Blessed Christmas!!

Blessed Christmas to all my friends! =)

Orchard Road was insane. I thought the sight and smell of the "fake-snow-spraycan-thingy-thingthing" was a thing of the past... but noooo... Sick Banglas would just gather in a group, walk together with their arsenal of such snowsprays, and target a girl of their choice, and begin mass spraying at her. Helpless her becomes blinded and a victim of the sickos who attempt to take advantage of the situation. The "not-so-evil-but-still-retarded" banglas would just laugh in their group and run past. If the girl has some guy friends close by, then they would start hurling vulgarities and chasing after them to "Spray back" at the assailants.

Its such people I always find so hard to forgive. mmm...

Now back to my usual Taxi complains... yep, I'm in the running to boycott Comfort and SMRT Cabs, I delibrately called for a Silvercab recently, and ignoring the rest. whooo. well, not that its gonna change anything. oh well. haha.

"One of the cab drivers said: "(Business is) very bad. 30 percent lower than normal. It's just been very quiet today.""
Abstract from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/
stories/singaporelocalnews/view/318988/1/.html

HA! serves you right! ok maybe its not your fault, you should just blame your Boss who rented you the taxi.

30% reduction in business on christmas season? serious? with so many shoppers with big bags and all, im amazed. Wooo... it means more people are boycotting the cabs too! woo!!

Alright.

Anyway, last week went by pretty quickly... 2 days work week... and with everyone taking leave, yea life were less stressful in camp. As Jia warned me before, not to slack too much, or else it will be very hard to get back to the right momentum when the holiday season is over. Mmmm...

Went for bowling and tennis last week too, and yep, if one hasn't touch a particular sport or skill for years, one would naturally suck at it. Need to prep for my dept's cohesion day soon, playing bowling on that day and some other games...

Pics for last saturday's cell's christmas gathering is ready!







Pizzas, Chickens, whipped potatoes, ice cream, oh... just think of the pounds everyone gained on the 22nd of December 2007. haha. It was my first time playing the card-based RPG card game, Munchkins, and it's hilarious and fun man. Seeing Zhi wei venting his frustration after deleveling back to 1, by attempting to steal Wei Ling's small items and soon, everyone's stuff, was a scene to laugh at.


Opening Prayer by LieCong




Self-introduction and giving thanksgiving while wearing Santa's hat!




Lisa caught 'stealing' more food!


Gifts exchange!




Thanks Bel!


Playing Taboo!


Who am i??




More Munchkins and backstabbing... ROAR!!


All laid to rest during the movie "left behind", only jon, me and chris stayed throughout. hahaha. Dan was half conking out too.


Last Pic before i knock out for the night...

Will be burning the pics onto a CD for you guys.

Yep... taking a long time to burn the cds... creating nine of it, and shall let you guys distribute among yourself. hahaha! Those who are coming to LE woodlands later will have priority!! =)

Remember it all

"Count your blessings, remember all the good times, focus on all His blessings and what he has done for you. And surrender all your burdens onto the Lord..."

This december reminds me of last year, back in Alpha Wing, we are to organise the Christmas celebration, including the christamas skit. There we were, having our annual leaves forfeited for the purpose of rehearsals, finding time to memorise the script as the role of Joseph, learning the chestnut song amongst the usual routine training.

Memories. It is all what we have at the end of the long journey. And I guess we would rather choose to retain those happy memorable ones, to think back and reflect, and to smile upon it.


Im sorry if I've failed to put a smile on your face...

Translation

It seems I've created some form of expectation of others over what I've said recently.

Mid December

Was my formation's Family day on Friday, after which we are given the remaining day off. I am so grateful. Another long weekend for us!

Realized I've spent a hefty amount of money within the span of 18 hours.

Went for lunch with my understudy, Jonathan and my other NS friends at Changing Appetite, followed by some shopping for making of Christmas cards.

Met up with Linda and Lijia for dinner at Just Noodles. It was my first time there, and while waiting for them, upon browsing through their menu, I was kinda surprised when the first 4 pages, they were featuring some set meals with RICE. And i thought i had stepped into the wrong restaurant. But nope.




Tried the Tom Yam Kuay Teow with Chicken, and it was delicious. Both spicy and sour at the same time, although it could use slightly more chilli. Then again, oh well. Too little noodles in my opinion, wasn't very filling. But still the dish it's worth a try if anyone of you decides to pay Just Noodles a visit during any one of Singapore's shivering rainy day. Proceeded on to look for stationaries and Jia's dress after our meal, and even had Ben and Jerry's while waiting for Isabel to arrive.



Yep, now you all know i'm addicted to waffles with Ice cream... haha.

Went down to Harry's Bar at the esplanade to get ourselves drunk and wasted. okay maybe not, i'm kidding. Haha!!







no lijia, i wasn't drunk!! Im not as Cui as you think I am!! haha! You are redder than me! =)

Had a great night with my faithful friends, less Jared. Well, there's still next time!

We were supposed to find a nearby toilet before heading back home, but no! The girls just had to spend almost 16000 years in the toilet taking countless pictures while leaving me stranded outside waiting for nearly eternity until my legs gave up on me.

Lesson Learnt:
Girls + Camera + Hotel Toilets
= Cannot-go-home-for-the-night!

Haha!


"Did things I've never dared to do,
Said words I've never dared to say,
Heard responses I've never thought I would hear.

The uncanny mix of feelings and thoughts,
Spinning wildly inside like a centrifuge,
Seeking to find the answers before the start of a new year."

Blocked

What a peaceful morning =)

Slept early yesterday and woke up without the aid of any alarms! I'm amazed at myself.

slight running nose now... while another side of my nose is blocked. not a good sign. mmm...


"Be glad and rejoice, for the Lord our Saviour Reigns, and the joy of the Lord shall be our strength! I was born to be your dwelling place, this is the day that the Lord has made!"

Under exposed?

Bacon Sandwich with French Toasts


Chicken Macaroni Soup


Going to bathe and sleep soon...


Prayer List for the night:

-> Jared and his medic appointment in Speedlight's Step-up camp - To know his roles and be have the capacity to perform his task at his best, and to look after his kids while enjoying the camp.

-> Linda's Mid semester examination - To be able to focus and to study despite the many distractions around, and to score good grades for His glory!

-> Isabel's Sore throat - For complete healing and restoration of her throat and her voice. For her white blood cells and macrophages to engulf all harmful pathogens and to be well in Jesus name!

-> Lijia, bel and Jared's examinations - For smooth marking and grading of their exam scripts, and for them to achieve good marks for all their modules!

-> My brother and his temper - That he'll be able to control his emotions and temper and mood...

-> For good health - That me and my friends will continue to stay in good shape & health, that we will not to fall ill to any sickness during this festive season.

New hobby

Yep, although it's still early, but I've one of my 2008 resolution penned down.

To boycott Taxis.


A typical Singaporean mentality. The constant fare raises doesn't always solve problems. Can't they think of some other creative alternatives?


"Life is something that everyone should try at least once."
-Henry J. Tillman-

Keyboards, photography, cooking... perhaps I'm becoming too ambitious... hmmm...

Inner child

I still believe, no matter how old we may be, there is still a kid in each one of us.

Yearning to release all our weight and responsibilities, and begin to play and do the things we like, with no worries or lamentations in our minds.

Fresh

Alright new layout... something brighter and new. yep...

Today something amazing happened!

My boss smiled from so widely today at me!! when i told him im making a move just now (was on half day leave today), she gave me a super wide smile, and saying bye to me! oooo...

That's a good change i guess. yep...

Li Jia said her condition is Improving!! Thats great news!! Seriously... its terrible seeing your good friends in sickly miserable state. it aches my heart... We shall continue to include her in our daily prayers! yep...

Printed 2 new piano sheets, in an ambitious attempt to learn... hahaha. both from final fantasy... well, no harm trying I guess. Yep...

Watched Enchanted today! Several scenes were kind of cliche and has slight resemblance to some of our ol' Fairy tales, with the typical happy-oh-life-is-so-beautiful kind of songs, but still I feel it was a very original, new fairy tale that was well produced. think everyone Loved the chipmunk!! Had a great laugh with Jared and Bel, and there was even one point when a guy our front row burst out in a SUPER loud HAHA! and the whole cinema went crazy and started laughing so hard! =)

Went shopping after that too. Jared got his new pair of jeans, Bel and her new green top, and everybody's little items for the making of christmas cards and gifts.

argh. no mood to go back work tmr. haha. today seems like another weekend!

My turn

I guess everyone will have their day...

Today was just sian... the entire day... in terms of tiredness and the "I-have-no-mood" type of sian.

The regular specialists in my green organization is starting to piss me off... their lack of basic discipline is just horrifying. It's something I do not expect.

If you are sick, the very basic courtesy is to inform someone one day in advance, that you might not be coming the next day, so that the person can take the necessary preparations to cover your lesson that you're supposed to teach/supervise/take charge.

If you are not coming, at least tell someone the reason. Don't just throw your responsibilities to others just like that, and let us guess the reason?

argh, i hate last minute presentations and preparations.


ok maybe im making a big fuss out of this small thing.

Forgive forgive forgive.


Anyway, i thank God at least for yesterday.

Went for Lunch at Olive Tree @ Intercontinental Hotel at Bugis, to celebrate Jared's Last Exam paper for the semester, and er... my "6-more-months-to-ORD" celebration!


Persevering on... Cheers.


Time to burn my lecture notes!!


Here to witness today's joyous occasion...

The Swordfish served was exquisite... my first time sinking my teeth into this delicious cold-blooded swimmer. The flavour was fresh, and have a distinct meaty taste. It was a good change to the usual Sashimi and grilled salmon served in restuarants. And thanks to the swordfish, it was the first time in a buffet setting that I only took one portion of salmon. I couldn't believe it... haha.

The Prawn Pizza was first of its kind too! Fresh prawns, capsicums and cheese all topped nicely on a crispy crust. Beginning to love Mediterranean spreads...

Yesyes... and the Fresh crepes with fresh fruits, topped with strawberry sauce. perfect for dessert and also mid-meal entrée. A good blend of freshly made crepe and cold berries and pineapples. Truly awesome.


A sweet tooth's dream come true






Later in the afternoon, met up with flan to watch Golden Campass, following which linked up with serena and we finally get to watch "Crazy Christmas" by Dream Academy Playhouse! A special thanks to the assistant Producer of the show, Engie Ho! For helping us to get tickets!!

(yes the very same Engie who called me a teddy bear many years back in Tricity coffeeshop opposite church because I was wearing a yellow shirt, which caused me and my chair to slip into a nearby LongKang)

It was a great hilarious performance, very down-to-earth, original Singapore style.

The voices of each and every singer were top-notched, made me really feel like a newbie in arts field!! 11 of them on stage, all very disciplined and dedicated to the parts and the act. Something, that i think any choir must possess in order to be good and professional.

Before the show, serena and I were reminiscing on our past experiences and memories back in old Dramalight days. It was sad that last time we all didn't have digital cameras or camera handphones to capture all the moments of the past.

Speaking of which, i want to find the past drama tapes and wonder who on earth still owns a VCR player. mmmmmmmmmmmm...


This week, really had lots of food man...

Having her cravings and caring for my great hunger for good food, Faithful Linda brought me down to katong for laksa on monday! It has been years since I went there. It was great! Curry was thick and spicy after adding more chilli. woo... love spicy noodles of any kind!

A walk along marine parade... ending the night with some cheesburgers, fried butterfly prawns, and fries at parkway. =)


Time to exercise after your exams!


Well... learnt something tonight. Think happy thoughts, and it'll override your unhappy ones. =)

Mmmmm...

Linguine in Bacon Cream Sauce with Chicken Fillet:










Spaghetti bolognese with Salmon Fillet, Clam Chowder


Creamy Mushroom Fusilli with Chicken Franks:


Streaky Bacon, Eggs, and Bread & Jam:




Im getting hungry man...

Going to be a long day later... can't wait man... yepyep...

Live to Smile

Visited Riverlife Church today.



And we witnessed a living miracle. The guest speaker, Nick Vujicic, was one who lived his past 25 years without any arms... and legs. Yet, he is still able to stand up (literally), smile, and REJOICE in the Lord!!

With that, now what right do we have to complain about the little things in life? What right do we have to complain when our buses are late, or when we get frustrated when we carelessly dropped our remote control, or when we mistakenly write some mistake on our paper.


And because of that, I have somehow found the answer I was looking for 6 months ago.

Yes i teared. And sometimes I want to go back in time and reattempt again. I wished I could pushed a little harder and hope I survived. I wish...

But I truly thank God for today and the circumstances that I had to go through. There could be a hidden purpose. There must be...

And yes. There was.



"Rejoice Always"
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-