Bandaged Soul...so I can open my heart to you again.

While I wait to go for lunch... Well, so I went to the St Pat's Alumni Band Concert at VCH last night. At least 14 of our band members were there to support. We cancelled band practice today cos from what we know, a big bulk of the members would not be present - either supporting in attendance or playing for the concert. Is that supportive or is that supportive? Haha... And apparently, name-calling during band concerts extends beyond secondary school students. Sigh... The one for Rauf was super funny...inside joke. Looking at the players' list from the programme, I realised that at least 10% of the alumni band members are current TP students. Of course not all of them are in TP Band lah, but that's besides the point. A couple of them were from Music Vox. Anyway it was good to see them all. Louis was surprised to see me. He's forever reminding me that I rejected him at JPSAE. Tsk... I really give it to the committee who is managing the alumni band (any alumni band for th

I looked at the clock in my car when I drove into the carpark. 6.50pm. But I was prepared for the light-less void deck, but it wasn't as dark as my previous encounter. Would have got home earlier. But I had dinner with the band kids just now. Well, that kinda forced me to log off and drive to DES carpark. Ready to head off after dinner. Oh I went to catch the movie - The Days - at Sinema Old School. I booked the ticket for yesterday's re-run at 8.30pm and was glad that it was with the 'Talk-Back' session. Ivan was there with most of the actors, including the Director, Boi Kwang, whose life story is portrayed in this movie. Ivan was apparently surprised to see me there. Told him I had wanted to support him when it was first screened at the cinemas. When he introduced me to the Director, he thought I was Ivan's classmate!!??? I was like...??? Anyway, after the 'Talk-Back', I was delighted when I was given the super big poster and since the cast was there, I as

I'm still not used to getting out of school on the dot. Just to illustrate my point. One evening I got to my flat and I observe that the void deck was in darkness. I was thinking, what happened to the evening lights? I thought there was a blackout or something. Was contemplating if I should call the town council when I met a neighbour from my block. So I just commented..."Wah, very dark hor? Blackout ar?" Only to realised that, it's not even 7pm, so the lights not supposed to be up for another 5 mins! Zzz... Yesterday evening, I felt at a loss of what to do because I could get off on time and there was no cell meeting I drove out to TM around 6.30pm (Fridays supposed to go off at 5.30pm) cos I wanted to watch "Bolt". And what did I end up doing? Had a movie marathon. I bought tickets for "Twilight" and "Bolt". Had a voucher so one movie's free. The other's prepaid so the show's only $7.50 even on a Friday night. Then when I go

12.28am. Didn't realise that it's so late now. Just got back not long ago from shopping with Fayanne. It was probably the 3rd time I could remember driving downtown. The last time was a trip with Kenneth to get his PSP - an advance birthday present. I'm glad that it's still serving him well now. Today's was at the next door building at Wheelock Place. Well, we didn't exactly shop there but just parked and walked opposite to Shaw House. She went for her MNG sale while I went Isetan to use up my $20 voucher. Nothing worth getting for the Band Christmas gift exchange. I ended up spending $70 above the voucher value at the supermarket downstairs. Ahaha... "So what did you buy at your downtown shopping?" "Erm...groceries..." Faint... We did walk back to Wheelock for dinner, though. Can I just say...the Sakae there tasted horrible. Probably not going to patronize this restaurant at any outlet anytime soon. I enjoyed the company though. Truth hurts

I saw this picture on Pst Mark Ritchie's blog that made me laugh. Thought I'd share it with you. Poor reindeers...wonder where they flew to...ahaha! So I was told that Parmesan Oregano and Italian bread at Subway only comes in foot-long. So I ended up having Hearty Italian bread for supper on Monday. KBoxing and Waraku dinner is so expensive...so much for wanting to spend less that day. Oh, absence does make the heart grow fonder. I suppose that's true for people who have a special place in our heart. You start remembering all the good things and the unpleasant ones begin not to matter anymore. Ok, this is not exactly related, but I wonder if that's how it is in Jesus' parable of the prodigal son. How much the Father must have missed his wayward son and yearned for his return despite him squandering all his inheritance away. As long as he's back, it's a cause for celebration. Then we can only hope that those we love and miss do not regard us in the "ou

Just got home about an hour ago from Marina Square? Yesterday I was at Esplanade. Guess what, tomorrow going Marina Square again. Haha... Went to watch a locally produced movie - 18 Grams of Love - at Sinema Old School yesterday evening. No, no, no...should be 'night'. Cuz the show started at 8.45pm. This is my 2nd trip up to Mount Sophia. The 1st time was in April when I also went on my own to watch another local production - Smell of Rain. That one was so-so only, despite the soul-stirring tagline - "No reliance (dependence), no expectation. No expectation, no grief." Well, that was then... To my surprise, I actually enjoyed watching '18 Grams'. I didn't know that that session included a talk-back (a.k.a. Q & A) session with the Director, Producer and a staff from the Sinema. And for that I had to pay $10 when the actual movie ticket was $8. I didn't intend to go for that, apparently. But it didn't turn out so bad, thanks to a few of the au

Just finished watching "The Game Plan". Wanted to watch it when the trailer was screened in the cinema but never got down to it. Looked funny. But kinda glad I didn't pay to catch it then. It wasn't funny at all cuz everything was too predictable. Never thought Dywane Johnson could do drama. He's too tough and stiff-faced for the heart stuff, I guess. COMPASS is getting expensive. A tad bit too much and might even kill the hopes of doing more performances at casual platforms like Library Podium. In general, it costs less to do a ticketed indoor concert then one that's free. The copyright fees' gonna cost more than the expenses of 7 Library Podium shows add together. Non-lyrical public performances used to be free with the right terms and conditions adhered to. Apparently the lawyers just changed their mind. Fortunate move for the composers and authors I guess. But maybe less people would use their works eventually. It's an irony, but the less law-abidi

Matrix has been cubee-fied! Somehow it managed to stay on the little black mat on my dashboard without falling off after a couple of failed attempts. So cute. It's just standing there like a watchman... If you look closely, well for those who know Cubee, you'll see that this one doesn't have the 2 front teeth...it wasn't properly cut out. So it doesn't look as 'toot-toot' as the original. Haha!

It's my first time at the Singapore Flyer today, no rides for me though. $29.50 eh! So expensive. Anyway, no time. Was there for work. Brought my Latinos performer to 'rah-rah' the >60 booth to launch their Fitto Fun product - a PC cam game for the elderly - officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister. Oh ya, it's Grandparents' Day today, in case you're not aware. It was so hot, I tell you, but thank God it didn't rain. Otherwise, it would be quite a sad case for all the booths and certainly the day's programme. By the time we're done with what we were there to do, my cheeks were red like steamed crab - red and shiny. I was so thirsty I down-ed like one Super Big Gulp. Catherine was there to support, as usual. We had our lunch there. Couldn't resist the fried chicken smell from Popeyes'. Managed to eat the biscuit this time. It was more like fluffy scones, really, and it's savoury, too. If I had known it was some sweet pastries, I would ha

Oh, has it been 2 weeks? Man, time flies when you're occupied. So tired!!! This is the 3rd consecutive week that I've been staying back late at work almost every weekday. Just when I thought that my busy period would end yesterday, I need to go back school to clear the concert logistics with my students at 10 in the morning. Well, at least they are quite responsible to want to do it, ticket money all tally, so I'm quite willing to sacrifice my sleep-in with them. Very pleased that both my Band and Malay Arts Group concerts did really well in their ticket sale. Both events were quite successful, too. Besides the logistics work, I still need to go back again on Sunday at 8am. 8AM eh!!! Wah piang...another of my groups have been engaged to perform for some product launch at the Singapore Flyer. They better don't be late...haha, scally I'm the one who's late! Ahaha! :S

I feel so out of sync lately. Work, church, ministry, family, relationships, money, me - MY LIFE... now, how do I make them all revolve around God? I need grace to balance all these things! Had morning headaches for 5 out of 6 days this week due to, I think, consecutive late nights. Driving home in bright evening sun has become a rarity. This is not good. Anyway, contemplating if I should buy over my colleague's ipod nano. She's willing to part with it for less than $50 and it's a 4gb 2nd generation green nano. There's a bit of a scratch behind. And the apple logo behind is also quite worn out. I haven't tested out the quality, though. But I don't think it should have any problem. Actually, I have my own 4gb first generation ipod nano. It's so pretty I can't bare to sell it. My colleague's is so affordable I was thinking of just buying it and post it to a friend who might need it temporarily. I'm also thinking if I should get a DVD Camcorder. Hmm

Here In My Life - Hillsong HERE IN MY LIFE Hillsong Live - Saviour King I have never walked on water Felt the waves beneath my feet But at Your word, Lord I'll receive Your faith To walk on oceans deep And I remember how You found me In that very same place All my failings surely would have drowned me And You made a way You are my freedom Jesus, You're the reason I'm kneeling again at Your throne Where would I be without You Here in my life Here in my life You have said That all the heavens sing for joy At one who finds The Way to freedom Truth of Jesus Brought from death into this life And I remember how You saw me Through the eyes of Your grace And though the cost was Your beloved for me Still You made a way "God did not promise days without pain; laughter without sorrow; sun without rain - But He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way."

What do you do if you see someone you really miss online, but fear that you'd not be given the time of day...again. I waited and waited, contemplating, remembering how a little wound recently was magnified with recollection of past hurts. But at this moment, I know that words from this person is what I need. Conversations from yesterday and today with mom had been rather depressing. I was at the brink of breaking down a few times today at the thought of what a disappointment I have been. I need to knock myself out of it. I need to be strong, I need to make a choice to just do what is right and beneficial. Feeling helpless is not going to help. BUT...now, I'm so void of strength and feel so tired to try. Hopeless to even start. Hence, I'm too weak to face another abrupt ending to conversations. Those that you wait so long for a response. Then while you are typing something, all you get is...gtg, bye. Disconnected. And all I could do was to close the dialogue box reluctantly.

Talk about alcohol, I was introduced to this ice cream place - Island Creamery - at Serene Centre this afternoon. They have local delights (desserts) as flavours for their selections. One of them is Tiger Sorbet and Kahlua something... I was impressed at how beer-like the Tiger Sorbet tasted. We tried others like Pulut Hitam, Fresh Banana, Coconut Swirl, Teh Tarik, Horlick, blah blah blah. Interesting. After the session I decided to get the 500ml tubs, one each for the Horlick and Pulut Hitam flavours to bring to Mui's house as a small contribution at my nephew Keith's birthday. It's a no-fuss, family only dinner and chill-out session. Turns out that my eldest sis bought brownie-like birthday cake so it was a good match with my ice cream. As usual, David and wife are manning their pasta stall so only the 2 boys were there. I miss his pan-fried pasta. Made a few wasted impromptu trips to the stall cuz they were closed, even though those were usual days they were supposed to

I think this picture is so pretty...the transparency of it. And I like olives. Though I'm not sure how they'd taste after soaking in martini. Can't seem to make out ever having a good impression of it, actually. I like the shape of the glass. Looks classy and sleek, and so... sophisticated. Haha, that's just my impression of it. What about you?

Ohhh...it's been such a long and tiring work week. Just one stupid trip and fall, and everything seems to turn into 'slow-mo' requiring more effort as usual to do. It's been a week. I'm almost recovered now, but I'm still walking slowly, and down the stairs at half steps. Very thankful, nonetheless. Stayed back in the office last night to finish up the other of my 2 elearning modules. This time, I took 2 hours to complete 'Teamwork and Results Without Authority'. I guess cuz I was anxious to get to the band room before practice ends to tie up a few matters. Content's not bad. In fact, I hope to use what these 2 topics teaches and transfer the knowledge in my next ALI Camp. ALI = Arts Leaders' Induction. See how. Gotta start planning soon. In continuation with the fuss mentioned in my previous post - eliminating the undeserving - the 2nd module has this part about dealing with difficult people. How timely. My previous dilemma was of more extreme m

My insomnia is back again. Was in school till past midnight as I needed to use my office PC to do some online course due end of the month. At the last stretch of 75% mark I couldn't take it already. My heavy eyelids were making it counter productive so I decided to head home. A couple more nights for me to finish this and another module. I find the subject rather interesting amidst my tiredness. Leadership Without Authority - kinda challenges people to take up leadership position in attitude and action without having authority formally bestowed upon them. Sadly, it reminded me of people who had been officially appointed but not fulfilling their duties. Chest-pounding, blood-vomitting experience. Yet, reviewing the status is easier said than done. But funny how I'm reminded from the module that having integrity would demand that we do what is right, even though it might be unpleasant to have to cut people off. Is there no other way? Yet, it can't be avoided, in the name of f

My car battery went flat on Friday cuz I forgot to turn off the headlights in the morning...it was on because of a dim rainy morning in case you're asking. Thank God help was quite readily available. Then I went shopping at Giant yesterday evening and tripped over a parking brick at the car park when I was transferring the last item from the trolley to the passenger seat. The trip turned into a fall and so there's a bit of abrasion on both knees. The fall happened so fast I can't even remember how I bruised my left cheek and left arm. So I sprained my right foot and I'm now house-ridden (AGAIN!) moving around in my swivel chair. House-visited by the sinseh a couple of hours ago so now my foot is all wrapped up. I'm surprised how I managed to lug my bag, laptop and the perishables up to my house.,,which is not on lift-landing, by the way. And there were a few occasions on the way home that I had to use my left foot to help step on the brakes. Hope I can at least limp

Going to a Jazz concert brings back memories of the once upon a very short period where I used to frequent this place - Jazz@Southbridge . A quick google tells me that this place is still up and running. Contemplating perhaps I should visit it again one day. But got to wait for next pay day at least. Now indoors are smoke free, it'll be more enjoyable. The music there's quite decent. Not sure how it's like now, though. Anyway, back to the free Jazz Concert I just went for at Singapore Conference Hall with Cat, Fay, Sheena, Celine and Hon Choo. The featured was a 5-piece band: Lead/Acoustic Guitarist - Isao Miyoshi (Jap), Double Bass/Bass Guitar - Shigeki Ippon (Jap), Drums - Hiroyuki Noritake (Jap), Piano/Keyboard - Tay Cher Siang (M'sian), and Sax - Koh Mr Saxman (Thai). They're named "Unit Asia". According to the programme, the band was formed especially for this project initiated by the 3 Japs, joined by the other 2. Except for one song, the rest of the

Here's the actual colour of the poster...

Looks like everyone's really blasting TP Band Concert. Guess I shall do the same, since I'm the in-charge...haha! So here it is! Oh...the colours are so different! The orange part has turned blue!... Aiya, nevermind lah. Anyway, the fine prints below supposed to tell you that the tickets are available at One-stop Service Centre on campus. $8. And there's a mystery gift at the door while stock last. So the band kids are going to have their publicity event on 29 Oct 08 at TP Plaza (outside library). There's one more thing that needs to be mentioned here. For the first time, they're going to feature a full section ensemble in the concert, and there's another publicity event on 5 Nov 08 of the clarinet ensemble at TP Library Podium...glad to say that it's also the very first the band has ever done. Both are lunchtime performances, by the way. Speaking of the Podium, I was there yesterday afternoon because T'ang Quartet was performing. It was rather enjoyable

So I went IKEA yesterday after prison visit to get a frame for a picture of Temasek Polytechnic Band taken with the President and the First Lady after the Istana Open House performance on 1 Oct 08. This one was originally cardboard-framed, and the picture was signed and delivered from the President's Office to mine last Friday. Took me half an hour to get the photo out cos it was slightly glued in the centre. Thank God it came out fine without tearing somebody's face out, and the centre happened to be one of the VIPs. Ta da!!!... Hmmm...put where, put where???

I seem to have lost the momentum to blog and msn nowadays. After an episode of very discouraging conversation, I must say I was quite affected. It left me speechless in more ways than one. There were several things that I wanted to do and say, but I was almost immediately smacked in the face with all the "what's the point?" I wouldn't say that I have resolved it totally, though it's not like I don't want to lay it down. Yes, I've chosen to be hurt, and I allowed myself to dwell in it for awhile, maybe longer than I should. It has been a prolonged period of pain. I've forgiven. I have to. But I think what I'm dealing with is the doubts I have about a friendship in terms of how much, or how little, I am valued (if I'm at all valued). It probably sounds silly, really, and I can imagine that it may even seem insulting if my doubts were unfounded. But I can't help it. I cried about it, prayed about it, and I believe God has brought me through th

Proverbs 6:1-5 Dangerous Promises 1 My son, if you become surety for your friend, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, 2 you are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth. 3 So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; for you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; plead with your friend. 4 Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. 5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler. Proverbs 11:15 He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, but one who hates being surety is secure. Proverbs 17:18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, and becomes surety for his friend. Proverbs 22:26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts... I met up with 2 friends yesterday who had jointly gotten themselves into being guarantors for a friend's 10K loan. It's a friend they trusted, one wh

So I was waiting for my dinner date at T2's Fish & Co. yesterday, during which I was looking around at the interior decor when I gazed up and saw this gross-looking lamp hanging from the ceiling right above my table. I do appreciate the fact that the design's quite apt considering that it's a seafood joint. But somehow it gave me the goose bumps. Don't ask me why. Well, other than that, the place was a bit noisy when the bar started blending some beverage...and irritating when the staff did their birthday thing for celebrating customers. 3 times for the duration I was there. It's like the Kuishin-Bo jingle, but done 'live'. Good food and great company made up for the downsides. So me and TP Band went to Istana on Wednesday for their 45-min 'National Service'. Thank God the DV Camera I brought was supposedly unstable which led me call for a back-up. Know why? When the band started playing, I was told that when the President come by to watch the pe

Only Hope By Switchfoot Sung By Mandy Moore From The Movie - A Walk To Remember Only Hope - Mandy Moore There's a song that's inside of my soul It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again I'm awake in the infinite cold But You sing to me over and over and over again So I lay my head back down And I lift my hands and pray To be only Yours I pray to be only Yours I know now You're my only hope Sing to me the song of the stars Of Your galaxy dancing and laughing And laughing again When it feels like my dreams so far Sing to me of the plans That You have for me over again So I lay my head back down And I lift my hands and pray To be only Yours I pray to be only Yours I know now You're my only hope I give You my destiny I'm giving You all of me I want Your symphony Singing in all that I am At the top of my lungs I'm giving it back So I lay my head back down And I lift my hands and pray To be only Yours I pray to be only Yours I pray to be on

Happy Children's Day Happy Birthday to my eldest sister Selamat Hari Raya ...and all the best to TP Band performing for Istana Open House later in the afternoon! It's going to be a happy day, I suppose, though I'm neither celebrating any of the above except having to work on a public holiday. No, no, no...I'm not complaining. I know it's going to be a fun day doing stuff with the big kids. The first-time opportunity is something worth celebrating. But it's still a fact that I'm working on a public holiday, as much as it is a fact that it's a day I'm looking forward to :) So I find myself waking up early in the morning, anxious to pray and ask Abba Father to do something that only He can do... grant favour for a cooling but no-rain afternoon. Need much faith, seeing the previous few day's weather is nothing assuring. And for smooth traffic on the way, everything pretty, pretty... Me and the band have done what we can to prepare for the performance

Last night my eldest sister asked if I would like to hang out since she and the kids are staying over. She suggested watching the movie - Mamma Mia! Well, I've watched it already but I didn't mind a second go at it. So I bought the Saturday night tickets online after I got home from Saturday Service and used my HSBC prepaid movie pass to pay for it, at $7.50 per tickets. And they were valued at $10 last night. Not bad right? So she managed to convince the twins not to tag along and we headed for our 9.30pm show at GV Tampines. My sister is a fan of ABBA. I'm a bit of the same but not crazy over it. I just love dancing to the fast numbers and I enjoyed the harmonies. I think the most hilarious movie moments were the scene with this song: Take a Chance on Me - ABBA I feel that this is a movie that an ABBA fan won't mind watching it over and over again. Importantly for me, it's one with happy ending. I think I'm going to buy the DVD when it is released ;P Today'

Today I enjoyed myself tremendously at the worship vocalists workshop. We started with a time of worship, then went through revision on expectations for the vocalists. The 5Ps. Purpose, Preparation, Position, Passion, People. The gist of it - it's about knowing and embracing our vision, preparing and equipping ourselves technically and spiritually towards that, finding our security and stability knowing where we've been placed, passion for God and His people. The funny part came when a recorded video of one of the praise and worship sessions was played. We just kept laughing, cos we were all guilty as charged. We basically scrutinized the first minute of the first song and commented on what we could improve on. It was a far cry from where we hope to be when we watched a well-known Church's live worship video, even after we minus what we were not comparing - the lightings, the atmosphere, the number of rehearsals they would have had prior, less restrictive attire, I guess wh

Bummer. Just before one crisis is resolved, another one arises. I wish I can take everything in my stride. Guess I've been a bit too sheltered as the youngest child in the family and have become a bit ironically disadvantaged. Thank God such skills can be nurtured along the way, just harder to press through with a lack in tenacity. I'm not going to use this as an excuse to push all the responsibility to do what needs to be done. Definitely it's a learning experience...part of growing up, and a process, I'm sure, that if I seek it's purpose, I would find Abba Father's hand in it. He is in control, you know... ;) Surely it would be foolish to expect that life is ever going to be a bed of roses. Even roses have thorns. The bigger the flower, the bigger the thorns. Well, maybe we should say bed of rose petals...but they don't last long after you pluck them off. Hmmm... whoever thought of using 'bed of roses' to illustrate a good life either didn't t

Yet another week has come. Another headache in the morning. Monday blues' taking its effect on me again. Why do weekends always feel so short. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I do not appreciate every new day that my Abba Father has made. Maybe the little time I have to unwind doesn't settle in before I need to wind back just creates that yearning, making me look forward to the next weekend. Well, no point hoping for the unchangeable with what I have on my plate. Well, perhaps we're not supposed to settle? Why wait till 5 days before unwinding? For the busy and well-occupied, what's the possibility of disciplining oneself to come away from a day's work, and look to the source of your strength and rest, whatever works? No such luxury? Or perhaps there could be a more feasible alternative? Hmmm... I think I know what I need to do ;) So how as the short weekend been for me, then? On Saturday, cell group had a BBQ session at one of the members' condo - The

Went to watch a movie with an ex-colleague cum dance buddy just now. We had a blast. Mamma Mia! was filled with all the ABBA songs that we always look forward to at jam and hop in school when she was still with us. I love Meryl Streep. She was the main reason why I wanted to watch this show in the first place. You see, I'm not really a musical fan. Cos singing when you're supposed to speak your lines in a conversation just doesn't sit well with me. Even when it comes to opera, which I'm learning to appreciate for other reason, it still requires a bit of getting used to. Some of the singing scenes in the movie I thought were rather 'cheesily' done, but they weren't that bad. The storyline and acting really gave fresh perspectives to the lyrics of those familiar tunes, and I found myself strangely able to identify with the words for most of the songs. Some parts were really hilarious and we couldn't stop laughing. The singing was good. Even Brosnan, whom a

Last night I watched a video posted by a church friend about America's Got Talent featuring this girl Jessica Price. What she said made me cry. Somehow it stirred up some emotion and reminded me of something that's taken away from me. The crying gave me puffy eyes when I woke up. But what made me stayed at home this morning was the headache that came with it. Haiyah, stop dwelling in self-pity, can? But I think that's what a lot of people do - whine over things that they suffered. Sometimes I'm tempted to do it, and sometimes I actually indulge myself for a while. Perhaps it's ok to whine sometimes, just don't let it stop you from doing the more important things before you. Pity parties may help if the process and the pain make you learn from your past. But if you overdo it, you'll be more miserable and you make those around you miserable, too. Then it becomes counter effective. It's easier said than done. But must try. Everything happens for a reason. S

So like I expected, my nephews and nieces 'congregated' in my room after the birthday feast last night. As I said I would, I let them play with Touch. So one of the older ones started exploring with it and decided to show me a few really cute YouTube videos. Let me just share a few of 'em with you... KICK HIS ASS! SERIOUS BABY BLUDDDDAAHH!!!

I'm managing better than I thought, even though there are still a lot of getting used to. It's interesting how one event happening around a person can cause so many changes and adjustments in one's life, and sometimes even in the lives of others. I guess that's how people are connected to one another, whether you like it or not. Places I used to go to, driving routes I used to take, things I used to do, events I used to attend, places I used to eat at, what I used to spend my time and money on, things I used to look out for, opinions I used to look forward to to stimulate thoughts about myself and my God, that sense of assurance I used to depend on; the list goes on. But I'll learn to deal with it. The only thing that is constant in life is change. If you refuse to adapt, you'll be very miserable. Thankfully, God never changes. "God is good, and His mercy endures forever!" A good reminder in service today. What a faithful God we serve! This afternoon a

Feeling kinda lazy to walk out for lunch. Didn't sleep well so feeling tired. Later going for a follow-up appointment at CGH. Probably I'll grab a bite during the usual long wait. Bade farewell to 2 students yesterday. One to overseas student internship programme and the other to NS enlistment. The latter has been temping at our dept for a few months and yesterday was his last day at work. Will remember the 2 phrases he always uses (which some of us have adopted) - "shi de" (that's right) and "tai bang le" (great!). He says it in a very calm way. Correction, he says everything in a calm way, even in a not-so-calm situation. Haha... Walked really far to get lunch at the airport - from one end of T2 to the other end of T3, literally. I was like thinking to myself (now no longer to myself, I guess), are we there yet, are we there yet??? Haha...I've never been to T3 mah. Maybe that triggered the old sore on my left foot and I'm still feeling it now.

2 songs that have successfully given me a good laugh over the past few days to counter the dark cloud over my blood pump. Abuden (formerly known as Ese Sentimiento Calido) By Budak Pantai From The Album - Assorted Nuts Abuden (formerly known as Ese Sentimiento Calido) - Budak Pantai ABBA Medley (Delhi Mix) By Budak Pantai From The Album - Assorted Nuts ABBA Medley (Delhi Mix) - Budak Pantai This one blew the cloud away and brought the sunshine... Who Am I By Casting Crowns Verse 1: Who am I That the Lord of all the earth Would care to know my name Would care to feel my hurt Who am I That the Bright and Morning Star Would choose to light the way For my ever wandering heart Pre-Chorus: Not because of who I am But because of what You've done Not because of what I've done But because of who You are Chorus: I am a flower quickly fading Here today and gone tomorrow A wave tossed in the ocean A vapor in the wind Still You hear me when I'm calling Lord, You catch me when I'm fa

I feel that my heart is tearing apart. Don't really know how to explain it, and why exactly. Of course I know what's triggering it, but the underlying reason seems a bit more complex and multi-faceted than what I'm able to handle all at once. In our commonly-understood social context, perhaps the 'trigger' might be frown upon by the narrow-minded. When can I find someone whom I can trust, AND who will not plunge the flag of his/her moral compass into my heart? Or maybe I'm just refusing to be comforted. Sometimes it's not the confiding that we need, but there's only that someone that we want to confide in. No one else will do. I need to know the truth, as only the truth can truly liberate. Even if the truth and my correct response to it might hurt, and I'm scared. Somehow I have a feeling that the pain is inevitable for this one. But as long as I do not allow self-pity to set in, I'm sure the process would not be prolonged unnecessarily. So I'

So it arrived just after 11am today. I was still at Cyber Centre reviving the old when my new one arrived at my office reception. So you can imagine how excited I was when my counter staff told me the good news. She knew I was expecting it to come in tomorrow. So I was exclaiming as I ran towards my desk. Like a kid I started opening the parcel, exploring my new toy. It was so chio, can...so now it's up and running, and even connected to my school and home internet. Next is to install office. So with all these excitement, I would have blogged about it much earlier had I not been 'hijacked' to go on a mission at IKEA. I knew it was not just a dinner invitation, sigh...ahaha! But I wish I had more time to window-shop, though. Wait time was longer than walk time. Well, I think I've been visiting that place too often, so not much new things to see, anyway. So it's back in action for Ben-Hur, despite its lack of drive, optically speaking. Thus from laptopless, I now have

A quick one before I dash to my brother's house for his delicious home-cooked chicken rice. Have been rather disoriented since I became offline and laptopless for almost a week. Absence makes the heart grows fonder. I just collected Ben-Hur this morning but still can't get it fixed because my colleague forgot to bring his stuff to work today. Sigh...but at least I think I have all my stuff ready. Tomorrow will be the day of its revival. Still got to fix my portable HDD. Think it's infected. Argh!!! Can't wait for tomorrow... will be ordering Max and Touch online! Yay! This weekend would have been the worst hit if I didn't have Puccini's Turandot to look forward to on Saturday at Esplanade Theatre. Went to the opera with Jasmin and Kenneth. Was afraid that I might fall asleep from my last experience. I even deliberately took a nap just in case. Maybe the 45-minute shuteye did help cos I was really engaged throughout despite the heavy dinner at the Simply Peranaka

Perfect Love by Max Lucado Isn’t it good to know that even when we don’t love with a perfect love, He does? God always nourishes what is right. He always applauds what is right. He has never done wrong, led one person to do wrong, or rejoiced when anyone did wrong. For He is love, and love “does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Cor. 13:6 NASB). God passes the test of 1 Corinthians 13:6. Well, He should; He drafted it. So where does this leave us? Perhaps with a trio of reminders. When it comes to love: Be careful. Until love is stirred, let God’s love be enough for you. There are seasons when God allows us to feel the frailty of human love so we’ll appreciate the strength of His love. Didn’t He do this with David? Saul turned on him. Michal, his wife, betrayed him. Jonathan and Samuel were David’s friends, but they couldn’t follow him into the wilderness. Betrayal and circumstances left David alone. Alone with God. And, as David discovered, God was enough