Youtube is my new friend!

Hey friends!

Here I am! Blogging again! Yipee! Anyway, one of the reasons for my absence for the past three weeks was because I found a new friend in Youtube! I love Youtube! You can watch a lot of shows on it! So what if each clip is only ten minutes long?! The main thing is that is free (may not be for long cos Google just bought over Youtube and definitely there will be a lot of copyright problems!) and watch it while you still can!!!

Anyway, I watched two drama serials using Youtube. Korean drama - Goong aka Princess Hours and a Taiwanese drama - The Hospital. I almost went crazy watching these drama serials. Me being me, I am impatient and once I get started, I just want to get through the whole show and I won't have a sense of peace until I finish watching it. So I almost went crazy. In fact, I think I did much harm to my eyes. Imagine staring at the computer for hours watching a show. My poor eyes... Never mind, I just bought some eye cream. Hope it reduces the puffiness and dark circles resulting from the late nights staying up to watch the shows.

Watched Goong and was completely blown away. Love the two male leads but especially Yul Goon (thanks to Hui Juan for the collage, I think we are going crazy!) Well, this drama was really fantastic. A little bit like Kim Sam-soon - funny, simple and sweet - something that any sane (but I am going insane!) girl likes. Although the show got a little draggy in the middle but there's fast forward! Shin - the male lead and "Crown Prince" was especially sweet towards the end, sometimes I wished Joshua is just as sweet as well! Haha... I seriously need some sanity!

And yes, I think I am going to get the OST for Goong. The songs very nice...

Song of the moment

Hey guys!

I am back! I know I haven't been blogging for the past three weeks. Well, I was too occupied with watching drama serials and yeah, I had a lot of things to do as well... Anyway, I'll be blogging quite a lot over the next two days to share some thoughts and update things that are going on in my life... In any case, this is my fave song at the moment: 退后 by Jay Chou... I love the lyrics and the melody... Enjoy...

天空灰的像哭过

离开你以后

并没有更自由

酸酸的空气

守住我们的距离

一幕醉心的结局

像呼吸般无法停息

抽屉泛黄的日记

找到了回忆

那笑容是傻气

你我的过去

被深深真的忘记

缺氧过后的爱情

存心的眼泪是多余

我知道你我都没有错

只是忘了怎么退后

信誓旦旦给的承诺

全被时间扑了空

我知道我们都没有错

只是放手比较好过

最美的爱情回忆里带去

If, dun, because...

If it is not edifying... Dun say it... Cos it discourages me...

If you're not concerned... Dun do things that display it... Cos it disappoints me...

If you're not interested... Dun behave as if you are... Cos I can see through it...

If you're not willing... Dun do it... Cos it turns me off...

Give me more Sun!!!

Sun flew in to Singapore and gave us in CHC a big surprise. Well, she was not suppose to back this week but since she had a few days off, she bought a ticket for herself and Dayan and flew all the way back from LA! Woohoo! The last time I saw her was in June and its been three months. But too bad she couldn't stay longer, she had to fly back in the evening today and she won't be back until probably next year. Sigh... But she's doing really well in LA. I hope she continues to do well and shine for the Lord!

And today, we had the most touching service. For the past seven weeks, Pst Kong had been preaching about marriage. No, no, no, I am not getting married yet. But if you know Pst Kong, he can preach about anything. At least half the church is not married but he is preaching about marriage cos he wants to teach us and prepare us. Anyway, today was the grand finale and Pst got all the married couples to renew their marriage vows in the service. They prepared corsages and roses and so it was like witnessing a "mass marriage" of sorts. And mind you, the roses were not ordinary roses, they were English roses! The big and pretty roses not those tiny about to bloom ones. Ha... It was really touching, saw some people crying and of course Pst Kong and Sun renewed their marital vows! Aww... So touching...

Btw, this is the not so nice part. Went to Orchard after service today and while I was walking at the linkway to Wheelock, I saw B (thank God B didn't see me)! Screams! I literally stopped in my tracks and gasp. No, that was no exaggeration. I really did that and Joshua wondered what happen to me. So I told him and he turned around and saw her back. Guess what he said? He said "Wah, the hair flatter now, not like last time"! Haha... Classic ah... Hair impressions last!

Updates.Complaints.Wishes

Ta... Was so busy over the past two weekends that I didn't have time to blog. Anyway, lots of thing have happen since then. Let's start from today. Finally sent Wendy off today! She made it! She left the organisation! Haha... She gave me a hug before she left and I so WISH that it would be my turn to leave soon. Of course, her parting shot was telling me not to stay so long! Haha... Read the papers recently and realise that Bloomberg and Barclays were both hiring. I haven't check them out yet and it sounds so tempting. Ha... Then where do all my plans go??? Must think think think.

Went to visit Susanna yesterday. She freaked Marvin and I out. Marvin smsed her in the morning and she said that she wanted to hide at home! This set alarm bells ringing in my ear! In the end, we sprang a surprise on her. Only called her when I reached the void deck of her house. Bought her cookies and her favourite peanut butter waffle. Drew her out of her cave and began to crack endless jokes to lighten her up. I think she burnt out. She had been working so hard for the past few months and she really needed a break. As for me and Marvin, it had been such a long time since we really made the effort to visit a member under such an "occasion". We thought we became CGLs. Haha. Anyway, I certainly hope that she is feeling better now. She smsed me in the evening just now and said I made her day and now she is not afraid to on her laptop (on laptop=work). So I assume that she is out of the cave now.

For Sunday, went to send Fiona off to Australia. Everything just seemed so fast. Barely two months ago, she had wanted to change CG and when she made that decision, God gave her the breakthrough. She found a job in Australia and now she is in Australia. Things do happen isn't it? Just when she thought it would take her sometime to find a job in Australia, it happen. God really has way of making things happen. And He really gives surprises. Anyway, I spent two weeks making a memento for Fiona and I was really proud of the finished product. I haven't done personalised presents for quite sometime and it gave me a kick this time. Most of all, I felt I had done something meaningful. She had seen so many disappointments in this CG and I really wanted to bless her before she left. I seriously hoped that the memento did the job. It took me many nights but I was really sincere in making the gift and I hoped it really touched her. When I sent her through the gates, we gave each other a big hug and tears were brimming in my eyes. It took me quite a while to collect myself and the tears didn't flow. Thank God ah. Anyway, she's joining Pst Mark Conner's church. It's a good church for her. I like Pst Mark Conner's preaching.

Last of all, this is a complaint. As usual, its about Mr B. Mr B wrote an email saying that officers like me (which means all the officers in the same position as me) cannot make it and had to plough through waiting for a promotion and if we youngsters could not wait then we would leave the organisation! Arrgh! Is Mr B very old? 40? 50? No! of all ages, just past mid-20s! And we cannot make it?! What aspect?! And I wonder who can't make it in the end! Humph!

Thoughts...

I haven't been in my best condition for the past two weeks. I am tired, not just physically, but spiritually, mentally, emotionally and probably socially too. Probably I was bogged down by the things at work, I've been so busy since HX was posted out. Been leaving the office late, I certainly don't like it but there are things coming in everyday and I certainly do not want to go back during the weekends to complete my work. I am tired but at the same time frustrated. Frustrated at the things at work, I am sick of the work that I am doing, sick of doing the same things over and over again, sick of sitting down and facing the computer the whole day, sick of facing Mr B at work, sick of putting up with her nonsense, sick of putting up a front that I am on cordial terms with her, sick of "entertaining" her when she talks to me. I do not want to gripe about her, neither do I want to gossip about her anymore. I think I had enough of her. I just hope that she would just go away although this might be a little difficult. So, what can I do? Seriously, I do not know. I am just leaning onto God, for that extra bit of tolerance and that extra bit of strength. I just want to be fruitful in the things I do.

A better tomorrow...

Didn't really have a good week. Was upset, frustrated, irritated. Had an one and a half day course last week. Nice course, good lecturer full of experience. It was good save for the lousy building with lousy toilets and facilities. Anyway, had to go back to work after the half day course on Wednesday. Seriously, I hated that. It was irritating. I dragged my feet back. I went into the toilet and poured out my frustration at Peiyun. Went back to my cubicle, checked my email and went into delirium. B was on course too! Haha. Went next door and exclaimed to Peiyun. She burst out laughing. Great contrast from frustration to sheer delight. Well, I can't help it!!! Haha. Anyway, I became moody again. Frustrated with what I was doing and didn't know why I was still in that place. Felt demoralised. Ended work at 7.30pm. Nevertheless, I am sick of facing a "duh" person every day. Giving you that blank look and not being a team player. But this is the weekend. Things will get better. For sure.

Leave, leaving, left.

Drats... Was on MC yesterday. This is the third time I took an MC this year. It's a record broken. While I was studying, I could just take one MC over two years or none at all. This sucks. Big time. Either the air in the office is not good or it's my body disliking my workplace. I think it's both. Hahaha....

Anyway, there's a mass exodus in the office. Two more people resigned yesterday. I woke up from my afternoon nap and Peiyun called me and said that either I would sleep soundly or I would be unable to sleep. And then she told me the good news! Two more officers from the same section quit leaving only the PA in the section! Muahahaha... This is so exciting! I just laughed loudly on the phone. Call me evil but I dun care... And I definitely slept soundly last night. The officers must be so "terrorised" to the effect that they quit their job! The management should wake up their idea! So now, 8 officers have left! Exodus ah! Now people are fighting for the 9th and 10th position. I know this sounds crazy but people are just waiting to leave! Muahahaha (pardon my laughter...Haha)... Two of them even suggested going to Gelare for ice cream to celebrate the exodus! I think we are going nuts! Hahaha!

By the way, I saw the new Nokia phone - N73. It's so cool! 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens, visual/FM radio with MP3 player with a swappable mini-SD slot! So cool! Arrgh... But my workplace doesn't allow me to use a camera phone. So irritating. Nvm, I'll just wait...

Anyway, just saw Hui Juan's blog. She changed template! So nice! I want to change also. Girl ah, when you figure out the thing, teach me ok? =)

Monday is wear green day!!!

Haha... You must be wondering what "wear green day" means??? Ta... Just wear green lah! Wear green shirt, green pants, green earrings, green specs, whatever! As long as it is green, it is allowed for work tmrw! Hahaha... But that is for my department only. A gang of girls (me included) have declared (unofficially) that Monday is "wear green day"!

Well... How did this came about??? Hmm... Let's just say that last Monday was a usual day when an email from a certain boss came in. There was much flattery and in a nutshell, he was too busy with his other duties and someone had to cover him. That was Monday. But on Friday, another email came. This time, after reading it, my body system went "tink"! Apparently, this boss won't have someone to cover his duties but he has to relinquish his duties. What a difference four days made. Hahaha... So what has green got to do with him? Well, he dislikes (or should I say hate?) green. So to "commemorate" his absence (or leave), we decided to wear green. I know this sounds really bitchy but its once in a blue moon that you get to hear me writing (or talking) like this... I dun care and you shouldn't care too... Should be wearing a green shirt tmrw... Hehe...

Anyway, except for Sunday morning, which I was in church, I spent my entire weekend at home. Was down with flu and all I could think of was to sleep. Its only 9pm now but I feel like sleeping. In any case, I spent my entire Saturday at home and finished Torey Hayden's book. Haven't read her books in ages, maybe I'll start reading them one by one.. It feels good to be home actually. No crowd. Just me, my bed, my book, my magazine, my laptop, my radio and I'm a contented woman.

Happy 17th Anniversary, City Harvest!!!

Happy 17th Birthday, City Harvest Church!!!!!! Yup, that's right, it's CHC's 17th anniversary today. As usual, we had our celebration at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Once a year, this will be our only chance to have the whole church come under one roof to celebrate our anniversary. Looking at the crowd, I must say that we have grown tremendously. The first time that we were at the SIS, it was for our 10th anniversary. At that time, we filled only half of the stadium, but slowly we started filling up the place, from half to three-quarters, then the entire stadium and now even the overflow rooms! This is just so amazing and you can't deny God's grace in this.

God has given us us 17 wonderful years and from 20 members, we have grown to 20,000. This is a growth beyond what we could think or imagine but God has given it to us. 17 years... The first anniversary I attended in CHC was its' 9th anniversary, and now, 8 years have passed... Amazing... I was a teenager then, was in secondary school, then JC, then uni and now I am working. I spent my entire teenage years in CHC and it has moulded me to where I am today. It is my second family... Pastor's teachings, my CGLs and ministry leaders discipleship, they have touched me beyond what I could expressed in this blog. But without them, I wouldn't be here today. And I look forward to another magnificent 17 years with CHC!

Not only is this CHC's 17th anniversary, it is also Pastor Kong's 20th year into full time ministry! Of course, the church made special mention of it and the pastors surprised Pastor Kong with an item at the end of the service. Words of appreciation were said and a gigantic (it's really gigantic! But it's fit for a man like Pastor Kong!) trophy was presented to Pastor Kong. Sun even called back from LA and spoke words of appreciation to Pastor Kong which moved him to tears! Pastor Kong is the pillar of this church, his teachings have never failed to motivate me, it has made me a better person, daring to dream and believe. God is the source of all things but he needs a faithful servant to minister His word. And for CHC, it is Pastor Kong. He walks the walk and is our example. Life in this church is never dull because he has given us a vision that makes us look forward to go forth with him. Pastor Kong may not get to read my blog, but truly, he is my hero of faith!

Thank you Jesus for CHC and Pastor Kong!

Happy 23rd Birthday!

Ta da! It was my birthday yesterday but the celebration began on Monday! My colleagues bought me a cake and I received a lot of gifts from them. Wendy bought me a shoe wallet, TSH & SSH bought me a Kipling purse, Peiyun bought me an ornament from a German shop, Swee Han gave me a choker, and Huixia & Carol gave me a necklace. The best thing was Carol bursting into my office to place the necklace over my neck in full view of my colleagues, my boss and Mr. B. Needless to say, I knew the plot. What a contrast between Mr B and my birthday... Haha... Evil...

Anyway, I met Hui Juan after work on Monday and we to K-box and sang for more than 3 hours! It was great fun since it had been a long time since we sang. And I am still waiting patiently for my present... Hehe...

And then the clock hit 12! Joshua called me and gave me a touching "speech" and after that, he was off having supper till 3am with his friends. Haha... Not that I mind though... He needs to enjoy himself too. Anyway, I immediately called Hongda after Joshua hanged up. How could I ever forget Hongda?! The guy who was born on the same year, same month and same day as me! For once, I beat him in wishing each other "Happy Birthday"! Usually he is faster than me and this time I beat him to it! Haha... This kind of thing also want to compete...

Well, the best time was of course reserved for Tuesday. Met my laoshi in the afternoon for lunch and was really challenged and motivated by him by the time we were done. He is really doing well in his career now and he is willing to teach me to get the best of his job. Right now, all I need to do is to convince my parents, establish my goals, take the risk and off I go to a whole new world. This will be my line of thought for the next two weeks. To make a decision and stick to it. No regrets this time.

After that, I finally met Joshua. I was waiting for him and shopping around Raffles City Shopping Centre when I saw him. Well, too bad, he wanted to give me a surprise but I caught him. Nevertheless, he was still very sweet. He bought me a bouquet of tulips and an Ed Hardy t-shirt with my favourite design!!! Woo hoo! I was really really touched. But that's not all. For dinner, we went to Ritz-Carlton for their international buffet. I was literally filled and fed to fullness with the desserts. Yes, I ate more desserts than main course. They were simply irresistible! Anyway, the night went well, the ambience at Ritz-Carlton was simply wonderful and I was literally touched to the core of my heart!

Last of all, I was simply touched by all my friends who remembered my birthday. Most importantly, they were from my friends in secondary. They made the effort to remember... Yuan Qian, Kam Choy, Justus... 3 guys but they remembered...

Dinner at Jack's Place

My godmother came over to my house today, and since my birthday is just two days away, she decided to give me a dinner treat. Initially, I suggested having Sakae Sushi but she wasn't really for the idea as she did not really like Japanese food. As such, we ended up having dinner at Jack's Place. All those talk about me deciding the place for dinner just came to nothing literally. Haha... Anyway, this wasn't the main thing. The food is. Well, its been a long long long time since I had a meal at Jack's Place. It just doesn't seem so tempting anymore. In any case, my food came and I was quite right. The food didn't taste as good as it was. The mushroom soup was thick and nice but the onion soup was too bland. As for my sirloin steak, the meat was too tough, I chewed for ages before I finally shoved it down my throat. As for desserts, there was a lack of variety. Hmm... The service was good though. Perhaps Jack's Place should consider revising their menu...

NDP Preview 2006

Yipee! I went for the NDP Preview yesterday. Although it was not the actual parade but who cares! As long as I enjoyed myself and its been ages since I last attended the NDP. I reached the stadium around 4 pm and the sun was really shining right at me. No doubt it was hot but the cap and the mini-fan provided in the goodie bag made the difference. Speaking about the goodie bag, it was really heavy. There was a Nokia 3250 handphone torchlight (the kid behind me exclaimed: Daddy, there's a handphone!), an Akira mini-fan, lots of vouchers, snacks and of course, Newater. Hehe...

Anyway, this year's NDP is a little different. Although as usual you have four items of performance but the visual impact was really impressive. The effective use of lights and colours really worked very well and it really awed me. And of course, the most impressive item was the fireworks! They were really fantastic! Can't describe them in words, you got to see it yourself!

Sadly to say, this is the last NDP in the National Stadium before it is demolished. So attending this preview (so what if it is not the actual day!) seemed significant. Probably, this would be the last time that we see the Kallang wave too. Thankfully, there were no ugly Singaporeans at work (at least I did not get to witness them). Everyone moved in an orderly manner although there was a little bit of pushing and shoving but it was still pretty alright except the humid weather didn't do any justice to the crowd.

On another note, if you are there for such a celebratory event, please be excited ok? All around me, people were cheering, clapping, whistling and enjoying themselves except this family behind me. They did not bring out any goodies from the goodie bag. No clappers, no torchlight (when night had fallen) and no cheering. The son had this glum face that looked as if someone had owe him a million bucks. Hey, you need to be loud and excited for this kind of event can?! If you are not doing anything, then why be there? Duh leh...

Nice ending to a crazy Friday...

Friday was a crazy day.

It all started in the morning. I was doing the usual in the office, I had my breakfast and I was reading the papers. Halfway through, the fire alarm rang. Nobody in my office reacted and I continued to read, thinking that it was a false alarm again. The fire alarm had gone off so many times that it no long mattered. It was only ten minutes later when my colleague next door pushed the door open and exclaimed: "Haven't you all locked up your stuff?!". Me being me, went shrieking and wondering what was happening. Well, it turned out that there was a short circuit and there was really a fire! A fire in the office! But it was small and was already put out by the time I had reacted. The entire corridor was filled with smoke and a burning smell. By then, we were told to switched off our PCs and we were effectively shut down for two hours. Early happy hour.

Anyway, things were restored and I did a mad dash for my work. I had something urgent to handle. So from 10.30am onwards, I was working and typing like crazy and I ended my work at 7pm. Shucks. I hate to work so late on a Friday. Didn't feel like going out though but I badly needed some fresh air and I wanted to chill out - desperately. So, I met Justin. We finally had dinner at Raffles Hotel after a long walk from Marina Square to Raffles City Shopping Centre then Purvis Street before making a detour to Raffles Hotel. Every place we went to was crowded and we wanted to avoid the crowd. We had a super filling dinner and talked and talked and talked. Well, we had not met for a long long time. That's why. Chatting during dinner wasn't enough and we continued on and on till 11pm before we gave up. Too tired. Justin said he felt better after talking to me. I really hoped so. It was nice talking to him too. What a better way to end my Friday.

Get behind me!

To all the negative people out there: Get behind me! I do not need someone to put me down nor do I need someone to refute me in whatever I say. No doubt, we live in a brokendown world but that doesn't mean we have to be negative. The world doesn't revolve around negativity and it is not as bad as you think. Stop saying "it's impossible", "it's too difficult" or "it cannot be done" because I do not believe in that. I believe that everything is possible and the one living within me is greater than the world. So if you are a negative person, get behind me! You won't put my will down but you will just be an annoying pest!

Work and World Cup

Ooh... It has been a month since I blogged... Anyway, here are some updates on my life... The past three weeks has been a breeze and trying in some ways. I've been watching some World Cup matches and it's really tiring especially when I need to go to work the next day. Most of the time, I behave like a zombie. Haha! And I haven't met Hui Juan for the past 3 weeks also! And this is a long time! Let's hope that we can meet next week!

On work, well, Mr B has been extremely nice to me. In fact, too nice. It's so nice that it is too good to be true and I can't help but feel like a storm is brewing. You can call me paranoid but after 6 months of "torture", you can't blame me for feeling this way. One bad thing though, I have to continue to work with Mr B, actually not only me, but everyone has to work with Mr B although we can't wait for Mr B to be transferred somewhere else. On another note, Mr B's recent efforts to be nice has made work more bearable. Hee...

On World Cup, there were a few matches that made me mourn... When both England and Germany lost, my heart sank. But one thing that made my heart leap was when Portugal lost to France! Haha! Serves them right! Portugal is a good team but their antics lost them my vote. In particular, Cristiano Ronaldo. What's wrong with him?! He's really a good player and Man U is good to have him, but after the match with England, I hope Ronaldo doesn't go back to the EPL! He is so irritating and such a good actor! If there was a best actor award in the World Cup, he will be the winner! Argh! Irritant!

Audition...

Went for BV audition today, and... I didn't get in... Haha... I should be sad and disappointed right? But I'm not leh... Hehe... Not that I didn't take it seriously but it was a very good exposure and experience. Sister Alison said that I have a sweet voice and nice tone but I was too airy... Sis Bel agreed that I had a sweet voice and nice tone but I was too airy and I needed to improve my diction. She said that I surprised her, a nice suprise. Hmm... The whole thing felt like Singapore Idol...

EMERGE Session 4

To be in the world, but not of the world.

EMERGE Session 3

Went to for Session 3 of Emerge tonight... Didn't go for Session 2 as I was working. Nevertheless, at least I could make it! And never in my wildest dream did I expect to see Kelly Poon, Hong Junyang and Taufik Batisah performing in church! It almost became a mini-concert! As I was wondering why did the orgainsers for Emerge invited them, I realised that it was a simple message that the pastors were driving at. That is, to pursue our dreams! Pst Kong preached that all of us have dreams and God can use us in a way that we can never imagined. Through the years, I had many dreams, some have been broken and is dead but I am waiting for its resurrection. These dreams can only become better and will be fulfilled in time to come...

Every year in Emerge, Pst Kong would begin Session 1 on why we need to have a campus ministry and day 2 would be focused on spiritual hunger. It was the same this year. After the fantastic performance, Pst Kong wasted no time in getting into the message. It was a simple and short sermon but the message was driven home. To have spiritual hunger, to spend time with God, the simple basics but the most essential for God to use somebody. Once again, I was touched, my commitment strenghthened and my spirit revived...

EMERGE Session 1

I am feeling high... Not high on drugs but high on God's presence... I know this sounds flaky and after a series of angry blogs, the last thing you expect from Charlene is something spiritual... But this is how it is like, isn't it? We can be overwhelmed by emotions but once you step into the presence of God, everything changes...

Emerge is into its' fourth year now. This annual conference was started by Pst Kong in 2003 with the purpose of encouraging the youths in church to live a frutiful life in God... I totally agree with what Pst Kong says, the youths in church should be the coolest, hippiest, most successful in the world but yet at the same time, we uphold good moral values and is determined to live out God's purpose in life. Emerge is a time of consecration, kneeling before God and experiencing his presence. This year's Emerge holds extra meaning for me because it is the first time I'm attending it as a working adult. It's a different feeling altogether but one thing that does not change is the presence of God... I can't describe it, you can only experience it. As we sang Sanctuary, the lyrics echo my feelings and thoughts...

When my world was in darkness
You spoke Your word
Night turned into day
Your beauty filled this place

When my world stood in silence
You filled my heart
With songs that never end
Forever I will praise

To think that the universe
Could not withold Your glory
You choose to live in me
I'm so amazed

And I worship You Lord
My life in You restored
Here is my heart
Make it Your sanctuary
For nobody else
But Jesus only You

You are faithful and true
Glorious Lord
All my life, it is You I adore
You've touched my soul
Completed my world
I surrender to You

Little things that touch me...

Spoke to laoshi on Wednesday and he was so so so nice and encouraging... I was just rambling and complaining to him about work and he was listening to me and giving me advice. But the best thing came after I hung up the phone, he smsed me and this was what he wrote:

"Put d past behind you n make sure you learn as much as poss, network as far as poss, leave at d end of d yr with a positive impact, so as to make tis last 6 mth really worth it! Jia You..."

Simple msg but it touches my heart...

Bureaucracy sucks!!!

I dun mean to blog only when I am angry but I need an outlet to vent my frustration!

What is it that they do?! What do they read?! Dun they know what they are doing?! They are one of the highest paid up there but it seems that it is a waste of money! When it is their oversight, I have to pay the price?! What rubbish is that?!

Fuming.Angry.Upset.

I dun mean to have an angry blog, but today was too much to bear. Brace your eyes for some angry words!

Bad day today...

Who does she think she is?! Stubborn as a bull and has such a big ego! Always think that she's the smartest and the rest of us are fools! Low EQ without a thought for others! Takes pride in being difficult! Such an ass in your face!!! Always believing that she is right and all of us are just wrong! Whatever is that?! I just wish that she is out of sight, out of mind and out of my life!!!!!

People say that she brings out the worst in us! I totally agree with that! She brought out the worst in me today! I haven't been so angry for ages, haven't curse and swear in ages but everything came tumbling out today! Whatever is this?!

I had three days of peace while she was away, but once she came back, all hell broke loose! Doesn't she realise that no one (except perhaps the bosses) can stand her?! Dresses inappropriately for work and thinks that she is so pretty! Haven't met someone with such a sucky character as her!

Now... You saw the worst of me!

Day 1 - Shenyang

After a six hour flight, I finally reached Beijing at 7.20am! It was a tiring six hour flight as I could not sleep comfortably at all. SQ is nice but when you're taking a long flight in the economy class, it just ain't that good especially if its a midnight flight... Anyway, Beijing Airport is big and spacious just like Changi Airport but of course not as impressive lah. Upon touchdown, Brenda and I felt so cold! We were imagining how cold it would be in Shenyang since Shenyang should be colder than Beijing.

Anyway, we went to collect our luggage and had to go through immigration before taking the domestic flight to Shenyang. At the immigration counter, I discovered that people dun queue! They just squeezed as long as there was some space! All I know is that I need to queue so I ended up with quite a few men jumping into my queue! Hmph!

Due to a delay for whatsoever reason, my flight only took of at 11am instead of 9am. For the two hours that I was stranded in Beijing Airport, I fell asleep due to the lack of sleep the previous night, absolutely no image as I slept there! No choice! I am tired! Anyway, by the time I reached Shenyang, it was already 1pm. It was indeed freezing cold! I took a half hour ride to the Intercontinental Hotel and finally checked in. However, by the time I left the hotel, it was already 3pm and it was too late to go any scenic spot as tourist attractions in China closed at 5pm. Thus, Brenda, she and I went to the city square. Over there, we saw Chairman Mao's statue and we went towards the shopping district after that. We went to try the local snacks and had Starbucks. The hot chocolate was too milky but the local snacks were nice. I tried their "satay" which consisted of either beef or mutton and was seasoned with chilli powder and sesame seeds and it was yummy! After that, we went to Xinhua Bookshop which consisted of 5 storeys! The books were real cheap...

She was ok...

Home on a Friday night...

Surprise surprise! Charlene is home on a Friday night! This is the top news of "Charlene's Daily"! Haha... I am crapping again... Seriously, sometimes it feels good to be home, spending time with myself (I am not egoistic!)... But sometimes you really need to quiet your heart and think and sit through somethings. For me, I finally started reading The Chronicles of Narnia which I bought two weeks ago... Just finished the first chapter of the first story, still a long way to go though...

As for work, I am just discovering some ugly truths every day and they say I learn fast... Now that I have some good colleagues that I can complain too and they being like-minded with me really spares me the agony of "suffering" alone... Haha... But it ain't that bad actually... Except for the bosses ranting, nothing has fazed me much recently. Well, I discovered that almost everyone (seriously everyone!) has some opinion about a certain person and their extent or version is worse than me! Good gracious! I think its really pathetic for a person to have such a reputation...

Anyway, I am enjoying my Friday night... *Smilez*

Talk less, listen more!

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" - James 1:19

I am totally in agreement with the verse above. Call me slow or whatever but recently, I just found out how important it was to listen and talk less. Yes, I may ask for your opinion but I need you to listen as well. When I say listen, it means being a good listener and absorbing what I've been saying, not just listening for the sake of listening and letting my words fall on deaf ears. Right now, I am totally frustrated with a certain someone who hasn't been listening to what I said. How many times do I need to repeat myself before you remember what I say?! It is totally irritating to keep repeating myself. For those of you out there, remember to listen! Sometimes, your personal opinion doesn't matter much, the most important thing is to be a good listener to your friend and that to me is what matters the most...

Monday blues...

I am suffering from a bad bout of Monday blues... I am feeling moody and melancholy... Gosh... no wonder Wendy says I'm a bad case because I've only started working for 3 months. Haha... You can't blame me when the people around me are so boring... Hehe... Anyway, it's no doubt that I survived the day! Yay! 3 cheers for Charlene! Hip hip hurray (*3)! This is real bad... Its only Monday and I'm cranky. Speaking of being cranky, my "beloved" Nokia 6610 is just as cranky, if not even more cranky than me! It switches off on its own when I pick up calls! But today, it didn't! In fact I was on the phone with Hui Juan for 20 minutes and the phone didn't switch itself off! Amazing! It proves me right too. The phone has to "rest" before it functions properly! Haha! I think I am going nuts over my Nokia phone. I just wished that I can use my trusty Samsung but its got a camera so I can't use it at my workplace. Speaking of phones, I want to change my phones! (Screaming aloud in words!!!) I want to change both my Nokia and Samsung! Extravagant? I think so too... I need a non-camera phone on the weekdays and a savvy phone on weekends... I just can't stand being so low tech. Arrgh! No choice...

Occupying my mind

I need to occupy my mind. Seriously. I need to get away from reading newspapers and political news. If it wasn't required for my work, I wouldn't be reading political stuff at all! Half the time when I am working, I am thinking: 'What has this got to do with me?!' But can I really get away with it? Not yet. At least for now. Which makes me so happy that I got my radio at my workplace. But I need something else. My "healthfood". More reading in this case. Contrary to what you read earlier on, I love reading! Just that I want it for leisure and not for work. I've run out of books to read. Just finished 'Christ the Lord, Out of Egypt" by Anne Rice and I feel empty not reading now. I need to meet Hui Juan and exchange our books. Or try to rent more. I want my chick lit, fiction, non-fiction, self-helps and biographies to occupy my mind...

Dilemma.Choices.Decisions

Whoever said that making decisions are easy must be out of his/her mind! True, its just between saying 'yes' and 'no' but you have to weigh the pros and cons and put in a lot of factors before you can really decide on anything. As much as I want to do the extreme now but I need to have enough finances first before I can do anything. Really thought that it was a blessing to be able to go to China with Mindef sponsoring the whole trip. But there's nothing such as a free lunch in the world. There's a catch to it. If I make that trip, I will be bonded for another 6 months to Mindef. That really got me thinking. Is it really worth my time and effort to be there for another 6 months? I don't want to take this uncalculated risk. What's worse was that they didn't tell me about the bond! Thank God I was talking to a fellow colleague over lunch and she told me about this otherwise I'll regret big time! Anyway, I am glad to have this colleague. She shared a lot of things and for once, I realised I had a likeminded colleague in Mindef. Haha...

I love my friends and Projectshop!

I had a happy Friday, Saturday and Sunday last week! Met up with Hui Juan and Justin on Friday.... Then Hui Juan and I went to K-Box and we sang for almost one and a half hours! It was really awesome! Both of us did not meet for 3 weeks and we haven't had karaoke together for a long time! So it was a great time catching up and we laughed, sang and talked to each other non-stop. It was really great!

Then came Saturday... It was Team A's first duty in the Singapore Expo. Things were pretty confused because many of the members were singing for the first time. But everything worked out well in the end. We sang 'Paint the Town Red' and its a smashing song! Hoo!

And there was Sunday... I reached church at 8.30am for choir and had a cappucino nougat before going on stage to sing... Was really hungry by the time service ended. Together with Joshua, we went out with Alvin and his girlfriend to a hawker center near Bedok market for lunch. I had chicken chop and it was yummy, yummy! After that, Joshua and I went to Orchard, and we each bought a T-shirt from Zara! Later, we also bought each other a bag from Projectshop as a Valentine's Day gift. Isn't that wonderful? I've got one more bag from Projectshop! Yay! And the sales assistant was impressed by the amount of Projectshop bags I have! Heh... I'm an ardent fan.

Oh yes... Joshua bought a bouquet of pink roses for me... Hehe...

Delirious?

Delirious? came last weekend... They are one of the best Christian bands in the world. Their music has certainly been changing through the years and it is just getting better! Bought their new album: The Mission Bell. I am still in the midst of listening to it but I like the lyrics of this song. Very real and reflects the world of today... Here's 'Our God Reigns'...

40 million babies lost to God's great orphanage
It’s a modern day genocide and a modern day disgrace
If this is a human right then why aren’t we free?
The only freedom we have is in a man nailed to a tree

100 million faces, staring at the sky
Wondering if this HIV will ever pass us by
The devil stole the rain and hope trickles down the plug
But still my Chinese take away could pay for someone’s drugs

Our God reigns, Our God reigns
Forever your kingdom reigns

The west has found a gun and it’s loaded with ‘unsure’
Nip and tuck if you have the bucks in a race to find a cure
Psalm one hundred and thirty nine is the conscience to our selfish crime
God didn’t screw up when he made you
He’s a father who loves to parade you

Yes he reigns, yes you reign, yes you reign
For there is only one true God
But we’ve lost the reins on this world
Forgive us all, forgive us please
As we fight for this broken world on our knees

Happy New Year!!!

Its 'chu qi' so its not too late yet, so here's wishing all 'Happy New Year'!!! And its 'chu qi' so 'Happy Birthday'!!! I had a tiring but fruitful new year, went out at 9.30am and reach home at 10.30pm on day 1 of the CNY. Its tiring man! Its like working overtime! Haha! But I did enjoy myself... Catching up with relatives and making fun of people... Hehe... Ang bao takings haven't gone up but it hasn't gone down yet, so it's maintaining its standard. Hahaha... Call me money-face or what but I don't care! I'm going to take ang bao while I still can... Hohoho... Money no enough so have to depend on this once a year... Heh...

Allow me please...

I'm trying hard not to make all my postings an angry post but allow me to to do it today... Sometimes I wish she can just disappear into thin air. Hey, its a nice morning and I don't need someone to bite my head off ok?! That's figurative speech, in case you dunno... Once again, I was pissed off today. Absolutely pissed off! Now you know I am angry because Charlene always used "turn off". Ta da! Yet another not so good breakthrough from Charlene... Tsk tsk...

Angry...

I am angry...

Fuming...

Absolutely irritated...

My patience is tested...

I wonder how long I can last...

I am on the verge of doing the extreme...

A day of relaxation...

Today its one of the most amazing day that I had in a long long while... I took leave from work today and its just so wonderful! The night before, I slept at 11pm and I woke up this morning at 9am! Woohoo! Its 10 hours of wonderful sleep! After that, I took my time to have breakfast and surf the net before having a shower and leaving my house at 11.45am for Orchard for a day of shopping! You know what? It feels so good not having to wake up early and rush out for work. It is even better when you know that others are working and you don't have to! Haha... Although I may have work to clear tmrw, but... I am just happy to have this kind of luxury once in a while. In NZ, this is known as mental health day. Haha... Strongly suggested: Anyone who is working should always try to have a day off once in awhile. You need to pamper yourself and relax. It is a luxury. And I really felt like a princess... Haha... Anyway, I had a wonderful time shopping. I bought a pair of shoes, a pair of jeans and 3 tops! Its just so wonderful! I can't remember when was the last time that I had such a shopping spree. The feeling is just so... I can't describe it... Its just awesome...

Charlene's yakking...

Been 2 weeks since I blogged. Time to give an update yah? Am feeling melancholy now... Anyway, been feeling real tired for the past one week. Not just physically but emotionally as well. It takes a lot to smile and act as if you are not upset by people. Sometimes, people just want to make your life difficult. The only consolation is that I am not the only one. If you think you are capable, that's great, but a good character matters much more. And if you know how to treat people well and not just keep demanding, that is even better... My neck and back is aching now, and it doesn't help when you have to sit in front of the computer the whole day. My eyes are feeling tired and dry too... Wonder how long it will take before my short-sightedness gets worse. Am not feeling that good either, wish that I can have a day off and sleep the whole day but I can't do it now. CNY is coming and I need to bake cookies. I haven't bought any new clothes, shoes, bag etc yet... Money not enough too...

终于明白什么是事业和工作，
真得觉得很累，
现在的心情跌倒了谷底。
不要整天说我只会说累，
事实上， 我真的很累，
不是我想摆一个脸色，
其实我已经尽力了。
不奢求什么，
不渴望什么，
只希望有着被人宠的感觉。。。

Never judge a book by its cover

Arrgh!!!! I am so angry! Finally realised the term "never judge a book by its cover", and its like "Charlene, welcome to the real world!" I am still fuming... Angry and provoked... How angry was I? To the extent that I almost swear! Now you can imagine my anger cos I hardly ever swear at all!!! Grrr....Anyway, I realised that the more quiet, decent and nice person is, he can be the worst of all... No longer going to put my trust in all these people (except for that 1 or 2)... This people can be the ones that provoked you the most... I am so angry and upset that I am taking it out on potato chips and peanuts now. They ain't good for my skin and body but they are my outlet for frustration! Arr!!!

Its 2006!

Ta da! Its 2006! For the past two weeks, I've been on a holiday mood. Christmas shopping, giving gifts, eating lotsa good food and enjoying the long weekend! Yea! No need to face the computer and type and read the whole day. It does give my eyes some well-deserved break. Anyway, went out with Joshua, Hui Juan, Lindy, Aaron and friends on New Year's Eve. We wanted to go to the Esplanade to catch the fireworks but it was soooooo crowded. So we decided to go to Clarke Quay instead. Yet in the midst of it, we stopped over at the old Parliament house and caught the fireworks from there instead. It was really beautiful! After that, we went to Clarke Quay, had a drink and spent a little time dancing till 2 plus. From there, I walk walk walk all the way till Stamford House trying to get a cab with no avail. Finally, I decided to call a cab, but I had to redial at least 10, 20 times before I finally got one. In the end, I reached home around 4am which was approximately one and a half hours after I left Clarke Quay! Gosh! I quickly went to sleep and I put my alarm clock on snooze for one hour before I finally woke up at 8am and realised that I had to rush in order to get to church! Anyway, I finally made it to church on time... Heh...

Well, I must say that going to church on the first morning of 2006 is currently the best decision for the year... Haha.. I mean, what a better way to start the new year?! The first morning of 2006 and you are fed with spiritual food to start your new year right. Indeed, the sermon was appropriate. I am going to look forward to all challenges in the new year and forget those things that are behind... *wink*

Its Christmas time!

I caught the Christmas mood last week when CHC had our ever-first candlelight service. I've never been to one before so it was really quite an experience. The whole hall was lighted up in candles and the scene was so nice, we sang carols and I was immersed in the Christmas mood. Then came Monday and the office was buzzing with activity cos we were looking forward to the half-day on Friday. Besides that, my boss treated us to a hearty lunch. Then on Tuesday, we had turkey, a cheese platter, a gourmet platter, a sashimi platter for lunch. The bonus was that we could drink during office hours! Woohoo! When Wednesday came, I started receiving presents. I was really touched because I was only in the office for a month. My colleagues were really nice and I received good and practical gifts. By today, I've already received 10 gifts! That's a pretty good record isn't it? I think its the first time I receive so many gifts for Christmas. Hohoho... I received that much gifts but I also bought a lot of gifts too. Went to Toys R' Us yesterday. I haven't stepped into it for years, but when I went in, I bought 9 toys! I think its the first time I bought so many toys at one go. In fact, I felt a little gross for buying so many toys! Haha... Anyway, the office had Christmas lunch today and I was fully fed again. Very full... Well, here's wishing all my friends: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Twentysomething

Ok... I haven't reach twenty something yet, I'm still in my early twenties but I really love this song by Jamie Cullum. I dun wanna say much but I'll just let the song/lyrics do the talking. It echoes my sentiments right now...

"After years of expensive education
A car full of books and anticipation
I'm an expert on Shakespeare and that's a hell of a lot
But the world don't need scholars as much as I thought
Maybe I'll go travelling for a year
Finding myself, or start a career
Could work the poor, though I'm hungry for fame
We all seem so different but we're just the same
Maybe I'll go to the gym, so I don't get fat
Aren't things more easy, with a tight six pack
Who knows the answers, who do you trust
I can't even seperate love from lust
Maybe I'll move back home and pay off my loans
Working nine to five, answering phones
But don't make me live for Friday nights
Drinking eight pints and getting in fights
Maybe I'll just fall in love
That could solve it all
Philosophers say that that's enough
There surely must be more
Love ain't the answer, nor is work
The truth elludes me so much it hurts
But I'm still having fun and I guess that's the key
I'm a twentysomething and I'll keep being me
THESE ARE THE DAYS
These are the days that I've been missing
Give me the taste give me the joy of summer wine
These are the days that bring new meaning
I feel the stillness of the sun and I feel fine
Sometimes when the nights are closing early
I remember you and I start to smile
Even though now you don't want to know me
I get on by, and I go the extra mile
These are the times of love and meaning
Ice of the heart has melted away and found the light
These are the days of endless dreaming
Troubles of life are floating away like a bird in flight"

Absolutely irritated!

What's the problem with middle-aged man nowadays?! I don't want to generalize but I am not the only one feeling it... Came home straight after work today and was feeling absolutely rotten cos I was so bored and my friends weren't free. Had dinner and sat down to watch tv. Wanted to watch Superhost cos my JC junior was in it. Changed my mind and switched to Ch 5 to watch Extreme Japan cos I haven't caught an episode of it since it started to air. I was barely halfway through when my father started mumbling and complaining that he paid for SCV, and that I was wasting his money by watching local channels! I mean, what's the point? Star movies was showing Vertical Limit which I had watched before and HBO was showing Rome which I had no interest in. If he wanted to watch other programs, he could have said it and not start complaining about how he was wasting his money. Worse still he kept on mumbling. When I watched the Star Awards on Sunday, he was doing the same thing too! How irritating can that be?! And when I was having dinner, he complained to me about the pianist Melvyn Tan who didn't do his NS and how he managed to escape it. Then he kept on complaining and said that the SAF personnel didn't have a good explanation blah blah blah.... For goodness sake, I dun want to have anything to do with it! All I want after a day of work is to relax and live in peace with no one humming at my ears! Man shouldn't be nagging and he has to do that! I am absolutely irritated!!!!

Bored, bored, very bored...

I am very tired and very sleepy... And this is so strange, it shouldn't be this way. I am being paid to read the newspapers and stare at the computer screen everyday and yet I feel tired. Charlene is bored... Literally bored to tears... I am so bored being coop up in an office, facing the computer screen, reading newspapers and being stuck in a routine. Can life get more boring than this? I am so amazed... I seriously wonder how long can I stay sane this way without pulling my hair out? Haha...

Finally met up with Hui Juan after 3 weeks. We didn't see each other for 3 weeks! Can you believe it? We miss each other like crazy lor. I can't believe it... Anyway, shopaholic started ringing bells in our heads once we went shopping... Haha... Had lotsa food yesterday, we ate sotong and gyoza from Old Chang Kee, then we had ramen, and after that we had ice cream. Yummy! A lot of calories? Dun care lah, eat already then say... Anyway, the food was like a reward to us for working hard... Keke...

Met up with Justin for lunch also... Really miss the guys at fin-exis... Glad that JP is finally out of BFC while Justin has 2 more months. Work hard my friend! Miss you guys like crazy! And I wanna go ktv with JP! Inject some life in me man!

Power packed weekend...

I had a tiring but amazing Sunday yesterday. It was just amazing although I suffered from a lack of sleep afterwards. First of all, I woke up before 7am and started getting ready for church. Why? Cos my favourite preacher, Pst Phil Pringle was in town! He just became a grandad but is still as suave as ever! Besides being suave, he is just as creative, humorous and strong in the spirit as he always has been. Anyway, I went to two services back to back and it was just awesome. He preached on the topic of "making room for God" and indeed, sometimes we can just be so held up in our daily affairs that we fail to make room for God and allow all things to take precedence over Him. So we've got to adjust this mentality. God is above all things and after that we should do what we have to do. After service, I went all the way to Marvin's house at Serangoon. We had a worship session and it was just amazing. There was a strong presence of the Holy Spirit and God spoke into my heart. It was a refreshing and spirit-filled session. And after that, I went all the way back to Jurong West again for choir practice. Well, its the big move in 2 weeks time and we had to have a combined practice to know our new team and arrange the reshuffling of the choir. The wonderful thing was that we worship once again and Mark was there to share with us about Sun's progress. It was just amazing! I will still be in team A but will be working with new people and for me, it is my privilege and honour to be able to serve God in the choir and on the platform. Although the day was long but I truly enjoyed myself and was glad that I was soaked in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

I've Got It!!!

Ta da! I've got it! I've got it! I finally got the job that I had been waiting for... Since resigning from Fin-exis about 3 months ago, I started looking for a new job. I went for numerous interviews, send dozens of resumes and had a few offers. But none of the offers were really that good. In times like this, it is really difficult to get a good deal. Not that I am choosy but I did not want to jump into any job and find myself disliking it in the end. Just as I was wondering if the company was still considering me, they finally gave me the call! And that's it! I received a formal offer from Mindef. Yes! I am a civil servant now. Started work on Tuesday, and so far so good. Although it is too early to tell how my working life will be but I just feel that this is something exciting. Everything seems to be like a blur but now it means that I have some money for the festive season! Woohoo!

Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire

That's it! That's it! I am never ever never ever going to watch movies in the afternoon during the holidays again! Had the first encounter during Emily Rose and now Harry Potter! The kids were noisy, irritating and I really felt like throwing them out of the cinema. When the show started, a bunch of girls sitting on the same row as me started screaming! Hey, I know you are excited but you don't scream, you whistle or cheer but not scream. Moreover, its not as if you are the first ones in S'pore who watched Harry Potter. Thousands have done it before you, you do that if you watch the premiere or at 12am on 17 Nov. Arrgh...

Anyway, back to Harry Potter. This is really the darkest movie yet. If you think The Prisoner of Azkaban was dark, this is even darker. Harry finally faces Lord Voldemort and it was a a battle of past hurts and wanting to destroy Lord Voldemort. And as usual, Ron provides the funny moments and Hermione is getting prettier. The triwizard tournament is really interesting but it was manipulated and that's how we get to see Lord Voldemort. One thing that stands out from the Harry Potter movies is its CGI, it never fails to impress. But this movie has too many characters, as such, none of the actors really had a chance to maximise their acting skills. I thought Katie Leung (as Cho Chang) had a large part in the movie but she only appeared in a few scenes. But I guess there might be more in the future. I've got a strong feeling that I will watch The Goblet of Fire again... Hehe...

Potter Mania... Emily Rose... Balcony

Its the Potter mania! Went to CineLeisure yesterday and they were having a gala premiere of Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, and on Sunday I caught the preview of it on HBO. Exciting! The entire 5th floor of CineLeisure was filled with Potter posters! Everywhere you turn, its Harry Potter, even the lift! Gosh... It's big time Potter mania!

Anyway, I went to watch Emily Rose yesterday. Had been wanting to catch it since I saw the trailer a few months ago. The only complaint about it was that the cinema that I was in was noisy and full of screaming girls. They scream at every little thing and they screamed more and they screamed louder than Emily herself. Irritating? Yes, I was. But back to the movie itself, I totally agree with what Father Moore says, "Demons exist whether you believe it or not". To me, its totally true. Besides, I feel that this movie has an effect on believers and non-believers. Sometimes, people just want to believe in facts not possibilities, like the prosecutor, Ethan Thomas. He is a man of faith but does not believe in the spiritual possession of Emily. Are there Christians like that? Yes, there are, to them, facts are facts, faith is faith and either one should not cross each other's path. If there are believers like that, you can be sure that non-believers think likewise. But I certainly hope that this movie has open up your mind and give you the possibility that things beyond the natural do happen.

Lastly, its about the Balcony in Heeren. The Balcony is a new bar that has just opened in the Heeren. I really love the ambience and concept of the place. It is a nice place to chill out and hang out with friends. But I had some problems with the menu. Because the lights were dim, I didn't the notice the dot between 13 and 5 and I thought that a cheese platter costs $135! Haha... Expensive cheese ah? Hehe... It was $13.5 and my eyes played tricks on me! Anyway, it's a nice place to hang out in, perfect for those after dinner kind of thing...

Reading books published for years..

Arrghh! This computer is still in my brother's room! Irritating!

Alright, either I am going to sign up for a recontract with Singnet or I would be forcing my way to get this computer back into my room again...

Anyway, I just finished reading Sex and the City. You must be thinking, "Charlene you crazy ah? This book has been out for so long and you just read it?" Yes, sometimes I can be this slow but I watched the tv series first and then I decided to read the book. I am always like this, the same thing happen to The Lord of the Rings too, but who cares?! Well. I actually prefer the tv series for Sex and the City to the book. The tv series made it more interesting. But the book also gives you insights to the life of New York singles. Nice book but I will stil recommend the tv series to you. *wink*

Korean Madness

Ta da! I am back! Where was I during this period? No, I wasn't away but my "goody" brother (See the inverted commas? Yah, that's how good he is!) shifted the entire computer to his room from mine! Why? So he can have it on for days! Its literally days! Arrgh... So angry and I can't blog cos I don't want to stay long in his messy bedroom. I will get frustrated when I see the mess! Yes, that's how neat I am!

Anyway, back to the topic. Korean Madness. I know the Korean breeze has been blowing for the past few years but I have never fallen for it cos I still love Jap drama serials and Takuya Kimura. Not that I dun love him anymore, but now is the Korean fad for me. The first Korean drama serial I watched was All About Eve and that was in fact a few years ago. But I just love this show! I watched it, in fact, I dunno how many times, maybe at least 8??? I dunno and dun call me crazy! Anyway, the Korean madness started when my mum watched Jewel in a Palace (大长今). I didn't follow the serial through but caught only excerpts of it but those excerpts got me hooked. But... Its a 70-episode serial and seriously, I've got no patience to watch it cos its 50 vcds! No patience means I watch here and there... Haha... Then my mum bought the Honey Jin Citron Tea, its a honey drink with bits of citron in it, and it's very expensive! $12 for 560g! At the rate that we are drinking now, its a goner within a week and honey is suppose to last you for a few weeks! Then I went out and had my first taste of Korean food! Yummy yummy! I had a bulogi beef set and it was awesome! Furthermore, my mum's order of kimchi soup was shiok! Sour and spicy! Love it! Looking forward to more of it cos my mum is going to make kimchi! Hohoho...

Btw, the computer is still in my brother's room.... Arrgh.... Irritating...

Blogspot, here I come!

Hohoho.. It's still early for Christmas but I think I am slipping into the mood alrdy. Anyway, after months of doodling, I finally shifted my blog here. Of course Hui Juan tried and tested it first... Keke... Speaking of Hui Juan, not only did we shifted our blogs but we also ended up using the same templates. And when we didn't contact each other for one whole week, we were doing the same thing - watching drama serials! Gosh... As if we have telepathy...

Anyway, I finally shifted. Got tired of blogging through Friendster and was also concerned with the emails that Friendster would send when I update my blog. Dun wanna be accused of spamming! That's all for now but I will seriously try (if I can figure out the html text and stuff) to make this blog look better... Ta da... So, just wait lah...

TCC

Simply love the TCC at Circular Road (its near Boat Quay)! Its a double storey outlet and the second storey simply is fabulous! There are couches and beanbags and you just simply sit on the floor and nua... Seriously, there were people who slept on the beanbags and man, they really sleep! The snacks are wonderful and I simply love my ultimate hazelnut frappe. Its nice place to hang out or chill out with friends. Ambience is nice, food is good and a great place for relaxing and reading magazines. What more can you ask for?

Seizing The Moment

Pastor Tan preached the message of "Seizing The Moment" in the weekend services this week...

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Yes, there is always a time for everything. When we pass through different phases in life, there are different things that we are doing in that season. It is a period of transition and it can be something new that we are stepping into.

Then He spoke a parable to them: "No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, 'The old is better.'" Luke 5:36-39

You know what? God is a forward moving god. He doesn't remain stagnant but He always looks forward. He doesn't dwell in the past nor does He look back at the old times. But that is the problem with many of us, we always dwell in the past. The thing is, we got to look forward and stop dwelling on the past. The past is good but the future is even better. Old wine does taste better and when you try or drink something new, you might not like it immediately and you may start criticising it but new things are always better. The future is always better. When we are in a period of transition, we may not immediately like the new thing we are doing but that's because you have been comfortable. In this case, you have to make the shift from your comfort zone. We may take some time to adapt but isn't it always better? Start looking forward and seize the moment!

This is so true, isn't it???

Received this email from a friend... Does this apply to you?

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world is in the condition it is today...

Funny how we believe what the newspapers say but question what the Bible says...

Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do not have to believe, think, say, or do anything the Bible says...

Funny how someone can say "I believe in God" but still follow Satan (who, by the way also believes in God)...

Funny how you can send a thousand 'jokes' through email and they spread like fire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, you think twice about sharing...

Funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass freely through cyberspace but the public discussion of Jesus is suppressed in the school and workplace...

Funny, isn't it?

Funny how someone can be so fired up for Christ on Sunday but be an invisible Christian the rest of the week...

Will you share this with people you care about?

Or not?

Zoo...

I went to the Singapore zoo today! Before you start saying anything or try to question my sanity, stop. I say stop! Haha... Yep, I went to the zoo and that's a fact. But the truth is, I haven't been there for at least 10 years. Honestly, I can't remember when was the last time I went to the zoo, I think it was in lower primary. I didn't even know what the zoo looks like anymore! Anyway, it was a fruitful trip. Took pictures with lotsa animals and I still love the penguins and the polar bear. But the giraffes aren't as tall as I imagine them to be. Ok, I guess they are too young, only 1 year old... I like the fragile garden but I am still afraid of coming into contact with the butterflies and I didn't get to see the full glory of the peacock. In any case, I still prefer the safari that I went to in Thailand. It was a drive in zoo and you could have full contact with the animals. I had to wind up my window before the camel could stick its head into the car! That was the most interesting trip because it was up close and personal with the animals. For the zoo, the animals are still largely kept in enclosures and its hard to take close shots of them. That's my only complaint though...

Shopaholic

I just finished reading the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella... What can I say? I think it is a must read for every girl! It is hilarious and I honestly believe that every girl can identify with it. The things we do when we go shopping, how we try to rationalise (or find an excuse) for our purchases and how we can never have enough of bags, shoes, clothes, make-up blah blah blah... Its like we are shaped up with these. How our clothes must match this bag and that pair of shoes etc... Haha... Anyway, this genre of books is call Chick Lit. It deals with every day life - work, life, friends and shopping. It might seem shallow but these books makes you happy cos everything works out just fine for the character. It ain't that smooth-sailing in life but it gives you hope that everything will work out if you just persevere and work hard. So gals, go ahead and read a Chick Lit, it does helps and it can get addictive and that's why I am reading so much now...
PS: Kudos to Hui Juan for introducing chick lit to me... Heh...

Who's your superstar?

I saw one of the Chinese papers today. It had a hotline that allowed readers to voice their feedback and I saw an entry which made me angry. The reader was responding to Project Superstar. He said that next year there will be many disabled persons participating in the contest because they just need to rely on sympathy votes and win the contest. Now, what was that suppose to mean?! If he was just taking a dig at Weilian, I am fine but he practically referred to all persons with a disability! That to me is demeaning, and it just shows that he looks down on them! With Weilian wining Project Superstar, I know that there is a lot of feedback. Some people think that he won on symapathy votes. But I absolutely don't think so. Perhaps this was true in the initial stages of the contest but when Weilian proceeded to the semi-finals, I don't think this was the case anymore. Alright, he may not have the best vocals but essentially this is a contest based on the votes of the audience. In my opinion, will you be willing to spend 2 months of your time and spend so much money on just sympathy knowing that none of the money goes to Weilian? I don't think so. Besides that, if he really depended on symapthy votes, I don't think he would have won the contest with such a big margin. Frankly speaking, Weilian has mass appeal. If you look at the other contestants, it is true that some of them have better vocals but most of their fans are teenagers. But for Weilian, he has supporters from the youngest to the oldest. And not to forget, his supporters from listening to him singing at the MRT stations. For those of us who have heard him sing at the MRT stations, we know that he has a voice that touches the hearts of people. Every time when he sings at the MRT station, there will be lots of people surrounding him. The only time that I stopped to see buskers would be listening to Weilian and the little boy that played drums outside Paragon. So for those who are still sore over Weilian winning the contest, grow up and stop behaving in a childish manner. I know that this is Project Superstar and each one of us has a criteria who is befitting of a superstar, someone who is good-looking without disability. Weilian does not meet the qualities but he still won because he won the hearts of the people. He can't see but he sees and sings with his heart and that makes the difference. He might not be as successful as other singers but at least he tried. How many of us is that willing to go for our dreams like him? He had to withstand criticism and brickbats on national television but yet he showed a positive attitude. He marched on with all the criticism and emerged as a winner. He showed me what is 残而不废.

Happily ever after

Inspired by Hui Juan, I started to read girly books. Yes, yes, yes... Charlene finally started reading them and majority of them has to do with romance so Charlene is reading romance too... I bet a lot of people is going to find this amazing. I was never a person who read books on romance. I go for thrillers and mysteries. But sometimes I just need to get in touch with that girl factor within me too. Haha.. After reading one such book, I realised why girls can get hooked on it. Yes, we still believe in 'happily ever after'. Call us hopeless romantics or whatsoever but sometimes we just want to indulge in such things. Moreover, all fairy tales have that ending. Perhaps we just choose to believe in this, the fact is: life or reality is harsh. When we read such girly books, it makes us happy because they always have wonderful endings. It gives us hope that we will have a happily ever after with our prince charming...
Anyway, the vcd for Initial D is finally out. Buy it and you can get magnets of the four stars. Time to swoon over Jay Chou again. Hehe..
PS: Hui Juan, I will give you the Edison magnet... Keke...

Days of my life...

Its been a good 3 weeks since I blogged... I know I wrote a blog on 8 August but it wasn't just enough to express how I felt at that time. So this blog is going to backdate till 1 August which of course is my birthday (*wink). Well, I had a fantastic and bad birthday, I know it sounds ironic but I really don't know how to describe it. It was a fantastic birthday because Joshua treated me like a princess. He celebrated my birthday a day earlier by surprising me with a bouquet of flowers, bought me a jacket which I really liked and treated me to an awesome dinner at Surf and Turf in Suntec City. If you want to have steak and seafood, get great value for your food, Surf and Turf is the place. Now, why was it a bad birthday? Well, I was suppose to meet Hui Juan after work that day to celebrate my birthday. In the end, I cancelled it beacuse my mum wanted me home for dinner. So I was expecting some good food or a favourite dish. However, it was disappointing. I reached home only to find out that my mum had nothing special for me. There was no red packet, absolutely nothing. At least, my dad still bought me a birthday cake although it wasn't my favourite flavour. To make things worse, my mum rebuked me for spending too much money when I wanted to borrow money from her to pay my tuition fee loan. I know I have to pay for it out of my own pocket because this is my own education but currently I do not have the means and that's why I wanted a loan from her. In the end, it was a no from her and I ended up crying because I was rebuked by her and because I had such a disappointing birthday at home. Lesson learnt? Never talk about money with your family members, it just won't work out. To add salt to the wound, it seems that everything I do nowadays never seem to please her. I don't know why so I just attribute it that she is having her menopause and some women do get cranky at this stage. I know this seems that I am washing my dirty linen in the public but please allow me to vent my frustration...
Next, it is regarding my work. It was a good 3 weeks in fin-exis advisory. Each day over there was maximized to the fullest and I never felt so busy before. It was also a constant struggle to balance between work and my other commitments. In a nutshell, my capacity has been stretched for the past 3 weeks. However, I made a life changing decision today. I decided to resign from fin-exis. Perhaps, I didn't really know what I wanted. Right from the start when I decided to be a financial adviser representative, there were oppositions and yet I decided to go ahead with it. Perhaps I was blinded with the thought of making more money than my peers and just went ahead without careful consideration. To start with, I was never really interested in the financial sector, perhaps it was the only job available to me back then or perhaps I was just too lazy to look for a job. In a sense, it was like the job was waiting for me. I didn't have to go through any interviews nor did I send in my resume and perhaps that was why I jumped into it. But reality starts to sink in when I began the training. In the end, I realised that this isn't what I want, at least for the next few years. I see this job as a good career switch for me in the future but as for now, I want to try something else. I want to pursue my dreams, my interests and to find my calling in the marketplace. Yeah, it took a lot of me to finally realised this. I had spent hundreds of dollars for the financial modules and to apply for my FAR license. Lesson learnt? Never jump into anything without careful consideration and follow your heart. When I spoke to Lindy, Peiying and Maggie on Friday, they told me that the most important thing is that I should be happy. Although I might not have the highest pay but the most important thing is that I should enjoy my work. I love words more than numbers and that was it. The decision to resign wasn't easy either. I loved the place, the environment, the friends that I had made in fin-exis even though I was there for only 3 weeks. I know its going to be hard to find another working environment like the one they have in fin-exis. There are Christlike values over there and nearly everyone of them has a high level of integrity. Its hard to find such an environment in the corporate world. Nevertheless, I know that I am following my heart now. I might not have a better financial headstart but at least, I am happy...

What a Week!

Hmm... It has really been a hectic week for me. Firstly, I started work on Monday (which is also my birthday!). But it was really alright lah... So I was working all the way from Monday till Friday. And in between the days, I also had to make time for tuition and choir practice. So practically, I was reaching home late every night. And it is really tiring, so far I am still trying to adapt to it. From Friday till Sunday, there was Festival of Praise and CHC's 16th anniversary in the Singapore Indoor Stadium. I was singing for all sessions and it was really awesome though it was tiring. My company also had an "Amazing Race" on Saturday morning. And I was really tired from the running, anyway, my team was the winning team! Yea!

Anyway, I just wanted to share about the FOP. This year is by far the best FOP I've ever attended. Hillsongs and Delirious, two of the most renowned Christian bands came and we had an awesome time praising and worshipping God. As for me, it is a privilege to be able to serve on the same platform with them. Then it was CHC's 16th anniversary. I thank God for putting me in CHC and the past 7 years has been the most phenomenal time for me. I thank God for placing me in great church and I know that there will be another fantastic 16 years to come! Thank you Jesus!

My Wish List

It's my birthday next Monday and people are asking me what I want, and so they tell me to write it on my blog... Ha.. So here I am with this wish list. To prevent duplicated presents, please do communicate so that I won't end up with 2 similar presents... Haha... Well, I could have some shopping vouchers. Vouchers for clothes and shoes, cos I'll be starting work soon so I'll need some nice working clothes. Next, I would like to have a new wallet. The one I am having now is getting too old. Then, perhaps I can have a bag? Yeah, I have a weakness for bags and currently own, erm... I lost count of them... I have a new bag every birthday so this year shouldn't be an exception right? Maybe Joshua won't buy bag cos he thinks I have enough so the rest out there, perhaps you can think of it... Hehe... And how about a book or books? I like to read, any genre except romance. Fave author is Paulo Coelho, if you want to get me a book written by him, please ask me first cos I have most of his books. Ok, I guess this is the most bu2 yao1 lian1 blog I've ever written. But people ask me to write what I want on the blog mah...

Photo taking at the Esplanade

Met up with Hui Juan, Christine, Zhiyi and Sahira to take photos today. Daniel was suppose to come but he didn't turn up, must be sleeping... Anyway, we went to the Esplanade, yeah, some might squirm at that thought, but you don't have a choice right? Singapore is only so big and the Esplanade is the icon of Singapore. There were lots of people taking photos over there too... Putting that aside, it was really good to meet up with the girls, haven't met some of them for quite sometime... While taking photos, we realised that time has pass by so fast... It only seems like yesterday when we going through orientation. I remembered that we were wearing the Samsung sponsored T-shirts for flag day and the auntie in the foodcourt thought we were Samsung factory workers, we also left orientation halfway to go shopping in Orchard and we won the best OG that year! Wow... Now everything seems so surreal... And suddenly we were reminded of our age when Christine commented that by next January, she would be turning 23. Yeah, she's a January baby so it seems that it is quite fast while all I am thinking is about turning 22 in August... Haha... Time flies ah...
Oh, Hui Juan and I are behaving like twins too and maybe we just think alike. We wore the same colour combination today. And the shirt that I had on, she also has the same one in a different colour which she almost wore out today! I think the next time before we go out, we have to tell each other what we wear, just in case...

Arise and Build 2005

The weekend is over, but over the weekend, it was a special moment for all of us in City Harvest. With the grace of God, we built Him a house in Jurong West, but 3 years later, we have now outgrown the building and so a bigger dream has burst forth. For those who are clueless, Arise and Build is a fund-raising campaign that CHC has embark on to build a new building "in the marketplace, for the market place, to penetrate the marketplace". Its not just about building a building but it is about building God a house. As I sat down in the main audi on Friday night, my mind began to wander. I tried to recall how many times I have pledged, I started to recall how much I have pledge, and once again, I recalled what God has spoken to me about this pledge. How much was I going to give? Its not that I didn't plan but God has an amazing way in working through you. Sometimes you think that the amount has been decided, but when service starts, suddenly a still small voice will speak to you. That was what happen to me. As I sat there listening to Pastor, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, prompting me to increase my amount not just by tens of dollars, but my hundreds! For a moment, I was thinking if it was really the Holy Spirit but yeah, it was Him. I started to calculate but somehow I felt there wasn't a need. If He has spoken, then let it be to me according to His will. Tears began to well up my eyes even before I started writing the pledge card, by the time I was finished, my tears were just flowing. I wasn't crying because it was too much of an amount to give and it wasn't because I couldn't bear to part with my money, I was crying because I was giving my precious. Nothing is ever precious to God if it isn't precious to you. I didn't know what faith it took to write down that amount in the pledge card but if God has spoken, then He is going to bring it through me...

The end of a beginning

Woohoo! I've finally graduated from NUS! After writing countless essays, attending or skipping tutorials and lectures, photocopying tons of reading and 3 years of having lunch in the Arts canteen, its finally the day I end my period of study, at least for now... Had my commencement ceremony (NUS wants to call it commencement instead of convocation) in the afternoon, it was just like a mad rush. Calling Hui Juan to check if she had arrive, rushing to change my academic gown, making sure that the mortar board won't fall off my head and running to and fro to take pictures with my friends. It certainly was hot wearing the gown... Anyway, the ceremony was very boring, just reading out names and clap, clap, clap. Nevertheless, I know my parents are proud of me. Felt like they waited for a long long time for this... Anyway, Hui Juan was very sweet, she bought a bouquet of flowers for me when Joshua didn't... Haha... And we finally took photos together, so now we complete everything that we wanted to do together... Thanks babe for the wonderful 3 years in NUS!
As I finished this phase of my life, I started to reflect and I realise that this pursue of my degree is a journey that started 6 years ago when I was just doing my 'O' levels... Yeah, it didn't start when I enter uni, it started at my 'O' levels. At that point of time, I was right down in the pits, having the worst moment of my life. I had backslidden and nothing was going well. My studies took a turn for the worse and suddenly, the dream of going to JC was so far away. Nevertheless, God didn't give up on me. He rescued me from the pits and since then, I have not looked back. He revived that dream, gave me the confidence and the vision. Through ups and downs, there were times that I wanted to throw in the towel, but somehow, I managed to hold on... I don't know how, I don't know why but its the grace of God. Now that I've graduated, my life journey is not going to end here. I believe that there will be greater things in store for my life and that's why (quoting from Sir Winston Churchill): Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

Where does my papa money go?

Yes, the question is where does my papa money go? If you have been reading the papers lately, you will surely know about the defamation suit that NKF filed against SPH, only to withdraw it on the second day of the proceedings. So what's that? Anyway, I believe that many people, not only me is very upset at NKF. Ok, before I start rattling on and on, let me get things straight. I have nothing against NKF. They've done a pretty good job in helping patients with needs to subsidise their dialysis, have prevention schemes and increase the awareness of kidney failure. These are really beneficial for society. Problem is, why can't they be transparent? So it took 3 times for the CEO to finally reveal his salary. So how how much does he earn? Gasp! $25k a month and 12 months bonus! Now that we are suffering from donation fatigue, is he willing to donate his bonus? Plus there are so many NKF charity shows a year. Now it makes you really wonder, how much of your donation really goes into helping the patients. The CEO travels first class, drives a mercedes, and they have taps that cost $900 plus! Furthermore, they have enough funds for 30 years, so why did they say that its only enough for 3 years?! Yes, I am irritated, super irritated and upset. Why? Because my father has been donating to NKF monthly for the past 10 over years. It started from $5, then $10, then $15 and now $20 a month. That means $240 a year! And my papa does't earn much ok. So where does his money go into? I am fine if the CEO earns $25k, and travels first class. Cos he is CEO mah, so these must be fitting of his status. But a 12 month bonus? It ain't fair when the public donating can't even get a 1 month bonus! And to think that he is enjoying a 12 month bonus?! And why do they need taps that cost $900 plus?! The one at my house costs only $100 plus, can you imagine? With that money can buy much more taps! I know the NKF wants to create the best environment for their patients but if much of their funds comes from public donations, then they should spend it wisely not lavishly. They can have excellence but it doesn't mean that it has to be expensive.

Initial D

Ok ok... I am finally writing about Initial D. I promised Hui Juan that I would write about Initial D so I am writing it now. I went to watch Initial D with Hui Juan, and you can imagine? I booked tickets to watch Initial D! Its my first for a Chinese movie. Come to think of it, Initial D is the second Chinese movie I watched this year... Normally dun watch one... Anyway, talk about booking tickets, I was quite, no, it should be very irritated with Shaw's booking system. First of all, you have to set up an user account to book tix. When you finally log in, you dunno where the screen is, there is no indication, to play safe, I booked seats in the middle row. Anyway, I was quite sceptical before I watched Initial D and Joshua thought that I was watching it because of all the handsome leads. But no, it isn't. Before (notice: its "before") I watched it, I didn't like Shawn Yue's moustache, I didn't like Edison's attitude, I didn't like Jay Chou's "zhuai-ness" and I didn't like Anthony Wong's critical attitude. Anyway, that was before the show. Everything changed after I watched it. Yes, women are fickle... Haha... Only Shawn Yue could pull off a moustache like this, you can't imagine it on Edison or Jay. And yes, Edison is really good looking with that dimpled smile, and Jay Chou is really stylo. Imagine lah, driving only with one hand without a care of what is really going on... Oh man! Super cool! Ok... Enough about the leads. You have Chapman To, Kenny B and Anthony Wong, put them together and they provide all the laughter in the movie. It isn't a comedy but having them in the show provide all the jest. And its one the few shows that had me laughing from beginning to end... Anyway, I started liking Jay Chou again after the movie... Hehe...

Batman Begins... War of the Worlds...

Arrgh... It seems that I can't keep a updated blog... I can't believe that I writing what I have seen in 2 weeks in one entry. Unbelievable... Anyway, let's start from Batman Begins. Well so far, I think this is one of the best Batman movies. Ok, I only saw the ones starring Val Kilmer and George Clooney but this is the best among all 3. The whole movie has a very dark feel... Everything is black and on the dark side... But at least its more human, and this Batman is the only superhero who has no super powers so it seems to be more humanized... Haha... I can't remember the rest liao...
War of the Worlds... Ok, so it is starring Tom Cruise... Actually, I was more interested in watching Dakota Fanning. She's a very young actress but she can act very well. I loved her role in Man on Fire with Denzel Washington. She is simply dazzling as an actress. But this movie kinda downplayed her acting skills. Throughout the show, she was screaming most of the time and her screams are really shrieking! Anyway, this show was more family focused. Tom Cruise was essentially acting as super dad saving his children, so everyone disappears and they survive. Still a little bit unrealistic lah cos he was acting as a dockyard worker in the show. But I take my hat off the author (can't remember his name) of War of the Worlds. He wrote the book in 1892 and his imagination is just amazing! Its more than a 100 years since the book was written and we only see it on the big screen now! So you can imagine what kind of imagination he has at the 19th century when technology was still not so advanced yet... Amazing...

The Zahir

Wow... Its almost two weeks since I last wrote a blog, that's pretty long for me. Anyway, there are a few things that I want to write, but I'll start with "The Zahir" first. So if you are reading my blog, you can keep a lookout for my next few blogs. Well, "The Zahir" is Paulo Coelho's latest book. Paulo Coelho is my all time favourite author. Among all his books, my favourite is "The Alchemist". If you've not yet read this book, go and read it! I promise you won't be disappointed. Anyway, back to "The Zahir"... When I first saw it, I marvelled at the thickness, it isn't those hundreds of pages kind of book, its just that I realise his books are getting thicker and this is the thickest ever since I started reading the books by Paulo Coelho. Actually, this book is dedicated to his wife but I feel its also a little bit of Paulo Coelho's autobiography, there are just some reflections of his life. Anyway, this book tells of a man whose wife disappeared all of a sudden without leaving any trace. She simply disappeared, but the thing is... She didn't die, she was waiting for him somewhere else. As she was waiting, the man started looking for her. The man went through a lot, disappointment, disillusionment but at the end of it, he came to realise and understand what true love was. Because of his search for her, he came to realise the power of destiny and also what it means to really follow your heart. I know this sounds like a love story but for me, it is not about the romantic part, I mean, it never was romantic. More importantly, it was the journey and it just reflects life itself. There are many things that we will go through in life, but each trial is a stepping stone, through every problem that we face, we learn to solve them, when we fall, we learn to pick ourselves up. Sometimes, the most important thing isn't the destination, it is the journey because the destination can be a source of motivation but the journey itself teaches us lessons that we will remember for life...

Interesting Story...

I received this interesting email from a friend...
Jesus and Satan were havimg an ongoing argument about who was better on the computer.
They had been going at it for days, and frankly God was tired of hearing of all the bickering.
Finally fed up, God said, "THAT'S IT!"
"I have had enough. I am going to give you a test that will run for two hours, and from the results, I will judge who does the better job."
So Satan and Jesus sat down at the keyboards and typed away.
They moused
They faxed
They emailed
They emailed with attachments
They downloaded
They did spreadsheets
They wrote reports
They created labels and cards
They created charts and graphs
They did some genealogy reports
They did every job known to man
Jesus worked with heavenly efficiency and Satan was faster than hell.
Then, ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, thunder rolled, rain poured, and of course, the power went off...
Finally the electricity came back on an each of them restarted their computers.
Satan started searching frantically, screaming:
"It's gone! It's gone!" I lost everything when the power went out!"
Satan stared at hi blank screen and screamed every curse word known in the underworld... but Jesus just sighed.
Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing out all of his files from the past two hours of work.
Satan observed this and became irate.
"Wait!" he screamed. "That's not fair! He cheated! How come he has all his work and I don't have any?"
God just shrugged and said,
"Jesus saves..."

My job...

I'll be graduating from NUS on 14 July. Finally... After so many years of studying, its time for me to enter into society and start working. So after receiving my exam results at the end of May and having decided then that I would not continue my honours year, I started looking for a job. Well, I can't say that I was looking actively as I already had in mind what I would be doing... Anyway, I finally met my JC tutor on Monday. He's working as a financial adviser now and that is precisely the line of work that I had in mind. So, I met him up on Monday and on Tuesday, I went to the office to register for the exams that I needed to take to qualify as a financial adviser. There are 3 modules that I need to take and I need to pass all 3 modules in one month. So I need to start mugging again... Heh... Anyway, if you are thinking of getting an insurance policy anytime this year, could you please hold on? Wait for me to pass my exams, become a financial adviser and you can be my client. I will gladly serve you...

Mr and Mrs Smith

I went to watch Mr and Mrs Smith last Friday... At the end of it... Well, the show is just about hype. 15 minutes into the show and you can understand why Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston had a divorce... Just watching the way how Mr and Mrs Smith met and got to know each other in the show and you get the picture... Other than that, I can't remember what the whole show was about... In the end, both of them had to kill a large number of assassins that had been sent to kill them. And so Mr and Mrs Smith worked together and shot them, and both of them were not hurt at all... Its kind of exaggerating... Anyway, hopefully the next two movies I'll be watching won't disappoint me... Looking forward to Batman Begins and War of the Worlds...

Extraordinary Emerge 2005

Emerge is a youth conference that is organised annually by CHC since 2003. This is the third year running and the theme for this year's Emerge is "Extraordinary". And it has really been an extraordinary conference. The standard for the various competitions is getting higher and the performance for every event is getting better. Indeed it is really moving from glory to glory! Putting aside the competitions, the music, the songs, the dance, what struck me the most was the presence of God. We can have the testimonies, the sermons, the praise and worship but without the presence of God, the conference would have boiled down to nothing. Words can never describe the presence of God. At the end of the conference, I know that whatever has been done or said isn't the focus, but the focus is just about the presence of God. Worship is not about the songs we sing, its not about how well I can pray, its not about the music, its not about how well I know the Bible, it is just about GOD. It is coming back to the heart of worship when nothing else matters except God. Essentially, it is a time for me to renew my pledge of love to God, and its a further confirmation that I never ever want to be away from His presence. For the rest of my life, I never want to turn away from Him...
As I sang "I never know how much it cost to see my sin upon the cross", it took on a new meaning. I knew it cost God everything to have Jesus on the cross but it really makes you think why would God want to do that. It is His love for us and He chose to gave His only son. His magnitude of love is indescribable, so on one hand I knew that it cost God everything but on the other hand I really didn't know how much He gave and sacrificed so that I could be saved...

Beloved Hated Israel

"Beloved Hated Israel" is a book written by Rev. Dr. Ulf Ekman. He is a pastor from Sweden. What makes this book interesting is that it is written about Israel, about the Jews. The land of Israel is a controversial topic. It generates much discussion and sometimes, heated debate. Nevertheless, through this book Pastor Ulf writes about the history of Israel, its problems and its future. The Jews are a chosen people of God. Through this book, Pastor Ulf has further my understanding about the Jews, and given me insight as a believer. I don't want to say much about this book but I'll let the words do the talking... Beloved Hated Israel is a must read for every believer.
Sentences/phrases in the book that have impacted me:
"Backsliding is really nothing other than a lack of gratitude for what the Lord has done."
"Be they Communists, Muslims or secularised politicians - no one has the right to prevent someone else from praying."
"In the biblical sense, the Jews are a prototype, an example of all mankind's journey through life and its dealings with, escape from and return to God."
"This is why anti-Semitism is so dangerously irrational. When it strikes out at and hates the Jew, it is striking itself. The hate it hurls against the Jewish people is a destructive self-haterd, which is essentially a hatred of God and a dark rebellion against God's love."
"The Holocaust is a showroom of horror, exposing our perverse ability to excel in concentrated evil."
"The motive of everything we do must be genuine love, and that love is unconditional."
"...I help Jews return home to Israel because a Jew once helped me. In fact, He saved my life."
"The higher the calling, the greater the opposition and suffering. But this will be followed by even greater glory."