First Inter-functional Competition~

Well well.. there's nothing much to say but a little on my impression on the competition..

Ok it's like this year for the 1st time.. IRAS organised this mixed street netball.. I was like again quite extra lorz.. Went there to the court.. Dunno anyone.. in the very end.. still dunno anyone.. haha.. What the pok right!? haha.. worse still.. I got a photo taken all by myself with the presenter.. (none of my teammates are left) while the other teams all have group photos.. Super Xtra lorz.. Oh.. my team came in 3rd overall..

Sounds impressive right? But wait.. only problem is that there're only 4 teams in this competition.. haha.. So.. We could have won the 1st game.. but me being rusty at the game took some time to adapt back.. I like only scored 2 pts for my team.. we lost by a narrow margin 5-7.. after leading 4-2 at one pt of time.. The remaining games are quite ok.. I managed to add in another 4-5 pts.. with 1 shot nearly rebounded out from the semi-circle line..

Overall, I think it was quite a good game of leisure.. I found out that the Corporate & Property Division.. well they got good team bonding.. I guess they knew each other long.. I am like sadden to know that this does not apply to my workplace.. Most if not all my colleagues do not like sports.. so it's like hard to have a game of fun.. their leisure I assumed is more on the computer.. well then, there goes my intention of creating better bonding through games..

But then again.. I would be thankful to meet other personnels from various depts.. Keep the days coming.. I believe there's more to it than juz work work everyday.. We need to have a balanced lifestyle.. juz like having God in the centre of our life.. spending 2% of your time with Him each week.. (that's only 30mins of each day, fyi).. I had fun today =)

Ren Shen Mang Mang, Shen Bu You Ji~~

The BIG Day!~

Ok well well.. I think I juz wanna write down my first feeling since my last entry on stage over 5yrs ago..Haha.. I started today quite busy trying to rush out letters to 228 employers.. and being the officer-in-charge of my hotline.. Gosh.. I got quite a stuff to follow up.. That really took me a long while to do.. that now for the BIG moment.. Relinquishing my moments on stage..

Haha I didn't have any stage fright as usual.. But I guess the thing that caught me off is that I have a tendency to talk very fast.. For my 1st part of my presentation, I was a bit fast.. until my director signaled me to go slow.. after that, I went slow for a while.. before it's back to me again.. haha.. I got to improve on that.. And also my standard sets of 'lame' answers.. like "save it into your com" or "ok" or "again".. Ooops I hoped that I did not fair that badly in the eyes of my director and AC-APD.. although I got praised by my manager for confident and natural speech.. I was also able to handle questions w/o letting my director and AC-APD to handle the queries.. It showed confidence and my abilities.. though I think it's best to limit such experiences.. I dun like them to think that I am that capable or irreplaceable.. I know I can do better still.. it's juz 40% of my actually abilities becos I didn't prep it at all..

But I know that there are many rooms for improvement.. like I should really spend time going through the slides before I present.. Okay! I had a confession to made to God.. I didn't really prepare at all!! I took it for granted that God will pull me through this.. And yes He did.. I knew at many times.. when my brain is not working, He will juz input the answers into my mouth.. I was comforted.. but Lord, I promise You that I will stand out for You as a minister for You in the marketplace.. I will overcome my complacency and boost in my weakness.. As You have turned my weaknesses in my strength..

The next time when you see me write about this.. I will be a changed person.. I believe that God will give me the wisdom, love and self-control to do it for Him.. The reason why I live is to put a smile on His face.. That's the greatest joy as His children we can give.. I will improve.. By God's grace and mercy.. I am happy that there were so so many things to learn juz from this 1hr presentation by me.. And I am sure I will do even better next time.. I will learn and know my work well too.. Praise be to the Lord O most high~~

The joy of the Lord is my strength.. My weakness is made perfect in Your strength. I'll continue to trust You in all the days of my life.. He lives in me and He's real!! =)

The weekend~

26 Aug 06

Okok.. What another fast paced weekend.. Alright, let me juz share share what I've been doing this weekend.. I thot it was good to write it down..

Ok I started the day by going down to Serangoon to join my team to play a game of kick-a-bout there from 9am till about 12.15pm..well the team is split into two.. and we played about 8 games.. I played in mainly the winning side.. but when we lost we lost badly.. like 3-0.. haha.. what was fun is that I managed to operate on both flanks.. i basically impress a lot on the right but most of my cutting are from the left..I scored about 5-7 goals.. haha like the top scorer in the games.. with 2 classic rounding of the last guy into the empty net.. haha.. so fun.. only problem is that I tend to push the ball too forward.. quite often unable to get the better of Tingfeng..I got to learn how to control my push on the right.. ok I'll work towards stability and better first touch.. also maybe crossing power.. accuracy is there.. but power is too strong.. haha.. I'll aim to be the next Podolski.. whaha.. very tired after the game.. I think I over-ran again.. muscles aching agin.. haha~~

Well after that, I went on with the official opening of Saint Andrew's Village (SAV).. I was very very impressed by the efforts that the people put into make this a success.. It was terrific.. For the 1st time in many yrs.. to be precise.. like 7yrs.. I felt proud to belong to this school.. After all, I was from Potong Pasir Sec Sch.. that's what I've been telling my people around me.. My school hertiage it comes so so far.. since 1862.. This is where I felt belong again.. a pity that I don't have a chance to experience this again.. but I'm glad that I had the chance to talk to my former teachers.. It was just sure classy there.. SAJC's gals are good looking too.. LOL~

After that, went to met my 2 bosses for dinner for the 1st time since graduation'03.. it was no surprised that they still kept in contact as a group.. but I was sad that they didn't see my class as a whole.. Looks like I won't be having a class reunion again.. so sad.. but hey welcome to reality man.. thanks bosses for a gd time out fellowship.. it's great to catch up with your lives.. and encouraged to know that both of you are doing well.. Thank God for them..

27 Aug 06

Well, as for sunday.. no really much in the morning.. but i was glad that we sang "How good it is to give thanks to our God.." then Clara songlead for CM.. it was good.. especially when we sang.. "Becos of who you are.." I was blessed by the song.. And well I hope that the kids will be ministered by the songs.. and the classes.. they really really need to be prayed for.. Please continue to join with me to pray for these kids..

After that, I went with Jasmine to IRAS. Did I say IRAS!? Yes yes, IRAS is now to me like my 2nd home.. my sports hall.. haha.. went there to play badminton with her.. I had fun playing with her.. I felt that her skills had improved quite a lot since I last played with her 4 mths ago.. she could force me to do some work out and well scored 6 pts this time around.. I awaited for her to do even better, I would love to play with her a real 15pts game soon..

After the game, we went out for high tea at Short John then made to rush down for a show at MS.. haha I must apologise.. becos it's rare for me to estimate short the timing we have.. I thot we have more than enough time to be there.. Seriously I was planning to go Giant to buy tibits for the movie.. haha.. anyway the show was so-so.. quite bloody and OUCH.. i mean snakes are so perverts too!? i didn't know that.. a bit disappointed becos I felt the big fat baddie cobra could have done something like the final boss.. but juz to be blown away.. so sad.. argh~~ ok ok.. we had dinner at victoria street.. I again mentioned to her that I wanna bring her go eat Blanco Court Fish Slice Bee Hoon.. but up to now, I still didn't.. I got to find time to bring her there.. I'm also graving for it since last year.. Gosh, I better do my part.. anyway with her around, I was feeling so peaceful and comfortable.. someone special yet simple..it doesn't take long for her to lay an impression in my heart.. only problem is she's a "movie star".. haha.. heh like the good old days.. I hoped that she feels the same too.. I enjoyed every moment spent with her.. Thank YOU!! haha.. ok ok better don't write too much if not, people will flood me with question(s) again.. LOL~~

But what I wanna say is that hey.. tml I got my presentation.. the 1st in the series.. more to come.. so Gan Ba Te~~ Isaac, you can do it.. Yeah.. what I learnt today!?

I was reminded that "the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Heb 4:12..

Be careful of what you do and act.. we're minister for God in our marketplace..

Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS) here I come.. so now gonna read 73 pages of ppt slides.. haha off to read it now..

Dine out~

Ok another fast paced life at work.. well my dear friend, Chor Ang didn't come to work becos she needs to go medical appointment.. then all a sudden I realised I got so much work on hand.. My own work and then.. hers too.. heh.. I was finally on the line for my hotline.. hehe.. Relief the professional moments I had downstairs.. haha.. so fun.. but thankfully still no challenging questions.. if not, I dunno who to turn to..

Also, as I went for lunch.. I met Sherlyn.. (if I am correct.. haha sorry I forgot your name) She's working at Ben & Jerry's.. Hmm seems like got quite a group of ppl working there recently.. and surprisingly all at United Square.. the world is small I guess.. haha

Yeah today, I met up with mei mei & uncle.. And I was teasing mei mei that her friend, yingxuan was pretty leh.. Intro leh.. haha.. What the pok.. But I guess it was fun.. Seldom have such rush feelings.. maybe if got chance can get to know more friends.. after all, I welcome new entry in this chapter of my life..

Haha overall the dinner was good.. I ate this chicken pasta.. From Spageddies.. (pardon me for my spelling.. F9!? Maybe.. haha) I am appreciating it every minute every second.. I think it's worth the $$.. Also I think the meeting with Uncle and mei mei was good.. Glad to hear that both of them are good and well..

Mei, if you're reading this.. which you shouldn't.. don't take things at heart.. understanding and patient is the KEY to unlock the mutual relationship with each other.. Only if you have love and respect for each other.. things will work out for the better.. The more you want to have a stand, the more you tend to lose.. Memories of the past are a witness and testimonial on what we should learn and try not to repeat again..

Love overcomes all barriers.. Love is all.. That is how big God's love is for us.. His wonderful unconditional love.. Prov 17:17 "A friend loves at all times"

That is how much I love you, Lo Liang~~

An ordinary sunday~~

Just like any other sunday, I made my way to church.. There I had my morning service then I went upstairs for Sunday School..

I had to prepare the slides for Uncle Yong Meng.. then assisted him in songleading.. I also had to do bible reading.. I chose Psalm 23.. As I thot that it was a good chapter for them as they're approaching prelims and exams.. that they might remember God in their sufferings or pains.. Never looking back but look up towards Heaven for support, for source of strength and hope.. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.." Psalm 23:1

I thot the simple praise and worship was good except that there were again a few kids at the back still doesnt seem to understand the importance of worship.. or say respect God in His house.. It really hurts me everytime I need to be harsh on them.. I pray and if it need be.. I wanna earnestly pray for them that God's love and compassion would be upon them.. That they may see God's glory in their lives.. That they understand that coming to church on sunday is not just a church or a place to meet friends.. But really to put aside just 2hrs out of 168 hrs to declare out God's goodness and holiness in their lives.. How can we say we love God when we don't respect His house!? We really need to get onto our knees and pray.. God's heart and compassion is reached out to the little ones.. As Jesus had said in His word "Come, let the little children come to me.." So we as Sunday school teachers have a great responsibility.. an unspoken true and job to bring as many kids back into God's arms.. We need to learn how to surrender ourselves first b4 we go fort..

Today also is the 1st time I was left to take charge of my class.. Although I was ok with it, but I felt it was like.. Nvm.. No judgement on my fellow sisters.. But rather thankful for the chance.. Becos I went through with the class about the topic on LOVE.. oh God has been a pray-answering God.. Today I also have 2 more new kids in my class, Vina & Raymond.. I am praying that there are more and more kids to come together to enjoy fellowship with another.. And I am thankful that God answered my prayer.. Now to do my part.. Jia You~~

I was very touched by my own message that comes out of me.. I didn't prepare it.. But I felt that the Holy Spirit in me.. leading me on.. I too learnt a lot about love.. the different aspects of love.. And the most important fruit of the Spirit.. w/o it.. many things are impossible to achieve.. w/o love, how can we exist.. I pray and yes I pray that the kids will bring back home something good from this session that they will remember like in Psa 119:11 " I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sinned against You.."

May God bless the teachings of His word.. "With God, all things are possible.." Prayer has the POWER to turn water into wine~~

Faster paced Life~

Ok for the 1st time 2day.. I felt that life at work is fast paced.. Haha.. In the morning, I had my meeting with the IT staffs about Offline Excel Application.. I think it's a cool stuff.. I mean it is suppose to make employer's life more easy.. But then again I am sure there will be people sure complaining about it.. ohwell..

Then after the meeting, I went onto preparation for the presentation later in the afternoon.. I then relieved some fun times in the past about my poly life as I ushered people into the audit.. Then I observed how Brenda and Thiam Yeong presented the slides.. Guess what!? Do you know that I became so 'on' when the floor started asking questions.. And I felt that I could answer them.. Haha.. Feeling so excited about prospect.. but becos my manager is seating beside me.. I better control my emotions.. I will have my chance on 28th Aug.. haha.. I pray that God will be my peace and confidence as I tackled this job of mine.. Haha..

After work, I met up with Jasmine.. We had dinner at Pizza Hut.. Then I was sabo by her to eat finish 2/3 of the pizza.. Whaha~~ it was sure a full meal.. I was caught off guard to finish it.. So so full.. Then went back to office to play badminton with Ruth, along with her friend, Jessie.. (correct me if I am wrong).. haha.. today's session was good.. why!? Becos I really worked out my footings.. I was made to run.. haha.. Everything seems to end so fast that I bidded farewell to them in a bink of an eye..

Oh.. btw I was given an opinion that Jessie is pretty.. Really!? That I didnt know.. Didn't really get to have a good chat with her.. Maybe next time if time and chance permits.. haha~~ Beside I am still going after my equally yoke concept..

Thank God for a fast pace friday.. Wow.. it's already more than half a mth since I was there.. haha.. Thank God for making new friends, new bosses, new environment.. Thank God for His everlasting grace and mercy..

To dwell 1 day in the house of the Lord is better than a 1000 days on the earth.. Be thankful for everything.. With thanksgiving, present our request(s) to God, and the God of peace which surpass All understanding will guard your heart in Christ Jesus..

Challenging Times~~

Ok ok.. Here's an interesting header.. Challenging times.. Why so!? Simple.. Remember my brief introduction to my working life in IRAS.. haha..

Now it's even better.. I now know what I would be doing until say Novemember.. haha my working lifestyle is officially up on my calendar.. And more interesting.. it's marketing of products = Auto Inclusion Scheme.. Argh~~ why me!? Haha.. I hate marketing.. I prefer more hands on work.. like what the other new guy is doing.. so good.. involved in only operation side..

So do continue to pray for me.. Pray for my dearest mindset to change for the better.. That I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.. Phil 4:13.. I know I can do it.. Just need more confident and assurance from everyone.. I like the concept of edifying each other.. Encouraging each other.. And I look forward to hear it from you guys..

Heh.. tml I'm playing a game of badminton in my workplace.. And better still I've signed up for the mixed street netball organised by IRAS.. I realised that working life is only a portion of my time there.. It's time for sports too.. Hope there's a call for soccer and badminton soon.. I am really short of fitness now.. Need to train up again.. Jia You!!

First impression of a tax officer~~

Ok ok.. Sorry for the late reply on this topic.. haha I sure take my own sweet time.. Ok let me bring you through my first 2 weeks working at Electronic Interface Branch at IRAS..

Well, I remembered that I first went into the HR dept at 8.45am.. There, I met 3 other new staffs that joined the PTX, Enf & Compliance Division.. We had an induction conducted till 10am.. Seriously then, I was hoping that the session can be longer then I no need to work for 1/2 day.. haha..

And so my so called 'buddy', Thiam Yeong came to 'collect' me and brought me to the branch.. It was interesting becos I thot I would be at B1.. but instead I'm at level 4.. haha.. So fun.. I got my very own table.. Haha time to deco it.. Firstly I brought into some pics to display then I placed my candle which I bought from the Children's Society and lastly a candle holder I think on my CPU.. haha the rest is history but more to come.. oh I loved my strategic location becos I got the prime view of everywhere.. haha.. Cant ask for more..

Ok here's bout my colleagues.. Well thank God for them.. Very interesting group of people becos they're 1 whole clicque together so I find it hard to break into the circle of their conversation at many times.. Even now after 2 weeks, I still faced that.. Then I dunno is it just them or just me..that I find that greetings are not common at all.. I mean if you're leaving, just say a simple goodbye along the way; is it that hard to say? ohwell I leave it for the days to come.. Sure to have lots of time with them over lunch and work.. after all they're my working colleagues.. We should learn how to work together in harmony and with love.. I juz remembered about being a minister in the marketplace.. And yes I'll work towards it..

Hmm.. as for work.. I am only officially going to undergo my training this coming friday.. And I am currently on a long term assignment with the marketing team.. *if I have an option, can I ask no to it? haha.. But anyway, I am sure God will pull me through this.. People who knows me knows that despite a love to talk.. I dun like marketing.. so I didn't wanna get involved in it.. Yeah I am to give countless speech soon starting this friday, if not on the 28 Aug.. Presentations again.. reminds me of my good old days.. Ok I am ready and gear up for it..

Guess God placed me here for a reason.. And I am learning quite a lot of stuffs.. Not really into tax matters but more admin work.. I know I am going to be here for some time so I pray that I will find favor with my bosses, colleagues, friends and everyone whom I am going to work with..

Also I wanna be part of the soccer team and badminton team.. It's time to build up on my physical fitness.. I recently tried a trial run for 2.4km.. and my timing was bad.. it's like 10.22.. still another 40+sec more to gold.. Got to work hard on it..

So to end off, I say I am ready and up to the challenge for my new found job.. I know it'll be tougher especially when I have decided to further studies on part-time basis..

The Lord is my Sherpherd.. I shall not be in one.. Psa 23:1
It is becos He exists, that's why I am here.. To be a minister for Him in the marketplace.. Praise the Lord, O my soul..

'Way to Love' - By Miho Karasawa

saigo ni kawashitaimi
no nai joke wo
omoidashi warau, hitori no kaeri michi
yawaraka na kimochi afurete
machi no noise ga gokochi yoku hibiite

wagamama demo katte demo ne
ima kimi ni aitai yo
ashita ga matenai nante okashii ne
akegata no sora nagamete
tashikamete iru kitto
watashi koi ni ochiteku tochuu

nanigenaku warai nanigenaku damatte
futari no jikan ga nanigenaku sugiteku
fushigi na rizumu ni tsutsumare
itsumo to chigau hajimete no shunkan

i just wanna keep on loving you
itsumo bukiyou na kono omoi
hitori no shiawase wa mou kanashii kara
atataku yasashii kimochi sotto taisetsu ni shitai
saigo no koi ni ochiteku toki

i just wanna keep on loving you
itsumo tsutaekirenai omoi
kotoba ga mune no oku de furuete iru
dakishimete kiss shite tsuyoku
motto kanjite itai
saigo no koi ni ochiteku yoru...

*english translation*

going home alone
i recall and laugh at the final meaningless joke
that we exchanged
filled with gentle feelings
the street noise echoes comfortably

though it's selfish, though it's willful
i want to see you now
isn't it odd how tomorrow can't wait?
looking at the dawning sky
i'm sure..I’m making sure of myself
as i fall in love...

a casual laugh, a casual silence
the time we spend together passes by casually
embraced by a mysterious rhythm
the first moment, different from usual

i just wanna keep on loving youthis forever clumsy love
because happiness alone seems so sad
i want to softly treasure warmly gentle feelings
when i fall into my final love

i just wanna keep on loving you
love that i can never completely tell
the words tremble in my hearthold me, kiss me strongly
i want to feel you more
on the night when i fall into my final love...

Heh heh..I finally got my hands on my lovely song.. I love this song deeply.. Haha well many thanks to a friend called Canice.. I dunno how long or how much time did you spend to find this.. But it's greatly appreciated by me.. Whaha.. I better upload the song so that I will be able to find it again next time.. No more lose out..

Thank God for a friend in need.. Prov. 17:17.. I love you, my friend.. Thanks for a wonderful friendship.. Yeh.. :)