it's been some time

this is one of the shots from my room on a morning. i love the way the rays were being drawn out so clearly. its just so nice to start a day off with such scene. been some time since i last blogged. in fact more than a month. couldn't really pin-point any event to blog about cos all is so mundane and insignificant to a certain extend. Yet it has been a busy period for me and finally, i can feel my "engine" shutting down for a short break. sometimes i wish i have more time to reflect and to think through cos I think that's important for personal growth. sometimes i get so caught up or obsessed with certain stuff that i forgot to think through the way i live my life. God calls us to spend time alone with Him too and to mediate on His Word. He too wants us to reflect on what we have been doing as well. Once a friend told me that its always good to have some time to think through what happened throughout the year and to give thanks to God for what He has seen us through. It's a good way to round up the year. :)

Short October update

October is really the start of a very busy month. Though I really look forward to it as I will be celebrating my birthday, I really frown upon its coming when I thought of all the upcoming events and assignments. :( Anyway, I am really thankful that the very important meeting is FINALLY over! *phew* It's been a constant source of stress for me cos this has be prepared for as early as April. Due to H1N1, it has been postponed twice and really is not a good feeling at all. I even wonder whether could it be a sign from God. Yet I could only trust in Him that He is in control. Thank God for His peace and His favour. Can only say that it's God's grace that brought me through. :D Thanks for praying and all the support & encouragement shown. So, now one down and many more coming next. Just gotta take a deep breathe and continue to lean upon God's strength to go through all of it. Sometimes, when I looked back at all the things that I've done, I can only say that it's not by my strength that I overcome, cos I know how weak I am.
May you find strength in Him in everything you do too.

short update

realized that i haven't been blogging. so decided to update a short post. it's reallie a busy month in Sept and I will be even more busy in October! the thought of the amount of work just makes me feel :S anyway, i took a photo this week of my self-made notice board at my work desk. it's been cluttered with many things that i stuck on it and i love looking at it everytime I am at my desk. Do pray for me for the coming Monday cos I am down for a very impt meeting. Just thinking about it makes me feel jittery.

Busy as a bee

i am really overwhelmed by work that I am packed to every minute at work for this week. Now I am marking, blogging and surfing at the same time. This is really inefficient. :( hee. Truly can't wait for this busy season to be over. I am trying to read nowadays too cos it's really important to upgrade myself but I also need to fight all the distractions too! argh.
Trying out Twitter cos its really easier to tweet on iphone but not sure if it can be sustained.
But it's a good way of just penning my random thots.
2 months 1 week to JLPT.
*going crazy*

Saw this on this blog and I really feel this way.

*haha*

What makes you happy?

What makes you happy?
I remembered in Japan, Tokyo,
I came across this shop " Three Minutes Happiness" 4 years back.
It did gave me at least three minutes happiness cos they sell a wide range of stuff.
From accessories, clothes to lifestyle and household items.
Perhaps they do know that their things can only give three minutes of happiness.
The excitement of getting it and having it is really good.
I really do love shopping if you know me well enuff.
Buying all the things that I want gives me that thrill of being able to have more.
But having more doesn't equal to being happier.
I would enjoy more the moments and memories spent together.
Enjoying simple things and celebrating our joys together.

Happy Teachers' Day

Happy Teachers' Day!
Made a couple of cards for my colleagues.
It's my prayer that teachers will continue to keep their passion alive
and remember why they choose to teach in the first place.

random thots

decided to blog a post on marriages. it's amazing how many people asked me "When are you getting married?" ever since dunno how many years back. when they are aware that you are attached, settled at work and at that age, this question never fails to appear. A wide range of people asked me that question - relatives, cousins, friends, bosses, colleagues and even students. (Maybe they are not able to think of other questions to ask about me?) Disclaimer: I do not doubt the sincerity of their question. Sometimes this can get quite overwhelming that it puts me off; at times, it makes me think harder too.

when i was young in my sixteens, marriage is always sweet and lovely-dovey. perhaps this is just how TV dictates it to be. the "happily ever after" stories that were read since young probably plays a great part as well. The thought of just being in love and happy is simply sufficient. And I thought 25 is the magic number.

when i was in my early twenties, marriage looks blissful at times though it is not always as lovely as it seems. I also see the quarrels, pains and hurts it encompasses. I realise it's beyond staying happy and in love. probably someone who is good-looking, gentle, kind and sweet. I still believe that it can be romantic and sweet.

Marriage and love comes with the issue of money in late twenties. No wonder people always ask whether would u want love or bread? What would you choose? Marriage becomes less of a fantasy but more of a reality of moving on to a next stage of life. perhaps it will be deemed by society as abnormal or weird if you have not moved to that stage of life when you are in your thirties. Questions like "Don't you want to have children?", "Your children will be too young when you are old.", "You will have no energy.". Love no longer equals marriage. Family = Marriage.

The progression of how the ideals of marriage has become is quite saddening. And it is even worse when the pressures press in and when time just ticks off silently. Nonetheless, I still hope for a blissful one that is founded in love.

I have signed up for JLPT exam for level 4! :)
It will be on 6 Dec... I must really work hard.
Do encourage me if u remembered
cos it takes lots of discipline
to study and do all my homework.
Ganbate!

up up and away...

Watch the movie "Up" and it's really sweet and meaningful. A very simple plot and it's funny too. Really wish can just take a balloon ride to paradise falls now. Just living out yr dreams and having the courage to pursue them... I also like the way the couple just grows old and so in love. I think that's how marriage should be. The older it gets, the better it is.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iphone]

PS Cafe

went for a nice and slow night at PS Cafe. It's one of my favorites as I love the ambience and music. Decided to explore the one at Palais Renaissance which is hidden at one corner of the building and it can't be seen from the main road. It's quieter than the one at Dempsey and I enjoyed the short time just relaxing in jazz and dim lights. Thank God for the short yet quality time that was spent. :)

Myers-Briggs

I tried this test on facebook and this is my results. Is it accurate?
***
ISTJ (Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judgment)

You are quiet, serious, and earn success by thoroughness and dependability. You are practical, matter-of-fact, realistic, and responsible. You decide logically what should be done and work toward it steadily, regardless of distractions. You take pleasure in making everything orderly and organized - your work, your home, and your life. You value traditions and loyalty. Famous people with your same ISTJ personality include: George Washington, Harry Truman, Queen Elizabeth II, investor Warren Buffet, and boxer Evander Holyfield.

NDP 2009

Had been *suffering* from a missing formatting toolbar
on blogger for the past month.
(That explains for my MIA.)
Finally managed to get it back. Sigh...
Thankfully I can finally post my pics.
Gave the fireworks a miss this year to play Katamari. *Hee*
And as usual the long weekend has kinda slowed down my entire engine.
Indeed work is really piling up and I m still having no mood for work.
Took this during NDP Celebration. That's our recycled flag :)

Happy National Day!

View of Jeju

love this view at the top of this sunrise peak in Jeju.
it took some time to climb to the top
but the view makes up for all for the effort.
really miss the time away from work and everything.
the short period of "rest" - of being away from what i need to do daily,
from my work, from what i need to handle.... kinda miss that "rest" now.

New "creations"

finally managed to "squeeze" some time out to make some cards. :)

make this using 8 different pattern papers.
just wanted something cheery, bright and colourful.

was inspired by a layout I saw online.
i love the cherry "curtains".

a card for a sweet lady.
finally used the small white daisies i bought.
hope i will always have time to make stuff.
:)

Sweet nite out

happened to chance upon Udders when walking ard Novena last weekend. tried 2 flavours - Tiramisu (the alcohol content is high!) and "Mao Shan Wang" (a Must try for durian lovers).
A nice place to chill out for sweet tooth nite owls.

***

work has been tiring. been overwhelmed with work ever since I am back from korea. will slowly upload my photos from korea. can't wait for weekend to come...

Ho Chi Min

Back from Ho Chi Min. It was a good trip with great food. :)
Though the sun is up in the day, it's cool at night
and the locals enjoy the park very much.
Probably cos they can't afford other activities as well.
Saw many people running, strolling, playing badminton, chekteh
and even doing dancing in the park.
Its quite a good place for social activities.
think cos we are more affluent so
we can afford to do much more than them.
Definitely the pace of life is slower there.
One significant thing you can observe immediately
is the numerous number of motorcycles and scooters are numerous.
And you can hear a honk almost every 3 seconds.
And the traffic never stops.
Its endless so we managed to master the art of the locals
in crossing the road with all the motorbikes just right in front of you.
Quite an experience indeed for me.

can you see the bikes and scooters in the background?

The ground map of the stalls of the local market - Cho Ben Thanh
doesn't this map remind you of a familiar market?

the stalls in the market

ate at this street side stall which is very nice.
had the local chicken vermicelli and wrapped spring roll.
too hungry to take any shot of the food. *hee*

that's the view of the city from our hotel.
the hotel was really quite good.
Provides good services and breakfast is located at
the top floor that gives you a view like this.

this sequence of photos is funny. we went for the Cu Chi Tunnel tour.
Signed up for the daily tours there.
We are the only two asians in the group.
It's the tunnel whereby the locals of Cu Chi protected
their hometown from their invaders.
the guy in the pictures tried it and hid inside the hole.

he hid his whole body in.

now u dun see him at all! :) totally hidden.
we also climbed through a the tunnel underground.
its about 1.3m high and 0.4m wide. very small tunnel.
And its total pitch dark inside.
Can be quite scary indeed but guess in war time,
you dun have much choice.

Reunification Palace
The place where the Vietnam War ended.
Its amazing that they are had war for more than 80 years and
they are only "open" to the world in 1995.

War Remnants Museum
This museum is quite a sad place. Many pictures of the war, soldiers and victims.
And also the use of Agent Orange during the war.
One part of the museum also show the prisons and how they are tortured.

I recommend the good food in Vietnam. Absolutely nice.
I ate Beef Pho almost every meal.
And I absolutely love the Vietnamese beef stew with baguette (above).
Recommend HCM for short and cheap getaways. :)

*ouch*

I haven't been posting much. Think its time to catch up a little.
Time flies and this is the second week of my holidays.
I truly wish time will crawl pass slowly as I hope it will not end so soon.
I am quite exhausted now. Probably cos I am getting old.
My bones are aching and I kept having this constant headache
ever since I came back from sch camp. *Oh dear*
Been *drowning* myself with water non-stop.
Do pray for me that I will be in tip top health this period
as I will be travelling ard in less than 24 hours time.
Will share more on my trip when I am back. :)

once again...

Attended GB Enrolment service at TPMC today.
This is a yearly event whereby GB is dedicated to God and
acknowledged in front of the church congregration.
In fact, I felt very blessed each time I attended the service.
I am always reminded of God's provisions that He will provide.
And it's ever so evident in the lives of the girls and in GB.
I am deeply reminded of His love and His Grace in my life.
Even though sometimes life is too overwhelming
and too hard to go on for each step,
yet God reminds me again that He will be with me.
Thank you...

Hope this song will speak to your heart.

i {heart} technology

haven had the time to blog as work has been busy.
its exam period and i have been busy marking these few days.
took a break this afternoon so later got to be more hardworking.
realised that i have so many things i wan to do each day.
but time is really precious...
probably why God gives us only 24 hours
so that we learn to prioritize what is important.
Recently also been quite caught up with "technology".
think i really am amazed at the extend of technology advancement.
i can now fully comprehend the meaning of "digitally connected".
*wow*
think its amazing.
been reading up and researching on all the IT gadgets and softwares.
Quite fun indeed. :)
Still remember this set of game you play when you were young?

i found the game to download for play.
really reminds me of the good old days.

I stumbled upon this website which I thought was really encouraging. It encourages people to post their encouragements in the midst of the negativity surrounding us. In the midst of recession, retrenchment and now swine flu, I think everyone needs one of these to help make going thru such tough times better. Hope the following encouragements will brighten your day.

this picture fits perfectly my mood this week. feeling small and "crushed". this week hasn't been good. felt as though my confidence has been crushed completely. sometimes when u thot u are capable to handle certain things, yet in fact you are still clueless. i felt as though i fought a tough battle this week and the wounds hurt. it's easier to give up than to press on and move on. i truly wonder what God is teaching me through this season. unsure whether can i still be able to honour Him in my actions and truly I am not sure if I am heading in or opposite of the direction of God's will. maybe someone should teach about how we can be Christ-like in managing conflicts, differences, disagreements...
i am withering away, in need of Him.

God's Promises

caught this shot about a month ago.

In fact I saw two rainbows within three days from my window.
it reminded me of God's promises to us.
God is Faithful.
:)

A Jap Affair

I always love Jap food. :)
Think it tastes awesome and one of my fav is the japanese rice.
Went to one of the hot fav place jap food @ Mirama - いこい
Though i went once long ago,
I am still very impressed by the whole restaurant.
felt like I am in Japan...

that's the buffet menu... u will be spoilt for choice. :)
too much to choose from.
yummy...

we had the counter seats... but its very nice still
and the chef is right in front of us.
i like the decor of the place. :)

complimentary steamy hot salmon belly soup. :)

this is not part of the food list
but just could not resist having the matcha ice-cream.
In the menu, it states that it is air-flown from Japan.
wow... i wonder is it true? but its was really nice. :)

the whole restaurant was fully packed and
we were pleasantly "sent off" by 7.45pm sharp
as we didn't make any reservations.
its was a good dinner away from work.
:)

realised that i didn't blog for nearly a month.
just thankful that i survived term 1.
finally can slow down a little.
decided to spend some time doing some reading for the next few days.
gonna catch up on some marking too *^*
may time flies past slowly...

in the mood for crafts

Made two more cards this weekend.

was trying to explore different styles too. :)

i love this vintage look. :)

***
quite sad that the weekend is coming to an end though.
time really flies...

the curious case of benjamin button

went to watch this show yesterday ad i felt that this show is quite thought-provoking. the main idea of growing younger is already quite interesting. so often man just wanted to stay young but the idea of becoming younger when the rest of the world grows old is even worse too (at least for me). Perhaps that's why God chose to let us grow old instead. Achieving your dreams is also one of the major theme as it encourages us to pursue our dreams no matter how young/old we are. the carefree lives of the characters in this show really makes me envious. they just live from day to day and yet they can live their lives to the fullest, fulfilling their dreams... it seems impossible here where all of us are so stuck to our jobs for a living. the comic element of the show is probably the man who shared about how he was struck by lightning 7 times... though it seemed cruel, but i laughed at each time he mentioned about how he was struck. Once when he was in a car, once when he dropped a letter at a mail box, once when he was farming... I was quite amused. But he also shared of how life is so precious as he treasured his life even more after every incident. I thought it really makes lots of sense. somehow we need such incidents as reminders to value our lives. Do watch it if you have the time. :)

When will my help comes?

What happens when one grows weary and tired of this life?

Does one choose to run away from its troubles and live in denial?
Or does one just have to submit helplessly to this wretched fate?
Facing it is too much to bear and every bit of life dies with each moment.
How does one reconcile his situation with God's promises?
Does waiting and trusting promises hope?

i am sure many christians struggle with questions of life.
all these questions have no explicit solutions.
i wonder how God decides the life of each individual goes through.

***
Made some cards yesterday. decided to try some vintage designs.

Weekend!

So thankful it's weekend and that I can just stay home and rest.
decided to make a bday card for a friend.
I finally used the October Afternoon papers
which I bought so long ago....*hee*

I made this frame using Sassafras paper during Dec.
And i reallie love the paper!

It's a lazy Saturday....

have you ever felt so disappointed with someone?
feelings of hurt and betrayal that kept overflowing.
the depth of disappointment & distrust has erased off any good memories.
How is it possible that God call us to love our enemies as ourselves?
its humanly impossible.

Update

It has been madness since school began.
Been rushing here and there till I can't even sit down
at my desk properly to do any thing.
(Right next to me is this huge stack of marking
which i need to finish this weekend *faint*)
My to-do-list has amounted to more than a page.
*....*
But am still beri thankful for God's blessings & favour upon my life.
Though I am faithless, God has been faithful.
All we need to do is to trust in Him.
:)

reflections

I decide to blog a little as i reflect upon 2008. Somehow i feel a little unsure of what 2009 brings.
Is it going to be the same old 2008? or a better 2009? With the news of the depression, maybe 2009 does seem quite un-welcoming. As people age and time catches up, life kinda got quite routine and boring indeed. Relationships become stagnated or sometimes just tumbled down-the-hill. Friendships get diluted as other responsibilities took over. Being a Christian, it has been a constant struggle over having more time, self, money and less God. Probably the only thing that keeps getting bigger and heavier is workload. All these indeed does make me dread the coming of each new year. Despite of all these, i am still thankful towards God for being with me, despite of my weakness and i being the imperfect me. For His constant strength and wisdom at work, His generous love that helps me to love others, His grace that allows me to forgive myself and others, and His providence that overflows each year.

My prayer for 2009:
I pray for a year whereby my relationship with God will GROW and I will love His Word more. A God-loving Heart. For a year whereby my relationships will experience a breakthrough. For a year whereby my friends will all be healthy, joyful in the Lord and experience His abundant favor in their lives, families and work. I pray whereby God will lead me to be a Christ-like example in the classrooms and at work. Especially for GB, that He will continue to impact the lives of the girls and sustain the teachers, officers and volunteers. (We really need a breakthrough!) Pray for His abundant favor at work and also His constant reminder of my purpose at work. Last but not least, for my loved ones to know Him and for those who know Him, to continue this good fight of faith.

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"
Luke 9:25

Let's continue to stay God-focused in 2009.