lifelikethis

1778 Stories of Me and My Wife

2011-09-20T17:55:00.002+08:00

If you were to catch the film, 1778 stories of me and mywife, you would have to agree that it is a real tear jerker… I cried likecountless of times within the movie itself… there were like moments when youfeel like pouring forth your heart for both the lead actor and actressespecially when you see the hospital staff looking at the writer who writes thestory for the day for his wife who had contracted colon cancer and also thescene when his wife told her mother that she lives each day to read hisstories. There are many more touching scenes but I shall leave it at that. To be able to live each day with the one you love is a blessing.Cherish it!

Honestly, if you were to ask me, I might not bring my otherpartner to watch this movie with me cause to see her cry and depressed would bethe last thing on my mind. But then again, it is an awesome movie that everyoneshould watch! Really stirs up one’s emotions :)

Do bring along a box of tissue too… I had no idea when Ibought the ticket it was that bad… the last movie that I cried to was 10promises to my dog and I just cried for one scene…. Well… I guess you get thepicture…. (:

photo credit: http://www.oneasianworld.com

t i m e

2011-09-13T11:54:00.001+08:00

I'm kinda of an arty farty person despite going into scienceand eventually accounting and finance for my degree... I love the artworks ofstamps especially those from Japan or a lot of thought and effort has been putinto them. In my previous company, I had an office scanner and I wouldfrequently use it to scan my stamps to the scanner and uploaded it to my otherblog: http://postaway.blogspot.com/It has been sometime that I have updated it. Have been real busy withphotography, work and stuff even though I have finished my degree last December.Hopefully I can squeeze sometime in the end of the year to update mycollections. I have boxes of Japanese stamps that have been waiting for me towash them.

That said, I do wish to have time for myself in the comingmonths ahead while embarking on a new career portfolio in October 2011. I willbe moving to a Finance portfolio in a research centre within the same faculty andeverything will be foreign but I am certain the Lord will see me through inthis journey.

life as a photographer friend

2011-09-12T22:10:00.002+08:00

If u think that shooting for free or paying to shoot for your friend's event is good, think again. I always have pretty bad experiences shooting for free and paying to shoot as a photographer (ie. there is no reimbursement for transportation or meals).

Here are just some personal reasons,
1. More than often, the photos that you spent hours touching up, trying to rush them, forgoing dates, appointments with friends don't get appreciated. cause there isn't any value in it. When your clients doesn't spend a single cent on them, they do not see the value that you have captured. Some may think it is a nice shot but that only is just a fleeting moment. At the end of the day, they do not feel attached to the photo as much as they would need to pay for it.

2. You get smacked back into reality, your friends may just wanna use you as they think you take good photos and want to give you a chance to expand your portfolio by letting you have an opportunity in taking their wedding photos or events. These may just be the friends that would give you a small red packet say S$20/- that may just cover the cost of your taxi in the wee hours of the morning but not the trip back. More than often, they are the acquaintances than real friends. Will you receive a written thank you card or a date out after that photography shoot? I doubt so.

3. You get thrown left right up down all around during the photography assignment and need to be professional about it despite not doing it for any cent. Well, since you have offered your services, you just gotta stay cool and be professional about it.

4. Clients are clients. As much as a friend you want to be with them other than a photographer, I feel most clients would just want to maintain this client and service provider friendship. Imagine, if you are one of the highly commanded photographers, that would be a different story. Everyone wants a piece of you. Trying to be a friend to you and stuff like that. If you market yourself as one budding photographer that anyone can find in the streets, noone really wants to be interested in you except when can you deliver the photos.

5. You can't post the photos that you shoot. Enough said. so why shoot? cause he/she is your friend. how bout just one photo? no. period.

6. You did not capture a particular shot that they wanted. It actually doesn't matter if you were paid or not for this job but your client/friend was not happy with the photos that you given them. So how? Reshoot? Somehow, they forgotten that you were not paid in the first place.

7. You get branded as the shoot for free photographer which I'm sure it will be hard to break out of the name.

So why am I still shooting for free or paying to shoot? beats me. I just like to press the shutter and capturing that frame that I'm proud of. It doesn't matter whether I'm paid S$2,000 for a shoot or shooting for free. I give my all in each shoot.
That said, I have the luxury of choosing my shoots that I want to shoot each weekend. :)

cheers!

Advice

2011-01-27T17:29:00.003+08:00

What Every Aspiring Photographer Should Know:

http://photodino.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/advice/

Speaks a lot to me which in some cases I already knew.

And thus it enforces my understandings to beliefs.

J O A N N E & H E N D R Y

2011-01-18T15:58:00.006+08:00

There is one thing about reading people’s blog or looking at many inspiration photographs. The absence of doing the activity yourself. I for one admit to sinking myself in the many different websites by the amazing authors and visual artistes. I constantly had to remind myself that I need to go out and shoot. To practice and hone the skills that I have in me. To be a better visual artist.

Last Saturday was my first assignment of 2011 from French Bridal. William the photographer called me earlier that week to confirm my availability on the 15th January for the Actual Day wedding ceremony for the expat couples, Joanne and Hendry. Hendry is from Indonesia and Joanne is from the Philippines and they have known each other for a long time before tying the knot. It is truly a different experience to have a dine-in lunch banquet right after the wedding solemnisation by the Rev. who spoke on the scripture in 1 John which was chosen by the couple. The service was held at a function room next to the lunch banquet.

Joanne's dad was all teary when he hand Joanne over to Hendry. It was indeed touching to know how deep her father's love is for her. He also reminded Hendry to take good care of her during the lunch banquet. Hendry reassured his new dad that he would love her with all his heart.

With that, I wish the best of love to both the couple and may they be as fruitful as the Lord would want them to be. :)

The rest of the photos maybe found here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=128303563903933&id=121137611287195&aid=25136

starting blog anew

2011-01-10T10:23:00.005+08:00

It dawned upon me that I have always like to write. It just that the locket of my tiny little heart is jammed. No tool is able to pry it open. The things that I share does not reflect the whole extent of my personification.

I am inspired by a photographer on her straightforwardness. her dedication and her style. Her name is Jasmine Star, J*. Although there are no 2 persons alike, I would try to be as open as how she is today. She is able to blog openly and has no regrets to whatever she may have written years ago. That is just who she is and at the same time, I would want to share my story, my life like this.

I have a tendency in the past to delete blog posts and hence, there are a few post left within. From this day, I shall have no regrets when posting or looking back at the post after all, these are the things I wanna share with you.

Thanks for dropping by :)

tick tock

2010-09-16T11:24:00.003+08:00

going crazy and fat all of a sudden... stab me and let the oil flow out...

Blarh... can't wait for my classes / exams to end so I can run every other night...

macroecons class

2010-08-05T10:01:00.003+08:00

had lessons last night... a class of less than 10 students...
somehow I started feeling like a senior. it is the last trimester for me...
can't wait to get out of this degree program... =/
I hope I will be able to have enough moolah to enroll for the CPA papers after getting my transcripts in coming December...

2010-08-02T15:49:00.002+08:00

yesterday I shot in the rain... my camera / lens took a shower... no it was not so serious and they are in working condition... it was for an event at the west coast park... pictures will be in my facebook so u will know which event I went for...

I did a charity shoot for the similar association in 2009 and one of the committee gave me some coupons to use in the event then which was very sweet...

It wasn't the same case for yesterday where the committee was late which I did not even get to meet face to face. Raining weather made it terrible. My shoes / socks / jeans were all covered in mud. Had took a cab down which costs nearly $20 on top of the breakfast that wasn't provided... >< I wondered why I was there in the first place...

okay... at least I did some exercise by running with my camera gears and backpack while shooting the VIP and runners/walkers... -.-

Though I contemplate shooting next year for them... I do hope they will give me some goody bags or coupons to spend...

At least a something for the effort I did... maybe I will just wait for them to call me up for the photos and then request for a certificate of appreciation that I have been involved. I do believe the photographer / videographer other than me present that day was paid.

Will see how again...

2010-07-16T11:39:00.002+08:00

received a message from a shifu that I shot for a wedding along side with him after passing him my pictures.

'well done benny nice capture of the moment'

and I was afraid it wasn't good enough... ><

2010-07-12T11:36:00.002+08:00

thanks to shifu Eow for his teachings on wedding photography... had a good whole day of wedding photography experience with Eow on 10.07.2010 ... prior to that day, I went to shoot for 2 AD, actual day weddings in a span of 3 weeks... so with all the 'experience' I had, I made the most out of the 3rd shoot in 4 weeks... Indeed it was a fun time with a sense of levelling up in this area of shooting....

had a bout of headache on sunday but managed to drag myself to teach some of the church mates at boat quay area on maximising their cameras, be it thru their phone or compact camera... glad that they all learn something and were able to shoot better.... was glad that I was able to guide them along the way too... guess there will be more of such sessions in the future...

some sharing...

2010-07-07T15:51:00.002+08:00

interesting webpage: http://wenda.tianya.cn/wenda/thread?tid=4ad457be078238b7
all about the word, 贤惠. a good read to those who want to understand what others think...

one of the assoc director in my office shared with me that I should pray regularly for a soulmate as that was what I should look forward to have... and find someone that is 贤惠 and loves God. one who loves God will definitely love me. she shared that she has a very beautiful fren too who is of her age. The thing is that her fren's life is in a mess and she is has been flirting too much even when she is married. anyway she has already been divorced and has a few flings on her hand. I really hope that she will look to God for the love that she needs. A lady close to her forties looking in her twenties... and she is really pretty...

but like what my colleague shared, looks are not everything... what is more important is the inner beauty that everyone talks about...

one down and 3 to go~*

2009-10-07T22:33:00.002+08:00

first shot for the perfect shot competition after crop and decreasing its saturation at photoshop elements... :)

updates

2009-10-05T13:49:00.003+08:00

just some updates since the last post,
I have been taking photos for a few events and stuff...
just to least a few: singapore polo competition, yiquan and wendy's wedding, funfair at yahling's office...

was tied up taking more photos last weekend too...
mid-autumn fest at my church, tampiness community centre children's party and water baptism at east coast park... thanks Lenrek for lending me his 80-200 black minolta 2.8 lens... a bit poison but the lens but still alright... haha...

thanks to Doc for the assignment on the children's party at tampiness community centre... pleasant surprise to meet Cordelia also... had a great time with Doc and s.khai yesterday...

will keep shooting and get better in it too... meanwhile gotta take time in the next few nights to post process the photos for them too..

signing off,
greybear

time passes very fast

2009-04-17T18:10:00.002+08:00

the days have passed by so fast that it is more than 4 months since my last entry.
therefore i can only assume that one of these are true :
1) I have been studying very hard
2) I procrastinated too much
3) I facebook more than I blog
4) My internet is too slow
5) There is nothing interesting to write about
6) I have been playing too much on my guitar
7) I have been watching too much jap serials, anime
8) I have a girlfriend
9) I have been praying more than I blog
10) There are too many things to write about that I have no time to blog

my new partner

2008-12-26T13:49:00.005+08:00

guess some of my friends would have known that I have got a new guitar... its a Yamaha LLX6DN.
reason for getting a new guitar especially an expensive one out of my first few was that, well... i wanna focus on playing music. I have always been a fan to music and I really want to play something for the Lord and the people around me. Music is meant to make people happy and I would like that for people around me.
The guitar that I got is an electric - acoustic signature model by one of the members (Dave Navarro) from the group, Red Hot Chilli Pepper. I wanted to get an acoustic guitar especially one with a pick up. Although I do not have an amplifier at the moment, I will be saving and if all goes well, I will be getting one in mid - 2009. Will research and learn more about the amplifier in the coming new year~*
The other feature that I like about the guitar is that its white and it has a great finish. Love its appearance and the sound. The action of the acoustic guitar is much that of an electric which makes it worth the appeal for the player. I actually wannted to get a cut-away acoustic but when i read that the sound that the dreadnought (the shape of my guitar) produces a slightly more volume and bass responses.
Back to learning the basics of music in depth... Learning to read scores, understand it theory and its been a great time thus far. Aiming to be a better player for the Lord and am glad for the talents that He has blessed me with. Praise be to God ! =)

.

2008-09-20T10:45:00.002+08:00

life been like this.

life is about setting goals~*

2008-08-03T15:47:00.002+08:00

besides setting goals, we gotta achieve them. just read a short illustrated book on the chinese art of goal setting by Adam Sia and illustrated by Ah Liow.
This is a short summary of what the book depict about:
The book has three main headings or points, namely having achievable goals, reviewing of goals and the timed goals.
In the first point, it was brought up that goals set should be attainable through knowing of our own strengths and focusing on the goal. In the review of the goals set, we are to regulate ourselves to focus on the goals by being consistent, keeping distractions at bay and not falling the trap of complacency. The final point is about making timed goals. We as goal setters are to pace ourselves in achieving the goals that are set and to perserve on by siezing every opportunity that comes in our way. In conclusion, I believe that goals setting is an art that all of us have the potential in doing but as mentioned, it is an art.

poetry excerpt

2008-07-11T09:23:00.003+08:00

Virginia Woolf in the introduction of her poetry novel, The Waves, states that 'poetry is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality', and that 'the more perfect the artist, the more completely separate in him will be the man who suffers and the mind which creates'.

Reference:
1) Woolf, V. (1992) The Waves Penguin Books

free air ticket to taipei and back to sg...

2008-07-07T12:10:00.002+08:00

okiez.. its not totally free... just checking out the rewards that a few credit cards are offering...
you gotta spend about $5/- to get 2 Krisflyer miles.
For destinations such as taipei / taiwan and back to singapore (2 way) it costs about 30, 000 miles. which is about an expenditure of SGD75, 000 just to get the free ticket and that is just for 1 pax. amazingly.. lolz. =P

oh well that is for people with high spending power.

data collected from
1. Redemption Calculator http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/Account/KFRedemptionCalcIn.jsp
Date accessed: 7 July 2008
2. Clear Card Rewards http://citibank.com.sg/global_docs/microsite/clearcard/index.htm
Date accessed: 7 July 2008

of pasta and pizza~*

2008-07-07T10:16:00.003+08:00

it has been a long time since we have gathered... honestly.. i am happy and glad to be with u all...
had a small celebration for jacqueline whose birthday falls on the 9 july. we were at modesto (vivo city) to have dinner and the pizza, pasta was delicious~* took quite a few photos also.. =)
there was a phrase that xuan mentioned that evening which was told by dennis,

" the older u get, the circle of friends you have get smaller"

simple yet true. Although we may age and the people we know increases, the circle of friends and those that we hold dear to decreases. Through it all, I am glad that 7 years since graduation in jurongville secondary school, I am still able to be able to laugh and dine together with you. Thank you.

hair for hope

2008-06-23T17:41:00.000+08:00

will be shaving my head on the 6 July for charity... =D
like doing this kind of thing that does not cost much from me (except all the hairs on my head *ouch*) and I do not have to contribute a huge sum of money to support that event.

<<http://www.ccf.org.sg/hfh/>>

it is kinda with my company that I am in.. only about 5 or so colleagues out of the hundreds (including me are participating this event.) only comfort that I may have is that the day before I will be going out with 6 other beautiful ladies.. heeheez~* (actually quite honoured...)

oh well.. now in office having a rotation in job. back to a call center role from dispatching job.. more relax i guess. lolz...

stamp blog

2008-06-20T13:20:00.003+08:00

http://postaway.blogspot.com/

I have started a project or a blog thingy.. having a stamp collection collecting dust (actually its in nicely mounted plastic) at home. Therefore will be doing a blog / stamp gallery online to bring awareness to the people around the world. especially on stamps in Singapore which makes up quite a bulk of the overall share of stamp collection that I have. not sure if it is against the Law due to copyright infringement.. Hence, I will be writing to the Singapore Philatelic Museum to seek advice on this, perhaps next month or so... heeheez~* meanwhile hope all will like the stamp gallery that is in the process of more updates. will be updating the site every night. (gotta make a commitment or else wont get done) =X

hope readers of the stamp blog will benefit from it and raises their interest in it. that would be very encouraging to me~* =)

the richest man in babylon

2008-06-18T11:19:00.002+08:00

currently reading the above mentioned book which has a yellow paper back cover written by George S. Clason. so far have read till chapter 3 and was quite a good read so far. brings much insights to how is one suppose to profit from just a small amount of pay that is given to one. even with a minimally paid diploma holder I believe that I will benefit greatly through reading the simple truths that the book has to offer.
It teaches how one can reap in the rewards through saving and careful investment. So far, I am laden with a $20000 debt from the bank for the bachelor that I am studying for. every month of $110 just to pay the interest off and the principal sum to be paid in a span of 6 years max. will be planning to be debt free from the end of 2011. making plans. making goals.

welcome to taipei~*

2008-06-13T13:30:00.002+08:00

went to taipei on May 15th to 18th. thursday noon took off from changi airport and was back on sunday night both on SQ flights. had a great time with op, wendy, deming, sharon, serena, sucheng and her sister there.. went to many different sights to see there... took a whopping 1000+ photos on the new camera that i just received, courtesy of Aus'tin. Deming has updated the photos of our trip at http://hilow.myphotoalbum.com though it may not be all of the photos that has been compiled but they are the main attractions done up... with careful planning by the girls and the co-ordination effort from everyone, we were able to stick together for most of the places that we go together. =)
Even though it may be a short trip but it was fruitful, am glad that there was no rainfall during our trip and it was cooling all day long unlike Singapore, where we are situated at the equator and we perspire even just standing under the sun for ten minutes or so.
Bought a few items back for a few of my close frens and colleagues and got the annual stamp collection album of the stamps that are from taiwan. will be uploading the pictures of the album on the other stamp blog that I am doing up when I have the time.
=)

sweeney todd the demon barber of fleet street.

2008-02-10T17:41:00.000+08:00

There's a whole in the world like a great black pit
and the vermin of the world inhabit it
and its morals aren't worth what a pin can spit
and it goes by the name of London.
At the top of the hole sit the previlaged few
Making mock of the vermin in the lonely zoo
turning beauty to filth and greed...
I too have sailed the world and seen its wonders,
for the cruelty of men is as wonderous as Peru
but there's no place like London!

how sad it came to pass just for love. just for love. will there be someone in your life that you are willing to die or kill for ? someone that vengence is beating so hard for ? only love that has turned to vengence can do the impossible. its the new year and this year i have made a resolution for myself. its going to be hard and tough but I shall try my best not to succumb to it. that is love. not to fall for it just for this year. that's what the doctor has prescribed. i am amazed at how nicely done the movie is for Tim. Kudos to you~*
a melancholy ending but good nonetheless...

2008-01-13T17:41:00.000+08:00

have been loving and hating my job nowadays.
been a stressful job thus far.
being chased by customers, sales representatives and even colleagues... getting ridiculous every moment.
I'm a dispatcher of my team of software engineers. seems funny that i believe that their pay are higher than mine. and are all older than me. I give them calls around the island to assist customers on-site in regards to software issues they have with the product that my company is offering.
its like playing command and conquer, red-alert or any other strategic computer game everyday. Just that it happens in reality. It requires alot of co-ordination, planning and proper deployment of engineers instead of troops on site to fight the 'war' that is what I like about this job. most of the time, my mission would be accomplish as my missions would be easy but recently, the difficulty of my mission grew as the resouces that were given instead of the usual credits, it grew fewer. Have been failing a few missions, hope that the coming week will be better.
Tired. exhausted and overworked.

thanks be to Him~*

2007-12-15T17:50:00.000+08:00

gave thanks to God for the first semester and my job. amazingly, i got distinctions (70%-79%) for all my first sem modules although it seems to be a low distinction. i pray that i will do well and better for the coming semesters. For my job, i have more responsibilities and got a confirmation of my job from my previous superior who left the company late last month for her retirement. Although it was not the third month of probation, i received it and it allowed me to receive my aws, even though it was pro-rated, i thank God that I have this amount to bless others and to pay for my education. cant wait for july where my salary will be reviewed. heehee~*

the story of the surviving guy

2007-12-15T17:42:00.000+08:00

the last of the surviving race. the race that was tinted and full of blemishes. it has come down to a lonely survivor. he is all alone struggling within. friends have deserted him, knives have been thrown behind his back. he presses on. even as the clouds grew denser and the rain became to pour, he still snuggle into his cave and tear. The world seems to be a tougher place to live. many times this survivor felt giving up but the little voice next to him told him that he is not forgotten. he is not alone. where are you little voice? where are you dear friend.

lost and ashamed of his past. his actions. he cried. he teared before the many men that surrounds him in oblivion. please give me the smile that you have blessed me before so that I could bless others with. - thats what he prayed.

2007-12-02T11:56:00.000+08:00

haven't been blogging for quite some time. its like the hands feel weak to type something on the keyboard. many updates yet nothing terrific about it. received my job confirmation on the 30th Nov. less than 3 months into my job. though i know i would have got it and there's nothing to be glad about. even though i knew that the Lord was with me all this while and helping me and covering my back whenever there were problems faced in the job. oh well... its almost been a year. i'm 7mths away to the number 23. the number which means alot to me in many ways.
exams are over. the term has begun and the module that i'm taking is managerial accounting with Elaine. hope all goes well and i will be able to do well... been going for HGC, house group community they call it in church, it is also term as cell - group but more family type cause its at a home. though i know the people there but i have yet to be into the lives of theirs. was praying on the friday night. the Lord spoke to weiling about me. mentioning about the struggle that i have in relationships. not the bgr type but the openess of my life to others. i find it so true. khim fatt sense from the Lord about me was a vision that i was unveiling a black cloth that is like a curtain which we yet to interpret from the Lord. on saturday night, the Lord reminded me to feed His lambs. I find it so difficult to do so. Very tough. I pray that my heart will be open to Him that a transformation could take place within me and I will be able to touch lives.

2007-09-23T11:41:00.000+08:00

也许下次见面的时候，心中会有一丝茫然恍若隔世，
毕竟我们从不曾分别那么久，月光正明亮把我们分隔两方。
每次相爱我总不设防，无能为力面对任何谣言和中伤，
你去回想过去我对你怎么样，让你去猜疑是我最大的遗憾。
冷冷夜色总是教人彷徨，我不相信那是因为太孤单，
爱情世界可以是很简单，我不相信相爱下场是如此荒凉。
我爱你不是爱给别人看，何必去管别人怎么讲，别让世界教你迷惘
我爱你不是爱给别人看，何必去猜别人怎么想，在你心中留个地方，
容许我坚持向你证明，爱真的可以地老天荒。

完美情人，那是每个人的梦想.
但却不是每个人的终极梦想.
而最后终极的结果就是妥协于你的婚姻.
跟一个你愿意包容接受一切的人去静静过一辈子.
完美是个太过于虚幻的词语.
因为太美好了.所以我们还是抱着欣赏的态度去看待它会比较幸福.

another week

2007-09-22T17:31:00.000+08:00

work was fun~* in certain ways... i am glad i have frens there at work, my team leader, bevelin was very patient and smiley and took care of me... stacey was there to buy back food for us whenever when we are busy. had a problem with one of the customers a few days ago at work. thus a complaint was lodged against me... oh dear... oh well glad that my boss, florence is very nice and tried to help me piece out everything and the arrows are now flying around. it will be the third week of work coming week and though i know that bevelin will be going to the states for a month plus, i pray that i will be able to cope in her absence. she kinda think that i am a fast learner and i will manage. feels like i'm gonna take on more responsibilities and hopefully when she returns, I will be able to make her feel proud. oh well... will see how... by the way i am the onli guy who is in that particular call centre. not sure how to feel either... hope everything will turn out alright... now i'm currently rushing my marketing report and i hope that everything will be in place. =) smiles always~*

management 100 assignment 1

2007-09-16T21:26:00.000+08:00

did relatively ok. got a credit (67.5%) for management first individual report, though i expected a higher grade but oh well, shall work doubly hard for the rest of my assignments and the exam.

shall post the report as i have nothing else to write in this hectic schedule. just love my colleagues at FujiXerox~*

1. Introduction

3 Bears Lodge & Backpackers (3 Bears Lodge) was formed in 2002 with the mission of having backpackers experience Australia by providing them with an affordable service that meets the requirements of a budget traveler. 3 Bears Lodge have expanded to 7 Lodges situated at Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Darwin in Jan 2005. The Head Office of 3 Bears Lodge is situated at Perth. With the success of the lodges in Australia, 3 Bears Lodge seeks to expand its operations internationally into France. This business report will cover environmental aspects of 3 Bears Lodge expansion into France and a SWOT analysis with recommendations on the feasibility of France as a possible location for global operations.

2. Environmental Aspects

2.1 Political/Legal Environment
Shoemaker, Lewis and Yesawich (2007) illustrate that the political environment refers to rules and regulations that can either encourage growth and trade or hinder it. World Trade Organisation is one of which that monitors and sets the legislation. World Trade Organisation (2007) reported that the principles of the trading system include treating foreigners and locals equally. Under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) which is also mentioned in the World Trade Organisation (2007) is to be adhere by 3 Bears Lodge closely.

Stutts and Wortman (2006) state that all lodging organisation are facing a large number of legal policies that affect the treatment of workers. These policies include salary matters, working conditions, contract of employment and other factors concerning the workplace environment. This usually results from national, state or legislation actions. Thus part of the human resource management system from 3 Bears Lodge in Australia will be transferred to France to oversee such matters in regards to the welfare of the employees.

The Australia Taxation Office (2006) reported that Australia and France have a tax treaty that was drawn out since 1976. This affects the directors in Australia as the establishment in France would be under foreign business income for the income tax assessment unless it is a subsidiary in France.

2.2 Economic Environment
Shoemaker, Lewis and Yesawich (2007) explained that the fluctuation of currency values and price resistance have a significant impact. The fluctuation in the Euro dollar would either promote or impede the tourism trade as items in France would be less expensive than it would normally if the Euro dollar was weaker than that of other countries. Another economic factor is price resistance which affects very much in the hospitality industry where corporate controller forces cutback in expenses and travel planning companies are seeking lower priced airlines and hotel companies.

In regards to economy, 3 Bears Lodge would be an advantage if it could provide with a form of service at affordable costs in tune with travel management companies in Australia. That would bring about more traffic from Australia to France which would also increases revenue.

2.3 Socio-cultural Environment
The French as described by Bailey (1999) are deeply civilized with strong etiquettes and are very proud of their rich cultural heritage with franc notes bearing the portraits of well known philosopher, painter and writer.

This socio-cultural environment will thus be adapted in all areas of 3 Bears Lodge in France to ensure the continuity of her culture and give rise to excellent satisfaction from tourists to residents.

2.4 Technological Environment
Olsen, Tse and West (1992) state that technological environment covers aspects such as the equipment, communication, layout, supplies and safety. Equipment are employed by the firm that may increase learning capabilities and replaces manpower, communication which refers to the link way between the traveler and the information that he requires, layout and design as the environment would influence the architectural construction, supplies that has to be transported timely and safety due to the developments of technology to bring about a lodge that is free from accidents.
Robbins et al. (2006) pointed out that an increasing number of companies are using technological advanced operating system to reduce resources and stay ahead in the industry.

By incorporating services that has been available in 3 Bears Lodge such as internet bookings, payment by credit cards, free internet access computers, wireless connectivity for travelers with laptops, common phone that allows overseas call, efficient laundry and dry cleaning services, it will definitely stand out among other budget hotels in terms of technology.

3. SWOT Analysis

3.1 Internal – Strengths and Weaknesses
As 3 Bears Lodge is an established brand in Australia in the past five years, it is known by most backpackers in downtown by its service and overall satisfaction. Thus, with this brand breaking into France, most backpackers in Australia would give the familiar name a stay. Besides that, travel companies in Australia would find it beneficial to tie up with 3 Bears Lodge in France for accommodations for backpackers that are traveling to France. On the other hand, European travelers in France that might not have heard of 3 Bears Lodge might give the Australian brand a miss as they are not familiar with it.

The groups that 3 Bears Lodge are projecting are mainly the young working adults and students that are either backpackers or travelers looking for an affordable accommodation. Budget airlines increase airport passenger numbers (2004) shows that more travelers are looking for alternatives in terms of cost for travel and could well benefit 3 Bears Lodge. Whereas there is a loss in opportunity for groups with capital as travelers that are willing to spend would be looking for higher-end stay in France where 3 Bears Lodge are unable to provide with amenities such as spa facilities.

The resources and services that 3 Bears Lodge provide are part of its strategy in breaking into France market of budget hotels as mentioned in the technological environment. That could be also be a backfire as the costs of maintaining and up keeping such technology will amount to a higher rate of stay.

3 Bears Lodge in Australia are proactive in launching its marketing campaigns online in drawing budget travelers and by applying the same tactic in France; it would be able to expand in a rapid rate by accommodating to more travelers. By editing the existing information in the webpage of 3 Bears Lodge with the addition Lodge in France, the cost of marketing would be incurred in Perth. Moreover, Powers and Barrows (2006) states that the impact of the internet has been revolutionary. (Powers and Barrows 2006, 395) “Online travel sales will more than triple in five-year period between 2002 and 2007 from $18 million to $64 million.”
3.2 External – Opportunities and Threats
Due to the stability of France economy as commented in French GDP (2007), 3 Bears Lodge would be facing a positive outlook in the response for services from foreign traffic. This is so as when a country’s economy does well, trade and tourism would flourish and thus will the industry.

3 Bears Lodge will be a newly renovated and constructed with brand new amenities and this creates an opportunity in its initial stage of having travelers not only from downtown. After a few months of business, there might be a decline in traffic if the system of up keeping 3 Bears Lodge is not maintained especially the conditions of the bed and restroom.
The direct competition in France that 3 Bears Lodge would be facing would be hostels as mentioned in book hostels in Paris (2007) website. The low prices that have been offered for budget travelers will be in demand. In order to compete with the existing hostels, 3 Bears Lodge would have to introduce competitive rates that will match for its services. Other form of competitors would be inns and hotels.

With the success of infiltrating into the French market, an opportunity for 3 Bears Lodge will be seeking foreign investors in its expansion in other parts of Europe and into the world due to its capable management system.

4. Recommendations

3 Bears Lodge would have its headquarters for Europe and lodge situated at Paris where its location is ideal for travelers that come to seek the culture and history of France. It is recommended that a group of senior management personnel from the existing 3 Bears Lodge would set up a similar system of up keep and maintenance to be in placed in France, thus providing travelers with an overall positive stay. The management would also align the construction and services to the regulations and legislations that is required by the state. In addition, with value added services in placed, it will provide a more wholesome stay as compared to budget hostels that compete based on pricing. Whereas for 3 Bears Lodge, the service that it provides will be affordable at its rates.

Besides online marketing, 3 Bears Lodge would have to take a proactive marketing approach in Australia such that it would create plans in line with travel companies to suit the needs a budget traveler to France and the existing lodges in Australia. At France, 3 Bears Lodge would have special packages for groups that are staying together which would also promote backpackers who normally travel with friends.

3 Bears Lodge would welcome foreign investors in investing in other areas to assist in its expansion globally and thus bringing the brand name across Europe besides the existing Australia. This would enable the branding of 3 Bears Lodge to differentiate other hostels or inns.

Reference List

Books
Olsen, M. D., E. C. Tse, and J. J. West. 1992. Strategic management in the hospitality industry. United States of America: International Thomson Publishing.
Powers, T., and C. W. Barrows. 2006. Introduction to management in the hospitality industry. 8th ed. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Shoemaker, S., R. C. Lewis, and P. C. Yesawich. 2007. Marketing leadership in hospitality and tourism strategies and tactics for competitive advantage. 4th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Stutts, A. T., and J. F. Wortman. 2006. Hotel and lodging management an introduction. 2nd ed. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Robbins, S., R. Bergman, I. Stagg, and M. Coulter. 2006. Foundations of management. 2nd ed. Australia: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Bailey, R. 1999. The national geographic traveler France. Ohio: National Geographic Society.

World Wide Web
Budget airlines increase airport passenger numbers. 2004. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2004/07/13/1152600.htm (accessed August 24, 2007).
Book hostels in Paris. 2007. http://www.hostelsclub.com/step01_city.php?lang=en&country=116&city=134&mese=9&giorno=1&anno=2007&notti=3&currency=1 (accessed August 30, 2007).

Government Publications
Australia Taxation Office. 2006. Taxation ruling. Canberra: ATO. http://www.ato.gov.au (accessed August 29, 2007).
World Trade Organisation. 2007. Understanding the WTO. 3rd ed. Switzerland: World Trade Organisation Information and Media Relations Division. http://www.wto.org (accessed August 29, 2007).
National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies. 2007. French GDP. France: INSEE. http://www.insee.fr/en/home/home_page.asp (accessed August 29, 2007).

accounting 100 test

2007-09-08T11:01:00.000+08:00

had a mid-semester test yesterday. Realised that mcqs from australia are crazy...
options:
a) $18750
b) $11250
c) $21250
d) none of the above.

most of the questions (80%) of it all had option d. especially for a maths paper... sometimes it just doubt the way that u answer the question. if it is right or wrong and makes u wanna change the answer... oh well.. i guess u need to have really strong conviction in the way u answer the question to get it right. my first quiz or paper whatever u call it. 25% weightage of the module... another 25% is project and 50% is the exam... hope to do well.. :) wish me luck~*

Great is the Lord

2007-09-04T16:10:00.000+08:00

a comforting song that never fails to touch my heart to know that He is with me. beside me and there for me.
May the Lord be with you always, as He always is. =)

Great is the Lord

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise,
The city of our God, the holy place,
The joy of the whole earth.
Great is the Lord in whom we have the victory
He aids us against the enemy.
We bow down on our knees.
And Lord we want to lift Your Name on high,
And Lord we want to thank You
For the works You've done in our lives.
And Lord we trust in Your unfailing love;
For You alone are God eternal,
Throughout earth and heaven above.

hairspray

2007-09-03T09:56:00.000+08:00

the ozone hole is currently the size of america and europe together. with the recent movie of hairspray, i cant imagine how much CFCs is released into the atmosphere. the movie is great minus the aerosol flying all arond the set. The best part of it is watching John Trovolta getting into his act. His acting and dance were all amazing especially on high-heels. that is a scene unforgettable. not to mention when he and Christopher Walken (Tracy's dad) almost interlock lips.. haha.. although the dance they had was amazing with lots of costumes, its amusing at the same time. i would rate a 4.6/5. Great adaptation from the musical and storyline. kudos to John Walters 1988 script. =) not forgetting the signboards that were used in protest when there was racial discrimination: TV is black and white (its color now~*), do the checkerboard, Integration not separation. =P

Ratatouille / Lifted

2007-09-01T22:36:00.000+08:00

a very nice animated movie if i must say so myself... =)
Good movie for food lovers. Though the start of it, it reminds me somewhat of my management assignment as I was to research on the french economy, political-legal, technological and socio-cultural framework on the biz that I was introducing from aus to fr. that's that. will give a 4.3/5 ratings. Has a deep meaning in its storyline and though it has a happy ending into it, it has the many laughter and cute moments that are found in the movie. great disney-pixar collaboration.

Lifted is a 2006 Pixar computer animated short film directed by Gary Rydstrom. This is the first film directed by Rydstrom, a seven-time Academy Award winning sound editor and mixer.
The film was released theatrically with Pixar's Ratatouille (June 29 2007). However, the short received a sneak peek at The 42nd Chicago International Film Festival.

A young alien, Stu, is in a spaceship taking an examination in abduction. He must snatch a sleeping farmer under the watchful eye of his instructor, Mr. B. However, there is an array of thousands of unlabeled toggle switches he must manipulate to get the human into the ship's tractor beam and he is having trouble. He mistakenly propels the human into walls and occasionally the ceiling. After repeated failures to successfully lift the human into the ship (he almost succeeds, but forgets to close the door on the bottom of the ship before turning off the tractor beam), Mr. B takes over, returns the farmer back to his room, and cleans up the mess that Stu had made.

Ashamed over his failure, Stu starts whimpering, trying to hold his tears back from Mr. B. Mr. B generously allows Stu to launch the space ship back home. Full of glee, Stu takes hold of the joystick and starts to lift the ship into the air, but once again, he fails, and the space ship plummets to the Earth, crushing the farmer's house and leaving nothing but a crater with a tall pillar of dirt in the center, atop which the farmer is still sleeping soundly in his bed. The ship quickly lifts off again.

During the end credits there is the sound of an alarm clock, the farmer waking up, then a Wilhelm scream as he (presumably) falls into the crater all around him, and finally, a thud.

habits are harder to break than diamond

2007-09-01T11:16:00.000+08:00

have you heard, habit is harder to break than diamond.

habit after removing the 'h' you will have a bit
and after removing the 'a' you will have bit
after removing the 'b' you will have it

mgmt 100 individual assignment

2007-09-01T11:04:00.000+08:00

damn... guess i will get just a credit (60-69%) out of the paper that I've submitted ytd..
for all the efforts, the reference list went somewhat wrong... no indentation after my second lines... and i exceeded the number of www references (requirement is one-third of the total references) i mistaken 3 gov. publications on the web not to be www. had 6 books, 2 web and 3 gov publications from the web. Though it exceeded the minimum requirements of references, i guess it wasnt wat they expected. thats my first individual assignment with chicago referencing anyway.... hope to do a better assignment for the marketing module. =/

MARKING GUIDELINE FOR ASSIGNMENT I [INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS REPORT] – MANAGEMENT 100

Please note: Report writing skills are not being assessed, therefore the format does not affect the mark allocation, however the assessment has to be clearly presented.

As a bare minimum to achieve a passing grade students must satisfy the following:
Information literacy skills - Use the information to build an argument, students need to state their business needs and what the foreign location (external environment) has to offer. Students should avoid giving a summary of external environment, without showing relevance of the information to their organisation.
Referencing – Students need to use both in-text referencing and build a reference list. Students who do not use in-text referencing and/or build a reference list, using 6 sources of reference will receive a fail mark.

Pass (P) - A score in the range of 50-59 will be awarded.
· Demonstrate ability to reference using Chicago referencing.
· Show 6 sources of reference, both in-text referencing as well as reference list – does not have to be perfect.
· Draw a valid conclusion/recommendation based on the information the student has found.

Credit (C) - A score in the range of 60-69 will be awarded.
· In addition to the requirements for a pass, students present a well formulated and referenced argument.
· Applied understanding of the issues.

Distinction (D) - A score in the range of 70-79 will be awarded.
· The student has gone beyond the obvious and demonstrated originality and initiative
· Show evidence of further readings beyond the minimum requirements of 6 sources of reference.
· Chicago referencing is correct.

High Distinction (HD) - A score in the range of 80-100 will be awarded.
· Correct Chicago referencing.
· Demonstrate subtle and critical insight as well as mature understanding of the issues.
· Report clearly and concisely demonstrates that the student presents a logical argument that leads to an ensuing recommendation.
· Considerable additional work in wider areas relevant to the assessment has been done.
· Students who have exceeded 1750 words (1500 + 10% allowance) should not be awarded a high distinction.

2007-08-29T11:06:00.000+08:00

i like the feeling of school... but i guess no one likes the feeling of deadlines...
something so unfamiliar, yet so close is its deadline. hope all is well by friday~*
^_^

of comets and meteors

2007-08-27T19:21:00.000+08:00

it isn't much of a suprise... i am going to be broke in the month of september... trying to find loans and going into debts... haha... realised that when i ord in 9th september, i will not receive any income for that month but will be trying to survive on the little savings that i have... i am glad that i have found a job. Its at tanjong pagar - Fuji xerox. I am working as a works controller and though the pay is not that fantastic as compared to any diploma holder (completed ns)... well, it does give me the flexibility to work and study at the same time and i believe i will benefit from it all at the end of the day... will be rushing reports and having deadlines to meet for projects and assignments. All in all, I believe God will see me thru all this as he is my provider. oh well... cant wait for october 14. that will be the day that i receive my first 4 digit pay. please dont hound me dear friends, i cant treat u much but just a 50cents ice-cream. Gotta rush for france business report le... =)

2007-08-25T10:48:00.000+08:00

went to remove 4 wisdom tooth on wednesday. it wasn't that bad i guess after all... the 10 over injections into my gums and teeth wasn't pain at all (ya right) but when he(dentist) mentioned if there is any pain during removing my upper teeth, i motioned to him refering to the pain due to the insufficient anesthesia that he gave that portion(hence he went to inject more anesthesia). swollen cheeks even at this moment of typing... agonizing.. felt like I have wasted a few days of my life resting in bed and not doing much work... with all the assignments and tutorials piled up... just glad that I do not have work yet... cant wait for my teeth to recover... =D

Jigoku Shōjo

2007-08-21T11:07:00.000+08:00

A dark post

"闇に惑いし哀れな影よ・・・人を傷つけ貶めて、罪に溺れし業の魂・・・　いっぺん、死んで見る? "
"O Pitiful shadow cloaked in darkness. Thy actions cause men pain and suffering. Thy hollow soul drowns in thy sins. Wouldst thou like to see what death is like?"

A website known as Jigoku Tsūshin (Hell Correspondence) may only be accessed at midnight by one who harbors a desire for revenge against their tormenter. Should someone submit the name of one they hate, the Jigoku Shōjo (Hell Girl) will offer them a black straw doll with a red string wound about its neck. If the string is pulled, she will ferry the recipient of the revenge straightaway to Hell, but on the condition that those who request her intervention fall into Hell as well at the end of their natural lives.

Hotline to Hell

secret

2007-08-19T16:50:00.000+08:00

spoiler alert~* if you are planning to watch secret by Jay, please refrain from reading the post below.

went to the cinema to watch a movie by Jay with Adeline, Joyce and Nicole. Adeline and Joyce are my project mates while Nicole is their jc fren who is Joyce close friend... anyway, the movie was a good show.. would probably give a 3.96/5 ... catch it while its still there~* i guess the story is about Jay's first love but its not everything the same in the movie as I read in his interview. well... the movie is kinda fantasy-like and the camera angles were well taken when time revolves around the piano. moreover, the piano battle is very cool. just watching the two pianist competing makes u wanna learn to play... and it was hilarious when huang qiu shen or anthony wong was trying to cheer his son (jay zhou) up... if you like romance, music, fantasy and not forgetting the singer/songwriter/director/writer/actor, go catch it... =)

2007-08-19T16:39:00.000+08:00

comment to the previous post: it was meant to my nemesis within me... the struggles that I have and will continue to battle on for the resolve that I have made.

2007-08-18T08:08:00.000+08:00

i dont wish to let this be known. i have to love you as i have but still... i hate you so....

Swarovski Crystals on Stamps

2007-08-14T12:36:00.000+08:00

This commemorative block is an absolute novelty world-wide, the first time that crystals have been applied to a commemorative stamp. The Austrian company Swarovski enjoys a world-wide reputation, not only for its famous crystals and crystal products, but also its small sparkling works of art for collectors. Such a work of art is also shown on this valuable stamp block, the product of a collaboration between the Austrian Post and Swarovski.

It was in 1892 that Daniel Swarovski applied for a patent for a machine that for the first time allowed crystal stones to be ground more quickly and more perfectly than by hand, an invention that revolutionized the processing of crystals. Together with his brother in law Franz Weis and Armand Kosmann, Daniel Swarovski founded today's Swarovski company in 1895, moving from his home in Bohemia to Tyrol.

Austria 2004. Swarovski's Crystal World. Souvenir sheet of two stamps with Swarovski crystals affixed. The block was issued on 20th September 2004 in a cooperation between Swarovski and Austrian Post. Only 800,000 blocks are produced.

Imagining crystals on your stamp. I guess if this baby was to be in the mailbag, I wonder what the postman would do... well, it doesn't worth as much once it has been used anyway. really, guess I was fortunate to get this at the 2004 stamp exhibition in suntec then. only 800,000 of those circulated around the world. really glad to own one of those.

a minute lost~*

2007-08-14T09:19:00.001+08:00

schools been interesting, crappy with lots of fun in it.. but do make sure you do your homework~* heehee... missed a few of the exercises for accounting lesson. well, glad that mrs ku lee fong taught us the the accounting balance sheet thingy during poly and it kinda give me a little advantage in class where i can help those with problems. anywayz, assignments and reports are given to us to complete and not sure if I am able to cope with all these when I have a job as it seems kinda tough even without working.. oh well, maybe get a contract based job though i still need the moo-lah for studies.

will be making a trip back to sp's library later this afternoon for a research session on france and its consumer behaviours. hope I will make progress in the report that is due next friday. a minute lost is a minute lost.

was glad I found the stamp collection that I bought a few years back during the International stamp exhibition~* misplaced it somewhere sometime back. trying to organise the stamps that I have during the free time that I have. Its an expensive hobby I must say... Kinda like collecting art but in a form of way. used to collect used stamps but changed to mint/unused stamps.

VALS survey

2007-08-12T18:12:00.000+08:00

VALS Survey

VALS reflects a real-world pattern that explains the relationship between personality traits and consumer behavior. VALS uses psychology to analyze the dynamics underlying consumer preferences and choices. VALS not only distinguishes differences in motivation, it also captures the psychological and material constraints on consumer behavior.VALS is based on current personality research into specific components of social behavior. VALS asserts that people express their personalities through their behaviors. People with different personalities engage in different behaviors or exhibit similar behaviors for different reasons.

Striver/Believer

Your primary VALS type is Striver, and your secondary type is Believer.
The primary VALS type represents your dominant approach to life.
The secondary classification represents a particular emphasis you give to your dominant approach.

Strivers

Strivers are trendy and fun loving. Because they are motivated by achievement, Strivers are concerned about the opinions and approval of others. Money defines success for Strivers, who don't have enough of it to meet their desires. They favor stylish products that emulate the purchases of people with greater material wealth. Many see themselves as having a job rather than a career, and a lack of skills and focus often prevents them from moving ahead.
Strivers are active consumers because shopping is both a social activity and an opportunity to demonstrate to peers their ability to buy. As consumers, they are as impulsive as their financial circumstance will allow.

Believers

Like Thinkers, Believers are motivated by ideals. They are conservative, conventional people with concrete beliefs based on traditional, established codes: family, religion, community, and the nation. Many Believers express moral codes that are deeply rooted and literally interpreted. They follow established routines, organized in large part around home, family, community, and social or religious organizations to which they belong.
As consumers, Believers are predictable; they choose familiar products and established brands. They favor American products and are generally loyal customers.

this is not shocking news!!!

2007-08-11T22:12:00.000+08:00

if you did not know this, well you should. how much is your take home salaries ladies and gentleman in the small island of singapore. one of the first world countries (I think it is).
the average monthly earnings is a whopping $3903 for the 1st Quarter of 2007. The information is taken from the ministry of manpower. Well, knock yourself out if you aren't the average singaporean having that share of the pie. I guess I will just dwell on how to get myself in a better set of pants with big pockets that awaits fat pays.

Note: Data pertain to all full-time and part-time employees who contribute to the CPF. All identifiable self-employed persons who had made voluntary contributions are excluded.

time has changed

2007-08-11T08:58:00.000+08:00

it is not about what you know but instead, who you know.

creative writing~*

2007-08-08T14:40:00.000+08:00

in the midst of looking for a job after i finish my service to the nation, i intend to do a short story. It isn't of any fact original. I believe in sharing stories that touches one heart. The very spirit that causes us to revolve around the world will be moved. well, this story has truely melted my innermost being and I cant wait to finish writing the story in much details. How intriguing.

Lesson 5 of Cantonese Lesson last night had been insightful with new found words and I was able to name most of the festivals. Almost all of us from the class was keen in entering the next level of cantonese (intermediate stage) after the 11 lessons are over. Kinda worried about the test (written /spoken) at the end of the eleventh lesson, though the teacher assured all of us that we will pass but I felt it wasn't the test that I'm worried about but the amount that I've learnt though it all and applying into the world.

was introduced a job in symrise by a friend at polytechnic. not sure if I would want to take that up but I guess I will just give it a shot at the interview. Praying for a sign~* =)

All the best in the security operations tomorrow morning till night~*

friends at prinsep street

2007-08-07T07:33:00.000+08:00

currently I've been enrolled to Curtin biz school taking Bachelor of Commerce in Accts and Finance. Been through a couple of lessons of Accounting 100. The lecturer is Mr. Vale Alexander who requires a peaceful environment to commence teaching. Studies have been fun so far, getting to know new people in my life and learning from one another. I am really glad that although I came alone for lessons, I dont leave alone. Having friends in life is important. Fellowship is indeed part and parcel of life. For no man lives for himself. Anyway had 3 other ladys in my team of four for the group project that has a weightage of 25% of the module. They are Joyce, Adeline and Lavanya. I was glad that on the first lesson, we managed to find one other yup. Esp, Joyce and Adeline as they are doing the same major as I am.

went back home yesterday with Laney on the bus as she was living in the nearby vicinity. Had a great time with her and shared the subject of Jap dramas. Though we aren't doing the same major, ie. Makerting and Advertising, guess we'll still be seeing one another around campus. Jia you gal~* =)

went passing by secret recipe yesterday along robinson road at about 2.30pm. There was a sign at the counter that stated the promotion cakes will be resuming at 3pm. and yet the queue stretches outside the store. I looked at the menu of cakes and my mouth watered (not literally) maybe I will get it on friday but it all depends... lolz. good business I guess~* cakes are yummy~*

Special offer cakes (6th to 10th Aug 07)

2007-08-04T21:18:00.000+08:00

Offer from Secret Recipe, from Monday to Friday only :
- 42% discount off whole cake purchase (usual price $45)
- For takeaway only, valid for std size cakes, not valid for health cakes, max. 3 cakes per customer, while stocks last
Chilled Blueberry Cheese

Chocolate Indulgence

Reference
taken from singaporefreebies.blogspot and secretrecipe .

doesn't it makes you feel like putting on an extra pound this coming week~? sinful indulgence. Anyone wanna share a cake ??

biggest splurge on a disc~*

2007-08-01T09:09:00.000+08:00

went to order the cd that cost a whopping SGD25 that includes shipping directly from Japan couple of months back. Just a treat for myself for my birthday in June I guess.. it has 2 tracks in it and that maybe why its not available in Singapore. Anyways, if you would wanna get a music track that might not be in sg, you might wanna try heading down to HMV retail outlets and ask one of the sales representative to help check in the database. Its a very well liked song that I have added above. Its the theme song for one of the Jap dramas, 救命病棟24時3. Enjoy~* =)

the English phonics for the song is below...

Nandodemo - Dreams Come True

Komiagetekuru namida o nankai fuitara
Tsutaetei kotoba wa todokudaroo?
Dareka ya nanika ni okottemo
Deguchi wa nai nara
*Nandodemo nandodemo nandodemo
Tachiagari yobuyo
Kimi no namae koe ga kareru made
**Kuyashikute kurushikute
Ganbattemo dooshiyoomonai toki mo
Kimi o omoidasu yo
Ichimankai dame de
Htoheto ni nattemo
Ichiman ikkai me wa
Nanika kawarukamo shirenai
Kuchi ni suru tabi
Hontoo ni tsutaetai kotoba wa
Poroporo to koborete nigeteyuku
Kanashimi ni shihai sasete tada
Tsubusareru no nara
(*BIS)
Ochikonde yaruki mo moo sokotsuite
Ganbarenai toki mo kimi o omoidasu yo
Ichimankai dame de
Kakkowarukutemo
Ichiman ikkaime wa
Nanika kawaru kamo shirenai
Mae o muite shigamitsuite
Mune kakimushitte
Akiramenaide sakabe!
(*BIS)
(**BIS)
Kimi no uta o omoidasu yo
Kono saki mo tsumazuite
Kizutsuite kizutsukete
Owari no nai yariba no nai ikari sae
Modokashiku dakinagara
Dooshite wakaranainda?
Tsutawaranainda?
Aegi nageki nagara
Jibun to tatakattemiru yo
Ichimankai dame de nozomi nakunattemo
Ichiman ikkai me wa kuru
Kimi o yobu koe chikara ni shiteiku yo
Nandomo
Ashita ga sono ichiman ikkaime
Kamoshirenai...

reaching to the world with our words

2007-07-31T09:27:00.001+08:00

have been attending cantonese lessons on tuesday nights since early july 07 though I have register the course a few months back but guess that the institute was waiting for more applicants to enroll. have been to a couple of lessons and missed one due to orientation at marketing institute of sg for the bachelor of commerce that I'm taking up. Anyway, I have been learning greetings, numbers and timing. All in all it has been cool though the class is made up of 5 students (2 males and 3 females, guess all of them are older than me) lolz. the teacher is from hongkong and I'm glad to be in the class learning as all of us are chinese literate thus our learning pace would be faster.

There are a total of 9 tones unlike chinese where there are only 4 tones, which makes pronounciating tough. Love cantonese music and hk drama but too bad they have been subbed. It would be good to pick up a language and maybe in future if my in-laws speak that dialect, I could also converse with them. well, that will kinda be far-fetched... haha... cant wait to finish the lessons and master the language~* Maybe another language I would take up would be Jap, have a liking for Jap drama and anime not forgetting musc!! but I guess it would be much difficult than cantonese, and guess it will cost lots of time and money too... well, that is just a goal maybe before I reach the age of 26 to be able to write a letter in Jap. All the best benny!

爱情魔发师：亚斯的一段话

2007-07-31T07:54:00.000+08:00

。。。被放弃比较的人不是输家。在爱情的过程里面，我们一直站在付出多的那方，所以受伤，嫉妒，开心，欢笑，所有爱情的感觉，我们都比对方多了一倍。当然伤害也会多了一倍，不过这些现在对方都感受不到了，全部都留给我们承受。不过也正因为我们比别人多了一份爱，才有力量在伤痛中重新站起来。

the task ahead~*

2007-07-30T16:26:00.000+08:00

love the song 'will you?' by Jimmy Ye Liang Jun. Still remembering last year's ndp song sung by Kaira Gong, was kinda madly in love with the song and everything... haha... its always brings back refreshing memories listening to such pieces. the current ndp and the previous ndp tracks are downloadable at http://ndp.org.sg . Its a different emotion altogether watching and participating in a way that you are able to. The atmosphere of thousands celebrating and singing to a same tune. That is something unforgettable. I have always enjoyed being part of the party. The fireworks were just so close to me on the actual day last year. It was amazing. Knowing that I have contributed and played my part in bringing the ndp@marina bay together brings comfort and gladness. The concert that shoudn't be missed.

As a MP, or Military Policeman performing security duties in my dark olive green uniform and a striking white polymer helmet with the red bold letters ' MP ' on it, I and many others were tasked with responsibilities that safeguard the people that were at marina bay. I have to admit that it is tiring and there were many unhappiness among the group that set forth to provide for the nation. But I do hope that in the hearts of us all, we will cherish and bring back the memories that we held on. Strive on guys. regardless the fatigue, the humilation brought to us when ranks were pulled against us for doing our jobs, we are here to serve the nation!

rejection~*

2007-07-30T13:18:00.000+08:00

30 July 07

Dear Benny

Thank you for taking the time to meet with us regarding the above position.

We have considered your background and experience carefully in light of the requirements of the position, but regret to advise that we are unable to proceed with further discussions.

We thank you for the interest you have shown in XXX and wish you success in finding the career opportunity you seek.

Yours sincerely.

Will You?

2007-07-30T07:49:00.001+08:00

Music and Lyrics by Jimmy Ye

Will you make this island
Amazing in all ways?
Suprises every corner,
Delightful nights and days.

Will you take this country
And turn it from a place
To a home that greets you
With smiles on every face?

Will you come on this brave journey?
Will you help to make it real?
Will you write us grand new stories,
Songs that everyone will feel?

So... Will you swim the current?
Will you scale new heights?
Will you make it happen,
Will you let your dreams take flight?
And... Will you make the difference?
Will you sieze the day?
Will you live each moment,
Will you dare to find new ways?

Will you take this city
And turn it from a place
To a home that greets you
With smiles on every face

Dare to find, dare to find, dare to find new ways!

cny gathering at Kian Cheng's apt eons back...

2007-07-29T17:22:00.000+08:00

Grabbed this picture from Kelvin's blog. looking at the memories that I once had. That was taken on one of the Chinese New Year where I was still at polytechnic. It was taken at Pastor Kian Cheng and Sharon's (first row second and third from the right) cozy apartment that they are still residing at Clementi. All of us have grown. About a third of the group above have left church and have gone to greener pastures. It has been great knowing everyone. learning from the experiences that I had. the moments cherished and some left forgotten. there is a certain truth that is never forgotten. God still remembers you for he loves.

All the best and God bless fellow tabbers~*

give me a break~*

2007-07-29T16:41:00.000+08:00

having a tough escape. hate

masquerade

2007-07-26T15:33:00.000+08:00

the photo above depicts memories of joy and sorrow. much of which i have to admit was joy when I was in the English Lnguage Drama and Debating Society in secondary school. It was the first core curriculum activity that I enrolled into at the age of 13. I had a great time learning and appreciate skits and mostly arts. It brought me into another world. A world where language has no limits. For there is nothing able to illustrate the intensity of emotions drawn onto a canvas. Life is but a short transition. And there is much for the mind to conquer. The friends I have known, the feelings that we have for one another and as always, I thank you for these memories that we all enjoyed together~*

4th Singapore Short Cuts

2007-07-26T13:10:00.000+08:00

4th Singapore Short Cuts

Co-presented by the National Museum of Singapore, The Substation and the Singapore Film Commission

Into its 4th season this year, Singapore Short Cuts is the premier showcase of local short films in Singapore. This year’s programme features a selection of outstanding local shorts Flat Dreams by Eva Tang, Ah Ma by Anthony Chen and Bedroom Dancing by Sun Koh, as well as the latest works by Gavin Lim, Jacen Tan, Loo Zihan and Boo Junfeng.

A highlight of this year’s Singapore Short Cuts is a special retrospective of pioneering local independent filmmaker, Rajendra Gour’s short films, made during the 1960s and 1970s. This retrospective marks the first ever screening of all four surviving short films by Rajendra Gour.

All screenings will be followed by discussions with the filmmakers.

Schedule

Sat 11 Aug, 2pm (Film duration : 71:40min / Rated R21)
Flat Dreams / Zo Gang / Bedroom Dancing / Yesterday’s Play

Sat 18 Aug, 2pm (Film duration: 65:16min / Rated M18)
Wrong Turn / Tracks / superDONG / Fonzi / Take Me Home A.K.A I saw jesus

Sat 25 Aug, 2pm (Film duration: 45:00min / Rated PG)
A Labour of Love – The Housewife / My Child My Child / Eyes / Sunshine Singapore

Sat 1 Sept, 2pm (Film duration: 64:03min / Rated NC16)
Ah Ma / Embryo / Elefant / 5 Steps to Becoming An Actor / Katong Fugue

Ticketing Information

Free tickets to the 4th Singapore Short Cuts can be collected at the National Museum of Singapore (Stamford Visitor Services Counter) on Monday, at the begining of the week before each weekend's screening. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis, and limited to four per person.

Sat 11 Aug screening (Tickets for collection from Mon 6 Aug)
Sat 18 Aug screening (Tickets for collection from Mon 13 Aug)
Sat 25 Aug screening (Tickets for collection from Mon 20 Aug)
Sat 1 Sept screening (Tickets for collection from Mon 27 Aug)

Stamford Visitors Services Counter,
Level 1 National Museum of Singapore
93 Stamford Road,
Singapore 178897
10am till 8pm

Patrons are advised that valid identity pass showing proof of age is required for all screenings.

General Enquiries: 6332 3659 / 6332 5642
Website: http://www.nationalmuseum.sg/

the ace of my heart

2007-07-25T13:08:00.000+08:00

The Queen of hearts was shot. A mystery within the solitaire. The words that left many dumbfounded. How could the world be dreamt into exisitance ? Yet it is so true that healers and psychics claim that faith is important for something to work. the idea that some things are going to happen regardless is fate. My destiny with the Ace of heart is uncertain. she is always losing herself. destiny is a snake so hungry it devours itself.

world without violence~*

2007-07-25T12:54:00.000+08:00

this is our home. the home that we go to when we have no where else to go. its not like any other hotel. its even better. a place that we have ownership of. a haven of inspiration and thoughts. bridges concide and lives are linked. trust and bonds are built instead of buildings. relationships grew stronger each day. when the sun sets, stars shine brightly to show us the path of light. For love is the hub of our city and thats where our heart lies. I am happy to be home. Happy birthday Singapore on the 9th August 2007!

Viral conjunctivitis

2007-07-11T13:28:00.000+08:00

Viral conjunctivitis
Redness, irritation and watering of the eyes are symptoms common to all forms of conjunctivitis. Itch is variable. Acute allergic conjunctivitis is typically itchy, sometimes distressingly so, and the patient often complains of some lid swelling. Chronic allergy often causes just itch or irritation, and often much frustration because the absence of redness or discharge can lead to accusations of hypochondria.

Signs
Infection (redness) of the conjunctiva on one or both eyes should be apparent, but may be quite mild. Except in obvious pyogenic or toxic/chemical conjunctivitis, a slitlamp (biomicroscope) is needed to have any confidence in the diagnosis. Examination of the tarsal conjunctiva is usually more diagnostic than the bulbar conjunctiva. Viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye", shows a fine diffuse pinkness of the conjunctiva which is easily mistaken for the 'ciliary infection' of iritis, but there are usually corroborative signs on biomicroscopy, particularly numerous lymphoid follicles on the tarsal conjunctiva, and sometimes a punctate keratitis.

Treatment
Conjunctivitis sometimes requires medical attention. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the problem. For the allergic type, cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. Some patients with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid drops.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with anitbiotic eye drops or ointments that cover a broad range of bacteria (chloramphenicol). However evidence suggests that this does not affect symptom severity and gains only modest reduction in duration from an average of 4.8 days (untreated controls) to 3.3 days for those given immediate antibiotics. Deferring antibiotics yields almost the same duration as those immediately starting treatment with 3.9 days duration, but with half the two-week clinic reattendance rate.
Although there is no cure for viral conjunctivitis, symptomatic relief may be achieved with cool compresses and artificial tears. For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. However prolonged usage of steroid drops may cause addiction. Antibiotic drops may also be used for treatment of complimentary infections. Patients are often advised to avoid touching their eyes or sharing towels and washcloths. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves within 3 weeks. However in worst cases it may take over a month.

okay. thats quite a mouthful. was to have my day op today for the wisdom tooth as mentioned. unfortunately, it had to be postponed due to a bad inflamation on my left eye last wed and now it has reached to both eyes. Argh. oh well, people around me, don be alarmed its just a bad case of red eye. Even a red-eye reduction camera will not help. Well then, it has blessed me with not attending the coming change of command parade in july 20th. but nonetheless, i do hope i will get well soon... to even provide in strength for the coming security operations for NDP at marina bay 2007. thanks for the concern guys... appreciate it very much~* =)
will be thinking and looking out for opportunities to make some dough while i study. less than 2 months to ord and with 9 days leave and 12 days off on hand with another hand full of medical leave coming up~* woohoo~*

Mitral Valve Prolapse

2007-07-05T21:33:00.000+08:00

2% of the population of the country are having Mitral Valve Prolapse or also known as MVP. I have it. its the most common heart valve abnormality. Most patients do not require any tratments or medications. Mitral valve prolapse can be associated with fatigue and/or palpitations. Mitral valve prolapse can often be detected by a doctor during examination of the heart. mitral valve prolapse can be confirmed with an Echocardiogram (ECG). Patients with mitral valve prolapse are usually given antibiotics prior to any procedure which might introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, including dental work and minor surgery.

Symptoms
Most people with mitral valve prolapse have no symptoms, however, those who do commonly complain of symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, chest pains, anxiety, and migraine headaches. Stroke is a very rare complication of mitral valve prolapse. Patients with mitral valve prolapse may have imbalances in their autonomic nervous system, which regulates heart rate and breathing. Such imbalances may cause inadequate blood oxygen delivery to the working muscles during excercise, thereby causing fatigue.
Anxiety, panic attacks, and depression may be associated with mitral valve prolapse. Like fatigue, these symptoms are believed to be related to imbalances of the autonomic nervous system.

Just hope it doesn't causes any complications for my extraction of wisdom tooth on the 11July. Will be consuming antibiotics before the scaling and surgery. I've opted for the local anesthesia instead of the general anesthesia. Hope its a wise choice cause I will be facing all kid's worst nightmare. lolz.. the dentist even warned me that there will be more than 8 injections for my 4 wisdom tooth extraction. well, just go along with it. wish me all the best for the surgery yup. though i never wanted to pull my teeth out due to the fact that i might have sensitive teeth and might even lose the sense of taste. (which also meant losing the meaning of life..) I have to pull them out after looking at the x-rays. the bottom two wisom tooth were growing horizontally and in near future it might cause the back teeth to decay (my teeth are good currently commented by the dentist). The x-ray also showed the bottom wisdom tooth was extremely close to the nerve which was kinda scary if I lose the sense of taste. For the two top wisdom tooth, they look normal but no point keeping them since the bottom tooth are gone. therefore. will be removing all of them in a shot. may the Lord keep me well. will consult yun and xuan in regards to the extraction... =)

2007-06-30T22:14:00.000+08:00

Not sure if you're able to spot me. anyway I'm the first visible guy on the left. Had a wonderful experience at istana. Would like to go for another GOH if there's an opportunity before I finish my service. well, there's still NDP @marina bay 2007. will be busy on saturdays~* ^_^

(click on photo to enlarge!)

2007-06-30T21:47:00.000+08:00

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-6

The last thing I want to do is to hurt anyone.Help me to continue loving you as my friend despite all the tears my love for you have led me to.

I just have to focus on the right things, the right people in my life.
What I need is friends...
I believe I will forget my selfish love for you one day.
Unconditional love is just so hard for me towards you. I have wasted so much of my time and tears but the last thing I want to do is to resent you.

This is just not me.If falling in love is so painful, I dont want to fall in love anymore.

(extracted from a hidden room that my heart frequents)

Welcome your Excellency Gloria Arroyo~*

2007-06-26T23:51:00.000+08:00

saw my photo in the straits times today~* in home edition page 4, will be uploading the picture coming weekend but doubt anyone will locate me in it... looked fat in it.. even have to find the guy next to me just to find me.. haha... anyway glad there's something to remember in.. first picture taken in no. 1 uniform... after that GOH at istana, all of us went to saftimi for more rehearsals and drills... tired day... will be having another session of drills and everything on wednesday and thursday.. hope sunday will be able to perform well... yup.. perhaps will clock another 3 days of off to my 12.5 days of off days and 9.5 days of leave before i finish my service~* yea... ^_^ anyway both presidents was kinda close to me during that ceremonial welcome., cause was in first row.. kinda nervous.. hope to get to do another GOH before ord...

Lover's Concerto

2007-06-25T23:12:00.000+08:00

How gentle is the rain
That falls softly on the meadow
Birds high up in the trees
Serenade the clouds with their melody
Oh! See there beyond the hills
The bright colors of the rainbow
Some magic from above
Made this day for us
Just to fall in love
You hold me in your arms
And say once again you love me
And if your love is true
Everything will be just as wonderful
Now, I belong to you
From this day until forever
Just love me tenderly
And I'll give to you
Every part of me
Oh! Don't ever make me cry
Through long lonely nights without love
Be always true to me
Keep this day in your heart eternally
You hold me in your arms
And say once again you love me
And if your love is true
Everything will be just as wonderful

Fell for this melodious song~*

the butterfly

2007-06-24T22:54:00.001+08:00

there was this pretty blue butterfly. she had the most beautiful wings in the world. this butterfly had a partner but he had an early death. there she wandered to the many places in the world in search for the legendary flower. the flower that could grant wishes that the heart desire. the butterfly flew and flew and managed to find the flower. the flower releases its pollen and a mist suddenly clouded the vision of the butterfly. she fell and went to a very deep sleep. her partner appeared in her dream. he mentioned letting him go so that the both of them would be happy and that she should not waste her time on him. though very much she couldn't, she had to free him. the moment she promised to free him, she awoke from her slumber and began to live her life all over again.

wishes~*

2007-06-23T11:56:00.000+08:00

many wishes many blessings are all being fulfilled every moment in everyone's life. Everyday I pray. I leave it to the amazing love of God to fulfil the promise that he gave to me. and with that I renew my covenant with him everyday of my life. hoping that i will be forgiven and cleanse to be able to receive his love all over again for i know i'm incomplete.
Thank you Lord.

a thanksgiving entry

2007-06-20T23:51:00.000+08:00

thanks mingxiu, weiwee, sui, mummy, xiuling, yickchuen, chenbin, deming, june, huifen, elaine, tianen, weekiang, lydia for the messages sent and the well-wishes
thanks guys for the cake and having celebrated my birthday with xuan, lydia, sui, xiuling.
thanks for the notebook that you gave. appreciate it very much.
thanks be to God for the people that he blesses me with in my life.

i fell for the lady who played frosty the snowman

2007-06-13T23:48:00.000+08:00

okay, she did not played the piece and i fell for her, it was much before that. but that was that. i fell for the keeper of my heart too. He took me in while I was alone, afraid and sick. by faith, i recovered and overcome all things from this day forth. for humble wll be my heart, for love has brought me life. and i will bring you joy everlasting. that was what he said.

the apple that never had its day

2007-06-02T16:10:00.000+08:00

in the southern part of far far away land, there was this peculiar apple. Lets give this apple a name. It shall be called Simon. Simon was one of the poisoned apples that was to be given to snow white that fateful afternoon. How badly had Simon wanted to be the apple that was taken by snow white. How badly. Too bad for Simon, another apple in the basket was taken. A bite from the other apple that was also poisoned caused pretty snow white to fall in a slumber that only a kiss from a prince could wake her up. Simon wanted badly to end his life. He felt no meaning. the witch that manufactured the apples made the apples in such a way that only apples that were eaten or at least taken a bite from it would then be able to 'rot-in-peace'. Simon had an eternal life. the life that he never wanted. He felt no purpose as a poison apple. The castaway. The apple that wasn't meant to be. dust and dirt grew over the apple and soon after, the simon forgotten its name. the end.

Enter the world of Innocence

2007-06-01T20:49:00.000+08:00

There's a tonne of innocence in this. Much of it comes from the gift of the Lord that comes so freely upon his child that makes lots of passion for the truth that comes with it. I'm happy. Happy for you. The angels in the heaven rejoices. The redemption of the child pleases more than the acts the jester bring. Through it all... I'm glad. contented. able to surrender all to be in heaven this moment.

dreams

2007-05-27T23:04:00.000+08:00

there is this song that i am searching for. its in jap and i like it very much. its by a group called dreams come true and the title of this song is Nandodemo. quite catchy.
anyway thats beside the point for this post tonight.
i was thinking deeply about my goals, dreams and plans. those that i made when i was little, younger and now. Have i fulfilled them or have nightmares came from them all. who was to blame for the dreams that weren't fulfilled? was it the curse of procrastination ? or was it all planned to b7e. no one knows for sure.

Dreams, goals, aspirations that i once had.

age 8 : To be a scientist, inventor (think i somewhat fulfilled part of it when i did the choc project)
age 13: To perform in public with an instrument (did that in poly with my guitar accompanying the harmonica group)
age 17: To own various eateries and treat my frens to nice food or to start up a F&B business(no where close)
age 18: To have a business alongside with an orphanage that hold kids whom parents aren't able to take care of them. (helps prevent abortion)
age 19: To bring my mum to travel to many different places in the world (actually its fulfilling her dream)
age 20: To bring my love one to a place unimaginable (only few would know)
age 22: To learn to forgive myself and fear the Lord with all my heart.

Dreams are always alive if you continue dreaming. jus don let it die. Plan and look ahead and day by day continue to think about it and achieve it. For tomorrow brings a better tomorrow.
At the end of the day, if I have failed to achieve it, i can only say that the best dream that was fulfilled was being loved and to be able to love. =)

Pathway to Heaven clip

2007-05-27T15:49:00.002+08:00

Pathway To Heaven - Produced by Ngu Ping Hwei & Kelvin Fok

Please lend me your support by voting for my debut film titled PATHWAY TO HEAVEN at this website http://www.emerge.sg/www/?q=node/143# : From Kelvin

sometimes we think of going back to the Lord. sometimes we prefer to sin away. it is said that we are in control of our lives but sometimes i feel that the Lord is in control, He holds the past the present and the future and know the choices we are going to make. the hurt the pain that we cause to others and most importantly, ourselves. How i wish that with the spirit within us, we can live our life blameless and righteous to love and be loved. btw its a nice video kel. hope u din hurt ur lungs that bad. =)

love is in the air...

2007-05-12T16:08:00.000+08:00

Happy Mother's day to all Mother's the world could ever have. All the hardship of giving birth and painstaking efforts to educate the children to become people with a better life, requires a lot of tender, loving, care. This is the love that can't be bought at any price. For none is such that a mother would give up everything for the child.

The above mentioned is what most families are expriencing but there are many in the world without a clue to what a mother is, or even is there such thing as a mother. They were abandon and thrown clueless to where or who they are. Poverty engulfed them. Causing them to be stuck in the streets where beggers and street rats roam. Rusty, dented trash cans that were knocked over by many scavengers. This is the life of some that might not be even able to read.

I am glad. thankful. for the opportunity to read, play and have a shelter over my head and most importantly, have a mum that cares. I pray for the children in the world that needs that emotional healing. the love that reaches out to them. The love of the Lord. I pray that I will continuously be thankful and grateful to the people around me for that is where love begins.

Finding the happiest moment of my life~*

2007-05-02T01:28:00.000+08:00

After watching a local sitcom on tv, i wonder the above statement.
How one day someone would come to me and ask when was the happiest moment of my life.
The day I did well for exams? The day when my friends celebrated my birthday with me ? The day when I had acceptance from the gal that I like ? Will that be the happiest moment in my life ?

I really don't know. I dont wish to disappoint the people that was mentioned above. After thinking very hard, I don't know. I only know that singing makes me happy. Listening to nice music makes me happy. Singing songs to God and to people that accepts me makes me happy. These are the happiest moment in my life. To sing. I don't sing beautifully and I'm not a good singer but I like music. I like to perform. I always wanted to perform on stage but I know that I will do badly in it. Since young, I wanted to play the piano. I cant learn as my mum have to take care of me single-handedly which is tough and she doesn't have enough to place me in lessons. Maybe one day I will take up piano lessons. Currently, I enrolled for a basic cantonese course. I like cantonese songs. They sound very nice and I hope to sing to a tune one day. Till then, please pardon this frog that is croaking~*

I just want to be happy~*

death it seems not...

2007-05-01T14:36:00.000+08:00

i fear that it would happen to me... dying due to work... maybe one day maybe today...
haha... seems laughable... a NSF dying with heart attack due to the stress at work in camp.
but it is true.. the number to suicide cases unheard of and the number to calls that come in to the counselling hotline, they are all evidence of the truth that all are hiding it.
The stress, the deadlines, the reports no one would ever thought a NSF would have so much to worry about.
I'm glad that its the last 4months in my NS. I had learnt alot from my previous superior whom took great care of me and the rest of his subordinates. Even though he had a lot of struggles with his personal life, he did not show it all.

Casting all these aside, I sympathize with the lady who died recently that was featured in the neighbourhood newspaper. All she did was trying her best to earn as much money as she could to being her beloved mother for a vacation. I could imagine the stress and the struggles she has. I guess I would have done the same and work very hard knowing that a guy should placed his career before anything else (old wives tale).

I'm glad that this May first, I have the time to sleep and woke up late. To talk to God and thank him for the many things that he has blessed me with, frens, family and life everlasting. Though I'm returning back to camp to compile the work that is not completed tonight, I'm appreciate the fellow frens that I have in camp that really perk me up when I'm struggling and gave me tons of encouragement. I thank God for placing them in my life.

been bitching around~*

2007-04-29T16:59:00.000+08:00

oh... i've been bitching around like a gal who's jealous of the bestest of the best girlfren that has the best boyfren that any gal could had....

ok... I'm kidding... as the above sounds a tad too gay for that matter.

I'm glad I have everything worked out and a plan in hand.

It's only with a lil prayer and a lil effort to make things right in place.

oh Lord, I lift up to you the hands of a child that seeks solace, comfort and joy everlasting.

For to love thy problem makers is very tough.

but still I'm glad that you will work through me to be a better person. A better man.

I pray that I will bitch no more~*

Hold my hands keep them warm with your love.

Thank you Lord.

Thank you problem makers for showing me how to try to love you.

And I'm always grateful for your encouraging words and the trust you have in me dear fren.
I think you know who you are...

^_^

How time would stand still

2007-04-20T22:18:00.000+08:00

How I wished the above would happen, so I could ponder and take a step back to rest. To find and seek comfort in the Lord's arms. Past few days have been tiring. Currently doing drills and work after camp and it seems I need rest. I'm glad I have time to pray for my frens who are busy mugging away overseas and in sg. I do hope that they will do well and find joy in the things that they do. I thank God for Jos also that he managed to get a placement in school and I pray that he will be able to continue to serve God in his own special ways. I hope I too be able to do that also.
Will be leaving for Changi Airport for operations soon and be back there in the late afternoon again for another flight. On sunday will be going to Jurong for NS4o security operations and may the sun shine so that the place will not be muddy that will cause our shiny boots to turn brown.
I'm glad that God is good to me and I have him to depend on. How I wish that I would be able to do well in life...

life suprises

2007-04-07T16:35:00.000+08:00

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.Happiness never decreases by being shared."

Some excerpts will make u ponder. The following above was taken from a fren i once had in secondary school. He is an IT expert should i say and he earns a fair share thru the internet. Been looking thru many frens' blog. Looking at the past and how it haunts you somehow or another... Its interesting how you once wanted salvation for this person has came true. Its not just one but many. There's violet, meizhen, sharon, vincent and i believe there are more that i missed out. I give thanks for their salvation and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless the people around me that one fine day, your grace will open the hearts of those that i love and hold dearly. Thank you Lord.

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, that's how the Lord lights His love to all of us in darkness. And the candle never dies." - Benny

back to drills

2007-04-03T23:09:00.000+08:00

I'll be going back to drills tomorrow morning. It is known as orientation drill. That's where we will be selected to be in the 72 men contingent Guard-of-Honour in the SAF Day Parade that falls on 1st July. I'll be involved in the coming NS 40th Anniversary at Ngee Ann City next thurs for security duties in the night. Hope I won't be wearing the funny looking white helmet on that day... there will be three more deployments for me at different locations which hasn't been finalised. Fad, Eugene (OC: my superior) and Cehuang's birthday falls on a few more hours. Here's wishing them happiness and health. Saw Kailing on my way to buy some cards, she has grown confident in speech. Heard her speaking on the phone that is related to her work and she sounded very professional. Though we did not have an opportunity to chat, will wish her all the best in all that she does. I wonder how I will become when I'm off to work. More conference updates to finish up tomorrow. will be a very busy day, but glad that all is well...

2 Kings 5 obedience in faith

2007-04-03T22:44:00.000+08:00

Our Father in Heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today your daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Amen.

Dear Lord,
I give thanks to you for the life of Naaman and his servants that urged him to do what Elisha had instructed him to do. Honestly, looking at my own life story and knowing my weaknesses and faults, I know I have not been following closely with you. your words. I pray for perseverance and persistence in faith especially. Its not that I have no faith or lost faith in you Lord, but somehow it all comes down to service and living a life that is worthy to be called your child. I pray in the same way I could be like Naaman and take up the courage to believe in your servants to do what is right and stay by you. I pray for myself that I will take time to learn and study in the last few months of my service to the country as an NSF. I pray for a undemanding spirit, a broken and contrite heart. Change my heart O Lord.. make it ever true. I also pray for the love that I have within me that I will learn to show love to people around me also that they could also feel the love of you.
Lifting up the service to you coming Friday and the many friends that have not known you that you might continue to bless them and open their hearts that one day they will draw close to you.
Lifting also my friends that are in studies and work that you will continue to guide them in spirit and work also that they will do well knowing that your presence has never left them.
giving thanks in your most precious name,
Amen

1 Sam 24 Reflective Response

2007-03-25T23:19:00.000+08:00

Our Father in Heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today your daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Amen.

Lord of the nations,
I thank you for the life of King David that he was just and always have your perspective in place. Even when his troops told him that the Lord has brought the enemy to them for the taking, King David did what was right by not killing Saul when he could have. Instead, he prostrate and address Saul as my master. Something that would even baffled his own soldiers, but I know that even when Saul pursued David for his life for he was jealous, David did not returned the same favour but instaed did what was right in your sight. Help me Lord, help me to be like David in the response to situations like this. Though it may not be as extreme like that, I pray that whatever treatment I receive, I believe that I can do the same like David, not to react what the world might want us or percive us to react but live our lives with our focus to you. Have your way in my heart. In our hearts Lord, we are changed as you move in our midst.
Lord, this day I also thank you for keeping me well... I have been down with slight sun burn and fever but you have preserved me. I pray for the complete healing to be within me in the name of the Lord Jesus. That you would remove all that is not from you in my life that I am a new creation in you once again. To live my life according to your purpose. I would lift up my mum, my family and frens for their salvation. I pray especially for my mum that you would keep her well also and continue to open her heart to me and you. I pray for the case study that you will be having on tuesday and the econs test on thurs that you will do well and may the Lord bless you in the things that you do also. I also lift up my frens in studies also that the Lord will provide the focus and time that they need to overcome all things. May I continue to bless you with my life Lord.
Giving thanks in your name,
Amen

James 3:1-12 to praise with the tongue that curses

2007-03-24T01:35:00.000+08:00

Our Father in Heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today your daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Amen.

Dearest Lord,
I thank you for the gift of speech that we have. Knowing from your word and agreeing also that the tongue is evil and full of deadly poison, I pray for myself and for the fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that we would continue to watch ourselves as we live our lives with you. The mouth is also an instrument for praise, encouragement and glorification of the Lord for the relay of the gospel. Its hard at this fast paced world to constantly think before you speak. Even learning the many hard ways of hurting the people I love even unintentionally, what has been done causes a scar that no amount of cleansing will remove that hurt that was once caused. I believe that with the transformation and renewing of the mind, I will humble my speech and words that edify a person will come from my mouth. This day I want to lift up the presentation coming morning that you will be able to do well and that the Lord's courage and confidence will be with you while words come forth and the many assignments will be completed and there will be time for revision also. I also lift up the salvation for my mum, family and friends close to me also. I pray also for the time that I have in the army that it will be put into good use as I continue to read up on biz writing and I will be able to enter a local university for my studies. With all these, I thank the Lord for the strength that you have provided me for yesterday's security at SAFTIMI where many did not volunteered to stand for a longer period to relief other personnel as there were a shortage of manpower and I managed to offer. Though it seems tiring after hours but I'm glad the Lord has allowed me to present my best though my body was tired. I pray for the defence of the country to be in safe hands as MG Desmond Quek was appointed as Chief of Defence Force (CDF) that the Lord will bless him in the management of the army that will protect Singapore.
Lifting all these in Jesus name,
Amen

prayer in times of pressure

2007-03-20T23:13:00.000+08:00

Our Father in Heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today your daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Amen.

Dear Lord,
I'm struggling with what's right and not right, I just went for staff parade, I sort of mentioned to someone of superior rank than me that I was going to book him. Even though he was a regular and he's 1SG. I really wanna stand up for what is right. He was saying that the sub-unit that I was in was un-becoming sub-unit due to the guards that we provided for duty, they were not to standard. Criticising the sub-unit that I was in to a crowd of more than 10 that were from other sub-units. Moreover he used vulgarities. I'm not sure whether what I did was right. In the end, he went to spoke to me privately and said that he has always been like this even though his commanders have spoke to him before. I just hope that I will learn something out of this. Lord, help me to understand you more day after day. I thank you for the understanding that I have when I received a last minute task on doing duty on monday night. I pray for this day that you will help me in this walk with you that you will continue to help me to grow even in faith and maturity. I believe you are with me throughout all these... This day, I continue to lift up my friends that are currently in studies. I pray for those that are in uni, poly, jc and sec that they will do well in their studies and their walk with you also. I thank you for allowing me to chat with beatrice, who i once taught when she was in pri in children's church. I pray that I will be able to enfold her to you again. I also pray for the salvation of my mum, family and friends that we will be able to rejoice in heaven together at your name. I pray for strength for wednesday and friday as there will be security access control at Pasir Leba Camp for the Chief-of-Defence Change of Command that I will be able to stand and do a good job in security also. I also pray for the results for my application in entering the local university. I lift them all up into your hands as a child would do to his father. Thanks dad.
With the love of God, the Father,
Amen

Matt 14: 6-21 seeking e Lord in times of pressure

2007-03-18T23:54:00.000+08:00

Our Father in Heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today your daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Amen.

Dear Lord,
I thank you for the calmness that you have when your cousin, John the Baptist was beheaded to please the Herod's daughter. In a situation like this, I have no idea what I would do. I would just seek solitude and hide myself to grief. You Lord are an awesome God, in all things, you are able to provide the needs of the crowd by performing the miracle of feeding the crowd of 5thousand. Even though you were distraught, I believe that you know the purpose that God had. His good and pleasing will for you. I pray that in all pressure that the world might have for me and the pressure to follow you, I will be able to overcome all the things that does not edify your name. Once again, forgive my sins Lord knowing that it is only by grace that I can come so close to you. Not by works that man could boast but by your blood that have redeemed my soul. This day, I pray for the souls that are lukewarm for you. I pray for their spirit to be filled with the passion of the Holy Spirit to be set ablaze once again. I pray for the salvation of my family, my mum and my friends around me. That they will be able to open their hearts to you more and more each day as I continue to live a testimony that you would one day call me your faithful child. I also pray for the friends that I have in uni, poly, jc that wherever you are, may the Lord bless you in ur studies and tests that you would have tomorrow and health also. Give thanks in all these in Jesus name I pray,
Amen