A-maze-ing

Pic of me and Tina in Leeds Castle (2000). What an amazing maze! We sort of got lost in there but managed to find our way out. Good thing it wasn't a big maze! Hey Tina when are you going to start blogging?

Beautiful Austria

Found this picture of me taken in Salzburg, Austria (1999). A really lovely place. Everything about the place is so quaint. Visited Mozart's house as well as some of the places where Sound of Music was shot. I have fond memories of Vienna and Salzburg. That was the first time I ever experienced snow. I still remember listening to Strauss and Mozart on the way to Salzburg, and gazing at the lovely pine trees covered with snow. I miss the Mozartkugeln chocolates as well..mmmmm... My good friends would know that I love bratwurst and sauerkraut.....I had so much of that in Austria and could never get enough of it. I also had lots of apple strudels (the real thing!)..oh yummy! Also went to this place called Seagrotte, where the 3 Musketeers (the one with Charlie Sheen and Chris O'Donnell) was filmed.

Austria, "I'll be back" one day!

Today

Went running this morning...7km. Felt great. Running always gives me an extra boost of energy. Think I will sign up for the Singapore Marathon even though my gym friends are not going. I can always go with the Pacesetters i guess (but they are rather intimidating as they makan, tidur running) Merci beau coup Lio for encouraging me to do it by myself!

Wasted my time watching "Herbie: Fully loaded" (starring Lindsay Lohan and Michael Keaton as her dad). This kind of movie is PASSE. While it was fun to watch it in the 70's, this kind of movie doesnt work anymore in this day and age. Who really wants to watch a movie about a car which has its own life and mind? Michael Keaton looked good though with a beard, and donning a cap. I've always thought he's the best Batman.

Bought 2 books today: "Completely Unexpected Tales" by Roald Dahl and "The Best Awful" by Carrie Fisher (sequel to Postcards from the Edge). I love Roald Dahl books,especially Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He has such a bizarre imagination. I can't wait to watch the movie....but I'll bet the book is better (it always is).

Today's exercise diary:
7km outdoor run

Food diary:
Breakfast: Cereal and milk
Lunch: 2 tuna sandwiches
Dinner: Stir fried brocolli, sweet and sour fish, chicken noodle soup
Supper: Watermelon

Little Munchkins

Cute little munchkins....
From L-R: Claire, Jonathan, Thean Yew, Thean Loong





















Little Miss Sporty Spice...

My family treated me to a birthday dinner at Monte's at BSC. These days birthdays seem to last for 2 weeks! But I am not complaining..I had a really great time. I confess, I skipped prayer meeting tonight but honestly it was really nice to spend a Friday night with my family for once. The kids were very happy, especiall Claire..she's at that cute age now.

I was at pasar malam with Weng Wah's sister yesterday and we're thinking of making a trip to Kota Kinabalu sometime early next year to scale the mountain. I see that so many aunties have done it before and have reached the peak, so I should be able to also...At the moment there's only 3 of us (plus another of his sister) and we're looking for a group to go with. So if you're interested, please feel free to leave a comment.

Checked out my condo today. Water heaters have been installed, as well as curtain rails.Hurrah! I can start shopping for curtains. It's all nicely falling into place. :)

I really blew my diet today at dinner. Which means torture tomorrow morning. I need to run the calories off...

My exercise diary:
20 min walk on treadmill
20 min on ellyptical machine
Abs

My food diary:
Breakfast: toast and 2 eggs, Milo
Lunch: crackers and green tea
Dinner: (the big kill) French onion soup and roll, Charbroiled spare ribs, chicken nachos

Probably ate enough to last me a whole lifetime.
I'm such a happy girl today. (*contented smile*)

More camp pics

Family portrait...
All in the family.














Prizewinners...
Our group won for the best skit. The script was Kev's idea. That's Shih Anne's beloved pet snake.

Camp pics

Croonin'...

Going through some camp pictures. That whas the first time ET ever played a song with more than 2 key signatures! Infact, it was 4 (i think it was in E major if not mistaken?) The song was "Let everything that has breath". Well done ET!
















Thorn amongst roses...
















Squirrels and earthquakes....

Today's exercise diary:
4.18km run on treadmill
15min on stepper
stretches

Today's food diary:
Breakfast: Toast and coffee
Lunch: Cereal and milk, 2 slices pineapple
Dinner: Fried celery, stir fried pumpkin, steamed pork, ABC soup

Back to personal training

I'm back to personal training..for a short term. I haven't taught fitness in 2 years now. Was burnt out. I don't really have the time to teach classes nowadays but this lady was really keen to learn Pilates. And I thought, why not? After all I did go all the way to Australia to learn Pilates, and with all the renovation costs, I need the extra bucks too. I just taught my first lesson today. It's so much better than teaching group fitness because it's more personalised and you can modify the exercises accordingly. I'll have to do my homework though, because I haven't taught Pilates in 2 years. And I havent had a personal training client in 4 years. But it's good fun. I hope this lady will find the lessons beneficial.

I tried the Maggi Xtra Delixious noodles. No Added MSG, it says on the packaging. Read it again: NO ADDED MSG, NOT no MSG.I must say it tasted a little bland. Regular Maggi noodles with added MSG still tastes better. Oh, and 1 packet is 367 calories....can you beat that! 4km run on the treadmill only burns 300 calories. Sigh!

My exercise diary:
7km vigorous cycling (stationary bike)
25 min on ellyptical machine
push ups
bicep curl
tricep kickback
shoulder press
upright row
back extension
double crunches

My food diary:
Breakfast: toast and margarine, Milo O
Lunch: (unhealthy) Maggi noodles, 6 Ritz crackers (free from buying 1 packet of Banana Nut Crunch cereal...i told you i LOVE freebies!)
Dinner: Fried cabbage, Steamed fish and tofu, Mint soup, 2 slices pineapple

My mega buy

Bought my water heaters today. Got a pretty good deal. They threw in some free umbrellas and a weighing scale as well! I love freebies!What a frivolous chick I am! I guess it's a STRONG sign for me to lose weight..Anyway I just got back from my friend's house..she will be moving to Australia soon so I bought some goods off her. Got myself a dining table(with chairs), CD rack and tower, mirror, some bags, pots, microwave container set and a basket. I'll miss her when she leaves. Well, the entire nation is having a mega sale and I guess I did a mega buy today. Spent more than 1K already. I guess we need to keep the economy going!

My exercise diary:
4.05km run on treadmill
15 min on stepper
squats
plies
alternate lunges
crunches
reverse crunches
bridge

My food diary:
Breakfast: Starbucks coffee (hurrah!) and toast
Lunch: Cereal and milk
Tea: Cheese crackers
Dinner: Curry chicken and home made bread

Condo updates

Tomorrow I am off to buy water heaters for my home. Decided on the design of my kitchen cabinets so Uncle Wong will give them the green light to start work. After all that is done I will start shopping for my bed. I visited my condo on Sunday afternoon, and in the stillness in my hall, I thanked God that this was only possible through Him. Amen.

My favourite album for today is Celtic Circle. I love Celtic music. Though I can't understand Gaelic..been trying to find out the meaning of some of the songs but can't seem to find the translation for it. Celtic music helps me to destress.All time favourite Celtic song: Theme from Harry's Game by Clannad.

Today's exercise diary:
4.18km run on treadmill ( I think i only managed to burn one teeny weeny portion of paratha)
5 min on ellyptical machine
push ups (narrow and wide)
dumbell row
upright row
clean and press
lateral raises

Today's food diary
Breakfast: Toast and margarine, Milo O
Lunch: Tofu and long beans
Dinner: Emperor Chicken (yummeh!), fried cauliflower and beans, green vege

Quiet Day

I've been missing in action for a few days now. Guess I have been busy running everywhere..today's the only day I got some true rest and quiet time. Started outdoor running again yesterday. 7km hilly route. Glutes feel fantastic today. Feel quite inspired to enter a marathon now....but not sure if I'll have the discipline.

Got myself a new pair of specs. It's not really me...kind of loud..but I am getting used to it. I think it suits ML better. I guess I wanted something new..actually i wanted something loud although I am not a loud person! Just wanted a change. Or maybe denial of age!

Listening to the Madagascar soundtrack. It's fantastic! It really makes you want to "move it move it". I like all the old songs like "Staying alive", "boogie wonderland", "Hawaii Five-O","Chariots of Fire" etc.

Today's food diary:
Breakfast : Leftover tuna and butter sandwich from last night's Evangelistic event
Lunch: Raju's tosai, fish and chicken
Dinner: (at Flavour of India) rumali, methi and mint paratha, chicken murgh, palak paneer (my favourite!!)eggplant, lamb curry

Tomorrow I'd definitely have to run on the treadmill. I've started losing some weight but i would lose much more if only I control what I eat!

Dinner at Rakuzen

My gym buddies treated me to a splendid dinner at Rakuzen in Subang. The restaurant looks a little dingy from the outside, but once you get inside it's a totaly different feel. We went upstairs and the stairs leading to the second floor looked somewhat like those you see in dungeons and castles. We stuffed our faces with a whole array of food from edamame to sashimi to teriyaki. Not forgetting the wonderful wonderful green tea ice cream and lemon sorbet. They also bought a chocolate mousse cake from Bakerzin. Which is why I had to burn off the calories today:

*4.1 km run on treamill
*15 min on stepper

I actually had crackers and coffee for lunch yesterday in anticipation of the big dinner.

Flowers from a special bloke and chick

Awwww...Jonathan and Claire truly stole my heart. They gave me some flowers for my birthday. Claire's too young to even know that she "gave" me something but I guess it was Jonathan's idea. How sweet!

Wall lamps

Not such a good day today. Anyway those are the wall lamps in my hall.

Whiter Shade of Pink

Finally my rooms have been repainted. It's a lot more pleasant now. I'm sorry to disappoint you Kev, I know you loved the luminous pink.. Uncle Wong's gone shopping for my air conditioners and fans. Tomorrow the kitchen cabinet specialist shall be coming over to my place to finalise details.

I'm so happy that my 2 sedentary friends have embarked on a weekend fitness program. Finally! Keep it up guys, soon you'll have the fairer gender clamouring all over you...haha! As for me, this was my regime today:

30 min ellyptical machine
20 min treadmill
Leg press
Push ups
Shoulder press
Dumbell row
Tricep kickback
Bicep curls
Crunches
Reverse curl
1 min bridge

Had to burn off yesterday's curry laksa and chocolate cake.

Fun day Sunday

I had a really wonderful Sunday (apart from Snow dying). Arthos, Porthos and Aramis treated me to a local musical - Jalan Impian. It wasn't fantastic but it had its moments. Riding on the concept of "Fame", the plot was none too original and neither was the score. However it was a good effort overall considering that the cast was mostly teens. It was held at the KL Performing Arts Centre at Sentul West and it was my first time there. Converted from a warehouse, it was quite nicely done and the theatre resembled that of the Securities Commission auditorium.

Later I was nicely surprised by my friends at dinner, which was to commemorate yet another year of being over the hill. It was strange that they would bring a "banana" like me to a Chinese joint where the band sang Chinese songs the entire night, to which i was totally clueless. Nevertheless it was the company that was most important. I truly treasure moments like these! Lil bro, there was an empty chair for you!Wish you were here to celebrate with us!

Goodbye Snow

I came back this afternoon and saw Toffee nibbling in a corner. Where's Snow, I wondered. I peeped into every corner of the cage but there was no sight of her. I took a good look again. Then i looked at Toffee and I thought he looked rather suspicious enjoying himself nibbling....to my horror I saw a white, lifeless body just beside Toffee...and Toffee was chewing on that body..EWWWW..and I saw him chewing on something which looked like a papaya seed..that must have been Snow's eyeball... :( Somehow I never seem to have much "luck" with female pets. They always die first. Sigh...I had to scoop out the dead body and this was right before dinner...what a loss of appetite..

Walnut Wardrobe

My wardrobe's been completed! Here it is...tada!

















I am pleased with it, the workmanship was good. It's huge though, occupying nearly half of the guest room but I am going to need it as I tend to accumulate a lot of things on the way. Notice how the walnut colour has neutralised the bright pink (check out the reflection in the mirror). Nevertheless, I am still repainting the walls. You guys wouldn't be able to wake up staring at the bright pink when you come and bunk over.

Oh, today Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince will be released. No excitement anymore though. All her books went downhill since Goblet of Fire.

Paint to faint

I was high in spirits when i went to my condo this morning. Arrived at the car park, saw the contractors unloading the grilles. Hurrah! They are finally fixing it. Went up to the 9th floor, took a peek through my study room window. My heart plummeted for a moment. I thought I chose pinwheel pink? Well maybe it's the tinted windows that made it look darker, I thought. Never mind, I thought..let's go have a look inside. As I opened the front door my jaw dropped. Choked. Asphyxiated. Nearly fainted. Almost died. Bright fluorescent pink!!!!NO!!!! IT CAN'T BE!!! It was a horrible Chinese New Year envelope colour, or perhaps Barbie pink. I don't even know how to describe it! What an eyesore. The colour looked entirely different in the chart. Check out pinwheel pink at www.glidden.com under "Color palette" selection. You see it? But here's how my room ended up:

































The popcorn white which I chose was also darker than expected. But acceptable as it was a smooth creamy colour.Can you see how the pink glows?!? You can see the fluorescent light deflect off the pink walls and onto the floor. Even the blue door ended up looking purple. The top picture is not really reflective of how bright the pink is. The second picture is. And it made the popcorn white look yellow.

Uncle Wong is bringing me to the paint shop tomorrow to ensure they have the right mix this time. Keeping my fingers crossed (not that I believe in it anyway...it's just a figure of speech..)

Moral of the story: choose the lightest shade of paint on the colour chart because the actual paint is going to be 500 times brighter.

Victory

God is truly so gracious to someone as unworthy as me. I've been facing personal struggles for the last 1 month. I felt trapped. Everytime I listened to a sermon or did my devotion I was led to read Genesis 22, the account of Abraham sacrificing Isaac.I knew God was not just telling me something.....He was yelling at me and yet I refused to listen. I knew I had to lay down my idols. But I was stubborn. And this went on for a few weeks...until this week , I just wanted to lay down all my struggles and submit myself in obedience to Him because I was so tired of fighting. Just as Abraham said "Here I am" when God called him, I also wanted to say HERE I AM. I did. Immediately I experienced victory and freedom from chains. There truly is no other joy than having joy in the Lord.

Thank You Lord for all Your promises.
Thank You Lord for Your assurance.
Your assurance was always there but I lacked faith.
Thank You Lord for granting me the will to keep my faith in You.
Thank You Lord for Your strength.
Thank You Lord for Your love.
Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness.

Thank You so much.

In Search of Fountain of Youth

Took a good look in the mirror. Yikes! Just realised the left part of my face sags more than my right. That's because I always sleep on my left side. Bummer. Currently using Loreal "Anti Wrinkle" cream which doesnt do much except make your face oilier. I'm a sucker for any product which has the anti wrinkle or anti aging label. But nothing seems to work! Especially eye creams. They don't do anything at all!!! That's why I like to wear glasses. Because it camouflages the eyebags. Actually I don't have eyebags, but just dark circles under my eyes. Call me Lady of the Rings. It's such a bummer, everytime i wear contact lenses people keep asking me "why do you look so tired?". I AM NOT TIRED!!! I just have massive rings under my eyes!!!! I should start teaching fitness part time again to earn some money to get myself some SK-II.

Speaking of fitness, my exercise diary:
25mins on treadmill, 20 mins on ellyptical machine
Push ups
Bench press
Lat pulldown
Chin up (machine assisted)

Had Starbucks coffee for breakfast (hurrah!!), scrumptious beef rendang pita at House and Co with lots of carrot and celery sticks and only 2 char siew pow for dinner.

Found out they havent started painting my house. Only starting tomorrow. Will drop by to have a look.

Renovation Updates

Met the kitchen designer yesterday, from Chan Kitchen..all the way from Shah Alam. Mr. Chan the owner is a good friend of Uncle Wong. The designer, Alan was pretty impressive... he was able to whip up the design and quotation in a matter of 10 minutes. And he conversed in English!! Hurrah! For the first time I was able to communicate easily with someone regarding my house. I like what I saw.

Painting commences today...I'm going to repaint my hall popcorn white (ooh! I love this colour) and my rooms pinwheel pink. I am extremely pleased with my lights...got them all at a good deal. I'm getting realy excited day by day..I can't wait to shop for furnitures and curtains..and I can't wait to move in and invite my friends over. Something to look forward to!!

Move On Up

I was inspired at work to write a song. It's a song you can sing to cheer a friend up, and I hope this song will bless the people I know.


Move On Up

When you're feeling blue
And dark clouds fill the sky
Don't know what to do
And just not getting by
There's a hope beyond
Your sorrows let me share
So listen to me please
You know that I do care

Chorus:
There is no secret to this
It's been revealed through all the ages
The answer's Jesus
So come on let Him fill your pages
Answer's Jesus,
Answer's Jesus

Move on up
Let the love of Jesus take you to a higher place
Throw away your sorrows
Come and look to His face
Coz Jesus is the answer
There's no other way
So come on, move on up

Don't let the foxes bite you

A friend of mine shared with me this verse this morning:

Song of Solomon 2:15

Catch for us the foxes,
the little foxes
that ruin the vineyards,
our vineyards that are in bloom

In this day and age, we have so much of distractions around..what more with the advent of technology. Sometimes a lot of unnecessary tension or emotions are created with little events or situations which bother us. Sometimes it could be something as simple as bad traffic, annoying pc problems, someone's attitude towards you etc. These are the little foxes...which creep in when you are least aware of it....and spoil the vineyards.....The important thing is, we have to be on guard at all times and make every effort to ensure that there's pest control in place....

Parting is sweet sorrow

I miss my lil bro. Bid farewell to him last night (or this morning). I told a friend, if i could be an inventor, I'd invent a dessicant for eyes (as opposed to a lubricant!) Suddenly it felt like a black hole. But I am truly excited for him..lots of places and things for him to explore in a new place. While one's absence always feels like a sad affair, there's always a positive side to it. As mentioned in Ecclesiastes, "there is a time for everything".....

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A Time for Everything

¹ There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

² a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

I am also reminded of the song "Friends" by Michael W. Smith..that no matter where our friends are, far or near, it is God's love that keeps us together.

FRIENDS
Words:deborah d. smith
Music: michael w. smith

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can’t believe the hopes he’s granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
’cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the lord’s the lord of them
And a friend will not say never
’cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go
In the Father’s hands we know
That a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends.

With the faith and love God’s given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you’ll live in
Is the strength that now you show

But we’ll keep you close as always
It won’t even seem you’ve gone
’cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Razor Ruddock (1992- )

THis is Razor Ruddock, the dog i currently own. He's the first pedigree I've ever owned. He's an Aussie silky terrier and yes, Razor Ruddock is his real name on the certificate. He came to our family after Duke and Prince died, but we still had Baron at that time. He's been with me since my university days so I've practically grown up with him. I still remember him as a puppy, he loved to attack my hair whenever i was lying down on the floor. He's old now, has a bit of cataract and was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year but praise God, the operation was successful and he' still as active as ever now. He's also got lots of liver spots all over his body now, due to old age. But I love him all the same.

Prince (1984-1987)

This is Prince, my 3rd dog. Haha you'll see some music note behind the pic. Didn't notice it when i took it. He came a few months after Duke. He is a cross between a Pomeranian and Pekingese, given to our family by our aunt in Penang. My mom used to spoil him and feed him milk from a feeding bottle! Being a house dog, we used to bring him upstairs to my parents' room, and every night he would nudge my dad to bring him downstairs to be together with Baron and Duke. He loves to eat button mushrooms. Prince died from a tragic and freak accident, thinking about it always brings me to tears. I miss his fluffy little tail. I still miss my Prince.

Duke (1984-1988)

This is Duke, my second dog. Picture's not clear because it was taken from a manual camera those days. He's a cross between a bull terrier and something else. He fused into our family about a year after Baron did. He's the most obedient of all the dogs I've owned. Although bull terriers are known for their ferocious nature, Duke was always even tempered. Although he was younger than Baron, the latter outlived him. Sadly, Duke died of a heart attack one day when a strange man approached my gate. I was out for lunch at that time, and I saw him shortly before I left. That was the last time I ever saw him alive. I still miss my Duke.

Baron (1983-1994)

This is Baron, the first dog I've ever owned. He was named after the Red Baron which was mentioned in the Peanuts comic strip. I still remember bringing him home as a puppy..he was terrified and would sleep under my parents' bed initially. Although he's been gone for more than 10 years, he's still very much in my heart and I have fond memories of him. I miss his incessant barking. He died of old age right after I returned from my graduation in Australia...it was a traumatic time for me..I could not eat or sleep properly for days. I still miss my Baron.

Cheery day

It's a happy day for me! Woke up feeling sluggish and lousy, but there's nothing like a good workout to start the day. 55 mins on ellyptical machine today. Plus Starbucks coffee to boost energy. Yes! Finally had my Starbucks after a whole week of abstinence. I survived it! So you can say that i am not a coffee addict.

As usual, the tv in the gym was displaying all sorts of junk from MTV and Channel V. Thank God for my little MP3 player, so i could fill my ears with good wholesome music ( i wanted to say Christian songs, but in esssence there are no Christian songs but Christian lyrics). It helps to put one on the right track for the day.

Took a look at my house. What a mess!! The workers were still laying the tiles in my kitchen. Kitchen should be done by tomorrow. Fixing the lights today. Uncle Wong and son have been really wonderful to check on my house daily. Praise God for people like them.

Haven't progressed further with guitar. So far been only practising one song "Hosanna" because it's easy..only revolves around G, D, C and Em. Need to continue to desensitise my skin.

My food diary:
Breakfast: coffee and chicken roll
Lunch: Otak otak bun, meat floss bun, curry bun
Dinner: Soup, sweet n sour fish, fried loofah, fried leafy greens (dont know what it's called)

Blue Hat for a Blue Day

No exercise today..couldn't wake up. Also postponed kickboxing trial class..not in the mood.

Food diary
Breakfast: toast with peanut butter
Lunch: McD double cheeseburger large value meal
Dinner: Claypot udon soup

You can tell I am a little distressed when I start eating comfort food like french fries. I am definitely failing MISERABLY at my first resolution of losing weight. The ironic part is I AM fulfilling my resolution of preparing for a marathon..ie I eat as though I am going to run a marathon.

Just feel a little blue today, reflecting upon myself. I seem to be rather easily irritable these days. Some days I feel like a Jekyll and Hyde, one minute I am pleasant, next minute I become a monster. I do feel this constant struggle between flesh and spirit as Paul described in Romans 7. Sometimes I just want to scream out loud "STOP IT!!" It's like having 2 inner beings tearing you apart. Or like a game of tug-o'-war. At times like these, I like to listen to music. And I've been listening to Steven Curtis Chapman again. Another of my favourite songs is "Believe me now". Listening to it reminds me of God's promises to us. And I know God has been with me all the time, through my sorrows and joy. Amen.


I watch you looking out across the raging water
So sure your only hope lies on the other side
You hear the enemy that's closing in around you
And I know that you don't have the strength to fight
But do you have the faith to stand and...

Believe Me now
Believe Me here
Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear
I am with you and I am for you
So believe Me now
Believe Me now

I am the One who waved my hand and split the ocean
I am the One who spoke the words and raised the dead
And I've loved you long before I set the world in motion
I know all the fears you're feeling now
But do you remember who I am?
Do you..

Believe Me now
Believe Me here
Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear
I am with you
And I am for you

So believe Me now
Believe it's true
I never have, I never will abandon you
And the God that I have always been
I will forever be
So believe Me now

I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure
My words are true, and all My promises are sure
So believe Me now
Oh, believe Me now

Woe is me

O WOE is me...
O woe IS me...
O woe is ME...

Ho hum!

Not an eventful day. Ho hum. My exercise for the day: 4km run on treadmill. My food diary? Not going to bother today. Because I blew my entire quota of calories for the week by consuming a Kit kat. Renovation works - haven't seen my place yet but I trust Uncle Wong is doing a great job. Started on the kitchen today and fixing lights tomorrow.

Not in the mood today. Hopefully better tomorrow.

Back to the Grind

It's Monday and I haven't had Starbucks coffee for 5 days. No withdrawal symptoms yet but feel a bit sleepy sometimes. Back to exercise again after the weekend's rest. Fingers a little numb as I am trying to desensitise my skin...picking up guitar again..never progressed really far. I always pick it up again whenever I feel a bit hyper. Currently reading "Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges. Renovation's started.... first started with some rewiring works...I haven't checked the place out yet, will do so tomorrow. Hope everything is ok.

My exercise today:
40 min ellyptical machine
40 reps leg press
40 reps squats
30 reps alternate lunges

My diet today:
Breakfast: Milo O and 2 eggs
Lunch: Oats and Marmite
Tea: Mochachino
Dinner: French beans, Fried gourd, Yam and pork, Chicken soup

Last Christmas

This picture was taken last Christmas with Jelly!

Home Sweet Home

Big Story - Steven Curtis Chapman

This is currently one of my favourite songs. Many times i tend to be short sighted and can't see the big picture. This song reminds me to take my place in His big story.

I hear the rulers of another world
Like distant voices in the wind
They say there is a story being told
Bigger than I can comprehend
And in the rumors I can hear an invitation calling

This is the big story
There is a God who's in control
Telling the big story
And He wants us to know
We will find ourselves
When we lose ourselves
In the bigger story
Come and take your place in the story

We all live in this place called the here and now
We see what's right before our eyes
But right here, right now heaven's coming down, all around
God's story is coming alive
And in this moment, if we listen, we can hear Him calling

This is the big story
There is a God who's in control
Telling the big story
And He wants us to know
We will find ourselves
When we lose ourselves
In the bigger story
Come and take your place in the story

Captivating, fascinating
All consuming, never concluding
The One and Only, ever unfolding
Story of stories
The big, big story...

Rejoice in the Lord!

I am happy happy in the Lord
Your love is truly so unfailing
Thank you my God
To You i want to cling.

Goodbye Frivolous Chick

I've finally made it. I'm all grown up now, got a place to call my own (finally all to myself) after saving for 10 years. But many times, I miss being a frivolous chick...when I had no worries or rather my worries were where to party on weekends. I yearned for independence and freedom for a long time...and now I am finally on my way to it. However, independence and freedom is always at a cost. A hole in the pocket, more grey hair and more wrinkles. I do miss being a frivolous chick.

I've paid my renovation deposit and finally starting renovation works tomorrow. Finally, after 9 months of procrastination. Man, I could have delivered a child by now. Many thanks to Uncle Wong and son, who have helped me a great deal, especially Wong Jr. who really pushed me. I truly appreciate it and will never forget it for the rest of my life.Thank you so so so much!

I'm half excited and nervous about the whole thing, due to numerous stories about nightmare contractors. We'll see what happens. Oh i do miss being a frivolous chick!

Bubu's glimpse of glory

Bubu's claim to fame and glimpse of glory. Bubu's the one crawling out of the tube. The dwarf hamster at the bottom left corner is also mine...his/her name is Belle(or Bell). I haven't figured out his/her gender for nearly 2 years. The other hamsters dont belong to me.

Sweet little Toffee

Here's a pic of Toffee...he's not very photogenic and has the red eye syndrome. He looks better in real life.

Sleeping Beauty

Here's a pic of Snow peacefully sleeping...

The Party Is Over

The party is over,
Reality is here,
It's time to be sober,
And move on without fear.

The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing

This is the title of the 2nd chapter in Tozer's "The Pursuit of God". What struck me most in this chapter was simply this statement:

"We are often hindered from giving up our treasures to the Lord out of fear for their safety. This is especially true when those treasures are loved relatives and friends"

This sentence hit me like a bullet right between the eyes...because there was so much truth in it. I can't say I'm really driven by materialism (well sometimes I do wish I had more $$ but I am usually just happy being able to get by day to day) but one thing I did realise after reading this chapter was this: I do value my friends and treat them like treasure....(although my dead-pan face normally doesn't express much of it). If i get very close to someone I have a very bad habit of becoming possessive. If i had my way I would box them up and keep them with me for the rest of my life. But of course, life's not like that and it would be a very selfish thing for me to do.

Tozer describes this selfishness in man as below:

"There is within the human heart a tough, fibrous root of fallen life whose nature is to possess, always to possess. It covets things with a deep and fierce passion"

So true it is, that as humans we always want, want, want. We treat everything as though it belongs to us and have forgotten that we are but stewards of everything that has been given to us. Even as we think of our friends, we need to remember that we do not possess them, and they ultimately belong to God.

Tozer ended the chapter with this prayer:

"Father, I want to know Thee, but my cowardly heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleeding, and I do not try to hide from Thee the terror of the parting. I come trembling, but I do come. Please root from my heart all those things which i have cherished so long and which have become a part of my living self, so that Thou mayest enter and dwell there without a rival. Then shalt Thou make the place of Thy feet glorious. Then shall my heart have no need of the sun to shine in it, for Thou wilt be the light of it, and there shall be no night there. In Jesus'name, Amen"

I truly want to pray this prayer with all my heart, and trust that He will change me in His perfect time.

Snow and her beau

Snow's really aggressive. She dives and pounces on Toffee and then you see this furball fight. In colloquial term she's what i call a "samseng". She also limboes and does backflips. I guess Toffee is a litte more reserved...and not as adventurous as her.Pictures later!

No exercise today. A real slug...