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+ Elenana
+ 04 Jan
+ elenatan@gmail.com
Full time music teacher
Loves God's creation, Loves travels, Loves beaches........
+ 04 Jan
+ elenatan@gmail.com
Full time music teacher
Loves God's creation, Loves travels, Loves beaches........
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Blabber from today's mtg
This is my blog, and right now i want to do some reflections, but due to the nature of this blog, some reflections have to be committed to memory =)
Just came back from a mtg. Yeah, many questions were asked....lotsa question marks, each came clean with each other, but such mtgs aren't where i can think best...i can think best when i'm alone. i agree with most said, cept for one that i had a huge question mark in my head. But no, i've no grievances, not even 1% so NO..i don't qualify. But i think this is just the beginning. We need to talk. Big time.
It's interesting to see how when a few pple are put together, u get such dynamics, and i have always loved this grp of pple. Like someone also mentioned, i too hold high regard for everyone there. End of the day, what is too much and what is too little? What is right and what is wrong? Who decides?
Haha, we know better. Thank you Lord for whatever happened. I pray u preserve our friendships. Nothing must go wrong, coz this is just the beginning.
It's been a long time since i headed to the gym. I shall head there tmr! i SHOULD, i MUST, and i WILL!! Hee~!!
1.47am: Thank you for the openness, God made us who we are, end of the day, friendship belongs to Him. *Hugs*
My tots, His plans
"God will never take away something without giving u something better in it's place." (c-nana's blog)
Yeah, i think we're all struggling to hold on to this tot and promise, but yeah, it's true. God is a faithful God.
In this season, God's teaching me how to walk in step with Him, not too fast, not too slow. He's teaching me how some things just can't be planned, but we need to allow Him to guide us. As much as we want something, as much as our plans are free of loopholes, God can choose to take away as and when He deems fit. Painful yea, but we know it's for the better. Sometimes, i try to cushion the pain with a tot.."Maybe it's only temporary?" But God knows betta. Suffering develops patience and perseverance.
I leave my tots and plans in Your hands,
Amen
2nd Time at Greenridge
Haha...it hasn't gotten to a point where i dread gg to Greenridge to teach, i mean it's only the 2nd time today, but it does require some bracing-myself-up-for-it. Got up pretty early today, my early means 9.30-10am kinda timing. Haha. Met EC for lunch and then off i went to teach. Yeah, it was pouring heavily when i got there.
Today's lesson was ok...did sectionals with them...i had better control of my time...coz i did a lil planning b4 hand (BUT I DIDN'T STICK TO IT). So well..all it needed was just some quick-thinking. By the end of the lesson (2.5 hrs), i almost lost my voice. Yeah, it's secondary sch kids, mind u...they all have a mind of their own. But they cooperated with me, so it was ok. My friend told me they chased away the prev male instructor because they didn't like him...i wonder when they'll chase me away, haha!
But i thank God for all these lil assignments, they get me thru financially. And again, i say, i'm not rich. i dun exactly print money.
Abandoned vs Loved
Thoughts for the day:
What will i do if i am abandoned?
I've gone thru it and i know how it feels...As much as the Apostle Paul would have liked to have his friends present, he took great comfort in knowing that God would use his suffering for God's glory.
Also had thoughts abt how vulnerable am i willing to be with pple...which boils down to why i find it easier to love than to receive love.
But of course, it also boils down to my one of my love languages - Quality time - And pple who spend the most time with me will see the vulnerable me because i'll choose to give myself to them. =)
OK, enuff tots.
Today i got up at 1145am, after a long and quite disturbing dream, which caused me to feel heavy. Had lunch, did some stuff and then went back to sleep till 445pm. Anyone has a new name for me? Went out to run some errands and headed to Esther's office. We had Korean food for dinner, Esther had Bibimbap, the stone bowl's cool. i ate Omu rice, yum. Had a few rounds of pool....i've a very nice picture of how
someone arranged the balls. Yeah, at that point, frankly i was confused too...but it was highly amusing.
Thank you Lord for Love.
My Beautiful Hiding Place
I've found a new place to sleep!
Today, air-con in the LT was spoilt and we had to endure the svc without air-con. It was really cool, coz while we were worshipping God during the 9am prayer mtg, God just sent rain. In the morning b4 i left house, i had the suspicion that it would rain too. Anyway, the rain was timely and was something we really needed today! And after svc, it was bright and sunny. Thank You again Lord!
Had a good chat with the PRC pple today, i just thank God for whatever was shared and discussed. A time of iron-sharpening-iron...and my friend has improved greatly. (she knows what i mean)
Had our worship pract for Worship Conference, till bout 4 plus, not too bad, but my energy was zapped totally by the end of pract. I became really quiet and sedated.
Today, as what RJ Rosales says, Singaporeans derive our nicknames from our names. If i'm Elena, i'm also know as "Ele" or "Nana", as what my parents call me. Today, Rosales gave Esther two nicknames - "ES" or "THER". And he said it in front of SOOOOOOOO many pple! So lame but i like him!!
We went to Esplanade Waterfront, spontaneously but yet planned in some way coz i wanted to catch RJ sing. Went to the waterfront to just relax, Est wanted to read, and obviously i wanted to?????????? S-L-E-E-P. Yes, i really thank God coz it was HE who provided this beautiful weather. It was just perfect. Slightly setting sun, cooling, not too windy, and the sea was calm with light waves. Purrrfect! Yeah, so i was just sleeping as Est was reading, and someone (stranger) was just opposite us, watching every lil movement we make. I mean that someone was also
reading a book, but we are right in front of him, so every weird thing we do will be seen by him. Yeah, after a prob half an hr-45 min nap, decided to take the River Taxi...Muahaha. We were already contemplating when we reached the waterfront, but we decided to do it only abt 630pm. This is my second time in that River Taxi, but it was still so fun. Some things will just remain fun no matter how many times u do it. Haha, Est learnt something new abt me again today. Well done. =)
Finally, we managed to make it back abt 7.35pm after a slow stroll from Boat Quay back to Esplanade. Though the whole place was totally full when we got there, apparently for some strange reasons, the steps right in front of the stage was vacated. So we decided to sit there. And after 5 min, i realised we've got the best seats in the house. Coz most of the time, he was just standing in front of us singing and i could see him CLEARLY. I've never laughed so much in a performance before, but this guy is REALLY GOOD. He has a bright future man. Totally engaging, fantastic voice, very inspiring. I love him, and i think i'll be at every concert that he sings in. Doesn't help man...the way he just stares at u in yr eyes as he sings, i literally melted. Haha.
Dinner at Gluttons Bay, and then home. It's been a great day. I feel blessed.
"Though my memory is probably not any much better than yours (Used to be better la...but i'm growing old u see, and i didn't take ginkgo) but yeah, every one of whatever-you-wanna-call-them (haha) will be in my memory too. Love ya lots" - na
Where Art Thou?
Anybody knows where this place is? Very simple to guess one....
Eventful Half a Weekend
Yesterday, went to shaw to find sam and passed him his tshirt i got from HK. Then, met Esther for dinner, and we went to Tangs. YES, it's the sales again, counters were busy...so u can guess what happened next. I bought my mummy a new handbag...and she liked it! Within 5 min, she transferred all her things into the new bag. Nice....
Sleepy Cheong FINALLY decided that my house was the best place (after doing all her calculations) for friday night.
Next day, really thank God for providing the car, though i didn't get it at "first ask" but i finally got it anyway. It was gd to have it for today, coz we had to run everywhere. Went for missions, went to collect PRC bks, grab dora's pressie, back to church for pract, and to BBQ. What a busy day. But it was a great day, coz u have great company. Ard 9 plus, looking at the way i drive, u prob think i was drunk. Thank you Lord for protecting us on our journey home!
My New Student
My new student is very sweet. She bought me two red roses on her first lesson to my place. That provides company for my sunflower. She's married, 50 yrs old, has no children. This is cool. She shared abit about her life. After many ups and downs, God brought her to me to learn christian music playing. She's been learning with other teachers for a while now. Initially, agency told me student wanted to learn pop playing, but ended up it was gospel playing. She's a typical auntie whom i can't go too fast with, or i'll end up talking to myself.
God says, "Just teach her, and love her with all u can." =)
I'M HAPPY!
First of all..I'm happy!
Next, i'm still happy!
Joy #1 - Cousin has agreed to join a cell group, initially it was tough coz he was all stressed up at sch and all...oh cousin, i can understand how u feel, i was once there too...so anyway, i tot maybe i've to put on hold for a while and be contented with him coming down for Sunday Svc every wk. Yesterday, cousin spoke to me, and boy, he wanted to attend cell grp! Wah i tell u, i jumped up when he told me that! See how God works, as usual, our thoughts are not God's tots, our ways not God's ways, God works far beyond the human mind can think. Thank You Lord, take control and take over from here.
Joy #2 - This morning (while i was still sleeping), a ACS (I)'s HOD called me, asked me if wanna do music teaching relief, replace a teacher on maternity leave, and also said she herself might attend a 3-4 month course next yr and this HOD teaches *ahem* MEP. So what does that mean? HAHA. Doors are opening. Patience paid off. Heehee. For your info, in the beginning of the year i went for an interview with MOE and cutting all the crap short, they wanted me to redo my degree with them. So after asking them to fly kite, i made up my mind that i can never get a job with them anymore, much less think abt teaching my dream subject - MEP. Spoke with the ACS HOD before, she told me to go overseas to get a teaching education cert, oh well..but anyway, today i told her, i've not got down to it and will prob not consider getting down to it...haha...and yet..this still came. That's why i'm lost for words, haha.
HIDE AND SEEK!
Wednesday
When u play hide and seek with a love one, u embrace the thrill of it..totally.
Today, after teaching at home, i went for my favourite past time. Love it, anyway it isn't cheap, so make the best of it =)
Was supposed to meet Esther to head to city hall together, she had to stay in office for a while longer to finish up stuff. So, i headed to get my petals, and then, was abt to leave when she called and said she was on her way. So i waited at the bus stop. Was pretty excited when she called coz means my wait was finally over! Fantastic!! the bus that i was supposed to hop on to, zoomed past before my eyes, and i almost cried!! Nevermind, decided to hop onto another bus behind, hoping to see what i can do, at most just meet her at our final destination.
My dear Esther called back.
Esther: "What's yr bus number ah?"
Elena: "Erm, cannot see leh...very small, looks like 1167H."
Esther: "Hahaha, i mean yr bus number!!"
Elena: "Oh 106. Eh, u dun get down anywhere leh..106 doesn't stop at all the stops...
Oh Shucks!! Esther, don't tell me you got down???? Where are u???"
Esther: "..............................oh u mean 106 doesn't stop at this bus stop ah?"
HAHAHA!!!! Whatever happened in between after that only took 5 min....
Hahaha, and finally we were reunited. Well, we got to our destination anyway..just merely took slightly longer than usual....=)
(Esther, i blogged this down for yr reading pleasure...*Blink blink*...)
Anyway, had dinner with M'kk Gals at New York, New York, a nicer version of NYDC. Menu had so much yummy stuff, didn't know what to choose. We shared pork ribs - big bones, little meat. The food there is gd i must say, tried the appetizers, good stuff!
*PIC, we need to visit that place again soon! HAHA.
The Greenridge Experience
Haha...What a title!
Today i knew i couldn't escape, i had to fulfill my call to the choir of Greenridge Secondary. Yes, my friend was going on maternity leave, asked me to take over her + prob do long term once a wk teaching there....so yeah...i plucked up my courage..got out of my comfort zone...i s**** it's really way out of my comfort zone...and decided i had to turn up. haha. This isn't my first choir teaching experience, but yet, teaching anywhere in a group setting is just energy-zapping. Esp also where u've not been given any scores before the first lesson, yeah, it's just gg there by faith and hope God will work a miracle.
After lunch with Es..went on a hairband spree, i bought 3 new hairbands, they are useful man..now that the weather is getting hot again...and then made my way to Greenridge. Ok la...not as bad as i tot..as usual, just needed to know the "secrets" of handling secondary sch kids, make them like u but yet not let them climb over yr head. i brought up the topic bout the fact that it's students like them that land majority of teachers in IMH aka woodbridge, and it tickled them...terrible la these students. But yeah i guess the majority of them are nice pple...so i'll put in all that i can to love these children as God has entrusted me with. While teaching, i was just pondering (ya..esther will be amazed by how i can multi-task like that) abt why God has called me into this sort of classroom teaching, and yes, actually though it's not as simple as one-to-one teaching, this is really the kind of environment i'd like to be in..called to mass impact..but no teaching music as a sch subject pls.
Life is getting more and more meaningful each day. It just calls for simplicity on my part, to trust and walk each step of the way with my Lord. =)
Long Call
I just spoke to c-na for 3 hrs..my eyes are closing. I NEED TO SLEEP!!
Journey
Journey
It's a long long journey
Till I know where I'm supposed to be
It's a long long journey
And I don't know if I can believe
When shadows fall and block my eyes
I am lost and know that I must hide
It's a long long journey
Till I find my way home to you
Many days I've spent
Drifting on through empty shores
Wondering what's my purpose
Wondering how to make me strong
I know I will falter
I know I will cry
I know you'll be standing by my side
It's a long long journey
And I need to be close to you
Sometimes it feels no one understands
I don't even know why I do the things I do
When pride builds me up till I can't see my soul
Will you break down these walls and pull me through
Cause it's a long long journey
Till I feel that I am worth the price
You paid for me on Calvary
Beneath those stormy skies
When Satan mocks and friends turn to foes
It feels like everything is out to make me lose control
Cause it's a long long journey
Till I find my way home to you
To you
My Weekend
Friday
Had cell core mtg. Yeah....not the best thing to do on a friday night, but it was a gd time to just once again come and pray and worship the Lord with Brothers and Sisters who are serving the Lord together.
Before the meeting, had to register my student for her Theory Exam. Then i headed to Esplanade for a slow walk...just wanted to spend time on my own. Went to take some pictures....Yah....really needed the recovery badly.
Psalmist/Sound Retreat
Went to Pasir Ris Costa Sands for a combined retreat. The session by pastor was very very very gd. Taken from Leviticus, we learnt abt the five different offerings. 1) Burnt Offering, 2) Grain Offering, 3)Fellowship/Peace Offering, 4) Sin Offering, 5) Guilt Offering. Really took us to a higher level to even reflect abt our stay in ministry, our purpose and even spiritual values to uphold in this Christian Journey.
Had a heart to heart talk within the Psalmist Ministry, that was due long long long ago. Heartwarming to hear different ones share, iron sharpening iron. There's so much more that the Lord can do thru us as his servants...I must hand it to my dear friend - (You know who u are..God has poured lots of His wisdom into you...) You were really sensitive, and moved in the right direction by initiating this whole talk.
'Neway, retreat was a gd time to catch up with some.
Sunday
Today, left retreat early in the morning, went for svc...yes, again really happy my cousin came, this wk i was available to sit with him. Signed up for Ladies Retreat, saw God work before my EYES...saw how he carried Esther thru the Ladies Retreat Presentation. Yes, all that fluster that we were in, and when we looked back...haiz....worry so much for wat right..end of the day, it's God who will work miracles. =)
Went to ECP today, for a time of ahem *sleeping*. Yes, u got me right...S-L-E-E-P-I-N-G. One of our common hobbies (of the two Es gals) is sleeping in parks. Wanted to go home and sleep coz was suffering from lack of sleep from last night's retreat, but later decided to go to the park to chill. Cell was there also, some to jog, some to ride bicycle, some to blade, some to "nua"....like us. Both of us set up our little corner, and off we were into dreamland, with light music in the background. We had two dear bodyguards (who were also nua-ing), guarding while we dozed in and out of our sleep. It was nice...though there was this *ahem* weird couple doing some weird things next to us. BUT....I STILL LOVE THE SEA!!!!
All in all, it was a gd day, nice time also just walking in orchard with my fellow sleeper.
A good reminder to us, even as we continue living this life for God. A simple and familiar song, but yet means lots.
The Potter's Hand
Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Savior
I know for sure
all of my days are
Held in Your hand
Crafted into Your perfect plan
You gently call me into Your presence
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord
To live all of my life
through Your eyes
I'm captured by Your holy calling
Set me apart
I know You're drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray
Take me, mould me
Use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter's hand
Call me, guide me
Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter's hand
Back From Hongkong/Macau
It's gonna be a long entry, and i'm just sitting here doing some recollections of the past few days' events. Probably will upload my pictures (a few thousand shots combined) next wk.
Friday (11/08) - Flight was 9.50am, had to be at the airport at 8am, 7.50am to be exact. Thank God for sending a cab our way, with no need to call, no morning peak surcharge which starts at 7am. After doing our check-ins, headed to HANS for breakfast. Yes, where's my BK Breakfast??? But yeah sigh, Budget terminal doesn't have any BK, and it was too rush to head over to terminal 2, so we settled for HANS. Not too impressive though. Did some final emailing, said some final goodbyes, yeah, for those of you who know me well would know i take every holiday departure pretty seriously. Fantastic, boarded the plane, sat at the emergency exit (for the sake of having more leg space but sacrificed inclining chair), and there was a DELAY. But it wasn't that bad...only 1 hour la.
Reached Macau, took a ferry to Hongkong. Pretty fast. It was quite an experience lugging our luggage everywhere. Even in Hongkong, we took the MTR to our hotel and it wasn't easy. Especially when u have pple standing there just WATCHING you struggle your way thru, impression of Hongkongers just went "UP" one notch. (Fortunately my hongkonger friends are no where like them!!) Hotel was nice, simple, and cozy. Thank God for the free internet access, which helped me unwind and communicate. Went to walk in Causeway Bay. Checked out the area nearest to where we stay. Had a late dinner because we had a late lunch. Guess what, we had KFC for dinner...IN HONGKONG??????? Yes, in Hongkong. Waha.
Saturday (12/08) - Met up with Olivia and Nelson, brought us to Yum Cha, yum yum...went to this restaurant by the Maxim Group called "Jade Garden", very near our hotel. After that, we went to Tsim Sha Tsui, in the southern part of Kowloon. Hongkong has a fantastic transport system called the MTR (just like our MRT la) but it's fantastic how u can get from one place to another in such a short time, and mind you it's Big Hongkong, not Small Singapore. Yeah, truly impressed. Had a shopping time in Esprit, Miramar Buiding - UniQlo, Grandville Road, and then Star Ferry Terminal where Shirley went to meet her friend. At night, we went to the Avenue of Stars where we watched the Symphony of Lights display across the Victoria Harbour. Splendid experience, it's just like walking along the Esplanade Waterfront, i always enjoyed such leisure walks.
Soon, it was time to ferry our way back to Causeway Bay for dinner. Noticed the culture in HK, pple don't rush to board the ferry, they take their time. Unlike in Singapore, u see how pple push their way to grab seats. Finally, at 11pm, we were given our table for dinner at Watami Jap Restaurant. (Had an interesting video taken of my dish cooking, it was DIY omelette making.) Finally, it was time to head back for some REST!!
Sunday (13/08) - Today, we visited SOGO and later decided to have lunch at "CHI JI", place that Pastor recommended for Wanton Mee. Did we go to G.O.D? After that, headed to Mongkok, Ladies Market which sold things which could mostly be found in Thailand as well. Got some daily necessities. Didn't manage to get much also, market quality stuff cannot make it.
End of the day, i did some reflections which i jotted down, "Shopping here is not that fantastic and yes, i'm kinda thankful to be staying in Singapore. Food in Singapore is not that expensive too. In Hongkong, i can spend abt $30 on food a day, just simple meals."
Monday (14/08) - Today was declared Sight-seeing day, according to our itinerary. Went to get some disney stuff and then headed to Macs for Brunch. (Yeah, Macs this time...and Macs provides one of the cheapest alternative for food..) Yeah, my hotel provides free set breakfasts but i never usually make it on time for them, mainly no incentive cuz the sets are the same EVERYDAY.
Off we went to Ocean Park, it was indeed a HOT DAY. i could literally BBQ and bake in the sun. The escalators there are cool. Long and neverending. Didn't manage to take the rides, queues were too long, weather was just too HOT! Ended up, went to all the aquariums, see jellyfish, sharks etc. Ended the day with a scenic cable car ride. The 30 min queue was worth the wait. The scenery was beautiful, the cable car ride is similar to the one i took in Langkawi just that it wasn't as steep.
Went to TST again, by then Shirley was already dead tired, and had to scrambled back to the hotel for some time off. That night i did quite alot of reflections, lotsa thoughts were going thru my head. Was feeling sad, regretful, unhappy, and all the negative thoughts just flowed into me one by one. On the trip, i really looked forward to my every-night-time-with-God. The walking and walking just ate into me. And yes, this holiday was meant to be for leisure!!!
Tuesday (15/08) - Today was declared FREE N EASY day, boy was i thankful. Went to Yum Cha with Shirley at one of the Chinese Restaurants. Went to island beverly walk, and then we were off on our own. She went to meet up with another friend, and i took a casual walk in Causeway Bay. Yes, finally, casual walk, to unwind, but cannot make it la..the air so polluted. Went back to the hotel, laid all my things down, decided to head to TIMES SQUARE Supermarket. Was quite therapeutic to grocery shop. Was trying to look for some food stuff to buy back, only found one. Some erm Black Pepper Sliced Salami.
At night, after dinner at another Wanton Mee place, Shirley and I went to THE PEAK. i enjoyed the tram ride, seemed like a mini aeroplane take off, very steep. We had Burger King up there, (yes it was a luxury...) Took some pics, breathed in some nice cool air, and then came down.
Wednesday (16/08) - Today, gonna leave HK for Macau...did some last minute picking up of stuff, yes, finally we had breakfast again at the hotel. Our last breakfast wahaha. Finally shared with Shirley that i was feeling down. And she got me GODIVA Chocolates to perk me up!! Thank you, yes first time trying GODIVA chocolates was a luxury too. Went to find "DAN TA" (egg tarts) decided not to buy home but ate one there instead. Yummy yum.
Time to leave Hongkong, say hi to Macau, reached there, checked into hotel and took a nap. Went to some touristy attractions for some nice picture-taking. Had Macs again, this time at 5.30pm, we were having lunch-dinner. (Not bad hor...Macs everywhere, but yeah they sell different things..there's so much to compare.) Headed to the Ruins of St Paul's Church, walked a huge round to get there, where actually it's only abt 10 min walk from our hotel. (Again, will put up the pics later..i think i should join the photography club) Place is somewhat polluted, worse than HK. Buildings all dilapidated. Again, visited a MacCafe this time, for the Mango Frapp. We went to the Hotel Lisboa Casino, seeing the way pple win money is so fun!!!
Did some reflections again, yeah, was glad my thoughts and emotions were understood internationally, thankful for the emails/SMSes, i needed them. James 1 spoke again.
Thursday (15/08) - Today was our last day in Macau, we went for Yum Cha in the restaurant in our hotel for brunch. Then checked out and headed to New Yaohan. We yao-ed our way thru that shopping centre then headed opposite for more attractions and picture-taking. NICE!!!! The man-made structures were very pretty. Took pics until cameras went flat. Saw many different kinds of lamps. But it was broad daylight, so they were not lit. Back to hotel, to airport, and back in Singapore!
My stamina increased man, after this holiday, but no, i no longer enjoy extensive shopping. I'm growing old. Probably didn't put on any weight because of all that walking, but my intake of chocolates certainly increased. Yea, when i'm unhappy or stressed, choc intake is high.
Now, what do i need? Another holiday to recuperate from this. I'm really thankful to be living in Singapore, no pollution, cheaper food, cheaper things, good roads, nice taxi drivers.
I'VE LEFT FOR HONGKONG
By the time u guys read this entry, i would have left for hongkong. Yeah, a trip for me to unwind, a trip for me to see more of the world. Yes, having conquered another country is something i find joy in. But i've also some regrets.
Anyway, yeah, dun miss me...continue tagging...i'll constantly check over there....wahhaha...yeah my hotel has internet access..whoo hoo!!!
I love u my friends, love u guys alot. God bless, and have a great wkend and wk ahead!
A Busy Errands Day...ends with A Beautiful Night
Today, i had to teach, return gown, change remainder of currency + teach again at night. Went to try the soba at Paragon, soso only la...no big deal leh.
My busy day ended with a beautiful night...memorable, something i'll never forget...(wah.."long zhong" right...) God uses different ways and different pple to bring joy into my life, a kind of joy that not everyone can bring.
1. Thank you for coming to my place.
2. Thank you for sending me for my teaching.
3. Thank you for picking me up for dinner.
4. Thank you for surveying the grounds, and checking out the dinner place before bringing me there. (YUM!)
5. Thank you for the session of sparklers. (Now where are the photos?)
6. Thank you for sending me home.
7. Thank you for returning to pick up the cake i left for u..
Thank you for every little thing u said, every action u did, every thought u had. It really brightened me up in this dark season. Thank you for being u. =)
THE MIND IS THE WEAKEST THING IN A HUMAN BODY
Think, Thinking, thoughts, all the work of a human mind. I'm thinking and thinking and thinking right this moment, lotsa confused thoughts, reflections, feelings, just sank in once again. Countdown, in 34 hrs, i'll be on a plane to a destination. I wish.......i wish.........i wish.........but well....life still goes on. Yes, it's only the 3 of us, how many more u want? I'll probably make my decision when i'm back. God, use this period to speak clear directions.
PLEASE.
HALF THE PSALMIST FAMILY AT THE 4TH HAVEN
THE FELLOW CRIMINALS!
NATIONAL DAY EVE
Reflection time about yesterday's gathering....cools...thank God for pple who bring laughter into my life. I really thank God for bringing pple into my life, whom i can get to know in a deeper level, just yesterday alone, i felt that personal breakthrough in communicating with 3 different pple.
Went to collect my repaired camera from harbourfront, met dallas and went to his place. I think i like to do housework, coz i dun do it at home, so i think i get quite excited when i do housework. haha. Anyway, yesterday a few pple from Psalmist (yeah only a few pple, coz his home theatre can't fit more) made our way down to dallas' place for a night of Fish and chips, yes, his beer-battered fish. Was nice nice nice, except that it turned soft. "Too much egg," said Dallas. But i ate non stop...so i think it was nice. We watched 16 blocks, and my, it's a gd show! At least i knew what was happening. Good plot, i must say. It's insane when we come together and start blabbering nonsense, and poor Puni was one of the highlights of the night. He had to entertain a Q&A session. Everyone was impressed with Dallas's home theatre...hahaa......Dallas received some orders/assignments to design some pple's future home.
Dear Esther was so kind again to give me a ride home....(*i love u babe) and haha...she was feeling hungry while driving on PIE, looked like the fish only worked on me!! Decided to head to Al-Azhar, oh shirley, i tot i had craving for prata 3 wks ago! But yesterday i was really full. Landy and Nat were there too, and it was really a good conversational exchange. It's interesting to know how each other thinks, and how different ones of us function. Yep, and i got home by one plus.
Tired, Tired...
AM I BLIND??? or YOU think i'm blind??
SOME pple think that i'm blind.
They think that if they don't do something in front of me...
I'm stupid...
I don't have something called --> Feel??
Why are these pple cold-blooded?
It's sad...really sad....
Eat, eat, EAT!!! Put on Weight...yucksYucksYUCKS!!!!
i'm putting on weight!! REALLY!!!! (Haha...sound like a typical girl right? i'm a girl lor..) Ok...i've been eating uncontrollably because i've been kinda abstaining n deprived from overeating before the harvest event to keep myself as healthy as i possibly could. It doesn't help that i'll be holidaying and eating is probably going to be one of our main focus...hahaha!!! Speaking abt holidaying...i think 3 of us are probably looking forward to unwinding man...God u have shown me personally that u are for this trip, and this trip was provided and directed by u. Pls, i pray, that your sovereign hand be upon that issue that has been giving GR headache. Pls give clear directions in this seemingly impossible-to-solve issue.
ok...update for today, so happy...today our dresscode was christian tee + jeans...fabulous! Wearing jeans was already a bonus, wearing round-neck tee was just mind-blowing. Was feeling so relaxed...More fabulous still, my cousin came! And i believe he'll continue to come down right?? Yay! =)
After church, went to do some grocery shopping/toiletries shopping + fish shopping w Chang Chang for dinner date on national day eve. So cooool!! Looking forward to it man...i promise i will not overeat...anyway the buy proved i'm only entitled to one fish right? haha!!! After a few rounds of toiletry shopping, E-cheong and I decided to head to Botanic Gardens. Wow, i love such life man, just laze on the grass and relax. And yeah, i planned to take a short nap there and i did, as short as 10 min coz the lil ants did not give me FACE and were crawling around like nobody's business. They obviously are just NOT afraid of humans and anything bigger than them. But it was certainly therapeutic to just lie there and unwind in the presence of many trees, lotsa grass, a pond and shouts of pple playing various games.
After the park, it was another pigout time...(now u know why i'm putting on weight very quickly). Went to da bao curry at a new place that e-cheong intro-ed me to...Curry Wok...(CAN WE PLS GO THERE SOMETIME SOON? BEFORE I DIE?) Anyway, headed to Pearlwyn and Andy's soon-to-be new place. Had BBQ with the cell and some new guests with an agenda...(Shir, Pastor, WL, Jon, Mingwei, Andy, Pearl, Dongwen, Beng, Eric, Jo) And ya...we're always the part timers. Haha...fabulous time...night started slowly, with me tucking into all the food...yum. Yes, their BBQ culture is very diff and i'm used to it. So nice and relaxing.
THEN...the time of the night finally came...the circle was quickly and spontaneously formed...and u could see arrows, very sharp ones, flying everywhere. Interrogation took place...(had crazy discussions abt things that i will not mention here coz i need to protect and preserve pastor's reputation)..anyway, some were cornered, couldn't run, and they were the subjects and objects of pple's entertainment. I pity u guys, but i did have my fair share of fun and laughter...and i do hope to see what comes up later..hahahaha.
This pple really have energy and i really do see God's energy in them. Though everyone has their own jobs, own struggles, different commitments, u see that this is really what u call a true family of God, who truly and genuinely cares for each other's well-being.
Chefs Affair Triad Members
This is the family of chefs and chefs wannabe. Food is neverending...jiayou...we'll try to get there one day!
A Memorable Day - My Convo
Indeed the 4th of aug 2006 will be a memorable day for me. It marks the end of my journey as a student. Initially i wanted to continue my studies, but i guess i'll pass for now and enjoy life. It hasn't been an easy journey...especially my degree year, many a times i was abt to give up, and quit my course...haha...doesn't look like it right? Sorry, i know my face doesn't show...and i battle with these thoughts on my own..(Only close friends will know...)
Anyway, had to reach expo at 8am, obviously i didn't make it but who cares..haha...ceremony started a lil earlier than expected and oh boy....i was so bored that i almost wanted to lie down and sleep already. And the reason why i agreed to go was for the food, guess what??!! It was disappointing! Took many many shots of my individual portrait (some pics have been uploaded on my blogskin), mum had a fun time running ard with me, taking photos for a perfectionistic daughter, different angles, different backgrounds, etc...ended up with a gd 50 over photos. Fabulous! I love the photos!! And i'm looking forward to the photoshoot at the studio!
Another highlight of the day..."KOPAN" NIGHT as they called it...a fusion of Korean and Japanese Food. Haiz...that explains why i've been putting on weight again! haha...It was a great night of eat-llowship with Mal, Mel, Shir, Yang, Nel, Cris, Uncle Sebastian and Auntie Juliet. It's indeed heartwarming to see chefs putting in their best effort to prepare their "ai xin can" aka meal-with-love....my love lasted for 5 min only when i was forced to do speed-cooking before rushing out of the house. The food was fantastic, as usual la...we just couldn't wait to start eating. Anyway, for more updates, check out the Chefsaffair blog.-> http://chefsaffair.blogspot.com/
Tired, very tired, eyes was closing just now while watching movie. It's been really a joyful day, in the midst of the struggles that i had. Was talking to dear c-man too....Sigh, didn't know she went thru so much too...hope to continue to be a support to her....love u girl...=)
SURRENDER TO COMMIT??
I asked myself....how committed am i to the Lord?
What is complete surrender?
Not keeping my hands on what i've brought to the Lord.
Not offering it temporarily or expect to get it back.
Just simply give it up, trusting that God would honor that sacrifice.
Does this kind of complete surrender characterize my commitment to the Lord? Have I fully and completely given myself over to His will, His guidance, and His purposes?
End of the day, i've surrendered, the thoughts come back to haunt me now and then...but what my dear friend says is right, daily surrender, I've been doing that...even my friendships with those ard me...true friends stay, passerbys go...end of the day it's their choice isn't it? Many a times, i take friendship too seriously, that it hurts me alot when a friend does otherwise to me...
I surrender to u, God, i need yr strength to persevere...till u finish yr work of refining.
I MISS DANCING!!!
I miss dancing!! After talking to Esther one day, i realised that one of the reasons why i love dancing so much is because dancing works wonders for me...and u call that THERAPEUTIC. Also..it has done me alot of gd over the past 1.5 months. Especially after being so "allergic" to what you call "love" after all that crap that i've gone thru the past 7 months...dance has helped me rediscover what God's love is, and what agape love is.
Many things have been up my mind last few days. i've a very impt decision to make, and once i make it, no turning back, no turning back. Talked to C-na yesterday, wah liao...na...we don't fight ok...u take yours i take mine. Yeah, but it's time and it's high time that i need to make up my mind, coz it's really pulling me down, i can't breathe...and it's taking away happiness from me.
Anyway, i'm really thankful, found out from jayne today that my cousin indicated on reply slip that he wants to know more...looks like i've to get down to some work soon.
tomorrow is thursday...(i mean now is 12.40am..so today is thurs..but who cares)..looking at my diary now...and it seems like i'm gonna be packed every night for the next two wks...did i say every night?? Oh man.......dunno whether to cry or to laugh....I MISS DANCING!!!!!
i need lotsa rest!! I need lotsa energy for friday, to last me from 6am-12midnight.
My Confession
I have been blind
Unwilling
To see the true love
You're giving
I have ignored every blessing
I'm on my knees
Confessing...
That I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face
I am staggered by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place
I can't hide it
Now hear my confession
I have been wrong about you
I thought I was strong without you
For so long
Nothing could move me
For so long
Nothing could change me
Now I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face
I am captured by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place I can't hide it
Now hear my confession
You are the air that I breathe
You're the ground beneath my feet
When did I stop believing
Cause I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face
I am staggered by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart (is turning)
Falling into place I can't hide it
Now hear my confession
I can't hide it
Now hear my confession
Hear my confession
(And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place)
Just came back from a mtg. Yeah, many questions were asked....lotsa question marks, each came clean with each other, but such mtgs aren't where i can think best...i can think best when i'm alone. i agree with most said, cept for one that i had a huge question mark in my head. But no, i've no grievances, not even 1% so NO..i don't qualify. But i think this is just the beginning. We need to talk. Big time.
It's interesting to see how when a few pple are put together, u get such dynamics, and i have always loved this grp of pple. Like someone also mentioned, i too hold high regard for everyone there. End of the day, what is too much and what is too little? What is right and what is wrong? Who decides?
Haha, we know better. Thank you Lord for whatever happened. I pray u preserve our friendships. Nothing must go wrong, coz this is just the beginning.
It's been a long time since i headed to the gym. I shall head there tmr! i SHOULD, i MUST, and i WILL!! Hee~!!
1.47am: Thank you for the openness, God made us who we are, end of the day, friendship belongs to Him. *Hugs*
at 10:51 PM
Yeah, i think we're all struggling to hold on to this tot and promise, but yeah, it's true. God is a faithful God.
In this season, God's teaching me how to walk in step with Him, not too fast, not too slow. He's teaching me how some things just can't be planned, but we need to allow Him to guide us. As much as we want something, as much as our plans are free of loopholes, God can choose to take away as and when He deems fit. Painful yea, but we know it's for the better. Sometimes, i try to cushion the pain with a tot.."Maybe it's only temporary?" But God knows betta. Suffering develops patience and perseverance.I leave my tots and plans in Your hands,
Amen
at 11:13 AM
Today's lesson was ok...did sectionals with them...i had better control of my time...coz i did a lil planning b4 hand (BUT I DIDN'T STICK TO IT). So well..all it needed was just some quick-thinking. By the end of the lesson (2.5 hrs), i almost lost my voice. Yeah, it's secondary sch kids, mind u...they all have a mind of their own. But they cooperated with me, so it was ok. My friend told me they chased away the prev male instructor because they didn't like him...i wonder when they'll chase me away, haha!
But i thank God for all these lil assignments, they get me thru financially. And again, i say, i'm not rich. i dun exactly print money.
at 7:22 PM
What will i do if i am abandoned?
I've gone thru it and i know how it feels...As much as the Apostle Paul would have liked to have his friends present, he took great comfort in knowing that God would use his suffering for God's glory.
Also had thoughts abt how vulnerable am i willing to be with pple...which boils down to why i find it easier to love than to receive love.
But of course, it also boils down to my one of my love languages - Quality time - And pple who spend the most time with me will see the vulnerable me because i'll choose to give myself to them. =)
OK, enuff tots.
Today i got up at 1145am, after a long and quite disturbing dream, which caused me to feel heavy. Had lunch, did some stuff and then went back to sleep till 445pm. Anyone has a new name for me? Went out to run some errands and headed to Esther's office. We had Korean food for dinner, Esther had Bibimbap, the stone bowl's cool. i ate Omu rice, yum. Had a few rounds of pool....i've a very nice picture of how
someone arranged the balls. Yeah, at that point, frankly i was confused too...but it was highly amusing.
Thank you Lord for Love.
at 10:48 PM
Today, air-con in the LT was spoilt and we had to endure the svc without air-con. It was really cool, coz while we were worshipping God during the 9am prayer mtg, God just sent rain. In the morning b4 i left house, i had the suspicion that it would rain too. Anyway, the rain was timely and was something we really needed today! And after svc, it was bright and sunny. Thank You again Lord!
Had a good chat with the PRC pple today, i just thank God for whatever was shared and discussed. A time of iron-sharpening-iron...and my friend has improved greatly. (she knows what i mean)
Had our worship pract for Worship Conference, till bout 4 plus, not too bad, but my energy was zapped totally by the end of pract. I became really quiet and sedated.
Today, as what RJ Rosales says, Singaporeans derive our nicknames from our names. If i'm Elena, i'm also know as "Ele" or "Nana", as what my parents call me. Today, Rosales gave Esther two nicknames - "ES" or "THER". And he said it in front of SOOOOOOOO many pple! So lame but i like him!!
We went to Esplanade Waterfront, spontaneously but yet planned in some way coz i wanted to catch RJ sing. Went to the waterfront to just relax, Est wanted to read, and obviously i wanted to?????????? S-L-E-E-P. Yes, i really thank God coz it was HE who provided this beautiful weather. It was just perfect. Slightly setting sun, cooling, not too windy, and the sea was calm with light waves. Purrrfect! Yeah, so i was just sleeping as Est was reading, and someone (stranger) was just opposite us, watching every lil movement we make. I mean that someone was also
reading a book, but we are right in front of him, so every weird thing we do will be seen by him. Yeah, after a prob half an hr-45 min nap, decided to take the River Taxi...Muahaha. We were already contemplating when we reached the waterfront, but we decided to do it only abt 630pm. This is my second time in that River Taxi, but it was still so fun. Some things will just remain fun no matter how many times u do it. Haha, Est learnt something new abt me again today. Well done. =) 
Finally, we managed to make it back abt 7.35pm after a slow stroll from Boat Quay back to Esplanade. Though the whole place was totally full when we got there, apparently for some strange reasons, the steps right in front of the stage was vacated. So we decided to sit there. And after 5 min, i realised we've got the best seats in the house. Coz most of the time, he was just standing in front of us singing and i could see him CLEARLY. I've never laughed so much in a performance before, but this guy is REALLY GOOD. He has a bright future man. Totally engaging, fantastic voice, very inspiring. I love him, and i think i'll be at every concert that he sings in. Doesn't help man...the way he just stares at u in yr eyes as he sings, i literally melted. Haha.
Dinner at Gluttons Bay, and then home. It's been a great day. I feel blessed.
"Though my memory is probably not any much better than yours (Used to be better la...but i'm growing old u see, and i didn't take ginkgo) but yeah, every one of whatever-you-wanna-call-them (haha) will be in my memory too. Love ya lots" - na
at 10:02 PM
Anybody knows where this place is? Very simple to guess one....
at 2:20 AM
Sleepy Cheong FINALLY decided that my house was the best place (after doing all her calculations) for friday night.
Next day, really thank God for providing the car, though i didn't get it at "first ask" but i finally got it anyway. It was gd to have it for today, coz we had to run everywhere. Went for missions, went to collect PRC bks, grab dora's pressie, back to church for pract, and to BBQ. What a busy day. But it was a great day, coz u have great company. Ard 9 plus, looking at the way i drive, u prob think i was drunk. Thank you Lord for protecting us on our journey home!
at 2:00 AM
My new student is very sweet. She bought me two red roses on her first lesson to my place. That provides company for my sunflower. She's married, 50 yrs old, has no children. This is cool. She shared abit about her life. After many ups and downs, God brought her to me to learn christian music playing. She's been learning with other teachers for a while now. Initially, agency told me student wanted to learn pop playing, but ended up it was gospel playing. She's a typical auntie whom i can't go too fast with, or i'll end up talking to myself.
God says, "Just teach her, and love her with all u can." =)
at 12:35 PM
Next, i'm still happy!
Joy #1 - Cousin has agreed to join a cell group, initially it was tough coz he was all stressed up at sch and all...oh cousin, i can understand how u feel, i was once there too...so anyway, i tot maybe i've to put on hold for a while and be contented with him coming down for Sunday Svc every wk. Yesterday, cousin spoke to me, and boy, he wanted to attend cell grp! Wah i tell u, i jumped up when he told me that! See how God works, as usual, our thoughts are not God's tots, our ways not God's ways, God works far beyond the human mind can think. Thank You Lord, take control and take over from here.
Joy #2 - This morning (while i was still sleeping), a ACS (I)'s HOD called me, asked me if wanna do music teaching relief, replace a teacher on maternity leave, and also said she herself might attend a 3-4 month course next yr and this HOD teaches *ahem* MEP. So what does that mean? HAHA. Doors are opening. Patience paid off. Heehee. For your info, in the beginning of the year i went for an interview with MOE and cutting all the crap short, they wanted me to redo my degree with them. So after asking them to fly kite, i made up my mind that i can never get a job with them anymore, much less think abt teaching my dream subject - MEP. Spoke with the ACS HOD before, she told me to go overseas to get a teaching education cert, oh well..but anyway, today i told her, i've not got down to it and will prob not consider getting down to it...haha...and yet..this still came. That's why i'm lost for words, haha.
at 11:16 AM
When u play hide and seek with a love one, u embrace the thrill of it..totally.
Today, after teaching at home, i went for my favourite past time. Love it, anyway it isn't cheap, so make the best of it =)
Was supposed to meet Esther to head to city hall together, she had to stay in office for a while longer to finish up stuff. So, i headed to get my petals, and then, was abt to leave when she called and said she was on her way. So i waited at the bus stop. Was pretty excited when she called coz means my wait was finally over! Fantastic!! the bus that i was supposed to hop on to, zoomed past before my eyes, and i almost cried!! Nevermind, decided to hop onto another bus behind, hoping to see what i can do, at most just meet her at our final destination.
My dear Esther called back.
Esther: "What's yr bus number ah?"
Elena: "Erm, cannot see leh...very small, looks like 1167H."
Esther: "Hahaha, i mean yr bus number!!"
Elena: "Oh 106. Eh, u dun get down anywhere leh..106 doesn't stop at all the stops...
Oh Shucks!! Esther, don't tell me you got down???? Where are u???"
Esther: "..............................oh u mean 106 doesn't stop at this bus stop ah?"
HAHAHA!!!! Whatever happened in between after that only took 5 min....
Hahaha, and finally we were reunited. Well, we got to our destination anyway..just merely took slightly longer than usual....=)
(Esther, i blogged this down for yr reading pleasure...*Blink blink*...)
Anyway, had dinner with M'kk Gals at New York, New York, a nicer version of NYDC. Menu had so much yummy stuff, didn't know what to choose. We shared pork ribs - big bones, little meat. The food there is gd i must say, tried the appetizers, good stuff!
*PIC, we need to visit that place again soon! HAHA.
at 1:12 AM
Today i knew i couldn't escape, i had to fulfill my call to the choir of Greenridge Secondary. Yes, my friend was going on maternity leave, asked me to take over her + prob do long term once a wk teaching there....so yeah...i plucked up my courage..got out of my comfort zone...i s**** it's really way out of my comfort zone...and decided i had to turn up. haha. This isn't my first choir teaching experience, but yet, teaching anywhere in a group setting is just energy-zapping. Esp also where u've not been given any scores before the first lesson, yeah, it's just gg there by faith and hope God will work a miracle.
After lunch with Es..went on a hairband spree, i bought 3 new hairbands, they are useful man..now that the weather is getting hot again...and then made my way to Greenridge. Ok la...not as bad as i tot..as usual, just needed to know the "secrets" of handling secondary sch kids, make them like u but yet not let them climb over yr head. i brought up the topic bout the fact that it's students like them that land majority of teachers in IMH aka woodbridge, and it tickled them...terrible la these students. But yeah i guess the majority of them are nice pple...so i'll put in all that i can to love these children as God has entrusted me with. While teaching, i was just pondering (ya..esther will be amazed by how i can multi-task like that) abt why God has called me into this sort of classroom teaching, and yes, actually though it's not as simple as one-to-one teaching, this is really the kind of environment i'd like to be in..called to mass impact..but no teaching music as a sch subject pls.
Life is getting more and more meaningful each day. It just calls for simplicity on my part, to trust and walk each step of the way with my Lord. =)
at 11:47 PM
at 1:01 AM
It's a long long journey
Till I know where I'm supposed to be
It's a long long journey
And I don't know if I can believe
When shadows fall and block my eyes
I am lost and know that I must hide
It's a long long journey
Till I find my way home to you
Many days I've spent
Drifting on through empty shores
Wondering what's my purpose
Wondering how to make me strong
I know I will falter
I know I will cry
I know you'll be standing by my side
It's a long long journey
And I need to be close to you
Sometimes it feels no one understands
I don't even know why I do the things I do
When pride builds me up till I can't see my soul
Will you break down these walls and pull me through
Cause it's a long long journey
Till I feel that I am worth the price
You paid for me on Calvary
Beneath those stormy skies
When Satan mocks and friends turn to foes
It feels like everything is out to make me lose control
Cause it's a long long journey
Till I find my way home to you
To you
at 2:15 PM
Had cell core mtg. Yeah....not the best thing to do on a friday night, but it was a gd time to just once again come and pray and worship the Lord with Brothers and Sisters who are serving the Lord together.
Before the meeting, had to register my student for her Theory Exam. Then i headed to Esplanade for a slow walk...just wanted to spend time on my own. Went to take some pictures....Yah....really needed the recovery badly.
Psalmist/Sound Retreat
Went to Pasir Ris Costa Sands for a combined retreat. The session by pastor was very very very gd. Taken from Leviticus, we learnt abt the five different offerings. 1) Burnt Offering, 2) Grain Offering, 3)Fellowship/Peace Offering, 4) Sin Offering, 5) Guilt Offering. Really took us to a higher level to even reflect abt our stay in ministry, our purpose and even spiritual values to uphold in this Christian Journey.
Had a heart to heart talk within the Psalmist Ministry, that was due long long long ago. Heartwarming to hear different ones share, iron sharpening iron. There's so much more that the Lord can do thru us as his servants...I must hand it to my dear friend - (You know who u are..God has poured lots of His wisdom into you...) You were really sensitive, and moved in the right direction by initiating this whole talk.
'Neway, retreat was a gd time to catch up with some.
Sunday
Today, left retreat early in the morning, went for svc...yes, again really happy my cousin came, this wk i was available to sit with him. Signed up for Ladies Retreat, saw God work before my EYES...saw how he carried Esther thru the Ladies Retreat Presentation. Yes, all that fluster that we were in, and when we looked back...haiz....worry so much for wat right..end of the day, it's God who will work miracles. =)
Went to ECP today, for a time of ahem *sleeping*. Yes, u got me right...S-L-E-E-P-I-N-G. One of our common hobbies (of the two Es gals) is sleeping in parks. Wanted to go home and sleep coz was suffering from lack of sleep from last night's retreat, but later decided to go to the park to chill. Cell was there also, some to jog, some to ride bicycle, some to blade, some to "nua"....like us. Both of us set up our little corner, and off we were into dreamland, with light music in the background. We had two dear bodyguards (who were also nua-ing), guarding while we dozed in and out of our sleep. It was nice...though there was this *ahem* weird couple doing some weird things next to us. BUT....I STILL LOVE THE SEA!!!!
All in all, it was a gd day, nice time also just walking in orchard with my fellow sleeper.
A good reminder to us, even as we continue living this life for God. A simple and familiar song, but yet means lots.
The Potter's Hand
Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Savior
I know for sure
all of my days are
Held in Your hand
Crafted into Your perfect plan
You gently call me into Your presence
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord
To live all of my life
through Your eyes
I'm captured by Your holy calling
Set me apart
I know You're drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray
Take me, mould me
Use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter's hand
Call me, guide me
Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter's hand
at 9:29 PM
Friday (11/08) - Flight was 9.50am, had to be at the airport at 8am, 7.50am to be exact. Thank God for sending a cab our way, with no need to call, no morning peak surcharge which starts at 7am. After doing our check-ins, headed to HANS for breakfast. Yes, where's my BK Breakfast??? But yeah sigh, Budget terminal doesn't have any BK, and it was too rush to head over to terminal 2, so we settled for HANS. Not too impressive though. Did some final emailing, said some final goodbyes, yeah, for those of you who know me well would know i take every holiday departure pretty seriously. Fantastic, boarded the plane, sat at the emergency exit (for the sake of having more leg space but sacrificed inclining chair), and there was a DELAY. But it wasn't that bad...only 1 hour la.
Reached Macau, took a ferry to Hongkong. Pretty fast. It was quite an experience lugging our luggage everywhere. Even in Hongkong, we took the MTR to our hotel and it wasn't easy. Especially when u have pple standing there just WATCHING you struggle your way thru, impression of Hongkongers just went "UP" one notch. (Fortunately my hongkonger friends are no where like them!!) Hotel was nice, simple, and cozy. Thank God for the free internet access, which helped me unwind and communicate. Went to walk in Causeway Bay. Checked out the area nearest to where we stay. Had a late dinner because we had a late lunch. Guess what, we had KFC for dinner...IN HONGKONG??????? Yes, in Hongkong. Waha.
Saturday (12/08) - Met up with Olivia and Nelson, brought us to Yum Cha, yum yum...went to this restaurant by the Maxim Group called "Jade Garden", very near our hotel. After that, we went to Tsim Sha Tsui, in the southern part of Kowloon. Hongkong has a fantastic transport system called the MTR (just like our MRT la) but it's fantastic how u can get from one place to another in such a short time, and mind you it's Big Hongkong, not Small Singapore. Yeah, truly impressed. Had a shopping time in Esprit, Miramar Buiding - UniQlo, Grandville Road, and then Star Ferry Terminal where Shirley went to meet her friend. At night, we went to the Avenue of Stars where we watched the Symphony of Lights display across the Victoria Harbour. Splendid experience, it's just like walking along the Esplanade Waterfront, i always enjoyed such leisure walks.
Soon, it was time to ferry our way back to Causeway Bay for dinner. Noticed the culture in HK, pple don't rush to board the ferry, they take their time. Unlike in Singapore, u see how pple push their way to grab seats. Finally, at 11pm, we were given our table for dinner at Watami Jap Restaurant. (Had an interesting video taken of my dish cooking, it was DIY omelette making.) Finally, it was time to head back for some REST!!
Sunday (13/08) - Today, we visited SOGO and later decided to have lunch at "CHI JI", place that Pastor recommended for Wanton Mee. Did we go to G.O.D? After that, headed to Mongkok, Ladies Market which sold things which could mostly be found in Thailand as well. Got some daily necessities. Didn't manage to get much also, market quality stuff cannot make it.
End of the day, i did some reflections which i jotted down, "Shopping here is not that fantastic and yes, i'm kinda thankful to be staying in Singapore. Food in Singapore is not that expensive too. In Hongkong, i can spend abt $30 on food a day, just simple meals."
Monday (14/08) - Today was declared Sight-seeing day, according to our itinerary. Went to get some disney stuff and then headed to Macs for Brunch. (Yeah, Macs this time...and Macs provides one of the cheapest alternative for food..) Yeah, my hotel provides free set breakfasts but i never usually make it on time for them, mainly no incentive cuz the sets are the same EVERYDAY.
Off we went to Ocean Park, it was indeed a HOT DAY. i could literally BBQ and bake in the sun. The escalators there are cool. Long and neverending. Didn't manage to take the rides, queues were too long, weather was just too HOT! Ended up, went to all the aquariums, see jellyfish, sharks etc. Ended the day with a scenic cable car ride. The 30 min queue was worth the wait. The scenery was beautiful, the cable car ride is similar to the one i took in Langkawi just that it wasn't as steep.
Went to TST again, by then Shirley was already dead tired, and had to scrambled back to the hotel for some time off. That night i did quite alot of reflections, lotsa thoughts were going thru my head. Was feeling sad, regretful, unhappy, and all the negative thoughts just flowed into me one by one. On the trip, i really looked forward to my every-night-time-with-God. The walking and walking just ate into me. And yes, this holiday was meant to be for leisure!!!
Tuesday (15/08) - Today was declared FREE N EASY day, boy was i thankful. Went to Yum Cha with Shirley at one of the Chinese Restaurants. Went to island beverly walk, and then we were off on our own. She went to meet up with another friend, and i took a casual walk in Causeway Bay. Yes, finally, casual walk, to unwind, but cannot make it la..the air so polluted. Went back to the hotel, laid all my things down, decided to head to TIMES SQUARE Supermarket. Was quite therapeutic to grocery shop. Was trying to look for some food stuff to buy back, only found one. Some erm Black Pepper Sliced Salami.
At night, after dinner at another Wanton Mee place, Shirley and I went to THE PEAK. i enjoyed the tram ride, seemed like a mini aeroplane take off, very steep. We had Burger King up there, (yes it was a luxury...) Took some pics, breathed in some nice cool air, and then came down.
Wednesday (16/08) - Today, gonna leave HK for Macau...did some last minute picking up of stuff, yes, finally we had breakfast again at the hotel. Our last breakfast wahaha. Finally shared with Shirley that i was feeling down. And she got me GODIVA Chocolates to perk me up!! Thank you, yes first time trying GODIVA chocolates was a luxury too. Went to find "DAN TA" (egg tarts) decided not to buy home but ate one there instead. Yummy yum.
Time to leave Hongkong, say hi to Macau, reached there, checked into hotel and took a nap. Went to some touristy attractions for some nice picture-taking. Had Macs again, this time at 5.30pm, we were having lunch-dinner. (Not bad hor...Macs everywhere, but yeah they sell different things..there's so much to compare.) Headed to the Ruins of St Paul's Church, walked a huge round to get there, where actually it's only abt 10 min walk from our hotel. (Again, will put up the pics later..i think i should join the photography club) Place is somewhat polluted, worse than HK. Buildings all dilapidated. Again, visited a MacCafe this time, for the Mango Frapp. We went to the Hotel Lisboa Casino, seeing the way pple win money is so fun!!!
Did some reflections again, yeah, was glad my thoughts and emotions were understood internationally, thankful for the emails/SMSes, i needed them. James 1 spoke again.
Thursday (15/08) - Today was our last day in Macau, we went for Yum Cha in the restaurant in our hotel for brunch. Then checked out and headed to New Yaohan. We yao-ed our way thru that shopping centre then headed opposite for more attractions and picture-taking. NICE!!!! The man-made structures were very pretty. Took pics until cameras went flat. Saw many different kinds of lamps. But it was broad daylight, so they were not lit. Back to hotel, to airport, and back in Singapore!
My stamina increased man, after this holiday, but no, i no longer enjoy extensive shopping. I'm growing old. Probably didn't put on any weight because of all that walking, but my intake of chocolates certainly increased. Yea, when i'm unhappy or stressed, choc intake is high.
Now, what do i need? Another holiday to recuperate from this. I'm really thankful to be living in Singapore, no pollution, cheaper food, cheaper things, good roads, nice taxi drivers.
at 9:54 AM
Anyway, yeah, dun miss me...continue tagging...i'll constantly check over there....wahhaha...yeah my hotel has internet access..whoo hoo!!!
I love u my friends, love u guys alot. God bless, and have a great wkend and wk ahead!
at 1:43 AM
My busy day ended with a beautiful night...memorable, something i'll never forget...(wah.."long zhong" right...) God uses different ways and different pple to bring joy into my life, a kind of joy that not everyone can bring.
1. Thank you for coming to my place.
2. Thank you for sending me for my teaching.
3. Thank you for picking me up for dinner.
4. Thank you for surveying the grounds, and checking out the dinner place before bringing me there. (YUM!)
5. Thank you for the session of sparklers. (Now where are the photos?)
6. Thank you for sending me home.
7. Thank you for returning to pick up the cake i left for u..
Thank you for every little thing u said, every action u did, every thought u had. It really brightened me up in this dark season. Thank you for being u. =)
at 11:38 PM
PLEASE.
at 11:42 PM
at 3:08 PM
Went to collect my repaired camera from harbourfront, met dallas and went to his place. I think i like to do housework, coz i dun do it at home, so i think i get quite excited when i do housework. haha. Anyway, yesterday a few pple from Psalmist (yeah only a few pple, coz his home theatre can't fit more) made our way down to dallas' place for a night of Fish and chips, yes, his beer-battered fish. Was nice nice nice, except that it turned soft. "Too much egg," said Dallas. But i ate non stop...so i think it was nice. We watched 16 blocks, and my, it's a gd show! At least i knew what was happening. Good plot, i must say. It's insane when we come together and start blabbering nonsense, and poor Puni was one of the highlights of the night. He had to entertain a Q&A session. Everyone was impressed with Dallas's home theatre...hahaa......Dallas received some orders/assignments to design some pple's future home.
Dear Esther was so kind again to give me a ride home....(*i love u babe) and haha...she was feeling hungry while driving on PIE, looked like the fish only worked on me!! Decided to head to Al-Azhar, oh shirley, i tot i had craving for prata 3 wks ago! But yesterday i was really full. Landy and Nat were there too, and it was really a good conversational exchange. It's interesting to know how each other thinks, and how different ones of us function. Yep, and i got home by one plus.
Tired, Tired...
at 1:58 PM
They think that if they don't do something in front of me...
I'm stupid...
I don't have something called --> Feel??
Why are these pple cold-blooded?
It's sad...really sad....
at 11:25 PM
ok...update for today, so happy...today our dresscode was christian tee + jeans...fabulous! Wearing jeans was already a bonus, wearing round-neck tee was just mind-blowing. Was feeling so relaxed...More fabulous still, my cousin came! And i believe he'll continue to come down right?? Yay! =)
After church, went to do some grocery shopping/toiletries shopping + fish shopping w Chang Chang for dinner date on national day eve. So cooool!! Looking forward to it man...i promise i will not overeat...anyway the buy proved i'm only entitled to one fish right? haha!!! After a few rounds of toiletry shopping, E-cheong and I decided to head to Botanic Gardens. Wow, i love such life man, just laze on the grass and relax. And yeah, i planned to take a short nap there and i did, as short as 10 min coz the lil ants did not give me FACE and were crawling around like nobody's business. They obviously are just NOT afraid of humans and anything bigger than them. But it was certainly therapeutic to just lie there and unwind in the presence of many trees, lotsa grass, a pond and shouts of pple playing various games.
After the park, it was another pigout time...(now u know why i'm putting on weight very quickly). Went to da bao curry at a new place that e-cheong intro-ed me to...Curry Wok...(CAN WE PLS GO THERE SOMETIME SOON? BEFORE I DIE?) Anyway, headed to Pearlwyn and Andy's soon-to-be new place. Had BBQ with the cell and some new guests with an agenda...(Shir, Pastor, WL, Jon, Mingwei, Andy, Pearl, Dongwen, Beng, Eric, Jo) And ya...we're always the part timers. Haha...fabulous time...night started slowly, with me tucking into all the food...yum. Yes, their BBQ culture is very diff and i'm used to it. So nice and relaxing.
THEN...the time of the night finally came...the circle was quickly and spontaneously formed...and u could see arrows, very sharp ones, flying everywhere. Interrogation took place...(had crazy discussions abt things that i will not mention here coz i need to protect and preserve pastor's reputation)..anyway, some were cornered, couldn't run, and they were the subjects and objects of pple's entertainment. I pity u guys, but i did have my fair share of fun and laughter...and i do hope to see what comes up later..hahahaha.
This pple really have energy and i really do see God's energy in them. Though everyone has their own jobs, own struggles, different commitments, u see that this is really what u call a true family of God, who truly and genuinely cares for each other's well-being.
at 11:50 PM
at 1:53 AM
Anyway, had to reach expo at 8am, obviously i didn't make it but who cares..haha...ceremony started a lil earlier than expected and oh boy....i was so bored that i almost wanted to lie down and sleep already. And the reason why i agreed to go was for the food, guess what??!! It was disappointing! Took many many shots of my individual portrait (some pics have been uploaded on my blogskin), mum had a fun time running ard with me, taking photos for a perfectionistic daughter, different angles, different backgrounds, etc...ended up with a gd 50 over photos. Fabulous! I love the photos!! And i'm looking forward to the photoshoot at the studio!
Another highlight of the day..."KOPAN" NIGHT as they called it...a fusion of Korean and Japanese Food. Haiz...that explains why i've been putting on weight again! haha...It was a great night of eat-llowship with Mal, Mel, Shir, Yang, Nel, Cris, Uncle Sebastian and Auntie Juliet. It's indeed heartwarming to see chefs putting in their best effort to prepare their "ai xin can" aka meal-with-love....my love lasted for 5 min only when i was forced to do speed-cooking before rushing out of the house. The food was fantastic, as usual la...we just couldn't wait to start eating. Anyway, for more updates, check out the Chefsaffair blog.-> http://chefsaffair.blogspot.com/
Tired, very tired, eyes was closing just now while watching movie. It's been really a joyful day, in the midst of the struggles that i had. Was talking to dear c-man too....Sigh, didn't know she went thru so much too...hope to continue to be a support to her....love u girl...=)
at 1:20 AM
What is complete surrender?
Not keeping my hands on what i've brought to the Lord.
Not offering it temporarily or expect to get it back.
Just simply give it up, trusting that God would honor that sacrifice.
Does this kind of complete surrender characterize my commitment to the Lord? Have I fully and completely given myself over to His will, His guidance, and His purposes?
End of the day, i've surrendered, the thoughts come back to haunt me now and then...but what my dear friend says is right, daily surrender, I've been doing that...even my friendships with those ard me...true friends stay, passerbys go...end of the day it's their choice isn't it? Many a times, i take friendship too seriously, that it hurts me alot when a friend does otherwise to me...
I surrender to u, God, i need yr strength to persevere...till u finish yr work of refining.
at 2:01 PM
Many things have been up my mind last few days. i've a very impt decision to make, and once i make it, no turning back, no turning back. Talked to C-na yesterday, wah liao...na...we don't fight ok...u take yours i take mine. Yeah, but it's time and it's high time that i need to make up my mind, coz it's really pulling me down, i can't breathe...and it's taking away happiness from me.
Anyway, i'm really thankful, found out from jayne today that my cousin indicated on reply slip that he wants to know more...looks like i've to get down to some work soon.
tomorrow is thursday...(i mean now is 12.40am..so today is thurs..but who cares)..looking at my diary now...and it seems like i'm gonna be packed every night for the next two wks...did i say every night?? Oh man.......dunno whether to cry or to laugh....I MISS DANCING!!!!!
i need lotsa rest!! I need lotsa energy for friday, to last me from 6am-12midnight.
at 12:23 AM
Unwilling
To see the true love
You're giving
I have ignored every blessing
I'm on my knees
Confessing...
That I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face
I am staggered by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place
I can't hide it
Now hear my confession
I have been wrong about you
I thought I was strong without you
For so long
Nothing could move me
For so long
Nothing could change me
Now I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face
I am captured by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place I can't hide it
Now hear my confession
You are the air that I breathe
You're the ground beneath my feet
When did I stop believing
Cause I feel myself surrender
Each time I see your face
I am staggered by your beauty
Your unassuming grace
And I feel my heart (is turning)
Falling into place I can't hide it
Now hear my confession
I can't hide it
Now hear my confession
Hear my confession
(And I feel my heart is turning
Falling into place)
at 4:16 PM
Arabesque
Elmo-nette
BI-eliza
PIC
The 4th Haven
Bobochacha
Chrisnana
Cheongster
Chefs Affair
The Oxymoron
Pirouette
Previous Posts
Elmo-nette
BI-eliza
PIC
The 4th Haven
Bobochacha
Chrisnana
Cheongster
Chefs Affair
The Oxymoron
Pirouette
Previous Posts
- My faith to the test
- Marriage Bluesi never expected to have such seriou...
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- i need a break amidst all these.Someone...take me ...
- When i saw your website, my heart skipped a beat. ...
- The count down starts now.
- i don't usually describe myself very well...but la...
- Was a great conversation we had, so different when...
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