Having had enough of mad crowds and last minute Christmas shopping for the past two years, this year, I resolved to do my shopping early.
As of now, I am 80% done!
Yippee!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Paradox of Our Age
By Dr. Bob Moorehead
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less.
We plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; big men and small character;
steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce; fancier houses but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember to say "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it.
A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less.
We plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; big men and small character;
steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce; fancier houses but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember to say "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it.
A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Terror knows no boundaries...
Well, I guess people are still getting over the shock of the Mumbai terror attacks.
Who would have thought that a Singaporean would be killed?
Suddenly, all these seemed so near to us...
I wasn't even suppose to pick up that call that day.
The caller told me the bad news.
I hung up and just felt a sense of loss.
We had even joked that she could have gone shopping somewhere else and the info that we had was wrong.
But, we were wrong. It did happen. A young life snuffed out, just like that.
Who would have thought that a Singaporean would be killed?
Suddenly, all these seemed so near to us...
I wasn't even suppose to pick up that call that day.
The caller told me the bad news.
I hung up and just felt a sense of loss.
We had even joked that she could have gone shopping somewhere else and the info that we had was wrong.
But, we were wrong. It did happen. A young life snuffed out, just like that.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Work is good?
Worked more than 18 hours yesterday.
I was so busy that I had no time to feel tired, no time to eat and no time to go to the toilet.
For the first time, I felt I was truly doing something meaningful.
Am going back to work tomorrow...
I was so busy that I had no time to feel tired, no time to eat and no time to go to the toilet.
For the first time, I felt I was truly doing something meaningful.
Am going back to work tomorrow...
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Busy!!!!
The entire month of November has been anything but B-U-S-Y.
Really busy.
Too much things to do. Too much things at work. For once, I feel flooded. Overwhelmed. Have been staying late almost every other day. And last Saturday? Went back to the office on the exact date of my third year in service. Haha. What a joke.
Hope to share more on what is coming up in my work, but I can't!
Anyway...
The 3rd space, here I come!
Really busy.
Too much things to do. Too much things at work. For once, I feel flooded. Overwhelmed. Have been staying late almost every other day. And last Saturday? Went back to the office on the exact date of my third year in service. Haha. What a joke.
Hope to share more on what is coming up in my work, but I can't!
Anyway...
The 3rd space, here I come!
Saturday, November 08, 2008
A new page
45 years since Martin Luther King made that historic speech, history has finally been made in the US on 4 Nov 08.
A President elect who is not white.
The first US President who is an African-American.
Really, anything is possible.
He has change the mindsets of many people.
Let's hope that he can deliver what he has promised.
A President elect who is not white.
The first US President who is an African-American.
Really, anything is possible.
He has change the mindsets of many people.
Let's hope that he can deliver what he has promised.
Monday, November 03, 2008
About life...
Life is so short...
Haven't we all heard this before?
Perhaps, we can never fully know its magnitude until someone whom you know passes away at a relative young age.
Saw depressing emails today. It brought me to tears. But I also saw the friendship beneath all these men whom I felt sometimes were inhumane. Today, I saw another side of them...
Haven't we all heard this before?
Perhaps, we can never fully know its magnitude until someone whom you know passes away at a relative young age.
Saw depressing emails today. It brought me to tears. But I also saw the friendship beneath all these men whom I felt sometimes were inhumane. Today, I saw another side of them...
你不是真正的快樂
Really love this new song by Mayday.
I thought the lyrics were quite real. This time round, I am so tempted to buy this album...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Words in extinction?
Compossible (adj) - possible in co-existence
Mansuetude (n) - gentleness or mildness
Apodeictic (adj) - unquestionably true by virtue of demonstration
Caducity (n) - perishableness
Malison (n) - a curse
Fubsy (adj) - short and stout
Olid (adj) - foul-smelling
Niddering (adj) - cowardly
Seen these words before?
Well, I haven't come across these words since I learnt how to read and write. I was reading Time magazine when I came across all these. Apparently, these words are so rarely used that they are on the verge of extinction. It appears that the Collins English Dictionary is revamping the dictionary and they are considering to phase out words that are rarely used.
Hmm... And I thought only animals could be extinct?
Mansuetude (n) - gentleness or mildness
Apodeictic (adj) - unquestionably true by virtue of demonstration
Caducity (n) - perishableness
Malison (n) - a curse
Fubsy (adj) - short and stout
Olid (adj) - foul-smelling
Niddering (adj) - cowardly
Seen these words before?
Well, I haven't come across these words since I learnt how to read and write. I was reading Time magazine when I came across all these. Apparently, these words are so rarely used that they are on the verge of extinction. It appears that the Collins English Dictionary is revamping the dictionary and they are considering to phase out words that are rarely used.
Hmm... And I thought only animals could be extinct?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Celliar Rouge
If you need a place to chill out, have wine, catch up with firends, then Celliar Rouge is the place!
Went there with Hui Juan last week. This bar is opened by Adrian and his partners which included a rich tycoon's son. Haha. Anyway, I absolutely love the place! There's good wine and good company! I think I should charge Adrian advertising fees cos I've been raving about Celliar Rouge to my friends since last Friday! Anyway, some pics of the place and my company for that night...
Oh, by the way, Celliar Rouge is at 46 Club St...
Went there with Hui Juan last week. This bar is opened by Adrian and his partners which included a rich tycoon's son. Haha. Anyway, I absolutely love the place! There's good wine and good company! I think I should charge Adrian advertising fees cos I've been raving about Celliar Rouge to my friends since last Friday! Anyway, some pics of the place and my company for that night...
Oh, by the way, Celliar Rouge is at 46 Club St...
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Frustration sets in
The word to use is FRUSTRATED.
Utterly frustrated with my boss.
Frustrated with my work.
All I wanted to do today was to just sit in front of the computer and update my resume on VOG. Then there was this thing on security certificate which I tried all ways and means to get it work. It didn't happen.
Then I decided to use my laptop only to realise that I've always been using wireless and the modem is not installed to my laptop, and I couldn't find the CD.
All I want is to look for a new job!
Why is that so difficult?!?!?!?!
I wish I could just resign straightaway.
No worries, I just need to get it out of my system.
I'll be fine.
Utterly frustrated with my boss.
Frustrated with my work.
All I wanted to do today was to just sit in front of the computer and update my resume on VOG. Then there was this thing on security certificate which I tried all ways and means to get it work. It didn't happen.
Then I decided to use my laptop only to realise that I've always been using wireless and the modem is not installed to my laptop, and I couldn't find the CD.
All I want is to look for a new job!
Why is that so difficult?!?!?!?!
I wish I could just resign straightaway.
No worries, I just need to get it out of my system.
I'll be fine.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Nico Rosberg
I don't follow F1 races but with Singtel Grand Prix coming up, I have been reading quite a lot on the race and the F1 drivers that would be in town. In fact, the few that I know were just Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen and the retired Michael Schmaucher (dunno if it's the correct spelling). And of course, early this year I did a translation for my friend's event company regarding the F1, so that enabled me to know more about it. Then...
On Monday, I came across Nico Rosberg on Today. Well, a lot of female artistes were saying how good looking he was. Anyway, I read it and put it aside, until... I saw Nico Rosberg today! I was walking around at Raffles City SC and there was an interview going on. So, I stood there and started taking pictures. He's really really really really good-looking!
On Monday, I came across Nico Rosberg on Today. Well, a lot of female artistes were saying how good looking he was. Anyway, I read it and put it aside, until... I saw Nico Rosberg today! I was walking around at Raffles City SC and there was an interview going on. So, I stood there and started taking pictures. He's really really really really good-looking!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Me...
I am contemplative.
I think too much.
I need a lot of 'me' time.
I am "emo" at times.
I like to sleep.
I want to change job.
I need strength to keep on keeping on.
I need to focus.
I need to rise up.
I need to stop feeling 'that I can't do it'.
Less of me, and more of Him, please.
I think too much.
I need a lot of 'me' time.
I am "emo" at times.
I like to sleep.
I want to change job.
I need strength to keep on keeping on.
I need to focus.
I need to rise up.
I need to stop feeling 'that I can't do it'.
Less of me, and more of Him, please.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Hope, hopefully, hopeless...
Weet!
Its been a month since I last blogged. Well, some updates... My wedding will most probably be in November next year and well, I need a house. So, gotta go ballot in October. Hopefully, we can get what we want. Anyway, my good pal, Miss Luen has gotten her house keys and will be ROM-ing next month! So happy for her!
Other than the above, I'm bored at work. BORED BORED BORED. I thought that a new portfolio would have given me some challenge and probably let me see some "light" in this place. Obviously, it didn't work. And yes, PY and I are "disgusted" at the speed in which we finish our work. Is it too easy or are we too fast or we just can't be bothered or we've worked too long to know how much is enough for the management? I think it's a combination of everything. Anyway, I am just plain bored with it. The only thing that keeps me going now is the bonus at the end of the year (I'm already thinking of how I can use it!) and yes, I am looking at Recruit almost every other week. I see hope!
Its been a month since I last blogged. Well, some updates... My wedding will most probably be in November next year and well, I need a house. So, gotta go ballot in October. Hopefully, we can get what we want. Anyway, my good pal, Miss Luen has gotten her house keys and will be ROM-ing next month! So happy for her!
Other than the above, I'm bored at work. BORED BORED BORED. I thought that a new portfolio would have given me some challenge and probably let me see some "light" in this place. Obviously, it didn't work. And yes, PY and I are "disgusted" at the speed in which we finish our work. Is it too easy or are we too fast or we just can't be bothered or we've worked too long to know how much is enough for the management? I think it's a combination of everything. Anyway, I am just plain bored with it. The only thing that keeps me going now is the bonus at the end of the year (I'm already thinking of how I can use it!) and yes, I am looking at Recruit almost every other week. I see hope!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Announcement!
Joshua proposed last night - 15 Aug 08, with the help of some friends and much money ('til I little bit heart pain). But, all these amounted to wonderful memories.
Gold or Silver?
Woohoo!
After 48 years of waiting, Singapore has finally secure a a medal in the Olympics! I literally did not work on Friday. From 2.30pm onwards, I was glued to the TV in the office. So exciting! I was screaming, groaning and cheering when I saw the semi-finals. Nail-biting to the end!
All pics from Beijing Olympics official website
After 48 years of waiting, Singapore has finally secure a a medal in the Olympics! I literally did not work on Friday. From 2.30pm onwards, I was glued to the TV in the office. So exciting! I was screaming, groaning and cheering when I saw the semi-finals. Nail-biting to the end!
All pics from Beijing Olympics official website
Saturday, August 09, 2008
2008 Beijing Olympics Game
It finally happened.
After seven years of preparation, after much pain, crisis, disaters, human rights activists marring the lead up to the games, the 2008 Beijing Olympics Game opened spectacularly. It was truly spectacular. I usually don't take much interest in the olympics, but this time, I stayed up 'til 2am to catch the repeated telecast. Half the time, I watched with my jaw drop. 15,000 performers. The visuals. Li Ning lighting the torch. The fireworks. Who would light up fireworks all over the city?! The co-ordination was just perfect. China is a maker of fireworks, but I think only they could blew up so much money in one night. Enthralled. Tonight's fireworks? Won't even be 20% of it. Haha. I was amazed. Truly spectacular.
After seven years of preparation, after much pain, crisis, disaters, human rights activists marring the lead up to the games, the 2008 Beijing Olympics Game opened spectacularly. It was truly spectacular. I usually don't take much interest in the olympics, but this time, I stayed up 'til 2am to catch the repeated telecast. Half the time, I watched with my jaw drop. 15,000 performers. The visuals. Li Ning lighting the torch. The fireworks. Who would light up fireworks all over the city?! The co-ordination was just perfect. China is a maker of fireworks, but I think only they could blew up so much money in one night. Enthralled. Tonight's fireworks? Won't even be 20% of it. Haha. I was amazed. Truly spectacular.
Monday, August 04, 2008
My birthday
Tada! Finally, I'm blogging about my birthday. Haha.
First up, Hongda who shares the same birthday as me, have this annual competition on who would wish each other 'Happy Birthday' first. This year, just as I was about to press the dial button on my mobile to call him, I received his sms. He won this year. Haha. And we rather scandalously said that this is the only time that we would think of each other. Ha. Anyway, this year's birthday was nothing short of surprises. I took leave and was feeling totally blissful to find myself waking up at 10am. It's really shiok. I can't remember when was the last time I did that. I was lying in bed and texting when my mobile rang. Apparently, Joshua was let down by the door bell (it wasn't working!) and he was standing right at the doorstep of my house! He bought me big breakfast and for the fisrt time in ages, we had breakfast together.
After that, he left me to do my own things while he went home. I was quite prima donna, I went for my skincare treatment and shopped until I met Joshua in the evening. He was still empty-handed. Anyway, he brought me to the Kate Spade store at Raffles City Shopping Centre and just as we were about to leave, the salesgirl came out from the store with a huge carrier and said "This is for you". I turned and looked at Joshua. He was smiling. I was hyperventilating. Haha. I am now the proud owner of a Kate Spade bag! Woot!
I'm the proud owner of a Kate Spade bag!
The Kate Spade bag!
Roses that Joshua got for me!
A snapshot. But Joshua looks bewildered. Haha.
We definitely didn't belong to this era, but Yuhong (who shares the same birthday as me) insisted on singing this.
Yuhong, the "Rong Shu Xia" crooner.
The rare time that Joshua would sing.
Oops. Didn't edit this pic to portrait mode. Anyway, this was a gift from my godmum. It's for my earrings and I think I overloaded it.
Gold wedges that Wendy got for me! Our birthdays are only one day apart!
Peiyun bought me a range of things from Japan! Two Shiseido mascaras (not available in Singapore!), a Shu Uemura eyelash curler, a funky purple, white and yellow belt and loads of sweets and chocolates from Japan! Weet!
First up, Hongda who shares the same birthday as me, have this annual competition on who would wish each other 'Happy Birthday' first. This year, just as I was about to press the dial button on my mobile to call him, I received his sms. He won this year. Haha. And we rather scandalously said that this is the only time that we would think of each other. Ha. Anyway, this year's birthday was nothing short of surprises. I took leave and was feeling totally blissful to find myself waking up at 10am. It's really shiok. I can't remember when was the last time I did that. I was lying in bed and texting when my mobile rang. Apparently, Joshua was let down by the door bell (it wasn't working!) and he was standing right at the doorstep of my house! He bought me big breakfast and for the fisrt time in ages, we had breakfast together.
After that, he left me to do my own things while he went home. I was quite prima donna, I went for my skincare treatment and shopped until I met Joshua in the evening. He was still empty-handed. Anyway, he brought me to the Kate Spade store at Raffles City Shopping Centre and just as we were about to leave, the salesgirl came out from the store with a huge carrier and said "This is for you". I turned and looked at Joshua. He was smiling. I was hyperventilating. Haha. I am now the proud owner of a Kate Spade bag! Woot!
I'm the proud owner of a Kate Spade bag!
The Kate Spade bag!
Roses that Joshua got for me!
A snapshot. But Joshua looks bewildered. Haha.
We definitely didn't belong to this era, but Yuhong (who shares the same birthday as me) insisted on singing this.
Yuhong, the "Rong Shu Xia" crooner.
The rare time that Joshua would sing.
Oops. Didn't edit this pic to portrait mode. Anyway, this was a gift from my godmum. It's for my earrings and I think I overloaded it.
Gold wedges that Wendy got for me! Our birthdays are only one day apart!
Peiyun bought me a range of things from Japan! Two Shiseido mascaras (not available in Singapore!), a Shu Uemura eyelash curler, a funky purple, white and yellow belt and loads of sweets and chocolates from Japan! Weet!
Perfect Cut
I was totally in love with this show. I love the theme song, the drama, and definitely Thomas Ong. Totally love it. Haha.
我知道我变漂亮了
我知道我变漂亮了
Sunday, August 03, 2008
I'm back!!!
After my modem "crashed" on me about two weeks ago, I was totally offline all the way. Anyway, the modem is up and running again but I am still having problems with the wireless. Tsk. Things just can't last nowadays.
Anyway, I am now officially a quarter century old. Will be putting up posts in the next couple of days. I've got so many things to share!
In the meantime, it's my brother's turn to use this computer. You see? We need wireless!
Anyway, I am now officially a quarter century old. Will be putting up posts in the next couple of days. I've got so many things to share!
In the meantime, it's my brother's turn to use this computer. You see? We need wireless!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Back to civilisation!
Friends around me know that I can't use a camera phone due to my job requirements. So, for the last two and a half years, I've been using a NON-camera aka basic phone which is almost driving me mad. What makes things worse are that new phones just get better and I am stuck with phones with basically no functions at all. I can't record, I can't take pictures, I can't share files. When people are bluetooth-ing each other, I just watch. And then, my parents' phones are better than mine, my cousins in their primary school are using better phones. Tsk. But... M1 gave me an offer of a free phone in K660i. I took up the offer and applied for multi-sim service. Here's a look at my new phone...
I am back in civilisation!
I am back in civilisation!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
念奴娇·赤壁怀古
昨天去看了吴宇森执导的《赤壁》，结果让我想到了高中时候所读的宋词。
《念奴娇·赤壁怀古》是苏轼所写的词。那时候我把这首词和它的题解背的滚瓜烂熟。现在？不用说，当然是忘得一干二净啦！不过，回味一下也蛮不错的。
大江东去，浪淘尽，千古风流人物。
故垒西边，人道是，三国周郎赤壁。
乱石崩云，惊涛裂岸，卷起千堆雪。
江山如画，昔日多少豪杰！
遥想公瑾当年，小乔初嫁了，雄姿英发。
羽扇纶巾，谈笑间，樯橹灰飞烟灭。
故国神游，多情应笑我，早生华发。
人生如梦，一枕还酹江月。
《念奴娇·赤壁怀古》是苏轼所写的词。那时候我把这首词和它的题解背的滚瓜烂熟。现在？不用说，当然是忘得一干二净啦！不过，回味一下也蛮不错的。
大江东去，浪淘尽，千古风流人物。
故垒西边，人道是，三国周郎赤壁。
乱石崩云，惊涛裂岸，卷起千堆雪。
江山如画，昔日多少豪杰！
遥想公瑾当年，小乔初嫁了，雄姿英发。
羽扇纶巾，谈笑间，樯橹灰飞烟灭。
故国神游，多情应笑我，早生华发。
人生如梦，一枕还酹江月。
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Does it really matter?
Hi folks!
Well, well, I haven't been updating my blog for almost three weeks, so be prepared for a long post. The past three weeks have been anything but tired. I was away on course at some camp hidden up in the hills and I was tired. But before I start on that (I have a lot of things to say on that), I want to start on my meet-up with Karen last night. The last time I saw Karen was two years ago, when she was transitting in Singapore for her return to KL for her wedding. Since then, she has been based in Adelaide and she's now doing her second undergraduate degree in pharmacy! Amazing! She's also in the Australian defence force and is otherwise known as Lieutenant Yap! Cool!
Anyway, we met last night at Marche for dinner and it was a good time catching up. There were only four of us but there were lots of laughter. A perfect end to a working week. This time, it was too bad that Karen's handsome husband could not make it. I guess, we just have to wait 'til the next trip then. Some photos from last night:
Karen with Ley Keong, they were university classmates!
Terri, myself and Karen
Alright! Now it's back to my course. For two weeks, I was cooped up in some military camp in Singapore. Seriously, I can't imagine myself working there and now I pity the NSFs who are based there. This camp is so out of the way! For ten days, my schedule was to wake up at 6am and reach the camp by 8.30am. I was tired. Really tired. I was having lessons the whole day and I couldn't leave the camp until 6pm in the evening. Perhaps the better phrase to use, I was drained out - mentally.
Oh well. Besides being tired, I had my fair share of fighting my inner demons. I had to try to control my temper and not to retort an "animal" whenever he spoke. My patience was seriously tested. Moreover, I got to to see how irresponsible some of my colleagues were. The magnitude of their irresponsibility will not be stated here due to obvious reasons. Anyway, there were some ups too. I got to see a colleague whom I got to know before we started work. We attended the same interview almost three years ago and started work one week after one another. Lots of things were said and the changes the both of us faced have been dictated by the management. Some things just seem so near yet so far...
Then there were the few officers that turned me off. They are so eager for recognition and they even count the number of times that KNN enters their office after 7pm and probably even the number of times that KNN has spoken to them. This was overheard yesterday after our lunch with the directors: KNN only spoke to the three of them. Now, the three of them happens to be myself and another two colleagues, and among all the officers present, we've worked the longest and I know that KNN recognises our ability. The thing is, does it really matter if KNN talks to you?! In that case, be more efficient and competent otherwise KNN would not have asked me about their competency. I rest my case.
Well, well, I haven't been updating my blog for almost three weeks, so be prepared for a long post. The past three weeks have been anything but tired. I was away on course at some camp hidden up in the hills and I was tired. But before I start on that (I have a lot of things to say on that), I want to start on my meet-up with Karen last night. The last time I saw Karen was two years ago, when she was transitting in Singapore for her return to KL for her wedding. Since then, she has been based in Adelaide and she's now doing her second undergraduate degree in pharmacy! Amazing! She's also in the Australian defence force and is otherwise known as Lieutenant Yap! Cool!
Anyway, we met last night at Marche for dinner and it was a good time catching up. There were only four of us but there were lots of laughter. A perfect end to a working week. This time, it was too bad that Karen's handsome husband could not make it. I guess, we just have to wait 'til the next trip then. Some photos from last night:
Karen with Ley Keong, they were university classmates!
Terri, myself and Karen
Alright! Now it's back to my course. For two weeks, I was cooped up in some military camp in Singapore. Seriously, I can't imagine myself working there and now I pity the NSFs who are based there. This camp is so out of the way! For ten days, my schedule was to wake up at 6am and reach the camp by 8.30am. I was tired. Really tired. I was having lessons the whole day and I couldn't leave the camp until 6pm in the evening. Perhaps the better phrase to use, I was drained out - mentally.
Oh well. Besides being tired, I had my fair share of fighting my inner demons. I had to try to control my temper and not to retort an "animal" whenever he spoke. My patience was seriously tested. Moreover, I got to to see how irresponsible some of my colleagues were. The magnitude of their irresponsibility will not be stated here due to obvious reasons. Anyway, there were some ups too. I got to see a colleague whom I got to know before we started work. We attended the same interview almost three years ago and started work one week after one another. Lots of things were said and the changes the both of us faced have been dictated by the management. Some things just seem so near yet so far...
Then there were the few officers that turned me off. They are so eager for recognition and they even count the number of times that KNN enters their office after 7pm and probably even the number of times that KNN has spoken to them. This was overheard yesterday after our lunch with the directors: KNN only spoke to the three of them. Now, the three of them happens to be myself and another two colleagues, and among all the officers present, we've worked the longest and I know that KNN recognises our ability. The thing is, does it really matter if KNN talks to you?! In that case, be more efficient and competent otherwise KNN would not have asked me about their competency. I rest my case.
Friday, June 27, 2008
How Great is Our God!
I first saw the entire video sermon of "How Great is Our God!" by Louie Giglio about two weeks ago and I was blown away. Using science and astronomy, he presented God to his audience. I was so impressed, so amazed at the magnitude of my God. Below is a snippet of the entire sermon. Youtube has the full version of it. In any case, watch this snippet and be blown away by the greatness of our God!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Moving into uncharted territory
Its been one and a half weeks since I started on my new portfolio. So far, everything seems okay and the workload is picking up. For one week, I read this book on xxx parliamentary system but I totally did not understand what the author was writing about. In the end, I just went to Wikipedia and printed out what I needed. Ha. Wikipedia helps!
Anyway, my colleague was even suggesting that I make a field trip to xxx country. I appeared keen but at the back of my mind, alarm bells were ringing! I don't want to make the trip with my boss! *Screams*
.....
Periodically, the office conduct spot checks. They check if we carry classified documents home, if we have a camera handphone, if we have a MP3 player which we did not surrender, if we have thumbdrives, etc etc. Well, today was one of those days. In fact, I haven't been checked for the last six months because I usually work late in the office. See the connection? Work late = Getting away with spot checks, which in my opinion, it shouldn't be this way. They should check those who stayed late in the office, check those who come back to work during the weekends, and check the bosses as well! Why are they exempted?!
Back to the spot check, most of us are always irritated with it because the two officers conducting the spot checks always have a lot of comments. Check your wallet, check your organiser and then exclaim "Oh, you recently bought xxx from yyy". Or see your big bag, and go "Oh, your bag is so big, so many things, so messy!". Or "why do you have an ang bao?"
I mean, what has that got to do with you? It is no wonder that they always offend people. To counter the two officers, my colleague stuffed her sanitary pads into a pouch with the words "what are you looking at? sucka" and the officer (who happens to be a male) asked, "do you mind if I take a look at this?" My colleague goes "if you don't mind", and of course the officer quickly zips it back up again. With that, my colleague stormed out. Hahaha.
Anyway, my colleague was even suggesting that I make a field trip to xxx country. I appeared keen but at the back of my mind, alarm bells were ringing! I don't want to make the trip with my boss! *Screams*
.....
Periodically, the office conduct spot checks. They check if we carry classified documents home, if we have a camera handphone, if we have a MP3 player which we did not surrender, if we have thumbdrives, etc etc. Well, today was one of those days. In fact, I haven't been checked for the last six months because I usually work late in the office. See the connection? Work late = Getting away with spot checks, which in my opinion, it shouldn't be this way. They should check those who stayed late in the office, check those who come back to work during the weekends, and check the bosses as well! Why are they exempted?!
Back to the spot check, most of us are always irritated with it because the two officers conducting the spot checks always have a lot of comments. Check your wallet, check your organiser and then exclaim "Oh, you recently bought xxx from yyy". Or see your big bag, and go "Oh, your bag is so big, so many things, so messy!". Or "why do you have an ang bao?"
I mean, what has that got to do with you? It is no wonder that they always offend people. To counter the two officers, my colleague stuffed her sanitary pads into a pouch with the words "what are you looking at? sucka" and the officer (who happens to be a male) asked, "do you mind if I take a look at this?" My colleague goes "if you don't mind", and of course the officer quickly zips it back up again. With that, my colleague stormed out. Hahaha.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Change
The only constant in life is change.
There's no doubt about that statement. But sometimes, when you are so comfortable, change is indeed difficult.
Spoke to KNN on Friday. In fact, everything started on Thursday. Before he left the office, he told me to see him the first thing in the morning on Friday and he refused to tell me what it was about. Came Friday morning, and the moment I stepped into his office, he told me to close the door. The moment he said that, I knew somehow that it was about a posting out of HQ. I was right.
I didn't have much of a choice. He only gave me 15 mins to think. He cornered me. He gave me two sections to choose from. Both of which were places that I did not want to go to, simply because - I didn't like the bosses in those two places. But I didn't have a choice. I took the one that would enable me to be the pioneer, the one that could let me set the precedence, the one that allow me to move with no senior officers clipping my wings. So, I'll be moving out of HQ, get posted to another section and be holding two portfolios - HQ work and sectional work.
On the bright side, I take heart that I could move around. I've worked here for two and a half years and I've moved sections that allow me to learn new things unlike some officers who have not moved at all. This time is something totally new to me.
New posting starts on 9 June. Wish me luck.
There's no doubt about that statement. But sometimes, when you are so comfortable, change is indeed difficult.
Spoke to KNN on Friday. In fact, everything started on Thursday. Before he left the office, he told me to see him the first thing in the morning on Friday and he refused to tell me what it was about. Came Friday morning, and the moment I stepped into his office, he told me to close the door. The moment he said that, I knew somehow that it was about a posting out of HQ. I was right.
I didn't have much of a choice. He only gave me 15 mins to think. He cornered me. He gave me two sections to choose from. Both of which were places that I did not want to go to, simply because - I didn't like the bosses in those two places. But I didn't have a choice. I took the one that would enable me to be the pioneer, the one that could let me set the precedence, the one that allow me to move with no senior officers clipping my wings. So, I'll be moving out of HQ, get posted to another section and be holding two portfolios - HQ work and sectional work.
On the bright side, I take heart that I could move around. I've worked here for two and a half years and I've moved sections that allow me to learn new things unlike some officers who have not moved at all. This time is something totally new to me.
New posting starts on 9 June. Wish me luck.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Accuracy of Death
Thanks to Peiyun, I had the chance to catch a preview of Accuracy of Death, starring Takeshi Kaneshiro on Tuesday. I mean, there's no reason to watch it right?! As long as it is him, no questions asked. Haha. Anyway, at first I thought this would be some morbid movie. Just look at the title - Accuracy of Death. What can you say about that? Well, the movie of course deals with death but it was peppered with some light humour and yes, there were some parts that you just burst out laughing. There were three stories adapted in the movie. They occurred at different times but when you came to the end of the show, you realise that all of them are connected. Needless to say, I enjoyed the movie, drooled over Takeshi Kaneshiro and the OST is nice as well!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
I just want a holiday!
I just want to go on a holiday!
It has been a good seven, almost eight months since I went for a trip and I desperately want to go on a holiday. Friends around me know that I have been ranting about going on a holiday since end March and up 'til now, nothing is happening because of various situations. I mean, I just want to go on a holiday, why does it have to be so difficult?
First of all, I planned a trip to Hongkong with Joshua which was suppose to take place last week. Eventually, it was shot down by my mum who refused to allow me to go on a holiday with Joshua. Because she says we are not married so why should we go on a holiday together?! In other words, she is conservative or she just doesn't trust us. Ok, whatever, so we didn't make the trip.
Anyway, what got me boiling was today.
My godmother mentioned about going for a short trip to Bangkok. No doubt, I was keen. Then she said she had to check her daughter's schedule. Fine. I just don't understand why two, or rather three working adults have to adhere to a teenager's schedule. It just doesn't make sense to me. To cut the long story short, my godmother did a booking for a 4D3N trip to Bangkok today without informing me. She only smsed me after she made the reservations. Worse still was that she did not even give me any details of the trip until I called her. What happens is that I will leave Singapore on Saturday night at 9pm and come home on Tuesday afternoon. What the fish?! That means I only have two full days in Bangkok! Fine. Two full days, so be it. The worse thing was that I have to pay $510 for this trip, exclusive of insurance.
I am not going to pay $510 for such a trip! It is daylight robbery. It is more expensive than if I take Jetstar and stay in a three star hotel for four nights. It just doesn't make economical sense to me. I have the finances but I do not want to spend my money in such a manner. I don't need a four star hotel or breakfast. I can stay in a budget hotel and find my own breakfast. I want to spend my money wisely and why should I adhere to a teenager's schedule?!
I was absolutely outraged. I am not going. Full stop.
It has been a good seven, almost eight months since I went for a trip and I desperately want to go on a holiday. Friends around me know that I have been ranting about going on a holiday since end March and up 'til now, nothing is happening because of various situations. I mean, I just want to go on a holiday, why does it have to be so difficult?
First of all, I planned a trip to Hongkong with Joshua which was suppose to take place last week. Eventually, it was shot down by my mum who refused to allow me to go on a holiday with Joshua. Because she says we are not married so why should we go on a holiday together?! In other words, she is conservative or she just doesn't trust us. Ok, whatever, so we didn't make the trip.
Anyway, what got me boiling was today.
My godmother mentioned about going for a short trip to Bangkok. No doubt, I was keen. Then she said she had to check her daughter's schedule. Fine. I just don't understand why two, or rather three working adults have to adhere to a teenager's schedule. It just doesn't make sense to me. To cut the long story short, my godmother did a booking for a 4D3N trip to Bangkok today without informing me. She only smsed me after she made the reservations. Worse still was that she did not even give me any details of the trip until I called her. What happens is that I will leave Singapore on Saturday night at 9pm and come home on Tuesday afternoon. What the fish?! That means I only have two full days in Bangkok! Fine. Two full days, so be it. The worse thing was that I have to pay $510 for this trip, exclusive of insurance.
I am not going to pay $510 for such a trip! It is daylight robbery. It is more expensive than if I take Jetstar and stay in a three star hotel for four nights. It just doesn't make economical sense to me. I have the finances but I do not want to spend my money in such a manner. I don't need a four star hotel or breakfast. I can stay in a budget hotel and find my own breakfast. I want to spend my money wisely and why should I adhere to a teenager's schedule?!
I was absolutely outraged. I am not going. Full stop.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Stoned.
I have only one word to describe how these three weekends have been - tired.
Waking up early on both Saturdays and Sundays, no sleeping in at all. I am sleep deprived. Seriously sleep deprived. I wish I could just take one day leave to sleep. Sleep and 'nua' at home. I don't even want to go out, switch off the computer and mobile phone and just let me be isolated. I wish I could do that. Ha. But I know it's hard. Tsk.
Anyway, I wore a pair of 10cm heels yesterday for a wedding. It was my tallest challenge so far. I had some difficulty walking initially and I was like "why did I buy this pair of shoes"?! I walk so slowly for fear of spraining my ankle and I was so worried about falling down. No wonder its my "special function" shoes, I will only wear it when the occasion calls for it. It's not for everyday use. I might just end up hurting myself. Sigh... You just got to pay the price for being vain!
Waking up early on both Saturdays and Sundays, no sleeping in at all. I am sleep deprived. Seriously sleep deprived. I wish I could just take one day leave to sleep. Sleep and 'nua' at home. I don't even want to go out, switch off the computer and mobile phone and just let me be isolated. I wish I could do that. Ha. But I know it's hard. Tsk.
Anyway, I wore a pair of 10cm heels yesterday for a wedding. It was my tallest challenge so far. I had some difficulty walking initially and I was like "why did I buy this pair of shoes"?! I walk so slowly for fear of spraining my ankle and I was so worried about falling down. No wonder its my "special function" shoes, I will only wear it when the occasion calls for it. It's not for everyday use. I might just end up hurting myself. Sigh... You just got to pay the price for being vain!
Friday, May 02, 2008
Shiroi Koibito
Shiroi Koibito
Chocolat blanc et langue de chat
I'll gladly put on 1kg for this.
Siok Hoon bought this for me when she returned from Hokkaido!
It really tastes heavenly!
Chocolat blanc et langue de chat
I'll gladly put on 1kg for this.
Siok Hoon bought this for me when she returned from Hokkaido!
It really tastes heavenly!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Skin analysis
Courtesy of the skin clinic I go to, they gave me a free skin analysis today...
Overall, my skin has improved. No longer do I have breakouts when the time of the month is here and no longer do I have breakouts on my chin, most of the scars have cleared up as well...
But...
To my horrors of horrors, I saw something...
I have two wrinkles!!!!!!!
*starts hyperventilating*
*gasping for air*
Screams!
The anti-ageing regime begins now!
Overall, my skin has improved. No longer do I have breakouts when the time of the month is here and no longer do I have breakouts on my chin, most of the scars have cleared up as well...
But...
To my horrors of horrors, I saw something...
I have two wrinkles!!!!!!!
*starts hyperventilating*
*gasping for air*
Screams!
The anti-ageing regime begins now!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
123我们都是木头人
Went for David Tao's concert last night.
It was good.
It was real good.
It was really really good.
It was my first time hearing David Tao 'live' and he almost brought the house down. He sang for three hours. It was awesome. Much better than the concert that I went in January this year. Well, I guess it can't be helped. The former was younger and the latter, older. Haha.
Anyway, this guy is an artiste who is so confident that he allows his back up vocalists to take centre stage with him. And his back up vocals can all hold their own espcially Ke Wei (from Singapore!) and Elisa. Mind you, besides singing, Elisa can play the flute, trombone and violin! Multi-talented.
Oh... Back to the concert... David Tao sang all his hits and he only limited himself to four costume changes (including encore). Not much gimmicks but it was real music and songs. And he honored God in a big way. I like! I now have an urge to buy all his albums. Mad liao.
It was good.
It was real good.
It was really really good.
It was my first time hearing David Tao 'live' and he almost brought the house down. He sang for three hours. It was awesome. Much better than the concert that I went in January this year. Well, I guess it can't be helped. The former was younger and the latter, older. Haha.
Anyway, this guy is an artiste who is so confident that he allows his back up vocalists to take centre stage with him. And his back up vocals can all hold their own espcially Ke Wei (from Singapore!) and Elisa. Mind you, besides singing, Elisa can play the flute, trombone and violin! Multi-talented.
Oh... Back to the concert... David Tao sang all his hits and he only limited himself to four costume changes (including encore). Not much gimmicks but it was real music and songs. And he honored God in a big way. I like! I now have an urge to buy all his albums. Mad liao.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Catching up with an old "friend"...
I finally had lunch with Mr Chua today. It was a weird experience. The last time I saw him was three years ago before he left for the US to study. At that time, I was still studying and it was like a teacher-student thing. Now, three years later, I've been working for almost two and a half years and our conversation has gone to another level. Ha.
Anyway, it was nice catching up with Mr Chua. At one point, he asked me when he taught me and well, it was 2000 to 2001, which was about seven years ago. He commented that it didn't seem too long ago to which I exclaimed, "it was seven years ago when you were in your twenties!" Haha. And he said, "you so old already uh?!" which actually meant "你长怎么大了!" Hahahahaha. It was so funny. Looking forward to more of such afternoons. Ta da.
Anyway, it was nice catching up with Mr Chua. At one point, he asked me when he taught me and well, it was 2000 to 2001, which was about seven years ago. He commented that it didn't seem too long ago to which I exclaimed, "it was seven years ago when you were in your twenties!" Haha. And he said, "you so old already uh?!" which actually meant "你长怎么大了!" Hahahahaha. It was so funny. Looking forward to more of such afternoons. Ta da.
Ramblings
I am sleep deprived...
Yes, I know Pst Tan preached that we should wake up earlier and that we don't need eight hours of sleep a day, that the recommended hours of sleep is six. But I'm sleeping less than six hours a day! I want to sleep sleep sleep but here I am blogging. Haha...
Getting restless in my job... I need to use more of my brain... I need to be challenged... A colleague who worked for nine years tendered two days after she had a promotion! She was one of those that I thought who would not be leaving. But she made it! She made the decision to leave! I congratulated her. Haha. I am very driven now. Look look look...
I finally fulfilled my building fund... Six months of sowing will not be for nothing...
I filed for tax last week and I realised that I made a few mistakes last year. Ha. And I think I need to pay tax this year... Tsk...
Lastly, I am going to David Tao's concert this Sat! Woohoo!
Yes, I know Pst Tan preached that we should wake up earlier and that we don't need eight hours of sleep a day, that the recommended hours of sleep is six. But I'm sleeping less than six hours a day! I want to sleep sleep sleep but here I am blogging. Haha...
Getting restless in my job... I need to use more of my brain... I need to be challenged... A colleague who worked for nine years tendered two days after she had a promotion! She was one of those that I thought who would not be leaving. But she made it! She made the decision to leave! I congratulated her. Haha. I am very driven now. Look look look...
I finally fulfilled my building fund... Six months of sowing will not be for nothing...
I filed for tax last week and I realised that I made a few mistakes last year. Ha. And I think I need to pay tax this year... Tsk...
Lastly, I am going to David Tao's concert this Sat! Woohoo!
Monday, April 07, 2008
Caught the flu bug
I caught the flu bug.
I should have figured it out last Friday when I was about to end work. I was sniffling and feeling lethargic, so much so that KNN asked me if I was alright. I said I was ok. Then I went to the gym and worked out for an hour and I still felt ok. However, the minute I stepped into TCC at Boat Quay, the cold wind from the air conditioner got to me. The worse thing was that I had that "不知死活" mentality and I went to the gym again on Saturday with an imminent sore throat. I was stubborn. I thought I was ok.
Anyway, the flu bug became full blown on Sunday. I had to alight halfway on the train to go to the toilet as I was breaking out in cold sweat. That tells me something. Tsk. Well, so right now I'm at home resting, surfing the internet, msn-ing, downloading updates for my laptop and yeah, watching Youtube. Haha.
Well... Well... Today happens to be a special day too. It's the first day of school for SOT 2008! It feels so surreal. To think that one year ago, I was doing the same thing too. I know I've moved on but I still miss the times in SOT. The praise and worship, the van, Pst Ming's preaching, etc, etc. I missed my times there. It will always be an integral part of me. Thank God for SOT!
I should have figured it out last Friday when I was about to end work. I was sniffling and feeling lethargic, so much so that KNN asked me if I was alright. I said I was ok. Then I went to the gym and worked out for an hour and I still felt ok. However, the minute I stepped into TCC at Boat Quay, the cold wind from the air conditioner got to me. The worse thing was that I had that "不知死活" mentality and I went to the gym again on Saturday with an imminent sore throat. I was stubborn. I thought I was ok.
Anyway, the flu bug became full blown on Sunday. I had to alight halfway on the train to go to the toilet as I was breaking out in cold sweat. That tells me something. Tsk. Well, so right now I'm at home resting, surfing the internet, msn-ing, downloading updates for my laptop and yeah, watching Youtube. Haha.
Well... Well... Today happens to be a special day too. It's the first day of school for SOT 2008! It feels so surreal. To think that one year ago, I was doing the same thing too. I know I've moved on but I still miss the times in SOT. The praise and worship, the van, Pst Ming's preaching, etc, etc. I missed my times there. It will always be an integral part of me. Thank God for SOT!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Brida
My favourite author, Paulo Coelho released a new book - Brida. I scrambled to get it. I walked round Borders and I finally found it! It appears to be the last book in the store and I couldn't find it anywhere else!
Yipee!
Yipee!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter
As I watched the Easter drama production for the "I don't know how many times", tears just welled up in my eyes. Every time I watch the crucifixion, my mind will always start to spin.
How did Jesus feel?
Why did he have to do this?
Was it necessary to do this?
No doubt I've been in church for many years, but every time I watch the crucifixion, I'll always have these thoughts. But I know why He had to do it. LOVE. This simple four letter word. Without it, I would not have been saved. Without it, we would still be in sin. Without it, we would not have known the greatest love. As simple as it sounds, but God gave His all for it.
How did Jesus feel?
Why did he have to do this?
Was it necessary to do this?
No doubt I've been in church for many years, but every time I watch the crucifixion, I'll always have these thoughts. But I know why He had to do it. LOVE. This simple four letter word. Without it, I would not have been saved. Without it, we would still be in sin. Without it, we would not have known the greatest love. As simple as it sounds, but God gave His all for it.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
马英九当选了！
台湾政治，蓝天再现！
Finally, finally, Ma Ying-jeou has won the Taiwan presidential elections.
虽然不关我的事，但我还是很高兴。
I was halfway through watching the Easter drama when PY smsed me this:
"TW: Ma Ying-jeou has won the Presidential Election by some 58% of the vote. (TVBS)"
I couldn't resist but replied a "Woohoo!" back to her. Call it occupational hazard or what, but these days I am sensitive to such matters. This time, it is really a mandate for Ma. Winning by more than two million votes is really something. It means something. Let's hope he can live up to the expectations of the Taiwanese.
At least for those of us watching Taiwanese politics, we can take a break from listening to Ah Bian or the Green Camp's not so, ahem, perfect Mandarin.
Finally, finally, Ma Ying-jeou has won the Taiwan presidential elections.
虽然不关我的事，但我还是很高兴。
I was halfway through watching the Easter drama when PY smsed me this:
"TW: Ma Ying-jeou has won the Presidential Election by some 58% of the vote. (TVBS)"
I couldn't resist but replied a "Woohoo!" back to her. Call it occupational hazard or what, but these days I am sensitive to such matters. This time, it is really a mandate for Ma. Winning by more than two million votes is really something. It means something. Let's hope he can live up to the expectations of the Taiwanese.
At least for those of us watching Taiwanese politics, we can take a break from listening to Ah Bian or the Green Camp's not so, ahem, perfect Mandarin.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Desiderata
A lovely poem written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s...
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
To be or not to be
I need a lot of faith right now. A lot of faith to make the right decision, a lot of faith to step out of my comfort zone. Just when I was "left on the shelf", the most unlikely happened.
Is this the time?
Should I stop procrastinating?
Should I step out of my comfort zone?
Should I run with this vision?
I need a lot of faith to step into the unknown.
Pray, pray, pray.
Cos prayer changes things.
Is this the time?
Should I stop procrastinating?
Should I step out of my comfort zone?
Should I run with this vision?
I need a lot of faith to step into the unknown.
Pray, pray, pray.
Cos prayer changes things.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Wing's album
I had asked PY to get Wing's album for me while she was in Taiwan. Day 2 into her trip and she smsed me this:
"Your Wing Luo is sold out everywhere!"
Screams! I can't believe that it is all sold out but it is also good for Wing. That means he is really doing well and his songs are popular!
Anyway, that was day 2 of PY's trip. Hopefully day 3, 4, 5, 6 will bring me good news tmrw.
"Your Wing Luo is sold out everywhere!"
Screams! I can't believe that it is all sold out but it is also good for Wing. That means he is really doing well and his songs are popular!
Anyway, that was day 2 of PY's trip. Hopefully day 3, 4, 5, 6 will bring me good news tmrw.
Too many things on my mind...
Time really flies, yeah?
With a blink of an eye, it's March and Easter is coming in three weeks time. Easter seems to be coming early this year. I'm already thinking of how that week is going to come - serving endlessly but also seeing a huge harvest of souls. Twelve services in all.
Anyway, a lot of events are taking this place this year...
It's a year of elections - Malaysia, Taiwan and the US
Change of leadership in Cuba and Russia
Beijing Olympics
Blah, blah, blah.... Just to name a few...
And there are so many things that I want to do:
Sponsor school fees for a SOT student
Learn the Malay and Japanese language
Buy a laptop, maybe a Mac???
Buy PSP
Pay $4000 off my tuition fee loan (I can't bear paying interest to the bank!)
Go for holiday (Japan in April? It's a little bit expensive, maybe Bali? I want to see the sea, go for spa, bask in the sun!)
Get a second degree?
Learn driving
Argh! There are so many things that I want to do but I know it's not possible to accomplish all of them this year but at least a few is achievable. Shall look back at this blog at the end of 2008 and see what I've accomplished.
I need money for all of the above!
My blessing will come. It will definitely come. No worries. Just look forward.
With a blink of an eye, it's March and Easter is coming in three weeks time. Easter seems to be coming early this year. I'm already thinking of how that week is going to come - serving endlessly but also seeing a huge harvest of souls. Twelve services in all.
Anyway, a lot of events are taking this place this year...
It's a year of elections - Malaysia, Taiwan and the US
Change of leadership in Cuba and Russia
Beijing Olympics
Blah, blah, blah.... Just to name a few...
And there are so many things that I want to do:
Sponsor school fees for a SOT student
Learn the Malay and Japanese language
Buy a laptop, maybe a Mac???
Buy PSP
Pay $4000 off my tuition fee loan (I can't bear paying interest to the bank!)
Go for holiday (Japan in April? It's a little bit expensive, maybe Bali? I want to see the sea, go for spa, bask in the sun!)
Get a second degree?
Learn driving
Argh! There are so many things that I want to do but I know it's not possible to accomplish all of them this year but at least a few is achievable. Shall look back at this blog at the end of 2008 and see what I've accomplished.
I need money for all of the above!
My blessing will come. It will definitely come. No worries. Just look forward.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
爱情漫游
Heard this song on Wing's blog last year but nothing beats it hearing it live. Literally melted when I heard him sing this song...
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Crazy week
Like I said, I had a bad start this week and it kind of set the stage for the week. On Monday, I faced the MRT disruption and did dozens of graphs for KNN. On Wedenesday, there was something urgent and I stayed in for lunch to do work and ended up going home at 9 plus. On Thursday, it was part two of the unfinished work. On Friday, I was literally on my toes just in case KNN called me and ask for anything. This Saturday and Sunday, I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope that KNN doesn't call me to go back to work.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Crazy Monday
It took me two hours to get to work today.
It was crazy. Madness.
My entire journey to work today allowed me to listen to three Jay Chou albums. Yes, that's how long it is. I was listening to the radio before I went to work today and the DJs reported that there was a train disruption between Pasir Ris and Tampines. I thought it would be solved by the time I reached the MRT. After all, this was what happened the last time. But... By the time I reached the MRT, there were still no services. I didn't have a choice. I didn't want to spend $30 (at least) to my workplace, so I walked over to the bus stop to catch the shuttle service.
It was chaotic.
Too many people, too little buses and the buses took too long to come. Eventually, I took a bus to the airport, took the train to Tanah Merah MRT and took the west bound train to my workplace. By the time I reached my workplace, the train service was still in disruption. It was 9.30am. Exactly two hours since I left my house. Bad start to a Monday.
But things got worse when I switched on the computer. KNN sent me an email on Saturday and he wanted me to do something and submit to him by the end of Monday! For the record, I don't work on the weekends! Argh. It was one whole day of madness and KNN actually called me at 6 plus to tell me that he wanted some changes to what I had submitted to him! No choice, just gotta do it. Mad Monday. Mad start to a week.
It was crazy. Madness.
My entire journey to work today allowed me to listen to three Jay Chou albums. Yes, that's how long it is. I was listening to the radio before I went to work today and the DJs reported that there was a train disruption between Pasir Ris and Tampines. I thought it would be solved by the time I reached the MRT. After all, this was what happened the last time. But... By the time I reached the MRT, there were still no services. I didn't have a choice. I didn't want to spend $30 (at least) to my workplace, so I walked over to the bus stop to catch the shuttle service.
It was chaotic.
Too many people, too little buses and the buses took too long to come. Eventually, I took a bus to the airport, took the train to Tanah Merah MRT and took the west bound train to my workplace. By the time I reached my workplace, the train service was still in disruption. It was 9.30am. Exactly two hours since I left my house. Bad start to a Monday.
But things got worse when I switched on the computer. KNN sent me an email on Saturday and he wanted me to do something and submit to him by the end of Monday! For the record, I don't work on the weekends! Argh. It was one whole day of madness and KNN actually called me at 6 plus to tell me that he wanted some changes to what I had submitted to him! No choice, just gotta do it. Mad Monday. Mad start to a week.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Give me more Jay Chou!
The widely anticipated Jay Chou concert was finally held last night. My colleagues and I had bought the tickets through OCBC priority booking and to our disappointment, we only managed to get the $108 tickets. We were willing to fork out more to get better seats... But but but the concert was worth every penny of my ticket! Screams! Jay Chou sang 20 over songs, played the piano, drums, zither, guitar, etc etc. I loved every minute of it!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Partial spring cleaning, T3, old friends
I finally got down to the task of cleaning my room today. After weeks of procrastination and wait, wait, wait, I finally did it. It was tiring. Just by clearing my massive bookshelf and hundreds of books and my study table, it took me almost five hours. And I am not done yet. There is still my wardrobe and computer table. It will have to wait 'til next week. I am too tired now.
A pleasing sight after a massive clean up.
Anyway, went to T3 last Wednesday. I love it. The fact that I went on a weekday was a bonus. It was quiet, peaceful, no crowd at all. I loved the serenity that day. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, crowd, packed trains and shopping malls. I love the fact that I could have a quiet dinner, totally relaxing.
Mr Chua and Zaiwei are back from the US and Australia respectively. Can't wait to see them soon!
A pleasing sight after a massive clean up.
Anyway, went to T3 last Wednesday. I love it. The fact that I went on a weekday was a bonus. It was quiet, peaceful, no crowd at all. I loved the serenity that day. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, crowd, packed trains and shopping malls. I love the fact that I could have a quiet dinner, totally relaxing.
Mr Chua and Zaiwei are back from the US and Australia respectively. Can't wait to see them soon!
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Busy as a bee...
The first week of 2008 has been busy, busy, busy...
Although my work doesn't react to the market but everything is just coming in. The first day of work in 2008 saw most of us working OT which to us is bad and we just had to make ourselves leave by 7.30pm, if not, this would set the precedent for the rest of the year. That was what we told ourselves. Ha. More work to come.
Although my work doesn't react to the market but everything is just coming in. The first day of work in 2008 saw most of us working OT which to us is bad and we just had to make ourselves leave by 7.30pm, if not, this would set the precedent for the rest of the year. That was what we told ourselves. Ha. More work to come.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy 2008
Hey folks,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, 2008 began with me reaching home at about 5 plus in the morning. This further convinced me that I do not like to do a countdown in town. It's too difficult to get home! Apparently, the rise in taxi fares did not seem to ease our taxi woes. I don't want to keep on ranting about it but it was just a very bad experience...
Anyway, 2007 has been great and it taught me so much about having a sweet spirit and being thankul for all things. SOT was the highlight of the year but life after SOT certainly has been the most challenging. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward towards 2008. A new year, a new beginning. Will be going all the way for work from tomorrow onwards!
Everyone, let's keep on pressing on! Cheers!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, 2008 began with me reaching home at about 5 plus in the morning. This further convinced me that I do not like to do a countdown in town. It's too difficult to get home! Apparently, the rise in taxi fares did not seem to ease our taxi woes. I don't want to keep on ranting about it but it was just a very bad experience...
Anyway, 2007 has been great and it taught me so much about having a sweet spirit and being thankul for all things. SOT was the highlight of the year but life after SOT certainly has been the most challenging. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward towards 2008. A new year, a new beginning. Will be going all the way for work from tomorrow onwards!
Everyone, let's keep on pressing on! Cheers!
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