17:57.
To add to a good day, got a call from the wire agency just now for a call back. This time, it's an intw with the bureau chief. Still don't know what will happen or if commodities is really what I want but I'm just very thankful for another intw. Thank You.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
0928.
I just switched my basic theory test from March 21 to Feb 27 to now, Feb 2! :D Thank God! The earlier dates were all booked out when I wanted to make my booking so I had to take March 21st but I decided to just leave the s s d c webpage open and refresh it now and then and hey hey, pay off! :D
Ok, now I got to mugggg for the test. Will be back on Feb 1 :) Btw, I'm using my bro's textbook from ahem, 1997. Any one knows if that will trip me up much?
_______________________________________________________
Woke up at 7am today and got into the office by 830 'cause I now live at the loft of sorts at Ray's house and he has got a leadership training session at 830. When I look at the number of barang barang around the pretty big room, I realised I have gathered quite a lot of stuff indeed. Moving out will take another bout of effort but I'd like it if that next step can be taken not too long later 'cause it does shoes, bags, clothes and various stuff no good to be folded and cooped up for long.
Ray dropped me off near the laundromat so I can drop off 1.5kg of clothes to wash. He went to park the car at another condo (since we don't park at my old place any more) and I slowly took my time and jalan to buy a packet of nasi lemak (RM1.80 for a big pack... I ate abt one whole bowl of rice... burp! And what's more, washed it all down with a nice cuppa of coffee... urp!) before getting to work. Damansara Perdana is a ghost town during non-work hours and the town was largely at sleep still. There was even a cool wind blowing despite the strengthening sun. Very nice.
Second last day of work. And my colleague just brought 3 tubs of CNY cookies I ordered. 2 are going home with me, and 1's going to Ray's folks :)
Second last day of work. Let's get things sorted.
Good mornin'
I just switched my basic theory test from March 21 to Feb 27 to now, Feb 2! :D Thank God! The earlier dates were all booked out when I wanted to make my booking so I had to take March 21st but I decided to just leave the s s d c webpage open and refresh it now and then and hey hey, pay off! :D
Ok, now I got to mugggg for the test. Will be back on Feb 1 :) Btw, I'm using my bro's textbook from ahem, 1997. Any one knows if that will trip me up much?
_______________________________________________________
Woke up at 7am today and got into the office by 830 'cause I now live at the loft of sorts at Ray's house and he has got a leadership training session at 830. When I look at the number of barang barang around the pretty big room, I realised I have gathered quite a lot of stuff indeed. Moving out will take another bout of effort but I'd like it if that next step can be taken not too long later 'cause it does shoes, bags, clothes and various stuff no good to be folded and cooped up for long.
Ray dropped me off near the laundromat so I can drop off 1.5kg of clothes to wash. He went to park the car at another condo (since we don't park at my old place any more) and I slowly took my time and jalan to buy a packet of nasi lemak (RM1.80 for a big pack... I ate abt one whole bowl of rice... burp! And what's more, washed it all down with a nice cuppa of coffee... urp!) before getting to work. Damansara Perdana is a ghost town during non-work hours and the town was largely at sleep still. There was even a cool wind blowing despite the strengthening sun. Very nice.
Second last day of work. And my colleague just brought 3 tubs of CNY cookies I ordered. 2 are going home with me, and 1's going to Ray's folks :)
Second last day of work. Let's get things sorted.
Good mornin'
Monday, January 29, 2007
17:49.
Sat morn was spent packing some more, grabbing a quick shower and then helping as Ray, his dad and the mover uncle came to the apt to cart off most of my belongings. Ray said his dad actually went out early to scout for a delivery guy who's willing to just help out and he had to hit two places before he found that uncle. Makes me a bit embarassed to think I troubled him but I'm very thankful indeed for the family love :)
We finished every thing - from my place to putting everything in place at Ray's house (most went to the 3rd storey... huff huff) in a bit over an hour, I think. Then we just stoned and chilled and makaned before I got to go home at about 4 to shower again and change before some mall crawling and then a nice steak dinner at Victoria's Station which we heard about heaps but never tried. Then, since it was quite early, we went back to his place and watched some footage of Delirious' Now Is The Time gig. I really really like this band. And I really really appreciate Everything Is Going To Be All Right and Investigate.
Sun morn, I sat on the floor (no table and chairs left) near the balcony and had a cookies and cream black tea with (experimental) pineapple tarts I made while staring out at the blue skie. Then, it was more packing and Ray arrived earlier than planned with char siew rice I was craving ('cause tt honeyed porkie from tt stall rocks big time) and caught me in full fledged messy state. haha. Showered, had lunch sitting down, shifted stuff to car then went to the mall to escape from the heat. Ended up buying a 2-phone set for my home back... um, home then it was churchhhh! :D
Desmond came along this time and we also picked up Vonnie, who's on a hol back. It was very nice indeed. I'm very much in love with church. It's one of the big reasons to stay on.
And now, Mon evening, Ray has a bowling and dinner night with his colleagues. heh. They invited me to go along but I have the last leg of packing to finish up before Ray comes get me and I move over to his house tonight to stay three nights before I go home on Thurs.
Tomorrow, I pass the keys and stuff to the agent. Tomw night, we are having crabs with friends :D
Despite how every thing's still not settled, how the world still whirls and stills unpredictably so, I'm happy. I don't know how things are going to work out. I don't know if they will work out. But I do know I have a God who I can trust with all my heart and mind and soul and so, I can laugh and rest and face every day with my head held high.
Because He is King and I'm His.
Have a good evening, folks :)
Sat morn was spent packing some more, grabbing a quick shower and then helping as Ray, his dad and the mover uncle came to the apt to cart off most of my belongings. Ray said his dad actually went out early to scout for a delivery guy who's willing to just help out and he had to hit two places before he found that uncle. Makes me a bit embarassed to think I troubled him but I'm very thankful indeed for the family love :)
We finished every thing - from my place to putting everything in place at Ray's house (most went to the 3rd storey... huff huff) in a bit over an hour, I think. Then we just stoned and chilled and makaned before I got to go home at about 4 to shower again and change before some mall crawling and then a nice steak dinner at Victoria's Station which we heard about heaps but never tried. Then, since it was quite early, we went back to his place and watched some footage of Delirious' Now Is The Time gig. I really really like this band. And I really really appreciate Everything Is Going To Be All Right and Investigate.
Sun morn, I sat on the floor (no table and chairs left) near the balcony and had a cookies and cream black tea with (experimental) pineapple tarts I made while staring out at the blue skie. Then, it was more packing and Ray arrived earlier than planned with char siew rice I was craving ('cause tt honeyed porkie from tt stall rocks big time) and caught me in full fledged messy state. haha. Showered, had lunch sitting down, shifted stuff to car then went to the mall to escape from the heat. Ended up buying a 2-phone set for my home back... um, home then it was churchhhh! :D
Desmond came along this time and we also picked up Vonnie, who's on a hol back. It was very nice indeed. I'm very much in love with church. It's one of the big reasons to stay on.
And now, Mon evening, Ray has a bowling and dinner night with his colleagues. heh. They invited me to go along but I have the last leg of packing to finish up before Ray comes get me and I move over to his house tonight to stay three nights before I go home on Thurs.
Tomorrow, I pass the keys and stuff to the agent. Tomw night, we are having crabs with friends :D
Despite how every thing's still not settled, how the world still whirls and stills unpredictably so, I'm happy. I don't know how things are going to work out. I don't know if they will work out. But I do know I have a God who I can trust with all my heart and mind and soul and so, I can laugh and rest and face every day with my head held high.
Because He is King and I'm His.
Have a good evening, folks :)
Friday, January 26, 2007
11:47.
Multiculturalism and Aust
Lots of our generation grew up amidst buzz words like "multiculturalism", "globalisation", "westernisation", "capitalism"... words still bantered frequently and casually today along with "developed nation", "first, second, third world", despite the fact that the three worlds categorisation is more frowned upon now by the specific cultural academia scene which coined it. "Westernisation" reminds a confounding misnomer since geographically in the West (when looking at a map), Russia and other countries not typically "Western" are present and in reality, directions are depending on where you are.
Hm.
I read that the 7 pillars of society today are Religion, Family, Politics, Government, Education, Media and the Arts.
While Media, Arts, Religion and to an extent, Family have always been on my radar, increasingly, I've been interested in Education and Government. I find that pretty strange 'cause they are not quite stuff I campaigned for before except now, the rising passion about issues in their fields is pretty real.
Multiculturalism and globalisation are reality these days. Such a diff from when I was 15 and reading about this long word I had to learn how to wrap my tongue around - "globalisation". 10 years and a different world is here. It's amazing awesome.
I was talking to two folks yesterday about how I find ubiquitous brands, one result from globalisation and capitalism, so interesting and how their workings and reach intrigue me so.
I don't know what God is setting me up for but I'm moving to be positioned precisely where I'm meant to be. It's exciting times, me think :)
And tomw is moving day. And I'm not exactly packed. God help me.
Multiculturalism and Aust
Lots of our generation grew up amidst buzz words like "multiculturalism", "globalisation", "westernisation", "capitalism"... words still bantered frequently and casually today along with "developed nation", "first, second, third world", despite the fact that the three worlds categorisation is more frowned upon now by the specific cultural academia scene which coined it. "Westernisation" reminds a confounding misnomer since geographically in the West (when looking at a map), Russia and other countries not typically "Western" are present and in reality, directions are depending on where you are.
Hm.
I read that the 7 pillars of society today are Religion, Family, Politics, Government, Education, Media and the Arts.
While Media, Arts, Religion and to an extent, Family have always been on my radar, increasingly, I've been interested in Education and Government. I find that pretty strange 'cause they are not quite stuff I campaigned for before except now, the rising passion about issues in their fields is pretty real.
Multiculturalism and globalisation are reality these days. Such a diff from when I was 15 and reading about this long word I had to learn how to wrap my tongue around - "globalisation". 10 years and a different world is here. It's amazing awesome.
I was talking to two folks yesterday about how I find ubiquitous brands, one result from globalisation and capitalism, so interesting and how their workings and reach intrigue me so.
I don't know what God is setting me up for but I'm moving to be positioned precisely where I'm meant to be. It's exciting times, me think :)
And tomw is moving day. And I'm not exactly packed. God help me.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
1020.
It has been a pretty busy three-week with full weekends and a tired Skye who was perpetually sleepy and wanting recuperating at-least-9-hour snoozes. Had to work last last Sat, and had zi mui duties on last Sat morning for a CG friend who was getting married that day. Sundays the last few weeks have been double service days as we transit out of d u m c to join City Church KL, so it was 11am at the former, lunch with mates till about 230, grab a bit of rest then off to sunway at 430.
I got a really good sleep on Sunday night though :)
Set my system right and last night, after cooking, eating, washing clothes and random neatening up and calling home, I had the time to just lie down on my bed, look at the ceiling and talk to God, relaxed and unstrung.
I'll be moving out of my apt next week, going back to Sg on Thurs, not sure when I'm coming back but believing that God will give me that awesome job and every matter midway will fall in the right place. Just got to keep pushing, pressing in, holding on, believing, while covered with His Divine grace.
Last night, in quiet time, lying down, it felt like "wow, it's the end of this part". Part, phrase, phase, as u like. I moved into this apt in May 2006, we slowly stocked it up and made it more live-able over the months. It has become home, comfortable enough with what I need where I know them to be. I like the hills that surround one side, I like hanging at the pool, walking past the nice bbq area, staring out of the balcony at DP town and what lies beyond, the greenery around the estate and serenity.
I wonder where I'll stay next, me who gets attached to physical places which attained "home" status.
Reminding myself there is nowhere better than being perfectly where God has a specific call on you for. Remembering and living that out.
Exciting times again. Church is awesome. I'm learning a lottt. Meeting a church staff tomw lunch to discuss how to put some new Christian materials together, then going to KL for a writing test. On Thurs after work, I've an interview at Uptown, one of the corporate epicentres for PJ.
Pray for me :)
It has been a pretty busy three-week with full weekends and a tired Skye who was perpetually sleepy and wanting recuperating at-least-9-hour snoozes. Had to work last last Sat, and had zi mui duties on last Sat morning for a CG friend who was getting married that day. Sundays the last few weeks have been double service days as we transit out of d u m c to join City Church KL, so it was 11am at the former, lunch with mates till about 230, grab a bit of rest then off to sunway at 430.
I got a really good sleep on Sunday night though :)
Set my system right and last night, after cooking, eating, washing clothes and random neatening up and calling home, I had the time to just lie down on my bed, look at the ceiling and talk to God, relaxed and unstrung.
I'll be moving out of my apt next week, going back to Sg on Thurs, not sure when I'm coming back but believing that God will give me that awesome job and every matter midway will fall in the right place. Just got to keep pushing, pressing in, holding on, believing, while covered with His Divine grace.
Last night, in quiet time, lying down, it felt like "wow, it's the end of this part". Part, phrase, phase, as u like. I moved into this apt in May 2006, we slowly stocked it up and made it more live-able over the months. It has become home, comfortable enough with what I need where I know them to be. I like the hills that surround one side, I like hanging at the pool, walking past the nice bbq area, staring out of the balcony at DP town and what lies beyond, the greenery around the estate and serenity.
I wonder where I'll stay next, me who gets attached to physical places which attained "home" status.
Reminding myself there is nowhere better than being perfectly where God has a specific call on you for. Remembering and living that out.
Exciting times again. Church is awesome. I'm learning a lottt. Meeting a church staff tomw lunch to discuss how to put some new Christian materials together, then going to KL for a writing test. On Thurs after work, I've an interview at Uptown, one of the corporate epicentres for PJ.
Pray for me :)
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Friday, January 05, 2007
17:43.
Matthew 25:25-28 '[The man who had received one talent said,] "I knew you were a hard man... and I was afraid, and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you." His master replied, "You wicked, lazy servant! … You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest … Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents."' (NIV)
Why did God get so angry at that servant who buried his talent?
That has always confounded me. Was it that bad a reason - "I knew you were a hard man and I was afraid". In modern speak, that would be like "I knew if I screw up, you would be really upset and I may get punished so I was scared to take the risk".
What's so wicked and lazy about that?
I've heard sermons where preachers denounced the third servant 'cause his motivations were "wicked and lazy".
But what are the causes and processes that have to run and exist before we can, in cumination, label someone lazy and wicked? When do you call someone lazy? When the teenager keeps leaving his clothes on the floor, when your co-worker keeps slyly pushing his work to you... when someone doesn't do what he is supposed to.
And then it hit me.
The servant wasn't meant to be afraid of risk, he wasn't meant to be afraid of using what His master deem him capable and worthy enough to have, he wasn't meant to bury his talent and be cowed by fear. And if he did, after burying that talent, go lepak his days away, well, he wasn't born for the purpose to lepak away.
When was the last time you and I didn't do something 'cause we were afraid of the possible consequences?
When was the last time you and I chose the "safe" way and lepak it through?
When was the last time you deny the God-given gifts and abilities inside of you and chose not, never to use them?
Are you burying your talent?
Matthew 25:25-28 '[The man who had received one talent said,] "I knew you were a hard man... and I was afraid, and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you." His master replied, "You wicked, lazy servant! … You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest … Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents."' (NIV)
Why did God get so angry at that servant who buried his talent?
That has always confounded me. Was it that bad a reason - "I knew you were a hard man and I was afraid". In modern speak, that would be like "I knew if I screw up, you would be really upset and I may get punished so I was scared to take the risk".
What's so wicked and lazy about that?
I've heard sermons where preachers denounced the third servant 'cause his motivations were "wicked and lazy".
But what are the causes and processes that have to run and exist before we can, in cumination, label someone lazy and wicked? When do you call someone lazy? When the teenager keeps leaving his clothes on the floor, when your co-worker keeps slyly pushing his work to you... when someone doesn't do what he is supposed to.
And then it hit me.
The servant wasn't meant to be afraid of risk, he wasn't meant to be afraid of using what His master deem him capable and worthy enough to have, he wasn't meant to bury his talent and be cowed by fear. And if he did, after burying that talent, go lepak his days away, well, he wasn't born for the purpose to lepak away.
When was the last time you and I didn't do something 'cause we were afraid of the possible consequences?
When was the last time you and I chose the "safe" way and lepak it through?
When was the last time you deny the God-given gifts and abilities inside of you and chose not, never to use them?
Are you burying your talent?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
17:11.
It's a nice balmy winded-down transition between afternoon and evening in Sg. At my trusty blue Ikea desk using my trusty Benq lappie, catching the wind wafting through from the windows right in front... very nice.
Ray left this morning at 930am. We woke up early, got ready and being good, caught the bus and mrt instead of cabbing it. Got to Novena at 9am sharp and had that ubiquitous brekkie set of kaya toast, tea and half boiled eggs... mmm.
After Ray's bus left, I made my way home. The shopping complex was still uncharacteristically empty but people were starting to appear. Got back to Woodlands by 10am and ambled back home after a stop at Vista Point to get my net banking password from an ATM.
Mom was still asleep when I got home, heh. In fact, when I called home to ask if they already got the paper, both Mom and bro were asleep still, heh.
I love them.
Me, I caught a ahem, 3 and a half hour nap in the afternoon :P Now, I feel all rested from the traipising around Sg Ray and I did the last five days.
It was a good trip though, filled with happy random moments like a spate of bad jokes from me last night on the way home, finding Boost (*much much joy*) at VivoCity and ordering a Mango Magic, coming across and catching a live band at Esplanade's outdoor theatre, having Haagen Daz, going to the always impactful City Harvest, Sushi Tei, dinner with my parents and so on and on :)
*very happy*
And so we are in 2007.
I'm believing God to come through with big things this year.
2004 was a year of restoration, 2005 a year of action and sight, 2006 the year of building faith and I can't shake it off but like I told CG last last Fri, the word for 2007 in my spirit is "Destiny".
So much have been learnt last year, culminating in the understanding and decision to quit WorldTeach and totally unexpected, change church for this year.
I'm pretty psyched up. Nope - this is sounding like last year - I have no concrete idea what's next. I've applied for some jobs but so far, nothing's confirmed. Ideally, I want a Sg job based in PJ... am very very interested in business, franchises and marketing. Like very. But what's next is as unsure as the looming end of my current lease and my soon-to-make decision on whether to take up a new lease.
But you know, God is faithful :) And He has always redeemed me and came through for me, over and over again, again and again again.
Pr Kong was stressing a few things which really resound with me. Stuff about getting rid of the wilderness mentality, about making a difference wherever you are, about there being purpose why you are uniquely you with the strengths you have, about how contrary to tradition, it's okay for His servants to fail. That last point may seem moot but honestly, the mentality of the- Lord's-servant-cannot-fail is pretty real and that is something that was cut away from me this, I mean last year. So was a dormant religiousity about traditions, fun, suffering and faith, I reckon.
I'm stepping over. If Christ's in my boat asleep, I will learn to be a person of faith who won't automatically shout to wake Him up but knowing He has vested His power in me, know how to be calm in the face of the storm [point learnt from Pr Neil Smith, Lakes]. Even when God seems quiet and uncaring (he was aslp, rem?), it's still safer with Him here than any where else.
So will I learn to... when Christ is walking on water, to ask Him for His command bid me go and take that step out onto the raging seas.
It's going to be a very good year. Skye Tan, 26th year's coming in 7 months... what's you got in your hands?
I will give my all with all I got. God keep me, keep us, and help us soar.
'cause we are meant to live.
It's a nice balmy winded-down transition between afternoon and evening in Sg. At my trusty blue Ikea desk using my trusty Benq lappie, catching the wind wafting through from the windows right in front... very nice.
Ray left this morning at 930am. We woke up early, got ready and being good, caught the bus and mrt instead of cabbing it. Got to Novena at 9am sharp and had that ubiquitous brekkie set of kaya toast, tea and half boiled eggs... mmm.
After Ray's bus left, I made my way home. The shopping complex was still uncharacteristically empty but people were starting to appear. Got back to Woodlands by 10am and ambled back home after a stop at Vista Point to get my net banking password from an ATM.
Mom was still asleep when I got home, heh. In fact, when I called home to ask if they already got the paper, both Mom and bro were asleep still, heh.
I love them.
Me, I caught a ahem, 3 and a half hour nap in the afternoon :P Now, I feel all rested from the traipising around Sg Ray and I did the last five days.
It was a good trip though, filled with happy random moments like a spate of bad jokes from me last night on the way home, finding Boost (*much much joy*) at VivoCity and ordering a Mango Magic, coming across and catching a live band at Esplanade's outdoor theatre, having Haagen Daz, going to the always impactful City Harvest, Sushi Tei, dinner with my parents and so on and on :)
*very happy*
And so we are in 2007.
I'm believing God to come through with big things this year.
2004 was a year of restoration, 2005 a year of action and sight, 2006 the year of building faith and I can't shake it off but like I told CG last last Fri, the word for 2007 in my spirit is "Destiny".
So much have been learnt last year, culminating in the understanding and decision to quit WorldTeach and totally unexpected, change church for this year.
I'm pretty psyched up. Nope - this is sounding like last year - I have no concrete idea what's next. I've applied for some jobs but so far, nothing's confirmed. Ideally, I want a Sg job based in PJ... am very very interested in business, franchises and marketing. Like very. But what's next is as unsure as the looming end of my current lease and my soon-to-make decision on whether to take up a new lease.
But you know, God is faithful :) And He has always redeemed me and came through for me, over and over again, again and again again.
Pr Kong was stressing a few things which really resound with me. Stuff about getting rid of the wilderness mentality, about making a difference wherever you are, about there being purpose why you are uniquely you with the strengths you have, about how contrary to tradition, it's okay for His servants to fail. That last point may seem moot but honestly, the mentality of the- Lord's-servant-cannot-fail is pretty real and that is something that was cut away from me this, I mean last year. So was a dormant religiousity about traditions, fun, suffering and faith, I reckon.
I'm stepping over. If Christ's in my boat asleep, I will learn to be a person of faith who won't automatically shout to wake Him up but knowing He has vested His power in me, know how to be calm in the face of the storm [point learnt from Pr Neil Smith, Lakes]. Even when God seems quiet and uncaring (he was aslp, rem?), it's still safer with Him here than any where else.
So will I learn to... when Christ is walking on water, to ask Him for His command bid me go and take that step out onto the raging seas.
It's going to be a very good year. Skye Tan, 26th year's coming in 7 months... what's you got in your hands?
I will give my all with all I got. God keep me, keep us, and help us soar.
'cause we are meant to live.
