether we've really bought the house. It may not be a dream house per se, but it's definitely a lot more than we imagined our 1st house to be. I'm very thankful for God's guidance along the way, from the very start, and also the support and sound advices by our families.

The whole process had drawn me and pops closer to each other, as we discover similarities in the way we think, go through important decision-making processes together, resolving differences, providing assurance to each other and having a common dream to look forward to. It has been an important milestone in our relationship.

And awesome, fun-loving neighbors too!!

Faith

This year, we haven't been as steady in the aspect of faith. There were some cell group changes and we went to the church that pop's relatives are currently attending. We've also started going to weekly fellowship groups at our office and the experience has been great. It's like getting weekly rejuvenation of faith to keep u going for the rest of the week through our sharing.

Travel

Taiwan Trip

This is our 2nd time in Taiwan, and we never get enough of this place! In fact, this trip is even better than the previous because it's a free-&-easy with just the 2 of us ;)

Love the late mornings, shopping sprees, night markets, tea-sipping, cafe-hopping, photo taking!

Batam Trip

Went on a short trip to Batam with his colleagues and it was FUN! We ended up more tired than relaxed, but it's great to know all of them at a more personal level :)

Shanghai Trip

I won't say much about the trip as I just had a long post on it recently. All in all, the experience was better than I've expected it to be and I enjoyed the time with Pops and his family :)

Desires

This year, I've also got my dream bag :D

A Balenciaga from Paris during my mum's Europe trip! A Giant Gold City which, apparently, Sg doesn't carry (just let me busk in joy and smirk for a little while). That's probably mum's gift for my 25th birthday + Christmas 2011 & 2012.

I love this bag because the longer you use it, the deeper the lines, the softer the leather and the more story it tells :)

All in all, 2011 has been a year of minor hiccups and major joys.
Looking back, I'll smile at the memories of the past year, instead of having a frown.

Since negative emotions and bad memories have greater impact on people, I always believe that if you can look back at the year with a smile, the year shouldn't have been a bad one :)

I thank God for the opportunities given to me, the situations He puts me in, the people He planted in my life and the fact that He has never ever forsaken me. As I experience Him each day, I can only say that I learn more about Him and realize that I can never fully understand Him.

Wrapping up this post, I will be writing another one on my new year resolutions for year 2012 (soon)!

A Little Time Off

2011-12-30T17:40:00.001+08:00

Pedicure at 5pm!

A little indulgence for getting to knock off on the last working day of the year at 430pm :)

Preparing for a long night ahead!!

Christmas Gifts

2011-12-28T23:35:00.001+08:00

It's knowing that the giver had u in mind.

It's the joy that the colorful cards and wrapper bring.

It's the excitement of finding out what's in the packages.

And it's the simple child-like glee of tearing the wrapper apart.

Thanks for the gifts, the thoughts, and the wonderful annual experience of unwrapping my Christmas gifts :)

Travel Diary - Shanghai Trip 2011

2011-12-27T10:15:00.001+08:00

I realize that the older I grow and the more I travel, I fall in love with traveling even more.

Because when you travel, you get to shut your mind off the daily drones of work and morning traffic and simply bask in the surreality of being at an exciting new place - wherever you are.

It opens up your eyes, your heart and your mind to beautiful things, wonderful experiences and thought-provoking issues.

A trip to the orient wrapped up my traveling episode for the year of 2011 :)

I've been to China (Beijing) once when I was still in Secondary school (unbelievably, it's more than 10 years ago from now!) and it didn't leave me with a positive impression. So initially, I was pretty apprehensive of going to Shanghai.

But I told myself to go with an open heart and open mind, for beauty appears at places and moments where you least expect. And guess what, I came back with more than 600 photos for the trip because I was trying to capture all the beauty of the things I've seen.

I'm not going to be a pain and load all the photos here. They should be up on Facebook soon (I hope).

Now for a short summary!

Itinerary

The itinerary was packed to the brim and we travel to a new place everyday.

Su Zhou

Wu Xi

Nanjing

Hang Zhou

Fu Yang

Shao Xing

Shanghai

Highlights of the trip

1) Impression Westlake

A multimedia play directed by Zhang Yimou, set upon the scenic West Lake in Hang Zhou. It depicts some of the romantic folklore of China and the stage is set ON the West Lake itself so the stage is actually submerged a few inches in the lake and the dancers' feet are always in the chilly water.

Similar to the rest of Zhang Yimou's production, the setting is gorgeous, the combination of lights, colors and music is fascinating, the portrayal of Chinese tradition is done in very contemporary ways and the most telling characteristic - Abstract.

2) Shaoxing Keyan Scenic Port

Hailed as the Asian Venice, Shaoxing's sceneries are never far from water features. The Keyan Scenic Port is a gorgeous and poetic area set against lakes and cliffs.

3) Atop the SWFC

From the scenic to the city, from the ancient to the modern - we scaled the tallest building in Shanghai, 100 floors above the ground.

4) Chilling at The Bund

Panoramic view of Shanghai's city scape, spacious broad walks, cafes with free Wifi, backdrop of old european architecture. What's not to love?

5) Jostling with the crowd at Tian Zi Fang

A world apart from The Bund, Tian Zi Fang is probably more similar to Arab Street in Singapore. Its narrow cobbled walkways are littered with crowd seeking photo-opps, quirky bars and cafes and photography galleries.

Officially, my favorite place in Shanghai :)

6) Hotel Roomsss

The perk for traveling on tour packages (and parents) - crazy ass hotel rooms!

We had a serviced apartment with 2 bedrooms, a living room and 2 toilets. A hotel in the middle of a park. Another with TV at the bathtub and a toilet the area bigger than a study room in Singapore flats.

Ok that's all for now :)

You see, even with the multitude of photos I try to present in this post, it's nothing like experiencing the real thing yourself.

So I urge you guys to go see the world. It doesn't matter how far you go or how long the trip. If you open your hearts and minds and simply soak yourself in the experience, the memories of the trip and the emotions you experience will be unforgettable and priceless.

Shanghai Dolly

2011-12-17T08:16:00.001+08:00

Off to the orient for a good 10 days :)

Brightest TGIF yet!

2011-12-09T18:33:00.001+08:00

What makes Friday better?
One where we get to leave before 630!
I love a bright TGIF :)

Happy Monthsary!

2011-12-09T10:06:00.001+08:00

First thing in the morning, a lovely monthsary wish from Poppy :)

TGIF!

We lose some, We gain some

2011-12-09T01:24:00.001+08:00

Glad that I've been consistent with my gym routine once a week and pops has been going for his volleyball training.

But that's coupled with the horribly unbreakable habit of having dinner after 9pm.

Well, I guess that's life. We lose some, we gain some :X

Ready for CHRISTmas?

2011-12-08T00:24:00.001+08:00

“Ready for Christmas,” she said with a sigh
As she gave a last touch to the gifts piled high…
Then wearily sat for a moment and read,
Til soon, very soon, she was nodding her head.
Then quietly spoke a voice in her dream,
“Ready for Christmas, what do you mean?”
She woke with a start and a cry of despair.
“There’s so little time and I’ve still to prepare.
Oh, Father! Forgive me, I see what You mean!
To be ready means more than a house swept clean.
Yes, more than the giving of gifts and a tree.
It’s the heart swept clean that He wanted to see,
A heart that is free from bitterness and sin.”
So be ready for Christmas - and ready for Him

Christ was, is and shall be the perfect Christmas gift.

Surprise, Surprise!

2011-12-04T00:28:00.001+08:00

What a busy and fruitful weekend, was part of 2 lovely surprises for dear friends.
One, a quarter century celebration of life and another, a proposal that marks the start of a beautiful life together for 2 lovely people.

Pops and I promised to meet Ryan up for her bday dinner and since it's her 25th, we decided to gather the PP and surround this special girl with the people that made up a good part of her uni life :)

Forgot to bring my camera so the bunch of photos were taken with my iPhone, hence the pixelated quality in low light setting.

Much attention that day was also given to Baby Lynn :) Such an amazing feeling when Lynn let us touch her tummy as the baby moves. Ryan and I were gasping and wowing like school girls gone awry.

Can't wait for the new addition to the group, such excitement!! And I hope Baby Lynn was not affected by Aunty Ryan's vulgarity explosion that night.

Caught 那些年 and it was really an amazing show :) Got all of us reminiscing about how fun and eventful secondary school had been. And I'm thankful that I get to be with the person I love <3

Sat was another big day!

Coz Nash have been planning his surprise proposal and we're gng back to NUS for this special occasion! The rain had no impact on our hyped up enthusiasm.

For a good half of the way, we were cooped up in AS7, marking steps and settling on formation. That was 2 mins of dance in one day's practice. N-e-r-v-o-u-s! Thank God the steps were no killer. Nash is not known for simple steps.

Here's the chronological low-down of how the proposal went:

Scene 1 - Facebook chat

I happened to see this event for Alumni happening at NUS and got everyone to meet there for our gathering.

Scene 2 - NUSS Guild House

Everyone stands around with the crowd watching this magician/ balloon sculptor going into a mega-sized balloon. (Kind of traumatizing if I were a kid)

Emcee started talking after the magic show and wanted to get someone to recount his NUS life.

Emcee: "Ok, I'm going to find a young chap"

Walks into our group.

Emcee: "Hey there, you got a nice smile, come share with us on your NUS life!"

Nash: "errrr...... o...k...."

*squirms and act reluctant while "supportive" group of friends backed away slowly from him*

Went on stage and talked about dance and all during NUS days and emcee urged him to show the crowd some steps.

*Squirms and act reluctant again (he was getting really good at that)*

Scene 3 - On stage

Glee's version of Marry You starts blasting over the stereo and Nash switched into dancer mode.

And Sharon was busy recording on her iPhone. So much so she didn't realize us moving away from her to the stage!

It's an exceptional feeling to be part of sth so special... Everything pays to see that cry-smile-touched-and-tickled expression on her face. For 2 whole minutes :)

Kelvin and pops caught everything on iPhone, compact and DSLR. I can't wait to watch!

And we had a yummy dinner at Simpang Bedok. Major Yums.

That wraps up my surprise, surprise weekend :)

Lesson #4 - Don't Judge

2011-11-27T00:49:00.001+08:00

Never be too quick to judge a person.

In fact, don't judge. Especially when we don't know the reasons behind certain actions and the story behind certain events.

There may be a bigger picture behind everything.

Bossa Steps

2011-11-26T22:31:00.001+08:00

Walking home alone on the dimly lit street, stepping to the tune of Bossa. Simple pick-me-up after a day of course :)

Dreams.

2011-11-13T12:17:00.001+08:00

Dreams - the magical word that can open up amazing wonders, the picture perfect scenes of our future we all have in our minds, the things that we strive hard towards, or to some, the worthless activity that girls like to indulge in.

I've always been a dreamer, I've always had those picture perfect moments in my mind. They change as I grow older, as the world (in my perspective) becomes more complicated. But they have always been there.

The family, the house, the lifestyle, the career, the spiritual life.

But we've seen so many people attaining major successes, but never satisfied. What's the problem?

Today's devotion asked, "Whose Dream is This?"

Time for some prayer and soul-searching. I have so many dreams, so many things that I would love to do, but which of these are from Him?

Growing Up

2011-11-10T22:31:00.001+08:00

In the midst of all the excitement about getting our own house and thinking about settling down, Pops and I have been telling each other that we can't wait to start our new phase of life together :)

Today, my manager told me out of the blue that she will be taking leave on Monday to celebrate her 10th year wedding anniversary. How sweet, I thought. And how long a 10-year marriage seems!

I was immediately immersed in a flashback of the past 10 years of my life. And I asked her, whether it seemed to have past by very fast?

Yes, very fast. It was almost like a blink of an eye. And I jokingly replied, blink a few more times and your kids will be all grown up.

When I returned home, I found myself stopping right in front of our family portrait. The one we took to commemorate my graduation.

I looked at my parents, my brothers with their families, and my teenage niece. And me, in that gown and mortar. To my parents, I was a little baby in what seemed like a couple of blinks ago, barely able to walk and so dependent on them.

Now, I'm all ready to move on to a new stage of my life, starting a family, going through what they have gone through and very soon, it'll seem like I'm living my life again through my children's life. All the childish laughters, the academic matters and the teenage problems. Until they are old enough to start their own families, and the cycle continues for them.

We spend our lives wanting to grow up, wanting to move on to the next stage of life, wanting to experience something new. Looking back, I sometimes wonder, what's the hurry?

I don't want to look back at the previous stage of life wishing I had laughed a little more, stayed up a little later, saw more of the world, danced a little crazier, loved a little harder, indulged a little heartier, learned a little greedier.

Most of all, I don't want to look back at the previous stage of my life and realize that I hadn't embraced those moments enough. That I didn't live the minutes for what they are worth.

I don't just want to look forward. I want to enjoy my life right at this moment, embrace it, and be thankful for it, while I look forward to the next.

So one thing on my Gratitude List today - I'm thankful that I stopped myself in the racing track of life and took a moment to enjoy the gorgeous surrounding.

Riverparc Gathering!

2011-11-07T13:13:00.001+08:00

Had a gathering with our future neighbors at the showroom yesterday!

When people nowadays complain that they do not know the neighbors ard their units, it's an amazing feeling when we're able to start knowing one another 3 years before we even move in.

It's one thing talking to one another in our FB group, it's another experience to see one another in person and interact face-to-face during the gathering :)

And it's an interesting feeling sitting in these chairs, eating with the neighbors when abt 3 mths ago, we were sitting there listening to our agents selling the units to us... How time flies!

Our contribution to the truckload of food - Shepard's Pie!

Game time! The kids were hilarious :)

We can imagine how vibrant it will be with all these kids and lovely families ard :) I can already foresee how rowdy the pool will be!

It is especially heartwarming to see enthusiastic neighbors volunteering to organize the event, bring food, do registration, custom-made door gift and think of games to bond everyone :)

Hope that 3 years down, we'll grow to become one big family :)

Took some photos of the models because we hear that there are only abt 2 or 3 units of 2-bedders left so they are probably gng to remove the showroom soon.

Model of a 4-bedder unit (above)

Living room and Kitchen area - it's separated into dry kitchen and wet kitchen. We love the idea of having a counter-top so when it's just the 2 of us having some snacks or drinks, we can grab the food right out of the fridge/ oven and have them at the counter-top.

The dining table by the balcony was 1 big thing that got us sold to buying a 4-bedder. With the extra length in the living room, we hope we can place the dining table by the balcony as shown in the model and have our meals while looking out at the view :)

That's us at the lighted plot and the waterway just beyond the school opposite our plot. We got a mid-level unit so hopefully we're still able to get some view of the waterway beyond the school.

And that's our stack near the entrance :) We're looking forward to basement parking so we no longer have to spend 5 mins walking up and MSCP and driving the car down!

Looking forward to 2014!!

Amazing Grace

2011-10-30T00:00:00.001+08:00

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

[2x]
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

I remember we used to sing this in school, but it didn't meant more to me than just a lovely song.

Today, as I sang it again at church service and really look at every single word of the lyrics, I was overwhelmed by emotions.

Grace - defined as favor or goodwill.

What have we done to deserve Lord's promises of all the wonderful things - love, joy, peace and blessings? Nothing. We are entitled to all this purely because of God's Amazing Grace. It was out of God's goodwill.

Echoing the sermon today, let us not face life with the limited power and strength that we have - strength that can fail and deplete; but let us put our faith in the Lord - the source of all power and strength. For "He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures."

______________________________________________________________________________________

These past few weeks, we've been attending service at the church which Pop's uncles and grandma are attending. The culture there is rather different coz the church is of a different denomination. However, the english service really helped us to feel more engaged at the sermon and worship portion. Because, while I've been going for a mandarin service for the past 10 years of my life, it has not been entirely easy listening to the sermon while trying to translate the information half the time. But I must say, my current church has really helped me to build a good foundation in God's words because they delve very deeply into the teaching of His words.

This is a big decision for us and we really need God's guidance to tell us what to do next and reveal His plans to us.

M.U.M :)

2011-10-09T23:36:00.000+08:00

Mum's gng to be in Europe this year on her birthday so I decided to pop a mini surprise for her on her lunar bday.

Bought a little cake and a small bouquet of flower for her even though she always says that flowers are a waste of money.

But seriously, I don't believe any girl (or lady) who'd actually mind receiving a lovely bouquet :)

Reached home just before midnight and set up with Daddy to surprise my sleeping Mummy :)

Yummy :)

And this is the only photo mum allows me to upload on the net coz her hair was extremely messy :p

I'm really thankful to have such a wonderful mum :)

She has been an amazing role model and has taken really good care of the family.

It's so easy to share my thoughts with her and she's always there to give me sound and practical advices.

I love spending time with her - shopping, hi-tea, chit-chats, long bus rides - I wanna cont doing that even after having my own family next time...

Hope she'll enjoy herself in amazing Europe~!

Now it's truly, "Goodbye Steve".

2011-10-06T22:31:00.003+08:00

"3 Apples changed the world, 1st one seduced Eve, 2nd fell on Newton and the 3rd was offered to the world half bitten by Steve."

Couldn't say it better.

Every era has its own geniuses, I'm proud that he belongs to ours.

Ninety-Three %

2011-09-20T11:29:00.003+08:00

Caught RiverParc on news last night, makes me wanna drop by the showroom again :)

http://video.xin.msn.com/watch/video/%E6%89%A7%E8%A1%8C%E5%85%B1%E7%AE%A1%E5%85%AC%E5%AF%93%E6%96%B0%E6%9D%A1%E4%BE%8B%E5%AE%9E%E6%96%BD-%E4%BA%A4%E6%98%93%E9%87%8F%E5%A4%A7%E5%A2%9E/tne9lmu0?from=sharepermalink-facebook

It's now 93% sold, leaving it with around 30 over units. Hope it sells out soon so that things can get moving really fast :)

And Austville's showroom looks pretty too! Thinking of popping by before they remove for pilling...

Lazy Weekend

2011-09-18T16:14:00.000+08:00

This weekend has been a simple stay-in affair :)

Saturday morning was spent completing part of the webpage for work.

Indulged in a mini home-made feast in the afternoon.

Whiled away the evening discussing about houses, weddings and all the randoms (like supernaturals).

Sunday was just peaceful home-alone moments.

Finished up my weekend homeWORK and gave myself a little treat.

I'm going to embrace the lovely weather in bed with my StrengthsFinder 2.0

My Bossa's not gonna stop playing :)

Words of Affirmation

2011-09-11T11:27:00.000+08:00

Was discussing with pops abt an IRRC trip to Mt. K. which will fall on 13 and 14 Feb nxt year and I wasn't too inclined to go but...

Melted on the spot :}

Indeed, my love language has to be words of affirmation :)

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Up and running!

2011-09-03T00:47:00.001+08:00

I can finally blog in bed without the hassle of the cable and charger :)

MBP

2011-09-02T00:51:00.000+08:00

Finally!

After lusting over the pro since my bday, I finally got it at Comex :)

Have been contemplating abt getting it since IT Fair and PC Show, but it's only last mth that they come loaded with Lion :)

Our plan tmr is to leave work on time, pack dinner and rush hm to set it up! Not that I can't set up a comp myself, but pops volunteered so.... :) I guess guys have a natural flair and interest in all the techie little stuff.

Reminds me of the time he insisted in coming to my house to help me check out my comp. That was more than 4 yrs ago...

So tempted to use it now but.... I shall resist and keep it 'close' till tmr.

It came w a whole buch of goodies and free Ram upgrade :) I'm leaving the sticking of all the protectors to pops coz I have such low patience, I attract bubbles naturally.

Where's the joy of getting a new Apple pdt without all the accessories shopping?! I still need a sleeve, a hard case, a.....

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Van Gogh Alive

2011-08-29T23:52:00.004+08:00

Finally went for the Van Gogh exhibition at the Artscience Museum today.

It's not a typical display of his art, but it serves to provide one with an introduction to this fascinating artist and a peep into his turbulent life.

I'm not an incredibly artistic person and I can't say I'm into art appreciation. But it doesn't take a genius to look at his art and understand it.

His paintings are simple, unpretentious, telling. It's not complex, but it doesn't seem to miss out the details. It's vibrant, yet u can sense the kind of solemness and solitude in it. It mixes the real and the surreal.

I guess far more than his paintings, it's his life that attracts me to him.

In his own eyes, he lived as a failure, a burden, alone. Tormented by mental illnesses, unappreciated. Little did he know, he is now one of the most famous impressionists that has ever lived.

Before he took his life at the age of 37, he barely sold 1 painting (out of a collection of 900 over) for 400 francs. And now, one of his most famous paintings, portrait of Dr Gachet, was one of the most expensive paintings ever sold at an auction. It went for US$82.5mil.

I've always wanted to hang one of his paintings at home.

Starry Night - Probably his most famous painting. Also marked the most intense period of his mental illness during his stay at an asylum in St Remy.

But we might end up getting one of his flower paintings instead... and guess which flower?

Home Loan - settled!

2011-08-23T00:21:00.000+08:00

Met the banker to sign the docs for our home loan today. Finally, 1 impt milestone crossed!

Glad that the interest rate is currently at all time low. I hope it'll still be relatively low come the time for our loan to be disbursed. Then again, such low interest rate reflects the sad plight of the market right now.

Anyway, we're still extremely thankful for all the guidance God has provided :)

Pops secretly drove to the site by himself after daddy's bday dinner on sat. So I demanded that he brings me there the next day.

This time, we brought Boy along to explore the Punggol Promenade with us!

It's a lovely lovely place and I can't wait to just go there for a jog, a cycle or just a therapeutic walk by the reservoir :)

Boy was panting like mad when we barely reached the foot of the bridge linking to Lorong Halus Wetland, so we gave it a miss. We'll be dropping by s'time soon to check that place out :))

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Spell it out

2011-08-15T00:40:00.000+08:00

It's a common complaint from guys that girls like to keep what they are thinking to themselves and not tell them explicitly what they want or are unhappy abt.

I guess girls sometime to that not because they expect guys to read their minds. But because if a guy can do sth she was hoping for without her having to tell him, it means the guy is either very sensitive to the girl or they have some form of connection or similar understanding towards things. It gives the girl a feeling that 'he is the one'.

It's a sweet feeling, a magical moment, an unforgettable memory.

It's like seeing the Camaro on your laptop. It's my favorite sports car.

It's like you bringing me to Max Brenner for our first date. I've secretly longed to go there.

It's like you telling me straight in my face you like me. I hate guys who are wishy-washy.

It's moments like these when you always seemed to get it right.

Poppy's Back!

2011-08-02T08:22:00.001+08:00

Pop is coming back to work today from reservist :)

Left this on his table last evening, hope he likes it :D

Couple pens hahah

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Sun-bathed :)

2011-07-26T00:08:00.005+08:00

(From Home-Designing)

S828794

2011-07-24T21:11:00.010+08:00

That's it~!

3 weeks since the day we chanced upon the brochure of RiverParc, dropped by the showroom, fell in love with it, applied for it (since e-application is free) and finally, signing the little (important) white form with the address of our future home.

That's it! Over in a flash!

I'm still really excited about it so I'm gng to dedicate a post to our RiverParc experience :D

I must say, we saw God's guidance in every step of the way.

We've never considered applying for houses in Punggol (we've been trying to get a Sengkang flat since our very 1st application) until the day we were flipping thru the newspaper one weekend morning and RiverParc's brochure fell into our laps.

Since we've got nth to do that morning, Pops and I decided to drop by the showroom for the fun of it (I love visiting showrooms).

While it wasn't exactly breath-taking, we felt very comfortable with the showroom and we liked the layout and space (not to mention the walk-in wardrobe attached to the master bedroom).

After a good chat with the agent (who was randomly allocated to us since we did not make an appointment), we decided to do an e-application since it doesn't cost us anything anyway :p

I brought my mum to the showroom the next day. She has a very particular taste about things so I always seek her views on important stuff. I expected her to have alot of comments on the development but turns out she really likes it too, especially the surroundings :)

After a couple of weeks, we got our queue no. (yes, lucky 268).

We then brought his mum to the showroom when the pricelist was out. And she loved that place too!

Because pops was at reservist for the whole time, we only managed to sit down and discuss about the finances just the night before selection day. We worked out the approximate amt of monthly installment based on various scenarios and were very certain that we simply cant afford it on our own (even with 20% down-payment out of the way).

We had that impt discussion at @Punggol, which was just 3 mins drive away from the showroom. Everytime we visit that area, we find sth new abt it and we liked it even more.

But it was very clear, we cant afford it on our own. So we both came to the consensus that we are likely gng to give it up and apply for the next Punggol BTO. We were glad that we shared the same thoughts on this issue and we believed that even if we didn't get a unit there, God is probably guiding us through this experience to consider Punggol for our future home :)

We spoke to his parents about it that night and things kinda just worked out (both of us tried to keep a straight face when the final decision was made but I can see right thru pops that he's beaming ear-to-ear within! ok, me too :D )

We brought his dad to the showroom on booking day and he liked it so much he asked if they can get a unit there too :X It's great to get the assurance of our parents when it comes to such an impt decision :)

And we walked into the queue at our slot, took the form with the unit number, signed loads of papers and they placed the little orange sticker on the unit that we chose :}

Throughout the 1 hr where everything was happening, I felt like my breath was just caught in my throat. It was like a whole mth of anticipation and uncertainty waiting to be released at that one moment when we took the form.

We left the showroom and ended up at Courts and Ikea. I think we'll be going there pretty often :) To get inspiration!

We were so exited we bought Home & Deco that night.

This almost feels like an abrupt start to a new phase of life for us, but we know everything is in God's good hands. We're looking forward :)

We can't be more thankful for what we've been blessed with.

*******************************************************************
Lastest update from our agent this evening (and we're blessed with a really good and responsible agent), more than half the units have been sold and it's not opened to public yet~! And s'one has already started an FB grp for future neighbours to discuss abt the house X)

Commit till the last minute

2011-07-23T11:05:00.000+08:00

On the way to the showrm (again) with his parents. Booking slot at 2pm.

Let us commit this to the Lord, till the very last minute.

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On VL to view the PL

2011-07-20T23:57:00.003+08:00

Took VL today coz the PL (pricelist) is out!

Similar to indicative price range and pretty much what we predicted.

We went down to the showroom again with his mummy and aunty.

I cant really explain why but being at the showroom makes me feel happy :) the location is not right-next-to-MRT kind of convenient, but because of that, it doesn't bring with it the typical hustle and bustle. The sky looks prettier there too (in mum's words, u seldom can see such a huge piece of sky in Sg anymore). Me and pops stood at the balcony and imagined what it would be like to be staring at the view if we ever manage to get a unit there :)

Glad his mum likes it too :) Now what's left is: Finances and Booking Day. Very big things I must say.

Anw, with regards to a comment by 'blog follower' in my prev post, I have to admit that Pops and I did talk abt proposal and applying for houses a couple of yrs ago. We thought that it sld only be right if the proposal came before the house-hunting otherwise, it will seem like u are getting married for the house.

However, we naturally started looking at launches when we started working... And I must say, the process can be really enlightening for a r/ship.

During the process of 'house-hunting', we learnt more about each other. We discussed about more serious and long-term issues. We talk about finances. We spoke about our plans for the future. We shared with each other what our dream home should look like. We give serious thoughts about staying together. We imagine starting a family.

We prayed, we committed, we grew closer, we learnt to trust God and His plans.

Every No from Him is leading to the right Yes. A better Yes. The Yes that He has planned for us.

I feel that we've grown so much in this process.

Whatever the outcome, we can only pray and commit further. That we may have a discerning heart, the wisdom to make the right choice and an obedient spirit to listen to the Lord and act upon His will.

..68

2011-07-16T01:29:00.001+08:00

For the 1st BTO we applied, we got the queue no. 168.

Today, we just got another queue no. and it's 268. Such coincidence :)

Pray that the Lord will grant us wisdom as we make the impt decision and may the Lord guide our hearts and speak to us clearly such that we know whether or not this will be God's little sanctuary for us. Amen.

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God's Gift

2011-07-15T00:13:00.000+08:00

"I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among men, most richly blessed."
- Prayer of an unknown soldier

Fellowship

2011-07-12T23:26:00.001+08:00

1st time attending the fellowship in office :)

Great experience. Haven't had such awesome sharing for a long time, I feel really refreshed :)

We shared abt relationships today. And I felt that I learnt so much over the short 45mins of sharing :)

I can't wait for the next one and for pops to join us when he's back from reservist :D

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5 Digits

2011-07-11T23:50:00.000+08:00

Commemorating the day it turned 5-figure :)

Give thanks to the Lord for His wonderful blessings and I pray that He will grant me wisdom to be a good steward of everything He has given me, to spend and keep wisely, to give to my loved ones and those in need. Gold is but pavement in God's heavenly home, so while I learn to cherish and be thankful for what I have, may I also remember not to hold it too dearly.
Amen :)

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Lesson #3 - God's Nudges

2011-07-10T21:28:00.000+08:00

Never ignore God's nudges, for your wisdom will never surpass His and He has better plans. In fact, the best plans.

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All for us

2011-06-28T00:32:00.000+08:00

"In the Gospels, we see Jesus pause in the middle of his busy day for the bleeding woman, stop his teaching to lift the chin of the bent and bowed, walk miles to deliver one small child, and wait patiently in the hot noon sun for the broken Samaritan to arrive. What kind of God does that? A God who loves his daughters."

- from daily devotion of Girlfriends in God

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2-months of flurry

2011-06-26T13:47:00.003+08:00

From the first meeting to the day of the Charity Bazaar, it has been a mere 2 months and we have been through, learnt and accomplished so much.

When the 4 of us 1st came together, none of us had done this before. At least not sth of such importance and magnitude, in such a short time.

And over the numerous meetings, lunch-ins, dinners-before-OTs and IM-sessions, we not only learnt more about each other and how to work together more efficiently, we've also learnt to help each other grow in faith :)

It's amazing how God puts people in your life, in the right circumstances and situations and you grow through that experience to be alot more than who you were.

And through these 2 months, things were so overwhelming, but one thing never fails to bring peace to the day: remembering that God provides all that we need and in Him, we are never short of anything.

All of us knows full well that if we only depended on our strengths alone, we would have been swallowed by all the details and things that we need to do to get the bazaar going.

Going though sth like this also helped me to realise how much more I can push myself at work and how efficient I can truly get. Now with this major event out of the way, I can concentrate on my core work and it has never occurred to me that I will actually miss writing interview reports!

Pictures!!

Looking back at the happy faces, crazy time and the packed-to-the-brim turn out that day, I truly thank God for this memorable experience :)

Across the Causeway

2011-06-12T16:15:00.003+08:00

Finally went for the long awaited JB trip with my colleagues on Sat!

We were supposed to meet 9.30am at Kranji MRT stn to take CW1 into JB. By the time we reached, the queue for the bus was already snaking halfway across the front of the station.

Waited about 45 mins for the bus and we managed to get a seat :D It took extemely long to make the u-turn towards the checkpt and when we looked across the st, the queue was already beyong the train station.

Anyway it only cost $0.80 for the bus ride :D

Happy looking pops boarding the bus :)

The ride to Sg checkpt and clearing the immigration was a breeze, took barely half hr (including the huge u-turn that the bus had to make), but the ride to M'sia custom was @)$(*%#&@.

We were stuck for more than half hr on the bus and we're barely halfway there. So we got off and started walking.

Only to turn ard and see that almost everyone's doing that so it looked like a mass exodus of some sort :X

And all the buses ended up practically empty and the bus drivers even came down to talk to each other because the traffic was DEAD STILL.

We probably saved 3 hrs by walking that 15 minutes. And the walk was seriously an experience :p

Took another 45 mins to clear the immigration apprantly because of their new index fingers scanning system.

Officially in JB ard 1+ and headed str to Ya Wang Restaurant!

I took a BEFORE pic but accidenally deleted it -_-

Anw all these food for RM140 and it fed 7 pax to the brim! :)

Took a cab to KSL City for RM8 and our 1st stop was MANI-PEDI!

Jess and I did the new colour from OPI's Pirates Series and Debs did her (usual) gothic color :p

The service was ok lah, they did what they sld do for classic mani and pedi but I didnt really enjoy the entire experience because they has so many customers I felt that they were in a rush.

Still, it was a full set for RM60, nth much to complain abt :x

The guys wanted to watch X-Men there but the timing didnt match so they ended up at KBox Plus. A medium room for 7 pax (incl 1 jug of drink) costs RM90. And they had THREE mics in the room. And the rooms and toilets were super clean! Damn worth it :D

Dinner was at a seafood hawker center.

All food photos on FB. We had Baby squid, cereal prawns, salted egg fish slices, kang kong, xiao bai cai, sting ray, butter cray fish (abt 2 crayfish for each person), coconut juices, sugar cane juices, all for RM230.

Will try the crab nxt time :D

After the meal, we went for massage opposite the hawker centre

Had leg massage and upper back massage for RM54.

The experience was ok lah, preferred the one in Thailand :)

And we jostled back to Sg at 1120pm, in time for the last bus back and the last train from Kranji.

I'm looking forward to another trip !!

His Peace Will Grant You Strength

2011-06-05T16:01:00.002+08:00

The week before was MAD.

That explains the amount of money we splurged on food. Comfort food.

As the day of the Charity Bazaar draws near, work will just get increasingly crazy.

I've been praying for strength this whole week and while He granted me the strength that I needed to make it through the week, God told me very clearly that He will renew me on Sunday.

And today, God shared His words with us:

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." - Colossians 3:15

And Pastor gave a very apt analogy:

We all know that the very center of a cyclone, the eye, is always quiet and calm. Yet the amount of energy that it generates is tremendous.

Similarly, when we feel like we need a tremendous amount of energy and strength to deal with all the hectic madness around us, we must always remember to fill our heart and mind with God's peace. The very center of our being must remain quiet and calm.

When we had to deal with something seemingly impossible and difficult, it doesn't help if we jump straight into it. Instead, if we stop, remain still and pray for understanding, we often find that we come back to the problem with a whole new perspective.

This week, I'll have the picture of a cyclone in my mind to remind myself that I have to constantly ask for God's peace to be in me while I brace through the roaring madness all around me.

From dreams to visions

2011-05-14T03:12:00.001+08:00

It started off as a dream.

When I was sitting there at Paddington Garden in Taiwan.

Sipping my mixed berries shake and immersing myself in the relaxing environment.

I can see myself there, doing just that.

The dream became an idea.

After sharing the idea, it became a vision.

I'm amazed by how much the idea has grown and how real the dream seems to be.

It's amazing how everything just comes together when u're focus and knows exactly what u're looking out for.

I can't wait, another 2910 days.

We have alot to do, but I can see it so clearly now, it just has to happen.

I thank God for His amazing plans, for speaking to me that day, at Paddington Garden :)

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Changes

2011-05-08T02:51:00.001+08:00

Change change change.

I hope the change that many Singaporeans had been asking for is not merely for opposition to enter the parliament.

I hope everyone who voted for change has a clear idea what are the changes they want to see for Singapore in the future.

For Singaporeans and for Singapore as a country.

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My Easter Bunny

2011-04-23T10:43:00.007+08:00

I was in a horrendously bad mood on Thursday morning.

Pops called me when I just managed to get on to the bus (really late) and I happened to just realise that I forgot to bring my thumb drive. Aft spending a whole night working on a paper -_-

I was complaining, whining, sulky, irritated.

Right after lunch, he appeared behind me with this:

It's difficult not to have my mood lifted up after the sweet surprise :)

It's always little things like these that makes a relationship sweet and memorable.

And it shows that the special someone is always on your mind (not only on special occasions).

Thank you poppy chops :)))))

Lesson #2 - Attaining your dreams

2011-04-10T21:51:00.000+08:00

Come to think abt it, I believe many of us either do not have dreams or we only dare to 'dream' abt the attainable.

We have been taught to be practical and grounded.

Never set ur sight or expectations too high lest u fall and hurt urself big-time.

I guess it's abt time we learn how to make our dreams attainable and not just dream abt the attainable.

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Sit still and watch the world go by

2011-04-07T23:51:00.000+08:00

Have a kit kat!!

2011-04-07T00:08:00.000+08:00

Guess what?

Tomorrow I'm on VL :) Hello to Me-Time!

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Life, as it is.

2011-04-03T22:27:00.002+08:00

Did a stay-home Sunday after lunch with mummy and pops.

Been busy rushing about the entire week - Staff B paper, Welfare handover, SWB handover, Networking Party, interviews... Almost couldn't fork out time to trim my fringe.

Glad to have a lovely lovely break for the whole of Saturday :) It's indulgence in every way ;)

But I was still so tired and unwell today that I missed church :(

I need to organize my life and instill some control and discipline in the different aspects of my life.

The past 23 years had been easy (albeit maybe not so enjoyable at times) because things have been planned for. We're just living by the schedule, following the timetable, going with the crowd, from one class to another, one term after another.

Working life can be the same - from one weekday to the next, one paycheck after another. And we can just let life pass us by without really achieving anything that we value as significant in our life. We can OT till the cow comes home or we can knock off on time to while the evenings away with pointless activities.

Couple of weeks ago, I was out for lunch w the usual gang and we popped by Starbucks to grab a cuppa b4 returning to the office. Saw a lady casually dressed in tee, shorts and slippers, enjoying the lazy afternoon sun with a book in her hand, music in her ears and occasional sips of iced cold frappe. How I wish I can do that on a Tuesday afternoon, how enjoyable is that!

Well, I CAN actually do that. If I want to. I can always take a day leave and do the same thing, go on a relaxing date with myself. It's so easy, I don't even have to plan! But time has become such a scarcity in life that I'm not sure I can convince myself to something so seemingly "useless".

I guess what's really important now is to regain my sense of control and discipline in life and organize the different aspects of it back into shape.

I need to get closer to God, learn to enjoy every moment with my loved ones, control my expenses, clear my (physical, mental and virtual) clutter regularly, experience new things, gain new knowledge and have a goal in life.

I need to find a balance in experiencing the individual moments in life through the smaller things and knowing in a larger scale, what exactly am I working towards in life. There are so many things I can engage in but I want to know what are the things that can lead me to become the person that I want to be. What may seem important or enjoyable at this very moment may just be something that is a complete waste of time or worse, something that is holding me back from arriving at my ultimate goal.

I once came across a story abt a rich business man who went to a little island to take a break from all the stress that he had been facing at work. Out on the beach during his vacation, he wanted to get a drink and after a long walk, he saw this man resting on a daybed with a cooler box filled with canned drinks next to him and a simple sign that says Drinks for $2. The rich business man bought a can of drink and sat down nxt to the drink seller. They started talking and the drink seller asked the business man why did he look so unhappy. The business man told him that he is thinking about his work and he is very tired with all the stress that he is facing.

"Why are u working so hard then? What are u trying to achieve?" the drink seller asked.

"Money. I want to be rich, really really rich."

"And what happens when u are really really rich? What are u going to do with all the money?"

"I'll sell away my business, buy a house on a little island near the beach, set up a little stall there and enjoy the sea breeze, the sun and the waters at my feet everyday."

"Well, that's exactly what I'm doing everyday!"

I guess what the business man wanted was not the money, but the experience of bliss in its simplicity. If he had realised exactly what is it that he wanted in life, he might have been able to enjoy such a lifestyle for a much longer time.

But life is never as simple as a story. And it doesn't help that human are simply complex (pardon the oxymoron). A short break probably won't help us feel recharged or change our perspective of life. It's the realisation that we get through spending more time with ourselves and understanding ourselves or the eureka moments that hit on us when we slow down to observe and experience life.

I'm glad to know that my life has been perfectly planned by God, and that all I need to do is really to listen to Him and find out where He wants me to go and what He wants me to do. Nothing is chance, everything that we encounter has it's purpose, be it good or bad, enjoyable or heart-wrenching. Through joy we learn to be thankful, through tears we learn to be faithful.

May the Lord grant me wisdom to see His plans and obedience to act in His will.

2 of a Dozen

2011-03-15T22:22:00.007+08:00

I rmb the last time it was Rabbit year, I was young, carefree, listening to Britney Spears' 1st album and the biggest thing in life was preparing for PSLE.

12 years on, another rabbit year and so many things have changed.

Now I'm more mature (I hope), more grounded, and I can see that there is so much more to life than just PSLE. More expectations, more responsibilities and more decisions to make are some of the things that comes along with age, but I've also found more people who are here to share my ups and downs, learnt so many lessons in life that helped to make me a more wholesome person and found a faith that has brought peace and guidance to my life.

Long past the age of major birthday celebrations (ok, not THAT long, I just had my 21st couple of yrs ago :X), I'm just really glad to have spent my birthday this year having simple gatherings with my loved ones :)

CHAOS

As usual, it's Chaos' tradition to plan surprise birthdays for each other :) This year (finally!), the surprise for my bday is no longer at my hs!

Poppy Love

Pops gave me a belated bday celebration because he had his exams on 1 March, the day aft my bday.

So we celebrated on the saturday aft my bday instead :)

And he brought me for a Spa at The Retreat :D Just what I need after a crazy mth of career fairs, late nights and writing of papers :))

I loved the whole experience! The service was awesome, they even took our blood pressure b4 the spa and told me that I have slight low blood pressure so if I feel giddy at the steam room, I sld go out and soak in the bath to cool down b4 gng back in again :)

The ambience and decor of the suite was so lovely I feel relaxed the moment I stepped in... And it made me forgot I was in Sg.

I was enjoying myself every single minute during that 3 hours worth of spa, bath and Swedish massage, I told pops that we have to do this at least twice a year :p

:) Feels so so so pampered :)

Aft the uber relaxing retreat, pops brought me to Dinner at a plc I've long been wanting to go :)

It reminds us of those Italian courtyards :)

<3

And I thank God for all the blessings that He had showered upon me and the amazing people that He had placed around me. I thank Him for drawing close to me when I drift away, for not giving up on me, for not witholding his love from an imperfect person like me. I thank Him for watching over me, for guiding me, for listening to my tears when I cry and no words can express how I feel, for granting me peace that surpasses all understanding.

I thank God that He found me.

I hope that when He finds you, you will open up your heart to receive His amazing gift too :)

Lesson #1 - Don't assume, ask.

2011-02-24T23:05:00.000+08:00

Making unwarranted assumptions can be an extremely dangerous thing to do, especially when it relates to an important decision.

Making the wrong assumptions can cause u anything from inconvenience to disappointment and even regret.

While asking and clarifying may tk up some of your time b4 u start on a task, that 10 mins spent could have saved u from a tricky case of service recovery.

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Lesson Logbook

2011-02-23T23:37:00.000+08:00

They say success comes from failures.
They missed out an impt point.
Success comes from LEARNING through failures.

While school and curriculums build us up on our technical knowledge, life's lessons are far more abundant and practical.

Everyday we face situations whr we can learn and gain new skills, new knowledge and new realizations. But the other impt component abt learning is remembering and applying.

Sometimes (or most of the time) we tend to get so caught up with what we are doing or need to complete that we only have time to heave a sigh of relief before we move on to the next task. I barely have time for implementations, don't even talk to me abt evaluation!

But if we chug thru life like a train in motion, gng whr the tracks lead us, stopping whr the stations are, we probably can go with the just-do attitude. But if we wanna soar thru life, like a plane in the boundless sky, we'll have to know whr we're heading, chart out our journey, pay attention to the information we are receiving and also feedback promptly when we sense danger. Soaring thru life requires us to participate in it actively and attentively.

And so is learning. To learn from all the impt lessons that life provides, we have to learn actively and be attentive.

I'm gng to start a my Lesson Logbook where I'll jot down lessons which I've learnt thru my job or my everyday life.

Lets see what life teaches me :)

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Sweet Love of Mine :)

2011-02-16T00:35:00.000+08:00

Was pretty determined that I don't want to celebrate valentines day bcos it's a day which we share with everyone else. I even told pops not to get anything for me coz I'm not giving him anything (read: broke aft the little splurge on his bday prez :X)

But I guess the lovey dovey atmosphere all ard got the better of me :|

So just hours before valentines day, I went on a mad rush to buy sth for him. Popular was packed to the brim -_- thank God not many ppl are into getting electronics for vday present so BEST Denki was pretty empty :)

And aft dat, it's home for craft time!

My "environmentally-friendly" version of a valentines snow globe!

Ok, doesn't look like one, but it's the same concept...

And a simple little present :)
(love the wrapping paper!)

My original plan was to sneak up to his desk and place the pressies there early in the morning so when he arrives at work, he will be pleasantly surprised :)))

But I dropped that idea since I doubt I can wk up so early :/

So I changed to a better plan - to pretend I'm not giving him anything but plop the stuff on his table when he has gone for lunch :D

He removed the sticker on top coz he didn't want to be 'Forever Friends' :P

And when I returned to my desk aft lunch...

Heeeeeeeee

Pops wanted to get 6 red roses (representing him) and 6 purple ones (representing me) but the purple ones were long out of stock :( but it's ok, still pretty :))

I left it in the office coz my was just complaining abt all the dried flowers I have at hm :P

It makes me smile when I see it
:)

Intended to leave on time for dinner but ended up leaving at 7pm -_- which was scary becoz the restaurant will release our seats if we're more than 10mins late. Reservation was at 730pm btw :X

Oh but we made it lah, thanks to Poppy's skillful driving ;)

Korean BBQ for vday dinner, quite original right?! Heheh and so sweet of him to bring me to the place I've been longing to go - Esplanade!

Went for a little walk at my fav place aft dinner :) and caught the performance at the open stage. They were sooooo good I thot it was only 1 guy singing with -1 tracks until I saw a bunch of guys - doing acapella!

So much fond memories :))

Poppy made his confession there, I planted the kiss of acceptance on his cheeks under the fireworks there, we have overnight HTHT over there, we dated there, we went there to welcome the New Year, we celebrated vday 2008 there, we went there the night aft I met his parents... And so many many more lovely moments, I never get sick of recounting them again and again :)

It was a truly happy valentine's :))

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24th Wishlist

2011-02-11T00:26:00.001+08:00

Been so busy lately I have to resort to writing my wishlist on the busride to work :X

As the tradition goes (at least for my bday), I'm posting up this wishlist to make present-buying a whole lot easier ;)

I have to make this disclaimer again this year: gifting is NOT obligatory, this list is just for reference!

Ok here goes :)

Scents
- Gucci Guilty

- YSL Parisienne

Timepiece
- Sth with goldtone/ leopard print (subtle pls)

- Michael Kors

- FCUK

- A/X

iPhone 4 Covers
- Agnes B (Gold)

- Marc by Marc Jacobs

Cosmetics
- MAC PowerPoint eye pencil (Duck)

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On eyeliner (brown or dual)

Techies
- MACbook Pro (teeheehee)

That's abt all I can think of for now!

And of coz, I wish for LOVE JOY PEACE and bountiful BLESSINGS to surround my loved ones always :))

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I wish...

2011-02-06T01:37:00.001+08:00

That we still have time to sit at Esplanade and talk till midnight.

真的，没那么简单

2011-02-04T20:53:00.003+08:00

没那麼简单就能找到聊得来的伴

尤其是在看过了那麼多的背叛

总是不安只好强悍

谁谋杀了我的浪漫

没那麼简单就能去爱别的全不看

变得实际也许好也许坏各一半

不爱孤单一久也习惯

不用担心谁也不用被谁管

感觉快乐就忙东忙西

感觉累了就放空自己

别人说的话随便听一听

自己作决定

不想拥有太多情绪

一杯红酒配电影

在周末晚上关上了手机舒服窝在沙发里

相爱没有那麼容易每个人有他的脾气

过了爱作梦的年纪轰轰烈烈不如平静

幸福没有那麼容易才会特别让人著迷

什麼都不懂的年纪

曾经最掏心所以最开心曾经

想念最伤心但却最动心的记忆

The start of Peak Period

2011-02-02T22:38:00.003+08:00

The previous week had been a major madness!!

Tuesday - RP career fair
Wednesday - Orientation
Thursday - NUS career fair
Friday - NUS career fair

Saturday - D&D

So everyday im talking and standing and talking and walking. I'm spaced out by 6pm everyday.

RP CAREER FAIR

RP career fair was not too exciting but it's my first time to RP so there's still sth interesting... They have a nice campus and their students are SUPER dressy. SUPER.

ORIENTATION

Orientation was crazy coz me and bud were still preparing for it at 8pm the night b4 and there were sooooo much logistics to take care of!

But facilitating orientation was damn FUN :) thanks to the enthu and sporting crowd :)) Wish we prepared better for it, but I guess they couldn't really tell :P It was nice to catch up with the peeps that I recruited coz I don't get to see much of them after induction the 1st day :(

NUS CAREER FAIR

Then there was NUS career fair.... Man was I excited! I guess every recruiting personnel has to go thru a career fair at one pt or another, esp uni career fairs... Have to say our 'business' was pretty good for both days... Nanny was there and he popped by our booth to say hi but I had completely NO time to talk to him... I almost had a line of ppl waiting to ask abt the jobs available...

Met a number of ppl like juniors, peeps from SDE, Blast ppl, my ex-colleague from my 1st temp job when I was waiting for my O's results, Eunice, JC frens, and most random of all I realised that the lady handling one of our ads account was a BLAST alumni!!! My Gosh!

One impt lesson we learnt, pre-book a cab if u're not driving to a career fair.

We waited for close to an hr for a cab, and took another hr to reach office. The 3 of us we silent in the cab, completely zoned out.

DINNER AND DANCE

Then we had D&D on Sat... 'Cept for the performance which were a little weird (both had to do with UV light/ glowing tops, etc), the whole atmosphere was great :) Most ppl dressed up, and it was very fun! The Snr Management did a runway show whr CIR dressed up as the King and we have Snow White, Shrek and Fiona, Harry Potter, Cinderella, Alice, Willy Wonka, etc etc... They were so awesome! Many of the staff rented costumes and alot of them looked gorgeous :)

And I thot poppy make quite a cute pirate :P He was on stage for one of the Best-dressed candidate :))

Should have taken more photos of work coz nw my post only has D&D photos...

Anw, I'm so glad I've made it thru the week, thank God for every once of energy and strength He had given me :)

These are the times when u look at it initially with doubt and worry, not sure if u can make it thru, but look back at it with great satisfaction that u've made it :)

Looking forward to the CNY break, was supposed to bring some work back but I conveniently forgot my thumbdrive zzz....

Wonders what the new "year" will bring as we have a "new" manager with our team :) I believe God has His plans and all I have to do is trust and obey...

Happy Bunny Year to all!!

2011's 1st Screening

2011-01-20T00:19:00.000+08:00

I haven't had a screening interview for a long long time... Probably a month long.
Today, I had my 1st screening interview of the year.
Despite my crazy cough and practically a whole day outta office after that, running ard for meetings, meeting these new ppl and talking to them reminded me that I love my job :))
The ppl I get to meet, the things I get to learn, the exposure I manage to get, I'm really thankful for all of them :)

Next week is madness. I'll be setting my Out of Office the whole week.
- RP career fair
- Orientation Program
- NUS Career Fair (2 days!)

And all these before D&D on sat!
I pray for strength, motivation, enthusiasm and for my thankful heart to constantly remind me how fortunate I am :)))

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Idealistic Thinking

2011-01-14T00:16:00.000+08:00

I realize that sometimes I like to play out a particular scene in my head and envision what it will be like when I make plans.

And when things happen in variance to what I've envisioned, I get seriously disappointed.

A perfect day out will never be a perfect day out because it never happen the way I thought it would. I might wk up late, there might be a jam, the weather might turn lousy.

A perfect day at home will never be either because things crops up. Like some relative may pop over or some random neighbors may be having their KTV session.

Most of the time, it is little moments of surprises and unplanned treats that make the experience so memorable.

Like that rainy day in London when the sudden downpour forced us to take a break from sight seeing and just sit in the cafe with warm coffee in hands and ppl-watch out the window. An experience so simple but so unforgettable.

I guess I should start to embrace uncertainties and start enjoying the little surprises that life has in stall for me. And make the best of everything and every moment.

For who can plan better than the One who has the entire plan of my life in His hands :) I really need to have more faith.

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Bring On 2011!

2011-01-01T19:28:00.003+08:00

Some weeks ago, we were having cell group meeting and we had to think of a word to describe our 2010.

The word that I have chosen was "New".

2010 was "new" because it was full of new experiences, new stages of my life, new friends, new responsibilities.

Jan 2010

I got my licence (just before pop's bday)!!!

Feb 2010

"Married off" our first Chaos girl :)

May - June 2010

Had the best travel experience ever for my Grad trip :)

The month-long Spirit of Europe trip saw

- new friends (more than 30 of them)

- new experiences of "backpacking", doing midnight laundry in the middle of the trips, staying at hostels, planning our own itinerary, and tons more exciting new things

- exploring new places that swept me off my feet and keeps me wanting to return

- new loooots! :X

June 2010

Embarked on the next stage of my life with my 1st perm job :)

Feels really blessed that the workplace is really near to home, I'm doing sth that I'm interested in and I've met lovely people :) To top it off, poppy's just 2 levels down and XM's working opposite!

July 2010

Officially GRADUATED!

Aug to Dec 2010

It's crazy how the few months zoomed past, I must have been kept sufficiently occupied :) Numerous new experiences along to way:

- Took interviews in the very room I had mine just some months ago

- Brought in new staff

- Went for career talks and fairs

- Designed job adverts

- Participated in my 1st "Amazing Race" and won 2nd!

- Ran a 10K marathon

- Went through ISO audit (:X)

- Got my own namecards :)

- Experienced the exhilaration of seeing the figures in my bank account grow (slowly)

- Got my 1st BONUS :D

And also held new responsibilities:

- Started giving allowances to my family

- Bought and started paying for my own insurance

- Able to treat my family to nice food and little gifts occasionally

- Bought Christmas presents for all my loved ones with my OWN money for the first time

2010 had been a yr of transitions and changes, as 2011 rolls in with new challenges and new opportunities, I remain thankful for what 2010 had taught me and pray for renewed strength and motivation to take on 2011 with great faith and enthusiasm!

Today I feel...

2010-12-16T23:12:00.001+08:00

As I was reading GSR2, the author mentioned sth abt Hoffman Process. It is an 8-day intensive program to reduce negative emotions and increase positive affect. Mainly used for healing and helping people to recover from depression.

In one of the processes, participants are supposed to report how thy feel every morning. And they have to be specific and not just say 'fine' or 'ok'.

Let's take some time each day to know ourselves better by 1st exploring how we truly feel!

Today I feel relaxed and at peace (because I knocked off on time, reached home early, and is in bed by 10pm with my mask, book and listening to bossa :D )

How are u feeling today?

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Reach for God

2010-12-13T08:14:00.000+08:00

When u tried to reach for support and find urself falling face down, reach further. Reach for God's support and not man's. For man is weak and God is strong.

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Granny pops...

2010-12-11T23:12:00.001+08:00

I looked at grandma up close today when she's slping... She looks... Old...

I hope she'll continue to be strong and healthy...

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What a successful woman should be

2010-12-08T23:38:00.000+08:00

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
[11] Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
[12] She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
[13] She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
[14] She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
[15] She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
[16] She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
[17] She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
[18] She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
[19] In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
[20] She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
[21] When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
[22] She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
[23] Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
[24] She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
[25] She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
[26] She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
[27] She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
[28] Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
[29] "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
[30] Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
[31] Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

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Driving w/o Poppy

2010-12-03T18:49:00.000+08:00

My first time driving w/o poppy, and I drove mummy home from work...
So exciting!!
A little groggy from the meds but we made it home nonetheless :)
Still bad w the directions but there's mum and GPS so I din get us lost :P
Now it makes me wanna have my own car so I can drive mum out to shop over the weekends :)))

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Twice in 6 mths

2010-12-02T21:08:00.000+08:00

The best things that can happen to a sick person:
- loving poppy
- unconditionally caring parents and granny
- super understanding and supportive colleague
- awesome weather for a good long slp
- home-cooked meals

And the only thing that sucked:
- lousy doctor.

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Blazers and jackets

2010-11-29T22:25:00.000+08:00

Went shopping for clothes to wear for Fionn's wedding.
Pops started trying the Zara jackets (his fav past time) and I have to say I really like him in blazers :P

Ok the photos were horribly taken coz I was trying to make it not so obvious to the salesman... I think he looks cute in blazers ;) too bad we're in Sg...

I'm not posting it on FB coz he wants me to QC the photos first... And none of them actually looks nice enough :P Anw I'm quite impressed w ourselves coz we managed to buy what we need in TWO hrs flat.

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Make it last

2010-11-22T00:26:00.000+08:00

The guy at the studio asked if we wanna have our couple grad photo on canvas instead of photo...

"Are u 2 married?"
"Nope"
"But if u put the photo on canvas it's going to last for a long long time."

And poppy said, " let's put it on canvas then."

:)

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HTHT

2010-11-20T23:08:00.004+08:00

Poppy told me s'thing on Fri night that reminded me of how blessed I am.

I started crying so hard that I felt so silly.

Only half-way through did I realise that they were tears of joy :)

It's especially heart-warming when words are not the most common avenue for him to express his feelings.

S.

2010-11-08T22:47:00.000+08:00

Seriously, enough shit today. Thought the night will be better, surprised it can get any shittier.

There's really just so much shit one can take.

No matter how good the intention, a max pt is a max pt. Period. No buts, no what ifs, no because.

I need a shower and blanket over my head.

P.S. I hate the S word, but nth expresses how I feel better den it. Shitty.

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Sunday

2010-11-08T00:20:00.000+08:00

Came home aft service to find mummy spring cleaning...
Motivated me to clean up my room as well :)

Have been wanting to pack up my facial and make-up prdts for a long long time...

Spent 2 over hrs on it and it went from this:

To this:

And aft a day of hard work, we went to Sizzler for a good family meal tgt :)))

Enjoyed the lovely time with the 2 greatest people in my life... Family are the only ppl on Earth who loves u unconditionally. No one will ever come close to how important they are.

New week in a few hrs' time... I thank God for guiding me through the day and for granting me renewed strength and faith. I pray that I will continue to stay close to Him and remain faithful in Him. Amen.

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Ask and you shall be given.

2010-10-31T12:39:00.004+08:00

Pops reminded me sth today.

While God promises to give and provide, we have to play our parts too.

We have to keep what we want in prayers, we have to keep ourselves on the path that God wants us to trod, we have to keep our faith that God will respond to our prayers in time.

Like the joke that Liz told in Eat Pray Love, a man kept praying to a Saint that one day he will strike the lottery, and the exasperated Saint had to tell him, "PLS go buy a ticket!"

How very often do we find ourselves in such ironic situation? We know how badly we want sth, how desperately we hope to have it. But the things we do and the effort we put in turns out to be just some feeble attempts.

Or maybe we did try with all out heart, but it wasn't the right way we shld have done it.

It's time for reflection. And renewed prayers.

The right answer

2010-10-19T23:46:00.000+08:00

The right one... Is someone whom God has planned for you. The right person to appear in your life at the right time.

Not a minute earlier, not a second later.

And you will know. For there will not be someone better for you.

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The Right One.

2010-10-19T22:48:00.001+08:00

Many ppl asked the qn: how do u know if he/ she is THE ONE for you?

I think THE ONE is more than just being the right person... It's abt meeting the right person at the right time. I always thot this ans sets all records straight.

But what is the right time?

When u are single?
When the other party is single?
When u are of 'marriageable' age?

What if u're of marriageable age and u met s'one whom u think is the right person, but u're not attached to each other?

Will u wait?
Will u take the risk?
Will it ever be a regret?
Will u still think that THE ONE in ur life right now is still THE ONE?

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Dear Mrs Lee...

2010-10-03T22:36:00.003+08:00

To the lady who played the different roles of her life so well, so quietly and tirelessly - my utmost respect.

To the couple who stood by each other till the end of their journey tgt, so sweet and loving - my deepest admiration.

To the family who had such great fortune to have this lady, so full of grace, intelligence and dedication - my sincere condolences.

And we mourn the loss of yet another important figure in our nation's history.

Flash Floods Alert

2010-10-03T05:09:00.000+08:00

I woke up in the middle of a storm this morning.
To say I woke up from it is such an understatement. I was jolted awake by it.

All my windows slammed in such great synchrony it's difficult to ignore even at 4.30am, when I'm supposed to be deep in slp. One can only imagine what a fierce gust of wind it had been.

I sat up in bed and tried to peer out the window. It was misted up by the rain that had splattered intently on it. Or was the rain so heavy that the block of flats opposite suddenly appeared so faint and distant?

And yet the lightning was so frequent and sharp, it had the ability to light up the entire sky, creating such a sharp contrast to the rain's effort of forming a mysterious veil.

It's the kind of lightning that has the ability to make even the bravest little girl cry. I hope the timid ones sleep right thru it.

I'm glad that my loved ones are all safely at home with me. I would be how worried if any if them are caught in the storm now... I hope it's peaceful and calm in Bintan, with no storm in sight.

And now I'll gladly return to my dreams. But it wasn't a very sweet one to start with...

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Flashbacks

2010-10-02T23:10:00.003+08:00

Pops away at Bintan for company's Sports Cell retreat so I have a full day of rest and me-time today :)))

Slept a whole lot and completed some home projects.

I've been wanting to flip thru all my old mags (from 2009) and rip out all the nice, informative and useful articles for my "inspirational folders".

Finally did it today :)

Spent some time doing a project for work and went blog-hopping after I lost concentration on the work.

Ended up at my old blog.

The past couple of years in uni had been so amazing, I didn't realise till I look back...

I studied a course I'm interested in, I danced and performed for various events and competitions, I wrote tons of reports, did crazy things for presentations, partied and have fun, taught tuition, learnt driving, went for mission trip, had an insightful internship, travelled the world (well, couple of places), met so many awesome ppl, made new friends and started on a lovely relationship :)

While reading my blog posts, I realised I blog alot more when I'm studying for exams. I won't say I miss studying (esp when it comes to studying for EXAMS), but I definitely miss the experiences I had.

I know I did not try everything, grab every opportunity or went all out in what I did. There were regrets and disappointments along the way, but looking back, a college life like this, I really shouldn't complain :)

Tons more photo memories, but I really need to slp.

**And I realise we used to eat BETTER when haven started working... Now we live on the limits of our punnyyy salary -_-

A 3.5 Days Work Week

2010-09-30T19:36:00.002+08:00

The thing abt me and being sick, is that I seldom fall sick, but when I do, I take extremely long to recover :(

Doc gave me 2 days MC because I was running a temp when I visited him yesterday.

Gng back to work when u're apparently not well is really not a good idea. While I managed to seat thru the interview, I felt like I'm highly infectious and I'll be extremely guilty if anyone in office fell sick these few days...

So I went home aft the interview.

Thanks to my awesome dad who sent me to work and back w/o a single complaint. And to mummy for cooking chicken macaroni in soup, what better than nice warm home-cooked lunch for a sick sick person :) And to granny for being sooooo swt, keep checking to see if I'm running a fever...

I ate and slept. Thank God for the brilliant weather. It was raining like mad and I got to hide in my blanks aft a warm soupy lunch, how nice :) Wld be nicer if I wasn't sick, of coz.

Told pops that I'll be working OT tmr to clear all the stuff that have piled up over these 2 days. He said he'll be staying back as well and he'll bring me for nice dinner aft wards :) Very swt... but I figured it'll be such a waste coz I can't taste nor smell anything now :(

Still, I look forward to a night out with him, if I'm better tmr... Haven't spent time with him this wk, except for dinner on tues....

Saw the news that Eiffel Tower has been threatened with bomb attacks couple of times. Those evil ppl better not do anything to Effie :(((

** Yearns for a nice traditional English tea :) **

Shower power

2010-09-15T00:21:00.000+08:00

I love showers (although I s'times find them cumbersome when I'm in my super lazy mode).

But it always makes me feel so relaxed aft a nice warm shower, especially aft a long day at work.

Another career fair tmr, I better slp!

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Chasing Numbers

2010-09-12T22:46:00.002+08:00

I hate numbers.

My maths was horrid, my stats mods were blah.

But as much as I hate them, I've been spending my whole life chasing aft them.

The 1st position in class.

The #1s in competitions.

The band 1s.

The PSLE aggregate.

The A1s.

The L1R5.

The CAP score.

The no. on the weighing scale.

The no. on my paycheck.

The no. of ppl I recruit.

The no. of places I've been to.

The no. on my clock.

Can we ever be free from this number chasing game called "life"?

What numbers have u been chasing?

Busy Day!

2010-09-01T23:08:00.002+08:00

Our organisation celebrated it's 18th Bday today and oh yeah it was a big deal!

The celebration started yesterday, but today is where all the exciting things happen :)

In the morning, there were performances by our senior management. They acted, danced, sang and even performed magic tricks. They were SHO CUTE!!

I can imagine the time and effort they put into all the performance and the SACRIFICE! We had ACs acting as fallen trees, DCs acting as magician and school boy, even the commissioner wasn't spared! I wish I was at the auditorium to take photos :P

But it was still nice to watch the 'LIVE' telecast thru the VCL with my colleagues :)

Then there was divisional gathering and award presentation which I had to plan with another colleague and emcee.

The logistics were -_- but the event was quite fun lah... Interesting experience and a good exposure I must say...

Anw, realised I haven't been posting photos for a LONG time, so here are some piccys!

Opening of L&I:

We had to submit home innovations for the innovate@home contest, guess what I submitted?

Divisional Celebration

With CSD:

With HRB:

SUPER tired when I left work today.

Went town to collect pop's trousers and have dinner.

Initial intention was to save money so we went foodcourt to eat.

And we did!

But I end up with 2 shopping bags in my hand when we left for home -_-

1) Bossa + Samba compilation :))))))))) Now I can LOAD my iPod with Bossa tunes! Come to think of it... It's probably the 1st CD I bought since..... 8 years ago.

2) Leather black heels from Zara. Now I can retire my one and only pair of black heels that's comfy and not sky high.

With pretty in-soles too! :)

Off to rip my CDs. :D

Breezy Breezy Night

2010-08-31T20:41:00.002+08:00

Emo momo mood today.

Wanted to go jogging, but figured it's too late when I came to the decision.

So I walked home from the stn. Slowly.

Breeze in the face, music in the ears.

The path I used to frequent with my dancing shoes, I now walk with my heels-clad soles.

Those baggy clothes, gave way to the tapered blouse and hip-hugging skirt.

A little earlier than I used to return home aft practices.

A little more lights along the streets.

That aside, same me enjoying the same therapeutic effects of the breeze, the music and the walk in silence.

If you think this post is gng s'whr, well, not really.

I'm just in a reminiscing mood today.

Thinking abt things.

Alot of things.

Random.

Have to remind myself not to get too caught up with life.

Curiosity kills the cat

2010-08-28T00:10:00.000+08:00

What's worse than being curious and not having the courage to find out?
Maybe I should stop being so curious abt certain things.

But honestly, I have no idea what to expect - something or nothing.

This is one of those things I'm itching to know, but I can jolly well live in ignorance as well.

Maybe it's my hyper-sensitivity that's picking up signs that probably do not points to anything.

I think.
I should stop thinking.

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Perspective from the Pinnacle.

2010-08-26T22:51:00.002+08:00

Spent half the day at Hyatt for a HR Pinnacle.

**I think Boss' presentation was great, although it was 67 slides long**

Coming from a non-HR background, the talks and panel discussions were quite informative for me.

Albeit the short amount of time, I felt that I learnt quite a bit, especially of the different HR practices in various industries and organisations.

Everyone has constraints in terms of the the program and policies implementations.

The large MNCs have their problems with connecting their staff across the globe and ensuring that whatever benchmarks they have for staff in 1 country is equivalent to those in another.

The public sectors may have more rules and regulations to follow (or red tapes, so to speak), which is inevitable because these regulations allow them to function more systematically.

The SMEs may be less financially loaded to provide as comprehensive a benefits system as the bigger co. and may face problem in talent retention.

There are best practices out there that we can learn, but no one has the perfect HR practice.

I believe the staff will always want more and the organisation will always be finding ways to cut costs.

And no co. can adopt another's HR system wholesale because numerous factors (like staff strength, culture, composition, nature, resources, etc) will come into play.

Made some contacts during the pinnacle as well. Quite interesting because several of them are actually fresh grads like us, and we were sharing with each other abt our work culture and our respective HR practices. You know how networking used to be like a thing for the "adults"? Now I really feel like one :X

As suggested by Julie, we also bought Royce for boss to cheer him up :) and me, Gill and Tholmas went for an early chill session at Toms after that :P

BUSY day at work tmr, looking at the number of things I left unchecked on my To-Do list today :( Gng for a talk tmr morng, lunch club aft dat and interview in the aftnn. ARGH~!

Oh well, at least it's TGIF!!! :P

Jesus loves me

2010-08-18T23:24:00.000+08:00

"Jesus loves me, this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.
We are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so."

No matter how difficult ur situation is, this truth will never change.

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Coffee for a Rainy Day

2010-08-17T23:34:00.003+08:00

I miss those days in London :(

Those coffee-in-hand-at-pret-a-manger-people-watching-lazy-rainy-weekday-afternoons in London.

I wanna go back to the UK for honeymoon or sth. No need for exotic Maldives or fancy Hawaii.

I just wanna go walk the gloomy streets, sit at cozy cafes, sip on freshly brewed coffee, stay in medieval castles and SHOP AT PRIMARKs ALL OVER UK!!

How simple a lady's wish :)

Anw I'm on diet now.

Not to keep my weight down, but to keep my expenditure down. I started by gng to the foodcourt with Gillian today -_-

Keep me motivated and scold me if I itchy hand wanna go shopping k??

On another totally random note, I MISS DANCING LIKE MAD.

TRUST.

2010-08-15T20:10:00.005+08:00

T - Talk

R - Read

U - Use

S - Self-reflect

T - Thanks

Whenever we think we can't, trust the Lord, because He can :)

____________________________________________________________

Went for my 1st jog today (since.... that time we jogged tgt in sch during study week)

The most enjoyable part has to be the feeling of temporary disconnection from the world, where I can only hear my breathing, my bossa nova over the earph and my thoughts.

Haven't had time with myself for a very long time (time spent alone surfing FB or watching online vids just dun count).

Bought simple dinner back and is enjoying being home alone for the moment :)

Being alone doesn't necessarily has to be lonely. I think alot of times, we like to surround ourselves with ppl, work, activities and distraction because we are afraid of being lonely, afraid of listening to silence, afraid of experiencing the emptiness we always thot was there in our heart.

I enjoy company from ppl close to my heart, but I also enjoy being alone once in a while. I guess that's y I like taking the bus for a long journey, where I can be there in my own little seat, listening only to what I choose to hear, looking only at what I choose to see.

Was telling Pops we sld try to go on a little poppy-detox one of these weeks, where we'll spend evenings of 1 week away from each other, just to see what it feels like to miss each other over the evenings and cant wait to see each other in the morning :) And to get some decent rest by going home early every day.

Might be a little tough to actualize, considering how much we enjoy each others' co. (esp over dinner) and how convenient it is to meet up..... we'll try :P

A new week is starting. May God grant me all that I need to give my best in what I do and to always TRUST Him :)

Fly me to the moon

2010-08-14T00:54:00.000+08:00

Was listening to Fly Me To The Moon while walking home under the stars. How apt and how enjoyable :)

Went Prologue and Borders w pops and bought 2 new books. Already started reading one called Shoo, Jimmy Choo! A very comprehensive and useful read - financial education in the most chic-lit manner. Hope I complete the book and practice what was written religiously :P

Crazy week just past, end Aug will get even crazier.

But I'm still pretty determined to keep my work-life balance so that I can enjoy work as much as possible.

**abrupt stop due to closing eyelids**

Goodnight and enjoy ur weekend!!

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Martha, Martha...

2010-08-12T00:09:00.000+08:00

"You are so worried, bothered, and distracted with the details of living that you miss the joys of life."

So close to death

2010-08-03T22:59:00.000+08:00

It's not terrifying, it's just depressing.

At least I know where he's going.

Marvelous Monday

2010-08-03T00:41:00.000+08:00

Never been a fan of Mondays, but I must say, today had been a great and eventful one :)

1) New colleague reported for work, and we both stay at AMK! Who knows, we might start bumping into each other on our way to work :D

2) Made a job offer to one of my candidates :) hope she'll be my 1st 'baby' :)

3) Hit rate for Panel was high today :))) and I realise I actually feel nervous for my candidates. And when they perform well for panel, I actually feel proud of them!

4) Was talking to one of the AC and he said he personally felt that psych is extremely relevant to HR and it'll be nice that HR start investing in psych ppl. He is the FIRST person who din ask me why I studied psych but chose to do HR.
And I really appreciate that :) because ppl who ask that qn made me feel like I'm betraying what I studied by doing sth 'not relavant' to psych and that HR is just a substitute. Worse are those who gave me a skeptical face aft I explained to them.
I can only say that psych is extremely versatile and it can be relevant to ANYTHING. So stop doubting my commitments!!

5) Back on a happy note, I had a lovely dinner with pops and spent a long time just sitting at the restaurant chatting. Great way to end a day :)))

Thank God for this beautiful day!!

Looking forward to (another) Daiso trip on Wed and Nat'l Day next Mon!! Not only is it public hol (slp w/o having to set alarm), it's also our 3rd yr anni <3 pops got me a purple Kate Spade wallet online :D
It's not the patent one, coz it turns out the patent one's only left with yellow, so I bought it for s'one else :) the new one is a zip-around long wallet made of goat hide (which he thinks is more suitable for me coz I'm super careless with my stuff and a patent one will turn ugly in my care aft 1wk). Now I spend my free time tracking whr in the US is my little wallet :) it's in TX btw!! Not in a hurry to get it, but will be nice to know that it has reached it's intermediate destination.

Oh and looking forward to payday on the 12th toooooo!!

Ok, this post was supposed to be short :| good nitey ppl!!

The Journey

2010-07-19T23:04:00.003+08:00

My favorite graduation song when I was in primary sch, I dedicate it to all my loved ones again some 10 years later:

The Journey

Time waits for no one, sure as the tide pulls the ocean

Sure as, the path that's been chosen, cannot be changed

In my life's destination, I searched for the explaination

For some kind of reason, for my sorrow and pain

But in my isolation I learned to listen

To be thankful for the love that I'd been given

[Chorus]

This is my journey, journey through life

With every twist and turn I've laughed and cried

As the road unwinds

This is my journey, and I've learned to fight

To make me strong enough, to lift me up, to bring my dreams alive

In my desperation I thought that never again

Would I hear all the laughter of my friends and my family

A million tears that I'd cried then began to dry

In the silence of the night time

I had came to realize

A sweet inspiration filled my horizon

Gave me the heart to go on and never would give in

[Chorus]

This is my journey, journey through life

With every twist and turn I've laughed and cried

As the road unwinds

This is my journey, and I've learned to fight

To make me strong enough, to lift me up, to bring my dreams alive

I'm going to love each moment, of every day and night

I'll look back to the past with the sweetest smile

For now I realise, I've been given the key to life

I've been kissed by the angel by my side

[Chorus]

This is my journey, journey through life

With every twist and turn I've laughed and cried

As the road unwinds

This is my journey, and I've learned to fight

To make me strong enough, to lift me up, to bring my dreams alive

To bring my dreams alive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIQpS4Z2P1o&feature=related

(it was sang my 911, no idea why they put it with Nemo's movie, but this is the clearest version I cld find, enjoy!!)

So Long School Life!

2010-07-18T20:34:00.003+08:00

Pop's commencement happened on the friday b4 mine and I din have time to go down coz it was in the aftnn.

Made him a simple present jotting down some special moments that we shared over the 3 years we spent in sch :)

Met him for dinner and we drove back to sch to for PFM's commencement and Pops don on the gown again just so I can tk photos with him :)

** Me and Grace were wearing the same skirts dat day!!

Went to TCC in town for late night talk with the gang... which was very enjoyable knowing that gatherings are bound to be less frequent when everyone starts working...

My own commencement was in the morning, super rush so I wasn't feeling much excitement until I was sitting at my seat waiting for my turn to be called up the stage.

I dunno whether it's because I was sitting nxt to ppl I noe or was the progress of the whole ceremony really fast, but I felt that it ended really quickly.

Holding the degree in my hands, I felt a jumble of emotions passing thru...
Joy, sadness, pride, relief, anticipation...
But one thing for sure, I know my parents are really happy :) I guess it's like a mark of completion for one of their greatest project in life - to see me grow up and eventually graduate and step into the working world.

Daddy and mummy din go to work dat day so we spend the entire day tgt :)))

Treated them to lunch at Carousel coz I just received my pay dat day :D

Went to Sands aft dat but was a little disappointed coz most of the interesting brands are not opened yet :(

But the scenery was pretty nice and mummy daddy had the chance to take the little sampan boat ard the building :) They seemed to have fun dat day and it's really really nice to be able to spend a whole day with my loved ones on such a significant day :)

2 years of nursery (yes 2 years, coz my mum had no time to take care of me),
2 years of kindergarten,
6 years of primary sch,
4 years of sec school,
2 years of JC and
4 years of uni...

My 20 years of studies has come to an official end.
Every part of it has left important and unique memories in my life, and the wonderful friends I've made along the way is one of the greatest thing that came out of this 20-yr journey.

FS, CHAOS, NINE, MIX, PP, CPG, PS.ILOVEYOU, and everyone of you who are not in these groupies but have known me at a personal level, I thank you for being part of my life and I really hope we all cont to keep in touch and meet up as often as possible :)

And my dear poppy pie...

Who has walked with me for the last 3 years of my uni life, being there for me when I feel stressed, supporting me and comforting me will be starting work tmr :)

I hope we'll cont to walk with each other, supporting each other and building each other up just as we did for the past 3 years.

Thank God for His wonderful blessings and amazing guidance all these years, I've learnt that all I need to do is depend, trust in Him and stay faithful in Him.

14 days later....

2010-07-05T00:35:00.003+08:00

Time past fast when u're busy!

This week is equally exciting and full of meet-ups :)

But I'm not gonna incl the photos coz I'm too tired to upload (stayed up for Germany-Argentina and Paraguay-Spain last night zzzzz)...

I was so nervous on Monday coz Poppy's coming for his panel interview... He's dept is not part of my portfolio so my colleague is handling... I was so distracted for the whole morning until his interview was over. Met him for lunch aft dat, hoping that we get to lunch tgt like this nxt time :)

Couple of meet-ups, went shopping at Daiso (again) with XM on thurs, met Deon for impromt catch up and Zara-sales on Fri.

Met Team Sg to transfer EU trip photos on Sat at Pop's hs. In the end, the guys spent the waiting time playing Mahjong while me and Kit went for mani-pedi and nice chill-out at Starbucks :) So glad we still keep in touch and hopefully we'll cont to go for girly gossip sessions once in a while!

Met FS (aft like half a year!!!!) in the evening. original plan was to eat steamboat, but the temptation of the G-A match was too great to resist. So last min, we tried to go to Holland V for dinner at a plc which will broadcast the match. EVERYWHERE was booked full. Same at Chijmes, Marina Sq, Swissotel and even the sports bar at SG FLYER!! In the end we packed dinner from Hans and went to Pop's house to watch.... Lots of catch-up during the intervals :) SO happy to see everyone again!! Anw both matches were worth staying up for :) I cant wait to watch Spain vs. Germany!! I like some of Spain's players, but I'm still rooting for Germany to win :D And Muller is CUTE. :)

We went for our traditional Mc Breakfast at 6am in the morning and went bk to slp....

Rushed home to pick mum up for her haircut at Tampines in the aftnn and I was so tired I missed the exit and had to travel all the way to Yishun and back :( Wanted to go shopping with Mum, but felt totally gone aft waiting for her to be done with her haircut.

I'm super tired now,m but I'm waiting for my iPod to sync... alot of things on my personal to-do list this week. I better be more disciplined and get them all done!

Pop's coming to sign his Appointment Letter tmr :)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Anw, more updates on work: I've been gng for a couple of interviews (both screening and panel), took on a new proj to prepare an interview kit (yes, it's personnel selection all over again!!) and some "welfare" stuff to do. So far progress has been well, but hope my interviews can be planned faster and more efficiently :)

Goodnightyyyyyyyy~~!!

GST package!!

2010-07-02T00:14:00.000+08:00

I think buying things for workstation has become another form of retail therapy for me. And also another form of shopping addiction :( been buying so many things lor!! Went daiso twice since I start work, always ending up with substantial amt of stuff -_- and artbox, Prologue and today... I spent $60 at Made with Love for 7 pcs of paper :(((((((
And my 1st pay is not even in :(((
I'll get over it tmr....... Gdnight :(

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