Malacca Trip

Last Thursday night, mum, sis and I travelled to JB and on Friday we drove to Malacca. Sis and I had dinner at this quaint little cafe called Stolen Cup along Jonker Street while mum rested at Pines Hotel at night. The next morning, I had food poisoning from the buffet breakfast. I got a jab from the nearby clinic to stop my vomitting. Also, I rested in the hotel for the rest of the day, while mum and sis went to visit my 90+ year old aunty. That evening we caught a spectacular performance of Encore Melaka, Impression Series. That was a real visual feast. By Sunday, we had to travel back to JB and on Monday, return to Singapore. I caught up with Ee Leng at Regent Hotel for an afternoon tea to have a belated birthday celebration with her.

In another week's time or so, I am planning to go to Malacca with mum again, to run some errands.

Korea and Shanghai Holidays

Two weeks ago at this time, sis and I have just touched down at Jeju Island for the first time of our lives. It has been a memorable trip to Korea and Shanghai for sis and I. We viewed beautiful autumn colours in the mountains, made kimchi and Ginseng chicken together. We also went to one day Red Ginseng Spa which was loads of fun. At Jeju itself, the most delightful visit was to Joanne Bear Museum. We also visited the theme park called Everland and there were beautiful flowers there. It has been over fifteen years ago since I last visited Shanghai. The cityscape of Shanghai has changed. A lot more skyscrapers have shot up. We even went up to the 100 storeys high Shanghai World Financial Center. The night view was stunning from up there. I'm truly grateful for my friends who prayed for my sis and I during the trip. We got along well enough and had minimal conflicts throughout the trip. Praise God.

1st Post in October

My 29th Baptism Anniversary on 7 October went by rather uneventfully. It was a Monday and I was in JB. I managed to get the car fixed up - re-filled the air-conditioning coolant and sprayed painted parts of the car that had scratches here and there. RM140 for the air-con coolant thingy and RM250 for the paint. Total damage was RM390. Converted to SGD would be around $130. Upkeep of a car is no joke but definitely cheaper to do so in JB methinks.

I had lunch with mum at the Penang Cendol restaurant in Mid Valley in JB that day and did some errands getting some blueberries jams and eyedrops. Tuesday was again rather uneventful, except for homecooked dinner at Bishan. Mum cooked some yummy pigs trotters I think. Wednesday was when Alice, ST and the girls (Elsa and Illary) and I met up at the Chicken Rice Restaurant at Thomson Road for dinner - Nam Kee Chicken Rice Restaurant. This restaurant is one that I have frequented since I was a child, like Illary's age or even younger. It must have been around for 30+ to 40+ years. I was glad to share the yummy childhood authentic hainanese dishes there with them.

After the dinner, we adjourned to Alice's hotel room at JEN hotel, at Tanglin Mall. It was a fun time while the girls played with their new Nintendo game which Alice bought for them.

Oh, I forgot to mentioned that my family had a lovely birthday celebration for my nephew Josh last Saturday on 5 October 2019. It was his 6th birthday and EH ordered a really adorable bear-shaped birthday cake for him which we all adored. B booked a chalet apartment at Changi Village Civil Service Club and we had the cake there. We also had a sumptuous dinner at The Coastal Settlement restaurant nearby.

Last night, I had a long chat on the phone with Charis. It was nice to just catch-up with her on the phone. D's stint at Subway has ended. Next Tuesday, Uncle L, Aik Ghee and Chin Hong will be having a farewell lunch for Chin Hong at Manle - a Teochew Porridge Buffet lunch - looking forward to that.

Also, looking forward to autumn tour in Korea with sis coming up end of the month from 24 Oct to 2 Nov.

Evening Post on 10 Sep

Today is the tenth day of September. September is my sister's (2nd Sep) and my nephew Sam's birthday (20th Sep) month. Today is cch's birthday and tomorrow, 9/11 is Imel's birthday. I have quite a number of friends who are September babies. Stella Leong (4th Sep), Sng Lee Lee (5th Sep), Chew Li Ping (18th Sep) and I think Meirong's daughter Peace (18th Sep), Uda and her twin sister Ude, Pat and her twin sister Iris, and JC classmates Gayle and Margaret too. I think my colleages Karen and Aik Ghee, and an alumni Htike as well. What a lot of September babies I know.

During lunchtime today, I visited SGX Centre for the first time. Attended a seminar on Blockchain and enjoyed a free buffet lunch there with B. There was free flow coffee and tea too. B has a new nick today - Snorlax. That is because of the strong resemblance between them.

Michele from Perth sent me news that the pots which I have stored for her in JB are now considered mine. They are gifts from her as she does not see herself returning to this part of Asia anytime soon.

My sis' birthday was celebrated with a sumptuous birthday lunch at Xi Yan, along Maxwell Road, on 1 Sep. On the actual day, mum, sis and I went to Mid Valley in JB from morning till late afternoon and enjoyed a makan trail there. In fact, each of us got a new piece of clothing too. And sis treated herself to hair treatment at the salon in SOGO. Dinner was had at Prego, in Raffles City, next to Fairmont Hotel. It was a lovely birthday celebration for sis without any occurrence of major tiffs or arguments. Peaceful and joyful. Much to thank the Lord for.

About 25th August

I sent out three birthday greetings on 25th August - I, K and T. I received replies from I and K but heard nothing back from T. I was supporting T financially until I had to pay my own mortgage. I think our friendship/relationship went downhill after my support for him/his family stopped. It is rather unfortunate. My friendship with I and K started in my Uni days in Perth... close to 20 years ago. I has two lovely boys and K two adorable girls. Yesterday, I went to the courts to settle her divorce with J. It was a sad day for her but I hope it is the end of a chapter and the beginning of another good chapter ahead soon.

B's birthday celebration lunch

It was an all you can eat Suki-ya buffet lunch at Bugis + to celebrate Ah B's 52nd birthday. He was wearing his favourite red orchid shirt. It's either his favourite or he must have a few of that similar designs. A and I arrived at about the same time as B. Uncle L went to collect the mango birthday cake from Polar. Uncle C and N came along soon after. What a lot of food we had for lunch. We started off with a birthday blessing from our Alumni Chaplain for B. Part deux of the celebration was back at the EAST office where we had cake and coffee. We lit the cake with five candles using the lighter which we borrowed from the security guard uncle David. Uncle L prayed another birthday blessing upon B before we sang him a Happy Birthday song. :D

I think his lunch and cake celebration has been quite a success. I certainly hope he enjoyed it with our company as much as we did his. B was very kind and generous to give us a treat on his birthday. :D

Late night post on 21 August

Just a year ago, I remember celebrating B's 51st birthday at Pastoral View with a hotpot dinner gathering and a Lana chocolate cake. It was fun and memorable for me. I hope it was so for him too. Tomorrow, I get to have a birthday lunch with B - another hotpot gathering, at Bugis + Suki-ya restaurant this time, together with uncle L, N, A and C. I got him a 3XL Bigfoot made in Blangadesh tee-shirt as a gift. Hope it fits him.

Looking forward to tomorrow's celebration.

On a separate note, my 4S2 class has formed a WhatsApp chat group initiated by S Chen. Fabulous idea and great way for us to keep in touch, get connected and be all prepped to attend Founder's Day Dinner on 25 July 2020 for our class reunion as it will be our 30th anniversary since graduation. Another event to look forward to next year. :D

This afternoon, we had ladies fellowship at Sumire Yakitori Japanese restaurant at Bugis Junction. It was S, K, A and me. We shared about highlights for our week, month and some lessons we would like to pass on to our children, or those closest to us. K shared about her visit with her family to Jewel, A shared about a similar visit too, S shared about her birthday buffet celebration at Jen hotel where the noodles were bland but the desserts were good. I shared about watching the NDP Preview from the grandstand with L's family this year - a first for me, an experience that was truly memorable.

As for life's lessons, K shared about teaching her children to never give up. A shared about teaching about resilience, thrift and creativity. S shared about how life is a learning journey. I shared about how important is it to put God as a priority.

1st Post on 1st August

Seven months have gone by in 2019 and this is the beginning of August. August is my dad's birthday month. If papa is still around, we would be celebrating his 82nd birthday at Ah Orh Seafood Restaurant this Saturday. Nonetheless, the family will still be heading there for a commemorative meal in remembrance of papa's favourite Teochew steamed fish. I gather it will be a rather hectic Saturday for me. There is a 2pm Ordination Service at Immaunuel Christian Church off Alexander Road. I will be getting five hand bouquets and doing the photography for the service. Praying that everything runs smoothly.

Besides August being Papa's birthday, 3rd is also P and R's birthday. 7th is HW. 30th is KW and 31st is N. 22nd is A, B and E. 25th is I & her siblings, K and T. Plus 9th is Singapore's 54th birthday too! What a celebratory month August is.

1st Post of July

Half of July has whizzed us by so so quickly. Today is already 19 July 2019. A new batch of students have started with us at EAST for about a week in our ALEPH program already. Last Saturday, it was such an honour, privilege and fun to go with Lucy's family to the NDP Preview at the Padang as we were given such good seats to view the parade. It was a few rows behind where our Prime Minister Lee would sit on the actual day. We had such a good view of everything! The parade was preceded with a tea reception and followed with a dinner buffet. It made me very happy. :D I was happy to meet Ms Seah and got reacquainted with G from NIECF days.

In the past week, I got to know two of my Meadow Spring neighbours better too - Fiza and Shuyan.

Aunty Siew Lan passed on

Last Friday morning, 21 June, Uncle MW called me early in the morning about 7am to inform me about Aunty Siew Lan's passing. Mum, sis and I made plans to fly into KL by Sunday afternoon.

Uncle Meow Lock held two wake services for her on Saturday and Sunday. The burial service was on Monday. I managed to attend the Sunday wake service and Monday morning service and the precious family time with her prior to the service.

Reply from B

Since the chat group has been dissolved, there was no word from B till today. He texted, "I just back from open sea diving today. No earthly signal for last 7 days... Sigh... [Smiley face]" and so resumes our conversation again.

I do not understand why I get so affected whether I hear back from B or not. The only reason I can think of is that I am somewhat emotionally invested in the friendship we have. To what extent I am invested, I am not sure.

Post chat exit

I was just reading my blog post that was entered during Easter and how B, uncle L and I restarted a chat group. I just exited that chat group last night. It was both impulsive and calculated. Impulsive because the only reason I gave for exiting the chat group was that I was tired for waiting for a response from either of them. One day went by with no reply at all from either of them. In fact, B had not even read the messages when I exited. Calculated because I remembered YK's advice for me not to take the initiative in chatting in the chat group. YK also told me to forget about B and that I deserve someone better. I guess I wanted to follow YK's advice despite a delayed reaction in doing so.

From today on wards, I won't be looking forward to texts anymore. I will re-orientate myself. Pray more and let God be my priority in life once again.

Post Easter

I just realised it has been over seven weeks since my last entry. May was a busy month at EAST with EAST 25th Commencement happening at Bartley Christian Church on 11 May 2019. We had 26 graduates and 3 were in absentia. B Low was in absentia but he came for the commencement buffet lunch after some cajoling and I presented his MABS certificate to him.

My brother's Jubilee Birthday celebrations came and gone in the first week of June. His actual 50th birthday was on 9 Jun 2019. Can't believe that my dearest Kor is already half a century old. Makes me realise mine won't be too far behind, in just another five years' time.

Sis and mum went for a 10-12 day Scandinavia package tour and seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The picturesque Scandinavian landscapes must have been quite a sight to behold. When mum and sis touched down from the airport, we visited Auntie L Chin's new home in Ulu Siglap. It was most interesting - there were two bungalows and two semi-detached houses interconnected via internal gates. All newly built up within two years.

Camp ARPC this year was memorable as there were 1234 campers. But for me, I was glad that S and her two girls made it as well. My mum seemed to have enjoyed herself pretty much too, especially the segment where she performed a song on stage with the rest of the MM members. Doris attended and I was able to catch up with Pei Ling and some folks from EAST as well.

June is a relatively quiet month in the office. I just went for a medical appointment at TTSH yesterday. I have quite a few appointments lined up till end of the year. Keeping my fingers crossed that I will learn to manage my physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and financial health better, with God's help.

Easter Weekend

Easter Weekend has just passed by with mum, sis and I travelling to Malacca for the annual visit to my maternal grandparents gravesides and my eldest uncle and grand uncle's gravesides as well. Following the paying of respects, we adjourned to a nearby Chinese restaurant for our family reunion lunch. We had three tables full of relatives from my mum's side of the family. It was really nice to catch up with different ones.

I realised that the niece whom I called Xiaomin is called Li Yong Min and her sister is Li Yong Rou. Her brother's name still kinda escapes me. This Xiaomin is now a business journalist with Nanyang Shangbao. I feel proud of her name. Her husband is an engineer who helps with CCTV system in condominiums or office buildings. They are so grown up now. Also, apparently her dad who had previously run off with another woman had returned home to live with her mum, my cousin. That is good news for their family in some ways.

Auntie June and Uncle MW missed out on the gathering this year. A few years ago, all five siblings were present. That was really nice to see.

On a side note, I restarted a chat group with B and uncle L, with a new group name. :D hopefully, this group chat lasts longer than the last. keeping my toes and fingers crossed.

Today happened to be cousin FF's 60th birthday, while my bro's 50th will be coming up in June. Hoping these two birthday celebrants have a wonderful milestone year and many more lovely years ahead!

Teasing

After I exited the ICB Chat group, then I realised that for most parts, texts sent by B was mostly for teasing me. Still, I was sensitive and riled up by his messages emotionally. After exiting and not texting him for the past two days, I am a lot calmer emotionally. Therefore I guess it was good for me to have exited the chat group. Too much chatter is not good for my soul anyway. Silence is a good spiritual discipline to cultivate. At least, when I am not distracted by all the texting back and forth, I now have more time to journal both online and offline.

It is good for me to process what I am going through emotionally. What is affecting my moods and mental health. That way I can learn how to cultivate better mental habits that will inject more optimism and resilience into my mental state. I need to be emotionally and mentally more resilient as a person.

Mummy is 77

Last Sunday, on 14 April, we celebrated mummy's 77th birthday with a celebration lunch (Teochew Cuisine). Mum and I had Penang Fried Kway Teow in JB for her birthday dinner. For her post-birthday lunch on Monday, we ate well at Beijing Restaurant in JB. I am blessed to have mummy as my companion and friend when she is 77 and I am 44. I am not sure how much longer mum is going to be around with me, so I hope I will not take her for granted for as long as she lives, and for as long as I live.

Last night, I exited from the ICB chat group that I have been in with uncle L and B. I decided I need to protect my heart. Some texts were wounding to my emotions and heart, so I decided to exit the group to better manage my own well-being. I know it is better for my own mental and emotional health in the long run. I pray God gives me more wisdom daily. That God teach me to love myself better so that I am also better to love others better.

New Sheepskin Rug

I bought a $69 grey sheepskin rug from Tampines IKEA last night although my objective in heading there was to look for a suitable shelf. I also bought a pair of oven gloves, a pot holder and a set of children's cutlery, bowls, plates and cups.

Penang Laksa

A grab food delivery of $1 in the late afternoon can surprisingly be a gift of love. Today, B sent over Penang Laksa to me. Even though I had quite a huge packet of fried rice for lunch, I definitely had to dig in to this tub of love, even though I could not quite finish it. Uncle lemon found it amusing too that B would order food for me without me asking and checked with me if B is now my boyfriend. I said he had not asked me to be his girlfriend, so how could he be my boyfriend? hehehe

Just yesterday, Dr R almost seemed to hint that B and I seemed to be in a special relationship. He said I acted like we are in one. I just said I'm just enjoying the friendship while it lasts. No need to take things too seriously or put too much pressure on any relationship for that matter. Most of all, pray that God will guide me as I go through life - however long or short my life may be.

Updates about K

My co-worker just shared some rather distressing news about a mutual friend K. She is an alumna at EAST and had recently gotten married. Quite a number of us from EAST had attended her wedding and were really happy for her. Weddings are joyous occasions to mark the beginnings of a new chapter of one's life after all. Somehow, after having attended so many weddings in my short 44 years, I am beginning to wonder why it is so that weddings are often the height of happiness of one's life as a new chapter begins, and then life kinda goes downhill from there in most cases, before it plateaus and then hopefully picks up in gradient towards another hill of happiness when a healthy baby is born or a house is bought or some other achievement in life unlocks.

K's life seems to have gone downhill since her wedding. Her husband's business failed. She is now experiencing a difficult pregnancy. Both husband and wife needs the Christian community to rally and support them but they are withdrawing from everyone, except a few whom they deem safe. Praying for this dear couple that their faith in God will be purified and grow stronger through these trials of life they are going through. Pray that they will hold firm to their wedding vows, for poorer or richer, and in fact, they are going through the for poorer phase right now. I think it is usually easier to stay together when life is richer, though not always as some do stray when cash is plenty. But the poorer state is also a cause for many to depart. Marriage is a very strange animal. One should not have too much or too little in wealth to have a happy one, I reckon. Then again, what do I know, I am unmarried. :)

1st Post of March

Today is already the first of March. Two months of 2019 have gone by in a twinkle of an eye. Ten months more to go before the year draws to an end. I watched the film, An Interview with God, about a week ago and what struck me from the film was that there is nothing that God cannot forgive us. It strikes a chord in my heart because I know there are many things in my life which I need forgiveness from the Lord. It ranges from daily stuff that happens, a harsh tone of voice with a friend or my mother, a grudge against my sister over the minutest things, to past events which I do not even wish to think about anymore. I am just glad that God knows all my fallenness, yet He accepts me and has nailed my sins to the cross of Christ. Because of what Christ has done, I stand before God white as snow, not because of me, but because of Jesus my Lord.

What a great Saviour I have.

Lord, thank you for your everlasting love for me. Please continue to purify me daily. Amen.

Post CNY Post

Dear Lord,

The fifteen days of the Chinese New Year (CNY) have gone by so quickly. In fact, this first two months of 2019 is soon coming to an end. There is so much to be thankful for in this two months alone. I am thankful for my new home in Yishun, being able to live on my own, and being a first time new home owner. But do remind me, O Lord, that although you have given me a new physical home, that ultimately You are my home. Also, I pray that this abode you have blessed me with will be intentionally used, not just as a place of rest and respite for myself but a cosy space of hospitality for people you bring into my life.

I am thankful that over the CNY period, I had time with my immediate family members over reunion dinner and on the first day, Uncle J's family came over to our home for a visit. Also, the beach holidays organised by B, for a bunch of us, including EAST folks like R, C and J, and my buddies GP and Y was awesome fun. It was good that B brought his older sister on the holidays too. I think it gave her a good break. Pulau Ranoh was a really beautiful island off Batam. The snorkelling, the banana boat ride, the Fat Boy jumps, the hammocks, lovely sand, sea, sunset and sunrise views all made for really good memories. It was only a three day two nights holiday, but what a great time, and wonderful company.

Father, I do not yet know what the rest of 2019 may hold. But I put my trust in You and I know you will guide me through day by day, week by week, month by month. Draw me closer to You that I may learn to hear Your voice and walk in step with You each moment.

Amen.

Saint Valentine's Day Post

This day started with an 8am drive to work from Yishun to Dorset. Then I was off to Middle Road by taking a shuttle from KKH. Along the way, I grabbed some breakfast. Registrar meeting with V, L, J & J started promptly at 9:30am, about ten minutes right after I stepped into the office. It ended punctually at 11:30am too. V was really sweet to gift me a heart-shaped chocolate crunch from Japan as a token of appreciation and friendship as I was the only single lady in the team. So touched by his kind gesture. K also gifted me with a tiny piece of Lindt chocolate square which tasted pretty awesome. After the Registrar Meeting, I met up with D for a buffet lunch at a nearby hotel. I reserved a table for two for B and his friend. The buffet lunch was rather filling indeed, good value for money. D and I paid $14 pax each.

Janice C came by the office and gifted me with an aloe korean face mask with a note that said, "Blessed Valentine's Day! Have An Intimate Relationship with Jesus :) ". That was really sweet of her. That was how half a day of Valentine's Day had gone by today.

2nd Post in January

Today is already the 17th day in January of 2019. I ushered in the New Year with G and Y at a Methodist Church by attending their annual watchnight service which started at 10:30pm and lasted till nearly 12:30am. We adjourned to my new flat to spend my very first night at home in the new year. New year, new home, with old friends. Couldn't have thought of a better way to begin this year. In many ways, I have been very blessed. Most of all, God has been faithful in seeing me through each and every step of the way. And I do believe He will continue to watch over me and see me through new things, daily. I pray for greater trust in Him, greater love for Him and people, not simply for things or experiences that may not satisfy. I pray for greater wisdom to live in ways that please Him. I pray for a humble heart to consistently walk with my great and awesome God till I meet Him face to face, just as a friend can see another friend, but awesomer because God.

1st Post of 2019

This is my first post in the new year from my new home. Praise God for all He has done in 2018! That I am able to type this post from the comfort of my own home is testament to God's amazing goodness and grace in my life. I praise Him for all He has done. Amen!