Sze Chuan Court 四川阁

As promised, here is the update on today's Farewell Lunch by Jeff. Lunch was held at Szechuan Court, and we really ate to our fill! Thanks Jeff!

Here's a map for your reference!

So here's what I think of the place:

Ambiance:

The whole zen theme mixed with a strong chinese culture makes the entire place cosy, warm and comfortable. You would even be able to notice some decor and furniture that reflects the typical chinese setting. Eg: curtains, furniture etc.. Overall, I like the place for its soothing and relaxing ambiance, especially when it crossed with a modern outlook.

Food:

As it is a chinese restaurant, you would expect typical chinese dishes ranging from an expensive delicacy like Shark Fin and Abalone, to simple appetizers such as Dim Sum and Pau. I would give a rating of 7/10, but that's just my opinion. Nevertheless, I ate to my hearts content!

Service:

The crew's initiative is commendable. With an efficient service and fast response time, waiting wouldn't be an issue. However, they should smile more and probably go for further self improvement English courses.

And finally, the photos!

( If you do not see an enlarged picture of the thumbnail, click here)

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Esther turns Two-Oh

Happy Birthday Sister! A year older, and a year filled with with life experiences to look back and smile at. Just look at how much you've grown and overcome!

Here's a big hug.

Anyway I gave this pair of hand-made Sesame Street shoes, filled with my love, sweat and creativity juice! Hope you'll like it girl!

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Growing Up

As I flipped through some of the old, dusty photo albums that mom has well hidden over these years, I can't help but widen my eyes in amazement. Looking at photos of myself as a baby, toddler, child, kid, teenager really make me ponder on how much I have grown, shrunk, and changed!

Yes I know, I look horrible when I was young. The flabs, the chubbiness, the small eyes. Thank God for change!

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Grace's M.E.D Way

Ever since I stopped my Table Tennis training in 2006, I have been losing muscle mass steadily. Stress was and is one major factor as well, and now I'm way below the average healthy weight. And although I like my current physique, I know that I should put on a little more "healthy" baggage, or at least, more muscle mass. Hence I resolved to jog today! The torrents of perspiration the flowed from my head down, the surge of blood that gushed into my head, deep breaths, flushed face, and the throbbing heart in every part of your body - I enjoyed it!

Speaking of which, many ask me how to lose weight and I never fail to share with them 3 of the following methods:

Move!

No I'm don't mean strenuous exercise that cause your muscles to ache but rather, mundane movements that make you sweat it out! On days that I don't run, I do 30 to 40 sit ups, if not, I'll do about 20 jumping jacks. And on every other day, I brisk walk when I do my shopping, as well as run up 2 storeys of stairs from the 6th to the 8th floor because there isn't a lift landing in every floor. You might think "No way, those can't lose those flabs!' Yes I know they won't, but they keep your body toned. To really lose the kilos, you have got to..

Eat!

Don't starve yourself or become bulimic. If hungry, just eat! Of course I'm not talking about snacking, I mean proper meals. If eating 1 or 2 full meals a day works for you without developing a gastric problem in the long run, then go ahead. If not, eat your 3 proper meals a day but keep the portions smaller. A good tip to make you eat less during proper meals is to eat a fruit first before your main course.

With regards to snacks, I would advise to binch on fruits, whole-meal bars, cereal or even a cup of Milo! Surely you can satisfy your cravings with a small bag of chips, an ice-cream, or fried food, but choose those with low if not no trans-fat at all! Why? Because trans-fat increases your LDL cholesterol levels while lowering the amount of beneficial HDL cholesterol levels in your body. Worse of all, trans-fat is really really hard to get rid of!

Drink!

What I do when I get extremely hungry sometimes is to consume drinks that make you full! A classic example would be Soya bean milk, Milo or Cereal. This would normally help to curb your growls for a while before it's time to eat the real thing!

There you go! 3 simple ways to keep trim and healthy!

(Disclaimer: These methods are not scientific, and are based on personal experiences. There is no gurantee of results.)

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Hooked On

Ever since my last fishing trip, I've been looking forward to the next trip. Oh.. the smell of the sea, the sun scorching on your skin with sweat trickling down your temples as you wait in silence and patience for the subtle nibble! Meanwhile, I came across this toy that used to be one of a child's fav in the past. I'm quite surprised to find this actually, considering kids these days play with PSP, Play Station 3 and Wii. Even gadgets like Gameboy are "extinct", what more this simple fishing toy?

Speaking of which, I really have no recollection of myself playing with toys when I was a child. I only remembered assessment books, tuition, enrichment classes, and watching the telly.

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Caution: Carcenogenic Food

The top five cancer-causing foods are:

1. Hot dogs

Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month. If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.

2. Processed meats and bacon

Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart! disease . The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.

3. Doughnuts

Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.

4. French fries

Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acryl amides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams .

5. Chips, crackers, and cookies

All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.

..

Are you kidding me? I love all the foods mentioned above! Lays chips, donuts, french fries, luncheon meat and especially hotdogs! Cancer-causing? Hmm, I think it's just a spoof. Must be mom, her simple meal in the past consists of fried eggs, baked beans, steamed luncheon and hotdogs with rice. Occasionally there would be salted black fish and otah with rice and soup. Oh boy, all these while I thought it was alright to eat such "simple" foods since canned food is so cheap. No wonder my body seems to be degrading faster than it should. It must be the built up of all these canned food stored in my bones over the last few years!

.. And I thought I was low maintenance if I could live on eggs, baked beans, luncheon meat, hotdogs and rice for the rest of my life. Oh well, detox time!

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Project Love

You've got to be kidding me. God, what are You trying to say?

2 Saturdays ago, Weston taught about Love, one of the fruits of the spirit, during Disciple Group class. I remembered: Agape love, Phileo love, Intimate love and Self love.

1 Saturday ago, Pastor Rachel spoke of Loving One Another and how we can build healthy relationships with one another.

This week, I read of Love everywhere and was reminded of Love all the time. Coincidence? Or a time to listen and obey?

I admit that I'm a sucka for love, seriously. Sometimes it's so hard to love as well, but after all, I'm only human. That's no excuse I know, but I'm trying.. especially when God seems to be giving way obvious clues now. And although I love myself to be narcissistic, to abstain from alcohol, drugs, smoking, tattoo-ing, and body piercing, I find myself in a constant battle of self love when it comes to dealing with my inferiority, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and brokenness.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:22-25 (NIV)

Wow. Seems like a call for action to start on Project Love. God, please help me to give like I've got plenty, love like I'm not afraid. And because You've commanded it, I will obey.

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Long Time No See

 It's funny how time has no boundaries for love.

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Noble House 金玉满堂

This would be my best recommendation for a classy and traditional Chinese Restaurant - Noble House.

I had a chance to dine there because of a farewell lunch and man, the decor and ambiance blew me away as I entered the restaurant! You guys should check it out seriously, and bring money, lots of it!

Ambiance:

It's hard to miss the traditional classic Chinese feel as you enter. With a mix decor of wood, cream walls that portray a close semblance to the old Chinese courtyard back in the old days, you literally feel as if you're walking down memory lane.

Food:

Being a fussypot, I didn't get to try most of the seafood but most of the dishes are served in a relatively small individual portions and are delicately garnished. Food isn't that great I must say, probably a 7.5 out of 10 but if you are an ambiance person, this would be the perfect place.

Service:

The staff are pretty courteous and smiley all the time. The only downside is that they converse mostly in Cantonese and Chinese so English people (or those who fail miserable in striking a proper conversation in Chinese) please brush up on your Mandarin first if not you'll probably end up with a different dish with what you have ordered.

Coming up, farewell lunch next thurs!

Special thanks to Jeremy for lending me his camera. A good camera really makes a difference!

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Airport Adventures: Trip #3

Last night was another supper date at our usual hangout - Changi Airport Terminal 3. Even though the place feels cold and unfeeling in the night with shops closed and barely a soul in sight, the tingling warmth in dear's big and soft hands were more than enough. We had our usual supper at Mcdonalds - Nuggets Meal, and laughed our heads off whilst watching Friends Episodes on youtube with our iphones.

Hehe. I was still grumbling about how life is a boring routine of habits and responsibilities yesterday morning. Turns out to be that life is full of surprises and fun, especially when you take time off to spend some quality time alone with your partner and just chill out! Life is abundant, really.

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Tacloban City 2008

For those who are familiar with Bill, Wilfred, Yin Yin and Melody, we all know that they have been actively doing missions and sharing the Good News to others! Here's a video of their work in Tacloban City. It's blesses my heart to see that God is doing a great work in their lives, and using them as a testimony for His glory!

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

On a separate note, I came across this video which is based on the Mac vs Pc apple trailer. It's actually a comparison of a Christ follower vs a Christian. Enjoy!

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Sam's Surprise Farewell

Yesterday was a long and action packed day throughout because a group of us gave Sam a surprise farewell party! Credits go to Esther and Auntie Nancy for organizing this. Boy! My hats go off to those who were in the distraction party, those that "acted" really well, and those that helped play along by keep mum about this "secret"!

I wish I could elaborate the details further but gosh! So much action and fun went on that I don't really know where to start! I guess, let the pictures do the talking ya? (Pardon some of the pictures that don't look well, just got Jeremy's camera yesterday and off I went shooting pictures without much knowledge of using the camera!)

Click on Sam's face to see the rest of the pictures !

Note: The pictures are in a group album, so anyone with pictures on that day can contribute as well? Drop me a tag if you do contribute some of the pictures from your cam!

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