Memories of The Past

Took my IPPT last saturday and managed to secure a pass with incentive (By God's grace plus encouragement fm all my frenz). Though not too impressive a result to boost about, but considered not bad for a person who had not been training for the past 1-2 years. My body is still aching since saturday till now. Is age catching up wif me or is my body too weak oredi? Whatever the case, it closed another chapter of the IPPT phase of my life at least for another year.
Sunday was another enjoyable event for me as we went to Fish & Co at the airport to celebrate the Bdae of Eg, Sean, Web, Bel & Gq. 16 of us was there (Eg, sean,web,ck,henry,zhiwei,joel, Hartley, meryl,laur,mich,bel,ron,faye,Gq & Web's sis) to witness the growing 'old' of the 5 not so young people anymore. It was quite a different feeling to be looking at the crowd from another perspective especially from a outsider point of view. Rather than being in the midst of attraction, watching them at the end of the table was not a bad experience too. The way they behave, talk (or rather shout), eat were just how amazing that God create mankind. Most of us was unique in our own way and each had their own ways of living. Yet it was juz so amazing that we were able to gather together and even to know one another.
Though things will not always remain the same, i hope that this sweet memories will stay with us for the rest of our lives (though not too possible). Last but not least, it's once again back to work for now. (Piles & piles of work coming in very soon and I wonder what time I'll be able to leave tonite....hahaha!!)

Suffering & Woes

Everyday I come to work with a light heart but usually ended up dragging my feets back home. What's the reason behind the tireness? More than often, piles of works on my desk plus unforeseen circumstances that drain me of of all my energy. Why do we have to conduct Alpha or even spend time trying to know God more? Reaching out is also not a easy task & people may not even appreciate it at all. Therefore, what's the purpose behind all this things we are doing now? Why why why????
Recalled a phase from Roman which goes something like this " Why is there suffering? Suffering produce Perservance, Perservance, character, hope and finally God". It sort of answer most of the questions that many people including me abt the reason behind suffering. When the going get tougher, it help us to improve on our perservance and in turn our characters are moulded along the way. At the same time, we developed HOPE which ultimately lead us closer to God as we know there is times where we cannot take it anymore but God is always there for us to lean on and our shelter in times of needs.
There will be times where God seem distant from us and that is where we have to learn to quiten our own hearts and listen to His small still voice. Have we read His words(Bible) daily or do things according to His will or our own wills? Often it is us who choose to close up our own hearts and keep God outside our worlds cos His way may not be the easiest way out (but definitely the Best way in the end).
Let us continue our journey in Faith and Hopes and not be defeated by the situations around us or be intimidated by people that seem so "big" to us. We are all 'Princes & Princesses" in God's eyes hence we shall hold our heads high up and rejoices every single days of our lives.

By: "Pastor Joel" (once in a while, some serious stuffs to share with others...hahaha!!

Training Of The Mind

Finally it's over!! Had some difficult days since last week. But finally I had managed to overcome the problem once again. God is always faithful to those who earnestly seek Him and who trust in Him. He spoke so clearly over to me in the form of a dream which indeed provided me with the direction & guidance that I so urgently required.
Now before I know it, it's almost my IPPT approaching this saturday. Why is it that male has to take IPPT every year even after our NS while woman does not require to? So unfair rite, therefore cut all the talks about equal status!!! Haha!! Let me recall how "tough" had my personal training been like these few days. I had spent a considerable amount of time every day trying to convince myself (my mind) that I can do it...surely I can do it even though my physical body is comfortably lying on my bed.
Oh not again!! Seriously I believe that I belong to the 70% mind 30% body type. This simply mean that if my mental is strong enough, the IPPT would be a 'chicken feet' event to me. Of course we must still train a bit on our own lah!! No pain no gain rite!! And after going to Bedok stadium tonite with Eg & Ck, I realized that my fitness had improved abit better than my expectation. What a miracle!! (By God's grace)
During dinner after training, someone commented (nt ck nor me) that it's unfair that Princess L does not address him as "prince" but called someone else Prince J. The reason I think is very OBVIOUS lah. Simply someone is truly a Prince in the eyes of the world which is so easy to understand rite!! Haha!! All the best to me in my upcoming IPPT this sat!!

My Wife

Read upon my friend's blog about that she's a 'open' book which led me to think about what kinds of book would I be? Do people really know me as well as they think? Am I really a person that freely express my feelings or thoughts openly to people around me? I would think that deep inside my heart, there are just so many things that I had hid from people around me. Perhaps I would rather share the happiness and joy to others ard me and keep the sadness & unhappiness to myself. Perhaps...perhaps I dun really understand myself that well after all.
Last sunday after church, there were five 'young' men(e,c,w,h & me) who were sitting inside the jacuzzi enjoying the nice weather. One topic that we discussed was about the wives that we are going to marry in the future and the kind of wedding that we are going to have. I commented that I'm going to be married in 2 years time but there is only one problem at this point of time --that is I does not have a gf yet. What to do then? Not too much of a problem as the five of us cracked our heads together to think of a solution. The four guys gave me a namelist to choose from. One thing that I must say is that why is my namelist so few while someone else's namelist is so long. (not fair at all..haha!!)
No conclusion after a long discussion hence we shall put this off for the time being. But u girls who are interested to be my "bride", pls send a detailed and comprehensive resume to x?=-l@cracky.com to arrange for a interview.(Dun be shy k!!) I regret that only shortlisted candidate will be notified. The criteria is that u must first be at least a female. (nt too stingent a demand rite?) Back to work once again.

"The Best' at Chijmes

Not all things in this world go exactly the way we want it to happen. Happiness & sadness are only part & parcel of lives. So why are we always trying to fight/achieve the things that we know that won't happen. The reason I think is very simple - if we choose to give up, there is absolutely no hope. But if we were to perseverse, no matter how little the hope is, there is still chance that hopefully one day, perhaps we can achieve the things we want.
My day started with a game of soccer with colleagues plus James at TP. After that, James & I arranged to meet with S at city hall at 6.30pm. While resting at home ard 3 plus, received a sms fm B informing abt the low morale due to the poor attendance for Alpha. Nthing much I can reali help but to send/forward L, GQ & B some smses that I had received along the years. Never did I expect that it would encourage them at that point of time. God is faithful and never give us trials/temptations that we cannot overcome. The only thing that can stop us from moving forward is our own thinking and if we choose too. What more, you all have my support at the same time...hahaha!!!
While waiting for James, I had a McChicken burger at 6pm. (Y am I writing this down? u will know later) Met up with Princess L & S at city hall at 6.40pm and proceeded to Ya Kun to have some breads and coffee/tea while chit-chatting. Princess L mentioned abt some prayers that she tink had been answered recently which I tink is quite true too. The prayer I tink is something abt a better relationship with me (i tink so lah...nt too accurate but won't vary too much) which had came true for her after such a long wait. Good for her then!! Learn to treasure it then...k!! (wan to faint oredi, i tink rite?) One thing that I want to say here is that while Princess L commented that she had somehow conformed by the presence of me which enables her to speak chinese smoothly, she had indeed undergo some transformation that she never feel. But understandable, since L are beside the "Best". Haha!!
Went to Chijmes at 7.30pm and settled down at a restaurant called Lavivo (nt sure). The atmosphere was very romantic and there were a group of people singing love songs for the diners. Mh came at 7.50pm to join us. I had another portion of chicken & cheese xxxx plus a glass of red wine. The only dissappointing thing was that the portion of the food was relatively small compared to the price that they are charging us.
By 9pm, web joined along while S made her way home. ( L left before 8pm to join her ex-colleagues oredi) This time round, we went to the food street beside Esplandage for some more food which consists of string ray, kang kong, chicken wings, hokkien mee........etc. Can you imagine that from 6pm to 10pm this shortly 4 hrs, this poor fellow (me) had four straight meals without any time to digest? I tink my stomach almost burst by this time oredi.
Last but not least, I felt happy that I had somehow managed to brainwash Mh into my "club'. As for your nick, mh, I need a bit more time to think abt it. Next time perhaps. Good nite!!

Just For Me

Today is yet another memorable day for me once again. First, Alpha was conducted at Blu Jazz Cafe with Jimmy and Minhui plus ck, eg, web, henry, sean, bel and last but not least, my beloved Princess L.
Alpha was fun as we had to compete with the music that the cafe was playing hence quite a new experience. Many interesting questions were popped up but luckily I brought my mobile dictionary=> (E) along with me. Though Mh & J may not be fully convinced by what we said, I hope that the seeds had been planted and one day it will grow into a fruitful tree.
Another thing to mention was about the joining of L. It was not easy for her to walk from Raffles all the way to Bugis. At the same time, she rather gave up the opportunity of turning up for her company's event to collect her prize. and instead to join the rest of us at Blu Jazz Cafe. The reason being very simple yet moving - just for ME alone. What a sweet and honest answer!! I always like people who is frank and speak the truth....haha!! Did I get the reason correctly? Though it's not the exact words but definitely more or less the same meaning lah.....dun be too particular lah.
Nevertherless, it's my 2nd date with Princess L once again and may all of us have a good night sleep tonite.

Life is Unfair!!!

Life is so so so....unfair!!! Work is increasing, pay is reducing, family is nagging, colleagues is back-stabbing, even the PC is trying to be funny. Do the above sentence sound familiar to all of us? Of course lah, it's what many of us are facing everyday mah.
So why on earth are we still living in this world? I'm not trying to say that I understand any of your problems here and I believe I will never fully understand. When someone is feeling down and we try to console them, can we really understand and providing them with the "logical" answer or are we simply puting our own ideas unto them? Are we able to react the same way that we expect others to react eg. trying to behave politely all the time or be "good" all the time?
As the workload get heavier and heavier, my mood is getting heavier and heavier too. Especially when some other problems had to come all at the same time, it's getting more and more difficult to remain positive all the time and to remain "cool". Nevertherless, life still goes on regardless whether our mood is good or bad. While we cannot control other things, the least we can do is to remain joyful in our hearts and to bring laughter to people around us too.
Something struck my mind this morning which I recalled Jet Li said in his movie "Fearless".
The sentence go something like this..." Not all things are fair in this world and so why do we have to be bothered by whether it's fair or not".
The above sentence had been moderated by me cos I only remember the rough meaning but I seriously hope that all my friends who are feeling down now can try to smile more often regardless of the situation that you are all facing now. One last thing to say: "You should all be Happy bcos you know what, you all have me as your friend and I'm simply the BEST". Hahaha!!! Back to work for now.

Valentine Day Once Again

How times really flies. Before I realized it, it's Valentine Day once again. Last year was spent with some frens (mostly teachers) where the theme was quiet and dignified and we only had bread and cheese plus wine. (almost starved to death for S & Me)
I was sitting at the library with Web & "X" (shall nt disclose her name except she is my slow-waltz partner) last sunday. She commented on whether she'll receive flower this Valentine and I asked if she really want. She nodded her head and I proceeded to order cos she seemed so pathetic at that point of time. I should have realized that history will always repeat themselves and woman cannot be trusted....orgh!! Called her up today only to realized that she had received numerous bouquets of flowers oredi. But it's k cos mine shall still be the BEST and she better agree or else.
So hw did I spend my valentine this year? The program started by 7pm at Bedok when I met up wif H & wm. Wm was so touched when she received the rose from me. She was the most special at that point of time cos she was the first to receive the rose from me. As what she always said, "Weimin, U r truly so blessed cos u gt a rose fm the BEST". Heehee!! Cut the crap!! Stop it!!
Back to what was shared at PM........laying of hands........I passed the rest of the roses to Princess Laureen, Angel XJ, Ex-concubine S & the last rose went to M and no, it's Bel!! Cos M was struck in work hence no rose for her this year, dun be too sad k!! The roses was meant for the singles lady this time round but since M was not ard, I decided to change the theme to Cell girls instead.
The seven of us (Ck,Eg, H, xj,L, S & me) went to Glory for some drinks after PM. We had some interesting conversations which I would like to share over here.

Just for Laugh:

1) XJ : " Joel are so generous to give us a treat for the drinks"
(Hey, what are you saying down here ah? I'm very stingy usually meh?)

2) L : " J, u r more handsome today"
( Only handsome for today meh or is it bcos of the flowers ah?)

3) S : " J, u r like our sister"
(Sori gals, but I used the MALE toilet loh)

4) L : " J, why all your blog all about yourself?"
( Of course lah, since it's my blog)

Last but nt least, wishing all my frenz here a "HAPPY VALENTINE 2006".

My First Date With Princess Laureen

Today was the third session of Alpha with James coming to join us (Ck, Eg,Henry & Me). We had our dinner at Paradiz Centre and was joined later by sharon and Mh after Alpha. The whole group of us proceeded to Blue Jazz Cafe at Bugis opposite Parkview Square for some drinks.

There was two young chaps performing live band music which consist mostly of Blue jazz music. Though I dun really understand what they are singing but there was a group of four ladies which were clearly impressed by the talents of one of the guy. When the music fades, all is stripped away, and the young chap left leaving four ladies sweet memories to remember for the night.

By this time, I suddenly recalled a incident that happened last week. I had happened to bump into a distressed L at city hall who was unable to take the same train with me though she seriously want to. At such a beautiful night like this, it would be wonderful for L to be able to join in the fun. The kind-hearted guy which is me picked up my phone to call her and before the rest of us knew it, there she was sitting in the midst of the group of us oredi. Tonight she is transformed into a cheerful Princess Laureen cos she had the honour to be in the presence of Prince J. From a distressed mermaid to a honoured Princess, all thanks to Prince J once again.

Stop the crap!!! all rite all rite!! Come to think of it, it was my first date with Princess Laureen cos we always have schedules that clashes with one another. It was good to be able to meet up with one another to ROC at a comfortable, relaxing & most importantly- affordable place. It was simply a wonderful night to be able to hang out with a group of friends to talk craps, relaxing and to enjoy some music. That's life and we should try to make it a weekly event if possible. For the rest of you that wasn't here tonite, try to join us next time k...hee!!!

Lastly, it was simply great cos Prince J was ard rite...k k...Princess Laureen!!! Let u win tonite!! Who asked u to be the beloved daughter of the King as you proudly proclaimed to all of us. Hao Nan bu Gen Nu Tou. (Princess Laureen may nt understand but nvm haha!!)

Do I really Love?

Do I love you, Jesus, With an Unconditional Love?
Or do I love You only when You perform to my liking?
Do I love You when you are silent
Or only when You are speaking?
When I hear Your voice of discipline
Do I love You then?
Or only when I am surrounded by Your blessings?
Do I love You when I hurt
Or only when I rejoice?
Do I love You when I’m lonely
Or only when I am surrounded by loved ones?
Do I love You as I struggle
Or only when my way is easy?
Am I loving towards You when I’m ill
Or only when I’m healthy?
Am I lovingly singing Your praises when I fail
Or only when I succeed?
Is my love Yours alone
Or only when I have no one or nothing else to give it to?
Is my love Yours when I feel unlovable
Or only when I feel loved?
Do I love You when I’m angry
Or only when I am grateful?
Do I love You when I don't understand
Or only when things make sense?
Do I love You when I am helpless
Or only when I am in control?
Do I love You with my life
Or only with my thoughts?
Do I give You my heart
Or only my words?
Do I love Your people
Or only my chosen ones?
Do I love Your plans for me
Or only when they coincide with my own?
Do I love You unconditionally
Or do I love You on my terms?

Oh, dear Jesus, clean my heart of all that withholds my deepest passion from You and remove from me anything I hold more dear than You. May my only condition of loving You be that You alone are my life. May I truly say, “For me to live is Christ. To die is gain.”

(Above was come across by me when I was browsing through the internet but I think it relates to most of us out there. Do we really love Jesus?.......close your eyes and think about it for a moment or so......what is the things that we hold most dear to our hearts........juz think about it)

Woman....just can't keep.....secret!!

After the CNY, it's once again back to work. Work is getting more and more wif me rushing through piles after piles. At the same time, Alpha is one that need to be taken care of. Luckily, CK is here to help out to prepare the notes. Had to admit that it's difficult to manage so many things at the same time. IPPT is coming this 25th which simply mean I have to start training or to embarass myself on the day. To make things worse, heard from my H that my unit may be having a silent mob this coming thursday. Spent last night digging out my "green" uniform to wash and to polish my boots which a lot of dust had been collected. Ai how come so many things had to come at the same time???
Last night, it was GQ's bdae. Happy Birthday to u!! E had meant to give her a suprise sprung at her house yesterday night after PM. Guess my mind had not been working since I got the news that I may be mobilised on thur. In my "folly", I committed two mistakes. One was that I told GQ about the surprise that E had planned(Thot she knew all along).
Second was that I told her to keep mum about that she knew about the plan. But I should know right from the start that "girls" can't keep secrets......rite!!(Can sense a lot of arrows shooting over right now...hahaha)
Nevertherless Happy Bdae to GQ once again. Back to my work for the time being.

Chinese New Year

Another year passes by without me realizing it and it's Chinese New Year once again. Long forgotten was the shopping of new clothes, goodies or visitation. Replacing was to help out at my mum's stall during the period where people were all shopping, visiting relatives or even watching movies/tvs.
Nevertherless, the helping out was good not only bcos of help to my family but oso to my pocket..hee!! Spent many hours at the stall which remind me of the time where I used to work 'full time' at it. Quite different from my normal work yet at the same time, it was more enjoyable though tough too.
Went home visitation to wm, Gq, xj and M hse yesterday. We seemed to rush from one place to another. It was fun yet tiring which causes me to feel abit sick today. Last but not least, let's me wish all my friends here a "Happy Chinese New Year".