Perth Trip 2010: Part 2

As promised, here's a post that is actually related to the trip. Going back to Perth was fun, cause I had the chance to revisit all the places that I've missed. But honestly, it was all about the food.

Bubble Tea - Tea Fusion

Imma gonna let you finish but Tea Fusion has the best bubble tea of all time!

Chinese cuisine - Hong Kong BBQ

L-R: deep fried squid, deep fried chicken with egg-yolk, cod fish, kailan with XO sauce,
3 combination meat dish & sizzling tofu

Didn't get the chance to eat at Uncle Billy's. Maybe next time.

Fish & Chups - Kaili's Cafe

Fish Shack is better. But food always taste better with great company. Ok, maybe not.
Great company nevertheless.

Dim Sum - Dragon Palace

First time, I saw/ate so much dim sum. Much pricey than other restaurants. Nothing special but satisfactory.

Malaysian cuisine - Malaysian Gourmet at Broadway Fair

The same uncle was still working at the restaurant. He may not remember me, but it's good to see old familiar faces.

Breakfast - Pancakes (Known as Pancake Parlour in Melbourne)

honey, cream & ice cream

First time trying it and having pancakes for breakfast is sweet.

Chilli Mussels - Conca's

choice of mild, hot or very hot plus garlic bread or pasta as a side

The real reason I wanted to visit Perth. I love chilli mussels! Especially drinking the soup out of the empty shells. I am yet to find chilli mussels in Melbourne. So well done Perth! Melbourne, poor effort.

Pizzas - Little Caesars

6 gourmet pizzas, 2 dessert pizzas

The first time I sank my teeth in, I could taste the difference from all the other pizzas I've eaten before. Maybe that's because till then, I've always been eating at Pizza Hut. Second time eating here and the pizzas are still as epic! Serves great dessert pizzas too. A must try.

Pastries - Corica Pastries

Apple Strudel

Like apples? Like custard? Like pastry? You'll definitely like Corica's famous apple strudel. A great "bring home gift". Carry one of these to the airport and your identity as a tourist will be revealed almost instantaneously.

You know the saying how food brings people together. At Ciao Italia, it literally does. I had a friend in Perth that I really wanted to meet but couldn't contacted him. But by some non-coincidental chance, I met him while waiting for a table outside the restaurant. Shocked! but pleasantly surprised.

Wee Loon was my previous boarding housemaster. Basically the dude who checks for attendance and what not. Pretty glad to catch-up with you again, Wee! What made the night even better was that the food at Ciao Italia rocks! It's like Sofia's but better!

Italian Cuisine - Ciao Italia

4 pastas, 3 pizzas (not in picture)

2 desserts (pic: triple-choc madness)

Eating burgers during a freezing cold night next to a blazing open fire is the way to go. And that's what you get at Alfred's Kitchen. How good are their burgers you ask? Well, it's so good that this cozy little stall even have their very own website! Check out their 40 burgers menu selection here. (btw, all the other restaurant links are click-able too!)

Awesome burgers, awesome ambience.

The next time I drop by Perth, I'm definitely coming back.

And how can any trip be complete without MACDONALDS!!

Yes, we ate a lot during this trip but was that all we did? No. But before I move along, this post is getting a little too long. And how the heck did this turn into a food post anyways? Moving on to Perth Trip 2010: Part 3.


~ zoom zoom zoom ~

Perth Trip 2010: Part 1

Hmm the problem with blogging about a trip is trying to condense all that's happen into one comprehensive post which hopefully wouldn't be too long winded that it would bore whoever is reading this after all it would be nice to read something that's short sweet and straight to the point while at the same time highlighting the interesting events and all the memorable moments... I'll do my best to make it interesting =P

I ENJOYED MY TIME IN PERTH TO THE MAX.

The food, the sights, the activities, the jokes (oh, the jokes) and definitely, I say definitely, the people. This trip totally blew my expectations out of the water. Maybe cause I didn't have much expectations to begin with... a flashback moment? Definitely!

Flashback

Few months ago

I had plans to visit Perth since last year. Reasons being my sister was there, I did high school there, to visit friends from Zion (the church I attended) and that two of my closest friends from Kuching were there. Little did I know, my sister wouldn't be in Perth during the week I was there and that most of my Zion friends would be at Hillsongs, oh wells~ Then suddenly! Winston said that he (together with 2 others) would be going to Perth. This is where it gets hilarious.

The initial plan was to fly down to Perth together, go our separate ways for a week and fly back to Melbourne together. Turns out, we weren't as popular as we thought we were and only had a few friends in Perth. So I decided to tag along with Winston and join in with the activities he and his friends were planning (I ended up dragging Lee & Chua into it as well).

What I had planned was to just hang out with my friends and playing videogames. After planning the activities together with Winston I realized, "I won't have time to play videogames." And I'm glad I didn't.

Months past and we soon touched down in Perth.

Perth was a much needed holiday. Away from Melbourne and a chance to relax after one hectic semester. I love it. Being together with old friends and meeting new ones. Seeing the familiar places in Perth. It's as though I never left.

I love non-coincidental chances. Non-coincidental because I believe that they were meant to happen. Turns out, my friends sorta knew Winston's friend through her housemate who happens to be Lee's course mate and my sister's friend. I had a suspicion that something like this might happen but who would have thought it actually would.

I could tell you about all the things we did, jokes we cracked and meals we shared. But to thoroughly experience it, you had to be there.

So instead, I'll tell you guys a story. *Ahem*

There was once a boy named Jeff. Jeff has always been a shy fellow. He was never good with the ladies and seems to have a habit of falling for all the "wrong girls". William was the total opposite of Jeff. William was smart, funny, suave and sometimes a bit of a drama queen but still, good with the ladies.

William has many girlfriends (as in girls who are friends). His relationship with them? Interesting. They would joke about everything under the sun and hang out like bros. They are even able to speak words of love to one another. Even if it was just for the sake of "making things awkward" or to get a few laughs, Jeff noticed something. Behind that demeanor of humour, there was meaning behind the words being spoken.

It was only after William dragged Jeff into his awkward "relationships" that he realized something. Jeff never spoke of love. He was afraid to demonstrate love. In a community where all eyes are monitoring your every word and movement, it's not easy to show love without being misread. That is why Jeff kept to himself. Afraid of initiating acts of love be it something as simple as a friendly nudge, an arm over the shoulder or a hug. Afraid to shower compliments but admire in silence.

But after a week spent together with William, Jeff made an important decision. A decision he himself couldn't understand why but felt that he was ready to do so. He's going to love the way he was meant to. To love without holding back. To love the people dearest to him. To love...

The moral of the story?

Time spent together with loved ones is short. Too short. Sooner or later we're all gonna to part ways. By then it would be too late to make up for lost time, lost friendships. So live each day cherishing your friends and families. Don't wait to tell a friend how lovely she looks or to catch-up over coffee or to tell someone that you miss them. You might strike out on an opportunity that may never return.

TOTALLY strayed off topic back there didn't I? Ahaha ha ha....*AHEM*

It's funny how you learn important life lessons during the most unexpected times. This story really spoke to me and yea, William's a pretty cool guy. But I'm rooting for Jeff. I'm gonna take after Jeff and learn to love with no reservations. No regrets mun!

Will do another Perth post and also a shout out to a couple of peeps once I get more photos off Wince... hint hint. Stay tune!




















~ Perth oh Perth, I miss you already ~

Annual Dinner 2010

Annual Dinner 2010 was good. And I mean really GOOD! Loved the food, company and atmosphere. I might have pushed myself a little too much by taking on so many responsibilities. As much as I love doing what I do, this will probably be the last time I'll work myself to the bone..... for awhile ;) It's amazing how the office team does it. Every year, every special occasion. Respect man.

Less talking and more pictures!
























Thanks to Grace and chris + ian for the haircut.

















The Restrooms. Watch our "debut" here.



















LifeTVCrew. Thanks to Greg, Winnie, Ellie, Lita, Lisa and Jacqueline for helping out.

















Doreen's dance crew. Watch the performance here.
















Krystal's Clan.

As always, photos were taken off facebook. Credits goes to Greg, Aun, Shing, Sam and Doreen.

Cause I'm the kind of guy who loves showing-off his work, here are the links to the videos I edited for annual dinner:

Clan's Thanksgiving
Homies Thanksgiving (Masterchef Spoof)

Well done to Life* TV! I think we're getting somewhere. Right?

The Sunday after annual dinner was just so rich and meaningful. To me anyways. Krystal's been on about what's our purpose. And she challenged those in her clan to reach out to at least 2 people outside of community. Hard? Yes, but that's what were we called to do. So let's do it!

There's so much more I could blog about last Sunday but if I was to do it now, I could go on forever! Maybe not forever. Remind me to blog about this.

Annual Dinner's over. relief. Another year has come and gone. sad. Time to reorganize, set my priorities straight, clean the apartment and pack for Perth.

Perth is gonna be fun =)


~ Taking a break from Melbourne ~

Our Little Patch of the City

The guys had fun sewing and getting in touch with our feminine side. Thanks to Ellie, Greg and Lita for helping out the LifeTVCrew. Still not done with the sewing and stitching but I reckon it'll look awesome once it's done.

In the midst of preparing 3 other videos and practicing a dance routine for annual dinner. Sometimes I wonder how did I get involve in all of this. But I'm enjoying myself. 4 more days to annual dinner!

Here's a sneak peak of what's to come!




~ how awesome is Masterchef ~

In Your Time

Even though exams are over, I don't feel at ease. Maybe it's because I didn't do too well for my last paper. Maybe it's because Annual Dinner's coming up soon. Maybe it's because there are still some questions left unanswered. Maybe it's because I've been neglecting my little bible study group. Maybe it's because....

Last night, we had a prayer meet at housechurch. We prayed for a couple of things (though I only remembered a few) eg. the students on exams, for salvation in our families and friends. What did I pray for? It's hard for me to articulate my thoughts into words on the spot. So I thought it would be better if I just sat on it and wrote it down later. Here is my prayer.

God, I pray that you just fill me again with the joy of the holy spirit. Refresh me and breathe life into the dead bones in my life. I pray for my friends and I thank you for each one of them. I thank you for the relationships that I have with them. May we continue to speak love, hope and faith in our lives. Teach us to shine your light in a world where it's just so easy to be cynical. Don't allow us to be just another cog in the system. You have called us for a much great purpose.

God, forgive me for my shortcomings. For times when I lose my patience, said or did something insensitive and take people for granted. Forgive me Lord. God, it's just so hard, living out this faith journey. I know I should trust in you. But, I feel unsettled, waiting around doing nothing. ahaha there I go again, losing my patience.

But let me pray this now and let me mean every word of it.

In YOUR time, reveal to me the answers that I seek. And when the time comes Lord, let me be ready. In YOUR time.

____________________________________________________________

From the looks of things, this winter break's gonna be full on. Chris and I got a list of "to do" things cooked up. Winston and I are heading over to Perth for a week. Ian's just gonna succumb to peer pressure and do whatever everyone else is doing (or bore himself at home watch sitcoms and animes). The girls will be away. And as for me, dancing, catch-up with friends, mini-side quests and blogging. Expect more frequent updates for the next couple of weeks.

Aren't you guys getting bored of reading this blog? I know I am. haha I should blog about more educational, informative stuff no? Kinda getting bored with the layout too. Actually it wasn't good to begin with. I know it sucks! Maybe I should design my own template? Maybe I should move to tumblr. Oooo tumblr.... soo pretty. Or start my very own website!? Nahh not tech savvy enough. Whatever it may be, look forward to some changes (hopeful for the better).

And like every other post, how can it be complete without a picture.


















"Singaporean gives 2 thumbs up to Malaysia :D" - cherie voon


~ it's pictures like these that fills life with joy & laughter. mainly laughter ~

Study Woes

Mann it's been too long since I've, well.... blogged. The past 3 weeks was just a mad rush. Assignments and exams literally dominated every waking hour. I guess once you're in uni, the pressure to perform well is much higher. Considering the fact that our parents spent a fortune sending us overseas to study.

During this period of examination, I began asking myself, "What/Who am I studying for?"

This is what I got:

1. I'm studying Geomatics because I did pretty shit for my Year 12. My results wasn't good enough to get me into Melbourne Uni or courses such as Engineering or Architecture.
2. I'm studying hard to redeem myself.
3. To keep my parents happy.

Pretty good and noble reasons yea? HELL NO! Those reasons are pathetic. Is that it? Am I studying just to please my parents? Am I studying Geomatics just for the heck of it?

Why can't it be, "I'm studying because I believe one day I'm gonna revolutionize the geospatial industry." Or that, "I'm studying because I have a passion for creating usable and useful maps to help people."

Where is the purpose in my studies? Is it just so that by the end of the day I would have a piece of paper that would allow me to generate money. Money. Damn money. As much as it pisses me off, I can't live without it.

I wanna dream again. I want to take my passion for dancing, music and media up to greater heights. I want to live out my dreams.... Am I asking for too much? I probably am. The world doesn't revolve around you Jules, stop being so selfish.

Ugh. It's times like these I find it difficult to be the optimistic, bright one. I'm sure some of you could even feel the stressful/negative aura that I've been emitting lately. Sorry about that. Give me time to sort things out.

Things always works out in the end =)

One more paper this Thursday! Let's finish this. To those of us still roughing it out, at least we're in this together yea?

Disclaimers: This is one of those posts where I reflect and ask myself a series of questions that wouldn't have any answers to them but try to end on a positive note. Read at your own risk!


~ wait, disclaimers usually goes to the top yea? ~

Activating Combat Mode

~ I will Burn My Bread! ~

Dance to This Song!

Looks like staying up late for an entire week has finally taken its toll on me. Soo not a good time to fall sick. Handed in my final assignment this afternoon. Now I can officially say that semester 1 is over!

Haa.... exams starts next week for me.

7th June -Spatial Information Science 2
9th June - Maths for Surveying and Geometry B
11th June - Cartography 2
17th June - Surveying 2

And I can say with full confidence that I'm not prepared for any of them! ahaha probably not something I should be proud of. I've got six days to get up to speed with my non-existent revision. Wish me a miracle. I'm gonna need it.

Eat well and get enough rest guys! Being sick sucks.

Oh! and if you have time to spare, why not check out the video below?




~ btw, how awesome is this song? ~

My YouTube Story

Could you imagine at one point we once lived in a world where YouTube didn't exist? This year YouTube celebrates its 5th anniversary.

I've never really thought much about it but after watching the video above, YouTube's pretty amazing. What was once just a place to share videos has transformed into a source for education, inspiration and of course, entertainment.

Being a part of Life* TV made me think about why I'm doing all this. Is it just for the sake of churning out work? Or to keep people happy? Or is it just to satisfy my own selfish ambitions?

No! When I make videos, I want to make videos which shows heart and expression. To tickle the audiences' minds and inspire people. As simply or as silly as a video may be, I want to create those kind of videos.

So what's your YouTube story?

____________________________________________________________

Here are a couple of my favourite YouTube videos:

For the aspire film-makers:


For the dancers:


For the gamers:


For the musicians:


For the LULZ:



~ why haven't I expand on Ghostbusters..... interesting ~

Mr Brightside

2 years ago I would have looked at this and said that it's pretty cheesy.

Right now..........it's still pretty cheesy. But I kinda get it.

The past 2 weeks have been filled with disappointments and breakthroughs.

Disappointments

I wasn't granted a Commonwealth Support Place(CSP) by RMIT. That means that next semester I'll still be a full-fee paying student. No choice but to reapply again at the end of the year.

My job application was rejected by McDonalds, for the second time. On the bright-side, I may have found a better job opportunity. We'll just have to wait and see.

Breakthroughs

Through some God-given chance I mustered the courage to share about my 'love drama' with 2 incredible friends. Honestly, I never intended to share this with anyone from the community, ever. But I man-up and did it! And for the record, texting counts.

This ugly issue of unforgiveness have also been brought to light. I'm very thankful to have a mentor with me on this journey.

And that's what you missed, on Corner of Memories!
(haha yea, I've been watching GLEE.)

After sharing with my friends about the stuff that I've been going through, I feel....liberated. I donno how to explain it but, it feels great.

Be awe by the power of sharing!

What now?

That question have been haunting me all week. What now?

Trust in God? Give it time? Pray? or take matters into your own hands?

Hmmmmm I think I'll take matters into my own hand BUT only after the other given 3 have been fulfilled sorta. Or when I'm actually brave enough to do it. Highly doubt so.

In the meantime, I've got assignments, flare dance, life* tv and exams to worry about. Can't wait for the semester to be over!

Cause I'm looking forward to better days ahead =)


~ Hello Hurricane, you can't silence my love ~

Here's A Toast

Love dramas.
Stories to tell our kids.
Non-coincidental chances.

And did I mention?

High-fives and text messages!

Today was an incredible day. One that I will definitely remember for many merry days to come.


~a shout-out to wince & Z ~

AMP movement

Guess what people! I just paid to download a music album. This is definitely an accomplishment for me. It's been such a loong time since I've paid for music.

When Leon shared this band with me, I fell in love with them right away. Amp consist of three guys who hail from Maryland, United States. Their songs utilizes backing beats, with mellow keys and synthesizer. Combined with their singing and rapping style, Amp redefines the genre of gospel music.

What makes their songs really powerful, are the messages that they carry. Listening to the lyrics, they write about the struggles of be a Christian, a greater love, hope for better things, mainly gospel messages. But I sure most people would be able to relate with or enjoy their music.

Check 'em out and listen to their tunes here.

And if you really love their music, support them but buying their EP here:

http://ampmovement.bandcamp.com/

It's only $5.56 AUD for 6 awesome tracks written from the soul!

Peace!


~ "The Vision" - the lyrics are so powerful it pierces right through me ~

Move Along

Last month was just a whirlwind of events. Soooo much was going on that I didn't really have time to reflect and confront the problems I was having. Even at times when I was free, my mind would be racing through things that needed to be done eg. groceries, cooking, laundry, assignments. The frequency of which I cleaned the apartment have also decreased. Yea, I know. Poor effort.

Well just to recap the major events recently.

John Mayer - 3rd May at Rod Laver Arena.



















It was ok.

But what I really want to blog about is the 50km run!





















Even though each of us went through the same experience, what we got out of it couldn't be more different. To me, it was a real eye-opener. One thing for sure is that doing a 50km run isn't easy. And it's even harder doing it as a group. Try putting 7 people with different athleticism together for 10 hours. It would either bring out the best or the worst in us.

















team t-shirts

I admit that there were times where I felt a little (just a little) frustrated at the slower teammates. As much as I wanted to cross the finish line together with everyone, that didn't happen. By the 3rd leg our team was separated into 2 with a 30 minutes gap between us.



















pit stops to revitalize ourselves

You all are probably thinking I must be feeling guilty. Truth to be told I don't feel guilty at all. At the end of the day, each one of us made it to the finish line. And to me that's what matters. We were there to high-five and embrace those who made it to the finish line. No man dropped out, no man was left behind.

So so proud of the team. Such a blessing to be able to run with you guys. Hurray DAYAKS!!


















the support team eagerly anticipating our arrival

After the run, I woke up sore the next day BUT I felt really really good inside. At service, I finally took that first step to forgiveness. For such a long time I just wanted to kneel before God and lay everything before Him. But I was afraid.

Where did the sudden courage come from, who knows?

It's amazing how Pastor Tim puts it. It went something like this, "With each step we took(during the 50km), we were crushing Satan under our feet." Maybe I really was crushing Satan under my feet. And it felt damn good =) Alas, forgiving isn't an easy feat. But right now, I'm just glad that I've stopped running.

How did running 50km teach me forgiveness, who knows? (Serious, I have no idea. Maybe I just don't have the words to explain it yet.)

I might do it again next year. But this time everyone's gonna cross the finish line together. And we're gonna have super epic photos of us crossing the finish line with style and finesse.


















Alright! Time to move along.


~ Oxfam(100km)? ahaha we'll see ~

Man Oh Man...

After 10 hours 9 minutes of running/walking/trekking/climbing and a little bit of skipping we made it across the finish line. It's crazy and at the same time amazing how we managed to pull-off a 50km run.

Well done DAYAKS! And to the support team a big BIG - Thank You! So glad that I was able to do this with you all.

It was quite an eventful day, but I'll probably blog more about it later.

In the meantime......

~ time for a break ~

KICK-ASS time!

Only 7 more hours to GO the extra mile but I can't help but just blog right now. I still can't believe that I'm actually gonna do it. Wow 50km! That's pretty long isn't it? haha too late to back out now. I gonna do this!

For the kids in India.
For those supporting.
For those sponsoring.
And for myself.

This entire month of April, I've been running physically and metaphorically. And tomorrow's gonna be the biggest run of my life. After tomorrow, I'm gonna stop running(metaphorically). Running from my fear, my insecurity and my problems.

In a way, this run is kinda symbolic to me. When I made the decision to run during Easter Camp, it wasn't a decision made on the spur of the moment. Maybe it was me trying to prove something, accomplish something hmmmm I'm not sure. But after this run, things are gonna be different. How do I know that? It's a six sense which I have. Premonition, clairvoyance whatever you wanna call it. Something's gonna change.

Enough talking, more sleeping. DAYAKS are gonna kick-ass! YA-HA!!




























~ carb-loaded & psyched. let's mosey! ~

Back to Basics

For the past few months I've been wrestling with a very ugly issue. Instead of confronting it, I've chose to avoid it. But I know that it's eating me inside and it's making me sick.

Have you ever been hit where it hurts you the most? I was and well, it still hurts. And what I'm left with is hatred and sadness. It sickens me. Why? Because this hatred is harbored towards a brother. My brother.

It's stupid how it all started. I didn't mean any harm but then suddenly bam! His words pierced me right where it hurts. And since that day, the wound is still bleeding. Shit. I hate this shit. I'm a total mess.

"We hate people because they are the one that expose the part of us that we hate. " - Ps Tim 19/4/2010

Yea, it hurts me when people expose my weaknesses or bring up my past failures. I hate it. I don't need you to remind me about it. I know very well where I lack and the things I did. So what if I'll never amount to the things you did? Just shut up. Cause I don't care.

But I actually do care. You think a day haven't gone by without me thinking "what if" and "I should have". I've regretted and I still do. So just back off. It's been a while since I've come so close to cursing out loud. But I won't. Not this time.

This is probably the most honest I've been with myself. sighhhh what now? Live life as it was knowing that I'm broken inside? I don't know. I'm just tried of pretending. Pretending that everything's alright. Why can't I be more vulnerable? Pride. Fear.

Hmmm not sure why, but I feel a little better now. I guess I've been keeping all this emotions and feelings bottled up inside to the point where it was suffocating me. But now, it's all out. So to whoever's here, thanks for listening/reading......ahaha now I just feel embarrassed.

I'm going back to the basics. I'm gonna use this blog the way it was purposefully created to be. An honest one.

One which is not influenced by the thoughts of others,
One which expresses my feelings truthfully,
One which does not contradict myself,
One with integrity.

I'm gonna stop crying now. God has probably collected enough tears to generate a hydropower plant.

So smile.....



cause this ad is just hilarious =)


~ 100th post ~

We Are Once In A Lifetime

Waiting in the line as excited as I could be. The doors open. Finally. I've forsaken dinner for this moment. The only thing between me and a night of heart-pumping, bass-hitting, and alternative-rocking genius is a mean-looking bouncer.

As I approached the doors, the bouncer leaned forward. Towering over my feeble self. All this while, remaining silent. But when he spoke, he shattered all hopes of the promised night of heart-pumping, bass-hitting, and alternative-rocking genius.

"Where's you ID, mate?"

It's times like this I wonder why our student IDs doesn't show our birth dates. To cut a short story even shorter, I ran all the way back to my place (met Ian halfway who was running late for the concert), grabbed my passport and trammed back down to the bar.

And made it in time for the show.

Opening the show was local indie band, Dead Actors Club.

















The vocals/back-up vocals were good. The bassist was hot. The guitarist looks like a friend of mine from high school. The keyboardist had a nice hairband. The drummer hits too loud.

Haha I'm probably not doing the band justice by giving such remarks. So check 'em out on the myspace link above.

The band that would be performing next has been around since 1996. I remember the time when I would jam their songs together with my friends back home. Also whenever MTV plays their music, I would put the remote down and be awe by their musicality. Even now I remember the times me and my friends would try and attempt to imitate the sweet pipes of Jon Foreman, embarrassing ourselves. Good thing it's easier to imitate the sound of the guitars on "Meant to Live".

This band is none other than Switchfoot.
















Touring for their seventh album, Switchfoot is still going on strong!

Hello Hurricane
You're not enough
Hello Hurricane
You can't silence my love

Here's what the critics who attended had to say:

"SWITCH FOOT WAS... EPIC! they still remain so passionate and sincere about their music and songs even after so many years. AWESOME!!!" - ann boo

"when i listen to switchfoot, I weep." - anonymous

"woah switchfoot melbourne! best concert i've ever been to. no joke. that was so intense."- chris law

"SO INCREDIBLY AWESOME, I had this high for ages man, then I was so sad when it was gone haha" - gregory tan

"i can't sleep!!! hello hurricane is still ringing in my head!" - ian lau

I totally loved the way Jon Foreman interacted with the audience. He's such a fun and loving dude. I also got to see Chad Butler play both an acoustic and electronic drum kit at the same time. That's probably one of the coolest thing ever. Besides Hello Hurricane, they performed songs from their older albums too. I had the honour of listening to the following live:

1. Stars
2. Oh! Gravity
3. Twenty-four
4. This is your life
5. Meant to Live
6. Dare you to Move

After the concert, my respect for Switchfoot increased by tenfold. It's amazing how they are able to remain so humble and passionate whilst being in an industry which strives on scandals and idolatry. Thank God for Switchfoot! May they continue spreading the love with their music.

Music is truly a very powerful medium. I feel inspired. As a musician, I want to be able to inspire others as well.

"let's all grow up like them." - charles j. tan

















Yea, that'll be awesome!


~ I've made a mess of me, I wanna get back the rest of me ~

Run

I've been running through this entire week. Running to school. Running back home. Running the midnight oil. Running. It's been such a long time since I've been so exhausted not just physically but mentally as well. Today was just one of those day where everything didn't go as planned. But one thing I can always count on is that by the end of the day, everything's gonna be okay. And true enough, everything's okay =)

Thank God It's Friday!!


~ a brief moment of rest ~

Of Late & Later

First off a few pictures from Easter Camp because one day Facebook's gonna crash & we're gonna lose all of our precious memories.....maybe I shouldn't have jinx it. Anyways...

Penguin United
















Warcry. Squawk!




























Baby Eammon rocking his elastic straps!



















How could you not have jump-shots from camp?





















Or group shots.






















plus fish & chups on the side.

Didn't take any of these photos so credits goes to Kathryn, Winston, Aaron Lim and Phil. Thanks guys!

It's only been a week since then but it felt like a month ago. I never knew that April could be such a busy month.

Ok, let's see what's on my schedule:

17th April - Arrow's Flea Market
22nd April - Switchfoot
24th April - Bday with Homies(housechurch)

Fast forward to next month:

1st of May - GO the Extra Mile (50km)
3rd of May - John Mayer

























Plus Neighbourhood Night, Housechurch, Flare Dance and whatever adventures I may have in between - April's is gonna be one heck of a month.

My worries? Simple, my 2 assignments due at the end of this week and the run/walk/trek which is less than 20 days away. Care to sponsor me?

As much as I love to talk about my worries and feelings, that's gonna have to wait. For those of you starting uni, welcome back =) for those of you still on holidays, don't get too bored. Stay warm and keep safe. Winter's just around the corner.


~ Ian bought wrong size underwear ahaha ~

No Regrets Mun

This year's Easter camp was well, awesome. Not sure how to explain it but the past 3 days to me were just so real. Like it was meant to be. This is what life is about. Seeking God, worship, sharing and celebrating life.

What I love and at the same time feel annoyed about God is that He loves revealing things to me little by little. This time He revealed my gift of tongues. Honestly, I've been wanting to know how to speak in tongues for a long time now. What I didn't know was that I already had it in me. All I had to do was say, "GIVE IT TO ME!" (not out loud of course).

I always thought that when the day came that I was able to speak in tongues, it would be a teary epiphany. Surprise surprise. No tears. No sad emo music. No drama. Just a, "Oh, hey I'm speaking in tongues. This sounds weird." haha no joke but yea, thanks God. Allow the Holy Spirit to continue leading me as I worship you.





















If there is one thing that I took away from this camp was "To seize the moment!" It's funny how during the drive down to Philip Island, Ps Tim talked about doing the things we want to do while we're still young because before we know it, we'll be old, married and with kids (hopefully). And not just Ps Tim, Winston and the 2 guest speakers said the same thing!

Seizing the moment huh?

Looking back, there are times when I wish I could have done this and that. Regret? Maybe. Disappointment? Yea. And right now there are things that I keep telling myself, "I can do it next time." But will there be a next time? I guess it would really suck not being able to do what you want to do before it's too late.

Seizing the moment huh?

What's holding me back? What's holding you back? Doubt. Fear. Pride. Self-consciousness. I can relate to all that but are they reason enough to hold us back? One prayer that I prayed during this camp was, "To let go, if that is God's will."

If fear is holding me back, I'll let it go.
If uncertainty is holding me back, I'll let it go.
If unforgiveness is holding me back, I'll let it go.
If self-consciousness is holding me back, I'll let it go.

Even when I'm typing this down, there's doubt and fear but I'm gonna take this step of faith. No matter how little I understand, it's more than enough for me.

This is step number six. haha hmmm I've probably taken more than that so I'll stop counting.

I'm taking this step. I'm gonna walk the extra mile. I'm gonna GO the Extra Mile!












~ A real man never backs down from his word ~