The Aussie Chronicles

2008-12-19T17:32:00.008+10:00

Was taking the taxi down to NUS to work today. Saw so much greenery and plants around. For a while, I've nearly forgotten that singapore is supposedly a garden city.

Tranquil garden.....

a hectic city.....?

Haha, thanks mahlia!!!

2008-12-01T14:17:00.003+10:00

Was just talking to a Brisbane bro over msn today. Was describing that my life now feels like army, but he was like "What army?"

"You get a good pay."

"You don't sleep in the forest."

etc. etc.

Yea, realised that my circumstances are not as bad as it seems to be. There are still things to be thankful for, things to pray for, things to.....be thankful for....For a while I've forgotten to give thanks...

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Cry like never did before

2008-12-01T13:44:00.003+10:00

Yesterday, 30th November. Cried like I never did before.....

and the stars fly by on mt. cootha

2008-11-08T15:57:00.010+10:00

and the stars fly by on mt. cootha.....

城里的月光把梦照亮

请温暖他心房

看透了人间聚散

能不能多点快乐片段

城里的月光把梦照亮

请守护它身旁

若有一天能重逢

让幸福撒满整个夜晚。。。。。。

cheng li de yue guang - tin

2008-11-06T18:19:00.003+10:00

Saw this song clip on a friend's blog. This song has inspired me the entire day, from the moment I heard it the night before, and throughout the day.

Yes! A good song for those working stress =)

This song is also for Esther, sis in Brisbane. You are a hero, sis.

Hero

There' s a hero

If you look inside your heart

You don't have to be afraid of what you are

There's an answer if your reach into your soul

And the sorrow that you know will melt away

And then a hero comes along

With the stregnth to carry on

And you cast you fears aside

And you know you can survive

So when you feel like hope is gone

Look inside you and be strong

And you'll finally see the truth

That a hero lies in you

Janice & Sonya, Sydney

2008-11-05T23:57:00.002+10:00

2nd week of work.

Verdict: Work is draining on my creative energy.

I'm now working in a research lab in NUS.....procuring items, running errands, setting up work accounts and such. Work has been uneventful, but I feel that even as I work, I'm changing. Changing to be a more responsible person, to be less selfish, now that I have other people's burdens and tasks to bear.

But sometimes, the journey gets draining, and you get a little lost amidst a pile of paper? tasks? work?

But God is faithful --

"For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5

Serenity Prayer (tongue in cheek)

2008-10-17T01:58:00.006+10:00

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the belief that

I've been accepted by the professor;

courage to call the HR department;

and wisdom to know if

I should stay in the current position.

-- Eliza's adapted to the trying times version

(Hehe, just a side note for these tough economic downturn times.... =p)

2008-10-12T02:42:00.004+10:00

A poem

Oh God, please forgive me
If I have
Forgotten to laugh,
Forgotten to cry.
Forgotten that you have been crucified

for my sake and said

"Forgive them Father,

for they know not what they are doing."
That You did it all to love me,

to have a relationship with me,

And to ask me to do the same:
To love others,

to have a relationship with others--
Those whom You love.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,

that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Psalms 90:14

2008-09-17T19:30:00.006+10:00

Just came back from an awesome P&W practice last night. It was really cool, with just a piano and acoustic guitar providing the "backdrop" for the several instrumental piece that we were singing. Worship practice hasn't been so so good -- awesome musicians (read: skilful and able to masterfully inject vibe into the songs), good vocals, both male and female (thanks to bernard and shufen) and good blending and coordination between all members of the band. Everyone knows when and where to come in, where to project, how to best express the felt mood and desired message from the worship.

In sync. Yes, that's right. Thats the word. Something which lacked in J5's P&W team.

Seems to be a once-in-lifetime worship practice. Hee, maybe that's becoz i haven done P&W v much bah....haha

“感谢主，即使天色未常蓝；

感谢主，纵然路旁有荆棘，

感谢主，因为主已经应许 --

日子如何，力量也比如何。”

《感恩》-- 曾祥怡，洪启元

2008-09-11T20:45:00.005+10:00

The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down

On green pastures......

He leads me

Beside still waters......

He restores my soul.

He leads me

in paths of righteousness

For His name's sake!

Even though I walk through the valley of

the shadow of death.

I will fear no evil.

For you are with me.

Your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me,

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil,

My cup overflows.....

Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

All the days of my life.

And I will dwell

In the house of the Lord

Forever.

2008-08-24T01:36:00.003+10:00

Looked at the date today......Just realised that I've been back in Singapore for 1 month already!! Thank God I survived the ordeal.....I'm at the cross-roads of life now, deciding lots of things, praying about lots of things.

Had a chat with Fang Ying not too long ago, asking her what she did and what made her chose her paths when she was at my position several years ago. What she said was amazing...."It does not matter really what decision u make, it is the process that is more important..." And yea, its true. Life is a journey, not a destination....

Attended the JUMP concert on Saturday. It was amazing!! I really felt God speaking to me during that time. About His amazing love, and how I should be looking onto Him, looking upon Him in all circumstances, no matter where I am or who I am with =)

"Trust in the Lord your God with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and He will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3:5-6

祷告良辰

2008-08-19T04:02:00.009+10:00

The power of prayer: 祷告良辰 -- 陶吉吉

祷告之时甘甜之时使我离开烦恼之时

来到神的座前发表所有意愿所有需要

当我遇到重压忧愁我灵却常得着自由

不陷恶者所有布置因为有你祷告之时

祷告之时甘甜之时如有只翼载我愿辞

来他宝座向他求恳他是信实他是全真

他既命我寻求他面信他话语靠他恩典

我要将我重担卸释在于你前甘甜之时

在于你前甘甜之时

dao gao liang chen ge - david tao ze

Pure in Heart

2008-08-01T13:56:00.005+10:00

Was thinking about alot of things recently. About the future, about the past, about things that might have happened. Recent happenings and experiences have made realised that what a person perceives may not be as the whole situation is, and only the plans of God prevails.....

From Eternity to eternity.....

You are God.

"...the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."

2008-06-11T12:14:00.003+10:00

Went for corporate prayer meeting at Woollonggabba last night. It was an awesome time of prayer and petition, and the presence of God was just so deeply felt in everyone's hearts. We prayed for a couple of things, things that have always had a place in my heart.....so it was good time of outpouring and strengthening in faith.

Went out for supper after that. Didn't realise that Sunny is such a super "diao" person....but I am glad I discovered this interesting side of him. Cause after this night, we may not get to have supper together again, I guess =)

As I was doing QT today, I was just reminded again of a close friend who recently passed away in an accident. I was just remembering some of the fun times that we had when suddenly a question nagged at me -- Had I impacted his life in godly ways when he was around?

I wasn't sure of the answer. But through a song which God put inside of me (Psalms 139), I was assured that He had watched over and guided the path of Alvin.....

我若展开清晨的翅膀飞到地极

就在那里，你的双手，

也必引导我。

2008-06-10T12:42:00.010+10:00

Delight yourself in the Lord
And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalms 37:4

2008-05-30T12:53:00.006+10:00

刚过了 thesis deadline 的一个星期，有好多好多的

感触，好多好多的感动。昨天与一个好久没聊的同学

一同到黄金海岸度假，聊了不少，怀念了不少。。。

突然间觉得自己好怀念家乡的食物，家里的亲戚朋友。

我已经很久没想家了吧，那一种怀念的感觉仿佛已

麻痹了，渐渐失去了，不让自己去心动了。。。。。。

太久了吧。没去再次的体验酸甜苦辣，以往与将来的

事仿佛都像是一场梦，不是自己掌管的生命，不是

自己创造的记忆和未来。。。。。

*******

好多好多的事要去做，好多好多的疑问要去解答，

好多好多的思想要去反省。

但此时此刻，我了解，幸福就是雨天喝着Pei xuan

煮的汤。热热的，清清的，暖暖的。

VICTORY

2008-05-15T16:47:00.003+10:00

Finally completed my thesis. The cold chilly nights spent in the lab, alone and tired -- the limp shoulders sore from typing.....the mad rush of getting my drafts out on time for Mark....it is all worth it. Yes, it was worth it.

Tired

2008-04-07T22:56:00.002+10:00

Its 11.oopm. I'm still in the lab now. Must have broken all records of studying and working in the lab. Tired.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Musings~~

2008-04-07T17:52:00.004+10:00

Had wanted to blog for some time....Had a busy busy week, with plenty of going-ons and thoughts that flit across my mind from time to time. It was lab work firstly, with just barely one week left in the lab, lotsa work to rush etc....And then it was the sudden news of Da ge leaving Judah 5 for Judah 3....Anyway, first off, the lab work.

Its kinda hard to imagine what it is like knowing that 2 years of your hard work will culminate at this final moment, condensed into an 8000 word document that has to be churned out precisely in 4 weeks. Its kinda disbelieving, knowing that all the effort that you have put in is just for this moment. It feels like a stage actress though, whom after having put in hours and hours of rehearsals, just to realise that it was all for a one hour show. Sad?? Well, abit. Scary?? Definitely. In fact, on a more scary note, it will seem like GCE 'O' levels again, where all two whole years of your effort are tested in 2 years. What a shuddering thought.

And then, Rayson going off...... Was quite sad at first that he is really going off for good now, but then, I had expected this since last December, so it wasn't that bad. Was reminded that his going away was for his good anyway.....he can't forever remain in this small little town, with his small little ministry and little mei-meis; he was made for better, greater things. Yea, my dear bro, go where you've been called, I'll always believe and support u wherever u are, whatever you do......hahah (Bitter laugh) just like what Ps. Wilson said, if you love something, you'll let it go anyway....Luv u lots bro, really love and respect u so much. Will always, always remember the fun times we had had in my undergrad days, our rescue missions/escapades, all the dinners and suppers we had had, u being my closest fren when i first came to HBCC (haha, yea, yes u were), your famous "sermon on the mount" and most importantly, your inspiration and support and love for ur mei meis. Thank you so much bro =)

Heheh, and on a side note, I didn't know you'll be my "sir" as well. Give all my blessings and love to Shin Yee and you....haha

Yea. All's well that ends well. Good Stuff.

OC 2008

2008-03-26T18:44:00.002+10:00

Had wanted to blog for ages. Finally have the right time, right environment to do so.

Was at an Oceania conference over the Easter break. Good Friday all through to Easter Monday. (Pretty cool, over here u get a public holiday for Easter Sunday)It was an awesome conference, just learned so much and experienced deeply His presence during this time. Was rather apprehensive about going at first, afterall, I've been to countless church camps and conferences, surely this would be just another one of those camps......but I was wrong. =) Happily proven wrong.

Preparations for the visuals department for OC (Oceania Convention) started more than 2 weeks prior, firstly with countless P&W prep forms flooding my inbox. Next came the technical training, which I had to balance between lab work on a Saturday. It culminated on Thursday, the day just before Good Friday itself, when we had to rush to the venue and setup stuff. It all went on in a blur, and it was during then that I realised I'm really not a technical person. I have been in the ministry for quite some time liao, can be considered a "senior" among the team, and yet I only had a vague idea of what to do for setup. What's more,on that day when Rayson said the cables have to go on the ceiling, I thought he was mad. Now I'm ashamed that I had thought so. I should have seen things.....no, "visualised" things with the eyes of faith.

Fasted and prayed prior to OC. Was glad that I did so, first time being so serious about a church conference. This, I believe, was one of the reasons I experienced the presence of God so deeply.

Spent nearly half my time during OC helping/hanging around the visuals desk. I'm actually very "kan cheong" when it comes to visuals duty-- there must be no mistakes or the entire Oceania will know, and this is especially a challenge for me as I'm such a "kan-cheong" and "technically-challenged" person. Sometimes I can't even figure out how my handphone works -- its really God's grace that I can handle this ministry.

Perhaps its also because of this that God really wants to use me for His purposes. I still remembered being so nervous on my duty days that I'll dream of visualising in my dreams. Woke up on Friday and Sunday morning with abit of cold feet,thinking about what will happen during the rest of the day. But the Saviour King song came to mind ("Let now the weak say I have strength.....") and I was encouraged by it.

God has really brought me a long way. From a person who dreads and is easily unnerved about ministry challenges, during this OC, I was just full of faith that everything will go well. Even though it was the most technically difficult of all conferences, somehow, I just knew that God will hold every thing together. And He did. Yay!!

Thank you visuals team. You guys are the best, always accommodating my weaknessess. Thank you Da Ge. You are the best and most inspiring brother I have met. Thank you Judah 5. I just been so blessed by your hearts (esp. xuan, yvonne, cintia) and I love you.

Wow,its gonna be an awfully long post, but yea, give me more time, will ya?

On Sunday evening, during dinner, God planned another blessing to me. Was really tired, physically and mentally, by then, and didn't have much appetite for the food. All bros and sis have left the table, and I was looking at having to finish the food by myself all alone. But Veon stayed behind and "pei" me. She shared with me about the workshop she had attended. I had initally grabbed her notes and started reading myself, but she told me gently to eat my food while she read out the stuff to me. This is so good, she's essentially ministering to me, a tired soul. It was about burning out in ministry, and she read her notes out and went through the "burnt out" checklist with me. (As expected, I was abit "overcooked")Thank God for this sister. =)

Yea, I'll learn to believe now.....

Believe

2008-03-26T18:21:00.002+10:00

I believe

in love.

Check this outta!!

2008-03-19T13:58:00.002+10:00

One of the cute things I got from Ekka 2006 =)

Poster girls for "National Geography"

Eleen and me (long ago) on ktv!

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

Discount Magazine Subscriptions - Save big!

2008-02-22T12:18:00.004+10:00

This is such an awesome song that I had to put it here the moment I heard it. This is just the kind of song I like, with good, meaningful, "worshipful" lyrics, and bringing just abit of pop music element in it. Yes, Hillsong's getting better. I haven heard such a brilliant song from the Hillsong people in ages.

Centre of My Life

Let my walk speak loud
And my words be true
Let my life be whole
With my eyes on you
Lord I'm stepping out
From the comfort zone
Letting go of me,
Holding onto You

Freedom comes
When I call You Lord
You are Lord my God

You are the centre of it all,
The universe declares in awe
Your majesty
I surrender all
I make you
The centre of my life
Lord, I respond with all I am
you placed in me the song
Of heavens melody
Your Majesty
I live to sing Your song

I have found Your peace
It replaces any fear
You have done it all
I can trust in you
So I'm stepping out
From the comfort zone
Letting go of me
Holding onto you

This is your song not mine
It is your song that brings healing to this land
This is your song not mine
It is your song that brings feedom
Freedom comes, when I call you Lord
Freedom comes, when I call you Lord
You are Lord, my God
You are the song
You are the majesty
I live to sing your song
Your majesty
I live to sing Your song

*****

"Your Majesty, my life will sing your song"

A quick CNY post

2008-02-08T15:49:00.000+10:00

A quick CNY post:

Saw this pic from Facebook, thought it was really cute, so I'll post it for everyone. Just for abit of festive cheer (which prob overseas students need quite alot of??). Alright, have a Blessed Chinese New Year!

2008-01-20T03:17:00.000+10:00

To ahky: We will always miss you.

Thank you for the wonderful times we had had, the silly jamming sessions at the bukit panjang church. I still remember how hard we tried to make good music, but how terrible it always sounded. You and Sem were perhaps the only ones who could play something though, Eleen and I were just trying to keep up. You won't have to tolerate the lousy playing now though......music in where u are now is just perfect.

Still remember the first mission trip we went together, to some Christian Church in Malaysia. We had to do a skit that time, and I was writing the skit. I had a role for a baddie, and you were the one that came to my mind when I had to find cast for the role. Not because you are a baddie, of coz not -- you have one of the biggest hearts and caring personailty around-- but becoz of your "ah-beng, hack-care" attitude. You were truly the most siao sa one.

We had such a great time during the mission trip.....buying food, roaming around the dusty streets in malaysia, doing street-E. You were paired up with Eleen and Sem, I remember, and how it was a fruitful one. And how u were always so funny, always singing some kinda odd song, saying ur "namo-namo", and how we will always scold u for saying it. Your jokes never fail to make me break out into uncontrollable laughter, and then u will say "eh relax relax...."

Oh, and how u always call me "Ah-Za". Goodness, I don't think anyone is going to call me that anymore. Oh man I'm gonna miss that. Pls call me that again when I see u -- I dun mind being called "Ah-Za" for the rest of eternity, haha.

Oh, and that time. It was in Poly year 1. It was one of the most miserable days. I left tuan qi earlier to wait for Angela at Clementi McDonalds. And I waited and waited. I had no batt on my phone to call them, but suddenly a whole bunch of you guys just showed up. You were the first to spot me, and comforted me and lent ur phone to me. Thank you so much for your concern. I should have said it to you earlier.

Then there was sheng huo ying. This camp is a legend in itself, enuff said. I'm sure we will all bring memories of it to eternity itself.

And playing the piano. You were the ONLY person who would ask me to play the piano again and again. And you never tire or complain about my playing. And you would sit beside me and watch me. You will try and play with me, and it never works out. (Oh gosh, my heart is gonna break just thinking about this. Who's gonna sit beside and watch me play the piano again?)

Hey, and you were a ladies man. Girls just love hanging around you. You were such a good good, sensitive friend to us. This must be God's gift. I've never seen you without the company of someone female. Hmmm....

Yea, and speaking of, perhaps the reason why u were such a ladies man was because you really know how to make us happy. I could still remember that time, dunnoe for wad, we were all at orchard road. We were just walking outside meritus mandarin when u started twirling me around. Something that u picked up from your Salsa. I was thrilled. It made me want to dance again. And this piece of memory was what that made me accept Rachel's invitation for the NYE Hope Brisbane celebration dance. In fact, I was just thinking of asking you to bring me to ur Salsa club when I return. Guess this time it will be you who is waiting for all of us to return.

And there was that time we were at Orchard, drinking iced milo and roti prata at some back alley. It was a good chat about guys, gals, future dreams, plans, blah blah. One of the many mundane chats that we have.

I could also remember how you left God. I simply didn't understand why. I prayed for you, I talked to you, and I think lots of others did that too. We tried to lure you back to tuan qi, to church, wadever......And our hopes were reignited in Christmas 2006, during a gathering at your place. You shared that u felt you had strayed, and you wanted to come back. Zhixin prayed for you. Our hearts were melted. There was not a single dry eye as we sat around and listened to Zhixin. You were sobbing the loudest. And that was the first time, and the last time, I saw u cry. I truly hope you had repented that time.

And our last meeting -- Under a lampost at the Woodlands MRT Station. We were guzzling the $1 coconut from pasar malam. It was another mundane chat. One of those happy moments.

It is a shock you know. You went too fast, without telling any of us. But this is just like you -- you have always come and go as you please. Perhaps dad want it this way too....you wonder around too much He had to do this to keep you close to Him. It must have hurt Him too, just as how it hurt us.

And now, yea, your favourite song, “耶稣爱你”。 I dedicate this song to you.

Well, by grace, we're gonna meet up again. Till then, have a great time. I'm just not quite sure if we are gonna have such a great time without you.

******

In memory of Alvin Ho Kah Yun

16 October 1985 -- 18 January 2008

2008-01-07T20:53:00.000+10:00

今天到了 Sunnybank 理头发。回到实验室，

想继续做实验时，已经是夕阳西下了。

面对着堆积如山的功课，再加上想起老板

星期一要检查作业，心里更是觉得烦闷，

顿时间喘不过气来。就在自己想放弃这一切时，

这一句话又鼓励了我：

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

是的，我实实在在相信这一句话。。。。。

In Christ alone, I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory, Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

2008-01-03T11:08:00.000+10:00

有时候还真的是够烦。

发现到自己有个自相矛盾，优柔寡断的个性。

小时候与家人上菜馆吃饭，大人都会叫我们

小孩点菜。这样的事情就会发生。。。。

舅母：“你要吃什么？”

我：“随便。”

舅母：“ 这里没买随便。”

我：。。。。。。

到了澳洲念书也快两年了吧，又是轮到

做决定的时候了。自己是否应该刘在此地，

还是回国好呢？我在这里成长了不少，

也经历了人生中的高潮与低谷，经历的

有好有坏，又令人怀念的，也有一些我不

希望发生的事。更令人烦躁的，是自己没太多

的时间好好的思考，好好的请教别的人。

一个是自己怀念已久的窝，一个是充满

未知数的地方。。。。。

两者之间，真的要二选一吗？

Tis the season to give

2007-12-23T11:21:00.000+10:00

"Tis the season of giving"

Indeed it is more blessed to give than to receive.

This is what I got for for my lab's Secret Santa gift exchange. Its a tiny musical box thingy which plays "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer". It will be placed inside the cute bear bag for Scott (my secret recipient).

2 colourful The Body Shop bottles for my sheeps, and 1 nicely wrapped one for my shepherd =)

Cute Dark Angel Dark chocolate for Xuan

Heavenly heavenly chocolate!! Australia must be the place flowing with chocolate and milk!! thanks Wendy, for this surprise.

And presents for me too!!! Heheh, just got this from Cheryl, my "co-supervisor"....hmm, and these chocs are pretty ex too -- costs a dollar per piece on average ~~ yum yum

2007-12-09T23:33:00.000+10:00

今天，去了主日崇拜后，觉得生命是脆弱的。

Judah 8 当中的一位弟兄上星期在一场意外中丧

失了性命。他是为了拯救在水中有难的朋友，才

丢了性命，被河水冲走溺毙。

虽然我与他不熟，也不曾记得这张脸孔，

但想到教会当中有一位年纪和我差不

远的朋友离去，这令我十分惋惜，

也十分难过。

我不久前也突然暴肺，送入医院，

还好没什么大碍，也没受什么

身体上的疼痛。

这些事情的发生，或许是要提醒

我人生是脆弱的吧。一个人，

不管多健康，多强壮，都会遇上

病魔或意外的威胁。唯独能

保护他，能拯救，医治他的，

是那位创造，掌管生命的主。

我也再次被提醒这篇经文，

“你趁着年幼（时）。。。。。当纪念

造你的主。” 这话一点也没错。

人的一生也不过十几年，就当在

这时找到生命的意义，勇敢去

追求它，畅快把它给活出来，让

自己不留悔恨。

就像这首歌所说的一样：

“生命不在乎它长短

声明要看它的内涵。

活着要自由不要捆绑

这是我生命的文章。”

The bible according to Eliza

2007-11-24T11:00:00.000+10:00

Hehe, just for laughs......

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV:New International Version)

Though the fig tree does not bud

And there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will be joyful in God my Saviour.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV: Eliza's Silly Version)

Though my friends have gone away
And the family has gone astray
Though my PCR results fail
And the research produce no fruit
Though the sheep has gone missing
And the shepherd is sick of chasing

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord
I will be joyful in God my Saviour.

*******

Psalms 23 (NIV: New International Version)

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalms 23 (ERV: Eliza's Research Version)

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want
He makes me lie down in green pastures
He leads me where my Professor goes,
he restores my sanity
He guides me in the right experimental techniques
For my result’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of fruitless attempts
I will fear no failure, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they discipline me

You prepare a table of food before me
In my times of starvation during thesis writing
You anoint my head with knowledge
My discussion overflows
Surely positive results and favour with lab members

will follow me all the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

updates

2007-11-16T23:45:00.000+10:00

Hmmm....this is a post after a long long time...

Alrite, so wassup with me??? Well, basically I have been busy busy busy with lab work. Its nine to five everyday, kinda like working life. And I was finding it "no-life". But on the other hand, it has challenged me alot. Each morning as I wake up, I learn to rely on God's strength to see me thru the day. Instead of mentally running thru the samples I've to put thru PCR, the strains for fimbriae prep, the biofilm assay to be cleaned up etc., I pray for strength to handle all these. And mind you, it is not coming out from the lab like a wounded soldier, crawling and barely making it out, but to exit victoriously, with an air of grace....haha....and so far I've been trying to practice that.

hmmm....and wad would you guys wanto be updated about?? Ah-hah, I know! Its been on your mind and everybody's mind for long........my love life!!!

Alrite, love life (or the lack of one in this case) is something that I strongly believe is in God's hands. Of coz I have crush lah, got like ppl lah (I could see mum's eyes widening now), but yea, at the bottom of it all, it just didn't feel right. It was a similar feeling to wad I had previously, and yes, the guy is happily married now, so it just it just wasn't right somewhere. Anyway, I prayed that I would "exit" from all this with grace, like an elegant lady coming out from a carriage.....and yea, God really helped me!! Although the naughty thoughts do surface sometimes, but yea, I really feel like I've exited with grace. Hah, i've never felt so lady-like before. (So proud of myself..heehee)

Work life, Love life, wad now?? Ahh.....Church life.....

Judah 5 had a restructuring recently. So I ended up losing my "mam" and having triplets. Mam moved over to Judah 6 (to become maria), and Maria (which is me) ended up becoming mother to three kids....Well, of course not kids in the literal sense, but young christians. Its pretty challenging and tiring at times, but yea, its wad drives me. I pray that God will use me and sustain me.

Yep....that's pretty much my updates for now....a verse to end the post with:

".....My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.......For when I am weak, then I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Beautiful

2007-11-03T17:50:00.000+10:00

Heh....this is a v soul-searching post. I was thinking if I should write it down, and I realised, yes, that I should chronicle this piece of thought so that it may even encourage me and others in the future.

Was having a shower today, and as I stared at my pimple-outbreak face, short unkempt hair, that I realised I had so many physical flaws. Too thin (most people will kill to get abit of my skininess I know), too short (again, to some it is cute), hair too thick and hard (or so the hairdressers say)...etc etc. Then I felt gloomy, and started asking God to give me better skin, nicer hair. And then, He began to showed me certain things that I haven't even been aware of.

He showed me that I was intelligent. Haha. Yea, I know this sounds like a proud statement. But when I reflected on this honestly, I realised that I was rather brainy, at least, by academic standards. I could study well and cope with exams. I could write stuff. And what's even more amazing is that I realised that it was He who gave me the brains. I am reminded once again that these brains were a gift from Him, and yea, I wouldn't have asked for anything better......

Prayer: "Yes father, I commit my insecurities to You. And I pray that you'll help me count my blessings and know that the strong things that I have are all given by You....."

2007-10-23T10:57:00.000+10:00

Alright yea, i'm still ever so obsessed with Derek. Here are his latest pics, during my surprise birthday. Please ignore the crazy gal in green top acting in neurotic ways in the pictures.....=)

Small boy with big cake.....and big task -- To surprise Xinpei cheh-cheh....

Ah Yi (or more affectionately known as Empress) was all smiles!!

SURPRISE SURPRISE~~~ And the tears started flowing......(Derek looks freaked out)

Me: Still crying~~ wah-wah-wah
Derek: Who is this crazy cheh-cheh who just can't stop crying??

Mama says" Go, wish Xinpei cheh-cheh happy birthday...."

Awww.....look how he has grown...

2007-10-18T15:51:00.000+10:00

OMG~~!! Can't believe I looked so "gin-na" in the past!!

Pretty girls~~ CPCF Grads 2005 &2006

Wahaha, thanx gals....

"And friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them.....Through the Father's hands we know, that a lifetime's not too long to be as friends..."

THE DAWNING OF AGE: PART II

2007-10-09T22:49:00.000+10:00

THE DAWNING OF AGE: PART II

And the best gift anyone could have is.....??

The gift of life. There was a new lease of life on my 21st birthday. A dear, good old (oh well, she's not really that OLD) fren who came to aussieland with me decided to give her life th Christ that very day.

I'm always thinking how it would be like when a fren/family that you have been praying for comes to know God. Will I watch from afar as they respond to the call? Will I pump my fists into the air and scream "oh yea baby" whilst hopping around? Will I shed tears of joy? Or will I be just calm and steady, an image that was never me?

The answer is: All of the above (Ding-dong Ding-dong) Well, for the record, I wasn't even there to witness such an amazing feat. The revelation dropped when she spotted me from across the auditorium and trudged towards me. She was like, "I tell you something.... I just accepted Christ." And all my thoughts and emotions just welled up inside me again. Within me, I was pumping my fists into the air and screaming, yet even deeper within I was a state of serene; Outside I was beginning to shed tears......

Its hard to imagine. All these is truly grace. And I'm thankful for this grace that has given new life that day. A new life for xuan. A renewed life for me.

DAWNING OF AGE: PART I

2007-10-04T17:56:00.000+10:00

DAWNING OF AGE: PART I

It’s been an amazing period. Powerful. Life-changing.

It all started with the literal coming of age, the dawning of 21 years on this planet. First off, the celebrations:

One thing I had wanted very much: to see and hold Derek once again. And to even contact his mum/dad….I really do miss them, but even more so, was because I realized I truly love these people – people whom used to cause so much pain to me (and vice versa I guess =) . I had wanted use my birthday as an “excuse” to invite and meet up with them. And thus, I was adamant/stubborn about planning my birthday celebrations. Plus my frens, J5 and all were busy busy busy with mid-semester tests. So I had believed that the best way is for me to plan something to bless everyone.

Working on this, I told my plans to xuan, kel and Yvonne. Knowing that mam, amidst all her schedules may have something up her sleeve, I decided to tell her of my plans. Here’s briefly the conversation:

“Hi mam, I wanto plan a birthday bbq…all of you are busy, so u all just need to come and eat in the evening. Also, I can invite a few other frens”
“Wahaha, Maria, u stay at home…..”
“No, I really wanto do so…”
“U guai guai stay home, wear nicely….”
“But…..I made plans already…..(slightly pissed)”
“plz plz plz……stay at home….dun go anywhere…(sounding desperate)”

I relented after this. But deep down I was quite upset. Upset that I wun see Derek. Still…that was what I did. Guai guai stay at home.

On Friday night, xuan said she was going to meet me for dinner to celebrate my birthday. So I was bored to tears the entire Saturday. Watching the clock tick by slowly. It was a v sian and depressed feeling. At 5.40pm, someone knocked at the door. Surprise surprise, it was xuan…and kel and yikai!! I was showered with birthday presents: A cushion, a bouquet of flowers. Even shepherd has left me a nicely wrapped prez before she left!!
I followed them out of the house. Halfway through, xuan took out a blindfold and insisted I put it on. From then, my suspicions about a secret birthday celebration were confirmed.

It was scary, but exciting, as I was led blindfolded. Eventually, I could hear noises, and water and a familiar laughter! Da ge!! I was finally allowed to remove the blindfold. It all came in a flash. The sight of Sophia and gang, Cheryn and gang….I was truly touched and surprised. Little did I know that the “best is yet to be (ACS motto)”.
After expressing my delight, we started to play a game. In the game, 1 person will be blindfolded, and is supposed to touch another person’s face/hand/feet and guess who the person is. I was the last among them to go, and when it was my turn, it seemed that I was blindfolded for an extremely long time. Finally, xuan was like, “alright, I’ll let you see who you have been touching….”

Pop! My eyes were opened. Pop! My heart fluttered.

Derek was holding a birthday cake before me, his innocent, bright eyes looking at me. At this sight, and at the sight of J5 surrounding me, tears just burst forth and I couldn’t stop crying. Thank you so much for this experience. Dreams do come true.

After Derek and Empress left, the bbq started. Next thing I knew, a song/rap presentation was up. And the rest, as they say, is history. It’s all just a click away, on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap7akarfV3Y

Journey

2007-08-22T15:44:00.001+10:00

It's a long, long journey
Till I know where I'm supposed to be
It's a long, long journey
and I don't know if I can believe
When shadows fall and block my eyes
I am lost and know that I must hide
It's a long, long journey
Till I find my way home to you

Many days I've spent
Drifting on through empty shores
Wondering what's my purpose
Wondering how to make me strong
I know I will falter I know I will cry
I know you'll be standing by my side
It's a long, long journey
And I need to be close to you

Sometimes it seems no one understands
I don't even know why
I do the things I do
When pride builds me up till I can't see my soul
Will you break down these walls and pull me through?

'Cause it's a long, long journey
Till I feel that I am worth the price
You paid for me on calvary
Beneath those stormy skies
When Satan mocks and friends turn to foes
It feels like everything is out to make me lose control
It's a long, long journey
Till I find my way home to you

hilarious

2007-08-16T10:54:00.000+10:00

This is so hilarious I had to stop my work and post this.

Its an incident regarding me and Chris, my "apparent" repairman. I received a call from him yesterday, enquiring about my bathroom tiles and a ventilator fan. I was rather puzzled, as I had not contacted anyone for house repairs. My house is crumbling, no doubt, but "broken bathroom tiles"? Well, actually, to a certain extent, they are "broken".....and my ventilator fan sure could use some changing although it ventilates perfectly.
Hence, I figured out that although I did not contact the agent in person, my housemate could have done it.

Next day, on the phone, at 10.30am....

Chris: Hi, when will you be getting around?

Me: (Stunned silence).......

Chris: I knocked on your door 10 mins ago. Are you outside? What time will you be getting back? I can hold on for another 20 mins.

Me: I....I'm at home....

Chris: Oh...I've been circling for 20 mins......Are you on no. 18?

Me: This is 3/53....

Chris: (Stunned silence).....

Me: This is 3/53 Munro street, St. Lucia

Chris: I'm at Ashwood......do you know about phone no. xxxxxxxxx?

Me: No....never heard of that before....(long silence, finally the penny drops) I think we both got the wrong person...sorry about that

Chris: (Laughs a little) Oh, no, things like this always happens. They get a wrong number and we get the wrong person.

Me: (laughs with relief/paiseh) Yea....maybe you can go back and check things out....

Chris: Yea, no. 18 Ashwood....where did you say you were at again?

Me: St. Lucia.

Chris: St. Lucia? Where's that?

Me: At the University of Queensland.

Chris: QUEENSLAND!!!! YOU'RE IN QUEENSLAND!!!

Me: ya.....

Chris: I'm in Victoria.

Me: WHAT??!!! YOU'RE NOT IN QUEENSLAND???

Chris: no no...its got abit of a wind here and cloudy...queensland must be good...

Me: Sun and everything....

Chris: (guffaws) This is hilarious....hahahah

Me: hahaha!!! Yea...hilarious....I sure hope you find the correct person

Chris: No worries, I'll just go and check it out again.

Me: Alright, thanks for calling.

Chris: Thanks and hope you have a good time in Queensland...

Me: Thanks, bye.

******

This will teach me to not make such mistakes again.....thank goodness this person is such a good-natured guy.

2007-08-09T13:23:00.000+10:00

写给小王子的歌 Key: D

Verse 1:

还记得见你面，你眼睛含着泪水

说你不要，不要背着琴声的旋律

后来发现，你也害怕考验

心中不满，就流露在我眼前

Pre-chorus:

当时心中无奈，无法式着明白

如今我在等待，等待

Chorus:

如果有一天我还能见你的面

握紧你的手，看着冬天的云烟

如果

这一切都不会再实现，

你的笑容，你的双眼

都会住在我心里面

Verse 2:

就在去年冬天，就在那一瞬间

你的笑容，是彩虹填满我的心间

后来发现，我其实很想念

这种单纯，简单可爱的时间

2007-08-06T11:04:00.000+10:00

2 weeks into my honours semester. So far, it's been just a time of reading, researching, studying the science of Acinetobacter baumanii. So far, still fine.

Was pretty stressed out last week, though I now realised that "panic situation" then was founded on unfounded fears. I learnt more about myself through it....that as much as I try to convince myself to be cool and 潇洒 regarding my work, I'm v much a worried person. Much as I hate to admit it, (and thought that I've outgrown, overcomed it) there is still this underlying fear of failing.

Looking back, life has been pretty much a success. And perhaps it is precisely so, a lack of failure, that makes a person so fearful of failing. What if things dun go as planned?? What if it all didn't work out in the end? What if my efforts don't pull through?

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Random pics~

2007-07-25T16:02:00.000+10:00

Some random pics taken over the semester =)

Harry Potter in UQ??!! Professor Peixuan zapping Eliza into a......

In life, if there ain't rain there won't be any rainbow.....

Thanks Robin & Cintia...It is such a sweet feeling, both in the tastebuds and in the heart, tasting these homemade pastries

Eepei came over and we had some Korean dish =)

Dreamy donuts...the best donuts I've ever tasted my entire life.

Such scrumptious spread!! Just too bad it doesn't always come too often...

My housemate and the "third tenant" of my house....wahaha~~

Graduation July 2007

2007-07-24T08:57:00.000+10:00

Photos from last week's graduations. Note: I've not graduated, just celebrating (and pretending that i did graduate) the joy of my peers.

Alright mum, i know you have been waiting for this...seeing me in grad robes. So this pic is strictly for your viewing pleasure. =)

Presenting to all (guys out there)...Miss Teo, pretty and successful graduate from the University of Queensland....

We've completed this part of the journey of our lives....

Celebrating the success of our fresh UQ BSc. grads!!

Fraser's lab Graduates (from left to right) :Meng Li Teo and Petrina Ho *Applause*

The passing of a grey sky in winter's day

2007-07-13T13:37:00.000+10:00

Was down with some stomach problems and diarrhoea for the past few days. Visited the doc. She is a kind, nice old lady with plentiful white hair, a 慈祥 look on her face. She was really attentive, and reassured me that I was fine, despite having been diagnosed with Campylobacter jejuni infection 2 weeks ago.

Its kinda scary really, the thought of falling really sick so far away from home. But once again, this "season of illness" has made me realise that I am not as strong as I thought I am, that I should learn how to take care of myself more. Yea, I guess that's wad i've learnt from this episode.

hmm...and also, lately, I had strong urge of a missing sentiment. Missing certain people in my life. Haha, the first on the list will be Derek....

The passing of a grey sky in winter's day.

scribbles~~

2007-07-04T13:19:00.000+10:00

How was the past week? Let's see...

1. Completed Season 2 of Prison Break. Apparently that Scofield guy ended up in prison again. Disappointing....(Side note: I do have a neighbour who lives 2 doors away that bears much resemblance to Scofield. Could he be the mxt movie star??)

2. Planning games for Judah 5 getaway. Very much excited about it!! Heehee =D Watch out bros and sis.....

3. Went to harbour town and returned with my coveted double-tongue gray sneakers!! I have been DYING to own a pair of such shoes....Have been controlling my spending urges in order to splurge it all at one go. And the best thing is, they actually stock shoes my size (size 3)!! Yay!!

4. Celebrated auntie's 22nd birthday last night. Went to Mt. Cootha -- it was just amazing. Brisbane seemed like a sea of tiny lights in the dark, and the 300 deg view from the summit was just breathtaking. I was so reminded of my first time to Mt cootha too, in winter last year. So so nice.

To auntie: Happy Birthday gal. You may not understand this, but God loves you and so do I. you are such a blessing to the ppl around you. Jiayou in life!

5. Church conference was a success! I had fun on mixer, haha!

2007-06-20T14:18:00.000+10:00

六月十九日。布里斯班。

回过头来，我在澳洲念书的日子也快接近一年了

吧。这一路走来，学习了不少，也经历了人生中

的酸甜苦辣。有欢笑，灿烂的日子，也有流泪，

伤感的时候。唯一让我感动无比，感谢上苍的，

就是出现在我身边的每一个脸孔。

因此，今天的每一个字眼，是献给你们的。

（排名与次数不分先后。或许当中的人物有的

对我影响不深刻，这无所谓，我只想表示心中

的谢意。若漏了任何人物，我在此表示歉意。）

感谢佳豪。虽然我对你的认识不深，也很少与

你接触，但你在我第一天到 Brisbane给予的

帮助，我十分感谢。甚至从来没搭过巴士的你

愿意替我想办法，教导我如何搭巴士。。。。

这一切，我记忆如新。

感谢小厉。别人可能认为你是破坏感情的

“第三者”，但你所给予的关怀，在冬天的

夜晚与我搭巴士，教导我上学的去路；

这一切，我从来没藐视。

感谢凯伶。和你曾经是 roommate，发现到每

一天都更加认识你。虽然对你的感觉，

对你的认识有点复杂，但我不会忘记你是我

在 Brisbane 的第一个朋友。要加油哦朋友，

少了生命中的他，你也一样能过日子的。

感谢佳祥。你也是个“双面人”，在家里，

在大人面前是个 “乖”模样，到了外头就流露

灿烂的你。这一切是为了明哲保身，我明白。

感谢 Reimen。刚开始对你的影响很好，

渐渐就扣分了。但你愿意和我做朋友，

这我已经很感激。还有你好几次送我上学，

上 care group。。。。我还没忘记。。。。

感谢 Valene。和你大哥比起，我肯定选搭

你的顺风车！还记得每逢星期三和你上学的时候
。
You are really sweet, thanks for the birthday wish,

among other things else. 只遗憾没机会和你多接触，

多认识。。。。

感谢 Sam, Sherlyn, Isabel。你们太可爱了 =）

感谢“阿姨”。要如何说起呢？你的包容，

是我至今领受最深的。因为你不追究过范，

我们才能从敌人成朋友。万分感谢。。。。。

感谢“老爷”。如果我能问你一个问题，

问题会是 “你为何要帮助我？”。发生了这么多

出乎我们预料的事，大家都受惊吓了吧。

结局虽然不是你所计划的，但希望你不会耿耿于怀。

你的所作所为, 我十分不明白，

但我依然尊敬，爱戴你。

感谢 Derek。You were named after a prince, Prince Derek from the “Swan Lake”. I now understand why you are called Derek….. because to me, you are a Prince. My Prince. Among them all, I love you the most.

感谢颖豪。你不仅是“大哥”，更是个天使。

你是上帝派来保护，来安慰，来鼓励的吗？

What more can I say? Thank you for everything, from the beginning till now…..

感谢Yvonne。当初和我一同搭飞机到 Brisbane

的朋友。因为有你，在 Brisbane 的日子更灿烂，

更兴奋。少看点 Anime, 快去念书！！

感谢 William。我是在去年的 RiverFest 认识你

的吧。Well, thanks for that cookie, if nothing else…. haha…

感谢 Ming Li。虽然我们都没说出口，

但我晓得你是一个很细心，很稳重，很loyal 的

朋友。我从你身上也学习了不少。
All the best, my friend! I’ll see you back home!

感谢 Cheryn。我的同乡。我十分怀念我们一同

为 BIOT3004 奋斗，一同 condemn BIOT3004 的

日子。一同到 Brisbane 四处游玩，到 Stradbroke 度假，

有你这个 traveling partner 太棒了！

感谢 Kelly, Auntie, Siqi, Wen Hui (aka Dell Rd/Boomerang Rd gals). You girls are truly
like a family to me. I’m so glad that you girls are around. I remember all the ups and downs we shared together. Just a pity that some of you are graduating. You will be dearly missed.

感谢 Geraldine。你这学期来了 Brisbane,

带给了大家不少欢笑。

感谢 Mek, Nicole。虽然没什么机会和你们多接触，

但我还是希望有机会更认识你们。。。。

感谢 Yi Kai。有时觉得你很坏，每次欺负 Wee，

但你也有很搞笑的一面。为你理想（的女人）加油！！！ Hahaha

感谢 Dr Ross Barnard & Dr Steve Reid。 You guys are more than just lecturers, you are great teachers! Thanks for going out of your way to help students, for taking such great interest in our work!

感谢 Dr James Fraser & team。To James: I truly appreciate your dedication and guidance all this while. I have learnt so much from your teaching, your training sessions, and from you personally. Thanks a lot, sir!!

感谢 Chris G。For being my crush during Immunology lessons. Hahaha!!

感谢 Puay Siong。因为你太好欺负了！！哈哈！！

感谢 Jace。Grandmother shepherd…..meh meh….

感谢 Shin Yee “Mam”, Veon。我从你们生命当中，

真正体验了神的爱。To Mam: From your love,
I have seen what it is to be “We love, because
He first loved us…”

感谢 Elyssa。 Thank you for your constant encouragement, your sharing, always keeping us
(your sheeps) in your thoughts, your prayers. You were there, always there, watching out, reaching out….

感谢 Helen。You are so sweet!! Haha!!

感谢 Huang Ling (che che)。

你默默的关怀，鼓励，帮助。。。。

感谢 Doris。虽然还不是和你很熟，但你很好笑，

你煮的食物很好吃，wahaha!!

感谢 Joel, Johanan。和我一同在上学期加入

Judah 5 的朋友。

感谢 Cintia, Sunny, Robin。感谢你们一直以来的照顾，

的爱戴。我也爱你们！

感谢 Martina, Daisy, Jessie, Joey。I try and practice “We love, because He first loved….” Thanks for giving me the chance…..

感谢 Issac。Though I do not know you extremely well, I realize you are a generous person in your own way =)

Last but not least…..

感谢佩璇。What can I say? You have been with me all this while, through the worst and best times of my life. You know naima shy one, won’t say “Luv you” or “Thank you” in your face….but…..LUV YOU!!! Muacks muacks** I’m just so so glad to have you around!!
If 大哥 is angel, you are angel among angel! ~Big Hugz~　

Lastly and most importantly…..

感谢 God。我的拯救者，我的帮助，我的医治，

我的盼望，我的能力，我的君王，我的上帝。。。。

*******

“Can’t imagine without you, I’ll be lost and so confused….Because of you, it’s all brand new…..

Exams

2007-06-05T17:21:00.000+10:00

It is interesting to note people's reactions when it comes to exams.

At the computer lab today, during Bioinfo...

(Ah beng accent) "Hey you have a paper soon?"

(Indian accent) " Yeah, the ninth...some micro stuff..."

"Wad's the course ?"

"Some micro...the 3003 one"

Hmm....seems like some of us dun even know the name of the course we have signed up.

Another overheard conversation:

(Ah beng) "how's your virology?"

(Indian) "Viro.....when is it??"

Enough said. Obviously this guy has other, more important exams coming up.

My reaction??

"Seriously I dun care...its my last exam anyway, in months time I'll be postgrad (if I have an overall GPA 4.5). "

60 marks worth of J Fuerst in this upcoming micro3003 paper. It had better be good. Im not good at predicting exam questions.

awaiting the empress and prince derek

2007-05-18T13:47:00.000+10:00

Alright, I'm not going to let fear and stress get the better of me. I know I'll make it through by grace. Here's wad's goin on....

2 weeks ago...

Went to south bank to watch Peixuan perform in some buddha festival. She was with the sunnybank wushu troupe, and they had wushu performance. It wasn't too bad. There were some pretty cool moves and cool guys (aka chicky)....hahahah.....Ate alot at the food fair too. firstly, Yvonne and me had some fragrant cinnamom cheerios, than we headed over to the Suncorp Piazza to watch xuan, and after the performances, we headed over too the food stalls. I had 2 Japanese pancakes, "ham chee peng" (it's hungarian pizza actually, but tastes more like ham chee peng), dippin dots ice cream. yummy! Sophia and Kelly and gang were there too. Nice.

On Saturday, celebrated 2 J5 birthdays in a row. The pizza, the fast-food, the cake, the sabo, (Peanut butter and bbq sauce. Cruel.) the punishment....haha, feels like high school again. Wendy and Jessie, hope you gals like the prezzies, haha, I spent 2 afternoons in the city just for this.

And on the following monday, it was a public holiday, so the gals camped over at my place for a night of facial and movies. It was so funny seeing each other in sleepwear and facial masks. Hahaha. Went for my very first evax on monday too. Spoke to an angmoh, a chinese girl and a Filippino guy. It was a good experience really. Haven had a good session of street evengelism since CPCF days.

1 week ago

Went to a J5 housewarming. Had wanted to bless my fellow bros and sis with my prize-winning Japanese curry. Only thing is, it turned out too watery, the meat was too tough, the vegetable taste bland. Terrible. It was even mistaken as kambing sup....(Thx bro, i'll remember this comment...-_-)

To top off all this excitement, the empress and derek are coming to visit me!! Hahaha, right now, today!! Im actually a knot of excitement and anticipation right now. Have no idea how our meet-up will be like. In anyway, Im just very thankful for this, it is indeed a message of reconciliation, of love, of humility. i've learnt so much through it all.

2007-05-18T13:39:00.000+10:00

Was going to blog about the going-ons over the previous weekends, until I threw a glance on my exam timetable.

Molecular Microbiology: 9 June, from 6pm to 8pm
Immunology: 12 June, 8am to 10am
Bioinformatics Assignment: Due 12 June

Bottom line: Panic...

CD40/CD40L

2007-05-09T11:11:00.000+10:00

Im supposed to have started on my research for CD40/CD40L (whatever they are) since yest. Right now, im still glued to my computer screen reading blogs.

Its a truly therapeutic thing, i feel, surfing blogs, checking out people's life (or no life for some). Just discovered boon fei's and vic's blog, haha...which also shows how WOLS i am. Have known them like for ages and never really went checking out their blog (or "checking them out" for the matter). Which also shows that very often, you can "know of" a person, yet never really "know" a person. kinda sad actually. Still....

Anyway, Im just very much missing home for the past week. Mom called and as usual nagged me to get aussie PR.

Mom: "Apply for PR lah, you will be eligible right? After your studies.."
Me: "Yea...Well..i know, my friends have all made plans to stay here.." (sian voice)
Mom: "Then you leh? You wanto stay?"
Me: "Actually, no. I wanto come back..."

Enuff said. It took me 6400km away from home to realise where home is.

Anyway, i had a fun weekend. Will update in my following post. Gotta check out CD40/CD40L now. *Sigh*If only they are cute aussie/japanese dudes instead of some cellular surface component.

2007-05-01T11:40:00.000+10:00

Feels like a rut now.

Hair -unkempt, untrimmed
Clothes - Unwashed
Bedroom - A potent dust pit
Assignments - Undone
Meals - uncooked, improper

Its that time of the semester. Mid-semester exams, assignments, project deadlines seemingly sucking the life out of you.

I was in lab completing a section of my research project, and whoa, after i stepped out of that squeaky science building, i felt as if I have aged. Told this to my housemate, who cracked up laughing as she described her similar experience at a job interview. she had 1 hour of scrutiny and interview....imagine that. Its terrible, I'll never work for a company that is so "niao"....

********

Enuff of all these drudgery. Here is a compiled list of things that I would want right now:

1. Laze around on the velvety white sands at Gold Coast, surrounded by surfer dudes and hot chicks.

2. Eat dimsum in the corner coffeeshop in Johor Jaya, my hometown.

3. Eat the "opium noodles" at another corner coffeeshop in Johor Jaya.

4. Eat "you tiao" and soymilk.

5. Eat "la mian" and "xiao long bao" at Crystal Jade in Singapore

6. Watch Heroes on my house TV.

7. Go shopping for winter fashion

"Won't it be nice..."

Wedding Bells in the air

2007-04-24T14:40:00.000+10:00

Wedding Bells in the air~~ lalala....

One of the most inspiring people/leader I've met is getting married. First met this brother in CF, and have hence learned alot from him, been encouraged and inspired countless times by him. Had coordinated with him during my short stint as CPCF chair and the MEET mission trip to Yunnan last year. Really enjoyed those times. And I'm really thankful that God has put such people (among various others) in my life to show how amazing christian walk can be.

Also, through this wedding, i can see how much joy and blessing is brought forth when people who love God get together. Which reminds me to put Him first once again.

Going to post the wedding invite pics, hopefully the bride and groom wun mind, haha...

The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to live alone...

...I will make a suitable companion to help him."

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they become one. Genesis 2:24

秋雨之福

2007-04-23T09:43:00.000+10:00

It finally rained in Brisbane.

The land was dry, parched, thirsty. It has been deprived of the freshness of dew, it has lost its fluidity, its gentle grace and sway in the breeze.

It needed rejuvenation, a refreshing touch from heaven. Just as the people's hearts needed a new breath of love, hope and joy.

"....Rain down on me, rain down on me

Here in your presence i am free.

Pour out your rain, come and touch me again,

Lord let your presence fall on me...."

Straddie Getaway

2007-04-11T17:30:00.000+10:00

Hee, this is exclusive: Pictures of my Straddie Getaway. Certain pictures are of course censored *ahem*, but those over here are just as good. Enjoy!

Me at the rocks!!

You jump, I jump....

The roaring Pacific ocean

Say Cheese~~

Look at the ferry-barge behind us!!

A battle fought. A battle won.

2007-04-11T02:20:00.000+10:00

8 April 2007. Remember this date.

The day that marks the truth that sets me free.

I shared my Testimony to the congregation of Hope Brisbane Church. Testimony of my happenings over the past semester. Here goes:

"Good morning brothers and sisters. My name is Eliza and I come from the family of Judah 5. I came to UQ last July for studies. I was enrolled in a Bachelor of Biotechnology course that was to be completed in two years.

Before I came, I had managed to secure a sponsor that pays my entire course fees. So I had no financial problem, I was happy and it was all good. In fact, I knew that it was a blessing, and I was just so excited and full of thanks to God.

Everything went well until the end of last semester, when there was a misunderstanding which resulted in bad terms and fallout between my sponsor and I. And because of this, the sponsorship was cancelled. I was very upset, and I kept asking why. Why did such a thing happen, if this was a blessing from God? God, how could u allow such a thing to happen, when the sponsorship was supposed to be a blessing from u?

I was also very angry and bitter with the people involved, as I believed that it had all happened because of other people.

At the same time, I was worried that I may not be able to complete my 2 years of studies here. At a point of time, I even thought of quitting the honours programme, so that I could shorten my degree to 1 year.

After all these, after the semester has ended, I went back to Singapore for the holidays. When I was in Singapore, in January this year, God miraculously provided for me again. During that time in January, the stock market did extremely well for just a brief period, and stock values increased ___________.

At this point, my dad realized that he had some unit trust, and even though it has not matured, but due to the good stock values, he could sell it off and not make a loss. So he sold it, and the amount was exactly enough to pay for my second year of studies.

After all these, even though the money has been provided for, I realized that I still had no peace, and there was a lot of bitterness and unforgiveness within me. God reminded me that I had to change. Gradually, slowly, God helped me to focus back on to Him again, and I learnt that at such times, trusting God and submitting to Him is still the best. Now, I am able to forgive, I have looked beyond the situation and even give thanks.

Finally, I would like to end with this verse from Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

8 July 2006 was where it started. 8 April 2007 is where it officially ended.

A battle fought. A battle won.

Thank you God.

Straddie Day 1

2007-04-04T16:28:00.000+10:00

I was thinking of blogging about my Straddie weekend when the pics are uploaded, but i can't wait. Afterall, I have know idea how long Cheryn wants to hog my bikini pics....better just do a verbal description first....

Saturday morning, 1 am
The J5 gals (aka Jace and gang) came over to my hse for an ice cream cake making session. Watched them make cake and made a mess of the house. Still, my house needs a housewarming, so come on over gals!! They made cakes and watched DVD -- Princess Diaries 2, and were amazed at the palace. Shin yee mentioned that i just got out from a palace too. I said "yea, its nice palace, just that i wasn't mine..." They continued watching, I went to bed.

Saturday morning, 7.30am
The moment is finally here!! I packed in the remnants of my sunscreen, tidbits and headed out the house. Heehee, so excited, can go beach liao!! Reached the UQ bus stop and Mek was there! I should have know it!! how could she resist not coming to this free holiday??

Cheryn came next, and pretty soon after, we boarded the bus. We were all tired, but were too busying yakking on the bus to fall asleep. Talked abt everything, from religion (which i tried to enlighten their understanding) to Cheryn's/Mek's drunk experiences. Sounds fun but a little over too.

Reached the port (think it's called Cleveland port) an hour and half later and waited for the ferry. Its those kind of ferries trawling between mainland Malaysia and Penang Island, where u could crive the whole vehicle up. It was cool!! Reminded me of my childhood days where nin and i would get out of the car and walk all around the ferry. So the bus got on the ferry and we clambered out. It was fantastic. The crisp summer/authum breeze, with a slight tinge of sea salt refreshed us as we walked around the deck. The water was utterly beautiful, a crystal clear turquoise hue that danced gently around us. I could get lost in it forever. Even thinking of it now makes me go "aahh".

Had a nice chat facing the ocean on the ferry. Once on Straddie, we were whisked away to the UQ MBRS( Moreton Bay Research Station), where we would be staying in. I was already v excited, and could stop taking pictures. We had free time, whereby we took even more pics!! Heehee, "tou1 pai1" a lot of ppl( cute guys obviously). so we wandered around, and even spotted aboriginal ppl. Had a nice walk on the neighbourhood before heading back to the Station for lunch.

After lunch was a series of seminars (well, u can't expect an entirely sponsored school trip to be free of seminars) of which all of us were fighting to stay awake. I dozed off during the presentation of some shark antibodies, but was clear-headed enough to sit through Steve's presenation. An absolute no-no to be caught dozing by Steve, as he knows us well, and it would be v paiseh. Cheryn tried but failed. Just as well that Steve didn't spot her (or that's what i hope).

After the seminar sessions was another hour of pure drudgery -- Group discussion. We were given a scenario and asked to design a recombinant plant that was supposed to signal the presence of landmines. On and on my chinese (well, she's actually malaysian) tutor went, with her high pitch australian/malaysian accent. I was just stoning and getting irritated all the while. anyway, our group did came up with some ideas, and we presented them.

We had nearly two hours of break time, of which it was a unanimous decision to head back to our bunks and sleep! We were sharing a room with five other malay gals (they're msian too, from college) and they were utterly, terribly, scandalously, unforgivably noisy and rude. It is such a shame that I carry the same passport as them. Terrible. For two bleak hours, they were just chatting in malay, slamming the room door (i was sleeping next to the door), and making a ruckus. all the while when they could see that we were trying to get some sleep. What a bad name for the Biotech industry in malaysia. After seeing this, all the more im sure malaysia has to try harder if it ever wants to establish such an industry. And it could start off by asking their scientists to be more civilised.

Anyway, we "got up" from this "nightmare" (Cheryn calls it nightmare coz she's from a convent in JB, so she's been subjected to all the chattering) and went for dinner. Dinner was good -- lots of barbecue meat, and 4 types of cake!! (Oreo cheese, carrot cake, lemon meringue & custard pie) I haven feasted so much in ages!

We were supposed to go pub that evening. (Going to the pub is in the itinerary, apparently the ang mohs think their students should go there) Turn out the pub closes at 8.30pm. So the next best thing to do to find excitement, is to visit the local cemetery. So a group of us, with Steve, walked to the cemetery and hung around there. It was quite spooky initially, but towards the end, it was actually quite peaceful. Steve was showing us some landmark graves, telling us abit of history. We walked back to the Station soon after. And this concluded the first day on Straddie.

*******

more coming up, stay tuned....

2007-04-02T19:08:00.000+10:00

I was going to blog about Straddie, but something else caught my attention.

A phenomenon known as the "i'm-getting-bored" syndrome.

Consequences of this syndrome? Feelings of loneliness and a penchant to fantasize about guys.

Precisely what overseas students(female) are facing right now.

******

Apparently, when you are single, and away from home, you will want to start a new relationship. It's not because of the loneliness, rather, its because everything has somehow lost its initial ability to capture your thoughts. Positively speaking, life is very much settled down; negatively speaking, life is boring. So something or someone has to come and spice things up a little.

******

The above represents the observations and interpretation of the author. Any resemblance is purely coincidental and unintentional. However, if you identify with any of the above description, the author suggests you switch your focus on something else, and let nature run its course.

Straddie

2007-03-28T10:31:00.000+10:00

I have plans for the upcoming weekend.

The Biotechnology faculty has organised a free, all- expenses paid trip to Stradbroke Island. For those who do not know where Stradbroke Island (aka "Straddie") is, it is one of those Great Barrier Reef like places, with plenty of sun, sea, sand....and bikini babes.

Here's a sneak preview:

Heehee, I know I know, you can't wait to get there too right?? I promise to enjoy it to the max on your behalf...and i'll take lotsa pics to go with it too...haha

And since its straddie for the weekend, it'll mean that I have to chiong my assignments this week...So I'm gonna work hard for now...

My House

2007-03-15T16:01:00.000+10:00

Hey guys, the long awaited pics of my new house are out! Fresh, new, straight from the oven -- beware, they're HOT

My sunny little bedroom!!

My cozy little house =) Bedrooms and bathroom are upstairs.

Here's my block....53 Munro Street

A better close-up of how these units look like.

This is Munro Street. It is actually a little lane. In the background are blocks of "units" (they dun call it apartments here), and mine is similar to those.

我又怎能不爱他呢？

2007-03-12T09:32:00.000+10:00

我在前些日子看了 Mel 的 Blog。

Blog 的一处是这样写着的：
“神爱我，所以即使我迷了路，他都会耐心地指引方向。即使我不爱他，他依然会爱我，依然会照顾我。我虽然行过死阴的幽谷，也不怕遭害。因为你与我同在。”

我昨晚也在深思这一点。神在爱我的当儿，给了我两个选择。我能选择去接受他与他的爱，或是拒绝这一切。二选一，无论如何，神都是像父亲一样，会爱着我，会寻回我的。

很多时候，我都像个小孩，都会叛逆，会想去拒绝这位神。我的想法是:“选择是我的，生命是我的，我不需要，也不想要有一个神。。。。。”

但当我逾认识基督，我就逾发现他是如此的难于抗拒。“神爱世人，甚至将它的独生子赐给他们，叫一切相信他的，不至灭亡，反得永生。”
神为我，不惜舍了一切，我有怎能不爱他呢？

我又怎能不爱他呢？

~New Addy~

2007-03-07T16:55:00.000+10:00

Just shiftted to my new aussie address on Saturday. Its a small and cozy unit, with 2 storeys (bedrooms located on top floor), and a sunny kitchen. A perfect bachelorette pad! (It even has two perfect bachelorettes stayin in it) New addy is: 3/53 Munro Street, St. Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia. Its convenient too, just a mere 15 mins walk to UQ. No more rush hours for me.

Somehow, I managed to pack up my stuff (and feelings) from 36 Dickson Terrace within just 4 days. Arrived in aussie land on Tuesday 26 Feb, and was out of this address by 2nd March. In alot of ways im still packing my thoughts. Was pretty emotional all this while too. Especially during yesterday's prayer meeting. God help me tide over this emotional wave. I cannot do it by myself.

School is really busy this semester too. Already had my hands full with 2 major assignments, and more is coming.

Still a word of thanks to xuan and YH. i dun know if ure gonna read this entry, but really thanks. your presence on Saturday really cheered me up =)

And to God, thank you for all these too. I do not know why things happen as such, but I know that you are good.

The House on Top of the Hill: A Chapter Closed

2007-03-03T01:10:00.000+10:00

That's all folks.

Yes, this is my last night here, in this setting, on this table, in this room. I'm leaving 36 Dickson Terrace. For good.

This is a friday night, and I had just came back from an orientation activity with J5 in Southbank. Had treasure hunt, and I must have walked like 8km, hiding the clues and rescuing the clues. For most part of the night, I was wondering around with a heavy heart. It was really lonely.

Went back on the Citycat. I was out on the deck the entire journey, and I could enjoy (for the last time?) Brisbane's night scenery. It went pass Goodwill Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and through the Story Bridge. As I took in the sights, a sense of nostalgia just washed over me. Just a few months ago, the beginning of December, I had spent nearly the whole night here, with Xuan, Yvonne and Ying Hao. We had walked all the way from Story Bridge, pass the cliffs (Where we saw a snake!! eeks!) across Goodwill Bridge into QUT. The memory is vivid. The laughter and jokes are vivid too. The companionship is unforgetable. And I was so much happier and carefree a couple months ago.

So I took the Cat, reached Brett's Wharf, and embarked on the dangerous journey to Hamilton. Dangerous cause the road is dark and has no pedestrains. Once, a car full of youngsters slowed and stopped beside me and someone screamed at me. It utterly freaked me out. Tonight was different though. It was a Silent night, a peaceful walk. Hopped on Rei's QLD7 at the bottom of the hill.What a coincidence. And I thought I'll never see him again. And I got my final wish to view the house again when he parked at the back garage.

The House on Top of the Hill: A Chapter Closed

她越说 “不喜欢”，心中就越喜欢”。。。。

2007-03-02T12:28:00.000+10:00

想与大家介绍一个朋友。

姓何，名欣佩.
今年 21 岁。
女性。
身处澳洲布里斯班。
在布里斯班时最喜欢 complain and comment on her housemates。
嗜好：放学后到朋友家聊 housemates 的闲话。
性格：嘴硬心软，口是心非，自相矛盾（这也是她最近才发现的）

欣佩的一些话：
I never thought this day will come when I have to move out.
想回头来，我几个月前还迫不及待想离开这地方。
当时我还每天 complain 周围人的举动，批评他们的作为。
现在才发现自己心深处其实是万分不舍。

口中时常说 "教 Derek 念书很麻烦”，
但现在再也没机会教时却想抓着他坐下写作业。

平时一直认为 “瑞” 对我有偏见，没礼貌，
可现在我却觉得他那当初的 “Boo!”游戏还有意思，
也更不会忘记我们一同上学的那一次。
平时我一见 “瑞” 就散，但如今。。。我再也没机会见到他了吧。
一同上学的那一次，也是最后一次吧。

我也认为太后有问题，不友善，没良心，但现在要离开，
却舍不得和她说再见，心中是多希望能和她聊一聊，
重新认识这位长辈。

我也一直觉得 roommate 是个没用的笨女人，
但如今我回到孤零零的房间，却觉得她也是个良伴。
我也终于明白了她做的一些事，是有苦衷的。。。。

心中之间一直觉得这里没一个是好人，
但如今却想再多看大家一眼，再拥抱一次。
心中之前一直想离开这座城堡，
但如今，却想再一次欣赏它的荣美。

后记：有些人就是要等到失去才懂得拥有。
嘴硬心软的欣佩更是如此。
她越说 “不喜欢”，心中就越喜欢”。。。。

布里斯本黄金殿

2007-02-28T21:06:00.000+10:00

周董不久前拍了一部电影， “黄金甲”。

《菊花台》 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0L05XnMI3Q

故事说明三人的关系. 皇帝，皇后与太子。
这是如此亲密与简单的关系。
但故事却在三人血腥的争斗中结束，
只留下沾满鲜血的菊花，破碎的心灵，
与一个空虚的黄金甲。

布里斯班有一个“黄金殿”。

殿中住着三个不同关系的人。
“老爷”，“太后”与“姐姐”。
老爷是殿中之主，拥有殿中的权柄。
太后是管家，负责殿里一切大小人物的住宿与生活。
姐姐是老爷在外认识的人物，负责孩子们的学习。

姐姐和老爷是在一次偶然的机会下认识的。
当时，姐姐有个愿望，姐姐的朋友便介绍老爷给他，
说老爷能帮助实现愿望。
老爷一句不吭就答应帮助姐姐，但也要求了姐姐两件事。
姐姐得负责孩子们的学习，而更重要的，
是不让太后知道这份交易。
姐姐为第二个要求苦恼了许久，但最终也答应了。

太后是在不知交易的情况下认识姐姐。
太后虽然心中深感莫名其妙，但见姐姐是老爷介绍的，
就不去多理会了。
况且，姐姐对教育孩子们有大本领，
也算能负担她 “官家” 的一些责任。

一切风平浪静，一直到那一年的夏季。

那一年夏季，太后远出，
到了老爷和姐姐相识的地方。
在那里，太后得知了两人之间的交易，
心中浮起了许多疑点。
太后找了姐姐问个究竟，姐姐也在无可奈何，
进退两难的情况下把真相水落石出。
太后怒火冲天，心浮气躁找了老爷问个清楚。

面对那些问题，老爷完全没有心理上的准备。
老爷心中又惊又怒 --
为着太后的指控受惊，为着姐姐把真相篼出发怒。
面对妻子与真相，老爷选择妻子，
弃绝了真相，也一同弃绝了姐姐。

姐姐一直都深感无奈。
无奈要在爱戴的孩子们和太后面前隐瞒真相，
无奈要在敬重的老爷面前守承诺，
一直以来为着心中的挣扎忧愁无畅。
姐姐在把真相水落石出后，
十分害怕太后和老爷的惩罚，
也更是害怕夫妻之间起纠纷。
噩梦落实，老爷太后起了纠纷。
老爷要姐姐离开。姐姐也答应了。

过些日子，太后要求姐姐留下不走。
姐姐无法再次违背老爷，就坚持离开了。

黄金殿只留下
沮丧的老爷，
无奈的太后，

与姐姐短暂的踪影。

菊花残满地伤
你的笑容已泛黄
花落人断肠我心事静静躺
北风乱夜未央
你的影子剪不断
徒留我孤单在湖面成双

A Song to Share

2006-12-08T15:00:00.000+10:00

First came across this song 2 years back, during a combined PCF prayer meeting. I can still remember it was a meeting chaired by one of the english side juniors (she has taken over as the chairperson since graduation of the 2006 team). This is a really nice song, its puts things back into perspective, and once again reminds me of who I am....

Who Am I -- Casting Crowns

Verse 1:
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Chorus:
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling Lord,
You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Verse 2:
Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

Listen to the song @
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sKiClckoBo

Reflections

2006-12-03T08:41:00.000+10:00

It has been 1 semester. Just a mere period of 6 months, and in some ways my life, or rather, I myself have changed so much.

Changed in terms of my attitude towards the people around me -- I've come to learn to love and accept them regardless of what they do or what they are. Just as the verse says,"Love your neighbour as yourself" and in 1st Corinthians 13 "Love is patient.....". Seriously, in all 20 years of my life on earth, I've never fully understood, and I've never loved others as much until now.

Changed in terms of having a thankful attitude. Over here, each day, I just wake up and give thanks. Give thanks for having people to take me in, for giving me a roof over my head. Give thanks to God for providing and leading each step since April this year. I am just so thankful for my friends here too....I just want to say,"You guys are angels. All the support, the encouragement u people provided when I was just so broken in soul and spirit....I wouldn't have make it back without all of you. Thank you for always standing by me, in all circumstances. The care and the love, thank you."

Changed in terms of faith and fear. WHEN FAITH ARISES, FEAR DISAPPEARS. I was going through some perilous situation just a couple of weeks ago. Indeed I felt like I was "walking through the valley of the shadow of death", and that I was at the mercy of certain grown-ups around me. For a brief period, I have lost all hope and trust and I was just so fearful that I skipped dinner for 2 weeks straight. But God just comforted me and gave me peace. He gave me a song, which I wish to share now:

"When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with you above the storm.
Father you are king over the flood,
and I will be still know you are God."
-Still-

I am a timid person by nature. But after this incident, I know that my God goes before me, and that I can trust in Him regardless of whatever situation I see before me. Yes, circumstances and situations can threathen me, can disturb me, but it cannot harm me because He is my God. There is no fear when I trust in Him.

Changed in terms of finding rest. Each new day I just learn to seek rest and a double boost of strength as I turn to the Lord. And I just became the Duracell Bunny from there.

Changed in terms of righteousness. By nature, Im a person who would rather do things "by left" as long as I see that it is convenient and is the easier way out. But these 6 months have taught me how doing the right things is not an option, but is a must at times. Although it is difficult and inconvenient to do it the right way, but it still has to be done. Yes, and "Honesty is the Best Policy". I was having a conversation with a friend and I said,

"I know I should tell the truth, but the truth hurts."

"Yes it hurts, but the truth will set you free," was his reply.

Till today, I've not forgotten that reply.

Changed in terms of joy. Joy is different from happiness, as I've come to realise. Happiness (幸福）is when you have blessings abound and when carefree laughter escapes from your lips. Joy (喜乐）is when circumstances look abit shaky, but bursts of laughter still escapes from your lips anyway.

In a lot of ways, I will never be the same again.

2006-11-02T21:32:00.000+10:00

I should start studying now. I really should.

Exams are in a couple of days time. And to think I came here all the way to study. And while it has always been my dream to come here, I had sacrificed alot too. Sacrificed not in a way that most people understand it to be....well, I can't describe it, but there is a sense of loss.

Still, I believe that "all things work together for good, for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." How wrong can things go when you know it has a divine purpose? Hah.

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal"
2 Corinthians 4:18

Just how profound are these words. And to think for most part of my life I've been fretting over trivial issues, fretting over what temporary stuff. By grace, I had since realised it all a couple years ago, when I was badly torn between my then current lifestyle and the life I've been called to. All I once held dear, I had learnt to count some (not all yet) as loss....and I've never looked back since then.

Such is the power of the cross.

A midsummer's night's dream lost

2006-11-02T20:47:00.000+10:00

I'm coming home.

Was in waiting for the bus in town, when I caught sight of the eastern wing of Queen's Plaza. A slightly illuminated "David Jones" lettering was seen against the white facade of Queen's Plaza. A summer breeze was in the air, sending the occasional falling leaves in my direction.

It was at this time that I felt a surge of excitement rush through. I felt like a kid who can't wait for her birthday to come to start opening her presents.

This is a familiar feeling. When had I experienced it?? Aha, yes, it was those nights, not too long ago, where I'll hug my pillows tight and pull my blanket extra snugly around me, just because I know I'll be missing the familiar smell and feel of them for quite some time. And I'll always, as I grabbed my pooh bolster, anticipate the 7th of July when I'll be flying to Brisbane.

I'm in Brisbane now.

I'm an international student in the University of Queensland. I'm representing the dreams of many who could only dream about studying overseas, and who could never ever afford to study overseas.

Not that i could afford too. It was all thanks to "Lao Ye".

Still, I'm living out the dreams of many. Strangely, it doesn't feel familiar, it doesn't feel like my own dream. I must have missed out something somewhere.

I hope I'll find it back.

2006-10-28T14:22:00.000+10:00

More pics coming up...Derek (middle) with his 2 cousins. In case you're wondering, Derek is the kid i tuition nearly everyday in Aust. Cute eh?

2006-10-28T13:33:00.000+10:00

Whatever happened to the tag board company? Aren't they supposed to provide tagboards for suscribers? Sigh...... Yea, anyway, some pics to share around...

The Judah 5 group

Wad's been happenning....

2006-10-28T13:07:00.000+10:00

Well, nothing's much been happenning lately. It was kinda monotonous: Wake up, go to school, rush home for Derek, work till the wee hours, cram in 2 hours of consolation sleep, and the next routine begins. Thankfully that was over though, all my assignments had been handed in. (Thank you God! Indeed ur grace is sufficient!) Now its just exams left to deal with.

Hmm, celebrated xuan's 20th birthday in the midst of all these happenings. Wanted to check out the viet cuisine last last friday, but we reached Hawken Dr. unknowingly early, and it wasn't open. Settled for the next best choice -- Thai Tomyam!! Haha! It was good, the tomyam and green curry (im still savouring the taste now 2 weeks later), just wished i could do this more often. So it was kind of a birthday treat, heehee...oh, and charles came by too,haha. Next was coffee at the Crema cafe next door -- nothing refreshes like a cool mango frappe on a hot summer day =)

Had a more "official" celebration on Sat evening, when we hit out to "Three monkeys" cafe in West End. It was meant to be a surprise for her actually (the venue was undisclosed), as she'd wanted to visit this plc since the first time we set foot there. Pity it was pouring the entire nite and the place was crammed full, so the "cozy, happy" atmosphere tt i had hoped for was not achieved...darn it...still, as long as birthday gal likes it...

Hmm, prior to the birthday celebration, the J5 caregroup went up to Ipswich for a prayer walk. It was really fun, and we took train all the way (saw queenslander houses, even a bush fire) there. Ipswich campus is so beautiful too!! It gives a quiant, laidback feeling dere. We prayed, tried to play some games, talked -- basically just self-entertained. (One has to master the art of self-entertaining while in aussie land or be bored to tears) But it was nice, hope we can do this more often, heehee =D

Updates again!

2006-10-15T00:13:00.000+10:00

Wedding Bells~~

Jace and Alvin said "I do" today!......For richer, for poorer, in health, in sickness...till death do us part...

It was a wedding under the blue skies. I left the house early, dressed to kill (not realli lah) and made my way to city to meet other J5 bros & sis. We made our way to south brisbane, to woollongabba, to a church. It was a truly beautiful building, on a hilltop, an anglican church, complete with glided altar and stained window panes. Have never seen a wedding in a more beautiful place. Jace was stunning in an off-shoulder gown and Alvin looked so happy the entire morning! (Think he'll be even happier at night...hehehe *wink*) It was a truly happy morning, and everyone looked great as well!

The ceremony was a short one, by ps wilson (he rox!), and after tt was picture time! Took so much pictures!! (now the next step is to try and get dem from the photographers) Went home tired, but happy...

Mid-authum festival
I was going to write "mooncake festival"....
Surprise surprise, all u mooncake conoisseurs out dere, good news if ur in brisbane! Im one myself and im glad to say i dun have to put up with horrible, vile, "made-in-australia" mooncakes. Those who are familiar to aust will know that one should never trust chinese food in aust. They just taste different (ie. BAD). Well, there was actually a group sellin mooncakes in church and i was like "heck, just buy it..." So i paid 6 bucks each mooncake, and lo behold, it was those familiar "Fook San" brand from malaysia! Buatan Malaysia rox! Yummy yummy!

Oh, and caregrp had a zhong qiu celebration too! There were lotsa new friends, and xuan yvonne, william, kelly and shiqi came too! I led games, and we enjoyed ourselves so much! (The tie game always works!) Nxt we gorged ourselves on mooncakes!! Lanterns and sparklers (with compliments fr sunny) were next! Felt like a kid again lor!

Hehe, that was for the past few weeks, now muz start to pia le!

Updates~~

2006-10-02T23:22:00.000+10:00

Before my memory fails me, here are some of the few happenings over the past weeks that ought to be chronicled:

Clare's birthday (17 Sept)
It was xuan's english housemate's 24th birthday!! She really knows how to celebrate and stuff. When I popped by the flat in the morning, there she was, her room crammed full with cards, balloons, party poppers, the party stuff etc. And she single-handedly liven up the otherwise drab apartment with her birthday flowers and banners!! (This takes 3 big, bright bouquets and a long banner). And for her dinner, we went to Breakfast CreekHotel, the Raffles hotel equivalent n Brisbane! Its was a really nice, family place actually, and reasonable food prices as well. We eat, drink, talk (though actually I felt quite funny, being overpopulated by her ang moh friends), and soaked in the australian culture of eating at good restaurants. Oh, and one thing, caucasians do sing the birthday song, in addtion to clinking glasses. So the birthday celebration was an eye-opener.

Yvonne's birthday(20 Sept)
I've got plenty of September babies surrounding me. And Yvonne turned 21 just last last weekend. We tried so hard to get her a present, and in the end I settled for a book which is "dress-size proof" and a sure "no mistake" present. And the cake was a 1kg caramel cheese cake (sinful sinful!) shared by just 5 persons (Han song was here!!). I was fretting over the cake actually, but settled for the caramel one as it was wad she and xuan liked, even though I would not go near caramel if I had a choice. We stuffed ourselves crazy that night -- a proper asian dinner at sunnybank, then coffee at a real cool, eclectic place known as the three monkeys!! Well, besides eating, I didn't do much, just listened to lotsa "stories" from sg wushu and aussie stuff (courtesy of my wushu frens and Dan). Still, it was just a great night to chill out.

Church Anniversary
Yea, it was quite cool, the celebrations. Its like a big high school party, just that it was the christian community version. Pastor shared on 1 Peter 2:9 one of my fav verses in the bible. Had a church membership class in the morning before I caught "Stormbreaker" with a couple of CG ppl. A tiring day, but, fun.

Can we be good without God?

2006-09-27T20:47:00.000+10:00

An article that struck me, and made me think deeply....

"Once one of my students asked if he could talk about God with me. I said okay. He told me he didn’t see why he couldn’t be good without God. I asked him why he didn’t. He said, “Because I think I’m a decent person.” I replied, “If you think your decency is high enough for God, your idea of God must be pretty low.” At first he was shocked. But then I asked him whether he thought he could go a week without selfishness, without resentment, without lust. I asked whether he thought he could go a day, an hour, ten minutes. He got the point, because he knew he couldn’t. By myself, neither can I.

You see, trying to do without God has ruined us inwardly. Yes, by His mercy, there are still some good things in us, but not one of those good things is in its original healthy state. Not only are we broken, but we can’t repair ourselves. Could you perform surgery on your own eyes, or treat yourself for madness? Suppose you tore off both arms; without your hands, could you sew them back on? Our sin- sickness is something like that. We may long to love purely, but our desires have become idols that control us. We may long to be holy, but our righteousness has become self-righteousness that rules us. We may long to be reconciled with God, but we can’t stop wanting to be the center of the universe ourselves.

Because the law of right and wrong is written on the heart of all, many philosophies and religions teach about right and wrong with pretty fair accuracy. What they can’t do is heal the sin-sickness. However true, no mere doctrine can do that. Our cancer requires more than a doctrine. What it requires is the divine surgeon, God Himself, and the name of His surgery is Jesus Christ."

Prof Theo @ www.boundless.org

春

2006-09-24T11:22:00.000+10:00

Saw the first signs of spring early this week. It was a tree tucked away in a corner of the Great Court. It was barren just a day ago. There it was, with all its dry, pale branches, casting a gloomy shadow in the field. All other trees had greenery, not the lush, crisp green, nevertheless, green despite the winter. All but this tree.

And just a day later, it was no more. The barreness had been overcome by purple blooms. It had become a lively, lavender bush, its flowers dancing in the breeze. And it was the only tree that heralded spring.

This tree, the barren one, was now more alive than all others.

“谁说，沉睡已久的花蕾，不能绽放一级缤纷？
谁说寒冬之后的大地，不能展现一片青翠？
谁说曾经受伤的翅膀，不能再度自由地飞？
我要抬起头，张开双背，拥抱神所赐的世界。

I want to be free, 自由地飞
在爱中无惧怕，在爱中无伤悲。
I want to be free, 不再流泪
Because I believe that heaven is here
我有天堂在我的心。”

This is the power of life I think. Every season comes and goes; flowers fade and wither, but new ones always burst into new blooms, and a new life begins. He who gives life is indeed great.

20 yrs~~

2006-09-18T00:42:00.000+10:00

Thought I'll wait till all my prezzies arrived before chronicling the happenings. Apparently some never did (though i still hope the postman hasn't lost them), well,still, its the thought that counts =)

So how does it feel to have a birthday away from home?? Well, there is this 每逢佳节倍思亲 sort of feeling. I just tried to recall wad I have done on this day for the past 19 years -- and realised halfway that I was sitting alone in my room and stoning. It was last saturday, a lazy saturday afternoon (basically everyday is a "lazy day" in down under), and I had just left peixuan's apartment to come home for Derek. Was quite depressing initially, I mean, I dun really have kakis to go out wif, or cut a cake wif....

Or so I thought. I went out of the house, quite prepared for a quiet, "romantic" ("romantic" becoz I thought peixuan and yvonne are the only ones who know my bdae) dinner at south bank (at home or away from home -- a girl's gotta have at least a bdae treat!!) . Reached south bank, and decided to take a look around at the eateries. This place is really quite a nice place. It's like a fusion btw holland v and east coast and esplanade (minus the crowd....brisbane only has a population of 1 million as compared to sg's 4 million!!), so I had quite a nice time wandering around. Bought a tabiold mag and was poring over steve irwin's family pics when...

"We've been standing very long already hor."

I looked up, and saw a group of girls. Wad a surprise!! Looks like I won't need to contend myself with a quiet nite afterall! It seems that xuan, with all er "号召力" and "魅力" had gotten afew other girls from our lecture classes out for the nite. All speak singlish one, which was great!! We went to a fantastic italian place (Amici's), wif a waitress that looks suspiciously like one of our lecturers...and she was funny too! She served us and even tried to imitate our accent...haha. And I suspect the water was spiked, coz ppl like xuan got so high (i think she "自high"), and the table started making noise and silly jokes. We were quite a disturbance to the neigbouring tables -- but this is a chinese thing!! Ang mohs celebrate stuff by keeping their poise and drinking wine but chinese go "yam seng yam seng" (lucky we stopped short of really doin that, though cheryn was really excited abt it) even b4 we go high on the spirits.

So the pasta and pizza came, and we stuffed ourselves mad with the australian-sized servings. Den the cake. By den we're all dumping food on each other's plates as we were really full. Bt the cake was really good, sinful, rich, heavy stuff -- chocolate mud cake. And so the stuffing continues. (The remainder went home for derek). Will worry about detox the nxt day.

Walked back to city still feeling high. Caught the bus home, and yea, my housemates did actually know it was my birthday ( the chinese community isnt too big so news spread fast). Spent the rest of the night wif Dan, the big kaypoh, and Val, eating leftover mud cake (again!) and gossipping about some common people we happen to know. Bad bad me....commited 2 sins (sinful cake and gossip) on my very 1st day as a 20 yr old.haha...

Still, it was a memorable night to remember. Hmm, i guess this is wad life is in an unknown place. You do meet wif unsatisfied expectations, abit of down and bumming around sometimes, but for every bit of loneliness, there is dis new person out dere to be a friend, and for every bit of disappointment, dere is this amazing surprise too.

Oh, and thanks to you guys back in sg! I've received the prezzies le! Really really touched and surprised...my housemates are getting jealous seeing all the mail that comes, hahaha!

Yea, and most importantly, I must really learn to grow up now, be a better person, be a grown-up. I guess this is the essence over all celebrations.....

Dun wanna grow up -- Its been 2 months

2006-09-07T14:48:00.000+10:00

Hey mates. Its been 2 months. Left home on 7th july. Am trying to make a new home here on the 7th September.

Have been really busy too...this week was a slew of assignment deadlines, wrting and writing of essays, reports...*Yawn* ...Called home yest and in fact was so tired I nearly fell asleep while chatting wif mother.

Suspect Im getting old. I don't have the energy to chase after kids now as I had a month ago. My concerns are quite valid too, concerning the fact that Im turning 20 in a couple days time?? Hmm, soon to embark on the twenty-somethings-- not really thrilled though. Sometimes I wish I just dun hav to grow up.

RiverFest 2006

2006-09-03T11:03:00.000+10:00

RiverFest 2006 -- A time when the aussies gather and pay tribute to the "life-giving river"

Went to the RiverFest last nite. Highlight of the night was 45mins of fireworks (45 mins!! Makes NDP fireworks seem like peanuts, or shld i say, "candlelights" as compared to the fireworks here) and fighter jets stuns.

First up was the fighter jets. These jets are beautiful things, they are red and white, very polished and they deliver the most fluid motion. 6 jets soared down in synchrony from the western skies before pulling up, leaving white smoke trails behind. Next were spirals and turns and new formations. It was truly amazing!! All in synchrony too!! There were also some special jets which had fire at their tails instead of the normal white smoke. That is wad gave the "RiverFire" its name i think. The "fire jets" just flew up, paused in the sky for everyone to hold their breath, and "5,4,3,2,1..." soared across with the fire burning. Fantastic Stuff!! And the radio stations broadcast accompanying music too!! (NDP can take a clue form this!)

After the planes, were the fireworks festivities. We got fish & chips, spread it out on the ground and began munching under the stars. The fireworks were splendid!! It was surprises after surprises!! The entire sky was illuminated as sparks shoot out from the river into the sky. And there were variations -- all colours and patterns and shapes! My favourite was one that shoots up in a golden trail and burst into purple and golden sparks in the sky. It looked so royal, so majestic.

haha, it was indeed a cool nite out. Can't wait 4 it again!

2006-08-27T07:58:00.000+10:00

A quick update on wad has happened over the past 2 weeks (besides the EKKA).

EPISODE 1:
Last thursday (or was it last last thursday?) was Sam's mom's (aka: my landlady) birthday. Wad do rich people do during their birthdays? Haha, u have 1 guess....Tat's right! CELEBRATE!! BRING OUT THE GUESTS!! BRING OUT THE CHAMPAGNE!!

wHEW...it was too much for me to take...firstly, becoz of her, i've agonised over wad to do about it. I mean, hey, its only right that i give her a prezzie -- but once again im not her close buddy-buddy, so i've no idea wad to do. And this woman is clad from head-to-toe in designer stuff, like she'll fancy anything that we commoners can get her. So

Plan A: Get a present

Plan Dismissed. I've got to come up wif something better.

Derek. My Trump Card. MUAHAHAHA.....

"Hey derek, do you know ur mom's birthday is coming soon?"

"Yah, mama's birthday."

"We're going to make her a card, you know? We use this paper, u colour like this, and u can use my special silver pen!"

"Can I draw a pokemon instead? I can draw a 'chariosaut' (wadever it is) really well!"

"Hmm, okie, u can use this paper....(Im really not so thrilled about leaving the drawing to him), and wad do you want to write to mama?"

"I don't know. You write for me..."

"Sigh...okie.... (This is tough)."

So I got derek, her precious, most loved son to make her a card! Muahahaha! It was a simple thing, just his cartoon and my handwriting at the back (the nephew had to point out that it was my handwriting IN FRONT OF HER, he just had to do it -- can't he see that im trying to fake it like derek's? Grrr.....) Anyway, she was really surprised, so the 'surprise effect' that I had hoped for wasn't half as bad.

Next, they cut cake, eat and drink, blah blah....I didn't stick around for long, just disappeared into my room after the cake. Im really not good at such adult mingling functions (plus i dunwan any guests to think im the maid). So yea...thank God the traumatising nite was finally over...

EPISODE 2:
Okie, those of you who have a landlady, listen up. Wad would you do if you found out that you have not one but TWO landladies? If you see not just one but TWO exact replicas telling you wad to do?

Freak out? Yea, I did just that. My landlady's twin sister just arrived.

Hmm...okie, guess I must do them some justice (There's no way for me to escape if im being sued for defamation). They are nice people, but well, i still sorta feel abit funny sometimes around her. But anyway, her sis is quite okie, just that she had a daughter same age/younger than derek, and she's sorta "interested" in Derek's work.

"Oh, so he learns the piano and abacus! My girl knows too! Go girl, go play on the piano..."

It's okie. Im confident derek will not fare too badly on the piano under my tutelage.

EPISODE 3:
Went to cell group two days ago. The discussion topic was on bitterness and forgiveness. So, it was God telling me to love depite it all. Yes, I choose to forgive, to learn to love (even though its so tough... even though there is fear and a little mistrust), and to place my hope in Him. The above entries may seem funny. But when you're in the midst of experiencing it, it's not. Sigh...
SY said that its actually God molding me to be more like Him through this process. Yea God, I'll trust you den...

=)

2006-08-22T22:45:00.000+10:00

Ginger and I says "hi"...

A bucket of cotton candy -- all mine!

I got a gingerbread man here!

Aren't they adorable? I wanna be a cowgirl now and work in a farm....

Help! Im stuck in a sea of Ekka aussies!

It feels great to be a kid again!

2006-08-22T22:20:00.000+10:00

The aussies really have some cool carnivals!

Went to the Ekka last week. Its a traditional carnival thingy, with lotsa lotsa food, lotsa bright, cute games stall, farm animals (they were absolutely adorable!) and rides. Went there with eepei and her housemates....just too bad xuan did not get to go, as she had a terrible stomach flu. I "buy stuff eat stuff, buy stuff eat stuff", it was so fun I couldnt get enuff of it! I went on the chair lift (view from the top was gorgeous), fed animals, tried my luck at a games stall (and won!) and overstuffed myself with cotton candy!! Heehee, it feels great to be a kid again...

They had some cute show bags too...those goodie bags wif an assortment of stuff.. One had a furry pink hat that was so comical I couldn't resist. Heheheh, now I look like willy wonka. Oh, and the fireworks too! Its just beautiful -- now I wun think i missed out too much on NDP's fireworks...

Concert on the South bank

2006-08-16T01:55:00.000+10:00

Went out wif Veon for a chinese talent singing competition. Well, didn't technically go out with her, her tix was for someone else, but since the person can't make it, someone has to do the deed right?? Hee....

Anw, it was a so-so concert, very much akin to the Channel U "Superstar" singing competition. It was worse in fact, the emcees were boring, there were alot of leng3 chang3, and I was trying my best not to nod off... After watching dem, I had a "karaoke attack" and could not stop singing kbox songs. And becoz, of this, i missed the last bus back home. I felt quite bad though, had to ask valene (the eldest daughter in the family im stayin wif) to pick me up from the concert venue...

Hmm, wad can I say? There are many nice ppl around here, im aware of it, but I still feel that I can only trust each of them to a certain extent. I mean, people will be nice to you, say they are willing to help u etc. etc. but Im just not too sure how much of it is true. Helping me becoz they genuinely want to do so? Or just helping me out of obligation?

I appreciate it all. But I wish I could see the real them behind all these too.

Matthew 6:25-34

2006-08-12T19:17:00.000+10:00

Wild flowers taken when I was on my way out in the morning.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look to the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying,"What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do no worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:25-34

2006-08-10T15:05:00.000+10:00

Thanx simz, for doing up my blog. Im beginning to like it better and better now =)

Am blogging right now from school after a week's hiatus. Wad have I been doin this week? Let's see... Study, homework, research etc. Pretty sian stuff eh? Strangely, as I was doing all my homework, I suddenly realised that my diploma was only "half earned", as in I dun think in the first place with my kinda effort i could have graduated so easily. From wad I remember, I have somehow always copied a fren's experiment report, or plagarised essays from the net or others have always helped me with most part of my work....oops, confession time. Now, Im feeling more like a full time student, doing things the correct, "righteous" way. Finally, I've got a chance to right all the wrongs in the past.

Speaking of which, I think dis is one of the major benefits of coming here. You get to study. If I'd stayed at home to do my studies, I think most of the time I'll be doing anything but studying. Over here, I dun have that much frens (and that close frens) to hang out with, so I'll be mostly hanging out with books. And knowing the fact that you gave up so much to study will make u value the study opportunity even more.

Received mama's parcel and gorilla's letter yest. Read it over and over again while eating dinner. And the cold dinner did seem nicer (and warmer) after that.

Yes guys, I think we have all grown up in our ways. Though sometimes I really wish humans dun hafta grow up...but dis is life bah, i guess... Still, we have had great times together. We could at least look back with a smile...

Frens and folks at home, u guys take care too!!

1st Month Anniversary

2006-08-06T00:00:00.000+10:00

One month. 31 Days. 744 hours. That's how long I've been here.

Yea folks, thanks for all your support and prayers. It's been a whirl of a ride, and its just the beginning. Im looking forward to more. And to the people who has been with me for the past month, (YH, Yvonne and pai) you guys must have been the angels which others back home prayed for-- thanks, you made my month!!

Celebrated this one month anniversary at hawken. Wanted to relish the fish & chips initially, bt was suggested to try out the chicken wing rice. You know, those stuff which we eat back home, the golden brown crispy wings and white rice with a bit of sweet and sour sauce....rings a bell eh?? That was the thought that popped into my mind when I sampled it. I seemed to have tasted it sometime like a month ago....

Anyway, I think I've somehow grown up over the month too... Not exactly some matured, steady old pok, but I'm more independent now (Cooking and laundry), more street-wise (mess around in the city everyday) and more responsible? (Derek-- he's like my kid bro).... And I realised that well, growing up actually means u are able to take care of urself and others too. Hmm.. I've never been a superstar in the caring department, but guess I can start picking up form where I left off now =)

Yup, and most importantly, I just wanto thank Him for all He has done, past present future. He made my month!! =)

Life's a box of chocolates

2006-08-01T21:53:00.000+10:00

Just read choczfrens blog. Realised I missed the dinners and yakking very much.

Just escaped from a domestic dispute. Realised that I missed the quarrels between Dad and nin, nin and me, mom and dad.

Loneliness. Its a funny thing. It only creeps up stealthily at nite, when all is dark and quiet, and when the only human voice comes from the cd player. Just when u thought u have finally found some stuff to occupy ur brain with, den "Wham!" it goes and ur thoughts are trained back to home. And I was still supposed to be busy with assignments, poster presentations etc.

Nevermind. I've lost any concentration to work now. Shall just read some tabloid magazine and check out the latest winter fashion (not that i can afford any though). Am thinking abt a certain chozfren's blog post. I have thought of the same qn before: Do I know how to love a person? If I can’t do so, izzit becoz I love myself too much??

I dun think so leh…I’m not self obsessed.

I’ve not dated. But I’ve had crushes and really liked a person before. I really liked him…. And I left it at that. I did nuthin to express what I felt.

Well, perhaps im not just that kinda person to express intense feelings to others. You guys may think that im expressive or “action-packed”, but the real intense ones are the ones that only I know exist. Things like love, and sometimes I just dunnoe how to bring it across. The more I love the more Im cool and “bo chap” towards him. It’s a terrible thing—my actions just seem to go against my wishes…

To this certain fren’s post, well, dun think so much bah…. I still believe in缘份. Perhaps some things in life are like a winding road, we can’t see anything in the distance, but when u make a turn, and hey, its there!! It’s been dere all along, just that we haven seen it!

“Life’s like a box of chocholates. You never know what you’re gotta get.”

2006-07-29T22:59:00.000+10:00

Am tired. Just finished 2 weeks of laundry at one go. It seems pretty silly though, doing your laundry in the death of the night -- but who cares? The clothes still come out dry! Oh, speaking of which, i still haven figured out where is a certain piece of cloth article aired out a couple days ago....hmm....certainly dun wish that someone mistook it and is wearing it now....

[Went grocery shopping in the morning. Reach home eat, entertain kids. Entertain kids more. Entertian kids even more. Did laundry.] Hah, feels like a housewife already, but actually, i don't mind. In fact, after 3 weeks of such mundane activities, im beginning to enjoy it. Selecting veggies is so fun! You get to compare prices, check out the smell/taste of it, sample it sometimes, maybe even bargain...alright, shall not bore you with such trvial stuff...hahaha.....

West End is real cool! Its like a big carnival, with food stalls, fruit and veggie stalls, trinklets booth, somewhat similar to pasar malam -- but its in the morning though. We hopped on the Citycat, discussed abt s'pore vs aussie kids whilst waiting 4 Eileen to appear. After watching dogs go by, twins and triplets, she finally appeared and we hopped on the bus to the market. Xuan and me had trouble in the selection of veggies and some Jack guy came to our rescue...." You shld choose one that is greener....", "That's not good..." He knows his veggies like a pro man, puts us the ladies to shame, tsk tsk. Quite a nice guy, chatted up with him, carried our stuff for us -- and xuan was like, "you go get his no." So evil lah! Ask such an innocent and shy me to do such things....luckily yee wan was there 4 such situations, HAHAHA! Trust her to be the bold and unsuspecting one!

Raymond dropped me off at Valley for friday cell group. Realised that he has a limited vocabulary. He was quite akin to those rapper guys in school who punctuate every sentence with the four letter word. Seems like most guys here have limited vocabulary.

It was sushi nite 4 cell. Played a couple of games which reminded me of CF, my dear dear sweet little club back in polytechnic. Ooh, how I miss thee. Went to sleepover at xuan's place. Didnt get a backache dis time round; think my body has adapted well to the floor, hah. Stole her secret cheese omelette recipe while she was preparing brekkie 4 me...sobz...so touched...She's more like "naima" to me than im to her lah!

Hafta start studying tml. Time to get the ball rolling!!

A Prayer for Mom

2006-07-25T22:10:00.000+10:00

25th July. Mom's birthday.

A prayer 4 Mom.

"May God's grace shine upon you,
As you start each day a new.
And as you sing to little ones,
May joy burst forth a song in your heart.
May each step of your way be light and merry,
I'll pray too for peace and safety.
As each action of yours pours forth love,
I'll pray too, for divine love that fills you.
Just as stars light up the heavens,
Ur my mum who lights up my life."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!

School Starts -- Officially!

2006-07-24T23:00:00.000+10:00

24 July-- the first day of school. Over the past 2 weeks, I've been to UQ almost every day, and today is finally the day that I'm goin to study again. I've met a couple of ppl, CCM friends and from their sharing, found out that most of them do not have the opportunity to further studies immediately after polytechnic, and this made me treasure the learning opportunity that I have now even more.

Well, there were 2 lectures today, Microbes and Health, as well as Microbial Biotech. Both seemed rather new stuff, even though Im supposed to be grounded in the latter (Bt it was a greg poi module, and seriously, i didnt learn much...). Peixuan was worse, she was scratching her head throughout the entire lecture, and it certainly didnt help when d lecturer is a monotonous aging guy droning abt something so chim....in a bid to keep students awake, perhaps the school shld consider a policy whereby only young, cute, interesting lecturers can take such chim modules....

Went to the library aft lunch. Was utterly disappointed when I realised it was just a small room with just a couple of shelves. Hello?? Do u call this a uni library?Even SP has a much better library lah! Haiz...miss SP library leh (This was the only thing that xuan missed too...)

Visited the highest point in Brisbane, Mt. Cootha on Fri nite (Compliments of YH). Splendid view of the entire city! Other than d house, this must be the most most romantic and best best scenery/view in entire Brisbane! I must go visit again! Hahahaha =D
Climbed around the fences of my neighbourhood that nite too. So there is indeed a castle in the neighbourhood. And now I know how my lodging looks like form the back too! Bet even its inhabitants have not seen how their house looks like from the back! Yea, that's 1-nil!

Oh, and i've a 4 day week! Rox!

2006-07-22T22:56:00.000+10:00

The newer parts of school -- The Queensland Bioscience Precint

"Check out the school and trees..."

The tree and I

School!

2006-07-20T22:59:00.000+10:00

This is wad my sch looks like!! This old old ancient bldgs is the Great Court, where students always picnic or roll around on the grass. Look at us! On the grass too!

a day in my life

2006-07-20T19:45:00.000+10:00

Whew......just finished a session wif Derek...this kid is damn (pardon me for dis word) smart, damn hyperactive man.....I am so so exhausted after just barely an hour with him!! First i hafta con him away from his snack to the the study table, nxt i had to play around the story book that he was supposed to read, scream at him when he kept pushing his chair around, hide under a book to show him the meaning of "under", and finally coax him to play his piano by telling him "that's the easiest piece in the book" (of coz its not!) etc. etc.

Think I've aged in just a couple of hrs. Anyway, I stayed at home the entire day -- and i was nearly bored to death... bt think i shld do so, to neutralise the amt of time i spent outside. I've been a really bad girl lately, ahnging out the streets till late. Just caught "Pirates" on tues nite and was nearly trapped in the city streets!! Had to rush like mad to catch the last bus home.... Marlene was saying i've been very "bad"..haha But it was a great show, and a great nite out, a great home-cooked pasta dinner (my chest swells wif pride everytime i think i was part of the cooking team), so its worth the mad rush, haha...

Oh, and Jenny brought me out 4 dinner last nite. Best beef noodle soup I've had in ages. My mouth is watering at the thought of it now. Just too bad i didnt get the name and addy of the restaurant...was stil planning to go back dere there 4 my birthday. Hmm...nvrmind, i'll have nearly 2 months to get the name of the restaurant.

Hmmm....yea, u know wad?? after all this hoohah, i still miss home. Nothing compares or even comes close to home. Dad, Mom, can u hear me??

Well... that's all, im goin to have dinner alone now.....

2006-07-18T00:39:00.000+10:00

The water's edge at the end of the path

A view of the surrounding suburbs from the street I stay in

View of the Brisbane River from the same spot

我的第一次

2006-07-18T00:29:00.000+10:00

The very first meal that 3 of us cooked, r u drooling already?

My very first cuppa tea in Brisbane -- taken at airport

每逢佳节倍思亲？？？

2006-07-17T22:54:00.000+10:00

Today was Samantha's birthday....I just came out from the toilet when sherlene (another daughter) went, "hey today is Sam's birthday!" This sorta caught me by surprise....i really hate such "surprise attacks" -- can't she see im trying to make myself less visible?? I still dun feel comfortable hanging arnd dem leh....

Anyway, she didn't stop here. She went like "oh, we're going up to cut the cake.."
Aargh. Double aargh.
So I followed her to the dining room where the entire family was gathered-- its the ENTIRE family, with ex-girlfriends, future husbands etc. etc. gathered around. I felt so awkward. It seems that everybody was linked to somebody in the room, with me as the "extra" hanging around. And I had no idea wad to do, where to stand, whu to talk to (or listen to, for that matter)...so i just smiled "mian qiang" smile and sang birthday song loudly (its the least i can do). Oh, and the aussies have a birthday lingo "hip hip hooray" which is screamed twice after the birthday song. Next they took pics, you know, that sorta stuff, and somehow i actualli found myself being included in the pics....

Yah, they are pretty sweet, imust admit, trying to get me involved and inviting me etc. Still...its not my family. And guess wad? After all the birthday hoo-hah, i headed back to my room with a strange, "sour sour" feeling. The "每逢佳节倍思亲" feeling. I just felt so sad. And when i popped the "团契的心声” cd into my lappie, it came. Tears just rolled down, and dun understand why... well, i had no reason to be sad, and birthdays are supposed to be happy occasions afterall.

Haiz...it still feels so sour. And to think of the times i've forgotten or didn't take much notice of my family members' birthdays...

Called up people next -- if i dun talk to a familiar voice, think i'll go crazy. Call was interuppted halfway, which meant that my handphone had no more credit. And i was still planning to call up some frens lor. Calling is super-ex sia...I've used up $60 in just 8 days time. Scary~~

So many things have happened. Next, i went to coach Derek, and the worst happened. He complained and cried at the piano. And i didn't know how to console (or bluff) him. Even the nephew heard him. Thank goodness its his mum who was the main culprit for making him cry.
Still... AARGH!!! wad if he cries nxt time when im coaching him???!! I think i shld cry too...hopefully it'll seem like he's bullying me...
haiz...all this, in just the past 2 hours...and its just the beginning...

A week in brisbane

2006-07-15T23:15:00.000+10:00

Its been a week...a long, exhausting week. Went to UQ everyday -- which journey consists of taking 2 bus trips that can take up to an hr and half. The public transport here is lousy lah, the buses only appear once in 15mins, and sometimes they are severely off schedule summore...i had to wait 4 public bus for 45 mins a few days ago...bad experience...And whoever says that ang mohs are very "gentlemen" shld come stay here lah. Gentlemen their head..they are impatient and scream at you. Yvonne had such an unfortunate experience. Now i really appreciate the bus service back home.

Home. As defined by the wikipedia dict as "place where a person or family lives, perhaps spends much of their time, or where a person is comfortable being. While a house (or other residential dwelling) is often referred to as a home, the concept of "home" is broader than a physical dwelling. Home is often a place of refuge and safety, where worldly cares fade and the things and people that one loves becomes the focus."

Absence really makes the heart fonder. I still miss home.

2006-07-14T16:12:00.000+10:00

Hmm, so how do ya insert audio clip?? I was trying to insert the audio clip for the song previously.....

Its 4.30pm right now, friday afternoon. Will be going to a cell grp later on in UQ. Speaking of cell group, its really quite amazing how i got to a church, a fellowship so soon after landing in Brisbane. Turns out that peixuan and yvonne's senior is a christian!! hahahahh, jackpot!!

Its also freaking amazing how i found out....afterall, im shy one, esp in front of strangers, so i would never have dreamt of opening my "golden mouth" and asking him. It was juz a few hrs after we had landed, and yvonne called up ying hao (that's him) to bring us arnd. We went to a shopping centre, had lunch. I was about to dig into my pizza when ying hao suddenly quiet down and PRAYED!!! I "chua dio" and suddenly remembered that I shld say grace too.....hah...

Anyway, dis was how i found out, and finally i asked him. He invited me to service the following day... till now i still can't fathom how easily i managed to find a church, or how gracious God has been to me...leading me all the way...

And speaking of leading, its even more amazing how i managed to find my way to service. On sunday morn, i woke up early, only to find that i was locked in the house!! Can't go anywhere, can't see my roomie anywhere, can't see any window which i can climb out from, infact, i was prepared to miss service. But hey, God can open even "locked" doors!! My roomie suddenly appeared from nowhere, and even volunteered to drive me out. hah, no worries then, i can make it on time and in comfort.

Hmm...i still find it amazing... an amazing friend in high places...

A song to share

2006-07-14T15:40:00.000+10:00

在寂寞，冰冷的时刻，这首歌配我过了难眠夜晚。。。。

主耶稣你从来都没放弃
等候我再回到你怀里
当我开始寻觅，
你就向我显明你踪影。

主圣灵你听见我的呻吟
你用那说不出的叹息
安慰着我的心，抱着我哭泣，
一只受伤心灵。

主啊，求你领充满我心
除去我心中所有无法喜悦你的思绪。
主啊，在你我找到安息
你的爱赐我勇气，
在站立向着标杆奔去。

主啊，我要全心敬拜你，
荣耀尊贵都属于我上帝
我的拯救和公益。

The house on top of the hill

2006-07-12T22:49:00.000+10:00

Alright, been here for more than 24 hrs and I haven even covered half the property. Bt its enuff I think, this half that I know is already creepy enuff….whu knows wads in the other half. Oil paintings every corner, even the garage. Dun they know that an overdose of anything, no matter how “classy” the things are, will bring about just the opp effects?? Cheapens the paintings and every corner u turn, some eyes are always watching you.

Oh, and the lights!!! They trail movement and switch on when u move across the otherwise dead corridors. Creepy!! I got a terrible shock the first few times when I entered some passageways and the light flickered on!! I half expected someone to appear – but of course not.

Back to the paintings. The owner is such a narcissist that he even commissioned the painter to include him and his wife in a wall mural (It gets worse… it’s a mural dis time). Er xin. And he even has his own coat-of-arms….who does he think he is? Prince William?? Sheesh….

Enuff abt the house. Thankfully, my room has been spared from the oil paintings. And I plan to do it up (my corner, that is) very nicely, with pics of nice ppl.

Now, the inhabitants. So far, I’ve only seen my roomie and the nephew. They are really nice people (no sarcasm, pure sincerity dis time). Helped me a lot, especially my roomie, whu drove me around yest. The nephew too. Generous, didn’t think twice abt asking me join him and his gf for dinner. And the gf is really nice too… took good care of me, fed me, clothe me (wif her jacket). And their royal highnesses, whu had never used public transport in brisbane before, actually took bus wif me to UQ so that I’ll know how to travel by bus nxt time. So honoured eh? One thing though, the nephew is some porn addict. At dinner, he and his kakis were so “high” discussing such stuff, even the gf has to calm him down. DISGUSTING. I had to pray 4 holy cleansing of my ears after that meal.

This is just the start...i wonder wad will come nxt....

2006-07-12T22:44:00.000+10:00

Below an outdated post, written 24 hrs after reaching brisbane...

9/7/2006 Sunday Morning

Wad a miserable morning as I sat locked in dis big, cold (cold is understatement – freezing more likely), creepy house. My roomie has to go missing of all things dis morning. Now I had already missed the only public bus time slot, and may have to miss church too – that IS if she still dun wake up soon. Its sickening, how ppl can slp thru SIX MISS CALLS!!

Haiz, really miss home leh. As I was uploading pics from my cam, I dun even dare to take 1 more glance at the pics as I was scared I may tear (dun wish my roomie to think im some kind of emotional freak)…. So here I am, stuck in this house and furiously typing.

God save me…..

prologue

2006-07-12T21:53:00.000+10:00

Okie guys, im so excited! finalli got my internet access and blog setup. Yesh!! MSN's next. Okie, i've got lotsa pics to share, and each tells a different story. Will post them up next.
Gosh!! i've so much stuff to blog!!! So much has been seen and heard-- and i've just been here lest than a week?? Hah