The article struck a chord within me. It reminded me how we need to really want to be with God. Not just, 'okay lah'. I want to be passionate and not indifferent. I want to depend solely on God for everything, my work, my life, my family, my relationships.
I thought of the last story we have from the life of the prophet Elisha. Jehoash was king of Israel at the time, and he went to visit Elisha on his sickbed. He knew that without the help of this great prophet, the future of Israel was looking dim. Enemies were closing in on every side, waiting for the kill. Elisha told the king to take in hand some arrows.
And the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated [your enemies] completely . . . But now you will defeat [them] only three times.” Elisha died and was buried. (2 Kings 13:18–20)
That’s it? What a strange story! Why was the old prophet so angry? Because the king was nonchalant; he was passionless, indifferent. He gave the ground a whack or two. His heart wasn’t in it. God says, in effect, “If that is how little you care about the future of your people, that is all the help you will get.” In other words, if your heart’s not in it, well then, neither is mine. You can’t lead a country, let alone flourish in a marriage, with an attitude like that. To abandon desire is to say, “I don’t really need you; I don’t really want you. But I will live with you because, well, I’m supposed to.” It is a grotesque corruption of what was meant to be a beautiful dance between desire and devotion.
(Desire , 56–57)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Every little boy's dream...to be a soldier/policeman... or is it?
Yesterday marked the end of the 16 week medical officer cadet course the Doc attended. To commemorate this occasion, a graduation was held where family and friends were invited to witness the sword presentation ceremony.
Since Dr Wang invited fami-lee to the occasion, I was blessed to have hitched a ride down with them and spending some time with all 4 members of fami-lee.
Master Caleb was really actually the most excited of us lot. He was all dressed in green, in his army shorts, his S.W.A.T t-shirt and had already practiced his salute which he was going to salute Godpa when he saw him. I told him to show it to me and boy, was i impressed with the boy.
He even put the Captain rank for his Godpa with much glee and happiness and after which had a whale of a time with the rest of Godpa's friends, introducing himself as, 'My name is Caleb and i'm 3 and a half years old!' As the 'nanny' following him around, i was totally amused as he told all those strangers without an ounce of shyness and with alot of pride.
Here's a video of him and Godpa after the ceremony during the reception.
Since Dr Wang invited fami-lee to the occasion, I was blessed to have hitched a ride down with them and spending some time with all 4 members of fami-lee.
Master Caleb was really actually the most excited of us lot. He was all dressed in green, in his army shorts, his S.W.A.T t-shirt and had already practiced his salute which he was going to salute Godpa when he saw him. I told him to show it to me and boy, was i impressed with the boy.
He even put the Captain rank for his Godpa with much glee and happiness and after which had a whale of a time with the rest of Godpa's friends, introducing himself as, 'My name is Caleb and i'm 3 and a half years old!' As the 'nanny' following him around, i was totally amused as he told all those strangers without an ounce of shyness and with alot of pride.
Here's a video of him and Godpa after the ceremony during the reception.
Monday, February 16, 2009
playing wii
Heee..we had some friends over to play Wii at the doc's place on V-Day and this is a video of him strutting his stuff while playing Ravin Rabbids! (a note: turn off your sound.. it doesnt work)
It was really quite fun... we finally got all 4 controllers to work and started competing against one another. It was really quite a hilarious sight. All past our quarter life crisis, it was a sweaty and competitive atmosphere in the living room of Doc's house. Thankfully for the other two we didnt catch them live in action! hiak hiak!
It was really quite fun... we finally got all 4 controllers to work and started competing against one another. It was really quite a hilarious sight. All past our quarter life crisis, it was a sweaty and competitive atmosphere in the living room of Doc's house. Thankfully for the other two we didnt catch them live in action! hiak hiak!
Circle Line completion in stages
While walking the streets of the city a few days ago, i chanced upon this and got really excited:

I thought, "thank you God! it's happening! the Circle Line and next time i will be able to get to work easily.." But my hopes were dashed when I saw the front page news the next day, announcing the opening of 5 Circle Line MRT Stations. Of which none are immediately beneficial to me at this point in time. Disappointment.
Cos one of my main concerns for my future is transportation and its inaccessibility. I guess I should not complain not whine but instead of at it from a different perspective that God has actually prepared me for inconvenience during those 2 years in Melbourne with its transportation system.
I know that God has my interest at heart. so i'm going to keep hoping.
Just like other issues in life where are beyond one's control, like economic crisis, natural disasters, how people react and respond etc. I'm flabbergasted and left completely not understanding the situation that presents me. But over the past two years, I have learnt too that God is in control and that while I may not understand the reason or completely agree with the way things go, He is in control and He knows the bigger picture. All I got to do is,
Trust and follow the little guidences that He gives me step by step.
I thought, "thank you God! it's happening! the Circle Line and next time i will be able to get to work easily.." But my hopes were dashed when I saw the front page news the next day, announcing the opening of 5 Circle Line MRT Stations. Of which none are immediately beneficial to me at this point in time. Disappointment.
Cos one of my main concerns for my future is transportation and its inaccessibility. I guess I should not complain not whine but instead of at it from a different perspective that God has actually prepared me for inconvenience during those 2 years in Melbourne with its transportation system.
I know that God has my interest at heart. so i'm going to keep hoping.
Just like other issues in life where are beyond one's control, like economic crisis, natural disasters, how people react and respond etc. I'm flabbergasted and left completely not understanding the situation that presents me. But over the past two years, I have learnt too that God is in control and that while I may not understand the reason or completely agree with the way things go, He is in control and He knows the bigger picture. All I got to do is,
Trust and follow the little guidences that He gives me step by step.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Absence
My absence on this space is felt by me. I should blog, get into the habit of doing it even during sian times, busy times and tired moments. For once i start work, who knows how much time i have!
Let me start again by posting this verse i read in my QT today, "The one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him" - 1 Corinthians 6:17
A good reminder for us all.. cheerios to more vents and reflections
Let me start again by posting this verse i read in my QT today, "The one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him" - 1 Corinthians 6:17
A good reminder for us all.. cheerios to more vents and reflections
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
MIA for 1 week
I have been missing in action for about a week. It feels like ages since my last post! will post about something soon. akan datang!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
End of 2008
After chilling out with my Dunman choir friends on Boxing Day, my family (minus me) left for another family holiday, this time, in Bangkok, Thailand; the land of shopping, eating, pollution and other stuff that shall not be named here. It is also I believe, Singaporeans favourite or second favourite place for a holiday primarily because its; 1) cheap 2) good shopping 3) good food.
Yeap it is for these very reasons (after all, we are Singaporeans) that the Tan family decided to spend our last family holiday of 2008 in BKK.
Some of you might be thinking, 'Wa you really have been traveling alot ah? Alot of family trips man.. didnt you just come back from HK?" Haha.. yes I did but well, its the holidays and since I wont be leaving the country at all this year once i start work (maybe just once in the later part of the year), why not?
Besides, other reasons for this trip was to celebrate birthday(s) as well as to usher in the New Year with a difference. So, while the rest of the Tan clan left on 26th Dec 2008, i stayed back over the weekend to spend time with the Doc and left only on 29th night, just in time to celebrate my grandaunt's (popo) and my sister's birthday on 30th and 31st respectively. We bought them a variety of cakes from this really quaint tea room at Central World, placed them artistically on a plastic white chopping board (low budget production and lack of resources) and surprised them by walking into the apartment with it. Have a look:
While we went out on the 30th for dinner, New Year's Eve dinner was spent at home since we reckoned that it would be crowded and expensive everywhere. So, a feast of Peranakan-Thai dishes was cooked up (dont expect anything less in this household). Here is the evidence:




Other Random Shots:







Photos:
prawns-Buah Keluak- Home-made Pomelo Salad- extra Buah Keluak (just the meat)- Thai fishcake + Ngoh Hiang + Roast Pork - Thai Desert
Some were bought some were homemade but regardless, everything was yummy-licious! (not great for the waistline but well...) This was subsequently followed by the watching of fireworks on the balcony as we counted in the New Year.
Though it was a pretty short trip for me, I actually had a craving for our usual Tan family return home meal of Fishball Noodles from Bedok South Hawker Center (i.e. Mee Kia Ta ai hiam). It must be due to the lousy airplane dinner and that I was hungry and craving for noodles. So off we went after picking up the car from home.. Here's proof of our greed and my first bowl of fishball noodles since coming back to Singapore.
Yeap it is for these very reasons (after all, we are Singaporeans) that the Tan family decided to spend our last family holiday of 2008 in BKK.
Some of you might be thinking, 'Wa you really have been traveling alot ah? Alot of family trips man.. didnt you just come back from HK?" Haha.. yes I did but well, its the holidays and since I wont be leaving the country at all this year once i start work (maybe just once in the later part of the year), why not?
Besides, other reasons for this trip was to celebrate birthday(s) as well as to usher in the New Year with a difference. So, while the rest of the Tan clan left on 26th Dec 2008, i stayed back over the weekend to spend time with the Doc and left only on 29th night, just in time to celebrate my grandaunt's (popo) and my sister's birthday on 30th and 31st respectively. We bought them a variety of cakes from this really quaint tea room at Central World, placed them artistically on a plastic white chopping board (low budget production and lack of resources) and surprised them by walking into the apartment with it. Have a look:
While we went out on the 30th for dinner, New Year's Eve dinner was spent at home since we reckoned that it would be crowded and expensive everywhere. So, a feast of Peranakan-Thai dishes was cooked up (dont expect anything less in this household). Here is the evidence:




Other Random Shots:
1) A shot of jie while walking from Platinum Mall back to Central World

2) A picture of the whole tea time set

3) One of my favourite shots

4) Trace and Wayne

While we went out on the 30th for dinner, New Year's Eve dinner was spent at home since we reckoned that it would be crowded and expensive everywhere. So, a feast of Peranakan-Thai dishes was cooked up (dont expect anything less in this household). Here is the evidence:



Photos:prawns-Buah Keluak- Home-made Pomelo Salad- extra Buah Keluak (just the meat)- Thai fishcake + Ngoh Hiang + Roast Pork - Thai Desert
Some were bought some were homemade but regardless, everything was yummy-licious! (not great for the waistline but well...) This was subsequently followed by the watching of fireworks on the balcony as we counted in the New Year.
Though it was a pretty short trip for me, I actually had a craving for our usual Tan family return home meal of Fishball Noodles from Bedok South Hawker Center (i.e. Mee Kia Ta ai hiam). It must be due to the lousy airplane dinner and that I was hungry and craving for noodles. So off we went after picking up the car from home.. Here's proof of our greed and my first bowl of fishball noodles since coming back to Singapore.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Boxing Day 2008
Here's what I did on Boxing Day 2008:
Met up with Xiuling, Pauleon and Cailing for Dim Sum at Red Star and coffee after at P.S. Cafe after showing the grounds of White Rabbit. sadly it was closed after lunch.
Met up with Xiuling, Pauleon and Cailing for Dim Sum at Red Star and coffee after at P.S. Cafe after showing the grounds of White Rabbit. sadly it was closed after lunch.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Christmas Feasting
Here are the photos of Christmas feasting at our house this year...Sorry, dont have inspiration to write anything so just enjoy the photos yeah?
1. My Sister's Christmas Gathering for her friends
2. Our usual Christmas Eve dinner with Koko Jane and her family as well as Ah Chek.
The Doc's CG Outing
A few weeks ago, the Doc brought me to meet his CG (i.e. Clinical Group) friends from Med School for a round of board games and dinner at Settlers Cafe. It was also a chance to celebrate birthdays and catch up with one another since the guys were in army and the rest were doing a new posting at different hospitals or areas.
Here are some photos I took of them while they were playing this game called Grable and Luck of the Draw.
Here are some photos I took of them while they were playing this game called Grable and Luck of the Draw.
Sarah Lee
The Doc and I attended a birthday party thrown by her parents yesterday at their place as representatives of her God-Ma who is currently in BKK. We also attended as friends of her parents as well as fans of thediaryofanewdaddy .
Dressed in a pretty pink frock, Sarah was fresh from a nap and in a happy mood, mingling with all the numerous aunties and uncles who were more than happy to play with her.
Gor Gor Caleb was also busy playing hosts to the many little children invited to the party. He even helped ND in the giving out of door gifts for the kiddies who attended, remembering the names of each and everyone of them (impressive!). He also made the Doc's day by offering him one of the gifts. However, much to the Doc's dismay but glee, ND told Caleb that gor gor Chew Chew is a MAN not a BOY. But well, the little boy in him was already pleased.
It was quite fun watching all the kiddies running around and socializing amongst themselves. I guess you could say it was organised chaos. As I hung around at Ben and Gen's house and did my favourite past time of people watching, I realised how relaxed all the parents were. They were unfazed by the kids, taking everything in stride. I guess they were used to noise, mess and kiddies zooming around. Quite a sight.. =)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Rendition
(sing to Christmas is Coming)
Christmas is coming
All are getting fat
Because of the feasting that is 'bout to come
There is turkey and there's roast beef
a-nd sometimes noodles too
After that we have the desserts
And coffee too!
Coffee Too!
So.. cos..
Christmas is coming
You better start to run
If not you will have to go to Isetan
To buy bigger clothes with 'lastic bands
That will not show the bulge
Of the added weight we put on from the
Christmas Lunch!
The Christmas Lunch!
So... from your friendly nurse, Enjoy the food but in acceptable portions yeah. =)
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is coming
All are getting fat
Because of the feasting that is 'bout to come
There is turkey and there's roast beef
a-nd sometimes noodles too
After that we have the desserts
And coffee too!
Coffee Too!
So.. cos..
Christmas is coming
You better start to run
If not you will have to go to Isetan
To buy bigger clothes with 'lastic bands
That will not show the bulge
Of the added weight we put on from the
Christmas Lunch!
The Christmas Lunch!
So... from your friendly nurse, Enjoy the food but in acceptable portions yeah. =)
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 19, 2008
What is romance?
Definition of Romance \rō-ˈman(t)s, rə-; ˈrō-ˌ\
Function: noun
1 a (1): a medieval tale based on legend, chivalric love and adventure, or the supernatural (2): a prose narrative treating imaginary characters involved in events remote in time or place and usually heroic, adventurous, or mysterious (3): a love story especially in the form of a novel b: a class of such literature
2: something (as an extravagant story or account) that lacks basis in fact
3: an emotional attraction or aura belonging to an especially heroic era, adventure, or activity
4: love affair
5capitalized : the Romance languages
Function: noun
1 a (1): a medieval tale based on legend, chivalric love and adventure, or the supernatural (2): a prose narrative treating imaginary characters involved in events remote in time or place and usually heroic, adventurous, or mysterious (3): a love story especially in the form of a novel b: a class of such literature
2: something (as an extravagant story or account) that lacks basis in fact
3: an emotional attraction or aura belonging to an especially heroic era, adventure, or activity
4: love affair
5capitalized : the Romance languages
Scouring the internet for a definition of 'Romance' didnt give me sufficient answers to my question. What is romance?
If I were to ask you what romance is, I know I would get varied answers. Man think romance is nonsense while woman long for romance. It's one of those commonly written topics in books like, 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus' books.
Is romance about roses, chocolates and sweet nothings? Is romance sustainable in a relationship? Is romance an idealistic concept that all woman should not entertain? Granted, romance has been extremely over hyped by film makers in Hollywood. But surely, romance does exists in this world even if its not as portrayed in films.
L.A. Hunter is apparently a romance expert and author and this is what she says,
'Romance is the creation of an atmosphere where she feels unconditional love and appreciation. You can turn down the lights, turn on the radio, take her by the hand and ask her to dance in the kitchen. That's romance.
Hand her a wild flower, ask her to go on a stroll with you and hold hands. That's romance. Get it? What is she feeling; at that moment she is the most important woman in the world, she feels appreciated and loved. Romance can even produce the butterflies in her stomach.'
Gals, do you agree? I do. I believe that romance can happen anywhere without costing much, without too much elaboration. It's the simple gestures that makes a woman feel loved that is considered romance. true some women out there might not agree with me about that but I believe that at the end of the it is the yearning to be loved and cherished by someone.. to be romanced...Xmas Lunch
Christmas is a busy time for my family. We have the usual get together on both sides, parties we organise for our friends (depending on the time we have) as well as the numerous gatherings, presents etc. to look into.
It is a tradition of my Mum's to bring her parents for a Xmas lunch. This year, she brought them to the Olive Restaurant at Hotel InterContinental for a buffet lunch. It was quite a large group this year as our whole family went (thats 4 of us) plus my 2 cousins. So that was 6 adults and 2 children.
There was a ton of food to eat, from sushi, smoked salmon, salads, assortment of cheeses to turkey and ham (it is christmas), soups, main courses and of course deserts! it was just too much food and over indulgence.. oh and we had free flow of orange juice and lemonade plus coffee and tea!
Didnt take any photos of the food guys sorry about that cos i think it's a little rude to be taking photos of food at nice restaurants.. Anyway, here's a photo of my grandma with Trisha. and another one of the 4 of them.

Being extremely full from lunch, all i had for dinner was this drink at Starbucks called Carrot Medley which looked dubiously orange.

Anyway, ordered it while Tingni had a quiche and a much needed coffee while we chatted before attending a free accappella concert at the Esplanade by Agapella (i think thats how it's spelt) where i also met Christine, Huaiyang and the FR boys all doing their own thing but all happening to be at the same place.. funny...
It is a tradition of my Mum's to bring her parents for a Xmas lunch. This year, she brought them to the Olive Restaurant at Hotel InterContinental for a buffet lunch. It was quite a large group this year as our whole family went (thats 4 of us) plus my 2 cousins. So that was 6 adults and 2 children.
There was a ton of food to eat, from sushi, smoked salmon, salads, assortment of cheeses to turkey and ham (it is christmas), soups, main courses and of course deserts! it was just too much food and over indulgence.. oh and we had free flow of orange juice and lemonade plus coffee and tea!
Didnt take any photos of the food guys sorry about that cos i think it's a little rude to be taking photos of food at nice restaurants.. Anyway, here's a photo of my grandma with Trisha. and another one of the 4 of them.


Anyway, ordered it while Tingni had a quiche and a much needed coffee while we chatted before attending a free accappella concert at the Esplanade by Agapella (i think thats how it's spelt) where i also met Christine, Huaiyang and the FR boys all doing their own thing but all happening to be at the same place.. funny...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Picnik and photo editing
Once in a while, when I find the 'current' and spare time, I like to edit the photos I take, adding character to the photos. Many people do this to all their pictures to enhance their quality but well, I'm lazy. and i have a short attention span. here's one that i did using Picnik. It was featured in today's digital life and i find it very easy to use for those who are beginners at photo editing. This offers you an easy application with impressive results!
By the way, thats the Doc in his cadet haircut and plastic black glasses if you didnt recognise him.
This one above is a photo of me during my melbourne days with from left: Yuying, Kathy and Esther.
By the way, thats the Doc in his cadet haircut and plastic black glasses if you didnt recognise him.
This one above is a photo of me during my melbourne days with from left: Yuying, Kathy and Esther.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
food, food and more food
Singaporeans are well fed folks. They love their food, love trying new places, love the satisfaction of finding good and cheap eats. For the foodies at heart who happen to be bloggers as well, they blog and take photos about it to share with other Singaporean foodies via the world wide web.
this recent surge in food bloggers is great. If you want to try something new, just hop online to one of their blogs and you will find all sorts of restaurants reviewed depending on whose blog you go to. Some focus on cheap Singapore fare, like hawker centers, coffeeshops etc. while others are more what we call 'atas' in Malay, with their almost daily entries about the newest restaurant in Singapore, the best place for Italian, brunch, ambience, chilling out, kids friendly, tea selections, English tea with scones and cake, buffets etc. The lists goes on and on...
What's more, if you are craving for say, a particular food and you are 'gian' to try a new place instead of going back to your usual kopitiam downstairs or your usual Western restaurant, just go to the blogger's categories and let your eyes and your taste buds and salivation test lead you to a tried and tested scrumptious meal.
Unfortunately, I'm not going to be posting their blog links here but i'm pretty sure you can look for them by just googling and using the right key terms. say for example, food reviews + singapore + blogspot How do i know? Because I have been done it before!
Yes, i admit the Tan family and the Doc are benefiters. These passionate bloggers, who love to write, eat and very importantly take photos with good cameras (must have micro function) have made it easier for us to try out new places with better satisfaction.. more hits and fewer misses. Even before the era of blogging, we have been a family to try new places based on recommendations by word of mouth or via the media or credit card promotions. While these methods of knowing still remains the general means for the older folk in the family, the younger folk have embraced the power of food blogging, especially one Tan in particular (not me).
Since I'm not exactly a foodie (i still am in comparison to others but not as great as the other extreme) I dont really find joy in reading them unless a reasons calls for it. Reading these blogs actually makes me hungry and I dont wish for that..
But since I like to eat at new places and bring the Doc to interesting places on weekends for his 'da chi da he' (translation: big eat big drink) i admit i have been 'leeching' / 'sponging' off this Tan's wealth of information on good places to eat for the past few weeks and over-indulging in rich food.
With Chris and Jilyn, I went to The White Rabbit, My sis and the Doc to Riders Cafe, the Doc to Tampopo, and with all the above to Persimmon Cafe. All these were done in the span of 2 weeks so you can imagine how much rich food i have eaten considering that the one person who went for all 4 was ME!

6) Lovely table for 20 at Persimmon with orange chairs. We actually saw Nadya Hutagalung using this table for her jewelery sale while we were there... we all declared her to be a beauty!
7) The Doc and I - being silly

8) My sis , looking extremely pleased and happy after her Standard Chartered Run and of course her pasta dish in front of her.
9) One of the many dishes we had (it's an ala carte buffet), laksa pesto pasta
Sakae Sushi with mom and sis though not from the food blogs, was another meal that i would consider indulgence.

But well, it's all done.. the food has been eaten, taste buds have been tingled and money has been spent. The company that i went with for all the above enjoyed themselves tremendously so I would say, its a good cause!
note from gracie-buddy: the other photos are in my compact camera so it'll come soon.. Akan datang!
With Chris and Jilyn, I went to The White Rabbit, My sis and the Doc to Riders Cafe, the Doc to Tampopo, and with all the above to Persimmon Cafe. All these were done in the span of 2 weeks so you can imagine how much rich food i have eaten considering that the one person who went for all 4 was ME!
1) The sign just at the bend before entering into Riders Cafe Carpark
6) Lovely table for 20 at Persimmon with orange chairs. We actually saw Nadya Hutagalung using this table for her jewelery sale while we were there... we all declared her to be a beauty!
8) My sis , looking extremely pleased and happy after her Standard Chartered Run and of course her pasta dish in front of her.
9) One of the many dishes we had (it's an ala carte buffet), laksa pesto pasta
My mom and my sis's spontaneous pose as we walked to Big Splash via the underpass.
But well, it's all done.. the food has been eaten, taste buds have been tingled and money has been spent. The company that i went with for all the above enjoyed themselves tremendously so I would say, its a good cause!
note from gracie-buddy: the other photos are in my compact camera so it'll come soon.. Akan datang!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)




