Au Revoir, Audrey

Today was a full day. If you see my PDA, for once it's cluttered with so many appointments. From interviews to dentist appointment. The latter was not my favorite, as later on I have to suffer on missing out on good food at Lerk Thai in Marina Square, the place that we decided to throw the farewell dinner for Audrey.

It was raining outside, and after a long day, I managed to find a corner in Coffee & Toast at Citylink to relax a bit and wait until people start coming. I wrote scribbles on my diary pertaining to some walk of my life until Dee came. We discussed what songs that we would like to sing for the caregroup the next day. Audrey was the next person who come. She thought Dee was just going to ask her out for a private dinner, so she was elated to have other people coming. Taeko, Chris and Jon joined us and then we marched on, trying to decide which restaurant worth our visit. Jon came up with the suggestion of a good restaurant (or so he said :P ) in Marina Square that has some herbal soup and what not. Ducks were on the menu also. But when we got there, the line was impossibly long; 1 hour wait. Our stomachs were not as patient, so we decided on the Thai restaurant next door. DJ came and joined us later on.

Circling from left: Taeko, Jon, Chris, DJ, Dee, Anne and Audrey

Here's the thing with letting the guys order for food... They would order a lot, as though want to feed a small army, considering one of them... a.k.a. me was 'injured' and would not be up to the task. The dentist really tightened my braces so tight, that I couldn't chew even the softest things like Tofu. It's just a painful chore, no matter how my growling stomach suggested otherwise. But the guys were gentlemen, tho, beside laughing at my discomfort, they helped picked the best food for me. Even offered a joke or two that would alleviate my mood, tho at my expense. But laughter is the best medicine. No matter that the jokes are on you. Well, as long as it's nothing personal, hehehe... (Hmmm, too busy with my teeth, I forgot to take picture of the food)

Audrey then received an SMS from Sidney saying "Hi" to all of us. She also said that she couldn't take spicy stuff, but like the spicy mango salad. And it's not a forever farewell, since she promised to be back around next year when her job offer is renewed.

On the way home, Audrey was talking about the custom in France of giving people kisses as greetings. May it be hello or goodbyes. Me... I'm anticipating with my camera, ready to shoot whatever reactions that the guys would have. Too bad that they didn't happen, hehehe. Audrey also said that the custom varies as how many 'kisses' you would give to some people. For example there're the regular kissy kissy left to right and then there's also the 3 times or 4. She said that when the family members are way too many, the task would be tiring. Hence sometimes, they stroke a deal first as how much is the kissy-kissy should be done. I thought that was funny.

Au revoir mon ami... See you next year!

Painting Brighter Colors

Finally, the noise started to die down. August is almost over. And it's time to clean up. I was just feeling that this month was full of celebration from beginning to end. Never have I imagined that living here would be so full of activities. I would have never imagined myself to be involved with a lot of people that I chanced to meet. For once, I can proudly admit that I hardly have time to watch TV. Yup, my life now is that full. I chatted with a friend in Indonesia. She's a Korean Drama fanatic, and although I have never been truly one, I knew how she feels about it. She was 'saddened' that I'm so out of the loop with the K-Dramas. I said, don't worry, I still know how to read and write my Hangul (understanding them is a different matter, hehehe). 한국 말 조금 해 요 ... haha whatever.

OK enough preamble... After the hilights of my birthday lunch, I felt there's nothing can top that to make me post a blog, hehehe... a.k.a. lazy, with sugar coated explanation. But with the amounting picture files that started to clutter my laptop's wallpaper, I feel compelled to write this post... Ahem ahem...

Among other thing is this volunteering at Sengkang Community Centre. I was asked by Andrea some moons ago whether I would like to do some face painting on some kids faces. I didn't take it seriously and semi refusing, because I don't really have the right chi with kids, hehehe. I tend to scare them for some reason. They just like to stare and me and I'm kinda bad with rejections (line that over and over again got to lie about to the job interviewer on the sales biz... my bad!). So then I felt kind of hesitant about agreeing to do the job when DJ asked me again a week later during one of our lunches at Starhub. I only said 'yes' when Dee agreed to join the troupe. But DJ already hinted that I was already volunteered by someone anyway, whether or not I want to take the duty. Ah no matter.

Note to self: for some weird reason I was glad that I agreed and the timing worked perfectly well... So glad that my aunt behind me on this.

Perhaps I need to be volunteered more often, because I had a lot of good time, that it can't be right. Yes, it robbed me of my beauty sleep time and some $12.40 taxi fare cab from Bukit Timah to Sengkang (I thought the taxi driver purposefully try to get me lost and took a longer route, but I was amended when I hear that Dee spent almost $20 for the cab fare), and I must say that I was tired but it's all worth it. Talking about the full couple of days. Started from an early start from Saturday morning with my commitment to the St. Theresa nursing home. Considering that people woke up later on a Saturday and Sunday, I was the opposite. Not that everyday I woke up late, but at least the connotation that the weekend you can wake up later just doesn't fit my schedule, especially for this weekend.

Saturday the 26th, 9.30 am... I wish I have all the pictures that recorded all the things that can chronologically help this post, but I guess my ramble will do. This time around St. Theresa only host the four of us: Yihong, Dee, Jay and myself. I got to talk more to Shirley, the lady that always have nice red nail polish. She's 88 years old. She always commented on the mole on my chin, saying that the location of it have a good meaning. It's like I got a good feng shui for my mole. She said that the mole represents a symbol that I will never in want for food, since there will be abundant of it. And just like a good recorder I repeatedly joked around with her that I do like to eat, especially snacking, hehehe. Bring on the fats! I'll take her picture next time. She's quite pretty for an 88 years old lady. I found Bertha on her regular exercising spot and we got to talk a little bit. And again she talked to me about encouraging other member of the nursing home. And when I talked about Shirley, she told me that next time I ought to ask her to play piano. And I got a chance to talk to one of the Nelly-s in the home. She's a Christian, unlike some if not most of the residents who are Catholics. It's nice that I'm starting to get use to these ladies and comfortable to talk to them.

Under the influence of the coupons that we got earlier, we had our fill at Burger King. I heard a friend once said, never eat there (Singapore's BKs) without a coupon, and it's true that Burger King never fails to supply us with coupons. Even in US the coupons were not as frequent as it is here. Come to think of it, reminds me of the weekly sales at "Meier&Frank". I mean, perhaps it's just their tactic to lure in customers, with their original pricing for the meals covered with the suggestions of coupons. Considering this is Singapore, maybe, food productions cost way much less than US :P

After a short visit to a nearby KERATASE hair treatment stand (compliment of Yihong :P), the three of us, minus Dee, went to look for the Church who offers Teochew service for Jay's parents. We got there by taxi with the sponsor of our gentleman, Jay (another nice comment about you, rite?), and then took a bus ride to AiPei's domain in Serangoon.

From there the four of us backpacking (all of us were carrying backpacks :P) toward Dhoby Ghaut at Plaza Singapura. It's almost 3pm when we reached there. We wanted to get coffee and relaxed but it ends up doing some bits of shopping. From PS, we marched to Centrepoint where Yihong led us to the Fish & Co. restaurant where we celebrated my birthday in the previous couple of weeks. I couldn't stay for long because it's almost time for me to meet with Mabel. Now some people who heard that I'm going to meet with Mabel, were curious as what caused me to do so. And the strongest idea that some got was that I have some secret love connection that need to be discussed. I thought that was funny, especially if they learned the truth. Don't get me wrong, I would probably like to talk about that subject to Mabel, but yesterday was not the occasion to do so, since... well... it's for me to know and for y'all to wonder :P

4.15 pm... I reached S11 food stalls and waited for Mabel. I feel as though I'm doing a 24 series, hehehe. But in the series, there are no 'waiting for people' shots, since I don't think audience would be interested in watching it. They usually cut to commercial. So I guess, since I'm not going to tell you about what we've discussed, you can cut to your commercial of getting snacks, soda, beer (I know some of you drink 'em), or bathroom break, hehehe.

5.30 pm... Both Mabel and I headed toward the church upstairs and behold, so many tertiary a.k.a. college kids filled the entryway. It was their time slot for church and we're just there, since the next day we got to do some community service and missed our church slot. But combined with some of the Adult groups (hmmm... don't feel that adult yet, but oh well, hehehe) that I belong to, the church was jammed packed. AiPei made a comment about our clothing. She said that we dressed up as though we tried to blend in with the younger crowds. Well, I thought some of them do look the part, but to some of us, especially with the likes of me, I was just wearing what I've been wearing most of the time anyway. Chris, already mentioned about how older we would look and hence advocating that we can dress 'young'-ish, if we want to. He said that as a joke of course. Or not, hehehe.

5.45pm... the service started. And both AiPei and I felt that the band was louder and hipper than our regular service. But AiPei also concluded that perhaps the band members, crediting that they're only college kids, have more time to rehearse. We sat in the upper back of the auditorium, smack dab in the middle, rather than our usual spot on the right hand side. For some reason, I was giddy, too excitable to focus on the sermon. The sermon was good, I might add, but I behaved as though I drank too much coffee. Until Jay 'scolded' me to sit quietly and focus. It really didn't help when I got AiPei as my neighbor/ partner in crime and then Jun Ming and Andrew sat on the row above me. Jun Ming commented that I got a lot of stuff in my bag which, would play a role of confirmation on the next day. Stop peeking at my magic pouch :P. Andrew was either caught the bug that AiPei gave me (hyperactivity bug) or probably tried to get me to be quiet too, hehehe. But overall I would just reacted over anything and everything... coffeecoffeecoffee...

7.30pm... Bunch of us headed downstairs for dinner at S11. After a brief preview on what we're going to do for the next day by Andrea... Dee, Gene, Jay and Junda left for home. There rest of us, got a chance to meet with Elaine's new friends from Pakistan, Pastor Daniel and David. Now, I don't want to pretend that I'm blind or something, but I thought David was very handsome. At first, I thought he sat on the wrong spot, since he sat with us, not knowing that he's Elaine's friend, hehehe. But the funniest thing was when Jon voiced out what I thought about David. Jon said that David was the best looking Pakistani that he ever met... (Jon, if you read this, correct me if I'm wrong, hehe). Jon even suggested for David to go Bollywood. Dat was funny. I thought that was just weird.

Pastor Daniel, me, Elaine, Jon, David and Peishan

On my side of the table we got to talk a little bit more about Pakistani church in the middle of the Muslim majority. And how some small details paralelled to Indonesia. Both Pastor Daniel and David extended their invitations to us to come and visit Pakistan.

Before ending my fascination on the Bollywood topic, I thought David bore some resemblance to the New Zealand actor Martin Henderson (The guy from the movie "Torque"). And guess what, Martin once starred in a British-Bollywood movie, "Bride and Prejudice" :P See here...

David.......................................... Martin

About 8.30pm we parted ways. Elaine were together with her friends; Jon, Peishan and Taeko headed toward WOMAD concert in Fort Canning, and I headed home. Before my solitary walk to the bus stop, Jon re-invited me to come, but I got the early morning wake up call to think about. I guess, I'm not in 24 series after all :P Got to catch my zzzz...

Sunday, the 27th, 5.45am... "Morning has broken..." snooze, snooze, snooze... Yeah I wish I had the mood to sing in the early cold shower. I left the house around 6.30am, after tried to wake my sister up for her church session (she woke up briefly and fell back asleep after I left. She missed out on attending her church service). Now I know why my grandparents used to do anything necessary to wake me up. It's hard to bring preteens to the consciousness realm :P Now, taxis in my area were quite scarce, especially in early Sunday morning. The streets were empty. Taking bus to MRT was out of the option, since it'll take longer and yes, I must admit I was already late.

After the long taxi ride to Sengkang, I reached about 7.15am. Right on time. I was greeted by the view of people in red T-Shirts that hover around the place. Even the taxi driver asked me what's going on, hehehe.

I got to practice my arts on Andrea's arm, since she offered. Quite freaked her out with the design of heart and arrow that I drew, hehehe. She asked me to soften the design, hence I added the frills surrounds it. Dee was fulfilling AiPei's request on drawing Elmo on her hand, at the same time Andrea was drawing Batman's symbol on Jun Ming.

Monkey see, monkey do... Early creativity and Jun Ming's demanding customer's expression

It's still too early in the morning and hence we got some quality time together, meaning draw on each other's body parts, hehehe. I guess it's just like the balloonists on the next stall who wore their creations, we got to show that it's okay to doodle on oneself, hehehe. Here are some of the results...

The early morning customers were quite scarce, because none of the kids want to be the guinea pigs to some questionable-looking-semi-adults, hahaha. Well, they tend to want to see other kids take the plunge first and prove that it doesn't hurt. So I got my quiet moments, that even Jun Ming remarked on me for not having any customer *sigh*. But that didn't last long, when throngs of children started haunting our vicinity. I mean it literally... haunting, and hovering... it's like pairs of eyes tried to look at you and your creations while you're trying to gasp for air. Sounds of angry mothers that tried to get their children in the right queue line for pictures that they wanted, hurt my eardrums. In Mandarin too, nonetheless. Don't need to understand what they're saying to understand the high-pitched tone. I think, some of the children did not even want to be painted upon, but mommies insisted. So I got some requests in Mandarin, which luckily enough I understand, and learned some new things like bu tong (don't move?), to the point of responding to some the Mandarin requests in English. Of course these moms asked me nicely, but the tones that they're using to their children were scary.

The children were mostly cute, and some were very polite as they shyly said "thank you". For once, I was grateful and joyful to be around little kids. And I was touched, as these children trust you so much that they didn't need their mother to be nearby. They just let you touched them and they would just sat there quietly, while some of us making comment about how cute they are. Some would fidget, but most of my customers behaved so nice, I feel like my short Sunday School teaching gig in US was a sham. Compare to the ones that I taught, these kids that I painted were so much nicer. Only one boy came back to me to redo his smudged POKEMON and one girl who's too restless for me to be able to finish her Charmander. One thing I noticed too, some of the Chinese kind of taken aback when learned that I don't speak Mandarin, and the Malays insisted on speaking English to me. I guess I have the 'in between' look going on. I tried to speak Indonesian to some of the Malay kids.

During my short break, I got to roam around the balloonists' stand and laughing at Henry's peculiar garb. Considering how tall he was, the costume plus the headdress made him even vertically longer. Then we came in support for Yihong in her twisting her balloon left and right while it seemed that a crew of a dozen tried to create a balloon dog contest.

Henry's imitation of Gumby :P

The Balloonists' habitat

The second half of the project was a bit more tiring, I guess, because I was tired from earlier plus the bad paint brush that I had to deal with. It even affected the quality that I draw. I felt like a grouchy artist, complaining about the unqualified brushes. But toward the end, I got several requests wanted my original design. YAY! Why does good things always come too short? I only got a chance to draw my design on 3 girls. The first one was on a chubby cheeked girl. She would like me to draw on her cheek too. Too bad that my camera was not nearby. She's soooooo cute. And she said "thank you" too. Awwww... Here are some of the example of our creations...
After the long day, we were invited to the complimentary lunch upstairs. The menu was fried noodle, some turnip dumplings, fried fish cake, curry puff, grilled chicken wings and mee siam. Desserts including Chng Tng, and cake roll. I was cautious about the noodle's level of spiciness and Merv tried his and said that it's not spicy. Too late too disbelieve him, I chomped the noodles... The fish cake was my only fave :P

The day ended with the distribution of the goodie bags. It's pretty much the left-over bags from the National Day Parade, but hey, I'm not complaining. To my surprise my bag was somewhat special, because inside there were about a couple dozens if not more AXE brand ointments. At the beginning nobody was paying attention when I started offering them the extra ointments. Not until I took it out one by one like some illegal ointment vendor. Then I live up to the 'magic bag' remark, especially when the ointment kept on coming out from my bag as though the bag magically produces it. Even when Merv jokingly said stop... It kept on coming. Jun Ming took the picture of me and my 'merchandise'. I shall bug both Merv and Jun Ming to relinquish the photos. Hehehe. I managed to distribute the infamous ointments to Yihong, Merv and some other people.

The Innocent looking bag

The notorious AXE brand ointments

The content of my magic bag

I was dead tired as I walked home, but I thought I had way too much fun. Cheers!

Oh and if you want to know what's inside, here's the list:

1 8Days Magazine

1 Programme booklet

1 coupon book

1 Donation envelope

1 bag of potato chips

1 bottled water

1 Nokia cellphone hook

2 Nokia battery torch lights

2 Akira convenient mini fans

2 plastic raincoats (I feel like this bag fit for a 'couple' with the many twos. *sigh*)

2 Brand Axe ointments (to help with my headaches caused by some people :P)

3 trashbags

4 packs of Belgium cookies

8 Singapore flags (5 with it's pole and 1 flag stand)

10 Inflatable boppers (hey you can use it for swimming too :P )

and some extra complimentary stuff from Dee's bag:

1 NDP flashing hat

1 Peanut bag

1 Chrysanthemum drink

1 Energy drink

I Am Blessed

Guess which one am I?

I always thought that friendships are one of the best gifts God ever given to me. In my amateurish attempt on poem writing, I describe friendships as colors in my life. And that each one of these people enriches me in different ways. May it be good or bad, crack a smile to my face or bring me down to tears, all are lives that God allows to intertwine with my life story. With the many faces that lingers or passes through my memory bank, I may lost a name or two. I guess my gigabyte is a tad bit full. Not that I'm complaining. It's just shows, how much God has blessed me.

One of my friends from my last carecell in US is very keen on doing scrapbooking. She would create lovely sets of her photos with comments on the memory. Once we asked how could she managed to remember and do all those stuff? She said that when you want to start to do a scrapbook, start with your recent memories, because it's still fresh and easier to do. It's better than trying to remember your past and forgetting your recent memory in the process.

On this post, dated on my birthday, I thought I want to do a part of "Affirmation" project to some of my friends as a part of my life's scrapbook. And following my friend's example, I shall post things I've learned about my new friends. But a bit of disclaimer... I can't include all of them, just the one that more likely will access my blog, which means my current church friends, plus some other friends.

I've prepared this post since a week before my birthday, and it solidifies after some of my friends asked for a birthday speech on my surprise birthday lunch last August 13th. So guys and gals, here it is...

Agus: thanks for giving me the good advice on judging men, hehehe. But don't worry, you're quite a nice, reliable awesome guy, faithful in God too (I just give you plug, will send you the bill later :P). Just wish that your future business in China will bring you much blessing and fortune (sounded so cheesy and 'garing', huh?) Tapi kan memberkati situ kan ga pa pa, hehehe.

Ai Pei: da jie... at first I was semi afraid of you. In a sense, hesitant, since you seemed to be this one very intelectual person, because you're a teacher. Kinda have an allergic thing with teachers, hehe. Then I found out that you're funny, share the same fondness for furballs, and all the other cute stuff. I can talk to you about things of the heart and about faith too, and I know that it'll be safe with you. And to be honest I don't mind to be your information desk. Been missing you since you're under the weather.

Albert: Como esta, senor Wang? Thank you for your encouragement about my singing. And glad that I joined the choir. Thanks for being a cool older bro who's looking over for us all and sharing your pearl of wisdom with us.

Alvin: don't know you quite well yet, so I can't remark or be silly funny to you. Glad to have a new face in the team, tho. And probably you'll be a surprise character too, hehehe.

Andrea: it's been awesome sharing jokes and laughters with you. Actually you're always laugh at my jokes (or something that at least sounds like a joke) and it made me feel as though I'm doing a good job as a comedienne wannabe *grin*. Thank you for your ever ready smile and friendliness and for making me a part of your wedding's entourage, although I couldn't communicate well in Mandarin :D. Enjoyed every minute of it.

Andrew: who's the most handsome of all? Of course you, lor (do I sound Singaporean now? hehe). Thank you for being that friendly face when I was lost in the middle of choir members. Looking forward to sing tenor with you, hahaha. Hey I can do tenor too, but with a soprano pitch, hehehe. I'm quite glad that you're a joyful character to be around with. Still amazed that you took a stab at reading my last name and got it right at the first try.

Audrey: bonjour mon ami! Yeah that pretty much what I know about French language :P I'm so glad to have known you and amazed at your Chinese and 'Singlish' ability. It's always nice to have you around and next time you will have to sing to when we're having bonfire in some other people's living room, hehehe. I remember that old popular French song, and I shall request it for you to sing it next time... La Vie En Rose.

Chris: nice to know you as the new CG leader. And been enjoying your sense of humor. Thank you for making the atmosphere lighter and accepting me as a part of the group, although you just know me. Looking forward to a more livelier caregroup (Considering the population we have now) under your ruling :P .

Christine: thank you for keeping in touch with me and your friendliness has been blessing me. I'm grateful for all the times that you share with me and driving me around in your nifty red car. Wishing you more blessings in your job and family and studies! Stay strong in the Lord!

Daniel: since you're going to read this blog (or because I make you read this, hehe), so I might as well say something about you. Can you see the array of nice names on this list, alphabetized them for you... Nah just my habit to list things :P. Perhaps you might get an idea on the names that you're asking me. Well, my big bro Daniel... (bro ketemu gede :P) What can I say about you? Wish that I've known you from awhile back so I can ask for wisdom from you... and jokes. You are so funny and Fiona is blessed to have you. So you better take a very good care of her. Xiao mei mei here really appreciative of all you've done for me. And... Welcome to the family... HUAHAHAHA.

David: I was surprised when you said that you also didn't quite enjoyed the karaoke in Chinese. I thought I'm the only one that basically blanking out everytime the song was a Chinese song. Enjoyed your sharings during caregroup.

Dee: Thank you for always listening to me yakking and prayed for me. You encouraged me a lot with your wisdom and your miracles. And be there when I shed those unstoppable tears. My shoulder to cry on. Really enjoy our talk from boys, jobs, church and anything in between. Your great faith in God is a great example on strengthening my own faith. Really wish that you're in choir team. I've been blessed with our sharing and bible study. Grazie mille!

Edmond: Wie geht es! Been missing your offbeat funniness. It's like you're funny altho you're not trying to be one. Thank you for being a great brother who listens and supports and also a great shopping partner. The sales and shopping malls kind of different without you around, hehehe. In my broken German: Bruder Edmond, dankeschoen. Ich bin mogen wiedererkennen mit du (do I get it rite? I missed the umlauts and am using English grammar instead, hehehe)

Elaine: you're such an inspiration. Always happy and seem to always have something to say. You have a great sense of humor, and create this livelier atmosphere wherever you're around. Really admire your energy and your joyfulness. Will make sure to book you for our parties, hehehe. So you'll be in the pictures more often.

Estella (Waying): another friendly face that I am blessed to get to know. You helped making the atmosphere lighter when we're visiting the nursing home. And you're always ready to greet me as though we've known each other for awhile. Thank you so much for your friendliness. Good luck with your new job!

Gabriel: buddy! So glad to find out there are another artistic soul in the bunch. You got to teach me the ballroom thing. Hip hop... well, you can ask Janet Jackson, hehehe. Me no coreographer, just move with the flo. Really enjoy singing the bass with you, hahaha. And now after you read this blog, me waiting for your comment. Or I shall haunt your blogggrrrgh.

Gary: my fellow actor. Seeing you on stage was a treat especially during the Christmas show. Yes, I still remember. Great rendition of the "Chicken Little meet the Wise Men". Thanks for keeping in touch with me and wish you all the success on stage and on your daily job as Clark Kent, hahaha (borrowed your famous photo with Mr. Lee :P)

Gene: I hope you're not tired of being treated as a novelty just because you hailed from South Africa. In a way, I remember the time when I was one of the two Asians in my old highschool in Portland's suburbia. They treated me like a doll. I hope we're treating you OK. Don't mind the chilli and the weird food, I have some reservations against some of them too :P. You have such a brave spirit and on the same time soft spoken. You always make people feel important. Looking forward for sharing more smiles and laughters with you.

Grace: Thank you for encouraging me and praying for me. You are such a caring person, considering that you hardly know me and yet you decided to start blessing me with your prayers. Hope that God's favor be upon you and blesses you even more in your job and your life.

Jay: I thought you're one of the nicest guy I know. You are such a sweetheart, a gentleman and your future wife is one lucky lady, hehehe. It's so funny to think that you may not have the memory (as you said so yourself) to remember everybody's stories or their particulars, and sometimes even a face, and yet you're readily offer your friendship anytime. You're newfound love in God also such an inspiration. And you're always kind and like to help people. Nice indeed.

Jeffry: another nice guy I know. My only friend when I reached Singapore, my fellow semi-American :P. Thank you for 'babysitting' me by bringing me to church and introduced me to your friends. I know you're not one of my new friends, but you've been a blessing to me since I came here. I don't know what would I do without knowing you. You truly are a great guy and friend. Sorry that the Chinese lesson thing didn't work, hehehe.

Jon: can you do a spell check on my blog? Sometimes I think it's weird to think that I know a lot of these people because of you. So, I'm never short of being grateful when I remember that you're a part of God's blessing for me. Although I feel like strangling you one time and hugging you the next. Sometimes your actions reminded me of my sometimes-annoying cousin, Matthew. You have a gift in evangelism and reaching out to people. That's quite impressive. Oh and dry sense of humor is good than not having any whatsoever, hehehe.

Junda: thank you for being a great addition to our group. Your humility and readiness to assist people are commendable. Thank you for everything.

Mark: want to know what's inside my fruit salad? It's mayo mixed with all vitamins A, B, C, D, E ,F G... :P . All the good stuff, so no need to worry. Great having you around as a new additional member.

Natasha: great to know you! And yes, you can't run away from my camera too, and now my blog. Thank you for a great time talking and getting to know you. Looking forward to visit your crib in Mount Faber.

Patrick: thank you for being friendly and it's always great to have additions to the caregroup. Hopefully our rowdy happy gang won't scare you :P

Peishan: did you ever notice that when we're talking, our topic would be about movies? Not that I'm complaining, though, I enjoyed every bit of it. And must admit again that you're a natural born writer. Such nice compositions and exceptionally good use of language. I should just hire you for those darn essays in college. And perhaps the both of us should do some "Ebert and Roeper" show. I'll be like the 'Paula Abdul-character' who thinks all movies are great, hehehe. Two thumbs up!

Yihong: It's just too bad that you're not the CG leader anymore. I got to learn your willingness to serve other people and your willingness to get out of your comfort zone so that people can be with you. It's so fun to be able to do some shopping with you, although our taste in fashion is different, hehehe... But really enjoyed the heart to heart talk when we got a chance. Sometimes that's the plus side of having a girl as a leader. We got a "mom", that will take care of us, hehehe

OK, I'm hearing the music start to play signaling me to get off the stage and end my speech. To everybody else... especially the one, you know who you are (I'm so good at making people feel special, aren't I? :P), thank you and love you much. XXXOOO. Hehehehe.

Give Thanks... Always

Visitation to some nursing home was not my cup of tea in the beginning. It's a new environment for me and sometimes something new can make me uncomfortable. I must admit that I was an unwilling participant at the beginning, but I pushed myself. Life is not always having fun. So at first, I thought I was doing some moral duties and treated it like a chore.

After several visits, I was wrong. I must admit that it's still not easy when I was around these nice elderly ladies, but at the same time I was also having fun. True that some can't even speak English. But I thought that's the fun of it, too. I did a lot of smiling, nodding, just trying to make them happy. I got some memorable moments too... As awkward as I already was, during the very first time of my visit, I was accidentally spited upon during feeding time. Now I can call myself a veteran and run for cover before that happen, hehehe.

The St. Theresa nursing home is a very nice place to visit. When I entered it the first time, I got a feeling as though I was back in time when I was so little and in front of me is this Catholic church with the bells and chants filled the air, and lush greenery filled the background. I can even smell the fragrant of previous lifetime when life was so much simpler. It's like I was watching some old 70's romantic movies.

The residents are sweet mostly. Probably because some of them I couldn't understand at all, hehehe. But there is this one lady who is such an inspiration, she can put my good life to shame. Her name is Bertha. I'm not sure how old she is, but when I met her the first time, she was doing her exercise on the small garden near her room. The first thing that you noticed right away was that she's crippled. Both her legs were already amputated and her hands were pretty much shriveled with only one pinky finger left on her left hand. But when we started talking to her, she only had gratefulness in her comments. She is one of the most positive person I knew. She encourages people around her, even to the likes of younger people like my friends and I.

Today I spoke to her and she told me that in everything always give thanks to God. WOW! She even managed to change a negative lady that Yihong's ministering to become a more hopeful person. She didn't let her handicap imprisons her in misery. She felt that she has a calling to be able bless people around her. Things that you learn when you least expected. I must be able to be more grateful in everything I have when somebody like Bertha can just say it lightly as if there's no cares in this world but God.

With some of the nice ladies after their Bible Study

That's me in between Ayong and Bertha

After the visit today, Danny took us to a good place to eat Yong Toufu. It's always nice to be able to hitch a ride in a car, hehehe. It's Danny's favorite, that he even took his clients/ colleagues to eat there and have to drive a long drive from Tuas (I'm not even sure where that is, but I just readily agree with everybody, pretending to be knowledgeable, hehehe). I must admit that the food is good, although I have to fight my way through just to finish a chunk of crispy fried tofu. Darn my braces.

Being with my Singaporean friends makes me feel as though I'm in some kind of Singaporean fave TV show, "Makan Place". We always in search for that nice place to eat and sometimes somewhere new. Want proof?

The before and after

And here's a picture of the restaurant's signboard. Oh and don't panic about that floating head... Jay always trying to be in all pictures, hehehe.

And as Anne's ritual when she's outside... always ready with one snap of a group picture.

Bernard (Jay's old school mate), Yihong, Jay, Waying, Danny and I

Fireworks at Lavender

This year was not my first year in celebrating the National Day of Singapore. But it was the first time I'm in a different place than my living room. Although the celebration was not at ground zero, the atmosphere was still as festive. My second time celebrating this special day for Singaporeans and I was in the midst of them this time.

I'm posting several scenery pictures that was taken from Grace's balcony. It was beautiful. So Daniel, I dedicate this blog for you. So you can feel the Singaporean atmosphere through my blog, hehehe... And the smell of Duriansss. I don't think you'd mind that do you? Here are some pictures taken from the balcony...

Here's the fireworks short video that's captured with my camera. (The sample photo was captured by Dee's camera, I just took the video)

I got to show off my culinary skill by serving my "Dutch heritage influenced" fruit salad. Actually glad that my friends like it. Was worried for a moment. The who's who of our caregroup was there, plus our new member Gene. We watched the fireworks from the balcony and it's kind of funny whenever somebody yelled, "Fireworks!" People would started to run outside. It's just pretty similar reaction as though somebody yelled "Fire!" :P

It was a clear night and we can hear the festivities too... through TV, hehehe. We could only hear the boom of canon and fireworks from afar off.



After the fireworks died down we settled on a game of "Blokus" or practically watching other people played it. Singapore Idol contestants serenading us on the background. Then of course the much awaited group picture.

The event of the night was closed with the trip to Durian mongers in Geylang. It's awesome to witness Gene's Durian experience.

The night was closed with funny smells and laughters :)

More and more...

I guess the topic of my photography been broaden lately. I love taking pictures of friends and people. I joined the choir, so low and behold, I met new victims to my camera, hehehe. It's kind of embarassing too, when at first I took the picture I don't even know all their names. But it's all good. Just want to say to them that "I have arrived!" :D Better get used to this paparazzo :P

back row left to right: gabriel, andrew, tricia, lijun, cuifen, jun ming

front row left to right: anne, shawn (the birthday boy), beng eu, gelene

Names: Major credit to Jun Ming

Anti-"Ageing" TIPS

If you walked through the street of Singapore, there are a lot of people distributing flyers for companies they're working for. This time, my mom got this one random flyers, about some "Anti Aging" serum (see picture). But what's makes it interesting is that the little flimsy flyer put some tips and jokes about how to stay young. Their approach may be a little bit defeat the purpose of the serum itself, plus the spelling mistake on it, but in a way, it makes the little flyer more memorable.

Here's what the back of the flyer says:

Anti-Ageing TIPS

1. Drink at least 8oz. glasses of water a day, starting from wake time
2. Sleep at least 8 hours for 2 days in a week
3. Sleep only with cleansed and well moistured face
4. Use and SPF-15 day cream & a really good eye cream
5. Avoid sun between 12-4 pm, as much as possible
6. Move your bowels everyday (twice a day even better!)
7. Exercise, play sports, walk a lot... move that body
8. Eat well, don't smoke, drink only wine
9. Take supplements if necessary
10. Be happy and laugh often

Ageing Jokes (What a difference 30 years can make!)
1971 Long hair
2001 Longing for hair

1971 Getting out to a new hip joint
2001 Getting a new hip joint

1971 Rolling Stones
2001 Kidney Stones

1971 Parents begging you to get your hair cut
2001 Children begging you to get their heads shaved

1971 Passing the driver's test
2001 Passing the vision test

Well, some of the advice to stay young was kind of a bit out there, especially the wine drinking part.

"The grass is NOT greener on the other side"

"Before I knew Your name, You knew my every breath

Before I found my way, You knew my every step

Before I knew everything that I need, You gave it all to me

No greater love than this, that You should lay down Your life

For someone such as me, I spend a lifetime wondering why

The beauty of Heaven is here in my heart, and I know there can be

No greater love..."

Those words came from Rachael Lampa's song "No Greater Love". The song has inspired me a lot, especially when circumstances of my life seem to sing a negative tune. One of these days I shall perform this song. I'm playing it right now on my iTunes repeatedly and at the same time memorizing it.

I read about the "Man healed at the Pool of Bethesda" in John 5. I've heard this story quite a bit before and sometimes you're getting used to what you hear without even gleaning and really hearing the story. And I quote:

"Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the (healing) pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed and walked. But the one who was healed didn't know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."" (verse 5- 9a, 13-14)

There are many times, if we want to look at other people and see their successes, we think, "The grass is greener on the other side." And sometimes our own negativity blinded us from the blessings that already been promised to us as children of God. Our own negativities often left us infirmed and hopeless. But Jesus readily touched our lives and encourage us to get up and get on with our lives. It's like there's nothing to this "infirmities" of the world. And when Jesus touches a life, that life will be turned upright and uplifted. But once you're healed remember that the way of sin is pain and suffering and bondage. We need to train our thoughts and remind each and everyday that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13). Notice that the word "strengthens" is meant as present tense, and not past or future. It's meant for right now!

All in all, even as the Bible said, the man left Jesus without even acknowledging Him; left Him without even knowing His name. Jesus just readily extend His help before we even knew Him. and often times, in good situation, we just celebrated and let Jesus 'withdrawn', hidden, behind our happiness. Just remember that in every state of situation we're in, there's He who loves us most!

Note: All Bible verses are taken from the New King James Version

Fidelio

I went to a couple of interviews today. I must say that both of these companies are part of miracles that I've been waiting for. I've been out of a job for awhile and I've been down and out mentally. And after the blessing prayer that I received last July 10th (I shall blog that too), although it's not an instant answer, it's an answer nonetheless.

Now as this night grew my mind started boggling again. The day was starting okay, but as I was nearing the job interviews, I got some lectures again, about behaving like an ungrateful kid and what not. All I did was just being nervous, hence my attitude became a bit cold. I got 2 interviews waiting back to back and while trying to maintain my composure and stay positive, I got a pep talk that I'm not 'all' that. It's not that I'm blaming the talk too, because I did feel that I do some of those bad stuff too. But was it a good time to say so and bring it up, that was my concern. I needed encouragement, not criticism that so 'lovingly' be labeled as correction (and to all of you who are keen with Proverbs, please check Proverbs 12:1. That verse been used to taunt me. I wanted to reply back with Ephesians 6:4, but when will it ends? And then she would say that I may read the Bible but never act as how a good Christian should be. I almost wanted to blurt out, "What about you?" but that would be called a total disrespect, and asking for World War 3 to break in my living room. So I just quietly swallowed everything again). Sometimes that's why I don't like telling my parents that I got interviews lining up, because I'm afraid that these things happen and I don't have the energy to fight. I know that it's good that they care and I am very grateful, but sometimes I felt as though I'm being smothered.

Authoritarian parenting aside, I went to interview 1. It's an Italian company which offers services for Italian businesses to open their offices/ branches in Singapore. I was very interested, because they're dealing with fashion, food, and other Italian products. The thing was the working hours. The interviewer only told me that it's not going to be a 9-5 job, the hours will fluctuate depending on the business. But I was elated after the interview and from the sounds of things there will be a second interview.

Then I went to interview 2. It's a government company which offers me exposure in event management field which I was also interested. This is only a temporary job, though. The interviewer told me that the working hours is as posted on the door, a.k.a. the 9-5 job (but I learnt a bit in Singapore, that those things are non existent, meaning the "9-5" is just a term, this company starts at 8.30am to 6pm... There!). I was keen on this job at the beginning, but after learning more about the first company during interview, I got confused.

Later on I learned that even job interview 2 may not really offer me a 9-5 job either. Especially in event management you can expect to have a lot of overtime, but just in case things not working out, I can get out in 3 months time. It's not that I opted for a way out soon before I started working, but what if the job doesn't suit me later on? It's always all nice and flowery on the beginning, but there's the possibility that the "image shown is larger than the real object" type of deal. And then here's the thing with the working hours again. So you people who are working in US, I think you have to be grateful with your hourly rate plus overtime pay; because once I step in Singapore there's a thing about being thick-faced and ask what kinda of 'overtime' benefit you would get. 'Cuz hun, you may ain't got none. I was so used with the automatic 'union-ized' working time and pay, I keep on forgetting that things are different here. Those things don't apply no more. I felt like being a part of a cheap labor in this well-oiled society when I joined my previous company.

Another thing that bothers me, that when I started to take on the job, I may not be able to be with my friends and my ministries as much. So where should I go? I'm just going to rely this one solely to God. Unless I want to settle with some boring desk job that will guarantee the perfect timing for clocking out (doubt if there's any in Singapore), I have to pray for a miracle that such creative and interesting job with great timing and pay does exist. I mean I love my ministries, especially my singing, and my friends and the thought of having to give them up... *sigh*... It's so hard. I just have to stay positive and think positive and believe that everything will work out. Claim it all with faith!

Semper Fi!

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13