Career path

The contact time I had with my director today made me think "What will my career path be like in my organization?"

I am a person who will stick to one company and not resign unless REALLY necessary. At least, I try not to resign unnecessarily. Hmm.. I think I am a rather accomodating person always believing that if I cannot change my environment, I try to change myself - Not compromising my values & principles.

Now... Let's recall my past jobs (not counting the many part time jobs).

1st - Engineering Assistant (1 year) : Resigned because there is nothing to learn there. Basically, my JD is to sit at my table and er.. hmm.. do nothing.

2nd - Associate Engineer (2 years) : One of the BEST place I have been thus far. It gave me great colleagues Resigned to further my studies.

3rd - Research Coordinator (1.5 years) : Contract over.

4th - Clinic Executive (1.5 years) : Resigned to finally enter Social Service.

Now that I am in a profession where my passion lies, how then, can I be the head and not the tail?

Small Circle

There is something special about the Social Work profession.

It is NOT big.

Yupz.. Indeed, the social work circle in Singapore is rather small. In this line, there will be alot of telephone calls to make and alot of reports to conjure up. In that process, you get to speak to the different social workers, managers or any other significant figures.

It's a strange yet nice feeling I get each time I go for meetings. I went for a dialogue session at MCYS today and saw a few officers. When we went through one round of introduction, I went "Oh.. so it's you!" or "Ah.. I can finally put a face to the name I have known.."

Somehow, whenever I go for trainings or courses, I am always 90% confident that I will meet someone I know.

A strange but nice feeling. Something that I feel that I will never face in the Engineering field. At least, I am only speaking based on my previous experience in Chartered Semiconductor. Hmm.. come to think of it, I don't remember going for external courses! Heehee...

Oh yes.. I had a great gathering with my Chartered colleagues yesterday. Just a small gathering over Di's house. Best part of the whole session is Di's lovely daughter. Yes.. daughter.. NOT SON!! Many saw the photo and thought I was carrying a little boy... I found myself staring at her non stop. Whenever there is a chance, I will always "rush" to carry her. I am told that "I love to take joy in other people's pain." Hee.. Simply means that my friends take pains to deliver, I take joy in enjoying their fruits.. *smile*

Signs of aging?

1) Memory loss
I plugged in my thumbdrive today and then I asked "Hmm... What did I wanted to do huh?"

In my sessions with my clients, I actually went "Aiyo.. I wanted to tell you something but I got lost in my train of thoughts." (Of course, these are closer clients)

Birthdays & appointments HAS to be recorded somewhere ELSE, I will surely forget. I nearly forgot my appointment to gym till my friend said "See you tomorrow!" And I asked "What's on tomorrow huh?"

2) Gold 90FM
I was driving to my uncle's wake today together with my parents. Along the way, my dad finally realized and exclaimed "Hey! I thought you both (me and my sister) love Class 95? Why are you on 90.5FM?"

I replied that Gold 90 has nicer songs cause they are slower and older..

Parents were amused!

3) Partner
When one reach 30, parents will get more anxious than yourself.

My dad sudddenly commented a few days back "Sigh.. San ah.. If you can get yourself a partner, I will be so happy for you..."

*ZIP*

D-uh..

4) Pills
When one reached 30, friends and parents (for my case, mummy) will also start to recommend Vitamins, facial cream, facial, etc.

*Hmm...* but I thought I do look young? Heehee...

Aging.. Nothing much to fear about la... *SMILE*

Passing

The passing of my uncle came as sudden news to me. First reaction was to sms my boss to tell her that I can't join them for the staff retreat. It was great having colleagues who treats you as friends. Almost immediately, I receive smses from them telling me to take care.

Hmm... It's been already 18 hours since I've heard the news. YET, I still have difficulty believing it. It's a tad too sudden. Although over the years, I have grown distant from my relatives, the fact that he has doted on me when I was young has never changed. When I stepped into the house, a wave of rememberance overwhelmed me. In a way, I was very glad that I caught up with him when we met the last time. Although he cannot totally remember me, I would say that by far, that was the best chat. I wonder how much more painful it would have been to the family since I am already feeling this way.

Somehow, my uncle's death has kinda of made me feel that we are really living in an aging society. It's envisioned that by 2030, there will be 1 elderly in 4 adults. That's basically 25% of the total population. And it just hit on me that in my household alone, there's already 1 elderly over a total of 4. (Elderly = Greater than 65).

Treasuring life & Treasuring those around me...

Of danger & opportunities

For the past few weeks, I have had trainings conducted to be a Family Group Conference (FGC) coordinator. 1 thing that allow for a FGC to take place is when there is a care and protection issue to look into for a child or young person.

Well, it could be a child protection issue and there is a need to discuss about the care plans. However, a FGC coordinator steps in because maybe there are many parties involved and there is a need to build a consensus.

Anyway, enough of technical terms. 2 weeks back, our instructor spoke on the term - 危机. Otherwise known as Crisis. Krise in German, Kiki in Japanese, Krisis in Malay and something that I do not know how to write in Tamil. *smile* In one of my entry about 2 years back, I learned about this term in my grad dip and to a certain extend, I understood the meaning of it just basing it on my life crisis.

Breaking it up:

危 - Danger
机 - Opportunity/Chance

Today, I experienced it for myself!

I have been working with this family for some time and I have always been wondering how to engage them, especially the children. Today, I received a call from them. Well, in short, something not so good happened to the family. The best part of it was that they remembered to call me.

Being one whose immediate reaction is "flight" instead of "fight" when there is conflict in my life, I was very scared (in my heart) to meet the family. However, duty calls heh! Say a prayer and enter the flat!

As I stepped out of the flat, I realised that this crisis was REALLY a perfect opportunity for me to enter and assist. I ALSO see it as a VERY good opportunity for the family to work things out together. TOGETHER is the word. Who can make better decisions for the family other than the family right? Me leh... Will just be a happy facilitator of the family meetings.

Riding on a C.R.I.S.I.S.

Cool news!

Government to spend S$11m more to boost social workers' salaries

=quote=

I think it's only fair that we recognise that social workers are human beings. You also need help. You also need support."

- Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

=unquote=

Thought it was quite cool that government is recognising the difference in pay that workers are paid in the s aocial service agencies, VWOs, NGOs, etc. as compared to others. Personally, I feel that it's not only the social workers that need recognition. The admin staffs, the support staffs all need that support too! In VWOs or NGOs, it's not only that social workers are paid low. Everything is pro-rated from the profitable orgs. But still, it's a great step!

Even cooler is this news:

$10m more will be pumped into Budget to help needy: Balakrishnan

So many needy out there. There is an increasing societal issues and more programs may be needed to assist.

In today's sermon, Ps Ben prayed that we will not suffer from the "dry-eye" syndrome. He shared 2 real life stories. One of which it's a father who killed both his 5-year old twins in a cold-blooded murder. Dry-eye syndrome meaning even when we hear news as such, we remain dry-eyed, no reaction.

I cringe in my chair indeed. It sounds kind of like the examples I learned in the Family Violence course. Yucks... A part of me wondered what really triggered him to do that... yet, a part of me could understand a tad of it.

When I was younger (very much younger that time), I was a very angry person. I remember a time that I was so angry that I slammed a hard-cover book down on my sister's head. (Of course, she still remember till now.. always kena blamed that she is turned stupid by me. :P) I do recall also that when my sister provoke me in ways that can trigger my anger, I can get really violent. Slamming of doors, throwing of things, hitting my hand was quite a norm.

Things really took a turn when I turned to God. I began to know what is self control. I also began to understand what having a loving heart is all about. However, it was all made possible because of a Sunday School teacher (primary school days) and a tutor who brought me to church (secondary school days). I remember that even in my Uni days when I was very angry with a friend, a Unit Leader and friends prayed for me to be able to find forgiveness, to be able to understand self control. They were all very patient with me and they believed in me. And now thinking back, I believe a change was possible also because they cried along with me and they were deeply burdened together with me.

Life experiences makes us to be who we are. I can't say that I am perfect. I still get angry. I still get frustrated. I still struggle with forgiving. However, I choose to be patient because I was blessed by patience. I choose to be more loving because I was blessed by love. I choose to be more forgiving because I was blessed by forgiveness.

"Only one life and soon it'll pass, only what's done for Christ will last."

A Special Wedding

In a span of 2 weeks, I attended 2 polytechnic friends' wedding. I noticed a trend in the weddings which I attended. Other than church friends, my other "outside" friends, I am normally their "individual" friends. Meaning - I do not belong to any group of her friends. Which also means that I am usually alone sitting at the table.

This wedding though alone, was very special to me. It was the bride's mother who requested that I have to be there.

Unfortunately, I was late due to some reasons. Heehee.. Whilst I was driving there, my friend called me asking me if I am coming cause the ceremony will be starting soon. For the first time in my life, the bride is calling me to ensure that I will be there so that she can start the ceremony. I felt a mixture of - guilt at being late & touched at her gesture. When I arrived, I couldn't find a parking space at the hotel so I have to park elsewhere. I was quite panic. When I reached there, the banquet manager asked me if I want to see the bride. Of course, right?! Gave her a hug and apologized.

Now... what really caused me to flip was when her mother saw me, she exclaimed and hugged and hugged and still hugged. Shared about my life in as short as I can and gave her another hug. As I was about to walk back to my table guided by the banquet manager, she told me she wants to bring me to the table. She made sure I sat down & ate some food.

I was truly dumbfounded.

Today, I found myself sitting at a table with 7 others who's my friend's 1st year classmate. I seemed to be the only 2nd year classmate. I knew all of them but of course, not well at all. I do not really know their lingo as well since they have been meeting up even after graduation so there is this form of closeness between them..

Even though I drank and ate more than I talked, in those moments of silence at the table, I took time out to reminisce a little about my friendship with the bride. The incident with her mother sort of threw me off the edge and impacted me greatly. Slowly, I began to remember things. Trust me, humans really has the ability to forget things if he/she wants to. I had a bad quarrel with this friend of mine when we were in year 3 Poly and no matter how we tried, we could not bring the closeness back to what we were before the quarrel. However, before that, we were indeed very close. I go to her place often. I remember chatting with her mother and yes! Her brother! I dote on her brother quite a bit.

There are indeed times when I wished that things were still the same. However, I guess that changes are for better learning and for growth in all aspects of our life.

Testing with Slide.com

I was testing Slide.com.. Not bad..

Ooook.. I know I am S.L.O.O.O.W.. others use until like nearly a norm already and I am only starting now. Just a few fav pics.

Happy Social Worker's Day!

One of the trainers for the Family Violence course said this (paraphrased):

"I was feeling cash rich one day while I was shopping with my wife. We went into this jewellery shop and I wanted to get her a ring. She refused and rejected my offer. I began to feel frustrated and really wanted to get it for her. I didn't quite know why I was frustrated. After awhile, I realised the answer. As a man, I really wanted to impress the salesgirl. I wanted to impress her so much as a man who is loving his wife. I started as wanting to get something for my wife but my ultimate motive was not to impress my wife but the salesgirl. As a man, there is this unseen pride and ego that needs to be satisfied."

Honestly, I didn't really care about what pride and what ego. I was very humbled by his humility to admit his weakness as a man.

He brought this up to share that in Family Violence, it's in the little nitty gritty things that can cause a person to tip the edge and aggravated the angry person within. Therefore, as a Social Worker or counselor or anybody who's working with the family must listen to both sides of the story.

Today is Social Worker's Day. I was awoken by a few friends sms-ing me on the 8-page newpaper clippings. Even my dad told me! When I saw the Tribute page to those who have pioneered Social Work in Singapore. The person who captured me most is Mrs Ann Wee. In my Grad Dip course, she came to give a "speech". Hmm.. Frankly, if you ask me what was that speech all about, I do not know. Dr Tan started the class and made an introduction of the old & frail lady - Mrs Ann Wee. EVEN though I can't remember what was the speech all about, I do remember thinking what an incredible lady she is! She helped pioneered Social Work. Her passion for people is beyond limits. She spoke with zest, with passion and an energy that I pray and hope to have.

In the papers, I can't help but notice that alot of emphasy was given to the fact that the demand for Social Workers are high, the returns of satisfaction is also high BUT the pay is low and many has dropped out of this profession because of this very reason. Hmm.. at that moment, I do really wonder - When one has decided on this profession, isn't he/she ready for the low pay & high amount of work? *shrug* I do get sad whenever I hear people getting out of this profession because there is SO much to do.. I pray only that I will stick it out!

Anyhow! Happy Social Worker's Day to all my colleagues and those who have been in this small circle of profession!

A glimpse

After making a pair of earrings, I asked myself the major question "How should I package it this time?" I had several options. I could (a) use a used box (b) make a new box (c) anyhow wrap with gift wrappers (d) AOM (any other methods)...

It was midnight and I was very tired after a long day of hearing nothing but family violence. However, I felt that I had the responsibility to serve my customer to the maximum - my sister. I was getting a tad desperate. For (1) I do not have a small used box that fit earrings; (2) I hate making gift boxes cause it's so time consuming and after making many boxes, I was rather "sick" of making one more; and (3) I do not like gift wrappers so I do not have gift wrappers. I sat and I thought and I scanned around my room and I suddenly had an idea! (It's good to live in a room that's filled with deco items)

Wah la.. When I completed it, I had SUCH great satisfaction as a creator. In the morning when my sister came back from work and saw it, she was so ecstatic. Though I was sleepy and VERY tired and even to the extend of "blaming" her for waking me up, deep down, I was extremely glad that my customer was satisfied. Actually, even if my customer wasn't satisfied, I was already satisfied. I nearly felt that I could copyright it. The satisfaction, the bliss, the simple joy, the ecstasy.

More so, for that short moment, I thought I had a glimpse of how God felt when He created the heavens and the earth, the day and the night, the creatures of the world. In everything that God created, God saw that it was good. I believed He must have been very pleased. When I was taking a photo of it, I thought "I hope the owner will really take good care of it. It look so precious." I believe, God must have felt that way too. And I believe that when man sinned, God must have been very upset.



Digress... I will be starting a new blog for my accessories soon. Do patronize me if you need any ya? *Wink*

Why, Why and How

I spent some time on my bed staring up at the sky last night. It was a great sky with a few twinkling stars. I had a chat with God or rather, I had a small debate with God. I asked "Why does victims of domestic violence or any kind of violence continue to stay in the painful relationship or even escalating it to a marriage knowing full well that he/she will be a violent partner to be with?", "Why does some who has already broken free physically from such bondages take a long time to let go of the past?" and more so than ever, my main question was "How to help victims be overcomers of their circumstances?"

Excerpts from journal of yesternight...

=quote=

Letting go is indeed really not easy. Putting down baggages that may have become our insecurity is not easy though at the back of our minds, we want to put it down. In fact, I feel that if caring or loving a person is my life's greatest challenge, letting go of something that was impactful to my life will probably be the next on the list. If not, on par.

At a certain point of time, something that happen in anybody's life or even someone who stepped into my life may have impacted or leave a deep imprint that may cause great happiness or, to another extreme, great sadness.

Hmm.. I guess, letting go is likened to discipline. Discipline is required in my life because there's something that has been happening previously which I was not happy about thus I discipline myself to gear towards improvement. To give up something of the past to build a better "habit" of the future. Usually, discipline is often to cultivate a good habit isn't it?

I reckon, that if victims of family violence wants to break free emotionally, it takes a whole lot of discipline (e.g. discipline to go for counselling, therapy, be with good company, etc) and it takes a whole lot of effort! And the whole process IS painful!!!

*sigh* Father... I truly want thank you. You said that when You sent Jesus to die on the cross for me, You have washed me clean. And I know for sure that you have plans for me. A future that is bright and prosperous! Plans that will never ever harm me! Though I am not a victim of FV and may not fully understand what they are going through, I pray that you give me a heart of empathy and wisdom to know how to bring Your love and Your wonderful plans to them.

=unquote=

I was asked...

... this afternoon in my Introductory to Management of Family Violence course "What is the greatest challenge you face in life?"

I answered "Caring for people.. Caring for people requires me to stand inside their shoes".. On a personal note, caring for people require all the fruits of the spirit that I will take a lifetime to cultivate and nurture...

Comfort

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise."
Psalms 51:17

Tears fell when my Heavenly Father comforted me through this verse.

Thank you Lord...

Words of affirmation and encouragement

My shepherd once said this to me "I can always trust you to do the right thing."
A colleague of the same faith once assure me too "I can trust that you know what to do."
Yet another colleague told me "I know things may be upsetting but I have full confidence that you will always be able to pick yourself up."

Words of encouragement and affirmation. The focus point in those statement was not how sad my situation was but how encouraged I was by the trust my friends had in me then. For those in the same faith, they prayed along with me. For those not in the same faith, they believed in me. Strengths perspective.

Today, in a session I heard this continuously about a child "I give up!", "There is no way there'll be changes made!!", "This is the end of his/her life already! He/she will never ever change!", "Why do I want his/her custody for? Make my life more miserable only!"

Honestly, halfway through that session, I had to excuse myself so that I could go out for a breather. I nearly wanted to burst out into tears right inside the room. I wanted so much to burst out to the parent that the child is what he/she is now because of environment! My heart went out to this child who is filled with negative words in her life. True.. this child may not be the most angelic person but who he/she is now is because of the environment he/she is in.

Bible says in Proverbs 15:4 "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."

How true it is indeed. There is so much power in words. It can either be edifying or it can bring a person right down to the ground level.

Dear heavenly father, I pray that you will instill within me wisdom in speech. I pray that you will grant me self control that even when I am angry, I will not sin. I pray, Lord, that your Holy Spirit will always guide me and that Lord, you will teach me your ways. Help me to be one who is able to see strengths in a person instead of weaknesses. Father, I pray for the hurting little ones. I pray that one day, they may come to know you and your loving ways and that they will know that they are whole and beautiful. In Jesus name, Amen.

Eventful Sunday sealed with writing

To begin with, I did not start my Sunday feeling all perked up. I reckon I must be falling ill. For the past few weeks, on and off I feel body aches and I sort of "suppressed" it by drinking more water and popping panadols for flu.

It's not nice being "want to sick but cannot fall sick" at all. Things was made worse when I had dreams for consecutive 3-4 days. Even before I woke up, I already felt quite "down" emotionally.

Somehow, God has quite an ironical way of turning around the events in my life. When I entered HopeKids, I prayed to God that He will take charge of my emotions. As teachers in HopeKids, the children will feel every impact from the teachers. When the teacher is down, they can feel it too. When the teacher is uplifted, they can feel it too.. So I have to be careful..!

One good thing for me is that kids really can lift me up. When I hear them call me excitedly, when I get hugs from them, I feel somewhat energized. Towards the end when I led a "CG" of Primary 2 kids, I asked them to design a spiritual birthday card for their close friend or someone special and this is what I got...

Really perked the rest of my day!!

After HopeKids, I spent a little time with CG and a tad more time with the kids. Then I made my way to design wine hampers for my friend. Yes... this is my freelance! I deco weddings, I make accessories & now, I design hampers... So folks, if you are reading and like to have my service, let me know ya!? *wink* ANYWAY, when I was paid for my service just now, it just hit on me that I will work hard towards small adhoc jobs. I will save up the money then for church camp and Mission trip.

Anyway, I have digressed. The trip to my friend's shop was very nice. It's situated at One Marina Boulevard. First wine shop when you turned left into OMB - Hermitage. Very rare that I go to Raffles Place. Very rare also that the underpass was empty! Can't resist taking more pictures! Love the outlook..

After which, I went home, had dinner with my family and I start putting up my new photo frames in my room!!! I really love photos BUT I don't really have alot of space in my room for frames thus I made use of my empty wall! I bought a HUGE frame and I squeezed as much photos as I can in it. But then leh.. After putting it up, I feel like "Photos-overdosage"..! Haa...

While I was resting away on my bed and writing out my resolutions, suddenly I received a sms from my "Iron-friend". He was so ecstatic! His girlfriend accepted his marriage proposal!! Actually, the acceptance was already sort of known to me.. Thus, I wasn't glad that he is getting married. I am more glad that he remembered to tell me the good news.. This friend ah.. After getting a girlfriend like almost ignored me. Initially, I really had a hard time not getting angry. Yet, somehow, it's difficult getting angry too because our friendship is so close that I know though I am ignored, our deep friendship will always remain. What warmed my heart was I was the third to know!

Also, I officially got another sheep. "Officially" cause my new sheep just got to know about it.

It was an eventful Sunday. And finally, in writing..

Resolutions for 2007:
1) Climb Mount KK (should be fulfilled easily. Going with colleagues)
2) Disciplined gym + jogging
3) Standard Chartered Marathon 10km Run
4) To be a better sheep/shepherd
5) Language course (maybe Malay so that I can converse with my clients better)
7) To complete what I need for the day within the day itself (Work)
8) To be a better impact for children in HopeKids
9) To be a better assistance to CL
10) To have better time management so that I can spend a little more quality time at home
11) To not procrastinate

CG + Some pics to enjoy...

Had a great time with CG just now. We got together finally as a CG for affirmation, to share our 2006 and to share our goals for 2007 (finally because Zann and Beng went overseas)... It's almost a CG tradition that we get together to do this. Personally, I really believe in it. As iron sharpens iron, it's good as a CG to know each another's met-goals and unmet-goals. To push each other, to motivate each other, to hold one another accountable.

Somehow, in a hurry to rush to meet a friend prior to CG, I left home without the paper which I wrote my stuffs on. When I was sharing (and being the first to go), my thoughts were E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E... So when my thoughts were everywhere, my "speech" was everywhere too.. Haaa...

Nonetheless, it was a good time spent!! Best of all, YL cooked for us!! Gosh!! She cooked such delicious wonton that I thought she could really set up a food stall for it! Yumz..

Not much photos taken today.. This blurry pics are from my faithful Samsung.. :P

Also, adding on to this entry are pictures that I finally got my hands on!! The New Year Fancy Dress Party in my company...

My own department came Gothic. Aiyoz.. When they arrived, I was so stunned by the make up and dressing! All in all, had a great time of not only working with one another but also having fun!!

As mentioned, being organizers of this event, we decided to be in the Victoria era. We had roles to play too! There is my father (the one and only guy), Lord Heath, my elder sister - Lady Anne, my younger sis - Lady Anna and myself - Lady Sandra. My father held this party to find husbands for his three daughters. Unfortunately, none found. :P

Seriously, when we were planning the games, I was not for the passing the card game. I had excuses like "Would the guys be sporting?" or "If the ladies are in lipsticks, wouldn't it be yucks?" But we decided that it will still be fun so we went ahead. AMAZINGLY, everyone was SO sporting!

How do I look in a "wedding gown"? I got a shock when I see myself..

But anyway, I love this pic that my colleague took of me. Not that I look at my best but I love the mirror image. Hmm... I don't think Victoria time has such short hair and big watches right? Heehee...

Bye 06, HeLLoOooo 07!!

The best way to start 2007 (for me) is to do a recap of my 2006. I can't think of a better way to do it other than a pictorial way coupled with words.

I started 2006 with resolutions (according to the CRESH model):

- In Career
With a career change, I resoluted that I want to work hard in learning the ropes of this new career. Also, I prayed and hoped that by the end of 2006, I would have more or less stabilized myself in the new environment.

- In Relationship
I resoluted to build better and more biblical relationships with existing friends and also new friends. I also want to enlarge my heart so that I can be of service to people that's around me.

At the same time, I resoluted that I will take 2006 to let go/healed of my past relationships.

- In Economics
Heeee.. I did not think much about Economics last year. When I started 2006, I really had no idea how my career will be like. First 3 months, I was an intern trying to complete my Grad Dip.

- In Spiritual
Spiritually, I resoluted to be more consistent with meeting up my sheeps. Also, I resoluted to read one book per month. Not forgetting, to do my QT regularly.

- In Health
To keep a healthy lifestyle. To exercise regularly.

There are a few other personal resolutions that I have written out but I shan't share it out here. In reflection, I can see how helpful making resolutions have been to me. Each time I get out of the borders, the resolutions are there to gently pull me back into it. I have fulfilled about a good 90-95% of what I resoluted to do.

In 2007, I resolute not to procrastinate. In the area of work, I really hope that I can try to complete what I want to do for that day within THAT day. In 2006, I felt that my personal life kinda came to a halt while I was trying to juggle things at work. Work, in 2006, took up such a GREAT part of my life. (Hee.. For a start, I used my 2 days of holiday to stay at home to finished what I did not complete at work. And also to plan how I want my working style to be like!) Honestly, I think I am really very blessed to be in an organization which I really love and a career that I can call a calling. I do not wish to take it for granted.

In relationships, I really hope to be a better daughter which I think I have not been in 2006. Towards others, whether clients or friends, I can be patient. However, towards family, I have to admit that I have not been very patient. Also, as I felt "set free" in 2006, in 2007, I am looking forward to really praying for a lifetime partner. *grinz*

Spiritually, I really want to be closer to God. I want to hear that voice that speaks to me. One thing I lacked in 2006 is a quality QT with God. Yes.. I do read the bible but sometimes, being so tired out, I sometimes only read but did not digest. In 2007, I resolute to set aside time. I remember Ps Wilson once said - Set aside time for God. If you can set aside time for friends, do the same for God. If your meeting place and time is your room and 11pm, be home by 10pm so that you can be prepared to meet God!

Also, coupled with building good relationships with people and friends, I want to be more bold in the area of Evax. Gosh.. I am sometimes SO lack of courage!

Health-wise.. I think I have more than fulfilled what I set out to do in 2006. I exercised more regularly than ever. Kudos to all my colleagues! Nope.. I didn't exactly exercise with them but we motivate each other to do so. I felt that exercising is really all about discipline. When I first went to Pulau Ubin with my colleagues, I have to pushed my bike up the slope. When I went night cycling with my colleagues, I still have to push my bike up the gentle slope. In the midst of the cycling trips, I took up running and continued to be consistent with my swimming. Somewhere late of the year, I noticed that when I was cycling in Ubin, I do not have to push my bike anymore. Not being proud here but I notice how similar this analogy is as compared to my spiritual health - To be consistent and to be disciplined so as to reap results. I resolute to continue to be disciplined! (For a start, I will be jogging alternate Saturdays with my friend at ECP. SET!)

In general, I resolute not to be a mediocre. To excel in what I am doing. To not settle for less.

My 2006... In pictures... :)

With Beyond...

With Ministry...

With Caregroup...

With friends...

With Family...

Yupz... My 2006 life in a nutshell. I am so excited for 2007 because I know that if I ask according to God's will, He WILL give. And I also know that God has a FABULOUS plan for me because all children of God are in plans that prosper us - NEVER to harm us!

BYE 06!! HeLLoOooo 07!!