Merry Christmas !

Blessed Christmas to all!!!! Been spending the past few days eating, eating and eating. Hmm... I'm still craving for Penang hawker food. Think I need to start from square 1 again when I return for training.

I went for a train display at PJ Hilton and it was spectacular! The models were in 1:50 scale and the I simply love the antique trains! The trains do move by the way. Silly me forgot to bring my usb cable home so I can't transfer the pics.

I've been home for 3 days and I haven't bought a single piece of clothing and the sales here is crazy! Am I just typically fussy, or am I still the kiam siap Penangite? Lethal combination of both perhaps?

More shopping and baking cookies tomorrow. Mid valley's Christmas decor is suppose to be superb. hrm.... will go check it out myself.

The dormant shopaholic has yet to be awaken...

"She gave all her friends the impression that she was a woman to be envied, and she expended most of her energy in trying to behave in accordance with the image she had created of herself. Because of that she had never had enough energy to be herself, a person who, like everyone else in the world, needed other people in order to be happy. But other people were so difficult. They in unpredictable ways, they surrounded themselves with defensive walls, they behaved just as she did, pretending they didn't care about anything. When someone more open to life appeared, they either rejected them outright or made them suffer, consigning them to being inferior, ingenuous."
~Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho

Went round trying out some shooting modes on my new darling. The results? I'm more than pleased for now. Heh... I'm back to the trigger happy days.

C blk rooftop

view of the port from my room

school on a Sunday night 

shake your bootie 

Of Sushi Buffet and Itchy fingers

This, is my latest hubby/baby/toy.
It provides maximum satisfaction, performs on demand and gives ultimate pleasure to the master. The extreme drooling factor, with many modes and superb super-micro function. Feels like a pro-cam in the hands too.

Freebies? Hmm... a dry storage cabinet, some adobe prog (unsure which one though), XD card reader ( yes, it sucks cos it's an XD card when I already have like 4 SD cards, ranging from 512, 256, 128 and 16).

Olympus SP-500 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 were the finalists in my camera hunt 2005. Tested out the Canon Powershot S80 and it was really good. Sadly, it was overpriced.













Frankly speaking, I liked the feel of the Lumix in my hand, more ergonomic and slightly lighter. Furthermore, it has a stabilizer. But I guess I fell in love with Olympus' various manual function and super-micro function. Lumix looked better, but oh well, I think I'm past that stage of aesthetics vs functionality. Lumix has 12x optical zoom whereas Olympus has 10x but it's just as good. The Olympus has 6 m.p, while Lumix is 5 m.p. Best part about Olympus is that its screen is 2.5 "! Lumix is only 1.8".

So why did I decide to get an Olympus and not the usual Canon/Nikon/Sony?
Don't really know it myself. Liked a few models from those brands, but I decided to try something new. To break away from the norm I guess. I'll still be a loyal Nikon fan.

No more lonely nights. No more long days of waiting. No more contemplating, thinking and agonizing! Farewell to my dry days without my cam. So long Nikon 3700, hello hunk!

School of hard-knocks

Geez. I'm starting to miss home, thanks to my mum's incessant phone calls. Works up my guilt conscience each time. I get a double whammy cos grandpa calls just as frequent. Sigh. I'm cornered. Leaving with a heavy heart this time, cos it signifies time flying by, knowing that when I return, it's a new semester. New challenges hopefully faced with new-found strength. I just pray that I'll be prepared for new tasks to come.
*Christmas buffet better be somewhere good. I'm sick of Holiday Inn already

Ah, change, how I fear it as much as I anticipate it.

Anyway, had a brief encounter yesterday which I dreaded much to face cos I really did my best to avoid it all these while. Maybe it's my nature to abhor people who fake it just to gain attention? Sometimes, all of us do it, albeit in the most subtle manner. Maybe it was real, as much as I would like to believe it, but it was too dramatic for my liking. Perhaps this is why I think Chinese/Jap/Korean dramas are nothing more than a superfluous romanticisation of life. In one night, I've witnessed how quickly the human mind can change, how volatile it can be. I got sucked into a situation uncalled for, and now, I must slowly creep out again. Bah.

Well, actually for the first time, I'm enjoying my December holidays. No stress from trainings. No pressure from school. Received the best news I've ever had these 2 years. I truly feel blessed.
*After every storm, the sun emerges and the rainbow forms- a glitter of hope and the dance of joy

sidenote:
brilliant chao has been promoted to the rank of super sleuth and not-so-brilliant me made a fatal error... well, not that it is a situation of life and death--->i've been tagged. so much for anonymity. can't say no to an old friend, so i opted for an obscure name ---> shearedsheep by moo. hmm.. come to think of it. i think it's gonna attract more attention than anything. gosh. to think I wanted it to be called baa baa black sheep. but dear chao refuses to be linked to a kid's site . humph. maybe I should be called the happy wanderer?

Hrmm... I've been on an eating expedition every Sat, so much so that it has become ritualistic for me and my sis to hunt for 'good' food around Singapore. As usual, our plan to go to the Sungai Buloh (they spell it sungei here) Wetland reserve was cancelled, cos at the back of our minds, I think, we were thinking only of shopping, but the both of us refuse to admit it openly. Ah hehe. Anyways, we decided to eat outside the shopping complex this time and explored Liang Seah St. and lo and behold!, I stumbled upon Phins, a mid-range priced Steakhouse (as recommended by JS) Being fish lovers, both of us ordered the traditional and pan-fried (w sambal) fish and chips. Mine came with a baked jacket potato with sour cream. The fish and chips here is much better than that at Oysters, Fish and Chips near Clarke Quay. It's more value for money too (starting from $9.90 a plate, with salad too!) Yum... A few doors away is a desert shop. The pulut hitam and the red bean paste there are nice by Sg. standards ( I still think the red bean paste at Noodle House in Sungai Wang plaza is no 1) . Even bumped into an archi friend there! Small world...

Abstinence from shopping is as usual, totally impossible. Wasn't me who did most of the shopping though. Haha... thanks to my fickle mind. We even went to the national lib by Ken Yeang for fun. Think the air in there's a bit stuffy cos my nose got runny. Bit of a waste of space according to my sis. Hmm... My stand is that if the general public cannot fully appreciate a building, then it's not a total success. Anyway, for a building that's supposedly sustainable, seems to me like there's a lot of wastage going on. Perhaps the scale was not human enough... Well, whatever, just glad I got my lib card, at last! Weee.... lots of books are waiting for me!

Burp... if only there were more eating kakis* around... heee

* eating + paying kakis= free lunch/dinner (by the principle of econs, there's no such thing as a free lunch, but in return for a free lunch, you get excellent company! couldn't get any better right?)



Look! add-on lens ! Drool.........

Dream cam#2 canon powershot S80 (SGD $900 -_-"')

The only thing missing in my life now is THIS!
~ Still drooling... and waiting for that moment when my heart skips a beat... ~

Currently playing:



done reading Rule of Four and it pales in comparison with Angels and Demons. So much for the over-rating.
read '5 people you meet in heaven' too (rather insightful)... I'd still recommend Tuesdays with Morrie, albeit by the same author, it's something like how Da Vinci code surpasses Digital Fortress (both by Dan Brown)

Akan datang:
(think it's in the same spirit as Prozac Nation, but Coelho rocks!)

the closest thing to crazy

by katie melua

How can I think I'm standing strong,
Yet feel the air beneath my feet?
How can happiness feel so wrong?
How can misery feel so sweet?
How can you let me watch you sleep,
Then break my dreams the way you do?

How can you make me fall apart
Then break my fall with loving lies?
It's so easy to break a heart;
It's so easy to close your eyes.
How can you treat me like a child
Yet like a child I yearn from you?
How can anyone feel so wild?
How can anyone feel so blue?

CHORUS:
This is the closest thing to crazy I have ever been
Feeling twenty-two, acting seventeen,
This is the nearest thing to crazy I have ever known,

I was never crazy on my own:
And now I know that there's a link between the two,
Being close to craziness and being close to you.

How can you make me fall apart
Then break my fall with loving lies?
It's so easy to break a heart;
It's so easy to close your eyes.
How can you treat me like a child
Yet like a child I yearn from you?
How can anyone feel so wild?
How can anyone feel so blue?



*the only thing relevant above is the age. not much time left to enjoy 22. :~( ... sobzzzzzzzzzz

WHEEEEEE!!!

Squash queen rules the world


MALAYSIA’S top woman player Nicol David created history when she emerged as the first Asian and the youngest world women’s squash champion last night.

HISTORY MAKER: Nicol David hoisting the World Squash Open championship trophy in Hong Kong last night. The victory is expected to push her ranking to World No. 1 when the new list comes out in January.—STARpic by KAMAL SELLEHUDDIN







Wheeeeeeee!!! At least one good news for the day.


Mark 11:24 For this reason I say to you, All things that you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and you will have them. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substantiation of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Quote of the Week

Where is this love? I can't see it, I can't touch it. I can't feel it. I can hear it. I can hear some words, but I can't do anything with your easy words.
~Alice, in Closer(2004)~



Well done girl. You fly higher than the rest of us. CGL-ians rock the world!

Nicol knocks out Atkinson to reach final
"...Nicol's win yesterday has placed her in line to take over the No. 1 spot in the world rankings in January. She is currently third in the December rankings with Atkinson at the top followed by Rachael"

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE: Nicol David screams in delight after beating Vanessa Atkinson 6-9, 9-1, 10-9, 9-3 in the semi-finals yesterday. – STARpic by KAMAL SELLEHUDDIN

of bourbon cokes, vodka sprites and some weird number game 

of peanuts, buffalo wings and wedges 

Of lychee martinis

This quiz makes me sound old =(

You reflect the wisdom of the spirit. You shine as
a wise and anicent sage who values intellect
among the most. Your spirit brings guidence to
those around you. You have accomplished your
strength with age and time. Don't let your wise
advice go to waste. Share it with all who are
willing to listen.


Reflections of the Spirit?
brought to you by Quizilla

Currently reading :



















Currently playing:








Currently in love with:













Life has never been kinder... all before school starts again.



When everyday seems the same, it is because we have stop noticing the good things that appear in our lives.

Lightheaded

1Utama had the CLEO 10 Hour Shopping Marathon

Boo..... just read this from my friend's blog. Can't believe all the good shopping I'm missing at home. Only one thing's on my mind now (ok, not one, but zillions) ... Merdeka!!!!


Bleh.. peanut overdose is bad bad bad.

Thanks.

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened


Miracles occur all around us, signs from God show us the way, angels plead to be heard, but we pay little attention to them
Paulo Coelho, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

Sometimes, I wonder if all my studying would lead me somewhere (I'm sure it would)...
Sometimes, I wonder if people do not reply me are purposely ignoring me or are just busy...
Sometimes, I wonder if I'll ever be not busy, in order to pay attention to people around me...
Sometimes, I wonder if I have given enough, to receive what I am receiving in return...
Sometimes, I wonder if my values in life are worth anything...
Sometimes, I wonder if I have done a good job in the past...
Sometimes, I wonder why nothing would go into my head when I'm studying non-archi stuff...
Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like if I have a different status...
Sometimes, I wonder if I should be so frank to people at times (bless those with weak hearts)
Sometimes, I wonder if I should be so diplomatic at all ...
Sometimes, I wonder how my mum could juggle so many things and yet sleep only 4 hours ...
Sometimes, I wonder if I could ever possess the grit and determination of my sister...
Sometimes, I wonder what is so great about celebrities and high-end fashion...
Sometimes, I wonder if I could learn to be more efficient...
Sometimes, I wonder if I could be the one who would change the world to a better place...
Sometimes, I wonder if I would be different if I didn't skip bible classes in secondary school...
Sometimes, I wonder when my relationship with God will take a step higher...
Sometimes, I wonder if I am who I really am.

Sometimes, the good things in life makes one forget the trouble and worries that are present
Sometimes, it's good to reflect on our blessings and appreciate what we have before it's gone
Sometimes, it's good to acknowledge our past mistakes, but even better if we know how to move on
Sometimes, it's wonderful to just spend time alone for the discovery of self

Sometimes, I think, the cool weather makes one think too much

If and only if...

Lakak kucing di dapur

Alice laughed, "There's no use trying," she said, "one can't believe impossible things."

"I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

I think I have ADD. Serious.

Hmm... since the hols are coming, I think I shall list out a long list of things I wanna do and the zillions of books that I've been missing out on:

1) Play RIVEN, MYST III: Exile and URU ( essentially, Myst 2,3&4)
2) Play The Longest Journey (thanks KRhee for bringing the game all the way from KL!!!)
3) Re-read:-
a) Sophie's World
b) Alice in Wonderland
4) Finish up half-read books
a) Eleven Minutes ( i need to return this to wg) and The Fifth Mountain (both by Paulo Coelho)
5) Read :
a) Drawing Near (borrowed from Ben)
b) Sociology ( from ew) ... hmm...
c) THE ZAHIR!!!!! by Paulo Coelho
d) Deception Point by Dan Brown
6) Watch the entire season of Bleach from episode 3 onwards (must ask kg hehe..)
7) Finish about 20 more episodes of Prince of Tennis ( Tezuka is still the coolest anime character I've seen!!! drool...)
8) Ask Alex for his 80 GB worth of anime
9) dOTA? (hmm ew, unless you're ard during the hols, I will not pick up the game. Prefer The Sims anytime. hehe.... oh yeah!! which leads on to... )
10) Play SIM CITY 4

Apart from my leisurely wants, let's see what else i have to do:::::::

1) Go to school for another 2 weeks for technology workshop
2) IHG Volleyball and Squash trainings
3) Some lunch and dinner appointments I've promised
4) Hoping to travel to anywhere in a short period
5) ***Work to pay for holiday hostel fee, camera, and other things that I'm gonna spend on
6) Plus some work that needs to be done
7) Huey is coming to Sg!!! Heh. Haven't seen her for 3 years!! Since she left for Texas, and now she's working already. Hmm, so is Bins, Von, Laine... gosh! How long am I going to be stuck in school?!?!? Nvm, I love studying. The consolation is, I'll be graduating same time as nel,kiran&sh. Hmm, how come I'm the only one in archi while the three of them are doing med?

Looking forward to loads of fun after the sem ends.
Also, not to forget.... CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!!

ah... tis' the season to be jolly... indeed!


"I see nobody on the road," said Alice.

"I only wish I had such eyes," the King remarked in a fretful tone. "To be able to see Nobody! And at that distance too! Why, it's as much as I can do to see real people, by this light."
___________________________________________________________________

"Who did you pass on the road?" the King went on, holding out his hand to the Messenger for some hay.

"Nobody," said the Messenger.

"Quite right," said the King: "this young lady saw him too. So of course Nobody walks slower than you do."

"I do my best," the Messenger said in a sullen tone. "I'm sure nobody walks much faster than I do."

"He can't do that," said the King, "or else he'd have been here first."

24th November. The day shall come.


To buy or not to buy? That is the question.

Drooling over Canon Powershot S2IS

Weak is (s)he who claims that time is a factor that barriers the challenge to solve things and to create a dream. A problem is not valid enough a reason to renounce the challenge, thus the solution, and hence conceding defeat to the unequipped and naive mind that dreamt big, but ended up sweeping everything under the carpet for reasons of immunity.

A fool that learns the valuable lesson, shall fight with stronger and bolder frontiers, to trust his/her own instincts that were acute from the start and to march forth in the battle to upgrade to the next level with more valour and faith.

Next battle, no one shall be left standing.

Design is a learning experience. So my agenda is to figure out what I want to learn next.
Ayse Birsel, Industrial Designer and President, Olive1:1

Alice and the Mock Turtle

Quote for the sem:

Alice: And how many hours a day did you do lessons?
The Mock Turtle: Ten hours the first day, nine the next, and so on.
Alice: What a curious plan!
The Gryphon: That's the reason they're called lessons, because they lessen from day to day.


Quote on the next step
"Cheshire-Puss," she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little wider. "Come, it's pleased so far," thought Alice, and she went on. "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"
"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat.
"I don't much care where-" said Alice.
"Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said the Cat.
"-so long as I get somewhere," Alice added as an explanation.
"Oh, you're sure to do that," said the Cat, "if you only walk long enough."

For the directionless, here's a good quote to adhere by:
"'Begin at the beginning,' the King said, very gravely, 'and go on till you come to the end: then stop.'"

This sem has not been entirely smooth going for me. I guess it was the overload of work and bad groups. I guess it's fated to have bad groups this sem (minus design) but I could also see it in the positive light as to how I could manage myself and my relationships with others. It was a test that I would not so proudly say I have passed only 50%. The only consolation I have for myself is that I have spoken out my discontentment, rather than sitting back like some idiot waiting to be stepped on and in the end causing only harm to myself. I think I have learnt a lot this sem. Perhaps not so much academically, unlike last sem, but more on the intangible, humanistic side.

I learnt how to sense more accurately, to read people better and to revise my interpretation of people. I found wonderful new friends both in hall and archi. I found my friendship with old friends growing stronger than ever. And the best thing that I have discovered is, QUALITY friends are a million times better than a boyfriend! From yummy choc nougat biscuits and to the 2 little elves/ umbrella men, to a friend who was willing to spend more time on me than her bf cos she said her bf will take care of her, to friends who offered me bird's nest, to friends who helped me finished off my model cos I was at the state of delirium, WOW, I think I couldn't ask for more than I already have. Seriously, I think I've failed miserably as compared to them. I think the Lord has blessed me million fold this sem as He did last sem. Thanks to the two little elves sent from above. You know who you are and and I owe you two a big dinner!

Perhaps this was a semester to test what my future would be like. I used to think that having a bf is not impt if you have really good friends. I think, now it has been certified true. I rather have 10 quality friends to depend on than one bf to talk to. I rather have 10 quality friends to spend time with rather than 1 bf. Some may think otherwise. I used to be pretty upset when my friend brings her bf along each time we go out. I sort of understood then because I guess she wanted me to know him well. That's the kind of friend I'm talking about. Making sure that we all know her bf well so that everyone is comfortable. Nowadays, it's just us again, of course with him once in a while.

Ok, perhaps it's not just bfs. I guess it applied vice versa as well. I guess, basically, it's a lesson that says friendship beats a romantic relationship anytime.

It's quite easily shown, people who are concerned for you, who keeps pestering you to strive harder, to work faster, who talk to you... they all ask out of concern. And if you shun them or ignore them many times over, I think it's the biggest crime to commit. as you would not only lose a QUALITY friend, but additional love and care. As I've said, 10 times of friendship love beats 1xromantic love anytime, any day, anywhere. Perhaps, we should all start counting the number of people who would go the extra mile for us as a gauge, and also in return, the extra mile you yourself would go for them in return.

I've been there, done that. Next sem, it'll be another lesson learnt. More like a reminder to me on not to lose touch with the world around me. I'm glad I'm still learning so that I do not falter later on in life.

I'm so glad for hall. So glad for meeting the right people. So glad for angels from above. I couldn't really ask for more. K, I'm still overwhelmed by the kindness showered upon me this sem. I think despite all the cock-ups that happened, I've really learnt how to deal with such situations in the future. How blessed am I!

I think I have much more to reflect on, to philosophise about. But I do have a HR exam tomorrow and hence i've gotten out the most pressing parts of my thoughts in order to allow me to continue studying peacefully.

To everyone out there, Happy Studying! Looking forward to the Chirstmas hols!

Submission's drawing near again. Shouldn't be blogging but since I'm taking a break right now, might as well... Hmm... studio's oddly quieter these few days. Gone were the days when the whole studio would stay back to rush for submission together. Yesterday was the first time I saw the whole studio emptied out, leaving only the 3 of us working upstairs in the DDS. It was pretty freaky, especially with the thunderstorm and lightning. But I kinda like my newfound workplace. For now, I dominate the WHOLE dds, heh. Really enjoy the peace and the 'secret hideout'. Although the place is glassed up, and I do sense people occasionally staring in, it doesn't really bother me that much. The lovely thing that I can concentrate and do my own work without disturbances. Heh.. studio is still relatively empty today... but I like it as it is

I guess I'm an introvert huh?
* For the first time, there was no physical training during volleyball training. Heh. It's always fun without the PT. I find training more strenous than last year. Think johnny concentrated a lot on the reflexes last year. The new coach currently seem to be concentrating on our ability to focus (mental stamina) and also the basics (for the benefit of the newbies). Think the team's pretty fun this year. Looking to a great IHG again this year!



`But I don't want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked. `Oh, you can't help that,' said the Cat: `we're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad.' `How do you know I'm mad?' said Alice. `You must be,' said the Cat, `or you wouldn't have come here.' Alice didn't think that proved it at all; however, she went on` And how do you know that you're mad?' `To begin with,' said the Cat, `a dog's not mad. You grant that?' `I suppose so,' said Alice. `Well, then,' the Cat went on, `you see, a dog growls when it's angry, and wags its tail when it's pleased. Now I growl when I'm pleased, and wag my tail when I'm angry. Therefore I'm mad.'

- I think I want to read Alice in Wonderland again. The last time I read it was when I took the whole verse on the 'Walrus and the Carpenter' for Choral Speaking. Never gave much thought to book then. Now I think, it's really worth reading.

Dreaming of the Land Beneath the Wind.... Ah... December hols.. so near yet so far... any takers?

Celebrating Cheryl's 21st with the Mon Cho Cho gang in studio. Notice only the guys are wearing the pink shirt. Hehe. 

Counting down

"Pitiful is the person who is afraid of taking risks. Perhaps this person will never be disappointed or disillusioned; perhaps she won't suffer the way people do when they have a dream to follow. But when the person looks back-she will hear her heart"

Urgh. I think I suffer from ADHD. My sis claims she does. Haha. Perhaps it's genetic?

Anyway, had the urge to pen down (type) some thoughts after a brief conversation with a good friend from home. She managed to get to study Med in London after 2 1/2 yrs of doing it locally (twinning prog) and she's happy because her bf got someplace nearby (and also cos it's UK). Congrats to the both of them. Seems like med students at home enjoy a lot... ( but I think her communication skills have deteriorated by the dozens). Anyway, that means both my dustbin daughters will be in UK, and if I decide to go for SEP, my, what a Happy Family!!!Yay... she can be my travel companion... heh..

Anyway, could people become more bimbotic as they age? Maybe there are two paths that one can follow, become more mature or become more erm... air-headed (is there such a term as air-headed?)

Another classmate of mine is having an engagement party end of this month. :( Boo... I'm not invited .. cos I'm not in Penang. 22 years old... and getting engage. Now, that's a scary thought. It's like another friend of mine who gave birth a few weeks back and she's only 24. Life is passing by and I've been living in this hole of mine. How come I'm missing out the bulk of the fun? Or am I not? Slogging away in studio sounds fun I guess. Well, it is fun.

"'I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think: was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is 'Who in the world am I?' Ah, that's the great puzzle!'"
- Alice in Wonderland-

Why am I sitting still, letting the world pass me by when I should be the one in it? Am I missing out what 22-year-olds should be doing? What should they be doing exactly? Out partying? Figuring what their mission in life is? Dating around? Travelling the world with their parents' money? Working to pay for unnecessary expensive goods? Joining missions to spread the word of God? Looking for ways to make the world a better place? Shopping on bottomless pockets looking for pretty things to doll ourselves up with? Following every episode of some reality show so much so that we talk about it everyday as though it was part of our lives?

Come on, I think we've all lost focus on being ourselves. The reality of being where we are, with what we do now. And in this search, I guess the knowledge of self and the awareness of being is vital to understanding others.

Oh yeah, and I cannot stand hypocrites nor can I stand sloths. Off with their heads!

"You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen."

*4 pairs of authentic pearl earrings await me at home. thanks for remembering!! glad for the safe journey home.
** Oh yeah, NICOL!!! you did CGLians proud!!! Brit Open champion 4 times over in all categories! You go girl! Show the world that Malaysia Boleh! Hehe.. Looking forward to seeing you as No. 1. No. 3 must be really far behind now. Go rock the courts and seize the world!

"When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny."

How very ironic.

I realised that I posted a piece from a lady who died of cancer, the day before Datin Seri herself passed away from breast cancer relapse. Life is full of many coincidences. Perhaps I could be the next Nostradamus? Nyaaahhahaa

Sticking my head deeper into the ground

Quoting from a friend's blog without permission, hehe... but I guess everybody has the same sentiments. Saves me the trouble of having to explain my own frustrations cos I don't want to. It's much easier not say anything and to channel negative energy into positive ones. Here's the excerpt.

"I wonder if other ppl from other courses will understand or go thru the same type of mental torture we haf. I am not referring to the typical piaing and rushing work and having sleepless nights. They are harmful and disturbing but still typical.
Who can feel the pain of ur design changing and changing and ideas not understood by others or deemed not good. and u racked the hell out of ur brain. When such things happen, one will be led into this mentality or at least set one thinking if he/she is not cut out to be in the course. When that happens, one will eventually lose oneself, one's focus, confidence, goal etc. And finally u are lost. Even if it is not the similar torture, i am sure other ppl from other courses may experience this from another way."


I guess the so-called plight of the architecture student can only be understood by those in the profession. It's always great to have friends from other fields to keep ourselves sane and in balance, but it's also great to be in the comfort of fellow archi friends so that we can all pity ourselves and drown in our sorrows together, fight our battles together.

United we stand, divided we fall. How very true.

Submission's round the corner. Hope I keep my sanity.

Goodbye, to a lady of great strength

PM's wife dies after bout with breast cancer
Thursday October 20, 2005

For the first time, I really really feel sad over a loss of a precious soul, someone whom I do not know personally but a woman of great character, a lady who is behind her husband %100 and a lady of admirable character. I admire her not for her many contributions to charity, but for her contribution the revive a lost art, the very identity of a nation. I really admire her for her strong passion in reviving the Nyonya kebaya, to have fashion shows themed specifically on the kebayas and making it a huge success. To quote :

'The softly-spoken Endon devoted her time to social, community and charity work and was also a strong supporter of Malaysian arts and crafts. She also used her own illness to promote cancer awareness.
Endon spearheaded a campaign to revolutionise Malaysia's batik industry and recently launched another to revive the traditional songket fabric. '

Man, I was so excited about her campaigns to revive Malaysian crafts. She was doing something good for the country, enforcing part of our identity, steering it into the right direction, unlike other countries that just adopts and claim certain cultures and values of thier own (read my mind, read my mind) .Who ever expected a relapse of breast cancer when she had her masectomy. I still find it unbelievable, and I think the pain the PM is feeling must be even greater, to lose a soulmate of 40years, and now he has to rule the country alone, without a companion to share his burdens.

Sometimes, trials and tribulations are put in our path to make us stronger, to make us more courageous, but sometimes, we just want to give up and say 'ok, you win. let's stop playing' . I know the PM is of strong character and he will be fine, but I just feel really sad and wasted for him. It is a real loss, a woman of fine character, humble and humane, strong and independent, kind and loving. She's not the typical first lady, neither a tai tai, nor a corporate woman searching for profits and becoming CEOs of companies, neither is she one with a large political ambition. She is one, who uses her position to do the right thing, to reach out to the right people and to touch many peoples' hearts, indirectly. Her actions speaks it all. She's a kindred spirit.

May God bless her and keep her always.

A meaningful note

In honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.



IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer). I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's." But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it live it and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you all have a blessed day.

What I really really liked



What I bought within my budget (and it's pretty too!)


Being stressed is bad bad bad on the pocket. Many times, we make ourselves feel good by giving ourselves little treats now and then. Sigh. This is taking a toll on my pocket. I need a financial planner man! Someone to control my spending.......... like my sis?

Must ikat perut from now on

A new light

Few weeks ago, I got bogged down by work. I got irritated by people who can't make up their own mind, by childish thoughts and actions. I was in a pressure cooker that was waiting for me to blow. Today, I still am bothered by all these, but I can easily close one eye to all of it now.
I reflected upon a quote which I put up some time back which says

"The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."

Anna Quindlen

I realized that I have lost myself in the period of chaos, trying to meet up to my zillions of expectations. I think, I regained my balance,when I remembered that I was the one rocking the boat. The realization of self is vital to understanding others around us. I must not forget that.

I think that despite external factors, having something that you can proudly call your own and not being influenced by others just because of mere desperation is more fulfiling that making the cut. Sadly, the majority feels the other way. That's why, I admire some people who can stand by their own values and beliefs. These are the people who will make it big. They will make a difference. The mast has been raised.

Anyone aboard?

A person needs a little madness, or else they never dare cut the rope and be free.

Nikos Kazantzakis

*thank you Lord for making me one of a kind. thank you for Your love, being manifested in many ways through the concern shown by WJ and MT. They prove to me that You are real and that despite all darkness, true friends will stand by at every hour and that they have not forgotten me in times of doubt and frustration. friends like them are certainly hard to come by. I hope that I may be able to reciprocate it unto others

for the longest time

It has been awhile since I've had dreams in my sleep. In fact, I think it has been really long since I've ever dreamt of anything. However, today's afternoon nap was creepy. It was more like a series of occurances,some of which I can't recall. It involved death, it involved someone whom I always see but never had we spoken before and yet in the dream, we spoke for the first time. Dreams make the unreal seem real, and I truly thought that I was real in my dream. That I saw death and love at once. Perhaps dreams are ways of making our fears manifested in the surreal? Or was it clairvoyance? Was it a sign, or a result of an unsettled mind and a perturbed soul?

Found peace for the first time this sem. Rejoice and be glad.


~For I want to be the salt of the earth and the light that illuminates the world. I want to make a difference~

bye bye benny! 

Found this interesting facade on the net. Interesting way to treat the remnants of a demolished building!


Men love because they are afraid of themselves, afraid of the loneliness that lives in them, and need someone in whom they can lose themselves as smoke loses itself in the sky. ~V.F. Calverton

Reflections for the week

Learn to accept in silence the minor aggravations, cultivate the gift of taciturnity, and consume your own smoke with an extra draft of hard work, so that those about you may not be annoyed with the dust and soot of your complaints. ~William Osler


Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

The official Queen B**** has appointed a new QB for the day. Haha.

Oh well, never felt this way since yr 1 sem 1, when I was new to everything. But now. the sense of familiarity and comfort has just turned into irritation and disappointment. A wave of nostalgia, irritation and happiness all flooded me at once today. Can't blame me for being a confused person today. The only thing that could pacify my thoughts was... Volleyball!! yay! WH always calls me for vball at the right times!

Haha.. anyway, I think I was a bit careless with my words today, somehow indirectly showing my irritation but sometimes, I wished people could be a bit more sensitive to their surroundings. Small actions and details may need a trained eye to distinguish, but basic sensitivity and understanding is very much... BASIC! I'd very much not like to show what I feel, but I guess it has been piling up over the weeks and ... there's simply no one to complain to. sigh... I think I read people too easily. Life's simplier when we think less, no?

Anyway, the tidal storm has arrived and my busiest period is just seconds away. Wonder if I can wade through this again? Time to do the disappearing act again?

Life in hall has become more fun this year, in a way. But dang. I'm starting to miss mun and kevin again.

Time to tie the loose ends and unpick the tangled ones.

Why do we keep searching for the imperfections in ourselves, when people themselves are too busy trying to conceal their own? So who's going to look at our perfected flaw when they're too occupied with theirs?

Well life revolves around the search for perfectionism and ideals, doesn't it?

"The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."

Anna Quindlen

Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused

picked this from a friend's blog. thought it was really meaningful. sometimes, when we all do silly things, there's just no point sulking. just laugh it off, and life would definitely seem not as bad as it really is.


Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

The phantasmagoria

Quidam. A surrealistic performance. A display of the human perfection and the discipline of the mind, body and soul.

The setting was perfect. The stage was fabulous. The cast was mulit-talented. The music was excellent. The show was enticing. The story was well plotted and the dances were well choreographed. The only that was not perfect is my $71 ticket which allowed me the side view of the stage. Sigh.

The magic and the illusion created on the show was surreal. The show engaged the audience well as two items required people from the audience to come onstage to be part of the show and it was hillarious!

The stage was made to perfection. A rotating platform with two manholes and another two drainage covers that allow performers to emerge from below and all these were nicely concealed to camouflage with the stage. About 15m above, there were tracks overhead to allow performers to fly in, and how each performer enters the stage is simply amazing.

The live band played behind, somewhat submerged in the shadows, but their presence is felt all the time. And they play beautifully. I love the little Chinese girls with the doldrums, even better than any Chinese quality acrobats. They did somersaults and twists while spinning the doldrums... to perfect rhythm and timing. Gasp.

One thing I realized about this show is that rhythm, music and beat plays an important part to allow the circus actors to perform their stunts flawlessly. The choreographers and scriptwriter merged the act with the dancing and performance beautifully. The profoundity of the story sometimes puzzled me ( I still can't guess what the red balloons symbolize... but I do know that when they were inflated, it meant happy times. Perhaps it was a mere reminder of the child in all of us as we go about with our daily lives?) I love the way the director included clowns in the background to try to mimick the main performer. It was as though he was telling us that as we go about in our daily lives, we too tend to imitate people whom we admire or idolize. I could have read it wrongly, but it is just so thought provoking. I like the way the mood switches, from sombre, to happy, to dark and to vibrant.

I think the circus is just too hard to describe. It is an experience that one needs to immerse in, in order to feel the subtleties of the wonderfully detailed show. The finesse of it is just too complicated to explain, perhaps by my own limitations. Whatever it is, this is one show that I truly truly enjoy and have no regrets paying a hefty $70 for it. I wished I could have sat at a better seat, but I guess I'm lucky enough to be able to watch. Looking forward to more from Cirque du Soleil!

Spanish Architecture.
Casa Batlo, by Gaudi

to SEP or not? that is the qn

fools rush in where angels fear to tread

A Prozac-less remedy

Sometimes, I wonder where I would end up if I do not listen to my sis most of the time.

I had a bit of time to do some reflections on the train lately and also on the bus journey back from home. I love those coach rides because the journey's neither too long nor too short. It's perfect for me to sleep, read and ponder at the same time, at on a comfortable seat too. Heh.

But anyway, the point was to reflect on my short trip home, and basically the 6 weeks of sem 1. I thought I very much needed a break from work because of the jam-packed 6 weeks, but in actual fact, I think I just wanted to run away to the comfort of home, being able to meet my sis and my mum.

The group of people I mix with this sem is extremely diverse. From hardcore typical Singaporeans to friends in hall whom I got to know better over the hols to fellow archi friends whom I've known existed since year 1 but only got to know them better recently. 3 groups of friends from all facets of life, with a few good old friends. And I guess that when we are having a good time, we tends to lose ourselves in the moment and forget that the ground is beneath our feet. Sometimes, I too get easily persuaded to do something which is against my belief and stand. A promise made to myself not to get over-whelmed and to have more control over the situation but I think I lack the will this time round. Many times, I think I lacked the discipline and the power to stand firm on my ground, only to be easily coerced into something of not my liking. And I'm glad I realized that this was happening to me, which gave me another reason to run back home before I get swept further away.

Many times over, I tell myself never to forget where I came from. Never to lose the humble beginings. I realized that when I go home, it takes me awhile to get adjusted to the system and the pace at home. I have complained quite often of the slow service, the lackadaisical attitude and the lack of ambition of the people back home, but more often than not, I forget that I was nurtured in that environment that had given so much to me. And back home, I spend less than I do here, because I remind myself that the money I am spending is not mine, but here, it is hard to stinge all the time because people would only think that I am anti-social. It is hard to make them understand, this personal value of mine, which I have learnt much from my sisters, that we should not spoil ourselves even if we have the means to ( not like I do anyway). Sometimes, I do get appalled by the way people spend, but I don't really bother much because it is their money after all, but I guess it's just the values attached to the way of life and how you treasure certain things.

Talking to my sis always snaps me back to the bleak reality of life. Not that it's negative and dark, but just that reality is such and is inevitable. Sometimes, being away from her long enough makes me think that life is easy and good when it actually isn't. I'm glad and thankful for her negativity at times because she constantly reminds me of the future, not that it is forlorn, but just to brace myself for it. Not everyone wears a halo over her/his head.

The weather has been a bit melancholic, which sort of explains the way I feel. I think a few things that people around me have commented for the past few days have sort of irked me a little but it is forgiving because we all come from different backgrounds after all. As much as I would like to do as I please without the influence of others, it is also good to remember that the consequences of our actions will affect others in one way or another. Moreover, most of the time, it is for our own good, not the opposite.

Every single act or action of ours will affect others in one way or another. Why do I bother to think so much of the consequences of my actions on others when others don't really do the same? Is thinking too much that good after all? Well, I do not mind a few less strands of stray white hair on my head.

I guess I could always go ahead and do things MY way. Be a spoilt brat with a bottomless pocket and demand for additional allowance, but I'm thankful that my sis, through her numerous naggings, has made me a more conscious person in all that I do, albeit I have a more positive outlook to life than her. Haha.

Life is beautiful. Don't spoil it by being careless and stupid.

TAW and P1

Wow. Six weeks of school and it feels like the end of the sem already. This is the first time doing group design project for all of us actually (not counting Vertical Studio which I consider a FLOP... yesh,floppy buuny ears bouncing around waiting to be chopped up for rabbit bak kut teh). Of course, the ups and downs of group work is inevitable, but I think, and I really think that I actually enjoyed my design team! Both design projects had people whom I can work with (minus the first one but it's passable- I'm forgiving enough ok!) Well, got stuck with that fella for my HR proj(gosh, I'm too direct!) Well, he knocked my model over during submission last sem and didn't even bother to apologise, so it's a deep ingrained erm.. 'repulsion' for that fella. Then again, I'm sympathetic and shall be forgiving for not everyone has bad intentions.

To err is human, to forgive divine

Somehow, studio seems to be a smaller group this time. Must be due to the 10 ppl who are over at Korea enjoying themselevs to death, and the few who got retained. We have 4 girls and 4 guys plus two koreans. Haha. Even with 8 ppl and 2 exchange students, I didn't know that scandals could occur so fast. I guess guys are most of the time skin-deep as Gigi would put it. Well...... the scandal is... (P_R) has a crush on a pussy cat! Haha. She's pretty, no doubt. But her claws are sharp too! Meow! See those retractable claws behind her heavily made-up front. I'm just thankful that I was not in the same group as her. Meowwwrrr! Or claws would have clashed! Well, thankfully Boss decided to take out that fella from my initial group too. Heng ah. Or else I'd have died of over-dose.

Too much of something, is bad enough...

To wrap it all up, I think I did learn a lot, designing as a group. Well, we practically met up everyday,weekends included! Never have I been so busy as compared to this sem! Gosh. Though crit didn't go as well as I'd like it to be (well, for others too), we had some fun times. Had a nice welcome dinner after crit for the Koreans (Korean cos H's sis is in town)... went to taka for dinner and ate an expensive choc cake which upmarket kitty bought. Witnessed an amusing mime by cher n yq over dinner (which was how I found out about the crush). Then we went to Kallang to have a drink at a pub/bar called cosy bay. Nice environment. Music's not so good. Drinks were a bit limited in choice ( I am a failed teetotaller but at least I don't drink beer, heh). Despite trying to start conversations, there's a feeling that the studio can't really click as one yet. By far, looking at my previous studios, I guess this one's not too bad. I'd say that most of the time, 3/4 of the studio mates will click. For stats, that's good enough. Oh well, that's the ideal, but we're all living in the real world.

One man's meat is the other man's poison

Since only half a sem has passed and we all have one whole year together, I'm looking forward to more gossips, and hopefully I'll get to know them all better! I shall be nice to everyone, yes including that fella. It's really not his fault for being like that. Haha.

I think I'm quite screwed up this sem. Must focus more on work and play less. Can't believe I submitted a tutorial late this sem and my HR report had to be postponed! Major screw up in years! Praying for the best, yet to come, soon will arrive and perhaps tomorrow?!?!?!

Lord walk with me..

p/s= having a burning desire to read Sophie's World second time round. Will do so when I have the time. Urgh. Time... why have you gone AWOL???

Bday celebration with the Raggers and Malaysians. Never had such a huge group photo before!  

Was playing around with Picassa's effects. Not bad, a bit more user friendly and less complicated than Photoshop. haha. This one's without the nostalgic and sepia-tinted touch to it. We all look bright and alive! 

from The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

The alchemists spent years in their laboratories, observing the fire that purified the metals. They spent so much time close to the fire that gradually they gave up the vanities of the world. They discovered that the purification of the metals had led to a purification of themselves

nothing much to write for now. Just enjoying the short-lived mid-term break. Shopping at home was great, as always. Sadly I missed the sales though. Have much to write about the first 6 weeks of studio but i'm just not in the writing mood now. Wait till I get irked.. then my creative juices will flow. Haha. Need to have a really cluttered head to start writing so that I'll feel better. Now? Life's just good at the moment.

Anyway, went back to find out that my friend has just been admitted into the hospital. She's gonna give birth to a baby boy soon!!! So excited! Hope to see her during CNY with her baby boy!! She's only three years older than me! I really cannot see myself getting married in 2 years' time and giving birth the year after! So many things to do still, so many territories untouched, so many caves unexplored (plus I'm still free and flying, so why bother thinking? haha) Anyway, CONGRATS ML!! I'm sure you'll be a great mom. I've nothing but admiration for you. I don't think I have the courage to be in your position 3 years from now. Probably might take me another 10 years. Haha. The committment! Man... I salute you! May you have a blessed new beginning together with your family!

Of twsited thoughts and the inner-self

I know this is wrong, morally and ethically, but the freedom of speech prevails, doesn't it? Anyway, after reading some of my friends' blogs, I realized that there is a common trend that is apparent in the 3 blogs I have read. 3 very different personalities on their own, yet they're a clique whose minds seem to converge when they are together. Think 'group think'.

I was trying to elevate my boredom and the mononity of design as I do not usually read blogs that I feel are not worth reading, things that involve mundane daily activities, about what they ate, where they ate, who they met, what they did with their partners, showing a lovey-dovey pair, blissfully in love, or talking about their own seemingly messed-up life after breaking up with their bfs/gfs.

However, my rationalization got the better of me when I was enlightened by the fact that (after reading the blogs a few times) they constitute the majority of the people I know around me. Ok, apart from probably the lack of fluency in English to fully express their thoughts and feelings, I realized that the 3 of the represent the norms of society in a way.

One just broke up with her boyfriend. However, the image of him still haunts her. After four months, she still finds it difficult to let go. And being a Christian herself, she has not asked God for directions until now. Now, I question this very act. If we are strong in faith, won't we be seeking God the minute we break up? In fact, we should be seeking God everyday in everything that we do, be it in times of joy or sorrow. The path she chose was to seek comfort in friends around her, some more experienced, some less. I perceive that as her looking for the imperfection in others to console herself. Furthermore, she occasionally sends out mails and smses to him to check on him. She asks him from time to time if he still loves hers, if he still misses her or whether he is seeing others. His answer to her is the same each time, 'No' and he has told her a million times over that he doesn't love her anymore. Now, how difficult is it to understand simple statements like these? I realized that in all that we do, regardless of the failure, we cannot pick ourselves up easily. We still attach a moment of hope that can rectify the problem, and yet not seek ways to overcome the hurdle. The weakness of the human soul without God is a mere pile of ashes.

The girl finds her source of strength from someone else, who is facing a difficult period on her own but in a different manner and I find this somewhat disturbing.

Girl #2 was a girl who nearly experienced love. She got really close to someone, but they fell out before they could even start. OK, so no big deal right? Yeah, probably to most of us , say after 3 months or so? Since we've never really started, so no strings attached, no solid feelings formulated. BUT, this girl, after one year, still dreams upon a shinning star that someday, they could end up together. She cries at times thinking of him. She blogs about her feelings for him, how she wishes for his happinness. She writes about how sometimes, she wishes for him to be at certain events of hers, wishing he could see her happy.

Hello, I think this girl is living in a fairytale and has watched too many dramas. That is the problem of our idiot-box nation. The movie industry offers a wide range of shows, good and bad, but people are not discriminate enough to select worthy shows, but instead go for those that far romanticizes human relationships. People don't know how to strike a balance when it comes to reality and fiction. To them, the more appealing one wins. Could I blame the Asian values and culture to be the factor that negates all sense of logic and rationalization?

Furthermore, girl #2 goes round telling it like it was the greatest love story on earth whereas the guy has chosen to keep mum about it, probably embarassed by the fact that it didn't work out. Well, things in life are unpredictable. Whatever that comes is not constant. Our relationships with people are forever evolving, multiplying. Now, the question is, who would you see as the psychopath?

To be continued later after studio. Haha.

Nyonya Cuisine

To celebrate my project about a Peranakan shophouse at 157 Neil Road, I shall post a feature on the Peranakan culinary dish and my favourite too. It's called the Nyonya Assam Curry Fish! It's yummy-liscious and spicy too! Mouth-watering and tempting no doubt. I've yet to try out this recipe here cos C-blk kitchen is just fully inhabited by zillions of quick-multiplying bacteria. Furthemore, people here just lack the knowledge of basic hygiene. Anyway, no free food, no free sample, no free smells, just a free picture, taken from Kuali website (the best for recipes), for the eye's delight!

Ingredients

600 to 700g white pomfret, cleaned and cut into thick slices Mix and strain: 50g assam jawa 400ml water (A) Pound: 100g shallots 5 pips garlic 2 slices lengkuas 2 buah keras (B): 2 stalks serai (lemon grass) 1 bunga kantan, cut into halves 4 stalks daun kesom (C): 2 1/2 tbsp chilli boh 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp Maggi belacan powder Seasoning: 1/2 cube Maggi ikan bilis stock 1/2 cube Maggi chicken stock 1/2 tsp sugar Method Sprinkle a dash of salt over fish and set aside. Heat 4 tbsp oil. Saute (A) and (B) till fragrant. Add (C) and assam jawa juice. Simmer, then add seasoning and put in the fish. When fish is cooked, turn off the heat. Dish out, sprinkle with sliced bunga kantan and serve with steaming hot rice.

Believing and Acting Upon the Lord's Word

Bible Verses Matt 14:28

And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. (29) And He said, Come. And Peter, coming down from the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (30) But seeing the strong wind, he became frightened; and as he began to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me! 2 Cor 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by appearance)

Words of Ministry
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was a miracle that Peter could walk on the waters. He walked on the waves by faith. Faith is our action upon the word of the Lord. To have faith does not mean that we are able to do things; neither does it mean that we make up our mind to go in a certain direction. Faith simply means that, although we may be very weak, we dare to act upon the Lord's word. The Lord said to Peter, “Come,” and Peter took that word, acted upon it, and walked on the waves. Peter came down from the boat and walked on the waves by faith in the Lord's word; however, when he saw the strong wind, his faith vanished. He should have walked only by faith in the Lord's word, not by the sight of the circumstances. Since the Lord said to Peter, “Come”, Peter should have stood on that word and not doubted. Hence, the Lord rebuked him. Faith comes from the Lord's word and stands on the Lord's word. As long as we have the Lord's word, we should simply believe in His word and not doubt.

Another quote from Paulo Coelho

He seemed to be talking about my fears, my insecurity, and my unwillingness to see what was wonderful because tomorrow it might disappear and I might suffer. The gods throw the dice, and they don't ask whether we want to be in the game or not. They don't care if when you go, you leave behind a lover, a home, a career, or a dream. The gods don't care whether you have it all, whether it seems that your every desire can be met through hard work and persistence. The gods don't want to know about your plans and your hopes. Somewhere they're throwing the dice- and you are chosen. From then on, winning or losing is only a question of luck. The gods throw the dice, freeing love from its cage. And love can create or destroy-depending on the direction of the wind when it is set free.

It's a bright, sun-shiny day!

Nation

Monday August 15, 2005

Goodbye haze, welcome rain

Praise the Lord for the good weather to come. I hope that everyone at home is feeling better now that the rain has come to clear the skies. I do hope Indonesia does something about it. They can't go round blaming others for their own lack of management and incapable government officers.

Anyway, I think I've just let history repeat itself. Sigh. What am I doing wrong? People keep saying I reject them for supper, but can't they understand that I'm tired. I would really love the time spent chatting with friends, but that would mean one hour of my rest time gone. Am i ready to make such sacrifices? I really don't want to explain the details to them cos I'm not looking for sympathy, but in the end, I end up being the one at the losing end for being such a lousy friend. I hate being caught in these situations whereby I have to decide between self and others. Hopefully one day, I'll know the right answer whereby I can please both. Lord, please give me the wisdom and give others the understanding.

The two worst strategic mistakes to make are acting prematurely and letting an opportunity slip; to avoid this, the warrior treats each situation as if it were unique and never resorts to formulae, recipes or other people's opinions.

Paulo Coelho

An amazing task completed

"When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny."

I am truly proud of the KR raggers despite the outcome and disappointment of not wining the Chancellor Shield. Even I thought that the presentation for our hall this year was the best. We've managed to get the Gold award for Flag, best Flag collection and most environmentall friendly float. Truthfully speaking, I knew that Best Design and Best float were out of the question, but I thought we were close to winning best presentation, but i guess our neighbours managed to get the better of us. Deep down in me, there is a slight regret for not becomming the designer this year,on the other hand, I had to choose between hall or archi. I guess practicality got the better of me, but I should have dreamed bigger. Probably it was the wait for the results that killed my desire to win the Best Design float and also the knowledge of knowing that my fellow raggers have all decided against joining rag this year. Also, what kept me from staying long hours in the beginning of the final month was the bond that was non-existent and the slow pace of work. I recalled vividly that around that time last year was a different scenario altogether. All of us were too busy to eat and sleep, what more go out. Seeing their attitude kept me demoralised. However, my senses only got the better of me later, seeing a friend stressed and in trouble ( a scene that I have never seen before myself). I could only do my part in asking the seniors to go down and help them in whatever way I can. However, I must say that I've grown quite fond of the current raggers along the way and they really make me feel intergrated with the team. I would have loved to help them design cladding and a lot more, but they should not learn to depend too much on the seniors. I know mg has done a lot, too much in fact, and he pampers the team, he has a soft spot for them, haha, but the team was seriously lacking discipline. Anyway, I think the validation of float is a complete waste of time. I was the validator for KE7 and I think NUSSU's just being a big ass. Valdation is not all that fun and the KE7 rag chair is just damn sexist.

Even more amazingly, after only one month of rag, I'm already feeling a bit empty because I now do not need to go downstairs to help out, meet old friends, be greeted by the raggers themselves, meet seniors. I miss the atmosphere. I miss the breakfast together. I miss the bonding time with them. I wonder how will this year's rag team fare in terms of bonding as comapared to last year's. I always find comfort in the knowledge of knowing that my batch of raggers are around, though YY has left for Beijing.

ahh... rag... another sweet memory for me.

Time to concentrate on school again and adjust my hours.... to sleep earlier at 4am as compared to 10am during rag period. Haha.... Looking forward to an excellent semester ahead. I've got a good feeling about it.

How to tell if someone is attached

1) You see an extra pair of slippers outside his/her door at 5am in the morn.
2) You see a girl/guy from another block going in to the same bathroom as you in the morning, looking groggy like he/she just woke up

I don't get it. Unless your partner is not staying in hall, why do couples need to share a room with a tiny bed when they can get the comfort of their own? Are they:-
1) Testing out the comfort level of hugging each other to sleep so that they know if he/she's the right person to marry?
2) Getting cheap thrills by keeping his/her neighbour guessing to whom do the extra slippers belong to?
3) Showing off his/her prowess
4) Trying to create a new scandal for him/herself
5) Telling his/her neighbours that they're losers for not being able to have that extra pair of sandals outside their doors
6) Just lacking some sense of dignity and morality/amoral

Quote of the day

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream."

Glimpses of Malacca and KL

Some of the few hundreds of pictures I took. I meant to put up the pics long long ago but didn't manage to find the time to do so till now. Even now, I'm losing sleep trying to put them up. I've many many more pics which are still with others. Shall put them up later if I'm not too busy by then. Till then... enjoy!

Our UM driver and his loyal passengers from NUS. Haha. Yeah, he concealed us all nicely.

My design group. From left, it's BSiong, Adeline, Carina and Me. Our presentation panel's behind. Went back to the hostel to collapse after the exhibition. Just so dead tired after 2 1/2 weeks of kopi-o pengs and late nights in studio