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An interesting advertisment caught my attention on television last night.

A busker was entertaining with his guitar on a underpass. A kind hearted man walked passed, donated some money then the busker called him and asked if he can give more as everything has increased.

What advertiment is this?
............... But the prices of MacDonald's burgers have not gone up.

Shopping

Done some 'shopping' earlier .............Not the GSS but shopping of a different nature.
Lady luck not smiling on me thus far ...........
Hope & pray GOD can help me to seek.

The new 2% GST hike will kick in soon, done your last minute shopping esp on those big ticket items?
How much impact does it have on you and me?

Trust

Joseph's story taught us not to give up on our dreams even when life isn't working out the way we planned. He trusted "the lord who was with him." There's a lovely saying that goes :

GOD is too good to be unkind.
GOD is too wise to be confused.
When i cannot trace his Hand,
I can always trust His heart.

How is your trust in GOD? Is it a Limited Trust - only for a time and season?
Or a Partial Trust - only for emergencies and exigencies of the
moment?
Or a Revocable Trust - to be withdrawn when your agenda is not
served?

I pray we are able to trust the LORD "with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5)
We can trust GOD wholeheartedly simply because HE is GOD - Faithful GOD (Deuteronomy 7:9) who keeps HIS convenant of love with us and delivers on every promise HE makes (Psalm 145:13) He's not only the Dream Giver but the Dream Fulfiller!

Was glad to see my Pastors and church friends coming back home from their recent trip to Israel during last night's service.
Pastor Christina related her experiences to me ..............
Looking forward to visit the Holy Land one day.
Thank GOD for their safe and sound journey home.

Time ? ! ? !

It's not usual that i hear people telling me that "learning music is a waste of time".
One mother told me that her husband forbid the son from learning music as it's a waste of time.

I have heard people saying that it's a waste of money but time ???
Anyway, there are lots of scientific studies conducted to show that it does helps in an overall development of a person.
Well, it's quite subjective ................

The good news is that if the child is willing to learn, his mum will not let the father know ..........

Pet in the Pocket

Remember Tamagotchi?

Debuting in 1996, the Tamagotchi craze saw many people from all walks of life, young and old joining the fun of feeding, tending, caring ........for a virtual pet housed in an egg-shaped case.
Do you have one?

Not surprisingly, this craze faded out after a while. Most recently, i also witnessed this game making a comeback though not with that kind of impact.

Busy

Wow, busy for the past couple of days ..............Heard one my friend is covering 2 of her colleague's work (excluding hers)
To me, being hectic is a good thing and it helps me a lot .........

One of my school's student has gone for an operation today, with GOD's grace and mercy, hope she has had a successful operation.
May GOD bless my family, friends, students and everyone.

Bubble Tea

Remember this drink? Brought 1 milk tea for a friend so i also have one for myself.

Recalled Bubble Tea used to be very popular many years ago, at that time, we can see bubble tea shops or houses mushroom everywhere around us. Everyone was 'crazy' over it. It comes with different favour and taste. Then it died off ............

Lately, this trend is back though not as popular as before. Probably our hot and humid weather does play a part.
Well, after so many years, it still taste the same ..........Guess, it's the bubble i like more than the tea.

Crisis

Not a "C" that everyone wants or like to have be it small or big right? However, once this word strike, we shall have to face and weather through it.

How the turn of events change again. Was informed of the bad news yesterday morning. Since, i was given so short of a notice, i would have to react on it quickly. Gone for a short discussion afternoon ..............

Take it as it was GOD's will. Praying for HIS grace and mercy to give me direction and path.

Would like to take this opportunity to thank GOD for the safe and sound return of my church friends from their Israel trip. Hope the rest of my pastors and friends will also return safely soon.

Do You Know - - - (Wedding) Part 2

Why is it called 'Honeymoon'
The origins of the word "Honeymoon" remains unclear till today. Although the word "Honeymoon" may have its origin in the less civilised times, where men would kidnap their chosen bride, get married and hide out with her for another cycle of the moon until her family had given up the search. In this period, they would drink honey wine. Hence "Honey" and "Moon".

On the other hand, some think that the reason why it's called "Honeymoon" is connected to fertility rituals. In days gone by, new brides would drink a special concoction made from honey for 30 days (one cycle of the moon) after her wedding to increase her chances of having a male child.

Leaving Home
Traditionally, when the groom's procession arrives at the bride's home to fetch her to his home, the matchmaker will enter the bride's house and carry the bride on her back. Apparently, it's bad luck if the bride's feet touches the ground before she arrives at the groom's house!

Sometimes, a red umbrella is used to shield the bride during the process. The opening of the umbrella symbolizes the bride bearing many offsprings.

Why Do We Need Wedding Cakes?
Cakes have always played an evident part of weddings throughout history. The usage of wheat and grains in the making of wedding cakes is an ancient symbol of fertility.

In ancient Rome, the crumbs of a thin loaf of bread that was broken over the marrying couples's heads were saved and taken home by the guests as tokens of good luck!

The cutting the wedding cake ceremony is still a predominant ritual at weddings today. It symbolizes the couple's unity, their shared future and their life together as one.

Do You Know - - - (Wedding) Part 1

You may have been to countless weddings but just how much do you know about the meaning behind those rituals and traditions? Actually, i don't know also ............Have pen this to dedicate it to my army buddy on his wedding next month.

Rites Of Adulthood
The combing of hair ritual is a symbol of adulthood of the couple. The night before the wedding, both bride and groom will have find a woman and man of 'good fortune' to comb their hair 4 times, each time symbolizing a special meaning :

1st Combing : Symbolises from the beginning till the end.
2nd Combing : Symbolises harmony till old age.
3rd Combing : Symbolises sons and grandsons.
4th Combing : Symbolises wealth and long lasting marriage.

The Bride Returns Home
It used to be that the bride would return to her family with gifts 3 days after the wedding. Today, the bride would return home on the same day. The traditional gifts that she will take home with her include a roast pig, liquor, cakes, fruits and "sheng cai" (chinese lettuce) symbolizing liveliness and "cong" (green onion) for prosperity.

Confetti Toss
Confetti - aka as sweets in Italian are thrown at the newlyweds as they emerge from the church to wish them a sweet life ahead!

Kiddy Rides

Ever taken kiddy rides before during your childhood days? These rides were popular in the 80's as cheap entertainment for children.
The toy vehicles were light-weight machines, usually powered by batteries.

If my memory doesn't fail me, i remember taking these rides many years ago.
Such retro fun can still be seen around large housing estates. You can find one @ Kovan City, near the disused Hougang South bus interchange for around $2/-
Have you taken a kiddy ride during your childhood days?

Darren Ong

He is another of my pioneer batch of teacher (Drum). Like Mark, he will also be enlisting to serve the nation next week. Today marks his last day of teaching here.

One of the member of the Superband group, Bun. He is a very versatile person who can play the drum, keyboard and guitar. Yet he's one that gives me the most headache due to his punctuality, he is rarely on time for lesson and because of that some students have caught his 'virus'. As a result, some students have terminated their class due to his bad habit. Many have asked why i still keep faith in him? ...................I will certainly hope that he will change his habit or he will find it difficult 'outside'

Many gals students likes his lessons so he still have a fair share of supporters. He is always cheerful too.
Wish him success for his MDC audition last week.
Once again, thank you for all your contributions to the company. Wishing you well in your National Service.

My Drummers

These were my 3 drummers for the Arts Fest @ SGH yesterday.

Arts Festival

It was a very hectic and tiring afternoon. Gone for a charity entertainment with some of my students @ SGH in conjunction with the ongoing Arts Festival. Since it's school holiday, i have decided to get a few of my students involved in this project to gain some outdoor exposure in this community event.

We have started later then schedule caused of the delay by the delivery. Everything seemed to be in the rushed eg set up. Oh, the place seems to change from the last time i entertained @ Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC) so we shifted the instrument to somewhere more prominent instead. I have to juggle between 2 different places as the piano was placed indoor (outside SOC) while the drum performances was placed near outdoor (caused of the early morning showers)

Started the piano entertainment first with my student playing a few songs before i took over. As usual, i never fail to play a few songs on my list. There was a kind lady who brought 2 bars of chocolate for me and went off before i could thank her. There were also a few nice and encouraging words from onlookers.
My little disciple was also there to support me and as usual she will buy me my favourite biscuits.

This time, i have to cut my entertainment shorter then usual as i have to rush to another place to help set up the drum performance put up by 3 of my school students. Hence, i left my student to take over the piano until he called later and said that he has got no more songs to play. (hee hee)
Oh, this time, there was an improvement from him as he didn't show any 'signs' when he hit the wrong notes. That's the way it should be ...........

Beside our entertainment, there were other events such as Indian dance, Handicraft ........put up by other volunteers.
It was a good experience for my drum students and also to showcase what they have learned during the lessons.
Had a debrief with the organisor after the show and we agreed on how to fine tune future activities.

After packing up, it was already 3+. Came back to work and had lunch with one of my student.
To my students and one of their parent, thank you for your contributions and support to the event.

Oh, i am feeling so tired now. Old already liao ...............
Can't imagine if i were to run one more place ...............

A&W

Remember this fast food restaurant?
It was built in 1966 @ Dunearn Road. This place was very popular with dating students for its affordable fast food. Popular items included root beer served in frosted mugs, waffle with ice cream and Coney Dog (hot dog topped with minced beef and unions)

Tuesdays saw many students flocking to eat as it was Coney Dog Day, when it was sold at $1 each.
It also had outlets from Clementi to Sentosa, before ending operations at its last outlet @ Changi Airport in 2003.

Recalled those days i used to visit the centre @ Dunearn Road as it was near my place. My favourite was of course the root beer ............

Plaza Singapura (PS)

Completed in 1974, PS turned out to be a mall for all as it was popular with families. The biggest tenant then was the now-defunct Yaohan departmental store and supermarket. There were other tenant such as OG, DBS Land, Yamaha .................

In the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Yaohan went bankrupt and closed down and later the mall also underwent renovations. In 2002 - 2003, the mall was revamped once again and Carrefour, Golden Village, Yamaha, Kopi Tiam, DBS Bank ............. now became amongst it's tenant.

Have fond memories of this building as i have spent many years working it in. During dinner, i would remember going to the supermarket to hunt for food.
Till today, i would still visit PS and my ex colleagues and this remains my most frequent place downtown.
What about you?

Theory Results

Received the march ABRSM theory results of my students online today. Glad that all 8 of them passed and there are 5 who score with distinction. The students hard work and effort have paid dividend.
Notwithstanding, the teachers also played an important part in imparting them knowledge.

To my students and teachers, congratulations and keep up the good work.

Wondering, what pastors and church mates are doing now in Israel? Heard it's a 6 hour different there. Counting down the days for their return.

T2

Was at Changi Airport Terminal 2 yesterday to sent off my fellow church members for their 2 weeks trip to Israel. If my memory don't fail me, this was the first time i have visited Terminal 2 since its inception. Why? Most of the flights there are usually either SIA or Silkair so therefore one can conclude that i don't fly by 'local' airline. (ha ha)

Tour one round T2 ...............Most of them come with big luggage. Predict the weather would be very hot there at this time of the year.Since there is no direct flight to Israel, they would have to transit at Bangkok then go ............Will take almost a day before they reached their destination.

To my Pastors and church mates, wishing you a fruitful, enjoyable and eye opener trip.Looking forward for your safe return from GOD's chosen land and to share their experience.

GOD bless you.

Praise GOD

Yesterday, i have pen in my blog of that dreadful news that i have received in the morning. How things have changed today when i received another phone call.................

With GOD's grace and glory though it has become a reality, i was now given more time to rethink, regroup, react, recharge .................
Any extended time was very much welcome as it will allow me to refocus on this matter.

Seee, with GOD, anything can happen and i am indeed thankful for this minor change of events.
Praise GOD.

Question ?

My friend asked me what do i think GOD has done for me and what God should have done for me so far? I have listed a few examples to him ....................

Those that i have received, i shall Thank GOD for his grace and mercy. Those that i was not given, i will ask and continue to seek. GOD may or may not grant me those wishes.
Everything happen for a purpose, GOD may 'give' but 'take' it away then we will start to ponder, think and reflect. Questions begin to raise, brains begin to crack, heart begin to break .................

My most dreaded nightmare has become a reality. Was informed of the bad news this morning. Was it GOD's will? How and what does HE want me to do? ................
Since it has happened, there is no use crying over spill milk. Time to find a solution.

Pray to GOD to give a best possible outcome.

BIRTHDAY

Today is a special day. It marks another milestone in my life. Another journey ................

Guess, most of my 'growth' has retarded. My physical growth has ceased eg cannot be taller, not as strong as i was many years ago .............My mental growth may have slowed down eg memory not as good as before ............Has found another growth and that is my Spiritual Growth. Perhaps, it's never too late to find and develop this growth in life.

Well, declared Christainhood today in church. Thought i would have done it alone but GOD blessed, i happened to 'bump' into a friend outside toilet and he patted me on the back. The rest was history ............

So it's my Spiritual Birthday today. No fanfare, no celebration (though i would hope to celebrate it with my friend)
Well, least i will celebrate it with GOD, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit.

Facts or Fiction

Done something last night which i didn't or 'dare' not for many years.
I have been raised up in a Christian Brother school since my primary school days. At that time, we do attend Mass during special events and occasions. It served as a break from classroom lesson and i just sat in church waiting to kill time and of course not following what was going on when the priest preached.

At certain stage during Mass, the priest will asked all the catholics or christains to move forward to the front to receive the bread from GOD. All will then proceed back to their sit, take their bread, knelt down and pray.
I was told by my fellow pupils that only catholics or christains can take the bread or our tongue would bleed badly. With that notion in mind, i never wanted to taste or try the bread. So scary......

Last night, i have finally plucked the courage to drink the 'blood' and taste the bread during service.
Fortunately, nothing 'happened' as i have decided to accept Christ.
The feeling? Peace and Tranquil.

Transition

Today a 'new' teacher (not so new lah as he also have two students on Sat) took over Mark's class.

Was a smooth day esp those are very pro Mark didn't give any negative feedback (till now)
I encountered problem of students being too used to an instructor that she or he is very skeptical and doubtful when a new teacher takes over. Either i risked losing the student or i have to start from square one to convince he or she otherwise.
There are also cases whereby, students will only learn if they can 'click' with the instructor. Maybe this is what they call chemistry. Or like some people say, "like your face".
If they have been exposed to the instrument before, it's more likely that they will compare with their previous teacher.

Finally, i have also 'solved' one of my violin teacher's 'problem' last weekend.
Thank GOD that all the students are comfortable and at ease with this new teacher.

High Street

High Street was the first street built in Singapore.
Constructed by convict labourers in 1821, it was a busy street in the 1960s, populated by retail shops and trading offices.
It is well known for its textile and tailoring shops run by North Indian settlers.

The area became less popular when shopping centres sprung aong Orchard Road
Excelsior Shopping Centre, one of the original buildings, still stands on High Street now.
I do make regular trip to this place as this place is now well known for musical instruments.

Serangoon

When one mention of food @ Serangoon, they will naturally think of Chomp Chomp right?
Too bad, they don't operate in the day ...................

Went with my student for lunch in the midst of heavy rain to eat @ Serangoon yesterday. Didn't go to the hawker centre caused of the rain so we ran to the coffee shop to have Indian food instead.
Ordered mee goreng (so sinful, as i have had fried mee for dinner the night before) and 1 prata.
He ordered a few prata but gave me one as he couldn't finish ................Sounds like me ........order and order but can't finish. (hee hee)

Wow, have a heavy lunch indeed before coming back to work while he will be looking forward for his holiday to Hong Kong today.
"Anything you want to buy in Hong Kong and China?"
"No lah .............maybe you get some chinese score for yourself there"