Still Photo-rabid

Got a new toy *grin*











So... the year's coming to an end. But it's too late for retrospection. A ministry mate who was encouraging me to rise up beyond my feelings of inadequacy. Indeed, may 2007 be a year of confident striding towards divine destiny.

Photo-rabid

Was searching for another Sam Leong but stumbled upon this fella instead. Well, it's certainly nice to have an other half to share your hobbies with. His pics of travels and family just make me go...

Run!

SG Biathlon '07 on 17 Mar... Anyone?

Seeing Colour in B&W

12:57am What am I doing up, listening to BBC3 Late Junction? Must say, I quite like the pleasant jazzy numbers from the London Jazz Fest.

Been back at work. Have realized that procrastination hits me when I face any task I don't particularly fancy. One word - willpower.

So why am I still up??


Lately been appreciating quiet. Plain silent quiet, so I can hear myself think, and most importantly, just hearing from Him.


Women - can't live without them... except when they smoke.


Quaint attracts, doesn't it?


Perspective, that's what we all need. Remember, we're living on borrowed time.

Memories

Top left: Eager Beavers @ Rockhampton Motorcross Show (you should see our bored faces 1 hour later. BTW never eat ice-cream while standing within 10m of the race track, else vanilla becomes cookies&cream *yilch*)

Top right: Often baking under the unforgiving Aussie sun, must be 40 deg Celsius. Deadfall & thin trees litter the land - occasionally we hear a dead tree collapsing in the distance and it made me skittish while doing big business in the field.

Bottom left: Many hours idling while dangling in hammock. That's one not-so-insane pose - I claim heat-inspired madness! Come reservist, lotsa talk-cock sessions and fooling around - no matter if you're 35yo or 40yo, whatever helps to kill time faster!

Bottom right: Hungry goat @ Rockhampton Heritage Village. Though boring town, it does have some history as a mining town more than 100 years ago - the harsh conditions in which their pioneers endured while starting a new home in a harsh land reminded me of our forefathers' difficulties.

Viewfinder

After bible study @ YMCA today, the Orchard Christmas lights beckoned, so took a short walk. Reflected about some things that are troubling me. Also chanced upon a camera shop @ Le Meridien and the salesman was most helpful without being pushy - must be my blur newbie face.

Immediate homework: To scour DP Review to facilitate well-informed decision to invest $2k!

Servitude Down Under

No single word to describe

By day, punished by unforgiving UV glares
Smouldering road dust
By night, whipped by windy chill
Thank God for Baygon, Goretex and Milo!

Wonderfully blue sky
Big open fields
Mountains and vales a-rolling

Trees trees trees, green and waving
Others gnarled and frigid grey

Hurrying to toil,
Fatigued by fatigue and incredible inefficiencies
Interminable waiting, everywhere we go
Cursing, swearing, shaking heads

Freedom we crave and finally find
Swinging hammocks between trees, we slumber and laze
Except pesks abuzz - flies, mozzies, sandflies, ticks, spiders
Animals approach - lizards, emu, kangaroo
I swear I heard a dingo howl

Belt-tightening wonders of a combat diet:
Maggi mee and instant mixes we savour
Hard-tacs (some prefer mushy soft) we masticate
Ration packs we rip, uniform in colour and smell

The nights, unbelievably starry
Connect the dots… Orion’s belt, Big dipper
Now where’s Scorpio?
Spotting shooting stars by happenstance

Verse unfailingly brought to mind:

Then the LORD brought Abram outside beneath the night sky and told him, "Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. Your descendants will be like that – too many to count!"

Gen 15:5

Seeking refuge in the quiet and distant
Singing, praying, seeking, thanking
His presence near - undeniable and true
You’re amazing, Amen.

The usual cast, as colourful as always
Birds of a feather congregate
Jokes and banter abound
Horsing, crude, political

Reminiscing good time, bad times
Discussing gastronomy, what else?
And hobbies and relationships alike
Sharing lives and woes

Finally, Good day!
We scramble across dusty tracks
Pot holes and gullies no match for our fury
Racing back, relieved and exuberant

Battle scars abound
Sunburn apparent on noses and necklines
Flesh poked with angry swells

Now, spilling into sleepy Rocky, again bored
How many adult shops can one visit?
Art gallery discovered!

Back at the airport,
Fly me to the moon!

All in all, unfulfilling but insightful
Time a-ticking, not awaiting
The world surely passing us by

Soldiering On... I'll be back!

Sorry, couldn't resist that liner.

5 hours more to take-off and here I am, still pushing paper. Before leaving the office, CH assured me that my efforts would be recognized. *blink and utter thanks*

Tired becomes me. Been up late fighting lack of sleep, flying kamikaze beetles and most of all, inertia. Didn't realize how I must have been holding up till I saw this verse...

The LORD is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him sincerely (Psalm 145:18)

...and tears came. Cried out to Him again during CG and V prayed for me.

In any case, this could be a good break from work after all, as disruptive as it may seem. Kangaroos & toady roadkill, here I come! 8-D

On a serious note, am glad for the love and concern shown of late. Lotsa well wishes, CG prayed for me, D prayed for me, parents are sending me off & will prob pray for me. Though I'll be missing an extraordinary service this weekend, am believing in God to carry me through and to draw me closer.

So am I really on the verge of something big? No idea. Faith and hope is all I have, at the moment.

Hasta la vista, baby! :)

p.s. back on 20 Nov, any kind soul wants to fetch me from the airport at 5am??

Explore Singapore! Closing Extravaganza

Look out for this event under Explore SG!: INDIE GARDEN

Singapore Science Centre
15 Science Centre Road
Sat, 2 Dec 2006; 630pm till late
Exclusively for those aged 16 and above.Roam the Science Centre and Observatory at night, for free! Come party at the Eco-Garden with free gigs by Electrico, Astreal, Great Spy Experiment as well as Guerillaz. Dance till you drop to Poptarts’ unique blend of indie rock and more.

Thank God...

For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

2 Cor 8:12

Thank God for a cellgroup leader who cares and who is loved because she first loved.

Thank God for constantly speaking to me about areas in my life that need to be committed to Him.

Thank God for peace after a night of good sleep and strength after a night of insufficient sleep!

Thank God for opportunity to serve and to have room to grow.

Thank God for a family that loves one another despite the pet peeves.

Thank God for friends who go back 9 years and can laugh and joke together while playing poker.

And of course, thank God for loving me :)

Now, onward, here I soldier!

Lullaby...

Chanced upon this - Wake Up Wake Up, courtesy of Lullatone. Sounds like musical wind chimes, flitting about whimsically yet sensibly.



Also chanced upon this - Sleepless by Marconi Union. Evocative ambient, that's what it is.

Now you know you need sleep when your dad in the living room catches you nodding in the kitchen...

Love Thy Planet

Read BBC News: Global ecosystems 'face collapse'

The WWF's Living Planet Report warned that "warned that if demand continued at the current rate, two planets would be needed to meet global demand by 2050."

Good Times, Bad Times

T'was 2 years later that we staged a repeat of sand/sun/sea/pool, albeit with one missing, causing wistful comments like, "Something's missing..."

Grow old with me, guys.

Oink If You Are Singaporean

Read this amusing and thought-provoking snort to the call for more graciousness at home.

"The pig is a great animal. It’s omnivorous, it will eat anything, even shit. It’s a highly efficient food processing platform as well as being extremely low maintenance. Leave a pig alone and it will fend for itself. It isn’t clingy or needy.

This is exactly the kind of image that Singaporeans want to project to the world. We are efficient and low maintenance. We get things done fast, without hiccups, while retaining the ability to work independently and for comparatively low wages. We’re also willing to take shit from people. As a Singaporean, I’m proud to behave like a pig."

More Beer?

While R found catharsis a la John Lennon, I'm left high and dry...

Another one bites the dust... but to be fair, it's been some time. Now I ponder my own future and the pattern of things in and around me.

Indeed, "vanity of vanities, all is vanity." All I see is a mountain range surrounding me. Am I my own mountain to climb, I wonder.

Will power and resolve, that's what I need to summon right now. To break out, step out, confess and believe with all my heart!

IT at Disney

Read MIS Asia: Fact and fantasy.

The first two days of every new cast member's training is called Disney Traditions, which is a view of the company's history and culture, how to create a magical experience for guests and the trainee's role as a cast member. Local employees act as voluntary teachers a couple of days per month.

"When some IT people applied to teach the course and were nearly appointed, the HR people were surprised, describing it as a 'fantastic' achievement.

"I am encouraged to see IT people participate, but why should it be viewed as unusual? This reflects the 'back-office culture' of IT staff and I feel that the actuality, as well as the perception, has got to change," says Coker.

Boost Your Life the Urawaza Way

Weekend's here! Read this - tips to improve your life.

Takeaway from last night's cellgroup message - keep an eye towards eternity in everything that I do. Gotta remember tt...

Only the fittest shall find marital bliss

Read this excerpt about the dating woes of graduate women and sanctioned "social darwinism".

八月十六

There is not enough time to do all the nothing we want to do.

Bill Watterson

After slogging at D's to setup her new sofa while threatened by her excited dog, popped down to Tanglin Camp together to check out exhibits there. Provocative's the word - from disgusting to politically subversive (IMHO) to disturbing.



Headed down to the far far east for dinner. 'nough said :)


Saturday: Traditional Annual Arson Interest Group cum Mid-Autumn Festival.



Sunday: Dinner with family! Also mom & pop's 28th Wedding Anniversary. Awwww :)

9859 days old

2 days more to... Mid Autumn Festival :) Someone just told me "30 is like the new 18, you're a teen!" Bought a Bengawan Solo green tea mooncake! Ok, think it's more sentimental than gastronomic value... 'nough said.

Received a mailer from ABRSM telling me about the latest in music syllabus, courses and education efforts. Hmmm, been ages since I last touched any musical instrument besides my handphone... Somebody sell them decent CRM software pls.

Now, back to ageing... Still single AND happy, still a humble civil servant though job scope's changed radically, still faithfully serving in church but taking on greater responsibilities, still blogging :)

Guess this year hasn't seen any majorly significant achievements for me. But God's constantly renewing my mind and correcting erroneous beliefs and thought patterns. To God be the glory! And I'm still looking forward to greater things!

I digress but check out this warm & fuzzy clay-animated ditty: Happy Tree Friends :)

Women à Flambe

After fried food, tiramisu complete with candle, cheesy movie a la 80s style, cigarette water masquerading as expensive cocktail. and 1 too many greasy pratas, conversation just isn't the same.

Relationships, food, money, relationships, men, women, relationships, work, finger-guessing, relationships... A full cycle of topics to talk about.

Belief

On this day-off, I trekked down to Waterloo St to check out some of the SG Biennale exhibits. Namely, the ones at Sculture Square, Church of Sts Peter and Paul, St Joseph's Church, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple and Sri Krishnan Temple.

What was interesting, I thought, was the interplay between artwork and the religious scene - esp. at the Kwan Im temple and at the Sri Krishnan temple. A tad contrived, but point taken anyway. At the churches, was more interested in the chapels than the art installations. Pity huh?



Now all piqued and provoked, I trooped down to National Library to catch the The World Press Photo Exhibition 2006 (before it ends shortly this week). Soon enough, this ignoramus found himself staring at vivid potrayals of major events around the world. From tragic hardship to heartfelt grief to death en masse... struck by it all, my tears were almost coming. This came to mind: "For God so loved the world..."

Alright, enough visual, mental & emotional stimulation for a day.

Oh btw, I flunked my SBJ - again.

We

Finally finished reading We by Zamyatin. Didn't find it easy to read because of the written rambling thoughts of the protagonist. But otherwise was an interesting read - reputed as the grandfather of the genre about a futuristic dystopian state.

Already Back from Phuket Lah

Pardon the blog silence for the last couple of weeks. Been busy at work, then was overseas and after returning, spent my time editing my travel journal & my beloved pics.

Savoured wonderful sights, sounds & smells in Phuket island and Krabi and more in between. View full collection of pics here.


Customary window shot


Gem cutting & polishing - such delicate work.


Kid holding kid?


Beach! Except it was monsoon season.


Admiring the scenery (Viking cave beyond)


The elusive streetside coconut ice-cream


Pig's trotter rice! Mmmm...


Good luck jasmine garlands


Big Head Ghost Cave


Limestone wonder


Cave guide and Nardia


Little Barney's


Serendipity - Island in the sunset


Karaoke machine


MK restaurant - Streamboat joy!


Shopping joy!


Reminders of the Tsunami


Countless tuk-tuks along Patong beach

Safer Sex

The last we'll ever see in land of 4M smiles: Safer sex kits (courtesty of NYTimes) in Freshmen Orientation goodie bags.

We Live in Singapura

Check out this hilarious number by "funny boy" Hossan Leong who even mentions "sexy pastor Ho Yeow Sun." Haha!

Light & Darkness

I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me.

Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, O Lord; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

Psalm 142

It gets to me. On one hand, work. On the other, past wounds re-opened.

I stand alone. God, so near, yet so far.

Before me, nothing but darkness. Grasping for light, gasping for breath.

The joy of the Lord be my strength, for I am weak. Amen.

The Weekend, The Weekend!

Free As A Bird
Lennon/McCartney/Harrison/Starkey

Free as a bird,
it's the next best thing to be.
Free as a bird.

Home, home and dry,
like a homing bird I'll fly
as a bird on wings.

Whatever happened to
the life that we once knew?
Can we really live without each other?

Where did we lose the touch
that seemed to mean so much?
It always made me feel so...

Free as a bird,
like the next best thing to be.
Free as a bird.

Home, home and dry,
like a homing bird I'll fly
as a bird on wings.

Whatever happened to
the life that we once knew?
Always made me feel so free.

Free as a bird.
It's the next best thing to be.
Free as a bird.
Free as a bird.
Free as a bird.