Seraphical Dreams.

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Listening to: "I Love You" by Tim
Mood: Blessed
Savoring: Choc-a-bloc Chocolate Cake

+ . : . Farewell Party . : . +

I felt really elated & extremely blessed today coz my GB girls threw me a farwell party! *drool* I deeply cherish the times I got to spend with my precious girls & thankful for the opportunity to get to know each & every one of them - especially the officers whom I am proud & blessed to call my "friends". I am going to miss all of them heaps!

Thank you Shi Qi, Han Fang, Pui Hoon, Jesline, Agnes, Xueli, Wen Xin, Cindy, Joanne, Liliang, Pui Hwa, Huiling, Christine, Nicole & Siew Chin for coming, planning, songs sung & your wonderful gifts! I will cherish that box with all your names ... & I love the bookmarks, the comic books (heh!!) & the horse ... (I lurve horses!! Thanks Siew Chin!) ...the yummy chicken wings too!

Thank you Cindy ... your words are so precious to me ... being able to be known is a gem ... being able to be understood & appreciated is a diamond ... you've been an encouragment & a very dear friend. I will strive to upkeep the virtues you've associated with my name always - R (real), U (understanding), T (tenancity) & H (humble).

Thank you Xinyan ... you are my forever princess ... Love you! Thank you for the trouble you took to get my prezzies!! I lurve lurve lurve the chocolate cake .. its heavenly & the flowers!! Gerberras .... my favourite too! :)

Thank you all for giving me such a wonderful memory to end my 2006 ... I will always carry you ... carry you in my heart... keep in touch!! :)

2:46 PM

Friday, December 29, 2006

Listening to: "Fallen" by Lauren Wood
Mood: Sleepy
Savoring: Korean Dried Squid

"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy."

Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803 - 1882
Letters and Social Aims [1876], Social Aims

I came across an article in Readers' Digest a couple of months ago where a research was conducted to assess & rate the level of courtesy of citizens in the biggest cities of 35 countries. Surprise surprise, the top three that emerged were: New York, Zurich & Toronto.

Now, before anyone cries "Bias" since these cities are supposedly "Western", I must state that the 3 tests chosen & conducted for this assessment were simple tasks that could have been easily carried out by any gender or race or age. The first involved holding the door for a stranger behind, another involved picking up fallen folders/papers & the last was saying thank you to customers who bought small items.

What saddened though not utterly surprising was the fact that Asian countries were ranked among the lowest. I quote from the article: "The region that most consistently lacked courtesy: Asia. Eight out of nine cities there finished in the bottom 11."

Guess where Singapore was? 31st ... just above Seoul, KL, Romania & Mumbia. Well for a nation who strives to be gracious & a optimum tourist destination, I would say this is a utter disgrace. We won ... 4th from the bottom.

Excuses cited were "I didn't see" or "I'm busy" .. sounds familiar? In fact, I often get irate whenever I board the public bus & don't understand why Singaporeans do not readily offer their seats for the elderly & pregnant ladies. I remember distinctly this being taught to me when I was in primary school so it comes naturally. Offerning seats for people, holding doors for strangers behind, helping old ladies carry their heavy loads. Did I go through a different education system from 95% of the population or was everyone sleeping? Such individualism displayed by Singaporeans coupled by the want for materialism fills me with dismay.

On this note, I do think that this mindset of self-glorification & self-gratification is driven by fear. Not that in any way it makes the actions less appalling but that people driven by fear will never truely be free to love & be happy. Fear of failure, fear of poverty, fear of losing - it's no wonder Singaporeans are also ranked top - from the bottom - for level of happiness in another recent survey.

But I'm not trying to boast of how polite I am - beacuse I sincerely do feel I am only doing what I should be doing & just totally surprise how rare something that should be a norm is. Hmm .. but I must confess I am learning how to be courteous behind the wheel .. espeically to taxi drivers who erratically change lanes & people who drive so slow!! I read a line that said "Dun horn unless to warn." I found that really useful.

Well, Sydney was ranked 24th on the list so I guess I will be a citizen of a less polite city & the PR of a not so impolite city. I only pray such a trend of uncivilisation will not spiral further downwards.

"Guard well within yourself that treasure - kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness." George Sand.

For more read, check out: http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2006/07/polite.php

11:35 AM

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Listening to: "God Is God" by SC Capman
Mood: Blessed
Savoring: Oats with Banana

I'd like to post & share my favourite videos by one of the Christian musician I admire so much - "God is God" by Steven Curtis Chapman. Here he is sharing the background of this song & performing "live" to US President Bush & his friends in the White House. Enjoy!

God Is God by Steven Curtis Chapman

And the pain falls like a curtain
On the things I once called certain
And I have to say the words I fear the most
I just don’t know

And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this truth that my life has been formed from the dust

God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God

And the sky begins to thunder
And I’m filled with awe and wonder
‘Til the only burning question that remains
Is who am I

Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me
He is first and last before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass

Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
How unsearchable for to Him and through Him and from Him are all things

So let us worship before the throne
Of the One who is worthy of worship alone

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Caught the show "Lake House" a few nights ago & absolutely fell in love with it ... It's beautiful!! Decided to post the lyrics of the song from the OST "This Never Happened to Me Before " by Paul MacCartney..

This Never Happened To Me Before by Paul McCartney

I'm very sure, this never happened to me before
I met you and now I'm sure
This never happened before

Now I see, this is the way it's supposed to be
I met you and now I see
This is the way it should be

This is the way it should be, for lovers
They shouldn't go it alone
It's not so good when your on your own

So come to me, now we can be what we want to be
I love you and now I see
This is the way it should be
This is the way it should be

This is the way it should be, for lovers
They shouldn't go it alone
It's not so good when your on your own

I'm very sure, this never happened to me before
I met you and now I'm sure
This never happened before (This never happened before)
This never happened before (This never happened before)
This never happened before (This never happened before)
This never happened before

10:39 AM

Monday, December 25, 2006

Listening to: "Thank You" by Ray Boltz
Mood: Thankful
Savouring: Mexican Tortillas

Christmas is truely a time for thanksgiving; a time to celebrate the warmth of friendship & kinship. There are many things I thank God for the many experiences - both good & bad - that have shaped this year.

I'd like to take this chance to share one of my all time favourite videoz ... It's "Thank You" by Ray Boltz ... a tribute to all who have touched my like in one way or another ... & an encouragement to my fellow pilgrims on our christian journey... be blessed!!

Thank You

I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name
You turned and saw this young man
And he was smiling as he came
And he said friend you may not know me now
And then he said but wait
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer
I asked Jesus in my heart

CHORUS
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

Then another man stood before you
And said remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry
You didnâ€™t have much money
But you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that's why I'm here today

CHORUS (repeat)

One by one they came
Far as the eyes could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices made
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven now proclaimed

And I know that up in heaven
Youâ€™re not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord
He said, my child look around you
For great is your reward

11:09 PM

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Listening to: "Beautiful Soul" Jesse McCartney
Mood: Happy
Savouring: Chocolate Cake

:: [ [ mOrE DeCemBeR aDveNtuReS ] ] ::

[ ^ Chapter One: Must Try Dining XP @ Ju Ju Hokkaido Hot Pot ^ ]

Dear & I dined at Ju Ju Hokkaido Hot Pot Restaurant & it has been one of the most pleasant dining XP I've had. Initially I was reluctant to try it as the price seemed too steep for something as seemingly common as steamboat. There are a lot of steamboat restaurants in Singapore , but most of them are ‘all-you-can eat buffets’, which aim only at satisfying appetite and quality is usually compromised. Ju Ju was a really nice surprise! The attentiveness to aesthetic detail, the exquisite & exceptional taste of the food (even the tea was aromatic & marvellous), the service crew was enthusiastic, helpful, polite & so attentive - always smiling & even offered us more servettes on their own initiative when I sneezed. It's a place not to be missed!

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[ ^ Happy Birthday to Me ^ ]

My 27th Birthday was a myriad of varied experiences - sweet & comfy - 'cept for the stuffy nose & fever .. a prelude of an upcoming bout of sinunistis which was uncovered by the med a couple of days later. Neverthless, the day was enjoyed thoroughly with my loved one!

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[ ^ December Anniversary! ^ ]

Our December anniversary was an adventure! What started off as a decision to go trekking at the tree top Macritchie was interrupted by a drizzle which led us to travel all the way to Sembawang where we had a good time walking & a discovery of a hidden treasure deep in Sembawang known as the "Bottle Tree Village". It laid at the end of a long dirt trek less travelled which we uncovered by chance. What laid before our eyes was a beautiful & scenic set which seemed almost surreal.

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[ ^ Day out with Elaine! ^ ]

Had a lovely day out with Elaine & other than the great company, the movie we caught "The Holiday" was topz! & we dined at Swiss Culture Restaurant. I did feel the food & the numerous awards given was completely overrated, given the poor service. Nevertheless, the movie still as got me glowing till now! :)

10:10 AM

Friday, December 01, 2006

Listening to: "You are so beautiful" by Babyface
Mood: Really Blessed!
Savouring: Soy Crunch Tibit

: : {{ A Season of Divine Appointments }} : :

I've been feeling really blessed over the past week ... been bumping into old friends & spending quality time with dear pals which has been such a rejuvenating, enriching & joyous time for me!! It's been such a blessing for me till I've given such divine opportunities like these a name - I call them a "God thing". :) Gifts from our loving Heavenly Father! I've also enjoyed the time spent out with dear & savouring delicious food together ... greedy Ms Piggy! Hiak!!

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[ ^ Blessing #1: Afternoon off @ Tampines with Xinyan ^ ]

Got to spend an afternoon off with Xinyan @ Tampines Mall & had a great time with her! I always enjoy our time together, be it just tottering around window shopping or munching on food, time spent with this dear & brave friend is always valuable & priceless. I am truely very encouraged by her tenacious & positive attitude, as well the strong dedication & unwavering committment she holds towards the GB girls.

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[ ^ Blessing #2: Chee Peng Bump! ^ ]

Bumped into an ex-church mate Chee Peng by chance under most unusual circumstances - just divine! I am so glad we got to spend quality & quantity time with each other just sharing & chatting. He's been such a dear brother & friend whom I missed since I left Redeemer - I really thank God for Him! He's a great cook too! :) He's got such a servant heart who cares so much for people - a true gem!!

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[ ^ Blessing #3: Night out with Ma Ping Teammates ^ ]

Met up with my team mates from the Ma Ping trip last yr & had a fabulous time with them! We had a really sumptous dinner at Fei Siong Zi Cha store - deer meat, curry fish head & the works!! :) Pity afterwards Cindy & Siong Peng had to leave early hence only Vincent, Chia Wei, Ansley, Meishi & I head to Liquid Kitchen for drinks. We all agreed the mocktails there taste utterly wierd!!! They are such wonderful people! I find it such a gift from God the friendship He's given to me - that though they are all from FCBC - they treasure me as a friend! :) Sometimes I really envy them for being able to meet each other often in church! :) I love the gift they got me!! Yummy yummy!! Food packets for cooking various local food should I miss the local delicacies when I'm in Sydney ... yeaah!! Thank you guys & gals!!! You are awesome!!!!

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[ ^ Blessing #4: JC Pals Lunch Date ^ ]

Enjoyed an afternoon with my very dear JC friends Angeline & Julie whom I've not seen for almost 6 yrs!! It was really great to see the two of them ... I do hope to catch up with them again soon ... it was a pity the other 2 from our clique Simon & Hwee Chin wasn't able to join us! :( Nevertheless it was a joy catching up - knowing that Julie is getting married next yr *yipee!* & Angeline's moved on to a much much better job that has got her all radiant & happy now!! God has really blessed this group of friends very much!! :)

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[ ^ Blessing #5: Time out with dear ^ ]

Dear & I went trottering along Singapore River taking pics & ate at Ding Tai Feng another day .. though the food at that eatery wasnt fascinating but the hairy crab was quite a feat to digest!

5:50 PM