Flashmech

I'm A Christian

2009-06-17T12:48:00.002+08:00

A poem by May Angelou. :)

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean living."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong...
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on...

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say.... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou (you),
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

I'm A Mint!

2009-04-14T10:43:00.008+08:00

I'm coming back. Slowly but surely. ;)

You Are Mint

You are a honest person with a strong personality. Your frank point of view is refreshing.

You've been quite lucky in your life, though you have made more of your own luck than you realize.

You are engaging and disarming. You definitely have the "gift of gab!"

You live an edgy, dynamic life. Sometimes you get a little burned, but you always bounce back.

What Herb Are You?

Inspirational

2009-01-30T10:52:00.004+08:00

This morning, a colleague forwarded us a link to this video that truly inspired me. Jason McElwain is the source of this inspiration, and I just want to share it with you. :)

I love to follow stories like these, so I clicked link...

after link. ;) This video gets a bit emo though~

On my way to work this morning, I was reading my National Geographic and came across this quote:

Time, our most precious currency, is the most valuable thing we humans can spend.

Jason McElwain spent his on training, managing, and being enthusiastic. Most recently, being totally inspirational.

What might you be doing with yours? :)

Happy Chinese New Year!

2009-01-25T23:56:00.003+08:00

Just a few days ago I just celebrated my 25th birthday, and then was facing my project's deadline, Saturday was helping out my parents, and today's Chinese New Year Eve and it'll be gone in a few more minutes!

Before I let anymore time slip by (and totally lose the opportunity or enthusiasm to blog about it), here's wishing everyone, again, a happy 牛 year! :D

Since it's the year of the ox, may everyone be charging forward towards their goals, and may success and prosperity fill your days! Here's handing you a gold nugget (virtually)~

HUAT AH! :D

Lord Reign In Me

2009-01-18T22:57:00.004+08:00

HAHA! Didn't expect our church's worship video to land in youtube! Wonder if there's any copyright infringement, but oh well, I'm enjoying this song so much. :P

This worship service was on New Year's Eve, our Watchnight Service counting down to 2009. Try to spot me in the video! ;)

2009 Resolutions

2009-01-18T20:30:00.005+08:00

The thing about how each year unfolds itself is how it is so unfathomable that it seems pointless to make any new year resolutions. Take last year for example; I set myself out with a list of things that I barely completed by the countdown last month.

And now, before I know it, it's already officially the 4th week to the new year, and I'm left with less than 50 weeks (48 to be exact) to carry out my resolutions. However, if I am to stop short and not have any new year resolutions, I fear that another year might just slip by again with nothing to account for at the end.

Hmm.. Ok shall stop my long winded introduction (read: lamentations) and start penning down what I originally wanted to do since weeks ago. :D

***

#1 Sleep latest by 11pm daily
Over the last year, I find that late nights were really detrimental for me. No matter if the cause is TV, surfing online, gaming, or work, sleeping late is just bad. That's why this is my top resolution this year, and I'm proud to say that till today, I'm keeping it! At least roughly~ :P

#2 Get to work on time
This resolution has a small clause, which is "even if late, don't be too late". *loL~* Due to my previous job nature, I was accustomed to flexible working hours. I carried that habit to my current work and for the past year, I think the number of times I reach work on time can be counted by the fingers of one hand. I'm happy to say that I've kept this resolution intact till today too! :D

#3 Spiritual Growth
Read the following books for my spiritual growth this year (apart from the Bible of course) :)

#4 Exploration in my career
Self study the following for my career (will definitely spill into the following years). I won't be elaborating what they are or my decision to study them. If you want to know, just chat me up. Think not many people who read my blog are really interested in these dry topics. REALLY. *loL~*

php
jQuery
dojo
Adobe Flex
Adobe AIR
Design patterns
Technical mathematics
Game programming
Artificial intelligence

#5 IPPT
I dint exactly get a chance to blog about it, but I got silver for my IPPT last year. Shall blog about it in another entry, but the resolution for this year, is that I'm aiming for GOLD. ;)

#6 Spend less time on games
Spent so much time on casual games last year that I really under perform in many areas of my life. I'm just going to spend at most *2 hours per week* and I shall stick to it.

#7 Blog more on all my blogs
Blogging is good. That is why people blog. To pen down their thoughts, to leave a mark in history, so that they can look back. I need to spend more time to pen my thoughts down. It makes reflection for the year a lot easier too. :)

#8 Japanese studies
Planning to make a trip down to Hokkaido this year with my bestie. Really want to brush up my Jap again before I head there. Shall see how aye?

#9 Build an application with Adobe AIR
Again, techy stuff. Just thought of building some applications that you and I can all get to use. Just have to pen down again what I should build. Anyhow, gotta start somewhere.

#10 Start using more social network services
Rarely will I upload photographs online because I'm not really an online social networking person. But since last month, spending time on facebook, commenting on friends' photos and stuff have really made me realised that a lot more things are more fun when it's social. At last, I will only do all those things if I have time left from what you see above. haha..

#11 Learn guitar
Been a resolution for a couple of years now, but still no time for it. Shall still put it here and see what turns out for this year. :P

***

As I reflect on this list, I think I'll be just contented to complete till Resolution #6. The rest I will leave it to their initiation in God's time. *loL~*

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-06T22:42:00.003+08:00

Nearly a week had passed by and I've finally finished the biggest thing I set out to do back in December: To clear my room. It was such a *monumental* task that it took me the whole month! It saw me throwing, cleaning, recycling and packing of all the papers, clothes, toys, bags and furniture. Simply madness stuff~

I purposed in my heart that till I finish clearing my room, I will not blog. Not at my geek blog, not at my Christian walk blog, not at my cell's blog, nowhere. And so I did, at least I try to.

There was a single exception when God called me to blog for a brother facing family issues. If it interests you, you can read my entry here and my brother Ezekiel's reply here. :)

So now that you have read this blog post, it only implies one thing. I'm happy to announce that I have a proper study area for the year 2009, a very clean room, and I hope I will not mess it up anytime soon. :P

In my next post, I will be penning down my new year's resolutions. I can't write it down now because it's past 11pm, and one of my new year's resolutions is to actually sleep by 11pm. :D

Till the next post then!

And You Think Singapore Is Bad?

2008-12-23T14:00:00.002+08:00

Did anybody want to alight? *loL~*

Korean Boy Singing "Touch My Body"

2008-11-27T15:06:00.005+08:00

haha.. I don't exactly know what to say. *loL~*

Pretty funny stuff. :D

(Because the youtube logo blocks some funny subtitles, I would recommend you go watch the video on the youtube page itself.)

Bruce Lee Plays Ping Pong

2008-11-26T10:46:00.001+08:00

Awesome stuff! :D

Jesus, Lover Of My Soul

2008-11-24T22:48:00.004+08:00

While I was rummaging through my MSN received files, I came across the lyric to this song called "Jesus, Lover Of My Soul". I could only vaguely remember who sent it to me, but I should be correct in my guess. :)

Anyway, that's not important. :D Here's the lyric to the song, and may God's blessings be showered upon open hearts! Amen!

Jesus, Lover of my soul
Jesus, I will never let You go
You've taken me from the miry clay
You've set my feet upon the Rock
and now I know

I love You, I need You
Though my world may fall
I'll never let You go
My Saviour, my closest Friend
I will worship You until the very end

Let's Clean Things Up

2008-11-17T16:45:00.003+08:00

Not that I'm spacing my day out, but I'm not getting much things done either. Too many things were crying out for attention in my mind that I just have to pour them out to my to-do lists. These in turn, requires clearing up too, but at the very least, they are no longer mind-bugging me for now. :S

It's amazing how much rubbish one can accumulate if there's no habitual clean ups. I used to have the constant self reminding discipline to clean things up but as some areas of my life, like work or my responsibilities, got busier, other areas suffered.

There's no secret now aye? My room *IS IN A MESS*. Neglected for too long, but I've been lazy for even longer. And guess what? Time flew so fast that the year is already drawing to an end. With no intention to spend my December holidays in that mess hole of mine, the decision was made.

Unbearable, I started clearing last night. Plowed through stacks of insurance papers, advertisements, newspapers, invoices, taxes, receipts, bills, snail mail spams, magazines, books, blah~ Lying on the floor were paper bags, collected either from events that I had attended or remnants after retail therapy. MY GOSH!

2 weeks is my deadline, and I planned to work on the serious load of crap everyday. There's no wonder that there's no photo to show you the embarrassing state of my room, *loL~*, but then again, I don't think I'll ever post any photos of my room _anyway_. :P

Increasing Responsibilities

2008-11-09T22:38:00.010+08:00

I'm feeling pretty awesome today. It could be the fact that it had been a joyous weekend spent in church being with my Father and siblings-in-Christ, could also be the nap that I stole in the afternoon, or could just be the worship songs that I'm listening to now. :)

Anyway, I wanted to write this post about two weeks ago, on Oct 31, but I just got too busy. The reason for this post is let you get a little into my life and understand "why am I always so busy?" *loL~*

If you check out over at my resume at linkedin.com, it should give you a small hint.

Obviously at the moment, I'm working full-time at my current job, five days a week. Come every weekend, I have committed my time to serve in the choir of my church. This of course is nothing new. :)

For the past year till now, I am also in the committee of the Singapore Flex Usergroup, which is a local technology focused group on Adobe Flex. We are not just a technology focused group though; we just organised the first ActionScript conference in Singapore, called The ActionScript Conference (TAC). It was a really good experience to be involved in organising the conference in Singapore, with all the event planning and stuff. :)

The reason why I wanted to write this post in October is because in the last month, I have *three* new responsibilities now.

When Frank, the product manager of FDT came down to TAC, we hit right off. Since I was very enthusiastic about their product, we had a great chat over it, but I never thought that would land me as FDT's Official Technology Evangelist! You can see the official announcement at their blog.

Ryan from the Singapore Flash Usergroup, which is another technology focused group except that it's on Adobe Flash, contacted me last month as well. He asked if I was interested to be the usergroup's co-manager! It was awesome if you ask me, because I've been messing with Flash since 5 years ago and am ever passionate about the entire flash eco-system. Naturally, I said "yes". :)

My final new responsibility is the one which I felt was a high calling from God. My cell group leaders mentioned to me last month about roping me in to co-lead our cell group. I felt inadequate at first, but thought it should not be my will that is to be done, but God's. You can read my entire post over at my cell group's blog.

Other than this blog, I still maintain other blogs like my walk with God at flashmechchristianwalk.blogspot.com, my tech blog at blog.flashmech.net, and lastly my cell group's blog at infaithwithlove.blogspot.com.

That's a whole lot of new stuff in my life, but I am encouraged daily with this verse from my Father's love letter to me, which you can also see at the masthead too.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

So yeah! That pretty much wraps up my 24th year on earth at the current junction. Just want to thank God for these opportunities and for fueling my passion in all these things. Praise God! :D

Satan Caused The Economy Downturn

2008-10-27T19:39:00.002+08:00

This is nothing short of a comedy, but don't get me wrong. They are still facts, just presented in a comedy style. *loL~*

Balance

2008-10-18T23:04:00.003+08:00

Ah.. The art of life some might say. Sometimes wouldn't you just wish that your life is more balanced? Probably there's too much work, too much stress, too free, whatever. loL~

Anyway, I was amazed with what I saw in the video (below). In balance. It's hard to believe what you see, but there's no trick involved, just skill. After watching it, I find that it relates to life in a certain sense.

Many times things are very hard to balance, and if a sudden wave comes across your path, what you have been trying to balance might just crumble before your very eyes. However, don't let a setback keep you there. Pick up the pieces, persevere and start setting things right again.

When you make the effort to keep in balance, it will begin to mold your character, allowing you to stand strong in all circumstances, and start showing its quality in your everyday life. :)

You Have Our Attention, Lord

2008-10-15T10:39:00.005+08:00

A prayer by Max Lucado - October 2008

Our friends lost their house
The co-worker lost her job
The couple next door lost their retirement
It seems that everyone is losing their footing

This scares us. This bailout with billions.
These rumblings of depression.
These headlines: ominous, thunderous -
"Going Broke!" "Going Down!" "Going Under!" "What's Next?"

What is next?

We're listening. And we're admitting: You were right.

You told us this would happen.
You shot straight about loving stuff and worshiping money.
Greed will break your heart, You warned.
Money will love you and leave you.
Don't put your hope in riches that are so uncertain.

You were right. Money is a fickle lover and we just got dumped.

We were wrong to spend what we didn't have.
Wrong to neglect prayer and ignore the poor.
Wrong to think we ever earned a dime. We didn't. You gave it.
And now, tell us Father, are You taking it?

We're listening. And we're praying.
Could you make something good out of this mess?

Of course You can. You always have.
You led slaves out of slavery,
Built temples out of ruins,
Turned stormy waves into a glassy pond and water into sweet wine.
This disorder awaits your order. So do we.

Through Christ,
Amen

Luke 18:7 NCV
God will always give what is right to His people who cry to Him night and day, and He will not be slow to answer them.

(via GodTube's newsletter)

Mom's Home!

2008-10-14T23:22:00.006+08:00

There are still many things that I wish I got the time to pen down, but I should write about this one before anything else. :)

Yesterday was a happy day, because mom is finally discharged from hospital after 10 hospitalised days. Officially, she had been sick for 12 days. Here's the story.

Back when I first blogged about her admittance into hospital, the doctor initially suspected it to be a case of dengue fever. The symptoms that showed, including the blood test, apparently pointed the doctors to that suspicion. That night after she was warded, the doctor did a body checkup for her and another possible case was brought up: Urinary Tract Infection.

As the initial days went by, I was still worried because mom's appetite was not showing signs of betterment. Her status written on the board above her bed was "CRIB", which meant "Critically Rest In Bed". Then on Tuesday morning, she had a high fever of 39.7°C and the nurses needed to sponge her to bring her temperature down. From mom's account, the nurses even had to change water because the water became warm. :S

It was getting clear to the doctors by that time that it was neither a case of dengue fever nor urinary tract infection, but was organ inflammation. It was the left kidney, to be specific. Stones jammed up the tract and mom wasn't able to expel the fluid, and that was the primary cause of the condition. With that, Wednesday became the most worrisome day, as a possible operation was mentioned.

Describing the operation made me cringe. It involves injecting a tiny tube into her kidney to allow the fluid to flow out, in order that the swelling might go down. Loss of blood was anticipated and the doctors had to draw her blood again to test for compatibility, just in case.

The following day was utter relief as the doctors said that there was no need for the operation. I was so happy to the point of smiling cheek to cheek. Mom's health began getting back on track, and I was looking forward to her coming home soon.

TADA! Yesterday she was finally home! :D

Now, that's just one part of the story. Here is the other. :)

God once again, showed His love, healing powers, mercy and abundant grace. Throughout this entire ordeal, God's healing for my mom was apparent and I just couldn't give enough thanks to Him that mom did not have to go through the operation.

In my times of weaknesses, His strength held me up to allow me to fight on in keeping my job's deadline, while allowing me to still visit mom in the hospital. I was tempted to worry, but He showed and provided me comfort, assuring that my mom was being well taken care of by Him.

The reason? Because mom means more to God than to me. :)

God works for all good. I had never dared to share my faith openly in the family because of one reason; they did not force their belief on me, so I shouldn't too. However, during this time of distress when I saw everyone worrying, I was greatly encouraged by the Holy Spirit to share more about Jesus Christ our Savior to my family.

I may never know how much they receive into their hearts, but I'm assured the seeds are sown. The time for the seeds to grow is entirely in God's timetable, not mine.

God's love is so vast that we can never comprehend. His compassion is so deep that transcends all understanding. I will continue to pray that one day my family may all bask in the light of His everlasting love.

Romans 8:35,37-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

To my dearest siblings-in-Christ and friends, I thank all of you for your love for me and my family. You who prayed relentlessly over the days, you who interceded for us with God against the diseases, you who gave words of comfort and assurance, you who encouraged and provided strength through His Word, thank you. :)

STOP!

2008-10-13T00:22:00.001+08:00

Don't mind me. A self reminder.

A Lesson From Naruto

2008-10-06T22:27:00.003+08:00

If you know the background story of why Naruto is trying so hard to improve his skills to find Sasuke, you'll probably be able to appreciate this quote better.

Anyhow, I never expected myself to be inspired by a quote from an anime. loL~ It just happened, and it's my pleasure to share it with you.

(The "I" in context, is Naruto, and the "you" is of course, Sasuke.)

If I keep walking without ever stopping, I'll make it to you!

That's perseverance man! It sort of relates to anything that you are pursuing in life. Of course, I'm not saying that you should disregard God's wisdom in pursuing whatever those things might be. For if it's not the will of God, the door will never be open in the first place.

Revelation 3:7
What he opens, no one can close;
and what he closes, no one can open.

However, if God has prompted you in more ways than one, keep faith in Him!

Whatever it is, keep doing. However hard it is, keep walking! God never promises a smooth sailing life with no hardships, but He did promise that He _will be with you_ every step of the way.

Be encouraged in His love! :)

Blogging From Hospital

2008-10-04T14:57:00.006+08:00

I'm now in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Accident and Emergency department. Accompanied my mom here because she has been sick for three days (since Thursday) and is yet well.

Initially, it seems to be a case of food poisoning, which included symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, dint exactly go away after a visit to the family doctor. She still isn't able to eat; if she does, she'll vomit. Her stomach is still feeling the pain, and the pain seems to be crawling upwards to her ribs (which I really don't understand why). Her giddiness is also the part that really worries the family; she can't walk as a result.

Not sure why but this episode seems to be a déjà vu case from last year. :|

For my end, I'm going to miss (both meanings if you know what I mean) practice and serving today at church, but mom's health is definitely a higher call for concern at present.

She's still in the observation ward at the moment, so I'm just waiting for them to call me in. Should I have the time later, I'll update again. If God permits, I may even go back and serve this evening and/or tomorrow morning. :)

To all readers (and lighters), please kindly help to pray for my mom that she'll have a speedy recovery. With God's faith, our prayers can move mountains. Amen. :)

Romans 8:31 (NLT)
If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

Milk Crisis

2008-09-22T19:18:00.004+08:00

Who would have expected something like this would happen so quickly post Olympics? hmm.. smacks China's reputation back to where it was. :S

I am a mountain tortoise, but thanks to friends and family, this situation was brought to my attention: 53,000 children ill from tainted milk powder.

As a public service, here's the list of food that *YOU ARE TO THROW AWAY* if you still have them at home.

M&M's
Snickers
Mento's yoghurt bottle
Dove chocolate
Oreo wafer sticks
Monmilk
Dutchlady sterilised milk
Wall's all natural mango
Mini poppers ice cream
Magnum ice cream
Moo sandwich ice cream
Mini cornetto
Youcan ice cream
White rabbit sweet

I'll continue to add to this list if I happen to catch wind of more updates.

In the meanwhile, please pray together for those who are sick and affected, for the full expulsion of the poison and that they will be healed.

No One

2008-09-18T11:17:00.011+08:00

No one makes me cry like He does.
No one makes me happy like He does.
No one moves me like He does
No one loves me like He does.
No one saves me like He does.
No one touches me like He does.
No one else, except Him.

My days are filled with peace in the midst of worry.
My heart is renewed with strength in the midst of weakness.
My joy is made complete in Him.

To the end of days I will proclaim of His mercy and grace.
He Alone showed us mercy,
so that we do not face His wrath,
even of the sins we committed.
He Alone gave us grace,
that we may come stand holy before Him,
redeemed as His dear children.

I was hardened, but now made soft by His incessant love.
I yearn to see my Savior face to face,
in celebration of His amazing love.

In Him Alone, are all things made anew.
In Him Alone, am I made whole.

No one else.

The Waiting Kind - Innocent Blood

2008-09-18T11:16:00.003+08:00

Verse 1
I sing of innocent blood
He spilt to wash my dreadful guilt
Sorrow He bore in my stead
Covered in all His righteousness

Chorus
Sing gloria
Sing allelujah
Sing gloria
Sing allelujah

Verse 2
For wondrous love would I sing
I'd soar to play on heav'nly strings
With angels I'd dare to sing in
Sweet melodies of love divine

Bridge
Oh wondrous Cross
Oh glory divine
You laid down Your life
While I held dear to mine
Oh wondrous Cross
Such innocent blood
The Savior of all born for sinners He died

Portal - Still Alive (Typography)

2008-09-17T12:47:00.006+08:00

When it's static, text is just... well... text! Through clever use of typography you can add visual interest, but it's still pretty boring at times. Add motion to them however, and they tell a whole new story. ;)

I like this song, soft and gentle, and it says so much of my type of work and the pressures that we face as programmers/designers. haha.. I'm well, still alive. :D

This is for you too Cherlene, enjoy! :P

MIT Media Lab: Siftables

2008-09-17T12:30:00.004+08:00

Been quite a while since my last IT-related post, so here's one that I found to be quite fun and interesting. :D

Albeit interesting, I felt it was not exactly practical. haha.. Oh well, just good to know what the guys at MIT are up to. That is one university that I want to study in if I ever get the chance in my future years. ;)

Ninja Cat!

2008-09-15T11:40:00.001+08:00

This is soooo funny and pinchably CUTE! :D

An Engineer's Guide To Cats

2008-09-10T14:03:00.002+08:00

I caught myself laughing to this. Especially on how to discipline your cat.

*WAHAHAHAHA~~~*

Unboxing Samsung Omnia i900

2008-09-10T11:48:00.001+08:00

This is one cool commercial. :D

To My Brother

2008-09-09T11:00:00.005+08:00

Pretty cool that my ministry got a response from my brother (my real brother). Here's the excerpt from his blog:

Brother, if you're reading this, please, for the love of God, remove me from your 'morning sms list'. To quote you, you said that you wouldn't know when I will see the light or when God knocks on my door, so you'll keep sending me those 'Ultra-Christian' smses every morning anyway. I'll tell you now that for sure, I'll never see the light, neither will I open the door when He knocks. I really don't mind supporting you by going down to church with you if you guys have some nice events going on down there say, on Good Fridays or Christmas Day- but that doesn't mean I would like to convert myself to a Christian someday. Even promotional smses and emails have an option to 'opt-out' , so why can't I? It takes me less than 5 seconds to read and delete each of your sms so why waste the money on someone like me? I urge you to reconsider. No hard feelings. :)

I decided to post my replies to him here too, so that if at any chance, it may encourage people to press on for God to reach out to their love ones.
_____________________________________________________

Hey bro, yup just read it, and thanks for writing it too. :D

I'll tell you now that for sure, I'll never see the light, neither will I open the door when He knocks.

loL~ well I used to say that too. God has His way of working in men's hearts. :)

Even promotional smses and emails have an option to 'opt-out' , so why can't I?

Mine is not promotional? I do it out of the love I have for you. :)

It takes me less than 5 seconds to read and delete each of your sms so why waste the money on someone like me?

You know it's really good for me to know that you read it, even if it's less than 5 seconds. It's never a waste of money, especially for you my dear bro. You _are_ important to me.

I urge you to reconsider. No hard feelings. :)

I considered and thought long and hard before I began this ministry for God. I reconsidered your words. As from what I wrote already, you know my answer. No hard feelings taken too. :)

Before I end, I would just want to share this with you.

1 Corinthians 13
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails.

In the same way, I will always protect you, always trust God, always hope for you, and will always persevere on.

You are my only bro. Nothing will bring me greater happiness than to serve you. :)

Don LaFontaine: The Voice

2008-09-04T22:32:00.004+08:00

Here's an amazing talent, with an equally amazing voice. :)

Close friends who know me very well know that I _love_ to imitate voices (Mumbai dah? Why so serious? Countless others~ haha..). Without knowing that it's him, Don LaFontaine, I must have imitated his voice countless times over. *loL~*

Sadly though, you will not be hearing any more trailers with his voice. Just a few days ago (1 September 2008), he passed on. It's a pity, but he did left a legacy and an awe inspiring voice to the world. :)

Realignment

2008-08-31T19:15:00.007+08:00

I used to set myself a time frame that I would watch a movie to realign myself with God. That time frame was six months, and the purpose is because I know we being humans, tend to _take things for granted too easily_.

It had been very long since I last passed that six month time frame. My guess is more than year in fact. I wanted to set time away just for this movie and today seemed like the perfect day for it.

The movie, if you had not guessed it already, is "The Passion of the Christ".

I just want to gather my thoughts and place them in proper into one post because I am truly, richly blessed by it each and every time. Try as you might, some things are indescribable beyond words or reasons.

And God's love is one such thing. :)

Isaiah 53:5 (NLT)
He was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.

We always proclaim in Jesus' name that by His stripes we are healed, and while we know that is true, how many of us actually understand the extent of the flogging that He actually went through for us?

John 15:18,20 (NLT)
18 "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. ... 20 Do you remember what I told you? 'A slave is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. ..."

We are lucky to be in Singapore where we are able to openly announce our relationship with God and not be afraid of being persecuted. Should a day come when such persecution happens, I pray that by God's strength I will be able to withstand anything that comes.

John 13:34 (NLT)
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

Matthew 5 (NLT)
43 "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? ..."

Not only should we have love for fellow siblings-in-Christ, we should also love our enemies. That is probably something that I find to be the most hard to do. Though I try to forgive and forget, there are still some grudges from the past that's still holding me back. I really have to pray for a breakthrough in this area with Lord Jesus as my model.

Luke 23:34 (NLT)
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."

Even unto death, my Lord was still praying for His "enemies". How much more do we have to pray for others that trespass against us?

John 14:6 (NLT)
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. ..."

Matthew 26 (NLT)
26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "Take this and eat it, for this is my body."

27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.

Next Sunday is going to be communion Sunday. With remembrance to what Jesus had done for us, and the blood that He shed to protect us, let us remember Him, and affirm in our hearts that He is our Lord and Saviour. He now sits at the right hand of God, interceding for us every day.

The bible, being only words, is very often too easy to read. Read the following:

John 19 (NLT)
1 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face.

...

18 Here they crucified him... .

In just a few words, it tells of Jesus' sacrifice of us. However the extent of what He went through, no one except Him knows. Not only has my King died for me, He conquered death, and won against all odds and traps that the devil had plotted. He was tempted like every man, yet He never sin. He bore our iniquities and gave us a chance to come back to God. No other love is greater than this.

John 3:16 (NLT)
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

And on the day when we meet our Saviour, the holes in His hands will still be there, bearing evidence of the nails that He took for us in His hands and feet. All praises be to the Name above all names, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords, Jesus Christ. Amen!

Revelation 21 (NLT)
4 "... He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."

5 And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!"

I Hate Being A Cry Baby

2008-08-31T15:56:00.009+08:00

But can I help it?

Occasionally some things will come along the way, touches your heart in its deepest corners, triggers the emotion centre of your heart and the floodgates of your eyes will just give way.

I wanted to post this video yesterday, because it made me burst into tears when I was just trying to kill time over lunch before I head off to church. I just watched it again, and well... you already know what happened.

Stories like Team Hoyt are indeed meant to strengthen us through all kinds of difficulties and struggles. Like Dick Hoyt (the father) who gave his all just to spend more time with his son and allow him to experience more of life, the same way has God wanted us to experience more of life through the blood of Jesus Christ.

I love my Father, and I'm not ashamed to make it known to the world. Pray that His amazing strength will work in us, and let us not fail to continue to spread His Word and love to those around us. I had done so little for Him thus far, and I can do _so much more_.

*We can do all things in Him who strengthens us.*

When asked what one thing Rick (the son) wished he could give his father, his reply was "The thing I'd most like is that my dad would sit in the chair and I would push him once."

The Good-O-Meter

2008-08-29T22:26:00.006+08:00

Just how good is _good enough_ to get into heaven?
Watch the video to find out! :D

We're saved not by our good works, but by the blood of Jesus when He paid the ultimate price for us. Believe that Jesus is Your personal Lord and Saviour, and accept Him into your life today. :)

(Link to video courtesy of Cherlene)

Bouncing Blessings

2008-08-29T10:58:00.011+08:00

It's really amazing how God works. :)

Many moons ago, when my cell group member Adriel first posted this video on our cell's blog, I was immensely touched by it. :')

So yesterday I was prompted to share this video again with my sis Cherlene and she too, was both blessed and touched by it. Her post about it then bounced the blessings back to me.

Jeremiah 3:22
Return, ye backsliding children, I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we are come unto thee; for thou art Jehovah our God.

Not to mention the fact that I _nearly_ tear in office (was controlling so hard). How great, how deep, and how immense is our Father's love for us. :')

定风波

2008-08-27T17:24:00.004+08:00

莫听穿林打叶声，何妨吟啸且徐行。
竹杖芒鞋轻胜马，谁怕？一蓑烟雨任平生。
料峭春风吹酒醒，微冷，山头斜照却相迎。
回首向来萧瑟处，归去。也无风雨也无晴。

苏东坡 (1037-1101)

A Beautiful Passage

2008-08-26T09:59:00.003+08:00

My sister-in-Christ Cherlene was sharing this beautiful passage with me yesterday, and I feel the need to pass it on because I know of my fellow siblings experiencing difficulties in their relationships.

Very rare will I post something that's not from the bible, but because this passage contains biblical truth and is in line with God's Word, I trust and hope that it will come to bless all who reads this.

All praises be unto God. :)

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
To have a deep soul relationship with another,
To be loved thoroughly, and exclusively.

But God, to a Christian says,
"No, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and content
with being loved by Me alone,
With giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me,
With having an intensely personal relationship with Me alone,
Discovering that only in Me
Is your satisfaction to be found,
Will you be capable of the perfect human relationship
That I have planned for you.

You will never be able to unite with another
Until you are united with Me,
Exclusive of anyone or anything else,
Exclusive of any desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning,
Stop wishing,
And allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing,
One that you cannot imagine.
I want you to have the very best.
Please allow Me to bring it to you.

You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things,
Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I AM,
Keep listening and learning the things I tell you,
You just wait, that's all.
Don't worry.
Don't be anxious.
Don't look around at the things others have gotten
Or that I've gotten them.
Don't look at the things you think you want
You just keep looking to Me,
Or you'll miss what I want to show you.

And then, when you're ready,
I'll surprise you with a love
Far more wonderful than any you would dream of.
You see, until you are ready,
And until the one I have for you is ready,
(I am working even at this moment to have you both ready at the same time)
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me,
And the life I prepared for you,
You won't be able to experience the love that
Exemplifies your relationship with Me,
And thus is the perfect love.
And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love,
I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me;
And to enjoy materially and concretely,
The everlasting union of beauty, perfection and love.
Know I love you utterly,
I am God.
Believe it and be satisfied."

One Crazy Driver

2008-08-25T13:35:00.006+08:00

So I was walking across the road after lunch and made sure there were no cars. The next moment I heard the turbo charge sound and my colleague grabbed my arm.

Thank God for my colleague's quick action because there was a black vinyl car that was speeding right in my way.

The aggression from the driver was ridiculous. He stopped right in front of us, lowered down his window and questioned my colleague "What did you say?!" when all he said to me while grabbing my arm was "slow down." My colleague must have been totally pissed by his appalling attitude and shouted at him to "F*** off~."

One crazy driver. He must have been driving at around 120km/h and could have beaten the red light just to get to where we were. Whatever it is, I'm just glad that that my colleague held me back if not I could have ended up in a bad mess on the road judging from that kind of speed.

PS: The driver looked like late 30s to 40s. Has hair that's dyed gold and spiked. Face is not cleanly shaven and wears pink top today. If you happen to recognise him, do stay away. Who knows what he might do EVEN WITHOUT HIS CAR.

Sorry, But I Got Distracted

2008-08-24T21:08:00.004+08:00

For the close friends whom I have confided (also bugged) for the last 2 weeks, just want to say a big thank you to you guys for the support and advice rendered.

Well I got distracted, and I am certainly in a better direction now. Funny what a rainy Sunday's worth of reflection is able to put things into perspective. God's never in a hurry right? And I never have to worry about missing God's plan for me.

If this post doesn't make any sense to you, please don't think too much about it. :P Don't have to ask me what it is also la, because it's already something that I want to leave into God's time. In the right time, I'll blog about it again. :)

Whatever that is meant to come will come. In His everlasting love I trust. :)

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

A Tribute To Sporting Excellence

2008-08-24T20:25:00.004+08:00

I wasn't exactly very keen about the Olympics every time, but well, somehow this time seems different? A sign of age and sense I guess. :P

Although the games that I managed to watch were far in between, every single match up was truly enjoyable, and it only exhibits the hard works of all the competitors.

You must know the saying, "台上三分钟，台下十年功" (or maybe something similar?). Those competitors must have invested countless hours to train and hone their abilities, and I truly respect them for that. It's hard not to notice, but the fact is really that a lot of them are younger than me! (I'm feeling old already. :P)

They all had dreams. Some fulfilled them, while others were shattered. Even though some dreams were broken, their spirit will never break and I know that they will come back again to compete. They will pour even more hard work, to excel into even better sportsmen, breaking their own limits, and be forever ready to prove their skills again.

That is the spirit that I really admire. Looking at myself, I know that I can never be a competent sportsman (obvious!). Some people are born with the talent, while a lot more are filled with their respective passion and hone their skills through training. I know perfectly I am neither of these two categories. :P

However, this spirit of theirs inspired me. Be the best in whatever you do. This spirit brought fresh fire to my life and I do want to be the best programmer out there. Probably still wayyyy too early on the world stage, loL~, but it's not impossible one k? :P

The other thing that touched me deeply was when I saw tears from the competitors. Nobody will ever understand the extent of sacrifice they must have given, but now they can stand tall and receive the glory they brought to their country. It is this kind of moment, that when you see your flag raised up amongst all other flags, does it bring the kind of glory that no other arena provides.

I would just want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Singapore women table tennis team for the awesome fight they put in to win the Olympic Silver for us. :)

Here's a salute to all sportsmen. You guys rock big time!

The Evangecube

2008-08-11T22:41:00.001+08:00

My colleague was showing me an actual evangecube today. I thought it is really neat as it will help put across an important message to pre-believers of Christ succinctly.

However, since I have no idea where to get one of these, I probably can't show it to any of you. But well, praise God for there are videos already available made to spread this important message.

If you would, please spare a few minutes. You've watched hundreds of shows or videos, why not this one that could probably change your life? :)

Doing Myself A Favour

2008-08-10T16:51:00.003+08:00

For the longest time I've been feeling tired. Not just tired tired but it's actually *really solidly tired*.

On top of my day job, which sometimes stretches into unusually long hours, I spend a little too much time committing myself to a lot of other things. Such includes blogging (be it my profession or personal ones), being a moderator at Singapore Flex Usergroup, a committee member in The Actionscript Conference, my choir ministry in church, and of course things of lesser importance, watching shows and gaming.

Hehe.. I still have guitar lessons upcoming. How's that for a tight schedule? :D

Well, I've made a decision. From yesterday onwards, I will sleep before 2359, wake up promptly at 0700, and reach office on time at 0900. Likewise, I'll get off work on time at 1800 when it's within my means, and really strive to be on time in anything that I do.

Probably the biggest compelling reason for such a decision is the fact that I'm really not getting enough time to rest and exercise. When I don't have my usual weekday commitments like cell group meetings, I can be found OT-ing in office. Don't get me wrong, I love my job. But since my stamina is _really_ going downhill, I have to start doing something about it.

I'm ready to identify the parts that are a hazard in my life, and going to stem them out here and now, fully if not partly. Start of a quarter-life crisis? Maybe. But one thing is for sure, I'm doing myself a favour. :)

The Singapore Song

2008-08-07T10:25:00.006+08:00

This is a song composed and sung by my church's Senior Pastor Rony Tan.

I really want to thank God for this heart of his, for it really inspired and touched me deeply. For many years of my life, National Day probably just meant a plain and simple public holiday; a day to have fun and be free.

The question is how are we able to experience the fun and freedom now, if our forefathers never paid the price? It was a price that we could *never* comprehend or experience; the pain, suffering, poverty and struggle. How many of us actually know how it feels like to _struggle to survive_?

Even as I write this post, strong emotions are crashing upon my heart. I'm thankful for God's protection over this land, that we may have peaceful days, a clean government with no known corruption, an island that's free from natural disasters, and a considerably safe society that we can be assured of our safety when we're out on the streets.

All these are things that are too easy to be taken for granted when we are born and raised in a time of peace. With this song, I do feel a lot more appreciative for this land that I stay and live in. This is the place that I call...

Home.

I Didn't Like Batman

2008-08-03T23:40:00.007+08:00

I still remember when I was still a little boy, I didn't like the Batman movie series, or their lame TV series with the *kapow~* overlays. If you remember those, you can probably guess my age (if you dint know already :P).

In short, I was never a fan. I never liked Batman, and I dint see why or what would make me change my opinion. I neither read the comics, nor did I see the cartoons. They were mentally seared with the BORING brand even before I gave them a chance (that's what you call prejudice? I love Wolverine so much more! :D).

Batman further became the butt of one of my classic jokes when I popped this riddle (very long time back if it interest you), "If Superman wears his underwear on the outside, who wears it on the head?" You get the idea. *lol~*

3 years ago when Batman Begins first came out, it's just my usual self to think, "Huh?? Now still show Batman? Who want to watch?" Obviously I dint bother to waste my buck on it during its lifetime in theatre.

A year later, things changed. :)

A friend lent me the DVD in 2006 (even though I initially resisted) and kept telling me that it was a very good movie, a must-see. So after a couple of days, one fine night with nothing better to do, I popped the DVD into my laptop with a simple expectancy: kill the hours.

2½ hours later, I officially became a fan. :D

For the first time in my life, I thought Batman was seriously cool and awesome! I used to think that the equipments that he used were lame, and I would even question the minutest detail: those bat ears on the hood, what good are they? And how could he suddenly just spread his "wings"? All my aged long questions were answered, and I even got to know how he calls forth his allies (a.k.a. the bats) after the movie!

The fortunate ones who watched Batman Begins would have known how good, and how solid it ended. I was totally sucked into the thought of watching the sequel when it comes out. Fast forward 2 years later to the beginning of 2008, I was saddened to learn that Heath Ledger died. Ironically, it was also when I learnt that he played as The Joker in the latest Batman sequel, The Dark Knight.

A couple of months before the launch of this movie, I kept watching the trailers over and over and over again. The craving was insatiable!

And then, _it_ finally came.

Non-Blinking World Record

2008-07-31T23:55:00.003+08:00

This is too awesomely funny~! I could watch it over and over again. *lmao~!*

Singapore's Public Holidays

2008-07-31T15:56:00.004+08:00

Here's this year's public holidays in Singapore. You can check out the page at the Ministry of Manpower portal. ;)

Well what I actually wanted to say is, isn't it a bit pathetic that we just have 11 days of holiday per year? And what's worse is that this number is subjected to whether any of them falling on Saturdays?

Take this year for example, when National Day falls on a Saturday, we end up with only 10 days. Mmmm.. If the government enforces that should a holiday falls on a Sunday, and the following Monday be made a holiday (which makes me very happy), why not do the same for Saturday?

It just puzzles me. :\

For those interested, here's next year's list of public holidays. Again, only 10 days. :(

How Real Is The Bible?

2008-07-14T23:34:00.009+08:00

If you've ever doubted the truth of what's written in the Bible, this is something that I found that I want to share with you.

The Bible was inscribed over a period of two thousand years, in times of war and in days of peace; by kings, physicians, tax collectors, farmers, fishermen, singers and shepherds. The marvel, is that a library so perfectly cohesive could have been produced by such a diverse crowd over a period of time which staggers the imagination. Jesus is its grand subject, our good is designed, and the glory of God is its end.

If you think it's amazing and true, what's keeping you from believing? :)

Casting Crowns - The Word Is Alive

A Great First Day Of Recovery

2008-07-14T23:07:00.003+08:00

I just got to say that I'm enjoying taking leave and spending time at home. *bliss~*

Firstly I recovered from my lost of sleep this morning, cos I slept till 1130am! haha.. That's approximately 10+ hours of sleep! Imagine for the last few days when I was clocking an average of about 5-6 sleep hours, and you'll probably understand why I felt so "recovered". :P

Spent some time to polish up my shoes, changed water for my plants, sayanging my dogs, watching movies, singing my favourite songs, going for my 4km jog, spending quality time with God, and settling some other miscellaneous stuff.

I am truly enjoying myself. (Oh.. and I'm blogging now~ :D)

Recovery

2008-07-13T23:55:00.004+08:00

The last month saw me working too hard on a single project, and I fell sick from sore throat, which led to flu, and of course, cough. Even though I tried Sandy's tip called "Ultimate Cure for the Flu & Cold", I am still coughing, albeit slowly recovering. Guess my immune system is pretty whacked. :P

But well, the recovery topic of this post means so much more than just physical recovery.

While I was busy working, quiet time with God was also chewed away. It was especially so for the week that just past, seeing me OT till hours when I am the only one left in the building. I felt detached; being away from Him for too long is never a good thing. :S

So that's possibly why I love serving in my ministry so much, because it brings me close to God every weekend, serving His people, and being amidst my brothers and sisters who all share the same joy with me. :D

I'm talking about THE kind of joy that overflows from deep within your heart, so hard to contain that it feels as if it wants to burst out, warms your nerves and yet chills your spine, and leads your muscles to produce the brightest kind of smile you thought you never had. *lol~* That's the kind of joy I experience when I'm serving God. :)

Watching miracles of healing by the grace of God every Miracle Service also brings refreshing strength to my tired soul. And yesterday was one such night. :)

From the start of the service till the end, I could feel the fresh anointing Spirit of God filling the corners of the sanctuary, and I felt great peace and joy in my heart which I could not feel for the past week.

To top things off, Li Nanxing (李南星) and Chen Tai Ming (陈泰明) also came to our service! It was extremely encouraging when the both of them, being public figures, responded to the salvation call and (re)dedicated their lives to God. From the stage, we could even hear fellow Lighters clapping and cheering! Praise God! :D

This coming week is a special week; I took the entire week off from work! The intention was of course, to prepare for the competition this coming weekend. I must add that this is also a very welcome break, since I truly needed to recover from work fatigue too.

Fitness wise.. sigh... that's also something which I intend to recover back too. When I was not tired, I was sick. When I was not sick, I was tired. Ended up I never had the chance to exercise already. :S So well, this week I'm gonna try to go for morning jogs as well, and slash the slabs around my waist. :D

I'm guessing having good fitness is also good for staying awake 24 hours for the competition. *lol~*

The Indonesian Mimic Octopus

2008-07-02T14:42:00.004+08:00

Just something that my colleague forwarded and I thought it was really cool. Utterly fascinated by God's creation. :D

Joy I Can't Contain

2008-06-26T01:45:00.001+08:00

These days I've been very tired from work, stress and personal commitments, but this news is very uplifting to me and so, I have to share it (even though it's near 2am already!).

Last Saturday, my cell leader had just proposed to well, my assistant cell leader *lol~*, and she agreed! :D When I first heard the news just a couple of hours ago, I was so filled with joy for them, I just couldn't stop myself from smiling silly. :P

Made my thought lines travel back to roughly about 2 years ago, when I first joined this cell group. Through the months and years I saw how they worked and progressed as a couple, supporting each other through every difficult circumstance.

Realistically speaking, more often than not we hear more of break ups and unhappiness than we hear good news, which is why it's really very encouraging to know about the place they are at now. :)

To see two people who carry the same faith in Christ Jesus tying the knot of happiness, and when it's two people who are so close to me, I'm just in a state of over-saturated sweetness right now (my brain must have released too much endorphins!). It's funny why I'm feeling so happy for them though. haha... It's them who are getting married! Not me! :P

I just pray that God will continue to shower His blessings amply upon the both of them, and that they continue to grow towards Him and towards each other in their many future years to come.

I'm really blessed to have such great news befall on my ears tonight~ :)

I Want To Blog!!!!

2008-06-05T00:52:00.005+08:00

And so I did~ *loL~*

It's pretty amazing, but I've already been on my current job for 6 months already! I hate to repeat but it's just so true, time really flies.

In about 4 months and 2 weeks time, I would have officially worked for 2 years already. What have I accomplished, the things that I look forward to, the inspirations and the countless aspirations are the things which I will be reflecting upon. Next year I'll be 25, and it seems to be a great year for greater things to come. :D

In the upcoming 1 and a half months though, I will be entering full throttle in preparation for my competition. It's really taking up a huge part of my time now, as reading and upgrading my skill set becomes an everyday affair. The materials are stacked so high I feel I'm back in school studying for a major exam. haha.. Funny how a little competition can drive me so hard. ;)

Anyway, I kinda finally guessed what kind of blogger am I. Spill-forth-random-thoughts, organise-it-later, and too-lazy-to-slowly-upload-photos type. Not too sure if it's too lazy or too busy regarding the photos part; I can't be sure these days. I get so busy till I just wanna stone around and do nothing. You guys experience that too?

Half of 2008 had passed, if you had new year's resolutions 6 months ago, how's your progress? If no resolution, then nothing much to think about since there's nothing being thought at the beginning of the year anyway. *loL~*

For myself, I'm glad that I'm still progressing in the direction that I pursued, and in my walk with God too. Would just want to thank God for seeing me through all the tough and trying times, and showing me that His faithfulness is so real. :)

Praise God!

Survived The Mad Rush

2008-05-21T00:24:00.003+08:00

After 2 weeks of intense studying and application of new programming languages, I finally survived the mad rush. *phew*

But of course, it's not entirely "the end" yet. There's still plenty of stuff that I wanna touch up on before delivering it this Friday, and there's also the possibilities of more changes to come. No matter how tough it had been (which caused me to fall sick over the weekend), I'm glad I went through it. I feel so much more equipped as a web developer now. *lol~*

Anyway, time is really zooming pass now la. It's just another 2 months (gasp!) before code::Xtreme::Apps and I still have yet to get started with my learning yet. Time is running short, so blogging will also be cut down to a minimum (hopefully not stand still). :(

From the current project however, the intense study schedule that I had kinda set the motivation off. I began to enjoy hitting books again, and I don't want this fire to die off just yet. Better harness it to study more (can you see I'm really worried about not being well equipped? :P).

Regarding the photos from Japan... ... ... ... ...*lol~*

I'm Already Back

2008-05-09T00:30:00.003+08:00

Just in case that you guys are thinking that I'm still having an awesomely good time in Japan, well I'm actually back since Tuesday already. *lol~*

Very busy once back ah, had to settle the luggage, pack stuff for work, do this do that, oh gosh~ And when I went back to office on the first day, got shining new project came in already!

Project's deadline is super tight however, and it's a language I'm not very familiar with. So these days I'm like crash-coursing through multiple tutorials and reading as much articles as I can to pick the language up. Real intense stuff!

Due to the above factor, I will not be able to post any photos anytime soon. Will try my best la, but earliest seems to be at least 2 weeks later. :S

Try try la hor.. :P

From Japan!

2008-04-29T21:07:00.003+08:00

Yesterday till this morning 3am was super rush for me, so I really dint have the chance to post the news that I was going to Japan. haha.. Well, here I am now in Toyoko-Inn in Nagoya, Japan, to update you guys! :D

Their keyboard here hor, not very easy to use ah. Although it is still a QWERTY keyboard, I am definitely having difficulty locating all of the punctuation keys as their positions are very different. Till now I still cannot find the apostrophe key, so that is why I keep avoiding that when my usual style is not. *lol~!*

Anyway, I guess that is all for now. Really tired after a whole day of travelling. 4am reach airport, 6am flew, 2pm reach Tokyo, wait for domestic transfer till 7pm and touch down at Nagoya at 8+. Just had dinner actually. haha..

Time to head upstairs (I am in the internet cafe FOC downstairs now) to bath and sleep already. Tomorrow still gotta wake up early at 6am. Update again! :D

Learn Jap The Cool Way

2008-04-24T17:48:00.004+08:00

With so much thanks to my bestie, now I found the ultimate web resource to convert articles full of unknown kanji to readable hiragana, and another one called Popjisyo that provides you with the meaning, and can store the Jap words and stuff to give you a quiz later! *WOW~!*

Totally smart, freezingly cool, insanely awesome. :D

Not to mention the added fact that if you do this in office, your colleagues will be so impressed with you surfing Japanese sites! :P (Or at least I think so. *lol~!*)

Ultimate Music Geek

2008-04-23T17:13:00.003+08:00

The guy who made this music used sounds from Windows XP only. Now that's ultimate geekiness. *lol~*

A Little Grammar

2008-04-22T22:48:00.004+08:00

Are you among the folks who have no/faint idea of what's a verb, adjective, adverb, or preposition? If you find yourself often confused or even intimidated by them, then this post is just for you (and me of course). :)

While doing my studies of the Japanese language, I realised something important. My reasonably OK command of English came from constant reading and writing, which was built up through the years since young. If I'm to learn Japanese this way, it's going to take that long amount of time! :S

To learn a new language effectively, it is important to go through all the grammar fundamentals. First you have to expand your vocabulary of nouns, verbs and adjectives, then to preposition and conjunctions so that you can string them up together to build sentences. With enough practice, you will be able to construct whole paragraphs, and not to mention holding a reasonable conversation in that language.

This used to be so hard when I barely know what the words meant in English! In this post, I'm going to do myself (and all of you who have been suffering like me) a favour, to demystify some of the common language fundamental words! XD

Noun
A noun is a word used to name a person, animal, place, thing, and abstract idea.

Pronoun
A pronoun can replace a noun or another pronoun. You use pronouns like "he," "which," "none," and "you" to make your sentences less cumbersome and less repetitive.

Verb
A verb or compound verb asserts something about the subject of the sentence and express actions, events, or states of being.

Adjective
An adjective modifies a noun or a pronoun by describing, identifying, or quantifying words.

Adverb
An adverb can modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb, a phrase, or a clause. An adverb indicates manner, time, place, cause, or degree and answers questions such as "how," "when," "where," "how much".

Preposition
A preposition links nouns, pronouns and phrases to other words in a sentence.

Conjunction
You can use a conjunction to link words, phrases, and clauses.

For a whole list of topics, visit University of Ottawa's Writing Centre >> HyperGrammer. :)

A Need To Straighten Out

2008-04-20T22:43:00.003+08:00

I think I'm in a dire need to organise my life. Getting too busy recently to the point I'm afraid of losing track. In view of the coming months, I think it’s only going to get busier. :D

Firstly, I joined a coding competition, code::XtremeApps::2008! It'll be a 24hrs coding marathon which will be held from 19-20 July, and I'm totally psyched about it. :D As preparation, coding on Flex and AIR has to be scheduled in for the next 3 months, as they are totally out of my job scope.

Secondly, my company has offered a program where they will subsidise us with SGD500 O_O!! for any course or skill that we want to pick up! It was a tug-of-war between Japanese language course and guitar course, but at the end of the day, guitar won. :) I've always yearned to be able to play a musical instrument (especially now that I'm serving in a music related ministry in church), so this couldn't happen at a better time. :D

Next thing is that I'm finally serving in the Sunday services as well! Today was the first day, and I felt pretty zombie just dragging myself off bed so early in the morning. To be exact, it was 0645hrs, which was much earlier than the usual time that I wake up on my work days. Nonetheless, the joy of serving and being in God's anointing atmosphere cannot be compared. :)

As a next move to a closer walk with God, I've also purposed in my heart to attend online Christian courses. Unfortunately because of my busy schedule, I've been a stagnant member for a month already. Really time to get started.

And I guess the last thing will be my Jap language studies on MRT. *lol~*

Sooo many things one lorrrrr. I think I really need to make out a timetable to straighten things out.

One of the dangers you face when you have so many things at hand is the possibility of being overwhelmed, and end up not doing anything. Another possibility is too much time might be focused on some till others are totally neglected. A timetable should help me to prioritise and schedule them properly.

Now the next challenge is keeping to it. *MUAHAHAHAHA*

Jap In This Blog?

2008-04-11T00:40:00.004+08:00

Just in case you were wondering why the quietness in this blog over the past few days, the reason is here! :D

A little update on my jap learning; it has been real fun with minimum amount of commitment. In fact, the only time I committed was those spent travelling to and fro work! Currently I'm at lesson 13 of 30 in my little jap book. haha.. Progress progress!!

I am thinking of posting some jap snippets here and there regularly in this blog, partly for me to practice, and maybe who knows you can learn something too? ;)

Oh gosh, my blog is going to become a junk yard full of the stuff that I squeeze in my life. XD

Mumbai Dah!! India!!!

2008-04-02T11:48:00.006+08:00

Simply ♥ this commercial! haha.. Very often I'll find myself saying the lines from this one just to humour my friends. *lol~*

Little did I know that it was done by my company too! :D It even came in tops in the Viewer's Choice 2007 local category! (This was half-a-month-old news btw. :P)

See the report here.

In the meanwhile, enjoy this "Mumbai Dah!!" commercial! :P

Power Of Petition

2008-04-02T11:15:00.004+08:00

It's easy to be influenced in an advertising company. :D

Here's two of my company's work which won the Gold and Silver Lion Awards respectively in the Cannes 2007. Enjoy the powerful message. :)

Gold Lion Award Cannes 2007

Silver Lion Award Cannes 2007

Take That - Rule The World

2008-03-29T01:29:00.009+08:00

Not too sure if you've watched Stardust, but it was an absolutely delight in my opinion. It was one of the rare movies that sucked me right into its magical story, and made me want to be part of the adventure. :D

So I was surfing around and stumbled upon a link that brought me to this song, and now that I watched the featured four minutes from this video, it brings back so many sweet scenes from the movie.

Gosh, if you haven't watched it, please do. You're missing something really really good. :)

This is the official music video, so the song sounds crispier. ;) (although I still prefer the version on top. :P)

Boney M - Daddy Cool

2008-03-27T22:17:00.005+08:00

Music indeed transcends time huh? :D

After Arul introduced this song to me, I was so hooked to the tune! Super funky can!

Three decades ago (or in exact, 32 years), this song used to be a top hit in the charts then! *w00t!* Even older than me can. haha..

Enjoy!

はじめまして！

2008-03-27T00:28:00.004+08:00

わたし　は　ラエンネ　です。

どうぞ　よろしく！

Ok that's super limited. But that's all for now. :P

Good Friday Aftermath

2008-03-22T23:05:00.004+08:00

And so it all wraps up yesterday. :D

It was three months worth of weekly rehearsals, with the songs stuck in my head no matter where I was, be it traveling on the road, relaxing at home, or working in the office. After investing so much time into memorising the lyrics and learning the tenor parts of the songs, they left such a deep impression that they bring back sweet reminiscence with every playback. :)

Even the choreography for the songs affected our future decisions for choices in dance moves and steps. :D (For example, today's Miracle Service~ :P)

The warmth of ministering to God's people, the joy that raises from within, the souls that were won, the cheers of the crowd, the enlightening message, the touching mime performance, together with the God anointed atmosphere, I nearly dint want the service to end.

To sum everything up, it was an unforgettable Good Friday. :)

A little side info, I dint realise that we were featured on Channel News Asia! :D Watch the news video here!

No Access To Internet

2008-03-20T15:52:00.003+08:00

Two days back when I returned home, it was to my displeasure to find that my internet service is down. Now I have no idea what the problem might be. It could be a case of a spoilt modem, temporary poor service (highly unlikely since it had been a good two days), or could be any other plausible reasons that you might think of.

Bottom line is, I don't know what happened. :S

Furthermore, these days had been really busy for me. Rehearsals for tomorrow's Good Friday performance had been running very often, and in the interim other important stuff found their way to fill up my schedule. After this busy period, I will go and check out what actually went wrong and hopefully be able to update from home again.

Till then guys! :)

Good Friday 2008: Watch The Lamb

2008-03-15T22:17:00.004+08:00

Today finally marked my maiden performance on stage! Haha.. It didn't turn out as scary as I thought though! Thank God for that! I wasn't even nervous to begin with. haha.. Maybe I was too yaya papaya already~ :P

Help spread the love again! :D

This coming Friday, 21 March, will be another important milestone for me in serving in my ministry. For the past 3 months we've been practicing weekly for the songs, parts, and choreography. I'm very certain it's going to be a blast! *whoohoo!*

I'm happy to invite all of you to come and join me in giving praise and glory to God! Give me a call or sms if you are coming! I'll be more than happy to provide directions. :))

Enchanted

2008-03-13T22:50:00.016+08:00

I still remember the moment when I first saw posters of this movie in AMK MRT station, my mind already concluded that this show would be crappy and corny. Animation mix with real actors? Hmm... plus the expressions in the posters dint really make stuff look any more interesting. :S

Then the time came when out of curiousity, I checked the rating of this movie on imdb, and I was shocked! 7.9??!! :O

I couldn't help myself but to get this movie and now after watching it, just how wrong I got!?! This movie is simply stunning! The aftermath made me super duper high and happy, and I nearly wanted to watch it for a second time in a row! Every single touch of it was great to the details. :)

Guess I'm the kind of person who always looks forward to feel-good movies, that's why this one stood particularly strong above the crowd. From an adult point of view, I totally enjoyed the concept, the acting, and not to mention the songs! :D Oh how I adore Amy Adams' singing scenes! Reminds me of my visit to Disneyland even! :D

Leaving me so entertained, I simply can't imagine the joy it would bring to children! So what more can I say, Walt Disney proved themselves once again with this masterpiece of wholesome family entertainment!

《简单就是美2》。赞！

2008-03-11T23:45:00.007+08:00

每逢周二晚都会和大家分享自己的梦与感想，这将会变成一种习惯吗？其实这个“习惯”多半归功于《简单就是美2》的影响。随着节目的落幕，接下来可能也没那么多话好讲了吧。哈哈。。

一切都告一段落了。

很圆满，很充实。
很幸福，很简单。

在每集地播出，我都不自觉地会把笑容挂在脸上，心藏也随着吉他的旋律起伏而跳动着。节目给于内心的感动，是无限的。所翔实介绍的地方与人物，让我心驰神往。杂货的再循环和环保的重要性，也由此让我有更深层的了解。

这一切的一切，都好美，好美。或许就在这种简单中，才能让人体会到“美”的真正含义吧。

自从播出Wwoof那一集之后，我好憧憬着到那儿去，过着平平静静，悠闲自在的生活。如今的我年仅二十四，背的包袱不算多，其实正是到外国多看多听多体验多学习的最佳阶段。将来若有妻儿老小，梦想很有可能已沦为空想了。

想猜一猜吸引我追看的另一个原因吗? :D

因这节目而起，我对华文的热诚又盟起新芽。佩芬在节目中对旁白的词汇运用拿捏的非常好，一点儿也不夸张或花俏，是我学习的典范。她能把单调的风景影象和人们心声，描述的犹如我亲身体验般，所带给我的内心与语文冲击，可想而知。

有个莫名其妙的想法，就是到高层学府去进修华文。哈哈。。但是我也太了解自己是不会那么做的。与其进修华文，我宁愿利用那段时间去一趟日本，学习有机耕种法，健康饮食法为优先。

世界好大，我想做的事也太多了。在我厌倦朝九晚五的那一天，便是我踏上实现憧憬之路之时。;)

《简单就是美2》：完结篇

2008-03-11T00:17:00.007+08:00

没经过mian的批准就从《简单就是美》的非官方部落格中把以上的照相纳为己用，希望mian可别介意！:D

再大约过多二十一个小时就是《简单就是美2》的完界篇了。心里中的期待带着一丝丝的不舍，好矛盾的感觉啊！唯一清楚的是，我还真不想一切就这样告一段落。咳。。。

无论如何，今晚九点半铁定待在家收看。:)

I'm Performing!

2008-03-10T14:31:00.008+08:00

The key highlight of this week, and of course the reason for this post, is that I'm finally going to perform in the Miracle Service this Saturday! This day had finally arrived! :D

Help spread the love! :)

However, because this Saturday coincides with the annual Manila Miracle Revival, my performance may or may not happen, depending on the smoothness and clarity of the transmission from Manila via satellite.

With no obligations, do come to my church, Lighthouse Evangelism, at either the Woodlands or Tampines branch, and experience the mighty healing power of God! :D

(Of course, try to come to the Woodlands branch la... Can maybe see me wor! :P)

2 x Happy News!!

2008-03-04T22:54:00.004+08:00

Here's some quick happy news to update everyone. :D

Firstly, as of yesterday, I got my confirmation in my job! *yayyyyy!!* :D After three months of grueling work involving programming exploration and intense effects research, not to mention several extreme deadlines, I'm glad I've proven myself worthy to stay in Tequila! :D

Just something I would like to share. :) For the time that I've worked till now, I've realised that it's important not to perceive work as mundane chores, which if you allow, will steal away your very passion itself. Though in the event of tight deadlines some stuff have to be given up, always find time to play with your work, and be yourself.

In this way, work becomes playtime and your job evolves to become your playground. ;) (what an idealist? :P Nahh.. you can make it if you so chooses. :))

Secondly, which I consider to be my next huge step in my spiritual journey with God, is that I've gotten confirmation in my Praislight ministry! :D

Strange that the timing is around the same with my job confirmation, but my six months worth of probation apparently ended today when sister Girlie called me up to inform that I will start serving from next Saturday at the Miracle Service onwards! *whoohoo!*

Excitement as it is, I'm kind of feeling jittery about it. The turnout every Saturday for Miracle Service, if I'm not wrong, can go up to a few hundred!! The entire sanctuary will be flooded with people every single time! To be one of those performing on stage is like.... is like... wobbly? :S

I will trust God though, for He is my provider of strength and talent. Since He arranged for me to be in this ministry, and with sister Girlie's patient guidance over the last six months, I believe I can make it one. *wosh!*

My 29th Of February, 2008

2008-03-01T00:52:00.003+08:00

This past week had been awfully hectic. Deadlines were lined up one after another, and I had to OT every day just to meet up with the expectations from clients. Two of the days even saw me working past midnight, with one till 3am. :S

I feel so terribly drained. "Drained" is just one word though. Put exhausted, fatigued, weary, tired and worn out together, and they probably paint a better picture (although they actually have the same meaning! :P).

It's the first crazy period in my new job and it certainly won't be the last. Nonetheless, the results and feedback that I got really encourages me to push forward, and I'm in fact, very happy with what I've learnt throughout this experience. :)

With today being a Friday, and since I committed to serve God in the choir, I rushed to church after work for my weekly practice for the upcoming Good Friday performance. It was as if God took away the fatigue that was plaguing my body and burdening my spirit. :D The practice was extremely rejuvenating, nearly a blast if I may say, and I felt so blessed to be singing and grooving along with all the Praislighters. Seeing how God work really amazes me every single time. :)

The icing to top off the day however, was the fellowship that I had with Harry and Clara post practice. Dinner at Admiralty's McDonald's was the main plan, but it soon evolved to a 2 hours talk-cock session. :P

It had been eons since I last chatted with friends at any McDonald's joint, so this time it brings back some good ol' reminiscences as well. The topics we touched on were so widely diversified, that all of us had our own fair share of extreme, uncontrollable laughter. :D (You know, those type when you lean back and forth while laughing? :P) We had so much fun talking, to the point that we nearly forgot that it was nearly midnight!

Since I'm going to start serving in the Saturday's Miracle Service in March, I believe such conversations can only happen more often. ;)

Well, my 29th February 2008 was being marked from tiredness, to rejuvenation, and ended with laughter. How's yours? :D

梦在哪儿？

2008-02-26T21:52:00.006+08:00

不知为何，当今天的《简单就是美2》一播出时，心里突然有些许的失落感。“第六回”里的“六”字突然感觉好大似的。或许在我及繁忙又杂乱无章的生活中，这个节目所带给我的平静与调谐，已悄悄地给于我心灵更大的呼吸空间，开阔我狭小的视野，以至身心获得舒缓减压之妙效吧。再多两集一切便要告一段落，失落感难免油然而生。

很明显的，第二系列的《简单就是美》把节目中心专注在简单的生活中。直到目前，已经有好几集是在谈人们放弃自己的忙碌城市生活，抛开世俗的枷锁，而改变自己的人生方向，朝梦想前进。今天这一集也不例外。虽然与第一系列DIY的题材有差异，但对于此时此刻的我而言，简单的生活似乎是我梦寐以求的完美终点。

今天节目中，佩芬到了日本千叶县一个叫Wwoof的有机农场。那里环境清幽，远离都市的繁华嘈杂，是个修心仙境。在郊外那儿空气新鲜，每天都要以自己的劳力下田耕耘，才能换取每餐的温饱。坦白说，我有一种茅塞顿开之感。难道那种生活，便是我所梦寐以求的完美终点吗？

再给自己多一点时间，来了解自己的需要，理想，想到达的目的地，还有内心所渴望的究竟是什么。从前我所努力追逐的科技知识与高薪安稳的工作，现在似乎些许模糊了起来。如同节目中的人物，我是否有可能圆自己如今所狂想的梦呢？

Optimus Maximus Revisited

2008-02-25T19:49:00.008+08:00

Roughly about a month ago I first blogged about this Optimus Maximus keyboard, and raved on its customisability, and the keys that look so nice and sleek, and it being so expensive and stuff.

Well here's the latest update from engadget. It showcases how to set it up, configure it for different applications that you want to run, and also how to use it.

After having a serious look at it this time, and thinking it through, I feel that this keyboard quite possibly serves no additional purpose for me than what a regular keyboard will offer. :D Here's why.

Firstly, I type without looking at the keyboard. In all its glory of customisability, I most likely won't be able to enjoy it.

Secondly, I feel that too much time can be wasted to customise the different layouts. I guess for me, a simple QWERTY keyboard with all the keys properly laid out is so much easier to use. Making the alphabets quirky with strange fOntS, sizes and colours are totally beyond me. :P

Lastly, judging from the looks of it, it looks both expensive and uses more electricity than conventional keyboards. Why would I want that either? :/

Other than being a nice piece of eye candy (seriously nice one at that!) that you can put around the house, which might probably earn you the bragging rights of having one of the coolest keyboards around town, I seriously find no practical use of it.

Not too sure if everyone feels the same way as I do. But well, these are just my thoughts. ;)

我的黑色牛奶 (BM)

2008-02-22T22:57:00.005+08:00

“发生什么事？”

我关切地问道在电话另一方的妈妈。从她那搀杂着不安与伤感的口吻中，我察觉到有事情发生。

“。。。BM。。。死了。”

***

回想起初次见它的那一天，大约已是三年半前的事了。二〇〇四年八月八日，在国庆日的前一天晚上，我在蔡厝港那条熟悉的路听到了不熟悉的声音。

“铛铛铛，铛铛铛。”

铃儿的声响响彻那鸦雀无声的夜晚。我朝着声音的来源望去，只见到了一幅茫然的它。似乎有点不知所措，好像根本搞不清楚所在地，到处胡乱穿梭，希望能找到自己熟悉的环境。从它不整洁的毛发，再加上身体所散发的臭味儿，我打从心底地认为它是被人忍心的遗弃了。我决定把它带回家。

一直以来，我都是家里所领养的狗的命名之父，它也不例外。一身黑白混杂的毛发，我头头为它启了“B&W”，也就是“Black & White”的简称。哪儿知才过了不久，便觉得叫起来一点也不顺口。不知为何第一个念头就是用牛奶自然的米白色代替它身上的白。取而代之的就是“Black Milk”，或“BM”为简称。

它就是我的黑色牛奶。

***

BM虽是家中老二，但最温顺最听话的就属它。大概是不太习惯自己的新名字吧，叫“BM”时它一点反应也没有。但如果叫一声“come!”，它便会飞奔地跑到你身旁，立即坐下。它那矫健的反应看起来还真是滑稽逗趣。在家中三只，也唯独它懂得和人握手。平时不叫也不闹，是个不可多得的宝，非常惹人喜欢。

在我们数月的细心爱护及照料下，原本瘦削的它也渐渐恢复正常的体重。瞧它一天天强壮起来，我深信当初将它接回家是正确之选。它的存在也明显的带给一家人一种莫名的喜悦。

***

大约三个月前的凌晨时分，妈妈忐忑不安地进了我的房间，把在熟睡的我摇醒，要我替她从网络上察看哪里有动物医院。听到房门外BM上接不接下气的呻吟，时不时又在猛咳嗽，我不敢怠慢。

隔天晴晨，就当我准备上班时，妈妈说院方刚打了一通电话来。BM的咳嗽已受到了妥当的药物控制，情况也稳定了下来。不过院方接着说，造成BM呼吸困难的缘故是因为年纪已高，心脏已大不如前。他要我们有心里准备，就算BM这一次能救的回，寿命也最多只剩一年。

我试着以平常心来面对，毕竟它真的是老了吧。

***

“。。。BM。。。死了。”

过往的思绪不断地泳上心头。

“我要以平常心来面对它的死亡”的这片薄薄的谎言，被我所听见的事实给狠狠地撕列。

就在八时三刻左右，BM，我的黑色牛奶，带着我心坎里的一块，悄悄的走了。

Oh??!!

2008-02-20T15:21:00.001+08:00

修心

2008-02-19T21:29:00.003+08:00

在台湾新店的小周是个种茶专家。令我感触良多的并非他的茶艺，而是他随意所说的一句话：

“种茶其实是在修心，不是在做茶。做茶只是一个过程。”

我愣了一会儿。想一想，在这金钱挂帅的新加坡，每一位成年人都是朝九晚五地忙于事业的打拼。究竟有多少人能够追寻简单的梦想，改做一些既平凡又接近大自然的事，修自己的心，自己的本，修自己的根？

“修心”这个词带着好深奥的意义朝着我的内心逼近。

看完每一集的《简单就是美２》，真让我向往出国体验人生百态，寻找自己的梦想。或许回到根本，人就是需要大自然，才能平静的去享受每一刻。生活在这繁华喧闹的都市中，老实说，好难啊。

“心灵上的获得，更胜于一切。”－佩芬

情人节快乐！

2008-02-14T23:12:00.004+08:00

鲜艳夺目香气芬芳的鲜红玫瑰，精致包装令人心跳跃赴的神秘礼物，两人就在富有浪漫气氛的高档餐厅，享受着浓情密密的每一刻。在男友细心的安排下，女友仿佛就像温室里的花儿，被呵护着，被疼爱着。感人肺腑的爱之宣言一脱口而出，压抑的情感便波涛汹涌地涌上心头，热泪满眶，情不自禁随着眼皮的合上而落下。

唉！我也太会胡思乱想了吧！但，这何尝不是每一位女生所渴望拥有的完美情节吗？情人节啊情人节，有多少男生为你而绞尽脑汁啊！哈哈。

虽然今年的情人节我又是一个人过，但我并没有多大的失落感。或许是工作上的忙碌及压力上的驱使，累。又或许是单生太久的原故，麻。糟糕！难道我就想做一辈子的工作狂吗？还是做个砖石王老五？

我总是认为，主有他的安排，我没必要去多加烦恼和顾虑。但今夜，我却在想我的另一个她，是否在地球的某一脚，也像我一样，因为闷得发慌，便让思绪不受约束地胡乱飘荡。。。

茫茫人海中，若能幸运地找到自己的另一半，且要好好的珍惜和对方相处的每一分每一秒。若是错过了，便很有可能再也找不回。珍惜眼前人吧，我的朋友们！

多花一点时间，多用一点心，多了解对方的想法，多体恤对方的感受，多聆听对方的怨言，多给予支持与鼓励，多忍耐对方的短处，多欣赏对方的长处，相信你们一定能白头到老，永于爱河！

祝大家情人节快乐！

从心出发

2008-02-13T23:35:00.004+08:00

好久好久没用华文来写任何东西了，感觉好陌生。学生时期的我非常厌倦华文的复杂，因此选择了逃避，造成成绩不理想的局面。多亏在我中三那年的级任老师，她那不愿放弃我的精神成就出今时今日的我。虽然我对华文仍然不是很好，但比起当初已是判若两人。哈哈，你是无法想象得啦！ :P

最近一直都在追看《简单就是美２》，让我有一种不可思议的原动力从内心往外散发。好想念华文啊！下定决心，我在昨天便终于在我的电脑安装了书写华文的软件。此时此刻，有一种不想回头的感觉。:)

Inputing Han Yu Pin Yin In XP

2008-02-12T22:54:00.001+08:00

Ermz... A bit shy in posting this post. haha.. Cos probably even kids nowadays know how to configure it already? :P (kids are so smart de wor these days!)

Well I got a bit lost in the Regional and Language Options in the Control Panel, till I had no choice but to google for a solution. Came across a few non-related articles before finding this. ;) Now I'm finally able to type chinese on my computer! *w00t!*

I haven't been writing anything in chinese for very long, so if you're wondering why, hehe.. it wouldn't be long before you find out. :P

Happy Lunar New Year To ALL!!!

2008-02-07T09:47:00.000+08:00

Dong dong dong chiang!!

Early on big year day one (大年初一), here's wishing all my friends and readers a joyous and prosperous new year! May all things wonderful fall into place in your life, and money source roll roll in (财源滚滚来)! :D

Hmm... I'm sure I can think of more greetings.. :P

New year quick happy! 新年快乐!
Everything also as you wish! 万事如意!
Everything also as you please! 事事顺心!
Nice dreams become real! 美梦成真!
Heart think things become! 心想事成!
Congrats and grow money! 恭喜发财!
Attract money flow in treasures! 招财进宝!
Body healthy! 身体健康!
Business prosperous! 生意兴隆!
Money luck expand all across! 财运亨通!
Studies improve! 学业进步!
Step step go higher! 步步高升!
New year in big luck! 新年行大运!

Ok I'm drained liaoz. :P Enjoy your new year guys! *whoohoo!*

HUAT BIG TIME AH!!!

The Complaints Choir Singapore

2008-02-04T10:10:00.000+08:00

My colleague sent me this via facebook, and I thought it's funny enough to share. :D

We get fined for almost anything
Drivers won't give chance when you want to change lane
The indoors are cold, the outdoors are hot
And the humid air, it wrecks my hair
Those answering machines always make you hold
Only to hang up on you

When a pregnant lady gets on the train
Everyone pretends to be asleep
I'm stuck with my parents till I'm 35
Cause I can't apply for HDB
We don't recycle any plastic bags
But we purify our pee

Chorus
What's wrong with Singapore?
Losing always makes me feel so sore
Cause if you're not the best
Then you're just one of the rest
My oh my Singapore
What exactly are we voting for?
What's not expressly permitted
is prohibited

"Ooh"

When I'm hungry at the food court, I see
People chope seats with their tissue paper
To the auntie staying upstairs:
Your laundry's dripping on my bed sheets
Please don't squat on the toilet seats
And don't clip your nails on MRT

Stray cats get into noisy affairs
At night my neighbor makes weird animal sounds
People put on fake accents to sound posh
And queue up 3 hours for donuts
Will I ever live till eighty five
to collect CPF?

Chorus

Singaporeans too kiasu! (so scared to lose)
Singaporeans too kiasi! (so scared to die)
Singaporeans too kiabor! (scared of their wives)
Maybe we’re just too stressed out! (even the kids)

"Ooh"

Old National Library was replaced by an ugly tunnel
Singaporean men can’t take independent women
People blow their nose into the swimming pool (and pee too)
And fall asleep on my shoulder in the train

Singapore’s national bird is the crane (the one with yellow steel girders)
Real estate agents’ leaflets clogging up my mailbox (en bloc, en bloc, en bloc, en bloc)
Why can’t we be buried when we die?
No one wants to climb Bukit Timah with me

Chorus

There are not enough public holidays
My neighbor sings KTV all night
Wedding dinners never start on time
My hair is always cut shorter than I want
Channel 5 commercials are way too long
Why do men turn bald?

At first it was to speak more mandarin
Then it was to speak proper English
What’s wrong with my powderful Singlish?

People sit down during rock concerts
We have to pay for tap water at restaurants
ERP gantries are everywhere
But I can still see traffic jams on the road
All the bus stops have tilted benches
Cannot access playboy.com

Chorus

Happy Tune = Happy Times

2008-01-31T23:11:00.000+08:00

With so sooooo many thanks to my secret friend (sorry I can't disclose who! but you know who you are. ;)), I managed to get the theme music for So Simple Goodies! *whoohoo*

You know some songs just stick in your head, then makes their trip down to your heart, warm it up, make your blood runs a bit slower while assuring you can take on whatever that comes your way, make you feel so relax at the same time, lift your spirits up and being totally happy about your overall wellness? (Make any sense? haha..) Well, for me apparently, the So Simple Goodies theme music does just that. *xinfu*

The office hours just got a lot more bearable, the MRT crowd just got a lot less irritating, and all my worries and stress just got a lot less. :D Generally speaking, bad things/feelings go down, good and happy times go up. *yippee*

Now I just gotta find some time to convert it to be my phone's ringtone, sms tone, alarm music, door bell tune... :P

Music therapy someone? ;)

Lose Your Camera Tripod Today!

2008-01-30T17:24:00.000+08:00

If you're a photographer (hobbyist or professional), you're bound to be sick of carrying your tripod around, setting it up for 3 minutes just for the perfect angle (for just a single shot mind you), before keeping it again and moving on. :S

If you don't like to be burdened with a tripod and insist on shooting without it, you'll instead be plagued with all types of blur shots (horizontal, vertical, diagonal, you name it). :/

I'm glad to come across this great DIY method to create an image stabilizer for any camera. Although it doesn't look pretty, it sure does look to be useful and handy. Considering the weight difference, you know what I mean. Hope you will enjoy your many tripod-free days to come! :D

Something Is Wrong

2008-01-29T10:20:00.000+08:00

Something is wrong,
when you wait for 7 days,
which is 168 hours,
or 10080 minutes,
just to see someone for 30 minutes.

Something is wrong,
when before seeing that someone,
anticipation grips you by the second,
keeps you watching the time every minute,
with the thought hardly going away.

Something is wrong,
when you finally see what you so yearn for,
keeps you smiling every single moment,
makes you happy,
with that tinge of sweetness in your heart.

Something is wrong,
when after the 30 minutes ended,
you feel all this waiting,
all this anticipation,
and every single moment of it,
is totally worthwhile.

Something is seriously wrong,
and oh how I love and dread this feeling.

:P

A Birthday Cake, Song, And Wish

2008-01-26T21:50:00.000+08:00

A birthday cake, a birthday song, a birthday wish. These elements were missing from my birthday this year. Strangely though, I did not feel anything in particular was missing.

I'm not too sure how the general folks out there feel about such things? Do you feel that they are necessary/important? Well for me, I had the general thought that they were not of much importance, which probably gave way to a better understanding of why I did not feel much without them.

Well, not until my friends in my church's choir, Praislight, celebrated my birthday for me today. :D

As usual, I was leaving home after practice when Clara called, and asked me to head to the food court beside our church to discuss something. I thought it might have something to do with our Good Friday performance, so I U-turned my way back to meet them.

Who knows that not long after I sat down, Sister Girlie, the worship leader of our church, brought a cake for me!! *ecstatic*

The setting was in the food court (not the best of places), and all of them were rushing to finish their dinner (not the best time either) because they have to prepare and serve God in the Miracle Service in an hour or so. After positioning and lighting the candles up, they sang me a birthday song and I was sooooo utterly touched. T_T (You know.. food court leh! So many people watching! And they still sang like nobody's business! :D)

My cake!!

Momentarily, the candles' light engulfed my vision and stole everything from my sight. It was like the most beautiful thing I've seen. :P Meanwhile their angelic voices resonated and having their way with my eardrums, and it was as if I was transported to another realm altogether. It certainly wasn't the best place, and it wasn't the best time either, but what I felt was certainly the best. I have no idea how else I can describe it any other way. :P

I finally had a chance to say my birthday wish as well. ;)

Deeply touched by their kind gestures, I can find no words to describe what those meant to me. I want to thank God so nmuch for this beautiful arragement, where they had managed to change my former perspectives about these simple blessings and actions. *touched*

To know you guys have been my privilege and a blessing from God. Thank you all, and I'm so fortunate to be serving our Lord and Saviour with all of you. :)

Helping Hands: Monkey College

2008-01-25T14:33:00.000+08:00

Saw this heartwarming video this morning, and I'm so prompted to write something about it. In the right context, such as this, animals are really a great companion and help to us. Most of the times though unaware of what exactly they're doing, they faithfully obey our instructions, and the resultant service they render becomes a huge aid to us.

Think about dogs that guides the blind, other assortment of household pets that heal people's loneliness or psychiatric disorder from their constant companionship, the joy that they can bring to you is endless.

This organisation, Helping Hands, is a college that trains monkeys to help the disabled. I find it very heartwarming (and cute of course), and I hope to pass it on. :)

My N95 Can Do That?!

2008-01-24T23:26:00.000+08:00

Oh gosh this company, A2JSoft, has done something so revolutionary to mobile phones *sayanging my N95*, that you're not going to believe what you're about to witness. :D

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

That's a freaking Wii we have here! :D

Actor Heath Ledger Dead

2008-01-23T22:48:00.000+08:00

Slightly depressing news today, but please bear with me. The news that actor Heath Ledger being found dead shook me this morning via an overseas friend.

Heath Ledger, from the "Brokeback Mountain" fame, acts in a couple of very well known movies, including one of my favourites, "The Patriot". In the new series of Batman, acted by Christian Bale, Heath acts as the psychotic bank robber known as The Joker in the upcoming "The Dark Knight". I love the new series of Batman and had been anticipating this movie since two years ago. To know that Heath gave his final performance in this movie, it kinda saddens me even more. :(

I got reminded too, of my post "An Awakening Nightmare". The reality that life is so fragile and delicate hits me again. Life IS a fleeting moment, please don't take it for granted.

Live your life to the fullest everyday, give thanks to people who have helped you in every single way, forgive people who trespass against you, remember to do good and be kind to all the people around you, and if you made a promise to someone, fulfill it today.

What if tomorrow never comes?

Life's Simple Blessings

2008-01-22T22:05:00.001+08:00

Waaaaaaaaaaaa!~~!!!~!~~!!!!

I so love 简单就是美2!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ Just finished watching the first episode and I feel so relax now! Whole day's worth of work tension and stress just dissipated into nothingness~~ Must be my endorphins laaaaaaaa~!!! Acting up and working doubly hard! *whoohoo*

The notion of going for such a tour, like Peifen's, wells up... *dreams*

I can relax myself, loosen up my shoulders and swing them without any cares, slow my steps down and appreciate the surroundings, take a good breath of fresh air to invigorate my senses, then lie down on thick carpet-like grass, let the warm sunset's light grace upon my face, and the cool breeze will blow away all kinds of thoughts and troubles, leaving just a, so simple me.

How wonderful is life's simple blessings. :)

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

2008-01-21T23:17:00.000+08:00

I don't really know how to start! :D Firstly, the thought that I'm 24 makes me feel old, because contrastingly enough, I feel young. I don't exactly know what to feel. Is that a sign of getting old? :S

Anyway after work I met up with my godmom, kamee, and uncle dan, and they brought me to this "secret alley" in Potong Pasir with VERY GOOD FOOD! *slurp*

We sat at table "57"... the person really don't know how to paint la... :D

This was only one of the 3 dishes that we ordered. The fish soup was super nice and authentic! An ultimate delicacy! I'm still drooling so late into the night by just thinking about it. haha.. Unfortunately, because I was too hungry by the time the other 2 dishes came, I couldn't be bothered to take photos. :P But just for records, they were kangkong (wa... the sambal chilli!!!) and tofu and prawns in chilli-crab-style sauce! Are you drooling?? :P~~~

We had such a filled dinner that I had difficulty walking around (not to mention my sprained leg. haha..)!! Thereafter, we went to kamee's place and, though not convenient to disclose where I got these, I managed to play with computer chips (flash memory to be exact)! haha...

Look at how small they are! Oh gosh!

Curious, I tried to fit as many as I can on the tip segment of my middle finger, and wanna guess how much I managed to balance? :D

A whooping 14!! haha...

Today had been a great great day, and I really want to thank all the people who sent me your well wishes, which had touched different corners of my heart and made me feel so blest. :)

This is going to be a great year. I know it. ;)

SingNet Broadband Connectivity Improved?

2008-01-20T02:10:00.001+08:00

Well at least for me, it improved slightly. :D

I used to have friends who were SingNet broadband subscribers telling me that my geek blog is not really accessible, either it loads too long or doesn't even load at all. :S These aided to confirm what I felt too because I'm a SingNet broadband subscriber myself.

Today however, I'm pretty delighted to find out that it loads well, and the connectivity was much smoother! :D

If you're a SingNet broadband subscriber, and have difficulty loading my geek blog, could you kindly leave a comment and let me know? If the problem still persist I'll have to write a customer support email to Singtel and ask their tech team to check things out, because apparently, Starhub had no such hiccups (I know because I tried. hehe..).

Thanks in advance!

简单就是美2

2008-01-19T23:51:00.000+08:00

Am sure that not all of you know right? haha.. But in just 3 more days (22nd Jan), 简单就是美2 (So Simple Goodies 2), will have it's debut episode aired! *whoohoo* It's every Tuesday 9:30pm on Channel U oh! Don't forget hor? :P

Actually I got to know this news like super long ago (last year Oct?), haha.. but when I saw the commercial on TV, hey hey!! Time to blog about it! :P

Wa... so eager to see Peifen on screen again. *excited*

Unofficial So Simple Goodies blog here. It's here where I got the information from since last October btw. :D

I totally ♥ the theme song, so here's for all to enjoy!! :)

Optimus Maximus

2008-01-18T12:02:00.000+08:00

Doesn't the title of this post leads you into believing that this post has something to do with Transformers? :P The successor of Optimus Prime maybe? :D

Anyway, Optimus Maximus is the name of the latest high-end keyboard (not the music kind of course, but something you type your emails with). :D It's so high-tech I feel I'm NOT going to get one. haha..

High-Tech = A LOT OF MONEY! *istroke*

But well, for those with a lot of money, check out the video below for a quick rundown and demo of this latest toy before you buy one on impulse. ;) For the rest of us folks, it's drool time! :P~~~~~~

Hello Peeps!

2008-01-18T10:34:00.000+08:00

I'm waving I'm waving! haha.. It's 18 days into 2008 and I'm making my first blog post for the new year! Darn! Am I late or what? :D

Thanks to the constant "nagging" of my dear granddaughter, I've finally decided to write an update post of sorts. hehe.. So here goes!

How did I usher in the new year? Ermz.. ermz... (thinking hard) I think I was actually writing a post about the things that had happened for 2007! It remained in my drafts and I dint want to publish it because it felt pretty rough. Some more no time to polish up lor. :P I was also writing another post that has my new year's resolutions, and guess what? It's (also!) still in my drafts! :P

Pardon me la, but working life and church commitments have taken a huge part of my life. Should I be thankful that I don't have a girlfriend now? Seriously think she'll feel neglected from the lack of attention leh. Tsk tsk tsk.. :(

Anyway, in the following days, I hope to be able to repost some of these late posts up. They're not old news to me, so I hope you won't find them irrelevant either. haha.. Till next post hor? :P

T\Day

2007-12-09T23:14:00.000+08:00

It has been a week since I started work at my new company, TBWA, and so far things are looking pretty good! :D Nice and cosy environment, friendly and cool colleagues, lots of cheap eating places, I can go on. :D

Last Friday was a very memorable day, not only was it T\Day, which is a day when accomplishments were reviewed, people were thanked, new directions of how the organisation is moving forward were disclosed, it was also our Christmas party (pretty early!). To top things off, it's also the first time I got drunk.

Let's emphasise it. Very drunk. wahahaha.. More on that later.

The theme of the party was "Military", and when the clock ticked around 5:20pm that day, a guy dressed in a grey German uniform (which I kinda gathered it's the Nazi soldier uniform) barged into our room and shouted at us, ordering everyone to stop working and get changed. :P Was darn funny and it momentarily reminded me of myself being in an army. *shucks*

I wished I had photos to show you! :D From the interactive team people dressed up as Jap soldiers, there's terrorists (I'm one!), people from the SWAT, medics, peace-loving sign-waving people, monks (Myanmar?), Empress Dowager with machine guns, a lady in Moscow(?) uniform, and finally the guy whom everyone loved, an ex-army personnel with his legs blown off, wheeling around in his wheelchair (try to imagine, he knelt on the wheelchair most of the time). :D It was not just army green that I initially imagined it to be, but rather a cocktail of very interesting and vibrant characters!

When we arrived at the scene of party, we were each given a drink (frankly till now, I have no idea what that was), which actually tasted pretty good! It was alcohol no doubt, with lime and leaves in it. Was I thirsty at that moment? Because even before eating any food, I already drank 3 army-style cups of those!

After the buffet dinner, I mingled with my colleague Danny, who introduced me some types of drinks to try (since I was a total noob at this). :P With the sweet music playing by a performer by the name of Jill, I cruise slowly on the wooden dance floor, sipping on my vodka lime. It had a very similar taste to what I had before food actually. hmm...

Since the booze was free, I helped myself to a glass of red wine. I was pretty much soaked in the atmosphere at this time. After this glass, Lynette, my project manager, gave each member of the interactive team another glass of red wine, and wanted us to down it all. I dint felt game enough to finish it all at one go, but still took and drank at a pace I was comfortable with.

Actually at this time I could feel things were shifting about already, but I wasn't quite sure what's my limit for alcohol, so what the hack, I took another white wine and gave it go. White wine certainly ain't my thing. I felt it had a weirder taste compared to its red counterpart. Chatted with Danny a little bit more and thought to myself that I could do just one more, so I asked him for a recommendation. Along came vodka cranberry. haha...

Cheers after cheers, I realised that I haven't touch glass with another friend. Thinking back, finding her was totally wrong. haha.. Here's why. Firstly, we didn't touch glass at all, and secondly, she administered a tequila shot to me, which I gamely accepted. :S Just to try try, you know.. haha..

By now you know I'm not in the right state of mind. :P My drinking sessions are far and few, once in a many months actually, and each session will consist of at most a ~350ml bottle of ~15% alcohol. Suddenly that night I drink so much. Tsk tsk tsk.. It was around 9pm that time and I felt really, really wrong. The lightness of my head escalated to swirls and I had to sit down. Jasmine from the HR even caught me stoning on the chair, but I couldn't care less, because I couldn't. :S

I saw people in front of me dancing happily, but all I could manage was to sit and fix my eyes on the same position. My brain seemingly got so heavy it was hard to balance. It must have gotten pretty obvious that I was drunk by then, for I had people coming to ask if I'm alright. A noob at drinking never knows if he/she is alright, so guess what I did? I still showed them a thumb's up! :P

9pm to 10pm, nothing changed, I was still in the same position. I needed a quieter spot, so I tried using my malfunctioned navigational system to get to the place where we kept our belongings, and stoned there. My head crashed on the table, and I was in too bad a shape for anything. Time passed and the alcohol took over, wrecking havoc from within. Something started to well up, and the need became pressing.

I HAD to go to the gents.

My head was heavy, my steps were wobbly, the floor was shifting, walls were warping in on me, and the deafening music went on. I grabbed hold of whatever I could lay my hands on and suppressed all that was inside me. It was imminent.

Upon arrival at the toilet, I struggled to the cubicle and let it all out. Yesh... I vomited. :S When was the last time I couldn't remember, but oh man I'm gonna remember this. I felt so wrecked I locked myself in, and squatted at a corner of the cubicle, trying to gather whatever that's left of me together. :(

11pm to 12am, I stayed in that miserable cubicle. Squatted, stood, leaned, supported, sat, and changed positions through countless times trying to pick up the pieces of my consciousness. @_@

When I finally managed to step out at a little past 12, two guys who were standing outside apparently thanked me! :D What followed was vomit noises. :P I got back out, and saw the rest of the guys from the interactive team. The girls were looking pretty much clear minded except for dear Lynette :P, and the guys in general just seemed tired and tipsy. I thought KC looked wrecked too. :P

Thanks to Yian Phing, a cab was called in and I finally got home.

So after this memorable day, here's a few important lessons I want to share with you all:

If you drink, DON'T drive! (courtesy of Danny, who does what he preaches! :))
Never underestimate the power of alcohol.
Never overestimate your power of overcoming them.
If you are a noob like me, stop at 3 glasses.
If you feel something is wrong, something IS wrong!
Even if booze is free, don't keep drinking!
Have nice friends around you, in case you get too drunk to do anything.
If you see people drunk, ask them if they're ok. They probably need help.

Finally the most important lesson:

Don't HOG the toilet, people are waiting to vomit! :D

IPPT 2007

2007-11-21T23:11:00.000+08:00

Nearly died from IPPT and totally suffering from body aches now. :S Here's the details:

1st Station: Shuttle Run - 9.6s
Pretty clueless and non-strategic of me to go and take this as the first station. Nothing was actually going through my head la. :( I should have at least taken the Broad Jump first before taking this station. But oh well, it landed me the only 5 points of the entire test. haha..

2nd Station: Sit Up - 38
I still can't believe what used to be an easy easy 5 points became a struggle today. Was aiming for 40 but try as I might till the last second, only landed myself with a 38. Sigh.. I really need to shed that layer of fats around my tummy. :(

3rd Station: Broad Jump - 213cm
My weakest link dated all the way back from primary school. :( Totally can't grasp the technique that they mentioned even back in army, and it seems I'll be forever plagued by it. With the tiredness accumulated from the shuttle run earlier on, I only managed to jump 213cm, and got myself a "glorious" 1 point. :S

4th Station: Chin Up - 10
I can't believe it, and neither should you. It had been so long since I last did any chin ups due to my wrist injury. I wanted to inform the Physical Training Instructor (PTI) of my condition but I thought I just give it a shot. :D Who knows! haha.. Thing is, after I came down, my wrist gave me a short numb which only went away after a few minutes. :S Still happily lala-ing though. *glee*

Special thanks goes to Geri! Seems like the ~~physiotherapy~~ occupational therapy that she gave me back then did help my condition! *w00t!*

3rd Station Revisited: Broad Jump - 225cm
Seeing that my Shuttle Run, Sit Up, and Chin Up stations all had fairly good results, I requested a retry for my Broad Jump. I'm still filled with both satisfaction and regrets now, here's why.

I had to jump 4 times because the machine kept throwing me "Line Fault" and ask me to "Clear Platform". :S By my last attempt my knees were already shaking and beads of sweat kept falling off my forehead. I believed I hurt my back during one of the jumps, cos now I can't even sit or walk with a straight posture. Making my back straight sends a pain signal throughout my entire body. :S Think I need physiotherapy for my back now. *lol*

At last, I cleared with a final 225cm. 3 super-hard-earned-and-possibly-making-me-regret points. *phew*

6th Station: 2.4km Run - 11:43 min
Just 3 stupid seconds away and I would have gotten a 3 points. Ended with a not-so-desirable 2 points. *sigh* At least I survived after not running for about 3 weeks, which I consider to be ok le la. haha.. Consoling myself. :P

Yay!! So I passed! :D

Though I feel I can improve on many areas, I'm not going to stay in that spirit. I'm actually very happy that I survived and made it on first attempt, and the next time will be next year! Finally MINDEF will stop bugging me with their SMSes/emails/letters spam. :P

Time to rest for now...

(OUCH! My back...)

Rocky Balboa

2007-11-06T09:10:00.001+08:00

Rarely has a film so inspired me. Rocky Balboa is already in his fifties, but to pursue his burning passion, he decided to come back from retirement and get in the ring with the current heavyweight champion, Mason Dixon.

This dialogue between Rocky and his son, particularly moves me. His son was complaining that his dad, getting into the ring at his age, was a joke, and he being his son, will also be made together with the joke. Here's what Rocky said:

The world ain't all sunshines and rainbows.
It's a very mean and nasty place,
and I don't care how tough you are,
it'll beat you to your knees
and keep it there permanently if you let it.

You, me or nobody...
...is gonna hit as hard as life.

But it ain't about how hard you hit.
It's about how hard you can get hit,
and keep moving forward.

How much you can take,
and keep moving forward.
That's how winning is done!

Now, if you know what you're worth,
then go out and get what you're worth.
But you gotta be willing to take the hits.

And not pointing fingers saying
you ain't what you wanna be
because of him, or her, or anybody.

Cowards do that, and that ain't you!

I can't imagine how I'll feel if my dad tells me such powerful speeches. T_T

Kudos to Sylvester Stallone, for writing an amazing script that develops the characters, producing it, and finally, being himself. I think after shooting five movies about Rocky, he must have put his heart and soul with him as the character while making it. Absolutely amazing.

It ain't over 'til it's over.

N95 SGD200 Cheaper?!?!?!

2007-11-04T22:35:00.000+08:00

Talk about feeling cheated. I just heard this from my god mom and checked it out over at Singtel's website.

For those who dint know, I bought Nokia N95 on 22 Oct, just a day less than 2 weeks ago. The motivation behind this was because Singtel sent a mailer that I could save SGD30 on my next 3G phone with it. I had to use the mailer before 31 Oct, if not the promo will be over, and since I had to head to Japan on 25 Oct, I had to use it before I leave. It had been 21 months since I changed my phone, and added with the fact that I wanted a phone that I can play Flash Lite with, I invested SGD568 on the N95.

WHO KNOWS!?!?!

Singtel came up with this surprise that threw me off balance. My god mom messaged me today that for this week only, the N95 is going at SGD200 lesser! WA KAO!!! Can you believe it???? :( Instead of saving me SGD30, I spent an additional SGD170 just because of that mailer. :(

For the rest of you guys, lucky for you. Go get this phone this week before Singtel ends the deal. Feeling totally dumb and cheated. BAH~~~

If Singtel reads this, I hope they can offer a percentage rebate (like what Steve Jobs did with the iPhone price cut) to those who just bought the N95 (say.. 2 weeks ago?) before this current offer, I will be so happy with them I will kiss the Singtel logo in their AmkHub store.

Really! I'll do it!

[Update 04/11/2007 23:03]
I've just emailed Singtel with a "complain", and I hope something good comes out of this.

Hi,

I've just upgraded my handset to N95 less than 2 weeks ago (~22 Oct), and paid SGD568 for the new phone.

Just saw your new hot deals this week that N95 is going at SGD200 cheaper, and I can't help but feel unhappy with the entire event.

Having been a loyal consumer of your good services till date, I hope that something can be done to make a paying customer happy again.

If an example is required, please kindly refer to what Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, did after the price cut of the iPhone.

http://www.apple.com/hotnews/openiphoneletter/

If customers are informed of future offers, say for those within the next month, we would have a better idea of when to get our desired phone, and such unhappy events can well be averted.

I look forward to your reply.

Thanks in advance.

Lionel