faith.hope.love

Matthias turns 7!

2008-12-22T23:30:00.003+08:00

It seems not too long ago when I was still in SP48, giving my colleagues a blow by blow account of my sister's first labour experience way back in 2001:

21st Dec, 2.30pm: My sister has just been admitted to the labour ward! Her amniotic fluid's dried up so will have to induce labour...

21st Dec, 6pm: (Has your sister delivered?) No leh...

22nd Dec, 8.30am: (So how? Delivered already?) No... her cervix is barely dilated...

22nd Dec, 1pm: (Is the baby out?) Not yet... cervix only around 3cm...

22nd Dec, 5pm: (Update from brother-in-law) Cervix around 6cm.

22nd Dec, just before 7pm: Matthias is born!!! (Finally!)

Matthias at 7 months

Matthias at 7 years

Happy birthday my favourite nephew! :D

www.flickr.com/photos/10767554@N07/sets/72157611986326443

Bye bye SFF801C

2008-11-30T23:21:00.002+08:00

Although we're excited about getting a brand new car, it is with great sadness that we let our old one go. After all, we journeyed from being friends to a dating couple to finally husband and wife in this car. So many memories... SFF801C, we will miss you.

Going places.

Sad (or trying to look).

THE (my favourite!) driver.

In-car "karaoke" system, our faithful companion.

Original place of honour for Bernie.

Where family and friends have gathered (or squeezed rather).

First scratch at 2 weeks' old.

The colour, the number.

Reflections.

In all splendour.

The great exchange.

$2 deals

2008-11-20T18:40:00.010+08:00

Here are some of what I believe to be the best $2 deals in town:

McDonald’s breakfast meal: Sausage McMuffin + Coffee/Tea
Gloria Jean’s Cappy Hour: all regular hot drinks (2pm–7pm @ Marina Square)
Nasi lemak set including fried chicken wing: various hawker stalls
Daiso shop: steals waiting to be discovered if you take the time to browse

The one that wins hands down for the BEST deal ever? $2 COE!!!

Yup, COE plunged to an all time low of $2 yesterday since the quota system started in 1990. The reason we're so excited? Our car dealer put in a bid for us and we were successful! Looking forward to a brand new Toyota Altis within the next couple of weeks...

Sweet.

The long engagement

2008-11-18T23:03:00.004+08:00

I've been having this nagging feeling for the past couple of days that a special date's coming up.

Was it an appointment I made? Don't think so...

Was it a friend's birthday? Can't be, we've already celebrated Shieen's...

Then it hit me just as I was walking back to Haem Pharmacy after morning rounds. Two years ago today Xingmin proposed to me!

Nah, there weren't any lavish celebrations, just a simple dinner of ramen at Baikohken. Xingmin's been wanting to bring me there since he was introduced to the generous portions by his brother a few weeks back. I must say each bowl's pretty filling, and the shio butter corn's really yummy. Tad too salty though, so it's lovely to have free flow of ice cold houjicha to wash it all down with.

It's amazing how the 2 years have flown by, and we give thanks to God for having watched over us as our relationship grows in His love. Next month, we'll be celebrating our first wedding anniversary! :)

Faithfulness

2008-11-16T23:09:00.014+08:00

Two songs we sang in church today really touched me. Thanks, Wanling, for choosing to focus on the topic of faithfulness.

You Are So Faithful
Lenny LeBlanc

Like the sun that rises everyday
You are so faithful, Lord, You are faithful
Like the rain that You send
And every breath that I breathe
You are so faithful, Lord

Like a rose that comes alive every spring
You are so faithful, Lord, You are so faithful
Like the life that You give to every beat of my heart
You are so faithful, Lord

I see the cross and the price You had to pay
I see the blood that washed my sins away

And in the midst of the storm
Through the wind and the waves
You'll still be faithful, You'll still be faithful
When the stars refuse to shine and time is no more
You'll still be faithful, You'll still be faithful, Lord

Find Us Faithful
Steve Green (Words and Music by Jon Mohr)

We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness
Passed on through godly lives

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover
And the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them
To the road we each must find

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

rush... more...

2008-11-03T22:36:00.005+08:00

time, never seems enough
world, passes by
why, life begins when work stops
how, life halts when work resumes

rush rush rush...

the wonders of creation, lost
amidst the madness, struggle for survival
urban jungle

hours, minutes, seconds
ticking ticking by
by
bye

more more more...
no more

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's funny how we always have this need to get out of the country, to get away from it all. Singapore has nothing to offer, we say. In truth, beauty lies in every corner, if only we take the moment. Not to merely glance, but truly see.

www.flickr.com/photos/10767554@N07/sets/72157608612606372

The joy of reading

2008-10-25T15:58:00.011+08:00

Recently Xingmin and I have been borrowing a number of books from the library, and it's now our regular once-in-3-weeks date (of cos we do go on other dates in between!). So, what are we currently reading?

The River Cottage Meat Book by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Xingmin first saw this book at Trix's when we visited last month. Loved the book so much that he's thinking of purchasing a copy off Amazon. Meanwhile, he's borrowed a copy and has been ploughing through this huge volume whenever he has some free moments. Could this be my very own personal chef in the making? :P~

Momzillas by Jill Kargman
Compared to the Meat Book, Momzillas seems like a super ditsy option! According to the author, momzillas are "the Kelly bag-toting, Chanel-wearing, Bugaboo-pushing mothers of New York". This book talks about how Hannah, the female protagonist has to take them on, on top of having to deal with the MIL from hell and the appearance of an old flame. But hey, after a frustrating and exhausting day at work, nothing beats reading an entertaining, non thought-provoking story about "survival of the fittest, richest, bitchiest..."

Captured memories of our wedding celebrations

2008-10-23T23:36:00.025+08:00

The above has been beautifully arranged by KC. Once again we'd like to extend our thanks to him, Fang, Elder Youzhen, as well as Kimberly for the cherished photos and videos.

More of our wedding photos can be found at:
www.flickr.com/photos/10767554@N07/sets/72157609002170101/
www.flickr.com/photos/10767554@N07/sets/72157608774926043/
www.flickr.com/photos/10767554@N07/sets/72157608737389315/
www.flickr.com/photos/trixshank/sets/72157603859488913/
fang.smugmug.com/gallery/4087677_R9Fnk#238711458_2ntpD

You can also view more of KC's works at:

www.greymatterphotography.com

ENJOYment @ Hortpark

2008-05-23T22:52:00.005+08:00

19th May 2008 - CG outing to HortPark followed by dinner @ AV

I now pronounce you husband and wife...

2008-01-01T18:30:00.003+08:00

A whirlwind of activities and before we know it, Xingmin and I are husband and wife! As we embark on our new journey together, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to:

Our Heavenly Father, who has brought us into each others' lives, and for leading us in our relationship with the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Our parents, for the unconditional love you have showered upon us and for all the sacrifices you have made. We can never thank you enough.
Our siblings, Samuel and Angelaine, for bearing with our tantrums and idiosyncrasies all these years. Despite our squabbles, you know we do respect and love you.
Rev (Dr) Boon Young for solemnising our marriage, this means a lot to us.
The pastoral staff of Jubilee Church (Pastors Yee Leng, Daniel, Yook Cing, Nai Fwei and Revs Tiong Ann, Siow Hwee) for supporting us in so many ways, from the start of our wedding preparation till the ceremony. We will remember the words of wisdom you have shared with us.
The worship team (Wanling, Victor, Johnson, Huiling, Mae, Lin Shen, Xueyi, Weizhen, Victoria) for the heavenly music you provided. May we continue to worship our Lord with joy and thanksgiving.
Our 'Xiong Di's (James, Wilson, Boon Khee, Thye Foong, Song Huat, Tze Yang, Wen Yean) and 'Jei Mei's (Mei Ying, Hong Yen, Carolyn, Caroline, Te-Ling, Trixie, Wui Syen, Fang) for going through thick and thin with us, and for sharing this special moment with us. Our special thanks to Ting Chun and Pei Shieen, we are wowed by your artistic talents.
Matthias, our handsome page boy, who's also gallantly helped us by perfecting the art of packing organza bags.
Natalie and Becky, our angelic flower girls, for laying our paths with the frangrance of flowers.
All our church helpers: our wonderful coordinators (Weilun, Elita), "traffic-stopping" marshals (Eric, Junpei, Matthew, Weizheng), lovely receptionists (Angeline, Jiawen, Baozhu), ushers (Thomas, Louise, Janette) and AV support (Jiang Feng, Zheng Kuang). This would not have happened without your help.
All our banquet helpers: our quick-thinking receptionists (Anna, Wang Yang, Chunlin), witty emcees (James, Meilian), super efficient table shoot advance "party" (Mark) and Ziyang/Meixuan for going out of your way to pick up the corsages.
KC, Kimberly, Elder Youzhen and Fang, for immortalising each special moment for us.
Each and every one of you who have blessed us with your presence during our celebrations. We are truly honoured.

May all honour and glory be to God!

The mad rush

2007-12-27T23:58:00.002+08:00

Days are flying by, and we're all scrambling to get things settled. Notice there are hardly any new blog entries with substantial content? Here's a quick sum up of what we've done in the last month leading up to the actual day...

Bridal bed "installation" and basic home decorating (read: basic, ie. almost non-existent)

Church rehearsal and helpers' briefing

In random order: pack favours for guests (my room does smell lovely with whiffs of coffee, teas and chocolates...), make statutory declaration, try to catch up on rest, collect gowns and suit, buy shoes, work out table seatings, try not to panic, print and tie church programme booklets, memorise wedding vows, try not to panic, go for facials/massages/mani-pedi, try to catch up on rest, finalise arrangements for food, flowers, decorations, helpers, bridal car, actual day programme, etc. (ie. the nitty gritty details)

And of cos we do not forget to take time off to enjoy the festivities!

A mad rush it was indeed!

Limid edition

2007-12-11T22:59:00.000+08:00

A very special thanks also goes out to Pei Shieen for her beautiful "limid" edition invitation cards!

Spot the difference!

They glow in the dark too!

To fit, too fitting

2007-12-05T23:07:00.001+08:00

It was a dark and stormy night, and we had to fight off the cats and the dogs in order to accomplish our task for the day... attempt to fit into our respective completed gown and suit! It was a time of reckoning, to find out if we've lost or put on...

But before that, it's a makeover for me!

From dowdy to doll (well Xingmin thinks I'm one! :P).

It fits!!! Whew!

Doesn't Xingmin look so suave? :)

Lesson #3

2007-12-04T22:39:00.000+08:00

Always print extra cards and prepare extra envelopes.

Thank God we did both.

Lesson #2

2007-12-03T21:21:00.000+08:00

Marker pens also do not write well on art card, especially if the emulsion is not well mixed.

Lesson #1

2007-12-02T22:25:00.001+08:00

Gel-liner pens are not meant for writing invitations printed on art card.

The words smudge.

Big time.

Unless you have the luxury of time (needs to be left to dry overnight), buy a marker.

Remember, look out for "marks on anything".

Please Mr Postman

2007-12-01T00:15:00.000+08:00

(Stop)

Oh yes, wait a minute Mister Postman

(Wait)
Wa-a-a-ait Mister Postman
Please Mister Postman, look and see
(Oh yeah)
If there's an invitation in your bag for me
(Please, Please Mister Postman)
Why's it takin' such a long time
(Oh yeah)
For me to hear from that wedding couple

WAIT NO LONGER!

THE INVITATIONS ARE FINALLY READY!!!

Please do keep a lookout over the next week.

Here, we'd like to extend our deepest gratitude to Ting Chun, who has sacrificed many hours to design our card, and for being so patient with our numerous requests and fickle-mindedness.

Thank you!

Dance audition

2007-11-30T23:40:00.000+08:00

The rascals dancing their way into my heart... Perhaps we'd like them to put up a dance performance during the wedding? :P

Masak masak for real

2007-11-29T22:44:00.000+08:00

As a little girl, I used to love playing masak masak with my kindergarten friends. I'd be the good little wife who cleans and cooks and waits for her husband to return home from work. It's fun, I thought.

I must have been out of my mind then. When it's for real, it's anything but fun! It's not easy to set up a home, my dad told me recently. What words of wisdom, I realised, after only a few sessions of real life masak masak!

A very unsuccessful hunt for a HDB flat over 11 months.

Decision to squat in my sister's empty flat in Bukit Panjang in the interim. Imagine having to mop away 7 years' of grime! It's a seriously back breaking job...

The kitchen sink, washing machine, and fridge.

Using our washing machine for the first time to wash couch covers!

Door bell's ready to be rung by friends! And perhaps also sales promoters...

Coffee on the go, a way to survive the "ordeal".

Here, we salute our parents, especially the mums. You're the true superheroes! We've lots to learn from you.

Monkey see, monkey do

2007-11-28T23:20:00.000+08:00

Oh no, not Xingmin and I! We're definitely not monkeys! It's the 2 rascals...

Monkey see...

Monkey do...

Hands and foot

Clearing up

2007-11-24T22:53:00.000+08:00

Well, looks like all mess can be cleared up. With great determination... and lotsa grumbles!

Hmm... I wonder what state Xingmin's room is in right now?

Mussing up

2007-11-22T23:53:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow I'll awake to a Friday morning, and I'll drag my reluctant feet to work. After all, who looks forward to going back to work after a week's leave period (aside from Janice of cos)?

So, you ask, what did you do while you were on leave? Enjoying yourself?

Nothing much, I'll say, just mussing up my room...

过大礼 - our way

2007-11-17T19:33:00.000+08:00

过大礼 - a term which caused Xingmin and I to draw a blank when we first heard it.

A frantic search through the internet later, we're a little bit wiser about our Chinese wedding customs. Here, we'll attempt to provide a summary which I suspect will come in useful when it's our children's turn to be married:

- 过大礼 literally means "performing the rites"
- aka the betrothal, it's when the groom and a matchmaker (traditionally an aunt from the groom's side) bring betrothal gifts (娉礼) over to the bride's family
- usually takes place at least 3 days up to a month before the wedding, on an auspicious date chosen by both families
- the betrothal gifts (representing fertility and prosperity) are packed in even numbers ("好事成双") in a multi-tiered wedding basket and may include (depending on dialect group):

红封利是 (amount determined by the groom's family, usually contains the number "9")
"price" for the bride (娉金)
jewellery for the bride eg. the dragon-phoenix bangle or 四点金
2 pairs of dragon-phoenix candles (to be lighted on morning of wedding)
western and chinese wedding cakes
2 bottles of brandy
at least six tins of canned pork legs or a whole roast pig
even number of oranges ("生果")
dried food items placed in 贴盒 such as seafood (abalone, sea cucumber, shark's fin, etc.), mushrooms, 发菜, candies, fruits and nuts (四京果 - longans/lychees/walnuts/peanuts, lotus seeds, lilies, red/green beans, red dates, etc.)
a pair of coconuts ("爷子")
2 tins of tea leaves ("多子多孙")

Of the gifts, a portion (in even numbers) is to be returned to the groom's family (回礼) and this includes:

a portion of the 娉金
the pair of phoenix candles
2 bottles of orange syrup in replacement of brandy
head and rear of roast pig
a portion of the oranges
a portion of all other gifts
a pair of trousers for the groom

This is done to indicate the groom’s family is overly generous, the bride’s family is not greedy and that the two families will share their good fortune.

So many details to take care of! To quote Xingmin, we're "so glad we only have to do this once."

Here's how our simplified 过大礼 went...

"It's (roast pig) here. Wow. Quite big... 10 over kilos... I think it's the pig that's going to carry me instead!"

"We're bringing over 18 oranges..."

"You can use the stickers when handing out the Bengawan Solo gift cards..."

"Keep the DOM and drink next time after you deliver your baby..."

Make a guess what both families had for dinner that evening?

Girls just wanna have fun

2007-11-15T23:30:00.000+08:00

It was a night out with Pei Shieen to celebrate her birthday...

Making merry with food and wine.
Capella, CHIJMES, 14th Nov.

Shieen, thanks for being there for me through our SGH years, being a constant reminder of my status as a daughter of Christ. I pray that you'll continue to grow ever closer in your walk with the Lord, and may you experience His blessings richly in your life!

Happy birthday.

Dressing up the MTB Part II

2007-11-11T18:07:00.000+08:00

"$120/m."

"$180/m."

"This one, $280/m and that one $360/m."

"You like? I give you special price. Best price in town!"

Is it my imagination or the fabric business is good business? I mean, if a lady buys 2 pieces of fabric, 3m each (for full length dress), that's easily >$1K out of her pocket! Wow... But I seriously suspect the true reason why we were quoted such high prices is partly due to: (a) my mum not speaking very good English and (b) myself carrying a camera around for quick snapshots.

Conclusion drawn by the retailers:
Tourists from China = Lambs to the slaughter.

Where fabrics will stop you in your tracks with their lustrous richness and vibrant colours.

Spoilt for choice.

An enthusiastic model with a ready smile for the camera.

Nonetheless it was still a visual treat looking at the different colours and designs, and I thoroughly enjoyed the feel of the soft fabrics. Most importantly, my mum found a couple of pieces that she liked. Looks like her hunt is finally over!

Food glorious food!!!

2007-11-10T14:00:00.000+08:00

If anyone wonders why the bride-to-be is unable to drop the excess pounds before her big day, here is my excuse...

Scene:

Haematology Pharmacy
Singapore General Hospital

Crime:

Excessive workload, the evidence speaks for itself. I mean, we actually ran out of tote bins for the chemo orders, and... and... how can there be so many prep labels for the weekend?!?

Victims:

Yours truly and a few other unfortunate souls who have gone absolutely balloons.

What happens then? Stress relieving binging sessions are the most therapeutic...

A little of everything...
M Hotel, 6th Nov.

Different sources of simple sugars.
Halia, Botanical Gardens, 7th Nov.

Meat fest!
Grill-Out, Sunset Way, 8th Nov.

'Nuff said.

Dressing up the MTB Part I

2007-11-03T22:05:00.000+08:00

My mum's someone who likes to be well prepared, so much so that she bought a dress for my wedding way even before Xingmin proposed! :P

Now she figures, hey, one dress is not gonna be enough. She'll need at least 2, one for the customary and church ceremonies, and the other for the banquet. Thus begins the hunt for the elusive beautifully elegant dress...

At the dressmaker's at Bukit Timah Plaza.

My sis taking the opportunity to alter her dress.

Mother & daughter looking so radiant!

It's all about the fabric, my mum says. Has to be very nice. We tried out various combinations with what was available at the dressmaker's but somehow they don't look quite right. Looks like we'll have to make a trip down to Arab Street for another round of fabric shopping soon!

Enough about fabric, it's makan time!
Cafe d'Orient, Sunset Way, 3rd Nov.

From paper to fabric

2007-10-31T23:46:00.000+08:00

After a what seems like forever wait, Xingmin and I finally got to see our respective suit and gowns for the very first time yesterday! In-the-making that is...

Our bridal boutique.

Never, EVER!, talk about work.

While waiting... milk high!!! *rapidly bobbing Dora head*

Xingmin in his gai4 bang4 zhuang1 (with Joe the "suit guy").

Two kawaii ladies...

Upclose and rather personal. :P

A glimpse of what's to come.

Introducing Pei Shieen the Bridesmaid... "Watch out boys!"

And Ting Chun the Bestman, who should be very very afraid!

Please save the date!

2007-10-29T14:10:00.000+08:00

I remember when I first announced to my close friends that Xingmin's finally popped the question, Yvonne emailed to congratulate us and also suggested that we start a blog on our wedding preparations... Well, that was 10 months 1 week ago, just 3 days after THE proposal during a romantic weekend getaway... I guess it's always better to be late than never?

In truth, the reason why I started this blog was to document our failed attempt at coming up with a PPS to send to all of our friends to, you've guessed it, save the date! of our wedding. We've spent many hours putting the show together, why it took so long please don't ask me. After all it was just 2 simple slides, with text animation timed to a song. Perhaps it was because the OCD me had to make sure the animation is timed perfectly to the nanosecond hence the many adjustments. Sadly when the PPS was finally to my satisfaction, the harsh truth sank in. The Mac version is so not compatible with Windows due to various differences.

*SOB!*

Despite our many attempts to salvage the PPS, we were still unable to make it play properly on a Windows 2000, which we assume is the OS majority of the folks will have. With brain juices totally drained, our last resort: blog it. So if you're able to use a little imagination, here's how the PPS will go...

1. Background song: "The Chapel of Love" by the Dixie Cups (yes I've been told numerous times it's cheesy).

2. Slide #1 with text animation (swivel, light speed in, grow, shrink, light speed out, bounce, spiral in) as timed to lyrics of song.

3. Slide #1 dissolves into slide #2 as song finishes.

Oh wait a minute... what's this icon here? Ooooh... i can add a video to this blog?