Night out at Indian Ocean

Have you ever seen the ocean at night?

Well dad, opa, monkey and I decided to take a trip to the Ocean after dinner yesterday. Yup, for those who didn't know, we live like a 5 mins drive away from the Indian Ocean. I thought the beach would be empty by 8pm. Surprisingly, there were quite a lot of people there. We saw people walking their dogs, returning back from fishing or just sitting by the benches enjoying the fantastic view.

Try to imagine this with me...

The sun was already 97% gone and only a faint ray was left. The sky was dark blue when we got there. We got out of our slippers and walked on the sand into the ocean waters. It was such a calming feeling. The sky was soon black and so were the ocean waters. What made it so ingrained in my memory was that there was a stream of light on the waters made by the light of the crescent moon. And to top it off, when you look up into the night sky, there were like a thousand stars. We saw Orion and Sirius and so many more constellations that I couldn't recognise. It was an amazing feeling.

In a distance, I could see a faint light, probably a boat on patrol. Towards the extreme right, I could see a light that seemed to be coming from a far away lighthouse. Amazing right?

We stood in the waters for quite some time. Just to feel the cold ocean waters and the sand on our feet. I seriously could just stand there, at that spot forever.

Yes, you guys probably already guessed it. I have fallen in love with the ocean a long time ago.

Let me tell you a secret. I've never told anyone before. Everytime I go to the Ocean, there is always something I love doing. I would stand in the direction that is facing towards Singapore. And I would look out as far as I can. And I would start thinking of all my memories there, the people, the places, the air. And that's all I need to make me satisfied for that moment.

Happy Christmas and Caroling!

First of all....Merry Christmas everyone! Frohe Weihnachten!! First Christmas ever in Perth! Really want to use this post to thank God and to testify that He is indeed an awesome God. So, our church had our Christmas caroling and sausage sizzle for everyone and anyone this evening. Trust me, though it was a small event to bless the community, there were a lot of work that needed to be done. Thanks to all the background helpers and what I call the behind-the-scenes crew, we managed to make the event possible! Thank God for the logistic people, the BBQ people, the musicians, the choir, the pastors and of course the public who attended our event :) Trust me, they have put in a lot of effort in planning this.

And one more important thing, today was the first time my parents watched me performed in church. Okay not just me, monkey and I were involved in the caroling (the last time I've sang in a choir was quite some time back already). Today was the first time my family attended Zion fellowship and I just want to give all credit and thanks to God and to all the people who were so friendly to welcome them! This meant a lot to me. Bro and my parents were first timers and I believed that they did enjoy themselves:) I cannot change them, only God can. And I believe that today was the first step. I mean even if it is just for them to see and know the kind of people that we meet every Sunday, what the atmosphere is like and the environment is good enough for me. I cannot ask for more as this is a rare moment for me.

Glad that my dad had good chats with the people, understanding that there are many people who are just like us, emigrated from Singapore and are now living in Perth. Glad that my mum had chats with the other mums in Zion just to meet more people. Glad that bro was able to see what this church community is like, probably going to be his home church too come next year.

All in all, I give thanks to God. Thank you for sustaining me throughout the week. I had busy schedules for work at cotton on/typo, but yet he brought me through. I didn't get a sore throat from all the rehearsals, I didn't fall I'll, I was doing fine though I had to wake up at 5am today for work.

I owe you big time God. And I'm still believing that you have a good reason why you brought us here to Perth. Expecting something big and awesome guys...

Okay, das ist alles. Ein gesegnetes Weihnachtsfest und alles Guten zum neuen Jahr! Have a blessed Christmas and a fantastic year ahead everyone!

Mid December reflection

Hey there! Well, another reflection post (update) from me. So it's mid December and honestly I am looking forward to Christmas and of course the new year. As I stepped into December, boy I must say that life is going slow, but at a comfortable pace. So I've started my Christmas casual job at cotton on. So far so good. Hoping that it would last longer though. I mean, though I'm just a Christmas casual and my contract will end my early Jan, I do hope to earn a bit of extra cash for next year. People are nice, customers are awesome and friendly. For mer, that's enough. I just have to learn to gel with the community and be willing to learn.

Oh yes, and of course, Christmas is coming up next Sunday! I'm so excited! Monkey and I are going to be involved in caroling! La-la-la. We are going to have about three rehearsals before the actual day of caroling which will be on the 23rd December, Friday evening. Free sausages will be served too! :) first Christmas ever in Perth! And I have a feeling that our neighbour is going to invite us over for a Christmas dinner! My parents had already prepared a wine bottle in case they were to call us over.

Any who...I am not as nervous as I thought I would be in receiving my grade for this sem as well as knowing who my professor would be. I guess, what's meant to be will be. I have already chosen to accept whatever the outcome and just trust God. I guess that's the best option for me.

Tomorrow grandmama and I will be making tang yuan! I know the official day to eat them is on the 22nd, but I just can't wait! Hahaha. I love to eat them! Hoping to make different shapes and not just circles.

Well, one more week and my nii-San is coming back to Perth. I'm sure he misses us. Have been emailing him updates about our lives regularly, not to forget our weekly Skype on Sunday.

By the way, dad, monkey and I visited a small town called two rocks recently (named that due to the fact it has two rocks on the beach shore). Beautiful and peaceful. Will definitely explore more when opa is back.

I guess that's about it for now. Will update soon.
goodnight and God bless!

PS: Singapore, I do miss you.

Guten Tag Sommer!

Welcome Summer! Yes with temperatures ranging between 28-38 degrees celsius. Still, I think I'll love it. I mean I'm an all-time tropical girl from Singapore who practically lived in a sauna for 22 years. Haha, well summer's not here till december though, just a few more days wait.

Now that uni's out, I can't wait to start something different. Yes, I can't wait for Cotton On kids to give me a call! I mean, what could be taking them sooo long? I've gotten the contract signed and my working pass, why are they still keeping me up? The store said will probably start around december...just have to wait for her call. Okay, I guess I'm being too impatient since the summer vacation is going to last till end february (which is a long time!) and this is my first time working in Australia which just makes me excitied. Well, a little nervous but definitely excited. Hmm, and also since both my parents are currently not working, I'm hoping to be able to keep this job to earn enough money to pay a little for my school fees.

And, if I can keep it long enough, I think I would like to visit an Orthodontist, hopefully I can get my teeth fixed without having to go for a jaw surgery. Maybe I should tell you a little bit of my history. I was supposed to wear braces around 2009 to get them fixed, but according to the doctor, well, it might take three years to get the whole procedure done. Of course, my family could'nt wait that long as we'll be emigrating to Perth in June 2011. So, we cancelled the surgery. Trust me, I was quite sad at that point of time. But now, looking back on hindsight, I think it might be a good thing. Because I really do not want to go for a surgery, I'm really okay looking like that, just with straight teeth :)

Okay, that's like my own secret wish. Teehee. I mean, He made me this way, I don't want to dislike it. Like I always say, learn to embrace things instead of hating them, that way, life will be so much easier.

So back to life for me. Yes, still waiting for an assignment to a professor...still waiting to start working...still counting down for my brother to come back to perth....still waiting for what God has in store for my life.

Had a great korean dinner with my cell group yesterday. Had an incident on the train back, but it was alright. Today, my sis and I are having another dinner at subiaco. One of our uni friends is going back to Germany (Yup finished her SEP). My last chance to practice my deutsch mit ihr. Danken Sie Ihnen für Ihren Zeit heir. Sie sind sehr freundlich...Ich werde du vermissen. I shall used formal tone with you :)I'm sure we'll have a great time tonight.

A perfect love story

I heard about a girl and believe me, her love story is one that touches my heart so so much, and so I'm here today to share it with you.

There was once a girl who lived with her parents. She was the oldest child and she had two younger brothers. Since the day she was born, her parents didn't love her. They favoured her two little brothers even up till when they all grew big. This poor little girl did not live like a daughter, instead, she lived like a servant in the house. Her parents would make her clean the house, cook the meals and when guests come, she would have to serve them tea. Every now and then, she would go downstairs to a provision shop to buy goods and replenish the food in their house. She wasn't a daughter in their eyes. To her parents, she was like a maid, a child that they didn't wanted, all because, she was a girl. They only love boys.

Soon her two younger brothers each got a girlfriend and they were happy. But this poor girl, who is now in her late twenties was still single and had to do the housework. But what amazes me was that though she was upset and lonely, never once did she disobey her parents. Everyday, she would obediently do the housework and clean the house. She never did mix with anyone except her close cousin, whom she shared her feelings with.

One day, she made a mistake while doing the housework and gotten a scolding from her father. He was so mean and said that she was useless, could never do anything right, that's why no man would want to marry her. Upon hearing that, the poor girl began to cry. She felt so hurt that her own dad would say that to her. In her heart, she would love to get married. She would love to have her own family one day. But at that moment, she couldn't retaliate. All she did was to phone her cousin and poured out her feelings to her.

Now this girl had a very good neighbour. And they would often greet each other when they see each other. One day, this neighbour was buying some goods from the same provision store that the girl always buy as well. The shop owner, who had a hired hand whom he treated like his own son, asked the neighbour if she knew any girl who is kind, homely and sweet that he could matchmake with his hired hand. You see, this hired hand was a nice lad, and he had no parents since young. So the boss took him in and loved him like his own son. Immediately, this neighbour thought of this poor little girl who is living with her parents. The neighbour said okay, she'll try.

After visiting the shop, this neighbour went to the girl's house and told the girl's parent about it. Upon hearing the news, the girl's father got so mad, but he didn't say a word. When the coversation was going on, this girl was actually standing one corner, listening intently. When the neighbour left, the girl's mother asked her daughter about it and the girl, who was so happy to hear that there is someone who wants to marry her, immediately said yes.

So it was a happy marriage. The couple knew each other as the girl would often go to the provision shop to buy goods for her family. And she would always see this hired man (this nice gentleman). They had a quiet wedding, but both bride and groom were super contented. Of course the neighbour who introduced the matchmake was there and she wore a nice pretty dress to celebrate the happy occasion.

The boss of the provision shop was so kind to allow the newly weds to stay at the empty house just above the shop. Ever since the girl got married, she would seldom returned to her parents' home. She knew that if she were to visit them often, her parents would make her do the housework again. She would only go back on their birthdays, on new year's day and moon cake festival. Other than that, she would prefer staying at home with her husband, cooking for him, helping out at the shop and doing her housework.

And that's the end of the lovely love story. They lived happily ever after. The lonely girl ended up having three beautiful children who now probably had their own children. Every new year, she and her husband would visit her neighbour who brought them together. They loved that neighbour very much. Sometimes, her neighbour will tell her about her parents, who now had to do the housework. Once in a while, they would spot her mean father sweeping the corridor.

To me, that was the nicest love story I've ever heard. This is a real story, and this poor little girl is now already a grandmother. The cousin whom she was so close to is my grandmother. Yes, it is my grandmother who told me this story. When she got married, my grandmother wasn't there as she just had my uncle and was in the hospital. After that, they never saw each other again. But she knew that her cousin is no longer a poor, sad and lonely person. She knew that her cousin now live a happy life, who earned her freedom to live her own life.

I was so moved when I heard her story. So happy for her. And I would love to share this story with my children one day.

This is always hard for me

To don't know when I'll ever see you again
And this Makes saying goodbye so hard
The past three days had been a blast
Oh how I wish they could last forever

Six years of knowing each other
So many memories that we had shared
The laughter, the studying, the friendship
All comes to an end yesterday at the airport

Thanks for flying four hours just to visit me
It wasn't easy but yet you chose to take that chance
I can't tell you how much that meant to me
Only to be able to express these words here

I don't know when I'll see you again
All I can do is to trust that one day I will
And till we meet each other again
Let's continue to keep each other in our hearts

Moore River Adventure (Jurrasic Park)

Take a look through my eyes of Moore River.

I'll come to explain why I call it Jurrasic Park later. Promise.

So, my adventure started when I drove to one of my cell sister's house. Reached around 1105am. Played with her pretty dogs. Trust me, I know that they are boys but they are so so gorgeous! Anyway, then we watched a bit of Japanese drama and finally, the rest came around 1145am.

We bought lunch from Hungry Jacks (Aka Burger King) and McDonalds and brought them over with us to Moore River. The trip took around 45mins. On our trip, I felt like I've grown a little closer to the two other sweet ladies in the car. We talked a bit about our experiences, shared our opinions on different issues and just had a good laugh. I guessed that's me. I love people who are genuine towards me, people who are just able to put a smile on my face, people who allows me to be me.

We arrived around 1 plus...there were so many people. Thank God that we managed to find parking lots. Got down the car and brought all our barabg-barang. Found a nice spot, open the mats and ate lunch.

Let me tell you why Moore River reminds me so much of Jurrasic Park. It is because of the hills that separated the river and the ocean. Yes, that's what so special about Moore River. On one side it is a river. So blue and pretty. On the other side it is the Indian Ocean. Greenish-blue and deep. The thing that is separating them are the hills and the beach. You know, it's like how the river is running along a series of hills and tall trees that really reminds me the opening scene of Jurrasic Park III. Sometimes when the tide is strong, some of the ocean waters will cross over to the river. Amazing right?!

So, after lunch, we walked around the beach. It was so refreshing. I could smell the salt waters and the fresh water at the same time. Love to get my feet wet and sandy. Climbed up a liitle of the Jurrasic Hill, thought the walk up was therapeutic. Loved the view from up there. It was stunning. Guess what, I did something that I always do whenever I am at the ocean. I would turned towards the direction of Singapore (come on, I was once a geog student, my directions can't be that bad). Yes, I turned to looked as far out of the ocean as I could, in the direction of Singapore. The country that made me who I am today. That usually brought some comfort to me, though it's too far to see anything, I was still happy to be reminded of all the people that has once crossed path with me on that country.

Anyway, after the walk by the beach (we were alternating between walking along the river waters and the ocean waters), we went back to our mats and decided to go kayaking. I remember the last time I kayaked was like 5 years ago...when I was 17. Man, how fast time flies. I kayaked with my buttercup around Pulau Ubin (a tiny island of Singapore). That was how I got closer to her, cos we were kayak partners with a never say die attitude as we kayaked through a storm. But this time, I kayak with another awesome person :) With the cell sister who has been so sweet to me since the day I know her. It was during the kayak that I realised how much more the hills and the river look so much like Jurrasic Park. Haha. We all took turns to kayak. While waiting, we played monopoly deal and uno.

Our day kind of ended like that. Headed for home around 5 plus and came back home for dinner with my family.

I can't tell you how much I love the sea. It was like my first love. It is an amazing place. And I think everyone who has the opportunity should give Moore River a shot. Going down to have a good time and just be in touch with nature really freshened me up for the coming week.

I would definitely go back there again, afterall, it is just 45mins drive from my house :)

The things that just make you think

Guten Tag Die Welt! Finally the ranking of the professors is here. Trust me, I thought it would be an easy process, but honestly, it was super difficult. I mean, if you had 24 choices, you would definitely feel the same as I did. I was nervous when I rated them, not knowing which choice I would get and knowing that once the supervisor is allocated to me...that's it. No more changes. So ya, I took sooo long just to rate all of them. Now it's up to God to take control. Getting a little excited and yet scared for next semester to begin. Anyway, until then, let's just enjoy this semester till it ends.

Anyway, yesterday I had a nice chat with a friend in school and I must say that she is one of the most open person I've ever known. I've never really met anyone who would be so open about her feelings and what she's going through to me, someone who does not really know her that well yet. That kind of hit me...in a way that the things she said, her values and beliefs are kind of similar to mine. But yet at the same time, I admire her courage to take such a huge step of faith. To be willing to come out of her comfort zone and to experience something so new and so different a culture. Honestly, after talking to her, it kind of built up my courage too. I've never see myself as someone who is shy or afraid to try new things. But after thinking for a little longer, I think there is somewhere in me that is still shy and scared. I guess that's normal. Haha. Really thank God for allowing me to have that opportunity to talk to her. I mean, I was suppose to be the one encouraging her on, but now when I looked back at it, it was kind of like she is the one encouraging me. And I think that's how God works. He brings people to you to speak to you. To help you understand the world better.

I'm slowly starting to see why I'm in perth now.

No, I would change nothing

I keep telling myself
What if life is not meant to be like this
Looking back at all the photos
Their faces make my heart ache

I asked myself, why am I feeling this
Things are still going fine for them
Yet somehow I wish I am back there again
So why am I feeling this

And then all of a sudden
Something hard hit my soul
And I know that I have to let go
Because of a greater person who is in control

A perfect plan was designed not just for me
But for them as well
And if it is meant to be
Then let it be

For I know that things will be fine
Just like when you told me that you'll never leave me
And brought me to a whole new chapter
Some three thousand miles away

If I can't move on
Then they can't as well
So it's better if I learn to let go
Or things will just become complicated

Yes it is never ever going to be the same
But that doesn't mean that it is bad
All there is to it, is just a brand new start
To a new chapter in both mine and theirs

I was once part of their lives
Living, breathing, talking with them
But now I'm just doing this differently
Now it's time to be different

When I said that I will change nothing
I didn't say it confidently
Because there is something there
That was holding me back

But now with a new confidence
I can look back at them and say it once again
This time with a different strength
This time, there is no holding back

So if someone were to come up to me
And ask me if I could turn back time
Is there something in my life
That I would like to change

I think this time
I would look straight into his eyes
And with a light smile I'll answer in faith
No, I would change nothing

Reflections

Things just keep on going like an endless motion...

I mean, you can stop whatever you're doing or thinking but time will still continue to move. The sun will still rise and set, the wind will still blow and you'll still grow older. And honestly, that's what amazes me the most. Yes, I am thankful for everything in my life, but sometimes I feel that everything is happening so fast. If I can just grab hold of 1 moment, just that 1 moment and make it last longer, I think that would have been impossible. Because it is only meant to last as long as it was meant to last.

The bottom line is that you should try to live life as best as you can, giving your best in everything, just so that you will have no regrets. But will you oneday become tired of doing so? Will you oneday burn out? I think for me, it is important to be honest with yourself....which I often failed to do so. I will tell myself that I can do this, I can handle this, this is for me. But the truth is, I'm always relying on myself, never letting go. To the one above me.

So back to the question, will you ever get tired of always giving your best? I think the answer is no, if you are able to let go, and just let another one of greater power take control.

The thing that scares me the most is that what if things would not have been this way if I had given more? I mean how much is considered my best? How much is considered enough?

I will often ponder upon this issue only to come back to where I have started. Always questioning what if I've done a mistake, what if I have taken a wrong turn?

The truth is, I'll never know. And that's where faith comes in. That's all I can do. To decide on it, and just have faith that it is the best. And I believe that with Faith, comes this Power to believe. And I think that's when the whole situation will turn around. From something so uncertain to something hopeful. Form a negative feeling to a positive one.

And that will change everything in your perspective, your thoughts, your world.

Study break getaways...

First of all...Tag der Deutschen Einheit! Happy National Day Germany :) Yup, today is the day Germany was reunited together into one nation. Anyway, here are some updates from me again.

So, life is still the same. Had our school 1 week break and I went for the Psychology Honours Conference. I must say that I cannot believe that I would be doing that next year (presenting my research in front of the entire lecture theatre!) But I guess for me, the thing that concerns me most is to find a professor. Yes, you'd probably could tell that I am still struggling as to what topic to do on. It is tough and I really feel no direction in this.

Okay, enough of school.

Oh yes, Uncle Albert and Debbie came over to visit us. Totally love how it is so easy to talk to them. Even though we were not close when we were in Singapore, I am thankful that because of our migration to Perth, we've gotten quite close. Really thanked them for the small heater and the fishes :)Tomorrow they will be coming over for dinner one last time before Uncle Albert flies back to Singapore.

Also, I've gotten to Kings Park to see abit of the Spring Wild Flowers as well as to the IGA Perth Royal Show to experience what a carnival is like. Since when I was a kid, I've never been to a carnival and I thought that it might be nice to enjoy and sights and sounds of one. Of course, the best part was the fireworks that were set off at 8pm.

Well that's all for me. This week school is back as per normal.

To all who is reading this...here's wishing you a great day!

Here and There

I can't tell you how similar the situation is. It was like a feeling that suddenly just hit me and I realized that ya, I was in this situation before. Don't worry, it is not a bad thing. I'm just amazed. So let me tell you what it is. When I first came to fcbc in 2005, we were planning to move to expo. We were in tct and tc and wanted to have a place where both places can unite to attend service together. So God gave us expo and we were there for about four over years. So my first (one and only)church in Singapore had a major move not long after I came in.

Today, our church in Joondalup moved to Clarkson. And this gave me such a nostalgic feeling. It was like The situation in Singapore! We just came in not long, this is my first church in Perth, and we are in a 'Big move' again :) cool right? Ya. I'm so thankful for the place as now, it is just a 15 min drive from our house. Not just the distance, but the entire building looks awesome! Totally love the new premise! Once again, reminding me so much of fcbc.

I don't know why I'm amazed by this, but ya. I guess I'm the kind of person who is easily contented, amazed and haha some people say gullible. Really praise God for the new building!

Went to Kings Park to catch a glimpse of the wild flowers festivals. Can see some pictures on my Facebook. Beautiful. And of course, glad to be able to have a lovely meal with Debbie and uncle Albert :) love the pandan cake, totally missed it!

To say thank you to a special place...in a special country

In the morning when I wake up
I see the golden rays on the wall
Then all of a sudden I recalled
That I am no longer where I used to be

Looking out of the window
I realised that the surroundings looked different
So different, but so beautiful
Everything that I once knew are now left behind

You gave my family a chance
To try out this new place
And open a brand new door
To a life we never knew
But I know that it's alright
As if it is meant to be, then let it be

In a blink of an eye
Three months has passed
And all I can say is thank you
For everything is going fine

People, environment and life
Are really just as nice
It is like walking the aisle of a coast
Where the journey seems to never end

You gave my family a chance
To try out this new place
And open a brand new door
To a life we never knew
But I know that it's alright
As if it is meant to be, then let it be

Thank you for this gift
Thank you for this place
Cos in my heart I know it's meant to be
So much more

You gave my family a chance
To try out this new place
And open a brand new door
To a life we never knew
But I know that it's alright
As if it is meant to be, then let it be

PS: Dedicated to Australia and God

Lifestyle change

I just realised how much my lifestyle has changed since moving. It's funny how you naturally adapt to a place where you are yet. I call it "Human Natural Adaptation", body, mind and behaviour. Haha. Let me try to make a list of the changes or rather, what is considered normal for me now.

1) Bread is like my lovely main meal here. Only get to eat 1 meal of rice (usually dinner)
2) Started eating cereal with MILK (something that I don't usually drink in Singapore)
3) Driving a lot more to get to places
4) Long walks are so enjoyable
5) Hearing dogs' bark like almost everywhere I go
6) Watching more foreign movies (esp German movies! whoohoo!)
7) Hot favourite TV programmes are The Simpsons, Big Bang Theory and The Zoo
8) Wearing Sunnies :)
9) The sight of Indian Ocean when travelling on Marmion Ave
10) Cold nights with in-door slippers!
11) Getting to see the sky,  like the entire sky without being blocked by any tall buildings

Honestly I don't get to see these so experience these so often when I was in Singapore. Now, there are part of my life. Embracing every moment of it.

That's all I need

You are there with me
Even when I cannot see You
You watched me breathe at night
And You greet me when I wake up in the morning

They say that You are the One who provides
They say that You are the One who loves
That You know every thought in my mind
And never ending mercy in Your arms

So I'm running to You
Even if the storm come against me
I will not stop running to Your outstretched arms
For I know that once I'm there with You
You'll hold me together
And that's all I need
Right now, then and forever

Sometimes life gets into my head
And the world tells me 'this' and 'that'
But I know to You, they are all meangingless
For to You, love is the way, the truth and the light

So I'm running to You

Even if the storm come against me
I will not stop running to Your outstretched arms
For I know that once I'm there with You
You'll hold me together
And that's all I need
Right now, then and forever

Only love will  be able to make my life shine
Oh Lord, don't ever stop teaching me
Speak to me just like how You've spoken in heaven
For I am here, ready to listen

So I'm running to You
Even if the storm come against me
I will not stop running to Your outstretched arms
For I know that once I'm there with You
You'll hold me together
And that's all I need
Right now, then and forever

Just another ramble...or not...

Winter here is almost ending, and I must say that I am not sorry at all. I miss the hot Mr Sun and his lovely rays. Winter is cool, windy and of course, the rain never fail to get on my nerves. But other than that, the surroundings are still as beautiful as ever. People are walking so fast to get out of the cold. Boots, jackets, hot chocolates and umbrellas are the pictures that I see most of the time in Winter. My day in school was a peaceful one. Went to see a student advisor regarding my study plan, he is a nice guy and it's funny how you can end up meeting a person whom you've emailed randomly about more than a year ago to ask about honours programme here in uwa. Like what my mum said, I can match a face to a familiar name. Uwa and Nus have so much in common. So similar, yet so different! Anyway, I'll be doing a 3 sem honours programme. Which means, I will only graduate end of next year. Yup. Looking forward to get a part time job here as my sem is so not heavy at all. Have applied to diva and cotton on, not sure how it'll goes. My bro just emailed me today that he has helped me return my matric card to Nus' office. With that gone, I'm officially not allowed to enter any libraries or rooms with special pass required. I've gotten my degree certificate and official transcript from Nus too. They are now in the safe hands of my brother. Anyway, I'm not an Arts student anymore. After holding a record of 6 years being an Arts student (2006-2011), I am now a science student. That's because the department of psychology in Uwa is in science. Sad yet glad to have a change after so long. I have always believed that Arts is and will still always be a huge part in my life.

It's exciting to see how things just slowly fall into place. I know that above all I still have to remain faithful and trusting Him for an awesome plan in my life. So far, so good. Cell group has been going well so far. Really thank God for the people here. Everybody is welcoming, friendly, and I like it how you can be yourself as everyone around you came from where I've came from and speak like how I speak.

Grandmama seems to be adjusting reasonably well too. She hates the cold, but I  know she is contended wherever He leads. To her, any house is His house. My bro misses Aussie, can't blame him. His entire family is here, but it was his choice to finish up honours in Nus. About one year ago, he was discussing this huge dilemma with me. Thank God everything worked out and he is now staying at U-town. Monkey is stressed out about school. Lectures, presentations, endless readings and crazy assignments are the things that stress her out. I guess that's part of uni life. I'm sure after a sem or 2, she'll get the hang of it (just like how everybody does who was an undergrad before). Papa and mummy are starting to apply for jobs, though their age is quite good for retirement, finding something to keep them occupied seems like a favourable thing to do. Mum always tells me that we have to start stocking up our funds too (I want to help join in too).

Oh and guess what, Fathers' Day is in September here in Perth. cool right? Think in Singapore it was like June or something?

At the end of the day, I'll just commit my life once again to Him and ya, to be grateful and excited as life starts to stabalise.

 Don't go through life, GROW through it.

Holy Spirit

So I woke up one day and told myself that since school has not started yet and I want to continue building on my spiritual walk with God, I thought perhaps the best way is to take up a Christian book to read. The book I chose was by Benny Hinn and I must say that so far, it has been teaching me a lot about the holy spirit. His life has been a great encouragement to me. Even though he may be going through difficult times, he never ever quitted on God. Think that's what I admire about Benny the most. That his fire and passion is so strong that nothing can stop it. So why I've decided to blog today was because I kind wrote a song or rather, a poem(if you like)about what I has learnt from the book and also what God was to teach me about. Here goes....

Yes, sometimes we can't feel Him
We think that He is just"my own thinking"
We even thought that He is a force
That He is not a person with emotions

But my prayer is that one day
You'll see how real He is
As a friend, a lover, a person
Who cares for you more than anyone else
In the world

He loves you, He lives in you
He wants to be with you forever
Let Him speak, let Him come in
Let Him tell you "you are so beautiful"
You need to know Him
Trust me, He is our protector, our guider
Our comforter
And He longs for you to say "you are so beautiful" back to Him

Come and open up your entire being
Come and see just how and what He can do
In your life now and forevermore
He really wants to be with you

He loves you, He lives in you
He wants to be with you forever
So let Him speak, let Him come in
Let Him tell you "you are so beautiful"
You need to know Him
Trust me, He is our protector, our guider
Our comforter
And He longs for you to say "you are so beautiful" back to Him

Believe in Him
Believe in HIm
Believe in Him......Holy Spirit

I thank you for giving monkey a place I'm UWA. It's so exciting!

You are in control above it all

Only You know what's best for me. And honestly, all that I can do right now is to trust You, to believe in You that there is an awesomely good reason why You chose to bring me here. Lead me to where You want me to be. Where You think is best for me, where Your purpose and plan can be fulfilled. I'll be so lost without You. I am so thankful and grateful that You're here with me, going through this with me.I've heard so many news about so many people, people whom I love. And I feel so lost after hearing about them. I want so much to be there to comfort them, just to be with them. But then I thought of You, and I remember that You are always and have always been there for them. And that comforts me, knowing that You are probably the best person who can comfort them, who can counsel them, who can love them so much more than I can. So I'm letting them go to You. Suddenly I love email and FB where I can stay in touch with them.

Life here in Aussie after 3 weeks!

Okay, so I'm not going to tell you about the weather or the pretty sights here in australia since most of you have probably heard them in general already. I'm going to give a more in depth(day to day living) here in perth to let you darls know how it feels like :-) basically it's like a compare and contrast between s'pore n aussie.
First of all, people in perth and australia in general drive in the exact same system as s'pore. The driver is on the right. But, here in perth, they love to use round abouts instead of traffic lights. Normal roads are generally about 2 lanes. Oh, and they don't call it expressway, they call it the freeway. Remember, here in aus, highway is not equals to expressway. It's freeway instead. The traffic crossing buttons are exactly the same as s'pore. Big, round metal buttons with an arrow, but the traffic lights are similar to malaysia's designs. Their number plates are like a number, followed by 3 alphabets, a dot, n then 3 numbers. Eg. 1DGJ.323. Their local model is called Holden. But they do have toyota n bmw etc. The food here are definitely more expensive in aussie. If you go to the food centres, a plate of rice is about $9. Ya. Oh, but the supermarkets do have cheap stuffs! For eg., you can get 3-4 packets of biscuits(like oreos or tim tam) for $5 n orange juice for about $1.50. My family in particular loves to get the 3 for $10 pizzas! Haha. Anyway, the trains n buses are quite good. And in my opinion, perth is not that a quiet, boring place. It's quite happening too. In town, you do get to see a lot of people. And during peak hour(around 6pm), the trains and buses do get very crowded. You might even have to stand on the train(like mrt kind of train. Exactly the same in s'pore. Okay, maybe s'pore is still more crowded). Oh yes, in town, you can find bubble tea for about $3.50. Yes, even koi is cheaper. Hey, but look on the bright side, they have free upsize on mon n $2 on wed. Not so bad right. I've tried a bubble tea called eternal love milk tea! Cool names they got there:-) anyway, they use $2 coins here, not notes. Their notes starts from $5, then $10, $20(which s'pore does not have), $50 etc. In winter, the sun rises about the same time as s'pore, but it sets super early. By 6pm, it's like 9pm in s'pore, so so dark. The tv channels are quite good, ya, no chinese or korean drama, but they have sitcoms like big bang theory every wed night :-) oh and hi-5, hmm man vs wild etc. Whenever people get off the bus, they'll shout thank you to the bus driver, so nice right?! People in aussie here love to greet others by this phrase, hello, how are you? Haha. And of course you'll have to reply hey, i'm fine thank you. Yup. That's kind of how people are here. My neighbour is a lovely family from south africa. They have only 1 daughter. The estate that i lived in are mainly british migrants. Trust me, they are very nice people to me. Sometimes, on the streets, when they see me walking, they'll shout ni hao. Haha. Usually i just say hey back. My mum thinks that they are making fun of me, but i honestly do not think so. And yes, i love the sea. As always, it's so beautiful. In perth, i've seen so many rainbows! Think more than 5 times already. Winter is usually more rainy. But today is sunny:-) yay. Just to let you know. My parents are in s'pore at this very moment. Handing the house over to our new owner.They'll probably be back first week of july. I'm still abit scared to drive in aus as i'm not very familiar with the roads. So all in all, i'm doing good. Yes, so far i've attended a church service in a nearby church near my area. But i still would like to visit fcc(faith community church which is down south perth. I live in the north). Probably can only do that once my parents return. Guess i'll end here. Anyway, about my plan in life, i'm hoping to get into honours psych this aug. Closing date of application is 25th july. My parents in s'pore will help me collect my transcript from nus then i can apply. Yup. I miss everyone in s'pore. Love ya. Will update soon.

1st post in aussie: I really miss the internet :-(

Everything's going great here in Aussie. Yes, jiayee's doing fine, and she really wish to update all her friends back at s'pore about life here. She thinks about them everyday. But, the only problem that she faces is that the internet connection in her home is not up due to some complications with the system. Jiayee wishes telstra(the singtel of aussie) will fix this soon.

Lifetime

SINGAPORE        22 Feb 1989 - 31 May 2011
AUSTRALIA          1 June 2011 -

I'll tell you everyday that I love you...

Today my cell group threw an awesome farewell party for both monkey and I. They were so sweet! Everyone (except monkey and I ) brought some food and trust me, their cooking were fantastic. Every moment was spent with laughter, fun and smiles. The games by wei jian were so FUNNY! I've never laughed so much in my entire life! haha. Really had a super duper fun time. Then came the sad part. Everyone of them said their farewell speech to me. The moment yong chean started, I already wanted to cry. (And sheng kept taking unglam photos of us!). But I kept on holding back my tears, until Grace's turn. I couldn't take it anymore and just started crying....it didn't stop until after everyone prayed for us. I really can't hold back anymore...it is so painful to say goodbye. I couldn't even look them in the eyes as I'll start crying like mad! This is really my most painful experience that I've ever gone through so far. Gave everyone my farewell letters, think I'm able to express myself better in words rather than speech. It's like a bitter sweet moment. All of them were sad that we are leaving, but yet happy and excited for us as well. All of us in the room believed that God has a perfect plan for us and like what michelle said, to claim Jeremiah 29:11 even as we fly to Australia. After all the crying and flooding, we played games again, but only for a short while as the function had to be closed at 10pm. Sheng was so sweet to drive us out to clementi station. Took 99 back with grace, and she was so kind to walk us back to our block.

All I can do is to let go. To let my cell group go to God. Both my teens, my cell brothers, cell sisters and cell leaders (Michelle, Jo, Yik Chun, Peyrou and Eunice). How I wish tonight could last forever, BUT OF COURSE THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE. You darls always say that I'm nice, but I've never ever saw that in myself. I'm nice because you guys are also so super nice to me. Really felt so blessed today. My cell group really make out a huge part of my life.

To my teens darlings, thanks so so much for the awesome lunch picnic at vivo sky garden yesterday. Like what I've always say, I love every moment spent with you all. You darls have brought so much joy into my life and I have to say that my spiritual walk has grown a lot too due to you all. I know that yesterday, some of you did feel a little sad, but you all wanted to make me happy, to end it with happy moments instead of sad moments. I love every single one of you. You darls are my joy when I come to church every week and I really thank God for all of you. Continue to grow closer to Sam, and continue to draw closer to God.

To my cell group, thanks so much for tonight. You darls mean the world to me. And I will miss you all so so very much. All of you have been a great blessing to me, and honestly, I looked forward coming to cell every friday, coz I really wish to see all of you. You darls had also brought a lot of joy into my life. Continue growing strong in the Lord. Thanks so  much for tonight, every moment was unforgettable.

How I wish I can take you all with me to Australia, but I know that that would be very selfish of me. Every time I think about Singapore, I'll think of you guys.

Thank God for all of you, and I'll never stop saying this...

I LOVE YOU

Muar Retreat 20-22May + Dinner with neighbour

Yup as the heading says, I was at Muar, Johor from 20th to 22nd May. It was an awesome get away with God and cell group. As some of you may know, this was the trip that I really wanted to go. I know monkey wasn't as excited as I was, but ya, she came along in the end. Let me tell you why I really wanted to go to Muar. First of all, I really wanted to have a time-out from my family. My parents had been arguing recently ( and still is), and I just felt that I really needed a break from all the noise. I've never cried so badly in a long time, and now because of this, I cried again. Secondly, I wanted to go to Muar as it is a prayer house owned by my church and I've never been to it before. The previous time when my cell grouped went to Muar, my parents objected me from going. Thus I wanted to go as this is probably my last chance to go. I kind of insisted on going, of course by asking nicely and by God's grace, He allowed me to go. And lastly, I really needed to seek God. I have so many questions in me, so many issues I needed to ask...I really needed an alone time spent with God. 

We reached Muar around 1 plus in the afternoon on friday. I fell in love with the prayer house immediately. It was quiet, serene, super duper clean (like the cleanest place in Muar) and of course, the care taker Auntie Grace is the nicest grandmama I've ever known. She actually personally went out to buy back breakfast and lunch for us. That was so sweet of her. When we first got there, Auntie Grace shared with us the history of the prayer house. How the Lord preserved the place from the Japanese during WWII. Many christians came to hide there and worship there and the house is still stanidng today. That story changed my perspective of the place. That it is indeed a unique and special place.  

We explored Muar on friday. After lunch, we walked for nearly an hour before reaching our so-called 'The Promise Land', a shopping centre! haha. As you know, Muar is a small town towards the end of Johor. To be able to find a shopping mall is already considered really cool. The girls and guys split upon entering. I bought a pair of shoes for about $15 sing. CHEAP man. The guys went grocery shopping, they bought a lot of snacks. On our way back to the prayer house we ta pao-ed dinner. Had KFC. We ate, bathed, and went for our night session. Thought that it was good. Michelle shared on the grey areas in christian living such as going clubbing, wearing bikini and smoking etc. God spoke to me on not doing anything that will cause a stumbling block to my fellow sisters and brothers in Christ. After the session, we ate snacks, played a bit of games. I slept around 1am...

Sat 21st, woke up around 830am. Had breakfast (the one ta pao-ed by auntie Grace). Then we had our morning QT till about 11am. Then the girls and guys had a split session. For the girls, we had an informal session with Michelle and just chatted and heard her sharing about her business trip in China. I got to understand what she's been doing in her job and how tough career life can be. We ate lunch at around 12 noon. Then it was our own personal solitude time with God. I went into one of the rooms in Prayer Hall with a piece of majong paper. The entire room was empty except God and me. God lead me to the book of Hebrews and I just sat there reading the entire book of Hebrews. I had 2 agenda on my mind. First is regarding my career and calling in  life. There's a part of me that wants to help children with special needs, that's why I took psychology in NUS. However, there's also a part of me that wants to work in an area that has something to do with creating christian songs in a christian music industry. My second agenda is regarding my family and the rocky relationships that we're going through right now because of some money issue. Regarding the first agenda, I told God, God if it is really your plan then bring it to me. If it is not, take it away. Just like how I've told Him regarding my family's immigration to Australia. If it is His plan for me and my family to go, then provide a way. But if it's not, then do not make the application successful. Well, all of you already know that we got our PR status in the end. After the session, I really thank God for speaking to me. He reminded me to live a life by faith, that I should trust Him and do what I have to do. And He showed me that the reason why I have to go through this tough time with my family because God is disciplining me. And He disciplines because He loves me. The rest of the day was spent playing games, went out for dinner, and another night session about the goals for our cell group.

Sunday was a round-up sharing session. We took pictures and set off for lunch and then boarded the bus at 115pm to Johor Bahru. We then took SMRT transit 170 to customs and back to S'pore.

Reached home around 530pm. Washed up and went over for an awesome dinner with our neighbour. Mrs Ang was so sweet to invite us over for dinner with her family, it was such a lovely time and I love talking to her.       

Okay, my post is getting really long. Guess I'll end here.

The ending to a new beginning

Finally sat for my last paper in NUS today. I remembered while entering the exam hall I was still laughing with joy as we were talking about lulu and the Noose. haha. Glad to start my last paper without any fear...in a sense. 2 hours and it's over. Went to print my papa's handbook on "Beginning a new life in Australia" and binded it for him too. Have to do it. He asked me to help him before fyling off on april 25th, today's already the 5th...really should get it done for him. Had been putting it off my mind for a while as I was busy preparing for my papers. It's over! yay, I've survived 6 crazy yet awesome semesters in NUS. Still remember the day I received the brown letter saying that I've been accepted into NUS. Was jumping up and down, think I almost cried. I knew that entering NUS was already God's grace in the first place...and He saw me through every semester. K, why am I reminiscencing the past now?...Anyway, had an awesome, sleepy, fun (as always) lunch with the powerpuff girls at vivo after our paper. I love thai food and I realised that my tolerance to spicy food is quite high. haha. Oh yes, some updates, I cut my hair! Not a drastic change, but I have fringe now....decided to get rid of that long, half covering eye, fringe. Still trying to get the hang of it. (I had long fringe for a pretty long time). Anyway, papa, mummy and monkey are coming back tomorrow night. Can't wait to see all the pictures that they've taken. Was talking to my mummy just now. The house final payment is done, we've gotten our house insurance coverage, furniture...practically almost everything. Grandmama asked me to start packing tomorrow. It's weird how I feel that my life still carry on as per normal when in actual fact there are a lot of changes happening in the background.

Well I'm just going to take 1 day at a time. Realised that it's no point counting down, it's just going to make not just myself but all the people around me upset too. Tomorrow is going to be 'spending time with shing yee day' and then cell group dinner (after exam celebration)! can't wait.

Godd night.

Goodbye car

Today papa finally sold our car to his friend. It definitely is going to be weird not having the car anymore. I mean ever since I was 8 years old, my family always had a car. Let me see, from nissan to ford to masda and finally toyota. Well, guess it's time to rely solely on public transport for our final 2 months now. To the next owner of our toyota wish, do take care to it. It is an awesome car, really served us well. I'm sure you'll grow to love it. And it's the first car that I've driven after getting my licence. Think I've driven it about a total of 8 times. Not bad, thanks to papa who allowed me to get the hang of driving on 'real' roads like expressways and of course trying to improve my extremely bad parking skills. Well, that's our last car in Singapore, I guess. You know what, I'm really not thinking about anything now, just trying to get by school is crazy enough to fill my mind. I'm just going to let things come naturally, and ya, to live one day at a time. Think I might be subconsciously counting down, everyday is starting to mean a lot to me now....anyway, I have about 60 days left in Singapore, so ya...that's how short it is.

Promise to treasure everyday...thanks to all my friends....I know that I'll be able to go through this.

The Day I turn 22...the most awesome dinner ever:)

Today is the day I turned 22 :) Michelle Ho Jia Yee was born on 22nd Feb 1989 at 115am! Thank you Father for creating me, for bringing me to this world to meet 3 awesome people. haha. The 3 darlings, joy skeen and rui qi fetched me from vivo city to riverboat for a perfect dinner :) It was a total surprise! Yes they didn't want to tell me where we were going. I was shocked to realise that we were at the sea. It was a restaurant on a SHIP/BOAT! yes I ate dinner on the sea! Oh goodness! Joy remembered that I fell in love with the sea ever since I was a kid. Haha must be their idea to give me this awesome treat:) After we ordered out food, we went to the so-called deck to take pictures. Had a lovely time. Dinner finally came, had a 1 for 1 special. We ordered 4 giant meals and skeen ordered her all time favourite caesar salad! haha yes, we ate a bomb! I wanted to try the earl gray tea, rui qi introduced it to me the other time and I remember that it was very nice. So decided to get that. It was such a lovely atmosphere, I love the lights and the ambience of the whole place. haha. The darlings bought cupcakes for both skeen and I :) haha sang birthday songs for both of us and we proceeded to the roof top of the jetty/port. Skeen and ruiqi were starting to get sea sick so we had to leave the ship. Went to roof top of the port and we ate our cupcakes there. The night sky was amazing! We saw orion, a beautical constellation with the 3 stars in a row. You can still see it now at this time of the year :) There were so many stars, so pretty! Then it was my favourite moment. We took pictures!!! A lot and a lot of pictures:) Did so many jump shots! haha can't wait to see all of them! There was so much laughter, joy, fun, peace...I felt like the world just stopped and we were just in our own time zone...the night sea was so so beautiful. I bet you can already tell that I have a weakness for the sea, the ocean, the blue horizon....kept saying that the sea is so beautiful. I wished it would last forever...soon it was time to go. My parents wanted me to be home early as I've been staying out late so often these few days. Before leaving, the 3 darlings presented to me a card and my present :) haha took individual pictures with each of them together with the present. It was my trademark. haha Those of you who did notice me clearly, I am a earring person. I always wear earrings to school, when I go out...anywhere:) haha. My three darlings got me this sweet flower earrings. Will definitely wear them to school :) We then surprised skeen and presented her a picture of BUTTERCUP :) haha. Yes in case you don't know, the 4 of us are called power puff girls + mojojojo. Rui qi is blossoms, skeen is buttercup, joy is bubbles and me, mojojojojo. haha though I think it's quite ironic for me to be mojojojo. Can you believe it, I was mojojojo by default, cos I wasn't there to choose that day. Anyway, we'll pass to skeen her present on mon when it is her actual birthday.

We went back to jiahao's car and when we got into the car, something crazy happened.....the car couldn't start! We accidentally left the small lights on for about 4  hours! That was when the battery was flat and the car couldn't start. Skeen and I got out of the car and quickly grab a nearby person who  just parked his car for help. He was willing to help, problem is he didn't know how to...skeen and I then ran into the port building, found a policeman in the office and explained to him our situation. He was a kindest person ever. He got out to help us jump start the car using the other guy's car battery. It took awhile to transfer his car's battery to jiahao's car...but to cut the long story short, we managed to get everything back in working order again. To the owner of the toyota grey car, thank you so so so so  much for lending us your car, your time, your effort and your patience. To the policeman who helped us, you really saved our lives man! Seriously, without you coming out to help us, the 4 of us will be stuck at marina till god knows when. The 4 of us really owe it all to you both.

Finally got back at nus at around 11plus pm....Rui qi darl was so kind to call her dad down to fetch skeen and I home. Got back home at around 12 midnight. Monkey showed me the bag that she got from IMM, I totally loved it!

Just finished reading the card that they gave me. Knowing that this is my last birthday in Singapore makes me want to cry. I wish I could stop time, I feel so lost, I don't know how to react everytime I think of Australia....To the 3 powrpuff girls, you 3 are very very precious to me. Still remeber the first time I met all of you, joy in fairfield, skeen in pjc, and rui qi in nus on a field trip to IMH. I will never ever forget this birthday. To rui qi and skeen, thanks so much for enduring the sea sickness on board just to have dinner with me. To joy, thanks for everything that you've prepared. I know that the 3 of you have put in a lot of effort to make this night so special for me. You know something, knowing that the 3 of you are all attached somehow makes me feel at ease...that when I leave, you'll have not only each other but you are all safe in another guy's hands. I'm so so happy that you 3 have already found that special someone. haha okay, I feel like a big sister now...anyway I am the big sister! I'm the oldest among the 4 of us. I cannot tell you how much tonight meant to me....it was so special...if I were to say thank you, think it'll last till the day I die. Thanks you for everything. We'll always be together in our hearts....no distance can ever separate us ya?

To joy, my dear darling friend since 15 years old. Thanks for always being so sweet to me. You cheer me up when I'm down. You're always with me whenever we meet up with our 4c mates. You always study with me....since year 1 sem 1, we've taken modules together every sem. I really treasure you as a dear dear friend. I know sometimes in life we can have so many questions, but sometimes it might be a better idea to just let go and let god take control and all we have to do is to follow him and see what he has in store for us :) thanks for everything.

To skeen, my dear cheery friend who never ever fails to smile:) I love you for who you are. I love talking to you. I know that deep down inside, you are a friend who is willing to go the distance for others. I've always enjoyed all the times we spent together, in darwin lecture, when we were just talking together over lunch or outings. You've always bring so much fun and joy in my life. ahahaha and I know that you want me to find a boyfriend, but we'll see how things go ya? If it is meant to be, it'll meant to be:) thanks for everything.

To rui qi, my dear sunshine friend who through time, I have come to realise that you have brought in so much warmth into my heart. I loved every moment spent with you. You always say that I am the nicest friend you've ever known...haha I am not okay. You'll be surprised, think there are people who actually thought that I am a cold person....think it's just my face....I know that you are someone whose heart is so caring, so sweet to those who are precious to you. Over time, I realised that you are actually a very generous and loving person. thanks so much for everything.

I love all 3 of you so much! I wish I can take you all with me when I go over, but that will be so selfish of me. I can't bear to do that. Will really treasure every moment we have together....

That's it for my account of my 22nd birthday celebration :) Thanks for hearing me ramble on and on....I just can't help it. Better stop writing now...before I go, Happy Birthday to Me :)

New Makeover..

So here's the deal, we do up the house abit in order to fetch a higher price when we sell it. Sounds like a good plan. But there's just so much work to be done...

Today 5 men campe to our house to do a major re-paint. They arrived around 8plus in the morning(I've barely woken up) and first thing was to hack away our ceiling plastic. Yes, every single furnitutre in our house were covered with plastic sheets for protection. The entire floor was covered with newspapers. Basically my house didn't looked like a house. Papa went our with 1 guy to buy the paints...man he chose a colour that I didn't quite fancy. But ya. Anyway, once the paint had arrived, the men got to work and they painted our WHOLE house. All our ceilings, all our walls, in every room, and even our pipes in the two toilets and kitchen. Amazing ya? I thought it was cool, but our house was in a major mess. haha you could hardly walk around. The floor is covered with ceiling plastci chips and I always stepped on paint. Nonethless, like what I've learnt in teensxicte today, we must always give thanks. I thought the five men were amazing, they painted our whole house in about 11hours! I mean it was a lot of work and yet they were efficient :) Thank God for them! I didn't go for sat evening service. After having cell group with my darlings teens, I came back straight home to help my family with the cleaning up. I was surprised to see the whole house in a different colour (Ice white)! Everything was kind of cleared, just that there were still dust and chips on the floor. I quickly ate my dinner and helped mopped the floor. Oh I did wipe the chairs too:) This is indeed my first time seeing my house having such a new make-over(sort of, but not really). The living room ceiling looks so much better now.

All in all, I can only look back and thank God. Thank him for the five men, thank god for my family who worked together to clean up the house and thank God that despite the chaos in my house, I was still able to attend tenns service with my girls. Haha Anhyway, my parents are flying over to Aussie next wed, (crap they won't be here to surpport me for my driving test). Guess things are slowly starting to shape up. I'm just letting nature take it's course man. I'm sure with the Lord, everything will work out well. I'm excited yet nervous.

Well, that's all I have for today...oh yes, glad that I was able to spent time with some people this week:) meetings with friends meant a lot to me...especially in this season

The beginning of the last semester

Yeah, school has started. So far it's been alright. Normal I guess, lectures as usual. It'll all soon pick up pace as we go into week 3 onwards. I must say that my modules are as interesting as ever...interesting is one thing by the way. Difficulty is the other. After looking back at almost 3 years of university life, I must say that my love for psychology has never once wavered. Which I thank God for. It reassures me that psych is what I want and what I can see myslef applying next time when I go out there to work. Many of my friends are getting a little stressed up over graduation, whether they can do honours or should they just file for graduation this semester. Well, it is a serious decision especially when you're kind of approaching the end of your tertiary education. For me, I've just filed my graduation today. Yeah, going to get a BA end of this semester. Somehow in me, I feel that it is God's plan for me to do honours in Aussie. I mean, In Aussie, psychology is so much more established and ya, all my life in NUS I've always admired people who've been on SEP. They come back with awesome stories about their time spent in Canada, UK, Korea, Germany etc. And I remember hearing them all and telling myself that is it indeed a great experience to go for SEP. Really and eye-opener. Well I guess God has been gracious to me. My honours year will be spent in Australia and I'm definitely going to treat it as my very own SEP. I want to start 2011 right, being a good student is not really what I'm aiming for. More like, wanting to treasure everything I can about NUS, friendships, FCBC and of course, the one and only Singapore. Time seems to fly pass me and I entered into 2011 without even realising it. Amazing isn't it? I know that it's going to be a year of great change, and sometimes when I think about it, it is as if my heart can barely take it. It's like exciting, yet fearful, happy, yet sad. Looking forward is something that my papa has always taught me. He told me to never regret doing anything as that's part of life. Part of growing up. I agree with him. My policy is that, whatever that your heart has set out to do, do it to the best of your ability. Why? 1) It pleases God, it's worship to Him (coz He gave you His very best) but 2) So that you know that you'll have no regrets. Whatever the outcome maybe you'll just have to accept and learn from it, take it as an experience. Don't have any regrets, coz you've already done your very best.

Not esay, but possible.

One more thing, after a while, I feel CAP or GPA doesn't really matter. I mean, not that one should heck care about it, you should definitely aim high and still work hard. But I mean, you shouldn't let it dictate how good or smart oyu are. Coz it's not accurate. I mean 4.06 is just, ya 4.06. That doesn't mean you're not a good student. I don't know, but I strongly do not believe in that. Sadly, most students in NUS do not think the likewise. Anyway, it's gettign late, I'm turning to my bed now. Take care peeps.

Countdown 2011+ Lunch at Serene's house + Hiking + Updates

Guten Abend Leute. Wow, have quite a few stuff to give thanks for and also to update you about. Let's start with countdown on 31st Dec. Had an awesome day at jo's house again. Arrived at around 11am. Wir spielen X-box und Karten. We played X-box and card games, yeah, some of the girls loved monopoly deal. Wir haben Pizza gegessen. Ich finde, es ist sehr lecker. We ate pizza for lunch, had a nice time introducing the girls more to Louis. Then, it's movie time. Watched 'I am Sam' (I cried like MAD!) and Step Up 3. Not too bad. Then jo came back. Did a short thanksgiving session with everybody and off we go for dinner. It was a simple dinner at a hawker centre, soon, we set off for tct for countdown. By the time monkey and i got back home, it was already close to 2am. Very tired, feeling a little sick, but yet, I just can't help it but to thank God for a wonderful time. I'm glad that I was able to spend time with some of my darls, to cross the new year worshipping God together. 

After service on 2nd Jan, the special project people procceeded to Serene's house for a lunch treat. It was my first time going to her house. It is beautiful. Everything looks so new. Ja, sehr sher neu und schön. Ate Pizza again, had a nice time chatting with Serene and her husband. Really thank God for such awesome people. Watched a bit of Harry Potter (was trying to explain to some of them the story). Reached home around 6plus...

Today 4th Jan, went on an awesome hiking trip with my darls (Izzah, Jona, Jeanna and Kester). Can you believe it? We started at Kent Ridge Park, to Hort Park, to Henderson Wave, to Mt Faber, finally to Vivo city. Took around 3hrs plus...did a lot of jump shots...talked, laughed. haha Ate luch (more like tea) at vivo and we talked and talked and talked (the topic was on KIDS!!) The thing I like about them is that we can talk about anything and everything for hours! haha went zara after that, reached home around 7pm.

All in all, I must say that I've been blessed :) Thank you Father for making the weather so beautiful for us today. It didn't rained till we've finished our hike. You have brought me so much joy and fun as I entered 2011. Tmr I'll be spending time with my awesome 3 ladies (Joy, Rui Qi and Skeen). These 3 ladies are awesome people who also always bring so so much joy to me :) Thank you for giving me so much before entering back to school. I know that it's going to be a great year this year. Just so excited to see your plans unfold. Use me, I want to be part of it.