Prancing Pony`s Paddock

I am on 無名!

2009-08-10T22:46:00.000+09:00

http://www.wretch.cc/blog/prancinpony/

Please port over to 無名!! Thanks for reading my blog~

The Stand

2009-05-26T10:17:00.000+09:00

You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand

You stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all

So I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours
Report as Spam

Good old times!

2009-05-11T12:13:00.004+09:00

Chanced upon this when clearing out my cupboard (to make room for sushiland stuff)

This was 12 years ago! Can you imagine!!! Look at how tiny meimei was! Now she is a fine young lady in Junior College!

Even Shao Chong was a cutie primary school kid ;)

Haunted Mansion (Tower of Terror in Tokyo Disney Sea) in Disneyworld, Orlando. 1997.

Can there be a deeper meaning in desserts? (alternate title of this post: Trying to sound chim and being 感性/煽情）

2009-04-28T19:11:00.006+09:00

Sexy cakes (or rather tarts) at Comme Ca Cafe with Charles in Tokyo.

See how the layout/presentation/ambience can make a difference?

Very deceivingly delicious Devil's chocolate fudge cake from Cedele - Singapore.

Humble, wholesome and yummy orange carrot cake, when eaten with friends (June, Kenny and HBB), makes it all the more flavorful and exciting!

Moral of this post: Yes, I miss vibrant and exciting Tokyo for what it has to offer (crazy stuff that changes daily!) but it can never replace my beloved home - merlionLand. I also appreciate my friends here, who made the transition back home so much easier.

You are the reason I trade in my yukata/fur coat for the sweltering days nearer to the equator^^

What does it mean to be salt and light of this world?

2009-04-21T16:47:00.000+09:00

Believe in your dreams - Go for it and live knowing you tried.

2009-04-20T02:15:00.004+09:00

「くるみ」に関して、桜井さんはJAPANで、「最初＜未来が来る＞という感じで思ってて、未来が来ると捨てなきゃいけない過去もあって、その間で凄く揺れている人間と思いというのは普遍的なものだと思ったし、それを歌にしたいと思った。」と言っています。

「未来が来る」→「来未」→「くるみ」なんですよね。

くるみ (Kurumi) - Mr.Children
作詞：櫻井和壽　作曲：櫻井和壽
編曲：小林武史 & Mr.Children

ねぇ　くるみ
この街の景色は君の目にどう映るの？
今の僕はどう見えるの？

ねぇ　くるみ
誰かの優しさも皮肉に聞こえてしまうんだ
そんなときはどうしたらいい？

良かった事だけ思い出して
やけに年老いた気持ちになる
とはいえ暮らしの中で
今　動き出そうとしている
歯車のひとつにならなくてはなぁ
希望の数だけ失望は増える
それでも明日に胸は震える
「どんな事が起こるんだろう？」
想像してみるんだよ

ねぇ　くるみ
時間が何もかも洗い連れ去ってくれれば
生きる事は実に容易い

ねぇ　くるみ
あれからは一度も涙は流してないよ
でも　本気で笑う事も少ない

どこかで掛け違えてきて
気が付けば一つ余ったボタン
同じようにして誰かが　持て余したボタンホールに
出会う事で意味が出来たならいい
出会いの数だけ別れは増える
それでも希望に胸は震える
十字路に出くわすたび
迷いもするだろうけど

今以上をいつも欲しがるくせに
変わらない愛を求め歌う
そうして歯車は回る
この必要以上の負担に
ギシギシ鈍い音をたてながら
希望の数だけ失望は増える
それでも明日に胸は震える
「どんな事が起こるんだろう？」
想像してみよう
出会いの数だけ別れは増える
それでも希望に胸は震える
引き返しちゃいけないよね
進もう　君のいない道の上へ

Ne～ Kurumi
這街道的景色在你的眼中是什麼模樣呢？
現在的我看起來又是怎樣？

Ne～ Kurumi
若是旁人的關心也讓你聽起來像挖苦似的
那個時候又該怎麼做才好呢？

只是回想起過去美好的一切
卻讓人的心情更自覺得瀕老
在這樣的生活裡頭
如今的我一定得做個就要轉動齒輪啊
伴隨希望的衍生而增加的失望
即使如此明天的內心依舊悸動
「究竟會發生什麼事呢？」
試著去想像看看吧

Ne～ Kurumi
假使時間的河流會將一切給洗刷帶走的話
那生存這件事就變得再容易不過了
Ne～ Kurumi
在那之後我一次也不曾讓眼淚流下來
可是讓我能夠開懷真心的笑卻也很少

不知在哪裡扣錯了
發覺到的時候才知道多了一個鈕扣
就像這樣地要是能和某個有多的鈕扣穴的人相遇
讓一切變得有意義就好了
伴隨邂逅的次數而增加的別離
即使如此內心仍因希望而跳動
每當在走過十字路口的時候
難免也會有迷失方向的時候

總是乞望想擁有比眼前更多
為了追求那不變的愛而高歌
於是齒輪不停轉動
超過必要的負擔讓齒輪一面發出嘎吱的聲響
伴隨希望的衍生而增加的失望
即使如此明天的內心依舊悸動
「究竟會發生什麼事呢？」
試著去想像看看吧
伴隨邂逅的次數而增加的別離
即使如此內心仍因希望而跳動
現在已經不能夠回頭了啊
向前走吧踏上沒有你的這條路

Good morning Singapore!

2009-04-18T09:16:00.002+09:00

Sent my brother to Kranji cos he's going to Malaysia with his friends... which is why i am sitting in front of the computer at 8.17am on a Saturday morning, eating char tau kway and updating my blog.

It's great to be back and strangely, I am beginning to enjoy being home despite the humid-sweatingly-warm weather. 早上的新加坡也显得特别有人情味。

特地开车到正华的巴刹去买早餐。

我想，3年前的我，应该不会这么good-lat （费力）吧！

早安你好，新加坡！

我回来了！ただいま~

How lovely is Your dwelling place

2009-04-14T01:24:00.005+09:00

How lovely is your dwelling place - Susan

How lovely is Your dwelling place

O Lord, God Almighty

My soul yearns, even faints

For the courts of the Lord

My heart and my flesh, cry out for the Living God

How lovely is Your dwelling place

****************************************

This is a beautiful song written by a worship leader in my church (FCBC). Her name is Susan and I am currently taking a keyboard course that is conducted by her.

She shared that she wrote this song in 1999, in one of the lowest moment of her life. This simple but powerful song ministered to me when I first joined a cell group in university, at a time when I didn`t even understand the power/meaning of worship.

Living in Tokyo for the 3 years, being away from my cell group and beloved church friends, in the midst of feeling homesick and lonely, I learnt something: God is never far from us. He is always there when we seek Him. God is never bounded by distance or space or time.

His dwelling place is HERE - beside us, around us, surrounding us.

He is LIVING.

Dwelling in Him means to acknowledge His presence, to seek His presence, to boldly soak yourself in His presence. This must be what made the psalmist cry out: "My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God."
God is inviting us to come and taste His goodness and once you have tasted His goodness, you will keep craving and yearning for Him.

I can recount the times when I felt like the psalmist; crying out in desperation with my soul, heart and flesh; when I knew that God was the only one who could rescue me from my misery. God was faithful and has been faithful and will be faithful.

But as I am writing this reflection, I felt a stirring in my spirit and God inviting me to dwell in Him DAILY, not only in times of need.

*************************************

Psalm 84

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.

3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Selah

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools. [b]

7 They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.

8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
Selah

9 Look upon our shield, [c] O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.

10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

12 O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.

卒業の季節だPart 2～

2009-03-31T23:46:00.005+09:00

2009年3．25

S with parents.
Congrats~Ronnie! Your turn in 2 years!
S`s　保証人～
S`s supervisor for his thesis: Ahgong on the left, Prof on the right.

旅立ちの日に

2009-03-31T23:26:00.004+09:00

旅立ちの日に

作詞：小嶋　登　作曲：坂本　浩美　編曲：松井　孝夫

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

白い光の中に　山並みは萌えて
遙かな空の　果てまでも　君は飛び立つ
限りなく青い　空に心ふるわせ
自由をかける鳥よ　振り返ることもせず
勇気を翼にこめて　希望の風に乗り
この広い大空に　夢を託して

懐かしい友の声　ふとよみがえる
意味もない　いさかいに　泣いたあの時
心通ったうれしさに　抱き合った日よ
みんな過ぎたけれど　思い出強く抱いて
勇気を翼にこめて　希望の風に乗り
この広い大空に　夢を託して

今　別れの時　飛び立とう　未来信じて
はずむ　若い　力信じて
この広い　大空に

卒業の季節だ～

2009-03-31T22:50:00.007+09:00

2009年3月18日：

武蔵野大学院のKekeの卒業式だ！おめでとう～

今天的主角就是你！哈哈哈～

恭喜~！

東京製菓の卒業生のお勧め店だ～Thanks ハダさん! 久しぶりの自由が丘＾＾

Yummy!

Yummy *echo*

Eeeee......
(Wah lau! 有这么难吃吗？)

Follow love

2009-03-18T01:47:00.001+09:00

Follow Love - FFH

I'm gonna miss the simple town full of memories
I'm gonna miss just hanging out with all my friends
The rainy days and summer nights
Skipping stones by the river side
But i know.. it's time to go

So heres goodbye heres so long
I must go and follow love
I feel my heart moving on
I must go and follow love
Carry on while I'm gone
This is what i've been dreaming of
I miss you so
But i must go, go and follow love

I've got a heart that's full of dreams
And a little bit of crazy
I can feel it pulling me to somewhere i have never been
I'm packing up and leaving home
To travel into the great unknown
Its time, i have to go

Were not guarranted tomorrow
So we must just keep on living for the day
And make the most of every moment
Every step along the way...oh

Graduation 2009 (卒業式平成20年)

2009-03-18T01:26:00.005+09:00

Happy White Day 2009~

2009-03-18T01:14:00.003+09:00

Thanks Ronnie for the gourmet macarons~ yummy!!! The chocolate filling is heavenly^^

Thanks B! Love you :)

(Editor`s note: White Day is celebrated on 14th Mar in Japan and this is the day when the guys get gifts for girls cos the Japanese girls give presents to guys on V Day in Feb. Go figure. Commercialised lor~ haha!)

White Day 2009 Krispy Kreme

2009-03-13T00:44:00.003+09:00

Strawberry double heart and Chocolate Mocha heart :)

*sugar rush*

Happy birthday Mummy!!!!

2009-03-11T02:08:00.001+09:00

My young and vibrant Mum :) Love you lots!

演歌friends present Worship music with flavarrr: 幸い小唄

2009-03-11T01:36:00.006+09:00

Enka friends 3.WMA -

「演歌フレンズ」の幸い小唄～

感謝します！

2009-03-01T01:22:00.009+09:00

Graduation exams recital at our school hall!!

A Steinway in the middle of the stage and 6 teachers scattered around the seats....

That`s me and Beethoven.

Han-kun and Rachmaninov :)

Think I have the most number of friends who came to support me during my exams...(Ha.. they made up like 70% of the audience lor. *lol*)　ありがとう my beloved friends from my homechurch in sushi-land!!

That`s my cell leader Hisae-chan, standing on the left, beside me and 阿姨 (Kayo's mum) standing on my right.

(Pretty flowers from S. Thank you!)

Celebration dinner with my classmates!! 最後だろう！

すごくenjoyした！この機会も感謝だ！

みんな～お疲れ様でした！！！

Yeah! It finally snowed in Tokyo :)

2009-03-01T01:19:00.001+09:00

Let it snow let it snow let it snow 2009~ ^^

Pruning for perfection

2009-02-17T01:03:00.003+09:00

Lost a dear friend today. She went home to be with the Lord, after a good fight for close to 2 weeks.

Am reminded of the fragility of life. Last saw her in August when I was back and we agreed to meet up again in April. Just finished my Jazz piano exams today when my Nokia beeped and there flashed the shocking message from Singapore. Was shocked, devastated, saddened... actually couldn`t think properly cos i guess the first reaction is usually denial and disbelief.

My friend was a good and faithful servant of God, thank you God for the friendship and many things that I could learn from her.

Been asking God a lot of questions recently: What are You trying to teach me? Is this the beginning of closure for sushiland?

I guess God is teaching me lessons in humility, time and time again, cos I keep forgetting that it is Him who enables me and somehow I keep letting my head get big and swollen from all the "I am so walking right with God now" moments.

This is the pruning season. Ouch. Painful.

But I will praise You, despite the darkness.
But I will thank You, in spite of the pain.
Because You love me enough, to take action before I fall even deeper.
Despite Your own pain.
Thank you for angels.
I know I am where I am today, who I am today, because of many silent prayers from people who care so much.
Teach me Lord, to have a heart so filled with your compassion and humility.
I will press on,
not my will but Yours be done, I will say.
I will put on my courage,
for I am your house.

"It is painful now but you will feel much better, if you drink more of this medicine called Humility."

J1 and J2, eat manna together and let`s strive on! ganbatte!!

My prayer today...

2009-02-17T01:00:00.000+09:00

Today's Prayer
God, please, please give me an insatiable desire and thirst for Jesus, for Your Word, my Savior. Open my eyes that I may see myself as You see me, that I may see and love others from Your viewpoint, that You would be the absolute center and guiding light of my life. Refresh my daily walk that I may walk with You in quiet places, in heavenly places, and throughout all of life into eternity. Thank You, God, my source of life and comfort and being. Bless You, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Satan Attacks Your Destiny
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
02-16-2009

"When the Philistines heard that David had been crowned king of Israel, they tried to capture him; but David was told that they were coming and went into the stronghold. The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. Then David asked the Lord, 'Shall I go out and fight against them? Will you defeat them for me?'" (2 Sam 5:17-19).

When you are about to enter your destiny, there is always opposition from Satan designed to prevent you from fulfilling your destiny.

When Jesus was born, Herod tried to kill him. When Jesus was baptized and fasted 40 days, Satan came to tempt Him in an effort to derail his destiny. When David had been anointed king over Israel, God's destiny had been revealed for all to see-even Satan. So, Satan raised up the Philistines to try and kill David's destiny.

However, in response, we see David do two things. First, he retreats to his stronghold. It is a place of protection. It is a quiet place. Second, he inquires of God. It is here that he inquires of God for the strategy to defeat his enemy. God reveals it to him and he goes on to defeat the Philistines. In fact, David NEVER lost a battle because he learned to inquire of God for the strategy to defeat his enemies.

Do you know God's intended destiny for your life? Beware of Satan's strategy to attack you in the place of your destiny. His desire is to take you off this divine path.

We must follow David's example in response to the enemy of our souls. We must retreat to our stronghold, seek the Lord, and listen for His answer. Then, we will fulfill the purpose for which God created us.

Partners in music - 伴奏者の心声

2009-02-11T16:42:00.001+09:00

IN November 2002, the once great American soprano Kathleen Battle toured Australia. Eight years before shehad been fired by the Metropolitan Opera in New York for "unprofessional actions", but she continued to terrorise her piano accompanists in recital concerts. When the pianist for her Australian tour resigned, Sharolyn Kimmorley stepped in.

Pianist Piers Lane and singers Cheryl Barker and Peter Coleman-Wright
Kimmorley is a vastly experienced accompanist and opera coach, and no stranger to diva antics. "I knew what her reputation was, which is why her accompanist walked," she recalls. "But some innocent part of me believed that nobody could treat a colleague like that."

Battle could. The soprano, it seems, regarded Kimmorley not as a colleague but hired help. She alternately ignored and bullied her on stage, stamping her feet, beating time, sighing extravagantly. "Whatever I did was wrong," Kimmorley says. "It was a hideous experience. And it got worse as the tour progressed, as it became clearer that the audience was sympathising with me. I did my yoga breathing and tried to get on with it, but it was vile."

Audiences watched, aghast, as Battle's behaviour completely overshadowed her singing. The stage had become a gladiatorial arena, but the fascination was more than that.

Battle was an anachronism, an exotic visitor from a distant past. The classical music world has lost its tolerance for diva petulance, as accompanists have carried on a quiet campaign for civil rights. Seeing a singer treat an accompanist as Battle did was like realising that the male chauvinist still existed, dinosaur that you imagined he was.

The great visionary of the accompanist's cause was English pianist Gerald Moore (1899-1987). At the beginning of his career, Moore found that the accompanist was considered "a cipher of little importance, contributing no more to the success of the concert than the cloakroom attendant at the other end of the hall". He made it his life's work to address this, firing off letters of complaint when concert presenters failed to acknowledge him in the billing, thundering "in Johnsonian style" when a bystander inquired whether he belonged to the singer or the hall: "Sir, I belong to myself."

He not only elevated the art to a new level of professionalism but repeatedly told everyone how professional he was. On an Australian tour in 1953, he was so voluble on the subject that a stranger phoned him in his hotel room, saying Moore "ought to be ashamed of myself, that everybody was getting sick of the sight and the sound of my name".

Moore continued talking and playing, undeterred, and wrote a definitive text, The Unashamed Accompanist, alongside numerous entertaining memoirs. He elevated the status of the accompanist and paved the way for those who followed, including the great Australian pianist Geoffrey Parsons (1929-95).

Parsons is generally recognised to have been a superior pianist to Moore. (Worn down by a lifetime of comparisons, he could not help acknowledging this occasionally, remarking that "Uncle Gerald's fingers do let him down sometimes".) But as Moore's anointed successor, Parsons was grateful for his achievements. "The idea that an accompanist is like a mindless piece of blotting paper who just soaks up whatever is directed to him is a thing of the past," Parsons said. "Gerald Moore saw to that."

This month, Australian audiences have several opportunities to witness the accompanist as neither cipher nor blotting paper. London-based Australian pianist Piers Lane is on tour with singers Peter Coleman-Wright and Cheryl Barker for Musica Viva.

And Scottish pianist Malcolm Martineau is visiting Adelaide for the Festival of Accompanists, held to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Accompanists' Guild of South Australia.

The guild was established in 1983 by pianist Diana Harris, who found that despite Moore's good efforts, the word accompanist was still "almost a term of derision: you were better seen and hardly heard".

A similar view was expressed by English pianist and composer Harold Craxton in a 1960 article for Time magazine, in which he declared that the greatest praise for an accompanist was: "You must have been good tonight, I did not notice you were there!"

Such a remark suggests that the ideal accompanist is a type of musical butler, discreet and invisible, and that the intricate piano parts of the great lieder tradition exist only as background, to flatter the singer or point them in the right tonal direction.

Never mind the psychological complexity of Hugo Wolf's lieder, realised harmonically in the piano parts; or the songs of Franz Schubert, in which the pianist creates the rustle of linden trees or the whirr of a spinning wheel; or the beginning of Robert Schumann's Dichterliebe, in which the singer supplies the words and the piano the ambivalence.

There is little danger that Lane will remain unnoticed on stage, performing songs by Richard Strauss, Wolf, Schumann and Felix Mendelssohn with Barker and Coleman-Wright. Lane is a fine accompanist and chamber musician, but he is best known as a soloist.

"Piers is still a concert pianist first and foremost, and the songs we have chosen for this tour reflect that," Coleman-Wright says. "They are very big piano pieces and are very much about the counterpoint between the voice and the piano. He has such an extraordinary technique that whatever you throw at him, he will be able to manage it."

Moore used to get territorial about piano soloists venturing into accompaniment; Parsons was more open-minded.

When Lane began his career, his manager urged him to cut out accompanying, and pianist Graham Johnson warned him that trying to play solo and accompany was "like bisexuality: perfectly possible, but other people find it hard to cope with". Parsons told him there was no reason he could not do both, which came as a relief to the young Lane, who was "greedy for a little of everything".

"A totally solo life can be a bit isolating," he admits. "I have always enjoyed the social aspect of making music with other musicians and friends. And I love poetry and words and languages, so song accompaniment indulges that passion in the nicest possible way."

Melbourne pianist Stephen McIntyre is taking part in the Festival of Accompanists this month alongside Martineau and confesses to a similar passion. Although McIntyre has enjoyed a versatile career as a pianist, he harbours a fantasy of "lots of captive singers and 10 years of doing only vocal accompanying. The piano and vocal parts are so interesting; the meaning of the words is fascinating."

It does sound a delicious use of a decade: imbibing large quantities of poetry and music each day, performing with that most flexible and thrilling of sounds, the human voice, to whose condition man-made instruments only aspire.

In his memoirs, Moore remembers an early word of advice from Landon Ronald, erstwhile accompanist to Nellie Melba: "Stick to accompanying, it is one of the most delightful of all tasks in music."

And Moore did have a delightful life, as he performed with the 20th century's most important singers, from Elisabeth Schwarzkopf to Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Kathleen Ferrier. Of Fischer-Dieskau, he writes that "we are musical intimates with a complete understanding, and in the course of our preparation each is vividly alive to the reactions of the other". Such a vision of musical paradise reveals the closeness at the heart of these relationships, in which much remains unsaid. A great accompanist's intuition sometimes approaches the telepathic.

"You have to second-guess the singer, know in advance their mechanism, how they breathe, how their minds work," Kimmorley explains. "You have to be one step ahead."

Coleman-Wright speaks of a similar intimacy with Lane. "You have to have a good friendship with your accompanist, so you get to know people's idiosyncracies and strengths," he says. "With someone like Piers, who we have been singing with for such a long time, we know each other so intimately: he knows our voices, we know his instrument. It's very collaborative."

Coleman-Wright has also worked with Martineau, whom he describes as "a different sort of accompanist. Malcolm is also a wonderful pianist, with a huge knowledge of the repertoire, but has chosen to specialise as an accompanist. He is happy to be in the background but, nonetheless, you have this incredibly strong support."

At the Festival of Accompanists, Martineau performs with New Zealand bass-baritone Jonathan Lemalu and judges the Geoffrey Parsons Award, a $6000 prize for young accompanists.

"To be an accompanist requires a combination of flexibility and integrity," Martineau says. "You must be versatile but must not lose what you want to do or your sense of the musical truth. If the singer has done their preparation, and is committed and emotionally honest, then there is always a way through. Most singers do have an instinctive truth."

At the festival, Martineau will be joined by McIntyre and Sydney-based David Miller for a series of masterclasses on the accompanist's art. Many of the skills of the accompanist can be taught, such as pianism, style and balance. Others are more difficult to convey, including diplomacy, intuition and empathy.

Parsons claimed to belong to the "old school that believes consideration for the singer is one of the most important things an accompanist has to do. Their instrument is prey to all sorts of ills so they sometimes get a bit edgy and need reassurance." Martineau makes a similar point: "You have to understand that it is a dangerous thing to be a singer, and be tolerant and aware of that."

Lane considers it the accompanist's job "to provide a calm centre during the storms of the singer's various neuroses".

All of these accompanists are great charmers; alongside their exemplary musicianship, they have the ability to make a singer feel loved and safe on stage.

It is a rare singer who cannot be placated by these versatile artists, gifted at the interpersonal and the musical, as Kimmorley found to her astonishment. Still recovering from her battle with Battle, six years later, she cannot subdue the empathy of her calling.

"Finally, I feel sorry for her," she says. "She was clearly not a well person." Her unforgivable sin was only that Battle noticed she was there.

The classical music world has lost its tolerance for bad behaviour from petulant divas, as accompanists have carried on a quiet campaign for recognition, writes Anna Goldsworthy | May 24, 2008
Article from: The Australian
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23729929-16947,00.html

なるほど。。。

2009-02-11T01:25:00.000+09:00

Deep Things
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
02-02-2009

"He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light" (Job 12:22).

One of the great mysteries of the Kingdom is how God uses the darkest times in our lives to reveal greater depths of understanding of His ways. The only way we can receive these deeper things is to be driven to the depths of darkness. It is here that we discover important truths that He plans to use in our lives and the lives of others.

There is a process God uses to draw us into greater levels of intimacy. The first phase involves a depth of soul experience that causes great pain in our lives. We seek God for deliverance from the incredible emotional pain this causes. Our primary motivation for seeking God is to get out of our pain.

During this time, God meets us in the depths of darkness. We discover that He never left us but is in the midst of the darkness. We develop a new relationship with God. Gradually our motivation turns from removal of pain to love and intimacy with God. This is the place our Heavenly Father desires us to be.

During this season God will make spiritual deposits into your life. Others will be making withdrawals in the future from your life as well. You see, God reveals deep things in darkness that will be revealed in the light.

If you find yourself in great distress, know that God will bring your deep shadows into the light. The key to your deliverance is becoming satisfied in God. He becomes your all. He is your life. You will know your deliverance is near when your circumstances simply don't matter to you anymore.

Love the Lord your God with all your soul and see what things He will show you in the deep things of darkness.

Captured by grace

2009-02-06T19:01:00.004+09:00

You know when God parted the clouds and throw this buzzing neon sign at you to get your attention?

God just sparked me today.

Sometimes, we really test His patience with our wilfulness, self-centredness, smart-aleckness.

Maybe God couldn`t bear to see me wrestling with something so insignificant. In fact, I think He tried to give me a gentle nudge, send caring people to counsel me, reveal stuff from scriptures when I read the Bible but still the hardheadedness and pride refuse to budge.

Ah, such stiff-necked people! (Deuteronomy 9:13)

God had to resort to using something so close to my heart, to make me open my eyes and heart to Him. Painful but yes, God, You finally caught my attention. I get your point. Or rather, points.

Your merciful warning: Don't get your fulfillment from the works of your hands or from the achievements of your own strength.

Your gentle assurance: Your faith and security is in me. Not anywhere else. Quit looking the wrong way and focus!

Your kind invite: Come to me, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Thank you for angels in my life, for not giving me answers but instead throw me thought provoking questions for me to do a self-check on my spiritual/mental/emotional health.

"What is your priority right now?"

" Are you doing it for the right reason?"

Taking large mouthfuls of air to fill up my struggling lungs, a million and one thoughts flying through my brain, ready to give up hope and surrender, disappointment, pain, hurt, anger all ooozing out from my wounded heart... was that how You felt at the cross? I bet it was a million time worse.

Heartwrenching.

I finally know literally, what it means.

Was that You doing heart surgery on me, God?

I thank you that at the end of the day, You love me enough to capture me with Your grace, no matter how wilful, how arrogant, how hardened my heart was.

And I must admit, it feels much better after all the yucky things were yanked out of me.

This had been a really challenging week for me, lots of fighting going on within myself, learning to deal with many things that did not turn out as I thought they would. Perhaps, that was to be my time inside the whale`s belly, forcing me to focus on God otherwise which I will probably be doing 1001 other "more important" things.

The Real Me - Natalie Grant

Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?

[Chorus:]
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Oh,Cause you see the real me

Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty

Oh,Cause you see the real me
Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty

Oh,Cause you see the real me
And you love me just as I am
Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me

What i missed this Chinese New Year

2009-02-06T00:06:00.005+09:00

I am usually the photographer over at my maternal grandma`s （外婆） side so only managed to rip off these pictures from Aunt Abby`s facebook. *grin*

Grandma with the newest member of the Yong family - Baby Duncan!
(I have yet to see him!)

Duncan with his mummy, cousin Deborah and my mum~

新年初二：华人嘛，就是吃咯！

Apparently, 只有新加坡（maybe 马来西亚too）才有的一道菜：捞鱼生！新年不可缺的哦！

Basically 有萝卜丝，小饼干，姜，生鱼片，冬粉（？？），菜。。。我也不懂有什么材料啦！

与其说它很好吃，我是觉得很好玩！很热闹，新年就是要很high的嘛!

大家就用筷子，捞啊捞，然后说什么‘马到成功’，‘步步高升’，‘捞的风生水起’etc...重点是要把材料挟的高高的，显示富贵好运之类的。

请看我的excited妈妈的示范！*笑*

这也是重点- 捞完过后，桌子上要呈现出一片凌乱，才显示有捞到！

My paternal side's family (奶奶）- no 阿嬷 but still remembering her in spirit. ;)

Ethan and Ryan - 都长大了！！！

哥哥with 小叔and 三叔。

Ethan with his mummy Amanda, 妹妹的Mummy, 我的Mummy还有三姑（Amanda的Mummy).

食べたいなあ～～～～

Ethan with his grandmum. Ha! Finally can pose with vsign!

Thanks to Ethan`s Daddy (虽然没有出现在镜头！）for taking these photos and faithfully email-ing them to me!! You brought home just a little closer to my heart!

Today`s prayer

2009-02-02T22:08:00.001+09:00

Dear Father and Creator, There are so many people who have marriage issues that need intervention. Sometimes one spouse is strong in the faith and the other is weak; sometimes one is held back by old strongholds that need to be broken; sometimes the communication line contains a lot of static and neither can hear the other clearly; sometimes one spouse carries much more responsibility than the other; sometimes the ungodly attitudes of selfishness, jealousy or laziness pop up and wreak havoc; sometimes the family is so busy that husband and wife do not make time to nurture their relationship--they just coexist; sometimes health issues strain the marriage. God there are sooo many things that pull against a healthy relationship. I pray for every married couple today. I pray that you will touch their hearts with compassion for one another. I pray that you will open their eyes to see the truth. I pray that each will think of the other above himself or herself. I pray that every couple will share responsibilities.

Above all, I pray that every couple will look to you as the center of their marriage, as it is a spiritual union--not just physical. May you be glorified and pleased and may marriages be blessed.

In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Thanks for the birthday wishes and surprises!

2009-01-29T23:28:00.005+09:00

1 month late but still, better late than never!

29th Dec 2008. 12.00am at Hilton Tokyo. (Courtesy of SIA haha) That`s Junee calling me on the phone!

My birthday cake - Cinnamon filled Krispy Kreme!

Yanping`s fave meal in Tokyo - Tour guide of the year 2008 must also work on her birthday!

Theme: Princesses and Prince! (what else? *lol*) Thanks for entertaining me guys!

My requested Pierre Herme!! *yum*

Pretty girls with pretty tiaras~

My fave pasta place!

Thanks Buru for the lovely day with all the surprises and Mr oh-you-make-me-stressed Tea Server, who made us laugh!

Thanks to HBB for bringing me to feast on yummy butter crab, and Iivi who waited for a long long time at Toa Payoh and Kenny (Mr I-do-not-eat-seafood) for giving me face and gamely trying the yummy dishes at MelBen!

Dinner with the most important people in my life!

Cake from cell group :)

My phantom friends! Thanks for meeting up despite the peanut packing, nail painting, paperwork piling and bus/train taking!

Love you all! I am who I am today because of all of you!

大地回春

2009-01-26T21:59:00.001+09:00

Da Di Hui Chun - CNY -

新年快乐！

2009-01-26T21:27:00.006+09:00

There is simply no place like home.

Thanks to 表哥 (Ethan's Daddy)，who took all these fantastic shots! Love the alternative side that you captured on your lens!

中年人的购物天堂-珍珠坊 (连名字都很杀！）

很有过年的感觉。。。。unlike sushi-land *sob*

Not-as-attractive shot taken by my ixus as opposed to the pretty ones taken by biao-ge's SLR ;)

But my mum is so cute σ(^o^

I was there with Mum when I was back in January! (Check out the sign behind us - effectively bilingual, that`s Singapore for you!^^)

i like this one.

希望经济不景气还是可以荷包满满。。。bi tang (米桶）! huat ah （发阿）!

BGM: tong tong tong qiang! 欢迎大地回春。。。。ヾ(＠>▽<＠)ノぶぁっはははっはは♪

夜晚的牛车水（新加坡的Chinatown）= 夜市咯！哈哈！

Ah, modernity infused with tradition.

Home is where the heart is.

祝大家身体健康天天开心~

It`s all about the company!

2009-01-19T00:45:00.000+09:00

Merry Christmas at Rainbow Bridge~ Jumping with joy!

Thierry Lang plays Freddie Mercury

2009-01-18T23:44:00.002+09:00

Guide Me Home (Thierry Lang, Piano Version) (Bonus Track) - Freddie Mercury

李白《送友人》

青山横北郭，白水绕东城。

此地一为别，孤蓬万里征。　　

浮云游子意，落日故人情。　　

挥手自兹去，萧萧班马鸣。

Young and vibrant (still!)

2009-01-12T23:42:00.004+09:00

This was taken in Marina Square almost 3 years ago! (Whose camera was it that could do panoroma shots? i can`t remember!)

We are getting older... ha!

Entertain me leh! :p

Yes! And you, my bday organiser every year!! Thanks for putting up with my nonsense while rolling your eyes! hahahahahahaha!

爱的五种语言 (The 5 love languages)

2009-01-12T22:40:00.001+09:00

在美国，心理自助类型的书籍十分畅销。《爱的五种语言》（the Five Love Languages）就是其中的一本。该书针对美国社会中普遍存在的人际关系（夫妻、恋人、亲子）方面的问题，提出了改善关系的方法。这个方法的核心，就是“爱的五种语言”。作者Gary Chapman认为，每个人对爱的感受方式都不一样，但大致可以归纳为五种典型：一、接受礼物型，这种人在收到礼物的时候最能感觉到被爱。二、甜言蜜语型，这种人在言语的肯定和鼓励中最能感受到爱。三、共度时光型，这种人在别人的陪伴下最能感到被爱。四、任劳任怨型，这种人在别人为他（她）分担和付出的时候最能感觉到被爱。五、身体接触型，这种人只要还能接触到别人的身体，就不会感到被抛弃。作者相信，正是由于对爱的语言的无知，导致了许多夫妻间的矛盾。有许多夫妻和恋人在阅读了该书之后表示，这本书对改善他们的人际关系起到了非常积极的作用。迄今，该书在美国销售已超过百万。与此同时，颇受欢迎的同类书籍还有《五种儿童的爱的语言》《如何交友、如何获得影响力》《高效人群的七种习惯》等等，这些心理自助类书籍都源自同一心理学流派——当下美国心理学的主流“发展心理学”。

爱的语言

学习“说”爱和了解爱的独特语言

尽人皆知，渴望感觉被爱是一种首要的人类感情需求。我们本性中的某种东西，呼唤着他人的爱。然而爱的施与受有许多形式。你在什么时候最能感受到被爱？有人觉得是收到一份昂贵礼物的时候，有人觉得是被拥抱或触摸的时候，还有的人觉得是受到口头赞美的时候。

《爱的五种语言》一书作者盖瑞查普曼博士说，人类表达和接受爱的方式各有不同。他把这些方式定义成5种爱的语言，并且提供读者富于创意而实用的示爱方式。一旦你了解了一个人主要的爱的语言——就是当他们最感到被爱的时候——你就可以用他们能领会的方式向他们表达由衷的爱意。爱是一种选择。有些示爱的方式也许不是很自然，但是如果你要满足某人的感情需求，你需要学着“说”他们独特的爱的语言，也就是用对他们而言最有意义的方式示爱。

从你的家人开始。你家里的每个人都有自己个别的需求与渴望。请你的家庭成员说出他们独特的爱的语言，然后开始用他们的语言对他们“说”爱。

第一种爱的语言：肯定的话语 Words of affirmation

鼓励有很多种方式，其中一种是透过口头赞美来肯定所爱之人。我们每个人都有缺乏安全感的地方，但有些人较其他人更需要鼓励。要会说这种爱的语言，必须具备同情心和从他人角度看世界的能力。如果某个人的爱的语言是肯定的话语，你诚挚的称赞会对他产生意想不到的正面效果。切勿低估一句合宜话语的力量。

第二种爱的语言：优质时间 Quality Time

给一个人“优质时间”意味着你对他全神贯注。让你自己可以专心听他倾诉或参与他热衷的活动。优质时间的目的是为了共享经历。如果一个人主要的爱的语言是优质时间，你可能必须牺牲自己的需求来配合他。

第三种爱的语言：收到礼物 Gifts

礼物是一种你可以拿在手上的东西—— 一种看得到的爱的象征。有各式各样可以买到、找到或制作的礼物。如果一个人的爱的语言是收到礼物，你就要变成送礼的人。不必等到特殊场合。几乎你给的任何东西都会被接受，且被当成是爱的表示。

第四种爱的语言：服务的行为 Acts of service
如果一个人的爱的语言是服务的行为，对他示爱的方式就是去做你所知道的他喜欢你做的事。你希望取悦他，所以为他服务。对夫妻来说，这种爱的语言可能包括像煮顿饭、洗碗盘或看小孩之类的事。服务的行为需要思考、计划、时间、努力和精力。如果带着积极的态度去做，就是真正的爱的表示。

第五种爱的语言：身体接触 Touch

在婚姻或家庭里，身体接触是传达爱的有力方式。对有些人来说，身体接触比听到“我爱你”还重要。有的人觉得没有接触，就没有被爱的感觉。握手、拥抱、亲吻、紧抱甚至于拍拍背都是传达爱的方式。如果你的伴侣、孩子或朋友的爱的主要语言是身体接触，给他们“爱的接触”会胜过千言万语。

发现自己的爱的语言

在你开始向别人诉说爱的语言之前，了解你自己的爱的语言！如果你不确定，花点时间回答下列问题：怎样能最让你感觉被爱？你喜欢别人怎么向你示爱？

你可能发现你有不止一种爱的语言。和那些爱你的人分享你的发现，并且开始说他们的爱的语言；你会发现，用独特的方式爱他们，感觉真是好得惊人。

In the secret

2009-01-12T22:14:00.003+09:00

Secret Places
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
01-12-2009

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name (Isa 45:3).

When God takes you to a depth of soul experience be alert to new truths and new perspectives. During these times God often leads us to amazing new discoveries. It can be a storehouse of unexpected riches for the soul.

Bible teacher F. B. Meyer once observed, "Whenever you get into a prison of circumstances, be on watch. Prisons are rare places for seeing things. It was in prison that Bunyan saw his wondrous allegory and Paul met the Lord and John looked through heaven's open door and Joseph saw God's mercy. God has no chance to show His mercy to some of us except when we are in some distressing sorrow. The night is the time to see the stars."

In The Secret - Andy Park

In the secret in the quiet place
In the stillness You are there
In the secret in the quiet hour
I wait only for You
’Cause I want to know You more

I want to know You
I want to hear Your voice
I want to know You more
I want to touch You
I want to see Your face
I want to know You more

I am reaching for the highest goal
That I might receive the prize
Pressing onwards, pushing every hindrance aside
Out of my way
’Cause I want to know You more

A lovely song that brought back lots of memories

2009-01-12T16:27:00.004+09:00

Lord i offer my life - smokie norful
All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before you, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them yours

Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life

Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my heart, alll of my praise
My heart and my hands are lifted to you

Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life

What can we give
That you have not given?
And what do we have
That is not already yours?
All we possess
Are these lives we're living
That's what we give to you, Lord

The Question of Calling

2009-01-08T02:37:00.000+09:00

The Question of Calling
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
01-07-2009

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints? (Eph 1:18-19).

I walked up to the man and said, "Hello, my name is Os. What's yours?" His name was also Os - Os Guinness. It was the first time he had ever had such an experience. We chuckled about our unique names.

Os Guinness was named after Oswald Chambers and was born in England just as Chambers was. He has become a well-known contemporary writer and has a real interest in the subject of "calling" just as I do. He has written a masterful work entitled, "The Call." In it he shares some important truths about "calling".

"What do I mean by 'calling'? For the moment, let me say simply that "calling" is the truth that God calls us to himself so decisively that everything we are, everything we do, and everything we have is invested with a special devotion and dynamism lived out as a response to his summons and service.

There is a distinction between a later, special calling and our original, ordinary calling. Selfishness prefers the first, but stewardship respects both. A special calling refers those tasks and missions laid on individuals through a direct, specific, supernatural communication from God. Ordinary calling, on the other hand, is the believer's sense of life-purpose and life-task in response to God's primary call, 'follow me,' even when there is no direct, specific, supernatural communication from God about a secondary calling.

In other words, ordinary calling can be seen in our responsibility to exercise a high degree of 'capitalist-style' enterprise about how we live our lives. For example, the servants in Jesus' parable for the talents and pounds were assessed according to how they 'got on with it' when the master was away. In this sense no follower of Christ is without a calling, for we all have an original calling even if we do not all have a later, special calling. And, of course, some people have both."*

We are all called to Someone first, then something. As we grow in our knowledge and obedience to Christ, God fulfills our calling in life.

*Os Guinness, The Call, Word Books, Nasvhille, TN p. 4, 48 1998

Give thanks!

2009-01-07T19:21:00.001+09:00

小時候，你曾經對別的小孩炫耀：看！我有你沒有。
你有的可能是一只風車、一個洋娃娃或一支彩色筆。

長大後，你卻開始羨慕你的朋友：唉！他有我沒有。
別人有的可能是一分理想的工作、一樁受寵的感情或一種優渥的生活。

孩子氣的炫耀是天真，成人式的羨慕卻不免幼稚了。
親愛的，其實你也有很多寶貴的東西是別人沒有的呀！
例如說，你可能有堅固的牙齒，當別人只能吃西瓜時，你卻能啃甘蔗；
你可能有修長的手指，當別人只能吹口琴時，你卻能彈鋼琴。
也許當你羨慕著別人時，別人也在羨慕著你呢。
每個人都是這世界上獨一無二的存在，
沒有誰比誰更幸運，也沒有誰比誰更尊貴。

所以，擁有無須歡喜，因為擁有就代表了有失去的可能；
沒有也不必難過，因為沒有才有機會去獲得。
在得失之間，無所謂好與壞。
保持一顆心的自由自在，輕輕鬆鬆跟著感觉走吧。
當你能夠把世事無常看透，也就是你真正長大的時候。

さとうきび畑

2008-12-30T16:59:00.002+09:00

さとうきび畑 - 森山良子

Wall・E made me cry!

2008-12-23T00:45:00.002+09:00

Yes, i know, Wall・E just premiered in theatres in sushi-land this month! Finally went to watch it :)

I thought it was cool that the dialogue was kept to a minimum, and through the adventures of these supposedly emotion-less `robots`, we see that of all that remain, the greatest of these is love. Not just romantic love, but love for fellow mankind, love for our home, love for our friends.

This universal theme of love tugged at my heartstrings so much that I silently shed a few tears. Ah, to be human and so emotional. Who said this is a kiddy movie?

The human touch can be so priceless. Have you ever held someone`s hand and tell him (her) how important he (she) is to you?

I love the movie. Made me reflect on many important people in my life. People who had held my hand, physically or spiritually and watch me grow, being patient with me through it all.

I love you all.

School life in sushi-land (last few months....)

2008-12-19T00:03:00.010+09:00

ハルタ！！読んでる？（ハルタのＭｉｘｉから、写真保存したよ！）

This is Haruta Masae! The noisest girl in our class, everytime she is absent, the whole classroom is like soooo quiet! 虽然是很吵的si-gi-na,不过 she is one of the best player in our class. Calm and steady and dependable.

(ハルタへ：　分からないでしょう！ハルタを褒めてるよ！うるさいけど、ピアノはすごく上手だよ！）

d(´∀｀o)☆ﾟ+｡ｻﾝｷｳﾞ+｡☆(o´∀｀)b

Cheese Souffle dancing on black keys~ hmm , sounds like a song title!

Summer edition green tea... with lousy yamaha keyboard for composing class.

Judging by the short sleeves, this was taken in summer.

羽田先生！Hada-sensei ok! Not Haneda-sensei! Haha! One of my favorite teacher, ever so patient and kind. (Did i mention he is the most generous adjudicator for our quarterly practical exams...hee)

Mizobe-sensei... although a bit ali and very often stray very far away from the topic, she is a kindly auntie teacher who has lots of experience to share with us. Translated the Bastien Party Series books into Japanese for Japan market, don`t play play hor, she even went shopping with Jane Bastien! (Those of you who learnt piano as a kid probably used a Bastien textbook somewhere along the way.. well 85% of those who learnt piano i guesstimate..)

6 hands piano during our exciting Ensemble Playing module.

A-chan`s long wavy hair..... Very natural looking hor!

Check out the scotch-tape thingy in her hair!

Hair extensions! 100% real human hair, made in China somemore *shudder*

That`s me in the examination room, playing on the ultra loud Steinway with 7 pairs of eyes staring at me and scribbling away on a checksheet, while my classmates secretly took this photo of me using their mobile phones outside the room.

Yes, this is the corridor outside the examination room...

told you we musicians are very creative (^_^)v

Crazy things we do to destress! The guys are lying on the ground to show the length of the piece of music ┐(￣▽￣；)┌

The wait can totally kill you, i tell you! This is the score of one of my classmate - she is playing like 20 minutes of music lor. (This was last year i think, my hair was kinda short!)

Sephora in Singapore!!! squeals

2008-12-12T14:00:00.004+09:00

Beauty and cosmetic chain Sephora to open in S'pore on Dec 19

By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 11 December 2008 1832 hrs

SINGAPORE: Established French beauty and cosmetic chain Sephora is due to open its first Southeast Asian store at Orchard Road, Singapore's prime shopping belt on December 19.

The beauty and cosmetic chain has about 1,000 stores in 24 countries. It sees Singapore as a launch pad into India and Malaysia in the future.

The company is bullish about prospects despite the challenging economic outlook.

Ravi Thakran, president, South, Southeast Asia & Australia/New Zealand, Sephora, said: "Singapore gives me a great level of confidence because in the past crisis, Singapore was the first country to bounce back and I still believe very strongly in the vibrancy of Singapore - be it the policy initiatives or the zeal of the people."

Work is underway to prepare its 3,200 square feet shop at Ngee Ann City, one of the major malls along Orchard Road.

The S$2 million outlet will carry over 100 brands, of which one-third will be new to Singapore.

Sephora said its modular retail concept will provide flexibility to cater to changing needs which will give it an upper hand over beauty counters at departmental stores.

Mr Ravi Thaknan added: "Each brand doesn’t have to have a fixed shop which is difficult to change or renovate only once in a year or two years. The whole system in Sephora works like there is a modular wall system and a modular gondola system. With that, it's very easy for us to plug in or plug out a mix of products."

Come next year, Sephora plans to open two to three stores in Singapore and it's currently in talks with new and existing shopping malls.

Sephora also hopes to reach out to a wider segment of consumers.

For instance, it said its stores elsewhere tend to attract 3.5 times more younger consumers and five times more men compared to its competitors.

French luxury group LVMH is teaming up with Singapore-listed retailer RSH Limited in a joint venture to roll out the Sephora stores.

The issued capital is S$4.3 million with LVMH holding a 60 per cent stake. - CNA/vm

================================================================

This is my dream come true!! *excited*

每逢佳节倍思亲～　「 Gloria in excelsis Deo（いと高き処に神に栄光あれ）」

2008-12-11T21:29:00.003+09:00

Angels We Have Heard On High - Corrinne May

特别介绍 Corrine May, 她是新加坡歌手哦！ ☆＾▽＾☆

This is my favourite Christmas song (*^-ﾟ)vｨｪｨ♪

==============================================

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.

いと高き天より我らは聞きたり
天使たちの甘美な歌が野辺に満ちるのを
山々は歌声に答え
喜びに満ちし旋律が木霊せり
　
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

いと高き処、神に栄光あれ
いと高き処、神に栄光あれ

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

羊飼いよ、この祝祭は何の故か？
汝らの喜びに満ちし旋律は何故続くのか？
いかなる喜びの便りもて
この神々しい歌を汝らは歌うのか？

Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

ベツレヘムに来たりて見よ
天使が歌にて誕生を知らせしキリストを
来たりて、跪いて拝め
主キリスト、新たな王の誕生を

See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.

羊飼いたちよ、身を隠すのをやめよ
天使たちの合唱に加われ
汝らの優しき風笛もって
天の歌が終わることなく続くように

Joy by ひろみ　上原

2008-12-04T23:21:00.007+09:00

Joy - Hiromi

相爱的努力

2008-11-30T02:19:00.001+09:00

两个人，要相处一辈子不容易。
世上没有永远的激情，
但，却有一辈子相爱的努力。

死老鼠和飞毛腿

2008-11-30T01:22:00.001+09:00

by 李邪 at http://www.lixiebianco.blogspot.com/

男人说，女人最发达的是她的嘴巴。
总是喋喋不休，唠唠叨叨。
男人呢？他们最发达的是什么？
呵呵，应该是下半身。
不只是上帝给他们的神棍，还有那双飞毛腿。
男人非常适合参加短跑比赛。
他们冲起来，比世界最快的黑豹还神速。
尤其，当他们不知道怎么办时。

我们总是以为，男人被训练得很稳如泰山。
我们也以为，他们很喜欢解决难题。
是，遇到数学／经济／政治／学术，
这些很理性的难题，
他们都乐此不疲，还洋洋洒洒。
可是，一碰到感情的麻辣问题，
或不知道怎么回答女人的问题，
或是必须有个交代，飞毛腿就开始摆阵了。
等你还没发现，飞毛腿已经横越太平洋，消失无踪。
残留下的是，地上几根让人一头雾水，还在发抖的毛。

飞毛腿的构造，只适合短跑。
所以，要他们长跑，
跑个八千里路云和月，他们就气虚。
女人就适合长跑。
除了气够长，女人感情丰富，总要追根究底。
所以，长跑是慢慢来，看云看月，
看路边的死老鼠，也觉得感伤。

长跑的意义，也许就是慢条斯理，
理清思绪，训练耐力。
有时，终点不是那么重要。
在长跑的路上，女人享受了解一切的风景。
就算了解一只死老鼠被谋杀的前因后果，
老鼠死前有没有流目屎讲遗言，
也能让女人快乐。
那充分满足了她感性的思维构造。

问题出在，男人不喜欢长跑。
那实在很浪费时间。
所以，男人很容易就把女人这种“超自然”的求知欲，
扭曲成，妈呀，女人为什么这么烦。
如果女人硬拉他长跑，要了解一切，男人就害怕，
马上回去他熟悉又擅长的拔腿就跑。
两个人，擅长的运动不一样，实在头痛。
没有女人喜欢飞毛腿。
除非她恨不得这个人快点去死，别再烦她。
没有男人享受瞪住死老鼠。
除非他懂得怎么破案。
女人可以试着缩短长跑，偶尔跑快点。
有些风景，自己看就够悠闲。
有些感受，自己领略也很美。
有些死老鼠，不用逼他，
一起蹲看个三天三夜。
有些死因，
他其实也未必有答案，所以哑口无言。

男人可以试着不要这么快就逃之夭夭，偶尔跑慢一点。
有些问题，未必马上要给答案。
有时，女人并不是在找答案。
她只是要你的一种理解，了解她的脆弱。
你扮有飞毛腿的哑巴，只会让她更孤立。
因为，在全世界的男人中，她只让你看见她的真面目。
而你，却沉默地拔腿而跑。
这个残酷，呵呵，比死在街边的老鼠还不堪。

***************************************************
I am amused. Really hits home. ^^

One day

2008-11-29T01:56:00.003+09:00

hillsong- one day - Reuben Morgan (Hillsong)

More than I could hope or dream of
You have poured Your favour on me
One day in the house of God is
Better than a thousand days in the world

So blessed, I can't contain it...
So much, I've got to give it away,
Your love taught me to live now...
You are more than enough for me.

Lord, You're more than enough for me
Lord, You're more than enough for me

前を向いて

2008-11-24T16:07:00.004+09:00

愛は　
かっこ悪いところも
ぶきっちょなところも
だめなところも
すっぱりと包みこむ。
だから精一杯
愛していく。

心が成長しますように。
いっときの勢いとか
気分だけの「愛してる」じゃない
何が本当か
ちゃんと考えて。

Bach`s cello suite~ cool bananas!

2008-11-23T01:08:00.006+09:00

Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude - Bach

I love Bach~ His music just touch the deepest recess of my heart and send chills down my spine.

Take it like a man 的狗屁论

2008-11-22T01:37:00.002+09:00

by 李邪（i周刊专栏）

男人其实真得不太了解woman。
他们说，为什么你们每次生气都讲没生气？
为什么你们要假装，然后又脸臭臭？

当然，有些woman, 单纯享受发脾气折磨你。
你越追问她越开心。遇到此类，算你倒霉。
不过，她们不在今日的讨论范围。

做一个现代woman是很矛盾的。
男人喜欢独立的woman。
意思是，看球的时候，不要烦我。
不要那么粘人。不要一点小事就哭哭啼啼。不要管我去那里。
不要24小时电话追魂。不要连上厕所都得在一起。

嘿！为了当一个独立woman，我们就要变的理性。
所有的情绪都是不理智的代表。
于是，我们不敢哭，也不敢怒。
一哭，就好像我们变得无理。
一怒，就似乎我们又在闹情趣。
所以生气时，woman 为什么不说话？
因为我们在挣扎。
到底要豁出去表达，还是让他冷却下来，take it like a man？

豁出去，就会当成泼妇。
男人就更顺理成章说，你看，你看，woman 就是莫名其妙，乱发脾气。
我们也很莫名其妙。
你以为解释自己的情绪好像去见客户做presentation?
在那追切的几秒内，要整理分折，
要马上头头是道，思路清澈，口齿伶俐？
于是，我们越口齿不清，就越生自己的气。
他X的。他X的。不要讲了。讲多错多。
没有条理，还会给他反驳的把柄。他X的。
。。。。。
沉默。
沉默。
其实是在沉淀。
我们很想好好解释，为什么生气。
可是，又无法马上有龙有虎，口若悬河。
Woman气自己，就说，我没事
Take it like a man. Take it like a man.
哦，死了。
男人更理直气壮说，有什么你就讲啦！为什么脸臭臭？
于是，woman 卡在那里。
要不要像个男人，这个现代woman的无间道。

其实，woman 也很辛苦。
他们是很会表达自己，但不爽时，要配合男人而来场理性辩论会，绝对困难。
有时，我们的表达能力，是抽象的，只能意会，很难言传。
但，我们已被社会训练成，先不管情绪，只明白事理。

情绪是woman最善感的东西。
把它当坏事，就是个没药救的毒咒。
把它当好事，就是得天独厚的才能。

那下次woman又不出声，馒头污水的男人，先不要判woman死刑。
给她一点时间。

她的脸臭臭和我没事，其实，使他在努力挣扎，学习how to 不让你看衰woman。

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

Am sure many women will identify with this article.
I know I do.

だからさ～Love is patient.　Thanks for being sooo patient!　柔和わわわわわわ！

李邪さん、お見事だわ！　

女人、加油！

Say so!! ♪

2008-11-17T01:22:00.003+09:00

Say_so - Christian

Verse 1
What does it mean to be saved
Isn’t it more than just a prayer to pray
More than just a way to Heaven
What does it mean to be His
To be formed in His likeness
And know that we have a purpose

Bridge:
To be salt and light in the world, in the world
To be salt and light in the world

Chorus 1:
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so
Say so, say so (2x)

Verse 2
Oh that the church would arise
Oh that we would see with Jesus’ eyes
We could show the world Heaven
Show what it means to be His
To be formed in His likeness
Show them that they have a purpose

Vamp:
I am redeemed, I am redeemed
I am redeemed, I am redeemed
I am redeemed, I am redeemed

To be salt and light in the world, in the world, in the world

Chorus 2:
Let the redeemed of the Lord rise up
Let the redeemed of the Lord rise up
Let the redeemed of the Lord rise up

Faith is taking that tiny step out of comfort zone and knowing God will hold on to you through it all.

2008-11-17T00:08:00.002+09:00

Today's Prayer

Dear God,

Thank you for your beautiful words of life, your Holy Bible full of wisdom, examples, guidance, instruction, promises, enlightenment, and life-giving knowledge. Thank you that your Word is such an encouragement at times, and a chastisement at other times. It helps me find answers to life questions that arise and gives me peace when I am confused. It teaches me about your power and love and reinforces the importance of following Jesus, my Savior, and of being a living testimony in this world. Please forgive me for not spending as much time in your Word as I should. Give me a thirst for more of it. Instill in me that desire for studying and learning and appreciating your Word. And please, ingrain your Word in my heart and mind that the Holy Spirit might bring passages to my remembrance whenever they are needed. Thank you, so much, for caring enough to provide your Word in print. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Preparation in Arabia
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
11-16-2008

"Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus" (Galatians 1:17).

The apostle Paul clearly understood the call Jesus placed on his life at his conversion. He did not have to consult other men about this calling. But before he was released to begin his own mission, He went to Arabia for three years. Why did Paul have to go to Arabia for three years before he ever met another disciple of Jesus Christ?

The Scripture does not tell us plainly why Paul spent three years in Arabia. However, based upon many examples of God placing special callings on people's lives, we know it often requires a time of separation between the old life and the new life. No doubt, Paul had plenty of time to consider what had taken place in his life and time to develop an intimate knowledge and relationship with the newfound Savior. His life was about to change dramatically.

So often, when God places a call on one of His children, it requires a separation between the old life and the new life. There is a time of being away from the old in order to prepare the heart for what is coming. It can be a painful and difficult separation. Joseph was separated from his family. Jacob was sent to live with his uncle Laban. Moses was sent to the desert.

Perhaps God has placed you in your own desert period. Perhaps you cannot make sense of the situation in which you find yourself. If you press into God during this time, He will reveal the purposes He has for you. The key is pressing into Him. Seek Him with a whole heart and He will be found. God may have a special calling and message He is building in your life right now. Trust in His love for you that He will fully complete the work He has started in you.

読書の秋

2008-11-15T21:34:00.002+09:00

So many books, so little time... よし！頑張るぞ！ヾ(^▽^ヾ)♪

2008年留学生演奏会

2008-11-13T21:52:00.027+09:00

Finally, my first performance here in sushi-land... my school`s concert for foreign students.

(Thanks to Keke for holding up the program ^^)

This year`s theme is "All for one". (Get it? Fellow linguists...erm... Welcome to sushi-land...)

That`s me, really!!! Despite having 4 cameras trying to take various angles .. no one was able to take a clear shot of me. Haha. Too bad, i am too short. My partner, is almost 1.9m lor~

See? That`s really me! Think we were bowing at the end or something...

See?!? That`s me again... we were using a Clavinova to perform Pachebel`s Canon in D, no choice cos the concert was held in my school`s studio hall, which is more for staging live music performances rather than classical music performances.

That`s Han-kun... see how short i am standing next to him? He is from Taiwan and despite learning piano for only 3 years, he is already tackling Debussy, Liszt and Chopin! *clap clap*

ハン君、よく頑張った！お疲れ～　楽しかったでしょう＾＾

S came to watch my item but gotta rush off after that for lessons. Yes, on a Saturday evening lor.

No choice since MBA is for busy people who have to work during the week.

That`s Senpai Ming from Hong Kong (depsite him being younger than me.. humph..) on the clavinova, Miss Librarian playing a mean violin, and 厉害Hama-chan (who`S a Japanese in my piano class) on the keyboard. They played a Mak Sim piece i think. (Snore snore... No particular interest in Mak Sim..) But they were great!

My Adik Ken, from the same Japanese school, he`s half indo-half Jap... he totally blends into the crowd at my school lor. His Japanese also pera-pera! Singing his heart out while jamming on his guitar~ Woohooo! Cool bananas!

Ken with his band.

Thanks for the flowers, girls! 很感动嘞！很久没收到花了！让我想起以前我在乐队的日子！更重要的是你们的presence, 给我很大的支持！ Love you!!!

Dear Charles!! Thanks for coming to 捧场，always nice to have a fellow countryman around in sushi-land! Hope you enjoyed the performance!

Thanks guys for taking time off on a Saturday to come and attend the concert!

手中的康乃馨散发出发自内心的温馨和体贴＾＾

Ken looking a bit tired but still cool like a punkster!

姉さん達と弟～

Very cheena i know. Ha.

We were famished!!! Headed to this Singapore Restaurant that Charles suggested, near Suido-baishi eki. Hainan Chi-fan anyone?

(Was irritating everyone by imitating an ang-mo accent and repeating hainan CHI-FAAAAN!

Think my blood sugar was too low...)

Pictures in menu look promising. How come price is comparable to Mandarin Hotel.

(Keep chanting to self: Stop converting. Stop comparing with hawker centre price. This is sushiland..)

Quite hideous looking i must say. Singapore got this mascot meh? Where got? Soupsop head?

Yum-seng-ing with not so happening cups. Singapore also never use such cups, got meh?

Quite tasty this char kway teow. (炒粿條)

Fake chai tao kway (菜頭粿) - more like Hong kong style 蘿蔔糕 *buuuuu*

Presentation wise very appealing, chicken is tender too.. rice too ginger-ish that`s all.

Nice Hokkien mee. (炒福建虾面) The girls were surprised that it was so tasty despite looking quite bland and healthy. Looks can be deceiving! *wink*

Nothing like good old Mac to bring back the taste of home. Sudden craving for apple pie.

我们在扮某国的人民。。。我猜我猜我猜猜！

请选购广角Canon ；P

Your favorite music = happy heart: study

2008-11-13T21:46:00.001+09:00

Listening to your favorite music may be helpful to maintaining a healthy heart, according to a study published Tuesday.

The research team at the University of Maryland School of Medicine announced they had shown for the first time the emotions aroused by music enjoyed by the listener to be beneficial to a healthy blood vessel function.

The team, who in a 2005 study noted the cardiovascular benefits of laughter, presented their work at the 2008 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association in New Orleans.

"I was impressed with the highly significant differences both before and after listening to joyful music as well as between joyful and anxious music," said head researcher Michael Miller, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center and associate professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

The study found that participants -- 10 healthy, non-smoking volunteers -- listening to music that gave them a sense of joy caused the inner-lining tissues of blood vessels to expand, which increased blood flow.

The response matched the result of the 2005 study of laughter.

To minimize desensitization of emotions felt by listening to their favorite music, participants were instructed to avoid listening to the pieces for a minimum of two weeks before the test.

"The idea here was that when they listened to this music that they really enjoyed, they would get an extra boost of whatever emotion was being generated," said Miller.

The study found that the diameter of the average upper arm blood vessel increased 26 percent after listening to joyful music, and listening to music that caused anxiety narrowed blood vessels by six percent.

The physiological impact of music may also affect the activity of the "feel good" brain chemicals called endorphins, according to the study

The study's results, said Miller, signal yet "another preventive strategy that we may incorporate in our daily lives to promote heart health."

(Source:http://news.sg.msn.com/lifestyle/article.aspx?cp-documentID=1781611)

Abide in Him

2008-11-11T14:22:00.003+09:00

"So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant" (Josh 24:13).

When something unusual happens in our daily life experience it is a time to tune in to your spiritual antennae. God is often at work. So, I prayed, "Lord, what are you saying through this?" The answer came quickly: "I have called you to walk a specific path. I will bring the fruit to you. All you will have to do is pick it up and stay on my path for you. That is what it means to abide in Me."

The people of Israel conquered the Promised Land as a result of obedience, not sweat, toil, or natural talent. In our work life call, He desires to give us fruit from our calling when we fulfill the unique purpose for which God made us. You will not have to manipulate the outcome. Abide completely in His presence and purpose for your life so you can pick the fruit He desires to bring into your path. His nature is to do exceedingly beyond what we can think or imagine.

Ephesians 3:20-22
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Obama: 'This is your victory'

2008-11-05T15:56:00.003+09:00

Obama`s victory speech transcript:

Hello, Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.

And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.

And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.

To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.

To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.

It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.

You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.

Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

*****************************************************************************
Yeah! I like Obama! Let`s hope he delivers with fear and trembling of the power that the people had bestowed on him.

Je t' aime (a song by バカ男＾＾）

2008-11-02T00:38:00.009+09:00

Honey & Clover ll - Je taime - Spitz

ジュテーム？( Je t’aime )我愛你

作詞 / 作曲草野正宗出自 Spitz / 隼

うれしいぬくもりに包まれるため
いくつもの間違い重ねてる
ジュテーム？バカだよな

別にかまわないと君は言うけど
適当な言葉が見つからない
ジュテームそんなとこだ

君がいるのはステキなことだ
優しくなる何もかも

カレーの匂いに誘われるように
夕闇を駆け出す生き物が
ジュテーム！これからも

君がいるのはイケナいことだ
悩み疲れた今日もまた

為了讓快樂溫存包容
不知多少次地重蹈覆轍
Je t’aime 很傻的呢

儘管你說：並沒有關係
我卻找不到合適的語言
Je t’aime 就是那樣阿

有你存在是如此美好
一切都會變得溫柔

如同受到咖哩的香味引誘
而奔出黑暗的生物
Je t’aime 從今往後

有你存在是如此為難
疲於煩惱的今日也依舊

Be thankful for Singapore!

2008-11-01T23:09:00.008+09:00

It`s my favourite season of the year - Autumn but also the most dreaded time when the temperature changes drastically, the sun disappears around 4.45pm and people start coughing and sneezing around you.

Point 1: Be thankful for the sun in Singapore where you can go suntan at Sentosa any time of the year!

The daily temperature fell from 25 deg to about 15deg this week and somehow, my body seems to know that i was under a lot of stress ( had a performance in school last week, and we had a annual Christian conference and having to plan worship for the new English service at Shalom). Tried to sleep before 12am everynight so that i can wake up at 7.45am (ok, i snoozed till 8am) to try to reach school at 9.30am to practise piano... that was my routine for last week.. but still, on Saturday, my throat felt ticklish and I could sense the big `F` coming. Lost my voice this week, consumed half a bottle of Lulu-Ibuprofen (this really famous Japanese flu medicine combined with Powerful Western Ibuprofen) but still was woozy and pain from throat was unbearable.

And the strong gales of wind that just send chills into your bones. I surrender. Since i am forced to pay a yearly health insurance of about S$150, i figured i may as well utilise it and visit my friendly "family doctor" here in sushi-land, at his clinic near my former Japanese school.

Lots of old people in the waiting room, was trying not to think about the germs floating the room and trying to imagine the amout of germs on the door knob of the door to the Doc`s office (Yes, Cheryl i remembered what you told me. S rolled his eyes when i said i wanted to use a tissue to open the door.)

The visit costed me 1280yen, with 3 types of medication (including one dreaded sachet-kind! yucks!). Turned out to be much cheaper than my Lulu-Ibuprofren tablets from the pharmacy.

Apparently, we get a subsidised rate under the insurance system, but i calculated and found out that it costs about as much for a normal visit to my beloved Dr Loh at Teck Whye Clinic. Junee came in June and her tummy didnt feel well so we went to see a doctor near my place. It costed her 9000yen cos she didnt have the local health insurance (luckily she bought travel insurance in Singapore so she could claim it.)

Point 2: Be thankful for cheap healthcare in Singapore!

Despite the high-tech printout of the medication explaining the dosage and side effects, (i did mention this in 2006 when i first visited Dr Takahashi when i kena noro-virus), we get this cheena looking envelope to put all the medications inside.

Nothing like good old 洋参 to make me feel like I am back home in Singapore. My mum force fed me and my brother on this. 好料，i tell you. (That's my good old trusty starbucks red mug that had been with me since i came over to sushi-land.)

Good old trusty mug back in action, this time holding wholesome freshly squeezed (by me of course! i know how to take care of myself ok!) orange juice, brimming with Vitamin C and waiting to be consumed by me. Muahaha! But i think i got the wrong type of oranges, this was too pulpy, i was searching for Sunkist but i bought navel oranges instead. (made mental note to google and wiki different species of oranges.) That's also my favourite 水梨 you see there, lovingly peeled and anyhow-cut-up and soaked in salt water. *yum yum*

Kangling told me to 'cook' the pear coz it is supposed to be good for my throat and when i called my mum, that was what she said but she figured i wasnt any good at 'poaching' the pear and then trying to find rock sugar in sushi-land sounds a little challeging so she just went matter-of-factly： “切来吃就好啦！反正一样有营养！” Yeah, my mum rocks!

So that was what i did. Falala~

Ha! Just wanna show off my new cherry PJ. Got it from the supermarket near my place. only 1000yen. Yeah. Every girl loves a bargain! And this changing of season is such a hassle! Gotta dig out all my long sleeves stuff and start shoving my shorts, singlets into boxes (ready to hurl back to merlion-land). This PJ is to cheer me up cos i am sick. Ha.

Point 3: Be thankful that you can wear jeans and t-shirts 365 days a year and loiter around in Birks and flip-flops and nobody will bat an eyelid. And you don`t have to worry about shivering in the cold outdoors and dying of the drying heat caused by indoor heating systems of sushi-land buildings.

Enough of ranting. I love sushi-land though. 5 more months......................

His Vision, His Way, In His Timing

2008-10-30T22:49:00.001+09:00

Today's Prayer
Dear God, This morning I remembered that children's song that goes "I am a promise. I am a possibility. I am a promise, with a capital P. I am a great big bundle of potentiality..." In Jesus, I am a great big bundle of potentiality. I pray that you would fill me with your wisdom and guide me in your will. I pray that I will be obedient to you and keep my focus on you. I ask this so that I will reach the potential you have planned for me. In Jesus' precious name I pray, amen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

His Vision, His Way, In His Timing
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman

"Then God said, 'Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about'" (Gen 22:2).

Have you ever wanted something so bad that you would do almost anything to get it? Have you ever gotten so close to fulfilling a dream only to have it disappear right before your eyes? Such was the case for Abraham.

God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. He would have a son. However, Abraham panicked when Sarah aged beyond child bearing years and tried to help God by birthing Ishmael through Sarah's servant, who was not the promised son. Eventually, Isaac was born, who was the promised son.

However, God tells Abraham to sacrifice his only son on an altar to demonstrate his obedience to God. Truly, this is one of the hardest instructions given to one of God's people in all of scripture. It compares only to the Heavenly Father sacrificing His own Son. God intervenes and allows a lamb to take his place, symbolizing the Lamb of God as a prophetic sign of what is to take place in the future.

God often births a vision in our lives only to allow it to die first before the purest version of the vision is manifested. This has happened several times in my own journey. Oswald Chambers observes, "God's method always seems to be vision first, and then reality, but in between the vision and the reality there is often a deep valley of humiliation. How often has a faithful soul been plunged into a like darkness when after the vision comes the test. When God gives a vision and darkness follows, waiting on God will bring you into accordance with the vision He has given if you await His timing. Otherwise, you try to do away with the supernatural in God's undertakings. Never try to help God fulfill His word."*

When God's vision is finally birthed, nothing will stop it. Our job is to allow God to birth His vision through us His way and in His timing.

(By Oswald chambers, Not Knowing Where, Discovery House, Grand Rapids, MI.)

海角七號電影預告-愛情篇

2008-10-24T00:23:00.001+09:00

みたいなあ！！！！

海角七號 OST: 1945那年

2008-10-24T00:21:00.001+09:00

Sounds good. Everyone`s raving about this Taiwanese movie. Especially S.

Will watch it soon. This track sounds promising. Stand by the Kleenex please.

She without arm, he without leg - ballet - Hand in Hand

2008-10-21T22:51:00.001+09:00

Makes you think twice before you jay-walk across the road or thank God while you are Msn-ing away on your computer.

I stand amazed.

2008-10-19T01:19:00.006+09:00

I Stand Amazed - Wow Worship

I bring You my heart
I bring You my praise
I bring You my broken dreams
I’ve lost along the way
I lift up my voice
I lift up my hands
I lift up the moments in my life
That I don’t understand
And I lay it at the cross
Where I’m surrounded by Your grace
And I marvel at the wonder of Your love

I stand amazed
I stand in awe
I stand forgiven in the midst of it all
Before You I bow
Before You I fall
Blessed Redeemer, Sweet Savior of all
I stand amazed

I offer You thanks
I offer my life
I offer a sacrifice of praise
When I’m scattered by the night
For You are my shelter
You are my King
You are the risen Son of God
The Lord of everything

Now I’m standing at the cross
Where I’m surrounded by Your grace
And I marvel at the wonder of Your love

There is life in His body
There is grace in His blood
There is peace for the sinner
Given by God’s grace

PASSION TOKYO conference 2008@渋谷

2008-10-19T00:06:00.026+09:00

Disclaimer: The lovely high-quality and creative shots were taken off the PASSION website at http://www.268blog.com/

Chloe says: I heart Tokyo.
PASSION says: I heart Tokyo.

God says: I heart Tokyo.

13 Oct 2008 (Monday) was 体育の日, which is a public holiday in Japan.

2000 excited people were gathered at Shibuya...

The venue was C.C Lemon Hall (don`t ask me why such a quirky name.. this is sushi-land ha!)

S bought a can of C.C Lemon drink to pose in front of the hall. Personally, i thought the big lemon sign hanging at the entrance of the hall was hilarious. Very amusing.

Excited me with the admission band. (Yes, another of the 生小孩时住医院戴的hospital-band.)

Check out the cheery luminous green. Hey, our network color leh!

Doors were stated to open at 4pm, the concert was to start at 5pm and people were already queueing up at 3plus when we went. This nice overview shot was taken by the PASSION crew. Many foreigners in the crowd... me and S included... haha!

These are certainly Japanese though! Sushi-lander power!

只好自拍.... luckily i have my trusty 广角！Smiles? Check! V sign? Check! Green admission band? Check! Corny C. C. Lemon? Check!

Yeah! Praise God! We managed to get 好位 cos our Shalom friends choped 2 whole rows. This is me smiling for the camera but was actually hiding a stressed face because many people were eyeing our empty seats while I chope one whole row for those who had not come into the hall yet. 1 hour of waiting~~

Amazing visuals though sound was kinda too loud and cracking...

This is Chris Tomlin, starting off the 4 hours long praise meeting! We sing for our King, JESUS!

Everyone getting pumped up and HIGH on GOD!!!

Another cool artsy shot taken by the crew crouching in a hole by the side of the wall.

The presence of God was sooo strong!

Lifting our praises to Him, who is worthy!

Banners that the participants of PASSION SEOUL made, Seoul was the previous stop before Tokyo!

Louie Giglio, the man behind the `Indescribable` talk and his engaging message.

Take home of the day: Embrace what God has done for you - reacting like when you are watching High-def TV.

"Are you sure that`s Yankees whacking the other team? Man, I can see an ant crawling on the grass! This is sooo cool!"

Many of us are still stuck in the analog TV stage- "Oh yeah, i read the verse since i was a baby.
I know Jesus died for me, Thank You Jesus. Let me get back to my comfort zone in church."

We know God wants us to tell everyone about the good news. But how?

What is the plan? There is no plan. YOU are the plan.

Go out there and shine like a light. But be careful. Don`t get swallowed by the dark.

My favourite! Matt Redman, leading one of my favourite song `Blessed be Your name`.

When the darkness closes in Lord, still i will say "Blessed be the name of the Lord!"

God heart Tokyo. We prayed for Tokyo and the nation of Japan and Louie told us that Seoul prayed for Tokyo as well. The current city will always pray for the next city. So we will be praying for Hong Kong. Many students from China will be attending the PASSION conference in Hong Kong so please keep them in prayers!

That`s Matt Redman!

Lastly, we had David Crowder Band, sounding all rockish and noisy and loud but very powerful!

After 4 hours of praising God, nobody wanted to leave!!!!

Completely dehydrated, slighty temporarily deaf, but VERY energised = Getting High on God!

We were supposed to wear the band on our wrists as a reminder to pray for the next city.

Flip the green part over and the date for the next conference (3 days later) was written on it. We will pray for HONG KONG!

It was a good conversation starter. My curious prebeliever friends asked me why i was wearing the band-thingy ;)

PASSION went to Kuala Lumpur but not Singapore...sob!

日本にいるから、ＰＡＳＳＩＯＮ conferenceに行けるを感謝します！

We pray that this will ignite the PASSION in many many more people who love God and will allow God to use them to shine in this world, in Jesus` name we ask. AMEN!

Are you ready to serve the King?

2008-10-16T15:31:00.000+09:00

Today's Prayer :
Dear Father in Heaven, my hope is in your unfailing love. I acknowledge that you are the source of all that I am. You are the one who gives me the ability to work, plan, and execute. Help me to keep my mind on your abilities, not my abilities. Please show me how to maintain this balance of your abilities and desire to do for me and through me and my abilities that you have given me to use in work and ministry. I pray that, with your guidance, I will use my abilities to the fullest at home, work, and play, and that you will get the glory for all the good that is done. Thank you in the name of Jesus, amen.

Serving Kings
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men" (Proverbs 22:29).

I was sitting in a room of 400 business people from 75 different nations to begin an international conference. After a time of worship, a man stood up and exhorted Christians in the United States to pray for their president. It was a difficult time in our nation because president Bill Clinton was in the midst of a scandal.

The man who challenged us to pray was pastor Romain Zannou from the small African nation of Benin. Romain had earned the right to exhort us. Many years ago, God had given him a burden to pray for his Marxist dictator president, Mathieu Kerekou. For 10 years, he prayed for two hours a day for Kerekou's salvation and for God to give Kerekou wisdom to lead the nation. One day while he was praying, Romain felt that the Lord had a message for the president. Within 24 hours, he was standing in a room with Kerekou to deliver the word of the Lord.

Though he and Romain had agreed to meet after their first free elections for a time of Bible study, the former president refused to meet with Romain after only a few meetings. Almost every day after that, Romain went to Kerekou's home, only to be told that Kerekou did not wish to see him. Each day he said, "I will wait," and stood outside the wall for hours, many times in the rain and heat, in hopes that Kerekou would let him in.

After a year and a half of these unsuccessful visits, the former president finally received him and greeted him with the words, "Pastor Zannou, you are a very persistent man." They began an in-depth study of the Bible. Through this study of the word of God, the former president received Christ.

Romain Zannou is one of many unknown leaders being used to impact nations through their own workplace calling. They are an unlikely group of people - pastors, flower shop owners, builders, industrialists and even a former golf pro (me).

Be skilled in what you do. You may be standing before a king in the future.

Tourguide of the year 2008 (续集）

2008-10-15T00:48:00.007+09:00

S's good friend Zhihao and his wifey came to visit last week so was pretty busy playing tourguide after school hours.

We went to the 'Happiest Place on Earth' with them!

LimoBus bustop. 离别的point.

Well, it was tiring but fun and I think it's great to bring people around to places I have grown to fall in love with these 2+ years. 想到还有6个月就要和这些地方说byebye了，还蛮感伤的。

So those who wanna come experience my free tourguiding, better grab your chance soon~

d(o^v^o)b

Another 2 satisfied visitors! (I hope!) (b^ー°)

知识之旅@八景島Sea Paradise

2008-10-11T21:41:00.041+09:00

讲了很久，终于在2008年的秋天，来到了横滨的八景岛。颠簸了快一个小时。。。终于到了！

没什么人。。。。。looks ulu to me...

入门票长得还蛮像到孕妇到医院生小孩时戴的。。。

i am navigator! yeah!

not so appealing mascot which is why i was the photographer!
屹立不到15年。。。应该是not bad 吧？

Whose smart idea was it to wear gloves to eat oily/smelly stuff? *snigger*

月饼power! Well, 中秋节was over about 2 wks ago though ;p 月饼Courtesy of Steven.

The super windy show area was packed with people, check out the cute kids in happy colored caps.. some school excursion i think.

Ok, the usual wow impressive stuff with smart white and black dolphins flying around doing stuff.. entertaining but maybe i am getting a bit old for this... hee... wanted to go dive in with the dolphin but that will mean forking out like S$100. Forget it.

Now, it was the aquarium and all the exotic marine life they have inside that caught my attention. I am reminded of my Kindy class and teaching them about 'Under the sea'. The good old days of Daneth asking me endless questions and Tania drawing lovely angler fishes.

These pretty fluorescent petal-like creatures are jelly-fishes! A sight to behold but not good when you get stung by one! According to my friends, you better go pee on the part where you got stung ASAP. (The alkaline in your pee can neutralize the bad acid, something like that.. if you think that is gross, maybe you can use soap??)

Up close and personal. I was so fascinated that my friends, were sitting at the exit with bored faces while i was oohing and wowing over the real stuff that i had only read about in National Library books when i was teaching at the kindergarten!

The huge aquarium with the travellator tunnel thingy.

Way cooler than Underwater World at Sentosa! Very educational!

Highlight of the day was .... boring predicatable Viking cos rollercoaster and Freefall tower were closed due to strong winds.

S looking stressed cos we dragged him to sit with us at the highest row.

A stressed guy and 3 excited girls. That's Little Miss Daredevil Keke, taking the photo while we were at the highest point of the ride. ;D Well done!

Ok, next we headed on to something safer.

I like horsies!

Why is S waving my 桌布？

Oh, that was his towel. And i like this crazy shot. Ha. Captain Shin looking all feministic.

That's another of my favourite: 小丸子。She's blur and happy go lucky. Cute.

Relaxing over ice-creams! Junee told me that nobody can be sad eating ice-cream! I agree! Ice-cream makes u happy!

我们真是好养。。。一面墙都可以玩到这么开心。哈！

i like this one. Can feel the 动感。Yups, the photographer was me (^o^)丿!

看得出大家都死命在跳跃吧！

We couldn't get enough of the wall!!

The nice marina. The wind was really strong!

Time to say goodbye to 仅此一次，应该不会再回来的八景岛Sea Paradise!(^^)/~~~　

一脸倦容的四个人。。。
An instance of 回光反照 before we all 睡死 on the way back..

我们的表情是to answer this question: 今天的感想？？？What do you think of 八景岛？

anyway, 重点是人啦。 Who cares! Thanks for the fun guys!

More to see

2008-10-11T20:32:00.006+09:00

More To See - christian

Well I know that i may have had my share of
failing and falling
But I have come to understand
one thing remains

By all he's done i have been made holy
Worthy of serving the one,
the one who brought eternity
so deep in my heart

Open your eyes and see
The wonder of a life
so wonderfully free
Lift up your head, believe
There is more,
so much more to see

You remind me still of the hope and promise
daring my heart to be brave and honest
while you strengthen me
so deep in my heart

His mercies are new every morning
His mercies are new everyday
His mercies are new every morning
Beautifully new every day

LIft up your eyes and see....

Jesus... You are my beautiful Savior.

2008-10-03T01:29:00.004+09:00

Beautiful Saviour - Planetshakers

God... you are indescribable! Click here

http://268generation.com/videoplayer/player.php?videoid=Indescrwide1&quality=hi

Theme song from 崖の上のポニョ (Ponyo on the cliff by the sea)

2008-09-22T00:33:00.003+09:00

Ponyo OST -

So cute! Been practising this song on the piano to destress during the exams period.. it grows on you, i tell you (though many people do get sick of the cutesy voice after a while.. haha)

Havent catch the movie though.

Anyway, this is my happy song of the month! *shake butt*

Something interesting: A lesson on life

2008-09-22T00:29:00.000+09:00

Recently, Adrian Tan, a litigation partner at Drew & Napier LLC went against the norm. He gave this interesting speech at the convocation of students at the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.

LIFE AND HOW TO SURVIVE IT

I must say thank you to the faculty and staff of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information for inviting me to give your convocation address. It's a wonderful honour and a privilege for me to speak here for ten minutes without fear of contradiction, defamation or retaliation. I say this as a Singaporean and more so as a husband.

My wife is a wonderful person and perfect in every way except one. She is the editor of a magazine. She corrects people for a living. She has honed her expert skills over a quarter of a century, mostly by practising at home during conversations between her and me.

On the other hand, I am a litigator. Essentially, I spend my day telling people how wrong they are. I make my living being disagreeable.

Nevertheless, there is perfect harmony in our matrimonial home. That is because when an editor and a litigator have an argument, the one who triumphs is always the wife.

And so I want to start by giving one piece of advice to the men: when you've already won her heart, you don't need to win every argument.

Marriage is considered one milestone of life. Some of you may already be married. Some of you may never be married. Some of you will be married. Some of you will enjoy the experience so much, you will be married many, many times. Good for you.

The next big milestone in your life is today: your graduation. The end of education. You're done learning.

You've probably been told the big lie that "Learning is a lifelong process" and that
therefore you will continue studying and taking masters'degrees and doctorates and professorships and so on. You know the sort of people who tell you that? Teachers.

Don't you think there is some measure of conflict of interest? They are in the business of learning, after all. Where would they be without you? They need you to be repeat customers.

The good news is that they're wrong.

The bad news is that you don't need further education because your entire life is over. It is gone. That may come as a shock to some of you. You're in your teens or early twenties. People may tell you that you will live to be 70, 80, 90 years old.

That is your life expectancy.

I love that term: life expectancy. We all understand the term to mean the average life span of a group of people. But I'm here to talk about a bigger idea, which is what you expect from your life.

You may be very happy to know that Singapore is currently ranked as the country with the third highest life expectancy. We are behind Andorra and Japan, and tied with
San Marino. It seems quite clear why people in those countries, and ours, live so long. We share one thing in common: our football teams are all hopeless. There's
very little danger of any of our citizens having their pulses raised by watching us play in the World Cup.

Spectators are more likely to be lulled into a gentle and restful nap.

Singaporeans have a life expectancy of 81.8 years. Singapore men live to an average of 79.21 years, while Singapore women live more than five years longer, probably
to take into account the additional time they need to spend in the bathroom.

So here you are, in your twenties, thinking that you'll have another 40 years to go. Four decades in which to live long and prosper.

Bad news. Read the papers. There are people dropping dead when they're 50, 40, 30 years old. Or quite possibly just after finishing their convocation. They would be very disappointed that they didn't meet their life expectancy.

I'm here to tell you this. Forget about your life expectancy.

After all, it's calculated based on an average. And you never, ever want to expect being average.

Revisit those expectations. You might be looking forward to working, falling in love, marrying, raising a family. You are told that, as graduates, you should expect to find a job paying so much, where your hours are so much, where you responsibilities are so much.

That is what is expected of you. And if you live up to it, it will be an awful waste.

If you expect that, you will be limiting yourself. You will be living your life according to boundaries set by average people. I have nothing against average people. But no one should aspire to be them. And you don't need years of education by the best minds in Singapore to prepare you to be average.

What you should prepare for is mess. Life's a mess. You are not entitled to expect anything from it. Life is not fair. Everything does not balance out in the end. Life
happens, and you have no control over it. Good and bad things happen to you day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment. Your degree is a poor armour against fate.

Don't expect anything. Erase all life expectancies. Just live. Your life is over as of today. At this point in time, you have grown as tall as you will ever be, you are
physically the fittest you will ever be in your entire life and you are probably looking the best that you will ever look. This is as good as it gets. It is all downhill from here. Or up. No one knows.

What does this mean for you? It is good that your life is over.

Since your life is over, you are free. Let me tell you the many wonderful things that you can do when you are free.

The most important is this: do not work.

Work is anything that you are compelled to do. By its very nature, it is undesirable.

Work kills. The Japanese have a term "Karoshi", which means death from overwork. That's the most dramatic form of how work can kill. But it can also kill you in more subtle ways. If you work, then day by day, bit by bit, your soul is chipped away, disintegrating until there's nothing left. A rock has been ground into sand and dust.

There's a common misconception that work is necessary. You will meet people working at miserable jobs. They tell you they are "making a living". No, they're not. They're dying, frittering away their fast-extinguishing lives doing things which are, at best, meaningless and, at worst, harmful.

People will tell you that work ennobles you, that work lends you a certain dignity. Work makes you free. The slogan "Arbeit macht frei" was placed at the entrances to
a number of Nazi concentration camps. Utter nonsense.

Do not waste the vast majority of your life doing something you hate so that you can spend the small remainder sliver of your life in modest comfort. You may never reach that end anyway.

Resist the temptation to get a job. Instead, play. Find something you enjoy doing. Do it. Over and over again. You will become good at it for two reasons: you like it, and you do it often. Soon, that will have value in itself.

I like arguing, and I love language. So, I became a litigator. I enjoy it and I would do it for free. If I didn't do that, I would've been in some other type of work that still involved writing fiction - probably a sports journalist.

So what should you do? You will find your own niche. I don't imagine you will need to look very hard. By this time in your life, you will have a very good idea of what
you will want to do. In fact, I'll go further and say the ideal situation would be that you will not be able to stop yourself pursuing your passions. By this time you
should know what your obsessions are. If you enjoy showing off your knowledge and feeling superior, you might become a teacher.

Find that pursuit that will energise you, consume you, become an obsession. Each day, you must rise with a restless enthusiasm. If you don't, you are working.

Most of you will end up in activities which involve communication. To those of you I have a second message: be wary of the truth. I'm not asking you to speak it, or write it, for there are times when it is dangerous or impossible to do those things. The truth has a great capacity to offend and injure, and you will find that the
closer you are to someone, the more care you must take to disguise or even conceal the truth. Often, there is great virtue in being evasive, or equivocating. There is also great skill. Any child can blurt out the truth, without thought to the consequences. It takes great maturity to appreciate the value of silence.

In order to be wary of the truth, you must first know it. That requires great frankness to yourself. Never fool the person in the mirror.

I have told you that your life is over, that you should not work, and that you should avoid telling the truth. I now say this to you: be hated.

It's not as easy as it sounds. Do you know anyone who hates you? Yet every great figure who has contributed to the human race has been hated, not just by one person, but often by a great many. That hatred is so strong it has caused those great figures to be shunned, abused, murdered and in one famous instance, nailed to a cross.

One does not have to be evil to be hated. In fact, it's often the case that one is hated precisely because one is trying to do right by one's own convictions. It is far
too easy to be liked, one merely has to be accommodating and hold no strong convictions. Then one will gravitate towards the centre and settle into the average. That cannot be your role. There are a great many bad people in the world, and if
you are not offending them, you must be bad yourself.

Popularity is a sure sign that you are doing something wrong.

The other side of the coin is this: fall in love.

I didn't say "be loved". That requires too much compromise. If one changes one's looks, personality and values, one can be loved by anyone.

Rather, I exhort you to love another human being. It may seem odd for me to tell you this. You may expect it to happen naturally, without deliberation. That is false.
Modern society is anti-love. We've taken a microscope to everyone to bring out their flaws and shortcomings. It far easier to find a reason not to love someone, than otherwise. Rejection requires only one reason. Love requires complete acceptance. It is hard work - the only kind of work that I find palatable.

Loving someone has great benefits. There is admiration, learning, attraction and something which, for the want of a better word, we call happiness. In loving someone, we become inspired to better ourselves in every way. We learn the truth worthlessness of material things. We celebrate being human. Loving is good for the soul.

Loving someone is therefore very important, and it is also important to choose the right person. Despite popular culture, love doesn't happen by chance, at first sight,
across a crowded dance floor. It grows slowly, sinking roots first before branching and blossoming. It is not a silly weed, but a mighty tree that weathers every storm.

You will find, that when you have someone to love, that the face is less important than the brain, and the body is less important than the heart.

You will also find that it is no great tragedy if your love is not reciprocated. You are not doing it to be loved back. Its value is to inspire you.

Finally, you will find that there is no half-measure when it comes to loving someone. You either don't, or you do with every cell in your body, completely and utterly, without reservation or apology. It consumes you, and you are reborn, all the better for it.

Don't work. Avoid telling the truth. Be hated. Love someone.

You're going to have a busy life. Thank goodness there's no life expectancy.

私の目を開いてください！

2008-09-22T00:06:00.001+09:00

ある人が天国に行った経験を書き記していました。天国でイエス様と話していそうなのですが、イエス様がどんどんどんどん大きくなっていくのです。

「何でそんなに大きくなるのー?!ちょっと待ってよ！」とその人が言うと、イエス様は、「私が大きくなっているのではないのだよ。あなたの目が私の本来の姿を見えるようになったのだよ。」と言われたそうです。

私たちは問題を過大評価しているでしょうか？それともイエス様の本来の姿を見ることはできるでしょうか？

Best Teacher Award 2008

2008-09-17T00:04:00.008+09:00

Best teacher Award for Year 2 of my student life here in sushi-land is 加藤先生！！

她就是ハン君的个人指导老师。她拍照不笑，看起来有点凶，but this is far from the truth! Kato-sensei is such a 傻大姐， full of encouraging words and speaking at a machine gun speed... 就是那种一直很high的老师。

今年没有高橋先生的课，不过多了Kato-sensei, 还是很庆幸。从巴黎留学回来的Kato-sensei,非常了解留学生的烦恼，她一直鼓励ハン君、piano也很厉害咯！

Kato-sensei教的‘罗曼派演奏法’只有2个学期，接下来是Okano-sensei接棒。

上完最后一堂课后，她很sweet地分发她自己配好的herb tea, 让我们在practical exam 前可以relax. How cool is that? 老师自己去买一大堆herbs, 然后回家装成60个小茶包。。。。超感动咯!

老师还细心地解释里面的labelling有两种：蓝色sticker的teabag是帮助睡眠的camomile plus some other chim stuff tea ，而黄色sticker的teabag是有提神效果的peppermint lemongrass tea。千万不可以混淆，不然在考试当天在键盘上睡着了，老师可不负责哦！

除了教我们怎么弹琴，kato-sensei还教我们aromatherapy, 还有mental training, 还有考试前的饮食法。。。真的是很caring and genuine 的一个好老师！

大家都吵着要拍class photo... 加藤先生果然是人気No. 1!!

Teachers like her really made a difference in the lives of students.

Because of her, I fell in love with Schuman's music too. And i went out to buy like bottles of aroma oils. Haha.　And i see carbs in a different light. （Yup, Kato-sensei taught us that you need carbs to concentrate.)

Thank you 加藤先生！この５ヶ月は最高だ！

Totally random ranting... (on food...)

2008-09-16T23:03:00.011+09:00

I love macarons! In the land of epicureans (the sushi-landers), I get to choose from authentic français version from haute pâtisseries (yes, in consumerism-consumed sushiland!) or innovated `jappy` version ;)

These two macarons are from Fauchon, a salon de thé, who is up there with Mariage Frères.

Tried the ones at Canele when i was back in merlion-land (the shop with the best macarons according to a 8days article). Time to check out Pierre Hermé at Omotesando and Jean-Paul Hévin... *excited*

Yes.. these are semi-chao-dar-ed rice balls... more commonly known as `dan-go` (団子）in sushi-land. Am addicted to these recently. I know.. high in carbs. According to my teacher, carbs are good for concentration power. I need power to work on my piano pieces mah ;p

Ahh... limited edition for autumn.. roasted tea. i like.

夏と言えば、浴衣だ！　納涼礼拝２００８~

2008-09-07T00:51:00.041+09:00

Every summer at Shinjuku Shalom Church, we have a special service: 納涼礼拝 where everyone wears their yukata (cotton kimono worn in summer) and then we go to our 別館and have a mini matsuri (food and fun fair thingy).

We sang a new song, the Okinawa sounding happy song you can hear on this website now, there`s Kei-chan on the 三味線、very authentic cos Kei-chan is from Okinawa! So is the cool guy in black jinbei but funny slippers. haha!
This was the special summer service in 2007 that I went with Charles! Can you spot me? Wasn`t wearing my 浴衣then...

Then we have the tambourine dance team perform a Japanese worship dance item.

Very 和風、very beautiful.

My dear friend: Sayo-chan! Her English is very good :)

Charles and me at the 2008 納涼礼拝！Thanks for coming! Hope you enjoyed yourself!

（Yes, he is the same Singaporean who went to watch Naruto with me... かっこいいguy^^)

Group photo 2008. Spot us! Hint: Same position as 2007...Haha!

Emi-chan and Inao-chan (my cell leader), manning the `store` our cell group is supposed to run... actually it was just bottled drinks in a plastic crate. *hee*

Everyone busy setting up their stores for the matsuri。

Cool young girls selling pancake balls. Yummy but painstakingly slow and labor intensive.

Sushi rice!

夏天当然要吃刨冰啦！Ayano-chan who is in a green yukata, from my cell group, helping out Mago-chan (the 金城武lookalike) and the guys!

Emi-chan and me, manning our store... i mean... crate.. 日本人很贴心哦，还会用towel抹干瓶子上面的水分。。。

Amane-chan也来凑热闹！

舞美chan, very lovely name, she is the daughter of 'Jackie Chan lookalike Uncle' who is a very 厉害 musician who passed us the Magic of Love CD when we did the show in 2005!

GuitarKing- Hiromichi!!! Such a sweet guy i tell you... a man after God's heart and a very passionate teacher who teaches agriculture at High School. 好人！

The 2 Naoko in our church, so we call them Inao-chan and Konao-chan, to avoid confusion! See, sushi rice is almost sold out!

忙里偷闲。。。pose一下啦，明年就不在了！:(

Yummy水饺子from the 大人stall （don't play play, 妈妈级人马出场），confirm好吃！

Prizes for the game booth. Eugene, waiting for someone to win the giant Stitch.

Hiromichi, trying to maneuvour the tiny remote toy car through the cones to win the prize!

The game booth proved to be a big hit with everyone, especially the kids!~

Prizes almost gone.... guess who won the grand prize? Masaokiだ！

Sweet, gentle Ai-chan, wife of Mago-chan (Takeshi lookalike).いつもお世話になって、ありがとう～

From my cell group, Ayano-chan, who plays the keyboard in the worship team. She`s good!

お邪魔します！Sayo-chan and Kayo-chan (who has Taiwanese parents but was born in Japan). Struggling with the pancake balls ;p

With Pastor Shingo and his wife Hisae-chan, who is also my cell leader. Thank God for both of them, my accountability `parents` while i am here in sushi-land.

Inao-chan, my cell leader but she is a nurse and therefore sometimes on duty on Sunday, which is why i have 2 cell leaders. We call her 正妹！Her dream is to go Hawaii and attend Bible college.
She is a great inspiration to me!

Decided to go against my dentist`s advice and have a go at the Japanese ice-kacang. The blue syrup that i am holding in my hand is `Blue Hawaii`, who knows what Hawaii tastes like? That`s Kayo-chan`s Dad, beaming at the camera. Hi Uncle! Mago-chan looks dazed from shaving too much ice~

Colorful Summer! Sayonara soon.....在日本的最后一个多姿多彩的夏天，就要划上休止符了。。。

两个佚游未尽的新加坡人。。。

第一次自己穿浴衣，原来it is not as difficult as it seems to be! 穿上去后，很有满足感！日本人都说能自己穿很厉害，要谢谢郑小欣的教导！

又爱又恨的夏天。。。炎热的天气叫人喘不过气来，不过夏天却是和好朋友一起去郊游，穿浴衣看烟花的快乐季节！爱穿拖鞋乱跑的新加坡小妞，对natsu真的是有矛盾的心理...

明年就要回到全年是夏的新加坡了。。。没有matsuri可以逛，没有人陪我穿浴衣，没有纳凉礼拜可以参加。。。想到这些。。失落感。。。。

大家快归队，到我家阳台吃月饼啦～さみしいなああ！！！！秋もうすぐ来るよ！

（ps:笔者目前处于水生火热中，所以有点不寻常。。哈哈！）

I love Shobi!

2008-09-06T00:06:00.003+09:00

This is me on my school`s website for international students.

http://www.shobi.ac.jp/english/message/

Tempted already? ;) Bring that jap textbook into BMT haha!

Hauntingly beautiful piano music from films

2008-09-02T23:59:00.002+09:00

「The Heart Asks Pleasure First」by Michael Nyman, from the film `The Piano`

「Comptine d'un autre été: L'après midi」(Nursery rhyme of/about another summer: The afternoon)by Yann Tiersen, from the film `Amelie`

みんなで賛美しよう！

2008-08-29T01:55:00.009+09:00

みんなで賛美しよ　Minna de sanbishiyo!　Let`s worship! - GROWING@UP

A Singaporean in Tokyo (as in Gershwin's 「An American in Paris」　get it?)

2008-08-29T00:09:00.015+09:00

Here`s what i was up in the final week of my 夏休み＾＾...

先ず、back to sushi-land to shake off the holiday dust.. but not before meeting up with Charles, fellow Singaporean from 東大。No rojak or prata here but, at least i can converse in Singlish with my fellow countryman ;p

Yummy donburi at 上野、Charles` fave place to meet. Ha! He looks like a Japanese cos he has been in studying in Tokyo for 6 years! *gasp* We are both returning to orchidland in 2009. Talk about withdrawal symptoms.

Finally.. the 餡蜜place that Charles has been raving about.. food-wise i still prefer 都路里at Shiodome. But thanks for the info, Charles! It`s the company that counts la!

上野and Naruto movie are like the must-do for each summer, cos both of us were at Ueno and watched the Naruto movie in 2007 too!

Yeah!My last Naruto movie LIVE since I won`t be around next Summer. *Sob sob*

Nice title this year -> 絆(kizuna) meaning `bonds` (no, not James Bond.)

The movie is only showing in ulu theatres or mini-theatres (where they show alternative films particularly foreign art films). Look at this one called `Cinema Rosa` at Ikebukuro. Lovely name, but looks like ulu cinema i went to at Chia-yi. Opps. Sorry. Anyway this is the popcorn counter. Yes, i know.

The sign pasted on the doors of the theatre, telling us to wait outside because there is massive amount of chakra inside. Cute lah, totally for kids lor this movie. Charles and I were like the only adults, excluding the parents who were there with the kids.

Looks posh right. Ha. Free seating so we went in early to grab the last row seats cos the theatre`s really tiny.

Shaky shot cos we were nervous that the attendant behind us in white will catch us using the camera. They are pretty strict about videocaming and the anti-piracy law. Here we are, posing with the free gift. Btw, our ticket costs 1500yen each (student rate) which is like S$20. So stop complaining you lucky people in orchidland! With plushy seats and hot popcorn!

Didn`t expect to get a free gift for the movie. This shows how big the anime is in Japan.

Cute necklace, it is a hologram (??) that changes from Naruto to the word 絆 when you flick the guitarpick-like thing that is supposedly the pendant. Not a lot of points in terms of fashion sense but 80 points for creativity (doesn`t it remind you of the ruler you used to play with in Primary school?) and 100 points for sincerity.

Movie was bad, as usual, with lousy plot and overrated trailer, but well well, for the experience lor, i was pretty excited (just like last year) so was pretty disappointed.

Thanks for the company, Charles! I had a great time ;)

Recharge time 2008: Majulah Singapura!

2008-08-27T00:45:00.019+09:00

Miss you Joyfoo this time back! But will catch up with you online k!

At church with my cell group sisters!

With my cell leader Alice ;)

Cell group at Alice's.

Canele. I like. Always a joy to catch up with you guys, Xiulan, Jenny and Justine!

With montessori friends at Raffles City. Long time no see, Fiona! Since 2005?

Celebrating HBB's birthday at RiceTable with the girls and boyfriends. ;) Thanks for rushing down Junee!

Catching a moment with Mum while she was watching 溏心风暴 on youtube.

Lunch with Mum, Alice and Timothy at Vivo.

Pizza with the girls at Greenwood.

Armchair therapy place ;p

Post botak-jones faces ^^

I love you Singapore!

什么是默契
我们同时仰望夜空的时序
同时被一颗星指引
无论哪里　它陪着我　第一时间回到熟悉

什么是勇气
手握着手笔形成世界新领域
就凭一颗心可以打造奇迹
再高的天也触手可及

＊晴空晴万里满载真心
就算有风雨我们的力量像恒星
齐心合力微弱的光芒也能燎亮天际

＃晴空行万里让梦探寻
明天的歌曲来自每个人的声音
坚定不移只要紧靠一起

什么是四季
常年彩虹　画出彩色的回忆
在这赤道旁的岛屿　小小面积
没有什么比家更美丽

用我们的勇气　照耀着天际
拥抱晴空万里

To my family and my friends:

Thank you for everything! You made me who i am today.

I love you!

One happy tourist and one excited homecomer!

2008-08-26T23:34:00.020+09:00

One of the highlights of my summer vacation this year: Steven in merlion-land! Yeah!

After hearing his comment that “怎么可以这么多树啊？到处都是树！不过很美啦！”

I realised that having grown up in this 花园城市, i have taken these trees and the greenery that we have enjoyed for granted.

Steven at 'Day of His Power 2008' held at Singapore Expo. He was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people and the scale of the event. Thanks for joining in the prayer for our nation!

The happy tourist, besides doing tourisy stuff, took time to play tennis with Lihan, Yanping and Weicheng. Thanks guys for the fun! Let's do this again soon! ;)

No visit is complete without the culinary experience! Actually I think the deprived Singaporean in me was more excited to see the stingray and 菜头馃。。。haha! A newly revamped Newton Food Centre but still buzzing with hawkers touting.. *not impressed*

Wow! A poseur place to chill out by the sea. Lovely. More importantly, it was the company that counted ;） Great place, lousy cakes, so-so drinks, but superb company!

Hopping next door, the must-visit place for any tourist in merlion-city: (all together now everyone) SENTOSA!

Having fun on the luge but have to endure stinky helmets... EEEeeeee!

My pretty tourguides: Claire, Joyce, Gwen, Xiulan and the happy tourist at the Night Safari. (no point putting up blurry- can't-see-anything photos of the nocturnal animals)

Lanxin, Hanbao, Mu, Jimmy, June, the excited homecomer and happy tourist eating fake Kenny Rogers at AMK kopitiam. 哈哈。Similarly重点是人。

The upgraded AMK central foodcentre. Reminds me of my 初级学院。Steven and the uniquely Singapore ice-kachang. （新加坡版的爱玉冰/海之冰）^^

Posing with Wall-E at Cine. Was there to watch 赤壁。 *yawn*

Steven's near death experience with 水果之王- 榴莲榴莲！Die also must try!

Happy tourist：*nervous smile and so-smelly-i-want-to-faint look*

Excited homecomer: *can't wait to dig into 猫山王 and D24 in front of her*

Steven in Faith Community Baptist Church.

Having lunch at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 after church service.

Visiting cousin Amanda at her new place and saying hi to darling Ethan. That's the anpan man slippers i bought for him! (He is a Xerox copy of Amanda i tell you!)

I look like a mum carrying her kid meh?! He is my cousin's son lah! ;)

So cute! (deja vu i know!)

Summertime for 夏！

2008-08-22T17:05:00.002+09:00

object width="425" height="344">

Chanced upon this cos I gotta write a report on `Summertime`　for school.

This is: You are the music while the music lasted.

Look at them having fun! :)

Thanks to cousin Shaochong for raving about Hiromi so much that I gotta check her out!

Hiromi and Chick are brilliant together!

青春不留白！最后的夏休み～

2008-08-18T02:43:00.002+09:00

私は今　充分幸せだ～

みんなと出会った　

感謝の気持ちで　胸がいっぱい☆

So cute!

2008-08-13T01:18:00.004+09:00

This is our God

2008-08-13T00:50:00.002+09:00

A new song (at least to someone living in sushiland) that I heard at service last week. Love it.

This is our God. `nuff said.^^

This Is Our God - Hillsong 2008

THIS IS OUR GOD
Words and Music by Reuben Morgan

VERSE 1:
Your grace is enough
More than I need
At Your word I will believe
I wait for You
Draw near again
Let Your Spirit make me new

CHORUS:
I will fall at Your feet
I will fall at Your feet
And I will worship You here

VERSE 2:
Your presence in me
Jesus light the way
By the power of Your word
I am restored
I am redeemed
By Your Spirit I am free

BRIDGE:
Freely You gave it all for us
Surrendered Your life upon that cross
Great is the love
Poured out for all
This is our God
Lifted on high from death to life
Forever our God is glorified
Servant and King
Rescued the world
This is our God

Every move I make (....I know God`s watching me!)

2008-07-21T22:01:00.010+09:00

Every Move I Make - Integrity Music

Every move I make I make in You
You make me move Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in You
Every step I take I take in You
You are my way Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in You

Waves of mercy
Waves of grace
Everywhere I look
I see your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God
This Love
How can it be?

One of my favouritest worship song! Yipee! Happy kiddy song! Reminds me of Sunday School and His Little Kingdom (the Childcare Centre where I did my practicuum.) Of course, not forgetting Teacher Xiu and our funny boss Susie! ;D

*shake butt and dance around*

時の流れに身をまかせ

2008-07-14T01:57:00.004+09:00

话说我因为快乐地在别人弹奏时很跟着感觉地唱起了中文歌，而惹来了‘伴唱’的重任。。。。

这星期天我们钢琴科二年级要到老人院表演连弹，准备出场6手连弹的我，被好朋友Nana问说可不可以帮她的曲子伴唱。。。。就是Teresa的‘我只在乎你’。

Thank God for Youtube...幸好唱中文，阿婆阿伯们应该听不出咬字不清等等。。这星期六还有教会的Worship team audition.. 这星期要和枇杷膏做好朋友了！

Anyway, thanks to this, I rediscovered the beauty of 邓丽君。不愧是我干妈的偶像！（虽然日文发音有一点点妙。。还是prefer原汁原味的中文version!)

://www.youtube.com/v/6tttrvUzAn4&hl=en&fs=1">

もしもあなたと会えすにいたら
私は何をしてたでしょうか
平凡だけどだれかおあいし
普通の暮ししてたでしょうか
时の流れに身をまかせ
あなたの色に染められ
一度の人生それさえ
捨てることも构わない
だからお愿いそばに置いてね
今はあなたしか爱せない

もしもあなたにきらわれたなら
明日というひなくしてしまうわ
约束なんかいらないけれど
おもいでだけじゃいきてゆけない
时の流れに身をまかせ
あなたのむねによりそい
きれいになれたそれだけで
いのちさえもいらないわ
だからお愿いそばに置いてね
今はあなたしてみえないの
时の流れにみをまかせ
あなたの色に染められ
一度の人生それさえ
舍てることも构わない
だからお愿いそばに置いてね
今はあなたしか爱せない

如果沒有遇見你　我將會是在那裡
日子過的怎麼樣　人生是否要珍惜
也許認識某一人　過著平凡的日子
不知道會不會　也有愛情甜如蜜

任時光匆匆流去　我只在乎你
心甘情願感染你的氣息
人生幾何能夠得到知己
失去生命的力量也不可惜
所以我求求你　別讓我離開你
除了你　我不能感到一絲絲情意

如果有那麼一天　你說即將要離去
我會迷失我自己　走入無邊人海裡
不要什麼諾言　只要天天在一起
我不能只依靠　片片回憶活下去

七夕　（Tanabata)

2008-07-07T00:22:00.004+09:00

大切なあなたへ　Happy Birthday ^^

The Star Festival originates from Chinese legend of the two bright stars, Altair and Vega.
七夕は輝く２つの星、アルタイルとベガにまつわる中国の伝説に由来しています。

Vega, a weaving girl, and Altair, a cowherd boy, loved each other.
織女星ベガとけん牛星アルタイルは互いに愛し合っていました。

They had so much fun being together they stop working hard.
一緒にいるとあまりに楽しくて、２人は真面目に働かなくなりました。

The king got angry and separated them by the Milky Way.
天帝は怒って、２人を大きな河（天の川）によって離れ離れにしてしまいました。

He allowed them to meet once a year across the Milky Way only on the night of July 7th.
天帝は１年に１度7月7日の夜だけ、２人が天の川を渡って会うことを許しました。

On that day, people decorate bamboo branches with paper strips and ornaments to celebrate their reunion.
七夕の日は、短冊やお飾りでささの枝を飾って２人の再会を祝います。

It is believed that a wish comes true when you write your wish on the paper strips and hang them on the bamboo.
短冊に願いを書いて、ささの枝にぶらさげると、願いことが叶うと信じられています。

很喜欢的一首曲子、名字就叫「たなばた」（The Seventh Night of July)。让我回想起高中时后在吹奏部的日子，指挥挑了这首曲子，却没有机会演绎它。在这里和你分享。

一次的错过，却凑成了美丽的邂逅。♥

出生在浪漫的七夕的你，也来romantiku想象一下吧！☆

曲を聴きながら、星空をイメージしてね！♪

The Fern and the Bamboo

2008-07-01T17:27:00.002+09:00

One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my
spirituality.... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to
have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me.

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good
care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew
from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came
from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And
again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I
would not quit. The same in year four.

"Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and
gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a
challenge it could not handle.

"Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been
struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the
bamboo. I will never quit on you.

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a
different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.

"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And
He will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life.

Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both
are essential to life.

--Author Unknown

二年生の木曜日

2008-06-29T23:57:00.012+09:00

実は木曜日が好きだ。。。親切な羽田先生、受けるべきYamaha指導グレード試験の練習はちょっとつまらないけど、２限、昼休、と３限、みんなと一緒に過ごして、なんかクラスの感じみたい→（●＾o＾●）ｖ

雨の日＝Cup-ramenの日!　＼（○＾ω＾○）／

Clavinova....私達の友。。。。

DTMの先生も面白かった～　いつもいろんな楽器を紹介してくれた。。。I miss my Nettie....　

今週は打楽器の皆さん。。。さやねちゃんと奈々ちゃん、後ろは先生だ！

ハン君もよくできた！

逆に金曜日のPopular piano授業は。。。。

超やる気がない　（-_-）（_-_）（-_-）ゴロゴロ。。。

Happy birthday Princess Junee~

2008-06-26T01:09:00.008+09:00

Hey pretty babe, Happy burst-day ;p

Happy birthday to the best-est teacher in the world~

Hi fake statue of liberty in sushiland 2006~

I like this one.. taitai-ing at Mariage Frere in 2007 at Ginza!

Last but not least, rick my purpe-ru stocking in 2008! Priceless!!!

It can only get better, cheers babe!

感謝します！

2008-06-24T02:47:00.011+09:00

Sermon snippets from Heartful Camp (jappy name i know hee)

2008-06-24T00:58:00.002+09:00

Session 1: Integrity

Integrity is who you are when no one is watching.

In Gen 25, we see Esau who has no integrity in the sense that he chose to satisfy his body over the will /inheritance of God.

The size of a church has nothing to do with passion for God. People, at many times, tend to trade their inheritance for the things of this world.

Talent can bring you to the top but character can keep you at the top. -> I do my best, even when no one is watching, for God.

Lack of character can cost you God`s plan for your life. You, yes you, are the only person, who can mess up your destiny.

Character and integrity gave Joseph his destiny. -> The choices you make can save this nation!

Psalm 101 is a blueprint of how we should live our lives. Psalm 101:2 says "...I will walk in my house with blameless heart." Make the decision to be a Christian everyday and the challenge is when you are at home.

Psalm 101:3 reminds us to set no vile things before your eyes and make a decision to not let evil into your mind and guard your hearts.

Session 2: 4 things that will help us build character

1) Prayer and fasting

If Jesus had to pray, He who knew no sins and son of God, how much more do we need to pray?
Prayer is important as we see that things were revealed to Jesus when He prayed.
Spend time with God, start with 5 minutes daily.
Put the kingdom of God first.
Fasting is so difficult because our flesh hates to be disciplined! If Jesus fasted for 40 days, perhaps we should consider fasting?!

2) Reading the word of God

Let the Bible speak to you.
The word of God renews our minds and reprograms our thinking.
Get the word inside by reading the passage many times.
Change isn`t change until you change.

3) Submit to your pastor and spiritual authority

Submit to his authority for God has placed this pastor in your life. Heb 13:17 "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Submit= listening/doing even if you don`t agree with it
Pastor = pipeline from God to you
God uses your pastor to speak words that will minister to you.

4) Go to church

We develop character in church because it forces you to get along with everyone.
Make church a priority in your life.

Session 3: Character-building for the church

Check your motive when building your church: numbers vs hearts for God

When the leaders fall, the organisation fall.

John the Baptist, was known as a friend of the bridegroom. He was teaching the bride to fall more in love with the bridegroom. Therefore the message should make people fall more in love with Jesus, not the preacher. John 3:27-30 27 tells us

"To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less."

Are you building your kingdom? Or are you building God`s kingdom? After you are done serving the bride, is she talking about you or the bridegroom?

Building a `Holy Spirit- sensitive` church not a `Seeker-sensitive` church.

What makes a church different from a good concert or a good talkshow is that we have Jesus in the house!

John`s mission was complete when people forgot who he was when Jesus appeared. ->We proclaim Jesus, not ourselves!

Become spiritual `eunuch` for Christ by pleasing God, not ourselves. Allow God to `cut off` the pride , the selfish ambition, the vanity.

Bring people to the Lord. When people forget who we are and serve God, we can say `our joy is complete`. (John 3:29-30)

Instead of turning to books or conferences, turn to God and ask, "God, what do you want?" Seek an identity for the church.

When we discover our identity in God, we will be blessed and we can act with integrity.

Allow God to `cut away` daily the selfish ambitions we have in us.

Coming before God with humility is the key to cutting away the pride. Continue to seek God`s wisdom daily.

Don`t be afraid to let God have His way in whatever you are doing. Let God move when He wants.

People will come back if they sense God`s presence. The music, the message, all these are secondary. These people may not know what they are seeking but they are searching for something definitely.

Session 4: The importance of Sabbath

God gave Moses the 10 commandments and He also commanded Moses to rest! Exodus 31 states that "Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people."

God rested after 6 days when He was pleased with His creation. He didn`t need to rest yet He set an example for His children as a parent, on how important it is to rest.

Giving 1/10 to God -> You get more when you tithe. Similarly, you can get more things done in 6 days than doing a lot of things in a week.

Finding that place of rest: If you have problem sleeping, you probably have problem trusting God. Know that God loves you and that our Heavenly Father will take care of everything else in our lives.

Sleep like a child with no worries or concerns because God is the `Father` who is worrying about all these instead. Sleeping is a way of trusting God, just that a child sleeps soundly while his parents fret about the bills and taxes etc. `Be still and know that I am God.`(Psalm 46:10)

2 things that Sabbath can help us to do:

1) It lets us hear God`s voice

God is always speaking to us but we don`t hear Him because there is too much noise around us. God is that still, small voice hidden in the midst of it.

2) It refreshes us

Sabbath is not an escape from our job but it is something that refreshes us.
Resting and getting refreshed is part of being `productive` as opposed to 頑張りすぎる (overworked ie: unproductive)
Rediscover the joy of doing nothing -> playfulness, restfulness, like when you were a kid

Don`t trade the best years of your life for your job. God commands us to rest. It is a blessing from God to be able to rest.

We rest in the middle of the storm, not after the storm. Thank God for that! Take 1 day off to honor God in the middle of the storm.

What can you do on your day off? The Pharisees made a legislative thing out of it but do what is unnecessary in your life. (aka no monetary benefit maybe)

When people are hurt or tired, they are more prone to sin. Character building makes us stronger and hence less likely to sin.

Maybe when God said "Be child-like", He meant for us to `play` more.

Create for 6 days of the week and take 1 day to enjoy your creation. When you rest in God, He will restore your soul.

-----------------------The End-------------------------------------------------------------

The sessions were conducted by Pastor Evan from Church on a Sure Foundation from Hawaii. Check out the homepage here

http://www.surefoundation.tv/hilo/subpages/about/index.shtml

Cool that his message touched on the subject of Sabbath, since 2008 is the Year of Sabbath for FCBC. Many of my Japanese churchmates were new to this topic.

But the main take home for me, this sentence was literally flashing in neon lights to me

"Don`t be afraid to let God have His way in whatever you are doing."

Wow. I was blown away. It was like God was shouting to me through a loudspeaker. Scary eh?

But very exciting. I am still learning. This path of surrendering. :)

Blessed day to you, fellow warrior!

Heartful Camp@河口湖

2008-06-21T21:05:00.017+09:00

During Golden week this year (May 2008), our church held our annual camp at Nagano again. I remembered coming here with the FCBC team in 2006 for the Encounter Weekend. That was 2 years ago! Time flies when you are having fun!

The whole lot of us took the coach from Shinjuku after 3rd service and the journey took about 2 hours.

A magnificent view of 富士山 awaits us behind 河口湖station. Up close and personal... it looks snowy??!!

Yummy dinner...

My little roommate...　天音ちゃん　looking cute in a bib.

Worship at the big hall where we had our sessions.

We were split up into 3 groups to present a skit on the fruits of the Spirit. The adults from 1st and 2nd service got the theme of `Peace`.

They were in a drawing class and had to draw pictures to depict what is meant by `peace`.

温柔爸爸as we affectionately called him, drew a picture of a mummy bird and her babies resting in their nest in the midst of a storm. `True peace`, he explained, was the ability to trust God and rest in the midst of whatever difficult circumstance you are going through. BRAVO~

Next, the guys from 3rd service presented a skit on `柔和 (nyu-wa)`... which can be translated as `kindness`. They depicted several scenes where someone displayed the behavior of `Love is kind`... they got a catchy slogan going ` Nyu-wa-wa-wa-` which got everyone laughing.

Steven here, pretending to be in lift with many people.... when suddenly there was a weird smell..

Being nyu-wa... he stepped out boldly and confessed that he was the one responsible for the smell.. haha..super funny lor! :D

The guys seemed to be enjoying themselves..

As for us girls, we presented a skit of Moses and the people receiving manna from heaven and the theme of `joy`.

My roommates... 5 ladies and a baby ;D

Mummy and baby mia-ing...

The lovely view of the lake from the hotel..

Pastor Elmer interpreting for Pastor Evan Carmichael from Hawaii, who gave great sermons on character building.

Group photo :)

Serendipity :)

2008-06-11T01:11:00.002+09:00

うれしい～～　＾＿＾　ありがとう♥

Riding, anyone?

2008-06-10T16:47:00.003+09:00

Horses not only are fun to ride, but can help teach relationship skills as well as aiding people with physical or mental disabilities -- or so says equitherapy.

"Horses mirror the feelings people try to hide," the pioneer in the discipline, Linda Kohanov, who runs the Epona centre in Arizona in the United States, told AFP. "They teach relationship skills."
Two main disciplines come under the equitherapy umbrella -- equine-facilitated psychotherapy and equine-assisted personal development.

But therapeutic work with horses does not necessarily involve riding, said Brigitte Martin, co-president of France's Equine-Assisted Therapy Federation. "It can happen during grooming, or with the horse on a long rein. The horse acts as a mediator between the therapist and the patient."

Martin works with children who are autistic or blind or deaf, and facilitates their contact with a pony. "The child becomes less agitated, and more relaxed," she said.

Equitherapy can improve posture and well-being, added Josee-Laura Delacoux of the French National Equitherapy Society SFE. "You see people opening up, smiling more. Horses are very sensitive. They pick up on emotions, without being judgmental, and this allows people to express themselves."

Claire Morin, from the French association Cheval Contact, says riding itself is not essential, but can be important.

"People's lives can be transformed by interaction with a horse. They see how they communicate with others, and what they need to change in themselves. They learn how to say no, and set limits, but in a natural way, without a power struggle."

Morin says she is a facilitator while the horse plays the therapeutic role. "There is an intuitive communication that occurs between horses and humans. The horse brings people into the here and now."

Yves Rivet, who founded a riding school in Charente-Maritime where mentally handicapped people work as grooms and assist the instructors, says the initiative has given them a new vision of themselves.

"People who come to ride see them not as handicapped people, but as trained stable hands. The stigma is removed."

Therapeutic riding, he said, began in France in the 1970s and has been used to help the mentally handicapped since the 1980s. "It was used firstly by physiotherapists, then to help children with social or family difficulties or behavioural problems, and even personality disorders.

"These were children who refused to adhere to society's rules. When you ride a horse you need to accept the animal's rules, and transgressing those rules can be very unpleasant."

Rivet recalls the case of an autistic child who had been abandoned by his mother. "He would lie down on the horse's neck, and cling to its mane. One day he hid his face in the mane, and, in floods of tears, shouted for his mother. At a subconscious level, the horses' mane had reminded him of his mother and her long, black hair. From that day, his autism disappeared."

The horse is a very powerful symbol, added Vincent Folatre, of the Archipel Cheval Confiance association. "And it has a soothing rhythm akin to being rocked in the womb, or in a mother's arms.

Equitherapy has also been used to treat drug addiction and eating disorders, and even to help rehabilitate prisoners.

"It's no accident that so many of the world's great leaders were skilful riders," said Kohanov. "Horses invigorate your spirit and help you get in touch with the real beauty and power of life."

Well done guys!

2008-06-10T16:21:00.011+09:00

Here are the brave people that I am proud to share blood ties with who took part in the recent Sundown Marathon... be it 42km or 84km, you guys proved that the journey is more important than the destination! BRAVO!!! *clap clap*

Ringleader of Team `Run to eat`... yeah i know, we are Singaporeans what! *giggle*

Cousin Shao Chong and Ernest with my brother, who shaved their heads to run for charity.... woohoo, just like army boys~ what about Mr Sim Shao Chong eh? (ok lah, I know you want to treasure the last few months with your precious hair before saying sayonara to them at Tekong in September haha)

You did it Mr BHAG! ;) Great job! (must be the power MIJ socks I bought for you ah!)

Practice runs at ECP for weeks... you guys ROCK! Kudos to girlpower Andrea and Jennifer who took part with the guys, YEAH!! :)

Worship CD from Shinjuku Shalom Church

2008-06-07T18:07:00.008+09:00

06 I could sing of your love forever - Worship Wave - Shinjuku Shalom Church

It is finally out! After 3 years of preparation, Worship Wave from musically anointed Shinjuku Shalom Church presents 「My God」!

The CD contains mostly covers of English songs as well as a few original songs.

Interested people can email me or leave a comment --> 2000yen :)

`I could sing of Your love forever....`

血型and性格。。。funny~

2008-05-30T01:40:00.006+09:00

This is for me, the kindergarten teacher~ now i know why the kids behaved the way they did when i was teaching...

Makes me wonder about the blood types of my friends who are always late.. haha you know who you are lor!

This one is funny... a bit small, but it is a chart of how different bloodtypes react to stress. My blood type is `A`, the “杀了我吧”is so me, but usually my 台词是“我要回新加坡了！”。 Hey analysis is 一旦遇上绝路，会变得比谁都强ok? Muahahahaa!

Me!Me！ I am type ‘A’ driver－追求完美，很自满。　（有被鸟过，这种时候还要park美美？）

Anyway for those of you who cannot see the words on the comic, here is chinese-power time!!
Read on!!

一，最能撒谎的血型是：
1，当然是O型， O型人撒谎像个吃饭似的，但是撒的谎都是让人马上听出来的；
2， B型，不管三七二十一，B型人绝不承认自己撒了谎
3，AB型， AB 型的很少撒谎，但是一旦撒谎，很难看破；
4， A型，A型人的性格就是学不会撒谎；

二，生存能力最强的血型是：
1， B型，具有不屈的生命力的B型人，不管是在什么地方都能生存到底；
2，A型，突然产生生的愿望的 A型人，能想出很多种求生的办法；
3， AB型，死了活了都觉得无所谓的类型；
4， O型，不愿意忍受孤独的O型，要是没有对话者的话，多嘴多舌的 O型人就想自杀；

三，说话难听的血型是：
1，AB型，AB 型不仅不说难听的话，也不说好话；
2， B型，偶尔才不说难听的话（不会说好话）
3， A型，不会说难听的话
4， O型，O型人很想努力地不想说难听的话，但是他们的难听话没有恶意；

四，在学校里最能装相的血型是：
1， O型，O型人必须得装相，要不然不走运；
2，B 型，B 型人不想装相，但是他们的长相本身就是贼能装的那一类型；
3， A型，不装相，反而始终努力保持和其他人一样的样子；
4， AB型，AB型人最不愿意装相，别人常常感觉不到他们的存在；

五，喜欢读书的血型是：
1， B型，B型人具有天然的集中注意力的能力，所以喜欢读书；
2，A型，具有高贵纯洁气质的 A型人喜欢读书；
3， AB型，具有散漫特点的AB型人没有想读书的愿望；
4，O型，喜欢玩耍的 O型人，把看书当作可笑的事情；

六，在拘留所里蹲着的血型是：
1，O型，喜欢赌博的是 O型人
2，B 型，喜欢嫉妒和好胜的是B型人；
3 ，AB型，把人整迷糊以后，喜欢诈骗和偷盗的是 AB型人；
4，A 型，在拘留所里很难看见A型人，反而在精神病院里常见；

七，控制欲最强的血型是：
1， B型，B型人的控制欲是很难自我控制；
2，O型，由于过分投入， O型人常常成为有控制欲的人；
3， A型，A型人几乎没有控制欲；
4，AB型，AB 型的人讨厌别人干涉自己的生活，也不干涉别人的生活；

八，最能用心做事的血型是：
1，B型，B 型人具有天然的高度集中注意力的天分，? 宰鍪潞苋菀子眯模?
2 ，O 型， O型人原本没有天然的集中注意力的能力，但是为了装相，他们努力用心做
事；
3 ，A型，只有事到临头，A型人才想起用心；
4，AB型， AB型的人，自己觉得很用心做事，但是别人看来，还是很散漫；

九，有口才的血型是：
1 ，O 型，O型人很愿意讲故事，也最能白呼，他们有天然的语言表达能力；
2 ，B型，B型人说话也有条理性；
3，AB型，为了参与白呼， AB型人愿意先写提纲
4 ，A型，A型人觉得没必要白呼，也觉得别人白呼跟自己无关；

十，长的可爱的血型是：
1 ，O型，在O型人中，长的像娃娃类型的很多；
2，A型，与其说可爱，还不如说 A型人漂亮（或英俊）；
3 ，B型，B型人里长的傻忽忽的人或长的比较粗的人比较多；
4，AB型， AB型人长的既不可爱，也不漂亮，但是很有男人（或女人）味道；

十一，最"厚脸皮" 的血型是：
1，B 型，B型人的说话本身就是厚脸皮；
2 ，AB型，AB型人的脸皮稍微厚一点；
3，A型， A型人与厚脸皮的人的距离很远；
4 ，O型，想努力做到厚脸皮的人是O 型人；

十二，爱说心里话（秘密）的血型是：
1 ，O型，O型人心里藏不住话，所以他们生怕别人不知道自己的秘密；
1，B型（共同位于第一位）， B型人过分直爽；
2 ，A 型，跟A型人相处的时间长了，他们什么秘密都说出来；
3，AB型， AB型的人不做什么能成为秘密的事情，所以没有什么秘密；

Pony的肺腑之言：
各位看官, 玩玩而已啦！不要太认真，每个人都是unique的！记得you are special!

Prancing Pony`s Paddock

I am on 無名!

The Stand

Good old times!

Can there be a deeper meaning in desserts? (alternate title of this post: Trying to sound chim and being 感性/煽情）

What does it mean to be salt and light of this world?

Believe in your dreams - Go for it and live knowing you tried.

Good morning Singapore!

How lovely is Your dwelling place

卒業の季節だPart 2～

旅立ちの日に

卒業の季節だ～

Follow love

Graduation 2009 (卒業式平成20年)

Happy White Day 2009~

White Day 2009 Krispy Kreme

Happy birthday Mummy!!!!

演歌friends present Worship music with flavarrr: 幸い小唄

感謝します！

Yeah! It finally snowed in Tokyo :)

Pruning for perfection

My prayer today...

Partners in music - 伴奏者の心声

なるほど。。。

Captured by grace

What i missed this Chinese New Year

Today`s prayer

Thanks for the birthday wishes and surprises!

大地回春

新年快乐！

It`s all about the company!

Thierry Lang plays Freddie Mercury

Young and vibrant (still!)

爱的五种语言 (The 5 love languages)

In the secret

A lovely song that brought back lots of memories

The Question of Calling

Give thanks!

さとうきび畑

Wall・E made me cry!

School life in sushi-land (last few months....)

Sephora in Singapore!!! *squeals*

每逢佳节倍思亲～ 「 Gloria in excelsis Deo（いと高き処に神に栄光あれ）」

Joy by ひろみ 上原

相爱的努力

死老鼠和飞毛腿

One day

前を向いて

Bach`s cello suite~ cool bananas!

Take it like a man 的狗屁论

Say so!! ♪

Faith is taking that tiny step out of comfort zone and knowing God will hold on to you through it all.

読書の秋

2008年留学生演奏会

Your favorite music = happy heart: study

Abide in Him

Obama: 'This is your victory'

Je t' aime (a song by バカ男 ＾＾）

Be thankful for Singapore!

His Vision, His Way, In His Timing

海角七號電影預告-愛情篇

海角七號 OST: 1945那年

She without arm, he without leg - ballet - Hand in Hand

I stand amazed.

PASSION TOKYO conference 2008@渋谷

Are you ready to serve the King?

Tourguide of the year 2008 (续集）

知识之旅@八景島Sea Paradise

More to see

Jesus... You are my beautiful Savior.

Theme song from 崖の上のポニョ (Ponyo on the cliff by the sea)

Something interesting: A lesson on life

私の目を開いてください！

Best Teacher Award 2008

Totally random ranting... (on food...)

夏と言えば、浴衣だ！ 納涼礼拝２００８~

I love Shobi!

Hauntingly beautiful piano music from films

みんなで賛美しよう！

A Singaporean in Tokyo (as in Gershwin's 「An American in Paris」 get it?)

Sephora in Singapore!!! squeals

每逢佳节倍思亲～　「 Gloria in excelsis Deo（いと高き処に神に栄光あれ）」

Joy by ひろみ　上原

Je t' aime (a song by バカ男＾＾）

夏と言えば、浴衣だ！　納涼礼拝２００８~

A Singaporean in Tokyo (as in Gershwin's 「An American in Paris」　get it?)

七夕　（Tanabata)