It's kinda freaky that we are like 3 days away from 2009. And not feeling it.
Especially when Christmas zoomed you by and yet u didn't really feel very much of the Christmas mood inside of you. And you are still thinking that you are still somewhere in June or August 2008.
That's how exactly i'm feeling right now. And it's not a good feeling.
But whatever it is, we need to be back in reality. And yes, today's 29th December 2008. 3 days and 2008 will never, EVER come back.
Reality Check: YES YES YES YOU ARE 3 DAYS AWAY FROM THE YEAR 2009.....
I'm very sure everyone of you who's reading this blog and is residing in Singapore has this card. And if u are not, i guess u are either not in Singapore, or you are a super duper rich kid who drives are Ferrari or some atas car in Singapore, to not be able to recognize an EZ-Link card. Especially since it has been around for at least 5 years.
For the rest of the 98% of Singaporeans who hold an EZ-Link card, i have some very-the important information that i need to share regarding to this. According to the online release on Land Transport Authority (LTA) , there will be some changes to the travelling card that every traveller on trains and buses MUST know. Which, i'll spare you the wordings and be nice and give a belated X'mas gift to everyone, by summarizing what you need to know:
New e-payment system is ready for use
This system is built on Contact ePurse Application (CEPAS)will allow ANY smart card that complies with it to be used to make payment when u take your MRT, and buses. For drivers, it can be used to pay for your ERP when u kena the gantries, and pay for your Carpark charges on EPS.
The new EZ Link card has started circulation since last Friday, 26 Dec 2008.
If you are an existing EZLink card holder, you can exchange your old one for a new one at no extra cost (From January 2009 - which technically is 3 days from now).
It's apparently a better card, since it has more places to use (Even drivers can use that for ERP (literally phrasing out the cashcard?) and every person who travels, be it by driving or taking the public transport needs them.
It can store up to a value of $500.
The card is available at $15 with a $10 storage value and $5 fixed value.
So, do be aware of this change, especially if it will affect you in a great way. The old EZ Link card will take time to phrase out, but do note, they won't take forever to remain this way. There's a few other competitors that are coming out too.
Be aware, be not ignorant of what will affect you.
Next Entry As usual, my flash back for 2008. Hopefully it'll be in time before the clock strikes 01012009. That will be the most meaningful, isnt it. =)
Yesterday evening (even though i was on MC), i went out to watch the movie with Grace, Lynnette, Qiao Juan (Grace's fren) and Aloyscius.
Initial thoughts of watching the movie wasn't very strong. Because it's neither a highly publicised movie (Though 8 days did a quick review, and i didn't really read it. 8 Days gave a 3.5 star out of 5), and nor a really popular movie for the X'mas seasons, as compared to the many others such as Twilight.
Some Quick introduction of the show a) War Epic that was set in 1939 Australia b) Literal translation of the name Australia = 澳大利亚 c) Starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman who are Australians d) Shows a lot of the scenes of Australia within the movie. The Outback, their natural landscapes.
The movie was about 2 hours 40 mins. And i must say, that this movie is really worth my $10.
There were highs and lows in the show. And i must admit, that at the 1st hour, i was feeling like rather bored by the show and wished that the show end fast. But from the 1.5 hour onward, it got really interesting.
To sum it up, this show has some common grace in it. It talked about love, relationships, war, change in mindset and lifestyle and many others. Which a lot of us felt that the show was very good, but it seem to overcrowd on the content. This is a movie which made us think.
I enjoyed the movie tremendously. In contrary to the ratings by 8 days, i give it a 4.5 stars out of 5. Because not many movies can really make me think this much.
If u are reading this, go go watch this!!
To whet up your curiosity and appetite for this movie, watch this trailer.
Was just youtubing to see if i can find any interesting Christmas clips around.
But i guess in the season of Christmas, one can't help but associate it with some sense of giving and sharing and loving. And just as i was going to settle down with some cartoony videos of cartoon characters singing Christmas carols, i came across this. Which i thought is really apt, esp with a Saxaphone.
Hope u like this song. [to turn off the music, go to the bottom where my player is locate right below my tag box and click 'Pause' on the player before you play the video]
This song adds so much more to the mood for Christmas.
I dunno if you feel the same like me, that this year seem to zoom by so fast, that we didn't even really have the time to get into the Christmas mood. I guess, the economic gloom played a part, where people's hearts felt gloomy and dark.
Serving and attending the Christmas services has always been the highlights, because there's a candlelight service. And this year, it's even more so, that we are all blanketed in the whole economic situation, that one Light has come to brighten our lives, giving us a faith and a hope for our future.
So, no matter how gloomy the whole economy has become, we can still stay strong.
No matter how the outlook is, i truly believe that as believers, as we begin to trust God with all our hearts, putting Him first in our lives, we will prosper, and be recession-proof!
And when i think about this, it just made my heart skip a beat happily. Knowing that whatever is going to happen, i'm gonna be prosperous, and even more despite the gloom. As i know, that i have the Light in my life.
On the Monday of the Last week of November, i sighted a new and botak tree sitting right at the reception of the office.
The previous week, Boss was saying that we are gonna get a new Christmas tree for the office (since the old one has been serving us for a few years liao), and thought we are gonna get a new and nicer one.
It's a real tree. And Yes, it needs watering. And yea, there's a pine tree 'smell'. (i dunno to call it an aroma or a smell [stench])
In fact, until now, i still dunno how often should i / the cleaning auntie water it. Hmmm...
So, with a new tree, which means, we need new decorations!
Managed to dig out the picture of the X'mas tree that we decorated in 2006 while we were at GMG building.
Hmmm yeah, it did look overly-cluttered
Now, back to our new and real tree. I'm pleased to say that e9's X'mas tree has evolved from being overcluttered to become the Tree of the moment.
Very nice, isn't it! It's by a group effort. =)
Oh, not forgetting the 'santarina' equivalent that accompanies the tree, the fake plant.
With its cute Santa hat
However, as a once-a-living-thing, the tree won't remain an evergreen (since it doesn't photosynthesis anymore). It's been 3 week since the tree has been here.
But apparently, using of real Christmas trees is a more 'Green' move, as compared to buying a fake PVC-made Christmas Tree. Save the environment, though u don't really save your wallet.
Whatever it is, a real one or a fake one, a Christmas tree adds joy to this festive season of giving and sharing.
I think this is what my 2 nostrils have been conversing about for the past 2 days. (L: left nostril, R: right nostril)
L: Wha lau eh R!! Why are u so stucked up?
R: Like i can help it?? (*bish)
(3 hours later)
R: Wha biang eh L!! What's that gross green thing coming out of you??
L: Like i want to???
(2 mins later)
R: Grrrlllll..... see la!! Nostril is connected to the other nostril, nostrill also follow the other nostril. Now i'm like u, dripping the gross gooey green thing!! Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!
Left Hand and right hand: Like we want to use a tissue and catch ur green gross gooey thing!!!
I guess, my nose is so blocked, that i'm already thinking that my nostrils have a life of their own. And yea, sinus is super duper gross!! I'm so gonna change away my nose if i can!
It seems like i can literally smell the season of Christmas is here.
It is ! It is!!
It's in 6 days' time. And can u believe it?
It seems that we've been living our life throughout the year, busy year in and out, and then realize that Christmas is coming, and next realization, 2008 is gonna go and will never come back again.
Reflections of the year coming soon.
My Wish List for Christmas a) Sponsorship for SOT 2009 (It's only SGD 1,500) b) Macbook c) Super duper great pay increment [Part C doesn't really seem possible though with all the economic crisis.] d) Gym membership (wha lau eh... look at my accumulation of fats after i quitted California =( ) e) Red/Purple/Nice color Crumpler bag for use during SOT (something huge enough to put my laptop in) f) CapitaLand vouchers (yeah, i have some now, but if i can accumulate more to buy my crumpler, in case wish (e) never come to pass) f) Cosmetics such as Blusher, concealer (one dozen boxes of 'Birthday' Eyelash glue will be great, since it's not available in Singapore, together with a lot of eyelashes hahaha...) g) Spa voucher (i BADLY need a massage and to pamper myself for a bit) h) Lastest CD from Casting Crows. i) Latest CD from Don Moen "I believe there is more" j) New NKJV Bible k) .....
Hmmm... getting up a Christmas wish-list is hard work!!
10 mins ago, i was just face-booking (what?? u dunno what's facebook?! Yes, please go create an account like now?) when i came across this Ad. And Omgosh, it's simply too hilarious and yes, i HEART Macintosh!!
15 short ads = Mac Vs PC
#1: Awesome review of Mac, and PC justifying itself. (Hahaha... Actually i must say that Mac is really quite expensive. I wanna Macbook Pro!! But it's so expensive) #2: PC and Mac connects, speaks the same language. Mac gets connected to a Japanese Digital Camera, speaks the same language. (Cool!!!) #3: PC can connect with Ipod (Ah... isn't that part of Mac? =p). Mac tells PC that he does many other stuff. PC rebutted with irrelevant and boring stuff. #4: PC's good with spreadsheets and word, Mac's better at lifestyle stuff such as Websites. #5: PC and Mac can connect, both uses Microsoft Office. But PC needs to restart when it needs to. (To justify, Mac OS is the bestest Operation system. On CbMac there was never a crash, except for some applications which still recovers much faster =) ) #6: There's many many millions of known viruses on PC. Mac doesnt. #7: PC attempts to spice up life with a pie chart..... #8: Mac is a PC and a Mac. Yes, a 2-in-1. #9: PC needs to install drivers, connect, read manuals to get started. Not forgetting connecting every hardware together . Mac just need to turn the machine up and get going. #10: PC hides from Spywares #11: Mac shows PC his works. PC struggles with praising Mac. #12: PC fell off the table because someone tripped on his powercord. Mac's powercord is connected by the magnetic powercord which comes off once pulled. So there will never be an instance where it will fall off because the powercord got tripped. #13: PC suddenly got the revelation that Mac is working on Microsoft Office for the looongest time. *bleah. #14: Funny!! PC home movie vs iMovie #15: PC has sour grapes!!
Hahahaha... i must say that it's true that: a) PC is strong with spreadsheets b) MAC is anti against virus as compared to PC. c) MAC can operate on both a Mac OS and a Windows OS. d) MAC can be serious and it can yes, operate on Microsoft Windows. e) MAC is better aesthetically. f) PC can also do good and colorful pie-charts. Not just MAC.
Hmmm. Maybe i should say more good things about PC, but then, as a Mac convert and still relying much on a PC (and knows all flaws and limitations, and some good points), I can't help but to say that Mac is THE best!!
I dunno if this is a sign that my EQ is exceptionally low when i have too many things in my head.
It's just a news from faraway Chile about a dog whose act to rescue his kind moved me to tears. Ahhh, crap, i've been tearing since i saw this news at 9.30pm.
Here's the video that was found on Youtube.
The language spoken in the video is not English. However, from the video, you can see that a poor doggie was knocked down and left to die - on the expressway! And another dog came, risking its life to drag the lifeless body of his buddy to the side of the expressway.
One emphasis is that such things doesn't really happen in Singapore; if this happens, the SPCA will come after you. This video is really addressing a real issue happening in Chile where dogs are killed on the roads every other day.
When i first saw the video on the news on tv,my first thought was: "Aiyo....." (heart cringe)
Then without warning, tears started to flow down from my eyes.... Argh!! I must have looked like crap, with my swollen eyes.
Man, i'm such an emotional being. I guess where animals such as dogs are concerned, i'm always so emotional.
***** This is one other entry that i've blogged about some time back about a dog and his owner.
The only part of my face that i'm totally pleased and 110% thankful to God for is my eyes.
Aside from freckles which i'm repenting from by slapping myself with a lot of sunscreen before my make up, generally i think my features are quite ok. But my eyes are something that i'm totally pleased with myself.
As people say, 眼睛是灵魂之窗 (eyes are the window to the soul), the eyes will show how confident a person is about his/her life and generally about every other thing. I mean, i LURVE my eyes. I have double eyelids, which enables me to play around a lot with eye shadow and loving it (i play with blue, green, purple, pink...). Not forgetting using liquid eyeliners (it's the greatest invention for the eyes!!) to make my normal-looking eyes bigger and more alert (有神） And my eyelashes are generally ok in length, and i use a lot of mascara on it to accentuate my eyes.
But the drawback of mascara is that it can clog the eyelash, making it overly unnatural. And it's difficult to wash off. The only solution is to not use a water proof one. But if u happen to cry or something, expect black tears.
I've always been interested in fake eyelashes, and have tried to buy like one pair to try to figure out, but i always failed. Last month, my cg member got married and another of my cg member actually helped me with the fake eyelash, which i think was really great. I looked really different. And thus began my journey to explore the world of fake eyelash.
I've started playing seriously with it since last week, and i must say i'm totally hooked!!
This is part of my current collection (about 50%) of what i have?
It's really quite an adventure to wear it, because u never know if it will drop off the next minute. Ah, the skill lies with the eyelash glue, which i strongly recommend the 'Birthday Glue' from Bangkok (if u are reading this and u are in Bangkok, and you are searching for the best glue, buy it in tons!). Though the saddest thing is that i have only 1 small tube, but once my supply finish, i'll need alternatives until i can get it again.
Actually the prices of eye lash can range from like $1.90 - $10? It can come with just the eyelash or it can be the self-adhesive ones (of course that one is like $8 -9 per pair). I must make special mention of this 2 pairs of eyelashes here.
I got it only at $2 from Daiso!! Woohoo!! What a steal!! And they are really quite good one, even though they may be a bit stiff putting it on for the first time. There's a lot of patterns to choose from. And make no mistake about it, it's from Japan and only cost $2!!!
The effects after putting on the fake eyelash.
Hmmm not very obvious hor?
Seems that my hair has grown (finally) but it seems thinner (ARGH!!!). Let's make this picture look better with this.
Arghhhh... Salah!! Showed the thinniness of my hair... Phew, thankfully there wasn't any pimple on my forehead today.
There!! I like the feel of this picture. *Blink-Blink-Blink!!
In some sense, i do agree that the fake eyelash made me different. It made me feel more confident, and giving me an alert look even though i had swollen eyelids from lack of sleep. Yeah, i do need help in the looks department, and i guess this really make me look and feel much better about how i look. =)
I was serving, running to and fro the toilet before the sessions before Asia Conference, and i keep sighting this banner outside the Artiste's room... Until i decided to take a picture of it.
Argh.... the camera didn't go very well with the extra darkened lighting. But can't deny that it's really one of the nicer ones that we have seen over the years.
And yes, i didn't forget about my dream, my desire to be equipped in the word of God, and I WANT IT TO HAPPEN NEXT YEAR.
To get myself there, i need to do the following: a) Register online at the SOT website - done! b) Response from the SOT officials - got it, YAY!! c) Print out the Application form and fill it in - done!! =) d) Submit the form with 2 passport sized photos - *faintz!! Argh... i need to take pictures!! e) CGL to submit recommendation form - can't be done until (d) is completed f) Interview with Pastor or SOT staff - can't be done until (d) + (e) is completed g) Wait for the Letter of Offer from SOT. - can't be done until (d) + (e) + (f) is done.
So meaning to say, if i don't take my passport pictures, i won't be able to proceed. And i've been talking about taking pictures since.......
(-_____-)"
*Sigh, the power of procrastination. Wha biang!! Must wake up my idea really soon!!
Last Friday, 21st November 2008, at the Asia Conference, there was a special lunch session with Pst Chris Pringle.
Being in Church, and hearing a lot from Pst Phil Pringle, naturally i was really excited about what Pst Chris has to share. Besides this is one woman of God, whom God has used to impact and minister to the many many women in Australia. Pst Kong had briefly shared with us what was totally mind blowing about what she was about to share, which i really agree 100% that it really touched our beings to the very core.
As it was a lunch meeting, there were a lot of delegates who were eating while the session was going on. But beyond the wonderful lunch, what Pst Chris shared is even more important than the lunch.
She shared on her experience on the loss of her first child, where he was miscarried when she was young. From that point on, it was a spiral down for many of us emotionally, even though we were not married, never had lost a child before. And with the sharing of her experience, she ministered to many who had lost a child or a sibling.
Having your emotions stirred up and realizing of tears streaming down your eyes, one can't help but feel the sadness that filled the whole place, and knowing that the presence of God is here to bring forth healing, and His love for us to want to fill up the gaps to those who had lost their children.
Pst Chris has complied her experience, and wrote a book so that she can minister to those who had lost their children. The name of the book is called "Jesse".
It's really great that Pst Chris could share this with the delegates during Asia Conference, as there are many out there in the congregation who has experienced loss of their children, that they can be ministered to.
For the rest of us? For myself, i thank God for the realization to treasure the people around me; i don't want to wait until i lost them before i regret not being able to tell them that i love and treasure them.
32 | SOT Grad | HR Executive in Public Healthcare Industry | I love writing and blogging | Love my dogs (Furby and Jerby), come home ASAP!! :) | Wisdom in Handling finances | Market place is where i am to be | Running for great health (remember, our body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit!)
