Friday, June 27, 2008

Good harvest - bottled 7 April 2001


Easily the happiest days of 2008. Coming back to Singapore, seeing the familiar faces, tasting the street foods and walking the roads that seem to be constantly changing.

Had dinner with the Xueyan's parents, my parents and aunt as part of an "exploratory discussion" on things to happen over the next eight months. Having dated for more than seven years, I think most people are yearning for a interim conclusion. But most importantly, it is between me and Xueyan. It is about time, we too concluded.

Sharing the ice-cream along the banks of Singapore River, watching people tossed into the air over at Clarke Quay reminded me of your birthday dinner at London Bridge. We shivered in the wintry cold as we strolled along River Thames, admiring the lighted Tower Bridge in the night. Time has withered us and we have certainly aged. Whether in London or Singapore, I am so thankful that God kept this relationship and how other relationships may have gone cold after such a long time, our love has only aged like fine wine. Because He has been faithful and merciful to us.

From window-shopping and slacking at Coffee Club, the topic has slowly changed to buying a place and hunting for hotels. But that should not take away the focus of the impending event - that God should be honoured in everything and first coming to God for counsel BEFORE deciding on a particular decision and asking God to bless that decision.

I used to think that LDR is difficult but the past four months have been relatively manageable, in fact it actually rekindled a greater appreciation of Ms Wee when I see her. No more British subtlety, it is actually amazing. Pak-tor has taken a different role. Remember how over 30 months in London, we have never met for lunch during the work week, yet over the last four days we enjoyed three good one-to-one over simple meals and desserts. An infinite improvement!

So as I prepare to depart Singapore shores in three days, please know that you will not leave my heart. This love was not built on past memories but great expectations of the future, the binding of the hearts not with aesthetically pretty laces but with carefully woven threads directed by the Master and, prayerfully, hearts that resonate with that of the Maker.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

A week for a lifetime of happiness...

Finally back in Singapore and it doesn't seem that long from my last trip given that I was back in Feb for three weeks. But four months away from Xueyan have made this trip especially sweet for me when I surprised her at Bukit Merah. A pity I did not have a camera with me for that MasterCard moment.

The last five days have been extremely hectic. I am basically on a pseudo-PAP meet-the-people-session. I am so blessed to have caught up with people who matter to me and you, who have spared the time for me, even if it's only for ten minutes. And for that odd free meal. And the reason I wrote this is to remind myself of your kindness...

1. Peter, the first to catch up with me. That despite going away the very next day for a week-long trip to catch the Euro - LIVE! I know you were very busy but you always make time for me. Be it before I left for London more than two years ago, blessing myself and Xueyan with your family presence in London and offering support to us during this trying period. Your God-focus life will always be an encouragement and model for me.
2. Shu Ping and Chin Chin - the only bosses whom I have worked with in Singapore. Busy partners with high charge-out rates but not withholding time from me despite the fact that I am a "KPMG-deserter". The same six years ago and the same today - can only hope to find similar bosses when I return to Asia one day!
3. Weifu/Merlin/Jeiel/Joy - my best buddy and the Ong/Wee's pillar of support. Brother, you are the absolute role model for us. Your constant emails of advice and encouragement allow me to know God is at work. Despite the flaws that I have, you were never a "judge" like others. You live the "love the sinner, hate the sin" life and I can only be further blessed as I spend more time with you and the Lees. God has blessed you richly and I can be sure that the Lees will be more blessed. And as His blessings come on you, you will be the channel from which they will be passed on to many - us included.
4. Eliza - the same today and fifteen years ago (we do go back a long time huh?). The passion for Christ has only grown deeper and I am so thankful that you are in His service - not one which any TD&H can join. I am so happy that you are now... hmmm... you know la. So as you pray about what's next, I believe the desired conviction and serenity will come. Your obedience is unquestionable. His faithfulness is the answer.
5. Pearl aka Mrs Tang - I am so sorry that you might be the only VJ gal at THAT dinner. That's because you are special! Always so encouraged by our "yearly" meetings. Remember no subtle hints and knowing myself, Edmund cannot be faulted for being blur. Stay healthy and continue to pursue God. Prayerfully, Shane will be the first of many to come!
6. Shaiful/Serene/Ivin/Yu Ching/Jan/Amy (added) - there is life after KPMG! Shaiful, your time has finally come good. Those days of ranting and "red nose" have been rewarded. You give hope to better prospects outside practice. Three in four years, Serene you are a model for the Government's procreation campaign. I hope to rival you one day! As for the ING gang, we survived and seeing you today is a reward for the countless "work-past-midnight" peak season days. A compliance officer, a MAS assistant director and a mint manager. Not too bad!
7. Weixiong - short ten minutes lunch. Now that is really touch-and-go! But just hearing you say "Marriage has been great" was good enough for me. Your maturity and concern shown during our brief conversation is testimony to His work done. From the "fire-in-the-hole!" poly boy to a now responsible "no-secrets-between-husband-and-wife" man, you have certainly taught me some good stuff!

Okay, more meetings to come over the next few days and, undoubtedly, more blessings. Hopefully my stomach can take the triple-lunch sessions!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Have a laugh!

A man and his ever-nagging wife went on vacation to Jerusalem. While they were there, the wife passed away. The undertaker told the husband, "You can have her shipped home for $5,000, or you can bury her her, in the Holy Land, for $150.

The man thought about it and told him he would just have her shipped home.

The undertaker asked, "Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your wife home when it would be wonderful to be buried here and you would spend only $150?"

The man replied, "LONG AGO A MAN DIED HERE, WAS BURIED HERE AND THREE DAYS LATER HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD. I JUST CAN'T TAKE THAT CHANCE."

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

It has been a hundred days...

So excited to see you again.

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Britain Got Talent

Another interesting talent show which concluded on Saturday. Similar to American Idol (which incidentally originated from the UK), Britain Got Talent brings in acts/people with any "talent" which may include singing, magic, dancing, stand up comedy etc. Last year's winner was an opera singer. Supporters call in to vote for their favourite act. The winning act will get £100k and the chance to perform in front of the royal family at the Royal Variety show. And this year winner is, well.... choose from the two below.

George Sampson


Signature


But the qualifying act by Signature in the auditions was my favourite.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Rebel with a clause

Players come and go in football. And it's not surprisingly that they left for greener pastures especially one that pays them three times more for doing the same thing. So that fact is acceptable. But not if you are throw in a concoction of stories.

Welcome to the world of Mathieu Flamini. The most-improved Arsenal player for the season just over. And will soon be a ex-Arsenal player leaving for the riches of AC Milan. Not without some commotion though.

You will probably find this all over the internet. But for non-avid football fans, here is the summary.

Part 1
"I want to stay at Arsenal. I love this club."

Part 2
I really have to go because losing the title was something unacceptable (But we din win anything last year. Nor the year before. Hmmm, even the year before the year before. What didn't you leave then?). I need to go to a club with bigger ambitions.

Part 3
Err, no no... wait now... I am leaving because you had the chance to sign me last season but you din want to. Coz you wanted to assess my level of play before offering me a new contract (Duh, then offer you because you are French?).

Part 4
Four Star Milan Miss Out
So much for a club with bigger ambitions. See you in the UEFA Cup next season.

Part 5
The Arsenal curse continues - Mathieu Flamini fails to make France squad.

Bring on the crackers!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Be Thankful... always...

As I rest on the bed, enjoying a well-deserved break from the hectic demands of the work week and the long run this morning, I remember His goodness.

Thank God for showing mercy and grace to me so that I can walk away AND for Xueyan in my life.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Simply dun understand...

Bright young man, trained at Oxford and a rising star in his chosen field.

Why did he do this? We can never understand because a dead man brings his secrets to the grave.

Another reminder of the classic "you can have seemingly everything in the world but yet not have anything".

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

BUT YOU, MAN OF GOD, FLEE FROM ALL THIS, AND PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS, GODLINESS, FAITH, LOVE, ENDURANCE AND GENTLENESS". - 1 Timothy 6:6-11

Saturday, May 03, 2008

YOU

I stood firm more than two weeks ago and have not looked back since. I pray that I will not waver and may God grant strength to a weak man.

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13

And YOU are the reason why I will stand firm.


On a separate note, congrats to Weixiong and Becky on your wonderful matrimony!

Ken KO'ed

London has a new mayor. Lets hope for less wastage!

Will Barclays get more business now?

Thursday, May 01, 2008

London goes to the polls today!

Will we have a new mayor - a ditzy, fumbling Boris to replace the incumbent Ken?

No more £8 (possibly £25) congestion charge? No more tube strikes and rail replacement?

Time for a fresh change!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Better of the Worst

Chelski vs Manure.

Russian Roubles vs America Affluence.

Well, we all know which team should be there...

Back to Singapore Part IV

This time I will be returning to London on the A380!

SQ321
Depart London - 20 Jun, 22:05
Arrive Singapore - 21 Jun, 17:55

SQ322
Depart Singapore - 30 Jun, 23:30
Arrive London - 01 Jul, 05:55

Anyone needs anything from London?

Everything?

Are we that good at managing everything when a most-wanted terrorist, Mas Selamat bin Kastari, was able to escape from the tightly-controlled Singapore detention centre.

Then again, I don't know that polytechnics now run dating classes now. No wonder Zheng Long is such a winner!

Singapore succeeds at managing everything - except dating (International Herald Tribune)

SINGAPORE: It was like a college mixer, a classroom full of young men and women seeking a recipe for romance.

They had assembled for the first class of "Love Relations for Life: A Journey of Romance, Love and Sexuality."

There was giggling and banter among the students, but that was all part of the course material as their teacher, Suki Tong, led them into the basics of dating, falling in love and staying together.

The course, which is in its second year at two polytechnic institutes, is the latest of many, mostly futile, campaigns by the government to get its citizens to mate and multiply. Its popularity last year has led to talk of expansion through the higher education system.

"We want to tell students: Don't wait until you have built up your career," Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, minister of state for community development, youth and sports, said at a news conference last month. "Sometimes, it is too late, especially for girls."

Click
here for more.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Love China... how about Love Singapore?

之从在帝国理工学院报读MSc,认识了很多国内学生。也对中国和个地方有多了解。

西藏暴动,追求独立也在英国引起媒体报道和人民不满。但很多国内学生都觉得中国被欺负,西方媒体故意找中国麻烦。只为了不要中国太强大。

学生们决定团结,发表对西方的不满而却也要支持中国人民。就在MSN放了LOVE CHINA的表字。



如果新加坡被欺负,我们会一样的团结吗?

Monday, April 21, 2008

S$7 for a bowl of rice - time to eat grass...

Rice reality hits home as I perused the lunch bill at Sri Nam. £40 for three people... hmmm... fair... errr.... £2.75 for my bowl of PLAIN WHITE RICE. Is there a better way to slaughter me?!?!?!

Rice Approaches Record; WFP Warns of `Silent Famine'

April 21 (Bloomberg) -- Rice futures rose to within 0.2 percent of a record on speculation that more exporters in Asia may curb shipments to safeguard supplies and contain inflation, potentially exacerbating a global food crisis.

The staple for half the world, which has more than doubled in a year, gained as much as 2.3 percent to $24.615 per 100 pounds on the Chicago Board of Trade. The contract, trading at $24.215 at midday in London, touched a high of $24.67 April 18.

A World Food Program official said today the surge in prices may put basic foods beyond the reach of the poorest, raising the risk of a ``silent famine'' in Asia. Countries including Haiti and Egypt have been hit by social unrest over food prices. Wheat, corn, soybeans and oil have also risen to records this year.

For more, click here.

Time to eat grass.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Child of Mine

Helen Yousaf led worship last Sunday at Emmanuel Evangelical Church. It was the day before the exam and I thought "lets go to church, get over it and do some last-minute studying". However (as you all know) God has a different agenda from us. I entered the sanctuary and heard this beautiful voice and could immediately sense the presence of God in our midst.

Helen who you say? I know nothing of her before she came to our church. But God really used her in a most powerful way to speak to us and to lead us in a totally different worship. Her husband was one of the instrumentalist on her worship team. And the songs just speak so passionately of God's love. Here is the link to her website.

I have uploaded one of my her songs on this blog. Hope you will be blessed just as I was.

My child be all that I purposed for you to be
My child there’s so much more than you could ever think or see
My child your potential is greater than you know
My child ill take you places you never dreamed you'd go
So don’t lean on your own understanding
And in all things acknowledge me
And as you trust in me with all of your heart
I will make straight your path

CHORUS: Child of mine be mine
Child of mine be mine
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time so child
Be mine, be mine, be mine

My child, you were born for such a time as this
My child there is a reason, a plan for which you exist
My child I knew you before you were conceived
My child if you think I don’t care then you have been deceived
Don’t be dismayed when I discipline you
It’s only what a loving father would do
Now if you ask me I’ll forgive you, every single thing
Just open up your heart (ooh) and ask me to come in.

CHORUS: Child of mine be mine (ooh ooh)
Child of mine be mine (ooh ooh)
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time so child
Be mine, be mine, be mine

BRIDGE: Never meant for you to run, never meant for you hide
Never meant for you to live (ooh)without me in your life
But your choice has to be yours and your mind must be your own
So until you ask me in your heart your heart can’t be my home

CHORUS

INSTRUMENTAL

I know every hair on your precious head
I know everything you’ve done and every word you ever said
I know the number of your days
Your strengths, your weaknesses, your ways
One day you’ll know how much I love you
‘Cause I’ll tell you face to face

CHORUS: Child of mine be mine (ooh)
Child of mine be mine (ooh)
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time so child
Be mine, be mine, be mine
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time
so child, be mine, be mine, be mine

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Pray for me - Exam on Monday + learning to be obedient in Him!

Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; DO NOT TURN FROM IT TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT, so that you may have success wherever you go.

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall mediate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

Joshua 1:7-8

Friday, April 11, 2008

Happy Days Part 4...

Clockwise from top left: Salzburg, Blue Lagoon, Rosslyn Chapel, Grindelwald, Zermatt, Lucerne







Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Jesus and Gravity!

Never thought I would like Dolly's songs but please enjoy this!