Baptism Day

Was Baptised in church during service last night. Besides those from the church only a couple of friends knew about it not even my parents.
Actually, my room mate during my recent Weekend Encounter was to come and support me but he wasn't there. He was baptised last month.

There were about 40 people being baptised yesterday and i was 21 in the queue (3rd batch)
My spiritual leader was to follow me to the pool but he decided to get the 'leader' in front to help him so he need not get himself wet.
Wow, haven't stepped inside any pool for a long time. Have to get myself fully immensed into water with the help of 2 'brothers'. It was a refreshing feeling though felt very cold after coming out of the pool. My spiritual leader gave me a small gift.
Some of my brothers and sisters in Christ came to congratulate me. Then attended service as usual thereafter.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Today is a dear friend's Birthday.
As she is popular with her friends, some have already started celebrating her birthday already.
Have some 'nice' headache planning her 'schedule' this year..............(haha)

It's lunch treats and surprises galore for her and not forgetting presents too.
Later she will be having lunch with a group of gal friends and tonight i believed it will be candle light dinner with her husband, not forgetting roses and other gifts from him.

After Christmas, it's more food and drinks till the New Year. Then it will be a lot of workout and exercise therafter. (haha)
Which 'party' and what present does she likes most??

Glad she is and will be enjoying all the celebrations being organised for her. Hope she will have many many more Happy Returns.
Finally, wishing her HAPPY BIRTHDAY with lots of good health and happiness.
GOD bless you.

Countdown 1

Countdown to Christmas? No lah, already over.
Countdown to New Year (2008)? Also no lah, that's the job of 'Marina Bay'.
Countdown to what?

It's a very dear friend's birthday on 28th Dec
Supposed to have lunch with my friend tomorrow but due to unforeseen circumstances we couldn't meet. However, i am comforted and glad my friend will have another round of celebrations after Christmas starting from tonight with family and friends.
Another feast (food, drink, wine, dance...........) coming up right?
After next week, my dear friend will have phobia with food not forgetting cakes. (Haha) So what is the favour (cake) you like? Surely not carrot cake right? (hee hee)

I am just as exciting, looking forward to my friend's birthday in a couple of days time (don't know why lah?)
May GOD, our LORD finds favour in my dear friend, blessed her with good health and happiness.

Wine and Music

Wow, spent some part of my morning and early afternoon chit chat with my friend on the phone. Reckon like good wine and music, will not get (never) bored talking to my dear friend. Lots of fun and laughter, just like my friend being 'beside' me.
What was more amazing was we chatted till my handphone went flat (first time) and still, we continue 'chatting'. (haha)

Yes, good company ............indeed.
Hello, hello............ when is the next call coming?

Special People Ministry (SPM)

Apologise for the long delay. You might think i have gone MIA (Missing In Action) but like Arnold (Terminator) always say, "I will be back"!

It has been a hectic and busy weekend. However all the tiredness is worth it. It was a great joy and delight indeed to play a part in the Special People's Ministry.

Sat
Played the keyboard for the ID Ministry's Christmas party celebration (Intellectual Disabled) which falls under the umbrella of the SPM in the afternoon. It consist of a 5 piece band with 2 guitar, 1 bass, 1 keyboard and a drummer. Unlike last year, this time we played mainly Christmas songs as the members put up a sketch to narrate on the birth of Jesus.

Rush back to close shop and settle some office matters and then returned to church again to 'support' the Hokkien cell group party which consists mainly of the older folks. This group of people are taken charge by my 'immediate' leader and his wife with a few helpers. There is no worship team involved.
Since i was there i tried to play the keyboard for them to liven up the event.
Tonight i chose to attend the Deaf Ministry's instead of the Hokkien service as i shall be going to church on sun.

Sun
Woke up very early eg 0645 hrs to get ready for service @ Expo. Have told my leader i shall be helping him in the Special People's Ministry for the Main and Chinese service. I was basically required to wheel the disabled to the service hall and then to wheel them back after service to the van coming to pick them up.
There was a party being organised for those coming for the chinese sermon after service. Have to help to serve food and drinks and of course to egg them on during the singing.
Usually the cell group between the different gender are seperated but this time we come together to celebrate Christmas.
After the party, we have some packing up to do before calling it a day and i returned to office (as usual)

Was very happy and proud to be able to be involved in this meaningful event. Hope i shall be able to contribute more often for this good cause.
For the last few years, i have been getting 'close' with the needy, aged and unfortunate with my music. This is one small way which i can give back to society for what i am today.

Deaf Ministry Christmas Party

Decided to attend the Deaf Ministry's Christmas Party instead of going for Dong Fang Billy's sermon last night. At least, there are times i must also support my pastor's project.

Unlike last year, this year the event were fully organised by the deafies. They staged the show with the help of the hearing. There were worshipped before Pastor gave a short sermon on the meanings of Christmas. Then it was dinner.
The food was not too bad and it was buffet style. Unlike wed dealer's dinner @ Sheraton Hotel, i left the place not feeling hungry and there were food left.
Sat together with Pastor and his wife during dinner and chatted with them.

Didn't wait for the gift exchange (anyway, i didn't bring gift too) or lucky draw and left after dinner to attend the last part of Dong Fang Billy's sermon which people filled up the whole place from the first to the second level.

Surprise

Was pleasantly surprised to receive my friend's sms from overseas while on my way to work this morning. It certainly brightens my day ahead as it knew it will be a quiet day at work with students and a teacher not being able to come for lessons.
Everyone is looking forward to year end but not me lor, expected business (lesson) will not be good but still can't help feeling sad.

Was thoughtful and grateful of her sending me greetings. Hope she is doing fine over there with her family.

Friday

I like friday, not because weekend is around the corner but students are coming in for lesson as early as noon and it's also the latest i got to leave for home. It's no doubt the busiest day of the week whereby i have to stand outside the shop to take my lunch (beside sat)
Normally, i would just take my time during lunch but not fri and sat.

It's Day 2 since my friend has left for vacations. Wonder how her family and her is getting on?
Visited the famous night market? Tour the famous 101 Building?
Tomorrow, church is expected to be crowded caused special guest 'Dong Fang Billy' will be 'preaching'. May probably join the deaf ministry Christmas party instead and take some pictures.
Will be ending work early tomorrow as many students will not be coming for lessons.

Bon Voyage

My friend has left for vacation with her family today. How i yearn to go for a short break or breather too but just couldn't leave the office for long or ..........Have not been for a trip for quite sometime already and as usual if i were to go, i would probably be travelling alone.
Touring alone will be expensive and lonely while the only advantage is freedom as you don't have to discuss or consider your tour mates opinion.

Hope my friend will have an enjoyable and wonderful trip with her family.
May all of them be back home safe and sound.
Bon Voyage.

Telephone

Done something 'special' while speaking with a friend on the phone today. Suddenly i have this urge to play and dedicate a song to her. She must be surprise as this is the first time i played 'live' on the phone. Wonder how was her reaction? (hee hee) Too bad cannot see lah.

Have not played any song through the phone to anyone for a long time. It does rekindle some thoughts. Remembering, i always played birthday songs to my classmates or school mates during my pre U days. I feel it will be nice and a little different i can make to others lives.

Re Visit

After an 'exciting' weekend visiting one of Singapore's hottest night spot, Geylang a couple of weeks ago, it was a totally different mood and feelings last sun.

Mom was not cooking again last sun so have to settle dinner out. The weather was cooling so i made my way to East Coast Beach after work. Suddenly i have this urged to go there for a walk. Beside Labrador Park, East Coast Park will be another place that i shall remember for many good reasons.

As usual there were many joggers, campers, beach 'goers', stroller, skaters ............there. Made my way along the side of the beach and walked on the sand. Could hear the waves hitting the shores while walking along the beach. The mood was very different from the last time i have visited this place with a dear friend.

Just then, i could feel small droplets of water hitting me and soon it began to drizzle. Fortunately, i had a small umbrella which i have borrowed from my students earlier in the day. Walked my way back to 'mainland' in case it began to pour.

Indeed, this place brings back lots of memories. Wonder if i can ever come back here with my friend?

Entertainment

This will be the first time i shall be entertaining during this festive period eg Christmas
I avoid going to charity organisations at this time of the year caused many companies and volunteers will be taking this time to visit the homes of the needy and unfortunate right up to the Lunar New Year period.
Called a few Homes eg Lions Home, Sun Dac Centre ....... and they said they already have activities and their schdeule are very pack.

I change my target to contact those lesser known Homes and have already confirmed an entertainment with an old aged home on 27 Dec in the afternoon.
Will take sometime off in the afternoon to entertain as there will be more residents. Was told that if i wanted to play in the morning, i can only get a single gender to listen.

Beside celebrating Christmas (belated) with the residents, i shall be 'dedicating' my songs to a dear friend whom i am suppose to meet to celebrate her birthday.
Unlike my last 2 entertainments, this time i may not have any friends to join me. However, i know GOD & Holy Spirit will be with me.

Little Disciple

My 'tuti' finally came to visit my shop yesterday afternoon. Remembering the last time she dropped by was when i was at the old unit. As 'blur' as ever and she lost her way again.

Beside my 'little sister' whom i seldom contact nowadays, Tuti is the other person i feel comfortable with, talking and relating to. They were my ex colleagues from my previous company. Office politics and gossips are never in their dictionary. They are true and sincere.

Because of their good nature, they are often taken advantage of, esp my little disciple. One recently example was she was being asked by another fellow colleague to attend to a recorder customer. Goodness! She should just tell him off!

Perhaps, she is in the Brass and Woodwind section but everyone is equal across the board and can sell anything and anywhere in the showroom. Of course, salesmen are only keen to sell big items eg pianos esp grand piano as their commission depends on it but there must be fair chance and opportunity for everyone. Luck plays a very important part in sales job.

As we always say, "big fish and small fish". Many a times there were big arguments and disagreement amongst us. Yes, because money and livelihood are involved.
How staffs go all the way out to get the sale, 'trick' the customer, 'back stab' other colleagues ............ made me disheartened and wanted to throw the towel when i was there too but the passion of music and customers made me stayed for many years.

Maybe our character and good nature has made Tuti and me easy 'target'. Often we would not want to 'fight' for it but of course felt sad to lose the sale. Too bad, i am not around to 'protect' Tuti anymore and i told her she must fend for herself and if necessary don't give up and 'fight' till the end.

Remembering whenever i felt down and 'beaten', i would just walked off and play the piano to cool myself.
I always tell Tuti that both of us will never make it far in sale line as we are too soft hearted.
"Have rice eat rice, have porridge eat porridge lor"
Hope GOD will give Tuti a lot of luck and courage to fend herself.

Thank you Tuti for coming to visit me, your cake and chocolate. Indeed, i have a good chat with you.

Present

Wow, received my first Christmas present this morning. This is the only gift i received this year as i have had a 'bad' birthday earlier in the year.
Was excited and happy. Couldn't wait to unwrap my present so i went home immediately to open it up. It was beautifully wrapped.

Initially i thought it was a shirt hence was suprised to find a towel inside. Simple and yet nice.
Should i keep or used it? Too expenisve to use lah as compare to my normal 'China made' rough towel.
Ah, maybe use it as blanket to keep myself warmth? Hmmm

Chit Chat

Was pleasantly suprised and happy to receive my friend's long distance call late last night.
You see, nowadays not many would rely on phones to communicate with foreign though it's much cheaper to do so than before.
Many have used the PC with web cam instead so that one can see the other person 'face to face'.

My friend has settled well over there. Thank GOD
Of course, she told me she misses the local food here esp my mum's chicken rice. She will have to travel certain distance in order to taste chinese food. There is the laksa, rojak, wan tan mee, fish ball noodle and our favourite black carrot cake that she craved for.

We chatted as if we didn't see each other for years. Those old times, jokes we shared and cracked, fun times we had.
Time passed by quickly, we chatted for a few hours then have to hang up (phone bills expensive lah)
Wow, though i have only few short hours of sleep, i don't feel sleepy or tired at all today. We 'challenged' ourselves, maybe next time we can try to break the phone record.

Night Tour

Visited one of Singapore's hottest night spot last sunday.
Orchard Road? MOS? St James's Power Station?
No lah, it's Geylang. A place not only famous for its food but also other night life eg Red Light District.

While on a bus ride home with my friend, Pooh sometime ago, he has expressed interest to visit the place and take a 'closer' look @ Geylang. As he is very curious to see how the place is like, i suggested having dinner and thereafter take a stroll around the area last sunday.

We met around 1900hrs @ the bus stop near Lor 18 and started our 'journey' from there.
Wow, the place was crowded esp with foreign workers from China. The coffee shops were also jam packed with customers.
We walked the stores along the main road and while passing by one of the shops, we saw gals soliciting for clients. One of them hold my arm and 'asked' me, immediately i shoo her off, "NO, NO"

What was the most thriving business? It's the handphone shops.
"Oh My", the China gals there were 'hot', most of them (in fact all lah) were dressed scantily, lossely, 'beautifully' ................The XXX were big. However, they NEVER 'moved' me.

We settled for dinner at a coffeeshop. Then we began to explore the inner lanes eg Lor 8
Perhaps, it was early so there weren't many MEN there. Down the lanes, there were many of them 'waiting' to be picked, called, discussed ............They lined themselves up neatly, as if waiting to be shot in a firing squad.

Thank GOD, i passed the test with flying colours as i was never tempted to 'try'. Infact, i was afraid and fearful, eg people would 'kidnap' me. (haha)
Ended my journey @ Lor 4 and caught a bus back home.

Monday Blues

Monday Blues is back back back ...............
For a while, i have been looking forward to every Mon whereby i could catch up with a dear friend for lunch and my schedule for the day was planned nicely till the night. However, eversince my friend has left for Canada last week, my monday has become quiet and 'unusual mandane' and i was 'lost'.
Guess, i have to get used to this lifestyle again. (sigh)

It was the usual teaching this morning but @ a different venue. Then the 'planning' began ............Had thought of going somewhere but fall short as i think i better not appear (even though secretly like 007) or else ..............so i decided to call my ex army friend for lunch. To kill time, i went PS to walk around.

After lunch, i went to supplier's place to get some stocks for the shop. Wow, still have so much time to go before my next lesson @ River Valley. (sigh)
Decided to go Clark Quay to stroll. Liang Court was undergoing a major revamp so the place was very quiet and messy.
The weather was hot and humid, walked from one end to the other while stopping by to 'enjoy' the calm river, looking at the bum boat with tourist inside, wave at them but they were too 'busy'.

Riverside Point was another 'deserted' place. Remembering vividly entertaining @ the fountain for a few weeks during her opening many years ago. It was this place where i dedicated and played a song for Hong Kong actor Simon Yam. He came by to thank me and we took a picture together. He was tall, dark and handsome, how i wish i could be like him.

Usually, when i am around that area, i would walk over to nearby Mohammed Sultan Road, stayed there for a while overlooking outside a very special friend's office window, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. However, today, there was not a urge to do this again. Thank GOD
Yeh, seemed i have really beginning to put my 'this' sad past behind me and moved on. However, now i have to 'solve' another problem.
As the saying goes, 'one wave haven't settled, another wave come'.
Life is never a bed of roses ..............

After lesson, walked over to GWC and stop at outside PF for a while before moving off.
Monday will never be the same again. Have to try to get more students so as to keep myself and mind occupy. Any lobang for me?

There Will Always Be Sunshine After Rain

Looking back as the (years/days) gone by
and the good times we have.
Recreating music lines
that we sing of the past.

My heart is filled with love
that i felt so much.
Beneath the moon
and the world in our hands.

Chorus:
Flowers dont last long
wither as the time goes on
Come share the good times
and cherish the past

Looking back with no regret
enjoy the life as we can
There will always be sunshine after rain

(Music & Lyrics : George Tang)

Sixes and Sevens

Received a call from a long time friend, Sandy earlier. Was shocked to hear her voice as i thought i shall never get to hear from her again. Was momentarily speechless and has to confirm it was her.

Suddenly i was in sixes and seven, lost ..........but has to calm myself down to talk to her. On one hand, i would hope to hear from her but on the other hand ..............My heart sank and was heavy while talking to her.
Glad she is ok and life is back to normalcy, pursuing her passion, interest ..............

When Sandy mentioned she has done something 'unproductive' lately, i felt ........... Perhaps .......... but it's ok.
My mind was lost, heart deepen ................
Perhaps, we were becoming 'stranger' .....................Gone were the laughter, jokes, smile .........
Maybe that GOD's directives and will. Thank GOD.

Till now, my hands are still cold, heart 'confuse', mind 'lost' ............ (sigh)
Thank GOD for looking after Sandy, will continue to pray for her health and well being.

Visit

Visited my friend @ SGH yesterday evening who has one of her kidney removed.
Thank GOD that i managed to locate her as she has shifted to another block after the operation. Asked the 'right' nurse who was the one that has arranged for the transferred.

Saw her in a high dependency ward. Thank GOD that the operation was a success however she still has to be on the dialysis. The reason for removing her kidney was for fear of 'complications' that the kidney will caused to other parts of the organs.

Was sadden as i was at a lost of words to 'comfort' her. Hope my presence helped.
Brought a basket of flowers and essence of chicken but the flowers were not 'allowed' in the ward. The pollens in the flower may cause infection to the patients so it has to be placed outside.

Left after a while to chat with her ..............
Father LORD, pls bless Heidi and that she will recover soon and YOU will try to lessen the pain and discomfort that she is experiencing from her illness. Amen

Song

Music has been very much a part of my life till today. It has brought me more joy than pain.
The initial stage of learning to play the piano was tormenting, difficult, torture ...............
Classical music and all those theories and not forgetting taking the exams.

Now i played mostly pop music either for my personal pleasure or to entertain, be it @ parties, events, functions or charity.
Appreciate and most grateful to my dad for giving me a chance to learn music when i was young.

Played a lot of songs, must say one of those favourite songs are from the late Theresa Teng, Moon Represent My Heart & You Meant Much To Me.
Never fail to play those 2 songs whenever i am entertaining.

Whatever the song i play, it will make me smile and think of the good old days - which is not a bad thing because nostalgia is good for you, according to a Psychology Today article.
Researchers from Loyola University found that reminiscing about the good times for just 20 mins a day can make people more cheerful than they were the week before.

Pleasant memories are a good antidote for the blues, Loyola psychologist Fred Bryant told the magazine.
"Reminiscence can motive you" he added. "It can give you a sence of being rooted, of meaning and purpose - instead of being blown around by the whims of everyday life".

Had wanted to dedicate those 2 Theresa Teng's song to a dear friend but guess ...............it's a little too little too 'late'. However, i shall always remember those short but wonderful, great memories i have had with her.