the 3-RE's'

RE-joice: I own the E71 finally!

2008-11-16T21:31:00.002+08:00

Finally decided on E71, rather than HTC and iphone.

Reasons? I'm not use to the touchscreen feature of iphone and the better models of HTC are rather bulky (relative to E71).

Some aunties were deciding loudly on which models to buy at SK mall's Hello! on Saturday. Sorry I didn't need to eavesdrop, they were so loud!

"Ah boy, which one better? This or that?"

"This model can store more songs"

"Hello, Ah boy now using the shop's phone to call 1626 to check, no more the blue model, only left white and silver. But the blue nicer leh."

"What do you think about this one?" (pointing to the E71 model)

"Good-a-not, can send email?

"Cheaper than the sumsung"

"But very ugly"

"Nevermind lah, just ask the sale person to show us these models"

I was next in the queue, so aunties' conversation ended :)

RE-flection: What has gone wrong?

2008-11-16T21:00:00.006+08:00

Ring... .... Ring... ... Ring... ....

Hello?

Rae, do you know if xyz is hosting the media today?

Huh? not that I know of...

yadahyadahyadah... (line was cut off)

Ring... ...

Yes?

Is confirmed, is today, you better be there this afternoon

Erh... I'm heading to KL soon

Oh yah, ok you better go, enjoy yourself!

Click. Silence.

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

I wonder what has gone wrong... how come I'm not aware of the media tour? Sian... better not read too much into this incident, else will get very upset again. Btw, I'm also not aware what is going to happen this coming Friday!

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

RE-flection: Busy-Busy-Busy

2008-10-18T23:48:00.004+08:00

Busy, busy, busy again after I'm back from HK and that's how time flies!

But busy, busy, busy with insignificant routine stuff that no one bothers.

Now I'm bored

Not because I've nothing to do

But because I've too many mundane work

Mundane work that no one wants to do or doesn't bother

No wonder I dread going to work each day

Yes, Boredom and Routine are fearful!

They can cause the Brain to deteriorate slowly

No wonder nowadays I feel so inefficient!

RE-juvenate: My Work and My Holiday

2008-10-18T23:27:00.004+08:00

I didn't realise until recently that I've not been resting (as in taking long break from work) since last year Nov. No wonder the brain is no longer talking to the body and vice versa.

Finally I took a break in Sep and went holidaying in HK.

It's really a heartwarming sister-niece gathering.

My niece remembered me within a hour. And she started to fuss over me (yes she fussed over me, not I fussed over her :)).

It was so fun although I don't understand a single baby word. She ahga-ed ahga-ed a few words like "book", "ah yi", "coco", "good", etc.

I think she was telling me her experiences from Singapore to Shanghai to HK.

But my sis said she was asking me where I was for the past few months, telling me that this was her HK home and not Shanghai home...

haa haa haa... that's how I had fun!

RE-flection: Another day has passed

2008-10-18T23:25:00.000+08:00

It's already 11 pm and soon it will be 19th October 2008.

And I really wonder how time can fly.

Even though time doesn't have wings.

I remember reading a Chinese passage from my Primary school text on "Time" and a little girl or boy (can't remember) asks why "Grandpa Time" runs so fast.

Then I was very fascinated by this passage;

Now I'm stressed by "Time"

Every tick and every click, a second is gone.

No one can manage "Time", as it couldn't be managed.

Don't ask me why we talk about "Time Management".

But I feel it is time for "Self-Discipline"!

From "pink" to "green"

2008-04-05T23:14:00.002+08:00

I'm tired of the "pink" background, so I decided to give my blog a new look. I browsed through the sample templates and settled on one with a "green" background. I didn't take long to decide as the main aim was just to give the blog a new look, period :)

RE-flection: The Ohana Camp

2007-06-23T23:17:00.000+08:00

The last church camp was in 2000. Back then, I was still an officer with the Jnr BB company and we piggybacked on it and brought about 20 Boys to this Malacca camp. 7 years later, some of these pioneer Boys have growth, not only physically but spiritually.

I'm again awed by God, how He has worked through the lives of these Boys, in this Ohana Camp. I'm always very thankful for them, they never complain about hardwork and always help brother PC in church. In this camp, they signed up as logistic helpers and diligently performed their duties - setting up of workshop and worship venues, stationing themselves at respectively rooms to guard the church equipment after set up, running errands for church campers - when the 800 of us were enjoying ourselves. How many teens (15-18 years old) can assume such responsibilities?

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

Palace of the Golden Horses, KL

3 - 6 June 2007

I'm glad I've registered for this church camp. This time round, not as officer of BB, but a camper. I'd enjoyed the company, food, games and shopping. Although I fell sick on the first day (sore throat), on second day (no voice), I felt so touched by all my churchmates - everyone who knew I lost my voice, came passing me whatever "soothing" sweets they had with them :D

Palace of the Golden Horses:

My hotel room and view from the room. In a clear day, I can see the Twin Towers from this view.

Greenery inside the palace

Greenery outside the palace.

Worship in Action. Last but not least, this is the camp song:

(Verse)
Our God is with us, rising above us,
we will not be moved.
Come on, let's go up, to the place prepared for us,
relentless in Him we pursue.
Our God is for us, who can stand against us,
we lift our hands in praise.
Come on, let's get up, face those against us,
the Lord of hosts His Name we raise.

(Pre-Chorus)
We will win, for we fight from victory;
God goes before us, triumphant victory is His!

(Chorus)
O God, You are great, God!
The battle belongs to You, we stand victorious in You!
O God, You are great, God!
We worshop You with one voice,
our hope is glorious in You!

(Bridge)
You have the victory, Victorious One, Magnificent, Amazing God!

[Great God. Words & Music by: Rev Barnabas Chong, 2007]

RE-flection

2007-03-09T22:22:00.001+08:00

Scott Wesley Brown's Out of Africa is one of my favourite music CDs in my entire personal collection. I bought it because I was trying to get hold of a song entitled "I wish you Jesus".

Every song ministers to me and reminds me daily that:
1. He is the King of all kings, Lord of all lords - "this little child was born the King of kings"
2. My relationship with Him is important -"don't go to church before you go to Jesus"
3. His command: Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

So, here I'm wishing you, my friends, "Jesus":

Abstract of the lyrics
"I could wish you joy and peace
To last a whole life long
I could wish you sunshine
Or a cheerful little song
Or wish you all the happiness
That this life could bring
But I wish you Jesus, More than anything"

RE-flection: Blackie

2006-11-29T23:06:00.000+08:00

Blackie is dead, lying peacefully in the food tray.
Blackie was a gift to my sis 3 years ago. When she first joined the family, she was as white as snow (almost named Snowy). Unfortunately she changed from white to grey to dark brown! Hence we conveniently called her Blackie.
Blackie bit and nibbled at anything but she gave us joy. Seeing her running up and down the ladder and playing on the wheel, loosen up your tired muscles. For the past one year, she had kept my father busy after his retirement. My father took care of Blackie.
Now Blackie is gone. This is also my first time, witnessing how Blackie aged slowly, from an active little creature running up and down nibbling away to just a few to no rounds on the wheel. And finally staying practically whole day in the food tray. For the past few months, it has been a silent night, no scrabbling, tumbling and screeching of wheel.
We knew and we were waiting. I was watchful everyday even up to this morning. I saw her in the food tray, breathing slowly, most probably the last few breath.
The time was approximately 10.55pm on 29 Nov 06. Blackie spotted dead, lying peacefully in the food tray.

We suspect that Blackie belongs to winter white breed.

Re-Joice: Enjoying my Day

2006-11-01T09:43:00.000+08:00

I'm attending a blogging session now. The trainer is trying his best to give attention to all the students with different needs. At the same time, he keeps assuring the class not to be afraid to create own blog (can delete later, no worry!) Now he is trying to show how to create a post by creating a "silly" post (that's what he claimed) :) Few questions the class asks:
1. How do I delete a blog
2. How will people know your blog (trainer's answer: ask the person directly!!! lame! but sometimes it is true that technology is not so "high tech" as claimed :))
3. How do we read someone else's blog
Trainer "angry" now, tapping on the white board cos' students get very excited over questions asked.

Trainer murmurs something like "don't know why I'm here..." Just keep quiet... quietly sitting at a corner to "report" on the session. My classmate sitting beside me jokes, "like a secretary!" Hmm... who knows, right?

Now I'm so bored... cos' trainer talking to himself... maybe is me cos' me not paying attention but I observe that the students sitting on the left side are very attentive.

Nonetheless I do learn something on "comments" feature and have helped my classmates sitting near me :)

ReFlection - Managing Anger

2006-09-08T22:30:00.000+08:00

My church newsletter has an article on "Right Anger?" by Xu Chunxi. In summary, the writer is pointing out that it is alright to be angry because it is an emotion in human. Biblically, we read that God, Jesus and Paul had angers. Therefore, anger is a "normal feeling". However, we must always keep our anger in check and never allow it to "sin".
Chunxi highlights two verses in the Bible that help us to manage anger:
"In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Ephesians 4:26
"In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." Psalm 4:4
In addition to managing yourself, I'm surprised to learn that there is a need to manage others too. We need to initiate peace with people that we know are not happy or against us. This will avoid further conflicts and make our relationship with God right.
By God's grace, there is a need to learn to be slow to anger, listen more and speak less.

Reference: The Beacon, vol 33 no. 4, Sep/Oct 2006 by Paya Lebar Methodist Church

My Trip to China - Jiangnan

2006-08-28T23:25:00.000+08:00

Because of my sister, I visited China last year in early Dec. Joined a tour group and toured Jiangnai. I quite enjoyed my trip, if not for the extreme weather and the pressure to purchase medical products, jades, pearls and other stuff at an exorbitant price. However, I must salute them and admit that they were very persuasive in marketing their products. I enjoyed 'Xiang Yang Shi Cang', however it was a pity that the authority has closed it with the aim to cease the transaction of imitation goods. Gone were the days where you could purchase LV, Burberry, Gucci, etc goods at 'low' price and the thrill of bargaining! Well, I believe you still can bargain in China, however I'm not sure if there is another place where you can really slash the price to about 25% of the original quoted price. Oh gosh! I've finally experience the doorless and drain system lavatory! Thank goodness, yet to see the 'forbidden stuff'. I almost wanted to take a pic of it! Overall, it's not such a terrible place like what many people have talked about. Every country is unique with its good and ugly side. Why look at the ugly? Focus on the beauty of nature that God has created for all people! And the simplicity of life at many parts of China could be a blessing and happiness :)

ReJoice - New York

2006-08-19T22:04:00.000+08:00

I was in New York for library visit in March this year. Only stayed for 1 day!!! No statue of liberty, only Broadway (see picture on the left) because my hotel was just a street across Broadway. However, don't ask me if I've watched any shows - nope, nothing... it was strictly a working trip. *sigh*

My first impression of New York - "Metropolitan" and somehow I did not feel "safe" as compared to the other cities I've visited - Boston and Seattle. Before New York, I was in Boston for PLA Conference. Stayed there for 5 days and adapted to the place within the day. Love the colonial touch of the place and the people.

I'm really grateful for the opportunities given to visit New York, Boston and Seattle, although the journey from Singapore to US was REALLY a hassle. In addition to the many hours flight - 24 hours!!! you have to go through check after check at the immigration points. The "losing" a day when you reached US and "gaining" a day when you're back has caused the biological clock to ring in the wee hours. Somehow, I just couldn't get use to the time difference and I felt lost. Really missed home when I was there.

Nonetheless, I still enjoyed my stay in US. Last year, when I was in Seattle for conference presentation and library visit, I've managed to visit the Space Needle - an icon of the place and the market place. Below are some pictures of the place.

My Last bLog was in sep 2005!!!

2006-08-19T21:27:00.000+08:00

Good grief, I realise that I've abandoned my blog for almost a year! My last blog was in Sep 2005! Alright, so what must I do now? I'm thinking aloud now as I'm typing... the root cause, what is it? Too busy? No time? Nah... it's all about time management and passion :) Yes, I'm a very philosophical person, although not as philosophical as one of my colleague. A month ago, I've just done the DISC test. So I'm a S,C,D person. As I read through the descriptions, well, is ME! I've a very close C and D... Alamak, I'm torn between an introvert and an extrovert inside me. Nonetheless, one thing never change in me throughout my 32 years - service-oriented... that's why I'm a public librarian *smile*

Think I've diverted from my main topic - what must I do to maintain my blog? To tell myself that I've to constantly update my blog? To draw up a schedule for myself and ensure that I follow it closely? In order not to be too ambitious and get the "mission impossible" syndrome, I will start by visiting my blog once every month, which also mean a monthly reflection to rejuvenate my mind and spirit and feel the joy in all things in life.

ReJoice at Disney

2005-09-12T00:37:00.000+08:00

A Tokyo Disney Xperience by the Grace of God
- Rachel was at Tokyo Disney

A wave of a magical wand, the cover of a dusty, ancient-looking gigantic book flips over and a constellation of glittering stars rises, brightening up the musty room. I feel a strong gust of wind and swirl into the book entitled "The magical land - Tokyo" ... and the story begins ... and my dream comes true ...

A world of joy and laughters... it's a small world afterall.

ReFlection - Friends

2005-04-08T01:36:00.000+08:00

Friends...

... seem so fake and masked
Walk in and out of you right fast
Like shadows that never meet
The way you like them to be

But one Friend I know lift me
Up above any others
Give me hope and life
Even when all friends fail

ReFlection - My Comfortor

2005-04-08T01:20:00.000+08:00

Who is our comfortor?

In my little bubble, I cuddle myself up
Looking through the bubble, I cuddle myself up
Feeling comfortable and peaceful, In my little bubble

I struggle when the bubble burst, Out my comfort zone I go
Breathing the first breath of air, Crying aloud to announce my presence
Not knowing that comfort of life, Is no longer certain

Growing to see the pain, Knowing this is temporal
Seeing my comfortor, Beyond His comfort zone
Give life to many, My greatest comfort from HIM

ReFlection - Dreams

2005-04-08T01:03:00.000+08:00

Dreams give me a purpose
Dreams give me hope
Knowing that dreams help me reach
My fullest potential

Achieving dreams can be derailing
When hitting radical obstacles
Nevertheless dreams give
Purpose and hope in life

At the end of each day
When blue sky turns dull
When I catch a glimpse of that beacon
I know my dreams are alive

MUST READ

2004-09-02T14:16:00.000+08:00

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Listening to God by Joyce Huggett
Why Beauty Matters by Karen Lee-Thorp & Cynthia Hicks

1 Corinthians 13:2

2004-09-01T23:46:00.000+08:00

If I hv D gift of prohecy & can fathom all mysteries & aLL knowledge & if i hv FAith tt cAn move mouNtains but have not LoVe, I AM NOTHING

ReJoice - a bEautiFUL dAy

2004-09-01T23:36:00.000+08:00

Each day is a beautiful day
New every morning
Though how bad the day can be
Is new every morning

Is new every morning
For God created it
With His love and care
Each day is a beautiful day :)

ReJoice - A poem for a friend

2004-08-25T14:40:00.000+08:00

Saying "Thank You" is not what I usually say
Cause warm kisses and hugs are not my way
But deep in me say I have to say
Thank you for being such a wonderful friend I must say
From a simple girl with little words today :D