'MI' - .r.e.a. 'R' - .i.m.'AGE'

Toastmaster Milestone

2010-10-13T14:32:00.001+02:00

Today marks the day I gave my first Toastmasters speech. They call it maiden speech.

Yes, finally. With my speech entitled, "I had a dream".

To be honest, I went through the whole ritual of procrastination, not preparing my speech until just the day before. Funnily enough, I did prepare a speech 3 days before but I didn't feel it appropriate or worthy for public ears. It wasn't until the day before that I was confirmed to give a speech on this very day.

Going through the writers' block that couldn't have come on a more timely period (don't they always) I resorted to find my inspiration piece in this very forlorn place, already lacking in audience and collectibles.

At first it was merely a cut and paste affair where I had to craft my speech around my used phrases, but thanks to a friend, we managed to make some sense out of it.

I had my expectations on myself, others had expectations on me, me being one who is not new to public speaking as I have been involved in church activities. The pressure was on.

I did my share of work, put it as much effort and the best that I can given the time frame I have subjected myself to.

Ultimately, what was done was done, I delivered my speech, although perhaps not in the fashion I fancied. Losing my train of thought having to recall my speech, that was something I needed improvement on.

Managing Expectations....

2010-03-13T15:27:00.002+02:00

When at work, your boss expects more from you. Greater productivity, greater efficiency, greater responsibility.

When at home, your parents expects you to be alert and on standby mode for most times.

When out, your friends expects you to be entertaining, lively, joyous and (yes, I am bold to use this word in this century) gay.

So I am asking you, how can we ever please everyone?!

Let me just illustrate...

So your boss expects you to finish up your work, but since you have a pile of files to conquer...
You, being a productive, efficient and responsible employee, takes back your work home.

Thinking of how lucky the firm is to have you...
You bring back the work home only to find that the house is not in order and that your parents expect you to be on your tippy toes with your ears perked up constantly.

" Come this, go there, do this, don't dare" rhymes in your ear.

In between serving their demands and squeezing in some time to work (if you can concentrate, that is), you get a phone call from your friends.

After exchanging hellos and "how are you"s, they manage to coax you into going out...
By using the oldest tricks like commenting on how you don't have a life, how long it has been since the both of you caught up and much worse, 'the friend card' (*scary music playing in background*)

Just as you think you are doing both your friends' and yours (since you don't have a life apparently) a favour, your friends' comment on your zonked-out face and lax (or lack of) response.

In the end, all you get is a tired, frustrated, blacked-face you.

Since you...
didn't manage to finish your work - had to slog the next week too
disappointed your parents - they really counted on you
lost some friends (maybe) - they would never call you out again, party-pooper
hate everything about yourself - can never face yourself again

Now after all that, the moral of the story is...

It's all the fault of work!

So never sacrifice anything, everything for it...

Let everything be in proportion,
LiSs ^^

sO bLeSsEd...beyond words.

2010-02-02T17:31:00.003+02:00

Thought of updating after what has been a long time, crucial events past.

So now work does not seem at all a pain, hurt comes in many other different ways too...
Just to keep it simple and direct, been through quite challenging times, times where it seems like the air is still and no one hears you...

Mom, we'll always be there for you no matter what and seeing you keep strong makes us even want to fight more...

But the tough gets us going still and to praise Him for all He has done.

Count it a blessing that so many care and even praying along worldwide. Just today, Pastor Irvin Rutherford came over just to share and to pray with us. Not to make a big deal out of it but how often do we get that honour? Just goes to show much Mom is loved.

Certainly it makes a whole lot of difference. Your prayers, encouragements, chores etc. mean a lot to us.
On behalf of my family, I can say this with great confidence, A BIG THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.

LiSs
We love you...never give up on us.

I HAD a dream.

2009-03-13T09:05:00.004+02:00

I was a little girl alone in my little world who dreamed of a little home
for me.
I played pretend between the trees, and fed my houseguests bark and leaves,
and laughed in my pretty bed of green.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest swing.
I had a dream.

Long walks in the dark through woods grown behind the park, I asked God who
I'm supposed to be.
The stars smiled down on me, God answered in silent reverie.
I said a prayer and fell asleep.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest tree.
I had a dream.

Now I'm old and feeling grey.
I don't know what's left to say about this life I'm willing to leave.
I lived it full and I lived it well, there's many tales I've lived to tell.
I'm ready now, I'm ready now, I'm ready now to fly from the highest swing.

I had a dream.
(Song by Priscilla Ahn)

Was in the car with Shalom, Ivan and Haze when we discussed about our individual songs.
Songs that had our personalities in it. THE song with character. Ours.

This was mine...

I have to admit, it pretty much sums up the person that I am.

I am a dreamer.

Was once, am still, never lost it. You be the judge.
To point out, I do daydream sometimes.
Those times when I would gaze to the sky or stare out to the open field.
Or maybe at you. So it seems, when I'm actually looking past you and maybe, just maybe...boring a hole through you.

So what if I didn't remember most of my childhood. At least my vague memories were pleasant. Boring, as it may seem but what more can a little girl ask for?

A little girl with a simple mind, easily contented. Innocent but with a big heart.

I want to be THAT little girl again.
With no care in the world.
Nothing to hold me back.
Nothing I would regret.
Looking towards the promising future.
Keeping memories close to my heart so dear.
To fly on the highest swing.
And to dream of myself with a wing.

I am ready now...
LiSs

A dedication...

2009-01-06T17:22:00.003+02:00

Got this idea from a certain friend.
And in accordance to my pursuit of writing less gloomy posts and more positive ones...

Cheers to us!
Us and all our friends from Monash, those who managed to graduate after 3 years of hard toiling.

To A & W (they are addressed as one now):
Forever! May we never ever need to pick sides!

To Andrew:
Celebrating his 'modesty' and our constant disagreements.

To Bryan:
As a source of entertainment for his 'hard labour' in the office. I know you're reading this...*wink*

To Laura:
Never losing her countless jokes and expressions!

To Mich:
To an ambitious, a high flyer and career woman. Success!

To Yin:
With her trademark. The infectious laugh.

To Zhen Han:
His new self. Of less lonely nights and more cheerful days to come!

As we part ways into different courses of our lives, may we never forget we've once walked on this path, the one where we are standing at different junctions facing across one another.
(dang, i broke the very reason for this post. a light and cheery one =p)

With love,
LiSs ^^

Believe...Just because.

2009-01-06T08:47:00.004+02:00

What a better way to start the new year, than with a new post?
For the new year...(though technically the new year spirit has come but all gone)

I remember when I was in Form 1...In a new school, in a new environment, with new faces. (okay it wasn't entirely alien, but with my friends in other classes, I felt pretty...alone.)
Not the point. (though 'new' works. in this case)

Now back to the story. My English teacher, Mrs. Whatever-her-name-was was your typical stern-looking, no-nonsense teacher (at least that's what I can gather after all these years, who says only teachers can't remember their students name!).

P.S. she is that SJ teacher whom my friend and I get the worse from, with a cleanliness check every Monday, her taking the last period before assembly, the class being unreasonably dirty week after week, and us being on floor duty on Mondays. (urghh, those WERE the days i definitely would want to forget)

So on the first period of her class, we were given an assignment to do (already! i know!).

An essay entitled...My New Year Resolutions.

Of course by now, I do not recall at all any of the contents of my essay. Heck, it may all sound so cliche now that I've grown up (more like getting old) but then...then.

It seemed like almost an impossible task to do.
Or something passed off as easy.
Or something exciting or interesting.

The former being a practical teenager understanding that more than half of what would be written would not be accomplished by the end of the year anyway.
The latter being an ambitious teenager who has ideas just spinning off in her head waiting to be overturned out and who never stops dreaming.

Of the combination of the two, I was slighted more towards the picture of the former teenager.

Now as I glanced back at the past, I think to myself, "What have I actually done?"
And as I look forward to the future, "What can I do?"

Surely, I have become worse. Much more cynical bout life. A realist. No longer believing in the happily ever after. At least not for myself. Not now. But no, I can't bring myself to say,

"Not ever."

Just because I want to believe in the best in others. I want to believe there's a better place out there. I want to believe I can dream dreams. I want to believe in myself. I want to believe I too, can have a happy ever after. Just because.

Start it right. End it well.
LiSs ^^

Near death experiences...

2008-12-23T05:55:00.002+02:00

Where my whole life flashed right across my eyes...

Or so, it would seem.

Cutting a corner too fast,
I almost rammed the edge.

Holding my breath for too long,
I nearly ran out of breath.

Almost falling into the drain, with my hands sprawled against the wall,
My first few lessons learning how to ride a bike.

Riding a roller coaster at lightning speed,
I almost fell off my seat.

ALMOST. Or so it would seem.

Nothing like a rush of adrenalin pumping in your blood,
Nothing like a feeling of pure exhilaration.
Chills running down your spine,
Shocks of electricity jolting you back to life.

Giving you a reason to live.
Reminding you of your existence.
The extra push you need to exert yourself.

When I go to heaven,
I want my life to count,
To meet God face to face,
Hearing the words...
"Well done, Melissa. You good and faithful servant!"

P.S. I've yet to learn how to ride a bike, properly.
LiSs ^^

Just another case of...

2008-12-22T19:31:00.004+02:00

Being at the Wrong Place, at the Wrong Time.

Being at the Right Place, at the Right Time.

Being at the Wrong Place, at the Right Time.

vice versa.

You call them pure coincidence,
mere accidents,
bad judgements...
I call them. Fate.

When what would seem to be a shed of light or a ray of hope,
Just a shift in course would be enough to place one in a predicament amidst the deep blue of the sea.

When all appears to be well and dandy,
Just a wrong foot forward would be enough to crush one's visions and dreams.

When all that one thrived on was because of a perfect image,
Just a touch of reality would be enough to shatter its fragile elements.

Yes, its one of those cases.
Nothing happens without reason.

I'm having one of those nights.
LiSs ^^

At long last!

2008-12-21T09:47:00.002+02:00

After months of procrastinating and leaving drafted posts unfinished and unpublished, I've determined to post this, even if its gonna end up to be a short or pointless one. I'm not going to give excuses for my absence despite my unreasonably tight schedule, but for my lack of persistence and devotion.

No, I've never understood how some people never fail to take time off their schedule to update their blogs. For me, it's the television and whatever else that does not require me to use my brains (I still haven't found time to clean my room after exams =p). But it is rather comforting to be letting out a few things off my mind sometimes, I tend to keep them very much to myself.

So, what has been going on in my secret life? Unfortunately, nothing much. Yes, I've just finished my exams, officially a graduate a total bummer a missionary, traveller. Truth is, events follow, one after another. Aside from birthdays, even my mom's 50th, other celebrations and never forgetting some milestones.

Thanks to Project Management, I've learnt that milestones do not have a duration, but only marks a significant event in our schedule called life. A milestone in our life is something only for us to value as it may be only significant to some, those who are affected by it. If you think you may be someone in one area, remember you are part of a city, state, nation, region, continent, world, galaxy and ultimately the entire universe. Now, who do you think you are?

Back to my point, your significant event...may not be so significant after all. Oooh, I've just burst a bubble. Not to sound jaded, but...life's like that sometimes. It's not always about me, my and myself. Nor you, you and you. So...what if people do not appreciate you for who you are and not value the things you do...We all have our own unique experiences no one could ever take them from us. So, treasure every little thing you have but continue to stay down-to-earth.

So much for this being a short post. I drift away. Sometimes. For the most part.

Let's see what have I done so far...Right after exams, my cell group were caught up with the CouZ Talent Night by SIBKL. Every night, we would gather to practise for the audition happening on Sat night. At first, we were ambitious enough to come up with a 5 number performance. Of a dance, song, mime, stomp and media. More like a copy of 30 seconds to fame where each number would last 30 seconds centered on the theme, 'One'.

The plan failed. Miserably. Strike 1 was with the dance which was supposed to be led by Bryan who, was not very much a dancer himself (sorry Bryan! for the record, none of us are, excepting Bernice's solo with you as the pole. Told you that could have worked better with you standing still =p)

Strike 2 - Stomp led by Laura
We could not possibly some up with any neat, tight beats even after countless times of watching it on YouTube. So, out you go! Well at least we did have fun boom banging and cling clanging buckets and pans. =D

Strike 3 - Mime led by myself
This, we had some sort of idea from Lindy and were halfway there. Nonetheless, not enough to make a stunning performance and therefore, scrapped.

Strike 4 - Media by John
Due to insufficient time, he didn't manage to come up with it.

After 4 strikes, what else is left but the song, which we did. Conventional style. The Amazing Grace (My chains are gone) presented to you by One United cell.

Since I had my mom's 50th on that Sat of the audition day itself, I didn't join them on auditions. My mom's birthday's another event on itself feat. the Grease theme with Uncle Tony, the disco king.

The next week was also spent on practising for the big day, the Talent Night itself. We made through to the finals! Apparently, the judges are really nice people who couldn't turn anyone down even if they were really bad. Or they expected 10 groups to perform but since only 9 groups participated, we all made it! But auditions wouldn't be complete without comments and boy did we get ours! The judges were confused of us being a performance or a worship team? Amazing Grace, much? And the girls' voices were not strong enough. Fair enough, for most of us girls, it was our first time. We definitely had a lot of catching up to do.

After many nights of toiling...*pause* for effect...our every bit of effort paid off. We displayed more confidence, more coordination and more voice, according to Lindy, our image consultant =p Excepting the fact that, the other groups were way better than us! We knew for sure, we didn't deserve to win. Despite that, Laura contributed to us being the top 2 on the SMS votes. At least, we were mentioned apart from the rest of us non-winners getting consolation prizes of free TGV movie tickets (no surprise there).

After supper, on that fateful night...While Bryan drove Laura and I back home, we met an accident on the highway. To keep the long story short, we survived from what would have been a nasty accident with only some sprains, bruises and cuts. And the moral of the story, always buckle up, even behind!

This ended up to be a much longer post than i expected. Oh well, I'll leave the rest for another day. So, there's something to look forward to.

That's all for now, folks!
Next up, Thailand and Singapore!
LiSs ^^

2008-07-28T15:54:00.003+02:00

life has taken on a new turn...
the world is seen differently through one's eyes...
every step is taken purposefully...
with a mission, a set goal to work towards to...

My time is running out…Age is not a factor?

2008-02-23T16:22:00.002+02:00

Just when you think age is not catching up on you…think again!

Symptoms of old age:

1. Jumbling up of words

Parking + Marketing = Park-eting

We were on the way to Pavillion the other day. The 3 musketeers – ZH, B and I went finding for parking. When we just missed out on one, I randomly said:

“Don’t worry la, sure can find parketing…opps..Parking. haha.”

And a few other mixed up words, I can’t seem to remember. I was totally in my sound mind. Hmm, now makes you wonder if I had proper teaching since..kindy, primary school?

2. Lines, creases, bags and whatever nots…

Sheer sign of old age…when you actually grow older! A little extra lines here and there, even from smiling or laughing gives you a few more wrinkles. Eye bags that go deep just below the eye from those inevitable late nights (yes Zhen Han, life does not treat me well in that way T.T). A few scars and bruises here and there, hence the ‘colourful’ me (haih, I’m that clumsy unfortunate) To think that I’m getting older, more like I’m reverting back to my childhood life! haha.

3. Forget-me-nots

If I give you that I-think-I-know-you-look-familiar look, please excuse me. I probably am figuring out where I have seen you before and or in the midst of trying to dig out some memory of a name. Again, not my intention, I’m just simply getting old! Or maybe it’s just my bad memory of names and faces =p

4. Mother no. 2

When you speak like your mother! This includes all the older generation lingo and old grandmother tales that you keep reminding others…

“I’ve eaten more salt than you do rice.”
“Let’s bring our whole gene gang!’ (wonder if that’s the right spelling…)
“Aiya, kids nowadays…” *shakes head*

5. Reminiscence of the old times

“Haih, those we the days when we used to do…this…and …that…”
“Remember when we…bla bla bla…”
As if time is on its stand still as we speak. No, time waits for no man, so move
on forward!

6. Countless reunions and gatherings

People only do gather when they have not seen each other for a very long time. But nowadays, reunions are done almost every week! Hmm, wonder if it’s just an excuse to meet…

7. Misplacement of articles

It starts first with small little nick nacks that lie loosely around the house. Never forgetting, the times you used to call your cell just to find out where it is. Then it goes on to appointments you unintentionally miss- making the use of a ‘diary cum appointment/ agenda for the week’ necessary.

8. Frequent relation of stories/ constant reminders of old age

The relation of the same story to the same party on several occasions.

“Oh, did I tell you about the time I…”
“I did? Hmm..”

“Haih, this year twenty-one already, I feel so old”

And boy, don’t you feel old! Amazing how powerful words are, especially with self-admittance. Note to those who ARE old out there: do not live in denial!

And for those who ARE older than me…

“Please la, if you’re old, then what am I?”
(an older human, maybe? =p)

9. Early bird/ fatigue and tiredness/boredom/lack of stamina

Those who know me well would know that I sometimes can get high (no, not on anything) for nothing. It’s just one of those moments, after a certain hour that I just get a lil’ perky, so to speak (probably on those late nights, which are extremely rare) Note to self: oh now it makes sense!

Nowadays, I can’t get pass a day without escaping a yawn. Don’t be offended if it was ‘performed’ in your presence, people! I am first tired, before I get bored. My attention span is also shortening, which makes it harder for me to stay occupied and satisfied.

Even very much before the striking of midnight you can see the fatigue/tiredness taking its toll on me. That is probably why I call my night early and then wake up early in the morning. Sounds like something your old folks would do, ay? I couldn’t agree more =) Oh well…the early bird does catch the worm.

Also, the tennis marathons we used to do last time. All the way from 8am till 1-2pm in the afternoon. Hard core, I’m telling you. Well, it’s not as if I’m good tennis, but being able to last that long (under the hot Malaysian sun, mostly picking up balls), pure determination or stamina, I would say.

10. Aches all around

My body screams like an engine in need of oiling. Of course, it’s not as easy as it sounds. After passing a phase of life, there’s no looking back and turning the time around. Sure there are enhancement supplements and who-knows-what-else, but it can only take you so far, bundled up with uncalculated risks and dangers of side effects.

On the bright side, there are a few things you don’t need to worry about such as curfew, for instance. As you grow up, hopefully your parents will be more flexible about your whereabouts and times? Note: hopefully. But then again, what’s the use of going out so late at night when you would get sleepy and tired by that time anyway. Self-defeating, haih.
So you see, the lesson learnt here is to live life while you’re still young that is, you never know when your body would fail you. Do it keeping in mind that when you ARE old (yes, I’m barely in my early stages), you can reflect that

The reason why I’ve aged with lines showing, hair thinning, joints aching, hands
shaking…
…are signs or proof that I have LIVED, LOVED, GROWN not merely, but
to the fullest in this life and with no regrets that I remember of distinctively
today…

P.S. Please help me to age gracefully, God.

Beauty only lasts but for a moment.
We are loved for who we really are when we are old.

To all the weary and downcast...

2008-02-18T17:21:00.002+02:00

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking NOTHING.

.......

2008-02-18T11:21:00.005+02:00

tasukete kami sama!
watashi wa kantan ni nozoite...

hitori de

Dear God...

2008-02-18T11:05:00.003+02:00

Thank you for being my guardian,

Protecting me and guarding me whenever necessary.

Even when I go astray,

You never fail to pick me up and put me back on track.

Thank you for never giving up on me,

For forgiving me each and every day,

Countless times as it is,

When you never seem to see the end of day.

Sustain me in every circumstances that I go through,

Intercede for me, I pray,

Words are never enough to say,

Of all I am and who I have become.

Lord, give me the grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things which should be changed,

And the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other...

Fair is not a word...

2008-02-12T04:48:00.000+02:00

Or shouldn't be one, in fact...For one, it no longer is existent in our society today. Gone are the days where justice is served. Law and order does not even bring justice to this word at all. How more can it give the helpless hope, much less confidence. I'm not saying revenge is good, neither am I saying that we should live in pretence. However, something has to be done. Just take a look at how corrupted our legal systems have become. I'm very much aware that just as powerless as you, as I type this. But let us be responsible for our actions and reflect, this pre-election period, for those involved. Only a friendly reminder, like what they always say.

Then there's this other saying:

The grass is always greener on the other side.

Plainly put, as a summarization of humanity's contentment. Yes, we humans are never satisfied.

Now, fair takes on the subjective scrutinity of man...
"What exactly is fair?" Can't say I know the answer to that myself.

For starters, life is never fair. Caught you there, didn't I?
Be it in any way, whether it is from your background, lifestyle, acquaintances and just who you are or become to be. Answer the WHAT, WHO, WHERE and HOW, and you would be surprised at how these words would turn the exact same sentence around by simply...replacing them.

Fair can also vary to many degrees.
Say, is it fairer for you to have more money than him or her when both put in the same amount of time effort? Sounds familiar? How about this...

Is it fair to be in imprisonment for a crime you did not commit?

I told you this was gonna get ugly. Life is so unfair, isn't it? =p

On to the response bit. Most of the time, we would grow bitter. Or even wallow in self pity. If only...this. If only...that. As if things are gonna be any better just by wishing and sulking in one corner.

The question to be asked instead should be:
What can I do to change this?
How can I make the best out of this?
They don't say action speaks louder than words for nothing, you know.

And of course, the very word mentioned earlier itself; being

CONTENT

Rather than keeping track of negativity, we need to look at the positive aspects of our circumstances. Find it, sleep on it, and improve it. Always look at what you DO have, not focusing too much on what you DON'T. Treasure THESE things but not to the extent you become too possessive and cocky with it, taking care that you do not become too comfortable with your current standings. Take it as an opportunity to grow and better yourself.

See, now fair has taken a new face. It really depends on which side you are looking it at.

P.S. When all else fails, suck it up and live with it. By God's grace you'll get by just fine. ^^

2008-02-05T08:36:00.000+02:00

Trains stop and depart,
Leaving passengers on the side of the platforms
Passerbys move from one shop to another
Getting the best bargains they could find

Birds migrate from the north to the south
Following the wind and temperature as they change along
Wild animals hunt their prey down
All to secure their stomachs a fill

Nomads never station at one place for long
Moving on whenever the soil loses its ground
The world rotates on its orbit
Circling the sun as it goes
Such wonders God has created for us to behold
Other mysteries who can fathom its show

Written by MEL
Copyright Feb 2008'

call me

2008-01-28T15:25:00.001+02:00

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Picking up after yourself

2008-01-17T14:16:00.000+02:00

I have just finally finished packing my room after a month of living out of my suitcase and in a dumpster for a room! Happen to have given away my first born birth right to my sis and to be moving out from MY room to the guest room. As a result, I often have to shift back and forth when my parents accommodate guests (which happens quite frequently, I assure you!). So before I left for Australia, I had to clear OUT of the room to make way for any expecting guests during the time I would be away. Being the true ME, I chucked everything (yes, all my junk) into the cupboard stored away in plastic and paper bags. Talk about convenient!

Now, after being back and having to go through all my articles, I realised that sometimes we have our past slotted in a part of our memory somewhere that we have not quite dealt with. Maybe we just cant seem to find the time to slowly ponder on it, or maybe we conveniently push it aside because we cant face it. Whichever the reason, we have failed to pick up after ourselves. Remember the old times where our mom, especially, would often say, "Make sure you pick up your toys after you're done with it!" And just like the old times we never listen to them. Even to this day.

Never leave dirty laundry around, you will never know when someone might just pop by =P

2007-12-31T06:41:00.000+02:00

Atonement started with a simple idea, a simple plot till it blossomed into a quite complicated expression of meaningful thoughts. Some may not like the way the movie is filled with flashbacks, taking us back and forth through time. For some reason, I believed the movie cannot be put in any other way, so as to convey a message we often let slip from our minds. That is, how our mistakes can cause lifetime consequences and what we perceive to see is not necessarily the truth.

Give me 18th century any day, I simply love the way words are articulated and minds are being spoken out. Call me old fashioned, if you please. ^^ Filled with mysterious characters and passionate love, the narrator gives first hand collections of the past in such a twisted way but not to the extent it becomes even remotely unpleasant.

Even to this day, I carry with me only a vague picture of my childhood. Fragments of pink tutus and frilly dresses fill up these gaps and blanks I often sought out answers for. And this is what I've grown up treasure most. Funny how our past can sometimes shape our future.

Yes, I am no longer that little girl who goes 'Que Cera Cera'. I've now learnt that we do have a certain control (apart from God) over our destiny, not only to be decided by our parents, neither is it, by ignorance. I am a grown up lady not because I want to, but because of the pressure of time.

Oh pray, will I ever find my knight-in-shining-armor and lady-in-waiting?

I am certainly a sucker for romance, much to my disbelief! Now, now this has turned into an advertisement, a cry or rather an exclamation I'm afraid.

It is true that guys in our modern society are getting too caught up, even obsessed, with the complications of life without needing to take in a breath of how simple life can actually be. Everyday is a challenge, another competition to survive to see who is the 'fittest'. Expectation bars are set higher each day as fast as records are being broken.

On the other hand, girls are getting more and more difficult to please, each with their ever increasing long wish lists and less subtle hints, expecting guys to fulfill their every 'command'. They have lost their dignity, only to be highly, if not solely and entirely dependent on a man.

What happened to long-lasting marriages and unconditional relationships? No, no they fail miserably merely hanging on a thin thread of materialism. Love is no longer about giving and expecting nothing in return but being, more often than not, on the receiving end.

I remind you that this is not an insight on my superiority but only a GENERAL description of milk turning sour. Note: general.

Ah, where did I stop?
Yes, the world has taken a sudden turn, leaving us 'classics' behind with only fragments of our memories left to hold on to, and much less, hopes for the present and for the near future.

So much for the change in mindset =="

Itchy Hands and Legs

2007-12-03T13:09:00.000+02:00

Yes, literally. Resultant from my un-spoken of... clumsiness. My year in Australia has certainly left me with scars I would remember for life. Well, hopefully in time they will fade away. By that, I meant those physical scars and not memories of my entire experience here.

I shall now provide details. I think the first one came from probably a week or so in me arriving in Australia. I sat down on a bed side table. And it broke. I can't imagine why on earth did I do that, probably thinking that the table would be able to withstand my weight. haha. How wrong was I! Well, as you would predict, it broke and the nail brushed against my thigh. Not just a scratch, but rather a deep cut. So there you have it, my first Australian-'injury'.

After that was a from a thorn of a plant which conveniently came into contact with my hand while I was passing by it. And with my cuts and blisters that I get on and off from my sandals and thongs. Before this, I accidentally rubbed my hand against a rock while jumping from one rock to the other in Wilson's Prom. Gold Coast was also not complete without a sore thigh from friction with water slides. And now, the latest addition to my collection: a minor burn on my hand from steam out of a boiling kettle. Not to mention my pimples on my face. To think that with the cleaner environment here would help clear skin breakouts ==" Now that everything is revealed out in the open, I think it's safe to say that I have suffered from the klutz-syndrome.

Petty stuff, you might think. But no, they would bring about long-lasting consequences. For instance, my hands and legs now itch so badly I find it difficult to sleep at night. Not with all the pas oozing out most of the time and with the irritation from the rash. Not forgetting the scars that will follow eventually.

Sometimes our life is like that. We will have to pay for our stupidity by facing the consequences of our mistakes. And out of those consequences, some would leave scars we would remember for life. All we have to do is to endure the outcomes to the best we can and hope that they would not come back to haunt us. During the time of suffering, we often try not to worsen the wound by not scratching it when it feels itchy. There are times when temptations brings us deeper into our problem until we feel that there is no way out and no saving grace. No turning back and since we're in it so deep, it doesn't hurt to go in deeper. And deeper. And deeper it goes till it leaves us with a scar to remind us of our foolishness. The scar enacted in our skin that we would be ashamed of forever.

But out of those scars, some would heal. Sometimes, it just takes time. And effort. Like a scar after a wound, if it is well taken care applied with medication, it will leave no distinct mark. Most of those times, the healing power of God intervened would speed up the healing process. All we have to do is surrender and believe.

I have taken for granted so many things in life. For not even thinking that such a small thing like this would be worthy of God's time and attention. Don't get me wrong, I would pray for some things in my life. But we often forget that we can entrust even the littlest of things because He is interested in every detail of our life. Not that we are not believing Him to do the greater things but because He cares. In every little thing we do.

After all that has happened, one thing is for sure: learn from our mistakes.

Not scarred for life,
LiSs

Somewhere over the rainbow...

2007-11-27T08:54:00.000+02:00

Blue birds fly,
Birds fly over the rainbow,
Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly,
Beyond the rainbow,
Why, oh why can't I?

Rainbows for promises, just like what God gave Noah after the flood
Bluebirds as a sign of hope
Birds fly for freedom
Blue for the sky so blue

Somewhere, oh somewhere over the rainbow,
There's a pot of gold, meant for me and you,
Just like in fairy tales, high and low,
I would want a 'happy-ever-after' ending too...

Strike out!!

2007-09-03T11:55:00.000+02:00

~~30^th August: The bag I’ve been eyeing on for so long~~

~~31^st August: Merdeka celebration, Malaysia’s 50^th, countdown at Gravity~~

~~2^nd September: Footie match, St. Kilda saints vs. Richmond tigers~~

6^th September: Switchfoot concert soon at Richmond AOG

7^th September: E-night at OCF Clayton

8^th September: Rugby match, Melbourne Storms vs. Sydney Swans (to be confirmed)

22^nd – 23^rd September: Wilson’s promontory with Milano group

Guess now you have an idea what I have and will be doing soon. Awesome days ahead, I can assure you. No wonder I haven’t been sticking to my budget. Haha. Currently addicted to footie, it’s the most exciting thing ever. Of course, you must be actually at the stadium to get the feel of it all. The atmosphere, the ‘live’ experience and fanatic fans shouting such colorful strings of words. Yes, it all comes in the whole package. Was loads of fun though, rooting for your team. And St. Kilda won. Although it was only a game for pride, it was all worth while in the end.

Oh and the other is, Switchfoot’s coming to my church! Costs 45 bucks though, but who cares. I’m gonna starve, if I have to.

E-night stands for evangelistic night. Combined with OCF Clayton, hopefully it will turn out successful…

Yep, you read it right. I might just go for this match since the footie season is almost over and when prices start to skyrocket.

With all the excitement and programs lined up, hopefully I’ll be able to keep up with my studies and assignments. Although there aren’t many to begin with.

5^th September: Math for Business Assignment

10^th September: Performance Measurement Group Assignment (to be discussed this Friday!)

On to list-conquering!!

For Tagged Sake!!

2007-09-02T15:13:00.000+02:00

...your it!!

":Stupid Taggers….it’s like being in kindergarten again…" Chris Lee

COMPLETE THESE SENTENCES.
THE 30 SENTENCE MEME!
Tag 3 people to do the meme when completed.
Oh. And NO tags backs.

1. My ex is: hmm...

2. I am listening to: a variety of songs.

3. Maybe I should: do something crazy.

4. I love: meeting new people, exploring new things.

5. My best friends: can’t decide...

6. I don’t understand: why there are more pretty girls than hot guys.

7. I lose: track of time when I’m enjoying myself.

8. People say: eat to live. I say, live to eat!!

9. The meaning of my screen name is:

LiSs ^^ hitori de (is in life’s fullness): my name, meLISSa, i’m happy being alone, thus, the smiling face in front of the Japanese translation of alone and is living in the ups and downs of life...

10. Love is: L-asting, O-riginal, V-enomous & an E-xperience

11. Somewhere, someone: is waiting for a miracle to happen.

12. I will always: be the only one in the world; the special and irreplaceable me.

13. Forever: is a long time.

14. I never want to: do something that I’ll regret later on. But then again, it’s later that I regret doing it.

15. My cell phone is: a gift.

16. When I wake in the morning: I will take a trip to the toilet =p

17. I get annoyed at: people who are so full of themselves.

18. Parties are: social nights.

19. My dog is: dead. My pets usually die.

20. Kisses are the worst when: they are not from a loved one.

21. Today I am: who I am.

22. Tonight I will: pack my things.

23. Tomorrow I will: start anew.

24. I really want: to be a leader, not a follower.

25. When I looked at myself in the mirror today I: realised how much I needed to lose weight.

26. I will drive my car: when I absolutely have to.

27. A word that rhymes with “PARK” is: YUCK!!

28. Bright or Dark Room?: bright, I’m paranoid.

29. If I’m alone in a room with two beds, I: will sleep in one and put all my ‘barang’ in the other.

30. The last thing I said to someone was: “ok”

AND I tag…

1) YOU

2) YOU

3) and YOU

Whoever actually reads my blog and wants to be tagged...

Cure for Cancer...Faith

2007-08-17T02:04:00.000+02:00

Her doctor said it’s time for her checkup
That she needed to pack up
To stay in the hospital overnight
For the procedure may be require over sight

She had a few days to think over
It was not the first time since she had cancer
Where she was put in a difficult position
To decide whether or not she should go through with the operation

In the mornings and where all is dark and solemn
She kneels down with a contrite heart and broken
Before God, crying for His will to be done
For she desires to put her trust in His Son

The Spirit of God descending like a dove
Came down to earth seeing her heart so full of love
Touched her heart and filled it with peace
Assuring that He is with her always even in this maze
And that His perfect love that casts out all fear
In the midst of confusion even when the answers are near

She made up her mind
She never felt so sure in her life
And with the confirmation of friends and family
She was ready to go God’s way
Putting her faith to the test
And not to doubt the healing power He has

Written by liss
Copy right 17 Aug 2007

Dedicated to,

A woman of faith,

A Mighty prayer warrior,

My role model,

My mom.

Love you lots mom! ^^

Loving God, Loving People...A vertical, horizontal relationship...

2007-08-11T05:22:00.000+02:00

I have tons of work to do and here I am blogging. Hmm, I guess sometimes you just have to get your thoughts straight. Like something's been bugging you and you have gotta get it out. Even if it means blogging. Well, today Wendy's having a birthday celebration in our place, guess it's gonna be a long night again. haha. Not that I'm complaining, it's good to have people in your house ~~not all the time!!~~ once in a while...^^

My church, Richmond AOG has recently launched TOGETHER WE STAND, that is, 40-Days of Community, a sequel of 40-Days of Purpose by RIck Warren. We just did a session, during lifegroup on Wed. And ironically, we were taught about loving others, how it is a command, choice etc... Hah, just when I was talking about playing host to a party (technically not me, but Wendy =p)

During sharing, I've realised that I have been struggling in this area...of loving people. Not that I've been suffering from hurt and am unable to express myself but...in only loving people when it is convenient for me...and only to those who are 'loveable’. Sounds discriminative huh? But all so true.

We are just so caught up with the things of life that sometimes we forget to stop and 'smell the roses' as one of the pastors say. We do things out of our schedule, following plans (not that planning is all that bad), till it becomes a routine, a duty and done just for the sake of 'doing it'. Where has all the passion gone? The spark that ignites our sense of purpose and justice?

So, in conjunction with this program, I've decided to do some application of 'loving others' myself...Which includes, yes, finally catching up with all the people I've been wanting to catch up since the beginning of the year. Not because I need to, but because I WANT to!! And how do I accomplish this? By putting in EFFORT! And opening up my schedule (not that I have a tight one anyway). I’m just ~~lazy~~ not in the mood having to get out of my oh-so-comfortable-room, it's so cold outside. haha. Not gonna be an easy task, after all, it's only the beginning, lot more ground to cover!!!

1st step: get rid of the lazy bug!!!

For God so loved...

2007-08-10T08:31:00.000+02:00

We rode into town the other day
Just me and my Daddy.
He said I’d finally reached that age,
And I could ride next to him on a horse that of course was not quite as wild.
We heard a crowd of people shouting and so we stopped to find out why.
There was that man that my dad said he loved,
But today there was fear in his eyes.

So I said Daddy why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why is he dressed in that bright purple robe?
I bet that crown hurts him more than he shows.
Daddy please, can’t you do something?
He looks as though he’s going to cry.
You said he is stronger than all of those guys,
Daddy please tell me why,
Why does everyone want him to die?

Later that day the sky grew cloudy and daddy said I should go inside.
Some how he knew things would get stormy, boy was he right.
But I could not keep from wondering if there was something that he had to hide,
So after he left I had to find out.
I was not afraid of getting lost
So I followed the crowds to a hill where I knew men had been killed
And I heard a voice come from a cross:

And it said: Father why are they screaming.
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why are they casting their lots for my robes??
This crown of thorn hurts me more than it shows.
Father please can’t you do something?
I know that you must hear my cry.
I thought I could handle a cross of this size,
Father, remind me why.
Why does everyone want me to die?
When will I understand why?

My precious Son, I hear them screaming.
I’m watching the face of the enemy beaming
But soon I will clothe you in robes of my own.
Jesus this hurts me much more than you know,
But this dark hour I must do nothing.
I’ve heard your unbearable cry —
The power in your blood destroys all the lies,
Soon you’ll see past their unmerciful eyes.
Look there below see the child trembling by her father’s side.
Now I can tell you why,
She is why you must die.

Such a meaningful song, and is so true. I just picture myself as the little girl, and how Jesus, and even God had to bear pain just to save me, a small insignificant girl, I am. And not just me, saving everyone who believes. To each one of us personally. Yes, no matter where we come from, how our past has been and our future, God doesn’t discriminate. All we have to do is just to receive the salvation He’s given us…

Was so touched by it. I LIKE!!!

Slaves to sin...

2007-08-07T00:52:00.000+02:00

Do you know how sometimes we know that something is right and not do it? Or even when we know we ought not to have done that wrong thing but we do it anyway? I am not saying I have recently been in that situation, but don’t we struggle with that everyday? Even with us and our daily lives and sometimes not even realizing it? We have become too comfortable with routines that we have to stop and think of what if we have done things differently. Just by helping someone in need, knowing it’s the right thing to do but somehow letting it slip off your mind. Such act is unforgivable but yet, unavoidable.

"for what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.
If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.
But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.
For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me."
Romans 7: 15 – 20

The only thing we can do now is to lean on our Father and He will give us the strength to do what that is right and to resist any temptations along the way, for…

"i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak…

MOUNT BULLER

2007-08-06T13:57:00.000+02:00

It all started with a dream, which turned into a plan, and then to reality!!! It's amazing how God just grants the prayers of your heart, even without you asking for it. And yeah, I'm so thankful to have gone on this trip, to Mount Buller.

There were bout 20+ of us who went, all of which were friends of friends, so technically I didn't know just about everyone who went for the trip. But it was fine, since we were on a tour anyway. Waking up that morning at 4 was difficult, with me having a rough night the night before ~~(partly, because of some people who decided that it was still early and made noise)~~ presumably from being excited over the fact that I'm finally going the next day.

The ride was not the best; it never is when travelling up to the mountains, with a few people having nausea. But once we saw the snow on the way up, everyone was only focused on getting to the top. It seemed like forever when we had to follow a crawl all the way up, and when we reached the skating rink, waited on a few shuttle buses before we actually arrived.

With the place swarming with people, we had to find our way around, booking lockers, borrowing gear and getting everyone organized (which was not easy, btw, given the number of people). And me, anxiously waiting to conquer the mountains! haha. But it wasn’t easy trying to walk with the bulky boots and hauling the long and heavy skis plus poles at the same time. We were led by an instructor, who taught us the basics of skiing and snow ploughing. It was later on that I was getting the hang of the sport and ready to go down the slope.

There was a belt-sort-of-escalator that led us up to the top (no, I wasn’t ready enough to go all the way up using a chair lift). We had fun, ‘zooming’ down the slope and catching the wind, even ice on our hair! ~~(Although not all made it all the way down, while others too far down where it’s restricted!)~~ haha. By the end of the day, I became the ‘snow queen’, from having my hair all frozen even to the point where my sunnies were stuck to them as well! My friends were having a bad time trying to detach my sunnies and skis from my hair ~~with me shouting back at them in pain.~~

After the ‘scene’, I just had to stop and take a deep breath in of the magnificent picture right in front of me. It was truly a white, winter wonderland. The beauty surrounding me looked almost surreal with leaves of trees frozen so ‘perfectly’, it looks unnatural. And to think that all of this was created by God, reminds me of how great and awesome He is ^^

I would have liked to stay on a while longer if not for the fact that the bus was leaving at 4. So, all of us, reluctantly returned our equipment and headed back to the bus. It was on the bus that I realized;

I HAVEN’T SAT ON MY CHAIR LIFT!!!

I guess I was just too engrossed in getting up and down the slope as fast and as many times as I can that I just forgot about it T.T Oh well, I guess I’d have to make another trip again somewhere else, maybe to Switzerland? haha. In my dreams! *Sigh*

Walking in a winter wonderland ^^

Internet on and going!

2007-08-02T09:18:00.000+02:00

Yea, as the title suggests, my internet has been down for what, a week? So, I was not able to do much, what more updating...But I've learnt to appreciate the Internet more, even when it takes ages to load a page...

Things have been going just... normal. That's good, right? Or plain, boring. haha. Getting used to the workload and getting down to the serious stuff. Fortunately, I don't have many assignments this semester which makes it a whole lot easier for me.

Oh, and I went to this restaurant, Lucky Chan where Serena's god dad spent us dinner. That's nice of him ^^ I felt so jakun the whole time while in the restaurant when having to 'tackle' so many delicacies in one night! We had abalone, lobster, duck, beef and I think it was bird's nest for desert? Now you can imagine how overwhelmed I must felt the whole time. Talk bout etiquette!

That aside, we just had a birthday surprise party for Zhen Han. He has turned the BIG 2! Happie birthday!! ^^ So much for the my-housemates-would-never-do-anything-for-me huh? Anyway, we cooked up a meal for him, Yao in charge of the main dishes, and Wendy, our desert expert. Had prawns, lala soup with winter melon, beef and tomatoes, Nutella cheesecake, honeydew sago etc... Makes you wanna drool, ay? ^^

Oh, and a big thank you to Adam for making the surprise a success. haha. It was a good thing he left his glasses (which he needed to play poker) at home, otherwise it would have been difficult trying to convince him to go home without being suspicious. No need to resort to our many other back up plans! (which btw, would NEVER work, especially Plan B!).

And, my housemate's and I have started sharing cooking together. Which is a good thing, after planning for so long! But it was super stressful, especially when I had to cook yesterday since no one else was around. Thinking bout whether it tasted alright and whether it suited their taste buds. haha. So I'm learning. Well, gotta start somewhere, don't I? ^^

Finally, finally, finally! We're going to Mount Buller!!! Been wanting to go for a long time but haven't gotten round to planning it so when Serena's friend Bryan invited, I was more than happy to be in!

With the hype of actually going to Mount Buller, Wendy and I made a must-do-list in Australia before we leave. I'm not sure how we're gonna manage to do everything, but we're do our best. So here's our non-exhaustive list, feel free to add on to it... ^^

Puffing Billy
Frankston Beach
St. Kilda
Philip Island
Dandenong mountain
Gold Coast?

Eat Hogsbreath steak
Go cherry picking
Watch flowers as they bloom in spring
Shopping (isn't it always on the list?)
Watch a footie match

*bout Great Ocean Road, we've been and we've decided that as time goes by, the attractions are getting less there as the Twelve? Apostles disappear slowly one by one. haha.

Suggestions, suggestions!!!

Strategy is cute?

2007-07-17T10:40:00.000+02:00

And it was a rainy day. Nice for sleeping in, or just an excuse to go out and play in the rain? No, not when your all drenched and with the icy cold wind pricking your face, ears, fingers, anywhere she can get her hands on. Not like I have a choice, gotta be a good gal, after all it's only the first week and first impressions are crucial (as if the lecturer would notice me amidst the noisy chatter of students-me included, guilty! heh)

So...I was in this strategic management lecture, while all the time thinking,

"why in the world am I taking this subject?!?"

Then, I took a look at the unit guide. 40% assignment! *gasps* And a presentation. Now that's so gonna help. Well, I have to admit, I'm never good at assignments, I'm more of a study-for-exam type of person. The unit guide even contained some golden rules for assignment 2! W-O-W? I don't know if I should be amazed or terrified. Ok, so I was terrified.

And bla bla, goes the lecturer, stating all the self explanatory facts...*smirk* I should say, it was quite fun giving Zhen Han the I'm-trying-hard-not-to-laugh-coz-it's-mean look between intervals of his 'intelligent' remarks. Kinda reminds me of Ravinda from my friend's Cost Info tute. Deter-mind...haha. Ok, I'll stop here, I don't wanna sound mean. =)

Then, he said,

"What is strategy? Is it cute?"

Now that got my attention. Hmm, did I hear wrongly? Nah. I'm sleepy but not that sleepy. I think. Just like that. And he goes on quoting his favourite definitions on strategy. I have to say, that was the highlight of the lecture! Although it doesn't make any sense, but who cares, how often do u hear them saying things like that? haha.

Ok, even though the lecturer tried to be cute but that didn't change my mind. I was gonna change this unit even if it killed me!

That was exactly what I did. Yay me! =)

Back to home sweet home-Melbourne?

2007-07-14T04:14:00.000+02:00

After all the hype in Syd, it is time to go back to Melb and face the reality-hols are almost over!!! Boy, I miss Melb and its cold weather...

So the following days were spent mostly at home lazing around-time to mellow down after all the happenings...Irvin was still around and since Jon wasn't, he stayed over at my place. So days at home weren't too bad, watching Prison Break and just...bumming around =p

But he definitely turned up the noise at night. Man, he can certainly cook up an earthquake!! It's a good thing I was able to sleep first, the next two nights. haha.

Days spent just training my chilli-eating-ability which ended me having to go to the toilet several times...Who wouldn't? I mean, talk ice cream after chillies on two occasions!!! I never knew I would have problem eating chillies but I guess when you're here, you do tend to tune yourself down. haha.

Other than that, nothing else exciting except for some poker nights with the guys-they never get tired of it, MAKAN poker, TIDUR poker...haihz. And the rest...zzzz

Slothfulness is a man's weakness, without it, he would go much further in life...=)

Hillsongs and Sydney...

2007-07-12T12:35:00.000+02:00

Now I can proudly say...I've been to Hillsongs!!! haha. It was
awesome!

We left (the guys, and couple of people from Clayton) by train on Sun to Syd. Took us 11 hours to get there by train, imagine! I took 2 trolley bags over, thank God for Irvin my kuli helper(otherwise I'll never be able to lug them around all by myself!) What a journey, never managed to sleep much during the whole ride. No more train rides for me the next time...

So once we arrived, we were flat out tired. Stayed over at Dan's aunt's place. With his CUTE cousins, Tim and Jeff. Ah, miss them so!!! =) Just love small cute boys in their cute Australian accents. Aww...haha. Met his aunt, who is an awesome cook!!! Really enjoyed the food she cooked for us. Chicken rice, satay, 'Muk Chuk' and her salads (she made veges taste sooo good!!-not that i don't like veges anyway, but still). And Uncle, who is quiet but funny in his own way...

Hillsongs. on the other hand. was great!!! The band and just being there...Just being in the midst of worshippers, all worshipping our Lord Jesus. The whole stadium was packed with people. Apparently, it was bigger than last year. Speakers this year were TD Jakes, John Bevere, Ed Young, Jentezen Franklin, Joseph Prince and many more...Plus, we had Chris Tomlin, Israel Houghton & Steven Curtis Chapman as guest artists this year!!! You'll have to be there to experience the whole thing. The only thing i regretted was not getting better seats!!! My allocated seat was the top level so every night Irvin had to 'smuggle' me in so I get to sit with the rest!!! haha. It's a good thing they release seats 5 mins before the start of services.

All messages were great but there were 2 that particularly strucked me. One by John Bevere, the other by TD Jakes.

John Bevere: We are JUDGED not by what we do, but what we are CALLED to
do.

(Yes Irvin, your probably smiling now) He calls me missionary Melissa, as if that is what I'm called to do. Not that I'm saying it's wrong but...I dunno man. haha.

There was this one time where we wanted to go for this 'Moving in the Spirit' workshop but we weren't registered into the stream. There was a long queue to get in and apparently priority is given to those registered. But we just walked through and the 'guards' didn't stop us. Now that's something!!!

With all the ups during the conference, there were certainly downs to it. Mine came at the climax, where I was down with a sore throat (a very bad one, mind you) which eventually cascaded into a fever and cough. Thank God for sustaining me through it all, even though I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have. But I did manage to go around sightseeing in Sydney, even without taking medication!!! woo hoo!!!

As we were only here for a week and most of it was taken up by Hillsongs, we only manage to go around on Saturday. The usual places, Syd Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. What was great was the seafood in Fish Market. Had fresh oysters, prawns, octopuses and fish. oooh, yummy yummy!!! I remember dragging my feet around as I wasn't feeling too well. But at the end of the day, I was as healthy as a horse...=p Praise the Lord!!!

An experience never to be forgotten

Cont'd...OCF Clayton camp

2007-07-12T12:05:00.000+02:00

So after 2 days of rest, saw the Klang people during the 3 days of OCF Clayton camp...yea, i'm betraying my own OCF Caulfield and going for this!! Because, just because...Some people wanted me to come...haha. Met more friends yet again (that's the whole point of ocf, right..fellow-ship!!!)

We had Pastor Ken as our speaker...Roughly, 50-60 people? Was not so tiring though, which is good =) All in all, was good. Especially during one of the nights where Pastor Ken was got straight into ministering after worship. Was filled with the Holy Spirit once again. The feeling...INDESCRIBABLE!!! Loved it!!!

The next day, the Klang gang took charge of the morning worship session...Me being the first time to back up singing...All I can say was that my knees trembled during practise!!! Thankfully I didn't during the actual service. Was an experience I would never forget...Now, this is a first step. Many more to go, but taking them one at a time...

Met this guy, Oliver. Apparently, Dan and Irvin met him in Thailand before. So yea, he was talking bout his passion for missions and all...Then, Irvin was sorta giving him hints of me going for mission's trips to Thailand. So that's how it all started. Now Irvin's been bugging me since bout being a missionary...Hah!!!

All in all, it had been a great experience. I can now see myself doing things I would've never imagine doing last time...Singing, acting...haha.

Yep, I was a shy gal...And still is...=)

Catching up...

2007-07-12T03:39:00.000+02:00

Yes, finally...
I'm here for you guys to catch up with me while I catch up with others...

Well, it's been busy this couple of weeks, probably why I have not been writing (an excuse eh?=p)

exams, have been far out of my mind, now for, the results, nerve wrecking, but nevertheless, important...

anyway, that aside, you're probably thinking what I have been doin during my hols...
all I can say, it's been great!!!
Got to catch up with a lot of the GT Klang folks here, everyone's going to Hillsongs Conference in Sydney!!! So yea, Kenny from Taz, Irvin from NZ, Dan from Syd. The first week of hols was spent mostly with them (well, during most of my hols, anyway!)

Thurs (21 June)
The guys arrived, except for Kenny, he came much earlier (couldn't stand the boring life of Launceston, i guess). Met up with them in the afternoon for lunch. There's this place called Bimbo (Yep, am not kidding). Apparently they have pizzas for 4 bucks during lunch each. Quite a neat corner upstairs, although quite dodgy upstairs. haha. There was bout 7 of us, the 3 guys, Jon, Li and I (Keith joined us later).

Later we had Jamaican pancakes at Tiamo's. Yummy! A must try.

Sat (23 June)
Went to Dandenong mountain with Li's cell group. Turns out, Alvin, Jia Yun and Eddie's in that cell too!!! Talk bout Easter cell reunion!!! haha. Of course, did meet Ben and Daryl, Ivie too...
Was quite nice, though could've been better if it wasn't so foggy...Best part is, we get to see the small English town in that place...Ooh, love old stuff!!! Ate Pies in the Sky and Miss Sxxxxx (really forgot her name!!!) but they served scones and tea...English stuff, I'm so cultured!!! hmm, reminds me of when I went to London, sipping tea...morning, afternoon, evening, supper. haha, tea all day long!!!
Just as we were leaving, an old couple passed by us...Apparently, Li heard they were celebrating their aniversary (Some years, i think) and she wished them...Guess what they replied...Something bout us Malaysians, how we're smart and that we will go far and surpass them own kind...in my heart, I was thinking to myself, AMEN to that!!! And they're Australians...Bless them folks =)

Sun (24 June)
Went to church with them, all I can remember I think. haha

Mon (25 June)
Took the guys to Vic Mart. At least Vincent was there, otherwise I would have been lost I think. haha. Then off to Smith Street. As I was the only girl, went to mostly guys apparel shops. Now I know how guys feel when shopping with girls. And to think, we take longer!!! haha. But it was fine, save and control my spending...

Later, to St. Kilda. Never been there before, imagine that! After all these months... haha. But it's all good...

At night, ate with the whole GT crew...(and some outsiders...) Saw Hui Yi and even bumped into Maxim and Billy!!!

next two days, phew, rest from the guys...=p

abundance taken for granted

2007-05-03T13:18:00.000+02:00

Sometimes I wake up and wonder, where am I now, and what am I doing here in Australia...

It has been around 3 months since I've left Malaysia, and looking back...

I remembered the time when I was so adamant on coming here and doing whatever it takes to bring me where I'm at now. Even if it meant not putting others before myself.

I guess I felt like I was constantly being controlled by my parents. Being like a bird in a cage, and wanting more than ever... FREEDOM.
That WAS my sole purpose of coming here initially.

But now as everything starts to take its toll...
Exams. Assignments. Environment. Food. Making decisions on my own.

I start missing home.

Yes, I can safely tell you that.

To add on to that, I've just missed my dad's 50th birthday. I heard it was a blast. He had 2 parties, one with friends and another with relatives.

I miss being able to witness the occasion. And the food. =p

Homecooked food, that's what I miss. And my parents just being there for me whenever and wherever I need them.

Sitting on daddy's lap.

I know I'm such a daddy's girl and I'm not getting any lighter.

Especially during times where I couldn't sleep... Even my annoying siblings, as a matter of fact.

I remember when they used to come in my room and disturb me. Now, I'm missing that. The laughter, the togetherness. To put plainly, my FAMILY.

I know I have taken all my blessings for granted and I'll appreciate them better.

Luv ya-Dad, mom, Pam & Darren. Muaxzz...

insomnia

2007-05-01T12:25:00.000+02:00

I cry a lot.

To sleep.

Yep, you got me right. I've been having some sleepless nights. Not being able to sleep is not a good thing, if you didn't know. Tossing and turning about. Very tiring. Especially when you know you are just tired and are trying so very hard to sleep.

So... I cried myself to sleep.

Just because crying takes up a lot of energy (believe me, it does) and eventually I'll be able to fall asleep. At least that's what I'm hoping for...

And it doesn't help much that my room's SO near to the main road.
Zoom, goes a car. And tut-tut goes a train. Not to mention the drunkard, I've been telling you about.
It wouldn't be so bad if the noise was constant, I'll deal with it. But it goes dead pan silent every now and then, then... *noise*

Arghh!!!

So i start to dream of my bed at home (a queen size one, mind you), the comfy-est thing on earth and zzzz... *no noise*

Sob sob sob... Till I finally doze off to sleep...

A few hours before I would then have to wake up again.

All for love

2007-04-30T15:06:00.000+02:00

Revenge is sweet. Indeed. So, which dead fella said that. I couldn't help but disagree.

So, the after effect may last a while. Yea, it's all good. But in the end, all you hurt is no one but yourself.

What happened to forgiveness? Jesus said to forgive a person 7 times 7. Not saying that you can only forgive a max of 49 times, but... for as many times as it takes. Because. Just because. Humans are NEVER perfect. They can try, but hey, that's as far as they can go.

Some may try to atone their sins by doing good deeds but after a while, it comes up to nothing. Others who would not care less, would continue, sadly, in their sin. After all, it seems, I've done so many, one more wouldn't hurt.

But have you heard of the cross? And that it was for us that Jesus died on that very cross for our sins? Not a pretty sight, if u were there 2000 years ago. So, it's all for LOVE.

Do you believe?

Jesus~My Rock

2007-04-30T02:57:00.000+02:00

Just an extension to the previous...

So what if you find everyone changed except for you? Not to contradict with my previous post but... Have you thought about it? When you're all alone in this world of yours, what happens?

(sidetracking)
Just to put this into perspective... I heard a lunatic, more like a drunkard shouting in the wee hours of the morning. Don't ask me why I was awake. But it striked me. Why do people bother getting drunk sometimes?
To lose themselves? Because of loneliness? Everything has changed?
Now the bits and pieces of the jigsaw puzzle seems to fit and a picture is starting to take shape.

So...coming back to the question...
WHAT DO YOU DO?
That's why I have my God at my side. He NEVER changes. NEVER. EVER.

Jesus~
The Alpha and Omega
The Beginning and the End
The Same, Yesterday, TODAY and forevermore!!!

And that is why He is my Rock, my Fortress and my Salvation. For I can hold on to Him in every circumstances I go through.

Not a mirage. The SAME!!

Change inevitable?

2007-04-30T02:35:00.000+02:00

Changing faces, changing people, changing situations.
Some say that being in a different surrounding changes you. You become like a chameleon, changing color.
It can be for the better or the worse.
Yes, you adapt better. But are you yourself anymore? What have you become?
Times like this you look into the mirror and you find...is that me I see?

So, people DO change. So, did I. Still YET to figure out if I am better today than before.

You be the judge ^^

Welcoming...

2007-04-29T17:45:00.001+02:00

My first EVER post.

Well, not...really. The last time I didn't get around to keeping it alive.

So here I am. Starting over. Lots of things to be said, lots of things to be seen.
Well, ain't that what bloggies are for? People with so much time in their hands. Oh, lookie here.

I've just became one of them =="