About 2 months ago, I chanced upon a book that Zoe wrote as her final year project when she was studying at La Salle. Gwen and I were keen to to help her bring it into publication. She wanted to revise it. It is still in Gwen's office right now. I hope we can help her fulfill her dream of publishing it.
It isn't a profound autobiography. But it speaks with clarity of the difficulty and yet at the same time is filled with hope, positive vibes and cheer of one who suffered hearing impairment at a tender age of 2. It gave a glimpse for me at least into the world of one deprived of the sense of hearing. I so wished that more people can read her life story and understand that in modern Singapore, there live a group of these people who are deprived of their sense of hearing. Often they are voiceless because they are too shy to speak up.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Recent Reflections on a Funeral
A good friend's mum passed away last friday. Her mum underwent an operation to remove a brain tumor a year ago and soon after, was diagnosed with breast cancer. This friend of mine has been undergoing a lot of stress carrying the weight of being the head of her household since her dad passed away when she was 20. She is 34 this year. Both her parents were born deaf. Her older sis started to suffer from schizophrenia when her dad passed away and her younger sis was deprived of her hearing at 1 year old because of an illness.
At the funeral, I got to communicate with quite a number of hearing impaired people mainly through simple handsigns and writing. It was a new experience as I hardly ever come in contact with hearing impaired people. I was surprised that many of them have a great sense of humour and were very outgoing and friendly. In fact, at the table where I sat, only the lady next to me and I were hearing people and the rest (about 8) of them were not. We who are so called normal felt a little handicapped as we were the minority while most of them went on having conversations around the table. It was also interesting to learn that handsigns had different varieties. Those from Singapore mostly used handsigns in English and there was a couple who signed in Chinese (from Taiwan). Apparently, certain gestures for the same words are different but through patience and some humour, communication is definitely still possible.
I also came away from the funeral amazed at how the cell group which my friend belonged to played such a major role in making the funeral arrangements, carrying out the wake service and how supportive they were to the bereaved. I saw the concept of a cell church in action. Most of all, I saw God's love at work. There are still a lot of needs in this bereaved family but I am certain that the Lord who has been seeing them through thus far will continue to show His care for them through the hands and feet and hearts of His children. In the meantime, I am helping to raise the shortfall of S$3000 for the funeral expenses for them. Please pray with me that my contacts who has read my emails will consider chipping in to help them. If you feel led to help this family through financial contribution, feel free to email me at eeyuing@yahoo.com and we can work out the details.
Meanwhile, if you are a Christian and you are reading this, at least say a prayer for my friend and her two sisters. Thanks!
Update on 28 Jan 08: S$4262 has been raised so far. Target of S$3000 has been exceeded. Praise the Lord! (Thanks to those of you all the way from Vancouver! Cousins from Hong Kong! Friends and family in Singapore & Malaysia! Xangans from Australia & USA! God bless your kind and generous hearts!)
At the funeral, I got to communicate with quite a number of hearing impaired people mainly through simple handsigns and writing. It was a new experience as I hardly ever come in contact with hearing impaired people. I was surprised that many of them have a great sense of humour and were very outgoing and friendly. In fact, at the table where I sat, only the lady next to me and I were hearing people and the rest (about 8) of them were not. We who are so called normal felt a little handicapped as we were the minority while most of them went on having conversations around the table. It was also interesting to learn that handsigns had different varieties. Those from Singapore mostly used handsigns in English and there was a couple who signed in Chinese (from Taiwan). Apparently, certain gestures for the same words are different but through patience and some humour, communication is definitely still possible.
I also came away from the funeral amazed at how the cell group which my friend belonged to played such a major role in making the funeral arrangements, carrying out the wake service and how supportive they were to the bereaved. I saw the concept of a cell church in action. Most of all, I saw God's love at work. There are still a lot of needs in this bereaved family but I am certain that the Lord who has been seeing them through thus far will continue to show His care for them through the hands and feet and hearts of His children. In the meantime, I am helping to raise the shortfall of S$3000 for the funeral expenses for them. Please pray with me that my contacts who has read my emails will consider chipping in to help them. If you feel led to help this family through financial contribution, feel free to email me at eeyuing@yahoo.com and we can work out the details.
Meanwhile, if you are a Christian and you are reading this, at least say a prayer for my friend and her two sisters. Thanks!
Update on 28 Jan 08: S$4262 has been raised so far. Target of S$3000 has been exceeded. Praise the Lord! (Thanks to those of you all the way from Vancouver! Cousins from Hong Kong! Friends and family in Singapore & Malaysia! Xangans from Australia & USA! God bless your kind and generous hearts!)
Monday, August 20, 2007
Back to Study
I'll soon be sending in my application to UniSIM for a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and English. The application deadline is end Sep 07 and it is for the Jan 2008 intake. This decision came about after a conversation I had with Uncle ML as I drove him over to Uncle MW's home last week... I have been thinking of whether or not to complete my degree and where to complete it if I wanted to do so. He strongly encouraged me to complete my degree locally. Somehow, his encouragement brought about the conviction I needed... He said that being in my early thirties, I am indeed still young and he judged that with my language ability, completing a degree should be a breeze... wow! such confidence in me...
I do not doubt my language ability or critical thinking skills actually... My only fear is the lack of perseverance or stamina on my part... I just want to take it a step at a time... To my uncle who is over 70, ofcourse I am deemed young... However, I am well aware that I am a mature student juggling work and studies and that would probably be no easy task... Nevertheless, being older and hopefully slightly wiser... I might be able to manage myself better...
Meanwhile, I am pretty excited at the prospect of studying again... and a little nervous as well...
I do not doubt my language ability or critical thinking skills actually... My only fear is the lack of perseverance or stamina on my part... I just want to take it a step at a time... To my uncle who is over 70, ofcourse I am deemed young... However, I am well aware that I am a mature student juggling work and studies and that would probably be no easy task... Nevertheless, being older and hopefully slightly wiser... I might be able to manage myself better...
Meanwhile, I am pretty excited at the prospect of studying again... and a little nervous as well...
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
A Flyer & A Catcher
Yesterday as I was reading bits and pieces from Nouwen's meditation on dying and caring, one sentence which he wrote that struck me was this:
"A flyer must fly, and a catcher must catch, and the flyer must trust, with outstretched arms, that his catcher will be there for him."
Those were not his words, those were the words of Rodleigh, a trapeze artist who performed in the German circus Simoneit-Barum.
Simple words but words filled with food for thought.
"A flyer must fly, and a catcher must catch, and the flyer must trust, with outstretched arms, that his catcher will be there for him."
Those were not his words, those were the words of Rodleigh, a trapeze artist who performed in the German circus Simoneit-Barum.
Simple words but words filled with food for thought.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Inspirational Post
10 Tips for Creating a Life and Living Your Dream
1. Stop doing things just because others expect them of you.
Your heart must be in it to finish the race. When we do things just because we "should," we eventually reach a place of resentment, anger, and rebellion.
2. Get your priorities straight.
Spend your time, talents, and resources with the people, activities, or things that are meaningful to you. Stop wasting these on people or things that are not adding value to your life or that keep you from moving forward towards what you want to be or do.
3. March to the beat of your own band.
The most satisfying experiences in our lives are when we are engaged physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, or intellectually. Life is meant to be effortless. If you're tugging and pulling, and everything feels like an uphill battle, then you're doing the wrong thing.
4. Do what you're good at and the money will follow.
Whether you're a brain surgeon or a dogwalker, be the best you can be at it because you love it. Your enthusiasm and love for what you do is what will make you successful in the long run. Enthusiastic and positive people attract others to them who want that too.
5. Share your dream with others, but be discerning.
Realize that not everyone you share your dream with will be thrilled for you. Avoid the nay-sayers and focus on those people who can support you even if they don't agree with you.
6. Stop making excuses and just do it.
The reason (excuses) for why you have not taken that first step does not matter. What matters is that you take that first step NOW.
7. Determine what your ideal life looks like.
Most people's initial response to this is "I don't know." If you did know, what would your ideal life be like? Who would you want to live with, who would you like to meet, where would you like to live, what activities/shows/parties/places would you like to experience or be with?
8. Identify the stumbling blocks that can be turned into stepping stones.
Your past experiences and adversity can create opportunity for you. It's all in how you look at life and how you choose to use those experiences so that you eliminate the blocks and move on in spite of them. Victory is yours!
9. Reduce your learning curve.
Learn from the experiences and mistakes of others. Instead of reinventing the wheel, take what you can apply from the trials and challenges others have overcome then tweak the process to fit your own situation.
10. Align yourself with a role model/mentor.
Having someone who's "been there and done that" is one of the best ways to get yourself on track with what you want to accomplish or be. A mentor will be supportive, offer the benefit of his/her expertise and knowledge, and will listen to you when you need the support the most.
________________________
I found the post above on a xanga site I visited and just thought I'd post it here! =)
1. Stop doing things just because others expect them of you.
Your heart must be in it to finish the race. When we do things just because we "should," we eventually reach a place of resentment, anger, and rebellion.
2. Get your priorities straight.
Spend your time, talents, and resources with the people, activities, or things that are meaningful to you. Stop wasting these on people or things that are not adding value to your life or that keep you from moving forward towards what you want to be or do.
3. March to the beat of your own band.
The most satisfying experiences in our lives are when we are engaged physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, or intellectually. Life is meant to be effortless. If you're tugging and pulling, and everything feels like an uphill battle, then you're doing the wrong thing.
4. Do what you're good at and the money will follow.
Whether you're a brain surgeon or a dogwalker, be the best you can be at it because you love it. Your enthusiasm and love for what you do is what will make you successful in the long run. Enthusiastic and positive people attract others to them who want that too.
5. Share your dream with others, but be discerning.
Realize that not everyone you share your dream with will be thrilled for you. Avoid the nay-sayers and focus on those people who can support you even if they don't agree with you.
6. Stop making excuses and just do it.
The reason (excuses) for why you have not taken that first step does not matter. What matters is that you take that first step NOW.
7. Determine what your ideal life looks like.
Most people's initial response to this is "I don't know." If you did know, what would your ideal life be like? Who would you want to live with, who would you like to meet, where would you like to live, what activities/shows/parties/places would you like to experience or be with?
8. Identify the stumbling blocks that can be turned into stepping stones.
Your past experiences and adversity can create opportunity for you. It's all in how you look at life and how you choose to use those experiences so that you eliminate the blocks and move on in spite of them. Victory is yours!
9. Reduce your learning curve.
Learn from the experiences and mistakes of others. Instead of reinventing the wheel, take what you can apply from the trials and challenges others have overcome then tweak the process to fit your own situation.
10. Align yourself with a role model/mentor.
Having someone who's "been there and done that" is one of the best ways to get yourself on track with what you want to accomplish or be. A mentor will be supportive, offer the benefit of his/her expertise and knowledge, and will listen to you when you need the support the most.
________________________
I found the post above on a xanga site I visited and just thought I'd post it here! =)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Lasik Surgery
Binny has gone for her Lasik surgery at Mt Alvernia Hospital earlier in the day. The op took place at 1.30pm and I guess she should be out by now. Hopefully everything went well and she has perfect eyesight now!
Hmm... wonder how long will it take her to get used to having perfect eyesight?
Hmm... wonder how long will it take her to get used to having perfect eyesight?
Thursday, May 03, 2007
1 Month
I've actually been missing from this blog for 1 whole month!!! Oh my! Time has gone by really quickly! And instead of just 1 new student, I have 2 now! =) The other student is a Sec 3 girl called Wang Yi. She came to live in Singapore from Fuzhou, China, when she was around 7 as she started studying Primary 1 here. She lives in Yishun and studies at a neighbourhood school.
Since my last entry, I have been on a trip to Redang with my bro & Binny. We've also celebrated 2 birthdays in our family - my mum's 65th on 14 Apr & Binny's 31st on 30 Apr (2 days in advance as her birthday fell on a Monday). Oh and yesterday, I went to watch Phantom of the Opera with Pauline! The tickets were given to us by Lay Yong! They were priced at $147 each, circle seats at the Esplanade Theatre Hall! I love the colourful costumes and enjoyed the performance though I couldn't really make out what they were singing about at certain parts... Also, I got to eat the curry chicken noodles at Marina Square Food Court! Just the night before, I saw the stall being featured in the TV programme Makan Places Lost & Found hosted by Michelle Chia & Gurmit Singh and was thinking of hunting it down!!! And I did just that!!! =D
Binny is now staying over at Bishan for a couple of days as my brother is away on a business trip to Jakarta and it is more convenient for her to travel to her workplace which is located at AMK from our place. Unfortunately, both my sis and I are staying out late these couple of nights... I've got to tutor and my sis has other appointments, so Binny only has Happy, our long coat chihuahua, for company...
Oh, I'll be going to Hokkaido next Saturday, right after EAST graduation day! It'll be a one week holiday with my parents and sis! I'm beginning to look forward to that! I need to start packing!!! But before that, I need to compile the exit interview results for Pauline and some silly statistics for Casey... Sigh... Big Sigh... haha!
Since my last entry, I have been on a trip to Redang with my bro & Binny. We've also celebrated 2 birthdays in our family - my mum's 65th on 14 Apr & Binny's 31st on 30 Apr (2 days in advance as her birthday fell on a Monday). Oh and yesterday, I went to watch Phantom of the Opera with Pauline! The tickets were given to us by Lay Yong! They were priced at $147 each, circle seats at the Esplanade Theatre Hall! I love the colourful costumes and enjoyed the performance though I couldn't really make out what they were singing about at certain parts... Also, I got to eat the curry chicken noodles at Marina Square Food Court! Just the night before, I saw the stall being featured in the TV programme Makan Places Lost & Found hosted by Michelle Chia & Gurmit Singh and was thinking of hunting it down!!! And I did just that!!! =D
Binny is now staying over at Bishan for a couple of days as my brother is away on a business trip to Jakarta and it is more convenient for her to travel to her workplace which is located at AMK from our place. Unfortunately, both my sis and I are staying out late these couple of nights... I've got to tutor and my sis has other appointments, so Binny only has Happy, our long coat chihuahua, for company...
Oh, I'll be going to Hokkaido next Saturday, right after EAST graduation day! It'll be a one week holiday with my parents and sis! I'm beginning to look forward to that! I need to start packing!!! But before that, I need to compile the exit interview results for Pauline and some silly statistics for Casey... Sigh... Big Sigh... haha!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
New Student
I'll be having a new student tomorrow. A sec 2 korean girl who is staying at ACS Barker Hostel. It's been a while since my last lesson, a couple of weeks at least! Most of the evenings have been spent watching tv or korean drama dubbed in mandarin. These tv watching days are soon going to be over once tuition begins.
The new arrangement is Mon, Thu & Sat, one and a half hr per lesson. On Mon & Thu, it's 8-9.30pm and Sat is 2-3.30pm. I bought a grammar and a writing assessment book each for my student and hope they will prove to be useful to her. I am looking forward to tomorrow's lesson. =D
The new arrangement is Mon, Thu & Sat, one and a half hr per lesson. On Mon & Thu, it's 8-9.30pm and Sat is 2-3.30pm. I bought a grammar and a writing assessment book each for my student and hope they will prove to be useful to her. I am looking forward to tomorrow's lesson. =D
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Snorkelling
I'll be going for my very 1st snorkelling trip next week! Pulau Redang here I come! I've already booked the 4 days 2 nights trip which cost S$391, triple sharing (pool view room). Just bought my blue rimmed mask and grey coloured snorkel for $60 in all on Sunday together with Binny, my sis-in-law. She bought a yellow rimmed mask and a transparent looking snorkel so as to differentiate with my brother's yellow coloured snorkel. We'll be leaving on a 9pm coach next Thursday. It's a 9hr bus journey and a 1hr ferry ride... and we'll have 2 full days on friday and saturday before leaving the island on Sunday after breakfast at 9am...
Actually, I must really thank quirkie kai for giving me the inspiration to go for this trip! Although it's a pity that I'm not able to join her gang to Redang, I'm still very excited that I'll be going nonetheless!!! =D
Actually, I must really thank quirkie kai for giving me the inspiration to go for this trip! Although it's a pity that I'm not able to join her gang to Redang, I'm still very excited that I'll be going nonetheless!!! =D
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Once a month
It's been a month since my last entry in this blog! Seems like my once a week entry has to be changed to once a month! I think perhaps I have too many blogs to keep up with and not enough interesting stuff going on in my life to showcase or share...
Today is already 7 March 07! We're into the 3rd month of 2007! How very fast! CNY has just zapped us by and EAST will be having a one week school holidays for the students next week. Pauline's sister will be in town this weekend and we've planned a trip to spa botanica on 12 March! Looking forward to that! =D
Today is already 7 March 07! We're into the 3rd month of 2007! How very fast! CNY has just zapped us by and EAST will be having a one week school holidays for the students next week. Pauline's sister will be in town this weekend and we've planned a trip to spa botanica on 12 March! Looking forward to that! =D
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Blooms & CNY
The hortências, heliconias and allamandas lining the pathway towards the entrance of our school are all in magnificent bloom at the moment. They are such a pretty sight to behold. The Lord is the Maker of all things beautiful and these flowers are definitely of his design. The sunny days are back again. It hasn't been rainy at all for the past couple of days and I think the rainy season is more or less behind us.
The Chinese New Year atmosphere is rather thick in the office! We have Ying Kheng decorating the office with fresh plants and bright red auspicious looking artwork with the Chinese character signifying Spring. I visited Chinatown with mum a few nights ago and it was rather crowded there too. As we will be ushering the Chinese astrological year of the pig, there were lots of cute piggy stuff toys and deco on sale! Hmmm, CNY is just 10 days away! How exciting! I love the festive mood of this season!
The Chinese New Year atmosphere is rather thick in the office! We have Ying Kheng decorating the office with fresh plants and bright red auspicious looking artwork with the Chinese character signifying Spring. I visited Chinatown with mum a few nights ago and it was rather crowded there too. As we will be ushering the Chinese astrological year of the pig, there were lots of cute piggy stuff toys and deco on sale! Hmmm, CNY is just 10 days away! How exciting! I love the festive mood of this season!
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