Xmas' 08

It has been a beautiful Christmas!

Let the pics do the talking! :)

(A good time of fellowship...)

(Jee Hae, Trudy, Li Jun)

(A quick snap before svc)

(WC... Hee...)

(The drama production!)

(Qing Yi, Satish, Kelvin)

(Jac, Xin Lin, Yan Ming)

(Winnie, Diella, Me, Sally, Selena)

(Day One!)

(My two frens Winnie and Diella came!)

(Majority at Day TWO!)

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22 friends joined us for Xmas! O yeah!

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The next day... I went for ET ldrs' Xmas Dinner cum Gift Exchange at Bro Ed's new place!

A fun and heart-warming time together!

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Here's Jin Lian's present for me...

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(Guess Wallet! Thanks Lian!)
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Durg Xmas Day, Uncle Star, Aunt Betty & family gave me "Light of the City" CD.

I listened to it twice as I was surfing the net.

Music is indeed a good healing for the soul...

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Thanks Uncle Star, Aunt Betty and family...

U hv been such a BLESSING! Owaz so generous, loving & hospitable!

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Woo... I think the next few days will pass by v.quickly esp. with the weekend svcs, leaders' retreat etc.

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Seizing the last few moments of 2008!

Invisible Wings (隱形的翅膀)

I heard this song before but did not think too much about it until Mandy sang it during “AC SHOW TIME” audition.

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It triggered me to look into the lyrics and finding them meaningful,

I started to appreciate the song better.

Somehow, I was touched by the song.

Guess that’s common grace at work- a beauty of pop culture…

The lyrics…

每一次 都在徘徊孤单中坚强
(I strengthen myself in wilderness each time)

每一次 就算很受伤也不闪泪光
(In every setback, I will not shed a tear)

我知道 我一直有双隐形的翅膀
(I know I have a pair of invisible wings)

带我飞 飞过绝望
(That helps me to soar above despair)

不去想 他们拥有美丽的太阳
(Do not envy what others have)

我看见 每天的夕阳 也会有变化
(The dusk is different every day)

我知道 我一直有双隐形的翅膀
(I know I have a pair of invisible wings)

带我飞 给我希望
(That helps me to fly)

我终于看到 所有梦想都开花
(I see my dreams blossoming)

追逐的年轻 歌声都嘹亮
(Sound of pursuits is loud & clear)

我终于翱翔 用心凝望不害怕
(As I spread my wings, I fear not)

哪里会有风 就飞多远吧
(But soar with the wind)

隐形的翅膀 让梦恒久比天长
(Invisible wings turn dreams into eternal reality)

留一个愿望 让自己想象
(With that, I continue to imagine…)

Early Spring Cleaning

2009 is coming...

I love to start each year FRESH & NEAT!

To keep my things in order, I have a weekly housekeeping habit, coupled with twice yearly thorough clean up.

However, there are always stuff that I deem as important and cannot bear to throw.

Consequently, those items are found in the cupboard year after year.

This year, I just gotta harden my heart and say...

"Joanne, you REALLY do not need them. THROW!"

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And that led to bags and bags of stuff running down the chute...

Since I live on the 6th floor, it was only a brief silence before hearing their helpless, fate-determining "Bong"!

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Hee... all the moving here and there, together with climbing up and down of the high stool made up for my Sat morning exercise regime. Ermmm... I think this spring cleaning is even more "SHIONG"!

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(A glimpse of the digged-out mess...)

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In the midst of all the throwing, something I cannot part with...

CARDS!!!

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There was a BIG BAG of them!

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I took nearly an hour, to re-read the cards and recollect many wonderful times spent with my friends. Some tickled my funny bone and had me laughing non-stop- a good BREAK in the midst of the sweaty clean up!

One of the most precious cards is this one in year 2000...

IT CHANGED MY LIFE!!!

I found God and tasted His love & goodness.

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8 years have passed...

It seemed only yesterday when I met Emily in bus 154 on my way to school.

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Back then, I did not understand why she was beaming when I agreed to go for the Xmas celebration.

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It did not take me too long to figure out why.

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Now, I found myself having the same reaction too.

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Change someone's life this Christmas!

One of my targets...
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Dad!!!

Asia Conference 2008!

AC was AmAzInG!

I learnt a lot from the sessions and electives...

What impacted me most was Pst. Kong's 1st, 2nd and 3rd SPACE message, Dr. A. R. Bernard's sharing abt how we, Christians can wisely insulate ourselves while engaging culture and not to forget the many, many touching real-life stories featured in the videos!

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Other than enjoyg the WORD, differnt ones in cg participated in various events too...

("PARADE OF NATIONS" - Power and Li Jun)
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("SLAMDUNK" - Li Hang, Edward, Power!)

(The team came in 2nd! *Cheers*)
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("MANHUNT" Finalist Vincent!)

Proud of you bro! So happy that yr parents came too!

The boards were designed by Edward, cut by Power and Ariel. The trio stayed up till 5a.m. to finish the stuff! Woo... It was challengg cos the former two had five basketball matches earlier on! Despite the fatigue, they came for S9 and stayed throughout till AC was over... Awesome!!!..... :)

Sunday Evening at Lisa's Place

Some of my colleagues and I gathered at Lisa's place last Sunday.
Venue was at Springdale condo along Upper Bukit Timah Road.

We had a POTLUCK party and pooled in a lot of savory food on the table...
- Cheese on Tomato
- Curry Chicken
- Devil's Egg
- Fried Prawns
- Minced Beef Soup
- Pork w Potato
- Pizza (Haiwaiian and Classic Italian)
- Roasted Duck
- Satay (Beef and Chicken)
- Sweet & Sour Fish Fillet
- Red wine and fruit juice!!!

(What a spread!!!)

(A nice chat over dinner...)

As Lisa will be leaving Spore at end-Nov, to join her husband who is working at Miami, my colleagues and I bought her presents...

(Open! Open! Sounds familiar???)

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First up!

A meaningful 12-mth snapshot frame to capture her baby boy!

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Next, an awesome CD by popular Jap female solo artiste EMI FUJITA!

The last gift touched her heart most...
A standing photo album that captures our shared memories in Singapore...

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(Yup! That's the one!)

(Nat, Diella, Lisa and me)

(Group photo with colleagues...)

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We had a beautiful evening together and it was about 10:15p.m. when we ended.

Nat and her hubby Maxim offered to drive me home.
I politely declined as it was out of the way since they stayed only 5-min drive from Springdale.
Besides, they were not familiar with the roads in Singapore.

However, they insisted so I relent.

They just installed a GPS (Global Positioning System)

in their Subaru Impreza.

While Max was busy punching my address into the system, I mentioned there was no need to since I could direct the way.
But seeing their enthusiasm to play with GPS, I let them go ahead.

To be frank, I was SKEPTICAL about GPS due to unpleasant past experiences.

When I was doing freight-forwarding, I had frequent sales visits with my boss.
Both of us used to ventured into ulu/ unfamiliar places such as Sungei Kadut, Shipyard Road, Tuas View Crescent etc.

We depended on MAPS for help.
My boss would be the driver while I'm his navigator.
We worked pretty well as a TAG TEAM and could easily locate our clients.
(Who says women can't read maps? :p)

Back then, inside my boss' Nissan Ceferio was a built-in GPS.
Ooo... We gave up on it cos it lagged and if we disobeyed the given directions, the system would get a bit disoriented.

Once, we tried using it to locate our client's place at Shipyard Road.
While waiting a long time for the result, my boss casually made a U-turn and found the place himself! Haha!

Scared that Maxim would make unnecessary "detour" to my home, I could not help but offer directions along the way...
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Well... each of my initiative was replied by a "D..on't W..orry" in his familiar Russian accent.

"D..on't W..orry"

"D..on't W..orry"

"D..on't W..orry"

I kept getting the same assurance from Maxim during the 15-minute journey!

Tired and not wanting to step on his ego, I shut up. :)

To my amazement, I reached home in a breeze!
Adding to the delight, the computerized voice announced...
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"You have reached your destination!"

Here's a glimpse of Motevo's All-in-1 multimedia In-Car entertainment system!
It has a built-in GPS, DVD, MP3&4 player, bluetooth function etc.
All at abt S$600.

A bit expensive but it's quite a good help!

Morning Prayer Meeting

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My hp alarm went off at 5a.m. in the morning!

I conveniently pressed the snooze button and went back sleeping.

At 5:30a.m., I decided "I must really wake up now!"

Springing from my bed, I went to the wardrobe and pick up my stuff. In the process, I squatted there dazingly for quite a while, with my eyes closed...

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"Ooo... What am I doing?"

Quickly got up on my feet, I came out of the room, greeted by my parents' curious look.

"为什么这么早起?" (Why did you get up so early?)

With eyes half-closed... I replied "清..晨..祷..告..会.." (Morning Prayer Meeting)

They let out a giggle...

I am a morning person.

But... Waking up at 5+ a.m. is really very EARLY and NOT EASY, considering I sleep late.

Anyway, my momentum picked up after shower!

Dad bought me a packet of tea out of his usual morning coffeeshop routine.

That delighted me... It's a relief for my sinusitis in a cold morning!

Sipping the tea gratefully, I made my way to meet the members at Outram Park MRT.

Hee... So happy to see each one! Yeah... They really tried!

Ariel and Sarah came as well for the 1st time! Good work guys!

Just like what Pastor shared yday...

Unusual Responses Bring "Unusual" Results!

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Getting up EARLY for morng PM may be currently out of the norm, but as we PERSEVERE thru... let's see greater breakthroughs ahead!

Over at PM, the presence of God is so tangible!

I began to pray for cg and some members.

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Felt GOOD & REFRESHED after prayer meeting!

We even have time for a relaxing fellowship at Yan Ming's mum coffeeshop nearby.

Come and join us!

The morning prayer warriors!

I'm Yours

I love the song!

The MV is cool!
Jason Mraz is just so natural and he looks like he's really enjoying himself!

Love the way he glided his fingers... drew a face and laughed...

You will find yourself smiling at the various scenes and nodding your head with the beat!
Sing along... and prepare for a bit of tongue-twisting. Haha...

Here's the lyrics... Enjoy!
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Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to get you but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
and now I'm trying to get back

Before the cool done run out
I'll be giving it my bestest
Nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some

I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love

Listen to the music of the moment people dance and sing
We're just one big family
And It's our God-forsaken right to be loved love loved love loved

So I won't hesitate no more, no more It cannot wait I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours

Scooch on closer dear
And i will nibble your ear

I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and laughed

I guess what I'm be saying is there ain't no better reason
To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons
It's what we aim to do
Our name is our virtue

I won't hesitate no more, no more It cannot wait I'm your's
Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours

Please don't, please don't, please don't
There's no need to complicate
Cause our time is short
This this this is out fate, I'm yours!

A Visit to the Dentist

When I was studying in primary school, there used to be compulsory periodic dental visits.

Students were usually "summoned" according to their register no.

Since "Toh" is towards the end of the alphabet letters, I am the last few to see the dentist.

Friends who were ahead of me would come back with bad reports on how their tooths were plucked out and how stinky & irkful the blood taste in their mouth.

Those frightening stories never failed to send a shiver down my spine...

I disliked the sound of metallic tools being thrown onto the steel tray, the painful pricking of the needle-end to scrap off food particles, and the unbearable knocking on the bad tooth using the tool. *OUCH!*

The only thing I like- Pressing the water button to refill cup.

It was the only way to take a short break before going back to the torture!

Usually, I will deliberately spend a looooong time rinsing my mouth until the impatient dentist said, "Come back, come back!"

Hee... Those were the days...

Last Friday, bcos my temporary filling has worn thin, I gotta see a dentist again.




I had to continue with the previously left-off root canal treatment, in order to keep the tooth.

To benefit those who are new to root canal treatment, I have come up with a simple diagram to explain the steps...



Step 1: An X-ray is taken
Step 2: An opening is made on the crown of the tooth
Step 3: The pulp (or soft tissue) is removed from the chamber and root canal.
Step 4: After a thorough wash up, the canals are filled with an inert material. At the end, a crown is made to cap + steady the tooth.

In case you are unaware, a tooth consists of a crown and one or more roots.
The roots anchor the tooth in the jawbone.

Within the tooth is the pulp (or soft tissue), there are nerves and blood vessels that nourish the tooth.

My tooth decay was pretty bad that the pulp (or soft tissue) was exposed.
When I eat, food particles will hit the pulp- where the nerves are.
That explains the pain.

To solve the problem + save money, I can simply have the tooth extracted at S$90.

But, there is a side effect- neighbouring teeth will move into the space, which will cause a crooked teeth alignment in the future.

As a result, I opted for Root Canal Treatment to keep the tooth.

During the whole process of the treatment, I experienced some pain despite the anesthesia.

The dentist asked, "How do you feel?"

I could not talk except to flash a pathetic look on my face!

He empathized, "Sensitive tooth is it?"

I gave a weak, "resignated-to-the-fate" nod...

"Ooo.... U feel the pressure...?"

He used all the nice & soothing words except the adjective- "Painful!"

I wanted to protest, but I could not talk!

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At one instance, I almost wanted to ask for a pen & paper to scribble... "Be more gentle."

All right, all right... To be fair to the dentist, I admit I have a low threshold of pain to this kind of thing.

Despite the "ordeal", I must say this dentist is calm, confident and professional.
He knows what he is doing.

Compared to my other previous dental visits, he is considered one of the best- Dr. Benny Goh, The Endodontic Office.

Overall, I am happy that the whole treatment is pretty successful.

Just one more follow up visit to fix the crown.

Guess how much is the whole thing?

Root canal treatment : S$900
Crown: S$600
Total... S$1500!

S$1500 for a tiny tooth- hidden somewhere at the back of my mouth!

With one hole mended, I burnt another in my pocket...

Hmm... I rather spend it on the talk of town/ church- Blackberry Bold, or a holiday trip, some carefree shopping and blessing people...

Well... If you gotta spend it, you gotta spend it.

Scan, Pay, Go

I went to Cold Storage, Great World City to grab some groceries some time back.

After picking my items, I quickened my steps to the cashier counter.
WOAH!!! Long queues everywhere!

What's in my left hand? Two apples and a bag of worms!
Definitely not worthwhile to wait sooo long to buy a few things!

Craning my neck, I'm determined to find the shortest lane!

A green board caught my attention... .... Scan, Pay and Go!
Hmm... Sounds good!

Like what the name suggests, I can simply scan the items, make payment using Nets/ Credit Card, and then off I go!


However, this system has some drawbacks...

I bought two apples that did not come with a barcode.
As a result, the assistant had to step in, punch some codes to retrieve price.
After which, she hastily left to attend to another customer.

Coming out from the supermarket, I saw one hand carrying Cold Storage plastic bag while another- an extra bag of worms!

O NOoo!!! I accidentally took another bag of worms w/o paying for it!
Afraid to get into unnecessary trouble, I left the item at a nearby cashier counter.

While walking back to the office, I thought about what happened...
No sensor to detect pilferage? How risky!

By the way, if you are wondering what are these "worms" I bought...

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Da da!!!

These are candies made in Australia.

It was 1st introduced to me by Jerb about 1-2 years ago...

I am hooked to it since then!

I like to bite it... bit by bit... as if I am eating french fries.

The red-yellow combination is my favourite.

Usually, I will eat all colors and leave the green ones behind cos they are just too sour & zesty! Causes me to squirm!!! Ha ha

Water Baptism- Sarah & Yan Ming

Before the next water baptism...

20.07.08 (Sun) at JW
Roof Top Garden

The cg went to support both Sarah & Yan Ming's water baptism @JW!

Among the many cg photos, I love this shot BEST- a lovely family in a spiritual playground!

(Our Aunt Betty and Uncle Starrence encourging Sarah)

Some playful shots at the playground before the ceremony begins...

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Sarah & Yan Ming's turn!

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Look at how HAPPY Yan Ming is!

Congrats!

(Answerg Bible Trivia!)

(Eating their sabo- Salty bread w honey!)

(Open! Open!)

(Da da!!!)

(Yan Ming giving his speech)

N351!!! YEAH!