HELIUM DELIRIUM

weekend blurp

2012-02-12T09:03:00.001+08:00

Orangey Red Tulips, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

This weekend has been a very trying one. Even now I am lying down to blog.
The moment I stand everything around me seems to toss and sway.
Don't ever recall being so sick.

Yet I recall what CS Lewis once said -
Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, but shouts in our pains.

Indeed I hope this period allows me to hear the Lord more clearly. Then it'll all be worth it.

flawed

2012-02-10T09:37:00.001+08:00

this bout of sinus/nasal cavity infection is really taking a toll on me emotionally.
yesterday the pain was so bad I was literally writhing on the bed for about 45min.
crying, begging Daddy to make it stop.

and it did.
no matter how 'flawed' I am, God reminded me that He is bigger than my problems.
and that even in desperate times like these, He is willing to use me to glorify himself.
isn't that wonderful?

this morning, I was so dizzy I knocked myself a couple of times attempting to go to the toilet.
but as I lay back down on my bed I remember,
He will not give me more than I can bear. The worse is over.
now I just need to focus on getting well again.

these are tulips I took with my diana mini at a market in London.
the film makes it scratchy and blurry, but it does not deny the fact that in real life these flowers were truly gorgeous.

of course, I'm not forgetting my theory that flowers make a sick person happy.

have a great weekend~
ames

quotable quotes

2012-02-09T14:16:00.000+08:00

"I'm not trying to sound angry.

I'm trying to sound definitive."

Newt Gingrich

too two today

2012-02-08T17:47:00.001+08:00

Great gifts from a great friend, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

God really knows how to cheer me up when I am sick...
He gave me 2 brilliant surprises today from 2 wonderful friends.

Here is a shot of the mail that pulled into school today.
A quirky set of tattly tattoos from sin.
Her house was featured here a few weeks back.
How fun!
Can't wait to try them.

Have a quirky week!

refreshing

2012-02-07T15:43:00.002+08:00

am currently reading a book with a very cute title
"if you want to walk on water, get out of the boat"

as you can probably tell, it is a very logical statement.
but we often neglect this fact.
I for one like sleeping in the lower decks,
you'd probably not be able to wake me in a raging storm.

today's reading hit me hard -
you don't live your life for a future calling,
the way you live your life demonstrates your calling.

*nods*

sorry for the times I think this job is for a future arrangement...
while that may be true, being preoccupied with such thoughts distracts me from giving them 100%
thank you for the good works that you've prepared.
enable me and guide me to do them NOW, not ten years into the future.

fortunately for me others see the amy now as a calling...
'you're an amazing host/speaker/teacher'
'you were born for this job'
'clearly you're gifted in these areas'
are some amazingly encouraging things I've been told.
but have I really been giving my ALL?

well I sure intend to now.

here's a shot taken by a student of mine when I was trying out their work as a skirt.... ^___^

thanks kids.

blessed mid-week~
ames

quotable quotes

2012-02-06T18:30:00.001+08:00

the baggage tag of a little marist boy in front of me in the train this afternoon -

"of course my bag is heavy,

everything I own is in it!"

so cute.

weekend blurp

2012-02-05T18:15:00.002+08:00

this weekend I've been so deprived of my favourite activity - that is sleep.
so I decided to do a post about beds.
my current bed is more of a princess bed minus the canopy (I live in a summer all year long country)
all teak and elevated 2 and a half feet above the ground, managed to get some bruises falling off in my shorter days.

the princess bed or the platform bed?

these two beds leave me spoilt for choice...

the princess bed (person included)

a typical four poster with a white brick wall. nice!

photo source.

or the platform bed

low-rise with contrasting green animal-print cushions. nicer?

photo source.

These beds looks so welcoming, I could curl up and sleep immediately. Mmm...

hope you had a relaxing weekend~

ames

need to go to there

2012-02-04T10:17:00.001+08:00

this is a delayed post meant from thursday night...

was strolling down haji lane looking for some din din with my lady friends
when I passed this particular shop for the umpteenth time,
telling myself "I want to go to there"

photo source.

this is a quaint little shop called tokyobike direct from Japan.
they sell the cutest lightweight bicycles...question is how do I get one home?
you can read more about their shop here.

I haven't gotten down to purchasing one.
next time . . . maybe.

*also realised I've got quite a few posts on cycling... note to self: should stop procrastinating and start on it soon.

OH WELL. see you soon cute little primary coloured cycles~ ~

flowers for the sick

2012-02-03T08:27:00.000+08:00

yesterday, I finally met a student who had not been able to come to school because he's been sick.
he's a beautiful child. humble, enthusiastic and very courteous.
however his condition has not yet stabilised, he can't be with us for yet another month.
it makes me very sad to have a child sick.
beside praying and crying, I feel utterly helpless.

hope to see him in class soon, laughing, playing, rushing for recess like everyone else.

I think people give flowers to the sick because looking at beautiful things makes one infinitely happier.

like what this bunch is doing for me.

much love and blessings,

ames

quotable quotes

2012-02-02T11:31:00.002+08:00

currently putting this quote into practice -

"Enjoy the little things

for one day you may look back and realise

they were the big things."

robert brault

need to go to there

2012-02-01T13:37:00.002+08:00

need to be out in the sun biking. neeeeeeeed. desperation fully intended.

as I learnt from 30rock -

"I want to go to there!"

awesome photography by lou. more photos here.

quotable quotes

2012-02-01T11:44:00.005+08:00

hanging on the door of a quaint little cafe -

“There is no WiFi.

Please enjoy your conversation.”

happy (to say the least)

2012-01-31T20:54:00.000+08:00

today so many happy things happened I just had to blog AGAIN.
trying not to spam this space. but I'm SO happy.

for one we had kia sze's birthday celeb today - so happy birthday 亲爱的刘老师！
(although the actual day is saturday!)

I had so much fun and I laughed so hard, I was practically dancing inside (and a little bit outside)
oops. heehee.

*sincerely apologise to all who have to witness me dance. sorry!
anyway credits to this cute caption drawn by gemma.

thanks for this picture, it really helps me express how I feel without having to dance for real.

so thank you to all who made my day today!
especially YOU my scoopz eating, "bah long long" saying, chamomile tea-drinking friend.
YOU make me want to dance ~ ~ ~ idiot.

have a crazy week!
ames

wow

2012-01-31T14:09:00.002+08:00

had to post this because it made me go wow.

wow.

very satorialist. on the street, Milan.

minimal yet chic. 3 different fabrics. and sunlight that enhances the entire look. sweet.

nice photo is a total understatement.

just sorted my closet out for the new year. wonder what new looks I can come up with.

its amazing how many old-new finds there are hiding in one's closet.

exciting~

living room living space

2012-01-31T10:08:00.002+08:00

how you like your living room to look like?

Last night I worked in an awkward position at the dining table resulting in a very sore back, strangely the soreness is confined to the right. ouch.

More strangely I had a dream about a living room...
Ever wondered why they call it a LIVING room? Hmm.
Its where you're supposed to be able to escape from the drudgery of life no?

I would totally love a living space where I can curl up and read from a wall of books,
another wall should be windows so that sunlight can stream in.
Of course a comfy sitting space is no compromise... mmm.

here's a space worth considering~
image taken from here

alright, enough with the Singaporean Dreaming... back to my cubicle!

blessings,
ames

quiet waters

2012-01-29T22:26:00.001+08:00

this post is stress-related. or rather unstress-related.
40. 31. 28. 23... and so on.

thankfully I'm not all that tired today. Think I might do another 20 scripts after this.

this photo inspired me to blog -

unfortunately I have lost the link. I do feel very sorry to the owner. If I find it again I'll add it in.

but yes, its another one of those 'where I am vs where I wanna be' moments...
water, always water. every time I feel stressed images that draw me in are always images of water,
like that post about the Maldives a few months back.

the calming repetition of waves beating against the never receding sand.
or birds keeping a hungry eye on the surface of a peaceful lake
the sunlight compliments a cool breeze and the wind on my cheeks.

mmm ... looking forward to a better place ...

He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. Indeed.

weekend blurp

2012-01-29T18:20:00.001+08:00

Madagascar! Roar!, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

too cute to pass off. don't kill me john.

the younger brother fooling around with some Madagascar cushions at Universal Studios Singapore.

He's the one behind the cutest character.

This weekend has been extremely busy, from lunches to teas to steamboat dinners with a lot of marking squeezed in between.

But whats the weekend without a little laughter (and some good Australian Archipelago beer?)

hope you had a relaxing weekend!
ames

*smile and wave boys, smile and wave!*

servIce. prIde. I.

2012-01-27T08:43:00.000+08:00

its a sad morning.
found out from some kids that community involvement and service
is really for them a waste of time.

helping the less fortunate is a means to more accreditation for further education?
since we did helping the less fortunate become a means to help the overly fortunate?

history is so important to teach
without knowing where we came from
we are all just blinded by comforts and luxuries that surround us.

the struggles we do not see.
the hunger we do not live with.

*note to self: continue to teach. to learn. to love.

perhaps.

but without HIStory, life is absent.

have a thoughtful weekend~

ames

beautiful beloved

2012-01-26T08:14:00.002+08:00

they say a woman in love is beautiful...

elie saab haute couture spring 2012

taken from here at pinterest. my favourite place in between hoards of scribbles.

While the above statement may be true...
I've learnt (albeit the hard way) that being loved is more a blessing than being in love.

Eliel reminded me of this much needed this FACT through this song not too long ago -
How He loves us watch it here!

Indeed how great are His affections, I could sit curled up in His arms all day.

blessings beloved~

amy

*note to self: that dress has got to be one of the most gorgeous wedding gowns ever.

this.content

2012-01-25T06:56:00.003+08:00

I have a picture in my mind...

there's a little boat in the middle of a calm lake.

the day is sunny but the air is chilly.

I'm rolled up in a blanket reading, reading and reading.

finally. back to routine. God. coffee. work and dinner with friends.

so glad for 5am days.

His gentle reminder -

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free

from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2

新年快乐！

2012-01-24T09:06:00.003+08:00

继续的说新年快乐！

这几天心情有些低落。
可能每年多多少少都会沉默一段时间。
但今早到了神的殿得到了不少安慰。
终于能放心的庆祝。

some photos of the weekend.
a beautiful bunch of orchids for the dining table.
the family getting ready for the new year.
john tan chen in his usual element - feasting.
little 智荣 only about 5hours old.

my heart is not yet settled, yet I know with assurance
the healing work has begun.

perhaps I am not well suited for long weekends.

nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed your long weekend!

blessings,
ames

Blessed Lunar New Year!

2012-01-23T21:46:00.001+08:00

Chinese New Year seems mighty early this year.
A double blessing really, all the festivity plus fen's little bundle of joy.
Little Shane.

The one thing that lingers after today's hospital visit is fen.
She is truly blessed and truly brave.
No epidural, all natural and yet she stands in her ward
and walks forward to welcome us.
"Helps with blood circulation" she says.

He's the highlight of the new year.
And I think he will be a brilliant star in our lives in these years to come.
I pray only blessing and more blessing over his young life.
Photos to come.

May there be abundance and peace for the Lord's people this blessed chinese new year!

a place to call home

2012-01-21T18:08:00.000+08:00

Being to Sin's truly leaves me envious and happy for her.
Although she does have her own struggles...
She does have a home to call her own.

Her style is evident everywhere, vintage mish mash.
Kopitiam table, good morning towels, tins and tiffin containers...
A long wooden bench from the void deck?!?
The ring robot that brought her rings down the aisle.
And most appealing... bowls and glasses from the 70s.

makes me wonder what my space look like...

one similarity would certainly be the books.
every shelving possibility overflowing with paperbacks.

had a great time relaxing with old friends
and laughing at each other's school horror stories.

have a relaxing weekend~

blessings,
ames

weekend blurp

2012-01-21T09:18:00.002+08:00

quote source

tis the start of a LONG four day weekend.
long weekends scare me. i often wild them away with friends and food and games.

this weekend a little pile of marking awaits.
not to mention 5 gatherings and a baby on its way.

oh well.

a gentle remind to self -
"where your treasure is, there your heart will also be." matt 6:21

haters gotta love

2012-01-20T10:13:00.002+08:00

had to blog this because it totally reminds me of a very funny couple i know -

taken from this cute blog.

kwanian and adele i love you. individually, but more so together.

have a great weekend~

to cut or not to cut

2012-01-20T08:27:00.005+08:00

that which is trending now in Singapore -

credit to thestraitstimes

men's style

2012-01-19T15:51:00.002+08:00

its strange.
women have a world of choice when it comes to fashion and style.
but what always attracts my attention are suits, ties and the like.
i mean look, i'll show you -

wow. at least wow to me. taken from one of my favourite blogs tomboy style.

whilst flowy colour block skirts and shirt dresses remain a staple,
i love my occasional harem pants, high-waisted, tucked in with a high collared striped shirt.
if i were in London or Italy, then certainly coats, jackets and perhaps even desert boots.

RAWR. so the conclusion is . . . men can totally have style too.
if you're interested in more check out the satorialist everyday for new inspiration...

the latest attraction. nice.

naturally taken from the satorialist of the DSquared Falll/Winter 2012 collection

have a fashionable week~

ames

Colorful nails for dreary days

2012-01-18T17:00:00.001+08:00

The Rainbow Connection, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

The rain hides the sun away from view.
5 classes await validation... The red pens are apprehensive.
As the busyness comes in I find joy in the simplest of things.
Doing my nails seem therepeutic almost.

Time to conquer that To Do pile ^^

no slashing!

2012-01-17T07:02:00.001+08:00

once again, floorball season begins.
things are looking up this year with new girls and some superbly talented ones.
they're small, they're fast and they want to win!
How blessed we are!

to an exciting season ahead~ TK!

buttery or crispy?

2012-01-15T17:01:00.000+08:00

as we all know, chinese new year is NEXT WEEK!
panic and die,
but not before the red packets are collected and stored away safely.

it is also pineapple tart making season which includes
stirring and more stirring to say the least
and having your whole house smell like butter,
which is not tooo bad for now at least.

here are the little ones -

john likes them melt in your mouth soft, but i prefer them slightly dry and crispy. oh well. since we make them ourselves we can have the best of both worlds. yum.

this weekend has been very exciting. after i mark some papers and set some test papers i might get back to blogging about it. if not, GOD is doing something big people! exciting exciting...

hope everyone had a great weekend!
I sure got to know many new friends this weekend ^^ NICE.

blessings,
ames

I like tulips but

2012-01-12T20:03:00.001+08:00

Flowers in general make me very happy.
Like this bunch Emily from cupcakes and cashmere made.

Gorgeous aren't they?

Who says I'm not girly? We all have our princess moments. And flowers never fail to have that effect on me.

What are your favourite flowers?

midnight blue cheer me up nails

2012-01-11T18:30:00.001+08:00

Midnight blue cheer me up nails, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

Today was a difficult day.
Hiccups at work led to a very low morale.
The kids were great as always, but I could have done so much better.

Remember! You need to rest more, plan ahead and ask for help when needed.

Thankfully the day ended earlier than expected so I could run home and curl up under the sheets for a bit.

Did my nails a new shade of midnight blue with a dash of Bobbie Premium Gold. They remind me of the beautiful night sky. That calmed me a lot.

Most comforting of all was a text message I received this morning in the heat of the confusion.

Malachi 3:6 'I the LORD do not change.'

And how grateful am I that my God is not at the mercy of time or aging like I am. He reminds me that only He will sustain me with His righteous right hand.

With that I have the courage to face tomorrow.

Blessings,
ames

waves of change

2012-01-10T14:44:00.000+08:00

what will happen on Saturday?

will Taiwan vote for pro-China or anti-reunification...

Taiwan goes to the polls 14Jan2012

^____^

losing it

2012-01-09T15:24:00.000+08:00

someone actually said this to me over the weekend! ad verbatim... my goodness.
just do it already! ^___^

more funny cards here

p.s. starving yourself never helps, instead play a game or walk everywhere~

have a good week.

the Z monster. who?

2012-01-07T11:25:00.000+08:00

because of twelve hour work days and utter exhaustion
each time I close my eyes I see this

taken from desire to inspire blog

can I whine for a bit?
I would really love a room to call my own.
To roll up and down a queen-sized bed
and read upside down
or surround my head with pillows...

alas reality beckons.

weekend! hasten!

ames

creative juices

2012-01-06T13:57:00.000+08:00

been surfing ads this morning at work
looking for some suitable visual stimulus
to use in class...

...find myself oo-ing and ah-ing at some of these brilliant ads

so I thought I'd share it

from the inspiration room -
a campaign 'you are the key', about drunks, prostitution and abuse.

one of my all time favourites ... the infamous volvo safety pin ad from Jan 1996

some are just plain funny.
unitedcoloursofbenetton. UNHATE kissing. hilarious.

or this one. read every line with deliberation. Canadian's Target for Universal Barber Shop.

hope you had a good laugh.
enjoy your weekend~

creativity is inborn

don't grow out of it

because we cycle

2012-01-05T17:02:00.000+08:00

...east coast park
punggol sengkang park connector...
...bukit timah nature reserve

taking a breather in the middle of twelve hour days,
itching to get out in the sun and on my bicycle...

taken from the beautiful downtownfrombehind blog

the best things about cycling -
1. wind in your hair (and no hair in your face)
2. you can go on for hours without feeling the least bit tired
3. its social! get 3 or 4 or even 6 in a cycling trip!

lets go!~

...when i finally get off work ^ ^

twenty twelve ladies and gentlemen

2012-01-01T19:28:00.000+08:00

already my to do list grows . . .

#12. its travel year with the best of the nineties!

#5. spend heaps of time making new memories with old friends

#101. win the hearts of my students one by unique one.

#83. take another strong step forward with frontline youth

#1. call on the name of the LORD until he establishes HIMSELF as the praise of the earth.

these are some of my favourites.
by God's grace, every single one will be accomplished.
indeed the kingdom of heaven is forcefully advancing and forceful men are taking hold of it.

have a good year ahead everyone~

blessings,

ames

small mighty start

2011-12-29T12:28:00.000+08:00

gettyimages. a church christmas service taken with a very long exposure.

candles are being carried as part of the celebration.

this picture is chosen for several reasons.

for one - it is beautiful. don't you think? stuff photography can do.

and two - its grandeur inspires me for the year ahead...this question comes out strongly "do you not know that your body in the temple of God?"

last year's theme verse was Psalm 27:4

"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of my LORD

and to seek him in his temple."

and indeed what a beautiful temple it is. through scriptures, children, songs and new friendship I have truly been surrounded by the beauty of the LORD and awed by His glory.

only He knows what lies ahead this coming year.

and all I need to do is rely on that sovereignty.

the theme verse(s) for the new year then:

Isaiah 62:6-7

"I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;

they will never be silent day or night.

You who call on the LORD,

give yourselves no rest,

and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem

and makes her the praise of the earth."

definitely excited to see how this unfolds and how He will show me His glory.

the kind of adventures we'll have together and travels too!

looks to be an exciting year ahead with such a powerful verse don't you think?

blessings and a happy new year!

ames

Not build for speed

2011-12-26T14:05:00.001+08:00

Reflecting upon the year

Travels. Tioman. Guilin. Cambodia. Chiangrai.
Every year I am more and more convinced I am not meant to live in this country for the rest of my life, but where do you want me to go? It must be your will, not mine.

New responsibilities. Old church. Old friends made new peers.
Bouts of sickness intertwined with the joy of leading people through the salvation prayer.

The star event would certainly be studying the book of Isaiah.
It really opened my eyes to the contrast of God as Sovereign vs man as fallen.
Thankfully He is full of grace and compassion.
How else would we remain alive to see another day?

A lesson from 2011 -

Young people often fall away from God when 'wiser' people tell them not to do this and not to do that... Some even tell them God says not to do this or that...
But the truth God Himself has equipped us for every good work through His Spirit. God ENABLES not disables, if there is even such a term.
And this year He has stretched me to a new limit, showing me that where I cannot, He can.

In a humbling way, I learned that I am not made for speed. Instead that my greatest joys lie in reading His word in the wee hours of the morning or hanging out with my students over a never ending can of Milo and especially taking time out to love my 90s over a 3hour lunch.

Thank you for taking me through 2011. I await in anticipation what you have in store for the next. Love you even more than last year, amy

Time to work on resolutions my friends! Blessed New Year!

Because it's Christmas

2011-12-25T17:54:00.001+08:00

For the lack of a certain tree, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

The torrents of rain and courses of anti biotics do not change the fact that today is Christmas Day.

It's been a blessing and joy to share it with everyone of you...

Thank you Jesus for making all of this possible. May we never forget that we love because you first loved us.

Christmas would be meaningless if not for you. So once again thanks.

Blogging when I am better...

Blessed Christmas beloved!

ames

rendered speechless

2011-12-19T22:05:00.000+08:00

home again, home that feels too comfortable, too warm and too costly.

how do i focus on seeing your hand at work when there is so much so much and so much more?

living in the village for a week reminds me of the stark truth -

i'm being bombarded daily by how i should look, how i should dress etc etc etc.

your word, your silent whisper is getting drowned out already...

but in my desperation to hold on, i forget the truth of the matter that has always been -

YOU are holding onto me.

so as i recall the children's faces, the grannys' strong hugs and the hours spent in the kitchen...

a song goes on repeat in my heart - how can i keep from singing your praise

thank you. for new mercies every morning. for reminding me that you could never run out of love. for holding my hand to assure me that i am not alone.

thank you for these beautiful children. may i constantly remember that you have called me to work for social justice and in selflessness, not for vanity or for my own pleasures.

and it makes my heart wanna sing~~~~~

to the grass thats always greener

2011-12-02T13:33:00.001+08:00

dearest grass, an early happy birthday.

the end.

no i'm kidding.

to the baby in our group, much love and blessings on your birthday.

when times get hard in your research, always remember we are dumber.
when you think you're not fun anymore, just remember we are your friends.
AND when you think you're in love, think again.

dear God,

thank you for blessing us with grace. thank you for how you've gifted her with so many wonderful talents that we can all enjoy. her quick wit with moments of blondness... her ability to laugh at herself, to dance, to play the violin, to create art from scrap and so many other things. bless her richly Lord, for she has been a blessing to so many of us. thank you for her 25years and may you bless her with many more. shower her with much love from all around the world and continue to be the central theme in her life.

in Jesus Name,

amen

to our friendship . . . many many many more years of it.

ames

Go up to the Mountains

2011-12-01T19:46:00.000+08:00

As I begin preparation for two weeks in Thailand,
He prompts me to go back to Isaiah 40.
You who bring good tidings,
go up to the mountain!

Good news indeed, that of HOPE
and LOVE.

It is truly a blessing to be able to bless others.

And now, show me your glory.

kids for kids

2011-11-27T23:27:00.000+08:00

the heartening thing about going to Cambodia with my students is not the work that we do, instead it is being able to see their very raw hearts bared to the little ones there. that never ceases to amaze me.

the way these teens love remind me that we were all inbuilt with the capacity to love, to hug, to empathise and to cry alongside.

thank you for teaching me to always be ready to give selflessly, to do more and to love regardless. thank you for being so welcoming to the orphans no matter how they looked or smelt. thank you for loving them for me.

tkcambodia2011

grateful,
miz t

A for apple

2011-11-27T17:54:00.001+08:00

Title, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

This is a photo of me teaching the primary school kids some alphabets in Cambodia.

Although I have done such things so many times, each time is a different experience. After all for the kids, it might very well be their first time.

More photos on the way, but for now...
A personal lesson - always bring the lesson to the level of the students. Never assume anything, clarify everything. Always be a hundred percent sincere, a kid can always tell when you are patronising them.

Lots of fond thoughts of Cambodia.

Blessings,
Amy

chimritsu?

2011-11-19T15:45:00.000+08:00

and off we go again ~ whee whee whee ~

more poignantly -

"Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore." (Hebrews 13)

new lessons to be learnt, new people to love and most importantly being His hands and feet.
looking forward to 5 short days in Kampuchea.

remember remember

2011-11-04T09:53:00.000+08:00

remember remember the 5th of november

as it is the 5th tomorrow, i'd like to promote one of my favourite movies -

V for Vendetta

never take for granted the power of thought and the influence of an idea.

lets push our minds further, beyond what the textbooks tell us or even our forefathers.

read. educate. question.

escapism

2011-10-27T11:42:00.000+08:00

any good friend of mine would tell you that i love to read.
on the bus. on the train. in bed. at breakfast. in the toilet (don't judge)
basically i love reading.

when i was younger, it was a form of escape.
my insecurities threatened to envelop me,
so instead i chose to run away into a fantasy world or become a detective.

here's a photo from penguin that i feel really explains my experience when i am reading -

a busy street gets silenced.
worries and real world problems fade into the background.
no one can share that moment.

trying not to sound sappy is hard,
but in all honesty i just wanted to share my joy of reading.

thanks!
have a great week!

Faith

2011-10-21T09:16:00.001+08:00

Sharing a happy moment, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

The unseen is more dependable than the 1344 scripts I had to read through. Any torrents of questioning I had to survive.

JOY is barely enough to express this moment.

Do not fear for I am your God.

And man does He rock!

This photo depicts the shelves that were once used to store my marking... DONE!

He who calls us is faithful...

Watch me

2011-10-19T23:47:00.001+08:00

Title, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

Real Steel was a treat at the end of a horribly long day at work. Enjoyed every moment of it. Punches flying, robots flying and a very cute kid.

More poignantly...
Despite feeling beat up, exhausted and bullied I know I am not defeated.

When push comes to shove, there is always the option I have of shadow boxing.

In this trying season, I am watching your every move Dad. Now, show me your glory.

maldives

2011-10-17T10:41:00.001+08:00

maldives, a photo by Strygaban on Flickr.

where I am vs where I would love to be.

where I am - at my work station about to embark on 4 different reports...

where I would love to be - on that beach bench with my best friend in the middle of the Maldives...

recovering from a sore neck
and heaps of ticking and crossing.

spasms actually do happen when you get cramps guys! a new realisation.

alright! back to the wheel....vroom vroom.

Rejoice

2011-09-26T19:21:00.001+08:00

, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

Being in love makes one happy.
Spending time with family is too.

These last two weeks Daddy has been truly indulgent.
The result?
A very happy me.

Blessings,
ames

Exercise

2011-09-11T23:40:00.002+08:00

, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

Why do people exercise? It confounds me.

Recently a message on Paul and the life of Jonathan Edwards struck me quite. Their discipline and denial of self.

As such I am going to attempt (by God's grace) to exercise.

God help me indeed.

Deep love

2011-09-10T10:06:00.001+08:00

, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

This photo is my attempt at a deep sea light bulb fish, yes inspired by the Disney production Finding Nemo.
This week I learn that God is sooooo creative even the depths of the ocean has so much signs of it. Blows my mind that His glory reaches every inch of this world and the universe! Woah.
So this fish, this insane love... I am still coming to terms with how much He loves me.
One thing I am sure, I cannot out love God. That's awesome don't you think?

Blessed weekend!

dedicated to the little people

2011-09-05T14:28:00.000+08:00

happy teacher's day indeed

very few people believe me when i tell them i love my job.
no matter, the important thing is the little people.
those who respond enthusiastically, those who greet me very loudly and even those who respond shyly in class with a simple smile or a gentle nod.
it is because of these little people i love my job.
they make the 1st of september special, because without them who would i be teaching.

to all you little people who i love with all the love in my being, thank you for making me look forward to work every single day. you are special.

miz t

simply the best

2011-08-29T10:29:00.000+08:00

wake up to the sound of rain,
go back to sleep again.

paris in the rain. as seen on a cup of jo.

may i reiterate
I LOVE MY JOB.

also I LOVE MY GOD,
off to spend some more time with Him this morning.

Stressed at work?

2011-08-05T16:44:00.001+08:00

, a photo by jieames on Flickr.

It's 4:30pm on a Friday afternoon,
I'm in the middle of a parade square soaking up the supposed National Day atmosphere.

Work stress is overrated, depression is given too much credit.
There is fun in everything we do, you just have to open your eyes and look for it.
Someone is doing a silly dance, or sharing a quirky joke...
Another in the line is surpressing a smile or blinking away a stray fringe.

How do I feel at work?
Amused to say the least.
More than that, I am also grateful for Him who knows me best
And placed me in such a place.

Enjoy your work and it'll be all fun and play.

harvest

2011-07-12T22:29:00.000+08:00

plentiful.

the workers. few.

a beautiful city.

but how will they believe if no one goes and tells them?

a class of their own,

eager learners, fun and vocal.

the youth, my main reason for going back again and again.

as i reflect upon the wonders of your hands,

i'm struck by how small i am and how awesome you are.

12 days in the bigC. no toilet doors. no hot water. no air-conditioning.

Totally worth it.

can't wait to go back...

love and blessings

ames

another 12 in the BIG.C

2011-06-23T16:33:00.000+08:00

He who existed before the world began is faithful.

a mini post before the photo blast -

one poignant lesson stood out this trip.

particularly that, there is no necessity for me to be accepted by everyone.

all i have to understand is that someone has fully accepted me, so much so that

He died to prove it.

humbled,

ames

in closing

2011-06-10T23:01:00.000+08:00

Love does not have to be felt,
Yet it must be freely given.

A teacher, an expert on reverse psychology rather, strolled nonchalantly into the centre of the circle. Surrounded by maybe fifty pairs of eager eye balls waiting to swallow her up for all she was worth. Her research that is.
From her purse she pulled out a little doll, no larger than her palm, and stared at it intently till everyone felt perspiration on their upper lip. Without lifting her eyes she asked, firm and confident, 'who wants to be loved?'
Some of the male students cleared their throats, others folded their arms as they took up a defensive posture. The ladies, feet shuffling, felt their hearts speed up and their breathing along with it. But no one, not even one raised a hand.

Ladies and gentleman, love is the basis of reverse psychology.
It is something that everyone needs but nobody dares to want.
In reverse, human being develop a harder and harder shell.
Adaptation some choose to call it, a means of coping with the harshness of life.
Who made it harsh in the first place? Naturally in reverse, those who desired love the most and never received.

In closing, love is not a feeling.
It is however patient and kind, it does not envy and it is certainly mot proud.
Love does not get irritated easily, nor does it harbour bitterness.
Instead it rejoices in truth! It never gives up and always hopes.
You see, by not raising your hand, you are proof that you want to be loved.
Love must first be freely given.

Blessings beloved.

Ames

blues and greens

2011-05-31T21:42:00.001+08:00

tioman gave me new eyes,

to the world around me and about myself.

about corals and trees,

maybe someday I'll become a tree-hugger.

but for now these photos will suffice,

a passion for the wide blue;

coupled with a dormant love for green.

forgot the name of this one. seaside hibiscus.

lily of sorts. seaside morning glory.

the little boy at the interview.

treetop boys singing a track from Madagascar.

our 6yr old captain (for real) and his lil' bro, the interview boy.

the blues. every shot postcard pretty.

a shot at sunset after snorkeling. the island after the headland.

diver's island, a famous reef.

the coconut tree at the entrance of Paya Beach Resort.

a white kayak tanning. sergeant fish, amazing visibility.

feet

at the jetty. in the sea.

on the rocky beach. before crossing the river.

our wonderful guide - subaraj

aka the snake charmer

a final collage.

the kids at work, most of them at least.

Be still and know that I am God

I will be exalted among the nations

I will be exalted in all the earth.

humbled. awed. impressed.

Dad the work of your hands truly reflect your majesty.

off to the beach

2011-05-26T18:55:00.000+08:00

a picnic/play in the park,
an amazing win at a charity carnival
and I'm left packing my shoes for tioman.

a little surprised by how happy I
am to be heading off to this little island
albeit on official business, coastal studies.

a feat to have survived the week;
unfolding my arms for a teeny break
at the end a the start of something else.

blessings till i'm home,
ames

ACTP

2011-05-17T09:10:00.001+08:00

shopping i cannot afford. coffee i can. tarts to die for.

what more should i say?

a curious teepee is our newest hangout (liz and i that is)
whilst i'm the geeky reader type, liz likes scouting these new cafes.
a "win-win", for me at least. she does all the work (including the driving at times)
whilst i get to enjoy relaxing caffeine-filled afternoons.

some random shots from the last trip -

cute penguin spied on the sound board

their business card of sorts

the tagline was hilarious i had to take a picture~

the cafe (love those triangle shelving dividers)

they also have a store right next to the cafe (they've got such pretty and unique stuff)

oh well. off to enjoy my public holiday...
you can check out their facebook page here.
blessings.

its the end

2011-05-09T01:16:00.001+08:00

Many have spoken and I concur
"The world is changing"

But when has it ever stopped?

That's when it gets scary - the end.
No more change, no more nothing.

What hope do you have?

Exit Mr Foreign Minister.
Let's see what the workers do.

lessons from THOR

2011-05-02T21:31:00.000+08:00

okay i learnt my lesson today,
i'm a total sucker for men who wear armour
and say 'farewell'.

dammit!

the secret is out.

a short blurp because i foresee rambling.
CHRIS HEMSWORTH!
who's this dude anyway?

You girls got to catch Thor okay...

on turning 25

2011-04-27T21:19:00.000+08:00

why am i still here?

dear God,
nothing can thwart your plans for my life.
turning 25 is hard is so many ways.
but the Father knows what we need before we ask.
my birthday wish?
the salvation of the unreached.
sanitation for villagers.
a social awakening for the youth in this world.

more. more of you.

charm is fleeting and beauty is deceptive indeed.
but the woman who loves the Lord is to be praised.

may i always love you.
this 25th year is my gift to you.

your beloved,
amy

to the BEACH!

2011-04-22T09:31:00.000+08:00

What are the odds of a beach outing on a wednesday afternoon?

at changi beach for a coastal project

*feet found a coconut!

Did I mention how much I love the beach?
Thoroughly enjoyed myself
(Except for the part we got soaked)

got a deja vu when I saw all the seaweed lying on the beach, inspired me to create this collage -

big bang seaweed or seaweed SEAWEED? hard choice.

we were there for the coastal study project.
learnt a lot of new stuff about geography and so on.
cool. way cool
here are the rest of the photos -

mr crab on a stick

(clockwise from top left)

a CLINOMETER iphone app, amazing! the park at the mouth of the river. wayne and his ranging pole, haha. a beached jellyfish. the girls measuring the number of waves per minute. dead coral.

check out changi beach some time~

enjoy this blessed good friday and happy easter!

ames

HOPE

2011-04-11T15:58:00.000+08:00

a glimmer of light, through them thick blinds.
pleased, He says, to make me His own.
nice, very nice.

not having a hold on things?
the most liberating feeling.
good stuff.

joyful in hope.
patient in affliction.
faithful in prayer.

still

2011-04-03T21:15:00.000+08:00

the silence is deafening;

unmoving, the air threatens to suffocate.

free-wheeling; fading...

yes, in the continuous tense.

memories fill up;

empty out, solitary on my back.

almost there...

on my way he says, still.

amy. remembering. 4/3/2.1.

ARGH

2011-04-01T14:16:00.001+08:00

good day?
bad day.
always begin with caffeine

good week(ed) &

bad week,

worship at the end of the tunnel

good girl;

bad girl,

thats not subjective is it?

only just beginning,

but its the end.

ames.

popcornmen on the loose!

2011-03-28T20:46:00.000+08:00

movie?

anytime

rollercoaster ride?

no thanks.

late night movie

with my new auntie.

great company

and

great movie.

check out lincoln lawyer sometime peeps.

great ending to a crazy weekend.

push and pull

2011-03-23T14:01:00.001+08:00

What is it I want?
No, I wasn't talking.
Yes you, what is it?

Awhite flying sheet.
What about a thursday night?
Sure, need another?

New friend over here.
I enjoy singing better.
Its simple matter…

the old and the new

2011-03-18T14:30:00.000+08:00

taking advantage of the teeny tiny one week break between terms
i strutted off to the beautiful national museum of singapore.
architecture astonishes me.
how they combined the colonial building with the museum's new expansion
in such a seamless manner, i really don't know.
you don't even feel like you're in two different buildings at any point in time...
one must experience it personally to understand~

of course like any good ol' singaporean i went straight for the history gallery
here's my funny shot of a 'kopitiam' wall -

think its like a replica of all the posters for food products they'd stick all over the walls in the past.
extremely colourful and funny too some of these captions - "milkmaid milk"??

also on my way out by the back door
look what i found on fort canning hill!

an outdoor escalator y'all! hills furnished with escalators...imagine that...

its a mad world we live in BEWARE.

otherwise, have a great weekend! ^___^

vroom vroom

2011-03-05T11:43:00.000+08:00

green hornet sir, i must agree with you - car lifts are cool.

yesterday was a day of firsts -

my first time to a cafe (loysels toy) in the middle of nowhere at what looked liked an industrial building

great ice latte, was so busy drinking i forgot to snap some photos...

oh well check out the twitter above~ or their facebook page here --> loysel's fb page

then the lovely ladies and i decided to head down to haji lane for some window shopping.

eli decided to park in the old hotel right across the road

and i was SO excited coz she told me there was a car lift!!!

i mean seriously, this is Singapore.

how many have even got the chance to ride a car lift?

this way!

even liz is happy.

and look lift buttons for the car!

oops my hands were shaking

as we entered the car lift

got a jolt when the mouth opened

jjang!

so exciting~

have an adventure this weekend y'all!

huh? floorball?

2011-02-26T17:15:00.000+08:00

it is sad how my newest favourite sport is being slighted
by the rest of the world as the 'wuss' version of hockey.

ladies ladies, floorball (unlike popular belief)
requires precision, strength, physical fitness and a host of other skills!

honestly i always thought i'd like watching it better,
the men are extremely fast and accurate in their gameplay
and they never seem to get exhausted despite how intense the game looks...
but now that i've tried my hand at floorball, i'm learning something new every single time.

i still suck at it really compared to many of the girls on my team.
scared of the ball sometimes, slower, stiff (elderly ailments strangely...)
but but, i realise how i prefer to be in the rink trying to score a goal
rather than refereeing from the sidelines.

wow. we should never shy away from learning new stuff i say.

tkss 'c' girls in action at coral sec

well, have a sporty weekend friends!

blessings,

ames

don't judge a book by its cover

2011-02-07T20:15:00.000+08:00

when I first saw this book -

lying on my cousin's shelf I was like
"oh no another cheesy romance novel"

then I took a look at the author - Yoko Ogawa
Hey thats the person who wrote "the diving pool" (another good book btw)

So I plunged into it - yes "the professor and the housekeeper"
And guess what I couldn't put it down,
plus plus its was nothing like what I imagined it to be.

Its witty, its got a unique protagonist,who has an 80minute memory no less.
a little boy who's nicknamed Root, as in this symbol yes)
And a very normal housekeeper, naggy and all the other stereotypes along with it.

There's baseball and a whole load of prime numbers.
Have a good afternoon to spare and no good book to read?

I highly recommend this one. Its a must.

to my favourite uncle

2011-02-02T12:27:00.001+08:00

dearest uncle,
for the longest time you tormented me,
since my birth you've made a joke of me.

yet its true that i treasure every supper
and all those free movies and rides home.

never did i think i'd attend your wedding
not once did i think you'd do that.

but blessings abound on your happy day
and may your days ahead be filled with joy.

always my favourite uncle
i wish the only the very best for you.

a buffer

2011-02-01T11:44:00.000+08:00

whilst waiting to post some photos from the wedding of Francis and Cass
I have to post this picture I saw on the Satorialist -

I couldn't stop laughing and staring when I first saw it.
No offence to the Satorialist, I do know its not meant to be funny sir!

Nonetheless,
Its one of those pictures that just makes you lose all your anger.
(yes bad mid-morning clashing incident -backside i say!)

why i love history

2011-01-20T14:42:00.000+08:00

these last few weeks the kiddos at school have been on my back wanting my answer to -
why i love history?

you mean, whats there not to love about history?

i mean, lets admit it, vintage is IN and looks like its here to stay.
plus has no one watched Night at the Museum? its awesome.
does no one love embalmed pharaohs and dinosaurs anymore?
(no, i'm not advocating the evolution theory)

our beloved lee kuan yew in he famous moment of anguish

(by morgan chua's interpretation at least)

(hilarious)

thing is HISTORY is the tale of humanity
with all the mistakes of the flesh in your face!
its awesome. no really.

overcoming with joy

2011-01-15T08:40:00.000+08:00

pure joy; a choice,

happiness; fleeting.

combine them all -

faith, hope and love

then grateful,

peace.

its been a hellish week to say the least.
of course my positive attitude carried me through the first few days.
but i also crumbled in my humanness.

thankfully, faith only grows stronger in the storm.
thus i find myself falling asleep in the boat.

have a restful weekend!

europe film roll

2011-01-09T16:22:00.000+08:00

here are some of the successful shots caught on film with the diana mini!

yimin (looking frozen) and tsura *click*

first day @ portobello market, it was cold!

yellow door doorman *click*

arc de triomphe *click*

it was a beautiful day to stroll champs elysses... a pity we didn't come back when it was dark to see the christmas lights, beautiful anyway~

liz in front of an old school candy store *click*

these shops piled high with candy put willy wonka to shame any time!

liz superimposed on the train tracks *oops*

and fen in the sunlight~

almost our last day in Paris, glad we could end with sunlight. A rare commodity in any winter.

the view from a church *click*

i really felt like i was in the Mary Poppins movie, this scene look similar to the one she saw when she was standing on the windowsill looking over the city.

anyway, there ends my film roll. yes, i did enjoy myself a whole lot.

most of all i loved having extended time with my girlfriends.

see you real soon delelee~

blog thoughts

2011-01-05T19:57:00.000+08:00

recently i've been doing a lot of writing (and doodling),
and i mean a lot.
as a result i started to question even needing a blog...
i mean this thing is too tech-ky for me to manage,
but all my doodling don't get published.
anyway as you can tell i was in total turmoil.

but then john (the brother) showed me this awesome video
where both elements were combined so nicely to compliment
this beautiful piece of music...
and viola! where better to share it than this blog?

so i guess for now, helium delirium stays~

enjoy!

rejoice a new beginning!

2011-01-01T08:47:00.001+08:00

how did you end your 2010?

i spent it with the people i love most in the entire world and for that i'm grateful.
thank you james for making it happen.
thank you 90s for always loving.
melaka for the win!

quite a decent jump shot attempt

psalm 27:4 is what i'm starting the year with. what about you?
what will you be preoccupied with this year?

the whole family

blessed christmas

2010-12-25T09:37:00.000+08:00

much love and blessings this christmas!
its been wonderful having had time to spend with my best girlfriends in the entire world.
to be actually standing in snowfall whilst having just as many great 'sunshiny' days.
have the japanese boyfriend's holiday clash with ours.
surrounded by crazy friends doing balloon sculpting for christmas carnival.
(pictures when liz uploads, insane!)
and of course, the best of all - family~

dear Heavenly Daddy.
thank you. the angels weren't lying when they said they were bringing good news of great joy.
you showed the pinnacle of your love through Jesus.
for having been born and living on this earth, the same earth i'm on.
insane.
gratefulness seems the most appropriate response. thank you, thank you and thank you.

have a great holiday friends!

minus madness

2010-12-19T07:42:00.000+08:00

'wake up amy, you're in London'

this thought only really took root when this happened -

snow. rejoicing in our first sighting of snow in London, in front of dele's place, Winchester Court.

truth be told, I wasn't too exciting about heading to Europe.
cold, dreary and wet with crazy unpredictable weather was all i've ever imagined it to be.

but as time passed, i got used to the cold, started to learn the accent and learnt to not let the weather get in the way of my fun.

doing my quiet time in the warm house, facing the snow falling outside the window.
best feeling ever.

you should try it too!

blessed weekend~

honey~ i'm home

2010-12-17T21:05:00.000+08:00

woot! can't wait to blog about my trip.
well not really, its still all kind of anti-climatic being back home.
but before that... i think i shall give my jet lagged body a nice long nap.

p.s. 'the big bang theory' is such a funny series, check it out!

Chillex

2010-12-01T19:35:00.000+08:00

That term takes a whole new meaning in London. Well it snowed just ALL of yesterday... Blogging because the girls are still doing their stuff .. Bleah. Watch wicked last night that was great. Defying gravity!!! Woot. Alright gotta run. Camden market here we come!

thoughts before the English

2010-11-25T11:40:00.001+08:00

off to London I go.

a few things I ought to do?

1. Learn the accent. "I say young man, what a fine day for walking." (of course I've read too many Austen's)

2. Not freeze to death. Its snowing they say, does it snow in London? Or Paris for that matter?

3. Have a cuppa tea with the ladies-in-waiting.

4. Be a tourist. I like to live not tour, but this time I shall attempt otherwise.

5. Have a go at simple French. More than the occasional Oie or Merci I hope.

and the list goes on. i think i'm better off packing...

quote of the day -

'No man is satisfied with his fortune, but every man is satisfied with his wit.'

Leo Tolstoy. Anna Karenin.

the farmer in the village dream

2010-11-11T16:24:00.000+08:00

there has been a little debate amongst my some of my friends lately after i revealed once again my 'farmer in a village' dream

in all honesty i think i already look like part of the scenery. stocky. tan. mildly muscular. loud-mouthed etc.

here let me show you -

taking a break from laying bricks for the little path at the care corner orphanage.

oh jolly.

anyway this shot is from the diana mini roll 2 that i just collected today. more film shots soon...

in the mean time, the farmer in the bible... God's amazingly gracious promise -

Jeremiah 31:4-6

⁴ I will build you up again,
   and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt.
Again you will take up your timbrels
   and go out to dance with the joyful.
⁵ Again you will plant vineyards
   on the hills of Samaria;
the farmers will plant them
   and enjoy their fruit.
⁶ There will be a day when watchmen cry out
   on the hills of Ephraim,
‘Come, let us go up to Zion,
   to the LORD our God.’”

dear 2C

2010-11-01T08:30:00.000+08:00

dearest twoceeoneoh'

its no wonder people say we're alike in many ways

you're loud, easily excited and distracted.

you prefer play over work any day.

but we all know we can learn through play! *wink*

thank you for the ginormous card.

thank you for loving me despite all the rubbish i do.

thank you for all the hair-pulling moments i learn from.

looking ahead,

I pray you'll all aim higher, do better

and praise others more generously.

My gift to you is overwhelming optimism in any situation.

Remember [SMILE! God loves you!]

we've had fun this year.

a drama. a crazy class photo.

some fights. some hugs.

a bazaar. a competition.

soon to have a chalet.

its been great.

you make me look forward to work everyday.

in a word - i'm blessed to have had you.

takes a bow,

miz T

the full shot

2010-10-31T21:08:00.001+08:00

here it is. the full shot of the dress i mentioned before. kinda forgot until i was trying to clear some old pictures today. well.

still in crazy busy season. will blog normally soon.

shoo you monday blues shoo!

chirpy

2010-10-17T20:54:00.000+08:00

while the brother is away
the sisters come out to play...

using our uncle's birthday as an excuse, the cousin went well with crazy k-pop songs one after another after another after another.

fun! (exhausted -___-'')

monolid cousins trying weird film using an iphone app.

the result - hilarious

john! we miss you!

and so the brother grows older

2010-10-06T10:23:00.000+08:00

dear john(boy) tan,

i'm sorry that the JTC does not belong to you, else we'll be rich!
23 is my favourite number. jordan. lebron. so on. and now you.
your jokes are funny when i don't tell people they are.

bright side of NS?
you've read more books in NS than in your entire life.

beyond or the bible.
dear john. the alchemist. pizza. and the list goes on.
now that you have paulo coelho and john grisham under your belt,
you're really cool.

on the family -
when people say you look like daddy
its a compliment
why do you think mummy is cuter than i am?
one sister is ENOUGH thank you.

whats your future look like...
no idea. i see a runway. a thousand helium balloons.
rabbits frolicking. and a natural wood bass guitar.
but maybe thats just me.

on our WGM addicition -
YOU STARTED IT!
i blame you!

in conclusion -
i love you john tan chen.
you are hands down the world's
most understanding.patient.brutally honest.entertaining.insane.fun.
younger brother.
thanks.

siblings sharing a funny moment.

(reality - waah john doesn't want to take photo with me...)

your bestfriend (the latecomer)

my bestfriend (the ruffles wearer)

our awesome dinner

(this little piggy went to dinner)

happy birthday j / di / smelly / john tan

love, jie

day 783 of being Miz T

2010-10-01T08:22:00.000+08:00

marking has gone through the roof!
53 red pens later i'm finally staring once again at my blog screen.
typing has become somewhat foreign.

BUT in just 3 weeks i'll be free free
and free indeed.

patience. gentleness. focus.

any idea where i can buy those?

count down to smelly's birthday - five
inference - not enough time

what do i know about guitars?

eliel's at john mayer in the philippines.
darn. there goes my advisor.

john - good things must wait (a chinese saying)

โปรดส่งใครมารักฉันที

2010-09-20T21:56:00.002+08:00

จะต้องเหงากันอีกนานไหม ต้องนั่งถอนใจอีกกี่ครั้ง
จะต้องพบเจอกับรักที่ผิดหวัง กี่ครั้งถึงพอใจ
เปิดเพลงรักฟังอยู่คนเดียว มีรักข้างเดียวมันเปลี่ยวหัวใจ
มองไปรอบตัวก็ยังไม่เห็นใคร ทำไมต้องเป็นเรา

คอยปลอบตัวเองว่ามีสักวัน ที่เจอคนที่เขาจริงใจ
ยังคอยบอกตัวเอง ว่าต้องมีสักวัน แต่ว่ามันก็ไม่รู้เมื่อไหร่

โปรดส่งใครมารักฉันที อยู่อย่างนี้มันหนาวเกินไป
อยากจะรู้รักแท้มันเป็นเช่นไร มีจริงใช่ไหม
โปรดส่งใครมาเป็นคู่กัน ที่ไม่ทำให้ฉันเดียวดาย
ช่วยมาทำให้ฉันเข้าใจ และได้รักใครกับเขาสักครั้ง

มันอ้างว้างจน ทนไม่ไหว พยายามห้ามใจไม่ได้สักวัน
อยากจะรู้จริงก่อนคนเขารักกันมันเป็นเช่นไร

คอยปลอบตัวเองว่ามีสักวัน ที่เจอคนที่เขาจริงใจ
ยังคอยบอกตัวเอง ว่าต้องมีสักวัน แต่ว่ามันก็ไม่รู้เมื่อไหร่

โปรดส่งใครมารักฉันที อยู่อย่างนี้มันหนาวเกินไป
อยากจะรู้รักแท้มันเป็นเช่นไร มีจริงใช่ไหม
โปรดส่งใครมาเป็นคู่กัน ที่ไม่ทำให้ฉันเดียวดาย
ช่วยมาทำให้ฉันเข้าใจ และได้รักใครกับเขาสักครั้ง

กับเขาสักครั้ง

Sorry for the thai.
But i'm super in love with this thai song by - INSTINCT
for all those who watched the [Bangkok Traffic Love Story] a few years back...
Its the theme song!

the dress

2010-09-11T23:45:00.000+08:00

there i times i lapse into very K crazy moments.
this week has certainly been one of those.

i love tae yang's music video for his single - wedding dress and for the longest time i was thinking of what kind of cool wedding dress would match up to it.

the lightbulb came on when i was browsing through photos of my brother's current favourite Kreality TV show , the in particular.

the white gown. short in the front, with an outstanding train line with like a black mesh type material on the inside. woah. i was like AHH! That's it!
"Gorgeous with a kick" i'd like to call it.
can't find the full length picture (will look)... but credits go to instyle wedding magazine korea.

enjoy!

au revoir ma cherie!

2010-09-03T00:09:00.000+08:00

me no speak ah no French... Francais?
but this pretty young bride sure does ... or at least tries to!

fen

We love you fen!

My beloved sister and confidant. The one who knows my deepest fears and all my secrets yet loves me more than anything. I'll miss you so so much.

Praying that you'll be so loved and treasured in your marriage and that Daddy will give you all His favour as you begin your 'mrs' life in a new land.

Liz and I will come see you soon, so even when things get rough or tough ... remember that we're coming!

many blessings my beautiful friend!

having a blessed teacher's day

2010-09-01T19:54:00.000+08:00

²² "God is exalted in his power.
Who is a teacher like him?" Job36:22

Happy teacher's day Daddy, I appreciate your life lessons most of all, albeit how painful they may be at times. These moments of discipline remind me that I am your daughter. So thank you.

geeforglory

thanks

thanks and more thanks

all the kiddos

for the gifts and snacks

for the joy and laughter

the dancing and the shouting

you guys rock!

the secret to loving your job is loving the people you work with

and boy do i LOVE my students.

once again

thank you!

forwards onwards backwards

2010-08-29T21:10:00.000+08:00

'moving on means moving forward...'
or so I've heard many say

but what if I liked the past better?

my brother wants to go back to being a child -
carefree. climbing trees. stealing mangos.
playing soccer till we were called home for dinner.
silly games that had us holding our sides in laughter.

Moving on this time for me,
is wanting to move backwards.
A tangible support, without unsaid expectations.

Taking a step back without retreating. We'll see.