Sohya-Sauce

Am Alive

2011-08-23T17:49:00.001+08:00

I am alive.

I mean it. :)

March Updates

2010-03-19T21:14:00.002+08:00

Haha... Arriving in the other planet, and it has been a lot of running none stop.

Not sucked down by gravity, so running has been a little easier.
But still the pace is quick and still increasing,

Some interesting stuff this week includes this:

SDL
Articulate Learning Gaps
Set own learning goals and identify tasks to achieve the goals
Formulate questions and generate own inquiries
Explore alternatives and make sound decisions
Plan and manage workload and time effectively
Reflect on their learning and use feedback to improve their work
Apply learning in new contexts

Increasing Levels of Degree:
Incidental self directed learning
Teaching students to think independently
Self-managed learning
Self-planned learning
Self-directed learning

Collaborative Learning:
-Ongoing efforts in negotiating meaning
-establishing shared understanding among them
- Synthesis of task, more than assembling of task

Something I picked up from a course this week.
It's been really interesting framework.
Something to fuel my thoughts.

Dec Week :)

2009-12-18T08:21:00.002+08:00

It's been one week after the time spent in Malaysia, and I'm still basking in the warm memories of it.

It's been a God sent week in Malaysia.

Amazing ... how God just schedules in divine appointments, while I move around this week in Supper Buddy's car.

1. Met Prawn Lady and her daughter.
2. Met long lost friend, N
3. New project with Ice Cream Dreamer

All unexpected but really pleasant surprises

Wow.

I'm amazed.

Arrived!

2009-12-13T08:09:00.001+08:00

Arrived! And spent one gorgeous week in Malaysia camping.

One word: Fantastic!

Beyond my wildest imagination and expectation.

:)

The Last Day

2009-12-05T04:28:00.003+08:00

Today is my final day on another planet.

Will be shuttling home. :)

Words to end this gorgeous one year experience.

1. Discovery
2. Decisions
3. Defining D

Things to remember. :)

See ya!

Movie- Disgrace

2009-11-26T05:32:00.002+08:00

Watched the movie, Disgrace. Based on the book by Coetzee.

A glimpse of post apartheid Africa. Harsh themes, though provoking imagery.

I think am going to get the book and have a read.

Crossed Paths at Crossway

2009-11-26T05:22:00.002+08:00

Friends made in Crossway. :)

Last night was the last Crossway Life Group.

Thank God

2009-11-23T04:43:00.003+08:00

Its interesting, and am thankful.

In Dec, God has provided me with...

1) Supper Buddy's Car. (Whoa Hoo! Thanks WF! )
2) Opportunity to make new contacts
3) A possible Opportunity to do a Project

Wow. It means a lot to me. So am thanksful. The opportunities just came in the email through a good friend.

Praying for wisdom, courage and creativity. Plus, the ability to make friends and make a difference.
Can see many possibilities this morning when received the email. :) O well. Its a good sign.

What's more, this week, J has lent me her car, while she is away in Sydney. :) So am very blessed and happy. :)

Massive Cook Out!

2009-11-21T22:40:00.003+08:00

div>

Sis invited friends to party.

And we cooked up a storm!

Menu:

1. Caramel Popcorn
2. Spam Jenga (Inspired by game)
3. Cute Octopi Sausages
4. Seaweed Potato Salad
5. Blue Eggs Pasta Rhapsody
6. Meatballs and gravy galore!

haha... :) Enjoy. :)

Nassim Taleb

2009-11-21T16:44:00.001+08:00

Another brilliant writer :)

Malcolm Gladwell Rawks!

2009-11-21T16:41:00.003+08:00

I love his Books!

Malcolm Gladwell is really a brilliant writer!

Birthdays are celebrated in a Big Way over here. :)

2009-11-15T19:08:00.002+08:00

2 special birthday girls, St and Ja.

So... the girls decided to go to Brighton Beach!

It was a "cool" day out!

The sun and the colors "brightened" my day!

Haha...

Mary and Max- Stop Motion Claymation Feature Film

2009-11-11T11:44:00.001+08:00

It's a really touching story. But, what was really amazing was how it was it done!

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

2009-11-07T14:11:00.002+08:00

A movie that is heart rending and thought provoking.

Do watch.

The World is Flat

2009-11-05T17:36:00.002+08:00

A brilliant book, just went through a few chapters.

It's recommended reading for all who want to understand the world to come.

I'm serious.

:)

Amusing Story on the web

2009-10-30T10:09:00.000+08:00

The Blueberry story: the teacher gives the businessman a lesson - Front Burner

Catholic New Times, Dec 15, 2002 by Jamie Robert Vollmer

"If I ran my business the way you people operate your schools, I wouldn't be in business very long!"

I stood before an auditorium filled with outraged teachers becoming angrier by the minute. My speech had entirely consumed their precious 90 minutes of in-service. Their initial, icy glares had turned to restless agitation. You could cut the hostility with a knife.

I represented a group of business people dedicated to improving public schools. I was an executive at an ice-cream company that became famous in the middle 1980s when People Magazine chose our blueberry flavour as the "Best Ice Cream in America."

I was convinced of two things. First, that public schools needed to change; they were archaic, selecting-and-sorting mechanisms designed for the industrial age and out of step with the needs of our emerging "knowledge society."

Second, that educators were a major part of the problem: they resisted change, hunkered down in their feathered nests, protected by tenure and shielded by a bureaucratic monopoly. They needed to look to business. We knew how to produce quality. Zero defects! Continous improvement! In retrospect, the speech was perfectly balanced: equal parts ignorance and arrogance.

As soon as I had finished, a woman's hand shot up. She appeared to be polite and pleasant--but in fact, she was a razor-edged, veteran, high-school English teacher who had been waiting to unload.

She began quietly, "We are told, sir, that you manage a company that makes good ice cream." I smugly replied, "Best ice cream in America, ma'am."

"How nice," she replied. "Is it rich and smooth?"

"Sixteen per cent butter fat," I crowed.

"Premium ingredients?" she inquired.

"Super-premium! Nothing but triple-A." I was on a roll. I never saw the next line coining.

"Mr. Vollmer," she said, leaning forward with a wicked eyebrow raised to the sky, "when you are standing on your receiving dock and you see an inferior shipment of blueberries arrive, what do you do?"

In the silence of that room, I could hear the trap snap. I was dead meat, but I wasn't going to lie. "I send them back."

"That's right!" she barked, "and we can never send back our blueberries. We take them big, small, rich, poor, gifted, exceptional, abused, frightened, confident, homeless, rude and brilliant. We take them with ADHD, junior rheumatoid arthritis and English as their second language. We take them all! Every one! Mad that, Mr. Vollmer, is why it's not business. It's a school!"

In an explosion, all 290 teachers, principals, bus drivers, aides, custodians and secretaries jumped to their feet and yelled, "Yeah! Blueberries! Blueberries!"

And so began my long transformation. Since then, I have visited hundreds of schools. I have learned that a school is not a business. Schools are unable to control the quality of their raw material; they are dependent upon the vagaries of politics for they are a liable revenue stream and they are constantly mauled by a howling horde of disparate, competing customer groups that would send the best CEO screaming into the night.

None of this negates the need for change. We must change what, when and how we teach to give all children a maximum opportunity to thrive in post-industrial society. But educators cannot do this alone; these changes can occur only with the understanding, trust, permission and active support of the surrounding community.

The most important thing I have learned is that schools reflect the attitudes, beliefs and health of the communities they serve. Therefore, to improve public education means more than changing our schools; it means changing our society.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Catholic New Times, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group

Sofa Surprise

2009-10-23T18:22:00.002+08:00

The days pass by quickly, and ever so often, Supper Buddy catches up with me about the latest news in Singapore.

Much needed dose of sunshine. :) News of blessings in her life.

Yes. Its another one of those stories. Of how she gave a way a sofa set and then she was blessed with another. Free!

Am amazed. And it makes me smile.

Another ray of sunshine on a busy, cloudy day.

Wow!

2009-10-13T16:12:00.001+08:00

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-10-12-miracle_N.htm

Miracle on the Hudson' reveals passengers' chilling stories

By William Prochnau and Laura Parker Special to USA TODAY
The first 911 call came at 3:29 p.m. A rattled rasp, chafed by a strong Bronx accent, overwhelmed the operator: "I'm witnessing an airplane that is going down ... it's on fire ... Oh my God ... I heard a big boom and he came straight over us. ... Oh my God."
BY THE BOOK: Sullenberger opens up in 'Duty'
The caller had seen an Airbus, bound from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, at 3,000 feet over the Bronx Zoo just after it struck a flock of large Canada geese. The jet had been aloft less than 100 seconds. With 155 passengers and crew, it had less than 3½ minutes left.

The crash-landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River last Jan. 15 became the feel-good story of the year — a happy moment in a time of economic despair. The world watched, mesmerized, as the passengers stepped out onto the wings and climbed aboard ferries that rescued all of them. The pilot, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, was hailed as a hero for delicately gliding the 75-ton jet to a safe landing in the river.

But the flight was more traumatic, and the rescue more precarious, than those early images suggest. Interviews with 118 passengers reveal that many expected to die as they rode the crashing airliner down. Then, having survived the crash, many faced death again in icy water.

Passengers in the rear of the jet's cabin expected to drown as water rose above their chests. At least 17 ended up in the river, and another dozen became hypothermic waiting on the jet's wings. In many cases, the outcome would not have been as happy if the rescue been delayed by even a few minutes.

After hitting the birds, the jet shuddered and emitted quick, spooky noises — the thumps of geese bouncing along the fuselage, simultaneous explosions and tortured sounds inside the engines that were winding down to a dead stop.

From the passengers inside the only loud sound was a startled scream from Eileen Shleffar, the 56-year-old manager of a buying team from a Charlotte department store. So stunned were the others that they could manage only gasps, murmurs and an occasional startled epithet.

The eeriness set in quickly for Ricardo Valeriano, a Charlotte financier. He says a light smoke and putrid smell invaded the cabin — "a mix of jet fuel, burning hair and burning flesh — a concoction you never want to smell, especially in an airplane."

Despite the near certainty of what lay ahead, the cabin turned almost as silent as the dead engines. Psychiatrists call this "psychic numbing" — the mind shuts down against threats it can't handle.

Jay McDonald, a Charlotte software salesman seated just behind the burning engine spotted by the 911 caller, had been looking past it down at Yankee Stadium when the jet hit the geese. He didn't look out the window again and has no recollection of the fire.

Some passengers say they had out-of-body experiences, others talked to God. The flight became an eternity for some, mere seconds for others. Some later thought they'd been airborne for a half-hour.

Lives flashed before eyes, Hollywood-style. Dave Sanderson, a Charlotte computer expert, replayed Little League baseball games, saw his first girlfriend, revisited his college days.

Tripp Harris, a banking consultant, went the other direction. He saw scenes from a future lost, playing catch with his 2-year-old son, helping him in school. "How badly I wanted to see him grow up."

Meanwhile, real time was unyielding. Capt. Sullenberger took the jet into a long, banking dive to regain speed and stability. Within a minute of hitting the birds, he lost two-thirds of his altitude and approached a landmark — the George Washington Bridge across the Hudson. The plane skimmed only 600 feet over its arches, or 1,235 feet above the river.

Then Sullenberger spoke on the jet's PA for the first time since takeoff: "This is your captain. Brace for impact."

Flight 1549 had 90 seconds to go.

"When you hear those words on an airplane," said Douglas Schrift, a Charlotte construction executive, "You don't think you heard them right. Then the flight attendants started chanting. A creepy chant. Like a horror movie. 'Brace! Brace! Heads down! Stay down!' "

Then the passengers' emotions swung in wildly different directions.

"Brace for impact?" Bill Zuhowski asked himself. "How do you brace for death?"

Laura Zych heard a baby crying. Instead of an irritation, the cries soothed her as "a sign we were alive."

Jim Whitaker saw death but was at peace because of his Roman Catholicism and a worldly belief that worse things can happen. One of his children had died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. That was a worse thing.

Some thought of their life insurance, others of unmade beds and cluttered garages left behind, forgotten goodbye kisses.

Lori Lightner burst out: "Oh, crap, we're crashing." Then she quickly prayed, "Forgive me for everything I've done wrong. I don't have time to go through it all because I'm going to die."

As the haunting "Brace, brace," chant continued to unnerve everyone, Josh Peltz started a countdown:

"Fifty feet, 45 feet, 40 feet...."

At the front of the coach cabin Casey Jones, a Bank of America executive, heard the robotic computer voice of the cockpit warning system seep under the door: "Caution! Terrain! Too low! Pull up! Pull up!"

Then the jet's tail struck the Hudson. Hard.

Sullenberger brought the jet in at a near perfect attitude — wings level, nose up about 10 degrees, speed about 150 mph. Still, the Airbus took a terrific hit. In first-class, Barry Leonard said the aircraft "groaned" as the fuselage settled the final 10 degrees into the river.

The jet had landed on the New Jersey side of the river. It hydroplaned five or six city blocks, lost its left engine into the Hudson and, as if it had its own public-relations director, took a sweeping turn and almost a slight bow toward the town that makes legends, New York.

Inside the cabin, the passengers remained silent for five or 10 seconds after the jet came to a stop. In first-class Denise Lockie, an office-supply executive, remained braced in her seat until her seatmate, Mark Hood, an ex-Marine, nudged her.

"Am I in heaven?" she asked him.

"No, and I'm no angel," Hood, a deeply religious man, replied as he urged her to get moving.

Nearby Barry Leonard started toward the door, then paused and looked back to make sure his body wasn't still in his seat.

'Like watching lemmings'

At mid-plane, the four wing exits quickly popped open.

On the left side, Michelle DePonte, who had traveled from Charlotte to New York for her final wedding dress fitting, was the first to step out into brilliant sunshine. Surging with adrenalin and overjoyed to be alive, DePonte did not feel the frosty bite of 22-degree air.

Within seconds, DePonte and six others who filed out behind her had jumped into the Hudson and were swimming away from the jet. None wore life preservers. Having survived the impact, they now faced drowning in 35-degree water.

"It was like watching lemmings," said Clay Presley, a Charlotte business executive, who saw his row mate, Steve O'Brien, launch himself as if he were jumping into a swimming pool.

Presley started to jump, another lemming off the ledge, but couldn't make himself. He had no seat cushion, no life vest, and the group in the water sounded "like they were freezing to death."

The swimmers feared an explosion more than cold water. "All I could think was: We just took off, this plane is full of fuel, fuel burns on top of water," said Shae Childers.

For Barry Leonard, who jumped in from first-class, the plunge set off a deadly physical reaction known as cold shock response. He began to hyperventilate, gulping air in small, uncontrollable breaths.

Had he been facedown, one or two involuntary breaths could have flooded his lungs, drowning him. The 55-year-old business executive also faced sudden cardiac arrest from the extreme temperature change. His blood pressure, measured on shore 45 minutes later, was 190/110, well into stroke territory. He has no memory of being pulled aboard the life raft at the first-class cabin door.

Cold shock hit the others hard. When Mark Hood, the ex-Marine, pulled Pam Seagle into the raft, her strength had vanished.

"I've seen a lot of dead people in my life, people dead just 10 seconds, people dead longer," he said. "Pam looked like she was almost dead because her lips were so blue and her skin was so pale."

O'Brien managed to swing a leg and arm into the raft, but Hood and Denise Lockie had to haul him in.

"He had a look of panic and terror on his face," Lockie said. As she took him in her arms, he asked: "Is this a dream? Is this really happening?"

"It's really happening," she said.

'Go the other way!'

Inside the cabin, the aisle jammed with people. Some started over the tops of seats "like a cat on furniture," said Diane Higgins, who panicked about evacuating her 85-year-old mother, Lucille Palmer, who could barely walk.

"Just leave me," her mother said. "Ma!" Higgins recoiled, horrified at the thought.

The rear cabin, which had taken the brunt of the impact, looked like a train wreck. Oxygen masks dangled; overhead bin doors hung askew. Bags had fallen out and ceiling panels dropped to the floor.

It was worse than a mess. The collision had stripped full panels off the jet's undercarriage, allowing water to seep in around passengers' feet. Worse, it had ripped the tail cone apart and torn a gaping hole in the rear pressure bulkhead, the wall that keeps the cabin pressurized but, broken open, became a culvert for water to gush into the jet.

New Yorkers watched passengers escaping to what seemed like safety on the wings. What they couldn't see was the drama in the back of the jet, where passengers such as Vallie Collins had gone from wet feet to bone-chilling water "above my chest. ... It was like needles."

She had been heading for the rear exits, now hopelessly underwater. Collins turned and tried to go to mid-plane, only to run into a mass of passengers still heading her way. "Go the other way!" she yelled.

Near her, in the last row, Brian Moss seemed stalled. The rising water forced him up onto the seatback ahead of him, where only inches of head room remained. "I looked down at the water and knew that was how I was going to die," Moss recalled later. Briefly, he thought of putting his face into the water to see how it would feel. He didn't.

Jim Hanks, a Baltimore lawyer, felt the water surge to the top of his tie. Ahead of him he could see nothing but the roadblock of humanity, pushing both directions.

"This is it," he thought. His wife would become a young widow. His 4-year-old daughter wouldn't remember him. "Those were the saddest thoughts I have ever had. It was a certainty and it wouldn't take very long."

All thought the full length of the jet was sinking at an even rate until the mass turned, edging slowly toward the front. They got in line, Moss last. Astonished, they found the water got shallower as they moved ahead — "like walking out of a beach," Hanks said. When Moss reached the wing exits, he saw many outside didn't have life preservers. He waded back into the rear to retrieve more. Sullenberger finally had to tell him to leave.

Just 'trying to stay on'

The image of the passengers lined up on the wings became the enduring visual. But it was a precarious perch, not meant for Italian leather-soled loafers and three-inch high heels.

Water mixed with jet fuel, swirled on the surface, then froze. At least eight people slid off into the river. A dozen more became hypothermic when the water rose to their waist as the jet sank.

"You were blindly feeling with your feet, trying to stay on," said Chris Cobb. "You didn't know where the tip was."

Martin and Tess Sosa emerged at the right wing exit with their 4-year-old daughter, Sofia, and nine-month-old son, Damian, just after a group of men untangled the inflated wing slide and begun loading it with survivors. Anxiety rose in the group that Tess would slip on the wing with the baby before she could get to the slide.

Several yelled for Tess to "throw the baby" to them, but the thought shocked her. "I wasn't going to throw him and risk him falling into the frigid waters. ... I made it through all of this and you think I'm going to throw my baby now? No. I'm fine holding him."

Vallie Collins intervened. "A man on the slide said, 'Get those kids.' I step onto the back corner of the slide — I'm kind of half in, half out. I have one foot on the back and one foot on the wing. I look at Tess and say, 'Give me your baby.' "

Collins handed Damian over. "Then I took the little girl and just sat down cross-legged with her in my lap."

A close call

By then, the New York Waterway ferries were in sight. On the left wing, Shae Childers' wingmates struggled to get her aboard the ferry first. After her jump into the Hudson, Childers, 38, had been pulled from the water but had become too weak to save herself.

Her core temperature had dropped to 92 degrees, the lowest of the 17 survivors later treated for hypothermia. She would spend three days in a New York hospital. But first she had to climb onto one of those boxy ferries. It seemed beyond her.

She grabbed onto the ladder of the ferry Moira Smith, but it had pinned a man's foot to the wing. As the boat throttled back to release him, Childers fell into the river.

She now was at exceptionally high risk. Hauled back onto the wing, she could not stand. The ferry moved in again to the wing, but a second attempt to get her aboard failed. Childers got a grip on a third try, but could not climb. Joe Hart scrambled up to the deck to pull her, as others pushed from below.

"The boat drifts away from the plane," he said. "Now it's just me and Shae, and I'm losing her. We've got eye contact just like in the movies. 'Hold on.' And with that, she slips through my hands."

About that time, the New York Police Department helicopter carrying divers Michael Delaney and Robert Rodriguez appeared overhead.. As the chopper circled, Delaney caught a glimpse of Childers' red sweater.

"Put me there," he told the pilot.

Below, Childers grew frantic, her limbs unable to move. "I've lived through this plane crash, but now I'm going to fall under this boat and be killed by this ferry," she thought. "... I'm just not going to make it. I can't hold on any longer."

At that moment, Delaney, now in choppy waters, tapped her on the shoulder.

"My name is Michael," he said. "We're going to get you out of the water." And he did.

Burning Flock Experience

2009-10-13T16:02:00.000+08:00

Source: http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5200333

Burning sheep and quake fears follow gas leak
October 13, 2009 Edition 2

AMMAN: An underground methane leak in a remote area of northern Jordan burst into flames and set fire to a flock of sheep, spreading fears of volcanic eruptions.

A shepherd said he saw his flock "burn and completely disappear" after he let them wander into the rocky depression to search for grass.

The incident set off a frenzy of speculation at the weekend that Jordan was now host to volcanoes or that a massive earthquake was imminent.

Government experts dispatched to the burnt region in Um Jaozeh on the outskirts of the city of Salt revealed that a nearby waste treatment works had saturated the soil with methane gas and organic materials.

Cameron Carpenter

2009-10-11T21:31:00.005+08:00

Cameron Carpenter is a Pipe Organist, and a very good one.

Went to his concert and it was awesome.

Wow... I didn't know a Pipe Organ could make such a range of noise. Cameron really expressed his individuality through the pieces.

Vegetable Walls!

2009-10-09T19:09:00.002+08:00

Museum of Quai Branly by the Seine

Green walls to enrich urban space with natural elements and biodiversity.

By French architect Jean Nouvel and botanists.

Imagine a vegetable wall just outside your HDB flat!

Drops from a leaking tap by George Verwer

2009-10-04T20:27:00.003+08:00

Am amazed again by Verwer.

Out of the Comfort Zone was the first book that I read about him several years back.

Drops from a leaking tap by him was once again an eye opener.

Practical and yet a lifestyle on the edge. Another brilliant reminder.

I think the thing that really struck me as always, was the simplicity and the earnest commitment to live like Christ.
Some may say to a radical extreme, but I perceive it as an earnest commitment taken in full acknowledgment of the cost.
Indeed, the proof is in the living... haha pudding ( Pardon the pun)

Ok.... A new term awaits.

Looking forward again to another course I signed up for the next weekend.

Note to self:

Theme parks, car parks. Consider team parks and parking that has no expiration date. (S. Robinson)
What is the bottomline?

Jan Den Ouden @ Crossway

2009-10-04T20:23:00.001+08:00

Jan Den Ouden was speaking today.

Left some interesting thoughts about life and the meaning of it.

Indeed, another reminder of the Great Commission and Commandment.

:)

Dali Exhibition

2009-10-03T20:22:00.003+08:00

Today was a beautiful day.

First time viewing such a huge range of Dali's works. And it was simply mind blowing!
Art history came alive. Was very very inspired.

:) We queued for 2 hours to get into the museum.

It took another 2 hours to complete viewing the exhibits. It would have taken longer if given a chance or a choice.

But wow!

Seeing his works in real life beats the printed version in art books any time.

Ended the day with hotpot at White Tomato.

Couldn't take photos in the museum. Aw... But included an interesting photo of the bark of a tree. Haha.. I think you can actually see the face.

Tulip Festival 2009

2009-10-02T19:24:00.003+08:00

Went to Tulip Festival with friends from Uni.

A pretty sight!

Life Group :)

2009-09-30T21:44:00.002+08:00

The pilot life group has officially joined the official life group. :) Yays!

Tonight was the 1st official meeting.

I was so happy and blissful. Tis, been what I have been praying for. :)

Haha..On another note, been challenged to complete 2nd Tim by Dec. So am aiming for that. :)

It's gonna be an interesting weekend. Tulip festival on Friday with classmates.

Will be aiming to take some good pictures.

Ok.. Looks like fun!

Up!

2009-09-29T15:48:00.002+08:00

This movie is made of good stuff.

Really like it. :)

There's a Peace I've come to Know

2009-09-25T07:34:00.000+08:00

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say it is well

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow no more pain
I will rise on eagle's wings
Before my God fall on my knees and rise
I will rise

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

And I hear the voice of many angels sing
Worthy is the Lamb
And I hear the cry of ev'ry longing heart
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb

I will rise
I will rise

Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Louie Giglio, Matt Maher
Copyright © 2008 worshiptogether.com songs/sixsteps Music/Vamos Publishing/spiritandsong.com Publishing/Thankyou Music
Adm. by kingswaysongs.com tym@kingsway.co.uk

Day 4 -Crossway Conference- I'm Awed

2009-09-24T20:19:00.005+08:00

I'm awed.

I think this song best describes what I feel and decided.

The Stand
by Hillsong United
album: United We Stand (2006)
You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand

You stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all

So I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours

Show me Your heart
Show me Your way
Show me Your glory

This picture expresses how I feel.

Another Pile of stones

Day 3 Cross Way Conference

2009-09-23T21:14:00.002+08:00

Hi People...

Letting you have a privileged view of my Crossway Lunch Pack.

:) 1 Bottle Orange Juice
1 Ham and Cheese Roll
1 Lemon Slice
1 Apple

I wish I could take the photos of the sessions. :)

But ... well memory snap shots will have to do now.

3 Sessions today. Plenty of things to think about. :)

Yippee!

Whoa Ho Ho! Day 2 at Crossway Conference

2009-09-22T19:52:00.005+08:00

Today! Was a massively busy day!

Well, part of the busyness was self created. But highlights of the day included...

1) a non working laptop that needed reinstallation
2) travel to uni

3) and attending conference at Crossway!

The crossway bit for today was my favourite!
Yays! Yays! Happy Yays!

Mark Conner spoke today. :) Joshua 13:1
The theme: More!

Yup, blown away again.

It was like dialogue stolen from my QT.

Key Words:

More! (Haha.. if you look in the Joshua 13:1 context... you will know what's the more about.)
I was shocked but most of all touched and then blown away.

and then Marinate. Haha... foodie talk.

O by the way... blown away = inspired without a hint of scepticism. My terminology.

If the whole year, needs to be summarized, I think this conference would be the core essence.

I know, I know am gushing again. Breathe in, breathe out.
But man, this sure beats all the food pictures hands down.. Ok... Ok... will try to get some pictures next few days.

Ok , err..., for people who have no idea what I'm talking about...

Well, let's just say that I have been blessed by the speakers at the conference.
And thank God for preparing my heart so that I could hear.

Yays! Happy Yays!

Crossway Breakthrough

2009-09-20T12:56:00.003+08:00

Am so glad . :) That I came across Crossway. Haha... Pun Intended. Love Crossway. :)

Today, Bob Roberts from Northwoods, came to speak. And was just blown away by what he said.

Blown away, because I asked God a question last night, and He answered it today.

Was blown away.

Not an uncomfortable blown away, but an awed blown away.

Pile of stones. Thank God for Dale Stephenson and Crossway.

Looking forward to an awesome conference time next week.

=) Yays!

New Sohya Sauce Logo

2009-09-15T19:19:00.001+08:00

Launching the new sohya-sauce logo. Yippee!

Seminar

2009-09-15T18:59:00.004+08:00

Went for a really cool seminar by Careforce. :)

Brilliant. Inspired. :)

Today, decided to create a poster to remind me of the lessons learnt.

Sparrow. :)

Haha....

Tennis lesson

2009-09-13T20:04:00.002+08:00

Serena penalty hands Clijsters final berth.

http://au.sports.yahoo.com/tennis/news/article/-/6027477/serena-penalty-hands-clijsters-final-berth

=========

By Pritha Sarkar

NEW YORK, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Kim Clijsters reached the U.S. Open final after beating an enraged Serena Williams 6-4 7-5 on Saturday in a contest that disintegrated into chaos after the American was handed a point penalty on match point.

With the Belgian on the brink of victory, defending champion Williams was called for a foot-fault on a second serve to go match point down.

Fired up by the judgement, Williams erupted in anger and yelled at the lineswoman who reported her for verbal abuse.

Having already received a warning earlier in the match for smashing a racket, Williams was handed an automatic point penalty for a second violation which gave Clijsters the match and a date in the finals with Danish ninth seed Caroline Wozniacki.

============

Abbreviated short thoughts.

Found this news on the net.

Interesting, we were just discussing this in class.

Amazing it happened.

Point illustrated.

Linked to Power of Full Engagement too.

Do not be fooled.

2009-09-08T21:20:00.002+08:00

haha... Do not be fooled to think that I eat such lavish spreads everyday. :)

Sandwiches and bananas are my daily companion.

Photogenic food are only visiting playmates. They turn up once in a blue moon.

Every food has its 5 mins of fame.

Andy Warhol would have been proud of that statement.

Foodie friends out there! Snap away! The meat on your plate deserves a glorified death!

hahaha

It's Tuesday! Yeah day!

2009-09-08T20:52:00.005+08:00

Phew ...! I finished one assignment and am thankful. Cross fingers, hope all goes well.

Attended life group, and enjoyed myself tremendously. Am thankful. :) We had a bunch of engineers talking. It turned out to be really quite enlightening and fun.

Plus the fact that I had an "Aha!" moment today.
Self regulatory theory (Higgins) in class made a lot of sense today. Ok. Just a note to remind myself.
haha...

And... not to mention time for another round of foodie photos. Cool!

Today's photos of a birthday High Tea party which we celebrated for a friend at Windsor Hotel.

It was an "Atas" place. Yet, just for the experience, it was kinda interesting.

Think British High Tea, old ladies and gentlemen in their sunday best, seated in a quaint old ballroom, having a little chit chat over tea and cakes.
haha.... "Atas...truly..."

Free champagne. One glass only.

Yes... a 3 tier tiffin at the table... and a buffet spread in the hall.

Seriously, you can't eat that many sweet stuff. So, the strategy is still to nibble, smile and chat.

Close up of the scones.

Savoury bites. :)

Another close up of my friend's prettily buttered scone.

Other selections from the buffet table.

It was fortunate that we didn't have lunch and dinner that day.

But the birthday girl was happy, and so that was all that mattered to us that day.

A Miracle

2009-09-03T14:31:00.002+08:00

Supper Buddy went on a holiday.

She changed amount $X on the day of departure, and hurriedly went to airport.

When she reached her country of destination, she realised that her bag seemed a little heavy.

She took out her wallet and counted her money.

She now had $X plus $Y.

Wow.

Ok... Supper Buddy concluded that the money changer must have made a mistake. As she did not have any money carried over from any previous trips. So, she told her friends about it, and made the decision to return the money upon her return. (Wa.. I was impressed. ... Have always been, but this was evidence based confirmation.)

Well, upon return, she went to the money changer, and they told her they did not have any account discrepancies.
In other words, they did not make a mistake!

Wonders!

It's not a mistake. It's a miracle.

Interesting, that the first step of conviction to be honest, leads to the clarification and confirmation of a modern day miracle.

Wonders and miracles never cease.

Quote of the day

2009-09-03T14:28:00.000+08:00

History ought never to be confused with nostalgia; it’s written not to revere the dead, but to inspire the living.

- Simon Schama

They found him!

2009-09-01T15:16:00.002+08:00

They found him!

Finally...

It was 2 days of suspense. A particular government minister went on a hike up a rather snowy mountain. Weather conditions changed, and he did not make it back. For two days, we were wondering about his status.

Finally, late in the afternoon today, he was found, and he was ALIVE! Yippee!

Phew!

What a relief!

It's interesting, because I don't think such situations happen back in the other planet.

Who's going to get lost on Bukit Ti... Hill?

haha... and usually I think our people don't have the time or desire to climb hills.

It's quite amazing.

Beware the Hungry Hippo!

2009-08-31T00:11:00.002+08:00

Saw this window display while getting gifts for sister's friend!

Wa! Excellent design. :)

Its just amazing.

Hungry hippo awaiting tidbits to be served at the table.

Haha...

Food Updates

2009-08-30T18:47:00.005+08:00

Don't have much time to write.
Posting some old photos of yummy food cooked in the month of August.
Why?
Well, yummy food brings a smile to many a face.
To those who enjoy foodie photos. :)

Turkey rulez! Yup, gigantic turkey drumsticks stewed. :)

Was invited over a friend's place to cook. :) Cheery meal.

Made onion soup. Amazingly simple and economical. :) Served with cheese on toast.

A winner in many aspects. Great taste and amazingly simple. No hassle.

This was a little disappointing. One failed dish. Bland, crappy. But friends were nice enough to eat it up. .... Aww... sweet.

Dessert! Yum! It's ridiculous that the recipe required 200g of sugar! That's a lot of sugar.

Reduced it to 50g, and it tasted just fine. :)

Yum. I like this, especially with the sauce.

Alright, plain old instant noodles is still the best. Tried the Korean instant noodle, added in seafood. Yummm!

The warm fuzzy feeling of Old Books

2009-08-28T18:20:00.003+08:00

Been blessed with the time to read through an old book- proverbs.

It's like brimming with wisdom.

It's warm like hot chocolate. It has a warm fuzzy feeling about it.

Sipping on the goodness.

Not gulped down like coke. But sipped and savoured little by little.

The world will rage on... but some things will always remain.

Feeling full of baby turtles.

2009-08-27T18:06:00.003+08:00

Photo from http://www.eveandersson.com/guatemala/monterrico

Found this picture. Best describes what I am feeling right now!- Full of baby turtles!

haha.... I know you don't know what I'm talking about. :)

Ya... so long as I know, its ok! (And no... I didn't eat them. )

Cool right? A room full of baby turtles.

In Sweet Memory of Prince

2009-08-16T10:24:00.002+08:00

Prince was always a special frog.

For the simple reason, he was my first frog.

He came into my possession a few years ago.

A transparent take away box was his first habitat.

Before we upgraded it to a real plastic tank, and then a vivarium.

So that he could jump from branch to branch,

hide amongst leafy vegetation,

or soak in the safety of his own little water puddle.

He left during my trip back.

Saw him the day I arrived. All green and smiley.

And then the next day, he was gone.

We found him stretched out on his favourite patch.

Unresponsive.

At least, I got to see him for the last time.

Thank you for being my friend.

I will always remember you perched on the branch

waiting in the night.

Alert for the slightest movement.

Thank you for always being awake to greet me,

when I arrive home in the still of night.

In memory of sweet Prince.

:) Sweet dreams and take care.

2009-08-15T17:54:00.001+08:00

http://erwinmcmanus.com/

Erwin Mcmanus preached at church today.

He was really inspiring! Yeah... got to meet one of my favourite authors.

Thats cool.

Lost but Found

2009-08-13T21:00:00.002+08:00

Amazing Grace... How sweet the sound.

My bag was lost, but now its found.

haha... I had to back track and today was a busy day, packed with lectures and no breaks in between.

Finally at the end of the day, went from venue to venue, and located my bag!

Phew! It was in the computer lab. :)

Loss of Art Bag

2009-08-13T10:56:00.003+08:00

It's a big bag. I lug it around school every thursday.

Was in a hurry today, and I lost it, amidst all the hustle and bustle.

Argggg! One term's work lost.

Hope it shows up. If not, I have to start all over again.

Need memory recharge. Upgrade?

When the timer goes

2009-08-10T20:25:00.002+08:00

The topic today is about timers.

Notice the timers on your ovens, microwaves etc... Everything is essentially about timing. Time management and knowing the time, the right moment.

Have been wondering about timing.

When the oil heats, its time to put in the garlic.

When that browns, it time to put in the diced onions.

When that turns translucent, in goes the carrots.

Then when that turns soft, stir in the meat.

And when that starts to caramelize.

In goes the seasoning.

Its all about sequence, procedure, timing and last but not least Preparation.

I know big Chef has a plan, its kinda like just following the recipe.

Sometimes, I think I know why the ingredients had to be prepped. Sometimes, I wonder why.

Sometimes, I wonder if I got the instructions right.

But no problems, any prep now is practice.

Working the guts, till everything is done in a blink. Remember that - fundamentals and instincts.

Food critics may smirk, but its all for one audience (Big Chef), one purpose, one ultimate goal.

Prepping the best I know.

Rush hour has yet to arrive.

Wine Excursion

2009-08-09T17:37:00.004+08:00

Graduate centre organized a wine tour and we signed up.

Chance to hang out with friends and meet new friends.

And it was a really great time !

A tour bus brought us up the Yarra Glen

Winery 1: De Bortolli
www.debortoli.com.au

Lovely winery. :) Weather was just too cold. Didnt take any pictures. Bought "Monk's Head" cheese and dry muscat grapes.

Winery 2: Fergusson's Winery
http://www.fergussonwinery.com.au/home.htm

We had lunch in this cosy little winery.

Aw! Love this place! Look at the spit roast!

A picture of it roasting away.

My lunch of Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding and Salad

Great wine, food and company.

Winery 3:Domaine Chandon
www.chandon.com/

Tour of the winery and sparkling wine making process.

Extremely educational and the dining area was simply gorgeous.

Loved the sparkling wine served at the place. :)

Winery 4: Yerring Station
www.yering.com

My favourite winery. We went to the basement, where they kept their barrels of wine.

It was a really cool place to be in.

Tour of the place was an eye opener.

Was amazed by the sculptures by Mandy Newsome.

Simple, quaint and life like.

Sipped wine through the day. = Many gym sessions next week.

Conclusion

The Art of Winemaking is also the Science of Winemaking.

Guys and gals, chemistry is an important component of winemaking. :)

Why Day

2009-08-08T20:51:00.003+08:00

Today is a day to commemorate the beginning of asking "Whys."

It's a privilege to do so. It's an opportunity to find out.

Making it a post today, as a reminder.

Whys are good.

Little steps to getting to the final destination

Pink Day

2009-08-08T20:30:00.005+08:00

This weekend has been eventful.

Attended a friend's wedding in another friend's backyard. :) Helped in transporting food for the wedding.

It was a really sweet and simple ceremony. A small group of friends gathered to witness an important part of their journey.

Only regret, no pictures. :) But, well it was an experience to have a wedding outside in someone's backyard. Kinda like the ones you see in movies.

A cherry blossom tree grew in that particular backyard, and it was in full bloom. Wow! Managed to sneak a few shots after everything was over. Wow! I just love cherry blossoms, looking at them makes me feel super duper happy!

Like little bursts of pastel pink happiness greeting you. They make me smile.

Aw... and even closer look at the dainty little beauties.

Journeyed up to the mountains for coffee. And had a rather feminine drink, strawberry chocolate with a shot of coffee.
Hee hee for an asian description... it's kinda like drinking strawberry flavoured "Hello Panda" biscuits with milk.

Then after that, made our way home, to cook Char Kway Teow. :) Haha....

And I made another cream free Soup - Leek, Mushroom and Ham Soup.

This is the second week of the term. A lot to do, but its a joy to learn all that I'm learning. :)

Toast is toast anywhere

2009-08-04T21:02:00.002+08:00

Toasted bread is toasted bread anywhere.

Whether toasted up on the hills or down in the valley, in the city or in the country side.

Toast is still toast.

Dry to those who are having a sore throat.

Enjoyable to those who like their food crunchy.

Why am I surprised by dry toast described as crunchy?

Of Laptop and Buttons

2009-08-03T22:12:00.002+08:00

Someone pushed a wrong button today, and laptop screamed in protest. It hollered.

Poor thing. Luckily, was rectified in seconds. If not it would have hung for a long time.

Hee....

Buttons pushed in the wrong sequence, leads to gibberish.
When pushed in the right sequence, first a word, a sentence and a story.

Save on battery power by pushing the right buttons

Dog in the Lecture Hall

2009-08-03T22:10:00.002+08:00

Gasp!

A dog was in the lecture hall.

I saw a student lead a little scrawny puppy out of the lecture hall on a leash! I didnt even know it was there, it was so quiet. It must have been sleeping throughout the 2 hour lecture.

It was a small dog, don't think it was a guide dog. Its amazing!

Cooking Weekend

2009-08-02T17:01:00.003+08:00

Asparagus. mushroom and smoked chicken soup :)

Amazing.... no cream required. Yummy....

Boil ingredients first.

Then, blitz it!

Whoa la! Japanese Chicken Curry Soba and Asparagus Soup

Special Lady on another planet

2009-07-31T21:04:00.002+08:00

It's her birthday!

We celebrated.

It was fun!

Love the picture.

Special thanks on another planet

2009-07-31T20:51:00.006+08:00

I know... this photo seems so put of place in this post. But Bak Kut Teh (BTK) is symbolic of the (B)ig (T)han(K) you. Ok.... Lame... I know. Haha...

I am just so thankful for the break this year.

So thankful for the trip back.

It opened my eyes to the warmth and love of many friends and family in Singapore.

It's like ... this is home truly. (ha ha. National Song)

Thankful to God and his blessing, for so many good friendships that I made along the way.

Am thankful for my friends and Gb friends... old and new who made the trip back meaningful and educational.

Am thankful for my colleagues who made time for me.

Am thankful for my secondary school and JC friends who still remember the best and worst of me.

Am thankful for my pals, and supper buddies who made the trip a time to remember.

Am thankful for Supper Buddy's car which was my main mode of transport this time round. So touched. :)

Am thankful for all the good things.

Special Food on another Planet

2009-07-31T20:46:00.004+08:00

Sweet Potato and Guiness Beer Shepherd's Pie

Mango Dessert

Lamb By T and M (My Favourite!)

Haha... I love the cooking when I got back. :)

Some favourite dishes to remember. Because they were just so well received.

Erhmmm.... if you place your orders now, you may get it in time for christmas... While stocks last.

Celebration on another planet

2009-07-31T20:42:00.002+08:00

:) Yes!

She made it!

She's captain.

Hee hee...I have been captain for so long. Now, its just feels great to be ordered around by our new Captain.

Haha.... Aye, aye, Captain!

Chill Out on another planet

2009-07-31T20:39:00.003+08:00

Chill out, man.

Dempsey's the place.

Jone's the grocer.

Awesome breakfast.

Cool. :)

Special People on another Planet

2009-07-31T20:31:00.003+08:00

:) Its nice meeting up. :)

Wishing all these special people all the very best. Go far, do great things, and remember that your destiny lies in your hands.

Nature Adventures on another planet- Southern Ridges Walk

2009-07-31T20:27:00.001+08:00

Its wonderful!

Went for a 9 KM walk! We made it in 4.5 hours.

Haha... love the weather and activity, gets the adrenalin going.

Its a must try for everyone!

Exercise is fun! :)

Birthday Adventures on another planet

2009-07-31T17:51:00.002+08:00

Cooked up a feast for a special man! My dad.

Menu:
Tomoto Bruschetta (Thanks to Minzie)
Mushroom Delight (Thanks to T)
Pasta and Italian Stew (Thanks to Me! :))
Strawberry Bites (Thanks to Fish)

Great Company (Thanks to Mum, S and R)

Wonderful photos (thanks to Cher )

Am Back!

2009-07-31T07:24:00.001+08:00

One month of gorgeous playing in the sun.

Am back !

Will update as we go along.

See ya around

My Friend the Prankster

2009-07-02T15:13:00.002+08:00

Pranked on first day!

S.C. the prankster called to check on me today.

Identified himself as rep of Health body to check if I'm self quarantined.

Silly me, told him that I have been at home since arrival.

Then he squealed with evil laughter, and I knew I was pranked.

Deep down when he called, I was actually wowed by the thought that our system was so thorough and efficient in handing new arrivals from overseas.

Arggggg! Tricked!

But it was funny! :)

Planet Hopping

2009-06-30T20:49:00.001+08:00

Hopping onto another planet.

Gone for a few days.

Contact unknown.

You see me if I see you.

Piping Hot!

2009-06-24T20:20:00.004+08:00

This post is from

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/1990/2768_Think_Deeply_and_Clearly/

Excerpt from Website - Jan 22, 1990

Start of Excerpt

Think Deeply and Clearly

A Meditation on 2 Timothy 2:7

By John PiperJanuary 22, 1990

2 Timothy 2:7

Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.

Timothy: Wait a minute, Paul. You tell me to think, but isn’t the organ of our thinking fallen and unreliable?

Paul: Yes, your mind is fallen and fallible. Yes, it is prone to self-justifying errors. But Christ is in the business of “renewing the mind” (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). Do you think there is some unfallen part of you that you could substitute for your mind? We are fallen and depraved in every part. You can’t retreat from thinking into some other safe, untainted faculty of knowing. Take note, Timothy: even in raising the objection against thinking you are thinking! You can’t escape the necessity of thinking. God’s call is to do it well.

Timothy: But, Paul, I don’t want to become a cold, impersonal intellectual.

Paul: There is danger on both sides, Timothy. There is cold knowledge, and there is a red hot zeal that “is not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2). But thinking does not have to cool your zeal. In fact, in my life the vigorous exercise of my mind in spiritual things causes me to boil inside, not to freeze. You are right not to want to become “impersonal.” That happens when thinking is emphasized to the exclusion of feeling about people; and reason is exalted above love. But note this, Timothy: the abandonment of thinking is the destruction of persons. Yes, there is more to personal relationships than thinking, but they are less human without it. God honored his image in us when he said, “Come, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). Should we do less?

Timothy: But, Paul, shouldn’t I just take you at your word, and not ask so many questions? You’re an apostle, and speak for God.

Paul: Take what, Timothy?

Timothy: Your words, what you say in your letters.

Paul: Do you mean the black marks on the parchment?

Timothy: No. What they stand for. You know. What they mean.

Paul: How do you know what I mean, Timothy?

Timothy: I read what you write.

Paul: You mean you pass your eyes over the black marks on the parchment?

Timothy: No, I . . . I think about it. I ask how the words and sentences fit together. I look for what it means.

Paul: That’s right, Timothy. Thinking and asking questions is the only way you will ever understand what I want to communicate in my letters. And either you do it poorly, or you do it well. So “do not be a child in your thinking: be a babe in evil, but in thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20). As the Master said, “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Timothy: But, Paul, won’t I become arrogant and boastful if by using my mind I discover things on my own?

Paul: Timothy, you never have and never will discover anything “on your own.” And you would know this if you had thought more deeply about what I said. What I said was: “Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.” The Lord, Timothy, the Lord! “From him, through him, and to him are all things. To him be the glory!” (Romans 11:36) He is the ground and goal of all thought. So think, Timothy. Gird up your mind and think!

End of Excerpt

Bear Friends!

2009-06-17T20:20:00.006+08:00

It's exams... I know. But can't help but blog this.

This beary friend came in the mail. :)

Yes, it was a great big pleasant surprise!

I love it.

List of names I wanted to call it:

1. Sour Cream (Its a nice beige)

2. Lollipop (Nice lollipop pattern)

3. Vanilla (Its a nice beige with brown dots, like nice vanilla ice cream.)

Final Decision:

1. Cauliflower (Look at the ears. :) So cute, like small bunch of cauliflower.)

Thanks! I really love it. To think it almost got lost in the mail.

I didn't know Cauliflower was coming in by mail. So actually , one day at Borders I chanced upon this little friend. It was calling out to me... So, I brought it home. (hmmm... its a metaphorical calling out, I was not hallucinating. Anyways.)

List of names ( All asian sounding, was in an asian mood)

1. Ah Chan ( Chan4 Lan4- meaning Bright)

2. Ah Liang (Liang4 Jing1 Jing1- very bright)

3. Ah Shan (Shan3 Shan3 Fa1 Guang1- Bright and glittery)

4. Bling! aka Ah Bleng. (Haha... ok.. lame.)

Final Decision:

Name: Oys

Surname: Ter

Mandarin Name: Ah Hao

Hail!

2009-06-09T21:47:00.002+08:00

Hail! I experienced Hail!

Hail: Precipitation that consists of irregular clumps of ice.

Yes... it was raining ice! Hard ice!

Like angels chewing on ice and shooting it down at us from the clouds above.

(haha... well, angels don't do that, but you get the picture.)

Hail! :)

Random "D" Montage

2009-06-02T19:43:00.004+08:00

Source of image: www.clown-ministry.com

Source of image: www.sbstransit.com.sg

Tofu Quiche and Homemade Sausage

2009-06-02T19:13:00.002+08:00

Welcome to the delightful world of tofu.

I am tofu talking ... yes.. the fair beauties are a real gem... Full of protein, and nutritious. What's more low fat!

Made the tofu mini quiches (Zuchinni and Mushroom)... recipe from the internet. It was yum!

Library distraction- Food magazines! Between revision sessions, discovered recipe for homemade sausage.

Minced Turkey + Smoked Tofu/Feta Cheese+ Basil+Garlic= Sausage
Proscuitto Ham = Sausage Casing

Done in an hour. Just ready for dinner. :)

Brilliant.

Values Venture GB 47th Website

2009-05-30T09:20:00.001+08:00

47th GB girls have set up some really cool websites.

Do visit their websites. They look absolutely fabulous. Very educational too.

http://www.okto-growup.blogspot.com/
http://abcjss-healthylifestyle.blogspot.com/
http://globalwarming-ywn.blogspot.com/
http://www.kindness-tree.blogspot.com/
http://www.everyone-is-using-it-at.blogspot.com/
http://drinkvalues.blogspot.com/

RewindCoco

2009-05-23T14:34:00.002+08:00

Haha... Assignments and Exams loom. Excuse me for the lack of posts.

Well... some successful events.

Coconut Pineapple Tarts

Veal with Mushroom Sauce and Veggie

Fun Week out with my Family and friends. :)

All worth many more posts... Its getting time consuming to put the sohya sauce copyright tag on each photo. But well, must make my mark some where. Hahaha

Gotham City

2009-05-10T22:07:00.002+08:00

The little boy looked up and asked, " Why are the blocks in such a mess? I was building Gotham city... They do not look like the ones I think in my mind."

Daddy looks at him, and smiles. "Everything will look perfect with a little imagination."

"But.. it's not the same."

"It will be, son. It takes a little practice. Today, we are going to practice with Legos. Tomorrow, it will be cardboard and scotch tape. And one day, you will be doing it with real cement and bricks."

"Dad, what's 'see ment'? "

"Haha... in good time. You'll know."

Crossway Walking Group - Blackburn Lake Sanctuary

2009-05-10T13:30:00.004+08:00

We go a walking....

Pass placid lakes...

Stumble across birds

A fork in the road

Delightful photos.

Take a walk. Blackburn Lake Sanctuary.

Baoderful :)

2009-05-10T12:55:00.002+08:00

Bao Delight!

The LV Garbage Bag (another wannabe)

2009-04-18T04:34:00.005+08:00

Picture source: www.capricious-fixations.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Wonders will never cease. The LV wannabe. Its hilarious. Haha.

Well, a garbage bag will always be a garbage bag.

With or without LV prints.

Its amazing. Well, to some it will definitely impress. But you know to the discerning, its nothing more than a garbage bag.

Well, print or no print, all garbage bags are best left where they belong- in dumps.

Leave them out, babe. If not they will stench up your house. Haha...

Fish Wish: A dedication

2009-03-31T19:59:00.007+08:00

When I first met Fish, Fish was a surprise catch which brought much joy.

One that was more by divine appointment, rather than man made effort.

It was all the Divine Fisherman's doing.

Fish was just "waiting" to be caught by the Divine Fisherman.

So today, celebrates the wonderful day that Fish became Fish.

Fish first swam in ponds, than streams and then rivers. With each persevering wave of the ventral fin, Fish has pressed in, becoming the fighter fish that she is.

May, Fish swim in bigger oceans.

Brave all raging storms.

May Fish meet other schools of fish, not to mention turtles and jellyfish.

But in all adventures, may Fish always find the Call of the Deep beckoning her to the one and only Divine Fisherman, who will always keep Fish safe and lead her home.

Fish Wish. Not just an ordinary dish. :)

Happy Bubbles Day!

Moonlight Resonances!

2009-03-25T18:04:00.004+08:00

TVB rocks!

Great cast and great music.

The corn plantation with no ears

2009-03-25T17:35:00.003+08:00

The sun burnt farmer looked across the horizon of green. His heart fluttering in expectation.

He knew that the bumbling tourists who passed by the field, who often disturbed the silence with their "ohhs and ahhs", would feel differently.

Their faces often softened into whimsical mush, their eyes spoke of beauty, of dreamy ideals. Yet, when he looked upon the field, his face would often harden into an angst filled contortion, his eyes alert gauging the skies for ominous signs of rains too long, and sunshine too plentiful. They saw plains of luxurious greenery against a scorching sun, he saw fields of harvest with labourers lacking if the weather turned for the worst. They saw an idyllic vision , he saw months of hard labour.

It was not that he did not appreciate his crop filled land, but he knew it was too early to savour that which was still not quite yet his. Not till they were picked, sorted, sunned and stored safe in his bard. Not until that very moment, they were still not quite his. The scavengers of the land, the natural elements, the unxpected turn of events, all had a probable stake in the land.

Seated on the fence, he chewed thoughtfully at an apple, as he watched Neighbour Brown tear down the crops that was on the land that was once his. Yes, the sale of land meant that the crops in those fields were no longer his, though they were once his very own. Times were bad, why no give up some so that you could keep more? Better than losing all.

All. The word resonated in his head. All could still be lost now.

All. Looking at the neighbouring land, he thought of the months of labour that were poured into it. What was Neighbour Brown thinking? Didn't he listen to what was said. The land was tilled, the furrows in place? The corn plants were about to have their ears. What was this talk of hydroponics, in a land that was clearly water scarce? Well, Brown was on his own now. If he succeeded, maybe there's hope for us. If not, another case of not listening.

Still, you never know.

He gazed at his field, and they became a blur of green. Not until the day where they would bring in the crops, no, not until that day, will he know if he had actually took the right course of action.

Culinary Play

2009-03-25T17:08:00.005+08:00

He stood watching the pot with great intensity. It meant a lot to the kitchen, that the soup was to be properly done. Not burnt. Not watery. Just the right intensity. The Chef D.C. did give him that job, it was supposed to be a privilege, that he had access to the soup. No one else had the proximity, nor the backing that he had.

The chaos of the kitchen intensified. Orders screamed, plates clang and in the background, the familiar hum of the kitchen machinery.

We watched with intrigued. Yes, he was just a Commis, but well, it could be a chance for him. A chance for him to prove his worth. The rest of the Sous Chefs darted about their stations in a rhythmic dance, frazzled but still professionally under control.

The heat of the kitchen rose, the pressure intensified with each moment.

Then it happened. The unexpected.

No one noticed. No one thought of it. A slinking silhouette disappeared into the shadows. The soup half gone and the diners all still waiting.

The other Sous Chef continued in their well rehearsed dance around the kitchen, this time with the simmering silence of Chef DC in the background. From the corner of their eyes, they saw a vacant spot in the whole choreography. Was it a silence of resignation, despair or self critcism?

Someone was in hot soup. Or would it just be another industry cover up of "the soup's sold out"?

In the audience, we could see it coming. The irrepressible feeling of shouting out the obvious inhibited. An acceptance that each play might just be another recycled storyline with different players for taste.

Statistical Happiness!

2009-03-24T15:38:00.003+08:00

Yeah! This post is to celebrate my first attempt to ask a statistics related question in lecture!

Yes, it's something worth celebrating. Maths have never been really my cup of tea, but today, its like something clicked! And I managed to ask a question. Well, I don't care if it might sound silly, but well, it's just something worth remembering. My first math related question! Yippee!

Qn: What is the difference between Correlation Coefficient and Chi Squared Test?
Ans: Correlation Coefficient deals with continuous variables like age and money. Chi Squared Test deals with categorical variables, like having a clinical disorder or not.

Thanks, Prof G. , You make Math sound like English. Understandable!

Chasing the Rainbow

2009-03-21T22:16:00.004+08:00

My Sis and I made a trip to a town which was affected by the fire. Part of her company's voluntary efforts to bring some cheer.

And we passed through fields and areas of devastation. Charred black trees and parched grounds.
It was a humbling sight, brought tears to my eyes.

Once green, now brown.
Once alive, now dead.
Once is, now was.

But its interesting to note that months, and weeks after the devastation.
There are hints of green in the landscape.
Hints of rebuilding.
Hints of restoration.

Its interesting that the drive to the town ended aptly with a beautiful rainbow, brought on by a much welcomed summer rain.

So chasing the rainbow we went.

There's something magical about the rainbow. Translucent light of myriad colours cast upon a breathtaking landscape.
A promise of something more precious than a pot of gold.

Around a bend. Down a road. We chase the rainbow. Or is the rainbow somehow chasing us?

Cheekily, it peeks from behind meadows green. Like a gleeful, child waiting to be caught. :)

Granny Days

2009-03-21T09:17:00.001+08:00

Strained my lower back muscles. Moved like Granny.

Haha.

But glad , its on the road to recovery. Plenty of rest and lying down. :)

Congrats to 47th Girls!

2009-03-21T09:16:00.001+08:00

Yeah! Congrats to 47th girls!

They got a Silver! Well done!

:)

Friday 6 March- 1st Tremour

2009-03-07T10:25:00.002+08:00

There was a tremour last night. It was later reported that there was an earthquake of approx. 4.6 on the richter scale.

Gosh! I was watching TV with my aunt and sis, and suddenly there was this loud groaning and rumbling that tore through the house. Just for a few seconds. At first, we thought it was the wind, and we looked out of the window. The trees were however eerily still, thats when we thought earthquake!

Yikes. It really felt like there was a train that ran through under us.

Thankfully, news reported that as of now, there are no reported damages or injuries. Phew!

Mirror Mask

2009-03-06T14:27:00.004+08:00

The illustrations are just so beautiful. Am amazed by the drawings by Dave Mckean.

Reminds me of Shaun Tan's productions.

Woow!

Nature- The Glory of God

2009-03-03T21:50:00.002+08:00

Sky Talk by Piper has a poem that Piper writes, about the glories of nature a reflection of GOd.

Interesting poem, poignant in point.

Found on the following website:

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/1980/252_Sky_Talk/

Click the following link to see the whole article

Sky Talk

THE GIFT OF SNOW

I tried to follow the advice
I gave my wife:
"Don't put your full weight down";
But, for my life,
I couldn't stay atop the snow.
Every fourth or fifth step
The fickle layer of ice would crunch, and in I'd go
Half way to the ground
In three feet of snow --
Like when you climb a stair
And inadvertently add a step in the air.

But there's a mystery in such stumbling
If a heart is given to mystery
More than to grumbling.
How odd that, with every jolt,
My head should be thrown back
To see the sky.
The fickle snow by giving way
Would have me face the heavens;
I wonder why.
At the time I thought it strange
My fall did not pert me to itself;
Now, my mind is turned to guesses:

Could it be--
Is there a possibility
The snow, knowing the heavens
From which it came,
And being gently laid to the earth
For a short and silent life,
Desires to point me to its early home
Where once it knew a hurling freedom
That I have never known?
Could it have known some good
That it would share with me;
That in its death beneath my feet
Would still pulge
As if it loved me more than life?

Is it more wise than I
To know that falling is an utter death
Unless one turns again
To that from which it fell?--
And more kind
That it should teach me, as I kill,
The lesson it must die to learn?

I have misnamed it, fickle snow:
Should I expect the words of the dying
So easily to flow, as of the living?
Its random crunch is not mere giving way,
It is a way of giving.

The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off

2009-03-03T20:54:00.004+08:00

There is another documentary by Channel 4, about a British Boy, Jonny Kennedy who suffers from the same skin condition, "Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)".

Found this on Goggle, Click on this link to view:

The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off

My Flesh and Blood - Documentary

2009-03-03T20:37:00.005+08:00

This documentary is hard rending. Talks about a lady, Susan, who adopts 9 special needs kids. Takes snapshot of their lives, the struggles, the pain, the victories and the Joy.

Synopsis From Wiki Pedia

My Flesh and Blood is a 2003 documentary film by Jonathan Karsh chronicling a year in the life of the Tom family. The Tom family is notable as the mother, Susan, adopted eleven children, most of whom had serious disabilities or diseases. The film itself is notable for handling the sensitive subject matter in an unsentimental way that is more uplifting than one might expect. It was nominated for and won several awards, including the Audience Award and the Director's Award at the Sundance Film Festival.
In addition to Susan, the film focuses on:
Anthony Tom, who suffers from epidermolysis bullosa
Faith Tom, who survived severe burns as an infant
Joe Tom, who suffers from cystic fibrosis and ADHD
Xenia Tom, who has no legs
Margaret Tom, who is healthy and assists her mother
There are six other children of whom we don't see as much due to the constraints of keeping the film to a reasonable length.

End of Synopsis

I was really inspired by Anthony Tom, the little boy who suffered epidermolysis bullosa. A condition which causes fragile skin and blister formation, resulting from minor friction or trauma.

There is a scene where he needs to be bathed, even though it hurts to have water poured on him to keep the infections low. And you can see the pain he is in, but the pain of being washed is necessary for his survival.

Because of his condition, he has been feeling pain since birth, yet in his eyes, and when he talks and goes about his daily affairs, there is still a strong desire to live life the fullest.

There are other other touching bits...

Random Quote

2009-02-28T17:40:00.002+08:00

"If it humbles you, and increases Him. Go for it!"

One down another two to go

2009-02-28T17:35:00.003+08:00

One term down, (Summer Semester)

Another two to go.

:) Its been real fun, and enlightening.

Yup, so much to learn. I stand in awe.

Saturday Cook Out - Japanese Food

2009-02-28T17:24:00.003+08:00

Japanese Cookout

Menu:

Salad

White Miso Soup

Chawanmushi (Steamed Egg)

I'm proud of the steamed egg! Its like smooth as silken tofu. :)

Hee hee... Email me if you want the secret. And it tastes great!

Oyako Don

Yummy!

Am so pleased with myself, managed to pull off an authentic tasting Japanese meal. (well, at least better than the food court ones here... hee hee.)

Even, my sis and aunt thinks its nice. :)

KCC BBQ and Carpet Bowl

2009-02-28T17:19:00.004+08:00

No picture to show.

But Jas brought me to the Comfort Zone at KCC. They were organizing a BBQ for the community. Loved the cooking. Spent most of my time in the kitchen helping with sausages and Salad.

Played Carpet Bowls, its a really addictive and fun game.

All you need is a big carpeted hall, and some metal bowls, plus a small white bowl.

Roll the white ball first. Then the objective is to get as close as possible to the white ball with the metal one.

Sounds so simple right? So like boring right?

But, when you play it, it is as addictive and exciting as bowling and pool!

Love it.

An example
Photo of game taken from www.bowls247.co.uk/ carpet/index.php

Miracle Abroad

2009-02-28T17:11:00.003+08:00

Supper Buddy contacted me and told me that she had accidentally deleted all her teaching slides from her thumb drive and hard disk while on a teaching trip. She only found out while on transit in the airport.

Horrors!

She was pretty cool about it, said she would go with the flow and rewrite the notes and all. I think she spent close to 2 days rewriting. Then, when all was done sent it for printing. (Pretty amazing, means that you got to know your stuff really well.)

I think if I were in her shoes, I would panic!

Amazingly, received an email from her, and that on the day of her lecture, the teaching slides were there in her computer!

Wow. Think David and Goliath. 3 Stones.

Think water into wine.

Think miracle. :)

I can only describe this whole event as "The Gentle tug of a soaring kite, reminders that the Force is still real."

Praise God.

Shiranui - Best Japanese Restaurant in Glen

2009-02-28T16:59:00.004+08:00

Cravings...

Japanese food. Found a really lovely little shop in Glen.

Its always fully booked, so they don't do walk ins because they are so popular.

Menu for the night

Yaiki Niku Sushi

Sashimi and Sushi Platter

Yose Nabe (My Favourite!)
Grilled Perch with Miso And Shoyu

Black Seasame Creme Brulee

Fruit Salad with Red Bean and Matcha

I forgot to take the Yose Nabe and Perch Photos! Arghhh....!

Very pretty and cosy place, sushi bar seating is best, you can see chef at work. :)

Pedantic

2009-02-26T20:48:00.002+08:00

New Vocabulary.

They use this word a lot here.

Pedantic (adjective)

According to Wikipedia,

" A pedant is a person who is overly concerned with formalism and precision, or who 'makes a show of learning'.

Being referred to as a pedant, or pedantic, is generally considered insulting.[4] However some people take pride in being a pedant, especially with regard to the use of the English language. On internet forums these individuals are known as "grammar Nazis".

Its amazing how frequently its used, and often in circumstances where the person saying it is flabbergasted by the need for specific details and constraining rules.

I hear it a lot in lecture, when classmates roll their eyes again, at yet another pedantic writing convention that is required for our Lab reports.

Even lecturers, apologize for the pedantic nature of our Lab reports. They simply apologize, and then smile and say we find it pedantic too, but well it's the norm.

Today, my short course instructor used the word again! She was teaching us how to stretch a canvas, and then while explaining a method of stretching, she apologized for seeming pedantic for teaching a particular way of stretching the method.

I seriously think that the use of the word "pedantic" must signify some underlying belief present in this land.

I wonder what is the Singlish equivalent?

"Ngiao?"
"Yim Jim?"

Haha.... Its interesting.

Ten Dazzling Discoveries of Simple Joy

2009-02-17T21:13:00.003+08:00

1. Riding on the train for 45 mins each trip to city. Sudoku.
2. Sitting through Lectures! Give me more!
3. Ironing the laundry with a movie for company
4. Cooking, cooking and more cooking
5. Gymming to your hearts content
6. Hearing white noise at night (Sign of complete silence)
7. Erratic weather changes :) Cold and hot and cold and hot. Like Russian Roulette.
8. Reading, Reading and Reading.
9. Reading Piper before bedtime at night
10. Rising early to catch the train.

Enjoying the Hentak Kaki as it lasts. :)

V Day Dinner :)

2009-02-15T15:48:00.002+08:00

I managed to cook again! Yippee!

Prepared V day Dinner for family and friends.

Menu:

Rocket Salad with Honey and Balsamic Dressing
Creamless Mushroom Soup (Yes! its possible...)
Baked Honey Mustard Dijion Chicken
and mini Cupcakes from CBD cakeshop

Plus Sweet fruity wine!