Faith

2012-02-12T13:36:00.001+11:00

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

2012-02-06T01:59:00.002+11:00

It's been awhile since I've been to ECP.

Breathed in the cool sea breeze, listened to the melodious sound of nature - the waves crashing against the shore and the joyful chirps of the little birds, took in pretty green sights, including sights of cute kids, pretty ladies and dashing hunks (that's really good for the eyes I would add)! My eyes and soul finally got some slack off from the constant straining and tiring computer editing work.

It had been a good relaxation cum workout session, especially since my tyre got punctured and I had to laboriously cycle the last 7km back. But all wasn't that bad (: A cute guy even told me, "Be careful, your tyre is flat!"

Thank you Sandra and Carrotman :D :D :D It had been a wonderful day and I hope your crab session was great too! Sadly, the inline skating rental shop was closed today. But, shall be heading back to ECP for a few times before flying back. Seriously wanna learn rollerblading. It seems likka cool!

PS, my flights confirmed. It's on the midnight of 27th Feb! 22moredays. realfast ):

Pimple

2012-02-04T18:31:00.002+11:00

I never knew armpits could bear pimples. Furthermore, when the pimple pops, out comes two huge yellow-greenish clots, with a little blackness in between, a few strands of armpit hair and a horrible, stinky odor.

Gross. But kinda interesting. Lolol.

1000 notes

2012-01-30T15:49:00.002+11:00

The 1000th post, on the second last day of January.

Tomorrow's gonna be the 31st. School's officially starting in 27 days time. Seems like some way (not long way) to go, but, time passes really fast. The evidence? My 3 months +++ holidays has rocketed past just.like.that. Rent transfer from my old apartment... new accommodation hunting... school enrollment... a new school term... application for bank loan draft... etc... Definitely not looking forward to doing all these - a handful to do and so little time left.

I hope I'm not making the wrong decision by deciding to go back right on the day when school reopens. I just can't bear the thought of leaving home yet again. Though, the pay here sucks and I am definitely looking towards the $16/h min part time wages there, but nothing can beat the company I have at home.

The thought of Melbourne reminds me of greyish/brownish buildings and the cold gloomy winter. Melb does have her bright side, but I just can't seem to be drawn by it, probably because of the unfortunate events last year. Hopefully this year spent in Melbourne shall be a better one! It should be - with a new start (starting from a change in housemate wahahhaa) and suffice experience from the last year. Hopefully, hopefully, I will be able to mark my last year in Melbourne with a good time! Shall do my best to enjoy my time there, I shall consider getting a pet too!

I will be home again soon enough. Soon enough :D

2012-01-22T18:33:00.004+11:00

Post 999 (:

Disney

2012-01-17T14:54:00.002+11:00

The reason why I love Disney, other than for its famous, and always cliche, happy endings, is because of its wonderful and encouraging songs. They light me up particularly in moments of frustrations and discouragements at work. Here's one of my fav (from the Lion King):

Enjoy~

Post 999 ((:

2012-01-15T00:56:00.001+11:00

Happy birthday Grandma :D

2012-01-12T04:11:00.001+11:00

One happy family, Sooty, Fishie and me :D
Haven't took a photo yet, soon, soon (:

Sooty, Noobie (:

2012-01-10T03:02:00.001+11:00

Sooty (:

Codfish picked up a little baby kitty a few days ago. It's been seven days and her growth has been real fascinating (: From a tiny little kitten that keeps her eyes shut tight, she slowly grow to become a little adorable "rascal" that keeps mewing, pooping, urinating and drinking milk.

Meet Sooty, the little kitten who changed my perspective about all cats and kitties (Though, I still prefer dogs over cats. Muahahaha).

Please don't grow up to be ugly like other cats! No worries, XY will make sure you won't too (: He will feed you to become as fat and cute as.... GARFIELD :D

ps, it's been a week, but we have not even confirmed her name yet.... Sooty or Noobie?

2012-01-08T04:35:00.003+11:00

I met Keith again at the Chingay rehearsal today. In case you were wondering, Keith is a guy I first met when working with Standard Chartered Marathon. He was one of the leaders under my charge, and was one of the really dedicated and competent ones. Seeing him volunteering for Chingay and seeing how he took the initiative to help and serve others really touched me (He was only and administrative personnel, but he even took drinks to serve the performers when they came in all too tired to get their own food and beverages). He also made me feel conscious of my flaws.

Having volunteered for many events, this was the first time I ever really reflected on my volunteering. What was the purpose that drove me to volunteer and how well did I perform my job as a "do-gooder"?

I remembered the times I complained about not having good enough welfares. I remembered others when I just gave up on the tough job of having to serve others because I wasn't in a good mood (due to various petty and major reasons). I recalled waiting for other volunteers to do the job just because I refused to go the extra mile/ get dirty.

Volunteering meant presenting oneself available on one's on will without the expectation of any rewards or returns. My behaviour failed me. Even in real life, I might have failed to be a... well, maybe not a Samaritarian, that's probably too high a status to achieve... failed to be a understanding and generous person.

Other than thanking Keith, I also have to thank Codfish. I am really proud of XY. Unlike me, he would not question anyone selling items in the name of charity. I would usually go, "this person has hands and legs. He should be finding a job instead of sitting on the streets asking for money," or even, "this person said that he was once an ex-convict, but how sure are we? And, the card he is selling... it is simply too expensive and not worth the money." He would not. He would generously donate. Even in his job, he may complain that people were not treating him well and they would always reprimand him for things that he did that was not even required of him in the first place. But despite all that, he would still be willing to help and he would even give his all instead of doing a bad job. His loving, caring and sensitive heart, especially towards others and particularly animals, was the other admirable part about him.

They showed me the meaning of being a better person. And that is something I strive to become.

2011-12-31T02:22:00.001+11:00

2011 is a bittersweet symphony. 2012 will be my survival story. I will survive everything having learnt from what's happened the past year. Thank you 2011. I will miss you.

And here's a song for everyone.

Have an awesome new year everyone!

Christmas

2011-12-25T03:58:00.000+11:00

This christmas is one with love, the kind of love that you melt in and yet you'll never wanna let go. Merry Christmas y'all.

Ps, Allen & Eva, thank you for being good korkor and jiejie to me and for letting me have the honour of doing your wedding video. I really learnt so much from the two of you (: Congratulations on your marriage and cheers to many good years ahead!

Change, changing, changed.

2011-12-23T12:46:00.003+11:00

A one month hiatus. That's probably the longest pause I ever had in blogging?

Was walking home in a zombie state earlier on. Training camp was really tiring, fun but tiring, maybe not as tiring as when Mingyao they all took it, but still, being 5 years older now, my body seemed to be failing me. LOL. Guess Shawn and WK felt it too? Muscle aches all over with just a few simple jumps and squats and what's not.

Going back to school, as always, floods my brain with memories. Students now are really pampered and us, alumni, continue asking the same questions... "Why are we not born later?" Seriously, my primary school was undergoing renovation when I was about to graduate, similarly for my secondary school, and even now, the polytechnic, equipped with its many wonderful facilities like Studio 27, prettier clubhouses, better working lifts, nicer sports hall, came only after my graduation. Damnnnnn.

But I am kinda glad to be born in the 90s too. I would say the kids born in the 90s are the rojak generation children. At least we get to experience the old and the new? Then, we were playing hopscotch and jumping ropes outside our corridor, mingling around in the old HDB estates, reading off black boards and transparencies and corporal punishment was still in place. We saw the gradual increase and reliance on digital products and went with the flow whereby the bulk of the older generation probably gave up learning computers and going digital.

I actually prefer the old. Call me traditional or stubborn, but, I really hate changes. I hate breaking status quos and somehow I think the old is more peaceful. There's no need to bother with health issues relating to the technological side effects... Cavemen lived pretty well without all the luxuries, didn't they? Sometimes, these technologies scare me real bad. Once the sci-fi human robots are coming true. We are seriously going to turn into them in the near future. But what makes me pick the old over the new is because of the reminiscences.

Walking past the buildings in NP reminded me of the relationships I forged over the three years of my education there. The good, the bad, the ugly. The old canteen where the vballers used to meet up at, the blocks that we used to spend our time waiting for classes, the hills we often run up so arduously, and the place I first met you and slowly fall in love with you... Changes kind of made me feel insecure. You can call me superstitious too. What I once had were the foundation to who I am now. Removing any part of it makes my strong foundation weaker and makes it shake....

But changes have to happen don't they? And even now, I am typing on the computer instead of writing this out in a diary. Adapting.. It's actually easy once you get started. And probably my new year resolution shall consist of some really huge changes this time round. I hope I will be able to take them in my stride!

Ahhhh, I miss the good ol' days.

K.Attack

2011-11-28T02:45:00.001+11:00

The conductor turned to rapping abruptly, earning the applause of the audience.

It was a really amazing concert, a really well-done concert. Though I had to admit that I did not know most songs played (because I did not know many K-Pop songs), hence, I did not join in the screaming when the host introduced the songs. It was still wonderful. The conductor seemed like he had some magic powers - when he raised his hands, the volume of the music goes up, the energy increases, like conjuring a huge wave and then making it crash down musically. The musicians had a special chemistry with their instruments and they together produced great melody that made the concert so successful. They even gave light sticks to the audience so that they could shine it, as if in a real korean band music concert. The lightings added more ambience to the whole performance. Participation was highly encouraged throughout the performance, with the conductor chatting with the audience, getting them to clap along and even got them to play musical notes through their handphones - the wonders of technology.

I was glad I went (: Made me wanna join a performing arts group again, but... nah. Got too much to handle. Someday, maybe ((:

2011-11-24T21:10:00.001+11:00

Everyday is a duplicated routine, except for the food that is served in the mass hall. A life of challenging limits - the bookworms turn to flexing their muscles instead of squeezing their brain juice, the sporty aims to break another personal record. Each one man show is substituted with a bout of thirteen other green men.

The island is an entirely different world. The strangers mingle and transform into robots that are programmed for one purpose, with different (hidden) agendas. A holiday back home, on earth, is short-lived; a day of sleeping, maybe a few hours with friends or the hypnotizing tele whilst feasting on the not-easily-attainable-on-the-island-therefore-precious chips and cola, a few (thousand) minutes of ironing and dressing up and viola, it is time to head back to "work".

What kind of feelings do they harbor when returning? How elated do they feel on the way home after a week of training? They can tell me, but I will never really comprehend, unless I try it out for myself… And somehow, their stories enchant me to.

C12 A picture of something I love

2011-11-20T02:10:00.001+11:00

Something I love: Foxtrot Comics :D

I love the family humour and having siblings, I can totally relate to the frustrations and the cheekiness amongst the siblings and the things the parents have to do to handle the kids. It's just a really great comic that never fails to take my mind off stress, and all other insecurities, because when I read it, family is all that matters and they matter the most - no matter what happens, they are always there for you. Just knowing that makes me smile. (:

2011-11-17T02:45:00.001+11:00

What Is Politics?

A little boy goes to his dad and asks, “What is politics?”Dad says, “Well son, let me try to explain it this way: I’m the breadwinner of the family, so let’s call me capitalism. Your Mom, she’s the administrator of the money, so we’ll call her the Government. We’re here to take care of your needs, so we’ll call you the people. The nanny, we’ll consider her the Work...ing Class. And your baby brother, we’ll call him the Future. Now, think about that and see if that makes sense,”

So the little boy goes off to bed thinking about what dad had said.

Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check on him. He finds that the baby has severely soiled his diaper. So the little boy goes to his parents’ room and finds his mother sound asleep. Not wanting to wake her, he goes to the nanny’s room. Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny. He gives up and goes back to bed. The next morning, the little boy says to his father, “Dad, I think I understand the concept of politics now.”

The father says, “Good son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about.”

The little boy replies, “Well, while Capitalism is screwing the Working Class, the Government is sound asleep, the People are being ignored and the Future is in deep poo.”

2011-11-12T02:30:00.001+11:00

Diet starts today.

C11 A picture of something I hate

2011-11-11T13:34:00.001+11:00

Fish

I hate fishes. Absolutely detest fishes. Why? I don't know too! I've already tried to find the most slimy and hideous one I can to psycho you to hate it as well.

I guess I have a serious problem with fishes - we just don't click. I don't like eating them and I don't like looking at them. I think they are slimy and I hate their scales. Everytime I look at them, I can almost feel their scales scratching against my skin... It always send shivers down my spine. I love swimming and I totally love scuba diving.. but the thought of having to go near the fishes freaks me out real bad. Eating bones of the fishes can even cause choking!

I really really really really seriously don't like fishes (though I am fine with cartoon fishes.. they are much cuter). I don't really know why exactly. Maybe I met with some mishaps with fishes when I was young - probably fell into a pool of piranhas and got attack before... maybe.. But, I guess it's about the same reason as why people loathe cats and cockroaches and flies. The feeling of hatred is just there.

Disclaimer... There's one fish I love though :D

C10 The person I do the most messed up things with

2011-11-11T13:31:00.001+11:00

A person I do the most messsed up things with..
hmmm. This is hard. Really hard. I don't normally do any messed up things, but I guess this title will go to: PANTAT, because he is pretty "messed up" as it is :D HAHAHA. Kidding!

We've really been through pretty messed up and horrible situations together eh? Dramas in school, crazy and nonsensical school stuff and shared some pretty messed up secrets at Tioman, didn't we :D At least we had our share of adventures and now, we can boldly proclaim to the world that... My life isn't as plain and boring as yours hahah! Thanks for adding so much laughter into my life.

The buried life next! Remember?! :D

2011-11-08T12:23:00.001+11:00

t-h-r-e-en-i-n-ebrave the storms.

2011-11-06T06:13:00.000+11:00

And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us?And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?What could stand against?What could stand against?Run the race Alicia, you are reaching the end point soon.Don't give up Alicia. DON'T GIVE UP.

Wouldn't it be nice?

2011-11-03T10:53:00.000+11:00

Time to shake some rust off the blog :D
No more emo nemo posts!
ps, did I mention, I'M HOME :D

Am pretty attracted to this song: Wouldn't it be nice?

Wouldn't it be nice to have things my way once in a while?
Wouldn't it be nice if my assignments magically get completed?
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to eat all the chocolate, gummies and pastries in the world and not grow fat?
Wouldn't it be nice to sleep and wake up anytime I want to?
Wouldn't it be nice if I can keep my living expenses and not have to work that hard for it?
Wouldn't it be nice if there was no war and no global warming?
Wouldn't it be nice if I am a nicer person?
Wouldn't it be nice if...

Wouldn't it be nice if I have her voice? :D

Wouldn't it be nice
Wouldn't it be nice if we were older
Then we wouldn't have to wait so long
And wouldn't it be nice to live together
In the kind of world where we belong

You know its gonna make it that much better
When we can say goodnight and stay together

Wouldn't it be nice if we could wake up
In the morning when the day is new
And after having spent the day together
Hold each other close the whole night through

Happy times together we've been spending
I wish that every kiss was neverending
Wouldn't it be nice

Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray it might come true
Baby then there wouldn't be a single thing we couldn't do
We could be married
And then we'd be happy

Wouldn't it be nice

You know it seems the more we talk about it
It only makes it worse to live without it
But lets talk about it
Wouldn't it be nice

Good night my baby
Sleep tight my baby

------

Anyone counted how many wouldn't it nice there are in this post?
Hahaha being the boliao me.. There are 17 in this post and 18 including the one in the title, which unfortunately my blogger template does not allow me to show.
Gahhh.

The clock is ticking :D

2011-10-29T00:00:00.000+11:00

MySpace-Countdowns

C9 A person who has gotten you through the most

2011-10-24T23:54:00.004+11:00

I just realised that I've put a long hiatus to the photo challenge... Seriously, I can never complete a challenge, or anything, if it is not forced on me. It's like.. I wanna learn piano.. I stopped in a month. I wanna learn the guitar.. I stopped in two weeks. I wanna complete this magazine on photoshop skills.. I stopped at the first page. Seriously, Alicia? Shall try to complete this challenge asap then.

C9: A person who has gotten me through the most.
The first person that came to mind... You.
Thanks for being there for me whenever I am happy, and most importantly, thank you for being there for me whenever I am down, sick, angry or not in the right of moods.
Be it when I am in Singapore or I am overseas, you are always there.
Especially when I am overseas, I can always rely on you to provide me with a hand to settle stuff in Singapore and to lend me a listening ear.
Thank you for cheering me, for rooting for me and for being the considerate, caring and loving friend who really goes the extra mile.
People always say, what goes around comes around. May blessing shower upon you for all the nice things that you have given me!
And lastly, once again, thank you, really much, from the bottom of my heart.

SNS for the animals

2011-10-24T16:07:00.001+11:00

Check this out :D

Is there a pigster? :D I would love to seeeeee. Hahaha.

2011-10-21T14:01:00.001+11:00

Say You Like Me, We The Kings.

Cause I'm never going down, I'm never giving up.

I'm never gonna leave, so put your hands up.

If you like me, then say you like me :D

2011-10-16T19:06:00.000+11:00

The three years of memories will always stay in my mind. Thank you for loving me. I love you.

2011-10-13T15:02:00.000+11:00

あなたは正しいです。私は自己中心的です。思い返せば。。。私たちのブログの記事を見ると、あなたは本当に私のためにおくのことを行う。しかし、私はあなたのために何を行っている?

Typing in Japanese is hard. I wish to learn more, but just never found the time to.

2011-10-10T22:28:00.000+11:00

The death sentence D:

At least it was quick. Just one sentence, one searing and no more.
That sharp pain was better than a prolonged one.

Just as the drama always show, if I ever die, I'd rather be beheaded or poisoned than to be poked by a thousand needles or to be slashed everywhere except in the heart and made to suffer whilst bleeding to death.

Monday's come and gone.
18 more days.
I can't wait. But, thinking again... is there anything to look forward to back home?
Should I just stay in Aussieland, soak up the sun, play in the sand and also let the irritating houseflies bug me?
Plus, the pay is rather attractive here!

I feel like puking out whatever I ate.
Must be the five bottles of yakult =x
I want my purple flavoured one!

2011-10-08T14:34:00.000+11:00

Jesus Bring The Rain - MercyMe

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

38th

2011-10-08T14:30:00.001+11:00

读了Zoe的blog，便得到了这个启发：用中文来表达我的感想。
好久没有用中文打字了。。。因此连写上一句sentence都花了5分中。糟糕。我这个华人有够丢脸的哈哈。

最近拿回了上半学期的分数。Thank God分数还挺不错的。我也得到了motivation to do better。可是不知为什么这几天都没有心情做功课－我是不是变嚣张了？大家，记得提醒我加油啊！不可以松懈直到我跑完这艰熬的学习马拉松！

有一个wise man曾经说过，"Life is like a race"。每一次跑步，我都会有想放弃的念头。脚会感到麻麻，无力的。呼吸变得很困难，似乎象一条被洗到沙滩的小鱼－拼命的想吸取空气。。。喘呼呼的。每一次，还没到终点我都会要放弃。为了平平安安的抵达终点（without heart attack），人的自然反应就是放慢脚步。概念就是用走的也要把这route走完。当然，如果persevere,用跑的，抵达终点是会有更好的成就感！人生真的就像跑步。就像跑的越久，身体就越累，有如要跨了。人们越成长，路途也会变得更艰难，偶尔会跌倒或受伤，人也会觉得很累。

我也到了那疲惫得阶段。有时会想我到底为什么在跑这个life's race? 肯定不是为了减肥吧。哈哈。可是最近一个朋友让我得到了这个领悟： life's race 是考验我们得能耐。不代表跑得越快就越优秀。人生的目的是要每一个人都能够抵达终点，而不是比赛看谁会先抵达终点（这样不等与看谁先死吗？呵呵）。放慢脚步，欣赏所跑过的景色不但可以带来更多色彩，让这个漫长的马拉松显得比较精彩，也可以帮忙take our mind off our tiredness, 让整个比赛比较容易，轻松一些。

跑步的一个道理就是：越跑越容易。我相信，经理过最近的一些困难，以后的路途将会更容易。这些困难也将度过而这经验也会帮助我不再被它们打倒！

38个月的时间。我们的路途还挺长的。不要放弃。不能放弃。

2011-10-05T14:08:00.002+11:00

Just as I thought I had everything under control, reality sinks in again. Work... you are really challenging my stamina!

There are edits to be made to my profile and OP-ed article, a news article and a travel article to be completed by the end of the semester, a media research essay to be submitted before I return to SG and a take-home examination for policing.

Gahhhhh.
I don't like, dislike, dreaddddd the workload.
This school week ended and there's two more weeks to go. Praying that I get something productive done this weekend and... hopefully, my body will be able to sustain till the semester ends.

Come on now, determination.
Thou shalt not fail me. (:

Rationality

2011-10-04T20:16:00.001+11:00

This is why you should talk things out before doing anything rash :D

Dear Wife,
I’m writing you this letter to tell you that I’m leaving you forever. I’ve been a good man to you for 7 years & I have nothing to show for it. These last 2 weeks have been hell. ... Your boss called to tell me that you quit your job today & that was the last straw seeing how you don't tell me anything anymore. Last week, you came home & didn’t even notice I had a new haircut, had cooked your favorite meal & even wore a brand new pair of silk boxers. You ate in 2 minutes, & went straight to sleep after watching all of your soaps. You don’t tell me you love me anymore; you don’t want sex or anything that connects us as husband & wife. Either you’re cheating on me or you don’t love me anymore; whatever the case, I’m gone.

Your EX-Husband

P.S. don’t try to find me. Your SISTER & I are moving away to West Virginia together! Have a great life!

——----------------------------

Dear Ex-Husband,
Nothing has made my day more than receiving your letter. It’s true you & I have been married for 7 years, although a good man is a far cry from what you’ve been. I watch my soaps so much because they drown out your constant whining & griping. Too bad that doesn’t work. I DID notice when you got a hair cut last week, but the 1st thing that came to mind was ‘You look just like a girl!’ Since my mother raised me not to say anything if you can’t say something nice, I didn’t comment. And when you cooked my favorite meal, you must have gotten me confused with MY SISTER, because I stopped eating pork 7 years ago. About those new silk boxers: I turned away from you because the $49.99 price tag was still on them, & I prayed it was a coincidence that my sister had just borrowed $50 from me that morning. After all of this, I still loved you & felt we could work it out. So when I hit the lotto for 10 million dollars, I quit my job & bought us 2 tickets to Jamaica But when I got home you were gone.. Everything happens for a reason, I guess. I hope you have the fulfilling life you always wanted. My lawyer said that the letter you wrote ensures you won’t get a dime from me. So take care.

Signed,
Your Ex-Wife, Rich As Hell & Free!

P.S. I don’t know if I ever told you this, but my sister Carla was born Carl. I hope that’s not a problem.

2011-10-02T05:11:00.002+11:00

Lovey dovey talks
Springing surprises
"Remember to have lunch!"
*Singing lullabies*
Writing emails or even better, letters.
"I Love You"

When was the last time these happened?

Cherishing, cherishes, cherished.

2011-09-30T22:31:00.003+10:00

It had been two consecutive fruitful day :D

Killiney Kopitiam curry chicken noodles, movie night with Megan, Oli, piggy mooncake and strawberry snacks, jogging round Carlton Park, studying with Isabel, Xun and Vanessa, salmon onigri from Momo Cafe, shopped for a new pair of heels and a scarf, attended church's last worship workshop and graduated and Nandos Peri-Peri Chips.

More lovely days to come (:

I wanna lose weight.

You

2011-09-22T23:37:00.002+10:00

I think you are a good person.
But not everyone is perfect.

The way you treat me baffles me sometimes.
But no matter how, thank you for being good.

God

2011-09-22T22:13:00.003+10:00

I believe there's a God and he leads me through. He has taken care of me for the past 21 years of my life and I can never thank him enough for that. I came to the earth with nothing and whatever I have now is given to me by him and if he takes it away, I should not be grumbling. Instead, praise God like how Job praised him. Thank you XXX for reminding me of God and his love for me ((:

I will continue to be strong and move on :D

PS, snippets of what I saw on tumblr. Thank God for all these creative people!

Who is God? He is the supreme one, with powers none can compare, with love that's everlasting. He knows everything. Everything.

Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

Since the day we were born, God was there watching us, step by step. Even when we stumble, he sees. Believe it, he is there, 24/7, and he will lead us on.

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

God has the perfect time for us. Wait, wait, wait. He will reveal his plans slowly. He knows us best and he will give us the best.

Romans 8:28
We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.

So what if there are problems? Problems are a blessing in disguise. If things never happen, you will never learn. I learned.

James 1:2-4
Consider it a sheer gift, friends when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colours. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

Be glad too, because whatever problems we have, they will never be beyond our capability because God knows our weaknesses and our tolerance.

1 Corinthians 10:13
Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm: at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

God, I am not God. I don't have the powers to make things right in life. Neither do I have the ability to survive on my own. Help me keep holding on to you, trusting you and believing you no matter what. Amen.

Happy

2011-09-21T01:04:00.002+10:00

Can you see happiness, carved all over my face? :D

Mid-Sem Break

2011-09-19T23:25:00.000+10:00

It's officially the first day of mid-sem break. Being broke however, meant staying home despite the sunny day. The weather is getting warmer and warmer. I love, love, love, love, love warm weathers. I even love my sweat, from when playing volleyball. How sick is that? :D

Need to step up my game during this break - catch up with the missed lectures and readings. Sighs. Humans do need to pay for what they owe. I do hope I do not slack off much and drown at the end of the semester! Hope, hope, hope... Hopefully, someone will call me and hire me too? I have practically sent my resume all round Melbourne city! Surely, someone will employ me?
*Fingers Crossed*

Running out of words.

Heal, ye popped up thumb and useless legs.
Be gone, ye stacks of fat.
Dissolve, ye troubles of the heart.

Giant Squid

2011-09-10T14:48:00.002+10:00

From the Unnatural History Museum.

2011-09-09T21:13:00.002+10:00

"Laughing is contagious and has it's advantages. Ha ha ha ha ha ha, He he he he he he, Ho ho ho ho ho ho..."

I am enjoying vocal lessons more and more and more. Singing time is the only time I feel truly happy this week. It took my mind off things, off the pressing assignments. My bottled up feelings and pressure "POP" and like a bubble, they dissolved into thin air. My body felt more relaxed, like after a good massage... Must be all the shaking, stretching, laughing and silly things we do.

Too bad, time's over. For more happy time tomorrow, I strive to finish my assignment today. At least, most of it. Beach volleyballlllllll.

Only Hope. Like Cheryl said, "The tune is stuck in my head right now."

37

2011-09-08T00:00:00.000+10:00

37 months. It hasn't been an easy journey & I am really grateful for you, for your understanding, for your patience, for your love. I could not have asked for more. ILU.

I'm sorry for all the hurt I have caused you.

2011-09-06T14:55:00.001+10:00

What are you doing?

Timetable

2011-09-05T16:19:00.002+10:00

Compare my poly timetable and my uni timetable:

Uni's

Poly's

I had soooo much more to do in Polytechnic, with more modules and more projects to handle than compared to what I have on my plate now. But, why do I still feel out of time? Time management, Lish.

Snow White

2011-09-04T21:23:00.003+10:00

Flicked through my movie collection and settled on watching: Snow White.

A classical, old school, film, that is still extremely enjoyable.

Even as one of the pioneer films shown during the inception of the movie era, it's highly intricate plot and content and it's firm and good technicalities, made other recent animations look plain. Though the cliche "and they lived happily ever after" ending, the innocence of the content, the connection with mother nature and the comprehensive inclusion of living being's true character made the whole movie enjoyable and brought my child-like perspective back. Gone are the back-stabbing bitches, sinister plots and complicated triangle love relationship and here are the squirrels that clean cobwebs with their tails. Everyone's a prince and princess and the only baddies are jealous witches with bad apples. Everything can be overcome with a true love kiss.

Do fairytales really exist? Does love that pure exist?
I reckon... love is all that simple, if everyone believes... or maybe, not.

Creative Japanese

2011-09-04T19:35:00.001+10:00

Some really cool gadgets and inventions by the Japanese. If only I have those brains. If only...

2011-09-04T17:59:00.002+10:00

他每一时每一刻都在守护你。
你怎么都没发觉呢？
你的不知、否定，让薄薄的心。。。碎了。

Architecture and Music

2011-09-01T15:36:00.001+10:00

Daniel Libeskind: The links between music and architecture

From the BBC Proms lecture given by the architect and musician

What is music? Music has to do with an enormous discipline. To play an instrument, to read music, to perform music, requires a discipline. This is one of the connecting links between music and architecture, because both are extremely rigorous engagements. You cannot play music approximately, unless you're just playing around; if you really want to play a melody, you have to hit every note correctly, and every tempo and every harmony has to be there in order to be audible.

And I think that is true of architecture: you cannot really do architecture approximately, you have to do it exactly. And what ties them together in my own experience is the element of time and the element of mathematics. Both of them really are very exact disciplines, they are very precise, they are both drawn in a certain way, and the drawings, whether they are scores in music or architectural drawings, connect the music.

I've always thought that it would be very difficult to do in architecture what some contemporary composers have suggested in music, to have rotating players, to have players interpret, and yet I think what architecture can do is involve the audience in it.

The audience has somehow to complete the building. Even though architecture is very precise, because you can't have people decide how much steel you need to support a roof, I believe a building's spatiality, its materiality, has to be open so the public can form its own architectural operation on the building. I have always thought that my buildings would be nothing if they were not for people to construct their meanings.

- Taken from The Independent

Narcissism at it's best

2011-08-31T18:39:00.002+10:00

The more I see, the more I dread.

Blessings - Laura Story

2011-08-29T12:29:00.001+10:00

Blessings

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching(s) of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

2011-08-28T22:59:00.002+10:00

This card came in really really timely, when stress from the two 50% assignment start sinking in.
Thank you, my friends, for being there for me when I was in polytechnic and when I am a thousand over miles away.

I could never thank God enough for you precious people.

Honesty

2011-08-23T12:43:00.001+10:00

Coming home from work, a woman stopped at the corner deli to buy a chicken for supper. The butcher reached into a barrel, grabbed the last chicken he had, flung it on the scales behind the counter, and told the woman its weight. She thought for a moment. “I really need a bit more chicken than that,” she said. “Do you have any larger ones?” Without a word, the butcher put the chicken back into the barrel, groped around as though finding another, pulled the same chicken out, and placed it on the scales. “This chicken weighs one pound more,” he announced. The woman pondered her options and then said, “Okay. I’ll take them both.”

-Keith Krell, Bible.org

Get it?
Honesty is the best policy :D

National Dog Walk

2011-08-22T23:14:00.002+10:00

Just look at the photos of these doggies! Feeling really sad now. I wanna go to the dog walk too!
O wells, next year. Wait make it the year after next.

DOGGGGGY

The week's summary

2011-08-20T22:38:00.003+10:00

Coach: "Aim for number 10! They are trying to cover for her, so there are more empty spaces which we can target at too!"

Volleyball has taught me several life theories and today, another struck me: Life is harsh. The weak has to become stronger in order to survive. It's a cruel world, don't you think? Everyone is fighting to be at the top and the weaker ones gets trampled on. It certainly reminds me to constantly improve and strengthen myself, so I do not become the handicapped person that everyone targets at. This way, I would not become a burden to others too!

Though my team constantly aimed for #10 to score, it was heartwarming to see how #10's team members did not despise her. Instead, they constantly covered for her, encouraged her and even give her their trust. It is comforting to see this amiable side of human nature. Also, #10 gradually got used to the hard balls we threw at her and started receiving better.

What can I say?

Life can throw shit at you, but God also surrounds us with great people, awesome people who are always there to give us a hand. As the shit increases, our immunity increases too. The time will come when we become better and the shit is nothing, but a worthless piece of feces ((:

The ball is in my court. It's up to me to keep the game up or let it get me down... Starting with my assignments, whose due dates are drawing nearer and nearer. DO SOMETHING ALICIA!

2011-08-15T15:13:00.004+10:00

I feel like a fish swimming in muddy water, really unsure. I do not know what I am doing in class. Have no idea what I am doing in class. Lost, COMPLETELY. It's only half time. Half the students are strolling out of the class, with their bags. I should walk out with them. After all, I am not paying attention in class.

Not that I do not want to pay attention in class, but I just can't keep up with the lecturer. Frustrated. Since the time when he opened his mouth, every word that came out from his mouth was #%$^$%&*&^$##%$@#. Not vulgarities. Perhaps, French, Spanish, Russian. Whatever it is, I just can't understand. Ironically, we are learning about codings. But whatever coding or alien language he is talking about... I.... CATCH NO BALLS.

I wonder what I am doing, studying. I am getting sick of having to think complicatedly. I love taking things the way they are and not think too much. Call me daft, ignorant, naive, whatever. I do not want to see an advertisement and think of what are the semiotics and codes and hidden dark aims hidden in it. I just want to see it as a poster, a commercial selling a product, a witty commercial, a funny commercial, a sad commercial. That's it. I just want to watch a drama series and enjoy the content and the hilarious comments without thinking of what feminist agenda is hidden inside. I feel really out of place.

Levi McGrath came to church last Sunday. He shared about all the suffering people, particular, African people out there. It sets me thinking... What are we doing, thinking about hard selling, strategies and codings? I would rather be out there helping them. Was just really overwhelmed by how I am drowned in luxuries and yet, forced to think that the world is still not perfect when the less fortunate would kill to have just a little of what we have.

Don't worry. I am not a quitter. I shall finish my studies. But, I am definite of which areas I would not venture into after graduation. And, this week shall be NON-high tech week. Minimal computer use, no more iPhone games. Need to concentrate on studying, and would make time for letters written the old school way - pen and paper. Perhaps, I would have more time for reading a good book. It's been a while. I can imagine sitting in that pretty cafe, sipping hot chocolate and being transported to Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Spain, Laos, Israel, Venice.... and the list goes on.

Home is where the heart lies

2011-08-11T15:02:00.003+10:00

I am not a really patriotic person. I do not deny being a Singaporean, but I am not a hard core, I am ready to fight for my country person. I have not been celebrating NDP for ages and the only reason I look forward to NDP is because of the beautiful fireworks that would elegantly dot the night skies.

Yes, there are many things to complain about, increasing tram fares, decreasing job employments, inefficient services, et cetera, et cetera. However looking at this video, it instantly takes away all the "unhappiness" and "ugliness" of Singapore (though I think most of it arose from the problem that humans can never be contented). I wished I was home.

Lucky Aaron. He went home today. I know he wasn't really looking forward to, having gone through so much in Melbourne and having made so much friends. The prospect of having to go back to Malaysia all of a sudden is scary. I would be lost if that happened to me too! But, seriously, you are really lucky, Aaron, because God opened a path for you, and you will be closer to your family. What can be more important and valuable than family warmth?

I am looking forward to October. The countdown timer is still counting down. It's only the third week of school and I am about to lose my breath. This school work marathon route doesn't seem to be ending. Sighs. Pace a little slower and end up lagging by a hundred over metres. I want my rest. I want my 15 hours of sleep (: But o wells, this is life. A never ending relay.

2011-08-08T11:47:00.004+10:00

I am soooooooooooo tired, but, never too tired to say:
I LOVE YOU :D

Our 1st month, I spent two months in China. Our 9th to 13th, I spent 6 months in HZ. Our 2nd year and the months lingering before, you were serving NS. Today's our 3rd year, I am Australia and you are in Singapore.

Thank you for always letting me have things my way, for tolerating me though I have been away for a long time. Thank you for not giving up on me, or for us. Thank you for coming to Australia to accompany me. Thank you for constantly rushing home and skyping me though I mostly spend my time doing work instead of talking to you. Thank you for having your dinner in front of your computer. Thank you for helping my brother with his tuition! Thank you for always being there for me. Thank you, thank you and thank you.

It's been quite a journey, miles and miles of journey, but I am glad we are still going strong. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Can't wait to play games (KARTRIDER!), watch movies and eat with you. Can't wait to BULLY you more. Heh ((:

81 more days and still counting down. Let's feast on more chips when I am back! I will tapao Tim Tams and Pie Face! Maybe Churros too? :D

2011-08-05T18:32:00.002+10:00

Double Rainbow :D

Saw this magnificent rainbow from my balcony just this evening. A breathtaking view that takes away all stress. She was huge, colourful and sat silently in the sky. Her radiance was the spotlight shinning down on centre stage - she was the star and all eyes were on her. Mine followed it till her final bow, where she faded off into the night sky.

I am falling in love with Australia, for it's pretty double rainbows, fluffy clouds and colourful skyline. They're just so captivating :D

Photo by Mark Zach Wong

Another week has passed! Finally settled my air ticket and am officially counting down to 28th Oct, when I head homeeeeeeeee! I can't wait! *Multiple Grins* :)) In the meantime, shall busy myself with school work. Wanna look for a part time job too, but I really do not like working alone here.

The 8th is coming (: Elated, but sad.
"Light up, light up, as if you have a choice.
Even if you cannot hear my voice, I'll be right beside you dear!"

Monday's Talk

2011-08-01T13:15:00.004+10:00

It's MOOOday again! Not gonna get Monday blues anymore. Weekends come in two days time! The start of a new week and a new month! 7 more days to another special day marked on the calendar. A pity, we can't celebrate it together this time round. )):

I survived my Long Island Tea, WHISKEY with HOT CHOCOLATE, and Virgin Sacrifice. Interesting revelations for a pretty beginner drinker who just went broke. Everything in Melbourne is... pretty expensive! Moolah, moolah and moolah. Vball is about moolah too! Unigames. A really hard decision to make. Price vs Fun vs Experience vs Skills. How do I weigh it all out?

Opens began on Sunday in Singapore. I wanna play for the team! What's more... They have RED JERSEYS! I like red jerseys! Jiapei, Reb and Minfen must be damn happy cos their favourite colour is RED! Yuewei's too? Two more months.. Endure. I will see them soon and pig out! ((: All the best girls :D They are the motivation for me to attend trainings here, despite the heavy price I have to pay literally. You play in Singapore, I play in Melbourne! ((:

Improve... Imma gonna become betta!

Insight of the day or for the past week:
Everyone can be good in something. How good you are in a particular area depends on the amount of time you are willing to spend on it.

Research... Yawns!

2011-07-29T19:00:00.004+10:00

It's Friday, and the first week of uni is over. To be more accurate, it was over on Wednesday as I only have a three day week for this semester (: Hallelujah to more free time. More free time spent doing... nothing?

Have quite a few things on my list - opening a bank account, doing my readings, doing household chores, going to the gym and etc, but never really got down to doing them. Spent most of my time on watching shows, my current hookup: Ugly Betty. Behind all the politics, back stabbing, weird morals and complications of the media/ fashion industry, Ugly Betty showed me what's it like to be true to my heart, to be myself. Every thing will fall in place when being yourself... people will eventually start to like you for who you are, you are happier when you follow your heart and do what's right, challenges will turn to cushions because having overcame them, other obstacles of that scale do not bother you anymore.

But, how easy is in reality to adjust to a different environment and culture? The TV series makes it seem so easy. Within one episode, Betty fits in more comfortably to the new city environment and "saves the day" once again. It's been 5 months, coming 6, since I am in Melbourne. But, I am still missing home. Missing it more, as the days pass. I yearned to come to Melbourne for my studies. Thought it would be an adventure. But, guess, it's not as "adventurous" as I thought it would be. I dread the assignments and the readings coming up (okay, maybe not so much for the writing module I am taking... am pretty hyped for it). I dread the expensive lifestyle over here. And when these dreads and negative feelings get to me, I can't help feeling like I really do not want to be here at all.

I hope to have someone to talk to. I hope to make closer friends. I hope to spend my free time with people, rather than alone with machines, be it my computer or the gym - albeit, I would be grateful for some time alone, because it means lesser money spent and more fats lost. It would be nice to wake up on a free day and have something to do, instead of having shudder at the thought of having nothing to do the 16 hours I am awake.

I miss my friends, I miss my family, I miss Singapore (when the weather is not so drastic and cold like Melbourne is), I miss my comfort zone, I miss my life... I miss home. Maybe it's time for me to busy myself so that I do not have time to think about all these "being alone" crap. The fact is I am homesick. But, don't worry about me when you read this post. I am not suicidal or on the verge of being sucked into depression. I am just ranting. When I get pass the rants, I move on, because we are all riding on the clock that's always ticking.

On a happy note, tmr's ISM Welcome Night :D The first time I am serving with a ministry here! Ready to meet more people (:

2011-07-26T18:39:00.005+10:00

Been clicking on the blog links on my site and majority of the link leads to a page that reads "This blog is no longer available". Either that, or the blog had come to a stand still - the date reads "past" and nothing of "present".

Sighs. Why is everyone not blogging anymore?
I always find reading blogs interesting.
I would marvel or giggle at the tone and language used and get twined up in the content - mostly revolving round the lifestyle of that person.
No, I am not a stalker, a gossiper nor a busybody.
Reading blogs keep me updated about the people around me, especially when I am faraway, blogs seem to be the platform for me to keep updated.
Why not Twitter, Tumblr, MSN or FB?
Firstly, they do not provide me with the details. They're just pictures and maybe a few words that are completely VAGUE.
Secondly, the time zone might or might not allow. I know, a stupid excuse. Thus, my third reason... sometimes, it's just awkward to start a conversation with someone you have not talked to for a long time but am concerned. Call me shy, introvert or weird and perhaps, it is high time for me to improve my communication skills. But, I just like to read.
Blogs are even more entertaining than news, magazines and movies. Trust me. I used to spend hours blog hopping ((:
But, it seems like I am the only one, among my circle of friends, blogging constantly now.
Even BF's blog.... the only reason it is being updated is because I demand for it to be. But, I do not always get things my way too!
[ps, this paragraph-styled writing is inspired by Bwub. He blogs with a sentence in a paragraph!]

Yesterday was the start of school. What can I say? School is school.
Made a couple of resolutions for this semester... Get my H1, be more hardworking and responsible and enjoy my school life! After all, one of the perks of studying abroad is fun and not having any of it seems to be a waste of time and money.
Was talking to Edwin yesterday when I realised, I have changed. I missed the girl who was so active in clubs and had so much fun with friends. The "me" now, is uptight, "grey and twisty".
Need to step out of the depression coffin and start leading, no, having a life.
Ironically, skipped two classes today =x
Got to stop this from happening!
Any kind souls to make sure I drag myself to class? :D
Seriously miss my amigoes, their constant support and their cheeriness. It always keeps me going.

Thanks for always being there!

Miss you guys loads and loads and loads. I am looking forward to going back during the summer holidays. Will tell you guys personally how thankful I am for each and everyone of you. Take care in the mean time :D And let's work hard together, to become "useful people of the society"! Hahaha remember that phrase was often used by my secondary school vice-principal.

Carpe Diem!

New Semester

2011-07-24T21:52:00.003+10:00

Tomorrow's the start of school, again. But, it's going to be a fresh start as I will do me best to make all things right. Relationships, school, work, finances and religion. I am going to have all the fun I can :D

Let go, Let God.

ps. It's feels really amazing to be back in God's presence, after having turned away from him for about a month. His presence and love embrace me as the sermons and music run in the background. I feel warm and safe.

2011-07-20T12:20:00.002+10:00

Jiapei's drawing :D

I thank God for the timely encouragements and care from my dearest family and friends. Hasn't exactly been in the best of moods, but, a call from my mom, then my dad, followed by a few messages and drawings from my friends seriously made me feel so much warmer in this bitter winter. [Ps, sometimes I wonder... why do my parents call me individually - one hangs and the other calls, but not together? Weird. ((:]

And here's my idol: Saori Kimura - Tall, slim and awesomely good at volleyball.

Watch this video and I am sure you will wish you are as good as her too!

Can't wait for school to come because time passes faster that way... and... still anticipating SEPTEMBER, when winter ends!

Fish

2011-07-17T11:46:00.002+10:00

Time really passes quickly. You were here, then you were gone.
But, thank you for the time you have given me. Thank you for the company and the warmth (:

I miss you farting in the room, surprisingly.
I miss you sticking heat packs on our shirts to keep our tummies warm.
I miss your burpings.
I miss your company when having my meals.
I miss you gawping at the different chubby and adorable animals we see on the streets.
I miss you pressing the lift when we go up 27 levels.
I miss the sound of you chomping on your RRD.
I miss playing kartrider with you, winning you and throwing forfeits at you.

Thank you for spending one week of your annual leaves, just for me.
I will stay strong. I will become stronger. Just for you.
Till we meet again Bwub :D
Happy advance 3rd year together!

2011-07-08T19:37:00.003+10:00

As I am typing this post, Codfish is on his way to Melbourne right now. I can't wait to see him again, but my self esteem issues are making me a little ashamed of facing him. It is funny how I really really long to see him and have his company, but yet, I am still having this horrible queasy feeling in my stomach... I can't bear the thought of saying goodbye after a week.

Live for the moment :D

Book.

2011-07-05T20:20:00.005+10:00

Went for a walk today and burnt a hole in my pocket. A reminder to self: do not bring my wallet out when I am going for a walk.

Spent 50bucks on books and another 30bucks on groceries. Argh, I can never stop myself from buying books. Seriously. Keep spending this way and I am going bankrupt soon. Real soon. But, I love the books I bought! They should be able to keep me occupied for a few days (:

BTW, if you guys have any math textbook or workbook that you do not want, please send it to me? I feel like revising mathematics suddenly. Hehh

C8 A Picture That Makes Me Laugh

2011-07-04T23:21:00.003+10:00

This is a photo taken during my graduation trip to Tioman. Seeing this photo never fails to make me laugh till I can cry. It's not the photo that is funny, but the story behind it that is. I cannot really say the story out, because it is private and confidential, but all I can ask you to do is to exercise your imagination and come out with your version of a story. This picture serves as a reminder to not get dead drunk. If you want to get dead drunk, do not book a hotel room that require stairs to lead to it :D

ps, Note the wheel chair :D

Cheers!

2011-07-02T20:05:00.002+10:00

Depression is getting to me. Why I am letting it do so?
I am tired of living on my toes, I am sick of failing when I placed in my best efforts. I am disgusted by my flaws. I am losing fighting spirit. The scene before me is messy beyond description. I have no motivation to clean it to its usual glory. Got no strength. Why must I be the one responsible for it? I am sorry for always thinking that I was strong and independent. Can I take that all back and be the spoilt and pampered brat?
Father, I want to go home. Please bring me home?

Spring Cleaning

2011-06-26T21:06:00.002+10:00

Cleaned the whole house today and was shocked by two things:
1) OMG! I have been drinking water that is mouldy for the past x months! The kettle we used to boil water actually has mould in it. Gross.
2) The dishwasher which we use to dry our plates have mould in it too! Our cutleries...

A reminder to clean the house more often!
Off to find more things to do! The holidays are here and I am bored!

2011-06-23T00:05:00.003+10:00

Penguins.

The male penguin will always stay outside and wait for the female penguin to come home after fishing for food. They take turns to take care and raise the household. They contribute whatever they can to the family - the female fishes and the male incubates. They will never leave each other unless they are widowed. Penguins... They are role models of L.O.V.E.

It was an awesome day.

I can spend hours and hours looking at the koalas hugging the trees, smiling at kangaroos bouncing around, observing how penguins find their way home, sheepdogs that cannot wait to chase some sheeps and admiring sheeps and cows as they graze happily on grasses. Wildlife (: I am now considering a wildlife conservation career.

Experience

2011-06-19T23:35:00.002+10:00

Quoting this from a friend of mine, "You are strengthened through trials." Just like these sails. Sailing on the sea becomes easier with more experience. Being battered once, twice, thrice... the sailor will know how to deal with the harsh conditions on the sea. Smooth sailing is attainable, but not without subduing.

I really want to press a reset button. But, I should not run away from anything, anymore. Forget the past and move forward. Glide like the sails.

2011-06-19T01:06:00.001+10:00

I need to get the term "Heated Argument" out of my vocabulary.

C7 My most treasured item.

2011-06-11T13:48:00.005+10:00

My most treasured item: My Baby Blanket :D

If you are wondering what that piece of cloth is, it is a napkin - the kind of towel that moms use to wrap their baby's butt when they were young. Don't go ewwww at this point of time. My baby blanket was never used as my diaper napkin. It is a blanket. Blanket.

Though I am 21 years old, and this blanket could not cover even 1/8 of my body, it is still indispensable. I like to crunch up the edges of this blanket and run my fingers through the jagged and rough edges. It feels ticklish, the same feeling like how my grandma would use her long fingers to scratch gently against my palms.

I bring the blanket around, to study, to sleep, even to tours. My mom does not like this habit of mine. She says its ugly and weird. But, somehow, this blanket manages to calm me when I am stress. It prevents me from jabbing my palms with my finger nails. It reminds me of grandma.

So, please do not judge or question me when you see me bringing along this blanket! (:

---

Before I forget, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
and, HAPPY 21ST TRAVIS :D

Finally completed two major assignments - Criminal Law Take Home Examination and Research Design assignment. One Jap exam to go and it's the holidays ((:

O, and say hi to Shawn Lee Woof Woof!

The bulldog is in Melbourne :D :D :D It's going to be a noisy barking week!

34th Month

2011-06-08T22:59:00.003+10:00

As per the normal tradition, a picture of my favourite boy on our monthly-versary (:
It's our 34th month together. 2 more months to go and we hit the number 3!
Sighs, if only we get to spend our 3rd year together too!
But then, time passes really quickly, and what matters is not us celebrating our anniversaries or monthly-versaries. What really matters is how our relationship grows.
Right bwub? :D

Those (particular) days we spent, they were awesome.
I haven't had so much fun nor warmth for a long long time (okay, exaggerating - But, I treat 4 months as a long time!).
It reminded me of your importance - for me to bully and for helping me keep yakult secrets hah! Kidding :D
I would give anything, to spend time with you again and I absolutely can't wait to see you again. SOON, SOON!
ps, You didn't cry this time round. Mission failed ):
Hopefully, you would cry when I spring surprises on you next time, or maybe, crap in your pants!
heheh ((:

I love you Bwub :D
HAPPY 34TH MONTH!
In your favourite, big orange words!

GODZILLA Alert!

2011-06-05T20:47:00.000+10:00

From The Temasek Review :D

2011-06-04T01:16:00.002+10:00

Sometimes, just sometimes, I wish...
I can be the girl who is spoiled with romance and showered with love, treated like a princess in a fairy tale.

Tsk, too much dramas and fairytales.

Hair for Hope 2011

2011-06-03T00:47:00.001+10:00

Hair For Hope 2011

Anyone wants to join me in this cause? :D

Home

2011-06-01T14:45:00.004+10:00

I miss home.
I miss you.

The cold weather is making me deranged. I need to work. Do work.

2011-05-25T17:51:00.003+10:00

This awesome video makes me want to join an orchestra again!

Jap speaking test today was... むずかし (REALLY TOUGH)! It was not that tough per say, but challenging. It is hard having to memorise a speech that I wrote myself, deliver it, juggling the teacher's questions and facing her intense eye contact, but the real challenge lies in overcoming my stomach full of butterflies and a brain that just would not take in any Japanese words coming from the teacher's mouth.

Let's hope I do well enough for this test, after all I saw this yesterday:

RAINBOW!

They are suppose to signify good things, no? Even if I do badly, at least, I know that God is still with me no matter what :D

With Jap down and Netcomms almost done, I AM SOOO READY TO ENJOY THE WEEKEND!
Toodles :D

2011-05-24T22:15:00.002+10:00

大学のクラスは１０時にはじまります。
わたしはまいにち午前８時におきます。
朝ごはんを食べます。コーヒーを飲みません。
９時半にうちをでます。
アパートから大学まで３０分歩きます。

昨日、クラスは午後１時に終わりました。でも、今日、クラスは午後３時に終わります。

クラスのあと、時々、図書館へ行きます。
明日、午後７時にバレポルのトレニングに行きます。

2011-05-23T22:28:00.001+10:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
My new EC: Jack Martello.
I wanna play as well as he does!

Practising Japanese

2011-05-23T13:16:00.002+10:00

1) わたしは女性です。でも、わたしのおとさんはしょねんとしてのわたしをするのがすきです。

2) わたしはキリストんです。

3) わたしはバレボルがだいすきです。

4) ピアノとギタとフルトがあります。

5) わたしは浴室にうたいます

6) いぬがだいすきです、ねこがあまりすきじゃありません。私のいぬのおなあえはジョウ。日本スッピツ。

Let's just practise six sentences for now. I have no idea how to continue and the constant translation of words makes me go crazy. I am not sure if these sentences are correct too! How to pass Jap like that? How?

Tsk (:

When life throws dirt at you

2011-05-22T22:33:00.001+10:00

Use the dirt thrown at you to build character.

2011-05-22T22:18:00.002+10:00

Yesterday was my official first attendance for cell. *Pops champagne*.
I usually turn up really late for cell, which means going only for dinner, or end up not going at all. And though I left halfway with Kailyn to get food for Aaron's belated bday celebration, I am glad I stayed through most of it :D

Quoting from Shiro:
"Why are you always so emo (or alone)?"

I seriously have no idea. No idea why I am such an introvert upon coming here. Maybe, I was an introvert all along? I will try my best to mingle in (: I really want to get to know my cell more.

C6 I wanna trade places with YOU!

2011-05-21T23:15:00.005+10:00

MOSSIE TAY :D

I never really had a particular person whom I am envious of or desperately want to switch places with. If I am given a choice, I would want to trade places with a poor/ handicap/ desolated person, experience their turmoil and fight through all of it. "But, why Mossie's photo?" You may ask?

Well, I skyped with Moss today and we were chatting about the things that we do in university. She has to read literature books (as in Classics, not reviews), whereas I have to read newspapers and journals. I prefer reading Classics, whereas she prefers the newspapers. So, we thought it would be good to switch places!

And, hence, this blog post is specially dedicated to her, as well as BUXIE!:D

I miss the two of you so much! We rwoomies should meet up! Shall we go rollerblading again? Moss and I need to practise! We can go have Koi after too :D

#C5

2011-05-19T14:19:00.002+10:00

A photo of my favourite memory

I wanted to place a photo of my grandma and I and share about the "adventures" that we had, but I realised that I do not have that photo with me now (will probably bring it over after the holidays). So, this is the next best photo, a photo of me when I was a toddler.

Seriously, who am I kidding? Most kids have little or no recollection of what happened at the age of 5 and below and what kind of memory do I have when I was that young?

Though I do not know what happened last time, nor the trips or tours that my parents brought me to, but I do know a fact. I was happy and there was nothing that I had to fret over. That, my friends, is my favourite memory - the memory of living with no baggage, the memory of living carefreely.

2011-05-19T14:04:00.005+10:00

Had a good sharing time with Joshua over whatsapp (:
The wonders of technology.

But I would like to keep admiring the good side of the technology instead of criticising them.
Then I got an 'epiphany'. I have my share of complaining about the ugly side of things, but the reason why I am finding it so hard to do the essays or to relate to them at all is because I complain, but am not critical enough. I do not know if that is a good or bad feature to have, but I would like to keep things that way.

Netcomms teaches us about copyright issues, privacy issues and issues regarding the Internet. It is good to acknowledge the issues, but all these issues would not have happen if we show each other the deserving respect, think before we talk and share information because we want to share messages and not because we want to earn profit?

I know, I know. I am naive, my thinking is immature. Every one needs capital before they can embark on something. To take photographs, you need a camera, to create videos, you need the softwares. Everyone needs cash to survive. Discussing about these issues helps us to find the best solution to the problems. But, is there a way for us, for me, to not get caught up in this dark and twisted tornado of worldly issues?

I am considering the myself serving full time in production ministry.

Do Not Judge

2011-05-18T22:53:00.000+10:00

John 8: 1-12

but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Lord, thank you for giving me the gift of sight. Thank you for surrounding me with your beauty. Dear God, forgive me for using my gifts wrongly, for looking at other people with that tinted eyes of mine. You love me, though I am imperfect. Teach me dear God, to not judge others and to love them as how you love me even though I am sinful and incomplete. You made all men, and you see us, your creation, as good. Help me not to criticise any of your creations, but instead marvel at the blessings and provision you have given me. Focus my mind and my eyes on the good, because nothing and no one that you have made is bad. Dear God, help me use what you have given me wisely. Use my tongue, my hands, all of me to testify your love. Lead me lest I wander astray. Dear God, I also pray that you will open the eyes of those who have not seen you, and open the ears and hearts of those who have yet to hear of you and have yet to receive you. Dear God, please forgive my sins, forgive our sins.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

Blogging a Chore?

2011-05-16T01:09:00.003+10:00

Blogging has never been so challenging before. I spent 4 hours on ONE blog post. No, definitely not this blog post. Check my assignment blog at www.aliciachanhx.wordpress.com. It feels weird to be blogging in a formal tone.

If you see this post, please please please, visit that site and comment on the articles that I have written? It will help me a lot with my grades.

Thanks!

2011-05-15T09:28:00.002+10:00

Hahaha. Please dun take the words in here as a compliment!
I was saying something that was telling him the "truth" about something bad.
That was pure sarcasm :D

Thanks for making my day over and over again!

Feed me

2011-05-12T06:14:00.000+10:00

This cold weather constantly makes me hunger for piping hot food. And may I take this chance to emphasize that FOOD, and the living expenses, ARE REALLY EXPENSIVE in Australia. To earn some extra allowances and to cut down the burden on my family, I took the liberty of taking up part-time jobs. 3 of them actually - a Donut Van job, a server job and a designer job.

After school yesterday, I went to work at Chokolait and then after, went to design the menu board. Frankly speaking, this whole process of juggling work and school makes me sick and tired. What am I working so hard for? That few extra dollars or to prove myself capable of juggling school, work and social life?

It seemed really apt when my Q.T. (John 6) was about Jesus - the Bread of life.

John 6:35-37

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

Jesus fed the five thousand. There, in front of me, is a free food voucher waiting for me to pick up. Why am I still fretting on what is to come tomorrow?

Please do not get me wrong. I am not saying that we should just sit there and wait for God to throw bread down from Heaven for us to eat, although he did that for the Israelite when they were going towards the promise land. We still need to work for our daily expenses, for a man shall not eat if he does not work.

However, I need to set my priorities right.

No more neglecting of God.

C4 A picture of my favourite night

2011-05-10T09:55:00.002+10:00

- from http://www.christiancyberspace.com/

A picture of my favourite night: A starry night.

I have nightmares almost daily when I was a kid and Grandma would hoax me to sleep by counting the stars, visible from my room window, with me. She would also sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", in Chinese, for me.

一闪一闪亮晶晶
Many twinkling
满天都是小星星
Little Stars dotting the skies
挂在天空发光明
shining so brightly in the heavens
好像许多小眼睛
Just like many thousand little small bright eyes
一闪一闪亮晶晶
Many twinkling
满天都是小星星。
Little Stars dot the skies.

The Chinese version is a little different from the English version. And I like how the Chinese lyrics encompassed the comparison of stars to bright eyes. Grandma always tells me that the stars will keep watch over me as I sleep every night, like how she would.

I love starry nights even more when I learnt about constellations in ODAC. It was fun trying to spot the star signs. It was even more fun trying to link all those little dots to make a new symbol.
However, the main reason why I love starry nights is because it gives me the feeling of being wrapped in a thick, deep blue blanket dotted with lights. It makes me feel warm, protected, safe, peaceful, and not alone.

Sadly, Singapore's night sky is blocked by those tall grey buildings and the stars are outshone by street lights.

2011-05-10T09:17:00.001+10:00

Sighs. I wish I have half of Mr Brown's creative juice.

33

2011-05-08T13:42:00.002+10:00

HAPPY 33RD Month :D

C3 The cast from my favourite show

2011-05-08T13:20:00.002+10:00

I've watched a lot of movies and dramas, but I guess, my favourite genre belongs to that which contemplates and reflect on life. Of course, it must have good music and dance grooves. I used to like High School Musical, but with the birth of Glee, High School Musical doesn't seem so fantastic at all.

I thought the producers did an extremely good job in planning, packaging and executing the show. That of course, can't happen without an excellent story line. I thought Glee was one of the rare TV series that kept the theme in mind week by week. I especially liked the episode on Original Songs and I thought that was the best episode that depicts what Glee is trying to share. However, though the show is good, I feel uncomfortable with the complicated flings and bgr communicated.

Anyways, if you have never watched Glee before (by goly, who does not watch Glee?), here is an abstract from the episode I like :D

C2 A friend I was closed with for a while

2011-05-07T03:07:00.002+10:00

Introducing: Mr YZ Poh

He is called Yang Zheng, often nicknamed pork/ Yang Zheng Primary School. My group of friends thought that he looks like the pigs from the game, "Angry Bird". He was my junior from volleyball. I got to know him closer after vball bonding camp 2008, especially after the "Angel and Mortal" game. He was my angel. In order to avoid being forfeited for guessing my angel incorrectly, I gave him an ice-cream cone (peppermint flavoured), minutes before we were supposed to guess.

Gradually, we became closer. Facebook...Msn...Twitter...SMS. His humour, his friendliness, his care and concern, made him a really great confidante. Plus, he loves watching movies and going out for a good meal! Hence, he became one of my favourite movie and makan partners. He never fails to remember others' birthday and always try to plan a good celebration for our group of friends.

One negative thing about this little boy... He gets angry when he is hungry. I remember when a group of us were late in meeting him for steamboat. Gosh, I have never seen his face that black before! It was really scary. But it went off after he downed bowls of soup, meat and ENOKIS.

The photo above, was taken at Sakura, Plaza Singapura. We, together with Jiapei, Joyce and Weikiat, went there to satisfy our craving for Japanese buffet. We played monopoly deal after. It was a day of fun and more fun. I have forgotten if this was our last outing together. I have no idea why we stopped contacting each other. I have no idea what caused us to be so distant. Maybe, it was certain problems that you were facing that I could not help you with? Maybe I did not fulfill my responsibilities to you as a friend?

Twitter and facebook sounds really quiet without you. You used to stalk everyone on facebook, a way for you to find out what is going on with others. I wonder if you still do that. And, if you see this, I just want to tell you this:

I really miss you YZP, Airpork. I hope we can be as close as we were before. At least, we should find a reason why our friendship was left hanging at just that. I really cherish our friendship and I missed the days when we laugh at the slightest stupid things. I miss you and I am sure the rest do as well. Hope you are doing fine!

Music

2011-05-06T22:52:00.003+10:00

Grace has a piano in her new rented apartment! Makes me wanna bunk in there forever.
Touching the keys of the piano feels really good, but it sucks to have really rusty and rigid fingers.
I even forgot the tune of the songs that I usually play.

Crap.

When I come back to Melbourne after the holidays, I am going to bring my guitar along with me!
And I think I am going to start naming my instruments (Influenced by Aaron and Jaja).
Maybe I will name them Jack and Jill.

Grandma

2011-05-06T13:08:00.003+10:00

My grandma is suspected to have cancer. Please please please, pray for her. Pray that the results will turn out negative. Even if it turns out positive, please pray that she will be able to recover well, and pray for her salvation!

Please dun let history repeat.

2011-05-05T21:36:00.002+10:00

Chocolate Cake with Smarties :D

Got this off a website. Looks yummylicious! But no, I am not going to indulge in these. I have made up my mind. I am going on a massive diet. Lose 10kg. Maybe 20kg. And when I have lost all the weight, I will spend a day swooping stuffing myself with all these divinely sinful delicacies and gain all the weight back.

Why is it that yummy food are all heavily loaded with calories?
Sighs.