Hug Your Sorrows.

omg i'd kill for these.
Hug your sorrows series, big salty tears of joy in coin purses!
Chlo got me one for Christmas :)

Felt as if.

I couldnt stand staying home, feeling all sick and lethargic on Boxing Day while everyone is out.
The air seems fresher out there, so i went out to take a breather by myself.

Walked, wrote songs, read, drew, music, from suntec to esplanade, seeking inspirations along the way. It was all worth my time despite a weak self.
For the first time, I couldnt feel a tinge of strongness.
While I was at the Esplanade Library reading, I was staring out of the glass panels into the sky, my vision wasn't as good, everything seems lighter in color than it should, and a little blurry, it was really cold then, I felt surges of heat in my body, my breath was weak and hot though my hands were really cold and numb.

And then it struck me, was that the feeling of near death?
I am perhaps, exaggerating too much, but I just couldnt help it but realised that.
Felt as if I was taking my last breath overlooking a spectacular view.
God, please heal me in the fastest time possible.

Christmas Eve at Timbre's.

Suddenly I just felt like blogging continously in one whole shot, my fingers are feeling nimble tonight and I am home early!
Anyway, Christmas Eve was pretty simple yet heartwarming.

You'll not believe this, except for those who knows what I do so often,
yes, went to school for training despite the cough at close to 10am in the morning!
Trained with the long d girls, did a little running and lunges, and had a game or two of frisbee and football. I then cancelled giving tuition to Elijah though, I cant be spreading my cough to a young kid :/

Went home for a quick rest and then off to Timbre @ Mt Sophia's for a Christmas dinner with my very awesome bunch of sec school mates. As usual, we waited ridiculously long to get 14 seats, couldnt make any reservations for that day so we had to do a walk-in.

Loved the live band, loved her vocals, loved the buffalo wings though it was really spicy, loved the company and we counted down to Christmas when the clock struck midnight and exchanged gifts.
Everyone was tired after that, but we all had fun I am sure. Thanks Ken, for driving us home :) and thanks yw and chlo for the gifts:)

<3 Chlo got me the gift I wanted so badly! It was really a tear of joy, and the awesomest gift indeed.
Blessed Christmas to all.

Feast on.

There is no doubt, that every Christmas, besides the jolly merry making, the wines and cocktails, the gingerbread, the candy canes, the christmas trees, the reds and greens, the gifts and the giving, santas and sleighs, churches and prayers, carols and snow ( ha i wish), there is always a whole LOT of good food for the season.

Turkeys, Deli meats, Ham, Steaks, Roasted chicken, puddings and all sorts of gourmet dinners.
I had ala carte actually, ranging from Japanese to Western.
However with a bout of flu and phlegm haunting me this merry season, I didnt quite enjoyed my feasts :( and yes, what a wonderful gift I've got for Christmas.

Dinner with mimi was good though, that was before i got sick.
She brought me to some jap buffet at The Heeren. Kiseki's, wide variety with fresh sashimi, soba, yaki udon, omelette, sushi and handrolls, salad bar, teppanyaki, etc and sweet desserts at $35 nett per person for Dinner.

you can imagine how full we were thereafter.
these are some of what we had,

and yes, went to the HippoBus thing with my family organised by Safra to view the Christmas Lightings at Orchard Road upclose. It was a rooftop bus so everything was awesomely visibly clear. The bus took us from Mt Faber all the way to Singapore Flyer and back, passing by Orchard so we could all take pictures.

But christmas just doesnt feel the same this year. Without the christmas stomp, without performing for church, without this and that. Its just not the same.

i love running in the night, just by the sea, with the wind brushing against my hair, the salty smell of the sea i breathe in, tuning into the ipod, beads of perspiration, continuous pacing and passing by the beautiful light casted upon the sea.
Its just the light and me.
Enchanting.

Back from a one night family chalet. Seemingly a getaway, but for me, it was just a good way to gather, spoil ourselves with some bbq food, and make some noise.
So awesomely thankful for,
` the chalet in all
` families
` laughter
` food
` guitar
` being able to swim in the lap pool in the drizzle
` iced coffee ( to think i had quit coffee)
` reading and revising
` making plans for cell x'mas party
` x'mas presents from aunt vivian and yiyi
` a night jog at pasir ris park
` home :D

I'd fly off with the flock, away from you, if I could.

A day in JB with Chlo.

First experience taking the SBS transit bus to Woodlands Checkpoint and then taking the same one into Johore Bahru.
It was a really interesting short day trip to CitySquare mall, in JB, just wandering around, shopping for some stuff though we got really tired of it, watched a Walt Disney flick, Rapunzel which was yet another typical fairytale with the royalty, the villians and happy endings.

Had brunch at Old Town White Coffee, got some tantalising japanese little snacks, some gum and then took the bus back to Singapore.
Rainy day, but lazy yet adventurous.

Can't wait for Universal Studios tmrw!

Today, Im thankful for,
` waking up at 10plus and refreshed for work
` lunch slam
` green tea
` trying out the new gingerbread spin
` a fast and swift closing with boss haha
` leftover falafel wrap
` peanut butter slice
` my gum
` mum's advice on my upcoming one day trip to JB with chlo
` my passport

and on a shorter note, i cant wait for christmas!
though it wouldnt be the same as the last, without Christmas Stomp for church and all, but im hoping this year would still be a merry one.

So thankful.

For people like you who knows the right things to say at the exact time I needed to hear.
Thanks mimi.
Awesome apple vodka and jello freeze tonight at yello jello's.
What else can be better than a saturday night, meeting up your wonderful friends, and having a drink or two with a live band playing and songs that rip your hearts.



And so, today, Im really thankful for:
` eva not minding that Im late, AGAIN for work.
` decorating Spinelli with the christmasy stuff we have
` D.I.Y handicrafts
` having the thought we probably won Best decorated Spins for christmas
` boss coming back to work to help us out
` banana walnut bread
` Earl Grey Tea Latte on soy
` Almond Biscotti
` Huiqin coming to visit me at work! thanks for dropping by though you took a risk in that :D
` long conversations with her
` a planned outing to Dempsey with her
` good weather after the downpour
` the white dress mum bought for me
` mimi's company and engaging conversations
` yello jello's live band
` strong facade of myself
` apple vodka
` Nicholas's appearance to send mimi back safely
` Ice cream in the freezer ( like I wasnt cold enough haha)

I need to get the vibe back for cell.

Of books and beers on a day like this.

We've decided on KL as a destination for our getaway instead. Bintan is awesome, but now with the Monsoon season, i guess it isnt such a great idea after all.

Blessed with nice breezy weather on a Wednesday afternoon.
Went to Ann Siang Hill with Chlo, all time favourite hang-out.

Wanted to try out Kki's cakes but they were all sold out.

And so, we headed to Shots' instead. Chlo had her lava cake to satisfy her sweet tooth and i had Iced English Breakfast Tea. Black and Pink themed cafe and pristine washrooms, appreciated.

Met Sam who booked out last night from camp, went to Orchard Central for Quiznos Subs and then to Cuppage's for a drink or two. Talked about life, and yes, as usual, digged up happenings from each other and merry making haha, Sam is right, after a whole day like this or any other day out, when we reached home, are we really truly happy about what went on earlier or even the past week when we were caught up with other things?

The last thing i wanted to do, was to dwell in my own thoughts and drift off somewhere again.

Starting my day off with

Breakfast to kick start Monday! Country Grain Toast with Peanut Butter and Sliced bananas.

half an Oatmeal Raisin cookie.

Need the carbos for training later.

Just earlier, im thankful for:

` waking up at 10am, have been waking up too early the past week for work.

` off day from Spins!

` a good breakfast

` a walk downstairs to the market with sis

` facebook

` the seashell my aunt got me from China( i could hear the waves crashing upon the shore)

` Music from my speakers

` Rice crackers

` Sherbet lemons

Breakfast at Kith's

Woke up for a good, pretty hearty breakfast with Chlo at Kith's, a little sidewalk cafe along Robertson Quay. Man, how much i love that place.
Had Toast with Homemade strawberry jam, and an Earl Grey Lavender Iced Tea that speaks flavourful and bliss.
Chlo had Roast chicken thigh sandwich with sauteed mushrooms.

Im in love with their cafe concept. Simple, Minimal, Life.

Maybe our old wounds teach us something. They remind us where we’ve been and what we’ve overcome. They teach us lessons about what to avoid in the future. That’s what we like to think. But that’s not the way it is, is it? Somethings we’d just have to learn over and over and over again.

it has been a hectic week working 2 crazy mornings at Spin's.
With so many deliveries and coffee orders in the morning, we got slammed at the barista's workstation.
But still, am still going strong.
Im working mornings for 3 days the coming week, God bless.

Today, im thankful for,
`waking up before 10am
`having enough time to prepare for work
`chewy candies
`unlimited beverages while working
`slamming at bar (i simply love the thrill when its busy)
`boss to help with closing
`the many wastages to bring back home
`potato and chicken salad
`salmon
`half a chicken sandwich
`half a waffle
`a new hair comb
`strawberries and grapes
`anticipation for halloween

Weary yet accomplished Sunday.

I kind of like running on Sunday mornings. It is a beautiful thing to do to end the week and embrace the new week ahead.

I replaced a track and field junior of mine for her Nike City Run that she signed up for since she couldnt make it due to IVP which happens in the afternoon. It was all good, completed, target reached, without any pain or any fatigue. The haze was more or less cleared, and I thank God for giving me strength and constant faith to push myself on.

And thus, today im thankful for,
` an opportunity to run another 10k race by Nike
` no relapse of shin splint
` clear skies and fine weather
` meeting kevin and some of the other track alumni and knowing that im not alone to start off.
` meeting Sze Ying at the baggage counter area aft not seeing her for sometime
` 100 plus and mineral water
` cell meeting
` prayers
` Devotional assignment, makes me motivated to do Quiet Time.
` making time to go down to Gombak Stadium to support the athletes for their IVP.
` watching them run their best and making me proud of em'.
` the girls' concern over my exhausted face
` every athlete's strong willpower
` Popiah
` another little get-together after IVP
` mum's ever so fantastic Spaghetti Bolongese
` Fish fillet with lemon
` Potato Wedges
` Rice Crisps
` Snapple Grapeade

What a huge dinner after a long day.

A friday affair.

I actually don't look foward to Fridays because there is absolutely nothing to look foward to.
But today seems different.

Besides training, there is dinner, yet another awesome bunch of trackers for company, an inspirational movie screening thereafter and friendly msn conversations.

And of course, another list of things to be thankful for on this beautiful Friday:

` waking up at 11 cause its an off-day from work
` soya bread
` strawberry yogurette stick
` apples and papayas
` bread with marmalade
` reduced haze i think?
` time
` a nice leisure swim
` hydro with my awesome long D mates
` frisbee in the water
` mc chicken
` laughter
` music by glee!
` that inspirational movie screening
` stroll with john and gab towards yck station
` snapple apple
` iphone
` Zamree's always-very-nice compliments in facebook.
` encouragement

I wish Ive got a huge vacuum to suck up all this bad air right now.

back to blogging?

After getting a temporary usb keyboard, I dont know why Ive got this urge to continue blogging again. Havent been updating for quite some time, guess ive been busy with life.
Hah, life. Wondering if I even have one?
Ive got a few friends frequently asking me,' how's life?' out of courtesy.
However, I really detest replying that question.
Its like asking me ' So how many times do you go to the toilet a day?'

Its unpredictable and it probably could be the same too.
Life. Well im still living everyday like it is, probably a different routine. Or probably the same one. We never know, do we?

I need a change.
Or a life re-adjustment.

The haze is really getting in the way.
of everything.
of the health of people, of dehydration, of the already polluted air, of the upcoming IVP, of the performances of the athletes, of the Nike Run, of people on the streets.
Why is this even happening? Sigh, Sumatra fires.

On a lighter note, im gonna be thankful for a couple of things everyday. Wouldnt want to always be that downcasted and be in the dumps. There are still plentiful of things to look foward to!

Today, im thankful for,
` my colleagues at Spins'
` corn pudding by didi
` leftover pasta salad
` shimin's invitation to her graduation party
` quiet persistence
` God's grace
` Time
` Brisk walking pace to Liang court after work
` finally, a usb keyboard for temporary use
` genuine concern
` mum's encouragement over job finding yet still pressured:/
` cinnamon swirl bread
` apple crumble
` new songs

Lunch.

Finally, i cooked a decent lunch for myself, after donkey years.
Sliced apples and Egg Vermicelli.

Cashews.

Cashews.
Such comfort foods.
And belly blasting snacks.

ck and gerald.

my 2 very lovely friends. Thanks for the belated celebration and a time for us to just catch up with one another and just talk to our hearts content, and yes, not to mention, eating to our fill as well.

I really really cant explain how much i appreciate and treasure the short span of time we have together , knowing each other's schedules and worklife and how its gonna be even more difficult to meet up again next time when we all start school and gerald having to go to serve NS.
Gonna miss you guys, and i look foward to the next time we could just hang out together.

Met up with ck at Scape* for lunch at Sakae, and yes buffet! No and i didnt had 5 mini bowls of cha soba this time, it was a mixture of sushi, soba and miso. Wondering if we could eat at another jap concept restaurant the next time round. but anyway, all was good.
The dear girl got me an adidas windbreaker as well, thanks, its gonna come in handy!

Went off at 5 in the rain, yes there was this sudden downpour, and it got so heavy. Headed back, while she went off to give her students tuition.
Met up with Gerald at yes, cine again! haha okay i combed the whole stretch of somerset today.
looking back, it was indeed a very long day at the heart of orchard.
Had dinner at Hot tomato express's at 313, and then went on to catch Inception, finally. Didnt know of any other movies to watch, and this seemed pretty interesting considering the good reviews it received.

My mind was very much in a whirl after that, but we managed to decipher everything about the movie eventually. Awesome scenarios of how dreams and inceptions play tricks on the mind while we are all asleep in reality.

Well, long day, but im so glad it was long having the chance to meet up with my best friends. All worth it, the weather and the time.

managed to take some pictures of what we had at Hot Tomato's,

I had Rosemary chicken while gerald had Mixed Seafood Grill. All zesty for our tastebuds.

I just wanna thank

you , you and YOU.
Thanks to all who had made my 20th very special, all sorts of surprises from different circles of friends and all the facebook well wishes! They are all so sweet.
I totally didnt expect it, but really, turning 20 wasn't as bad as i thought after all.

Had celebrations held over a span of 6 days consecutively i think, and i still have a few more with a few buddies who had went to Tioman, and now that they are back, its time for some catch up.
I miss you gerald and crankynuts and I look foward to seeing you people again.

Family, Church friends, Cell, Track mates, Facebook, BM friends, Spins' friends, Girlfriends, Poly mates and Friends from everywhere and anywhere, I really truly appreciate each and everyone of you and I thank God for giving me friends like you.

Sometimes.

Sometimes I get overwhelmed with life and all of its details. Sometimes it seems like I just don’t have enough… not enough time, or money, or energy, or life to give. Sometimes I feel like everyone and everything is pulling at all of my strings, and I’m slowly unraveling. I want to scream out, I want to curl up in a ball, I want to wrap my arms around myself and hold myself together.

-poco cocoa.

was good while it lasted.

well, looks like everything is coming to an end now.
it all still seems so vivid as if i just started out at work at Cityneon yesterday.
3 months up, and tomorrow is my last day.

it has been all good working on site at the Youth Olympic Village at NTU alongside with fellow colleagues.
Learnt practical things, gained experience, improved skills, everybody working hard together, laughter, and more.
I never thought i'd say this, but i actually enjoy working with this bunch at YOV, considering the fact ive been complaining about work in the office back there at Genting Lane.
Unfortunately, now that im getting the hang of it and is adapting well, ive got to leave.

Thankful for all the guidance, and for my really wonderful colleagues.
working for the youth olympics has been a really good opportunity.

and now that i will reminisce the campus of YOV.

and being satisfied seeing the design of the VMAC office ive did 3d modelling on.

site creations.

if i could stay as i am.

If i could stay as i am, and not challenge myself to be someone else i am not.
I was back to being me again last weekend, it was a wild one.
Drinking with friends on Friday night, till the wee hours of the morning,
giddy spells and hangovers, im so relieved i managed to still get a grip of myself.

No more Flamings please.

And then with just a mere 2 hours of sleep, I was up on my feet, to meet the girls and CJ for a little cycling expedition at Pulau ubin.
All was good, except that it was little for me as I didnt cycle the whole of ubin, had to leave the island at 1plus for Spinelli's. and the rest were still there, gosh they are such adventurers.

Wished i had experienced the mud and the breathtaking sceneries they saw too!
CJ says she is gonna probably have this cycling thing every month, so there is still many more opportunities i hope.

And then on Sunday..let me see, oh it was dad's birthday! Got him a Liverpool polo tee and well, he looks happy with it.
We had Jack's place, and then again, i rushed off to take the shuttle bus to RWS, and then to the beach station to meet the trackers for some fun in the sun.

Brought guitar, jammed with the jumpers, sang till our voices cracked, swam in the open sea, got tanned but my skin was sun absorbent by then, left footprints in the sand, laughter, and more.
Ended the day with dinner at grandmere's.

Weekends, i really do wished they were longer. And at least, i could continue being me.

for Touch.

it only takes a spark to get the fire going.

Design for Siying, for her school project, supposedly a mural for Touch Community.

Max Brenner, Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade

Friday night was one hell of a ride.
it felt so good to spent friday nights like that after a long week at work.

oh pudding! thanks for bringing me to the Helix!
and Max Brenner's , chocolate by the bald man is so good, its really pleasure just savouring chocolate. We had chocolate soup! with some ingredients that look like Red Bean soup thereafter.
Esplande outdoor theatre had some concerts going on as usual , local band scenes, one talented bunch of musicians. The Lion story was there again.

Great night. have only got one thing to say , TGIF!

40 days.

Bring it on.
The 40 days of faith starts now in the city of God.
Now till August 9.

This week: Acts 18

looking out.

This was taken on Monday at work.
its again, me and the drawings.
stumbling upon the money plants outside again, recalling what celine said about the plants growing dollar bills, overlooking the vast greenery outside and hoping i could be outdoors instead.
Raisins as snacks, Corn Loaf for breakfast, slogging, deadlines to meet.

Happy belated 21st dearest mimi.

Happy belated birthday once again mimi,

For that sushi dinner, for that first experience in Orchard Central, for the time we met each other again, for the time we have endless topics to share, for the time you poked me again, for the time we had tea and ice cream together, for the time we could both speak to Romeo in Oriole, for the time we could really sit down and contemplate, for the time we could laugh at anything, for the time we could look back and think how silly we were, for the time we could sign up for dance classes together, for the time we anticipate dancing on sunday from now on, for the time im blogging this, im thankful for you and for God's plan in making us such good friends today.

Be blessed.

i will be carrying upon this myself,
cause im selfish.

i will be weighing myself down,
cause i never wanted to impose on others.

i will be awaiting for a much brighter light
to lift me up from this well

i will be taking it in my stride
knowing that i can come out of this somehow.

The people around me are living a life of their own, yet they are stretching out their hands
im greatly touched by this fact, cause im reminded i will never walk alone.
For now, i'd just close my eyes and feel the breeze rushing through my hair
i will be standing here alone , wishing that i never had to care.

Thanks Fei.

Catching up with you guys last sun was good.
it has been 3 years, long isnt it? Making coffee together, talking about everything with each other, all has been wonderful.
Thanks fei, for the kfc treat, we love it.
It tasted especially good when its eaten with you guys.

I will be waiting to meet up with you again.
and on a sidetrack, i love fei's hair and shimin's new eyes!

Hectic yet perfectly made.

Rushing throughout the whole of Sunday but all is good, hectic yet everything seemed to fall in place.


0700, Thomson CC for the 7k race.
and finished in 7th place.
It was the first time it didnt felt like a race at all, probably because there were not many runners, and its more like a homely affair rather than a big one where every singaporean knows.


Everyone did well, am proud of the girls, they completed the run, its their first 7k.
more to come for them, and more for them to glorify.



Trusty trainers, missing Asics.
Made it in time for sermon, but missed out on Paradise Band Worship! oh well.
Rushed to Chinatown thereafter for a dim sum lunch in celebration of Fathers' Day.
I love you dad.

Afterwards it was vivo with sis, enjoyed each other's company.
Glad i brought my camera out, gonna make full use of it now.

Did all I desire to do most in one day, how fulfilling.