Today's cross-country was remarkable. One of a kind. Here's my account.
*cough*
Sheena, Claire, Beetsma, Matthew, Amelia, myself took a train down to Bishan MRT.
Headed to J8's Pasta Mania for lunch (: Yummy, and filling too.
Like many other students, we (blindly) took the buses opposite J8 which (supposedly) passes Bishan Park.
Due to the lack of prior research, we either took the wrong bus, or dropped off at the wrong stop. Hmmm, sounds like both. It's not the Bishan Park stop dammit, it's the blk 246/ opposite blk 246 stop.
The result? Everyone having to walk >1km just to get to the tents where the rest of the school population was gathered -.-
The competitive runners set off first, followed by the teachers, and the mass runners.. also known as the rest.
By that time, grey clouds had started to gather, but we went ahead anyway.
Some of us were already set on walking the whole 3.3km. Walk, not jog.
But the weather destroyed our plans.
Not even halfway through the route, it started to drizzle, and the rain gradually got heavier.
People were running across the grass patches, heading for shelter.
Running for our dear lives. As I ran with the crowd, I turned back, and boy it looked like the clouds (or rain, rather) were shepherding everyone towards the tent area.
Seriously, I've never seen anything like this before. Not in real life.
So those who did not manage to make it back sought shelter at those pavilion thingys.
Which wasn't exactly effective since it was quite packed and people still got wet.
Some phones went berserk. I managed to keep mine dry under my shirt though most of my shirt was wet, like everyone else's.
In short, ALL mass runners got soaked from head to toe. I bet the guys had a good time.
Most of us were wearing white shirts. Ugh.
And my bag looked like it was rescued from a river. My handwritten notes are still wet. My maths TYS is a goner. Ink all smudged, paper all stuck together, wet and impossible to separate. My graphic calculator - thank God - is working fine.
My notes in my file - thank God again - are all nice and dry. Though the file's full of scratches now.
I took 25 back to church from AMK, then walked home from there.
It wasn't very pleasant, mind you, it was FREEZING.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Fusion 2009
Yesterday was Saturday..
There was bio SPA early in the morning =( I think my skill D was quite screwed up. But skill C was okay? I rather not comment on it cos things do not always end up as expected.
Then SPA ended at around 9.15am and PeiYan XuanHan ShuQiao Nigel Janet Amanda and myself went for CO. Long day manzzz.
Yesterday's practice was more tiring than usual, with the sudden influx of inexperienced J1s into xianyue. Those who couldn't decide on which instrument they wanted to learn/play were shipped to xianyue simply because we were short of people. But the fact remains that we CANNOT let all of them go for SYF (even though the teachers think otherwise) if they do not learn fast enough and stuff.. as discussed by some of us J2s after practice. It's not easy because both the juniors and seniors will have to put in a lot more effort into learning and teaching respectively. And with all the endless weekly tests and assignments... hoho. I hate to say this but, GG.
That's for xianyue at least.
Guess it'll be harder for Janet as SL...
I told her that she can abandon the score manager role for now and leave them to Serene and I.. if that helps, in any way, to ease her burden.
After CO, went for Fusion with Michael Irvin and Lukas. It was hot, loud and crowded, I think it's because Planetshakers was there. Mike drank most of my water (he emptied my bottle and I emptied Irvin's -.-). Lukas stuffed tissue into his ears as earplugs. But a unique experience nevertheless. Brought home something new from the conference, something the pastor talked about.
If our God is so big, so imeasurable, and yet He lives in us, shouldn't he be exploding out of us? Shouldn't everyone else be able to see God in us?
That got me thinking. I say I'm a Christian but am I living or acting like one?
The pastor touched briefly on evangelism as well (linked to CF's topic on Friday) and a bit of Psalm 23, which I think was read this morning before worship. It's quite freaky, the way things keep repeating itself through independent events (hahah probability topic in math) like God's trying to send a strong messsage across to me.
I thought Fusion would be totally unheard of in LSBC cos this youth conference is like, for the methodist churches.. But then I saw Sarah (Tan) there. Lol.
So that's that. End of another week.
There was bio SPA early in the morning =( I think my skill D was quite screwed up. But skill C was okay? I rather not comment on it cos things do not always end up as expected.
Then SPA ended at around 9.15am and PeiYan XuanHan ShuQiao Nigel Janet Amanda and myself went for CO. Long day manzzz.
Yesterday's practice was more tiring than usual, with the sudden influx of inexperienced J1s into xianyue. Those who couldn't decide on which instrument they wanted to learn/play were shipped to xianyue simply because we were short of people. But the fact remains that we CANNOT let all of them go for SYF (even though the teachers think otherwise) if they do not learn fast enough and stuff.. as discussed by some of us J2s after practice. It's not easy because both the juniors and seniors will have to put in a lot more effort into learning and teaching respectively. And with all the endless weekly tests and assignments... hoho. I hate to say this but, GG.
That's for xianyue at least.
Guess it'll be harder for Janet as SL...
I told her that she can abandon the score manager role for now and leave them to Serene and I.. if that helps, in any way, to ease her burden.
After CO, went for Fusion with Michael Irvin and Lukas. It was hot, loud and crowded, I think it's because Planetshakers was there. Mike drank most of my water (he emptied my bottle and I emptied Irvin's -.-). Lukas stuffed tissue into his ears as earplugs. But a unique experience nevertheless. Brought home something new from the conference, something the pastor talked about.
If our God is so big, so imeasurable, and yet He lives in us, shouldn't he be exploding out of us? Shouldn't everyone else be able to see God in us?
That got me thinking. I say I'm a Christian but am I living or acting like one?
The pastor touched briefly on evangelism as well (linked to CF's topic on Friday) and a bit of Psalm 23, which I think was read this morning before worship. It's quite freaky, the way things keep repeating itself through independent events (hahah probability topic in math) like God's trying to send a strong messsage across to me.
I thought Fusion would be totally unheard of in LSBC cos this youth conference is like, for the methodist churches.. But then I saw Sarah (Tan) there. Lol.
So that's that. End of another week.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Join CF?
I guess... I'll be joining CF? Even though I'm in year 2 and will only be there for a few months...
CF does teach me how to love and accept others' differences. They don't REALLY teach it, but it's the environment you're in, and the interaction that's going on around you that somehow makes loving others a lot easier. There are people whom I find difficult to accept, but they're in CF as well so.... yeah. I'm starting to change my impression of them. Slowly, but surely.
It's a different feeling, to be with other Christians in the school, being able to identify with one another. Today there was a sharing on evangelism, on reaching out to friends. Well I do feel that burden, to some extent. some things were stuff I've heard before, like just doing the job of preaching the Word. What happens after that is not within our control so.. what's so hard about that right?
Wrong.
This requires a lot of courage. Boldness. Passion. Tenacity. Whatever else you can think of.
Amelia and I (and Claire too) have this friend in mind whom we want to reach out to. But we have not brainstormed (haha) on how to approach the subject. Guess REW will be a good time?
By the way, REW is Religious Emphasis Week.
Join CF? Hmmm I still can't make up my mind.
Bio SPA later... :( But I will walk into the MPH with confidence for I know the Lord is with me.
Just as Aunties Betty and Ee Koon felt and prayed in a prayer for me. Easy to say right? But hard to actually go for the exam without fear. I will try, nevertheless.
CF does teach me how to love and accept others' differences. They don't REALLY teach it, but it's the environment you're in, and the interaction that's going on around you that somehow makes loving others a lot easier. There are people whom I find difficult to accept, but they're in CF as well so.... yeah. I'm starting to change my impression of them. Slowly, but surely.
It's a different feeling, to be with other Christians in the school, being able to identify with one another. Today there was a sharing on evangelism, on reaching out to friends. Well I do feel that burden, to some extent. some things were stuff I've heard before, like just doing the job of preaching the Word. What happens after that is not within our control so.. what's so hard about that right?
Wrong.
This requires a lot of courage. Boldness. Passion. Tenacity. Whatever else you can think of.
Amelia and I (and Claire too) have this friend in mind whom we want to reach out to. But we have not brainstormed (haha) on how to approach the subject. Guess REW will be a good time?
By the way, REW is Religious Emphasis Week.
Join CF? Hmmm I still can't make up my mind.
Bio SPA later... :( But I will walk into the MPH with confidence for I know the Lord is with me.
Just as Aunties Betty and Ee Koon felt and prayed in a prayer for me. Easy to say right? But hard to actually go for the exam without fear. I will try, nevertheless.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Happy Valentine's!
What's V'day without friends??
What can be better than spending Valentine's day with your CCA mates? (read: CO)
Up to you to interpret it as a good or bad thing. (:
I'd rather you be more positive.
Morning: COmbined practice.
Lunch: Dover market. It was the first time such a big group of us actually went for lunch together okay, or at least sat at the same area. Not bad, not bad. J1s' presence make us more bonded. I hope this continues.
Afternoon: Sectionals. This time there were new J1s with us.. a number of inexperienced ones who were like me previously. I pray they'll learn enough to play for SYF.
After sectionals: 12 of us (Jeanette Kelvin Lukas Janet ShuQiao LayCheng Serene PeiYan Jake Michael Sheena Myself) went across the island to Changi Airport (my idea, oops) to spend time together. AWWWW.
Ok I shall post some photos. They make the blog look less wordy.
Then again, maybe not. Haha
Sheena's birthday cake was my idea too. She said it was her first time cutting a cake?? Lol.. Then I'm glad her 18th was her first. I'm glad the others did not strongly object to this. :)
Sitting in a circle in school attire (mostly CO shirts) eating food from Popeyes (Lukas' idea), attracting lots of attention even though we did not talk loudly, having to look at heads turn towards where we were seated... wow. I guess it was quite funny. The noisy part only came when we were about to leave our spot. 10 of them had to pay me for the cake and I ended up with a hell (pardon me) lot of coins but some very kindly exchanged them to notes for me :)
There were many couples and families around. Then there was us, a group of students -.- Oh well, just glad that Valentine's this year wasn't spent alone :)
We should do this more often.
What can be better than spending Valentine's day with your CCA mates? (read: CO)
Up to you to interpret it as a good or bad thing. (:
I'd rather you be more positive.
Morning: COmbined practice.
Lunch: Dover market. It was the first time such a big group of us actually went for lunch together okay, or at least sat at the same area. Not bad, not bad. J1s' presence make us more bonded. I hope this continues.
Afternoon: Sectionals. This time there were new J1s with us.. a number of inexperienced ones who were like me previously. I pray they'll learn enough to play for SYF.
After sectionals: 12 of us (Jeanette Kelvin Lukas Janet ShuQiao LayCheng Serene PeiYan Jake Michael Sheena Myself) went across the island to Changi Airport (my idea, oops) to spend time together. AWWWW.
Ok I shall post some photos. They make the blog look less wordy.
Then again, maybe not. Haha
Sheena's birthday cake was my idea too. She said it was her first time cutting a cake?? Lol.. Then I'm glad her 18th was her first. I'm glad the others did not strongly object to this. :)
Sitting in a circle in school attire (mostly CO shirts) eating food from Popeyes (Lukas' idea), attracting lots of attention even though we did not talk loudly, having to look at heads turn towards where we were seated... wow. I guess it was quite funny. The noisy part only came when we were about to leave our spot. 10 of them had to pay me for the cake and I ended up with a hell (pardon me) lot of coins but some very kindly exchanged them to notes for me :)
There were many couples and families around. Then there was us, a group of students -.- Oh well, just glad that Valentine's this year wasn't spent alone :)
We should do this more often.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday, February 06, 2009
Pondering I (public)
How in the world did I become so heavily involved?
Doing it out of love, am I really?
just ranting here... nothing too serious
Doing it out of love, am I really?
just ranting here... nothing too serious
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Rojak Day
Today was one heck of a roller coaster. A series of unfortunate events again, this time neutralised by the cca exhibition.
I was late for school because the LTA (is it?) had one lane along Adam/Lornie Road closed because of road works. Traffic moved at a snail's pace. zzz. Apparently there were other students affected by that jam too so we didn't have to go for DC. Yay. :)
Despite having wore my longest skirt today - the longest out of the three I owned - I was asked to go to the toilet to pull it lower because it was more than 2cm above my knee cap. yeah like what, 3cm??? -.- This was in the presence of many other latecomers. I tried to wear an unreadable expression on my face. I really can't see a problem with that skirt, which was lengthened like last week. :(
A can of Nescafe and a slice of jam-filled bread - that's all I had from 7.50am to 7pm. Almost twelve hours. Nope, no lunch. Didn't have time :(
I had lectures and tutorials from 9.10am to 12.50pm, afterwhich it was the moving of stuff to the badminton hall and the setting up of the exhibition booth. So from 12.50pm all the way till 5.30pm I was on the move (with FuEn PeiYan and Irvin) trying to get J1s to sign up and join us. It was a lot of talking and smiling and nodding, I've never pushed myself so hard before. Tiring to the max. I never sat down for more than 5 minutes, and I'm not exaggerating.
At least all that sweat and saliva was worth it because of the response from today's CCA exhibition. Yay. :) A job well done.
Whilst all that was happening, things did not look too good back at LT4. :(
Well, what can I say?
I don't want to blow it up further by giving my detailed opinion(s) here. There's always the risk of someone discovering this blog and reading about it (may change their perspective of things) though I never give my url to cca mates and made sure this blog doesn't appear in search results.
My heartfelt congratulations to those whose appeals are successful.
For the others, I regret to hear the news... It's not within our sphere of influence, we couldn't play a part in deciding who stays or goes. Apparently the immediate concerns had to be resolved first.
Then it was the hour-long journey home where I had to be on my feet and carrying a heavy bag and laptop. :(
Amazing, how God gave me the strength I needed to survive the day with just bread and coffee.
I was late for school because the LTA (is it?) had one lane along Adam/Lornie Road closed because of road works. Traffic moved at a snail's pace. zzz. Apparently there were other students affected by that jam too so we didn't have to go for DC. Yay. :)
Despite having wore my longest skirt today - the longest out of the three I owned - I was asked to go to the toilet to pull it lower because it was more than 2cm above my knee cap. yeah like what, 3cm??? -.- This was in the presence of many other latecomers. I tried to wear an unreadable expression on my face. I really can't see a problem with that skirt, which was lengthened like last week. :(
A can of Nescafe and a slice of jam-filled bread - that's all I had from 7.50am to 7pm. Almost twelve hours. Nope, no lunch. Didn't have time :(
I had lectures and tutorials from 9.10am to 12.50pm, afterwhich it was the moving of stuff to the badminton hall and the setting up of the exhibition booth. So from 12.50pm all the way till 5.30pm I was on the move (with FuEn PeiYan and Irvin) trying to get J1s to sign up and join us. It was a lot of talking and smiling and nodding, I've never pushed myself so hard before. Tiring to the max. I never sat down for more than 5 minutes, and I'm not exaggerating.
At least all that sweat and saliva was worth it because of the response from today's CCA exhibition. Yay. :) A job well done.
Whilst all that was happening, things did not look too good back at LT4. :(
Well, what can I say?
I don't want to blow it up further by giving my detailed opinion(s) here. There's always the risk of someone discovering this blog and reading about it (may change their perspective of things) though I never give my url to cca mates and made sure this blog doesn't appear in search results.
My heartfelt congratulations to those whose appeals are successful.
For the others, I regret to hear the news... It's not within our sphere of influence, we couldn't play a part in deciding who stays or goes. Apparently the immediate concerns had to be resolved first.
Then it was the hour-long journey home where I had to be on my feet and carrying a heavy bag and laptop. :(
Amazing, how God gave me the strength I needed to survive the day with just bread and coffee.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
ugly Singaporeans
I was rushing for piano lesson today, after hanging around the badminton hall with Irvin and Brian (Daryl was there too!). We were going to set up the tables for cca exhibition. Anyway.
I reached Outram Park at around 5.35pm. Was unable to find an empty seat, much to my disappointment. I was among the pre-peak hour crowd, you see. Naturally, people (mainly aunties) would rush for empty seats as soon as they spot one. Welcome to the ugly side of Singaporeans.
The train arrives at the platform.
Passengers waiting to board gather around the doors.
Doors open. Those outside the train close in and board the train hurriedly, without allowing other passengers to alight first. Ugh.
Being a student, I am supposedly more fit and able to stand for long periods of time. Hence I stand when there are no available seats.
(When there is one, I look around to make sure there's no elderly or pregnant woman or anyone else who's more in need of the seat, before settling in it. Duh.)
Next station. Doors open.
Old lady/man walks in. Sitting passengers are either sleeping, reading, or simply staring into space. (sometimes you can't help sleeping when you're really tired out. just don't pretend to sleep. then again, i wouldn't know if someone's really asleep or feigning it right?) Nobody stands up to give up his/her seat.
SMRT and SBS did come up with ideas hoping that these poor ol' souls can rest their feet and save their energy instead of exerting them all at one go simply by standing and trying to maintain their balance.
"Priority seats" are supposedly reserved for these people who are in need of them. It's sad that the management had to even resort to reserving seats. People are expected to give their seats up when there is a need to do so, it's an unspoken rule which, sadly, is gradually making its exit from this society. Even with "priority seats", (normal, healthy) people sitting on them still "take no notice" of who needs it more when someone handicapped or old or pregnant stands right before their diva eyes. I am truly disgusted by this.
Today, I saw a tourist willingly give up his seat in the train for an old lady. Everyone else just sat transfixed.
Now what does that say about Singaporeans in general? What impression did it leave on that tourist and his friends?
I saw the tourist glance around to see if anyone bothered to leave their thrones for someone else. Then he decided to just do it himself. Watching the whole scene unfold made me feel ashamed (I was standing, by the way).
Before the few tourists left the train, they exchanged comments about Singaporeans softly among themselves. I managed to catch some words like "sleepy", and "too busy making money". So, Singaporeans work so hard to earn money (money-minded) each day, they're so tired that they knock out the moment their butt touches the seat, oblivious to their surroundings. That's my inference.
Then of course there'll be an arguement to support the above point that society puts too much pressure on their work life where everyone is competing to be the best. As for now, they're competing to retain their jobs. Am I not correct? Still... gives them no reason to be so unglam, like rushing into the train without allowing others to alight, and being indifferent when someone who NEEDS to sit down comes into sight.
I am careful myself. But I admit that I only give up my own seat after I see that no one else is going to do that. That's something I've got to work on,
At least I don't make a mad rush into the train when the doors open.
I reached Outram Park at around 5.35pm. Was unable to find an empty seat, much to my disappointment. I was among the pre-peak hour crowd, you see. Naturally, people (mainly aunties) would rush for empty seats as soon as they spot one. Welcome to the ugly side of Singaporeans.
The train arrives at the platform.
Passengers waiting to board gather around the doors.
Doors open. Those outside the train close in and board the train hurriedly, without allowing other passengers to alight first. Ugh.
Being a student, I am supposedly more fit and able to stand for long periods of time. Hence I stand when there are no available seats.
(When there is one, I look around to make sure there's no elderly or pregnant woman or anyone else who's more in need of the seat, before settling in it. Duh.)
Next station. Doors open.
Old lady/man walks in. Sitting passengers are either sleeping, reading, or simply staring into space. (sometimes you can't help sleeping when you're really tired out. just don't pretend to sleep. then again, i wouldn't know if someone's really asleep or feigning it right?) Nobody stands up to give up his/her seat.
SMRT and SBS did come up with ideas hoping that these poor ol' souls can rest their feet and save their energy instead of exerting them all at one go simply by standing and trying to maintain their balance.
"Priority seats" are supposedly reserved for these people who are in need of them. It's sad that the management had to even resort to reserving seats. People are expected to give their seats up when there is a need to do so, it's an unspoken rule which, sadly, is gradually making its exit from this society. Even with "priority seats", (normal, healthy) people sitting on them still "take no notice" of who needs it more when someone handicapped or old or pregnant stands right before their diva eyes. I am truly disgusted by this.
Today, I saw a tourist willingly give up his seat in the train for an old lady. Everyone else just sat transfixed.
Now what does that say about Singaporeans in general? What impression did it leave on that tourist and his friends?
I saw the tourist glance around to see if anyone bothered to leave their thrones for someone else. Then he decided to just do it himself. Watching the whole scene unfold made me feel ashamed (I was standing, by the way).
Before the few tourists left the train, they exchanged comments about Singaporeans softly among themselves. I managed to catch some words like "sleepy", and "too busy making money". So, Singaporeans work so hard to earn money (money-minded) each day, they're so tired that they knock out the moment their butt touches the seat, oblivious to their surroundings. That's my inference.
Then of course there'll be an arguement to support the above point that society puts too much pressure on their work life where everyone is competing to be the best. As for now, they're competing to retain their jobs. Am I not correct? Still... gives them no reason to be so unglam, like rushing into the train without allowing others to alight, and being indifferent when someone who NEEDS to sit down comes into sight.
I am careful myself. But I admit that I only give up my own seat after I see that no one else is going to do that. That's something I've got to work on,
At least I don't make a mad rush into the train when the doors open.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Welcoming the J1s
I am going to talk about PE again. hahha I can't help it.
Just that today was swim PE. I wonder why there were SO many guys today... the other girls all having their period??! Hmmm. It was a bit weird at first, cos' the few of us girls from AA3 were reluctant to make the first move of removing our shirts (with swimsuit underneath of course). Then eventually we had no choice. Haha.
No, I'm not ashamed of having to be in the beginners' class!!
& omg, I was absolutely delighted to see Abigail (Gammell) and Diana there!!! PL PL PL :D
The best thing is, Diana said she wants to join CO! She's just like me - angklung in pri sch, handbells in sec sch, CO in JC! Hahahahah yayy :) Just hope she means it!
Okay so it wasn't so bad after all, having the J1s in school... orientation really looks fun. The rest of us J2s who are not OGLs or councilors are having lectures and tutorials =( amidst all the noise from the orientation.
Lunch time was unbearable though. SOOOOO many of them queuing for food. I'd never seen the school chicken rice stall being so popular before.PeiYan Amelia Jenisse and I couldn't stand the crowd (couldnt even find a vacant table!) so we went to Coffee Bean at Holland V for lunch. $$$$
Tomorrow is Tuesday =(
I dread Tuesdays =(
-----
Here I am, Oh God
I bring this sacrifice--my open heart.
I offer up my life.
I look to You, Lord
Your love that never ends
Restores me again
So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In your strength will I break through Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in You
(Complete - Parachute Band)
Just that today was swim PE. I wonder why there were SO many guys today... the other girls all having their period??! Hmmm. It was a bit weird at first, cos' the few of us girls from AA3 were reluctant to make the first move of removing our shirts (with swimsuit underneath of course). Then eventually we had no choice. Haha.
No, I'm not ashamed of having to be in the beginners' class!!
& omg, I was absolutely delighted to see Abigail (Gammell) and Diana there!!! PL PL PL :D
The best thing is, Diana said she wants to join CO! She's just like me - angklung in pri sch, handbells in sec sch, CO in JC! Hahahahah yayy :) Just hope she means it!
Okay so it wasn't so bad after all, having the J1s in school... orientation really looks fun. The rest of us J2s who are not OGLs or councilors are having lectures and tutorials =( amidst all the noise from the orientation.
Lunch time was unbearable though. SOOOOO many of them queuing for food. I'd never seen the school chicken rice stall being so popular before.PeiYan Amelia Jenisse and I couldn't stand the crowd (couldnt even find a vacant table!) so we went to Coffee Bean at Holland V for lunch. $$$$
Tomorrow is Tuesday =(
I dread Tuesdays =(
-----
Here I am, Oh God
I bring this sacrifice--my open heart.
I offer up my life.
I look to You, Lord
Your love that never ends
Restores me again
So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In your strength will I break through Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in You
(Complete - Parachute Band)
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