Happy Birthday Dad '09

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Dad turns a year older today!

As usual being the creative me, I decided to give him a present with a personalized touch yet one that is useful!

I did have some ideas in my mind but since I am a student, I had to stick to a tight budget this time round.

So I photoshopped a picture of dad that was taken during my 21st birthday, added some birthday wishes and sent it to a local photo shop to get it printed out.

Then I slipped the photo into this mousepad, which specially has a slot for you to put your pictures in!

Yes there you go! My present to daddy! :D

Despite our busy schedules, my brother, dear and I still managed to grab hold of some time to celebrate my dad's birthday with a Hazel Nut Chocolate Cake from Prima Deli.

Dear lighting the candles slowly and carefully.

It's complete! Looking beautiful!

We decided to 'surprise' dad while he was in his room.

And we sang Happy Birthday!

Dad admiring the cake for awhile.

Making a wish..

Cutting the cake!

Gee. I hope dad likes my present as well as the cake! :)


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Call Me

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This is what I do when I have the whole day to myself - Composing songs! :)

Well I'm not usually the sort who exhibits my works because I don't have a great voice and recording with an inbuilt microphone just produces really low quality stuff.

Further more, I usually have to place my laptop on my lap while singing and playing the piano. Kinda tough I would say :(

So here's a song with a tune I really like - Call Me.



Call Me
It's been a while since we've been talking
How have you been lately
I wished you know that I miss you

Today it has been raining
Hope you are riding safely
No matter what please know that I'm praying

I wonder where you are
Don't you know that I'm not far
I'm just a call away

Baby I'm sorry
Would you just call me
Here I am waiting patiently
Punch in those numbers
Careful, don't fumble
Wait for the other end to ring
Hello it's me

Ok spare me the rotten eggs and the booings.


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Download Made Easy

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Ever felt like downloading a favorite song but only Youtube has it? Or ever felt like downloading some Youtube videos to watch in your own time?

Now you can do it easily with a Mac!

Downloading Songs From Youtube:

Get Tube is yet another YouTube video downloader with which you can get and store any clip from the famous video sharing site.

Get Tube lets you save videos in four different formats (mp4, mov, mp3, avi). The download process itself is a little unintuitive: not only does it only work with Firefox or Safari, but you also need to have one of the browsers open to a video to be able to download. Downloading with Get Tube can take a little while, but you'll be able to follow the whole operation thanks to a process bar.

Get Tube won't work if there are multiple videos opened up in the browser. Similarly try to avoid having multiple tabs opened as to seems to confuse the program.

Get Tube lets you select the folder to which you'll save videos, although the default is normally your download folder.

As to image and sound quality, you'll find they are exactly the same as you would have online.


Downloading Videos From Youtube:

If you're using Safari, there's an easy way to download YouTube videos. Open the page with the movie and press Command-Option-A, which shows the Activity window. If you're also loading other sites, you'll see a list of them: scroll until you find the YouTube page and click on the arrow to show details about what is being loaded.

You will certainly notice an element whose size is over 0.5MB (most of the time, over 5MB). Double-click on it (even if it is still loading), and Safari will download it. When the download is over, navigate to the file in the Finder (which will probably be called get_video) and add the extension .flv to its name. Now you can play it with VLC or with Real Player.


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Henderson Outing 2009

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The last time I remembered being with a group of senior citizens was when I had to clock hours for some sort of Community Service during Secondary School. Wait. Was it Junior College? I have no idea.

So last saturday, dear and I decided to go for the Henderson Outing at Marina Barrage. We were supposed to do a performance with the rest of the youths but due to some unforeseen circumstances, we arrived a tad late. :(

Any how, it was indeed nice to be of help to the senior citizens. Even the smallest things like helping them to open their mineral waters, throwing rubbish etc.. does provide a sense of satisfaction.

Youth performance for the senior citizens. Since I was late, I decided to redeem myself by taking pictures instead! :)

Singapore flyer and the view of the city, with little birdies circling around.

The dam. See the difference between the reservoir and the sea?

Marina Barrage from the highest point.

Took this after climbing onto a scaffold in which if I fell, would result in some major loss or death. Fortunately, I was chased down by the security guard.

After telling dear what I did, he took a look at how high the scaffold was realized the consequences if I fell. Then he turned to me, laughed and exclaimed: "You siao ah!"


The youths decided to fly some kites to entertain themselves and the senior citizens. Beautiful!

Rachel doing some hands on with her kite. Love this picture!

Us with the kites flying high above.

Everyone in the shade, waiting for lunch to be served.

A group shot of everyone!

Dear flying his kite.

Despite the hot weather, we had a great time of fellowship and kite-flying! I hope the senior citizens had a great time too! :)

Check out all the photos here, here and here!


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Our Ugly Side

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Whether you like it or not, we all have our ugly sides. You might not know it or experienced it yet, but when you are placed in desperate situations, you'll lose yourself to the things that you never thought you will ever do.

Like last night, I was stumped by my ugly side when I banged my fist on the lift door in anger. That sudden fit of rage and desperation jolted me into reality that hey, I never thought that I could be that angry. Or even so, I never thought that I would even make such an action.

Today I was made speechless by another ugly side I saw. And because of what I saw, it impacted me a great deal so much so that I felt like making an impulsive and rash decision on the spot. Well, I didn't. Instead, I stomped off to my parents car, sat down, and cried.

Dad wasn't around, just Mom and I, and for the first time since I can't remember when, I wailed and poured everything out to her.

Honestly, I never thought that I could or would share it with Mom because I assumed that she wouldn't understand what I went through. But I stood corrected when after wailing and ranting to her, she said something that made perfect sense and kicked me in my stomach.

Of course I was still sobbing in the car all the way until we reached the destination for lunch. But I thank God that she was there in my most painful and desperate time. And from her, I've learnt that indeed, your parents are the ones that will always love you the most, will always be there for you, and know you inside out.



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Through My Lens

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I recently befriended a fellow photographer through a mutual friend via Facebook.

So last night, we were chatting about Photography and he asked to see my "portfolio".

Surprised at his question, I casually answered that I don't have any portfolio and he had overestimated me.

Unperturbed by my amateurism, he suggested that I should start a portfolio; or probably a place where I can display the better pictures I have taken previously.

So here's introducing my photo blog - Through My Lens

For the pro photographers out there, please bear with these shots as I'm still grasping the ropes of this new found hobby! :)


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Smoky Situation

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Here's a typical scenario of a bus-stop full of commuters waiting for their next bus. I was amongst them, waiting anxiously for my bus to arrive.

Suddenly a smoker walks by and throws his lighted cigarette into the ash tray above the dust bin.

The cigarette begins to burn the scraps of paper found in the ash tray and suddenly, billows of smoke came out from the ash tray, causing irritation to the commuters in the bus-stop, including me.


No one seem to do anything about the matter, everyone sat down with hands covering their noses. Even I was oblivious to the smoky situation.

Then came a lady who asked if she could pour water over the smoke before a fire starts out. I smiled and said "Yes of course!"


Thank God that there are still some good samaritans out there who are willing to always lend a hand :)


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Kits (Kids) Grow Up So Fast!

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Interestingly, a baby rabbit is called a Kitten or Kindle. No, definitely not called a Bunny but a Kit (short for Kitten or Kindle).

So recently, dear came over for dinner on a few occasions and each time, he would make several remarks about Ruby which in short, would go something like that:

"He's so big now?! He's so ugly!"

Of course I know he's kidding - at least he'd better be. But each time he made that comment, it would jolt me into reality and realize that indeed, Ruby has been growing exponentially fast.

Ruby at 3 months old when he first arrived home.

Ruby at 4 months old

Ruby, coming close to 5 months old.

As you can see, Ruby has indeed grown longer and much bigger! In fact, he looks more like a little lamb than a rabbit! :D

And if you think that I have been over-feeding him, you are wrong because all these while, I have been feeding him consistantly as per the Pet Shop Keeper's instructions - Twice a day and 3 spoons each feed.

Perhaps rabbits do grow up that fast, or perhaps his Alfafa pellets are super growth hormones which I would have been unaware of when I purchased it because the fonts were probably printed in font size 6 and located somewhere at the bottom of the food pack.

However watching Ruby grow up and getting bigger do give me a revelation of why parents often complain that their kids grow up too fast.

I reckon that it isn't because of negligence or the lack of time spent that kids or kits grow up so fast. But sometimes, we are simply too caught up with the hustle and bustle of life that we fail to slow down and stop to smell the roses.

For that, dear's remarks of Ruby has made me realize that I should spend more time with the people I love, not forgetting my pet rabbit :)


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FaceYourManga.com

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With technology, you can almost do anything online! From shopping, to blogging, e-commerce, transactions, and even photo editing.

So yesterday, I stumbled upon an online website - FaceYourManga.com which allows you to create your own avatar like the typical Japanese Manga, and I decided to create an avatar of dear and I.

Does it have any resemblance? No?

Really? Still nothing?


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Hitting The Reset Button

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Last week was gruelling for me - not because I had a hectic schedule or a strenuous exercise. It was the mere reason of keeping my mind constantly in check against any paranoid or negative thoughts as I went through the usual biological cycle of the month just like any other female.

Fortunately, my cramps were not as bad as the usual cramps that left me paralyzed to the point where I had to stay in bed, crouch in a foetal position and experience episodes of pain in cold sweat.

Yes, this time round the cramps were much more bearable but still painful, and I thank God for a higher threshold of endurance because I ran out of painkillers and lazy was I to wake up early in the morning and queue up at my neighbourhood polyclinic.

However as I battled the cramps and occasional backaches last week, what was more painful to overcome was my own thoughts; thoughts that were depressing, desolate and bereft.

It was as if the simplest things, comments, actions, people, or circumstance could easily trigger the offset of the outpouring from my tear ducts.

So the whole week, my brain was at war with my hormones. One moment I was able to function normally, the other moment I would seat down on my study chair, turn on some solemn classical piece, stare at the raindrops on my window and cry.

To make things worse, I was needy and dear was busy so keeping my mind sane and actively trying to be less needy and more independent did frustrate me to tears.

Thankfully, all was well on Saturday night. Suddenly, I was normal and he was available for me. I could imagine God pressing the reset button and "ZAP!" everything went back to default.

And so last night, dear and I headed down to our favorite spot - Changi Airport T3 to enjoy the company of each other, have a drink and some dessert.

Us at The Coffee Bean.
Delicious, moist and warm Mudpie.
Introducing one of The Coffee Bean's new flavour: Banana Chocolate Ice Blended
Marshmallows Toppings: $0.80
Talking about stuff
.. and laughing at each other.

I'm so glad that I got past last week and ended it on a good note. Thank God for hitting the reset button :)


Click here to see the rest of our Airport Adventures!



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The Staring Incident

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The classic stare accident with the classic reply of "WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?" :)

Either that or quite an amusing attempt to pose! :D


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An Eeyore In A Notes Pile
Revisiting A&W
Light Riders Trip
Love Bears All Things


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Recession Sale

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Dear all,

I'm helping out a friend with a Garage Sales and have placed the items here.

I know that with the current economic situation, spending power is pretty much reduced. But these items are NEGOTIABLE and more or less be sold according to the buyer's asking price.

Therefore all items are priced at a guideline only. If interested and price is an issue, no worries! Just name the price you're comfortable with and I'll more or less agree :D

So please drop by or help by passing the word around!


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Love Out Loud

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He fumbled. Stopped. Fumbled. Each fumble was marked with irritation and grouchiness.

I stood there watching with unconcealed curiosity. "Is he angry? Did I do something wrong? What's going on?!"

He plugged in his earphones, turned on some music on his iphone, pulled up the zipper on his jacket, put on his helmet, walked towards me and gave me a hug.

"Bye dear," he said.

"Goodbye. Why were you so grouchy?" I asked cautiously.

"I'm tired. And after sending you home, I've got to go home, put down my stuff, go to second link and pump petrol."

I looked at my watch. It was 10.15 pm.

...

I walked up the stairs leading to my home feeling extremely guilty that night. I thought about the plenty of rides he sent me home, rides to and fro places, rides that were out of the way just to pick me up etc.

Instantly, the sense of appreciation and love overwhelmed me.

He'd rather send me home and feel tired than let me take public transport home myself; or travel a longer route just to pick me up and send me around - Gosh, pangs of guiltiness and love flooded my mind.

My heart wrenched. It skipped a few beats. Then I quickly texted him a message to tell him how thankful I was.

...

You see, I finally understood what kind of person he was, and see a clearer picture of the man I loved.

He doesn't show love by keeping a picture of us on his phone or wallet. In fact the picture in his room was put up by me with a picture frame that he had received some Christmas ago.

But he shows love through his actions; by including me in almost all of activities, by sending me around, by doing so many other things that you wouldn't imagine him doing :)

And for that, I thank God for keeping us through these 6 years, and for the years to come.


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Chicken A La Carte

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Yesterday, I received an email from an old church friend that contained a link to this video. I didn't have the time to watch it yesterday but this morning, I'm glad I gave this a look.

This short film - Chicken A La Carte, talks about the hunger and poverty brought about by Globalization. There are 10,000 people dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition. This short film shows a forgotten portion of the society. The people who live on the refuse of men to survive. What is inspiring is the hope and spirituality that never left this people.

It is saddening to watch this because I never had the idea that the Poverty level in our neighbouring countries could be so bad. It's devastating and I have no idea how to help them :(

Probably I'll think twice before leaving any leftovers on my plate.


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An Eeyore In A Notes Pile

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Despite the recent habit of throwing away junk and the "rubbish" I have accumulated over the past years, I am still a very sentimental person when it comes to certain items.

Take this piggy pencil case for example: My dad bought it for me when my family and I were in Korea for a holiday.

That trip was say.. 3 to 4 years ago (I can't recall) and up till today, I still keep it and use it because I love it very much!

So I was cleaning my room the other day, throwing out all the notes and basically ridding any traces of my Junior College days except those really expensive textbooks, when suddenly, I came across this container that was hidden behind the huge stack of notes which was located on the top cupboard above my study table.

Curious, I opened it up and there it was! The Eeyore keychain that I have been looking for years! :D
Surely it looked old and dirty, with the colors fading off and a part of the chain missing, but I gasped for a few moments before leaping down from my study table, running to the phone, jamming a few numbers excitedly and waiting for the ringing tone.

(Toot toot. Toot toot toot)

"Yea?"
"Dear you can't believe it! I FOUND it!" I found the Eeyore keychain you gave me!"
"Wah! That's good!"

.. and I can't remember the rest of the conversation.

But in essence, I am so ecstatic and elated to find this Eeyore keychain because it is the very first present that dear gave me!

Back then we were both schooling; I was in secondary school and he was in college, so whatever allowance he had saved over the week was spent on buying this Eeyore keychain for me.

In addition, Spongebob wasn't created back then and since I had a thing for Eeyore, dear bought it to make me happy.

And I was happy, still am happy, and extremely GLAD that I found it! :D


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Furry Friend

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I've always liked being in the midst of nature, welcoming and observing the beauty of God's creation. Like that time when I stumbled upon a snail on my way home, or how I rescued a bird on a neighbourhood road - Golly! I really do enjoy nature!

However this time round, I didn't get to be part of this incident where dear came face to face with our furry friend - Mr Squirrel, at the back of church.

It's quite funny how he described to me this whole incident! He needed to get something from his bike and as he opened the door, standing out there was Mr Squirrel staring at him.

Immediately (as if he knew I would do exactly the same thing if he were me), he ran to my bag and grabbed my camera to take this shot with his new Furry Friend :)

Well, since he couldn't go near Mr Squirrel in fear that it would run away, dear took the shot rather far away and I cropped the photo; so bear with the grainy photos!

Unfortunately, Mr Squirrel was terrified by the presence of humans when Ken came closer to peer at Mr Squirrel :(

Oh well, at least I know that we do have a regular visitor at our church on Sunday! :D


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My Easter Bunny

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As a believer, I don't believe in Easter eggs and Easter bunnies though I continually eat chocolates shaped like an Easter egg which are given to me by friends.

But since it is Easter, and I have a rabbit, I'll just play along! :)

Here's Ruby, my Easter bunny, caught hopping in his excitement!

Happy Easter Everyone! :D


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Night Finds

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It was late at night and I was sauntering home with music blasting into my ears from my iphone.

All was well and good when suddenly, I felt my boot kicked something away. Well I've always had a problem with my shuffling feet - they either cause me to trip or kick something which makes me fall either way.

Anyway, I quickly unplugged my earphones looked at the 'thing' that I have kicked away. "Hmm, looks like a stone" I thought to myself. Upon closer look, it was a little snail!

Immediately, I knelt down to check if it was alright, or if I had clumsily and unintentionally stepped on it. Fortunately, it was fine. Just shaken up and hiding in its shell, but overall - fine.

Just as I was about to stand up and walk away, there it was - a huge snail looking straight at me with its antennas twirling around; as if to inspect me.

Based on my inference, I assumed that this must be the parent of the poor little snail I kicked away. In this context, lets name it Mummy Snail.

So Mummy Snail was obviously much bigger and heavier than Baby Snail, and hence took longer to cross the road.

I readjusted myself in front of Mummy Snail and observed it for quite some time. And as I stared at this peculiar living thing, I was filled with awe and wonder of how life can be so vulnerable sometimes, and how fortunate I am for the simple fact of being a human and not a snail.

Crazy as it might sound, I even wondered how it would feel like to be a snail.

Funny how it took a snail to make me realize the beauty of God's creation and the wonder of His magnificence :)


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Revisiting A&W

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The only time I can vaguely remember my last A&W meal was when my family and I were at the Train Station waiting to take a train from Singapore to Malaysia, and while waiting (or I think it was after we have came back from Malaysia), we decided to have A&W. Back then, I was just a kid.

After which A&W slowly started becoming endangered in Singapore, and finally - extinct.

Since then, I have been craving for their Ice Cream Waffles, their Curly Fries, their Root Beer Float - and oh dear, I almost thought that I never had a chance to try all that again because I had no idea that A&W existed in other places of the world.

Even if I knew the other places that had A&W, I would have to wait for decades later where supposedly I would already have my own vehicle, all the freedom I want, and zero accountability.

Anyway, I finally had my chance when dear brought me together with a group of close friends to satisfy my cravings at Bukit Indah.

Finally A&W! We have arrived!

Crispy Fries

Curly Fries

Coney dog. Someone recommended me this but I prefer my sausage a little softer.

The famous root bear!

Ice Cream Waffles with Strawberry Syrup! My favorite so far! :D

What to say, we were extremely satiated and satisfied!

Teehehe! Looking for the more A&W trips to come! :)


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