Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la... 'Tis d Season to be Jolly!

Have I mentioned what Christmas will be like for me this year?
We’re going to have a Christmas party at YWCA Fort Canning Lodge!
Who’s the we?
“We” is a combination of 3 CGs. 1 CG from 3 different units.
Yesterday, we had our first meet up.
A definite combination of skills and talents.
A wonderful time of getting to know each other, fixing names to faces and coming together in games, P&W, chatting & even learning from one another.

On my way home in Bus 174, I passed by Orchard Road and I got to see the busy-ness of that stretch of road.
Not that it’s crowded with people shopping since it’s 1030pm.
But more so, everywhere was busy putting up decorations for Christmas.

Brings me back to the time when I was young.
Every year (since birth), my family will celebrate Christmas.
And it will be a HUGE event.
Other than it being my sister’s birthday, it’s also a time where we will get together as a family for a dinner.
Remembering when I was young, come November, my sister and I will eagerly ask “Can we can we can we? Can we put up the Christmas tree NOW?”
I remember my very first Christmas tree was a white one laced with blue trimmings.
And VERY tall. (Cause I was short.)
We eagerly put up the decorations with the help of a ladder!!!
My sister will choose those wooden spoons and I will normally take the ribbons.
Topping the star or an angel will always be a hassle to us – “Should it be an angel this year? Or a star? Hmmm…”
My dad, the man of the house, will usually be the one to end it all with the lighting.
Then as we grew, we decided to change into a green tree so that it’ll look more real.
At age 18 when I shifted to my new place, due to the lack of space, my Christmas tree shrunk.
Knee height!!!

Thinking back, I remember quite vividly that my parents used to bring my sister and I to a church near where we live.
And there was one year, my sis and I joined the caroling choir where we go from house to house to bring them our love, warmth, voice and concern.
I remember it was on 24th Dec and it was a VERY rainy and we were all in a bus travelling from home to home.
The fog in the window brought about so much joy cause we were all writing on the windowpanes.
When young, I never knew what was Christmas all about.
As I grew older, my parents also stopped going to church.
And I followed suit a few years later.

Looking back those 28 years… Every year, without fail, we will celebrate Christmas.
Without fail, we will play Christmas songs, have a Christmas dinner, have a birthday celebration, and watch Christmas programs.
However, do we know the significance of Christmas?
Just another holiday?
Or it so happened to be a birthday?

I asked myself then – How do I want to celebrate Christmas this year?
Opportunity is here.
How do I grab it?
How do I rekindle that fire in my family?
Lots of thoughts.
Lots to pray.

If we hold on together

As I was going back home from CG, I kept singing this song on the train.
Remembering some time back, where I thought where dreams are dashed, tunnel very dark, God revived it again and gave me light again.

Hold on to Him and He will not let go of you.

If we hold on together

Don't lose your way with each passing day
You've come so far, don't throw it away
Live believing, dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story, Faith hope and glory
Hold to the truth in your heart

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by, for you and I

Souls in the wind must learn how to bend
Seek out a star, hold on till the end
Valley, mountain, there is a fountain
Washes our tears all away
Worlds are swaying, someone is praying
Please let them come home to stay

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by, for you and I
When we are out there in the dark
We'll dream about the sun
In the dark, we'll feel the light
Warm our hearts … Everyone

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
As high as souls can fly
The clouds roll by, for you and I

Friendships

Yesterday, I had an “Instant Messaging” conversation with 2 old-time friends from Poly & Uni.
The SOP questions (so we agreed) HAVE to be asked first before the conversation can go on.
1. Are you married?
2. Are you attached?
3. If both are no, Why not?
4. How’s your girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband?
5. When’s your big day?

After all these questions, I was asked “Hey man… When was the last time we caught up?”
9 years I coolly answered.
Deep in me I was “Wah… So long liao ah?”
Have arranged for a meet up next week.
Gosh… Wonder how things will be like after 9 years man!
Fatter? Skinnier? Macho-er? Anything to talk about?

That was yesterday through “Instant Messaging”.

Today, my best friend caught me on sms.
The last I heard from him was our birthdays in August.
Yup..! A poly friend who went with me to Uni.
He was in a boring meeting and thus he has the chance to sms me.
A doting & loving father and husband and a responsible worker whom hardly has time to meet friends except through weddings.

Brought me back to the good old days again.
Reminiscing how beautiful friendships were built.
Built over time, quarrels, arguments, bickers, giving, taking, challenges, swimming pools, projects, classes, lectures, breakups, personality clashes, etc.
I remember there was one time where we can just sit down, cry and sigh until the cow comes home and NOT speak a word yet there is an assurance of friendship.
Driving up Mt Cootha for coffee, chatting in the living room till sunrise, finding new places for good cheap food, etc.

Have I ever mentioned that I am one privilege gal with 3 best friends!
(Sometimes, I wonder, how can one have so many best friend when BEST is already BEST. There’s no Bestest you know?)
Thinking back, I realized 3 of these best friends are friends whom we quarreled SO much, shouted, and cried at each other to be where we are now.

Came home & looked through photos…
Thought I’ll share some silly photos.



Amazing 3 days that I had… Just mid week only.

Old liao...!

I was asked by my colleague yesterday morning “If given you the choice, would you go back to Australia again?”
My immediate answer was “YES!”

I love Australia and I miss Australia.
Of course, I do know that it’s the people that I spent my time there with that make the country all so much more perfect.

Yet, there’s just this something about Australia that I love a lot.
It’s more than just the memories that I have with friend there.
I can spend my time there alone walking along the parks or rivers or hide in my secret place, swinging myself away, and driving along the expressways.
Perhaps, it’s THE air that I breathe there…?
Perhaps, it’s THE freedom of space that I have there…?
Perhaps, perhaps perhaps…

After a while after the question my colleague asked, I ask myself – In all reality, would my answer really be that immediate?
Hmm… It will really be an honest “No”.
There are more commitments now.
Gone are those younger days where there’s more freedom of choices – NUS, NTU or overseas?

Then again, my colleague asked me “Hey… Is there anyone ‘chasing’ you?”
I nearly flipped!
That’s the term used when I was in Poly days!!!
It’s been ages that I even hear the word “chase” near my vicinity of vocabulary.

And again, I was thinking, gone are those younger days.

Now, older and more mature, will tend to take a sit back and THINK first.
Think far, think carefully.

Yes… Old liao!

1:30pm, 4:30pm & 11:30pm

This is a long blog CAUSE I had too much thoughts.
Overdose of it overkills me so I jot it down.

- 130pm lunchtime -

Yesterday Inn Siew gave an analogy.
Imagine there’s this guy/gal who has been waiting for you for 10 long years.
And only on the 11th year do you know this long-awaiting friend of yours is waiting.
Wouldn’t you want to marry this person? Wouldn’t you mind committing your life?

Reminded me of the ultimate Korean show – Stairway to Heaven.
Instead of 10 years, the male lead waited for 5 years.
It was with great difficulty that they got together.
What amuses me and got me flipping in laughter in my bed was HOW “rough” they can be with each other.
My goodness!! When they were laughing at the comics, he actually pushed her face with his feet. MIND you… It’s a feet I’m talking about.
She, being a female, was gentler. She whacked him while laughing with a pillow.
Yet, there was NO anger and they held on to their love. (Ok… Maybe cause it’s a movie but I believe in reel life vs real life. The world so big. Something like this MUST have happened before!)



Anyway, what really amuses & touched me was this very deep trust and faith that they share between each other.
Would I dare to be so “rough” on any of my friend and know that person still love me?
Honest answer would be “Nay…”
Through this scripted show, I see how Love covers a multitude of sins.
I think if I am the female lead, I will probably be VERY angry with the guy for the longest time in my life if he EVER dare to push my face.

Haaaa… This again reminded me of something that Inn Siew shared.
She say, it’s not easy for gals to practice “Love covers a multitude of sins” because gals are basically more petty, etc.
GENERAL only ah!! NOT all gals okie?
Actually, when she said that, I can’t help but agreeing.

This is something that I know that I have to overcome.
I am not perfect so how can I expect others to be perfect?
If God’s love can cover a multitude of my sins unceasingly, who am I to hold on to anger or bitterness?

- 430pm knock off time -

I was suddenly curious again.
I've found out before and I forgot again.

So... WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE between a hurricane and a typhoon?

Both are strong winds with speed greater than 74mph.

Hurricanes are found in the Atlantic Ocean. And it goes counterclockwise.
Typhoons are found at the Pacific Ocean, clockwise.
From the site, it says Typhoons are relatively stronger because the water there is warmer. A better condition for Storm Brewing.

Okie…
Then I went on to find “Why does Hurricanes have female names?”
Well, I found out more than just that.

Firstly, women’s names became a practice during the World War II, which was inspired by the 1941 novel, Storm by George R Steward.
In 1951, the US adopted another naming method and in 1953, it returned back to the female naming system.
Ended in 1978 where both gender names are used in the Eastern Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.

I then found my name under the 6-year list for the Eastern Pacific Tropical Storms for the year 2003.

Courtesy from:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/basics/naming.shtml

http://www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes/epachurs.shtm

- 11:30pm give thanks time -

Met up with Qianfang and had a wonderful burger at MOS burger.
So nice and so expensive... Haha!

As we were chatting happily, at the corner of my eye, I caught a familiar looking guy!
Haha!! Mr Tiger... :)
I was like "Ok... quick..! Turn over so that can say a hi."
He came over to introduce his friend, Reina who wanted to join HopeV!
Was excited cause it'll be fantastic to have a new member!
Well... Pending pending...

It was a good session with Qianfang and had a great time of sharing.
I'm sure God has placed us together for a reason.

Now, it's time to sleep.
Long day tomorrow.

Zzzzz....

Love

I have been a very grouchy daughter lately when I went back home the past few nights.
For no apparent reason, my dad became very angry with Spanner.
Spanner’s my little black Yorkshire and Sparkle’s my little white Maltese.

Thing is – Ever since Spanner’s been in the home, he barks whenever the doorbell rings.
However, I think it got into my dad only lately and he started whacking him.

On the flip side, when Sparkle bark, dad blamed it on Spanner who taught him the “bad” things and not setting a good example.

I can’t help but feel for Spanner.
Perhaps, this is what’s called the “Transference” as taught in Social Work.
*Flashback*
Remembering when I was young, I was often beaten for not setting a good example for my sister.

For this matter, I became rather grouchy and even showed my displeasure.
I “complained” to my mum that it’s so unfair!
The fact is that Spanner has been like that for 4 years! Why start disciplining now when I have long before told them gotta start young? And also, how can daddy push all the blame to Spanner for Sparkle’s behavior?

This morning, I witness another beating for Spanner.
Gosh… He was so poor thing.
He looked at me with his innocent eyes like beseeching me to help him cause he doesn’t know what has happened that has caused my dad to be so angry.
His ears were all pushed to the back, which showed fear.
His body all curled up to protect his poor backside.
Sparkle on the other hand, quickly run out of the room and went to my room to hide.
He sat VERY still and refused to move a single bit.

Even as I am typing this now during my lunch time, I just received an sms from my sister that Spanner's hiding himself under my sister's comforter! Haha!!

Anyway, what I REALLY wanna share is – Sparkle bit me!
Bit me on my right thumb till it bled a little.
I was very frustrated especially after all the events.
And I beat him on his backside very harshly too!

However, a friend of mine reminded me – Don’t you love them still? Don’t you still love them despite the fact that they had been naughty? Don't after all the whacking, your parents still dote on them and feed them and provide for them?

Yes... I do know that deep in my heart that despite all the whacking and scolding that my dad has delivered, he still love the two of them deeply.
So do I. Despite being bitten, barked at, ignored, I still love the both of them.

Guess in reflection to the Love of God, it is so too…
Despite how naughty, how rebellious, how bad I am or was, God STILL love me and He still forgave me.

1 Cor 13 has been a Love letter from God to us.
I like this most “And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.”
Love covers all multitudes of sins and I am sure glad that I have the Love of God in me.

And yes. I know deep in my heart – That when my dad disciplines me, it was for my good.
And kudos to all dads!
It wasn’t easy for them to discipline us.
It was because they love us thus they discipline us.

Sight

After 10 months of savings + $40 voucher + 40% discount, I have decided to FINALLY get my specs...
Yeah!!

Actually, of late, I realised that when I drive in the night it gets blurry cause of my astigmatism.

Opportunity knock, I answer

Of late, I am reading the series of Left Behind.
I am still in the first of 12 books
My friend already completed 4… And I am barely passed 1/2 of the first book!

I lamented “Gosh…, am I a slow reader or is she a fast reader?”, “Is it because she has more transportation time and I have less?”, etc.
In the end, we both understood why.
I simply don’t like the style of reading.
I grew up reading from fairy tales to adventures to criminals.
And each book I read, I will visualize each scene. I will visually “build” the scene in my mind.
In this book, I find, it’s very dry.
When I thought that the place is supposed to be chaotic, the writer wrote such that it gives the impression that it’s not.
I am totally confused.

However, I will resolute to finish reading.
Despite being unable to visualize, I still find the story absolutely enchanting.
It speaks of the end times where people just simply disappear leaving their clothes behind.

Yesterday, I was given the opportunity at my working place.
My pharmacy manager and myself was talking about the number “666” and my colleague got curious about the end times.
My pharmacy manager left and I quickly got back to the topic of end times…
Spoke about the Tsunami and Hurricanes and slowly, I spoke about Christ.
I really tried not to look too excited in case she thinks I am very pushy.
She questioned a lot and it was great seeing her look of anticipation which each question she asked.
I was given the opportunity to share about the life of Christ.

I am praying that I will have more opportunities to share with her.
I am beginning to love this colleague a lot.
I believe that when I resign, I will miss her lots.
Sometimes, as I walk home, I will think of the jokes we make at work and will smile as I walk home.
It’s a fantastic relationship!
Hopefully, the relationship will deepen.

Your Grace still amazes me

Was totally ministered during today's P&W.
His grace still amazes me and His love is still such a mystery.
The author to my life, the river that never runs dry.
His thoughts will always be higher than mine.
His ways will always be one that I can never fathom.

But His promise has assured me that as long as I keep trusting in Him and don't lean upon my own understanding.
He will be with me through it all.
As long as I call upon His name, He will be there.

Your Grace, Lord, still amazes me

Timing & Teamwork

It's amazing how God put everything together in His own wonderful timing.
Over the past 2 days, I stand amazed at God's wonderful timing & the word call "Teamwork"...

Past 2 nights have been spending time in Africa room doing some deco for church.
It was really amazing how everything was pieced together and how within 2 nights, I have made so many incredible friends.
Lots to thank God for.

I thank God for Sarah for she really chirp us up with her wonderful singing and her bubbliness just reminded me "San, it's time to let loose!!!!"
Her ideas and her willingness reminds me what a great joy it is to serve the Lord!

I thank God for David (Sarah's CL) that came last min.
Why?
Because he's a Carton Expert!
Well, we were suppose to make a sturdy backing for a 1.5m in diameter "printed out" plate.
But the cardboards were too flimsy...
Then here came David giving us the "Carton Theories".
Amazing brother who God sent.

I thank God for Aifang!
Man! When she first sliced the bread, it was so precise.
Every edge, every curve, every in and out, she got it all right.
Sarah, Janice and myself were SO impressed!
Grew to enjoy her company and her very creative ideas.

Jan Jan Jan... My good old friend Jan...
She came with more cartons and VERY sticky tape!
Something that I missed out when I did my purchase of stuffs!
I guess... this very good friend of mine really compliment me.
For times when I am forgetful, there she is to remind me very gently.

Ya.... Then today, there is the Adult WAM here to practice for Sunday P&W...
Really thank God...
Music is something that sooths someone. Especially music that praises the Lord.

Teamwork.
A very beautiful word cause it's a team that works together that bring all glory to the One above.
What a wonderful feeling it is to know that God has placed in each and everyone a unique gifting.

A joke, A riddle and a baby

A joke a 9-yr old friend asked me.

Jon Kit: If a baby pig is a piglet, what is a baby tiger called?
Me: Hmm... Tigerlet? Cub?
Jon Kit: NO!!! Haha!!! It's TIGGER!!!

*duH*

Responsibility and Integrity

Lesson powerpoint for HopeKids this week is “I will do the right thing even when it’s not easy.”
A story from our material goes like this.

A man had an injury that required physical therapy. His doctor prescribed a whirlpool treatment and the man enjoyed the soothing whirlpool bath. However, when he moved to a new town, his new doctor felt that he needed a different kind of treatment. In the new doctor’s opinion, the whirlpool treatment was not the correct therapy. The man was upset, telling the doctor the whirlpool wouldn’t do any harm and it might do some good. But the doctor was a professional and his goal was to help the man recover from his injury and not to satisfy the patient’s requests. So the patient decided to find a different doctor who would give him what he wanted, not what he needed. And the man never recovered from his injury. It’s the different between wants and what is right.

Responsibility and integrity go hand in hand.

Very true very true…
Just this morning, a patient barged in and demanded for some services. And in my heart, I was wondering, what gave him the audacity to even think that we will give in to his demands.
Think many times, I fall into this very irritating situation.
Sometimes, patients can get very mean and demanding (yes… Perhaps cause they are ill)
However, I believe also that as an Op Mgmt, we also ought to stand upright, firm and with integrity.
There are times when we give in and hey… next thing we know is another patient who come and say “You did it for him, why can’t you do it for me?”

One thing I learn – We can’t please all… :)

God’s the ultimate one that I should please.

Missed my darling dearly...
Can't wait for him to call me godma... Hee...
Missed him so much that I did a mini montage of him...

Choices

Sometimes in life, we are given very direct choices but we just don't take it do we?

Cheerios!

Squeezed

1715hrs 30/09/05

You know?
Very often, we hear subordinates lamenting that supervisors don’t know what they are going through.
Hmm… Think I am very much one of those subordinates that complain all the time that my boss simply don’t understand what we are doing.
Many times, my colleague and myself will always joke saying “One day should just let him come down and don’t see patients. Just run the clinic and control the crowd.”

So, in order NOT to be like my boss, I resolute to be like my staff so that I can really understand what they are going through.
I guess… That’s why sometimes, I do enjoy myself behind the registration desk and payment counter.
And I do enjoy tracing and filing patient’s casenotes.

Today, was I was doing filing, being SO small size, no one realised I was right inside… and they rolled the compactus and squeezed me in between!!!
You know? I felt like I am in a dungeon and I stepped on some “ji guan” and the doors all close up on me.Heee… I screamed so loud that even my registration clerks ran in to see what happened!!!
A pretty big hoo-ha I’ve created…
Heee… My staff was real real sorry about it cause she has experienced it before and felt the pain.
That moment, I felt that, hey… I wouldn’t know the little “bumps” in their working life till I experience it myself…
I guess… This is just one small experience.

Now, I am awaiting for my Xray department to be ready then I can lock up the clinic… (Yes… I am typing this after work hours but at work. Load it up later.)

Till later…

0106hrs 01/10/05

Just back from a wedding dinner.
It’s the wedding of a friend’s sister.
Not that I am close to the bride… But I am close to my friend.
So close that I sit at the table that’s for her relatives!
Gosh… My sister and I were stunned beyond words.
As we were sitting at the table, we were waiting in anticipation for another 2 more friends to come.
However, only 1 turn up… WITH a handsome young man!

This young man was the JOKE and ENTERTAINMENT of the night!
A wonderful and very handsome 7 yr old boy…
Clicked off very well with him…
Guess training at HopeKids does help a little… Haha!
We became good friends very fast… And I managed to grab a pic together with him.
Hmmm… It’s in my phone. Will try to retrieve it out!! (Phone’s software something wrong! The s/w just can’t communicate! Anyone has an E720C?)
Oh ya... Not forgetting, my table has 2 other kids.
One fell asleep sucking her thumb and the other ran everywhere.
I guess, I ate more than I could ask for...!! Haha!!

Ooooh.. I can’t wait for tomorrow!
Going to Bt Timah Hill for a climb.
The interesting part is that we will be bringing a group of visually handicap people…
Heeee… It’s gonna be real interesting!
Praying hard that the weather’s gonna be good…
Praying hard that we will be equipped well with training though last min.

Now, time for beauty sleep…

Oh ya! Happy Children’s Day!!!! Yippie YiPpiE!!!