hidden

2008-09-08T00:00:00.000+08:00

Sunday, September 7 2008. Gene's Birthday.

...I wished him a Happy Birthday.

Soon after, he got down on one knee and what do you know?

I gained another ring.

THE END

2008-09-07T11:39:00.001+08:00

Saturday, September 6 2008. The day before Gene's Birthday.

Gene was an hour late picking me up to go to the club for a swim and I was grumpy, but it's hard to stay mad at him.

At the club, we bumped into his parents and had lunch together at the clubhouse. And I think I might have found my second best replacement to Dragon City's Sze Chuan Hot & Sour Soup! YAY!!! So anyway, after lunch was swim time! I had my favorite ring on when I jumped into the pool first. I then took it off and asked him to keep it for me since he wasn't in the pool yet. So he did and joined me in the pool. And after a while we left.

We headed off to change the size of the Motocross boots I got him for his birthday. I suddenly remembered about my ring. I asked him for it and he said that he left it on the pool side table! And he thought I took it cuz he checked the table before we left and it was empty. =( I got kinda upset again cuz I loved that ring and I knew I couldn't get another one like it again. Oh well... =(

Then after changing his boots we headed for dinner at Pete's Place at the Hyatt. As we passed by the jewellry shop just outside, I reminded him that he now owes me a ring!! =P
Dinner at Pete's Place was lovely and we had a great time.

Ok, so the day wasn't over yet and he decided to show me where he goes trail riding on his bike at some ulu place in Punggol. It was a pretty nice place, a WWII memorial site, or something like that, comprising of a jetty and a small beach. It had been a rainy day and it was drizzling lightly, adding to a nice romantic feel. Or maybe it was the many cars using it as a make out spot. -_-''
Because it was crowded, we drove to a more ulu spot but with the occasional car driving by. It was pretty late by this time, about 11pm. It was kind of a funny situation but after talking abit, some about me never finding my ring again (yea, I was still kinda sad), we decided to go take a walk.

Then after midnight.......
(to be continued...)

2008-08-04T14:48:00.002+08:00

Saturday:
Gene and I went to the Henderson Waves along the Southern Ridges for a much needed walk. We initially planned to start off earlier but only got there at almost 6pm. Which wasn't such a bad thing because by that time it wasn't so hot and humid anymore.

The view from way up was scenic and the orange glow from setting sun made it all the more beautiful. Lower the temperature down about 10 degrees and you'd never believe this was Singapore.

We decided to sit and chill in the middle of the bridge and we couldn't have chosen a better spot. While talking, I noticed something in the corner of my vision. I looked and it was the helicopters taking the Singapore flags to the National Day parade rehearsal. There were 3 Chinooks carrying the Singapore flag and 2 accompanying Apaches. They flew pretty close, not very far above the Henderson Waves and their flight paths were directly over where we were sitting. Very awesome!

We also decided to stay for the fireworks. We chose what we thought was a good spot on the bridge (We spotted the Swissotel and the UOB building and figured the huge space in between would be where the fireworks were) and sat down to chill and chat. Turns out lots of people stayed to watch the fireworks too.

So 8pm (there abouts, I can't remember the exact time) came and we heard the boom of the firsts fireworks. We turned to see and guess what? The fireworks were blocked right smack in the middle by a building. Whooptidoo. There were alot of disappointed people on that bridge that night.

We decided to leave since we couldn't see anything. We decided to head to T3 for dinner because I wanted to have Teppenyaki! I was told a while ago (by Squirt) that the Sakae Teppenyaki was really good. And I have been wanted to try it ever since. I haven't because
1. The outlet in Orchard Cineleisure always has a queue
2. Gene refuses to queue
3. We seldom head to town

And since T3 has one....
Well there was still a damn queue. At 8.45pm. But since there was only 3 people infront of us, I begged Gene to wait. Hahaha. Well the food was really good! Thanks Squirt! Ok I'm tired of typing further.

No pictures, no pictures and no pictures. Bye.

2008-07-04T23:03:00.000+08:00

Finally, after months.
I. am. 70.
RAWWWR!!!

2008-04-17T11:53:00.002+08:00

Life in the graphic design/advertising world:

Design Hell

2008-04-15T09:52:00.002+08:00

me: What is something that's troublesome for you to do? Like everyday things?

gene: Bathing. Yah, disgusting I know. But I wish I didn't have to bathe. =P

2008-04-10T16:48:00.000+08:00

heehee

2008-04-09T16:56:00.002+08:00

Omg omg. The client likes my tagline. Wait, no, they LOVE it! =D

If the 2nd pitch goes through and we are awarded, they might use it for all posterity. How cool is that! Wheeeeeee!!!!

In other news, I've got 3 things due this Friday. Brief today, deadline on Friday. *meep*

2008-03-29T00:32:00.002+08:00

The first week was very discouraging and I really felt that they wouldn't offer me a permanent position. The past week however has been the total opposite. I really felt very happy because I was able to come up with stuff that the really team liked and today, I was given a hint that they might employ me on a permanent basis. I'm really glad cuz I've been enjoying what I've been doing so far and the agency and the staff are really nice. I don't really mind working late so much.

Thank you for all your prayers! I really appreciate it. =)

2008-03-25T23:39:00.000+08:00

The meeting ends at 8pm. Then, "Rachel, can you write 50 captions of 25 words or more on why or how you enjoy 'product x', and hand it in to me tomorrow morning." *dies*
('Product x' is a client of my agency and is running a contest now which is managed by my agency.)

I have to write 50 captions, FIFTY CAPTIONS, all 25 words or more, all about the same product because stupid Singaporeans don't know how to follow basic instructions even if it involves winning a prize. The rules of participating clearly states that you have to write a caption about how you enjoy that product etc. But I guess most Singaporeans are either a) stupid b) lazy c) uncreative. I think it's all of the above.

So I have to clean up peoples leftovers all because "product x' company needs the numbers for their contest.

Oy vay.

But I did it! With the help of my wonderful boyfriend who is capable of crapping a lot hence helping me come up with quite a few. xP

2008-03-18T23:35:00.002+08:00

This is so much harder than I thought. I didn't think I would have to try so hard. I knew what I was getting into but it doesn't really hit you until you actually start.

The language comes easy for me. But it kinda stops there. I'm used to descriptive writing. Writing to tell a story. Copywriting on the other hand is all about selling and I've never sold anything in my life. I don't know how to be persuasive, nor do I know what makes people tick because I just really don't give a damn. That, is bad. I think my best sales line would be, "Buy la. Please." Hahahahahaha

Ooookay...

So I need help and some major guidance. Now I've been thrown in the deep-end and I'm struggling. My copy is too wordy and lacks personality, and I'm taking too long to churn it out. I'm too shy and I don't speak up. I seriously doubt if I am any help at all. I hope the designers aren't frustrated.

I don't know how long or short my stint here is gonna be, but I have decided not to give up. I'm gonna try my best and learn as much as I can. I am enjoying myself and I do like proof reading. A job that pays me to correct people's English! Yay!

I'm just frustrated now because I wanna be good, and I wanna get a permanent position. But, baby steps....

2008-02-25T12:42:00.001+08:00

2007-12-20T03:10:00.000+08:00

I'm having a great time here. Shopping alot (not enough though), eating alot. I think I gained all back all the weight I lost. Haha. Oh well. I've only got a few days left. Noooo..... And I still haven't really got me Krispy Kreme's. *complains* There wasn't a store in San Fran and the store in Phoenix closed down! *complains again* I only got some from a deli that was selling them in San Fran. Bugger.

Anyway, it's nice and cool here. I love the weather but Phoenix is too hot. San Fran was much nicer.

I see Miss Koh is back from down under. I will see you soon!!! Deb, when you called that day I was still asleep.

Anyways, I got to go. Going shopping. =P

2007-12-04T03:15:00.000+08:00

I miss my guild. I'm kinda surprised at how sad I am that it's gone. I had been thinking of leaving and now I don't have to. Seeing as how I'll be away for 2 weeks soon, this couldn't have come at a better time. :/

vio.undead.abs.dreamer.tee.cloa.twinn
breaker.groove.kac.lili.sarini.sky.tah.dj.andy.midget

30-53

2007-11-06T15:44:00.000+08:00

I will be away in December for a few weeks for a holiday and to visit my relatives in the States. This is very vague I know but if Ms Deborah Koh wants to know when I'll be away then she has to divulge her return date with me. Hehehehehe

2007-11-04T14:28:00.000+08:00

My birthday was on Friday and on Saturday, Gene and I went to Pasir Ris park because I wanted to see the horses there. I LOVE HORSES!!!! And this little one is so cute! It has a very silly looking haircut too. Hehe

Seeing as I'm now all grown up, I couldn't resist playing in the huge playground there. Haha. What fun!

Oooo... Funny story! At the end of this slide, I FELL. I dunno what happened but I lost my balance and I landed very awkwardly in the sand. *pouts* So many people saw that fall, DAMMIT. I heard one mother nearby say, "jie jie fall down." Ugghhh..... I had sand all over my butt and legs. Bleah......

I loved this when I was a kid, so I just had to climb up again, though this time I was hanging on for my dear life, trying to make sure I didn't slip and fall. AND I DIDN'T.

You can stop laughing now. -_-

And for dinner, Gene took me to Shaslik!! The Borsch soup was so delicious!!! But the mostest fantasticus dish of the night was the dessert!!! We ordered a Baked Alaska and the waitress flambéed it before serving it to us. Whee... It was so so good. I wanna have it again. :D

Then at the very end of the day, he gave me my present! :D

A PSP-Slim! How cool is that! I can't believe he actually bought me a PSP!!!! YAY!!!

Thank you to all who wished me a Happy Birthday! I love all of you and I did have a great one. :)

2007-09-26T00:11:00.000+08:00

If you have been to the National Library lately, you would have noticed that they have a board where they allow library goers to stick notes on why they love their library. There were some cute ones, some funny ones and the usual boring ones that said, "because I love to read!".

I found this one particularly amusing.

2007-09-07T11:47:00.000+08:00

Today's my darling's birthday!!

What are we doing today to celebrate? Nothing, because he has some stupid talk to attend in the morning and I have youth service in the evening. But, I celebrated his birthday yesterday.

We kicked off the celebration with him coming over for lunch. We decided to cook as he wanted to try something he watched on some cooking show on the Discovery Travel and Living channel. So for the first time in his life, he was over the stove cooking something other than Maggie mee. I think we did pretty well for a first time attempt. Then I surprised him with a chocolate cake that I baked specially for him. I spent most of my Wednesday making it. He was very very happy, and we had a slice for dessert.

Then we went to his place for a little RnR and ended up sleeping for about 2 hours.
But not before I gave him a little surprise.*cheeky grin*
He's a big pig. Hehe.... I happened to wake and casually checked the time, "!!!! It's 4.45pm already!" I prodded him awake and I washed up a bit then we left for Bugis Junction. I was taking him to dinner at the Olive Tree at Hotel Inter-Continental where I treated him to the buffet dinner. The food was fantabulous as expected and I had a whale of a time eating the fresh prawns and mussels. I only had one gripe. Their pumpkin soup. It tasted exactly like Horlicks. I kid you not. It was so strange drinking it. The best part of the dinner was, if you guess the dessert table, you were absolutely right. Besides the usual fair of cakes, panna cottas and fruits, you could ask for a crepe with a selected filling of your choice (we went for the banana and caramel, which was oh so heavenly), or a chocolate lava cake (which tasted as fantastic as it smelled) made on the spot for you.

Needless to say by the end of the evening, we were stuffed.

He says this is one of his best birthdays ever. *beams*

------

Making his birthday cake:

2007-09-04T13:17:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I asked Gene to accompany me to the Army Open House. I wanted to ride in the tanks, do some live firing and do the flying-fox and rappelling activities. Although he didn't want to go, he was so sweet and agreed to take me.

We got there at about 11.30am and there was already a ton of people. Our first stop was the main area near the entrance which they called "Hardware Land". *rolls eyes* There we saw the new leopard tank, the Chinook and Apache helicopters. We were allowed to walk through the Chinook and as we were walking through, a boy some places behind us started remarking, "So smelly, so smelly..." Cuz it did kinda stink a little and in retort, his sister went, "So smelly, so smelly. Next time your army how?" Hahaha

Also, Gene showed me which tanks he works with and explained to me what he does. Yeah... I hope there's never a war. So anyway, I got really hungry because I didn't eat much for breakfast so we headed over to "Yummy Land" *rolls eyes again* to get something to eat. I didn't bother to queue for the army rations sampling so we headed to the muslim food stall to buy food. As we sat down to eat, Gene said that he couldn't believe I made him come back during his holidays to eat army food. =P

Then as we finished eating, it started to rain. DAMN IT. And it rain and it rain and it rain and didn't stop raining. So I didn't get to do anything I wanted to do because of the extremely long queues and the cancellation of the many outdoor activities. Though I did get to fire the SAR 21 assault rifle in an indoor combat simulation. But it wasn't fun! *pouts* It was just a kneel, aim and shoot thing. Though they did teach us how to reload the rifle.

Then to get out of the rain, we went to an indoor exhibition of the whole army experience. At a mock up of an army bunk, a young boy was posing for a picture with some army gear on. As his dad was taking the photo, his mom said, "See, next time you have to fold your own blanket. So you better start now." Hahaha.... Poor kid. And also in the exhibition, was the CB leaf. Haha. Gene picked it up and showed me exactly why it was called that.

Overall, it was not a very good day. There were too many kids, too much queuing and of course the rain had to ruin it all.

Gene said that if I was so interested to do all the shooting and riding in tanks and stuff, I should sign-on. Then I could do all that as many times as I liked.

So I did.

------

Some photos from the day:

2007-09-02T00:34:00.000+08:00

The school holidays have started!!! Yay!!!

On Saturday, Gene and I brought Kate to the Botanic Gardens. Kate was so happy. She loves to go out with me and loves to be taken on car rides. We picnicked at a nice shady spot under some palm trees on the grassy knoll by the stage. Kate had a nice time smelling everything and running around when we played "fetch" with a fruit of the palm tree which had fallen with a loud thud just by our little picnic mat. Fortunately it didn't land on any of our heads.

Today was our day out at Comex. He bought a laptop for his mom and I bought a wireless card for my..... erm... I mean his laptop. Well, I am using it now, so let's call it mine. ;P I can now surf the internet in the comfort of my room!! Yay!

2007-08-27T15:46:00.000+08:00

...... errr.........What??

Word for the wise: Don't bother trying to understand her nonsensical, incoherent response.

2007-08-20T19:16:00.000+08:00

I love Sesame Street. Jim Henson was a genius. They don't have shows like that anymore.
This is one of my absolute favorite sketches from Sesame Street.

Heeeeere FISHY FISHY FISHY!!!! Hilarious!!

2007-08-19T17:14:00.000+08:00

What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time

Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you

All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words
You've got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here

Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you

There's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right

Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
And me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you

What day is it?
And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive

-Lifehouse-

2007-08-13T19:41:00.000+08:00

I love long weekends!

I got to exercise quite a bit. I went roller blading on Thursday and wakeboarding on Friday. I was so excited to go wakeboarding again but I was really nervous too. I hadn't gone in a long while so I was afraid of embarrassing myself. I even had the butterflies in my tummy when it was my turn to go. Fortunately I wasn't as bad as I thought I would be and Gene said I did pretty good! *beams* But I was so so tired after that. On my last run I just couldn't hold on to the handle any longer and just let myself fall. After that I went into "zombie" mode. I just wanted to sleep. Now my whole body's aching. Especially my arms.

I can't wait to go again! =)

2007-07-24T15:04:00.000+08:00

I hope this gets stuck in your head. Misery loves company. xD

2007-07-23T22:54:00.000+08:00

The hairdresser's in the late morning, then afternoon high tea at the Four Seasons.

Currently reading: The Fourth Estate by Jeffery Archer

2007-07-09T00:34:00.000+08:00

070707

I awoke to a sudden downpour at about 7ish in the morning. "Dammit!" I thought, "Why does it have to rain the day Gene and I plan to go to the beach?" Very grouchy by this time having be woken an hour before my alarm was set to go off and not relishing the prospect of having what was supposed to be a lovely day at the beach shelved, I proceeded to try to salvage whatever time I had left to sleep.

Later when I was getting ready for the musicians meeting, I decide, in all the spirit of optimisim, to bring all my stuff along with me. Though it was very dreary, I hoped that the sun would come out to play by the end of my meeting.

No such luck.

Gene picked me up from church at about 1.30pm. He was very late and not in the best of moods. Traffic was horrid and he told me it took him 25 mins from the CTE exit at Potong Pasir to church. Oops. And then we had no idea where to go. So he just kinda drove..... He kinda was in a bad mood already and stupid drivers weren't helping.

At about 2ish in the afternoon, we were near our place when suddenly the sun came out! We quickly went back to his place to get his stuff and soon found ourselves at Tanjong beach in Sentosa. Yay!

We had a very interesting time.

Lemme tell you about the ah pek.

While I was reading my book, Gene mentioned to me that there was this ah pek who looks very dodgy. I took no notice at that time, and we didn't bother about him but later when I glanced to my left, I was greeted with a very replusive sight. There he was, this ah pek, lying on his front, sun-tanning. Nothing wrong, you might think, but wait. He's fat, think Moses Lim, and he was wearing a thong. Yes people. A THONG. I turned to Gene to tell him and burst out laughing. And later, he used to cap he was wearing to cover his privates when he turned around. By this time I am laughing again. Disgusted, yes, but very amused.

Then came Gene's favorite part of the day. *Rolls eyes* A few models in bikini's came to the area of the beach we were at and proceeded to have a photoshoot.

Gene and I were trying to think what this photoshoot could be for and while I was explaining to him that it couldn't have been for a magazine because there were too many photographers, 4 photographers to a model, and suddenly....

"Urrrghhhh....."
"What?" I turned and I saw that the ah pek had stood up. *My eyes!* That thong is too small for him and bordering on obscene.
"Why didn't you warn me?!" *Smacks Gene*

The ah pek dresses, thank goodness, and then proceeds to go round to every model, stands very close to where she is posing for the photographers and openly stares at them. CREEPY!!!!!

At night, Gene brought me to Timbre for some drinks and good live music. A local band, Goodfellas, was playing that night and he brought me to hear them. They were very very good. Their sound was fantastic, and the two lead singers voices are awesome. They were able to switch genres [Ray Charles, The Temptations, Black Eye Peas, Radiohead, The Killers etc.] effortlessly and were extremely entertaining to watch. Great stuff.

So my Saturday was fantastic.

On Sunday, Gene and I went to the Car-nival at the Expo after lunch. There were plenty plenty people!!! And I bought boring black neck-rests for the car cuz he wouldn't let me get the cute doggie ones. After that we went to J8 to get earrings and met his family at Pow Sing in Serangoon Gardens for dinner.

Currently reading: Father Frank by Paul Burke

2007-06-13T10:32:00.000+08:00

I am $10 poorer.

At Vivo City on yesterday, Gene and I were walking around and ventured to the playground outdoors. There were these little blue tunnels mounted on a bit of tyre, all leading to each other. I told him I'd give him 10 bucks if he crawled through all of it. I didn't think he'd do it as there were quite a few people around but he promptly handed me the ice cream we were eating and started crawling through. Then two little kids ran to the tunnels and followed behind him! Man, I was lauging so hard...

After Lian Teck's wedding dinner, we took a walk around the Esplanade/Fullerton area and had a really great "serious" talk about the past, present and the future.

I felt that that was the right time to ask him about LY. I never asked him before because we were ok, and I didn't want to rock the boat but there was the occasional nagging worry at the back of my mind. He was really great about it and now I know I have nothing to worry about.

And the future's lookin' good.... =)

2007-06-07T11:55:00.000+08:00

Who needs the Donut Factory when you have Krispy Kreme???

He's coming back today PLUS I get donuts!!! Muahahahahahahahaha

*dances*

I went shopping yesterday all by lonesome to get a dress, a teddy bear for an award and Jamie's present. Turns out I didn't have to shop alone! I met Huimin and Shu Ai at the Heeren! Talk about chance encounters. You girls were so much fun! I'm glad we bumped into each other! Oh and I also saw *coughcoughcoughcough* at Tangs. (Was it a date? Huh? Was it? Was it? *grins*)

2007-06-05T23:07:00.000+08:00

Our travel schedules were kinda horrid. His more than mine. I wonder what kinda holiday this is supposed to be when he has to be away on work related trips more than half the time. He was away in Perth just before I went to Pahang for my youth camp. He came back on the 31st, while I extended my stay and went to KL arriving back only on Sunday night. He left for Malacca for a hockey trip early the next morning. -_-"

Anyway, Redprint was awesome! Hehehe... Now I can use all the stuff I did for my portfolio. Haha! To the Camp Committee, you guys were awesome! Everyone gave of themselves and God took it and made a great camp! I don't think anyone of us will ever forget this. I'm proud to say that I was in this pioneer batch of campers, while working with a great team. Here's to many greater camps to come!

Thank you Lord for EVERYTHING. For all Your blessings, the tremendous move of Your Spirit, for Your hand of protection and for really teaching us how to trust in You.

After everyone left for Singapore on Friday, Paul and I went to do a bit of exploring. All that nature really piqued our curiosity. My brother spotted a hornet's nest and we saw 2 hornbills, most likely the Rhinoceros Hornbill.

Hornet's Nest

Some insect colony. They are below the sand and create the holes by kicking away grains of sand with their hind legs. I think. I saw the legs. Didn't see the insect though.

A vast bed of water lilies at a river near the resort.

After that, I went to get a bit of a tan while he went for a swim in the sea and we ended up messing around with a bunch hermit crabs. We also saw a star fish and caught a crab (It's width was about 5cm). It's not huge I know, but it was way bigger than the tiny crabs making their homes on the beach. After that, I went to ride the horse! Their owner, Ben, is a really friendly guy. He used to be a jockey but got badly injured in a fall. He can still ride though not as well as before. Everyday he brings 2 of his horses from his ranch nearby to Summerset Resort for guests to ride. It's not free of course but it's affordable. I absolutely LOVE horses. If I had the money I would definately learn to ride them. It's a bit useless in Singapore though. Riding horses in a small designated area is no fun.

Paul and I on the horses. Ben's in the orange t-shirt.

Ok, this you have to see. It was taken at the hotel at night and it's really creepy. You have to tilt your head to see this video, I'm sorry, I took the video vertically on my camera. I don't know how to rotate it around. Get ready for the flying army of flying ants!

My family left for KL early Saturday morning. We only reached KL in the afternoon and took the train to Chinatown to meet Franklin's family. We spent the rest of the day there. The next morning we went to eat the famous Ampang Yong Tau Foo for breakfast because my dad wanted to and because of the lack of time, they wanted to for go shopping and head back to Singapore. !!!!!!!!!! After my *ahem* complaints, we decided to check out of the hotel and head to Mid-Valley Mega Mall for 2 hours (2 hours!!!!! Lemme repeat: MEGA MALL *faints*) of shopping then drive on home. 2 hours was so not enough. I was rushing from shop to shop, I didn't even have enough time to browse properly. At least I bought a pair of shorts from Body Glove that was 50% off, a necklace, a top and a pair of heels. Oh and I also bought a Ripcurl and Kenneth Cole shirt for him. The Kenneth Cole was such a good deal! I'm making up for the Four Seasons high tea ok. Anyway I hope he likes it and I hope it fits! Paul and I also bought a box of Dunkin Donuts. Krispy Kreme still better. Hehehe.

2 more days till he comes back! *sigh..............*

2007-05-20T12:39:00.000+08:00

Gene came to pick me up after church, on Saturday. (In case some of you were wondering why I disappeared so quickly, that's why.) So anyway, I asked why he was dressed up and he said he was going to make it up to me for forgetting to include me to play paintball on Friday and hoped I hadn't had to much to eat for breakfast. He was going to bring me for high tea!!! Yay!! So he gave me a few choices and I picked the Four Seasons since it was one of the cheaper ones on the list he wrote down. [$25++ (per person)] The Saturday high tea there features local and Asian cuisine. The food was fantastic and we really really enjoyed ourselves. Then the the bill came and I found out it was $48++ (per person). OOPS. I felt so bad after that but he was so nice and said it was ok and that it was good food and we had a good time. Well, it really wasn't my fault cuz he got the price wrong but I also should have known better than to think the Four Seasons was that cheap. Oh well.

I had a great weekend. =)

Currently re-reading: A Clash of Kings [Book 2 of A Song of Ice and Fire] by George R. R. Martin

2007-05-04T15:38:00.000+08:00

While I was at Gene's desk I saw a pile of multiple choice question sheets to be marked. As some of you may know, it's the exam period.

So I looked to see which class it was from and the name of the boy. And this is what I saw.

Write your Name (as in NRIC): __eg:S98765432I__

Hahahahaha!! What a brightspark! Hahaha! Either he's too stressed out and nervous or he's an idiot. And he wasn't Sec 1, or 2. He was a Sec 3 kid. Tsk tsk tsk.

2007-05-03T07:39:00.000+08:00

I really hate it when sales people harrass you. Good service is one thing, but following you around and constantly getting stuff to show you is really something else altogether. Why can't I just be left to browse in peace? Even if I see something in the shop I like, I'll never get it because I'd hate to spend another moment in there.

Yesterday, while waiting for the bus at Toa Payoh Interchange, I decided to do a little shopping. I had about 15 mins to kill. I walked into a shop to check out some clothes. As I was browsing through their rack of skirts, the salesgirl approaches me and tells me to feel free to look around in chinese. I smile and nod. Then while I was still browsing, she goes over to another rack and gets a skirt to show me and starts telling me something I didn't really understand but I politely say to her in chinese, yes, in chinese, "Ok, wo zi ji kan." Which roughly translates to "I can browse on my own". I move on to another rack, and she does it again! Keeps trying to point out stuff to me in the rack then takes something else to show me. Again I tell her, "Wo zi ji kan." I move on to the back of the shop to look at other stuff and doggone it, SHE DOES IT AGAIN! By this time I'm really thinking, wtf is wrong with this woman? And it's really starting to piss me off so I make my way out of the shop and ANOTHER salesgirl come at me with a pair of pants and starts telling me something, but I walk out leaving her in mid sentance. Which part of WO ZI JI KAN did she NOT understand? And I thought my chinese was bad. Idiots.

Anyway, I bought a new pair of Nike Dunks! *dances* I'm so happy!!! *dances* And, Gene came over for dinner with the family on Tuesday night. It went pretty well. I think I was more nervous than he was.

After work today, if the weather permits, I'll go for a swim and maybe enjoy the sauna for a bit before heading down to church for music practice. Please don't rain, please don't rain!!!

Currently reading: In the Presence of Mine Enemies by Harry Turtledove

2007-04-23T08:59:00.000+08:00

Oh, my aching legs.....

I am very proud of myself. On Saturday morning Gene and I went for a trek at Macritchie Reservoir because I wanted to go check out the tree-top walk. If it were really up to me, I would have driven to the entrance at the Singapore Island Country Club and walked the approximate 1 hour trail. But he said we'll walk, from my place, and so we did. And if it were really up to me, I would have taken the bus home after we got there and finished the tree-top walk. But he said we'll walk back, and so we did.

We took the blue route then took the yellow route on the way back.

Route 3 [Blue]
Distance: 1o.3 km

Route 4 [Yellow]
Distance: 11 km

Traced in dark red is the route we walked. The star defines our start and end point (The reservoir entrance near the Little Sisters of the Poor.).

I walked for more than 10 km! *gasp* Our trek took us 4 hours to complete and then I still had to walk to Longhouse to have lunch. I was so darned thirsty after that.

But I had a lot of fun and all that exercise and fresh air was really good. I definately worked off the 2 Krispy Kremes I had the night before.

In the evening we met his friends for dinner. We went to Komala Villas at Little India. That was the place he brought me to on our first date. I remember it being pretty funny because he didn't tell me that they wouldn't give us any cutlery and after being a little mortified, I proceeded to eat my thosai very "daintily", or so he says. Anyway, their food is really good. Their masala chicken was really hot but really really delicious! Then we went to China 1 at Clarke Quay to see his friend's band play.

Ok, now I am hungry and need to look for food.

2007-04-17T09:27:00.000+08:00

We lost to them 15 (2 tries, 1 penalty, 1 conversion) - 3 (1 penalty).

I can't believe we let those haughty little asswipes win. They had the audacity to send two of their lot to run pass our area with thier flag (wtf), and then continued on to complete the full running track. However they got stopped approx. 250 meters into what they considered a run and were reprimanded. *snicker* I felt like taking their stupid flag and shoving it up their asses.
*takes deep breath*
So anyway, I felt so sad after the match yesterday. Especially for the boys, I'm sure most of them really tried so hard and they were so disappointed. I think the boys needed the win more than the other school did.
Ahh... well. There's always next year.

Currently reading: The Illuminator by Brenda Rickman Vantrease

2007-04-16T11:19:00.000+08:00

We went swimming on Saturday. It's been a long time since I last swam because I refuse to go to public swimming pools. The toilets are so dirty and they don't have hot water. Not to mention you'd probably have to queue for a cubicle. So anyways, we went to his club to have a swim and it was very bright and sunny. I was pretty pleased, hoping to get a tan but as soon as we stepped into the pool, the dark clouds starting rolling in and about an hour later after abit of thunder and lighting we got out. It rained and stopped while I was washing up and when we drove off the sun came out again. !!!! It's a conspiracy. We were prevented from blading last week because of the rain too!

I think I over strained myself. My arms and thighs were aching like crazy after that. It was agony trying to wash my hair cuz it hurt to lift my arms up. The last time I felt like that was after the last time I went snowboarding, and then I promptly fell sick the next day.

We met his friends and went to Botak Jones for dinner. Finally! I'd been wanting to try out that place for a long time. The food was really good! Went to his friends place to chill after that, and we bought ice cream. Ben & Jerry's Dublin Mudslide and Turtle Soup. YUMMY!!

I was so exhausted, I had the best sleep ever on Saturday night.

A great Saturday kinda makes up for a slightly less then crappy Friday. Being in a leadership position is not something I gleefully take, but it's a responsiblility that I will bear. I don't regret what I did because that is my responsibility.

2007-04-11T14:34:00.000+08:00

"armor locked and he fell face first.. cannot get up cos armor too heavy and he's too dumb to take it off."
*snickerfit* So that's why he's still writhing on the ground.

Anyhoo... I brought Gene home to meet my parents yesterday. Just a short "hi-bye" thing. My mom says she'll arrange dinner sometime. Heh. I think my parents must have been like, "Thank goodness! Finally!" My dad was very..... amused. o_O

2007-04-10T07:32:00.000+08:00

Some graphic I did for a Good Friday performance.

Friday: Bought a bunch of books at the Books warehouse sale.
Saturday: Was suppsed to go blading but watched a marathon session of House, season 3, instead.
Sunday: Fanny Bay oysters and the desserts at the Cricket Club! Yum!

My dog is currently undergoing her routine twice a year shedding. Shelties have a double coat. The topcoat consists of long, straight, water-repellent hair, which provides some protection from cold and the elements. The undercoat is short, furry, and very dense in order to help keep the dog warm. It is mostly the undercoat that's shed and I had to groom her yesterday to minimise the little balls of fur flying round the house. That whole pile next to her is the amount of fur I combed out.

Shetland Sheepdog fur-coat anyone?

The very thought of you, and I forget to do the little ordinary things that everyone ought to do. I'm living in a kind of daydream, I'm happy as a king, and foolish though it may seem, to me that's everything. The mere idea of you, the longing here for you, you'll never know how slow the moments go till I'm near to you. I see your face in every flower, your eyes in stars above. It's just the thought of you, the very thought of you, my love.

2007-03-29T08:52:00.000+08:00

On March 12, a few of us from work went to MINT, Museum of toys. It's the world's first purpose-built toy museum and you can find it at Seah Street, next to Raffles Hotel. We were told that what was on display at the museum was only approx. 10% of Mr. Chang Yang Fa's [the owner of MINT] total collection. Thus, the toys on display would be changed every 6 months. Pretty neat.

Below are pictures from that day.

Lookie it's Pweter Wabbit...

Spinach anyone?

Vanna White in disguise

Ka-POW!
Does anyone remember the really old school Batman and Robin show they used to show on tv?

You can visit MINT's website here.

Oh, then afterwards we went to NYDC where I was treated to dinner. *big grin*

Currently re-reading: A Game of Thrones [Book 2 of A Song of Ice and Fire] by George R. R. Martin
:mon

2007-03-23T08:36:00.001+08:00

Last night, Gene and I had dinner at this very nice little restaurent called The Black Sheep Cafe. It's near Seletar Hills, at Jln Kelulut, the lane next to the Church of St. Vincent De Paul. It serves delicious gourmet food at affordable prices. Everything we had was absolutely fantastic!

For the starter, we had a Caesar salad with something prawns. Haha. I don't remember what that something was. I just eat only. The prawns was just how I like them, big, succulent and crunchy. Yum! For our main course, we had the duck confit with apple rosti and the lamb shank served on a bed of mashed potatoes. I don't remember what the lamb shank was called exactly but it was good! Oh oh, funny story! When the lamb shank came, he asked me, "What part of the chicken is this huh? How come it's like that?" I stared at him and asked, "Do you remember what you ordered?" Then he thinks for a bit and goes, "Oh right! The lamb!" Hahahaha... Silly!!

Me finishing up the duck
and Gene eating the tiramisu we had for dessert.

Currently reading: The Knight Templar by Jan Guillou

2007-03-16T21:42:00.000+08:00

I love you baby.

I couldn't have been happier.

2007-03-14T12:01:00.000+08:00

The 5-Factor Personality Test

I was bored. So since Tickle was offering me one of their premium test with a free personalized report, I decided to take it.

Your 5-Factor Personality Report

Rachel, your most unique quality is that you are
agreeable

You believe that people are inherently good and tend to listen to your heart in important matters. You are gentle and have a sincere desire to help and trust others. You are straightforward but don't tend to brag about yourself or your lot in life. You're amenable to people's suggestions, and you are good at helping people realize their own talents, which only makes people like you more. Compared to others who of all test takers have this unique combination of personality strengths.

How do we know this about you?
The questions you answered on the test measured your scores on 5 overarching personality qualities, or factors, as well as the 30 specific personality traits that make up those 5 factors. We then compared all of your scores to the thousands of other people who have taken this test to determine what sets you apart from the crowd.

What are these "5 Factors?" What do the five factors represent? The easiest way to remember them is to use the acronym "OCEAN," which stands for
O: Openness to experience
C: Conscientiousness
E: Extraversion
A: Agreeableness
N: Negative emotionality

These five factors have been studied for decades and make up the most widely accepted theoretical model for understanding personality.

The following sections explain what each of these factors is in more detail, and shows you the six personality traits that combine together to make up each of the factors (a total of 30 traits in all).

Factor 1: Openess to experience
Which traits make up my score on this factor?
Your level of openness is determined by six traits: how imaginative you are, how much you appreciate art and aesthetics, how in touch you are with your emotions, how much you like new experiences, how broad your interests are, and how mutable your values are.

As with all the factors, they measure you on a continuum of different qualities. Someone who is at one end of the scale has one set of qualities while someone at the other end has a set of different qualities.

Based on your scores, we can tell that you are open to experiences, and you have a wide variety of interests. In fact, you're more likely to seek a new experience for the first time, rather than do something you're already familiar with. When it comes right down to it, you love to learn and you're highly creative.

There are six different personality traits that primarily determine your level of openness.

Openness Trait 1: Ideas
Everyone has ideas. But as a personality trait, the word "ideas" refers to how broad your interests are and how strongly you're driven to explore your ideas and consider new thoughts.

Your Ideas rating is 100 out of 100. This indicates that you've got a strong curiosity that propels you forward. Sometimes particular experiences will fuel your strong motivation to understand the world, and suddenly you'll be exploring a whole new set of possibilities. When something really piques your curiosity, you will work hard to figure it out, knowing that just the process of searching for the answer will teach you about how the world works.

Openness Trait 2: Fantasy
Your Fantasy rating is 88 out of 100. This means that, relative to others, you have an active imagination. You're more of a daydreamer than a realist, and you love to think up new ideas and to imagine new possibilities. It also means that you're more curious than others and are able to find beauty in most of the things you see. The only hitch is that in the absence of a variety of interesting experiences you may begin to grow bored. Also, if the task on hand is only mildly of interest, procrastination can kick in.

Openness Trait 3: Feelings
Everyone has feelings, but some tend to pay more attention to them than others. Your Feelings rating is 75 out of 100. You believe that emotions are valuable and are less likely than others to bottle up any emotion, deeming it "bad" or "wrong" to experience. You're also more likely to learn from your feelings regardless of what they are. What's more, you believe in people. You are the person friends come to when things get rough, partly because you're caring and prepared for any emotional situation, and partly because of your belief in human nature itself.

Openness Trait 4: Values
Most people have some values that they are willing to reconsider from time to time. But there are other values that are harder to question — especially those you've been practicing for years or that have helped you make difficult decisions in the past. Generally speaking, however, some people are more willing than others to reexamine their values.

Your Values rating is 64 out of 100. This means that you're relatively flexible and are willing to change your beliefs if you're faced with evidence that they may no longer be applicable or functional. You want to believe what is true, rather than hide behind untrue beliefs that protect you or make you feel more comfortable. You're open to truly questioning your outlook. When it comes down to it, you're all about possibility rather than subscribing to a rigid, unchangeable set of values, and you use that to make the best out of life.

Openness Trait 5: Aesthetics
Your Aesthetics rating is 63 out of 100. This means that, relative to others, you value the beauty of things, especially when it comes to art or interior design. You have a natural love of these things that just kicks in whenever you're in the presence of something truly beautiful. This can at times prove to be a little dangerous to your pocketbook if you're so taken by an object you have to purchase it for yourself instead of appreciating it in it's own right. But your desire to see the beauty in things also allows you to see the beauty in others and to consequently treat them with more kindness and generosity.

Openness Trait 6: Actions
The word "actions" for the purposes of this kind of personality test means the extent to which you gravitate toward new and unusual experiences or stick with what you know you like — with what is familiar.

Your Actions rating is 38 out of 100. This indicates that you prefer to stick to what you know you like. In life, everything has a proper place, and once you find that proper place, you'll use it. You'd rather know ahead of time what you're getting, rather than being surprised with something that — chances are — won't be as good as what you know you like already. This makes you a more predictable person, which is highly comforting to those who, like you, are not thrilled when confronted by a new experience and its subsequent unfamiliarity.

Factor 2: Conscientiousness
Which traits make up my score on this factor?
Conscientiousness is a word that describes a conglomeration of several traits, including your level of confidence, how orderly you are, the extent to which you are dependable, how driven you are to be successful, how much self discipline you have, and whether you think through things before you act. Overall, it is, essentially, accountability.

Your answers to the test indicate that others consider you "free-spirited". You're motivated to enjoy all of life's pleasures, and this motivation refuses to be shut down or pushed to the side. You know that life is about pursuing dreams, but also that it is about pursuing pleasure and not delaying gratification until it is too late to enjoy it.

There are six different personality traits that primarily determine your level of conscientiousness.

Conscientiousness Trait 1: Deliberation
To deliberate is to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision and to really think things through before you do something.

Your Deliberation rating is 66 out of 100. You like to think things through. Rather than jumping to conclusions or making up your mind and then not taking in any more evidence to the contrary, you prefer to weigh the possibilities and then, only when you're through collecting information, make a decision. Others are likely to experience you as levelheaded and rational but may not understand where all your questions come from. Because of this, you can also come off as relatively serious to others; they may interpret your questions and reluctance to take things on faith as unnecessarily skeptical.

Conscientiousness Trait 2: Order
When it comes to personality, order means you know where all your belongings are. You know what is going to happen and when. When things are orderly, you can find what you need when you need it.

Your Orderly rating is 63 out of 100. You have it together. You have things set up so that your life doesn't feel like a mess half of the time. You're organized, which is helpful both at home and at work, and in cooperating with anyone else who isn't quite so organized. To be organized, you need to be prepared, which you almost always are. You're also likely to establish routines that support your desire for order. At times, this can lead to something of a rut but usually is very useful and positive.

Conscientiousness Trait 3: Achievement-Striving
When a person desires great success, or always seems to be reaching for the highest star in the sky, they're likely to score high in the achievement-striving trait.

Your Achievement rating is 52 out of 100. This means that you care about your achievements in life. You don't want to look back at the end of your life only to realize you didn't accomplish anything. This may make you a little competitive at times, but that only adds to the excitement and thrill you get from accomplishing your goal or at least working in that direction. To be as achievement-oriented as you are requires an ability to imagine the future. If you can't picture yourself as succeeding at whatever you're working toward, it makes it harder to actually get there. Working to accomplish something, however, can take away your time and energy and can even shut you down emotionally at times — so keep a careful eye on yourself and your actions when striving to achieve any goals you may have and make sure your life is balanced.

Conscientiousness Trait 4: Dutifulness
To be dutiful is to be reliable and to follow through on your obligations.

Your Dutiful rating is 51 out of 100. You're the kind of person other people can count on. You're "the rock" that others lean on. Whatever the occasion, you're there to help, there for your friends, there when needed. You have your stuff together — otherwise how could you really follow through on your desire to help? Typically, being dutiful means you're honest, too. And as if all this wasn't good enough, you're also unlikely to look down on others. As long as you don't forget that no one can always be "the rock" and that you also need to lean on others at times, you can lead a balanced life. You can know that it's not just you who's holding down the fort.

Conscientiousness Trait 5: Competence
Competence is the feeling that you know what you're doing, that you're able to do what you need to do, and that you can do it well.

Your Competence rating is 50 out of 100. This means that you feel competent in general and know that there are some things that you really excel at. This is great, because a sense of competence is also associated with higher self-esteem. A greater sense of competency allows for freer exploration of ideas: if you're afraid of failing, it is harder to try new things or consider new ideas. It is also a practical trait to have in that, when you believe that you can handle anything, difficult and stressful situations are easier to deal with.

Conscientiousness Trait 6: Self-Discipline
We're all faced with things we don't want to do from time to time. And what do most of us do in that situation? Procrastinate. You may, for instance, get sidetracked by something more "fun" and conveniently forget what it was that you had originally intended to do. Where do you lie on the continuum of self-discipline?

Your Self-discipline rating is 13 out of 100. This means that from time to time, a tempting situation may put you off course a bit. Rather than letting life's succulence pass you by, you reach out and grab what looks good to you along the way. Unfortunately, this can sometimes mean that you have trouble reaching goals that are less immediate (such as changing professions), even though you have little trouble reaching more immediate goals (such as taking the afternoon off when the first half of the day has been overly stressful.) Thus it is the balance of these two that is a challenge for you.

Factor 3: Extraversion
Which traits make up my score on this factor?
Picture the most social person you've ever met — most likely on the lookout for leadership positions, involved in everything, and a friend to everyone. You know the type: The Big Man — or Woman — On Campus. We all share this outgoing nature or extraversion to a greater or lesser extent. The opposite of extraversion is introversion, which is associated with more quiet introspection and more alone time. People who are introverted tend to focus more on depth rather than breadth, which is opposite of an extravert. For example, you'd rather know a few things inside and out rather than be the proverbial Jack of all trades and master of none.

Your answers indicate that you are more introverted than others. You're more likely to keep your opinions to yourself, preferring not to be the center of attention. You get energy from spending time alone, collecting your thoughts, and looking inward. High intensity social situations can be draining for you. When it comes to work, you're more likely to want to work independently and to be able to take time to think through the issues on your own. Working in a group setting can be distracting to your thought process.

There are six different personality traits that primarily determine your level of extraversion.

Extraversion Trait 1: Positive Emotions
The trait of "positive emotions" refers to whether or not you generally feel good about your life. Is your mood usually positive and light or dark and heavy? People high in positive emotions love their life; people who are low tend to have more negative thoughts and feelings.

Your Positive Emotions rating is 88 out of 100. You light up people's lives. You bring hope and trust to any situation, and you believe that anything is possible. Generally, though your convictions are strong, you're not bothered when other people disagree with you — or, more accurately — you don't let it get in your way. You know people mean well but that doesn't mean they're right. Your kind heart and positive spirit keep you and others around you feeling good about life and its possibilities.

Extraversion Trait 2: Excitement-Seeking
People who are excitement seeking just can't wait to get their hands on a new thrill. They find the exciting element in everything, and if it's not thrilling enough, they search for more.

Your Excitement-seeking rating is 75 out of 100. This means that you're full of positive energy. Always searching for something new and exciting, you'll check out anything that appears to be a good opportunity to experience something you've never experienced before. You might be a little overly eager to jump right into something new, which ultimately leads you to a wide variety of experiences — some amazing ones, some not so amazing. One thing is certain: All the while, you're learning about life and yourself. The more experiences you have, as a general rule, the wiser you'll be.

Extraversion Trait 3: Activity
Some people are always on the go and can barely take a moment to relax. Others arrange their lives so that they have ample time to spend leisurely, without any obligations or interruptions.

Your Activity rating is 50 out of 100. You're the one who's several steps ahead of the rest. You've got a fire in your belly that keeps you on the go and keeps you active and looking for something interesting and adventurous to do. It's even better if you've got someone to share your drive and to do all of those activities with. Your determination and search for excitement spurs others on and gets them going.

Extraversion Trait 4: Warmth
Generally, people who are warm are loving, giving people who really enjoy the company of others.

Your Warmth rating is 38 out of 100. This indicates that you're not as warm and friendly as some other people are. You might have your bad days, or even bad weeks, that make you want to turn inward until you're feeling better. It can be too much to reach out to others at times, especially when they are overly emotional or needy.

Extraversion Trait 5: Assertiveness
Assertiveness is generally considered to be a positive trait. It is the ability to share your opinions with others and to speak up for yourself, especially when it counts.

Your Assertiveness rating is 25 out of 100. This means you're likely to keep your opinions to yourself. Your way of guarding yourself is to not let others know you and to appease them at times in order to avoid a confrontation where you have to defend your opinions. You also have good self-control when it comes to your interactions with other people. While some people may not have the forethought to stop themselves from sharing an unwelcome opinion, you know how to stay reserved and wait it out. Thus, you have a tendency to be diplomatic. This can cause internal conflict when you really strongly believe in something and someone is contradicting you, you have to decide to either fight for yourself or just go with what they think and want. In most cases going with their preference is fine, but when it comes to really important issues, this could present difficulty for you.

Extraversion Trait 6: Gregariousness
This trait refers to the extent to which you put yourself "out there" socially. Are you the one walking up to others at a party, introducing yourself and shaking hands? Or are you the one who prefers to hang back and wait and see what happens?

Your Gregarious rating is 0 out of 100. This indicates that you'd rather be the one who is approached, over being the one out there introducing yourself to the crowd. You're not likely to spontaneously shout out your opinions while in a group setting, which can be comforting to those who fear negative reactions from others when they share something. It can take you a while to warm up to others you don't know, and when meeting new people, you can feel awkward at times.

Factor 4: Agreeableness
Which traits make up my score on this factor?
This factor generally refers to how positively you view other people and what kind of an effect you have on others. For instance, being guarded and suspicious has a less "agreeable" effect than being open and trusting does. Being compliant and gentle is more agreeable than being stubborn and harsh. Of course, there is a time and a place for being stubborn and harsh; this factor captures whether you generally lean more toward or away from being "agreeable."

Your answers indicate that you are more agreeable than most, meaning that you're easy to be around and that in group settings you blend in easily and naturally. Rather than forcing your own agenda on those around you, you look to see what is needed and how to increase the harmony between people. You'd rather focus on positive interactions than on getting your way or winning an argument.

There are six different personality traits that primarily determine your level of agreeableness.

Agreeableness Trait 1: Altruism
Volunteering to help others and lending a helping hand when you can are examples of altruism in action. Just listening to a friend on the phone when they are in a crisis can be an act of altruism as well. We're all altruistic to a certain extent — however, some people make it a way of life to help others, whereas most of us simply do what we can as things come to us.

Your Altruism rating is 88 out of 100. You're generally upstanding and kind. You genuinely like and appreciate other people, and therefore want to give what you can to help them enjoy their lives. Plus you know that you can help — you see the way you can affect others and are thus inspired to do something for them. The combination of your kindness and steadfastness only serves to support your altruistic tendencies, to make you more likely to actually act when you get the urge to help.

Agreeableness Trait 2: Modesty
There are some people who are great and let the world know about it. And there are others who are great but don't toot their own horn in public — and in general, aren't tempted to.

Your Modesty rating is 85 out of 100. This means that you don't let success inflate your ego. Getting a compliment doesn't send you soaring to the moon with thoughts about how wonderful you are. You are more likely to say something positive about another person's good qualities than you are to get others to pay attention to your greatness. You're also less worried about impressing others — more likely to stick to the truth rather than exaggerating to get others' attention. This also makes you less likely to try to "win" — if you're not making great claims about your greatness, you don't have to worry about defending that greatness every time there is a chance to potentially lose at something. This makes it easier for others to trust you, knowing that you're not likely to "one-up" them just to inflate your own ego.

Agreeableness Trait 3: Tender-Mindedness
Your friend is crying and she wants your help. You can react in many different ways. On one extreme you have the person who reacts with an articulate and rational plan for how to fix the problem. On the other extreme, you have the person who reacts emotionally, supporting the friend through their sympathy. Neither reaction is wrong; they are both helpful in different ways.

Your Tender-Mindedness rating is 52 out of 100. This means you're relatively more tender-minded than you are strictly rational. You use your emotions as a guide for making decisions and understanding the world around you. When someone comes to you with a problem, you are more likely to pay attention to their emotions and your own feelings about the situation, than you are to the logical underlying components of it. Generally speaking, life is less about the goal and more about the process. Rather than fixing the problem, you want to understand it and learn from it, on a deeper level.

Agreeableness Trait 4: Compliance
Compliance is the opposite of competitive. If you're playing with someone who doesn't mind losing and doesn't need to win, you're seeing compliance in action. More generally, compliance is the tendency to go along with things, to avoid creating resistance.

Your Compliance rating is 51 out of 100. You're very laid-back. Usually when you go along with something it is because you don't feel all that strongly about it anyway. And besides, maybe the other person has an idea of something new you could do, which could possibly be fun. When it comes down to it, you just don't want to make any waves, and when others try to get you to do things their way, it doesn't really push your buttons, and therefore you don't feel the need to push back. You're just taking everything in, and few things are important enough to get all that upset about.

Agreeableness Trait 5: Trust
How you look at the world influences what you see in it. If you expect people to be dishonest and hurtful, you will be quick to recognize it when a person's behavior might fit that description. If you expect people to be honest and kind, you will be more liable to notice that behavior instead. It's basically a "what you see is what you get" type of philosophy. Depending on how others have treated you in the past, you may have a keener eye for distrustful behavior than you do for honesty or kindness.

Your Trust rating is 50 out of 100. This means that you see the best in others. You believe that most people are honest and well-intentioned. This comes from a general optimism toward life and an eye for beauty whether in other people or other things. Your patience for others' imperfections helps you to not jump to conclusions about them. Also, you tend to be trustworthy yourself, and so it is easy for you to imagine that others are just as trustworthy. This may or may not be true in any given case, but giving others the benefit of the doubt can often help to foster positive relationships with them and increase the chances that they will in fact act honorably toward you.

Agreeableness Trait 6: Straight-Forwardness
People who get right to the point are straightforward. Beating around the bush, telling a complete story before giving the "bottom line," and so forth, are not so straightforward.

Your Straight-forward rating is 25 out of 100. So, you're relatively indirect. Especially when it comes to embarrassing or difficult topics, you prefer to buffer the blow by not saying what you think outright. You don't want to bully or push your beliefs onto other people. Being indirect can help so that the other person doesn't feel overwhelmed by what you are saying. Plus, most of the time you're not fighting to have your say or speak your truth; you're simply trying to have a decent day. Being direct can stir up a mess if you're not careful, which you have undoubtedly learned either through your own experience or through observing others. The end result is an indirect method of communicating.

Factor 5: Negative emotionality
Which traits make up my score on this factor?
Negative emotionality represents the extent to which you react to negative stimuli. In other words, when something negative hits you, how do you respond? Does it ruin your day or does it barely register? Most people fall between these two extremes.

Your answers indicate that you are resilient. Something hits you and it doesn't get all the way in. When others would react with anger or embarrassment, you are more likely to step back and not take it personally. Most stressful situations are more challenging to you than they are overwhelming, and represent an opportunity for you to show how competent you really are.

There are six different personality traits that primarily determine your level of negative emotionality.

Negative Emotionality Trait 1: Self-consciousness
When in an uncertain situation, you can either put yourself out there or hold back and wait to see what happens. A perfect example is in the proverbial classroom when the teacher asks a question and no one is 100% sure that they know the answer. It is the un-self-conscious person who speaks up. On the other hand, the self-conscious person shrinks into the seat and prays not to be called on.

Your Self-conscious rating is 88 out of 100. You don't want to be the center of attention and will do whatever it takes to avoid it. You don't want to be made fun of, you don't want to be "called on" when you're not expecting it, and you don't want to be put in the position of having to argue an opinion that you don't even feel strongly about. You prefer the protection of being lost in the crowd versus singled out within a group meeting.

Negative Emotionality Trait 2: Impulsiveness
You walk into a store and see an object you've been coveting for months. Do you buy it? Well, if you were highly impulsive, you would have already purchased it by now. If you're not, you might be able to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. In fact, if you're not impulsive at all, it just might take you a year or two to decide.

Your Impulsiveness rating is 50 out of 100. This means that you're inclined to act first and think later. Something very eye-catching might draw in your attention and the next thing you know, you're walking out of the store with something new. You're spontaneous, which people like. But the flip side of this is disorganization and a feeling that things are a bit out of your control. At times, it can be helpful to be able to think carefully through something before you decide how to act.

Negative Emotionality Trait 3: Vulnerability
The heat is on, people are starting to panic, and everyone is stressed. Are you likely to be the one who is freaking out or the one sitting calming in the corner telling everyone, "All things pass — there's no reason to be upset!" Or, are you the one screaming, "I knew it! The world is coming to an end!" When times are stressful, falling apart typically just makes the situation more difficult to handle. Resilience and vulnerability are two ends of the spectrum of vulnerability.

Your Vulnerability rating is 39 out of 100. You're on the resilient side of the spectrum. You're not easily sidetracked by life's ups and downs, because you know that you can handle them. You've got a strong rational mind that you can utilize when times get stressful. Rather than relying solely on your emotions to guide you during difficult times, you bring logic into the picture to help you figure out what to do. This helps to provide a little distance between you and the stressor and usually helps you to function more effectively and to cope with the current problem more easily than you would have otherwise been able to.

Negative Emotionality Trait 4: Anger
This trait refers to how quickly you grow angry and how likely you are to get angry at all.

Your Anger rating is 38 out of 100. It takes quite a bit to get you going. You're not likely to fly off the handle at the slightest provocation. This is in part because you're generally easygoing about things, not needing to prove yourself all the time. Therefore, someone can be provocative and you're not necessarily going to take it personally.

Negative Emotionality Trait 5: Discouragement
When something gets in your way, are you likely to give up or keep going? When you're excited about your ideas, is it easy for someone to come along and discourage you from believing them, or are you likely to continue holding your beliefs despite what others are saying?

Your Discouragement rating is 25 out of 100. You're not one to back down from reaching a goal you feel strongly about. People may try to dissuade you, but you aren't likely to budge. You can take a lot of stress and a lot of criticism before you'll lapse into a frenzy of self-doubt. This is usually due to an internal security about who it is that you are rather than an inflated confidence or rigidity. You're able to sort out what is nonsense from what is good advice, especially when it comes to your own personal goals.

Negative Emotionality Trait 6: Worry
Some people generally feel relaxed and carefree; others, anxious. This personality trait is the continuum between these two extremes.

Your Worry rating is 13 out of 100. This means that you're generally not a worrier. Sure, everyone worries once in a while, but you worry less than others. When things get tough, rather than worry about them, you take action and do what you can to make the situation less threatening. You know that the chances are that things will end up just fine anyway, so why torment yourself worrying about things? You'd rather find a way to enjoy your current situation than to worry about what could go wrong with it.

This is likely to be one of the most extensive analyses you've ever done of yourself, and your personality. It's important to know that there are no right or wrong factors or traits; you are who you are, and this test can mostly be used as a tool to help you understand why you may do the things you do. There is a great deal of history behind the Five Factor Model, or, as you have come to know it, OCEAN.

Yup, that's me. Now to find a job that will satisfy most of my personality traits and that lets me have a life and my space.

2007-03-12T09:34:00.000+08:00

I had a fantastic weekend.

We went to the IT Show, making our way there and through that crowd was so not fun, but he bought a MacBook! Yay! *wriggles fingers*

We went to Serangoon Gardens for dinner and while waiting for his parents to be done at the club, we went to Cafe Cartel for drinks. After looking at the menu, he decides he wants dessert even though we had a full dinner. He felt like having the waffle with the peaches, bananas and ice cream and I took the opportunity to remind him that it's his fault we're getting fat. Not mine. See, he's been blaming me saying we're always going out to eat and hence gaining a few pounds in the process.

On Sunday, I went to church with him and his parents. The service is very different from what I'm used to but it was good! After church we sent his parents home then went to attend his friends ROM ceremony. We went to the wrong hotel. The invitation said Furama Waterfront (something like that) and when I looked up the street directory, I only found one Furama Hotel, the one at China Town. We only found out that we were at the wrong hotel when we asked the staff at the front desk. We found out that this was the Furama City Center and that the Furama Waterfront was at the former Novotel Apollo, next to King's Corpthorne and Hotel Mirama. -_-"

Then he sent me a really sweet message at night. Aww... And this coming from him, I knew he really meant it.

And as of today, it's been four months. Whee.....!

2007-03-06T14:00:00.000+08:00

My brother called me at about 12.10pm asking if I felt a tremor about 10 to 15mins ago. The JC side felt it rather strongly and the whole JC was evacuated to the running track. The secondary school felt nothing.
.... And I just got a call from my brother. Another tremor was just felt and the JC is evacuating again. I felt nothing. Again.

Actually... Come to think of it, I might have felt something without realising it because I remember being suddenly overcome with nausea, like I was going to sick up, about 10 mins before my brother called. Hmm...

Tremor felt in Singapore as quake hits Sumatra
JAKARTA (Reuters) - An earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale shook Indonesia's Sumatra island on Tuesday, panicking residents in West Sumatra province and sending slight tremors to neighboring Singapore.

The United States Geological Survey said the quake's magnitude was 6.3 and its epicenter was around 420 km (260 miles) from Singapore.

The Indonesian national quake center said the epicenter was 16 km (10 miles) west of the city of Batusangkar.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Callers told a Jakarta-based radio station that residents in several West Sumatra towns ran out of their houses when the quake was first felt.

Tall buildings in Singapore's business district swayed slightly, witnesses said, and the tremor was also felt in other parts of the island.

A spokesman for Singapore's Civil Defense said his office was aware of the tremor but had no idea what had caused it.
[end of article]

Oh well now, I don't know EITHER. Maybe it was A GIGANTIC SNEEZE.
*smacks head*
Hello, Mr Civil Defense spokesman, don't you have anything more intelligent to say? Even if you didn't know, at least say you were looking into the matter or checking with the vast amount of resources available to the Singapore Civil Defense Force. "No idea what caused it." Pah. How embarrassing.

2007-03-06T11:29:00.001+08:00

I've never scored this high before. Wheee! The most I usually get is Lightning Lizard. The score is probably nothing to some of you, but I'm happy! Go me! *does peanut butter jelly time dance*

Currently reading: Sudden Wealth by Robert Llewellyn

2007-03-01T11:31:00.000+08:00

As soon as she got off at the Toa Payoh bus interchange she had a sudden craving. She quickly walked over to the screen where they showed all the bus departure times to find out when her connecting bus will be leaving. It was 10:39am. Her next earliest bus leaves at 10:43am. She hurriedly strode out of the interchange. "There had to be a McD's somewhere." She hurriedly scanned ahead of her. No McDonald's there. She looked to her right. "A Burger King! But they don't have what I want. Where's a McD's when you want it?" Then she spotted a sign just beyond the Burger King. It mostly obscured by another sign jutting out from the corner of the building. She could see that it was red and it had the words "Desserts here" right at the bottom. "Could it be?" She tilted her head to the left to get a better look and there it was, the bright yellow M! She gleefully rushed to the outlet and upon reaching the counter, she placed her order. "A hashbrown please." Now with the coveted food item in hand, she ran back to the bus interchange and made it just in time to board her departing bus. Perfect. =)

2007-02-27T10:13:00.000+08:00

brain drain.

The camp. Theme? Based on the understanding of God's love -relationship with God, friendship with others. Hmm.. Love Is. For Love. God's Love -Unconditonal, Powerful, Amazing. Brings to mind a song, " Who am I that You are mindful of me? That You hear me when I call. Is it true that You are thinking of me? How You love me. It's amazing!" HE calls me, friend. "There's nothing you can ever do to make God love you less" Nothing. Love's blueprint. Redprint. Compassion. Love. To tell or not to tell. I shouldn't be worrying. I trust him. LY. What if she changes her mind? A nagging fear. Sweep it aside? To tell or not to tell. God's love. Strength. Sacrifice. Redeeming love. Can you grasp it? Heartbeats. Blueprint. Concept? Water. Essential for life. Love? Even water has an expiry date. Best before:_____ . God's love -Eternal, Forever. It's sincere. Sincere: whole-souled, genuine, echt, bona fide, sincerus [Latin]. Unconditional: No fine prints., Conditions. None., Termless. People: friends, family, everyone, the human race, compassion, bonds, ties. Solid. Bold. I shouldn't worry. I wanna take all that fear and shove it down someones throat. Gah. I can't think anymore. *breaks out into song* They say it's a river, that circles the earth. A beam of light shinging to the edge of the universe. It conquers all... It changes everything.....They say it's a blessing. They say it's a gift. They say it's a miracle and I believe that it is... It conquers all.. but it's a mystery... Love breaks your heart. Love takes no less than everything. Love makes it hard, and fades away so easily........... Gasp! I wanna eat a Philly Cheesesteak! "The Philly Cheesesteak is a sandwich principally of sliced pieces of steak placed on a lightly oiled griddle and chopped and flipped with a metal spatula until cooked to a light brown, then transferred to a long roll that is sliced lengthwise to form a cradle. Responsibility for the invention of the cheesesteak is claimed by Philadelphia's Olivieri brothers who began selling it at their hot dog stand near south Philadelphia's Italian Market in the 1930 *drools* Oops.

2007-02-22T14:14:00.000+08:00

*COUGHCOUGHINDENIALCOUGH* *eyeballs Deb*
BOOM!!
*clears throat* Hi Sexy-don'tcha wish your boyfriend was hot like me-boi 303. Whooo! hahahahahahahahahahahhaha
[Ok, some private jokes over msn that provided me with good entertainment at work.]

Can you miss someone who's just right there? I see him, I talk to him and we make fun of each other. I slip him candy and he secretly gives me one of those cheeky grins. He just right there, yet I miss him. He's so cute.......*siiiigh*

Currently reading: Codex by Lev Grossman

2007-02-21T08:07:00.000+08:00

I ate to much, slept too little, travelled too much, indulged in too much pretentious small talk which I don't care for and then had the most fun yesterday. But scary too. *mild shudder* See, dinner was at his aunt's place, which looked liked some expensive resort in Bali, with his parents and a couple of his relatives. You get the picture.

Annnnnd.... It's back to work. :/

Currently reading: Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark
:sun

2007-02-16T10:21:00.000+08:00

GASP!!! I love Veer's fonts. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Too bad they ain't free. =(
I love fonts. I download them like crazy. The free ones of course.
Go look at their fonts. They're so pretty.......pretty... pretty..... me wants them all...ALL *pouts*

I also discovered the name of my favorite font. Cézanne Pro Set from P22 Type.

2007-02-15T08:59:00.000+08:00

Check out the bling!!! Check out the bling!!!

Hehehe... I LOVE my new watch! *dances*

And he loves his new mp3 player. Yay!

I also gave him Kisses, in gold box, which I made myself, with a little heart-shaped 'window' at the side.

Yesterday, by chance he starts telling me about how one of his good friends just got engaged and that he spent $2000++ on the diamond ring. Ok, don't judge me but my first thought was, "Only?" but I just kept quiet and smiled while he went on about how insane that was, spending so much on this little thing. After a while he looks at me and realises he should just stop talking. Hahaha! It's not as bad as it sounds, really, it was actually pretty funny. Sigh...My silly boyfriend. So cute!

2007-02-14T13:50:00.000+08:00

Valentine's Day is over-rated.

Flowers are ridiculously expensive, restaurants are cashing in with special set meals, hotels are having special packages and some singles are moping about lost love and loneiness. Sure, love is in the air and it's so romantic and all, but for that I could go watch some romantic chick flick.

Did I get any flowers? No. Because I made it clear that I didn't want any. Those flowers he gave me out of the blue would mean more to me than any I receive today. And they were definately a lot easier on his wallet too. He needs to save up for my diamond ring anyway. HAHAHA. *Ahem* Anyway, hahaha, we're going to the hawker center near our place for dinner. Good cheap food and hopefully a lot less people too.

Anyway, if you're all by your lonesome and bored, don't despair. Go to MacRitchie Reservoir [after dark] with a loud hailer, sneak up near some random cars and shout "HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!" into the loud hailer, then run away.

2007-02-13T21:37:00.000+08:00

Since my mom was going to be home too late to make dinner, I decided to do the cooking. *gasp!!!* I thought I'd try out some pasta thingy in parsley butter. The recipe called for Italian parsley and since I didn't have any at home, I thought I'd just use English parsely instead. The parsely I found in the fridge was a miserable bit (I needed half a cup) so I had to do minor adjustments to the portions of the other ingredients.

Only after I had blended all the ingredients together and tossed it in the pasta, my mom comes home. I complained to her about how little parsley she had and then she saw the box I took it out of and went, "That's cuz you took it out of the wrong box! That's not English parsley, that's Chinese parsley! Ewww..."

D'OH!!! Like seriously. *smacks head*

She says I couldn't tell the difference cuz I don't spend enough time in the kitchen. Which is true. Well at least I tried to make something. And in my defense, it didn't turn out half as bad. It actually tasted good. It just needed a little more salt.

Ok, you people can stop laughing now.

2007-02-12T08:08:00.000+08:00

Bloody hell. Somebody's got some 'xplaining to do. Why those sneaky little.............

2007-02-09T11:53:00.000+08:00

The guys at my workplace are a cheeky, mischievous and playful bunch who pepper the office with their pranks and antics. This band is led mostly by 2 chief conspirators, and being the girlfriend of one of them doesn't warrant you exempt from any of their practical jokes.

So today I come into work and found this on my desk.

{Just to explain a little. 1.The school is trying to cut down on the electricity bills, and I do leave my computer on after I leave so that others can use the computer. 2.Our school technician is a Malaysian and it's just some insider joke.}

And when I switched on my computer, I find this on my desktop.

Double whammy! The basturds.

It's quite funny actually but I pretended to be angry. I have since received a peace offering from one of them and I decided to have a little fun myself. So I did this.

This is the current peace offering tally.

2007-02-08T22:46:00.000+08:00

Deborah has made a "friend" at the New Urban Male store at the Heeren after she asked him what this funny looking male underwear was, and hence has rendered her shopping companions for that day unable to enter that shop for all eternity unless they wish to prematurely end their lives, the cause of death being embarrassment.

The other day as the bus I was on approached my bus stop, I noticed this old lady as she sat down. I would have taken a picture, 'cept I had to get off. She looked like any normal grandmother, and dressed the like too. She had on a tan colored blouse with floral patterns and brown pants, all normal till I noticed her feet. She wasn't wearing sandals or anything old folkies usually wear. She had on a pair of very nice looking Nike dunks! Funkeh!

I headed down to P.S. after work today to check out the deals they had at the Creative shop for the ZEN Neeon 2, 4GB. I wanted to get it for the bf but I didn't buy it cuz the deal wasn't as good as I expected. Anyways, I ended up shopping for myself. When I'm out shopping with friends, I usually never get anything. I got me 2 dresses, a pair of earrings and a necklace. Yay! I just prefer to shop alone. *shrugs*

2007-01-31T07:10:00.000+08:00

7.00am. I shouldn't have to be at work at this unearthly god-forsaken hour. I'm sleepy and cranky and my eyes and my head hurt. The meds are making me sleepier and I still sound like a frog. I want my bed! *stamps foot*

2007-01-29T10:32:00.000+08:00

If you're bored, you can read up on why donuts have a hole in the middle.

Speaking of which, I had my Krispy Kreme donuts on Saturday!!! Yay!!
Out of the half dozen I bought, I had a collective total of ONE. *le gasp*
I gave the rest to my family and the bf. =)

Saturday was fun. We did a little exploring and went ice skating! Pretty fun! The skates were a little uncomfortable though but I am proud to say that we didn't fall for the one and a half hours that we were there. There was this cool old man with long hair and an obvious regular at the rink. He glided around rather gracefully with equally graceful arm movements seemingly skating to the song. He looked like the was doing tai-chi on ice. And then there was this girl wearing a pink top, a long flowing white skirt and bright pink undies. How do I know this? Her skirt was VERY transparent. Oh, and on the back of her skirt, she had an iron on patch that said, "eat me". o_O

In the evening, I went to watch the Singapore vs Malaysia Asean Campionship match live at the National Stadium. Very interesting and quite an experience! And no, I didn't get bored. We owned them Malaysians! Woo hoo!!!!

On Sunday at the Radi8 camp committee meeting, I conceptualized and directed my first commercial. Whee!! Look out, advertising industry. Here I come!!! Ok, not really. Anyhoo, the commercial was to create awareness and interest for our upcoming youth camp. Will try to get a clip of that.

Well, it's now my turn to have a bad throat and I sound like a frog. And please don't make fun of this cuz it'll just irritate the hell outta me and the hair thing? Yea, it's really getting old. Kthnxbai.

2007-01-24T09:55:00.000+08:00

ARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I.H.A.T.E.M.Y.H.A.I.R.

He just saw my hair for the first time today cuz he's been sick since Friday and that reaction is not good. He said it's very "hamasaki-like". NOooo............ I grimace everytime I look myself in the mirror. Gah.

Oh Krispy Kremes, my dear Krispy Kremes. Only you can lift my spirits now....

Man, I can't wait to have those dang donuts.

Damn they're good.

------

It snowed in Arizona! My aunt emailed yesterday with pictures.

Phoenix, Arizona, is down south enough to have one of the warmest winters in the United States. It's usually an average 15 degrees out in the day. The air is cool and crisp, just perfect in my opinion, though it's rather dry. It snowed! Not a lot but still. Here's some pictures of where I stayed in Phoenix, only just sprinkled with snow!

I miss that house. Phoenix was the place where I got my first taste of Krispy Kremes, nice, hot and freshly made. =) And I miss those steaming hot chilli dogs too.

Ok, I just made myself really hungry so I'm off to grab some munchies.

Bah-bye!

2007-01-22T11:28:00.000+08:00

I hate my hair. Ok, not hate hate it. But I dislike it enough. See, since I had absolutely nothing to do on Saturday, I decided to go get my hair dyed aaannnnnd.... sigh... Firstly I don't think they gave me the exact color I wanted and they left it on too long. When they washed the dye off and I saw myself in the mirror, my first thought was, "Oh crap!" I was hoping it'd look different once they dried my hair but no. So.... now I look like some act Jap ah lian. UGH. I already have some friends at work greeting me in Japanese and one asking when my Japanese album is coming out. D'oh! And he is very amused. He says now I've earned the right to sit in his ah beng car. Double d'oh! I know it's pretty funny and I'm never gonna hear the end of this, am I?

Moving along now... I was quite surprised to hear that one of my school projects was on display at the Temasek Poly Open House [School of Design]. Wow. Heh. Anyways, it was a re-branding/packaging project for the Ceres brand of fruit juices. Btw, you can find Ceres fruit juices in the supermarkets, try Whispers of Summer. Good stuff.

Thanks Zuli for the photos!

2007-01-19T11:02:00.000+08:00

I really shouldn't keep looking forward to things cuz everytime I just seem to get disappointed. It's nobody's fault really. Just... circumstances.

Anyways, I finally got to satisfy one of my food cravings. He brought me to go have some really nice steamed crabs. Great stuff. He's really sweet. Last Tuesday he bought me flowers for no apparent reason. I guess that'll be my happy moments for the rest of this week and probably the next.

Got to play around with a really good DSLR over the weekend. So here are 3 pictures I took. It's not much though, I didn't have the time to really use it.

That's it.

Currently reading: Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan
:wed

2007-01-12T13:43:00.000+08:00

Last night was really fun hanging out with Zq, Clement, Deb and Him.
It's usually fun when Deb's around. Yes Deb, I love you despite your fequent moments of insanity. You were really killing me last night. Mannn.... Thank heavens he's so easy going. Your last comment was...... was so.......... [Deb: "You're much thinner than I though you were."] *insert head-banging on the wall emoticon* Deborah, Deborah, Deborah......

btw, the Char Kuay Teow at the Holland Village Food Junction was surprisingly good. You should try it sometime.

2007-01-08T12:48:00.000+08:00

This Saturday was supposed to be fun.

A day out at the beach with the dogs.

Then he realised he's got something on from 2pm to 4pm.

And I just found out that I've to work from 4pm to 7pm.

GAH.

Now I've to settle for dinner.

Stupid Saturday.

2007-01-05T11:17:00.000+08:00

In the resource room where I work there are these huge machines primarily for bulk printing purposes. Occasionally there will be a paper jam.

So along comes Mr Sillypants to retrieve whatever he sent to the printer but nothing had come out. So he starts scolding the printer and 2 of his friends couldn't figure out where the paper jam was either. So funny. Then I decided to be nice and go see if I could help. I took one look at the error screen, lifted one of the compartments and, Voila! *insert sound effect: a loud collective "Ahhhhh!!!" from the 3 of them.*

Mr Sillypants later thanked me for saving his work and I couldn't resist taking a dig at them.
"I can't believe that 3 men, 3 men, standing infront of the printer couldn't figure out...."
Then he told me next time I take bus myself.

Needless to say, I retracted my statement. xD

2007-01-01T12:36:00.000+08:00

Trepidation ushers in the new year. I didn't wanna wake up from December.
Now 2007 is thrust upon me and I didn't even see it coming. SIGH.
Oh, and Happy New Year to all of yous. I don't see what the big deal is anyway.

2006-12-26T12:36:00.000+08:00

A very big post-Christmas hello to all ma peeps. I'm trusting that everyone had an awesome Christmas. I, for one, ate too much, but who can resist fantastic pumpkin soup, Duck à l'Orange, Gammon ham, leg of lamb and perfectly cooked turkey from the Cricket Club? Ohhhh... yummy, yummy, yummy... *sigh* 'Till next year Mr Turkey and Mr Lamb, and not too mention Mr delicious Gammon ham.

Anyway... Christmas day was exhausting as usual, but a whole lot of fun. We had a great performance! I have had quite a bit of very positive feedback. Some felt it was too short cuz they were really enjoying the performance! I am really very very proud of some of you for giving it your all. Keep it up! Salutes to Amy, Shu ai and Amanda for memorising that whole bunch of scripture and really connecting with the audience! Good job! Ok, now to do a bit of explaining for those of you wondering what happened for the "O Holy Night" piece.
My microphone was on. The person who was supposed to hand me the mic handed me the blue one instead of the yellow because he couldn't find the yellow mic and as the sound-man was prepared for me to use the yellow mic, the blue one was muted. So, a bit of a blunder there but oh well, it's over and done with and it still was a good performance overall. =)

After the service was the usual frenzied exchanging of gifts and cards amoung most of the youth. I think I got enough candy to last me a whole 2 months. And Kelvin!!! Love you deep deep for the Krispy Kreme. *big satisfied sigh* =D

Anyway, this is what I gave out this year. Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. Yes, I baked them. Yes, they are delicious. No, you won't get the runs.

Oooh... fancy basket! I had to give them out in style. hehe

Don't they look nice?

HELLO ANDREW. THANK YOU! *cheeky grin*
By the way, I think they should make Boxing day a holiday in Singapore. No one should have to go back to work the day after Christmas. No one. Especially me. Haha.

I was floored when I tore off the wrapper. You know, the eyes wide open, mouth agape kinda thing. I'm still in minor awe. I can't believe he did that. But I LOVE it! *swoons*

2006-12-22T14:26:00.000+08:00

Christmas is coming. It is only 3 days away. The looming anticipation of the coming festivities will soon explode in a torrent of excitement and frenzied gift-giving. Everybody loves Christmas, well, most people at least. Christmas is a time always filled with joy. A joy first felt many years ago during the birth of Christ, which even a whole host of angels could not contain. A joy now much diluted. A joy the people of this world will never experience when Christmas is not about Him. And to many, it no longer is. It's all about the gifts, the pretty lights and decorations, santa claus and merry making. The joy and love garnered from this season will diminish once Christmas passes and they get back to their everyday lives. It this Christmas for you?

Many have asked this question before. "What is the secret to happiness?" Well, it's no big secret really, but I'll tell you the answer anyway. Happiness/joy is internal. It grows from inside you and is not greatly affected by your environment, circumstance or the people around you. How do you get joy like that? The answer is very simple. Jesus.

When you get down to it all and you strip away all the lights, the decorations, the shopping, the music, all the noise then you'll find why there is even a time like this, why there is this celebration in the first place.
You'll find Jesus.
He is the only thing that really matters.

Jesus humbled Himself
He went from commanding angels
to sleeping in the straw.
From holding stars
to clutching Mary's finger.
The palm that held the universe
took the nail of a soldier.
Why?
Because that's what love does.
-Max Lucado

2006-12-20T11:08:00.000+08:00

ANDREW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

His mom likes the "stuff". *beams*

And I almost rendered him speechless when I gave it to him on Monday. He was so shocked. Like really really shocked. Haha! Needless to say he was very pleased and said that there is hope for me yet. xD And he likes them too!

Thanks for all the help, Andrew. And you're right. I probably won't do this again for a very long time. I was so exhausted! But still, kinda fun!
------

Well this morning's all bright and sunny. What a huge difference to yesterday's gloomy skies and unceasing downpour. Yesterday, heading home from town after a bit of Christmas shopping, we passed by the plant nurseries along Thompson Road, the ones near Mediacorp, and wow, check out the flooding!!!! The water level was about waist deep. Only the tops of most plants were visible and the lorries parked there were half submerged in the murky water. And the lane was completely blocked off. Police cars were stationed on either side to make sure no bright spark tries to go through that. Kewl. hehehe. You seldom get to see such spectacles.
It's weather like this that makes me so glad he has a car. I shrudder to think of taking public transport home. Eee yer.

2006-12-19T14:34:00.000+08:00

Oh the weather outside is frightful
And my bed is so delightful
And since I've only got an hour to go
Let it stop!
Let it stop!
Let it stop!

It doesn't show signs of stopping
And I'm in no mood for walking
Since I'm getting a cozy ride home
Let it pour!
Let it pour!
Let it pour!

When we finally kiss goodnight
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm

The rain doesn't seem to be dryin'
And, my dear, we're still goodbyin'
But as long as you love me so
Let it pour!
Let it pour!
Let it pour!
Your arms look so inviting.
But only when I'm at home or when I get a ride ok? *groan*

At least I'm getting a ride home today. I sure don't want to be caught out in that rain. Tres terrible. Tsk tsk.

I hope my week will get better. Monday was just horrid. I had to rush something for print and everything seemed to go wrong. The file size was too large, 3ft x 10ft artwork, and I had to give it in 300 dpi and the comp was so slow and the printer was coming to collect it and it wouldn't save properly and I just felt like crying. Argh. And to top it all off, he was waiting for me. I made him wait for over an hour. I felt so horrible.
And what happened this morning just really pissed me off.
You always assume that I did it. FINE. Then you say I'm banging thing around and pulling a long face because I'm pissed off at you for accusing me. THOSE ARE THE SOUNDS YOU HEAR FROM ME WHEN I'M LATE. AND THAT'S THE FACE YOU SEE WHEN I FORGET TO TAKE STUFF WITH ME AND I'M LATE. Don't assume that it's all about YOU. I've got better things to do than to throw a tantrum at another one of your finger pointing episodes. Just because you probably feel bad about wrongly accusing me, you have to assume, again, that I'm throwing a tantrum. All you have to do is APOLOGISE. You really spoilt my morning and possibly the whole day. I'm so staying out for dinner.
And I just felt like crying, again. GAH. What the hell is wrong with me?

I think a visiting "friend" knows the answer.

2006-12-12T11:14:00.000+08:00

First off, I have been evicted from my place in the teacher's resource room. In the place where my desk used to be, a spanking new cubicle has been erected. BUT it's not for me. It's for some tech guy, I don't know his job title, to be more accesible to the teachers. As for me, I'm being forced (I don't really have a say in this) to move back to the library where they are making a room for me on the second floor. So I'll be up there all by my lonesome in the second floor of the library in a glass partitioned room, with pesky boys around making monkeys of themselves downstairs and where teachers will hardly venture. AND Y'ALL KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS. *pouts*

Sigh...

Anyway, on Sunday I brought my brother to get some new kicks. A very much needed upgrade from his crummy, dingy, falling apart sport shoe. Not to mention way cooler and nicer too.

Nice eh? If his feet weren't bigger than mine I would so borrow them.
Dang.

The boy finally has some neat kicks.
I'm so nice to him. =)

This whole month has been blissful. It doesn't seem to have been that short a time, but it also feels like it's been much longer. Time has just breezed by. A warm gentle breeze summer breeze of honeysuckle and... and chocolate. xD (I love chocolate ok?) How time flies when you're having fun. Missin' you baby.

2006-11-27T13:19:00.000+08:00

/rant

You are such a loser. The only reason why you fail so miserably to realise this is that it's being dwarfed by that heinously big ego of yours. Wow. Seriously. I've never met anyone so pathetic yet ridiculously egoistic as yourself. In your simple mind's eye, you're a misjudged hero, but you're trying to fight a non-existent battle and you lack the competence to see that people have long tired of your constant fishing for reassurance in your long dried out maudlin plea so that you can put yourself on an even higher pedestal than the one you already perceive yourself to stand. Your world-weary assertions are laughable, though not any more then the image in which you perceive yourself as. *insert pitying laugh* The only other emotion I feel over such sheer ignorance, other than finite amusement is unbridled irritance. The only reason why I've long refrained from openly criticising you is the fact that we're friends, but in the face of such absurdity, major irritation takes over. However I shall go no further, thus I end by borrowing a line from my favorite comic strip: "By the finite patience vested in me, I hereby dub thee mud."

/end rant

The comments above reflects the author's current state of irritation and bears no malice to the above mentioned ~~fool~~ individual. This rant is merely to keep the pretty author from exploding.

2006-11-23T01:00:00.000+08:00

"God wants us, as His children, to cultivate thankfulness. Why does He desire this?

Thankfulness is not something God gives us. It is not a spiritual gift and it is not a spiritual fruit. We can receive God's peace, joy, and love, but thankfulness is something that we give to God and to others. It is a choice that we make." - Roy Lessin

THE BOOK OF PSALMS . CHAPTER 34 . KING JAMES VERSION
1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

THE BOOK OF PSALMS . CHAPTER 100 . KING JAMES VERSION
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2006-11-20T11:37:00.000+08:00

Saturday was a looooong day. Most of it was spent in church, practising.
The practise for the Christmas performance seems to be going along fine. At least the dance for the most part is. I'm not too sure about the drama and the choir, well... *sigh*, it's a start I suppose. How do you get people to open up their mouths to sing and not be afraid to project their voices? Some of them look like they're whispering to mice. Or is it that their reluctance is from some ill conceived perception that this is in some way going to make them look foolish? Maybe they just need some time to warm up to performing. I suppose since this is a fairly new ministry in our youth, it's a given. But I'll trust in Him.
------
Girl, pioneering a brand new ministry is not easy. It takes a lot of hardwork and courage and I really respect you for that. This is really something great that you are doing for the youth and I know in time you'll see the fruits of your labor. Others might see it as just another ministry but I believe this will slowly empower our youth to boldly step out for God and not mention build stronger ties among us. Don't be discouraged. You'll always have my support.
------
It's the little things that you do that's making me fall in love with you. You don't know it yet, but I'll tell you in time. Though we didn't get to go to the East Coast cuz of that 10 vehicle pile up that took up 3 lanes of the expressway {o_O}, I still had a wonderful time. It doesn't take a lot for that. I'm glad I finally plucked up the courage to ask you that question. I was just afraid of what your answer would be, but looks like I was tormenting myself over nothing, again. I'm sorry this whole thing is so weird for you but I'm glad it happened anyway. I wouldn't change a thing.

2006-11-14T18:30:00.000+08:00

The anchor's been lowered. The ship has docked once again. As she made her way down the harbor, a man approached her, "Miss, your carriage awaits."

"I have something for you," he said, and as he reached for the door, she saw a single blood red rose laid across the seat. Though she had always thought the gift of flowers, frivolous, her heart melted like butter over a hot stove.

------
No, I'm not trying to write a romance novel. *whistles nonchalantly*

This is the first time I've eaten egg thosai.
This is the first time I've eaten without any cutlery.
This is the first time I've taken a stroll round Little India.
This is the first time I've eaten at a Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream parlor.

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE.CHOCOLATE FUDGE BROWNIE.DUBLIN MUDSLIDE.YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY

2006-11-13T08:39:00.000+08:00

These are two commentaries I've read recently on the end times that I'd like to share. The commentaries are too lengthy to be posted here so I'm putting up the links instead. The commentaries are from WorldNetDaily and written by Ps Greg Laurie, the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES
THE NEXT END-TIMES EVENT
------

The greatest love that anyone could ever know
That overcame the cross and grave to find my soul
And till I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You

With all I am I'll live to see Your kingdom come
And in my heart I pray You'd let Your will be done
And till I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You

I will live to love You
I will live to bring You praise
I will live a child in awe of You

You are a voice that called the universe to be
You are the whisper in my heart that speaks to me
And till I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in you

You alone are God of all
You alone are worthy Lord
And with all I am my soul will bless Your name
-Hillsong United-

2006-11-08T10:32:00.000+08:00

While I was checking my email, I decided to go through the spam folder just for kicks and because I was extremely bored.

Judging by the spam I get, I seem to be a single, balding, black male with low libido, who loves gambling, is in need of cheap ink and owns a very sick pet.

Oh dear.

2006-11-06T10:44:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday I was treated to an international buffet at the Carlton's Cafe Vic. Needless to say I throughly enjoyed myself. The food was fantastic, the dessert selection wonderful and service excellent. I spent too much time eating to take any pictures, save for this one.

1. Some Blue River Prawn
2. Small Lobster
Awesomeness.

This past Saturday I was treated to another buffet, except it was at the Japanese restaurant at the Miramar Hotel. I've always wanted to go there and now thanks to Joyce and Andrew, I finally did. :D *BIG HUGS*

I can't tell you exactly what I ate cuz I can't remember the names of everything but I know I did have my favorite salmon and swordfish sashimi, chawanmushi, tempura prawns, and some Japanese curry. Good stuff. I think the highlight of the evening was the complimentary soup. (If you stay at the restaurant long enough, they give you soup on the house.) How we got the soup was so funny, you had to be there. See Andrew? Joyce and I aren't that thick-skinned.

Oh and I don't have any pictures for all of yous. Was too busy eating. Heh.

THANK YOUS!!!

I just want to thank everyone for their Birthday wishes and gifts. I really appreciate it!!

mom dad paul zuli andrew cheeleong joyce alan clement shuai gideon eugene shermaine mann jamie deb zq nathanael jonathan charleen kenneth amy debbie jillyn derek huimin kelvin samantha becca sarah rachael max benson sashi jaylord jeremiah julia wei nicholas russel *tries to remember who else*

I love you long time!! xD And to all of you losers (I kiddd... I kiddd...) who forgot, it's OK! I still love you. Just not as much. Haha. (Again, I kiddd...)

Thanks to Gideon, Clement and Jeremiah for accompanying me shoe shopping on my Birthday. Although I didn't get anything, I had fun. =) All the shoes I liked were either too chunky for my feet or they had none in my size. M E H...

Good bye, neutral grey/dark raspberry, Nike SB Zoom Team Edition.

I saw you in Sydney, saw you again in Singapore but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. We would have been good together. *tears*

2006-10-26T11:14:00.000+08:00

Tuesday was a public holiday and this is how I spent it.

I, surprise surprise, woke up bright and early to lend my support to the guys in Radi8 for their soccer match. I think it was a good game overall? Though they didn't win, I think it's safe to say everyone had fun and it was a good experience, yes?
Anyways, I seem to have aquired a nice tan since I was sitting out in the sun, I'm still a little red though, but it's all good. People have been commenting that it looks nice.

After the match I headed home to wash up and change before meeting a bunch of the youth at Vivo City.
So it's the biggest mall in Singapore and I must say it's pretty darned nice too. The crowds were out in full force as expected, since this was a public holiday and cuz the place is so huge it's easy to lose some one. *coughcoughjaylordcoughcoughcough* *clears throat*
It's really convenient to get to also, especially if you take the NEL. The short under pass from the station leads right up to the basement 2 of Vivo City. The first store I see coming up from that under pass is.... *triumphant music* CANDY EMPIRE. I swear I could hear angelic music in my head (Think, Handel's Messiah's Hallelujah chorus). Ok, stop rolling your eyes at me.
Anyway, most of our group dwindled after a bit and since Becca was tired of us going into clothes shops, the remaining bunch of us went to Toy'R'us. That's where the real fun started.
At the entrance of the store was their big mechanical mascot giraffe, Geoffrey, waving its arm at everyone and if you stand there long enough, some dumbass will stand close enough to get wacked on the head by it. Hahaha.

I'm a little amazed that we didn't get kicked out of the store or something, cuz we were playing with all the toys, especially the talking/dancing plush toys and laughing like crazy. Speaking of which, I am indignant about them making Spiderman lame. Why would they make a dancing Spiderman?!?! Whyyyyyy??! The way they made it move its ass, its arms.... it.. was.. so...gay. Noooo! My eyes, my eyes!!! Poor Spidy!! Wth.
*holds a moment of silence*
Ok. This is part is fun. For you. Not me. Because I got pwned by Mr. I-have-ninja-turtle-powers Clement. This is why I stick to my bow and arrow. I'm no good in melee combat, I think I need to up my dex. Anyway, there were these foam swords were lying all over the store, and naturally, being the adults we are, we fought with them. The below video says it all.

I should've got me one of those swords. xD

Upon leaving Toy'R'us, we once again encountered Geoffrey. But something was different about him this time.

Oh... GEOFFREY! NOoooo! This is a kids store! How could you??

2006-10-22T18:59:00.000+08:00

I got this message on Friendster.
Ok, I know this is a little mean but I think y'all need a good laugh. So here's one on 'bear bear'.

Dear Rachel,

Hi-ee! I'm *****, 34, just an ordinary
Singapore Chinese guy.

I'm working as a manger in a local firm. -
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------.

-----------------------------------------
-------------------------------Im also a
nature lover and Im fond of animals, especially
puppies.

Well, you must be wondering what is it I
want. Er...I know this sounds like a pick-up line.
But I just wanna be your friend Rachel, and have the chance to
get to know and understand you.

Yup. Thats all. Cross my heart :)

I really hope we can be friends Rachel. True
friends are hard to come by, especially in this
cold, harsh and selfish world that we live in.

I really hope to hear from you.

Take care....

With TLC (Tender Loving Care ),
Bear Bear

Honest to goodness, I did not change anything he wrote except blank out his name and some bits in the message. I can't stop laughing, the last paragraph and his sign off was the killer. Hahahahaha.....

I would show you his Friendster page, but I ain't that evil.

2006-10-20T13:04:00.000+08:00

Who can satisfy my soul like You?
Who on earth could love me, and comfort like You do?
Who could ever be more faithful?
Who can satisfy?
Who can satisfy like You?

There is a fountain, Who is a King
Victorious warrior and Lord of everything
My rock my shleter, my very own
Blessed Redeemer Who reigns upon the throne

-Who Can Satisfy? {We Speak to Nations:Lakewood Live}

Just wanted to share this beautiful song I've been listening a lot to lately.
The verse is so heartfelt and speaks volumes of truth in just those few simple lines.

------

Ok, the thing about the thing.
Everyone's asking. D'oh! This is bad... I think? Gah...
This is so stupid, I feel silly... *slaps myself*
Yea, I'm leaving up to God this time, I've learnt my lesson. So why am I going on like an idiot? Cuz I'm afraid, afraid that if this thing leaks I'll die of embarrassment, just might, or maybe not, depending on the
circumstances. I dunno. Ok, I'm rambling. :/

Don't ask.

2006-10-17T07:22:00.000+08:00

Awesomeness!!!
Sunday was fun, fun, FUN!!!

Most of us were in church, bright and early, at 7am. Ok, maybe not so bright, but early. We had a long day ahead of us, but one that we would throughly enjoy.

Although we didn't have the sequence of events for the service planned out, everything just fell into place seamlessly, from the worship segment, to the power point presentation, to the dance performance. Because of all our prayers, God took control of everything and laid everything out for us.
I believe we just set the wheels in motion. God has a greater plan for us and this is just the beginning.

Big thank yous go to every single one of the youth for all their support and the worship team and dancers for all the hard work they put in for the glory of God. For He alone deserves all honor and all praise! Amen?

Now for Christmas....... xD

2006-10-14T21:06:00.000+08:00

AIIGHT!!! Tomorrow's the big day!

The stage is set, the youth are all geared up and we're gonna rock da house!!
Are you ready?? I am!!!

Yes, I am very excited. xD

I really feel encouraged in my spirit the faith the leaders in the church have in our youth by handing over this service to us. This is the time to take ownership of our youth, something that has been lost for a time. It's time to show the rest of the church, our potential, and that we're ready to be the generation living for and serving God in the way that He wants.

For me, tomorrow, I'm gonna dance, dance, dance, in the freedom I know. ;) It's fun!

Pray for the launch!!
OK, I need to sleep now. I've gotta wake up really early tomorrow!! See ya and have fun!

2006-10-10T15:06:00.000+08:00

There'll be a dance performance and I'm one of the dancers. ;P
Come and see!!
There will also be our spiffy Radi8 t-shirts for sale.

I'm so excited!

*edit*
I just got wind of some very very exciting news about this Sunday.
I dunno if I'm not supposed to say anything so I shan't.
But I will say this, we're gonna be making history in Elim.
History man! Whoot!
So DON'T BE LATE for service or you might be kicking yourself for
it later.

2006-10-06T15:09:00.000+08:00

2006-10-02T17:29:00.000+08:00

I am so uber pissed.
One usually expects the bus ride home to be rather uneventful, a quiet time even with nice music from my mp3s. But nooooo..... some dipshit has to ruin it.

So this dungwart comes and sits beside me on the bus. Whooptidoo, you got a seat.
Then he starts leaning into me, I move away then I can feel him deliberately pressing his arm into mine and looking in my direction. I turned and glared at him till he looked away. Then the son of a bitch did it again!

DOES LEANING ON MY ARM GIVE YOU SEXUAL PLEASURE YOU ******* PERVERT?!!!??? DOES IT HUH? DOES IT???!!!! MY ARM, FOR GOODNESS SAKE YOU SAD SAD LITTLE MAN!!!!! DAMN YOU AND ALL THE DUNGWARTS LIKE YOU!!! RAWR!!!!!!!!

*Ahem* So I turned to him, yanked out my earphones and asked him what the hell he wanted and if he tried anything funny, I wouldn't hesitate to call the police and that this was his final and only warning. I so wanted to punch him. All the dungwart did was nod and well, he stopped.

I wish I had my trusty bow and arrow with me in the real world, with +100 pervert damage. I would've shot him in the ass. DIE DIE DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RAWR!!

Oook! I feel so much better now.

/end rant

2006-09-29T12:33:00.000+08:00

This is something I have been holding onto for a while.
I have disappointed myself in compromising the values I hold dear. Most of all I have disappointed God and the guilt is a heavy burden to bear.
...Then there is Redeeming Grace.
As the song goes, "A thousand times I've failed, still Your mercy remains..."
Many times I've wondered if God had left, if He'd given up on me but I realised He never did. There His Spirit was ever present when I needed it the most. As the many times I have asked for His forgiveness, I know, in His mercy, he has. I don't deserve it but I am grateful. Now my life will be that of no compromise. I don't promise it as I am only still human, but to the utmost of my abilities and with His Spirit, I will.

Through the difficult period at the start of the year, to Elim's change in leadership, to the trip and the Hillsong Conference, to my involvement once again in the youth ministry, God had it all perfectly planned out.

"You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics, in physical laws every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It's clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the Universe. I'm absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that 'as you reap, so will you sow' stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff. I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I'd be in deep shit. It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity." -Bono

2006-09-25T12:27:00.000+08:00

This past weekend must've been my busiest,
most exhausting, but the most fun yet for the
whole year.

Youth!
On Friday night at youth, we finally launched
our new name! Having been asked to come up
with some designs, I had known about the new
name for a while but I was just as excited as
everyone else. No more Elim Youth Network.
We are now

Brand new name, brand new identity.
This is definately a change for the better.
Now I can't wait till the dance performance
and the launch of our spiffy t-shirts. I think
it's really an oppotunity for everyone to see
our youth ministry in a whole new light.

Saturday holds new adventures!
Us young adults at youth went on a
cycling trip at Pulau Ubin. We met bright
and early in church at 7am and proceeded
to the Changi Jetty. And everyone knows the
drill, get on the boat, get off the boat, rent a
bike and you're all set.
I would just like to say I am very very
pleasently suprised at myself not collapsing
and having to be dragged back home.
Everyone knows I haven't excercised in the
longest time and that I'm beginning to
resemble a side of pork. And yea, my legs ain't
even aching! Despite being throughly
exhausted I pretty much enjoyed myself.

I came home to find a huge bouquet of roses
waiting for me. I was like, "WTF!? It isn't my
birthday... yet." Not gonna say no more except,
somebody's still waiting at the dock for a ship
that has already long set sail.

Dinner was a delectable buffet spread at the
Cricket Club. Yummy! So much for the workout
in the morning. ;P

Sunday also started out bright and early, with me
being in church at 8am, and leaving only at
4.30pm after our dance practice.

Joyce, Andrew and I met at 6.30pm... no wait, wait.
I was there at 6.30pm and they arrived at...
let's see... LATE! *tsk tsk* ;)
Anyways, Joyce and I treated Andrew to a lovely
Birthday dinner at Spaghettis. Hope you had a nice
time Andrew! We're nice company eh? hee hee...

Needless to say, I have had little sleep and.... it's back to work... =(

2006-09-15T12:53:00.000+08:00

"Irwin fans 'in revenge attacks'
Dead stingrays with their tails cut off have been found
in Australia, sparking concern that fans of naturalist
Steve Irwin may be avenging his death." - BBC

Such blatant ignorance really saddens me. Stingrays
are usually placid. Most, I believe, prefering to avoid
the human intruders to their undersea world.
However they would, like most creatures, defend
themselves should they feel threatened.
Steve Irwin knew what he was doing and he certainly
knew the dangers. What happened to Steve Irwin is
really just a freak occurrence. Had the stingray's
spine not pierced his heart, as reported, he might
have survived. And had he survived, he wouldn't
have blamed the stingray.

Steve knew all about respect. Sure, one might be
overwhelmed by his sheer enthusiasm for wildlife
but you could tell there was always this underlying
respect.

I think it is important that we learn to respect all
creatures and treasure it's God given place in our
world. We don't own the land we tread on, we are
but mere stewards.

2006-09-11T07:40:00.000+08:00

"Above all, we must realise that no arsenal, or no weapon in

the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and

moral courage of free men and women." - Ronald Reagan

2006-09-04T16:47:00.000+08:00

2006-08-31T10:12:00.000+08:00

Why Singapore Idol sucks.

Yesterday I realised why I've always thought
the contestants' were singing weird.

They were singing the song beat for beat.
[Ok, I'm sorry if you guys already noticed this but
the Singabore Idol episodes I happen to catch are
few and far between.]

The producers should really rethink the
direction they're driving the show to. The
standard level should be raised and more
quality control should be enforced. The fact
that so much of the popluation considers the
show a farce should be a telling sign.

Why do I say this?
If the contestants do not already have the
ability to sing well, they cannot fully develop
in the competition like they are supposed to.
To develop into stars/idols.
Their vocals shouldn't have to be improving at
this stage. It should already be good or near
perfect. What should be developing is the
performing aspect of this competition, their
stage presence, connecting with the audience
and adding dimension to the song through
emotions.

That is what the competition is for.

2006-08-30T17:33:00.000+08:00

Quote of the day:

"For God so loved the world that he gave each of us a special gift..mine being sacred fats."

So young, yet already facing the pressure of society's insatiable need for visionary pleasantries.
Yet the ability to afford the humor to her perseptively lamentable state is something I feel the world can learn from.

Don't take yourself too seriously.

Seriously. xD

2006-08-29T18:14:00.000+08:00

tee hee

2006-08-28T10:20:00.000+08:00

August 26 has finally come and gone.
The big event,
The Official Opening of St. Andrew's Village.
I can relax a little now.
Saturday was exhausting but really fun.
My work day started at 9am, had a 3hr
break for lunch and a little dance practice,
then rushed back to school to take photos
of the arriving Guest of honor, VIPs and the
rest of the opening ceremony.
In a dress and heels, I looked so
'un-photographer-like', but I think most of
the teachers were pleasently surprised to see
me out of my usual jeans and sneaker getup.
I absolutely loved the DSLR I was using.
Namely the Canon EOS 30D. I want one!!
After using that, all other digital cameras
seemed rather... unsatisfactory.

And... apparently I appeared on tv! It was
just a fleeting glimpse though.
That's it.
I officially have 14 mins and 59 seconds of
fame left.

I also got to rub shoulders with some famous
old-boys. Ok, not really. I just took pictures.
But I did catch Woffles Wu looking at me.

Ugh.

I know I am fat but can you please keep your
analytical stare of my blubber to a minimum?

Highlight of the night?
I was voted best dressed photographer. {tee hee}
Also not forgetting the wonderful dinner I had
with my friends at Fisherman's Village.

Ok, now I'm getting hungry thinking about that
chilli crab.

2006-08-21T08:37:00.000+08:00

If you're extremely bored and have nothing better to do,
take a look at the pictures from my vacation.
I've uploaded more. All the albums have had more pictures
added. New albums are Melbourne City and Tasmania.
*a few more pictures I forgot to include will be added to the
Melbourne album later today.

Don't think I'll be adding more, unless I get pictures of
stuff I don't have.
*to follow is a journal of my trip (as i remember it), so you know
what's going on in the photos, but that'll be when I have the time.*

Yess, photos!

2006-08-16T22:13:00.000+08:00

Ok one thing's perfectly clear. I suck at html.
At least I make my own blogskins. Or try to.

meh.

2006-08-13T22:20:00.000+08:00

And the moment you've all been waiting for...

The photos of my trip to Australia are up!

Wazzat I hear? It's about damn time?
Yes yes, but not all the photos are up.
The albums from Mansfield onwards are
not complete. I'm waiting to get more
photos from Kelvin. When I upload the
rest, I'll let you know. For the mean time,
these should suffice.

The photos are separated into albums for
each segment of my trip.
Dates are next to the album titles for
those who want to view the photos in
the order of my vacation.
[Start with Sydney]

Enjoy!

TO THE PHOTOS!

2006-08-10T12:10:00.000+08:00

Did anyone catch the National Day Parade
last night?
Please tell me that I'm not the only one
who noticed that the accompanying music
to those National Day videos was a really
bad ripoff of the Theme from the Lord of
the Rings.

Went to my uncles place for dinner and to
catch the parade. As usual, loads of funny
comments. Had my favorite Indonsian
chicken rendang, it's pretty different from
what you get here, though I suspect it
wasn't made by my grandma cuz it wasn't
as nice. And Durian! I hadn't had that in
the longest time so I was pretty gleeful
when it was brought out.

Singapore Idol was pretty excruciating,
thank goodness they switched channels
but not before I heard some songs.
Over the Rainbow was a bad bad song
choice. That song has been so widely
covered by so many of the greats and
you sing it like that??? HAHAHAHA
What were you thinking???

2006-08-07T11:11:00.000+08:00

I'm finally getting some reprieve from all
work that has swamped me in these few
days. Not for long though, but I shall
update at the request of Miss Bachelor of
Economics. Haha. {Congraties!}

My tummy has been much satisfied over
the weekend. I've had good mee goreng,
Thai green curry, roti prata, and to top
it all off, fantastic ox-tail stew.

Now I'm craving for some really good
Nonya food and the Sichuan hot and sour
soup from Dragon City.

Lately all I've been wanting to eat are
really spicy foods with a sour tinge.
Like some yummy fish-head curry.
Argh. Deb, this is somehow your fault! ;P

2006-07-26T13:24:00.000+08:00

Dear lump of lard,

Please stop coming to talk to me every
single time you pass by my desk on the
pretense of checking the progress of
work when you don't have a single clue
as to what's going on. I also don't
understand why you have to sit beside
me doing work which was supposed to
have been completed while I was away.
Instead you are now giving it to me in
little drips and drapes to type out on the
spot because you are too lazy to edit and
structure a proper complete draft.
I already said I didn't need you to read
out the text for me as I type, yet you sit
there watching me, reading it out and
pointing out every single mistake I make.
Those are called typos. Yea, it happens.
I can proof read my own typing at a later
time as I see fit.
Also, please don't tell me how the word is
supposed to be spelt. I KNOW how it's
supposed to be spelt. Again, TYPO.
See, typos happen. That's what the
backspace button is for. I know you don't
know this because you claim typing hurts
your stubby little fingers and that's why
I'm doing all this bloody typing for you.
And yes, it does take me a while to find
where I left off in that mass of text
because I had to back-track to correct
your nit picking of my typing. So quit
reading and repeating the line I'm
supposed to be typing next. I'll find it
when I find it.
And PLEASE stop acting like there's so
much work to do when you've been
sitting on your ass all this while and
you're only here now because they want
to see the draft write up today. Well, I
knock off in 3 hours and I have yet to go
for my 1 hour lunch break and with you
constantly muttering to me instead of
finishing up the draft, I'm definately not
going to finish this in time. I'm not going
to stay back for this. It's your ass on the
line here. Not mine.

/end rant