Tuesday, October 31, 2006

My Icecream Fix


I say, nothing beats having your favorite martini flavoured icecream! I had mine. Lychee Martini icecream! And its awesome.


If you love your icecream in never before tried flavours, go check out The Daily Scoop. They have even Bailey's Cream with choc chips. Coolness. Go try. This charming icecream palour is located at Sunset Way (at Clementi). Sometimes (or rather these days), niche icecream palours like Daily Scoop and Island Creamery (they have Tiger Beer Sorbet!!) are seriously giving those run-of-the-mill icecream shops a run for their money. Haagen Diaz and Gelare are boring already. Heh, Tiger fans should try the tiger sorbet at Island Creamery. My guy pals say its not bad.. haha I wonder if too much of it will make you a tinsy bit high.


I'm sure my girls will love the Lychee Martini icecream. Hmm, perhaps after Youie gets back home, I shall drive us down to Sunset Way. (fingers crossed)

Posted by Jo at 9:34 pm

Monday, October 30, 2006

Torn


I love Blogger; It is an avenue to write (read:rant) on what I feel.

And I feel so mixed up right now.


I seriously do not have an inkling of what I'm getting myself into.


Im such a contradiction.

Someone please tell me what to do.

Remember the tea story I mentioned before?

The tea is getting bland.

Thats all I want to say. Go figure it out if you have plenty of time to waste.

Posted by Jo at 10:14 pm

Saturday, October 28, 2006

The Lull before the Storm


Finally. A breather=)

After 2 back to back tests this week, I now have time to sit back and relax. Not for long though, I have 2 major presentations waiting for me this coming month before my final paper on the 28th november... Woooo... I say, Bring it on!!! 'Cause I just wanna get it over and done with and go straight to my well-deserved december vacation.

Praise God, 'cause He answered my prayers indeed. My week though tiring and stressful, has been a pretty amazing week with long nice meaningful conversations with friends. My 2 tests went pretty well albeit the lacklustre effort on my part to study. Ha, I even went out for a short shopping spree with my girlfriend, Marie when I have a services marketing quiz the very next day. The key is to work smart, not hard. *wink.

This term has been a huge deviation from my past terms. For many reasons; I mellowed alot, I don't club and party that often, no more hanging out at the beach, no skipping of classes (not even once), more note taking, more chilling out, more meaningful and more grown up conversations. I'm more able to take things in my stride now. I don't let small little things get to me.

Mans, I really mellowed ALOT. What happened to me... All boils down to my coming of age theory.

Well. Perhaps 'cause Jax is not around?! Hmmmmmmmmmm.


HAHAHAHAHAHA.

Kidding.

Posted by Jo at 11:23 pm

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Skydiving. Try It. You'll love it!


Its one hell of a thrill ride that is completely out of this world. I'll try it again, definitely!
Went through my old pictures of holidaying in Cairns, so.. here goes.. skydiving experience.

Waiting on the plane as it ascends higher into the clouds. I was feeling alright up until the point the small dingy plane started to hover above a sparse layer of clouds. I was like, Shit, what have I gotten myself into?! Haha... by the way, my dad and I went for the 10,000 feet (3300 metres) skyjump. Dont ask me how high is that, all I know it is high enough to make me feel seriously afraid. My feelings at the ledge, the moment before I take the plunge was undescribable; its fear, anticipation, anxiousness all rolled into one. The point of no return.

Posted by Jo at 11:36 pm

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Tis one of the those days...


When I really don't mind the world outside whizzing by, while I just rot myself silly at home. One of those days when I admit I'm leading a mundane life right now. Studying myself crazy. I stare whole day long at my lappie screen and my marketing research text. Looking quizzically at those mind boggling statistics formulas while they stared right back at me.

One of those days when I so so so so miss the days spent back in Vancouver. Oh how I miss those carefree summer days with brand new experiences each day just waiting for me to discover. *Sobs* Here I go again, wallowing in self-pity. Oh stop it already...But I just feel like lamenting on...

Oh well.

When was the last time I saw a good movie worth my time and my 9 bucks?

When was the last time I had a hearty laugh?

When was the last time I had darn alot of time to kill, sitting at side walk cafes people watching while sipping my cafe latte?

When was the last time I read a good book that made me ponder and cry buckets of tears?

When was the last time I baked myself in the sun?

When was the last time I experienced the sheer adrenaline rush on a rollercoaster?

When was the last time I dived carefreely with the fishes in the deep blue sea?

I really cannot remember. The weeks just fly by without me knowing. Time is an oddity that waits for no man.

Posted by Jo at 3:50 pm

Butterfly Kisses

A lovely bittersweet song by Bob Carlisle, illustrating the bittersweet sadness of fathers giving away their daughters at the wedding aisle.

Marie introduced this song to me one evening while waiting for the bus. And I was touched by the lyrics and how amazing the father-daughter relationship could be. And by the way, Marie, I've incidentally found the song while listening to christian hits cd. Haha, was kinda amazed by the coincidence.

Anyway, do read the lyrics.

There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes and
I thank God for all the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair;
"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
In all that I've done wrong I know I must have done something right
to deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night.


Sweet 16 today
She's looking like her mama a little more everyday
One part woman, the other part girl.
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world.

But I remember
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy,
But if you don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."
With all that I've done wrong I must have done something right to deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.

She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said
"I'm not sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
She leaned over...gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair
"Walk my down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry!"

Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right.
To deserve your love every morning and butterflykisses-
I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.

I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses.


-----------------------------------------------------------------
Oh well, I know for sure, my daddy will definitely attest to the above lyrics. Im such a daddy's girl, I have to admit. This song seriously nailed the relationship between fathers and their precious little girls. I have no idea why, but since time immemorial, girls (no matter how old they are) will always be little precious gems in their fathers' eyes. Butterfly Kisses is not so much about fatherhood, rather it signifies the appreciation of time spent well between a father and his little girl. And as with any good thing, there is a bittersweet sadness in letting go. Letting go of your little girl when she finds her true happiness. There is indeed a undescribable beauty of the relationship between fathers and daughters.


I remember my dad mentioning to me before, "I miss the good ol'days when I would hold your little hands in my hands". Those days are long gone; days when I would unabashedly hold my dad's hand.

Things are different now, we have all grown up.

When was the last time I held my dad's hand?

I can't even remember.

Posted by Jo at 12:48 am

Monday, October 23, 2006

Stop Online Child Pornography Today

Saw a provoking ad on Discovery Travel & Living today. So provoking that it prompted me to check out this website: www.lightamillioncandles.com


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA2h5Gog8_g

Do light a candle today. It might or might not significantly alleviate the situation of sexually abused kids, but a little help and support goes a long way. =)

Posted by Jo at 12:13 pm

Loveliest surprise...


This morning, I was having this dream of flying over to Oslo to look for Jax to celebrate our 18th month anniversary. Haha, it was a sweet dream until I was woken up by this loud and persistent knock on my front door. I was like, "Go away, dont bother my sleep, please let me get back to my dream. Then the knock was so loud and persistent, as if that guy at the front door aint giving up knocking till I open the door. So I dragged myself out of bed (looking darn obvious I just woke up) and what greeted me when I opened the door was a delivery boy with a bunch of flowers in his hands.....


Tadaah.. Lovely right?!



Haha, I was grinning away when I saw this. Oh mans.. how sweet of him to remember. He never fails to remember. He must have ordered the flowers online and have it delivered to my house.
Well, my dream sort of continued from there. I was in a happy daze as if floating on air. LOL.

(No wonder, last night while we were chatting online, he told me to wake up early this morning.)
------------------------------------------------
Anyway, a cute baby bird flew into my house last saturday and it was the cutest bird I've ever seen.

Ain't it cute and colourful. It went off to sleep in one corner after eating its fill of water and bread. It seriously knows how to enjoy life eh.

So what happened to it in the end? My dad caught hold of it, and release it off before it gets more traumatized by my mum's shrill screaming. Haha, my mum screamed so loudly when it tried to perch on her shoulder. Poor birdy...

Posted by Jo at 10:58 am

Thursday, October 19, 2006

The Notion of Group Dynamics

Group dynamics can make or break a team. My project mates and I learnt this lesson. Through the hard way.

Assumptions a normal person will typically make about group dynamics:

1. A team who is made up of folks who are deemed to be damn capable of good grades a.k.a 'Zai' students, is most likely to score for project work (group assignments, writeups, reports and presentations).

2. Never take a word of a dean-lister for granted. He/she makes the most sound judgement and logic.

3. A team made up of mostly guys is most likely to do well in quantitative-based project such as Computer Analysis Tool (aka CAT in SMU), Finance and Business Processes (urps)

4. Guys are less likely to suffer from group think.



Okay, all of the above assumptions are debunked altogether with a very simple example. An example (or rather a mistake) my Business Processes teammates and I created.

To cut the seemingly long story short, we got back our first writeup and the grade was far less than what we expected to get. Mediocre. Period. Well, we at SMU always strive to get the upper percentile grade. Anything that falls short is CMI (cannot make it) by our standards. I know I know, super ambitious but its the culture over here.

So, the point is, it doesnt mean a dean lister (who got himself a perm job at Merrill Lynch even before graduation) can be absolutely right about the direction the group is supposed to go. I'm not saying that he is at total fault for what happened to our writeup, please do not get me wrong. We are at fault as well, for assuming that our group is damn zai, made up of damn zai people. We learnt the lesson well, to always filter through ideas thrown on the table. Nobody's ideas are foolproof even if that person seems to be perfect in all other aspects. There is always room for inprovement.

So after this rant, I shall stop crying over spilled milk. The end of the episode. I just wanna get this out of my system once and for all. Blogging does help. Loads.

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

Somehow, I feel thankful at the end of the day, that I'm getting a well-rounded education at SMU. We are taught more than just textbook material, more than the usual run-of-the-mill issues, more than the typical Singaporean education.

Rather, we got a glimpse of how the cold, hard business world operates. That is what we got from all the project meetings, report writing, presentations, career talks and interaction with the professors. All of that shaped this holistic education.

I've learnt the importance of team dynamics amongst other practical issues. In order to do well for our project, communication with teammates is key. The art of striking up rapport, presenting ideas, speaking up and at the same time, bond with your teammates is pertinent to any team.

I read this news article on "What top employers are looking for in potential employees" and how most of them choose who to hire based on what criterias. And the number one attribute they look for when interviewing candidates is good COMMUNICATION SKILLS. Yes, its communication skills. Not your grades, leadership skills etc. (although, they are still taken into consideration)

Anyway, I do agree. Communication skills is THE most important. An articulate, confident and amiable employee with both IQ and EQ; who can convey his/her ideas accross to his/her team members. Let's say you're the employer looking to employ a fresh grad; Would you employ someone who mugs hard, scores well, but can't speak for nuts. You wouldnt right.

So what if you are a university graduate

So what if your GPA is 4

Big deal. College grads who have perfect GPAs are a dime and a dozen these days. Well, what makes you stand out then.

My friends, these days, grades aren't everything.

Posted by Jo at 4:31 pm

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Am I becoming a Homebody?


Urgh. NO!


But sadly, I think the answer is yes. How sad. Hatehatehatehatehate it.


My life revolves around school, school, school, and erm, SCHOOL!

Its like a 24/7 thing. I didn't use to be such a mugger (read:mugger wannabe to be more exact) until this term. It's always wake up, gobble down my breakfast, rush for classes, project meetings, the occasional studying in the library with friends and then head back home. Whatever happened to shopping?! My dear ol lovely glorious pasttime is suddenly chuck out from my entire schedule. It's mere existence has ceased to practically zlich. Rather, I spent more time in my school's library than the shopping malls.

Sidetrack: I realised I have not yet worn a pair of jeans to school since day 1 of school term. Know why, the weather these days is smoltering hot! That's an understatement. Capris and shorts are the way to dress these days.


Am I growing old? I hope not! Eileen babe, say, we hit the shopping malls soon for some (no, massive) retail therapy? I need it. For renewal, for recharge, for relaxation. For whatever. Just ask me out shopping, anyone! I'll gladly oblige. Please, before I go bonkers with my boring and mundane life right now.

(As I'm typing this, I dread going back to school for marketing research consultation with the Teaching Assistant. Fancy going back to school in the evening for that. And did I mention I just came back home to rest for a short while after meeting my friends in school for assignment discussion. So in other words, Im like going back to school twice in one day. Sheesh.)

Posted by Jo at 4:36 pm

Monday, October 16, 2006

A Moving Testimony

I chanced upon a moving testimony when I was looking for something to binge on this morning. There was this piece of paper pasted on the front of my fridge. And instead of satisfying my hunger first, I just stood there for 5 mins reading that piece of paper which so happens to be a testimony of this woman called Cynthia Lim. I do not know her personally, I just know that she is from my church. And this is what she has to say about her experience with God: (the words in orange are the exact words in Cynthia's testimony)

Born into a Buddhist family, I was accustomed to certain principles and beliefs that have affected the way I think and live life. At an early age, I developed a habit of memorizing dharma scriptures and leading an independent life as an individual with strong beliefs in karma and its consequences. My life before accepting Christ has been surprisingly smooth sailing and there have been no major events that may have altered my life or created the need to doubt my beliefs as a stauched Buddhist.

I am now a new believer in Christ. This year, a long lost friend of mine signed me up for the Alpha Course here in BBTC in March. It was fun and I enjoyed myself immersely. There were interesting video talks by Nicky Grumble and I learnt alot from the insightful discussion sessions. In the small group, I met people from all walks of life and we shared our feelings, questions and ideas on the topics discussed for the day.

(The writer eventually accepted Christ during an Alpha weekend retreat and acknowledged Jesus Christ as her personal Savior)

What amazed me was what happened AFTER she accepted Christ;

Continuing with the testimony:

As a new Christian and faced with the usual issues of conversion and new found faith, I had to endure the most difficult period of my life thus far. I discovered a huge growth (almost 15 cm by 6cm big) in my lower pelvic area and I was frightened by the possibility of it being malignant. The doctor diagnosed that the cyst was too huge to go for a biopsy and advised immediate surgery for its removal. I was devastated and matters just got worse when I found I have a hereditary blood disorder hence the risk of complication is substantially higher during and post surgery.

I am normally an optimistic person but after being told that the probability of the cyst being malignant was 50%, it was difficult maintaining a positive outlook. God's presence was reassuring, the support and prayers of my cell group friends help to affirm my trust in God. On occasions when I am down and worried, I was able to speak to Him and there was a certain peace. One of the days, I felt a change in me, miraculously my fear subsided and I no longer feel afraid. I was calmy making arrangement of the operation date with a renowned surgeon; working out payment methods; I have even gone to seek another 2 professional opinions, which confirmed the first diagnosis. I sensed hope in the situation. At that moment, it felt as if there was a pair of mighty hands, guiding me along the way. God instilled in me the strenght, courage and the confidence to go through this difficult time.

Posted by Jo at 11:22 am

Friday, October 13, 2006

Every dog has its day...

I want to get a doggie! Or rather a pup. Haha not now definitely, with the sheer amount of project work, activities and assignments to fret on, caring for a dog is the least of my priorities.

Nevertheless, I'm not ruling out the decision to get one in the near future when I have my own apartment.

Since I grew up playing with my aunt's 2 dogs, GioGio and Gianni (a shih tzu and a maltese respectively), I have no qualms when it comes to letting dogs lick me (not my face thou, anywhere but my face). Ew. Not the face. They're such cute and adorable creatures.

I am pretty particular as to the breed of dogs. I abhor poodles and chi-hua-huas! In my opinion, the abovementioned 2 breeds of dogs are the most horrid looking dogs ever. Add Pomeranian to the list as well. They're frigging noisy. I remember my primary school friend who had one. It would bark non-stop when it sees strangers. And, dont let it claw you, its painful. It clawed me once, and from then on, I swear I wont ever get a noisy as hell and clawish dog ever. More like pests than pets. Haha. Anyway, if I wanna get toy dogs, Shih Tzus and Maltese will be my top choices of breeds of dogs. You can tell why, I grew up playing with them as I mentioned.

Hmm, I dont mind working or sporting dogs if I were to live in landed property with loads of space in the future. (day-dreaming here). A golden retriever, English FoxHound, Labrador Retriever would be my choices. They are sturdy and independent dogs.

Alright, when it comes to cars, all of us I'm sure, would have a dream car, one that looks good, makes you feel good, and highly impractical at the same time. Breeds of dogs therefore, is no exception. For me, my all time dream dog would a Siberian Husky! A way too expensive dog to afford. Yes, it looks stunningly beautiful, but you do need deep pockets to groom, feed and train a Siberian Husky. Well, owning one is akin to owning a Ferrari.

Posted by Jo at 3:07 pm

Thursday, October 12, 2006

I love my crazy Uni friends!

The pictures will tell you why...

We had an absolute blast at Obar!

The night started off with a simple dinner at Ajisen with Vanny, Jules, Qihan and Charlotte.
It was a super hilarious dinner since Vanny as usual crack us up with her one of a kind humor style. She was telling us about this colleague of hers with really really bad breath and the conversation morphed into how she found out about animals' reproduction methods on Discovery Channel! LOL! The folks at the next table must be astounded as to what we were talking about. That vanny, as usual never fails to amaze us all. I laughed so hard that my sides ached. Wow, I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard.

We were kinda alil tinsy bit high.

Still pretty sober


Not anymore... After a few glasses of vodka cranberry, tequila shots and pops... The result. The games were fun!

Jules; sweet to me but mean to Qihan. Haha, we seriously had an awesome time chilling out taking lame ass photos, drinking and playing games. Didnt dance much anyway.

Verdict: Let's chill out now =)

off to sleep now. Im drained. Finally the sleep bug has hit me. No longer woozy.

Posted by Jo at 3:09 am

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Unspeakable Joy

My Experience in Church Thus Far


Why this sudden post about my experience in church when I hardly ever tell you much about my Sunday mornings?


I have no idea, just feel like sharing since all of you are my dear friends who know I go to church, wake up super early every sunday morning while prolly most of you (I'm sure) are still in dreamland. Haha...

Well, worship is not what most of you think as just singing and clapping of hands. It's seriously much MORE that that. I recalled alot of times when people around me raise their hands worshipping and tears will just flow down. They are not tears of sadness and of regret but tears of unspeakable joy. Worship is about telling God how grateful you are of His love and praising Him for blessing you with such an abundant life. I used to be a huge skeptic when its comes to worshipping God and the raising of hands and all. I used to think these people are so cultish and weird. Why must they raise their hands? But I have experienced this joy for myself. I can sing and tears of joy will just flow down my face. And they are an-abashed tears, I don't feel embarrassed crying in public 'cause there is no embarrassment at all. Only on sunday mornings in church do I feel so at ease and natural. Hence, I do not put on any make up when I go to church. Its totally sans makeup, not even mascara 'cause at the end of the worship, they would have been gone, or even worse, smudged! I cant really explain the joy, its undescribable. Its complete supernatural joy, joy that cannot be explained fully but can only be shown.

And its really heartwarming and amazing when you see grown men crying, letting their tears flow as well. Haha, I'm always seated at the first front pews in church. So naturally I can see the church's senior pastors sitting just a few rows in front of me. The Senior pastor and pastors always sit in the front row. And during worship, they will raise their hands and when the presence of God is really strong, you can see them dapping away at their eyes with their handkerchiefs or tissue paper. Haha, I find it kinda amusing at first 'cause hardly do I see grown up men who are so successful, crying. And I tell you, these men are highly successful people, my senior pastor used to be a well-known financial banker in the backing sector who has since gave up his high-flying career to commit himself into full time ministry in the church. Wow, Its hard to believe sometimes, one can give up his riches, fame and wealth to serve God. So now, God is his CEO. Amazing isn't it. (well, some of you might remember, he's the one who was giving the sermon on the day of my baptism =)..) Another church pastor is a top notch lawyer from Rodyk & Davidson law firm. And believe me, when I googled his name. I found pages of articles on him. He has been regularly featured in Euromoney Legal Media's Guide to the World's Leading Aviation lawyers. I mean, such successful people like him, in church on sunday mornings, tearing and with no pretensions. I mean you can say perhaps its only for show on sundays, but I tell you, you can see a person's pretension sooner or later, it'll just surface.. My aunt and uncle is in the same cell group as him, and they can see and observe for themselves. I'm still awestruck, and he'll be teaching my aunt, uncle, mum and I on how to lead a purpose driven life from next sunday onwards. Wow. Thank God for this opportunity to even converse with such a successful lawyer. Kinda intimidating actually. Hopefully, I wont utter non-sensical stuff man... heh. This is truly the work of God in people's lives. You can say its just a handful, there're other successful christians who lead extravagant lifestyles who did bad and sometimes ungodly stuff. But why dwell on the bad things, when you have much good and lovely things to focus on?


Anyway, the whole point is, I learnt alot in church, I've experienced feelings not easily describable. Joy that a normal person who doesnt believe will not easily understand. I think most of you would know that Im a person who sometimes want what others have. And its truly not a bad thing at all, 'cause I saw the joy in other christians when I was not one. And I thought to myself, Hey, I want that joy and blessing too!" Its that desire that led me to search for that joy and I'm glad I've found it. It only took me this long to share my joy.

But better late than never. =)


Oh man, I sound a tad too preachy... Haha, anyway, I'm still the same jo, just alil more 'holy', I guess. No worries, I still like to have fun and all, just that Im a more grateful and a happier person now.

Posted by Jo at 1:02 pm

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Some Random Thoughts

To go or not to go?

For?

Yet another 'burn another hole in my parents' pocket' exchange
OR
Work and Travel USA

Urgh. Sometimes, life throws you contraints that makes decisions so so so tough to make. So many hesitations pulling me back. Why can't we just throw everything aside and just go with the flow. Well, life's a bitch. Haha, nah, I'm sure what doesn't kill you, will make you stronger.

Such is having age on our sides. When we're young, we are so eager to try out all things new. We want to try first, clubbing, tanning, painting the town red with all our partying frenzy, our first martinis and vodkas. And then when we tried all of the above, we get bored and turned our attention to other activities to satiate the inner craving for the new and untried. We want to live life to the fullest since being young only happens once.

Anyway, I've discussed with Jax about my rather lofy and crazy plans to travel together. Either we plan well and embark on the same exchange program to the same partner university or we sign up for Work and Travel together. But sadly, both are pretty much not possible. Firstly, I'm studying Business Management and he, Maritime Studies (I'm sure most of you would know by now). Hence, the core mods we have in common are practically zlich. Secondly, by the time he comes back home, the Work and Travel Interviews would be long over. So, at the end of the day, back to the point of life's nastiness.

So that leaves me with the faintest hope of going for exchange due to other factors as well.

Hmmph.

Well, I still have one LAST plan. I'm persistent when it comes to having my bit of fun. Haha I seriously have no intention of giving up this idea of traveling with my boyfriend. The last plan is to go for a graduation trip to the States. This plan seems rather achievable since both of us will prolly graduate at the same time if all things go according to plan. =) The trip can only be a month long 'cause we have to factor in looking for employment and any trip longer than a month would be hard to account for in our resumes.


SEE WHAT I MEAN???
Its seriously like "With more power comes more responsibility" kinda scenario!. Not that I'm powerful or possesses super hero (or heroine) powers. It's just that when you get older, you have loftier plans, you think that being young is oh so empowering and you tend to throw cares to the wind. But life works differently, it pulls me right down to earth, and never fails to knock some sense into me. Telling me that life is not that rosy afterall. It seems to tell me, "You have your responsibilities, you know! You can't say 'Let's Go!' when you do have issues to account for."


Life. It's sometimes too absurd and puzzling for me to comprehend.

Well, I shall stop trying to comprehend it for awhile. All this pondering is driving me nuts.

At the end of the day, let me be frank, I think I'm a super spoilt person. 'Cause I just die die want to have my fun and new experiences. Have to change my mentality.
The world doesn't just revolve around me.

Posted by Jo at 11:50 pm

Saturday, October 07, 2006

A Risk Of Faith

"The older I get, the less I want to take risks. I clutch the railing as I walk down a flight of stairs. I look both ways -twice- before driving through an intersection." Anne Graham Lotz

Yes, the older I get, the less I want to take risks. I can be gungho about loads of stuff. Ask me to go for a dive or a white water rafting trip. I'll gladly go (if time allows). I have no qualms when it comes to trying out new adrenaline packed stuff which allows me to step out of my comfort zone. Hell, I've even tried skydiving before. But these days, I'm more timid than ever.

Day-to-day living presents risks that I feel so afraid to take. Little things like taking normal tests, presentations and even sharing my faith to my friends. Even trying to parallel park is nerve wrecking! My faith of seventeen has faded away. And this song's lyrics completely nailed my feelings. Spot on.

Next Thing I Know
Written by Matthew West

I remember when I was thirteen
I saw a picture on my TV screen
The Reverend Billy Graham and the people sing "Just As I Am"
And I felt like You were talking to me
And the whole world seemed to fade away
Until I heard my mother say
"Son, are you ok?
Do you wanna pray?"
And that became the hour I first believed

Chorus:
And next thing you know
I'm high and flying, next thing you know
My heart is in Your hands,
next thing you know
There is no denying, next thing you know
I'm a brand new man

Well I wish I could say
I always stayed right there
And I did until my freshman year
But the world was pulling me along way from thirteen
And You were calling but I didn't hear
Still I knew there was something more
So one day my knees hit the dorm room floor
I said "If You're there and if You really care
Come and talk to me like I was thirteen"

Chorus:
I Got a picture in my head today
Of how Heaven might look someday
I see the people there so I pull up a chair
And their stories they blew me away
'Cause I can see it on every face
Their evidence of grace
And as I listen it occurs to me
Everybody's got their own thirteen

So what's your story about His glory?
You gotta find your place in the history of grace

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

This song spoke to me (in a figuratively sense of course). I remembered I was seventeen when I first attended church regularly. Life was different then. Simple faith existed and there were none of the complexities that are oh so common now. Fear and worry are 2 words not easily found in my life's dictionary back then. Now, being 21 is a whole different experience and story altogether. We just flow with the tide, not knowing where it'll lead us to. The world seems to have taken hold of me. And I refuse to let it do that.

So its my prayer that when week 13 and 14 (peak season of presentations) rear their ugly heads,
I'll remember what God said in His Word.

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline"
2 Timothy 1:7

Begone pre-presentation and exam jitters! Courage to face what's coming your way, girl!

Posted by Jo at 4:51 pm

Friday, October 06, 2006

I so so so love this song by John Mayer.

He rocks! An absolute song writing genius.

Daughters

I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
But she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls all continually change
And I've done all I can
To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it's got nothing to do with me

Fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too

Oh, you see that skin?
It's the same she's been standing in
Since the day she saw him walking away
Now she's left
Cleaning up the mess he made

So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too

Boys, you can break
You'll find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong
And boys soldier on
But boys would be gone without the warmth from
A woman's good, good heart

On behalf of every man
Looking out for every girl
You are the god and the weight of her world

So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too

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

To all the men, take care of the girls in your life. Us, Girls are precious gems and we add colour to your lives!

By the way, John Mayer sung this song like 3 years ago, in 2003. Till now, I still love listening to it all the time. Its a classic age-less song.

Posted by Jo at 8:49 pm

My idea of a perfect life and a perfect couple.



Tony & Maureen Wheeler. If you ask me who I think is the perfect couple, they would be it.

In case you are wondering who on earth are they. They are none other than the founders of Lonely Planet Publications. Yes, they are indeed the wonderful folks who gave us the Lonely Planets series for travel dummies (like me) who need guidebooks to fill us in into the amazing lifestyle, culture and interesting hangouts to visit in our destination country.

They started out as a young and adventurous couple who travel on tight budgets and travelled across Asia on the cheap. Till now, when they are like 60ish, they still travel like 6 months a year. Basically, its their job to scour for interesting and unique hangouts in every possible tourist destination in the world. Talk about having a job you love! They have even travelled to Antarctica! Oh mans, how cool is that! I seriously admire their passion for traveling and the ability to rough it out during their travels. How awesome if I can find the right companion to travel around the world with me in young and in old age. That would be the perfect life. After career slogging, retirement into a life of leisure travel would certainly make my life complete. I would surely die with no regrets man. Haha! Scuba dived in Manado, Mauritius, Maldives, Sipadan. Bungeed off the highest ledge in South Africa and cruised in the Caribbean. Not forgetting having shopped in Milan and Paris.

Well, this post is just indulging the travel junkie in me.

Posted by Jo at 6:25 pm

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Mild Entertainment.


Alrightey, I am bored hence this quickie post. Ha!


Most of you would have heard that I am learning a new instrument this term for my arts elective; Music East & West. But, you have absolutely no idea how my instrument looks like, don't you? Well, since I'm contemplating if I should start taking the damn thing out of the case to practise, I might as well take a picture of it to show you guys right. So here goes. Presenting to you curious folks, my instrument, the Banduria...


Drum rolls please. Ha!

There you go! Its really a pretty small instrument as you can see. If you wanna know, the banduria is a filipino 14 string (!) musical instrument with spanish roots. No kid! It is indeed a 14 string instrument. So, when it comes to tuning, oh boy!, I don't wanna think about it right now. Haha, i'll just pray and hope that I'll learn how to strum and make music (not jarring noises) by week 15 which is the scheduled concert date. Yikes!


Well, do wish me luck!



On a sidenote...

If you look closely enough, you'll see him balancing himself on the ledge below him. F.A.I.N.TS

That's my boyfriend for you. =)

Haha! He never fails to amuse me with what he's capable of.

See what I mean?

He seriously do add colour to my life. Grins.

Posted by Jo at 11:15 pm

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Change.


This post will be a deviation from my normal rants and ramblings...

I'm deeply encouraged by 2 very special friends during the spate of events that happened last week. One friend, I knew since Sec 3, the other I just got to know slightly better since the start of the current school term...

Most of you would know Eileen, but not many would know that she's the one who first brought me to church. And I'm thankful that she did because that crossroad seriously has a deep impact in my life and from then on, its not the same anymore. I just love hanging out with her 'cause we can talk non-stop about Christian stuff and church. Ha, who says we just shop all day long? Hey, we do have meaningful conversations alright. It might seem real boring to others, but I feel both of us need that extra bit of encouragement. Who doesnt when life gets to you? She always says that I give encouraging and enlightening comments. But somehow, I feel that she's the one who encourage me to talk about such stuff. Its just amazing, a friend whom I seldom see, can have such an impact on my life.

The other friend; I think only 2 close friends around me knows who he is. Haha, I just got to know him better since the start of school term. He's special in a way (folks, please think in a purely platonic and no strings attached kind of way here alright). He made me think more about Christian issues. Its really mind blowing. I remember I was so touched by this particular song I sang for the first time during worship. By the way, my mum, sis, aunt and uncle all love that song too. And somehow, I have no idea who sang it and I couldn't find in on Ares since Im clueless about the title and the artiste. So I said a very short prayer to God, praying that I want that song. Haha, the next thing I know, my friend, Mingwei msned me and he said he has an awesome song to send to me. And GUESS WHAT?? Its the song I wanted!!! Anyway, I found out the song is "What Can I do" by Paul Baloche.

And this only happened in a matter of minutes! Im not kidding you! Im so amazed! I was like, WOW!

So, these 2 particular events changed me. Haha, amidst the mundanities in life right now, I'm experiencing really meaningful events in my life.

I'm sure, by now, you guys will think I'm easily amazed by seemingly simple and small events. Haha. But to each his own.

Indeed, different friends plays different roles in your life. In my opinion, all my friends play important roles in shaping my life. Friendships are really that powerful.
Something that we can never do without.

Posted by Jo at 12:26 pm

Songs of old that brought back memories...

"It's My Life" by Bon Jovi

This ain't a song for the broken-hearted
No silent prayer for the faith-departed
I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd
You're gonna hear my voice
When I shout it out loud

[Chorus:]
It's my life It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said I did it my way
I just wanna live while I'm alive
It's my life

This is for the ones who stood their ground
For Tommy and Gina who never backed down
Tomorrow's getting harder make no mistake
Luck ain't even lucky
Got to make your own breaks

[Chorus:]
'Cause it's my life
Better stand tall when they're calling you out
Don't bend, don't break, baby, don't back down



"When You Say Nothing At All" by Ronan Keating

It's amazing
How you can speak
Right to my heart
Without saying a word,
You can light up the dark
Try as I may
I could never explain
What I hear when
You don't say a thing

[CHORUS:]
The smile on your face
Lets me know
That you need me
There's a truth
In your eyes
Saying you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says
You'll catch me
Whenever I fall
You say it best
When you say nothing at all

All day long
I can hear people
Talking out loud
But when you hold me near
You drown out the crowd
Try as they may
They can never define
What's been said
Between your
Heart and mine



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

I heard these 2 songs during a wedding dinner I just attended this very evening. The 2nd song is just so lovely to listen to again. Just listening to it makes me wanna get married that very instant. OH MY GOODNESS! I have no idea why??! Im equally puzzled at myself for even thinking of that. Ha! Like HUH, Im only 21. Marriage can only be on the cards, after 24. Strictly.

Weddings. They have a peculiar effect on me.

Posted by Jo at 12:14 am

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