Working At The Car Wash
Okay, my current weight is a hefty 66 kg. I know it's not working, and I know why, so from tomorrow onwards I'm going to get tough on the diet plans; veges all the way.
Anyway, went for a few laps before choir today. It was real boring, that Miss Gan had to yak and yak her mouth at us, the basses. It was like Luke who told us not to practice and she didn't even scold him (because he was acting like he was a great SL by changing the battery pack of the piano like after an hour) and I was so tired when she was nagging, almost fell asleep. I mean, if she was really hardworking and busy and she just told us "please practice now," I know I would've. Besides, me and Jie Rong were like singing and singing in the cafeteria - although songs not related to choir.
Ezra is really darn funny, he doesn't know how to say fiance and he was like telling me this channel 8 show. So he went, "You know that female patient's finance is 8 years younger than her," We were laughing mad. Not that we're mocking his pronounciation but he's just such a joker and when he seriously gets doped it's hilarious to see him giving that geeky look.
Went with Iven to Toa Payoh after that, miss Dora Lee is really funny too. We went around TP eating bread and going to the library until quite late.
Welp, tomorrow's school, can't wait to get results and all. Time to sleep after today's pulp of mellow events.
Escape Now.
We went to Escape themepark on Saturday, and then I went again on Sunday (Darrell had leftover tickets.. he has 18 lol) with Hanif, family, aunt and Jospehine. Hanif got periodically nauseous here and there, I really hope he enjoyed himself even though he was feeling lightheaded after the first ride... the 360 degrees thing that went around like a ferris wheel. We then went to alot of rides, like the indoor rollercoaster, we were like singing Hilary's Fly throughout until we came to those downhills, then we sat those go-karts and I was such a cheater to overtake him, making myself almost overturning. Then there was that log fume ride where we raised our hands in mid-air skidded down from like..7 metres high.. haha, he even got a poncho to make sure he doesn't get wet. It was really really fun.
Josephine really amazed me when she dared to go up that same ride with me. Was it her? The cousin of mine who puked when she sat that children's rollercoaster two years back? That brings back alot of nostalgic memories.. she was screaming the whole time when we were up there, looping here and there like a bunch of monkeys in parachutes. She let down her hair up there and it was like flying like a crazy woman, and I couldn't stop laughing. She's still a joker after all these years man.
I realise my sun burns are makign my skin peel.. luckily it's only on the back. Shan Hui and me are going again today, speaking of which I think I'll be late. We've been really training ourselves. My average weight now is 64 kg.. no longer 65 kg.. it's miraculous! Wahaha. My tan is already fading.. so I don't think I'll shock anyone on Wednesday.. sigh, so much for hard work. :/
Well? What's Your Say?
Ruth Parkinson trudged heavily home, her slingbag drooping, and her spirit sucumbing as much as her weight is to gravity. She wiped her forehead off the cold sweat of the misty late afternoon. There were no old ladies strolling St. parker Street opoosite, no dogs waggling their tails, sniffing the lightposts before urinating obscenely on them.
She fumbled for the keys to her apartment's mailbox. She almost gave up, what's the use of opening the dreaded box anyway? All the letters she got were from people chasing frantically for loan payment and bills. Ruth pulled out the small silver key from one of her slingbag's compartments and glared at it. That, was the key to all her troubles in life.
She slotted the key into the keyhole labelled 0345 and turned the key. The lid flew open, and a few letters flew out and swept onto the floor. Ruth rolled her eyes, great. She picked one by one slowly, arching her already aching back over.
Until she came across one.
There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address. She casually tore the envelope apart and pulled out the crisp and neat letter and read it.
Dear Ruth:
I`m going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit.
Love Always, Jesus
A sense of warmth overwhelmed her first cynical and skeptical thoughts, she no longered cared about disbelief. Why, it was THE first real letter she got since she moved her months ago. This couldn't be real, and it was hardly fake. The words loomed over all her troubles and worries she had prioritise earlier. She felt guilty, not having remembered the Lord in her life. When was the last time she ever made time for church? She couldn't remember...
It's time to pay back. She didn't care if the letter was a skank, she wanted to be grateful to what she had lost. As she rushed up to her shabby apartment, suddenly, a thought burst through all her goodwill and motivation that stopped her at her tracks.
"I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer."
With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets. "Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to
the store and buy something for dinner." She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and forty cents. "Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least."
She threw on her old brown coat and hurried out the door.
A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk...leaving Ruth with grand total twelve cents to last her until Monday. Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meagre offerings tucked under her arm. At least it's time she could make up for God.
"Hey lady, can you help us, lady?"
Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway. A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags. The sun dimmed across the alley. It was dangerous at this time to venture alone. And she wasn't concerned enought o bother with strangers.
"Look lady, I ain't got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us. Lady, we'd really appreciate it."
Ruth looked at them both.
They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to. The man's west accent and ill-mannered tone only made her more irritated. She gritted her teeth.
"Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him." She raised her eyebrows at her groceries, she couldn't possibly be ready on time for the Lord if she stalled any longer.
"Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway."
The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley, shuffling their worn feet over the dirty pathway.
As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart. She wasn't a bad woman, she was being paid low and overworked, but what else can these people offer to themselves but starvation? Maybe if she gave them her food, they would last longer, find a job, and be successful and happy people themselves. Instead of being her, alone, busy and cold in outskirts New York.
"Sir, wait!" The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them. "Look, why don't you take this food. I...I'll figure out something
else to serve my guest." She shrugged and handed the man her grocery bag.
"Thank you lady. Thank you very much!"
"Yes, thank you!" It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering. "You know, I've got another coat at home. Here, why don't you take this one." Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders. Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street...without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest.
"Thank you lady!
Thank you very much!" The man behind her. She turned around and waved before heading down the darkening night.
Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried too. The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him. She rubbed her arms as cold vapour escaped from her dehydrating lips. She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox, it was inside, with a corner of it still exposed to her sight.
"That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day." She took the envelope out of the box, tied back her dirty blonde hair and opened it.
Dear Ruth:
It was so good to see you again. Thank you for
the lovely meal. And thank you, too, for the
beautiful coat.
Love Always Jesus
The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed. At a glimspe, she remembered, she recalled everything. She was lonely because she never committed to her parents, her friends, and her close relatives. She had shunned them away, and behind a glass barrier she has questioned her solitude. It's not about her anymore, it was about the people around her. Jesus had just came to remind her, that love is not as invisible as she thought.
I edited the story, this originated from a chain letter. Just a reminder that Lord is in our lives.
Unititled.
I look different. But I'm still far from changing my appearance. I'm glad swimming did good on my skin but there's still slimming, changing of specs, buying watch etc.
My mind just goes blank these days. It's the post-sport symptom; actually found rock wonderful. It's miraculous. Okay, off of here.. there's lots more of fitness-ing to enjoy.
EOY Exams Over!
The exams are officially over. I think I did well this time for art, even though I didn't paint for once, I just didn't want to burden on how the painted hand would look like.
Hanif, Shan Hui and me went swimming, the stupid lifeguard had to open his mouth and reprimand Hanif on swimming in school shorts. It's like no big deal really. I lost a kg because of today.. ahh, at this rate, I'll be shedding in no time. Shan Hui got dark just by one swimming session, while I got an aftershock; I'm back home red like a roasted pig. It's not sun-burns, I have very sensitive facial skin (that explains the acne scars).
I'm so glad to hear that Oliver has gone back to the right way, he was taking drugs and being a criminal six months ago.. it's great to hear that he's stood up by himself. Wonderful 18-year-old. He's in love with this 14 year old girl, and I hope everything goes well for him and his courtship there in Australia.
Now, I'm so tired my legs wobble when I walk.. seriously.. gotta get my own forty winks.
Later.
My God
Bought Hillsongs United - To The Ends Of Earth today as a sel-gift from my long belated birthday. This is one of my favourite tracks:
My God
Your faithful love
has always been there for me
the greatest love
that I have ever known
what can I give to you
for all You’ve given to me
You gave it all
and You are all I need
Pre-Chorus:
You are my king, You are my God
the praises I bring
come from my heart
Chorus:
This is for You
for all You’ve done for me
and I wanted to show You
how much You mean
my God, my God
Picadilly
The exams are over.
Well, there is still art, but you don't have to mug for art.. so yeah, I still have to do that pre-art-exam-running-around frenzy again this time round. That's today schedule actually, so I'm leaving it as it is right now.
When Mdm Chandran haphazardly returned the papers she took form the first and second row, we all just rushed out. I really had to thank her for that second earlier, if I had remembered correctly, I was supposed to go to Plaza Singapura to get Hillsongs United - To The Ends Of The Earth (yeap, I know how slow I can be..) but Darrell and me just left for Eugene's house instead.
Sometimes when I get home and open the front door, I don't know why, but I expect to see my great-grandmother sitting on the sofa, fanning herself while watching television, but the seat would be empty. I think I'm really used to her just being someone at my home, her authentic and religious ways influencing the rest of us. But her stay was temporary cause she had to move back to Toa Payoh with my grandmother (whose very very fit) to look after her.
When she was around, no one dared to sin, to give in to temptations or raise their voices. She would get up the earliest, pray everyday at 3pm and 5.30pm, not to forget the in-between praises to God while she's sweeping the floor, watching TV, or just happy to see me or my brother reaching home. Now that she's moved back, it's abit uneasy no longer to have someone to cast an example to you. She's prospered so much because God was with her all the way. Bless her.
My brother is really horrible, he has no urgency for his exams at all, and goes to his friend's house to study? Like a believe that Kevin friend of his actually WILL teach him Math. He's been so lazy, my Dad and me can only stare at soft-hearted Mum who allowed all this to happen. I remember when I was younger and if I lied, I would be stuffed with chilli and left to stand at a corner, and my mum and my aunt once got punished by my grandfather by hanging them above a hot pit. I know it sounds rather inhuman right now, but like how my family turned out, we believe in physical punishments, a young boy does not have the intellect, and he has the choice to shut the message out totally. It's time for a major discipline shift towards my brother, and if no one is going to be harsh on this shift, I'd personally see to it. Mum doesn't even know her soft-heartedness is smearing his future with black paint.
I'm glad he still listens to me, I'm just doing this because I don't want to see him behind bars one day.
Before I go, here's a song by Vi3... their no longer exist, but this is a one-time hit I just couldn't forget. It was the theme song of my romance novel 'Crushes' before the whole document file got washed away by a reformat my Uncle did. It's bad luck la.. haiz. Later.
Vi3 - Eyes Closed So Tight
[VERSE 1:]
All those nights, that we kissed
Are the nights that I miss
Holding hands, I's your man
For sure...
We were young, but secure
What we had was so pure
Innocence, every since
We spoke...
[B-SECTION:]
Why do we fall in love, when love will only tear us apart?
Back then the world was ours, everything was so right...(but we were...)
[CHORUS:]
Kissing with our eyes closed so tight
So young, and feeling so right
Never thought that we could do wrong (ohh we were...)
Kissing with our eyes closed so tight
So young, and feeling so right
I can't believe that those days are gone
[VERSE 2:]
So much pride, as my girl
Thought I showed you the world
Memories, you and me
So real...
Gave my heart, and my soul
Made you sunshine from cold
All those days, far away
From here...
[B-SECTION]
[CHORUS]
[BRIDGE:]
We danced so close, we held on tight
I never knew that love could feel so right
We danced so slow, we danced all night
Assuming that tomorrow would be bright
We kissed goodnight, you walked on by
The vision of your shadow caught my eye
My life stood still, you went inside
I never got to say my last goodbye...say goodbye...!
[CHORUS (2X)]
Identification Card
I did my IC today... it's the second last day, darn rotten luck to have my IC-making days during the exam period. Well, I'm really grateful BC went with me, maybe it wouldn't had been as fun. I had to take those instant photos there, turned out better than I expected.. I think it looks better than reality.. haha. The food at the canteen at the former-SIR building was very indigestable and horrendous. Luckily we met Miss Wendy Tan and the 3SE form teacher on the way to Toa Payoh so we got refreshed on the exam format.
Section 1: 10 questions
Section 2: 15 structured questions...(Materials and Processes NO mix of Mech or Elec) I think (or is there no section 1?)
Section 3: choice of Mechanisms of Electronics (elective)
I'm not sure what she said, so when we reached TP I bought that Longman D&T handbook that I lost... whopping $8.75 for a few dozen pages.. lamer. Well, that's about it.. mortified by D&T currently, I'm going to study both Electronics and Mechanisms man. I think I amounted too much on myself.
Later.
Pre-Post-Exam Thoughts
I'm not studying hard enough, I know it.. been slacking the whole part of today.. luckily there's a study group or else I wouldn't be mugging at all... since everyone here went to Johor. I'm going there after the exams... not before that.
Well, post-exam activites are already streaming into my mind.. I have a limited budget, but here's the list of CDs that I'm never going to be able to et my hands on:
1)Switchfoot - The Beautiful Letdown
2)Hillsongs United - To The Ends Of The Earth
3)Stella's Compilation
4)Alterbridge - dunno-what-la
5)Ryan Cabrera - Take It All Away
6)Rebecca St. James - any of her worship CDs
7)Disney Magic
You see? They suddenly launch so many CDs this early October I'm shorthanded. And at this point of time, I've completed watching all three versions of Lene Marlin's Unforgivable Sinner... she made like three? For one hit? But the second one was the nicest.
I shall jet off for D&T mugging with the last few words that appeared on the departure board in the airport she was singing in (version 2! Version 2! Argh...so many boggling versions..).
Take, Hold, Now.
The future will not remember.
The past does not forget.
Two More Papers To Salvation
Finally saw Lene Marlin's Another Day music video. It is a bit over the edge (young girls do not have crushes on young boys... their maturity level forbids it).. but it did made some sense on dawning there. Lene Marlin uses very ordinary people in her videos - average looks, average jobs, average scenario - and injects them with human emotions that either reflects on her life, or the lives of others.
lene marlin videos.
Anyway, I'm finally feeling a sense of urgency for DnT.. must be because I'm left with four more days to make my IC (been procrastinating... everyone in this household does that :D). As you can tell my recent posts are not as intelligent because I'm blobbered up with end-of-years. After this period, I'd be writing averagely again.
*hits play button on WMP 10 (which isn't as good as 9)*
[This is a great track, an authentic mix of indian and mordern english soul, what's more, topped with cheerful rhythmn, hilarious dialogue and at this streesful exam time, it's the best thing to dance and wiggle to :). Jesus'll recommend you to Him.]
Gareth Gates - Spirit In The Sky
(Oh right Dad you ready?: Hold on, hold on, ? OK ready: Ummi you ready?: Ready: Let's kick it)
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that's the best
When I lay me down to die
Goin' up to the spirit in the sky
Goin' up to the spirit in the sky
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that's the best
(What Wembley?: Not Wembley you idiot he means heaven: I thought we got reincarnated: I want to come back as Gareth's hair gel)
Prepare yourself you know it's a must
Got to have a friend in Jesus (or Krishna)
So you know that when you die
He's gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky (See it's who you know)
Goin' up to the spirit in the sky
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that's the best
(Could you be more specific?: Is it driving distance?: I'm going to need a comfort break: There better not be stairs wherever it is I: Ah shut up this is my big sitar solo: Sanjeev keep it down - the neighbours)
Never been a sinner I never sinned
I got a friend in Jesus (he's so sweet)
So you know that when I die
He's gonna set me up with
The spirit in the sky
Oh set me up with the spirit in the sky
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
I'm gonna go to the place that's the best
Oh set me up with the spirit in the sky
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
I'm gonna go to the place that's the best
Goin' on up to the spirit in the sky
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that's the best
(You already said that but where?)
Go to the place that's the best (An address would be helpful)
Go to the place that's the best (I don't think he knows)
Go to the place that's the best (He keeps saying the same things)
(Well what d'ya reckon?: Is Will Young available?)
Happy Birthday (Again)!
Shan Hui's Birthday: 10/10/2004
YES! Chinese is finally over, I had several mental blocks during the paper.. especially during the comprehension part.. cause it was just too demanding.. the last question was on how you felt - and obviously that was my forte - so I might score well for the last question. I actually got through the paper by God's grace...I was reciting over and over again about God and his strength. Most of the questions consists of over 5 marks (that's a big moob, yea..), never really came across heavy-weighted chinese questions before.
Gar Meng and I had to pester Darrell to leave the house (because he was still mobbing over Kim Possible... impossible la he..) and Frederick went with us to buy Shan Hui's present. Well, SH knew we were going to get him something thanks to BIG-MOUTH Matthew Chan (I feel like looting your Chaos Legion forever :D), who purposely blabbered his mouth about infront of Shan Hui... he's a heavy bummer.
We went from Plaza Sing... where we saw Kim Peng.. speaking of which, I really find him hardworking; I guess I'd admit to my defeat if he overanks me or something; he's put alot of effort.. next year I'm going to slam hard on the accelerator, you can bet on it. Now anyway.. where was I? Yea, so we actually wanted to watch some movie together but then Gar Meng somehow pestered me and Darrell not to (Frederick left early.. he couldn't stay long on a school day and we made him say his first lie when he got home... keke) so we walked to from PS to Heeren (yes.. WALK) and we finally decided on a T-Shirt from DCP.
About my holiday resolution.. is well, dieting. Not just any diet this time.. it's a total makeover... so well, this is a still bit too early to make plans.
NASA
I'm actually quite sick of acting cheerful to cover up my front.. no, not really sad right now, just a bit heavy-headed after so much memorising... I don't have any confidence of exceling in chemistry.. there goes that good science mark. When Luke kept blabbering about him and his correct answers for chemistry, it was really demoralising... I don't blame him.. if I had 100% confidcence I'd be splatting more saliva before he could even punctuate.
Anyway, I'm just here to take some stuff off... actually had to find another way to get to the comp even when it's locked. Well.. more about dieting and seoul garden later... see? Even my thoughts are scattered..
Pre-Exam Contentment
I'm really really relieved I actually understand 70% of Acids, Bases and Salts in Chem (Oh yeah... my 7-day effort has not been that useless).. well, I have to rush downstairs for a good physics brush-up with Wei Min, GM and Marco.. we've been killing ourselves recently to get everything up there... as Mr. Poon said, we can't lay our heads on our textbooks and expect osmosis to take place. I'm really happy with my effort so far for the exams... it's 2 days away!
Oh, and Hanif gave this really nice letter.. thanks again Hanif! I'm glad you still take my as a good friend even though we're more separate now... I've realised how sometimes I've neglected you. But you've made me feel really appreciated.. thanks alot! Hope you love those postcards I got for you too... they were supposed to be your birthday presents, but oh well.. your belated card and $10 HMV voucher are just ideal gifts! Good luck for your exams! :D