Where is my heart?

It has been many, many years. And I can't remember the last time I had the time nor the peace to re-evaluate who I really was. The funny thing is technically speaking when those around looked at me, they saw a girl that was passionate and went all out to achieve much. The ironic thing is whilst I was serving others, whilst I was working hard, whilst I was trying to find a sense of balance, it was when it finally hit me that I had lost myself and what truly mattered to me.

I had been a cell leader for 11 years and a youth worker for more than that. I had what church leaders would call as "moving forward" yet from where I am standing now, I realised I cared less and less cos I was so focused on the task at hand, the next outreach event, the committee runnings, the next outreach lunch, my exams, then came my audit deadlines, and the list goes on and on.

It was also this time I had this question which I'd asked myself whether it mattered to me if today I was not chairman, if I were not a cell leader, if I were not in everything which someone else dictated as important, would I still serve, would I still care when the world did not see it? Would Meng Yoe, or Kenneth, or Josh still be my brothers/ good friends if I were not all these? Would I be loved any less? Would I be more of myself? Would God be pleased with me? Tons of questions running through my head in the last 8 months prior and throughout the time I had stepped down.

Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that one should not serve in a capacity, or one should not be a cell leader but more than the position, personally for me, there were all these questions running through my mind and I desperately wanted to know the answer for my own sanity and to face the truth.

Many have been answered and the testimony of God's goodness in my life is something I hold very dear. I guess this time of stepping back was a good break from the usual hustle and bustle. It has also been a very faith challenging time and a pride breaking process.

I am grateful that God had given me the chance to step back to re-align myself with His purposes. This year I've spend more time to with some of my closest friends eg Pritam, Li-Ann (pre wedding times....we seriously need to catch up), had time to run around and do the things people should do visit the sick, teach those who require help, attend friends' loved ones funeral, talk to my grandma, do grocery shopping, share the gospel, be there for friends' on the important times and most of all, to find myself again. To remember that the things that should matter in life do matter -integrity, love, passion, and Jesus.

"Purpose serves as a principle around which to organize our lives." - Anonymous.

"Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds." - George Elliot.

"We were not sent into this world to do anything into which we can not put our heart." - John Ruskin.

May we always have the "heart" element in the things we do.

Do I Make You Proud?

I've been watching for some time now. Looking at him find his place in this world. And although many a time, I know he has much room for improvement, I also see how very little attention and sensitivity he gets from the very people who claim to care about him.

My latest observation was the irony of seeing him having to be part of something, declaring to the world his love for his parents and asking them, whether he makes them proud in front of a crowd of 800+ persons is not what I had in mind as therapeutic for anyone who has been through what he has been through.

I was told he was "encouraged" to be involved at the very last juncture. (This last minute habit confirms the right decision to walk out cos they never seem to learn so as long as it isn't some important persons' cell member. Sigh). And so there he was to sing to his dead parents whilst the world never cared an ounce of his feelings.

Today I look at him with more admiration than the day before, for I see someone who has braced through much insensitivity and wasn't given much 2nd thought.

For some are called leaders for positions bestowed to them. For others, they are leaders for they battle to live the best they can in the worst of conditions. They make a difference in their own little way though they are not committe members nor popularised by others nor hold fancy positions. They are the unsung heroes.

Whoever is providing leadership needs to be as fresh and thoughtful and reflective as possible to make the very best fight. - Faye Wattleton.

His brother and I are very proud of him.
And I am sure his parents are VERY PROUD of him

For all of us, the question should not be about whether we hold a position or not but whether we are worthy of our call.

p/s: the irony of the song chosen is that it was the very song his brother dedicated to his mother when she had just gone to heaven.
http://halomango.blogspot.com/2006/11/little-dedication.html

Together

It's been a little after 6 months since I've married MH. It has been quite a journey. People say that adjusting to marriage would take some time. Guess for me, it's a little different. MH and I have his brother staying with us. We're raising a teenager. It's like we skipped the whole kindy, primary, first half of secondary and tada, here we are.

We're also coping and adjusting to running a home together. Let's say that having your own home is no joke what with bills and more bills to pay. Also trying first hand at cooking (though this isnt my favourite part of the job). To cope with the financial responsibilities, MH and I give tuition, run an accesories blog and a one off time whereby I marked Sunway TES ACCA internal papers. So every week is such busyness, it's unbelievable.

Some people think we're being dished money to us. Some others just cant be bothered. And sometimes...just random moments....I am envious of the lives of others but then I am reminded that I am afterall, married to the man I love and I would not have wanted it any other way.

My couzy messaged me today and said, "1 envy u being home with family and have a man that adores u" and "u have a good life and u are doing a good thing by raising mh's bro".

Thanks for the encouragement. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and I wonder whether I'll make it through till the end. Sometimes we cry together cos we aren't sure whether there is going to be enough. Sometimes we worry cos we wonder whether MC will turn out alright. Sometimes we wish we had a whole lot more. Sometimes we wish things were different.

However, I am reminded once again, we have much to be grateful for. We have each other. Reading MH's blog entry dated 05 February 2007 and it is entitled "Together" and it has this in bold " Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success". and it continues to with :

"I am glad that we are together and walking towards the same direction, Grace. =)"

To my darling husband:
I am glad that we are together, dear and walking towards the same direction.

We'll pul through this together.

A testimony by one of the baptism candidates in GBC

Testimony by Lau Say Yok

I have three sons and a daughter. My husband passed away five years ago. My daughter and son-in-law's family are all Christians. They always shared the gospel with me and played CDs for me to listen to. Once in awhile, I followed them to church. The people there were very friendly and warm, but I did not feel anything special. I thought that all religions were the same, telling people to do good.

Among my children, the one whom I worried about the most was my eldest son, Soon Leong Hooi. He used to drink a lot and would get drunk. He had a bad temper and was always fighting. My daughter had been telling him that only Jesus can change his life. One day, he told me that he wanted to accept Jesus too. So I agreed with him and accepted Jesus at the same time. Under the pastor's guidance, we went through the sinner's prayer, and we became Christians. The pastor helped me to remove the idols at home.

From that day onwards, we have been to church services every week. Entering the church makes me happy. Now, I do not understand why I refused to attend church services before, despite having been invited by so many people. After a period of time, miracles happened. My eldest son stopped drinking and his temper was in control. Then lately, he stopped smoking too! I remember once he went out at night and I purposely followed him quietly. I wanted to check whether he would go out to drink but he did not. Instead, he was sharing the gospel with his friends in a coffee shop. Oh, thank the Lord! He really has changed and I do not have to worry about him anymore. As a mother, I do not ask for good food or a big house. I just wish that my children would live a wonderful life. I believe that all parents have the same wish. The changes in my eldest son took away a lot of my burdens.

Praise God, today my son and I are here to be baptised. I have decided to put my trust in Jesus and will never turn back. If it were not for His precious blood, I would not be able to live until today. It is because only He can wash away my sins and give me joy and hope. I am no longer in despair but rejoicing. The words in the Bible have now come alive in me, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Thank the Lord. May all glory belong to the Lord. Amen.

I was really touched during the service and teared for I witness and sense such an immense joy and life changing experience in the lives of the baptism candidates. Truly a meaningful service.

A responsible life

A good friend of mine sent me this post in an email. And once again, I am reminded why I make the choices that I do. And also cautioned myself against people who do not mind not living a responsible life.

___________________________________________________________________________

I gave her full marks for her honesty.
When the CEO of a Multi National Company was interviewed, this is what she said about work-life balance. (She is a mother of two.)

“’The fact is there are certain times in your career when your family will have to take the back seat,’ she said. A career woman needed to have ‘super discipline’ to strike a balance and that rarely happened in real life. “As long as you know your family is paying the price, don’t moan over it and try to offset your absence with money or expensive stuffs,’ she said.”

Let me say up front that this is not a woman issue. Children, for example, need both fathers and mothers. Indeed it may very will be the fact that the CEO was a woman that the work-life balance question came up at all. The interviewer may not have even raised the issue if it had
been a man.

I also credit her for acting intentionally. She knew what the costs were for herself and for her family, and she had made her choices. Many would have ended up doing exactly the same thing blindly, going with the flow, unthinking.

But is the balanced life really an unachievable ideal meant only for a few super disciplined people? For most of us it certainly feels that way. Everyday we are torn by demands from all quarters and feel, well, quartered.

Every once in awhile we make a fresh resolution to live a more balanced life. Such resolutions usually last until the next crisis at work or at home.

Time management seminars only add to the guilt. Time management gurus at expensive seminars hold before us the holy grail of the balanced life. They teach us how to find that grail. We leave such seminars energized and hopeful. Until our next crisis at work or at home.

In a lead article in FAST COMPANY (October 2004), Keith H.Hammonds, deputy editor, tells us to forget about the balanced life. He says: "The truth is, balance is a bunk. It is an unattainable pipe dream, a vain artifice that offers mostly rhetorical solutions to problems of logistics and economics. The quest for balance between work and life, as we've come to think of it, isn't just a losing proposition; it's a hurtful, destructive one."

He goes on to say that: "Life is about setting priorities and and making trade-offs; that's what grown ups do. But in our all-or-nothing culture, resorting to those sorts of decisions is too often seen as a kind of failure. Seeking balance, we strive for achievement everywhere, all
the time --- and we feel guilty and stressed out when, inevitably, we fall short."

I like a lot of what Hammonds says. Indeed, if a balanced life means having it all, it sounds more like a desire to be god-like, living without limits, than a desire to work towards a biblical understanding of shalom.

But what Hammonds seem to go on to say is that since a balanced life is a myth, let's live an unbalanced life and ditch the guilt. He goes on to point out that there are happy workaholics out there whose lives are totally unbalanced and that is perfectly acceptable as long as they are happy.

I am sure Hammond would applaud the CEO mentioned earlier, who had also given up any attempt to live a balanced life. For her, as for many others, work came first. Family can and
indeed should be neglected at this chapter in their lives.

What is a Christian to say about Mr. Hammonds' analysis about the balanced life?

For one, I found that Mr. Hammonds doesn't seem to work out of any sense of a commitment to authoritative revealed truth. If he is a Christian, he doesn't show it. For him, humankind is finally answerable to no one but themselves.

Yes a balanced life is unattainable but it is up to you to decide what areas of life you want to neglect at any point of our life. You are the boss of your own life. You decide and there is no need to feel guilty about whatever or whoever you are neglecting. (I guess we can't completely get rid of guilt since even the CEO interviewed felt the need to compensate her children for her neglect with " money and expensive stuffs.")

Well, if a balanced life is unattainable, what is a Christian to do?
I suggest that instead of chasing some impossible balanced life, we work towards living a responsible life.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul talks about the various responsibilities of a Christian.
*Towards the church (4:11-16)
*Towards spouses (5:22-33)
*Towards parents (6:1-3)
*Towards children (6:4)
*Towards masters/bosses? (6:5-8)
*Towards slaves/subordinates? (6:9)

I know it is difficult to translate ethical injunctions from Paul's time to ours and I am sure the list is not meant to be exhaustive. For example, we also have responsibilities to our friends, to our country, to the environment, etc.

But Paul's approach is clear. Life in Christ is defined by a number of key roles and the responsibilities that come with those roles. Therefore, as I seek to live a responsible life, I will first list down all the key roles in my life. (Stephen R Covey suggests that we have a maximum of seven key roles).

As I look towards a coming week, I ask myself, what are some things I need to do for each of my key roles, for me to continue to be a responsible person accountable to God?

For example, in this coming week, as a father, what are some things I need to be doing with my boys to qualify as a responsible father? As a responsible son to my widowed mother, are there some things I need to do? As a responsible teacher and writer for God, what do I have to do this week?

This was how some of the questions were answered this week.

No. 2 son was down with a fever. I had to get him from school, take him to the doctor, sit up with him, pray for him. No.1 son had just started his university studies. I grabbed him for a quick chat about how he might want to manage his time now that he was starting university.

I called my mum in Penang as I normally do every Monday evening. I noted that her cough was still bad and that she had had it for more than a month. I nagged her about getting
an x-ray.

I did some writing for my Doctor of Ministry final project. And then there were two sermons to prepare for. And this ecommentary to write.

Was it a balanced week? No. There were a number of people I needed to call. I didn't. There were a number of emails I should have replied. I didn't. And I didn't get to enjoy the new DVD player that a good friend had given us.

I didn't do many other things I should have done.

I take it that there will be no perfection this side of heaven. So I try not to feel guilty that there were a number of things I had neglected. But I had tried to live responsibly.

The quest to live responsibly can be sabotaged by perfectionism as well as by sloth. I take it as a given that some weeks will be better than others. As in many things, learning to live a responsible life will be a life long journey of growth in wisdom. And we will need the help of others.

Still, desiring to live a responsible life sure feels much better than say, ignoring my boys for six months while I try to finish my final project. That would be plain irresponsible.

It would be irresponsible to seek to be perfect in the performance of any one role (work? church?) to the total neglect of my other roles. Such irresponsibility is no expression of the Spirit filled life (Ephesians 5:18).

God wants us to live better.
He wants us to be responsible.

written by Tan Soo Inn (25th February Edition) from Grace @ Work.
_________________________________________________________________

Today started out rather heart wrenching. Firstly a friend was bombarded on why she wants to leave a certain department to be a mum and why does she even need to adjust or cope? I wonder to myself whether you have been so set in your ways till you forget to be sensitive to others who are trying to do their best.

You still haven't waken up from your sleep and asked yourself why your leaders are leaving your side and unwilling to fight the battle with you! Shame on you to not acknowledge them as human beings but as things/ tools to get what you want.

Some other disturbing news of how this same department (Dept 1) is making another department (Dept 2) move its entire force to organise and administrate an event which does not involve Dept 2. I am sad to say I am disgusted to be part of Dept 1 to see it come to such a horrible state that causes such nuisance and problems to others. And I understand that Dept 1 isnt even doing anything for their own event.

Shame on you for causing so much grief and pain to other people around you. And shame on those who allow you to do so and encourage you to continue to be selfish. Bad enough that you don't help others, worst that you cause others to suffer. Shame on you. A real shame.

Sigh. I am speechless. But these are signs that the decision made and the word from God was right.

May we leave in peace.

God bless the people who have tried their best but yet suffer for the wrongdoings and insensitivity of others.

Preview of my pre wed shots

Last Monday (4th August 2008), Meng and I awoke early with much excitement and glee for our pre wed shoot. Contrary to belief that pre wed shots are extremely exhausting and absolutely dreadful, we were on the other extreme whereby we were giggling all the way (with the occasional moments of Meng Hong dying of heat during the outdoor shots).

Special thanks to Joshua Yim for being there to accompany us, direct us, carry our million things ie towel, balloons, soft toys, and my shoes! We're sad that you cant be present on our big day due to being overseas for studies. However, we're eternally grateful that you were with us to share our candid moments captured. Love you lots!

We wanted the shots to be very us. To show how much we enjoy each other's company so we did not go for the posing shots la. Just shots doing our thing. We have other shots like eating together shots, reading together shots, but those will be posted later.

We're thrilled to have Alex Moi to be our photographer. Over the course of time, we are glad we sparked a mutual (I hope) chemistry and we love the fact you were so open to our ideas and we're able to bring life and who we are out in the pictures.

Last but not least, a hearty thank you to Julie Teoh for spending so much time on my pre wed shots make up, testing all sorts of colours, styles, etc to ensure I was comfortable and as natural as can be. Really appreciate the fact I wasn't dolled up =p.

I am over the moon and in much anticipation to see the finished product of the pre wed shots.

Soon to come......

P/S: do leave comments on my wedding photographer's blog as well if you like his work as an encouragement to him ya.
http://www.alexmoi.net/blog/

Wan Azizah quits, Anwar to contest

PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has quit as Permatang Pauh Member of Parliament to make way for husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to contest in a by-election. She handed her resignation letter to Parliament Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia today.

Eumora on a review blog!

Eumora has been reviewed on http://ashopaholicsden.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-07-28T18%3A54%3A00%2B08%3A00&max-results=15
Check it out.

Introducing Eumora Facial Bar

Just wanna intro a facial product to you. Meng Hong's cousin's company manufactures beauty and healthcare products. And Meng Hong is helping his cousin in the business.

Currently the company's best selling facial product is the Eumora. Details of it is as stated below. Personally have started using it and it's been working (after trying numerous other things) so thought I'd share with you.

EUMORA

Eumora is a beauty facial bar combining the detoxifying properties of tiefenmoor enhanced with H-ma (microalgae) factor, created with top European biotechnology.

5 benefits of the Eumora bar are:

• Firms, lifts & put shines on the face.
• Reduces & closes up big facial pores.
• Removes free radicals & toxins from your face & hair & replenishes them with the right nutrients.
• Saves on toner, cleanser, shampoo, shaving cream, etc.
• Enhances facial complexion, very potent & shows significant improvement after using it a few times.

More info on MOOR

Eumore is made with "Tiefen or Deep Moor" from Austria, a rare form of nutrient-rich peat which was formed during the Ice Age.

In the 16th Century, the famous alchemist Paracelsus, described Moor as the "Quinta Essentia Vitae" which he believed was the elixir of life.

Hundreds of herbs, organic compounds, trace elements, plant hormones, natural antibiotics, & other biologically active matter combine to produce one of nature's miracles, the thick rich Moor.

The synergy of these natural organic substances gives the Deep Moor its "miracle" therapuetic, rejuvenating qualities, one of nature's most potent therapuetic and detoxifying substances.

The Moor's benefits are:-

• it penetrates the skin easily, re-establishing the skin's natural pH balance, & increasing its flow of blood to the skin.
• the skin is detoxified, purified, toned and revitalized by soluble organic & inorganic nutirents.
• its clinically tested & found to be naturally hypoallergic & to be able to harmonise with & benefit any skin type, eliminating the need for many different types of cream.

H-ma benefits are:-

• actively heals and protects.
• penetrates deeply and hydrates continuously.
• most complete nutritional value on earth.
• allows high permeatibility and fast absorption.
• clears external irritants and pollutions.

The Company's website is http://www.esabee.biz .

Kindly find the website for checking the Eumora facial bar notification:

http://www.bpfk.gov.my/Search/Search_product.asp

Pls type Eumora under Product Search and click on Search button.

The company name is the name of our manufacturer.

The reason why the product may seem a little more high end is because of the ingrdients being imported from Austria. But actually if you think about it, it's worth it la. I went to Leonard Drake and it cost me RM256 per session and when I inquired about the products I need to purchase for my face to be better, the calculation came up to RM1k plus. So this amount is still bearable especially if it results in improvement.

The company also has fibre stuff, etc. But so far this is the best seller in Msia.

Though I'd share cos personally found it was good. It all started cos I was having bad bad skin and Mhong was looking out for stuff for me to try and since his counsin is in this line hence he bought one for me and I do see improvements. So because I beleive in it as well as want to help Mhong and the cousin, I am promoting and selling the product.

If you're interested, please do let me know.

Thanks.

A random tag....

you're really upset, whose the first guy you go to?

erm...meng hong....cos he's my best friend.

if someone liked you right now, would you want them to tell you?

If it's not meng hong, then better not. I am going to be married soon and no random person coming up to me saying that they like me is gonna change that.

does it matter to you if your boyfriend/girlfriend smokes?

yes, it matters to me. i will not marry or date a smoker. period.

what's something you MUST do before you die?

tour europe with my hubby.

when is the last time you went out of the country and where?

the year before last. went to england.

who was your last received call from?

manja boy aka meng hong.

what are you doing tonight?

hopefully get a good night's sleep. the weekend was totally exhausting.

what are you looking forward to?

getting married to meng hong and being on my honeymoon and the ever after =)

have you ever been on a roller coaster?

a real mini one which i already could not stand so never again.

do you care what others think about you?

only the ones who matter significantly to me and if their basis of opinion is valid. if not, then guess it does not count or rather should not count.

do you take showers at night?

yes.

name the best person who could cheer you up?

(1) Meng Hong
(2) Joyce Eu
(3) Li Ann
(4) Meng Yoe
(5) Kenneth
(6) AJ

have you been to New York City?

i cant remember whether i have...hmmm....

who is the last person you added to your contacts list in your phone?

amy....my wedding dresses designer and tailor.

what is the name of your cousin's best friend?

my same age gal cousin's bestie is ivy.

what did you do yesterday?

church, visit vivian and newborn baby, home, church, badminton, dinner, shower, sleep.

whose house did you last go to?

my parents aka the one i live in.

what is the last movie you watched?

over her dead body.

do you believe that you can change someone?

i believe God can use me as an agent of change.

what are you going to do after you do this survey?

really start working.

Ok.....back to work! Have a great week everyone.

Of petrol and its increase

Extracted from The Star (05.06.08):

The Government announced yesterday an increase in petrol and diesel prices, stating that it can no longer continue to subsidise fuel.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the new prices were still at a 30-sen per litre discount from market prices.

In other words, if the market price is RM3 per litre, Malaysians will be charged RM2.70 at the pump. He said the price would be adjusted monthly based on the global oil price".

Guess I am not the only one that is displeased with the situation and turn of events.
There is more to say about this....But ultimately, we need to trust God that He will preserve us whom He has called to stay in this nation to be a testimony. Though I may not understand all that happens, I know Youre in control.

Combined Cell Outreach

Aj, Meng Hong and my cell group organized a combined cell outreach to Sg Pelek. Altogether there were 58 of us out of which there were 37 visitors (ranging from kids to teenagers to college peeps).

It was a really fun time to get to know the new people as well as enjoying the place.

Some pics for the record.







It was indeed a great day. Thank God for beautiful weather, mothers who helped us cook the food, the host family as well as members who worked hard in inviting their friends....ooooo and also our friends who helped out by driving us there.

Can't wait till the Young Adults' cell trip =)

Betrayal

Betrayal, a form of deception or dismissal of prior presumptions, is the breaking or violation of a presumptive social contract (trust, or confidence) that produces moral and psychological conflict within a relationship amongst individuals, between organizations or between individuals and organizations. Often betrayal is the act of supporting a rival group, or it is a complete break from previously decided upon or presumed norms by one party from the others.

I felt the same feeling, maybe not in the same intensity as before, but yes, it was the same feeling, when I realize that the person we have been trying to guide did the above to me. It was then when I knew that I could no longer guide him under such pretense. I should have trusted my instinct and not allow it to happen. Never again.

Giving All You've Got

"I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she has out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on." Mark 12v43-44

What mythological creature am I?

You Are a Mermaid

You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are. While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need. Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational. You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

reasons for my smile

I suppose it varies for different people. I went to the washroom earlier and smiled. While peeing, I was amused of the things that make me smile hence this post.

• Meng Hong - of course, he does annoy me sometimes but guess it's also vice versa. But most of the time, he makes me smile.
  
• My family - goodness sometimes I think my family is insane.
  
• My bluff family - my brothers are super different. We have the uncool ones ie Kenneth and Min Ser and the cool ones ie Meng Yoe and Joshua. Soon the uncool ones will be shifting to different states. Sigh, we're gonna miss them.
  
• Toilet paper in the toilet......I get thoroughly annoyed when there isn't any toilet paper in the washrooms.
• People who stand up for what is right. I mean alot of people I know more or less are able to distinguish right from wrong but not many have the guts to stand up for it. Huge difference.
  
• Nice looking muffins. Not that I really fancy eating them but they are nice to look at la.
  
• BMW =)
• Bubbles
• Tons of huggies.
  
• Money $$$$$
• Sophie Eu - Had her since I was 4 years old until now. She will always be my favorite soft toy. My confidant and the one and only soft toy that has been with me throughout my years of growing up.
• Stinky Eu - my late boaster. Went through Euthanasia as a result of my mother saying that my boaster had an incurable tumor cos its wool was coming out. Sigh. and he did not get a proper burial or ceremony. May you rest in peace.
  
• Chocolate banana milkshake.
  
• Potatoes.
  
• Li-Ann.....my best friend since Form 1. I can still remember the time we ran like mad gals down the lane cos we thought we saw a flasher. We have been through much of which one blog post cant say it all.
  
• Junie & Pritam - my college pals....the ones who went up and down for me getting my coffee and fries, and searching for me around the college, always ensuring I was ok and believing in me that I would be better.
  
• The sight and sound of water.
  
• A nice cup of coffee.
  
• The colour pink.
• My engagement ring - never fails to lighten up my day knowing I will soon be Meng Hong's wife.
  
• My animal comforter - mum bought it for me when I was 10 years old. I still have it and sleep with it. It has also wiped many of tears.
  
• When I have double eye-lids.
  
• Pillow fights.
• Japanese food.
• Italian food.
• Holidays.
  
• Snow.

Guess there are many more but these are the things I thought of today. I am truly blessed.

Thanks, God. Love ya.

Celebrating Meng's birthday

The 9th of March was indeed a significant day. Not only was BN denied 2/3 majority, DAP took over Penang, it was also Meng Hong's birthday.

Organised a surprise birthday party held at my home. Close friends from 365 and YA attended. Actually the fact that DAP took over Penang was a good gift already (according to the birthday boy) so the party was a bonus.


We had tons to eat from spaghetti, to lasagna to roast chicken. Had caramel pudding and jelly cheesacake as dessert.

Overall a great time of fellowship. Always good to celebrate life, don't you think.

A shot of the gang that came, compliments from dad the official photographer.


Thanks for coming, peeps.

Happenings of late

Well to say that there have been much updates in the last few months would be putting it mildly.

Proposal
It started out a pretty ordinary day. Went to work and then I remembered some time in the afternoon that I needed to buy some pressies for some friends, so called by and asked him whether it was ok if he picked me up from office and we head to One Utama for a light dinner and some shopping. After we bought our stuff, we headed home.

When turning into the road where my house was situated, he asked whether we could go for a walk at the park near my place. So that's what we did. We barely walked then we sat on a bench and chatted. Funny thing was he kept on and on about how we have shared much memories together and been through alot. All of a sudden he gets up and I distinctively remember punching his tummy and asking him to sit down and chat properly. Then he replied, "No, I don't want to sit down. I want to kneel down". That is when he proposed. Needless to say, I said yes.

Meng Hong is right. We have been through much together. Raising a younger brother of 14 years, saving money for our future home of 3 (him, me and his bro), church life, family responsibilities, career advancements/ crap, etc. It's gonna be more and more challenging and exciting as time goes by, I guess.

Promotion
Results of promotion came out on 30.08.07. Still remember feeling anxious and also psyching myself to remain unmoved if in the event I do not get the promotion. Anyway, took the official letter and went down to meet Meng Hong @ San Fran Coffee. Opened it and tada.....promoted to Assistant Manager at last! For those of you who know what has been happening in the last few months, you would know that it felt almost like hell was personified in a person.

Progress
Guess being in a new role, both at work and in the relationship, has pushed me to look at life in a different perspective. I am not only going to be someone's wife, I am also in a position to influence my juniors' work life balance. I also have a clearer picture of how much my partners mean what they say. Technically, I am also challenged to keep abreast with the ongoing developments in the accounting standards hence the abovementioned subtitle of "Progress".

On a physical note - I just turned 26 years old/ young. Guess this is also progress =)

Penang
Went up to Penang in October to visit MH's grandmas and also Meng Chern. Had a blast over there just pigging out and watching tele. Can't wait till the next pig out session.

Promise
Last Sunday, while driving to locate my client's office, we saw a rainbow in the sky. Firstly just like a blot of spectrum and shortly after that the full blown, clear rainbow. I am reminded of His promise toward us. He is truly a God of Wonders.

Pursuit
The year is almost over! And I am on my way in pursuit of greater things ahead.


Less than a year away from the BIG DAY!

P.S. I Love You

Just finished reading Cecilia Ahern's "P.S.I love you". In between tears, rubbing of eyes and nose blowing, I was and am reminded that some things do last forever.

The story is about a young widow who had just lost her husband to brain tumor. Her husband had left her a stack of letters, one letter for each month till the end of the year. Each month there was a short note from him as well as instructions for the lady. One of which was to sing in a karaoke. Another was to get a job as she had previously resigned to care for him when he was ill. The last letter was telling her to not be afraid to fall in love again.

I have never lost a husband before, but I do know the feeling of losing someone you love. And the pain seems to be there forever. However, it is at moments like these, that I am gently reminiscent of a simple truth. To appreciate the ones you love now......and not leave it to another time or another day.

Last night, the family went out for dinner to celebrate my parents 27th wedding anniversary. Looking at them made me smile.....glad that they are so committed to each other. Truly their commitment has been a source of strength to the stability of the family.

Today was an extremely pleasant evening. Had dinner with Jus, AJ, my sis and Mengs. And my sweetheart gave me a pleasant surprise. He gave me the below.

Thanks, dear....for being so sweet as always.
P.S. I love you.

Success

Success

"To laugh often and much
to win the respect
of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation
of honest critics and endure
the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others;
to leave the world
a bit better, whether
by a healthy child,
a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life
has breathed easier
because you have lived.
That is to have succeeded."

--Ralph Waldo Emerson