Monday, December 25, 2006
Jesus - The Greatest Gift of All
He is the greatest gift from God to humankind.
He is my hope, my future, my guide, my friend, my Saviour.
Happy Birthday Jesus!
And to everyone in the world, have a blessed Christmas!
A happy weekend
Just this Saturday, our Lord showed us His immense faithfulness. From the response of my cell members, it seems like there would not be many new friends coming for the party. Imagine my surprise!
Nearly 100 people turned up and most are new faces! And praise our Lord, there wasn't a downpour on the day (despite the weather forecast saying there will be)! Sovereign God - the one who is in control of everything, even natural occurences! He is indeed a living God. God is good all the time :)
Yue went to church with me to attend the Christmas service yesterday. I'm so glad to have her with me... I hope the service helped her understand more about the meaning of Christmas and life as a Christian.
Hey yue, thanks for the pretty Christmas card. Your hand-made cards deserve to be framed up because each and every one of the cards you gave me from jc1 till now are lovely and special, full of witty & sincere words.
Yes, not forgetting my wonderful sisters, for your gifts and cards. All the heartfelt words on the cards and every gift made me feel very loved. Because God first loved us, we can all love one another. And, i got to say my blurblur sis Jiaying is clever. She spotted my christmas wishlist and bought sarah and i U2's latest compilation album! I love it!
U2 is for the rock chick in me.. Woo hoo!
NYDC with girls today
I went to have a Christmas lunch with sihui, jiaying, angie, shumin, weiying and sarah at nydc wheelock. Just went there last week with my nyjc clique but this time round, it's dessert decadence! We had mudpies and fudge cakes, topped with whipped cream, ice-cream, chocolate chips and rainbow bits. How sinful is that?
I dare say we put on a few more grams today. Opps.
Crusade's Metamorphosis Camp @ NUS tomorrow!
Hooray! I can't wait for it and I'm going to pack my bag now... Ciao everyone!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Welcome back Sunny Morning!
This morning, I woke up with the sunshine beaming at me. Time to hang the wet clothes!!!
So, the first thing i did was to hang up the laundry before i went out.
Last night's torrential rain was a nightmare! It stirred the hungry monster in me because the weather was so cold... I was craving a piping hot bowl of soup while cabbing home last night! But anyway, the rain made history. According to ST, yesterday's rain level was the 3rd highest in history. OooOOo.
AND, in the newspaper today, I discovered that there is still a kampung in Singapore and it is in Lorong Buangkok!
A kampung?!!!
Goodness gracious!
That's like finding me doing a wild hiphop dance on the streets! Or Lee Kuan Yew shopping for pants at a pasar malam!
I mean, come on, a kampung in Singapore?! Hello?
It is not supposed to happen!
Another interesting bit of Singapore learned. Cool. I must find out more about this kampung.
Wanderlust beckons
Ahhh. I have yet to earn money and I am already yearning to travel, especially in recent months!
My first target: A backpack trip to Auckland, NZ.
I am going there to count sheeps and pretend to be in the set of Lord of the Rings every single day. I can be Legolas, running across hills to kill the orcs. Or Arwen, meeting Aaragon in secret, ethereal places.
Ok, enough said, I am going to catch Inuyasha and gobble up the Pop'dohs Sarah just bought.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Girls day out
Met up with Yue, Pris and Char yesterday to have lunch in town and not to forget, SHOP! Haven't caught up with them since August! The gloomy and rainy day didn't dampen our spirits because our energiser-bunny CHARMAIN CHEW-ONG entertained us with her crazy antics and news on her Nicky. We went to Zara, the one near Wheelock and had fun trying their impposibly high heels. I think the heels were meant to kill leg muscles. I had such a hard time walking!
Char, our resident fashionista looked every bit like a Londoner while trying out Zara's red coat and red heels. She actually managed to strut in those insane heels! Phew.
When the day came to an end, Zhengxun drove to pick Pris up and we hitched a ride to get to Raffles City, with the rain pattering hard outside. Zhengxun is such a nice and smiley guy! But he's a bit uncle with his longer hair. Hee. STILL, he is very nice.
My Xena-like Mom
She's the best. Full of strength and bright ideas. Last Saturday, my mom was shopping around town and this little girl, about 4-5 years old came up to my mom...
Girl: Aunty, I'm lost. Can you help me find my mom?
My Mom: I'll bring you to the Information Counter so that they can report for you.
Girl: (pleadingly): I don't want.
My mom ponders for a while.
Mom: How about i carry you up as high as i can and you shout out loud for your mom? Ok?
Girl: Ok.
So, my mom lifted the puny girl, wrapping her hands on the little girl's legs and thrusted her into the air, above the crowd, and the girl yelled: "WHERE ARE YOU MUMMY?"
* MENTAL IMAGE TO HELP READERS: think of an actor thrusting his Oscar into the air by holding onto the base of the Oscar.
First time, no one responded. My mom then urged the girl to shout louder.
On the second time, she lifted her high up and the girl screamed even louder.
Finally, the little girl's mom found her, approaching them with a laughing and amused face.
A good ending to everything.
And trust my mom to be so innovative and strong!
CHRISTMAS WISHLIST
All i want for Christmas is you...
1) For all people of the world to know who Jesus Christ is.
2) To have excellent musicianship.
3) Neil Gaiman's latest book, "Fragile Things"
4) Sue Townsend's "Queen Camilla"
5) World peace that can also extend to my family.
6) U2's latest compilation album "18 Singles".
7) Good grades for all modules.
8) A back-packing trip to New Zealand/New York/London (NZ seems more possible though)
9) To eat up all the world supply's of Crystal Jade's Xiao Long Baos and Ikea's Meatballs. RAWR.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
ESCAPE!
Hmm... when was the last time i went there? I think in secondary 3, which is 4 years ago!
and why did i go back there again?
because i want to spend time with my cell group sisters and since admission to the theme park is super cheap now, why not? besides, i would love to thrill myself again with the adrenaline rush from those heart-thumping rides.
Yesterday, i had great fun with my girls, especially for Rainbow and Viking Ship! Lydia was as cool as a cucumber even though she sat at the highest point of the Viking Ship. Grace was clinging onto her life together with me on the Ship and i think it didn't help when i was badly freaked out. As for the Haunted House, i was too busy walking fast to notice the scary machines in the House itself. Xinyan just walked through everything in a breeze, leading us to the exit casually. Going to Escape umpteen times (according to xinyan herself) does help.
Overall, it was good fun and i thank God for the sunny weather. well, it beats having a stormy afternoon, isn't it?
an irony i would like to share...
grace: i am going to scream on these rides!
me: grace, don't scream too loud ok.
at the end of our first ride, grace didn't scream. i screamed the most and the loudest.
heh heh.
After our outing, most of us trooped back to church for prayer meeting. i am glad most of my cell little ones obediently went. i hope the prayer meeting ministered to them. it did to me... i felt the pleasures of the music and i envisioned God's warriors marching in majestically to build a fortress around our church. The scene was grandiose but comforting at the same time. I'm sure our Lord's favour is upon the church.
Sarah's maiden job
Praise the Lord, Sarah found a job. Her job is so cool (she recruits people, gives interviews, works in ngee ann city and has to wear a blazer to work.), it makes me look like coffee auntie with my previous admin jobs. Now she can always go to Taka B1 and grab Pop'dohs for me.. Yay!
Nuts about nuts
i am searching for nuts. no, i'm not talking about those Camel nuts or Tong Garden nuts that are meant for Chinese New Year.
I am talking about good ole' natural nuts that are not fried or tainted with salt. I want nuts that come together with sultanas and raisins (the packet that aunty susan got from aussie). yummalicious. i want the almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, brazil nuts that are satisfying and healthy. give me the good ole' nuts! i am nuts about nuts!
pls tell me where to find them.
Monday, December 11, 2006
And I had to feel better now!
I am munching on nuts that Aunty Susan bought from Melbourne to ease my disappointment now. I passed out on a buffet lunch with my mom, ah ma, aunts and cousins today because I was ill at that moment!!! URGH. I think it is because of the potent concoction of huge portions of fries and a gigantic banana milkshake i had with shumin, angie and sarah as well as a late night out with my pre-u seminar group mates the night before.
When I arrived at Sakura, WHAM! A dizzy spell and nausea hit me out of nowhere.
I even resorted to throwing away my contact lenses to get rid of my dizziness. But no, it didn't help. Sadly, I trudged my way back to the train station alone, leaving my family and a big feast behind me. I felt so horrid and nauseous that I begged God to stop me from puking on the train, at least not when i am alone!
Since I threw away my contact lenses, everything was unclear but I did not care.
On my way home, I don't care if i looked like a schizophrenic housewife on the verge of breaking down. i don't care if someone is staring at me sympathetically while i press my chest to stop my nausea. i don't care if someone dug his nose 2cm in front of me and slapped his snot on my hand or if i accidentally stepped on the remnants of dead cockroaches.
All that matters at that time was to get home quickly and hit the sack.
By God's grace, I did. I had my fish porridge and slept away the rainy afternoon.
My gift? Thanksgiving in cell.
For last Saturday's Street E, cher,lydia and i won a soul for God. Shuxian, a lovely 15 year-old accepted Christ as her Saviour readily and at that precise moment, i was filled with joy! For most of my evangelistic endeavours, I see at least one coming to Christ. It is my affirmation and I believe that God has granted me this gift of evangelising on the streets. For me, the important attitude to have when you approach people is to firmly believe that this person is only a few words away from eternal life. YAY! I am so happy!
I am also happy because Limin managed to invite her friend to the Youth Christmas Party, Xinyan knew how to give thanks to God for her studies, Jiaying for her work (she is truly blessed!) and Lydia, she requested to us to pray for her sis, showing that she is becoming selfless. Praise our good Lord!
James Morrison is in my room now
I bought the CD! Yes I did. They threw in a free poster of Morrison as well. Even though he is not drop-dead gorgeous, his gruff and earnest singing voice made up for everything. His songs are excellent for chill-out and definitely easy to everyone's ears. Good investment i have there.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Dispelling THE MYTH
Myth: The Arts stream is for lousy students.
Fact: The Arts stream is NOT for lousy students. There is always this misconception that when students don't do well, they end up studying Arts/Humanities & Social Sciences.
But let me tell you, ARTS IS NOT EASY TO STUDY!!!
In fact, only intelligent and critical students can study and do well for social sciences and humanities. It may seem easy to study but doing well and comprehending concepts are not easy at all, unlike science subjects. In science, when you are wrong, you are wrong. According to scientific formulae, you cannot be both correct and incorrect. It is easy to score if you do your calculations correctly. But in Arts, we observe phenomena with a balanced view. There is no right or wrong, only convincing or not. And let me tell you, it takes a GENIUS to be convincing about his/her opinions. It is hard work but I'll strive on to write better and be an excellent Arts student for God's glory!
I remember I read a quote from an author that answers why he gave up on Science. Well, the reason is: (paraphrased) Science doesn't teach him to approach the girls in his class.
Reminder to self: Read more; watch less of TV. And PAY UP!
There has been much hype about Princess Hours recently. My sis is catching it. My cell group little sisters love it. Even Shuhui watched it! Many of such Taiwanese and Korean serials are attractive because it allows you to fantasize about a possibility of a turbulent/exciting/heart-wrenching love life.
Yes yes, I watched it, because I need some entertainment while having dinner.
Hmm, but rather than indulge in fleeting fantasies, why not invest in lifelong lessons through reading?
There are so many good books around. The Bible (a treasure cove of our wonderful God's promises), CS Lewis' "Mere Christianity" and Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" are good books that we ought to be reading. Reading allows you to fantasize too (if you are reading Roald Dahl's or JRR Tolkien's or Terry Pratchett's that is)!
Oh yes, I MUST PAY UP FOR META CAMP SOON! Talking about that, I recently went out with my DG group. I had a great time dining at a Hong Kong cafe and we found out about our dear DGL's wild past. Looking at her now, God has indeed put a miracle in her life.
MY DG trying to be as serious as the terracotta warrior.
(clockwise: me,michelle, peiwen -my DGL and shuxian)
(clockwise: me,michelle, peiwen -my DGL and shuxian)
Xiuwen's belated birthday celebration
After countless outings to Pizza Hut, Fish & Co, Cafe Cartel and Swensens, my JC chums/classmates are finally tired of these run-in-the-mill Western food chains and are sourcing for exotic foods. So, for Xiuwen's belated birthday celebration, they decided on Cafe Iguana at Clarke Quay to have Mexican food. The people who turned up weren't the full strength of my class but I enjoyed myself nonetheless.
For dinner, I had shredded steak burrito. The shredded steak burrito was huge and filling and it went pretty well with the lime margarita we ordered. I had a few sips of margarita and before I knew it, I felt my heart pulsating hard, blood rushed to my face, my ears burned and that LIM WEIQI started teasing me because of my tomato-red flushed face. Thank goodness I recovered after a while. At the end of the day, it was a satisfying time of reminiscing and catching-up. That's what I call good food, good company.
Monday, December 04, 2006
I am back after nearly 2 weeks of hiatus!
NEWTON LIFE CHURCH CARNIVAL and NAINAI
2 Sundays ago, I went to Newton Life Church, which is my Nai Nai's (not milk, but grandma) church for a fund-raising carnival. The last time I went, it was ancient. I remember things were musty brown with age, floors were very retro (those small little tiles type) and the Sunday School walls were adorned with tattered pieces of artwork (I used to go to the church for classes).
After a facelift, the whole place is so much more new but of course, it didn't feel familiar. Pity. Gone are the memories.
Since it was new to me, Angie and I explored the place and we spotted their youth ministry board. It was simply decorated with ZO cards and pictures of all their youth leaders in their funniest poses were pasted there. Cool. But what was best is that they have a LOUNGE.
A lounge!!!
Our new church should have a lounge too. Yea, so we don't have to hang out at Coffee Bean or Starbucks or TCC to chill and blow big bucks on iced kopi.
I became a piece of unfortunate exhibit when I arrived at the church as my grandma began introducing me to her friends.
I had to present my Miss Singapore 2006 smile and wave daintily to all of them. AHHH.
Some even thought that I AM MY NAINAI'S DAUGHTER! I'll take it as a compliment to my nainai.
Or do I look old? DOUBLE AHHHH.
This is my nainai. She looks good for her age, doesn't she? She's already 71 years old.
C.S Lewis' The Screwtape Letters
CS Lewis certainly is a maestro in words orchestration! Recently, I read The Screwtape Letters again. His point-of-view as the Devil's advocate is remarkably striking and real. I believe God has granted Mr. Lewis the gift of clear writing and wit to write engaging and intelligent books for readers to savour. MmmMMm.
"Above all, do not attempt to use science as a defence against Christianity. They will positively encourage him to think about the realities he can't touch and see. There have been sad cases among the modern physicists." (me: I believe he was talking about Albert Einstein? Hee.)
"It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out."
-Screwtape (the Devil's advocate) from "The Screwtape Letters"
It is delightful to read Mr. Lewis' works. Love them. See you in heaven Mr. Lewis!
CHURCH YOUTH CAMP 06
Top 5 Highlights
1) Camp Auction: My darling mafia (You'll know why once you see the photo) group bidded for 2 toilet rolls! Silly.
2) Group skits in Chinese Opera, Bollywood, Multi-accent, Hip Hop and Musical styles. Hilarious and original.
3) Mass Dance. Whee. Refreshing and addictive.
4) Community Service – meaningful and humbling.
5) Sleeping in the Cry Room. THE BEST PLACE TO SLEEP.
X-Men- My camp groupGirls, secrets and tea
3rd December 2006: An afternoon of expose (say "ex-po-zay") and true feelings.
Raw. Real. Revolutionary. Totally turned my heart upside down and deepest secrets were spilled; laid bare for my good girl friends to listen during afternoon tea at Esplanade's Mrs Fields. Of course, we all promised to keep it confidential, all sealed within the group.
We nearly went on a Bum Boat ride at the waterfront because the bumboat uncle was willing to charge us only $5 (original for adults was $12) per person. Pity. We didn't take the offer. But the bumboat uncle was very friendly. He kept talking to me and told me about his daughter, about PSA and ice cream stalls. I'm lovable, am I?
What to expect from here
FLASHBACK
CREDITS