Change my name

Today was the end of O2, and it marks the end of PART of my pressures from school.
In the picture was Mong and I being crappy on a bottle-cap made crest which diameter was like twice my height?
Mind you, it was made out of teeny-weeny bite sized bottle caps. Amazing.


My OGLs went all emo today.
Somehow makes me so proud of them.
They're so attached to one another they couldn't bear to leave at the MRT even though they'll be seeing each other the next day.
Awwww....=)

I know it may be difficult to accept that you all are being seperated. Let alone not being in the same house.
But it does not put a stop to your friendships.
As I said, "Being able to see each other in MJC is better that not being in the same school."
And as classes are reshuffled, it may not be such a bad thing after all.
Move on, new friendships, new beginnings, new things to look forward to.
However, not forgetting those you made in Atlas during PAE.


We may be in different houses, but we're one big Meridian family.
To all ATLAS J1s who transferred to other houses, we'll miss you.

Breakthrough

It's been a tiring weekend for me.

Prayer meeting, prayer meeting, service, prayer meeting, service.
If I'm not wrong, that was how the sequence goes.

I am spiritually and mentally refreshed, even though my body is in a state of petrification.
I hardly can move any part of it besides my fingers. ^^
Fatigue has caused my eyes to sink each time I sat down.

But it's alright.
Thanks A4 and E412 for motivating me during these 3-4 days.
Especially John for pushing me to do my e-learning as he tempted me with his winning eleven. Nice.
Oh yes, and Jaz for shocking me during service when I was stoning. Lol.
And the fellowship was truely awesome.
I sense a breakthrough heading my direction.
Or has it already begun? Hehe.


I caught jumper today. (sorry Andrew, we'll watch something else k?)
I can say that it was quite boring, lots of special effects though.
What kept me awake in the theatre was because of the money I spent. (well, it wasn't MY money, I'll pay you back soon I promise =D)
I find sleeping in the theatre a unnatural thing to do actually.
If I was going to pay ~8 bucks for a show, I wouldn't want to waste that money missing out on the movie.
It's like paying 8 bucks to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the cinema's air-con and luxuriating in their giant sized, comfortable seats.
Well, that's just the way I am.


Anyway, I'm drowning in my thoughts of how tomorrow's school will be like.
Hope I don't meditate during lectures.
Good nights!!

From all sides

Alright, this week has been and is going to be a jam-packed week for myself.
Just to list a few things which I should be doing. [since Monday]
Please note that these things are everything else besides studying.

Monday
-Soiree rehearsals
-Floorball Physical Training (which I skipped)

Tuesday
-Help J1s with the House Identity
-4 hours of tutoring my students
-Soiree performance practice (which I was too busy to attend)
-OG outing at Sentosa (shucks, I didn't go =( )

Wednesday
-Soiree performance practice
-Floorball friendly at Valhall [Kallang]
-Practice for new songs

Thursday
-Soiree actual performance
+++

Friday
-E-learning for all subjects
-Cell group meeting
+++


Well, I somehow have to squeeze time into empty slots to do my daily revision and tutorials.
Furthermore, I still need personal quality time to rest.
I hardly get the time to just sit back and relax.
The TV has become close to extinction.

This week is madness, but I love it for the experience.
I know it's weird. Haha.

Build to Last

Today's word was awesome.

You know what, I really love how pastor Tan preaches.
It sometimes gives me motivation to what I set my heart on.
I can see it by how he rises up and leads the church, that he actually does it with passion.
I can see that his preaching is something which he learnt and built up to profession through his years of pastoring.
And through these experiences, he manages to stand confidently on stage and speak to the masses.
Amazing.


I just want to share a story which he told about a couple.
Hope I can interpret it and produce an almost identical story to that of what pastor told.
Wish me luck.

Mark and Susan were married for many years. Because of a sickness in Susan's body, she had to go for a major operation which had little chance of success. Due to complications, the operation failed and Susan fell into a world of darkness. She went blind.
Traumatized and in shock, Susan went into a state of depression, refusing to listen to her husband, resulting in many arguements in the family. To minimise the blow of not being able to see, Mark got Susan a part-time job where she is able to earn a decent income even though she is blind.
With their new change in schedule, Mark had to drive Susan to work in the morning before he heads to his workplace, which is on the other side of town. Additionally, he has to fetch Susan back from work after she is done with her shifts.
As their family is financially unstable, Mark found that driving Susan to work makes his schedule time-constraining. Furthermore, the cost of spending on patrol will result in them losing money. Hence, Mark wanted to ask Susan if she would spare some thought for the family and take a bus to work every morning instead. However, he was perplexed to whether it would be a heavy blow to her, since she is already struggling with her new lifestyle.
After much thought, he finally asked her one day after work and after much quarreling, she finally agreed to give it a try. Mark said that he'll help her every morning to get on the bus and send her to work. In return, he has to sacrifice a portion of his morning shift as he had no choice but to report late to work. "I'll give it two weeks. If I still do not get used to it by then, I won't continue doing it," Susan said.
Monday morning came and Mark accompanied Susan out of the house with her walking stick. Unfamiliar with the surroundings, Susan struggled to make her way to the bus stop and up the bus. With new obstacles coming towards her every second, she depended alot on Mark to guide her way. But eventually, she reached her workplace safe and sound.
Tuesday came.
Then Wednesday.
Thursday.
Friday.
Even the week after.
Each day, Mark would guide her every step she takes to her workplace. He even spoke with the morning-shift bus drivers to look out for Susan and reserve a seat for her when she got on the bus.
By the time the last day of the next week came, Susan was so confident with the route that she has been taking for the past two weeks that she aced it almost without any help from Mark. She was overjoyed with her accomplishment that she agreed to give it a try without Mark by her side from that day on, allowing Mark to return to his normal schedule.

Each morning, before she sets off with her walking stick for work, she will kiss Mark goodbye at their doorstep.
Another week went by.
Monday.
Tuesday zoomed past.
Wednesday was quick to say goodbye.
Thursday came.
And before she knew it, it was Friday.
She was so experienced to the route she took everyday that it became a breeze to report for work.
On that day, the bus driver spoke to her, "You know what, I really envy you."
Not knowing that the driver was talking to her, she continued to her reserved seat like she does every morning and sat down. Besides, who would want to talk to a blind woman like her?
The bus driver repeated himself to Susan. Curious, she asked, "Why would you be jealous of a blind woman like me?"
With a smile, he replied, "Every morning, when you get on the bus, a fine young man in a military uniform never fails to board the bus behind you. He will stand at the corner of the bus making sure that you're safe and sound. And after you alight, he will follow your footsteps and watch you as you cross the traffic light. Finally, he will blow you a kiss and give you a salute before he flags for a taxi, probably heading to work."

Touched, tears rolled down Susan's eyes.


Nice story.
And this was only a small portion of what pastor shared.
I had a tremendously awesome time in church today. =)

14 Februrary [guess who spells like this] =P

Haha. Tonight marks the end of Valentines Day.
I just recovered from a date with my valentine this year.
I must say it was a tiring one.
Spent almost 4 hours dwelling about the same stuff over and over again.
However, I ate ALL of the cookies.
She didn't even bother to ask for any.

Say hello to...Lecture Notes. Lol.

But today was a great day, was kind of surprised due to the amazing proportion of Meridians who were actually enthusiastic about the occasion.
I even got to talk to my mortal. Great success!! Haha.
Well, I have yet to see who my angel is, gonna give her something tomorrow as a gift of appreciation.
Wait till you see what she gave me, you'll be utterly shocked.


An incomplete list of items that ppl gave me for V-day so far.



GREEN return presents which my mortal gave. Butterfly so cute.
So sweet right? Hope she uses my present to her. =D



Piggy Chew's home-made present.
Looks so professional. Thanks Chewsq.


Oh yes, this is what my angel gave me. I love it.
My angel is so generous and nice.
She even bought a book saying "my dear little devil" on purpose.
LOL.


Sha's paper holder and GV's cookies.
Thanks you guys.
GV, if I pass physics test it's cause your cookies kept me awake when I was studying. =)


Many many creative and appealing cards on Valentine's Day.
Too many to count.
Thanks everyone, I'll treasure every one of the letters.


Last but certainly not the least, a rose for my mom.
Have to thank chew for helping me get it.
Not gonna tell you how I got it. =P Hehe.
The good thing is she said I wasted money = she likes it. =D

Haha oh yeah, and about the rest of the presents, do not fret.

Because they are either already in my stomach, or I haven't opened them yet.

So just do not worry because I appreciate every present I receive. =)

Thank you so much everyone and Happy Valentine's / Friendship Day.

busy busy

Valentine's Day is going to be a good one this year.
Even though I don't have a valentine this year.

But I'm sure this year is different. =)

Hope everyone will be happy with the gifts I got for them, especially my mortal.
I haven't been a good angel-in-disguise so far. Lol.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

Yakult

Sorry for my long abstinence from the computer.
Was spending as much time as I could at night "earning" money from mahjong.
Hehe.

CNY has been a fun time for me, probably the most fun Chinese New Year that I have ever experienced.
I have told many.
CNY is just another normal holiday, but isn't anything festive to me.
However, this new year was special.

Went visiting with Aloy, Petpet, Grace, Brian and also my whole cell.
I haven't visited so many houses before.


But I was really blessed this Chinese New Year.
Not just financially, but in other areas as well.
And I hope everyone was also blessed as much as I was. =))

Alot of upcoming events in the year are heading my way.
Going to be super, ultra, mega busy for the next few months.

My mother.

Parents will always be parents.

"You were my baby 17 years ago and you ARE still be my baby"
Sweet right?
That's what my Mom said today at my ah-ma's house.

We were talking about how I grew up so fast and how I looked different and all.
To think how corpulent I was in those pictures they took. Urgh.
I was once known as "no neck". Lol.


Well, back to the topic, I really want to thank my mom.
After 17 years of growing up, I look back and see how my mom was there for me.

How she scolded me even though I did nothing wrong.
How she locked me out of the house for quarreling with my brother.
How she seized every opportunity to lecture me about my studies.
How she would force chilli padi into my mouth when I was vulgar.
How she grounded me and I still had the guts to go out.
How she would cane me if i didn't do my assessment books.
How she whipped me with the belt if I got >20th position in class.
How she tied my hands together and made me kneel for forgiveness.
How she chased me around the house if I didn't want to get caned.
How she slapped me if I dared to defy her.
How she made me hide in my room and never want to come out again.
How she made me throw away my pokemon cards.
How she dragged me around shopping malls if I started being a public nuisance.

But most of all.
How she cried for all the times I've done wrong.


Every single tear she shed has made me a better person.
For every drop of water from her eyes, it has made me repent on my mistakes and made me more grateful that she is there in my life.
Indeed, she has done far worse things which has made me miserable in the past.
But I want to thank her for it.

She has sacrificed so much to raise me up to who I am now.
Not forgetting my brother and sister who were less troublesome to her than me.
That's why I love her so much.

During my early days as a child, I've heard many unpromising comments from her.
Like, "At the rate you are studying, you'll never be able to support yourself in the future."
Or, "Such a spoilt child you are, no wonder your friends hate you."
But they're just comments.
Adults need to let out some steam once in awhile right?

However, today she said something which touched my heart.

"Finally, my 17-19 years of raising my children has eventually paid off. I'm so proud of all of you."


Haha, it isn't mothers day or something, but I just wanted to say it.
I really love my mom.



I don't know how I'm gonna treat my kid in the future, but may be I'll learn some pointers from my experience.
If it's going to take time and sacrifice, I'm willing to do it.

Come on, who doesn't want their children to grow up being graceful princesses and charismatic gentlemen.
LOL. xD

Oh yes, and finally, HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR EVERYONE. =)))

randomness

I think that A4 has the ability or shall I say the anointing to make strangers embarrassed and even drop their things.
First was Isabella, when Aloy bumped into her on the bus.
She got so paiseh she dropped her phone.

And today, Aloy and I made a girl almost drop her laptop.
It must be the random and funny comments that we give.
Or may be it is the friendly attitude we potray to them.
Or may be it is just Aloy. Haha.


Today at the MRT station.
I saw someone doing the "shakey" action which I did a few days back.
[Chay should know what I mean]
And I finally realised how foolish I looked, funny though. =)


Speaking of foolishness, I remember the phrase I was keeping in mind.

"There is a distinct difference between being enthusiastic and being foolish"
It was kind of inspired by pastor Tan's sermon on fortitude.

FORTITUDE: Strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage.
Awesome.


I loved Chew's Mom's chinese new year pastry.
Even though Chew brought only one type, it was certainly scrumptious.
And everyone loved it as well. Hehe, thanks chew.

CNY's around the corner, hope my schedule does not get fully packed.
Still have important stuff to complete.
Can't wait to go visiting and for the upcoming opportunities to know my relatives better.

Aching muscles =X

Had a cool day in school today.
Felt refreshed after the long weekend and was ready to start school. =)

What was interesting about today was that little miss Hazel and I were talking about pick-up lines.
And we realised we came up with a few good ones.

1. Question: "Did it hurt?"
Reply: "What did?"
Answer: "When you fell from heaven."

2. Question: "Is your father a thief?"
Reply: "Of course not."
Answer: "Oh shucks, I thought so, cause I thought he stole all the stars from the sky and put them in your eyes."

3. How many letters are there in the alphabet?
25. Because U and I are 1.


Cheesy? Wait till you hear the last one. (meant for only math inclined ppl)

4. Hi, I'm sine square, can you be cosine square so we both can be ONE?


LOL, thinking about those lines only give me goosebumps.




Besides that, I was speculating about how unfair or uninitiated Singapore's education is.
When you think about it, not many Singaporeans win nobel prizes or receive patents.
This is because the education system in our country has certain rules and regulations to follow.

To emphasize, take America for example.
They give you a formula, but they give you the freedom to research and to use other methods in solving a similar question.
Hence, for Singapore, our education is majority based on pure and taxing memory, especially chemistry.
Haha.

The teachers hand you a particular equation, and expect you to follow it.
Can't we students choose to think otherwise?
Our sense of creativity and imagination has gone down the drain due to standard formulas, methods of answering and mundane equations that students like us store in our recollective bank and apply when the need arises.
Then aren't we being boring, simple and useless robots who just follow orders.

Well, it does help, due to the fact that many Singaporeans are just plain lazy to brainstorm by themselves.
But at least give students freedom to learn for themselves.
Implement creative learning.
Build independent leaders who no longer will be in need of the Holy lecture notes.


Like what I told Miss Koh today - "One day, I'm going to prove gravity wrong."
Hmmmm. That's kind of unconventional, so I'm going to start small by finding my own theory.
It's gonna be called - "Yan's theorom"



Went out with A4 on Sunday to catch a bite at Astons.
Even though I was wearing what I wore for the last 48 hours, I wouldn't miss them for anything.

Here are some pictures we took.


Happy Hours


"Nose picking service at just 30 cents -
Satisfaction guaranteed, just look at Aloy."


On cloud A4


New adidas deodourant ad.


John's true image when you look at him through a knife-o-scope.


Oh btw, I hope I'll get my 5x5x5 Rubik's tomorrow.
Thanks Cal, Gv, Sean for the belated X'mas gift. =D


-Nights-