Monday, December 21, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Today spells the end of my long weekend holiday. Actually i thought i wasted it but when i reflected on what i did with my younger sis, i found it eventful!
So... Work work work here i come. I should pray even harder as i push harder at work right?
Pray for eventful week.
Also this friday i'll be off to Batam... oh yea. Leader's retreat. Hopefully everyone will gain some perspective and direction by the time we are back.
AMEN!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Another of my colleague is leaving. She taught me most of the things that i know how to do. I still remembered the initial stages how she would be upset whenever i made a mistake. I felt so so bad that i bought coffee for her. God blossomed this friendship as she poured her sorrows at home to me. I didn't really use the gospel to minister to her. I know she is quite a stonch buddhist. I wish her the best in her future endeavours.
I had a good time talking with my mother and sister this morning. Good laughs and good breakfast. I love to spend time with my family. With many of us bz even during the weekends, such bonds are rare and priceless to me.
A reminder to myself: To be gentle, patient and remember to reply to sms!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
So how did i found her? I picked up a Ikea Catalogue and lo and behold. She was being featured in it! Before that, i met her in S wedding. Introduced myself briefly through T.
She is my senior in Secondary School and was in the Girls Brigade.
Her story is inspiring and i've added the her blog link under Ruth and Hsien.Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.?
Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.
*************
There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
In the midst of family chaos,
'Quality time' is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER
God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.
Courage is fear that has said its prayers. Indeed sometimes we being in a hurry forget to say our prayer. Pray, have faith and place your hope in the Lord. His answer will definitely come, never too early and never too late.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Totally Random
I thought most people sleep on the bus or watch MobileTV.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
MANY years ago, I read the book, Of Human Bondage by W Somerset Maugham. In this book, he portrayed the life of Philip Carey and his struggles with constraints such as money resources and career demands.
There was one passage that caught my attention, which reads as follows: 'There is nothing so degrading as the constant anxiety about one's means of livelihood. I have nothing but contempt for people who despise money. They are hypocrites or fools. Money is like a sixth sense without which you cannot make a complete case of the other five.
'Without an adequate income half of the possibilities of life are shut off. The only thing to be careful about is that you do not pay a shilling more than the shilling you earn. Poverty exposes you to endless humiliation, it cuts your wings, it eats your soul like a cancer. It is not wealth one asks for, but just enough to preserve one's dignity, to work unhampered, to be generous, frank and independent ...'
What was set out in the novel by Maughm in the early 1900s still rings true today. Several authors have reinforced the need to have a balanced, circumspect view of wealth, or financial success and its pursuits.
They contend that financial problems can be managed or curtailed through prudence, good common sense, realistic goal setting and planning.
With financial specialists and analysts warning us of tough times ahead, it is good, therefore to brace ourselves, reorganise our priorities, goals and assumptions and inculcate good financial habits, working towards financial security in life. In this respect, here are four useful broad lifestyle tips or habits that you can easily adopt.
Take care of yourself first and the intangibles in life that matter
Look after yourself well. Whenever possible, maintain your physical, mental and spiritual health so that you are in a good position to look after your family well and be a well adjusted individual, capable of establishing and preserving enduring meaningful relationships.
Indulgences are not necessarily wrong, but you should acquire interests or possessions needed to enrich your life meaningfully. You should not go on credit to buy things unless it is for your property.
To possess the peace of mind and sense of security - two important components of successful living - do buy all the term, disability and health insurance that you and your family need.
You can increase your self worth through diligence, a positive attitude, enthusiasm, continual upgrading of relevant skills and knowledge sets with a view to improving your career or making smart career choices.
These efforts have a more significant impact on your financial security or well-being than perhaps trying to save more by denying yourself some forms of luxury. Market relevant skills will also equip you to earn extra income from several sources.
Start early, set realistic budgets and short-term goals
You can adopt a regular savings plan as early as possible. It is never too late to start allocating a portion of your income to savings, increasing the proportion when you get a pay rise or bonus, or when your income from other sources increases.
Remember the power of compounding when interests earned each period are rolled over.
Setting a realistic cash budget, keeping track of expenses, and reviewing your budget when your circumstances change are keys to financial well-being.
Related to setting a cash budget is the idea of aiming for a series of short-term goals. They pave the way to the achievement of your long-term goals and financial security.
Remember, the short-term goals should be attainable, for example saving 10 per cent of your income every month, cutting down on non-essential spending by, say, $200 a month or whatever amount you find appropriate.
Saving regularly will also ensure that you will be financially prepared for distant future events such as children's education and retirement.
Managing your debt in line with your debt servicing ability is essential. You should strive to maintain a healthy debt servicing ratio (debt/income) which is roughly 35 per cent or less. This means commitment to properties, housing and car loans should not be crippling.
Take calculated risks and seize investment opportunities
Before you can take any risk, you must determine your own tolerance for risk. Factors such as your cash flow, financial position and age will determine your comfort level with risk.
You will also have to look at your savings or investment horizon. Basically, the longer it is (that is, when you are young), the more you are able to capitalise on riskier opportunities that present themselves.
Taking calculated risks such as taking a new job with good prospects, venturing into a business, investing in high risk/high return stocks may be necessary to forge ahead financially.
Keep in mind the timeless principles of cultivating investments. These include diversifying or spreading your investments and reviewing your portfolio in the midst of changes in the market and your life situation.
By investing in regular intervals, you can also reduce the risk of losing a large sum at the wrong time. The same goes for liquidating your investment instruments. Sell a small percentage of your investment at a time. Your investment horizon or your time in the market is what matters and not timing the market, since markets are ever so unpredictable.
Maintain your dignity, reputation, sense of social contribution and credit score
Ensuring that the cost of your lifestyle lags your income or salary growth will guarantee sufficient recurring cash flows. Paying your bills on time and maintaining a healthy debt servicing ratio will not only steer you out of financial failures, but also reflect your character and preserve your reputation and dignity.
All these are essential prerequisites for a high credit score - which will provide you with the means to increase your financial worth.
Through all these sound financial habits, you can, in the words of Maughm, 'work unhampered', 'be generous', 'frank and independent'. You can contribute to society of which you are an integral part - in terms of time and monetary resources, thus manifesting compassion and generosity.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
An entry from Brisbane
Arrived here feeling really tired. My flight was delayed by an hour due to a need to fix the blades of the airplane. On the plane i wanted to recline the chair. However the lady behind had her food tray down and her tummy was leaning so close towards it. If i had reclined, it would have rudely awakened her. Besides the Australian man, seated beside me was just praising our country being so vibrant and versatile... etc.
I caught a flu bug a day it wasn't pleasant at all. So i slept through a day and a half i think. Brr... and it didn't help that there was a bad dust storm hovering in the air. According to the science department, A normal day would see around 10 micrograms of particles per cubic metre of air and a bushfire might generate 500 micrograms. However, levels soared to 15,400 micrograms per cubic metre of air at one location.
I still have plenty to thank the Lord for. Friends who have been wonderfully hospitable. Thanks Matt and Serene for the awesome treat at Pineapple hotel. Nice classy atmosphere. Thanks for comforting our dear Gary who is still feeling blue over the dismiss of Katie. Also, i met Wayne the dude and punkster from my ex-classmate. He's doing well and am glad he's happy at the church that i formerly attended while studying here. It's a small world indeed. Everyone else here is look good. Praise the Lord. Mikaela looks fantastic. A bright smart baby, simply adorable and i couldn't resist cuddling her.
I have made a trip down to danger point. A very refreshing day. Had nice steaming hot ramen. Hope to go down to Mt Cootha later.
I'm almost done reading the book "Thank God its Monday". A indeed challenging book. It really made me go ouch in many moments. Many things which society has already accepted as the norm but its really contradicting to our faith. For example, overloading staffs? You either do it or you leave cause there's plenty out there who's willing to do your job? What about the money... paying the bills? Going for a lower salaried job? The odds are sometimes startling well, just tons to consider.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Hazy Crazy Lazy
I feel suffocated and would feel burdened. Very frustrated and just happy i am home on a Saturday.
I have frustrated colleagues and particularly one who's son has been hospitalised. As such i really feel sorry for them. When they sacrifice their time at work and neglect their family in the process. I understand how they feel cause i myself feel that way too. So much work... and my family and loved ones sometimes bear the brunt of it. When i come home, they see and feel my huff and puff of hot air.
Father, you told me to lean not on my own understanding. The thing is i really can't lean on it as much as i would like to. Many things don't seem to make sense. I don't know if its me that is causing the imbalance of injustice at work. Or could i have just done better or more. If i did do that much more, would i be doing justice to myself as my reputation gets smeared. Oh Lord, i really don't know how to handle these sticky situations.
What would you say and do if you saw all this now Lord?
My vision of the world and people are being blurred. Ur the only one who can make logical sense out of all this.
Just like how you made perfect sense of Isrealites misery by displaying your awesome power and might and releasing them from Eygpt.
Was life meant to be so harsh? Hear my cries.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Something Interesting
Can I bond with my child over homework? What is a favourable environment to do so?
Make sure you understand your child’s learning style and enable them to work in a way that suits them, even if it is not how you would be happy to work. There are three major learning styles, visual, auditory or kinesthetic (physical).
Provide an environment that best suits your child’s learning style.
• Auditory learners are typically good at absorbing information from spoken words. Strategies that work well for auditory learners include:
1. Talking to themselves or with others about what they’re learning
2. Reciting important information aloud, perhaps recording it and playing it back
3. Reading a book and listening to the audio book at the same time
4. Using word associations
5. Setting information to a tune and singing it to help remember it
6. Limiting distracting noises
7. Ask your auditory learner to tell you what he has done. Say you would like to hear about his homework.
• Kinesthetic learners prefer to be active while studying and may not be able to focus while sitting still. Strategies for kinesthetic learners include:
1. Reading aloud and tracking words on a page with a finger
2. Writing things down multiple times to commit them to memory
3. Highlighting and underlining
4. Playing with a stress ball or toy while studying
5. Moving around or taking frequent breaks
6. Doing hands-on activities, such as building models or playing games
7. Ask your kinesthetic learner to explain what he has done. Say you would like to get a feel for his homework.
• Visual learners benefit from seeing information on paper or in an illustration and may grow impatient listening for long periods of time. Strategies for visual learners include:
1. Using flash cards
2. Studying charts, tables, and maps
3. Drawing illustrations
4. Writing things down and reviewing notes
5. Highlighting and underlining
6. Colour-coding information
7. Ask your visual learner to show you what she has done. Say you would like to see her homework.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Blessed are the poor in spirit Matt 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (NKJV)
I couldn't understand how the poor in spirit could be bless. But now i see the point in being hungry and in need of God. Thirsty for His word everyday is indeed a blessing.
In other words, We are to be envied and congratulated if we see our spiritual need of the King who teaches us how to:
1) Admit our spiritual bankruptcy
2) Mourn our wrongs rather than defending ourselves.
3) Inherit the earth rather than trying to conquer it.
4) Hunger for the kind of rightness that makes us merciful.
5) See God with our hearts rather than with our eyes.
6) Be peacemakers rather than warmongers.
7) Be punished for trying to help others rather than hurt them (5:3-12).
- I never thought of vs 3-112 in such a manner before. Be pinished for trying to help others rather than letting them be hurt. Ouch.. and not only that i might not be appreciated.
That's all from me today.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Snippets
Today i started on what i wanted to do.
I'm not sure if i slept last night, but i woke up at ard 5am and decided that since i couldn't get to sleep i might as well do sth abt it.
I've always wanted to do my quiet time in the morning. But most of the time i couldn't get up. Perhaps God knew my heart. He knew i needed this time to read His word, meditate and just lean on him for comfort and strength. Usually i'm very grumpy when i don't get to sleep. Today was of no exception, accept that after doing my quiet time i felt somewhat at peace. Thanks to the sms the kids have been sending me, saying that they'll pray for me.
Although it hasn't been easy leading, but its such little moments as such which makes it feel all worthwhile.
2/6/2009 -- Tuesday
AGain i'm not sure if i slept last night. But the weather has been somewhat hot. Perhaps i need to go for a relaxing jog today, cool down. Perhaps that will help?
Need to be more diligent in taking care of myself. More calcium, more iron, more protein! I don't what to be this skinny either... it was nice to read the newspaper yesterday on this columnist who was facing the same problem as me! We are both not trying to lose weight and yes being underweight makes us prone to osteoperosis.
My sister is down with a sore throat. Think she just needs more water and rest. Hope she recovers soon.
Hopefully i can make this day fruitful just as it was yesterday. Looking forward to the jog that i've planned.
3/6/2009 -- Wednesday
DIdn't manage to do the jog that i planned. When i got home, i was too hungry to jog.
5/6/2009 -- Friday
Didn't sleep well last night. Too many things whirlling in my head and just too afraid to take the plunge. I like the tune of TrueHearts being played in their advertisement. The piano piece is really nice. I like it when they show the little girl dancing to the tune. Wish my heart could dance with joy just like her.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Today, i could have met God
I've drawn in paint a flow of traffic, and the precarious position that i actually was placed in. I thought the cars had stopped and that it was clear to walk. However, 3/4 across the road, i heard a loud screeching sound made by tyres, followed by a loud crash. I turned my head and saw how close i actually was to heaven.

I think Car A didn't see the human traffic controllers and drove past at high speed. If Car B did not come out fast in enough, i would have been a victim of a fatal accident. Thankful as well that Car B was NOT turning into MY direction. IF not the cars would have swerved and i'll be hit as well.
Praise God that both drivers were fine, and the only price of this occurance were the 2 cars that were badly damaged.
Friday, April 10, 2009
The long weekend... ah choo..
Down with a bad sore throat and fever and flu (3-in-one) i had to stay home.
I'm not exactly at my best form today. But i still manage to get afew chores done. I'm really proud of myself. Laundry and Washing of dishes. Not to shabby at all.
In addition i manage to do other ad hoc stuff like playing the piano and reading newspaper. Which is all very relaxing and theraputic to me.
There is this kid that lives below me. Everytime i play the piano, he/she will instantenously start playing as well. For all you know, it could have been my playing that inspired the kid to play as well. I remembered afew years back, the playing was terrible. Now this kid has surpassed me, playing the scales as quick as a fiddle. I reckon the kid is now doing his grade 8. That aside, it can be pretty irritating especially when i want to have some peace and quiet.
Linda hopes it wouldn't rain today, i just hung the clothes!!!
Monday, April 06, 2009
Happenings Today
Paper here, paper there, so much paperwork.
Every now and then pple will ask how much have you done? How's it going?What will you be completing the next hour...etc.
I never dreamt that working life was like this.
I persevered and ended the day on a good note. It always ends on a good note when i finish off on time.
I got home and my sis accompanied me on a refreshing walk.
I've watched the news, with Italy in rumbles, L'auila bearing the brunt of the earthquake.Lives are lost, many are homeless.It's the same thing that happens when disaster strikes. A sign of the end times is coming?
My little sis made an interesting point. Perhaps God is angry that the church is no longer like a church.No longer like his bride, hence in his anger he shook the city. Maybe.
The things that i take for granted. I know that i have never worried about quakes.The closest it comes to are tremours and floods.
"Lord please bring comfort and hope to those who are affected."
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Forgive me Lord
The holiness, purity that made me whole humbles me.
Forgive me Lord, for the times that you were not given the due respect and awe.
For the times where i chose the ways i thought were right in this world and neglected your ways.
For not surrendering my entire life, for every breath i breathe belongs to you.
If i had boasted in my abilities, for there is nothing i can achieve without you.
If i have not been kind/sincere to those around me.
Father, may i give you the praise you deserve and be devoted to reading your word.
That in my life, i'll be able to serve your pple and that you'll be exolted in the highest.
The sec 1s are getting alot better. I was caught by surprise that they were quietly listening to what i was teaching. I didn't think it would be this great. Praise God.
I'm going to be brave and bring this gorup to another level. To do that would require splitting them into smaller groups of 4s or 5s. It'll be challenging, but i can only pray that they will cooperate. It'll bring their sharing and closeness a notch up. So we'll see how it goes, will discuss with my co CGL.
Global Warming: It's everywhere isn't it? Whether you are rich or poor, you'll be affected by mother's nature. So, there was Earth Hour yesterday. Did you off your light between 8:30 to 9:30? I did too. Small act from mankind, huge leap for mother nature.
Friday, March 20, 2009
This Friday was the best
Friends asked my out for a meet up, get together but i turned it down. But i knocked off on time today!!! I quickly packed my things and left.
Instead of meeting up with my friends, i went for a good jog. The weather was great. It's nice, quiet, if only everyday was like that.
I need to exercise more regularly now. Am noticing that i'm easily out of breath. Maybe its the stress at work. Anyways, a healthy balanced lifestyle is what i hope to achieve. I never like the office. So cold, so lonely, so unappreciataed.
I was reading through Psalms today and it talked about Praising Him for all that He has done. And to take heed in His word. I can really feel my heart praising Him. I haven't had time like that for a long time.
Tomorrow will be another run, and followed by maybe a haircut? Well.. i'll see how it goes.
As for those out there struggling in your work, don't give up hope.
Maybe your boss is giving you tons of pressure, maybe they are squeezing you to cut cost and yet work more. Whatever it may be, don't give in to the stress. God will handle it for us. Each and everyday will be more than just a day. If we show kindness, offer our friendship and sincere thankfulness, the world will become a happier place to live in. That is possible because every little act of kind thoughts make a difference.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Random Thoughts
Maybe his rationale for stepping on it was so that it would be easier for the ants to carry food back to their nests?? OR he just simply enjoyed chasing his snack and then stepping on it. HmmmMMMmm.....
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friiday the 13th
There has been alot of changes in the office lately. I don't want to comment whether the change is for the better or for the worse. But there are definitely gonna be ALOT of difference. People come and people go. I'll miss the pple that i say hi to everyday. They are nice and smart pple. Not funky but well at least they don't provoke me in any manner.
Feeling hungry now... its DINNER TIME!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Happy CNY
That should be the slogan of every American in the United States.
Obama official seats in the White House. However changes don't just happen overnight. Rome was not built in a day.
Armed with chinese new year goodies and well wishes, hopefully this year will be much more peaceful than last year.
I haven't really written down my resolution for the year. I'm abit hesistant about adding driving license as i know it invovles alot of time. Time is really precious to me. G said i needed to get more rest and more weight. I'm thinking more rest more weight and more relaxing exercise like swimming. Committing this batch of Secondary 1's to the Lord. I've noticed that they are much more expressive and vocal as compared to my time. It's good in a way that it shows they are comfortable with me - not to comfy i hope. What do i hope to achieve with them? hmm..
This CNY was very relaxed. My family spent more time at each place, hence only visited 2 families. I think its the quality of time spent rather than quantity that matters most.
There was this particular uncle who surprised me with his artistic creative skills. He made lovely butterflies out of magazines during his free time, citing that these can be stuck on presents. Alot of details and attention was paid to it. He was indeed v.kind to even give us a prototype so we can make it ourselves. These could be sold at shops but how can i bear to sell what this uncle has painstakingly made during his past time?
When i'm old with free time on my hands, i hope to do something nice and sweet just like this uncle who made this CNY interesting.
Monday, January 19, 2009
The little ones
Still trying to figure out how to control the Sec 1s that i am teaching this year.
I need to be in charge. The thing is, how do i discipline and make them listen to me without bringing in the fear factor. Maybe its just boys.
They will always be boys. The girls are pretty much well behaved, with the exception of one. Nonetheless, i shall persevere.
I can see true potential in these little ones. But whether it will be realised will depend largely on their faith and determination.
"Father, i am nothing but a vessel. My hands are small, i feel there is so little i can do.These little ones i commit them to you, that they may grow into the likeness of you."
Met M&K's little baby, a pity that she has got heat rash. Hope that she'll recover and enjoy little Singapore. Welcome to the real world.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Calligraphy Session
Can see all the retired auntie and uncles or waiting in line.
Details as below, or if you like coloured advertisements then this is the link to go to
http://www.smrt.com.sg/edm/cny09/
Usher in the Year of the Ox with SMRT calligraphy celebrations, free Chinatown
shuttle services and attractive shopping deals
1. From 5 January to 9 February, SMRT will be ushering in the Lunar New Year with
something for everyone. For the first time, the public can look forward to free Chinese
calligraphy and paintings autographed by renowned artists, as well as complimentary
calligraphy and painting sessions at the Spring Celebrations @ Raffles Xchange (莱
佛士购物坊欢庆春节) on 16 January (See Annex 1 for details). To add to the
festivities, SMRT is also providing a free shuttle bus service to Chinatown and a
chance to win a trip to Shanghai just by shopping and dining at its five Xchanges.
Free calligraphy and paintings to usher in an auspicious New Year
2. For the first time since 2004, SMRT’s annual Hui Chun Ying Xin (挥春迎新) event,
Spring Celebrations @ Raffles Xchange, will feature a one-hour exclusive autograph
session of works by renowned Chinese artists Ho Kah Leong (何家良), Tan Khim Ser
(陈钦赐), Holon Wong (黄思), Wong Kian Pin (黄建斌) and Liang Chin Hong (梁振康).
3. Those who are keen to discover their artistic talents can also participate in the first
ever free calligraphy and painting lessons, which will be provided on the spot in
separate queues.
4. Organised by SMRT in collaboration with Life Art Society (更生美术研究会), Spring
Celebrations @ Raffles Xchange will be held on 16 January (Friday), from 12pm to
6pm at Raffles Xchange, where there will be a six-hour non-stop demonstration and
distribution of free Chinese calligraphy and paintings by 30 artists from the Life Art
Society. Come early to avoid any disappointment!
Short Reflections
A Job
There were retrenchments this year due to the bad and quiet market in thepast months. It all started with Lehmen Brothers.. and the rest well itshistory.Although my job entails long working hours, i guess i really ought to begrateful for having a job. I've seen the best and the worst of times.Besides the grumbles and the fumbles, God has truly been faithful. I can'tsay that i have been absolutely faithful yet, but stiving to be one.
Just some Jolly Good Times with friends
Having a tiring job does take a toll on ones social circle of friends. As ido not have a family yet, it'll be good to cherish the good times withfriends.Thanks for the invites that my ex-poly mates have been inviting me, it mademe feel more human than just a working machine.
I have the priviledged of seeing how my other colleagues have to handle family life. With the economy hitting young families the hardest, i've seen through the struggles, their quarrels and sacrifices.
This carefree, independent life is something to celebrate about.
Family in the state of Good Health
My family has gone through some stages of cycle. It has been tough toaccept, hard to adapt, but God has sustained all our health. Although formyself ihave to admit that i need to gain weight and stop falling sick, fast.
