Arigatou to my Dear shIan

Like the new look on my blog you are seeing now? The background shows stawberry in pink - theme from my favourite strawberry shortcake. The header shows christmas trees - yes! tis the season to be jolly! cos christmas is coming! Kudos to my deardear - shIan who spent 1/2 of his saturday to do this for me! And by the way, its not completed.....look out for more!



Anyway...shIan and I went to New Asia Bar on saturday. I haven't gone for drinks in a while and it was a nice night. Music was good and atmosphere was great. Most importantly the venue had a special place in our hearts :).

Thanks dear - for everything you do for me.

Thank U Jesus!

Well...since my last post on 'Where is the Love?'...i would like to testify of God's goodness in my life....there has been a desire that i have been praying together with my cg for the last few mths and it has come TRUE for me. Indeed the Power of prayer!

Yes, i may have met with a few nasty people at church, but then humans are not perfect people. If we are, we would not need God. Besides, coming from a church of close to 20,000 members, there are bound to be some bad sheep.

When I prayed about the jaded feeling i had about church, God reminded me about those who care.

1) Leonard, a brother i made from the Israel trip from my church, read my blog and knew about how broke i was, offered to bless me with the cabfare to church the next day and said i could sit with him. This was despite the fact he is still a student and not earning a salary.

2) Winnie, my gd fren from church also said she would wait for me at church for the wed conference, and said that even if i was late due to taking mrt, she would wait for me even if she had to sit with me at the overflow room. It touched my heart greatly becos she could reach church at 5plus and can actually gurantee herself a gd seat in the main hall, but she was willing to sacrifice for me.

3) My parents who may not have the youth in terms of age, had the fire of God. They may be working, but they not only bought dinner for me but rushed to church early and booked a seat for me.

4) My CGL and CG friends who encouraged me and prayed with me throughout my trials and tribulations these few mths. Many who may not be that close to me before actually asked how i had been, sent me sms-es and gave me hugs of love when they met me yesterday after not meeting them for some time.

5) My choir helper who had been encouraging me, praying for me and had been very patient with me despite me not being able to go for choir practices and sessions.

6) James - my sis's bf who sms me and msn me words of comfort and encouragement when i was down.

Indeed God is good...in times of troubles, we should turn to Him and not to others. We should always count our blessings and not focus on the unhappiness in life, becos that is only a phase of our lives!

In HIM we are more than conquerors!

Last evening i went for church service on a Friday night after not doing so for a few weeks (been going sunday services). Really felt refreshed by the praise and worship session. Pastor Phil was here and the power of God was very strong as i sat on stage with the church choir as the hall was very packed.

To save $, i took mrt with my cg members and i'm really glad to have this time of fellowship with them on the train...

Here's some crazy shots of us on the mrt:



Above is LY - the biker, me and Janice - the gal with the 干粮 joke. haha. We finally managed to make LY smile - he hates taking pics ... and we were on a train with the magnolia fresh milk ad, which speaks of why the glass of milk behind us...



That's Eileen - the great cook, Connie - my partner in chatterbox county and Gina - the soon to be birthday gal.

My Daddi and GorGor

I work in an industry and company where females dominate. Its rare to have men around. In fact, on the level where i worked at, there were hardly any males for the longest time. So you can imagine the women did everything. Eg. changing the water cooler tank - it can be really heavy.



During the last move, some guys from another department moved to our floor. There are 2 guys that sit near to me. One eventually became my Daddi and the other my gorgor. They are real nice, gentlemanly guys, that take care of me like little ger ger .... they not only bring fun and laughter to our area but also become my gd frens .... really appreciate their friendships and the happy times with them at our lunch and dinner gatherings .... The one in white is Daddi while the one in black is GorGor ... haha 黑白无偿 。。。

I want to be like a child

After writing the last blog, I feel so much better now. Well...if you had the patience to read it through - thanks so much.

I just want to say the world is a scary place. Growing up is tough. Being a christian and wanting to lead a righteous life is even tougher. Trials and tribulations are often in the way. Mean, nasty people appear all the time. I wish i can be like a child, just enjoy the simple pleasures of life, being loved and taken care of....being doted on and not having to face the ugly situations in life nor the nasty people.

Here's some pictures of my 2 cute nephews - Gavin and Gareth. I met them on sunday and i still cannot forget their smile, the hugs they gave me (by the way they are really chubby, so a hug from them is really nice!)and the cute words of innocence they say....

Well...they are in constant motion....so here's a cute pic of them but a little shaken...they were watching sesame street show at Taka square when i disturbed them to take this pic - they pacified me with this faint smile:



2 Boys with the very nice christmas tree at Ngee Ann City:



Chubby Gavin with that charming eyes that speak and that goody boy smile of his:


Gareth - showing me that this IS his smile - take it or leave it! Haha!

Where is the Love?

I am writing this blog with my eyes swollen and my nose blocked, my head and heart aching. Throbbing headache. I just came back from church but it was merely an empty trip. My Pastor is preaching on a 4 part series of Tabernacle. A powerful bible seminar. I spent like $50 today just to take cab to go church even though I am honestly dead broke. Braved the rain and all. What did I get?

Lately, there have been too many distractions and disappointments going on in my life. I must say my walk with God is affected and becoming shaky. I prayed about it and was determined to get back on track. I want to make sure i do not allow myself to get into the path of backsliding.

Well...suppose to meet a cg member today. She is so-called the main cg helper. I was waiting for her at the lobby as agreed only to find out that she went down to the main auditorium first becos the hall is opened. I asked that she help me get a seat while i rushed down. Soon i got an sms from her saying that she only got 2 seats for her husband and herself. I was a bit startled. Firstly, i didn't know her husband was joining her. I mean i even offered to buy her dinner and all while we were sms-ing the whole afternoon abt meeting up. How did I know that she is not meeting me only? Secondly, she went down to the main audi without telling me beforehand. When i asked her to help get a seat for me, she sounded unwilling before she even tried. Thirdly, when she msg to say she got a seat with her husband, it sounded like it was a world just for she and her husband in her mind. She didn't offer to meet up with me to help get a seat or even to say 'hi' even though she knew i was all alone? It crossed my mind - are we friends? are we cg members? Is she the so-called main cg helper? Her husband feel ok to be seated there with her when i am frantically looking for seats alone? No questions asked of me...

At that point then I heard there is such a thing of getting tickets for working adults. Called my cell gp leader, was told that she doesn't have any tickets. Told me to be thick-skinned and get a seat myself. I was a bit upset i wasn't told beforehand there is such a thing as can get tickets!

Where is everyone? Why is it everyone is either not there or caring about themselves only?

Well, i decided i should be strong. So i went around looking for seats. Afterall i only needed one seat for myself, shouldn't be too difficult. However, the hall was largely packed. Some people were still booking seats. I tried to ask but no one wanted to give up a seat. I asked the ushers but they all asked me to ask the next usher. Then i told 2 ushers that there are seats but being booked by people and by now seats should no longer be booked. The ushers told me that if i found a seat, just sit and tell the people they cannot book anymore. I went to a row where there are like 4-5 empty seats. I tried to ask for one but a lady refuse to give me saying their members are coming down. So i said they cannot book anymore. And the men in the cg came towards me aggressively, standing very close to me, threatening me. 2 adult men and 2 adult females. One men grabbed hold of the seats and didnt allow me to sit on them or to place my bags on them. The other shouted at me and talked to me aggressively. Another lady pushed me and asked me "What's your problem?". As if she want to fight. I said again they cannot book seats by now. They said, "ask the usher to come and talk to us". Well, i did and the ushers just looked at me helplessly and said, u tell them that yourself. I was upset, helpless, all alone, bullied and in tears. I left.

I cannot understand why there are such people attending church. They don't deserve to be there, becos they are not reflecting in their lives what they are being taught. So what if they got a seat, and on the outward sight appear to be holy and hungry for the word of God? They got it by force. Ugly, unsightly.

I talked to my cell gp leader thereafter. Perhaps we are of different wavelength. Perhaps i was too worked up and emotional. I felt reprimanded for not having the right attitude of staying. I felt blamed for not knowing there are tickets to get just becos i wasn't there the last 2 weeks. Yes, she did comfort me, it was only after. I don't blame her. She was to be objective about it. I'm just plain emotional. She was focused on stiring me to get me back to church and getting me a seat. I just needed to feel loved and cared for at that point.

I called shIan later. He is the last person i wanted to call then becos he is a non-christian and i don't want him to have a bad impression of church and people from church. However, i had to call him becos i cannot stop crying. But timing wasn't right. He was about to have classes and couldn't really talk to me. And honestly, my bf isn't exactly gd with words. He has a nice heart but not a sweet talker. Situation wasn't eased.

Came home and talked to Winnie. As usual, Winnie made me feel loved. Thank God for a friend like her. She comforted me and encouraged me. Truly, I am touched.

I love God and I love the word of God. God sees my heart and he will be the person to bring justice to me. God knows everything that has happened and I am sure HE will honour me for my efforts. I will not be brought down by these people. I will make an effort to go for the seminar again tomorrow. Though i am broke to take cab. Though i have to rush from work and i am not sure i can leave on time. Though i am physically tired. God sees it all. God knows. I am sure he will make a way for me to be there as long as i want to, as long as i am willing.

Dear God. Help me to forgive those people who hurt me. I lift all the hurts to you. I let the vengence be yours. I let you be the judge on my behalf. I pray you will convict the hearts of these people. Let not the rough and unreasonable rule in our church. Empower the ushers. Let them not be useless statues that just stand around. Give them the ability to handle situations like this.

Dear God. I pray for the people in my church. I pray especially for the members of my cell gp. I pray that everyone can have the love for one another. Genuine, sincere love for one another. Let not anyone be selfish or to care only for themselves. Give me the capacity to love even those that have hurt me.

Dear God. U see my heart that is wholly after you. Let me not be distracted by unworthy people or unworthy cause. I pray for peace in my heart. Help me to focus on you and not look to the left or to the right. Give me strength - physically, mentally and spiritually to make the effort to go down and receive your word tomorrow. Help to make it possible for me to get there in time. Help me to go with expectation and let me receive a new revelation as i make my way to the seminar tomorrow.

I pray all these in Jesus' mighty name - AMEN!

Christmas Light-ups

Well .... here is another post dated entry. Last saturday, shIan and i went to a common friend's housewarming. Our friend is a British. Its like a united nations party becos we had an American, an Italian, a Canadian, two Indonesians among the Singaporeans. A refreshing party....very different style from the singaporean party...one thing was there isn't chunks and chunks of unfinished food.

The place was simple and nicely done up. Very artistic. It was at an apartment near Paragon at Orchard road, so we took the chance to take pics of the christmas light-ups in that area.



Just realised me and shIan both love taking pics....haha...its been a long long time since i went down orchard road to take pics with christmas light-ups. Used to do it every year with my family when I was much younger. Really reminded me of childhood days. Hmmm usually will take it nearer to Christmas day, so there is more festive mood and with the crowds gathering...this is probably one of the earliest dates to be taking these pics. In a way its gd, we avoid the crowds :)

Liked this pic best - cos for once i looked small beside shIan...feel so protected...haha:



More pictures taken....however we were lazy to walk...so didn't venture beyond Paragon area...

Bangkok 11-15 Nov

Back from bangkok since last tuesday evening...been too busy to write ...here's another post dated entry ...

On the day we were supposed to depart from Changi Airport, Airbus A380 arrived in Singapore and we caught sight of the magnificient plane:



We stayed at Bangkok Palace Hotel - perhaps the cheapest decent hotel and we are quite glad it actually turned out pretty gd. For one thing, our rm got upgrated to a Duluxe room at no cost to us :)

Here's me and shIan with Murphy and Nicole at our Hotel Lobby:



Highlights for the trip? Well...first of all, we went for the half day city tour, something i was very much against becos i went to all these places when i was 8 years old with my family and i didn't really see a need to. Basically i just didn't want to eat into my shopping time. However this is the first bangkok trip for shIan, Murphy and Nicole, so all of them wanted to go for this city tour...so ok, i thought I'll go and see whats new for me.

Well...we saw some temples, the floating market etc...perhaps gd for those who are there for the first time. Guess was a little bit of refreshing my memory of what i seen before when i was a kid and also to better understand the Thai culture and history.



We did a lot of shopping. Went Chatuchack, MBK, PatPong, Pratunum...wanted to go Suan Lum but didn't have time... i bought acuvue contact lenses, 1/2 price! also bought lingerie 1/2 price! we took the tuk-tuk ride ...it feels like riding on a bike, with the wind blowing against your face and the speed it goes, only difference is that you get proper seats and there is no need to wear helmets.



Had Thai traditional massage, introduced by the city-tour guide. Then had aromatherapy oil massage at Hapa - place introduced by Gina. A very nicely done up place. They serve fruit yoghurt with hot tea at the end...very unique .... look at us all relaxed after the massage:



We also went for a 3rd massage at the airport, the head-shoulder-foot massage. Amazing! It was done in 30mins, with one massuse on each end of your body concurrently. Talk about feeling like a royalty.

We also had lots of gd food. Went to Chinatown for sharksfin and seafood. Very cheap! Also tasted quite some thai cuisine.....cheap and nice!

Overall we had a gd trip, shopping, relaxing thru massage and feasting on gd food...

Off to Bintan then Bangkok

Well well... a busy week at work....having an event at Club Med Bintan tomorrow. Tired but kind of excited about it. Have never been to Club Med. Unfortunately this event came rather last min, have already booked a trip to Bangkok this weekend. So i will be going to Bintan for the day and then rush back to Changi Airport to catch my flight to Bangkok. Pray hard i will be on time for the flight and won't forget to bring anything!

Till then ... will update when i am back ... next Wednesday :)

My Water Baptism Anniversary :)

Time flies. One year ago, 7 November 2004, was my water baptism day. It was the day i declare to the world I am a christian and found newness in life. Not sure if all of you know, but Janelle is my baptism name. It is derived from Jane and means gracious, merciful. Basically i like the name a lot :).
 

Zoo Outing

Another post dated entry ... pardon me for i have really been busy and lazy to write ... still its a memorable event that i wanna share :)

Thursday was Hari Raya Public Holiday. shIan made my dream come true when he brought me to the zoo. Can you guys believe it? The 1st and last time i went to the Singapore Zoo was when i was 7 years old - primary sch excursion. Been wanting to go there for the last one year, even got a discount voucher from Maggie who works there, but just wasn't fated to go .... so finally ....



We plan to set off early in the morning and yeah ... as usual i was a little late ... thank God shIan was patient ...the weather was great ... it stopped raining the moment i stepped out of my hse and then it was cooling the whole day we were there. Only had slight sunshine at 5pm when we were already almost done with the sighseeing. Mind you, it wasn't like gloomy weather, it was just right, not hot but yet bright enough for gd picture taking :)



We saw a lot of animals, went from animal show to animal show and one animal feed to another. I must say i am quite impressed with the Singapore Zoo. The service staff all provided excellent service and were initiative. Also, i am amazed our zoo can house and keep up with animals who survive in all sorts of climate, from camels to polar bars. We also have a wide variety of animals at the zoo from insects to wild animals to the aquatic ones....amazing .... the animal shows were interactive with quite a few sporting spectators who participated ... we also went on a tram ride ... it was relaxing ...





Well ... one of the things that i saw that really made me so happy ... was this puppet duck softoy at the retail store. Those who know me well, will know that i simply love yellow ducks ... i cannot explain why but i really really like yellow ducks since young. Got many softoys of that design. So anyway the unique thing abt this duckie that i saw, is that when you put your hands thru (its a puppet toy) and press, every quack sound that it makes will combine into a song. There are 3 songs it can "sing" of which one is to the tune of "Old Macdonald had a farm" .... its so cute..... we really had a lot of fun playing with it.



Another thing that i was so looking forward. Another dream that shIan made it true for me - was so visit the Ben & Jerry's Scoop Ice Cream Store. I love B&J ice cream becos of its unique flavours and its design of the packaging and the richness :). I have always had to get the pints in singapore and even have to deal with limited flavours and also have to hunt for it as not all retail outlet sells them. Was crazy abt B&J since 2000 and have last gone to the scoop shop at Leicester Square, London in 2001. So finally .... i am united with B&J ... its like heaven ... :)



I always thought going to the zoo is going to be expensive, dreadful cos of the distance, the hot hot weather and the irritating kids ... all these always puts me off. I was so wrong. shIan and i took a bus there from AMK and it was a smooth ride. As i said, the weather was gd, and though it was a public holiday, the crowd was still manageable .... and i spoke to a few cute and intelligent kids that impressed me rather than piss me off :)

Overall ... an enjoyable and memorable outing .... simply no regrets :)

The Wedding & The ShOoTiNg StAr

Well well....this happened last saturday, 29 Oct. Yesh ... i've been too busy and lazy to update .... but it was an eventful day ... so i must really tell you gals and guys abt this!

It was shIan's bro's wedding at Raffles Marina. I was invited one and a half mth before but kept changing my mind abt going or not going. Thoughts came to my mind abt what if and what not. U know lah ... he will be busy helping around and me not knowing anyone and standing around like a fool will be a burden to him...or so I thought.

Anyway, i decided to go in the end. And i told myself to be brave. He really touched my heart when he was sincere in telling me how much he wanted me to be there. So i set my heart out to wanna look good .... had my medicure/pedicure and got a dress, matching shoes and accessories and even a make-over --- ok i know, i am not the bride, but well ... how often do we get to dress up and go on a formal dinner with our partner :) hehe ... every gal has a tinge of vanity within ... trust me! I am only a little more honest abt it :)

Well ... on that day, things didnt exactly turn out the way I planned. My medi and pedi was done by someone else instead of my usual service asst. And she kinda persuaded me to take on a colour that somehow didnt suit me. When my usual asst came over, she had to tell me straight in the face the colour was so wrong, leaving me feeling really heartache at spending $ and time doing the totally wrong colour. Well ... anyway, i decided not to brood over it.

Then i went for make over, was terribly late. The person stained my dress with some eye shawdow highlighter. She tried to use makeup remover to remove it to no avail. She then used gif and ya, the stain got removed and then she sprayed some water and said the watermarks should be gone when its dry ... but guess what? It didnt...and it was right in the front. I had to go thru the dinner, using my bag to cover the spots as much as I can ... well.... it really helped that i am not the star lah .... so no one really noticed .... anyway have sent the dress for drycleaning ... still awaiting in anxiety to know if the stain can be removed permanently ...

I felt really loved and taken care of my shIan and family .... particularly his bro. Shian was busy but made sure at every moment i was taken care of. His bro was a very gd host, ensuring that i am well taken care of at every moment too. His parents and relatives are very friendly people ... making me feel very comfortable ... save for someone who actually commented to shIan abt me having to slim down ... well ... shIan made me feel a little better by saying perhaps the dress didnt bring out the best in me .... haha ....still ... i'm now more motivated to get to working off my tummy and flabby arms and legs ....and ya ...can anyone tell me how to lose those baby fats off my face? arghhhhh

Me and shIan at the wedding :



After the dinner...shIan brought me to take a stroll along the yacht area...and we were walking and talking and guess what ? We both saw a shooting star at the same time! It was both our 1st time seeing a shooting star. It was beautiful and an amazing sight ... Of course, we both made our wishes and hope that our dreams will come true :)

Day view of the place we saw the shooting star: