Woke up this morning with bad vertigo. Strange feeling of everything spinning round and nausea. Couldn't get out of bed. First time I've had it so bad. Went to see the doctor. Had to have Li Soon drive from my house to the carpark of Katong Shopping Centre as I couldn't take the 5 minute walk to the doctor's. The doctor said that it was due to a throat infection that has spread to the ears. It's like being in a roller coaster ride the whole day. Sometimes ok, other times it just hits without warning and I have to sit down, lie down or hold on to something.
Pray that I'll get better tomorrow when the anti-biotics kick in more.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Back from church camp and back to work
Came back from church camp on Friday night after a relatively easier 6 hour drive and went straight back to work on Saturday.
We went up to Genting on Monday in a 4 car convoy of minivans. Started at 7:40am. Mun Kong was in the lead, with Ka Song, Aik Woo and me at the tail. Quite fun since we had walkie talkies and could talk to each other on the way. Was caught in 2 traffic jams, one after Ayer Keroh and one on the Karak highway just before the exit for Genting. Both were because of roadworks. Finally made it in about 7 1/2 hours.
I had my luggage on the roof rack the whole trip, and must have been something of a sight to Malaysian drivers. Don't like driving with stuff up there. It's great driving up when you have the whole family, especially with a baby. You can bring all the stuff you need, including hot plate, pots, hot water dispenser, tons of milk and diapers etc. You know what I mean.
The week went by quite quickly for me. It was Li Soon and Matthew's first church camp. We brough our helper, but she was sick the first 3 days of the camp. So we had to take car of Nathan too from time to time to let her rest. Daniel Foo was the speaker again (same as last year), and as usual, very good, intellectual, thought provoking, enlightening. Spent most messages watching meters on my computer for recording the messages. Thanks Marcus for your help here.
It's been ages since I've been to Awana, probably in the region of 15-20 years since my last time there with Bethesda Katong church camp in the 80s. Some people did not want to go cos the place was a bit old, but thank God we got newly renovated rooms in the tower block, which was really nice, with good air and good views of the surrounding valleys.
Spent the Free and Easy time on Tuesday afternoon sleeping (recovering from the trip coming up) and swimming, and on Wednesday afternoon and evening at the theme parks at the top. Now I'm convinced that I'm definitely spoilt when it comes to theme parks. It was not very well maintained, it was very crowded and the lines were very long (45 minute wait for a small ferries wheel?), and I didn't take a single ride. The entry price was cheap compared to other theme parks though, RM25 each. Only Matthew did the rides including a motion simulator, merry-go-round, antique cars, bumper cars (he can actually drive!!). It was all very tiring, and the prices of the food was incredibly expensive. RM12 for a plate of chicken rice!! Really out to fleece the tourist.
Had a good time refreshing on God's word and worshipping God. Didn't have as much time to spend with the youth or others as I had my family this year. All in all, a good break. Learned a lot from the more mature ones in my breakout group and got to know a few more people which we don't usually say Hi to in church as we rush around on Sundays.
Went back to work yesterday as there was some problem with a DVD a made before I left for the camp. Got into the office on Saturday morning to fix it and make a new DLT tape and DVD-R which the replicator came to pick up. Also went down to Church of Christ of Malaya to put up the gels for the lights and help buy a reverb unit from Sinamax. After getting home, got a call that the VGA cable was broken and had to go down again after dinner to resolder it. Quite a bit rusty with soldering, but managed to patch the cable together. Pray that it won't break again. Definitely not as good a job as I would have liked, but it works.
Church today and then lunch with cell group. Got to prep the messages for the SSS worship camp this Tuesday where I am to share with the tech people and also the whole group about creative arts ministry.
We went up to Genting on Monday in a 4 car convoy of minivans. Started at 7:40am. Mun Kong was in the lead, with Ka Song, Aik Woo and me at the tail. Quite fun since we had walkie talkies and could talk to each other on the way. Was caught in 2 traffic jams, one after Ayer Keroh and one on the Karak highway just before the exit for Genting. Both were because of roadworks. Finally made it in about 7 1/2 hours.
I had my luggage on the roof rack the whole trip, and must have been something of a sight to Malaysian drivers. Don't like driving with stuff up there. It's great driving up when you have the whole family, especially with a baby. You can bring all the stuff you need, including hot plate, pots, hot water dispenser, tons of milk and diapers etc. You know what I mean.
The week went by quite quickly for me. It was Li Soon and Matthew's first church camp. We brough our helper, but she was sick the first 3 days of the camp. So we had to take car of Nathan too from time to time to let her rest. Daniel Foo was the speaker again (same as last year), and as usual, very good, intellectual, thought provoking, enlightening. Spent most messages watching meters on my computer for recording the messages. Thanks Marcus for your help here.
It's been ages since I've been to Awana, probably in the region of 15-20 years since my last time there with Bethesda Katong church camp in the 80s. Some people did not want to go cos the place was a bit old, but thank God we got newly renovated rooms in the tower block, which was really nice, with good air and good views of the surrounding valleys.
Spent the Free and Easy time on Tuesday afternoon sleeping (recovering from the trip coming up) and swimming, and on Wednesday afternoon and evening at the theme parks at the top. Now I'm convinced that I'm definitely spoilt when it comes to theme parks. It was not very well maintained, it was very crowded and the lines were very long (45 minute wait for a small ferries wheel?), and I didn't take a single ride. The entry price was cheap compared to other theme parks though, RM25 each. Only Matthew did the rides including a motion simulator, merry-go-round, antique cars, bumper cars (he can actually drive!!). It was all very tiring, and the prices of the food was incredibly expensive. RM12 for a plate of chicken rice!! Really out to fleece the tourist.
Had a good time refreshing on God's word and worshipping God. Didn't have as much time to spend with the youth or others as I had my family this year. All in all, a good break. Learned a lot from the more mature ones in my breakout group and got to know a few more people which we don't usually say Hi to in church as we rush around on Sundays.
Went back to work yesterday as there was some problem with a DVD a made before I left for the camp. Got into the office on Saturday morning to fix it and make a new DLT tape and DVD-R which the replicator came to pick up. Also went down to Church of Christ of Malaya to put up the gels for the lights and help buy a reverb unit from Sinamax. After getting home, got a call that the VGA cable was broken and had to go down again after dinner to resolder it. Quite a bit rusty with soldering, but managed to patch the cable together. Pray that it won't break again. Definitely not as good a job as I would have liked, but it works.
Church today and then lunch with cell group. Got to prep the messages for the SSS worship camp this Tuesday where I am to share with the tech people and also the whole group about creative arts ministry.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Tech Crew maintenance day
Spent most of the day in church today doing maintenance stuff for tech crew cos of the public holiday for Vesak day yesterday.
Thanks for all of you who came today. Joe, Daniel, Yong Fa, Isaac, Cherlyn, Evelyn. Managed to do the following.
1. Move all the musical instruments from the stage to the creche (Aaron you owe us a big one here)
2. Set up for rehearsal in the creche
3. Clean up the stage area (incredibly dirty!!)
4. Wash the drum carpet (yuck!!)
5. Repair one Peavey speaker by cannabalising another
6. Resoldering microphone cable XLR connectors
7. Modification of the Mackie 1202 mixer Aux 2 from Post to Pre fader (thank Daniel)
8. Clean up and packing of all cables in the PA cabinet
9. Testing an old Peavey CS400 amplifier that was flooded before (thank God it didn't blow up!! And it still works!)
10. Collating of microphones, repair of chapel microphones, labelling of mics
11. Packing of Chapel PA cupboard (the kinds of stuff you can find in there!!)
12. Reconfiguration of chapel mixer for monitor mixing
13. Installation of monitor speaker, eq and amp for chapel musicians
14. Set up of monitor speaker at grand piano in sanctuary for Aaron's wedding including re-patching of monitor send line
15. Installation and testing of new Songbook software (thanks Joe). Ready for deployment and download
16. Update of notebook computers
17. Lunch of pizza combo from Canadian 2 for 1 pizza (yum!)
18. Made new network cable to replace missing one at sanctuary PA
Wow!! After looking at that list, it's no wonder I'm so tired.
Time to go sleep.
Another busy day tomorrow.
1. Pick up Projection screen and lamps from Hawko and E & Lect
2. Deliver to Church of Christ for installation - meet Frank for installation
3. Oversee and discuss installation
4. Go to Axiom for video encoding and transfer to VHS
5. Set up SubScribe in office
6. Edit menus for 7 miracles DVD
7. Author DVD
8. Asset replacement for Sony training DVD
Going to be a busy week.
15.
Thanks for all of you who came today. Joe, Daniel, Yong Fa, Isaac, Cherlyn, Evelyn. Managed to do the following.
1. Move all the musical instruments from the stage to the creche (Aaron you owe us a big one here)
2. Set up for rehearsal in the creche
3. Clean up the stage area (incredibly dirty!!)
4. Wash the drum carpet (yuck!!)
5. Repair one Peavey speaker by cannabalising another
6. Resoldering microphone cable XLR connectors
7. Modification of the Mackie 1202 mixer Aux 2 from Post to Pre fader (thank Daniel)
8. Clean up and packing of all cables in the PA cabinet
9. Testing an old Peavey CS400 amplifier that was flooded before (thank God it didn't blow up!! And it still works!)
10. Collating of microphones, repair of chapel microphones, labelling of mics
11. Packing of Chapel PA cupboard (the kinds of stuff you can find in there!!)
12. Reconfiguration of chapel mixer for monitor mixing
13. Installation of monitor speaker, eq and amp for chapel musicians
14. Set up of monitor speaker at grand piano in sanctuary for Aaron's wedding including re-patching of monitor send line
15. Installation and testing of new Songbook software (thanks Joe). Ready for deployment and download
16. Update of notebook computers
17. Lunch of pizza combo from Canadian 2 for 1 pizza (yum!)
18. Made new network cable to replace missing one at sanctuary PA
Wow!! After looking at that list, it's no wonder I'm so tired.
Time to go sleep.
Another busy day tomorrow.
1. Pick up Projection screen and lamps from Hawko and E & Lect
2. Deliver to Church of Christ for installation - meet Frank for installation
3. Oversee and discuss installation
4. Go to Axiom for video encoding and transfer to VHS
5. Set up SubScribe in office
6. Edit menus for 7 miracles DVD
7. Author DVD
8. Asset replacement for Sony training DVD
Going to be a busy week.
15.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Bible DVD finished?
Finished the (hopefully) last check disc of the Bible DVD project on Friday and handed in to COOS on Saturday. Waiting for their response this coming week before doing the final DLTs for the replication. Finally the light at the end of the tunnel!
Still working on the edit of Mr Seet's video as well. Most people don't realise the amount of time and effort needed to edit a video.
Still working on the edit of Mr Seet's video as well. Most people don't realise the amount of time and effort needed to edit a video.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Hectic week - short break
It was a hectic week last week, with the NZ partner here, lots of meetings, the leadership conference on Friday and Saturday, and then trying to finish both my GST and personal taxes for submission before 30th April. As usual, me and my last minute.
Glad to say I finally got them done. Doesn't help that my accounting software is messed up, giving me the Cost of Sales 10 times more than the actual!! So imagine my initial shock when I saw the report as having made a loss of $300k last year!!
If it were true, I'd probably have Ah Longs knocking down and my door and I might be forced to eat the pig's heads they hang and trying to scoop up the broken eggs in the mailbox!! Hehe.
Last year was kinda slow year, so income has dropped. Hopefully, will do better this year.
Had a good 2 sessions with John Ng and Mark Chan from the Eagles at the leadership conference. One of the most important things I learned was that any marriage is destined to fail from the start. Huh?
Considering the very different backgrounds, temperaments, families, experiences, attitudes, values that 2 people have, putting 2 people together in a marriage is a disaster in the making.
It takes a lot of conscious effort, time and dedication to overcome it's natural tendency to fail.
A relationship is like riding a bike on a hill slope. You cannot stop and hope that it will stay still and then pick it up where you left off later. You either work hard and move it uphill, or it will slide backwards.
Took Monday and Tuesday off(extra holiday declared by me!!) back to work today.
Still wondering about what God wants me to do next.
Pray pray pray.
Glad to say I finally got them done. Doesn't help that my accounting software is messed up, giving me the Cost of Sales 10 times more than the actual!! So imagine my initial shock when I saw the report as having made a loss of $300k last year!!
If it were true, I'd probably have Ah Longs knocking down and my door and I might be forced to eat the pig's heads they hang and trying to scoop up the broken eggs in the mailbox!! Hehe.
Last year was kinda slow year, so income has dropped. Hopefully, will do better this year.
Had a good 2 sessions with John Ng and Mark Chan from the Eagles at the leadership conference. One of the most important things I learned was that any marriage is destined to fail from the start. Huh?
Considering the very different backgrounds, temperaments, families, experiences, attitudes, values that 2 people have, putting 2 people together in a marriage is a disaster in the making.
It takes a lot of conscious effort, time and dedication to overcome it's natural tendency to fail.
A relationship is like riding a bike on a hill slope. You cannot stop and hope that it will stay still and then pick it up where you left off later. You either work hard and move it uphill, or it will slide backwards.
Took Monday and Tuesday off(extra holiday declared by me!!) back to work today.
Still wondering about what God wants me to do next.
Pray pray pray.
Friday, April 22, 2005
In-grown toe nail
I'm wearing shorts, polo T-shirt and slippers to work today cos I have an ingrown toenail and it hurts! I think it's my work shoes that is causing it. Maybe need a new pair. I'm trying to avoid having to go to the doctor to have the nail removed. Furthermore, I have to play drums tonight, which would be impossible if my nail was removed.
Was an interesting worship rehearsal last night. Aaron Soo's first time leading and wanting to try different styles and stuff. Like playing Amazing Grace in a fast 4/4 beat!! I can say it is definitely challenging for me. Was very tired and found it hard to keep beat for some of the songs last night.
Have to go install the projector in the chapel today and pick up the camera for the shoot tomorrow. Now downloading a 19 MB file from Spin to make changes to the Sony DVD Map project due later.
Coming along on the Bible DVD. Disc 2 mainly finished, working the final disc 3.
Lots to do.
Was an interesting worship rehearsal last night. Aaron Soo's first time leading and wanting to try different styles and stuff. Like playing Amazing Grace in a fast 4/4 beat!! I can say it is definitely challenging for me. Was very tired and found it hard to keep beat for some of the songs last night.
Have to go install the projector in the chapel today and pick up the camera for the shoot tomorrow. Now downloading a 19 MB file from Spin to make changes to the Sony DVD Map project due later.
Coming along on the Bible DVD. Disc 2 mainly finished, working the final disc 3.
Lots to do.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Blog dead? No I'm almost!
Almost looks like my blog is dead.... actually I'm the one who is almost dead. No time to blog at all!!
Just wanted to list the things I'm up to now.
1. Working on getting the film school started
2. Doing my personal income taxes
3. Doing my GST return for the company
4. Meeting with Courts today
5. Alpha meeting tonight
6. Plugged on Prayer 2 (POP2) rehearsal tonight after Alpha - playing drums
7. Install projector in chapel tomorrow
8. POP2 tomorrow night
9. Church AGM on Sunday - reconfirmed as deacon
10. Fixing the Bible DVD disc 3
11. Editing Mr Seet's video
12. Videotape Mr Seet at Perankan service on Saturday
13. Go to bank to get my February bank statements reprinted
14. Really need a massage
15. Meeting Jeff Paine to discuss re #1
16. Rearrange instruments in sanctuary on Sat morning
Now I have to send wife to work!!
Just wanted to list the things I'm up to now.
1. Working on getting the film school started
2. Doing my personal income taxes
3. Doing my GST return for the company
4. Meeting with Courts today
5. Alpha meeting tonight
6. Plugged on Prayer 2 (POP2) rehearsal tonight after Alpha - playing drums
7. Install projector in chapel tomorrow
8. POP2 tomorrow night
9. Church AGM on Sunday - reconfirmed as deacon
10. Fixing the Bible DVD disc 3
11. Editing Mr Seet's video
12. Videotape Mr Seet at Perankan service on Saturday
13. Go to bank to get my February bank statements reprinted
14. Really need a massage
15. Meeting Jeff Paine to discuss re #1
16. Rearrange instruments in sanctuary on Sat morning
Now I have to send wife to work!!
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Installing Win XP Pro
Now sitting in front of the computer in the chapel in church trying to install Win XP Pro into the chapel computer. Why does it always take so long to install the OS? It seems like even though the computers get faster and faster and the hard drives faster and bigger, the next version of the OS always seems to take longer to install than the previous version. What to do?
Setup will complete in approximately: 1 hour.
Well, at least it's better than my first Novell server installation. Had to redo from start about 10 times and took 3 days!! Boy, do I go back in time.
Enough of complaining and back to work!!
Setup will complete in approximately: 1 hour.
Well, at least it's better than my first Novell server installation. Had to redo from start about 10 times and took 3 days!! Boy, do I go back in time.
Enough of complaining and back to work!!
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Got back from NZ
Just got home last night from NZ from a 6 day business trip. Went together with aunty Iris who is there for 1-2 years for work as a course director for a cross cultural missionary course.
Spent the weekend basically relaxing and resting and meeting up with Aunty Iris at her church and with May and Evan at the mall after to catch up.
Monday and Tuesday were basically meetings at the school and taking a tour etc. Quite productive I think on my part. Now we have some idea about the next steps.
Now back to work.
Spent the weekend basically relaxing and resting and meeting up with Aunty Iris at her church and with May and Evan at the mall after to catch up.
Monday and Tuesday were basically meetings at the school and taking a tour etc. Quite productive I think on my part. Now we have some idea about the next steps.
Now back to work.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Family BBQ
Today is traditionally the 15th and last day of Chinese New Year celebrations. And it's my family tradition to have a final get together for dinner tonight as well..... actually just any excuse for a feast. That's why many of us in the family have got lots to show for it...heh heh.
Well, quite a bit of preparation went into it. My mom ordered the BBQ food from a place called BBQ Wholesaler in Geylang yesterday and I went with her today to pick up the food and bring it to my parents' house this afternoon. I also picked up a table from my place and 2 foldable tables I borrowed from church.
There was lots and lots of food, as usual. Started with the final and final (thankfully) "Lou Hei" for this Chinese New Year. I think I must have had about 10 of them this year. You can only take so much. We had otah, chicken wings, hot dogs, stingray, sotong, corn, satay, fried rice, mee siam, fishballs, chicken nuggets, beef steak, and the guests brought some tim sum as well. Not to forget the fruit for dessert. There were less than 20 of us, so there was just too much food.
Burp.... excuse me.
Now the diet starts.
Today I finally finished printing the last 10 DVDs of the church marriage covenant renewal ceremony and dinner. I made 54, 1 for each couple who went through it. Quite touching, some of them married for 40-50 years.
This was the first time I was using my dad's Canon 9950i printer for printing DVDs. Pretty cool. For the rest of the 44 DVDs, I used stickers printed with the office colour laser printer. Not too bad, but I'm worried about the stability of the sticker in DVD players though. Hopefully they don't come off or cause the disc to wobble.
Delivered the DVDs to Evelyn in church this afternoon, so the couples will get them this weekend. Finally job done.
Happy.
Well, quite a bit of preparation went into it. My mom ordered the BBQ food from a place called BBQ Wholesaler in Geylang yesterday and I went with her today to pick up the food and bring it to my parents' house this afternoon. I also picked up a table from my place and 2 foldable tables I borrowed from church.
There was lots and lots of food, as usual. Started with the final and final (thankfully) "Lou Hei" for this Chinese New Year. I think I must have had about 10 of them this year. You can only take so much. We had otah, chicken wings, hot dogs, stingray, sotong, corn, satay, fried rice, mee siam, fishballs, chicken nuggets, beef steak, and the guests brought some tim sum as well. Not to forget the fruit for dessert. There were less than 20 of us, so there was just too much food.
Burp.... excuse me.
Now the diet starts.
Today I finally finished printing the last 10 DVDs of the church marriage covenant renewal ceremony and dinner. I made 54, 1 for each couple who went through it. Quite touching, some of them married for 40-50 years.
This was the first time I was using my dad's Canon 9950i printer for printing DVDs. Pretty cool. For the rest of the 44 DVDs, I used stickers printed with the office colour laser printer. Not too bad, but I'm worried about the stability of the sticker in DVD players though. Hopefully they don't come off or cause the disc to wobble.
Delivered the DVDs to Evelyn in church this afternoon, so the couples will get them this weekend. Finally job done.
Happy.
Friday, February 11, 2005
CNY lunch with 7days and YRR team
The above picture was taken at the lunch at my place on the 2nd day of CNY. On the right, Simon with his 3rd child, Zachary, who was born 24 August 2004. On the left is me with my 2nd son Nathan, who was born 4 days after Zachary on 28th August 2004.
This is the first time we've had a picture together.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Chinese New Year's
It's that time of the year again, where kids and unmarried young people look forward to, and the married adults get ready to give and give..... red packets, of course.
Nowadays, I approach this season with anticipation as well as dread. While it's a chance to get to see everyone again, it's also a time where family relationships gone sour are brought to the fore cos we have to arrange visitations around those people who don't want to see each other.... hai yah.
I try not to get involved in those issues that the generation before me are into, so that I can continue to be a peacemaker... who am I to be so busybody anyway...... but then their personal idiosyncracies make this a stressful season for the rest of us .... what a blissful time it was when I was younger and didn't know and bother with all these things.
Anyway, I'll still try to have a meaningful and good time this year round.
So our plans?
Tonight - Go over to my parents' place for reunion dinner
Tomorrow morning - Go to Mount Vernon to remember my grandparents, then to my parents' place for an early lunch (late breakfast) and back home for lunch with the rest of the family.
2nd day morning - early morning visit to my in-laws
2nd day lunch - Big gathering at my place including the people from YRR
2nd day night - Chance to rest
For those of you expecting a big ang pao from me this year ... sorry. It's not going to be big. Still waiting for God to send more business my way....heh
Watch our for those food that are going to your waist!!
Enjoy your CNY!!
Nowadays, I approach this season with anticipation as well as dread. While it's a chance to get to see everyone again, it's also a time where family relationships gone sour are brought to the fore cos we have to arrange visitations around those people who don't want to see each other.... hai yah.
I try not to get involved in those issues that the generation before me are into, so that I can continue to be a peacemaker... who am I to be so busybody anyway...... but then their personal idiosyncracies make this a stressful season for the rest of us .... what a blissful time it was when I was younger and didn't know and bother with all these things.
Anyway, I'll still try to have a meaningful and good time this year round.
So our plans?
Tonight - Go over to my parents' place for reunion dinner
Tomorrow morning - Go to Mount Vernon to remember my grandparents, then to my parents' place for an early lunch (late breakfast) and back home for lunch with the rest of the family.
2nd day morning - early morning visit to my in-laws
2nd day lunch - Big gathering at my place including the people from YRR
2nd day night - Chance to rest
For those of you expecting a big ang pao from me this year ... sorry. It's not going to be big. Still waiting for God to send more business my way....heh
Watch our for those food that are going to your waist!!
Enjoy your CNY!!
Sunday, January 30, 2005
7 worship sessions in 8 days!
That's a record.
Did 4 in Thailand, since last Sunday, took the plane home on Thursday, church prayer and worship on on Friday night till 12 midnight, Saturday with 7days at Covenent EF Church for their youth service, and this morning in church. I'm all so saturated! Another one to do at Telok Ayer Church on Tuesday. Will be total 8 sessions in 10 days!
Did 4 in Thailand, since last Sunday, took the plane home on Thursday, church prayer and worship on on Friday night till 12 midnight, Saturday with 7days at Covenent EF Church for their youth service, and this morning in church. I'm all so saturated! Another one to do at Telok Ayer Church on Tuesday. Will be total 8 sessions in 10 days!
Friday, January 28, 2005
Back from Thailand
Had a great week in Thailand with Li Soon and Matthew and the rest of the 7days team. It was wonderful to be able to be there with all the families and to be able to serve his body of servants. We did 4 worship sessions, which were really powerful and uplifting. Also had to time relax, go swimming, shopping, eating, team time, etc
I take my hat off to those parents who both serve and balance the family (meaning kids) without the help of maids. I think Li Soon and I are definitely spoilt. I was reminded about the contrast and how blessed we are when Simon mentioned the incident with a inland staff asking if the 3 kids were indeed all his. Only did he realise that they can only have 1 child there whilst we are encouraged to have more.... what an irony.
We did a breakout session on how to bring 7days inland. A few truly interested people turned up. Hopefully God will provide some leads to go inland this year and do more. It was also great to meet up with the guys from YRR again. So good that they'll be coming over to Singapore during Chinese New Year's.
Anyway, back home now, got to do the stuff for home again. Taking Nathan to the doctor's today again for his injection. Gotta finish my GST return by Monday, church and other stuff as well.
Here is a picture of Li Soon and me at the beach in Thailand.
I take my hat off to those parents who both serve and balance the family (meaning kids) without the help of maids. I think Li Soon and I are definitely spoilt. I was reminded about the contrast and how blessed we are when Simon mentioned the incident with a inland staff asking if the 3 kids were indeed all his. Only did he realise that they can only have 1 child there whilst we are encouraged to have more.... what an irony.
We did a breakout session on how to bring 7days inland. A few truly interested people turned up. Hopefully God will provide some leads to go inland this year and do more. It was also great to meet up with the guys from YRR again. So good that they'll be coming over to Singapore during Chinese New Year's.
Anyway, back home now, got to do the stuff for home again. Taking Nathan to the doctor's today again for his injection. Gotta finish my GST return by Monday, church and other stuff as well.
Here is a picture of Li Soon and me at the beach in Thailand.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Leaving for Thailand Beach resort
Leaving today for a beach resort in Thailand with LS and Matthew. Nathan will have to stay home this time :(
It's near Hua Hin, the imperial summer palace, facing the gulf of Thailand. Hope to have 1 week R&R as well as serving the in conference we are attending. Hopefully can put behind all the scary images of the Tsunami and still enjoy ourselves. And most important of all, contribute to helping the recovering of the Thai tourism... heh!
It's near Hua Hin, the imperial summer palace, facing the gulf of Thailand. Hope to have 1 week R&R as well as serving the in conference we are attending. Hopefully can put behind all the scary images of the Tsunami and still enjoy ourselves. And most important of all, contribute to helping the recovering of the Thai tourism... heh!
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Feeling better
Everyone who prayed for me, thanks. I'm feeling better now, just a tiny bit of dizziness left. Went to see my specialist yesterday. So nice of my dad, with his busy schedule to accompany me. Well, the doctor did both an ECG and Ultrasound to see if my heart was ok. Also did a blood test. He's says they seemed fine, but the ECG machine actually said that I had inferior infarct (which means a heart attack!) cos of a little abnormality in the rhythm. But the doctor confirmed it is just the machine's algorithm being too sensitive. I certainly hope so.
So the doctor's advice? It's probably due to dehydration, hence the low blood pressure. So drink more water. Anyway, he took me off the blood pressure medication to see, and to see him in a month.
Damage? $600+ ouch!!
Going off to Thailand with Li Soon and Matthew for a week on Friday. Hopefully will get a chance to relax. Beach resort - what were we thinking???
So the doctor's advice? It's probably due to dehydration, hence the low blood pressure. So drink more water. Anyway, he took me off the blood pressure medication to see, and to see him in a month.
Damage? $600+ ouch!!
Going off to Thailand with Li Soon and Matthew for a week on Friday. Hopefully will get a chance to relax. Beach resort - what were we thinking???
Monday, January 17, 2005
Low BP?
Went to see the family doctor today with Matthew. Matt had his flu vaccine injection. He was so brave.
Anyway, told the doctor about my giddyness and headaches and throwing up. So he did a check, everything ok except that my blood pressure was kinda low. 100/70. Sounds logical why I'd have those symptoms. Kinda worried, including my aunt and parents. So I'm going to see the specialist tomorrow, perhaps do a blood test to see what's up. Hopefully it's just needing to change the medication.
Pray ok?
Anyway, told the doctor about my giddyness and headaches and throwing up. So he did a check, everything ok except that my blood pressure was kinda low. 100/70. Sounds logical why I'd have those symptoms. Kinda worried, including my aunt and parents. So I'm going to see the specialist tomorrow, perhaps do a blood test to see what's up. Hopefully it's just needing to change the medication.
Pray ok?
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Sick
I don't know if it's the sudden change of weather from cool to very hot, or insufficient rest, stress or my upcoming trip to Thailand, but really felt bad yesterday and still a little bit today. Decided to stay home yesterday, to rest and do a bit of my accounts before I leave on Friday for Thailand with Li Soon and Matthew. GST submission Jan 31st. So Li Soon took the car to work. Forgot that Matthew had swimming class in the afternoon at 3:30pm. So with no car, not feeling so well, I decided to call Li Soon to see if we can not go. She said OK and called the instructor.
Then time to tell Matthew. He was really upset and insisted on going.... what to do?
So finally succumbed to his persistent "I want to go to swimming class", and took him by taxi to Bedok Swimming Complex.
I knew there were going to be problems.... I left my sunglasses in the car which Li Soon drove, and it was a hot and very sunny day. I have this problem with bright sunlight because I am very sensitive to bright lights. I had to squint just to see and with the bright sun and intense reflections from the pool, it wasn't long before I developed double vision and a mild headache. Thankfully I took some Panadol before going. Well, Matthew enjoyed his swimming and had 4 fishballs and Sprite after swimming. Took a taxi back and once I reached home, it all came down. I felt dizzy, extremely tired, headache, and after dinner, had some chest pains too (I think it was heartburn or indigestion)
Went to bed at about 7pm but didn't manage to sleep alot.
My worried aunt sent for my parents even and they came over. It was nice of my dad to even give me a massage.. ;) hehe
Finally took two muscle relaxants and went to bed at 11pm.
Hopefully I'll get some more rest today before Em's concert tonight. Cancelled the Creative Arts meeting for this afternoon.
Going to sleep now.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Then time to tell Matthew. He was really upset and insisted on going.... what to do?
So finally succumbed to his persistent "I want to go to swimming class", and took him by taxi to Bedok Swimming Complex.
I knew there were going to be problems.... I left my sunglasses in the car which Li Soon drove, and it was a hot and very sunny day. I have this problem with bright sunlight because I am very sensitive to bright lights. I had to squint just to see and with the bright sun and intense reflections from the pool, it wasn't long before I developed double vision and a mild headache. Thankfully I took some Panadol before going. Well, Matthew enjoyed his swimming and had 4 fishballs and Sprite after swimming. Took a taxi back and once I reached home, it all came down. I felt dizzy, extremely tired, headache, and after dinner, had some chest pains too (I think it was heartburn or indigestion)
Went to bed at about 7pm but didn't manage to sleep alot.
My worried aunt sent for my parents even and they came over. It was nice of my dad to even give me a massage.. ;) hehe
Finally took two muscle relaxants and went to bed at 11pm.
Hopefully I'll get some more rest today before Em's concert tonight. Cancelled the Creative Arts meeting for this afternoon.
Going to sleep now.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Oops! Almost forgot our 7th wedding anniversary
This is totally embarrassing and terrible. Li Soon and I completely forgot that it's our 7th wedding anniversary tomorrow. Wow, time really flies man. 2 kids later, things like anniversaries can creep up on you.Hehe
Anyway, we're probably going to Marriott tomorrow night and spending the $300 voucher Li Soon won at her company event. Thank God for things like that...hehe
I still remember when we got married at Shangri-La hotel. Starting new job then, and new married life at the same time. Good memories.
Well, gotta move on and look forward. God's been great, providing for us through everything and blessing us with great kids, a supportive home environment and more than we can want or ask.
Many more years ahead!!
Anyway, we're probably going to Marriott tomorrow night and spending the $300 voucher Li Soon won at her company event. Thank God for things like that...hehe
I still remember when we got married at Shangri-La hotel. Starting new job then, and new married life at the same time. Good memories.
Well, gotta move on and look forward. God's been great, providing for us through everything and blessing us with great kids, a supportive home environment and more than we can want or ask.
Many more years ahead!!
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Stages
With so many people losing someone close whether it be to the earthquakes, tsunami, accidents, old age or even relationship breakups, I thought that I'd do some reading up on how people handle loss. Came across the 5 stages of loss that I remember vaguely studying in Psychology class many years ago. Thought I'd put it up as a reminder on how to cope.
The 5 stages are
(1) denial,
(2) bargaining,
(3) anger,
(4) despair,
(5) acceptance.
For more detail, take a look at
Coping with Loss
Seems a number of my friends are in the midst of breakups. So strange that it happens at this time though. I wonder if it is just coincidence, or that events around have somewhat triggered latent things? hmmmm.
I remember the first time I was rejected many years ago. I sometimes can still feel the kind of pain, when I hear of others going through that. The feelings of inadequacy, anger, disbelieve, despair and finally acceptance is not something I would choose to go through if I had a choice. However, I know that it is exactly through these painful experiences and trials that we can discover much about ourselves, others, God and grow.
The only thing for sure is that time will heal, and God will provide a way to cope, so don't give up. Have to endure a little bit of time.
"2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
James 1:2-5
13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Cor 10:13
The 5 stages are
(1) denial,
(2) bargaining,
(3) anger,
(4) despair,
(5) acceptance.
For more detail, take a look at
Coping with Loss
Seems a number of my friends are in the midst of breakups. So strange that it happens at this time though. I wonder if it is just coincidence, or that events around have somewhat triggered latent things? hmmmm.
I remember the first time I was rejected many years ago. I sometimes can still feel the kind of pain, when I hear of others going through that. The feelings of inadequacy, anger, disbelieve, despair and finally acceptance is not something I would choose to go through if I had a choice. However, I know that it is exactly through these painful experiences and trials that we can discover much about ourselves, others, God and grow.
The only thing for sure is that time will heal, and God will provide a way to cope, so don't give up. Have to endure a little bit of time.
"2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
James 1:2-5
13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Cor 10:13
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