All I Want For Christmas is the Trinity

Not Mariah Carey but if you had a Christmas in your childhood, you'd know this song, "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth, see my two front teeth!"

No really, there is and was such a song, just that as we grow up, we stop listening to what's important and instead listen to what's popular.

Ok this post isn't going to be a debate about music.

I think one of the interesting thoughts I had about Christmas was that Jesus is the birthday boy who seems to be forever celebrating His 21st birthday(just check out that goaty and smooth skin!) and we church-goers are the people helping to organize and settle all the nitty gritty details of His party every Christmas.

I mean that's what you do when you celebrate a close friend's milestone birthday don't you? You try to help plan and make it as big a success as possible, ain't that right?

And all the guests that are invited to the birthday aren't going to know what to expect and it's our job to help them know who the birthday boy is, what gifts He wants and what kind of cake He likes.

Ok that last bit was irrelevant but I'm pretty sure you don't want to eat a myrrh cake.

Sometimes I wish people see things as plain as that.

A Christmas Errand

Double trip from expo to CA this morning just to get PK's & Sun's gifts to PT, Jacq & MH. Super drained till the point I was even falling asleep while standing in the train! But ultimately, I felt so blessed to be able to help in the giving process to bless Pst. What more a reward can a Christmas Elf ask for?

Typewalking

Even if I don't tweet while walking on the road, I still encounter problems. Today while walking home, I almost stepped on a rat.
A few days back, on a frog.
Dam it's hard to multitask with the iPhone, and I don't want to get critter guts all over my shoe.

MyPhone, iPhone?

After using the iPhone just for a day, I have come up with several preconceived notions about it:

1. Messaging

I find it harder to message now. With the old Nokia keypad, you could message without looking at the screen. Now, I have to look 3 ways if I'm walking across the road while messaging.
It's hardly a consolation that the messaging system is fully touch screen, an added determent from messaging while walking. If its any comfort, the clicking sound from typing on the keypad assures me that letters are coming into being, not words. Well that's of course if my phone isn't in silent mode that is.

2. Social Networking

Lacking the experience in using phones with social media access, this may be sound biased but by far I find iPhone's interface for various social networking medias the most familar and most user-friendly. Of course, we mustn't twit while we walking or someone else will be twitting your obituary (as suggested by YZ, touchwood of course).

3. Body

Being a fully touch screen phone makes it visually and kinetically appealing but not when you're trying to grip it. Add screen protectors to the mix and you've automatically earned the right to whine as much as you want because your iPhone just took a nosedive into your bowl of chicken stew. Now that's not going to score well with the judges. Basically, the iPhone is quite a hassle to hold other than with the entire hand, one of it, and the other? Well basically you either levitate your groceries home or stall that desire to twit till you get home.

Still, its a great companion on the bus. Unless you were trying hard to study SocPsy in the morning bus ride like me.

Mobile Bites

Hello world! This is my very first post from my iPhone, looks like my blog will be more alive starting from this moment on(hopefully).
Still on my way to school and thanks to my mom, I'll be 15 min early haha.
Alright that sounded too much like a tweet. Ok bai.

Christmas Gifts

Ho ho ho the mistletoe, all you can give is a pocketful of snow.
Well with all the jingling and jangling, dancing and prancing, giving and getting, the year's merriest holiday arrives on a one horse open sleigh in officially, 16 days!
That's hardly more than 2 weeks isn't it?

And if you're like me who's rather talented at the art of procrastination, now would be a good time to sit up and think of gift ideas before they quite literally run out of stock.

Working in malls do have its plus sides since you get to be in tuned with all the Christmas chatter going on in all the stores, and even more importantly, discounts.

So where else can you go bargain hunting aside from Bugis Street, this Christmas for gifts?
Here's some ideas that you could consider, do note they may not be suitable for all genders unless perhaps your friend is an adamant bisexual.

1. Sephora
Now this might sound a little off-tangent for guys but make no mistake, if there's something that impresses girls more than anything are guys that know what make-up is made up(of). The french boutique make-up store has just about plenty for all that you need, from eyeliners to make-up brushes, from body wash to scents and perfumes, all things beauty and perhaps to an extent - health related items can be found here.
Pick up a signature Sephora bubble bath for that gift exchange at your office or cgm, I mean the bottle looks nice, especially since it comes with several alluring colors to choose from.


Unknown to most people, Sephora is the only beauty and wellness boutique that I've seen carry the elusive Ed Hardy fragrances. Good for your leaders who are absolute die-hard fans of the famed tattoo brand. They don't come cheap though, be warned. They do come in special gift packs though! *Plus point*



2. Watsons
While I knew that Watsons had always prepared for the season of giving, I never really dipped into the store to find out what was going on.
For one, sweets are delightfully less expensive, so you can grab candy canes and chocolates in bulk which I believe optimistically are not just for yourself. Which reminds me, chocolate I've bought in Switzerland is still in my fridge after a year. O_O
If treats aren't your thing, there are still at least a dozen other things that you could get. For guy friends, I'd recommend waxes from Loreal or Gatsby(Pink Moving Rubber). Perhaps a shaver or two wouldn't hurt? Throw in some shaving cream and fancy wrapping paper skills and you've just got about what the average guy might need to use for 6 months.
For girls, make-up brushes or any other form of beauty/wellness item would do fine. I might save on Ariel's Christmas present by getting her a pack of oil blotters, fabulously things that do nothing but help you produce more oil and waste more money over time.
Well enough ranting let's move on.

*Side Note: I procrastinated this post till 23 Dec. YES.

3. HMV

Well if you haven't noticed already, HMV is actually back in Heeren, yes it is.
With its new pop-up store, you'll be able to get all sorts of different things there, in bite-sizes.
First off, music CDs are really cheap nowadays(with all that rampant piracy going on), they're only about on average $13.90 when on sale? Great for a budget Christmas gift.
Pick up Bruno Mars, Rihanna and even Glee altogether for less than $40!
If music's not your friend's thing(I'm not too sure about the Cheena music selection at HMV though), there's always DVDs of the latest movies!
Hmm, what better a way to combat piracy this Christmas!

I guess that's all I have in mind for this Christmas. Do check my blog soon for my Christmas wishlist heheheh.
*Side note: All 3 stores can be found along Orchard Road.

Wedding Bells

The wedding is finally over!
A happy union of two, so touching it almost brought tears to me.
Pastor Aries was so so funny, with his jokes and all, especially those directed at um, the more demanding one.
ANYWAY, it was really a good experience and I'm so so happy for WH who's finally blissfully married to JQ. (Well I was going to say cast off the shelf but I think that's er, well, it won't exactly elicit the responses I would want.)
Just gives me a glimpse of how mine is going to be like.
*Shivers*
Well my wedding shall be an indie affair, I think that's the way Jacq would want it, after all, Ang Xiang Road? Heh :D

Moo...What?!

At Udders today, I swore I heard the counter girl saying, "Yes Ma'am, what flavors' would you like?"

They also asked for my IC when I told them to give me the two alcoholic flavors.
Secretly, I've been drinking from the fountain of youth.

Root

I know its a really bad habit and its always depressing to read jaded and weary posts everytime you hit my blog but its a true source of release for me.

It's hard to accept a 'sorry' when a mistake been made way too many times.
It gets harder to accept with each hurt.
Isn't it?

And the problem gets so bad when you listen to it, yet you know the root of the problem is yourself.

Caught in between practicality and passion, what would you choose?
Neither sides are easy choices to give up, if giving up was ever an option at all.

The mist hides so many things at night,
the problems of a lone soul
lay covered.
Hiding was never an option,
just a temporary refuge.
To quench the thirst and hunger
of an emotional solitude.
Feelings to show, never manifested,
because they were forced to be still,
to keep the bridge uncontested.
Through a crack in the hourglass
sand trickles through.
Time that is lost,
because of an unforeseen cue.
How many of these cues,
can one start to comprehend?
When it is the individual,
who naturally plays the card from his hand.
A fault that no one can attribute,
for justice seeks reason,
but the world is not governed
by such high treason.
Is love like a flower,
that eventually dies?
Or is something else more eternal,
I dearly wish this weariness
would wear off.
So I could say goodbye to it,
and hello, beckoning hope.

I profusely apologize for my absence from MSN.
Its not that I on a campaign of abstinence, its just that Adium is not like Live Messenger.
Moreover, Live for mac is atrociously undependable.
I'm always contactable via Facebook though!

Conducting Yourself

"Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world." - 1 Peter 2:12

Monopoly Madness

I know its been a while since I started playing it but its still as addictive as ever!
Its like a confirm-will-see at fellowship gatherings lol.
Sometimes, its more fun, depending on who you play with(especially Li Ting haha!)
And against the scheming, card-counting Desmond, its quite hard to put up a fight, especially if you hardly have a rent card in your hand.

Thinking of some ways to remake Deal to suit Truth & Dare. Hmmmm :/

Was thinking of editing the card descriptions using photoshop too ha!

Oh well, shall see if I can do that tmr heh.

Jap Food FTW

Alright people, if you're lost on a makan destination while having picked Jap as your choice of stomach indulgence, here's the place that I highly recommend:

Watami Singapore

Situated at The Central, Raffles City and ION(J8's outlet coming out really soon!), this Japanese restaurant has it all - ambiance, affordability and most importantly, aromatic food! Well at least that's what I experienced at the ION outlet. No doubt its going to get noisy during peak mealtimes but still, with its variety of food and beverages, you won't want to leave till you've tried everything.

Some special dishes include their stone pot Tori Katsu with egg. The egg comes uncooked, ready in a bowl. Minutes after the gas stove for the stone pot is switched on, their friendly staff will help you pour the delicious, yummy yolk into the pot, cooking right in front of your eyes. O.O
Their beef udon isn't too bad as well, the soup stock gives off a sweet salty taste that lingers in your mouth. I found it a little too salty though. Their seaweed is nice, like flat green jelly. :P

FYI: They have awesome set lunches so flock there asap if your pockets aren't too empty!

Sabbath(Monday)

Its always good to have a day to rest no?
I think I'll permanently wire up my macbook with my ethernet cable from now on, its so much faster!

On a side note, I bought 2 items today while shopping around with Dearie Hamster Mushroom.
New shoes plus a long sleeve tee, all for just under $25!

Will put up a food hunt post soon!

Facebook Friends, For Real?

Not to make another fuss about social networking but ever since my friends count hit the thousand milestone, I've been pondering the question whether every friend that I have in that list are actually friends in real life and how often do I interact with them?

Well of course there are people I know that are not in my friend's list as well but the point is, is that just a list for you to show off, for you to take note, for you to see and acknowledge that you have that many friends throughout the course of your xx years of your life.

I mean, how often do you interact with them on a personal basis?

If you have a thousand friends, and you make it a point to spend at least one hour with each and every single one of them, that would total to:
1000h = 42(rounded up) days = 6 weeks = 1 month and a half.

Alternatively, if you make a plan to meet one every single day, you would be meeting them consecutively for 2 years and 9 months straight!

Mind-boggling isn't it?

Do I have that kind of free time? Maybe not now, perhaps that will be a vision I can realize hopefully by 20-30 years down the road.

So think twice before clicking the 'accept' button.

Do you even have the time to call this person a friend other than the minute that you spend checking out his or her facebook page?
Frankly speaking, nothing else comes as close as getting to know a person face to face.

Makes you wonder how much you've been taking your close ones for granted to no?
Make everyday count.

Hey you could be building a new friendship every single day.

Being a pretty boy has its downsides too.
People think you're either gay or way too kiddish, or both.
Well my God thinks I'm awesome and I'm going to keep that opinion. ;)

A Mirror Is For You to Reflect, Just like Writing

I don't know if it applies to me but hopefully it does that I don't think or act my age.
NOT the 3-year old part, I meant the older, mature part.

Sometimes I look at my peers and I find myself taking up a lot more responsibilities?
And I place great commitment in those responsibilities, not backing down, no turning back kind of emphasis.

Then again I'm not perfect and I still need to work a lot on many other things.
Juggling, mastering certain aspects, especially work nowadays, its like a new phase in my life that I'm still adapting to.
And I've got like 12097548391146136 other things I wanna add.
:/

Ah well, life's a buffet you can never finish.
I've got to either make my plate bigger, get a bigger appetite or finish a meal at a time.
Can't have lobsters and cupcakes at my plate at the same time (though lobster meat cupcakes do sound appealing).
Can we have more fusion food?

Ok rambling rubbish random route.
Hey but please tell me alright?
Am I really eighteen? O.O
I think most people at eighteen are trying to lose their virginity, after all, isn't that what our media likes to portray?
They're so concerned about parties, parties and parties. (For some, the party don't stop even when I'm 30) -> Kudos if you get the pun.
Maybe that's why I feel I'm more mature?

Maturity isn't determined by age but by acceptance of responsibility.

I think I've got quite a bit on my plate now.

Retail

Every piece of clothing you buy is worth more that its stated value.
If everyone that handled that apparel could affix a value to their service to your item, it would definitely cost a lot, lot more.
Is that enough reason to dispose of your post-purchase anxiety? :D

Driving

Now that exams are finally over(or rather just Medsoc), its time to focus on the other important things in my life.
Well there's the upcoming driving test that a whole lot of people are hoping, cheering and waiting for me to pass.

Well if I do get my license by CNY 2011, can I get a car like this:

Traffic

I'm highly annoyed by the amount of traffic I get on my blog.
Then again, perhaps its good to stay low on the internet highway lest thou gets unnecessarily spammed.

A Movie Review on Movies

After watching movies for a while(or rather every other night during this holidays) I begin to understand a few things.

1) Its impossible to turn a 498-paged novel(a.k.a. Twilight) into 90 minute or maximum 180 minute film.

Its just darn impossible.
Not every piece of writing can be represented on-screen.
Dialogue in the head about how handsome some white-faced, two-fanged baring teenage boy just isn't going to work.
If it did, your school's most boring lectures would become the epitome of fun.
Watching a girl having an internal dialogue(even with narration) is plain, downright boring.
Even you have to agree?

2) Plots are usually simple, occasionally substandard and conclusions can be somewhat of a dissatisfaction for avid readers.

Let's face it, even the most complicated plot fails when visuals aren't able to portray it.
Writers, you HAVE to understand: actors are people, characters aren't.
Characters can dodge a million bullets and still have enough energy left to somersault, cartwheel, grab a knife, gun, throw a cannon, create thunderstorms and eat fish.
Actors, do the best that they can, and it gets annoying when people critic poor acting without first considering that Edward Cullen is a play on the power of your imagination while Robert Pattinson is a living, breathing human being.
Yes a good story is always brings your favorite movie to win an Oscar but do consider movie adaptations of novels.

They may be using a revised and unoriginal plot but give the directors and producers a break. Don't criticize the movie because it left out your favorite chapters, consider how well they have been able to portray the characters, certain niches and noches specific the story.

For the uneducated about video production, mouth zippers, fortunately, are absolutely free.

Errand Runner

If you need something done, professionally, check this out.

Sometimes I thank God for the simple fact that He's always around.

Can/Can't I say more?

When I speak, I hurt.
When I don't, I lie.

Perhaps I should be a Mute
I had nothing to hide, nothing to gain.
All I received, was a chest full of pain.
So wrong was this right,
That I gave up the fight.
Neither black nor its white,
It created fists so tight.
Who is to blame? For this forsaken state.
Lost without reason, dizzy with confusion.
A somber night. The Moon so bold.
The only light in the night,
Lighting up only a portion
of the darkness in my heart.
I was wrong, the only one to blame.
Hanging on the wall, forever my shame.
Perhaps it was better, if I was just a mute.

Wisdom

"The skillful use of knowledge and understanding for successful living." - A.R. Bernard

Poly or JC?

Worth a read, especially for the dear ones taking your O's this year:



If you're reading this and you are on the verge of a similar dilemma, you can always consult yours truly. After all, none of the bloggers, i would assume, on the website has the dual experience of being in both a local junior college and polytechnic.

In any case, to all O levelers: Do your best, and God will do the rest. ;)

Muted

How do you talk to somebody who doesn't want to?

Dammit.

If Only Wishes Could be made of Airplanes

The irony of education is that it takes your youth(almost) in exchange for what? Grades.
And in our sunny little island, grades literally mean money.
Your salary is dependent on your grades.
Yet you spend almost 35k(poly figures) at least for education and you have to slave for another 3-5 years till you've gotten enough money for marriage.

Seeing how one of facebook friend's status reads: "my mum on seeing me so rushed and stress over my essay told me to quit school if i can't handle it -_- i scolded her right away, asking her how can she ask me to give up, shouldn't she encourage me to complete it?? her response, save money what then you go find someone marry -_-"

Perhaps if education finished at 14 and we could all start working by 15, it would an ideal that I look forward to.
Then, people like GJT could really be a young mommy!

Fact of the matter is, what is necessary and what is not?
Is it wrong to specialize at an early age?
When kids were as young as 4, adults used to ask this favorite question of theirs: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Yet, 20 years down the road, these kids have deviated far from what their initial ambitions were. They dwell deeper and deeper into a downward spiral of consumerism and get unknowingly caught up in the rat race.

Or perhaps, is it that the children of our generation that have lost their ambitions?
Their hopes, their dreams, their sense, identity and faith in who they wanted to become?
Ask one in Singapore the 'what-do-they-want-to-be-when-they-grow-up' question and what is the common response you get? "IDK."

Or maybe, it is the grown-ups that have ignored the dreams of their kids and placed them in a cave to show them that such is the only way or perception of who you should be when you grow up.
"Mommy, I want to be a painter when I grow up!"
"No dearie, you should try to be a banker, a lawyer or doctor! Then you'll earn a lot of money like that."
Yes, love, care and concern is evident, but its so protective that it becomes a barrier, constricting the creative space needed to flourish.
The seed kept in the dark, will never grow.

T(e)V(il)

Entertainingly thoughtful session after Medsoc tutorial today, although almost everybody was like half-dead from waking up early/brushing up unfinished business for MarComm presentation.

Now i can't enjoy TV or movies anymore.

But that's ok, just like the Socrates cave example provided by Ms Sonia, we're no longer in it.

Now I understand why "There is more to that than what TV actually shows you."

Thank God I stopped watching the telly around sec 2.
Heh.

Thankfull-ness

Its little things like having your gf pay your cab-fare home and a taxi uncle that lets you pay netts and cash so that you can get home safe and sound at 1230am.

Thank You Daddy God<3

18

The fun doesn't start when you turn 18, its when everyone else you know does.

Projects

Oh well GraComm presentation is over, so is LocVid shooting.
Sure its not the best but everyone came out happy.
That's most important.

Hurt

When they said lightning couldn't strike twice in the same spot, they lied.
It struck my heart four times.

#777

Now whenever I think of 'Monopoly', I think of 'deal'.

Awesome awesome day ironically without pay.
But still enjoyed it very much with beloved Jacqueline Lim. :)
Black ink pasta haha!

Taking Away the 'FRO' to get 'LICK'!

Yes i've already told you I'm not a fan of Frolick's.
But the point is, lovely bumble bee and I stumbled upon a brand new chill out place at Tanjong Katong Road yesterday.
A innocent looking shop dotted along the road, if not given a second glance would have probably made it seem like just another run off the mill cafes that inhabit on this street of Singapore.
Entitled 'LICK', the anagram stands for Little Ice Cream Kafe(Brillantly cute isn't it?).
After dinner at MagicWok(a little delightful place for thai cuisine), honeybee and me walked up the street back to where we alighted near the student hostel to find this amazing spot.
Comfy, cosy and chill. Sofas aplenty, albeit the space in the shop was limited.
Now the ice cream is very good, sporting a variety of flavours we had never seen before.
There was even a 'Kaya Toast' flavour. (?_?)!!!
After trying out some of their more interesting flavours, we decided on a combination of Wild Strawberry and Frozen Watermelon:



Much to our delight, Mondays are free combinations day! So we added a mix of fruit loops to the frozen delight.
Turns though later, I was spending more time discerning with each scoop of ice cream which was strawberry and which was watermelon.
Oh well.
A sweet surprise though, they cater to parties!
And if its friday, its a day full of ice-creamery goodness with their $10.90 ice cream buffet(student priced!)!
Awesome awesome awesome stuff.
Ok check back soon to see if i've discovered more interesting places to dine!

Taxi Taxi!

Let me tell you about this super nice taxi uncle i met yesterday.
When he pulled over in front of my house backdoor entrance, he realised his netts machine wasn't working!
I told him that I could pay him back(cos i didn't have enough cash with me) if i went up to get the money so he offered to send me back all the way to my doorstep(or basement step rather) at no extra charge!
Not only that, he waited downstairs for like 10+ minutes for me to get the cash and didn't leave the meter running at all, so it was still the price i had to pay like 15-20 min earlier.
With the late night charge he could have 'earned' so much more!
Thank God really for cabbies like these that make my day, especially since I was so conked out after Sheron's party.

*Scape is the Place to Be

I think i should really make blogging an everyday habit seriously.
Making something out of nothing, being STOMPish. LOL
And we kept talking about some illuminati nonsense while talking about our debate project.

OK but I'm here not to rant about that, I'm here to promote this awesome place at *SCAPE, actually, two.

The first is this place called 'Music Cafe'.
The name doesn't sound much, but its more than meets the eye.
Food that's awesome at affordable prices, plus Happy Hours that give you 1 for 1 drinks valid for 6 hours, doesn't that sound awesome enough already?
Add to that, spacious, comfortable furniture that's a treat for the eyes coupled with DJ mixed R&B songs to chill the night away, you got more than a perfect place to hang out with your friends.
No doubt that at the time i visited was a week night, it was quite obvious that much of the cafe was unoccupied, apparently people were quite oblivious to the fact that there was actually a cafe that existed there.
Staff was friendly, and hoped they appreciated the redbull we gave them haha!
Oh and guess who showed up at the cafe on tuesday night?
Muttons to Midnight!
Double whoppee that evening.
Get your butts here before this place becomes overpopulated.

The 2nd place I've got in mind is actually Red Mango, some of you guys might have heard it before, its this place where they serve frozen yogurt, much to the likes of Yami and Frolick.
However, after tasting both their closest competitors, i'd say that I prefer this one the most.
Yami's sour while Frolick's just plain bland, this one is somewhere milky in taste - the taste i crave while eating yogurt.
Did i mention the Granola tasted extra crunchy and smelled delightfully roasted?
Until 30th June, they're having a 1-for-1 promotion and any type of yogurt you buy so please do yourself a favor(or flavour, yes quite a bad pun really) and give it a go.
To those new to the frozen yogurt scene, its not to late to miss out the best in life other than the world cup.

Alright, adios amigos!

Hee hee..

i love jacqueline. (:

Euphoria

Most euphoric day on earth

A Quickie

I'm sorry i know i haven't been blogging in a really long while since AC, i think.

Just got through a 36 hour fast earlier today.
Awesome once i hit the end, but the last 12 hours was hell, with lots of nausea.

Good news soon!

Anyway I'm working on my Bauhaus and video editing this weekend as well as a shoot so I'm very unavailable(even though its holidays already, supposing-ly) so no parties, no tik-toks, no she-wolves, no gotta feeling(just plenty of meaning), no dinner, no dine-ups, no dine-downs, no ups-and-downs-and-spin-it-all-arounds, no hotel room service and no ho-zeh.

But you can ask me out on 14 June onwards!

AC 2010

Well AC was a blast, with all the free food, HAHA!
But that's not the main point.
I feel this year's AC I've learnt Pst Kong's about how he conserves 10-20% of his strength for a crisis.
Either that or I didn't serve as much?
Perhaps its because we were allocated to hall 7.
In any case, AC was fun.
And I've received a lot of spiritual inputs.

Heh

Reclusion

Sometimes I feel like becoming a hermit to withdraw from everything.
But hermits are often strange, weird and eccentric so I'll skip that.
Looks like its trial time again.

All i want is time to play my guitar.

All i want is time to make music.

MRTee

Elderly uncles and aunties rushing to get seats on the MRT just irritates you doesn't it?
But why they do so?
Perhaps the fact is that they're so insecure about people courteous enough to give up seats for them.
Or maybe its that people just aren't that courteous enough.
So are they now a symptom or a problem?

Imploration

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2BDMQ7H

Filming

I swear, filming is definitely a 'C' activity.

High-Cuts

If guys ever said there are shoes to die for, they would probably mean these:





Honestly, they make my high-cut Nike look really noob.

Check out more over at FashionBean!

Great Expectations

Hi everyone, after taking a short hiatus from blogging really really heavy stuff, I've come back to share my thoughts after thinking about this thing called 'Expectations'.

I'll just jump straight into it, no funny advertisement youtube videos alright?

Let me just start with this personal experience:
You know, sometimes I personally do not acknowledge out loud, at first sight that I'm a Christian.
And I wander to myself sometimes, why don't I do that?
Yet, one of the reasons was because I don't want them to impose certain expectations on me at first sight.

You tell people you're a christian and immediately they have an impression of how you should be like.
Christians don't lie, cheat, steal, utter vulgarities and the list goes on.
Basically, their idea is that christians are meant to be sinless.
And if ever one day something so happens, they go, "Ohhhhhhh, but I thought he/she's a christian, how can she/he do such a thing!"

Go figure.

You gotta get one thing right about people, whether christian or non-christian, they still make mistakes.
And that's what most people don't understand.
They just unleash THY JUSTICE HAMMER UPON THEE.
Annoying.

So with all those expectations, do you think its easier to be a christian or a non-believer?

Mat 7:13 is my word of encouragement to you:
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it."

Be the ones to choose the narrow way, even though it definitely isn't going to be easy.

Paul says in James 1:2-3
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."

Well look at it this way, if people already have such high expectations of Christians, you can consider it all good and take great pride in being a follower of Christ!

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

Proclaim the praises of God in your life.
Praise is a mighty weapon against the devil, you can think of it as a holy hammer or a sword that levels up every time you use it.
"Its clobbering time!"

But yes, in such situations where people look at you through colored lenses, the best you probably can do is to give thanks or praises to God.
It beats retaliation anytime.
Revenge is sweet, yes, but at what price?
Vengeance is like a worm that is able to eat deep into your soul the more you choose to feed and fuel it.
A worm that will eventually manifest into a insatiable hunger.

He hears your cry and knows the things of your heart better than anyone else.

Don't take it to heart, be of good cheer.
John 16:33
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

In such situations, you may be thinking, 'But this is too difficult a problem to be solved by a situation as simple as that!'
What is too difficult for God?

Now pay attention to this verse, there's something important in this verse so don't miss it:
! John 5:4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Encourage yourself, because of the fact that you are born again of God, and assuredly, you'll overcome the world!
Faith is an active language.
Ultimately, its not about what people think about you but what you think of yourself.

Pro 23:7
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Learn to manage expectations by first learning to manage your own expectations.
That takes a whole lot of 'bad' out of your system.
Act on it, act on it, act on it.
The more you act upon it, the better you become at expectation management.
People can look at you at colored lenses, but the color of your movie is for you to decide, and be brave about it.
Expect the best!

Perhaps an adequate word of the day since its mother's day:

muliebrity \myoo-lee-EB-ri-tee\, noun:

The state of being a woman.

To all mothers out there:
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Slowed Fast

Hello world, I ate a piece of chocolate during my fast and now its extended to 10pm.

Sitting in Makan Place right now is no joke, its like a direct immersion into temptation.
But I guess i'm so used to it that I'm almost immune already.

LEVEL UP!

Awesome Baby

EVERYBODY IS PLAYING NEOPETS DURING LECTURE!?

Anyway, most robert thing that happened today was that my classmates updated my status with random spam while i went to buy food.
One of them(or two) mentioned that I loved disney teenage stars.

"I LOVED MILEY CYRUS!"

Robert.

So Singaporean

On the way walking home, I realize that what a 'chapalang' character I have.
I detailed in doing things sometimes, yet I love to be in a messy environment.
I consider the feelings of other people, yet I firm up in the face of pressure.
So 'C', yet 'I' at the same time, trying to be 'S', but ending up having to be 'D'.
Maybe its a result of being in Singapore?

Loving dance, food, music, arts, human behavior, graphic illustration[NEW LOVE!], sports, internet, facebook, iPHONE, shopping and the list continues...
Like an all-in-one?

And just to talk about food alone, so many that I'll eat, roti prata char kuay tiao, bar chor mee mee mee goreng, kuay chap chap chye zhi char steamboat.
Rojak, not?

Perhaps its not so bad being Singaporean after all, after all, we do have variety.

And just maybe, my mixed up, whacked out preferences is just so singaporean, Lah.

HELP I'M RUSHING FOR TIME!!!!!!!!!!

Have I been doing too much to not have done what I'd loved to do?
Or is just another selfish desire to gain popularity on social media?

Chupri Chupri Chupri

MarComm's really interesting because of all the ads!
Chupri Chupri Chupri!

Extendable Fork

What the Fork?
Anyway, i can't believe that that was the product i came up with during the Radio Heatwave audition.

"Take this pen and do a 30s advertisement about it, promote it, but it isn't a pen."

Anyway, its somebody's special day today! ^^

The Circle of Care

Hello people, once again thanks for visiting this my blog thought i don't update it regularly. This post will be one that i occasionally post when a sudden idea hits my head faster than a chicken can dodge a basketball.
Anyway, here's what I have to say:

Every year when you say you're going to grow spiritually stronger, what do you actually mean?
Pray more?
Read the bible more? (Or once through at least, if you're like me :X)
But my point is, you have to have a form of measure, to see how far you're progressing.
One way of measuring, is definitely by your fruits.

Its commonplace knowledge that fruits come from the complete maturity of seeds.
The thing is, I'm not driving at how many new friends you actually bring to church, rather, I'm coming from the point at where how many seeds have you sown or scattered within the church?

"Its only about a year before we move to Suntec." - Ay

Just because someone is saved doesn't mean he or she doesn't need to receive scattering of seeds from someone else.

Everyone has 24 hours, but how much of it is actually dedicated to impacting someone else's life?

Yes when we first came to church, we'd probably knew a friend or two, one that we've stuck by for quite a while. If one no longer attended church, the other would probably be that final piece of rope you'll cling on to, aside from God(I hope).
So is it too long since you've just had that 10+ or more friends in the cell group?
Yes, friends of quality are important, but isn't it much greater to be able to strengthen the church of Christ by what you do? How can you do that when you don't even have influence over them?

You've stayed in church for the longest time, yet, you only still know the same number friends 5 years ago!

I'm not an advocate for networking, I'm just an advocate to educate.

Building new relationships is vital to strengthening you and expanding your capacity, and by expanding your capacity I mean your 'Circle of Care'.
Why are cell group leaders who they are?
Because they a really really wide circle of care that encompasses not just every single cell group member, but also ministry friends, ZS, Pastors, etc and the list goes on.
They care about what their members are doing, what their peers are doing, and definitely, what their own leaders are doing.

And how does that care start?
It may have just started from a simple conversation about interests or possibly even birthed forth from just being in the particular situation in that particular time.
Never condemn, judge, criticize, complain, disfavor situations where God puts you with people you might dislike.
In fact, the moment you feel uncomfortable, rejoice, because its a time where you're out of your comfort zone.
Just like how Paul says he rejoices in tribulation, choose the joy of the Lord and take the best out of the situation.

The hardest ships to build are relationships yet they are the hardest(or even impossible) to sink if built and maintained well.

If you were just caring about the life of one person last year, challenge yourself this year to care for 2.
If you cared for 3, try 4.
Increase that number and step up your game, its the only way to stay in tip-top condition all the time.
By the time you realise it, you have grown yourself to have the same capactiy as a ZS!

Relationships don't come easy, some are just downright hard(metaphorically and also literally) to start.
But always remember that it is because He first loved us and that is why we love others.
If we love God, we should tend to His sheep.

So before I close, let me give you 3 practical tips on how to care for other people.
They always say, caring is sharing so there are 3 things in which you can share with other people:

1) Share about your Life
You can give a testimony, talk about yourself a little bit, but always give the other party air space to respond.
This is also an effective conversational tool when you've run out of common topics to talk about.
People generally become more open as well if you truly share with them sincerely about your own life story.

2) Share about your Problems
For most Asians, this won't be a real problem.
Sharing with people about your problems will make them feel you are more humane and less 'celestial' or 'angelic/holy'(Wah my leader can serve 10 days without rest!).
Problems connect people in a very special way, especially if they've met with similar problems on their own.
Experience derived from these problems can also be stepping stones that you build for other people to gain success earlier in life.

And lastly, you got to:

3) Share about your Visions/Dreams
People that realize their visions or dreams usually share with it to a whole lot of people.
Martin Luther King realized his dream in his speech 'I have a Dream' even though he was assassinated. Dreams get carried on to the next generation because they are shared.
David's dream of building an awesome house for God was only accomplished during the time of his son Solomon.
You've got to share your visions and dreams in order for them to be established.

Mat 18:19-20
Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

These are just one form of care and concern that you can show for them. Sharing is great but its not just the only way. As long as you remember that above all, you do it out of love, that's most important.
Be awesomely blessed and empowered today, and start expanding that Circle of Care!

Meet Me, The Guerrilla Journalist

Journalists define the way people think and perceive about the world. - Melvin Lim

Quite a robert situation yesterday with the birthday gift and all, but well it was good fun.

Poly's officially starting tomorrow!
Excited? Probably. Ok, fine, YES.
School starts at 1pm? But I've still have to wake up at 6am! x_x
MPM starts tomorrow, but it'll be an awesome week because of that!
Oh yes for some other reasons, this will be a real hectic week.

Time to plan plan plan Melvin, you've got a really busy week ahead.
And its discomforting, which is good. ;)

Yum Yum Green Grass

Your love, your love, your love is my drug.

John 21:15-16
¹⁵When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

¹⁶Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

How much longer do i have the opportunity to take care of Your sheep Lord?
Every soul that's placed in my hands, i think i've been too ignorant of the responsibility for too long.
Yes they might not have been as close as team C but they are still Your sheep Lord.
Teach me to be the tap that overflows with Your love.
The love stops when we stop, stop feeding your sheep.
Its time to make a change Melvin.
Now which side of the field should i pasture on?

Prophesying

While listening in to Pastor's preaching about prophesying, i suddenly thought of this joke.

"Yes i prophesy to myself a lot.
I always tell myself that I'll do my work later."

The Most Awesome Day on Earth - 6/4/1992

Oh well this is super overdue, but this is a shoutout to both the peeps of FMS FOC 2010 and also the Usuals who celebrated my birthday!



Picture of Chun Li after the soap game!
The party don't start till who comes in? The party don't start till Chun Li comes in!

Love love love the group, but why are we so small?!
Its alright, they say big things come in small packages.

And really love Brawn, super powered energy spartan GLs!
The first time i heard GL, i was like, Guai Lan?!
Anw, back to the point, Keenan was like some madman cheering, cheering us on, and getting us to cheer. But really loved his energy!
Hyona omt the really well concealed swearer, haha! Especially with this much toothpaste on her neck:

And after seeing the amount of f-bomb ammunition she has, its amazing how she didn't spew any expletives after this game. The toothpaste was menthol flavoured :O

Of course not forgetting Mr Nice Guy who burned his balls for Chun Li to win:



Left after all the wet games and didn't manage to attend 'Pop Night' though, cos i went to Cineleisure to:



Thanks a lot to Yvette, Je Lin, Yun Ru, Mei Jing, Rita, Leonard, Justin and last but not least Jacqueline for celebrating my birthday with me!
Although Part 2 was quite cui because of the fail-L4D2-computers at GG. Really GG computers.
Loved Selegie though, hopefully Mei Jing liked her new tattoo haha!
Ok sorry la i'll not hit so hard next time, but you got the honor because i usually don't hit girls so hard, only those i know well HAHA.
*SMACK!* Ow! OBI OBI.

Weeee i should sleep now. Mass facebooking after camp.

Do I really talk that slowly?!

Its the Thought that Count lah

I know this is like overdue by 3 days already but still just want to wish the above gaydophile a HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY!
Video will be up once i get my camera from dar-dar.
The only guy that feeds on my sarcasm and turns right back around like a hydrochloric acid immune mirror reflector.
We diss each other so much but I know he's one that'll be back to back with me if we're ever trapped in a circle of mad-raving shinobies.

Half, Half but Full

Let me tell you about my colleague called Theresa.
She's very bright, very much blonde and definitely boisterous.
Working at CA with her makes time fly really fast, haha!
Ten thousand hilarious snapshot moments today, the most painful one being the time when she knocked her head onto the counter when she was trying to look at my jacket.
Ver: "The counter a bit shaky ah, is it all your doing?"
HAHAHA.
Ok, but there wasn't any sales while both of us were covering the earlier part of the day.

Today's worship was good, though i needed to be more sensitive.
Mm and dinner/supper was good!
Loved the sauce, though it seemed really oily.
Frogs are nice but i hate it cos its super bony.
Aw well, and there's the case of the missing $8.
Noisy car on the way home with sudden topic changes from adultery to murders.

All's well ends well in a day of work.
This life seems more addictive than studying =X

Free Cone Day!

So did you get your free cone today?
In contrast to last year, where Ariel, Lev, Germz and Chingz queued about an hour just for 1 cone of ice cream, this year, i just cut the queue where MJ was queuing and skipped about half an hour or more worth of queue time. :D
And furthermore, B&J's sent 4 cups of free ice cream to SKIN couture later in the evening ^^
Pays to work at GWC huh.

I want to go to Paris!

Building Fund

Close to the end of the first month of Arise & Build, i have these thoughts to say:

Building fund period is truly a time of testing, in many areas and especially in faith.
Even when you can't see the building yet, you gotta keep praying, visualizing and believing that it will one day come to pass.
This building fund is most touching and in more ways than one, personal to me.
That's because its my first.
Since 2006, Pastor has already been talking about the vision for our building in the marketplace.
For four years, we continued to pray, believe and give; Pray, believe and give; Pray, believe and give.
And now that we've finally been shown the building, again it reminds me how God will come true for us.

All throughout our lives, we actually have our own little 'building funds'.
Just that it differs from person to person.
We could be saving up for that one thing that we desire so much.
Sometimes we feel like giving up halfway but we must remember that the Lord will provide the provision with the vision.
Even in our personal struggles, when we ultimately obtain the object of our desire, we will have progressed in our faith, believing that God will provide no matter what.
Just that when we have gotten what we want, let's not forget who was the one that made it possible to help us obtain the prize.
And also remember that He has blessed you so that you can be a blessing to others. ;)

Not a Want, but a Need.

Adding to my new list of wants:
- Belt with square face/Full round buckle(Levi's would be nice)
- Shirts with details
- Bowties
- Shoe laces of varying colours(except red and white cos i already have both)
- Laptop cooler
- Hair vouchers for Monsoon/other salons

If you run out of gift ideas, food vouchers or a treat would be nice^^

*Hint Hint*

Current material wants for this year:

-Fable 3
-iPhone!!!!!!!!
-Ed Hardy iPhone cover!
-True Religion/Laguna Beach jeanzzzz
-DSLR

Maybe my middle 3 are influence by my workplace now haha.
Work, work.

Oh well, i've got a job in 6 more hours, think i'll sleep on the hidden sofa tmr haha!
Siamz.
Oh i've just learnt the meaning of 'Robert'.

1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

I'm Just Twitting

Breakdown of yesterday and today:

13/3/10
Went down with Jaslyn to get Jacq's lappie and spent time getting to know her better too.
Haha, great time of fellowship and witnessing of somebody's auntie-ness.

Met up with Ay before service(actually we talked up till the start of the worship) and i realised a few important things.

Talking with Esther today too made me realise how stagnant i've been.
Going to become a mosquito well if i don't move on soon.
How to move on when I don't know what's the requirements to be at the next level?
Think in the shiny shoez of your leaders, what would Ay do if he faced this?

Magaret Court shared a really powerful testimony that motivated me not to lose hold of my visions and dreams.
Driving my grandma to dialect church every sunday in a car that doesn't look my parent's one, one vision that i really got to lay hold of.

2010 is a going to be a year of breakthrough and a year of visions.
Its going to be a year of action! Faith is action now.
I think prayer is always good, but i guess dwelling too much in prayer all the time makes you a little stagnant in action sometimes.
You may disagree but in my opinion, sometimes we just rely on prayer too much not knowing that our action can actually bring about results.

14/3/10
Main thought of the day: L4D2
Disappointing though, cos in the end, only 5 people turned up.
And its one of those numbers that's just really horrid to play with.
2v3 matches are never that fulfilling nor possible to fruition.
Moreover, our poor MJ got flamed by some insensitive guys at the LAN centre.
Of course they have a just cause to do so, but perhaps they didn't know 'MJ'(Her in game name) was actually a petite lady in disguise.
And i'm still amazed Esther, Je Lin and me managed to get to the safe house at the mall.

Dinner with the additions of Jacq and Yun Ru later at Cartel.
Lost twice in the tennis arcade game to Esther 'Court'. RAH.
Got a second bible quiz at the staircase of Dhoby's mrt.
I didn't knew Numbers came after Genesis! HAHA
Alright, i've twitted enough. Gotta go can catch some sleep before work later.
Alpha for youth meeting too, wish me luck. ;)

IT's a Show

I swear my feet are made of titanium or something even harder.



Today while Woon and I were trying to save ourselves from an entire contingent of flyer distributors, this guy in a electronic wheelchair ran over my leg with his larger wheel!
I'm sure he was saying sorry for obstructing my path but i was pretty damn sure he didn't see that his wheel was running over something more than just plastic litter on the ground.



Aside from that, IT is just freebie packed. Prices are about the same, just that what and which freebies you prefer that's all.
Of course, you get to see some really weird stuff like a Hello Kitty WiFi phone?
Oh and did i mention already that games are really really really cheap?
Halo 2 for PC is going at $30 per disk.
Bioshock 2 is retailing low at $54.90 for both PC and the 360.
If i'm not wrong, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is also retailing at that same price for both PS3 and the Xbox 360.
Other gems worth grabbing during these four days of mayhem include: C&C3, Lost Odyssy, Grand Theft Auto titles, Halo titles and also Assasin's Creed II.

Games aside, netbooks make up a large percentage of this year's fair i would say. Almost every other PC brand has 3 or more models on display.
Which reminds me, i need to get my Macbook Pro very very soon.

Surprise Surprise

Awesome! Now i can spend afternoons with my xbox 360 with:



And to think i wanted to get a new game for my xbox once CNY was over.
My brother just popped in today while i was TD'ing with Ariel and said, "Nah. My friend lend me for 3 months."
Is that sweet or what?
Swiftest response ever HS, God really grants the desires of our hearts even as we seek Him first. Heheheh.

Wiser, mature, family, role model.
Yay.
Well when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

Schools Kill Creativity

This was probably from some time wayyy back, 2006 in fact. Should probably watch though:

MPM FTW!

LOVE morning prayer meeting week, super fruitful, super recharged, super spiritual.
And everyday its been long long breakfast breaks.
Sitting around just to talk feels really good!
Beats rushing around places anytime.

Speaking of which, Calvin has been our faithful driver for the past week.
When asked, 'How many times do you take public transport?'
On the PIE, with HF at the back, Cal raises a circle with his right hand.
Ok you win.

OH, and it sounds crazy but now i have a choice in choosing which poly i want to go to.
Apparently, TP has offered me a place in their CMM(Communication and Media Management) course through DAE. Mass comm in TP or NP?
Hmmmm, just spoilt for choice.

Trimalogy

Woo, mahjong session with cous and uncle was refreshing.
Managed to sneak a few wins while they were busy watching Man U. play against Everton.
Disappointing 3-1 to Everton though.

Got a new haircut today, and as always, there's that hour or so when you've got to get used to your new look.
Well i'm fine with it now, J's still trying to adjust to the star haha!
Honestly, it wasn't worth the extra 5 bucks!
Oh well, at least it'll be gone in 2 weeks.

TGI Friday

Its friday, its friday, its friday, its friday!
Stay away from fried rice.

ANYWAY, steamboat tonight woo!
Ok maybe not so excited because of the double steamboat last tues almost made me puke.

Oh and to DS fans/owners,
RAGNAROK DS(English Version) IS OUT ON ROMULATION!


Loving it so far, but play it at the cost of making your girlfriend very very annoyed(that is if you have one).
The graphics are really good, look almost the same when you play RO(Ragnarok Online) on computer.
Must-play for all RO fans!

Not Just Another Love Story

Let me begin this review by firstly stating that I'm not a romance buff, and I would most certainly not pay $10 on a public holiday to watch one. How many guys are with me on this?
Anyway, the turning(or convincing, if you like) point was that this movie featured a star-studded cast. Where would you get eye-candies like Jessica Alba and Anne Hathaway in the same movie? (There is a second point but its not going to be posted here(: heh. )
So aside from the multi-talented cast(hint hint: Taylor Swift), i wouldn't probably be bothered to spend Valentine's Day watching Valentine's Day.
That was before i stepped into the Cathay at 12.30am last early morning.

This movie, if nothing else, has two very interesting things to offer:
1) Love
2) Valentine's Day

Why would i say that?
Both these two issues are repeatedly brought up again and again throughout the movie, and each time a scene pops into the big screen, its wrapped in a different packaging. The movie not only offers insight about both Love and Valentine's Day, but also showcases how they both can be interpreted differently. One key point to note is that the cast(as well as characters) are multi-generational. Veterans like Hector Elizondo and George Lopez are thrown into the bewildered mix of the cooking pot alongside Emma Roberts, debut star Taylor Swift, and even with the super sweet, super cute and super lovable Bryce Robinson(who plays Edison, the little boy).

Across ages, the meaning of Love and Valentine's Day wavers throughout the movie, but unanimously agrees upon several truths towards the end. Garry Marshall(director) is absolutely brilliant. His artful weaving together of the different interconnected stories leaves no questions unanswered, leaving you free to scrutinise every single line of the credits to look for your favourite star.

Fans of Taylor Swift will be utterly disappointed I'm afraid. Initially I thought how much of a mockery it was for her to play her character, but perhaps I'd missed out on the need for a contrast between characters, or at least one that would be less focused.(oops spoiler!)
To name the performance that stands out the most, indefinitely would be Ashton Kutcher's. I was very much surprised myself to realise that he was actually the main character in the film.

On the end note, I had enjoyed Valentine's day throughly, yes there is witty humour, plenty if you look and listen carefully enough. I can assure its not going to be your usual chick flick, in fact, I personally feel that its one suitable for all ages. It doesn't matter whether you are young(alright, maybe not less than 9 or 10? Cos it'd probably be a bore for them), old single, dating, in a relationship, married or divorced, Valentine's Day will seek to redefine, refresh and reinforce the perspectives you have about Valentine's Day, and more importantly, Love.

Elle-for-dee-tew

Crazy crazy time after service yesterday at Clarke Quay.
Had to run around Dhoby to look for LAN with space, and ended playing at Clarke Quay.
Service was good!
Didn't really get to engage in P&W and hear the entire message.
Leo & Cheryl eating oranges during services was the ultimate.
Super tired during service, standing in the tunnels, can't sit ah.

Anyway, Happy Chinese New Year People!
And of course, not forgetting, Happy Valentine's to everybody out there!
Don't forget its not just a season of love, but also of friendship too!
See if you agree with me, but i feel this year, there wasn't much of a festive aura. The vibes weren't as vibrant as previous years, is it because its the year of the tiger?
*Cheers, Tiger Beer!*
Anyway, back to my point, Valentine's doesn't seem here nor there either.
There's a clash between the two moods this year or a serious languidness that's hanging in the air.

Thoughts aside, all the best in your red packet harvest!

Dance with the Enemy

If you love GaGa, you should check out Little Boots!
Electronic trance all day and night~

Hooked onto Remedy - Little Boots and also I Left My Heart In Tokyo - Mini Vana.
Yes i should be sleeping but hey, TGI Friday!

Support madness today, wooo.
My hands owned by citric acid.

Overdue CNY Shopping

Back from my(supposedly, you'll know why in a while) CNY shopping!
Ok its supposed to be my day of shopping but, whenever you're going out with Jacq or Mei Jing and especially if with both, you'll notice you'll tend to detour ALOT.
From a last peek at Uni Qlo at 313, you suddenly find yourself walking around in blogshop themed shops in Far East and they are all selling chic stuff!

Anyway, brand new shop@313 Somerset(or if not i'm a lil' laggot) that sells really cheap baseball tees for guys!

The shop's called New Look, tees are at 2 for $15 with a variety of colours, perfect for a casual day out, especially if you're trying to pick-up some eye-candy on Valentine's.

Love the bright coloured high-cuts too though, spliffing cheap @ $69.90 per pair. Would get one myself if i didn't already have one.

And throughout the the day, i was fighting urges to buy a new pair of shoes. White white white is the colour i'm looking for, preferably matched with a pointed tip, platform slip-on or a boat shoe. Or course Vans will do just fine, except for the fact that everyone's wearing them. Sorry i'm not a crowd follower. Speaking of which, Leftfoot was ridiculously crowded today. People surged in and out while we tried to come up with theories for the sudden influx.

Oh do check out Uni Qlo's tees if you're looking for some graphic tees this CNY. I also think they might still have a few medium red-checkered fleece that's going for $9.90. To think i bought mine for $49.90! (At least mine's reversible ;P)

And at all cost, please avoid Lyndon's at Far East. Not only are the tees overpriced, the salesman wasn't very nice when i removed the tee from the board to check the price tag. Oh wondering which tee it was?

Look familiar? Well it was going at 25 bucks at the shop. Sorry, but i rather order online from THREADLESS myself because this tee cost me $14.00 even after adding shipping(of course JM got a better price cos she bought it during the $5 sale), but my point is, threadless everywhere in this shop that i could rather buy online.

Legoh: But if you count the shipping and everything its still about there.
Melv: Ya actually true, but the thing is, by the time you buy the shirt from that shop, the tee on threadless would most probably be on sale already.
Legoh: LOL.

Haiti or High-Tea?

Where would your money go?

That's my tagline, don't steal without crediting. >:O
Anyway, the main scoop on this post is not to solicit for donations.
Rather, its something to reflect about.

I remember just around the dawn of 2010, when the disaster struck, I was thinking, 'Now where in the world is Haiti?'
The country just seemed so, arbitrary.
However, sitting in service, Pastor Kong kept us updated week after week about the disaster and relief efforts.
And i sat there thinking, why so fervent about it?
Yes, its a social cause, but why feature it every week?

Is it because my heart has been hardened already?
Or is it because they are halfway around the globe, too far away to care?

And yes after a few weeks, i realised the extent of the destruction, poverty, disease and hardship in Haiti right now.
Ok yes i admit i'm not one to jump right into action when my neighbours house suddenly blows up to kingdom come but i ask myself this question, how involved will i be to help them?

Preaching love and acting out in love are two very different things.
Pastor has certainly shown us with clear-cut examples.
The CityCare teams further evidences of how individuals can really make a difference.

So what's my point?

There's that old man in your community that needs someone to help him pay his utility pills; That old woman that needs help even walking to the lift everyday;
That orphan that wanders around the playground every single day looking for acceptance;
That single mother rushing groceries back home before leaving to juggle another day full of odd-jobs.

What I'm saying is, are you willing to champion their causes at the cost of your comfort?

Proverbs 19:17

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. (NIV)

I believe that I can't do much financially, but if covering a story will help spread awareness, I'll be there to do it.

Amazing what TI can do while casio can't.

Casting Crowns - Who Am I

Who am I? That the Lord of all the earth, Would care to know my name, Would care to feel my hurt. Who am I? That the bright and morning star, Would choose to light the way, For my ever wondering heart. Not because of who I am. But because of what you've done. Not because of what I've done. But because of who you are. Chorus: I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still you hear me when I'm calling, Lord you catch me when I'm falling, And you told me who I am. I am yours. I am yours. Who am I? That the eyes that see my sin Would look on me with love And watch me rise again Who am I? That the voice that calm the sea, Would call out through the rain, And calm the storm in me. Not because of who I am. But because what of youve done. Not because of what I've done. But because of who you are. Chorus: I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still you hear me when I'm calling, Lord you catch me when I'm falling, And you told me who I am. I am yours. Not because of who I am. But because of what you've done. Not because of what I've done. But because of who you are. Chorus: I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still you hear me when I'm calling, Lord you catch me when I'm falling, You told me who I am. I am yours. I am yours. Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear? 'Cuz I am yours. I am yours.

P.O.D.

Wish i had a place to hang out like P.O.D. during my secondary school days.
Ah well.
How lucky are the people of tomorrow.

Does that mean i'm lucky too? :P

Guess with every generation(i sound old), there's more and more privileges to enjoy eh?

Decisions, decisions.
At least its one that i won't regret.
My heart is true, more than my words.
And its not just about emotions, neither about motions.
I can't explain it, but all i have is faith.

Rethinking my loyalties and commitments.
Perhaps i bit off more than i could chew?
I don't want to renounce my loyalties, but i only have 24 hours everyday.

HALLELOOOYAH!

Well i can't believe i found my tie just now while walking back to check where it dropped. It could have dropped at least at 3 other places but i found it outside amk hub!

Sad that i've misplaced my City News pen.

Seek and you shall find! ;)

Slothhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Somebody come to Grandeur 8 and drag Melvin to the gym now.

Grimbright Side

Last week was crazy, traveling a lot again.
Making trips down to SGH with Jacq/to visit her mom over the operation days.
And at home, Mom is haunting me everyday to get a job.
It gets very annoying if its the first thing you hear everyday.

Perhaps AJ was never a place to be called home.
Probably the only memory i'll ever keep of that place is 36/09(:

On a lighter note, section meeting was great!
Got some new visions and affirmations from my Beloved.
And also, Pastor's short but impactful message on 'The Power of Sacrifice' really got me thinking about really how much and how willing i am to sacrifice for various things. Sacrifice is no longer just a form of personal loss for a greater good but I've understood how it means and embodies, so much more.
Probably the best thing that happened this week was when Pastor Tan shared his vision about City News and how it all started.
Just simply amazing.

Faith balloon is now 18 inches big!
Gotta keep air inside for the upcoming week and make it grow bigger.

Settling JPSAE and JAE is really a chore.
Well at least i can wake up at 10 everyday haha!
Ah well, gonna settle it today.

"God more than ever, i need a sign from You."

Happy 2010!

HELLO PEOPLE!
First post of 2010! I apologize for my overdue absence on this blog.
Every single day since the new year started has been jam packed with activities.
Loved:
-Europe
-Class Chalet
-Countdown with Max, Jacq and Gwen(First day of the year club already :O)
-NP open house where we did the recording

I'm really really lazy to do any writing right now, so i'll put up a short synopses about each event.
-edited-
I just realised i have a gabillion things to talk about Europe, so i'm seperating it.

Countdown 2010!
Went down to the floating platform on the last day of 2009 to attend Celebrate 2010! Max had tickets from his friend so we headed down. Got turned away from entering about 3-4 times because the mosh pit entry was really far away(when you're walking down from Esplanade). It was kinda boring because the energy was a little low, but it picked up once we went live, and especially when Da Zhui Ba came on stage. There were like this group of indians behind us that were shouting out their songs in chinese! Hilarious, seriously.
Loved Jack and Rai's performances, really awesome.
But the highlight of the night was really the 8-minute fireworks! Snapped a heiload of photos, mostly by Gwen.




After that was a massive dance party on the floating stadium itself! My first clubbing event in 2010! Got stopped for IC check but apparently they went by year so Gwen and me passed the check haha! Danced the night away till about 2 where we headed for supper at Clarke Quay. Ambiency at the riverside after that, ok aside from the occasional puke we had to avoid on the floor and the groups of people sleeping around, we managed to find a spot to ourselves next to the river to chill. Went on a round trip later on in search for breakfast, learning that neither ZAMZAM nor SELEGIE opens in 5-7am in the morning.
Caught our individual buses/trains home later. A shag shag day, nevertheless, had a really great time. ;D





Class Chalet
First night was the wildest hands down haha! Too bad too little people stayed.
2nd day morning everyone was quite stonned out and hungry for breakfast(Yvonne demanding to go breakfast once she woke up around 11 or later). Brunched at Superdog and gave Levinia our BBQ-smell+sweat+other substances hug. Went off from chalet to TP's open house with MJ(a.k.a Shark), Yun Ru and Jacq. Jacq practically met one friend at every school we went. "See, this is why i tell you you have 1000++ friends."
MJ apparently does not care if chinese words are read backfirst or frontfirst. LOL.
Headed back to chalet, where i learned how to cycle a tandem bike! That's one of my first achievements in 2010! Haha :D
Well, this post could have been longer but 'what's said and done in the room stays in the room." ;)
Juin Li: "When i read Jacq and Gwen's blogs i get sadded cos they lead such happening lives." LOL. Juin Li maybe you know why now i have difficulty doing tutorials and doing PW.

NP Open House 2010!
Can't believe Jack and Rai were there on the previous day!
Went over to NP with YR, Shark and Jacq again to check out various stuffffffffs.
Anyway, while we were in the CMS showcase, the teacher(i think) and students of course were trying to convince everyone inside the room to do a recording inside their studio. Leonard said he needed a translator set. Well no one dared to step up to the plate and finally Jacq and me voluteered to do it. The script seemed to be something out of the 9pm show right now, with WW2 stuff and all that with the Jap random shooting people in the streets. Hopefully my reading in chinese was convincing enough, and not that angmohnised.
NP seems like the place to be, not AJ :(

Levinia said on FB: 9 hours to doom.
Melv: Look on the bright side, its 9 hours to freedom. ;)