Hello, how are you?

Met an old friend in church yesterday and have a nice chat with her. It has been quite sometime since i last spoke to her. Nice to know that she is doing well.

Church is also a place for friends to gather, meet, worship, praise and listen to GOD words.
After service, many would stay behind for some makan, chit chat session and to catch up with each other's happening during the week.

L C M

Have received the results of some of my students taking the London College of Music (LCM) examinations held last month and all of them passed. One of them has scored distinction in his drum exams. I thought his sister would fare better but it turned out to be the other way.
Well done my students.

The results not only proved my students and teachers hard work and the effort that they put in, more importantly, they also reflect upon the school image.

Have received a rude awakening when i was on my way to work. If it becomes reality, then it's going to be a very big big headache. Already been having other problems to settle ...............
Keep my fingers crossed lor.

S Y F

Gone to support one of my student for his school participation in this year's Singapore Youth Festival (S Y F) Choir (secondary school) competition @ VCH yesterday. He happened to be the accompanist (on the piano) for the choir.
His school was the second school to perform for the day (morning) and fortunately i managed to rush there on time to catch him in action. It was a pity that camera and recording wasn't allowed in the hall or i would have taken it for him.

Could feel that he was very nervous on stage and though i wasn't performing, i was nervous too. He made some very obvious mistakes in the beginning of the first piece but it got a little better the next song. What was 'bad' was he shouldn't have shook his head after making the error. This is one thing ie shaking head, sticking out of tongue ....... that performer should avoid doing when he or she makes any blunder. It will become very obvious and everyone will know (incl those who don't know anything)

Have stayed to watch the competition till lunch and saw most of the other school's pianists were adults.
It was indeed a good experience for him to play on stage and on a 9 foot Steinway Concert Grand Piano. Nevermind the mistakes as we all learn from them. Even i have not performed on a Concert Grand piano on stage before.

Ha ha, his school friends said that i am his (student) dad. Do i look that old?? Have joined some youth events recently and has somewhat feel 'out of place' ............sigh
To my student, i am proud of you. Will be getting him to play for Arts Festival in June for more exposure. I believe he will go far one day.

Blog

Have a glimpsed of my colleague's blog last weekend. Wow, the blog was so nice. The background was very well design and has music too.
She was busy downloading pictures to the blog which she took with her friends.
Maybe, more colourful blog can attract more comments and readers.

Aiya, guess will just leave it as it is for a time being though it may be very plain.
What is more important is its content right? (Just to comfort myself)

UP UP UP

It's a bird, It's a plane, no it' RENTAL.

As the law of gravity goes, "what goes up must come down" But seems like rental is one of those things that will go higher and higher but will unlikely to come down.
Yes, rental has gone up and the increase is 'frightening'. It's very much a buyer and seller market and after weighing all the pros and cons, i have decided to renew the lease.
Perhaps, this time i am ill prepare and it leaves me very little time to decide otherwise. The opportunity cost is also higher. However, i would have to gauge the next year when the lease is due.

'This' pocket in and 'that' pocket out. This time 'this' pocket has to come in more so that the other pocket will balance out.
Everywhere, everything is increasing ..............recently the civil service has upped its salary for its staff and a few days ago teachers pay is also going up by 3 to 5%. However, it's no means easy to ask customers to pay more. Already, people are lamenting when you asked them to pay 10cents for a plastic bag.
Other fixed cost are also on the raise such as NETS transaction ...........

Either more sales or cut cost .................Anyone would prefer the former right?

'Tissue Paper Sit'

As i have mentioned in my blog yesterday that i would dwell on 'something' during lunch with my 2 army buddies @ Raffles Place.

To 'chop' sit (chair) using tissue paper packet is a very common affair @ Shenton, Raffles Place or any other food centre or coffee shop esp during lunch time. I have witnessed this when i lunched with my friends again and put forward for discussion today.

Is it a right thing to do?
Someone (Japanese) has commented that we should stop this inconsiderate behaviour. And one way is for every single civic-minded citizen to pick up every tissue paper packet that he or she sees and get rid of it. Or Eating establishment operators tell their cleaners to dispose of packets during their round. This selfish practise will then be stopped and we will be a more gracious, and courteous society.

Another person has argued that the tissue paper 'system' save time. She said that it would be more inefficient if someone reserved a table while his colleagues went to order food, then later queued for their own food. Wouldn't his colleagues then have to wait for him to finish his meal? This means the table would be occupied for a longer period. Doesn't it make more sense for everyone to order their food at the same time while using a packet of tissue to reserve table?
She said that this system is actually ingenious, convenient and efficient.

As most of the time i have my meals alone, i have to watch for this 'reserve' sign. Luckily, i don't encounter many of these as i usually have different 'lunch' time and away from those 'crowded' food establishment.
What do you think of the 'tissue paper sit'?

Search

Had lunch with my two army buddies @ Raffles Place (i am going to touch on this on my next blog) During lunch, one of our discussion was our another buddy's wedding on 7/7/07.
Wonder if i am given any special assignment this time as i was the mecee of my previous army buddy's wedding (he was one of the two lunching with me) That was the one and only time that i was given a mecee task. Looking back, i recalled telling a dear friend on the bus that i am going to tie the knot on 08/08/08. Dream lor ..............

After lunch, it was a search for some small beads which i have dropped last week at my working place. The 'main' bead was still intact but most of the small beads went missing when the 'rubberband' gave way. I have combed around the whole of Chinatown but to no avail. They had wanted to give me something different but i declined. I would like to get back the 'original' beads. Thereafter, i have gone down to the 'original' shop @ Clementi but still couldn't get the right match. I think one of the shop ceased to exist while the only shop (new) owner was not very helpful.

My next stop would probably be Bencollen Street or round Rochor area. Any other suggestions?

Nostalgic

Dinner was out yesterday caused mum wasn't feeling well. Went to makan with one of my school student and we landed up around Kovan. It has been a long time since i last visited this area. Remembeing those good old days where i used to often go for meals with a long 'lost' friend as well as bus ride. Nothing much have changed, reminisce those times there. My tape began to rewind and i took a good look at it.

Wanted to patronise the famous Punggol Nasi Lemak but it was closed. Seems that i have no luck with it as the store was often closed whenever i went. So we settled for noodles opposite, not nice but no choice as we don't want to eat rice. Then went to the another famous soya bean shop down the road for a drink before calling a day.

Not so much "Lost and Found" (TV programme) Nevertheless, fond memories of the area and i don't know when i will go again. Perhaps, better fortunate with the Nasi Lemak store next time.

Greetings

Had wanted to go early for my entertainment @ Red Cross Home for the Disabled instead of 3rd quater of the year caused the officer in charge of the Home will be leaving for greener pastures at the end of the month. However, there were some logistics problems, hence the plan will be shelve till the same period (as always)

I have known this officer since the time i entertain @ the home many years ago. Oh, she will be joining another VWO so i can 'visit' her when i entertain there.
RCH can consider to be my 'adopted' charity entertainment organisation as every year i would make a point to entertain the residents of the home. Have since made many friends there too.
It's always heartaching to hear that some of the residents are not there the next time i visit as they have 'visited' the LORD. New residents will also start to join the home. Guess, this is part and parcel of life.

Spoke briefly to my 'supporter' Agnes who has never failed to sent me greeting cards every year and glad that she is well. Have promised that i will go visit her a few months later and play her favourite Theresa Teng song.
I always have this sad feeling entertaining @ hospitals, hospice care, old folks, children home and other welfare organisations but i am very happy to spent an hour or so entertaining and talking to them.
Initially, i am 'afraid' but now i am already 'used' to it.

Guess, i will have to go somewhere to entertain this month. Any lobang?
To my friends @ Red Cross Home, see you in Sept.

Liquid Restrictions On Flight

From May 8, a new security measures will kick in @ Changi and Seletar airports which concern the carrying of liquids, aerosols and gels in hand luggage.
These items must be stored in containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml and the containers must be placed inside a transparent re-sealable plastic bag such as a ziploc bag with a capacity of not more than a litre.

Each passenger will be allowed only 1 plastic bag that must be presented separately for examinations at security screening counters at the boarding gate. If those above items are in containers larger than 100ml, they should be packed into check-in luggage.
Here are examples of such items not exceeding the limit : drinks (incl water and juices), soups, perfumes, lotions, balms oils, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, toothpastes, gels,
contact lens .........
These new limits will NOT apply to essentials such as medication, baby food, and special dietary items. Passengers may carry the amounts they need for the duation of the flight. And they will be subjected to additional checks.

Aiya, why so troublesome. I believe female travellers will be the most inconvenienced by this new system. So ladies out there do take note esp i know of one that will be travelling soon.
'Plan' your hand luggage ............

Easter Sunday

How do you spent your Easter Sunday? I attended my first ever Easter Sunday service last weekend. Usually, on sunday, it is quite difficult for me to attend morning service due to work commitments and at times i can only make it for the afternoon service. However, all my work were cancelled last weekend hence i decided to go for the morning service. (my second morning service this year)
Despite staying far away, i was always very early. Early bird catches the worm eg good sit? No lah, i would usually be alone and sit far behind. This time, i met up with a follower as i needed to collect something so i have 'company'.

As always, the service started with worship for about 1/2 hour. I am beginning to learn a song or two and there are some songs i like. That day, the producer showed footages of Jesus being nailed on the cross for mankind. So sad that ..............
Next, the esteem Senior Pastor gave a short sermon, on Jesus, of course. The facts of Jesus ........ This was followed by 'healing' session and a few people have their sickness, troubles ............being healed that morning. Isn't that amazing esp there was an old lady on wheelchair walking?
Sadly, there were many that i have seen were not so 'lucky' and i hoped that they will recover and being heal of their problems one day.

Then it was back to my favourite, Melody after service. Heard of a close friend have had a enjoyable Easter Sunday celebrating his son's birthday. Yes, Jesus died and was rose again.

Happy Birthday Jesus.

Next Leap

"Hey Dani, wasn't that Nova on the stage singing? She was in sync with the band, singing with passion and gusto in front of a turnout crowd. She didn't seems to have any jitters, least if she has, she didn't seem to show it out. Shall we call her after she has finished her show to give her a surprise as she might not know that we were here?
It has been a long time since we last catch up with her, maybe we can have coffee with her".

"Better not disturb her for she might be tired or not have time for us. Remembering she once told me she yearn to go on stage to perform, a big platform to stand, the highest prize was of course singing at a sell out crowd @ the Esplanade. However, she could just be contended to sing beside her favourite master at a hall."
"Well, today was just a tip of the iceberg to be standing in the hall away from the singing session she has with her friends and classmates at the classroom. I believed her friends and esp me would be very proud of her."
"Might not want to personally congratulate her, would be happy to watch her from afar and give her my blessings. I had better capture this moments on my camera. So long, i know that she is happy and living life to the fullest, i would be glad. Shall give her my support whenever i know she had performances."
"I am afraid if we were to meet up with her, we might not be able to strike a conversation after not meeting for so long."
"Oh, shall we go, it was getting late for dinner ..............Nova well done and all the best to you.
Wishing you well and happy."

Gathering

There was a gathering amongst my fellow platoon mates of the late 80's but i couldn't attend the coffee session held @ Punggol due to work. It is getting more and more difficult for us to meet up caused everyone have their family, work and other commitments.
Remembering those times in the army, when we booked out during the weekends, we used to have 2 tables of steamboat buffet. Now it's all 'scatter' or individual meetings to catch up with one another.

There was a welcoming news last night, as one of the three remaining bachelor is getting hitch this July. Heard it's to be a simple ceremony held @ a temple, followed by vegetarian lunch but no dinner at night. Well, happy for him as he will be starting a family soon together with many of the guys.

Actually, the future bridegroom to be has said something a few years ago which i hope to make him eat his words but it's not to be. Nevertheless, no one knows except GOD as it may holds truth afterall.
This will be the first wedding ceremony i attend this year and i doubt i will have any as most of my friends have already walked down the 'red carpet'.
My sincere congratulations to the couple.

Comments

My friend asked me why no one commented on my blog. Perhaps i should have commented on my own blog so that i can 'deceive' myself or others into thinking that others are reading my blog. One can gather that my blog is uninteresting and mandane right?
Is it necessary to get comments and feedback? Who do i blog for? Myself or others?
Guess, it's not important ...........
Hmm, maybe someone should start the ball rolling. Myself? No lah, will not touch on my own blog. I have been fervently commenting on a friend's blog. This is one way to show support.
Is it necessary to let the blogger know who you are or remain a mystery?
So what are you waiting for ..........?

Miracle

A French nun at the centre of a Vatican case to beatify Pope John Paul II said that she had been cured of Parkinson's disease by the late pontiff.

Sister Marie-Simon-Pierre, 46, held her first news conference since the Vatican revealed that her testimony of being cured by John Paul II could provide evidence of a miracle that is essential for the beatification of the late pope.
She had been suffering from Parkinson's since 2002, but has testified that she was cured in April 2005 after praying to John Paul II.
(Agence France-Presse)

Wasn't it wonderful with the work of GOD? When was the last time there was a miracle in your life?
Start and keep praying for others and your lives.
What is the next miracle that you are praying and longing for? Since this is Easter week, i hope that there will be miracles in everyday of your lives.

HAPPY EASTER

Sow What You Reap

Attended a sermon on the above today. Quite interesting though ................
The esteem Pastor raised 3 main points : 1) Reap what we sow 2) Reap after we sow & 3) Reap more than we sow.
Did he miss out this point, Reap but didn't sow? Many a times we have put or should i say, try our best and make some effort our undertakings but didn't yield dividend. Like the saying goes, there is no free lunch in this world. "My boss didn't appreciate me at all" which is indirectly link to his 2) point (Reap after we sow) or not at all. We may see our fruits of labour many years later.

This is very 'challenging' and the key is not to be discourage and keep on trying and going. The going gets tough, the tough gets going. We must be undaunted in our quest and perserve and be determine. However, it may not hold truth esp in inter human relationship. No matter how we attempt but without success. "How am i going to make my boss like and appreciate me"? How i were to improve the relationship, kinship, friendship .............?

There are many things in life that i am trying but whether it will succeed remains to be seen. If i feel it's worth keeping going, i shall push on though i have been hearing many discouraging remarks along the way. Of course, there will be certain things that i felt has reached its limit and there is no point continue fighting on, then i would be glad to 'let go'. Whether will i regret it later, i don't know? But that's life.

I believe everyone would like to be in point 3) as we may gain much more with our effort, time or perhaps monies.
Well, how do you find the Law of Sowing and Reaping?