The Case of My Box of Chocolate (Concluded)

Just like Forest Gump movie, "Life is like a box of Chocolate, you don't know what you're gonna get..." Life is sweet. But sometimes too much sweets can create some damage to your teeth too. :P

With things that happening to me from few days ago to today, I was feeling down. I'm tired, suffocated. I got a fortune cookie once, and the paper slip inside said, "Be careful of what you're asking for, because you may receive it." I kept that little piece of paper, because I thought it's kinda cool. And then as much as you can claim all the positive, sometime the accidental negative also come crowding up the space. Or you just can't handle all these blessings, you tend to forget Who give them to you in the first place. And your hand is too small to hold on to them. And one by one it falls from your grip. Well, I'm learning to give them back to God, since His hands are bigger than mine. I just take them one at a time instead of grabbing them with my grubby hands. I'm a people pleaser and that's not healthy. Somebody knows what I'm talking about ;) The rest of you just think of this as my babble... Hahaha.

I was also 'nagging' God to give me a job. He answered and now it seemed that right after I decided to take one, I got more interviews than ever before. I have a trend of receiving 2 interviews in one day. What's up with these people? Where are they when I need them? I just turned down one today. These interviews are for this coming Monday (Dudes, I'm working already). Since I thought that he was not really open about my "overseas" degree, and he's not flexible with time. And time is something that I don't have. He didn't specify the job at the beginning, I persisted and he relented. And it's doing insurance. Nah, I shall pass. I shall try to come on the second company. I hope this company is what I think it is, hehehe... Then I shall deal with the rest later. I'm taking it one step at a time.

With all these in mind, there're also additional personal things came to my wreak havoc in my peace of mind. Relationships... (darn... I need a personal diary, I guess, hehehe). So when I went to CHC today, I didn't give a full attention to God. It's just like what the Hope carecell was talking last Friday. It happenned to me. I tried my hardest to sing with my heart, but it felt so heavy. But I kept on singing. Trying to praise Him... I got teary eyed a bit. I got to cried out loud too, the good thing of having a praise and worship session at Expo. I can scream my hearts out and nobody would hear it.

Well, just like a belated reaction of drinking too much coffee or tea... the 'caffeine' from my overzealous praise and worship kicked later... On the way home, especially at Newton station, there are many Mormons roaming around. (Err... if any of you are Mormons, perhaps you should stop reading, hehehe... Don't mean to insult anybody, but this is my honest opinion.) All these pretty young ladies in long skirts and shirts came in twos looking for somebody to convert. Some of them were Indians. As much as my body was tired, I was looking for a fight too. I was listening to my iPod to Michael Buble's "You don't know me"... How coincidental (title only). When one of the girls smiled at me, I purposefully took off my earphone. Here I am... bring it onnn! Soon that girl took her chance at me. She's Indian. Her partner was white.

... err... to be continued, hehehe... me got to catch some zzz... for church tomorrow (those paragraph above are unedited confession of a girl who's very tired yet hyper. It may look different tomorrow, so read it before I edit it, hehehe)

Today is the 28th and I guess it's time for me to finish what I've started, hahaha...
Oh well, where was I? OK, the Indian girl introduced herself to me and asked me whether I know her church. I said, "Yes." And I told her that it's usually called as Mormon. She said that it was good to me to know about it. Prompted by her, I told her that the founder was Joseph Smith. Ding ding ding! Correct again. I almost blurted out that's he swindled money too, but looking at her face, I didn't have the heart. Anyway, I'm not sure whether it was Joseph Smith who swindled money or the ones who had lots of wives... I think that was Brigham Young, oh well, whatever. Something in me told me not to be disrespectful. She's not attacking me, I shouldn't be in the offense either. Meanwhile, on and off she was looking on the cross on my neck. She was rather hesitant to 'convert' me. As though the cross was deflecting her. She then tried to ask me about my faith. "Why do you think there are many denominations in Christianity? Didn't you ever think of that?" I said, "No, I'm quite secure with my faith." I want to say, what about your belief? If you don't want to take it as a cult, ain't it at least can be one denominations also? But I kept my mouth shut. She said about the lost scroll by Jeremiah, the prophet, and an extra revelation from a different land... (yeah, its called America, girlie!). She wanted to go Da Vinci Code on me. I mean, Mr. Smith got some revelation from an angel name Moroni? Err... Moroni? OK, I shall not continue with my line of thought. Hehehe... And then she asked me whether I would like to visit the church. Since my attention was toward the oncoming bus, I didn't really hear her and I said yes. You know what? Even she was surprised, hahaha... And then I revised my answer. She wants my number, I didn't give it to her, but I asked her number, she gave it to me. Maybe I can pray for her instead, hehehe. I wonder if I called her, she would probably assigned me to some other "higher" level sister. They always do that. So that they can battle it out with me. As they left, I said, "God bless you!" They responded... almost... with some garbled words. It's as though they want to returned my courtesy, but they hesitated. I dunno whether they said "God bless you" to people too... Perhaps that's just the Christian thing. I felt better after that. I can bless them although only by wishing it to them.

Then an older gentleman came to me and told me, "It's a cult!" I was like ??? And he told me, "You're good. They're not right!" I told him, "I know, since I'm a Christian myself." And he again praised me and he gave me a tract. Presbyterian. He invited me to come to his church. I blessed him too as he get on his bus. I was feeling much better. Holding on to the Mormon card and the Presbyterian tract, I smiled. That older gentleman should hand that tract to the Mormon girls and not to me, another Christian, no matter what denomination I belong to. I just know that I belong to my God.

Improve the way you speak, Improve the way you serve

Wow, I don't know that my heart's utterance would invite more comments like my last post. Once again thank you for reading it and thank you for supporting me. Now, I really really have to be careful on what to say next, hehehe... Just kidding. One of these days I will be pouring my hearts out again. I think :-P

So funny, that I may be able to talk about anything but matters of the heart, a.k.a. "crushes" cause "that" person might read it and imagine how red my face would be, hahaha... Plump red tomato came to mind. OK I'm high... on sugar. (The topic... Make you perk up, doesn't it? Hahaha)

Just a little update on my job search or watchamacaulit. I shall have no qualms for now regarding my new job, that I supposedly start on Monday. I really want to like this job, really. I'm not made to job hunting, so when I noticed that a lot of things amiss with this one, I'm in a dillema whether I should take it or move on. The thing is, I don't have the luxury to keep on searching for that perfect job. Now I realize the term of "Time is money" more than ever. If not for the money, hey, at least I need to get a job so that my Permanent Residency legalization doesn't go to waste. I spent money for that thing.

Well, this job maybe the first venue where I got to negotiate to "save" my butt. The contract is pretty stiff. They're planning to make a cheap labor out of me. They don't want to negotiate about the low payment whatsoever, it's just like take it or leave it. I think they know my weaknesses. So my cards laid face open on the table. No matter. But there are some things that I found really worrisome... They're selling product and service... For them to stay afloat, I would have thought that at least they deliver the product, because the service... Maybe because I'm not at the source of money/ profit. But still, you got to make your workers happy first to create the great product, right? Good dynamics, perhaps? Problems: They're late at getting back at me, late at their promises, and non negotiable (but I need to sharpened myself on that subject). But I want to give them the benefit of the doubt. I haven't even started. I should always strive to see the good in everything. In a way it'll turn out good for me too. Think positive, Anne! AJA! :-P I really need to shake my mentality as a buyer... It's not my job anymore, hehehe.

Anyway, in the spirit of business courtesy, I found this post on the back of Today's Recruit. Some manners that perhaps not only work in business world but in 'serving' each other. Adding to my previous post that you need to learn how to paraphrase your words before you spit it out... Hahaha.

Here are some of the worst things you could say to people in your efforts to serve them (I edit and shortened the article below)

by Helen Wilkie (Strait Times, 2/23/06)

Worst: We cannot fill your order until we receive your cheque
What's wrong: this sounds like an ultimatum, and suggests you doubt the cheque would be forthcoming.
Best: As soon as we receive your cheque, we will fill your order

Worst: That's not my area's/ department's responsibility
What's wrong: it sounds as if you don't want to help
Best: The person who can help you with that is ___, his direct number is ___ (note: when you reach this contact person, explain the situation before putting the customer through)

Worst: Sorry to keep you waiting
What's wrong: it focuses the person on the unwelcome act they had to perform ~ waiting
Best: Thank you for your patience

Worst: I'm sorry I did not return your call, but I have been really busy
What's wrong: too busy to think of me, the customer? It's better to not make excuses at all
Best: I'm sorry I did not return your call sooner. I will do my best to find the answer to you immediately. (note: This is your second chance, so you must take care the problem quickly and efficiently, or you'll loose your credibility)

Worst: I will have to speak to the manager about that.
What's wrong: speaking to the manager is fine, but putting it this way sounds as if you're forced to take the action. You need to let the person know you want to help.
Best: I will be happy to speak to the manager about that to you

Worst: This is the wrong line. You will have to wait in line that section
What's wrong: Most people's reaction to this one is: "I'm the customer, and I don't have to do anything. You are the one who have to help me."
Best: Unfortunately, I do not have the ability to help you here

Worst: Thank you for your business
What's wrong: it's cold, impersonal and too commercial
Best: Thank you for coming to us for your (new product/ need for services). We hope it will...(elaborate)

Worst: I don't know, I'm new here
What's wrong: customer doesn't care whether you're new or not. He's entitled to expect your assistance.
Best: I know that sounds like a simple request, but this is my first week here and I have not quite found my way around yet. If you will give me a moment, though I will ask my colleague for the answer. (note: Don't apologize for being new, simply act in a friendly way and remember the answer next time)

Count It All Joy

Yes people, if you're reading this blog about me getting a job negotiation, you're on the right entry. Especially to my friend, Emily, who encouraged me right before I was calling the company that I will work with. Your timing is impeccable. God bless you! :-) And to Dee... When you said I sounded cheerful, now you know the truth. Now to all of y'all my readers, single, married, and especially the ones who's planning to be a parent. Beware of things that you say to your children. You are prophesying about their futures. Especially if you said it wholeheartedly. I can understand (or not) about my parents background, but since now I know better (and I hope you do too), I have the obligation to break the chain of negativity and fear of failure in me and for the future generation... Future generation, haha... sounds so deep. My aunt once read a book called "The Power of Parents' Word"... I dunno the details, but in a sense it's just like what Proverbs said that the life and death is in the power of your tongue. And as a parent, you're holding the power to make or break your child's future... Often times even other influential person such as teachers, relatives and friends can't undo.

I got a job offer. I was and still am very grateful, because my prayer had been answered. Now, the next step was salary negotiating. Most of my friends said that it's not good enough. I received advise from left to right, encouraging me to claim of what should be. Now, my parent is always have to have the last word in things and so when it came to shove... the bomb drops. My parent said the words such as "unworthiness" and "failing" to my ears and managed to bring up all the failures in my life to surface. Let me tell you something, no matter how nice of a tone you're saying it, a negative word is still a negative word and with it came the negative energy. And I wondered how are they expecting me to succeed when they don't even have the faith in me? Not even once I hear a congratulatory word from them. Well, I didn't hear it during my graduation anyway, maybe I shouldn't expect one now.

I called the HR office and tried to 'negotiate' and all the things that I've learned from the past 2 days from my friends gone like a whiff of smoke. It's still inconclusive, and I'm still waiting from them, I think the company was too busy to deal with my questions too. I just rely on my faith that everything will work for the better.

I think, if you don't have anything good to say... something are better left unsaid. You may point out the weaknesses of your child or someone, but neutralize it by recognizing their positive traits. Not pounding on their heads all the negative stuff about them, it'll be hard for them to recover and to believe that they're more than just mediocre or less. Like me, I'm also learning to paraphrase my wording, because I don't want history to be repeated. Let it stop with me. Use your words as a tool to bless and encourage, for you will also be blessed in return... you reap what you sow. You can never reap a good confident kid when you never sow confidence in them, it's that simple.

Advise not criticize.

Through all this, as hard as it was, I started claiming of what is mine. All the positive-ness. That I'm created unique and talented. I am a working progress, but I believe that I'm changing to be better everyday. In a way, I'm trying to see all these as my sharpening tool, if not, then an example of what not to do. If the world gave up on you there's still One who won't, that's your Father in Heaven. I think there's a song by Jaci Velasquez saying, "Don't you know, He still believes in you. No matter who you are and whatever you do." God saw the goodness in you and believes in you... Who are you to doubt Him? It's as though today was a day of encouragement, my Bible reading schedule fell on Psalm 23. I read it as though it's my first time reading that passage. And I'm holding on to the last verse like a child clinging to the hand of her Father...

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me... All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord... Forever."

Special note: I guess, I win some and loose some. I got a job, but the payment maybe not up to par. I just would like to thank all my friends who already prayed and encouraged me. Hehehe... this sounds like the Oscars, I would like to thank the academy of Friends, amigos, tomodachi, cingu deul, teman2x, peng you (OK, people, start correcting me :P)... For praying, believing and advising me. All of you are truly my blessings. Thank you (in alphabetical order since all y'all are equally important) ... Ah Seng, Ai Pei, Albert, Alinda, Andrea, Armand, Bill, Calvin, Christine, Ciuping, Daniel, Darren, David, Dee, Devina, Edmond, Emily, Felicia, Fiona, Gary, Jay, Jaycee, Jimmy, Jeffrey, Jeffry, Jelaine, Jennifer, Jon, Juju, Kenny, Marleen, Peishan, Sylvia, Thomas, Xiao Ming, Yihong, and sorry if I forgot to name some names... :P And also more friends and my family and relatives in Indonesia, Australia, Singapore and USA. Thank you and bless you all! *bow*

Disclaimer: You may think that I'm weak, because I can't get over things that my parents said to me. This sharing was written so I can also re-read it and remember not to do it and be a better person. And a better parent in the future. Again I would like to stress that my parents are good people. And they want what is best for me. It's just that they don't know and won't understand that what they said to me are just not beneficial at all... And now some of you understand where I got to be dramatic :P

Baptism Sunday

Today I was privileged to witness some of my friends' water baptism at Big Splash. I should say that a lot of teenagers got baptized... I felt as though I was in a rally for some high school function. Especially at the end of the day when they got certificate of baptism and their friends yelled and rooted for them... On the way to the Big Splash, Yihong bought us all ice cream. Like a good Sunday School kids we became more manageable, hehehe... Just kidding. And we got to stroll the beach. Pretty-ness!!! KAWAIII! I thought I was the only one about this issue of anti-tanning, so I was glad when I heard Andrea's plead for an umbrella to shade from the sun. I thought I was the only 'ajummah' in the crowd, hehehe.

Ai Pei and Bernard were the two that got baptized from my crew today. I think only Peishan couldn't make it today. Ai Pei's family came in for support. Some of us asked Jay to be baptized too, I even offered him my scarf as his change, hehehe... And like a gentleman that he is, he only smiled at my joke, hahaha... But him and Edmond, I think, took my picture when I was eating (more like chomping)! How nice boys! Better not be circulated or else! Grrr... just kidding. Yeah on the process of taking the pictures... the ones on the poolside, I managed to get tan, because my umbrella's holder, Jon, shaded himself more than me. How nice! Hehehe... Lost was my attempt to preserve my pale-ness from 14 years being in US.

At the end of the day, we ate at some hawker corner. Ai Pei and I shared seafood horfun and still can’t finish it. We were talking about a German movie titled “Hitler” but in Germany the title supposed to be “Under Dang” (I probably butcher the spelling too) meaning “Under Way”. When Ai Pei didn’t hear the translation, I jokingly told her that under dang means, “Underwear”. Edmond almost turned himself into a Merlion.

Happy Valentine!!! And a character quiz

Yeah it's Valentine again. And it's the first time I've experienced it in Singapore. The good thing about it, it's a new place and I think Valentine in Singapore is not very commercialized as in US. And continuing the tradition of not spending this day to be treated extra special, I had a good time watching the kids from schools getting those bouquet of flowers. Ah puppy love! How sweet it is :D

But just a note... I thought the effect of being single during Valentine would bring me down, like long time ago. The feeling wears off as I grew older, perhaps because I grew up and Valentine was just not my cup of tea. Nothing good ever came out on Valentine's Day. Talking like a true cynic, hahaha. But perhaps because I'm not expecting anything 'special' in any way, today was somewhat sweet. Maybe I should do this all the time, hehehe... No expectation and then when you least expected something good happen. My friends are such blessings for me ;) Me purring like a content cat :P

Anyway, I thought this time I shall post something else that I've written on another piece of paper, hahaha... It's called:

Herbert V. Prochnov's character quiz:
1. If you found a wallet with $1,000, would you give it to the owner if no one knew you found it?
2. If you could advance yourself unfairly, would you do it if no one would ever find out?
3. If the bus driver failed to collect your fare, would you voluntarily pay it?
4. If there were no locks on any house, store or bank, would you take anything if no one found out?
5. If your business partner died, would you pay his relatives their fair share, if you didn't have to?
6. If you're an employer, would you hire yourself at your salary?
7. If you're an employer, would you like to be working for yourself?
8. If you are a parent, would you like to be the child of a parent like you?
9. If you had a choice, would you like to live in a community with people working in church, civic and community affairs like you do?
10. If you had to live with someone just like you for the rest of your life, would you count it as a privilege?

Other things... It so funny that my cousin in US said that I'm getting a "God Shock" lately, and that I've become very spiritual, although I can say that I got renewed, dats all. The spiritual thing is always there, but it's dried and renewed lately. Meanwhile a friend and fellow blogger, Juju (mind you, she's a good Christian, right, Ju?) nominated me as "Samantha" from the "Sex in the City" fame in her blog. What a contradiction, hahaha. (With Austin Power's voice)"Do you think I'm horny, yeah?!" hahaha. I always thought I’m either Charlotte or Carrie.

Movie wise... And I'm looking forward to see this movie, titled "Daisy"... done by my fave Korean actor, Jung Woo Sung, co starring Korean actress Jeon Ji Hyun & actor Lee Sung Jae. I think even David Chiang made an appearance. Shot in Netherlands, the movie is directed by the Hong Kong's director Andrew Lau. He was famous for his "Infernal Affairs" trilogy. Here's the trailer...

Cute intermission :-P

Hehehe... I thought I just want to put up a cute video that has been entertaining me and my siblings lately. Just imagine me doing that for the audition, hahaha...

And a clip from one of my favorite Manga... Inuyasha!!! I wish that they didn't stop the cartoon just yet.

Winning a "man of great potential"

Before I delve into my small sharing, I want to write about my own thought journey…

I went to an interview last Saturday. The interview was not a good one, but I still learn something as I went along. Sometimes I don’t know the reason behind all these. Jokingly, I told everybody that I really want to join the Singapore Idol. Truthfully, sometimes my dream to become a performer still nudge me to pursue it. But sometimes I feel that it’s not meant to be, I tried my hand in performing in US and it didn’t go anywhere. I also think I started too late. The call to join Singapore Idol is very enticing, but with everything else that happen in my life, it seems that I don’t really have the time for it. If I do join this, I have to let go a lot of other things. And it’s not a guarantee either. Yes, I’m taking the safe and easy way out again… but oh well, if I’m to be a performer, God will give me other opportunities.

Back to the interview… Well, my friends from Hope care group were having a day out at Pulau Ubin and I was tempted to go. I love having fun. Who doesn’t, right? I usually choose to play more than work, but this time I was feeling a bit responsible that I even turned down their offer to join them for lunch. I thought I want to prepare my energy for the interview.

The interview was at 5.30 pm. I came there after a little bit of searching adventure. I almost gave up and then I just asked God for help. And again the little miracle from Him, through a still small voice, He told me which way to go and soon I got there. I was early. The interviewer, who turned out to be the director, was late, almost 20 minutes if not more. I thought I gave him the benefit of the doubt since he’s the boss. But I didn’t get a good feeling about this. I never did from the start; it’s like this was not why I should come. It was a group interview. The company was not very promising from the way he explained things, and I don’t think I can be a good candidate for them either. I tried to be as polite and obliging as I could. This other lady and I were the only ones that actually made effort to have some conversation with the director, while the rest was kind of waiting to get things over with. The session was not fruitful. I saw the disappointment on the faces of other candidates too.

As I was leaving the place, one of the candidates from the interview fall into steps with me and we shared our perceptions about the interview. He said that the company was probably small and he’s not looking forward to work for the company too. From job search, we got to talk about other stuff too, got to know a little bit of each other. Now, when I talked to him, there’s a small voice telling me to ask him about his faith. This was triggered after he said his skepticism about the job market. I told him to have faith. And he interjected, "Faith?" and then I told him to stay positive, because what else do we have but be optimistic. If our minds already believe the bad stuff, it’ll turn out bad without we even have anything to do with it. But before we got to know more of each other (since I thought it’s an awkward situation anyway), I closed myself from him and cut things short as soon as I saw the different direction of our trains, and I just wished him “Good Luck!” All I know was just his name.

On my way to my friend, Gary's house in Ang Mo Kio, I was a little bit thoughtful about the whole thing. I felt bad about the interviewer, and I was contemplating my answer regarding Singapore Idol that it’s not meant to be, while this job interview was a dud either. And then after another failed trip to Ang Mo Kio, I got a lot of time to think by myself. What’s this day all about? When I was waiting for a bus home at the Newton Station, I saw this Caucasian young lady talking to a Singaporean girl. She’s evangelizing. At the beginning, I was warmed by the thought that this white girl is thoughtful enough to spread the Gospel so far from home. And then as I looked or more like zoomed (hehehe, to all of you that once made a joke about my Superman's vision) in at the small badge on her shirt, I was troubled. “The Church Of The Latter Day Saints”… the Mormons. And she got this girl’s contact number. Once in awhile while they’re still talking, I would cast a glance at their direction, wanting to “bother” them. What a laugh. And then it hit me. Why didn’t I do the same thing with that guy from the interview? Why can’t I say that I’m a Christian and befriend him? Maybe he was my assignment. And I failed to do it.

The Mormons have a “quota” to fill while they’re on this earth. Or at least that’s how I heard about part of their teachings. While as Christians, God gives us freedom on how we want to bless our brothers and sisters who still don’t know the Lord. In this case, people like the mormons got more people, while we’re not very appreciative about our opportunities. I didn’t even approach that guy; he was the one who approached me. And as much as my heart told me, or more like the Holy Spirit asked me, to ask him about his faith and to bless him, my ego won over and I let it go. Opportunity to be a blessing came to me and I turn it down. I didn’t even have to come to look for it and yet when I got it I missed it. I pray that when I’m facing with this situation again God would nudge me harder, hehehe.

And now here is the sharing part, hehehe...

Last year while I was still in Portland, I heard a sermon by Pastor Andreas Rahardjo from MDC (Masa Depan Cerah/ Bright Future) church in Surabaya when he visited OCBC (not the Singapore bank, but it stands for Oregon City Blessing Church, hehehe). He said, and I quote, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." I wrote that on the back on my Bible. And yesterday as though it's a confirmation, again I heard Pastor Kong Hee said the same thing (I wonder if they traded notes, hehehe). I thought what I heard yesterday had a connection to what I experienced on Saturday.

Yesterday the message was about how to win people for Christ. Often Christians do it in reverse from how Jesus would've done it. Pastor Kong shared the four rules, he used Luke 10:1-5, John 4: 35, 39-42 and Luke 5 as reference:

1. Bless the lost (Luke 10: 5, "But whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.'")
2.Fellowship with them (Just like Jesus did in John 4: 39-42)
3. Meet their needs
4. Preach the Gospel

Three things to do:
1. Lift your eyes from your own needs (Eph 6: 8) --> God Himself that will return the favor and take care of you.
2. Lift up your eyes to The Lord
3. Lift up your eyes in the way to see other people (Mat 7:3) --> Remove the log from your eyes and not easily be judgmental toward other people.

When I was still in States, some of my friends who weren't Christians, often asked me why was I different from other Christians that they knew. They said that most of "those so called Christians" wouldn't want to have anything to do with the likes of them or full of condemnation and tried to preach/ force-fed the Gospel to them. And some of these friends of mine would laughed at the street preacher nearby my university who screamed on top of his lungs about the doomsday, while his own life was not a good testimony either (he's abusive toward his own wife and children). Is that what we amount to as Christians? I'm not saying that what I was doing is right, because so far I didn't get a chance to bring them to Christ. All they knew was that I'm a nice person... I hope, hehehe. I think God never gave up on me, because He kept on giving me new 'assignments', it's just that I need to be more sensitive toward His calling and never let anymore chances pass me by. But yeah, be a friend to win somebody's heart.

Yesterday Pastor Kong also said that 'soul' in Hebrew, means: a man of great potential. See... who knows, you may sow a seed on the future great preachers, pastors, evangelists, etc. You are designed with the potential to do great things!

How to be useful and fruitful

In the spirit of sharing, I just would like to put some of my notes in this blog. I forget when I took this note or where and how I got it, but I hope that it can be a blessing.

Based on II Peter 1: 5-8 (NKJV)

"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith and virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Diligence - to make haste, to eager, to stretch out toward God, like a runner at the end of a race. Fervent in spirit.
Faith - firm conviction that God's word is true. God said what He meant and meant what He said. It is the tap root of Christian life.
Virtue - moral excellence, moral energy, purity, honesty, courage to stand firm in the truth
Knowledge - practical knowledge, common sense in applying Biblical principles
Self control - the ability to take a grip on oneself. Nothing is master but the Lord Himself. Living a balanced life.
Perseverance - patience, the voluntary and daily suffering of hard and difficult things for the sake of honor and usefulness
Brotherly Kindness - bearing one another's burdens, involved with people's needs. Seeing life through my brother's eyes.
Christian Love - seeking the highest good of the other person. Loving the unlovable just as God in Christ has done for us.

I am also still learning and trying to remind myself about this lesson. Sometimes it's hard to focus on what other people feel and need, especially when we're also stuck in the middle of a situation. But we should learn that God already first took care of us and so it's time for us to let it all to God and we're getting busy taking care of others.

"Life is tough, but God is good"

Can't believe that it's actually already the beginning of the second week of February. How time flies. Usually during this time in Portland, many people suffered from "Winter Blues", where you got depressed because the sun doesn't shine long enough, and the weather is all gloomy, cloudy, dark, cold and wet. Well, I can't use that excuse anymore in here. Not that I feel down or anything... To better phrasing it... The parties are over and it's time to get down and dirty. No more new year, or Chinese new year or anything else. Well, there's Valentine's Day coming, but people still work and there's not much to celebrate about unless you work for florists or candy confections.

Not wanting "to rain on Singapore's sunny parade",

I had another interview today and from what I understand, my friends are also looking for jobs or just trying to get through the day. Just would like to share something that I read from the Bible today. Since today is the 8th, I kinda thumbed through Psalm 8 also. What blessed me the most was when I read verse 4-6:

"What is man that You are mindful of him,

And the son of man that You visit him?

For You have made him a little lower than the angels,

And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;

You have put all things under his feet,"

I heard a sermon once... I think by Pastor Kong, that Psalm is a book which is summarized as, "Life is tough, but God is good!" I mean, I've read in several others, where there are more encouraging words in this book. Even when I started reading verse 4, I feel that I'm blessed.

Yesterday as I was applying for another job online, there was this company which I think is very encouraging toward its applicants. The big main title of the company was this phrase by Henry David Thoreau, "Men are born to succeed, not to fail." It's not the regular, join our company and you'll be successfull, enjoying this benefits, etc., but by that simple phrase it's as though the company is telling you, that you are capable of great things even as an individual. I think it's great if we can also do the same thing for our colleagues, our friends, our peers. With all the negativity that surrounding us, it's good to be the positive source.

And speaking about encouraging words... I found another one on a piece of postcard...

Wise words from another famous writer... Goethe

I don't know the outcome of today or my life, but I know that in every step, as long as God is with me, I'm in good hands.

Where do I begin,

Considering that these past 3 days had been hectic with fun fun fun. Perhaps I should do a recap instead. Got to restrain myself from my tendency to "story tell"... hehehe. Anywhoo... I would also like to make a comment regarding my edited post for the CNY celebration. I totally felt like an Angmoh with the comment I made regarding some certain clothing, hehehe. Never meant to offend anybody. PEACE OUT!!! :P Thanks to the enlightening session from Ai Pei.

I probably should just dated my posting starting from the very recent. My picture collage post.
Disclaimer: some of these photos are meant to capture candid moments. Tee heee...

February 5th...
I joined Hope Church caregroups for their service and lunch at Crystal Jade Restaurant in Plaza Singapura. On my table, I got to sit beside the lovely miss Ai Pei, who was my partner in our comedy routine, although we have yet to claim an audience, hehehe. I think Andrew, who sat on my... left, bravely endured our moments of hilarity. And some of you would probably regret sitting in front of me, because me and my camera... I'm quite trigger happy... Here are some of my amateurish effort to capture the Kodak moments...

Sometimes deciding what to eat for lunch is such a chore!

Miss Dee... Deep in thought

Yihong showed us how it's done :-P

What are you doing, Peishan?

And to my left, we have Andrew, David and Andrea... From our table we're only missing taking a picture of Thomas

And this is my version of the carecell picture, commemorating me bringing a camera, hehehe... (l-r: Jon, Edmond, Ai Pei, Anne, Andrea, David, Dee, Yihong, Jay and Albert) ... Another version by Dee

And after the sugar rush settled in our bodies, some of us retreated to a relaxing guitar lesson with Master Albert.

More of the goin'ons for this day can be found at Dee's and Peishan's

Later that night, I went to watch a Korean movie, "The Season of Love" with my friends Marleen and Sylvia. Marleen treated me for the movie, especially since my favorite Korean star, Jung Woo Sung was in it. Overall it was an okay movie. Even JWS's performance seemed to be lacking in effort, but he's funny in it. It's refreshing to see him doing more light characters than his regular tough guy, rebel image. But the moral of the story was... never take anything for granted, your time with your loved ones are precious. And show them that you love them before it's too late.

Just like a Korean drama, right after the show, the sky was pouring like crazy. (Too bad there's no Korean TV hunks or anyone the likes, to offer us umbrellas, hehehe. Oh well...) It's almost midnight and although transportations were bad, we managed to get home safely. Things like these really makes me miss my car! It was our last outings together while Marleen still in Singapore, she returned to US the next day :-( And Sylvia returned to Jakarta about an hour after her.

February 4th...

Saturday Night with Delirious?
City Harvest Church was inviting the British Christian Band, Delirious?, to come and lead worship for the Saturday's and Sunday's service. Truthfully, I thought they're a tad bit too loud for my eardrums, but overall it was an awesome concert. I came with Marleen, Via, Ai Pei, Dee and Jay. EXPO Hall 8 was jam packed with people. It's full of worshippers. Sat behind us are people from South Korea. One 'ajummah' was so happy to shake hands with us and she kept on saying, "We from Ko-reea". I thought that was cute.

And just to bug some of my friends in Indonesia and US... It's a free concert, hehehe.

Martin Smith, the lead singer, has a very good voice. I told my friends, that at some part, when he started to "scream" JESUS... I got teary eyed. Not just for the voice, but it sounded from the heart >>> It's the sincerity that counts and usually that what makes the song sounds good.

These are the two clips from the concert...

The first video is a clip from "History Maker"

Second Clip... I think the title of the song is "Christ the solid Rock"

Sorry for the bad quality, but I recorded it with my Sony digital camera. And when I did it, I tried not to move. But yeah...

Right after the concert and a wonderful sermon about Ruth and then being rooted in a good "Ground" aka church by Pastor Kong Hee, the three of us (Ai Pei, Dee and I) went to eat dinner at Changi airport... since Expo's cafetaria was loaded with people. On the way out of Expo, we saw Singaporean own celeb, Irene Ang, aka Phua Chu Kang's Rosie, hehehe, in the midst of us.

February 3rd...

I got to spend some time with Christine at Sentosa Island around noon. We ate lunch at Harbour Front and continued our trek to Sentosa Flower Festival... talking about trekking, you would think that the both of us were suited for the journey, hehehe... Far from it. Well, since I'm not outdorsey to begin with, I put on my walking heeled sandals (the ones that I use for shopping) and Christine dressed up nicely so that she doesn't have to change for her later appointment. At the end of the day, both of us got blisters on our feet... hehehehe...

But that beside the point, tho. The flowers at Sentosa were so nice, I didn't regret going over there. And the view of the waterfront and of course having a nice chat with a friend. Here are some evidence of our good times...

The flowers and the view...

Christine and I infront of the wall of flowers.

After a fun afternoon with Christine, I got to spend the nightly event with Via and Marleen and we went to Esplanade and tried to watch the River Hongbao and the fireworks. The View was beautiful... and this picture is titled, "Wish you were here..." (hehehe... in this case even I need to be there... bad bad camera :-P )

Phew... at last I'm done with this post :)

TOP TEN REASONS OF DATING REJECTIONS

Ah yes, Valentine's Day is coming... Love's in the air... Or not. Anyway... not purposefully wanting to sound like a scrooge on the coming V-Day, I got this article awhile ago. Of course this is just a joke that someone sent me through e-mail. I believe none of us would be this "nice" right? In a way, it gives an example about how men and women think differently, and how they perceive things differently also.

TOP TEN REASONS OF DATING REJECTIONS (and their actual means)

The top ten rejections by Women

10. I think of you as a brother (You remind me of that inbred banjo playing geek in "Deliverance")
9. There's a slight difference in our ages (You are one Jurassic Geezer)
8. I'm not attracted to you in "that" way (You are the ugliest dork I've laid my eyes upon)
7. My life is too complicated right now (I don't want you spending the whole night or else you might hear phone calls from all other guys I'm seeing)
6. I've got a boyfriend (Who's really a male cat and a half gallon of Ben and Jerry's)
5. I don't date men where I work (Hey bud, I wouldn't even date you if you were in the same "Solar system", much less the same building)
4. It's not you, it's me (It's not me, it's you)
3. I'm concentrating on my career (Even something as boring and unfulfilling as my job is better than dating you)
2. I'm celibate (I've sworn of only men like you)
1.Let's be friends (I want you to stay around so I can tell you in excruciating detail about all the other men I meet and sleep with. It's that male perspective thing)

And the top ten rejections by Men

10. I think of you as a sister (You are ugly)
9. There's a slight difference in our ages (You are ugly)
8. I'm not attracted to you in "that" way (You are ugly)
7. My life is too complicated right now (You are ugly)
6. I've got a girlfriend (You are ugly)
5. I don't date women where I work (You are ugly)
4. It's not you, it's me (You are ugly)
3. I'm concentrating on my career (You are ugly)
2. I'm celibate (You are ugly)
1. Let's be friends (You are sinfully ugly)

A day of melting pot of cultures

I was invited to a CNY (to some of you who don't know, it stands for Chinese New Year :P ) lunch gathering at Yihong's place yesterday. And Edmond was the main chef. I should recommend his cooking. I like the Mapo Tofu the most, although at first it looked suspicously very spicy. Muy delicious, hehehe... I shook hand with Yihong's grandma, but failed to say Gong Xi Fa Cai, instead I said, "Happy New Year." She graciously replied with "Xie xie..." I'm still not confident with my pronunciation/ intonation for such a simple line. Jay caught me off guard again at the end of the day when he wished me "Xian ni kuai le" and so on and so on, hehehe... I just told him, "Whatever..." I got to meet people from France and Romania like Audrey, Laetitia (sorry if I spell it incorrectly), Sydney and Mihai. I got to monopolize Audrey, who spoke better Singlish and Mandarin than I. I thought that was awesome. That's why I'm still amaze about Singapore. An Asian country with mostly Chinese residents but speak English and in a way become another melting pot for other nations who lives here. In a way just like America. Or LA, to be precise, hehehe... But much safer and cleaner. That's what I've been telling some of my American friends who never been to Singapore anyway, that I'm not moving far. Just to another version of LA.
With the help of Dee, I took this picture with my new friends: (l-r) Herr Edmond, David Johnson, Jay, Audrey and Mihai. I had fun talking and dining with them.

Later on some of us went to see "Memoirs of a Geisha". I think the boys didn't like it as much. Albert said that it's an angmoh's movie. (Funny too that now I'm accustomed with that word, Angmoh. It's a Singaporean nick for white people. I think it literally means "Red Hair". Just like how Indonesian people calling caucasians, "Bule". Bule roughly means pale)... I thought the movie was quite good. It's not Gladiator but at least, I think, it's better than Troy (with the exception of Brad Pitt in mini skirt, hehehe). I noticed something that similar between Troy and Geisha, tho. They spoke with a mixed up accent. Troy had accents from American Midwest, British to Irish, while Geisha has a mixed of Chinese, American, and Japanese accent.

More photos and reading on this day can be found @ Dee's...

PS: (Dated today the 4th) After an enlightening dinner together with Dee and Ai Pei at the airport, after Delirious concert... I made some changes with this entry. So if some of you, Singaporeans kids, already got a good laugh with my original post, well, savor it, because now it's fixed so that nobody would get offended with my "angmoh's" remark. It's about how you call certain types of clothings and what not, hehehe... Ai Pei knows what I'm talking about.