salute to G12

First G12 September 2004 - memorable times, late night discussions, powerful prayers.


The guys chartered new territory.. and we became J.G.R.A.C.E. April 2005

Very much loved extended G12 family September 2005 (missing Gina, Cindy and Sammi)

The photos say it all. God blesses abundantly. From a year ago, until now, my life has been changed dramatically through the formation of G12. I'd knelt by my bedside almost 3 years ago, early 2003, and asked God for a small bunch of Christian friends, to challenge one another, to build each other up. And no, i didnt see it coming either when prayer group started in September 2004. Didnt think that it would become a permanent meeting. Didnt realise then that the ball had started rolling...

From PACTOLPOWER prayers, to late nights playing 'Spin the Bottle', these people have left footprints that last, footprints that never fade. I cannot ever thank you guys enough for the support and the love you have shown me. And with this year's sleepovers (which i can foresee more of next year :P) and encouraging texts, i only wish the ball started rolling earlier. Then again, starting later has taught me to cherish all this more, knowing that the time left is in a blink of an eye.

You are the angel in my heart...

Why sand for afternoon tea?

And i took the road less travelled by...

Nope, that wasnt deliberate. The wind was so strong that sand was in the air. waves of sand. Not funny when you're trying to smile at the camera and you get this salty taste in your mouth.

Chia, Lye Funn and i went to St Clair this afternoon, after watching Wasabi. The sun could not have shone any brighter. It was a beautiful afternoon... much too beautiful to be indoors, packing. We headed off with the initial intention to drive to St Kilda's but the turn to St Clair loomed up ahead.. so off we went. Strange. I would have expected the beach to be more crowded than how it was today. Could be because most of the students have left little Dunedin in search for brighter holiday hangouts. Took a few photos, eccentric photos, funny photos, scenic pictures and guess what? A black dog decided to join our little outing. He's so cute!! Strong and sturdy dog. Now i feel like one of those scenes in movies, where there's the girl running along the beach front with a dog close beside her. But before that, mission: get a dog.

Sunny days..

panoramic view from my window... first sunny, warm day in a week! Thanks Ben for taking the rain back to Sg with ya. Hee..

...to be updated.

No pain, no gain

The aches and pains that come with swimming after 3 years of absence from the pool manifested itself when i was in sweet slumber last night. Talk about a major acid build up in my neck muscles! No matter how much i tried to stretch them out at the gym, nothing quite cut it. Ah.. maybe another swim is what's needed to do the trick aye?

It was fun, watching Life-Size and Father of the Bride with Judith. It's funny, to be able to laugh and gasp at the same time. We've still got Parenthood (hmm...what is this with Steve Martin?), Chocolat, Bubble Boy, Charlotte's Web and The Road to El Dorado.

Technology has really opened a lot of doors, allowed us to do so many things we deemed impossible half a century ago. Webcam has revolutionised the quality of communication over the internet. A person can seem so far, yet so close. Right in front of you, but not quite there at the same time. Can feel pretty strange.. Of course, the real thing is still the best. :)

Someday, when i'm awfully low,
when the world is cold,
i will feel aglow just thinking of you..
and the way you look
tonight

Oh but you're lovely, with your smile so warm,
and your cheeks so soft,
there is nothing for me but to love you,
just the way you look
tonight

The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra

The journey of a thousand mile begins with a single step - Lao-tsu

Survey time..

1.What is your occupation?
Final year Pharmacy student 2006... woo hoo!

2. What color is your underwear or going commando?
Oh my goodness, do i really have to answer this?

3. What are you listening to right now?
The hum of my laptop.

4. What was the last thing you ate?
Hmm... The Cook's Porterhouse dish. That's well-done steak with crispy fries (actually not that crispy anymore.. :P) and green salad.

5. Do you wish on stars?
Sometimes, when the Dunedin sky is clear enough for them to be seen. :P

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Baby pink, green or blue. :)

7. How is the weather right now?
Hmm..it's kinda cold, really windy with a moderate cloud cover. Looks like it will rain any minute!

8. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Gina (for dina!) Hee...

9. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Sure i do. Who doesnt have the hots for Sherlyn? :P

10. Favorite drink?
At the moment it's orange juice. Strange craving for orange juice...

11. Favorite sport to watch?
Synchronised swimming

12. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Red streaks 2004

13. Do you wear contacts or glasses?
Glasses. Opting for contacts next year cos glasses can be a hassle at times. Especially when watching movies. My eyesight is deteriorating. Help!

14. Favorite month?
January. It always marks a new year, turning over a new leaf.

15. What was the last movie you went to see?
Movie as in DVD? That would be Sahara. Movie as in cinema? Hmm.. let me think. Mr and Mrs Smith - June 2005

17. What do you do to vent anger?
Cry. Horrible, isnt it?

18. What was your favorite toy as a child?
Undeniably LEGO!

20. Hugs or kisses?
HUGS! I like my share of hugs.. hee..

21. What is on the floor of your closet?
boxes of shoes and my craft stuff.

22. Who is the friend you have had the longest?
My bestest friend, Jesus

23. Favorite smell?
The familiar smell of your hoodie.

24. Number of keys on your key ring?
3

25. How many places have you lived in?
9 - Sri Aman, Bintulu, Kuching, Christchurch, Port Vila (Vanuatu), Auckland, Pukekohe, Sibu, Dunedin.

26. One wish?
A foundation built on God.

Flat 2, 543 George Street

In fond memories of flat 2, 543 George Street, knowing every crook and nook in my bedroom, how much to turn the tap for the optimal "shower pressure", inviting friends over for a chit-chat, sleepover, cramming-a-day-before-exams, and dressing up for balls. Looking out at the mountains during qt, waking up to the sight of snow on the rooftops. *sigh* I'm going to miss this place and the invisible happy memories imprinted on every wall and photograph..

In my just-settled-into room with Candy (Jan 2003)

English group mates Tom and Sanson practising in the living room (June 2003)

The balloons-bedroom-decorating gang, thanks peeps! (July 2004)

At KLIA with Chia and Karen, leaving for Dunedin approximately 9 months ago... (Feb 2005)

It's such a gloomy and dreary day today. I think the sunshine followed you back when you left Dunedin. I woke up this morning and a reluctant glance at my bedside clock read 5am. *sigh* I'd set my alarm for 8am. So much for sleeping in aye. Heh..

Dad, Mum, Grandad, Grandma and little Daniel (who isnt that little anymore since he's my height) will be touching down in Auckland airport in 9 days' time. I cant wait till they get here. I cant wait to show them my life here. My room, the flat, the places i go, the friends i ramble on about in my emails. :) Dad and Mum have always found it a pleasure to meet my friends. As they say "Now i can put a face to the name". They plan to take the scenic route from Auckland all the way to Wellington, then cross the ferry over to Picton. Pick up another car and then head down to little ol' Dunedin, probably arriving around the 7th December. Graduation will be on the 10th then leaving Dunny on the 13th and flying home on the 14th. Might stay over in Brunei a bit and catch up with Ruth! Wee....

My mind has suddenly gone blank. I cant think of anything else to blog about.

pre-Christmas cheer

I just had to post this up..another of Randy's comics. It's that time of year again. Everywhere you go, there is that little reminder, from Christmas lights and shiny greens and reds. I have some major Christmas decoration shopping to do.

Tongue-tied? Told Chia i wanted to go ace-skiting (ice-skating) again. It felt funny on my tongue when it was said... yet so natural at the same time. Weird...

Star light, star bright..

What is it that makes an enjoyable party? I read somewhere a quote that went like "Dont go to a party, be the party." If clothes maketh a man, then people maketh a party. Hmm.. wait a minute, doesnt sound like i'm making a lot of sense. Of course what is a party without people? Can you imageine twirling around by yourself in a glitzy room and fancy dress? Gosh, i think i've just painted a very sad picture...

But Jess' 21st was a far cry from that. It was fun just mingling with people,laughing, talking, poking fun at each other. Helping out in the kitchen (for once Jess doesnt make it her second home), taking pictures and just watching from aside. Seeing everyone all glam and dressed up. Jessica looked stunning, as usual, and i must say that Las and Jess cut a matching couple. Thanks to Jon and Steph for an all-adrenaline-running-around-in-a-skirt Treasure Hunt. :D With Josh O and Brendan on the team, we striked gold. That was fun. I'd forgotten how much i love treasure hunts until Saturday night. Jennifer and Eunice prepared really touching slide shows too. Seems like that has become a tradition for every birthday in homegroup.

Isnt our God an awesome God?

Though the cloud cover was rather thick and moving, we had the chance to star gaze for a little while. I'm no constellation person, and i think the last time i tried to figure one out was in Vanuatu when we had this class project on constellations! There was this constellation of an arrow that pointed North. WOW! That was so so so cool! It's nice to star gaze... sometimes i get so absorbed that i feel as though i'm floating in space, without anything to hold, and everything is so vast and wide. Like the world slipping through my fingers. Will i float away forever and ever and ever?

God can enable any of us to change, no matter how deeply grounded we are in this world. The miracle of the new birth will take place when we say yes to the stirring of God's grace in our souls ~ Vermon Grounds

I wanna dance all night long...

Courtesy of Ming - at the start of our walk..

It's been a while since the last blog entry. So much has happened since.

Well, for starters... Mt Cargill became a track down to Tunnel Beach. It's been 3 years since i last tracked down with friends from the Chinese Methodist Church 2002. The place hasnt changed the least. The view is still as astounding.. i could perch myself (precariously) on the top of the hill and watch the waves crash onto the rocks for hours. If you'd just ignore the waft of sheep poo.. In the group photo below, some of the guys were almost squatting on a pile of doo. :S

Hospital externship has been an amazing experience. From ward rounds to patient medication reviews, sterile dispensing (gowning up!) and drug information evaluation. I love the feeling of working as part of a team. Everyone plays a part to ensure the best care for the patient. Just to stand in a ward and observe the hustle and bustle of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, patients. So often it makes my day just to have the chance to smile to a patient and have them smile back. What can be more satisfying than the ability to care of another and be cared in return? Just to even have the inkling that you can a positive difference in another's life.

Charm is deceitful & beauty passing,but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised -Proverbs 31:30

O happy day...

Panoramic view from Signal Hill

Ah Chung is imitating Ring Zero at the moment and patting Piggy at the same time. I have two pairs of pyjama pants, one purple and one pink, around my neck. That's Ah Chung's "blessing"...hehe... Paul is standing by the door talking about the movie "10 Ways to Meet a Ghost" and Chia is by her table with an arm crossed and biting her nails.

Climbed up Signal Hill with Ruth and Josh. That was cool! We took the easy way up and the harder way down. We even had a Tamil movie moment. Hehe. All trees and no path. It was great being all around nature....or should i say, nature being all around. I really applaud those bikers that work on the tracks. Man, i'd be terrified of falling or having my bike tyres trip on a root or something. Have to give them the credit. :D There was a point where we stopped and there were these 2 guys huffing and puffing as they pushed their bikes up, just to turn around again for the few seconds of adrenaline rush biking down and over the ramp. I think my jaw dropped just then. Memorable... Hmm, Mt Cargill next!

I'm tired now. I've been awake since 5.30 this morning. Good night people! :)

Eggs eggs and more eggs..

That's Madagascar down. Haha, laughing my head off when i watched with Judith and Josh. That must be the cutest lion i have ever seen. :)

Sun's up. Last evening Chia and i took a walk to the Gardens and had dinner there. Hehe, makeshift from New World's deli. On our way back later at night (later meaning 9pm..9pm!) from Starbucks, we had an egg thrown at us from a car. Horrible. I'm glad that i've read it up from Eunice's blog recently, so i guess, in a way, i was 'prepared' for it. Horrible horrible horrible. Only Josh had a few dots of egg on his pants. Ben, Chia and i were spared.

What is it that makes people do stuff like this? Is it out of pure 'fun'? or is it a racist thing? Of all things, eggs arent cheap either. So annoying and a waste of time. What is it that makes them do something so low, to throw eggs at innocent pedestrians and then speed away in a car. I do not understand.. i will never understand..

Sleepy head..

What is the opposite of sleeping-in? Sleeping-out?? It's officially the 3rd day of my holidays and i'm still not able to sleep in. Find myself waking up between 6 and 6.30 every morning. And when i do pull the covers back over my head, all i do is wake up 15 minutes later with a bad headache. Hmph

Anyways, it's a cool slightly drizzly morning and the rest of Dunedin still looks asleep. Was thinking of walking to the Gardens before gym but i guess that's kinda not likely now. Guess i'll just settle down with the books i borrowed from Med Lib yesterday and start reading up on my Paediatric medicines. :) I'm very grateful that Dr RF gave me my choice of departments.

Omeprazole...here i come!

To Alice..

King's Ball - '04

20th birthday at Tokyo Garden - '04

It's the holidays. I have a valid reason for wandering, random thoughts.

One thing i cannot deny is that Alice is leaving for Timaru. I guess that's part and parcel of life...people coming, people going. Some still keep in touch, and others fade away like an old black-and-white photograph, never to be reunited again.

I first "met" Alice through a photograph, when my sister who was in Dunedin in '01 sent photos back from the CMSA Ball. I was trying to make out the similarities between Susan and Alice.

She's been my mentor for more than a year now, about a year 4 months to be precise. An inspiration, teacher, encourager, so-you-know-what-to-do-then-do-it advisor, a sister-in-Christ, a treasured friend. Josh O asked me yesterday,"So who's going to be your mentor when Alice leaves?" I didnt have an answer. I wish i did.

May emails, telephone calls, MSN messenger and (trips to Timaru??) trips back to Dunedin mean that i will continue to have the priviledge of this friendship. God bless and keep you Alice! :)

True friends are like stars... you don't always see them but you know they are there.

Movie marathon starts...

Josh's new toy bazuka a.k.a. Piggy

Dr RF called yesterday about my Hospital externship next week. I start at 8am every morning. Not sure what time I’ll finish but hopefully I’ll be able to take a break at lunch times and meet up with people. If fatigue doesn’t set in too bad nor too much homework, I’ll try and see if they allow me on the Emergency ward at nights. Hehe….

The post-exams adrenaline rush is starting to set in. Right now, it’s still the mellow, I-am-grateful-it’s-over-cloud-9 feeling. Ever have that fear of fun just in case your results don’t come out they way you’d hoped? And that if things just become one big pile of spaghetti-orangejuice-brusselsprouts-and-wasabi concoction, you’d feel guilty for having fun earlier on? *sigh* Trying to shake this off. It’s annoying. But the people around me are doing a FUN-TAS-TIK job at keeping a smile on my face. I suppose I do have all the reason to do so. He has brought me through my exams, and regardless of the outcome, I have no reason to be upset. There is no use worrying about what I cannot change, and though I cannot bury my fears and my insecurities, God will stand by always.

Batman Begins is cool! Thanks to Josh who told me the story when I wanted to “pre-know”. And to keep my eyes on the screen as well. Heh… When we were having lunch after gym today, i learnt to never EVER underestimate the power of orange! A little squirt, slow motion, Matrix style, leaving two little orange stains and knocking my sister’s lens out of the frame.

Josh O and his lethal orange.