How're YOU~ doing?

And so another week has come to an end.

Hmmm it's mid-sem break but I'm occupied with loads of stuff, uni and non-uni related. Mainly non-uni stuff, so that's good. Was hoping to rest up and recover from a busy week but I guess I'll be having a productive week. Better than slacking off playing flashgames and watching anime.

Next Sunday, I'll be sharing a song I wrote with the Life* Expedition congregation. I reckon the band got it nailed down. My only worry is singing off-key. That would just spoil everything. I am living prove that drummers can't sing! Or maybe that's just me. But that's not important. What's important is my state of heart and how/what I want this song to communicate to the people. Humble me and empower me.

Also, our dance item will be on that Sunday! Oh, the excitement! Don't worry, I'm sure we'll get it down by then, I hope? Nahh, gotta be positive. We'll definitely get it down by then! Look forward to it and be awe by our prowess! wakakaka

Lately, my emotions been getting the better of me. Totally reminds me of an episode of "Two and a half men" where Charlie snapped after keeping his emotions bottled up for so long. It's been too long since I when into one of my infamous laughing fits that it left me tearing and choking.

Yes, "I choked on my own laughter". literally.

To think that I actually would after using that phrase to express sarcasm for all those years. Oh, the irony. sigh. totally ruin the cool facade I spent years perfecting. Good news is I can't possibly do more to further ruin my image.

Or can I?

Nahh I rather not.

Mann there are still some other stuff I wanna blog about but I guess they're all going into the drafts folder. Hopefully I'll get the chance to clear out that folder during this short break. I've got incomplete posts in there worth weeks and months old it's probably not relevant anymore. I might bring 'em back anyways. Who knows?

I'm sleepy, my ass hurts and I've got work to do.


Time for bed.


~ Selamat Hari Merdeka ke-46, kepada orang Sabah dan Sarawak! ~

Laughing Cookies

Who needs oreo when you can have






















and if you didn't find that funny,

have some cookies!

Laughing. Cookies.




























~ when emotions get the better of you ~

I'm Not In Love

After being homeless for 40 hours, I'm home.

Last weekend I spent 40 hours away for home. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but I guess having an emergency shelter and a friend for company make things much easier. It was cold and tiring. Nevertheless, an interesting experience. One I wouldn't mind doing again. Next time on the streets. Maybe.

Thanks to those of you who've sponsored me and for those of who haven't (lee, yu and chua) you've got till the end of September! woo~hoo

Yesterday, chris, ann, greg, devon, sarah and myself when to watch Anberlin.





















Notice how the ticket says under 18's only? But we still managed to sneaked in. Must have been my good looks heheh =P

Opening for Anberlin were Aussie band, Wherewolves






















and The Academy Is...






















And finally, the main event.





















Anberlin's presence on stage were pretty good. They were energetic, swinging their guitars around and moving much quicker than my camera's shutter speed. Didn't managed to get any better shots but that's ok.






















One thing I noticed about all three bands was that all their drummers were smashing the drums like nobody's business. Power mann but not good for the ears.

The highlight of the night was probably when The Academy Is performed "About A Girl" cause that was the only song I was familiar with. It was good that they did cause I was just about to doze off. I found their other songs boring. Anberlin's music was new to me but I enjoyed it and overall, it was a good concert.

And the award for "Best Picture of the Night" goes to

greg's dinner.


~ Relient K is gonna be mmhmm ~

Burn My Dread

What the heck have I gotten myself into. This weekend is definitely gonna be a real eye-popping, gut-wrenching, hair-pulling, toe-nail-biting experience.

But life is a journey and it's better doing it together. Right?

It's alright. I'm doing this for the kids. We're doing this for the kids!






















To those of you who've turned me down, it's not too late to donate!

https://famine.worldvision.com.au/famine.cgi?a=SPONSOR_&pn=29193035-2
My 40 Hour Famine Number is: 29193035-2

Don't be such a cheapskate dammit!

Oh btw, I'm joining Chris in his 'home' fast.

Pray for us.

If this doesn't kill me, mum will.


~ I have no regrets ~

Ah Chai's Chicken Rice.

Ingredients:

• 3 and 1/2 cups of rice (feeds 4-5)
• Whole chicken (chopped into pieces)
• cucumber
• garlic
• ginger
• spring onion
• salt & pepper
• soy sauce
• sesame oil
• butter

Preparation:

Chicken
1) Boil chicken together with salt and pepper for an hour.
2) Soak chicken in cold water after boiling.

Rice
1) Add garlic and ginger to the rice.
2) Use butter to give the rice it's yellow, glossy look.

3) Cook the rice in the chicken soup (excess soup can be served as a side).

Serving:

Chicken
1) Dry chicken with paper towel before plating up.
2) Arrange cucumber slices around the plate for a cool touch.
3) Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil.
4) Top with spring onions before serving.






















Rice
1) Mold rice into desired shape using hands or you could use a bowl.

Ta-da!

And you are ready to eat!




























~ asian boys just wanna eat rice, yeaaaa ~

Many Merry Days

Ahhh it's been a while since I've done a reflective post. To just sit down and reflect upon the past few days and months even. There's always this warm fuzzy feeling I get when I meet up with friends whom I haven't seen or heard from for a long time. Yesterday I had the opportunity to catch up with a friend from Perth.

Charles came over to Melbourne for a work conference and extended his stay over the weekend for a mini-vacation. Exchanging stories and pleasantries over sushi, ramen and sashimi at J Cafe, it was great to see that he's doing fine. Hearing stories about old friends is always good fun. It's also fun(and shocking) to find out who's dating who now. Heard that another friend is getting married by the end of the year too. Seem like Zion's doing fine but I feel kinda bad ditching them for Melbourne. Hope you're not getting too stressed out Jim! It's good that you're faithfully serving but they should seriously cut you some slack. Did you guys seriously do "No Reason To Hide"? That's cra-zy!!

Oh, Perth. I wouldn't mind paying you visit next year. We'll see =)

My 7th month in Melbourne and I'm enjoying every minute of it or at least I'm trying too. It's great how almost everything's within walking distance and that the public transport is more efficient than back home and Perth. Having friends who stays in the same building and down the street make things merrier too. It's as though we're living out "FRIENDS", only that we're uni students, in Melbourne and asians.

Sem2 is looking good so far. Staying on top of uni work and still finding time to squeeze in busking, coffee runs and what other silly adventures with my girl friends. "Having ice-cream in the sun. That's what life should be."

Oh, Spring. I welcome you with open arms.

Expect a much warmer week ahead with a few showers. Everyday's a new day. Everyweek's a new week. It's a fresh new start! Embrace it like freshly printed lecture notes. Warm and fuzzy with the slight scent of printer ink.

Nerd out.























~ dinner for 2, ice-chocolate, a stroll down the street. I think I just went on my 1st date ~

For A Pessimist I'm Pretty Optimistic

UPDATE! Friday, Aug 14th, 2009

sihua: my struggles- holding hope in the world when i'm not with ppl who give me hope ('christian' friends)

Yea, I know what you mean man. Sometimes the people around us can be so cynical and pessimistic it's just like poison to us. Like I was just talking with ninja:

Julian: Hey, ninja! The weekend's here!!
Ninja: Yea. Monday's coming.

Julian: -_-"

What a killjoy.

I think I can relate with you but the question now is, "What am I suppose to do?" Right?

Hmmm if they are the poison, then we shall be the antidote. (haha so chessy)

So basically, as difficult as it may be, just hold on hope.


~ I fail at giving advice XD ~

at 5:05 PM
________________________________________________________________________________________
Watch this video. It's smart. short. and sweet.




And a website I just discovered.

GiveMeHope - like FMyLife but for the optimists!

"my parents fight a lot, but the other day i found them slow dancing in the kitchen. it GMH. "

"I woke up one morning to hear the birds outside my window and my mother cooking breakfast downstairs. I've never cried so much in my entire life. I had been deaf since the age of 8. GMH."

Without a doubt, we live in an ugly world but these little snippets of another person's life reminds us that miracles do exist and that there is hope for this world.

And finally, some questions just to mess with your brain:

Are you part of a Lost Generation?

What is it that GiveYouHope?

Go ahead and post your thoughts here. I would love to hear/read them =)


~ Honestly I do think I am part of a Lost Generation but living in His promise GMH ~

And We Shall Busk At Dusk

It's quiet. Too quiet. Maybe all the noise around me is drowning you out. The hustle and bustle in my life. I'm just running around aimless everyday. Getting things done day in and day out. And by the time I get home I'll just be soo tired.

Hmmmm I think I'm starting to lose sight of what is important. Not good.

It's quiet. Too quiet. Maybe it's just a matter of time before something happens. But should I just sit around idly and wait for "IT" to happen or should I just get things rolling myself?

You're quiet God. Too quiet. Do you want me to be still? So that you can speak to me? If so, I should make some changes no?

Alright damn it! I'm gonna get desperate!

God, give me strength! Strength to surrender time and everything in your hands. So that I can make the changes. Changes for the better! Train my ears to be able to hear your still small voice! Give me the discipline this week to be still before you and to spend time with you. Be it a minute more, 10 minutes or 30 minutes, create a space where I'll be able to immerse myself in your presence! I thank you God. AMEN!~

Some times God can be so silent I just feel lost. But that's alright. Like how God's the shepherd and we are His sheeps, He will definitely find those of us who are lost.

I feel inspired. God, allow me to seize the week ahead. Let's make this a good one so that by the end of the week when a person ask me, "How're you doing?" Joey Tribbiani style, I'll be able to say with conviction, GOOD!

God. I thank you for people in my life, those who are concern about my spiritual walk with you. Those whom I can count on in trouble times and mentor me in a sense. From these mentoring sessions which I'm undertaking this sem, I pray that it will empower me and encourage spiritual growth.

Btw, busking is awesome even though we only earn like $1-$2 on a regular basis. Guess we're not worth Melbourne citizens' spare change. HA! But it's good fun especially when you meet weirdos interesting people on the streets. For example, the man with funny-money, hippie french ladies, a megaphone wielding "Pink" impersonator, fellow buskers and Take.

Take is this Japanese student Ian and I met while busking and mann he's cool. A fellow musician as well, Take jammed a bit with us showcasing his musical prowess before parting ways. I wasn't expecting any of this when I decided to get a busking license. Who would have thought we would meet so many different people or even make a new friend.

Life sure is full of surprises.

Can't wait for spring to come! It's too cold to busk during winter. Gotta cut Ian and Ann some slack heheh.

Oh, I love how this post is just one massive rojak! Don't you guys?

Guess it reflects my current state of mind.

Wee~ I love writing songs. I wanna write more and more and more!

Jaz ftw!

Breakdance is getting better each week too. Learning more and more difficult power and freeze moves. And have you guys seen the move called the "cockroach"? It's probably the most silliest move you will ever see. It gave me a pretty good laugh when I saw my instructor do it. Hilarious.

Alrighty! Think I've rambled long enough. Time to sleep, wake up and face the week ahead the only way I know how. With enthusiasm, a focused mind, an uncle toby muesli bar and an umbrella. Expect rain during the earlier part of this week.

And how can a post be complete without a picture?






















So who wants a cookie?


~ break me, mold me, use me, fill me ~

wtfloonie!?

Introducing the Floonies! The handmade multi-face puppets. Their primary purpose is to make us laugh and remind us not to take life too seriously. The Floonies are creativity toys with which you are able to create many different faces.

(I soo did not copy that off the back of its packaging haha.)

But don't let its looks deceive you! The Floonie is not just a mere toy. After days of research and sleepless nights, I have discovered 5 other uses for the Floonie. Presenting, the fruits of my labour!

Number 1: An arm rest





















Number 2: A phone dock




























Number 3: A stress ball




























Number 4: A friend






















and my favourite

Number 5: A monster from Dragon Quest




























Btw, due to positive feedback, I've decided to upload my previous video onto Youtube.

Go check it out! here


~ Warning! The Floonies are unsuitables for children under the age of 3 and are not intended for consumption ~

So Blessed

I can be so blind most of the time. I'm so blessed yet I take things, people, God and even myself for granted. Never more I say.

God, I thank you for the basic necessities which I have. Clothes to wear, a bed to sleep in, hot water, food and so much more. I thank you for the people in my life especially those whom I'm journeying with right now. They are truly a blessing in my life. God I thank you for who You are. You who holds nothing against me. You who listens to my whining.

You who heal my heart.
You who lift me up.
You who rescues me from my sins and shame.

And God, I thank you for this life you have given me. Use this life as you will and may it be one which honours you. Allow the holy spirit to work through me so that I may be your salt and light to those around me. Let these not be empty words but words of truth. AMEN!~

I must be pretty brave or lying to pray such a prayer. Let's hope it's the first reason!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

I have a confession to make.


I've always enjoyed celebrating other people's birthdays but I've never really enjoyed or even bothered celebrating my own. Yea, I know. What a loner.

This year, however, was an exception.

1st August.

Yup, I just celebrated my 19th birthday and I had a blast of a time!

As simple as it was, I love it! My recipe for a good steamboat party is:

A) The 4cs - cabbage, corn, carrots and chicken stock
B) A bunch of misfits friends for company
and
C) FISH TOFU!!

It's been such long time since I've smiled so much. I mean who wouldn't be happy eating steamboat? FISH TOFU!! Thanks to everyone who were there to celebrate with me and to those who weren't able to but send their wishes, thank you too!

I'm infamous for giving random/unconventional birthday presents to people. This ranges from a coconut to a barbie doll to a sarong to Carlsberg playing cards. This year, I've finally gotten a taste of my own medicine.

A mickey mouse watch.

A floonie. (gonna play around with it later)

and

A teapot + milk tea.

Not as random as mine but close enough. Wasn't expecting any presents, especially not the teapot and milk tea. So thanks heaps!!

What made my day sweeter was that I had not one but two birthday cakes!! Woohoo hahaha yes I can get very excited about cakes sometimes. Cakes makes me M.E.R.R.Y.

From now onwards, I'll be looking forward to the 1st of August. I mean hey, that's the day I was brought to life. I'm sure that's reason enough to celebrate.

And how can a birthday party be complete without a group picture

















or two

















or three.

















Soo sorry you missed out wince =( here's a little something just for you.

Thank you my Mcdonald-loving-"Paper Jam Incident"-buddy!

Winston "I love taking pictures of food" Chua!


~ a new day is dawning ~