Limit Break

BIGGEST. WEEK. EVER.

Let's mosey.

~ don't lose focus! ~

BIG HYPE! big letdown?

I think I made the wrong move when I got a bunch of friends a little too excited about a certain "event". Cause right now progress is slow and probably won't be heading anywhere, anytime soon. So apologies for the big hype!

Right now, I'm preoccupied with lots of things, mainly uni. And that should be my (every student's) main focus. 2 weeks to exams but before that, heaps of assignments to clean away. Not forgetting the Meld Magazine video I'll be working on, promo plus dance item for annual dinner and the fundraising event for Japan that's on next Friday! So from now till the end of the June, I'll be busy busy busy.

That means Operation C*rry will be on hold. Indefinitely.

Big letdown? Nope.

If this is for me, the wait will be worth it! If not, God will shut the door.

~ i need a holiday! ~

A Year of Breakthroughs

It's amazing how much has happened over the past year. Who knew that a simple lunch with two friends would turn out to be a life-changing experience. God works in the funniest of ways. I'm proud to say it's been a year of breakthroughs but I'm not done just yet! There's still so much more to live, see and experience. This journey hasn't been easy and it's only going to get tougher, but God is faithful. At the end of the day, I know that it's gonna be ok.

Teach me to be brave. Teach me to have faith. Through the good and the bad times. Teach me to forgive. Teach me to love. Because every minute of living is worth it!

Very exciting stuff. I wonder how things are gonna turn out. Who knows? Things might be different in another year's time. But for now, let's take it one step at a time.

~ happy SF anniversary! ~

Life is like a Cup of Affogato.

Bittersweet.

Right now is definitely an unhappy season of hard work. Work is boring, confusing and yea, it sucks. Curious about what my other course mates think, I decided to ask a few of them today. And surprise, surprise. They all feel the same way I do and they're all looking forward to next semester.

I wonder what I'm looking forward to?

Thank God for friends on this journey. I would be so lost without their guidance and encouragement. I've definitely come too far to lose momentum now. So I'm looking forward to a better semester and winter break!

"... I hope you grow to like your work a bit more each day, each hour you study it... If you did well in yr1, no reason you can't in yr3. Bite the bullet :)"

Time to down the espresso. The ice-cream is waiting.

~ biting the bullet ~

...Ain't Gonna Bring Me Down

"Joy comes in the mornin, juls, tmr will be a better day. Ur not powerless, ur awesome, and God always has surprises for u, so chin up. Holdin hope with u!"

"We never have it all figured out, we just get shown a bit then run towards that. Steward as best we can what we know. Chin up!"

Tay a reminder:

What will you become if you lose your future career as a geometrician? Is this the defining factor for your very being? Or is it your identity in Christ?

But seek first the kingdom of God and Hir righteousness and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).

I believe that God has the perfect plan for you. Don't worry so much about having your life figured out. Put your hope and trust in Him, spent time with Him, stay in tune with Him, so that when He shows you His plan, you will not only be available but also ready for it.

_______________________________________________________________________

Geez! You guys just won't give me time to mope, would you?

Thanks for the encouragement! FIGHTING!

~ btw, it's geospatial scientist or geomatician ~

One Bad Day...

and suddenly I'm back to zero.

It funny how as soon as I think I got everything figured out, my hopes and dreams comes crashing down. Suddenly my confidence is shattered and I'm stuck again. This definitely speaks volume about my foundation - weak!

I hate it when I can't bring myself to take uni seriously.

I hate it when I worry about a situation but do nothing about it.

I hate it when Kel points out things that I already know.

I hate it when I feel powerless.

I think... uni is taking a toll on me. I have no passion, no interest in what I do. I dread it. But then again, it's my fault that I'm where I am today. Will I learn to love it? I don't know. I'm not even sure if that's what I want. But without it, what will I become? I really don't know.

I thought I had everything figured out. I guess I thought wrong.

~ tomorrow's a new day, let my hope be renewed ~

Love Inspired, Faith & Hope Empowered

I've never realized but the lyrics to Saviour King is beautiful.

I love You Lord, I worship you,

Hope which was lost, now stands renewed

I give my life to honour this,

The love of Christ, the saviour king.

I love Easter Camps. Each year is always different and each year I learn something new. This year's theme was Engage, Embrace & Empower. Three very powerful words. Three actions I hope to adopt.

I'm impressed by how relevant this year's message is to me. I've been so so blessed to be a part of the LifeExpedition community. It has given me a space to grow spiritually, mentally and emotionally as a person. And also the opportunity to express my passion for dance, music and film.

After receiving so much goodness, it's about time I start giving back. For a while now, I've been wanting to invest into the lives of the younger generation in the community. Giving the other members in LifeTV a chance to lead the video productions is a start. But I'm sure I can do more.

Use me God as a vessel to shine your light in the lives of the people around me. To not be ashamed of my faith but wear it proud like a medal. Make me a person capable of leading and building this generation. To empower them to become people who are loving, brave and hopefully live their lives to its fullest potential. Believers and non-believers.

Teach me to live a Lifhe which is Love Inspired, Faith & Hope Empowered.

I pray for courage God.

To take the risks I've never taken before.

To fight for what's important.

To engage, embrace and empower.

BIG Prayer! But You are faithful God. AMEN!~

I think I'm getting lazy. Didn't even take a single picture at Easter Camp this year. Meh. There's always facebook.

Blessed Easter everyone!

~ let hope be renewed, let hope be renewed ~

Chains be broken, Lives be healed

Ok, I lied. Looks like I won't have time to share about all that before Easter =( But I'm glad I've shared my stories personally with a couple of close friends throughout the week. Right now I'm really pumped for camp. It's gonna be a blessed 3 days and I believe that God's gonna move in the hearts of many.

As Shin Yi have prayed over me today, "God will refine me through His flames", I receive it and anticipate God to work His will through me. So for those of you going off to Easter Camp, go with an anticipating heart. Good things will come your way.

Happy Easter everyone!

~ i'll pack my bags in the morning ~

Where Do I Begin?

I've got soo many stories to share but no idea where to begin. But for now, a sneak peek of what's to come.

Life* 101 Revisit.

Trying VS Living.

Dreams & Ambitions.

Powerless.

First Dates. First Date.

Reading the older posts on this blog, I've realised that I've grown. I'm no longer the kid who's struggling to find his identity. I think I'm comfortable with who I am and where I am at the moment. The moment is good. Very good.

So hopeful I get to share about all of this before Easter Camp!

What are you doing this Easter?

~ hmm... i need to take more pictures for this blog ~

You Could Be Your Own Spotlight

Super excited about Patrick Stump's new solo album, Soul Punk! Loving the new look & sound. Did you know that before FOB he was a drummer? Due to changes in the line-up he became the reluctant lead singer and began playing the guitar. Aren't we all glad he did.

Just bought his Truant Wave-EP. Totally un-FOB, but completely his own style. Prepare to be stumped!

~ check out his youtube channel for more ~

Congrats to Josh & Wennie!

Homies, 9th April 2011. Photo: Xin Long

~ it's a beautiful day ~

I'm A FOB... Fan

Probably my favourite song from their 2008 album Folie A Deux. Funny how I'm only listening to it now. Love how the video made many references to their old music videos. Can you spot them all?

The acoustic version of this song is just as good!

~ waiting on FOB come back! ~

Why Are You Running?

It's been a while since I had the chance to take the day off, walk around the city and be inspired. Melbourne City's a really nice place to shoot a video.

At the end of the day, this is what we came up with:

This was done spontaneously without any ideas of what to shoot. Hence, the open-ended story. But the point of this video-venture was just to have fun. So I hope you guys enjoyed watching it as much as we did filming it!

~ Expecting more to come? Me too! ~

Journey to the West

Genesis 33
¹⁶ So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir. ¹⁷ Jacob, however, went to Sukkoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place is called Sukkoth.

Instead of building an altar for God at Bethel (Genesis 35), like Jacob, I too was stuck at Sukkoth. I really really like my old apartment. It was the epitome of convenience and I've grew very fond of its neighbourhood. However, things never goes the way you want it to.

So you've got two choices, whine about it or embrace it.

I reckon this move was timed perfectly. It was time to move out of Sukkoth and not necessarily to Bethel, but towards a new beginning, a new neighbourhood. Change is always difficult but we learn to adapt - I'll learn to adapt.

This may be a wee bit late but time for some new year resolutions:

1. Sleep earlier! - doesn't apply when rushing last minute assignments.
2. NO CONCERTS THIS YEAR!
3. Cultivate closer relationships with people from my housechurch and Flare.
4. Listen to what people are saying (sometimes I just don't).
   
5. Read the freakin bible.

It's only the start of the semester but there seem to be heaps of stuff going on. I guess that's uni life. Full of Extreme Drinking and Clubbing.



... and studying.


~ oh, I really did move to the west ~

Moving Out

Some people dread moving out. Out of comfort, out of familiarity. But sometimes, it is necessary. It teaches us to clear out the junk and cherish what's important. Yes, it may be sentimental and at times challenging but it's all part of growing up.

Sorry that I haven't been blogging recently. I guess I'm getting a little bored of blogging *gasp* so what now? Hmm I'll still write a new post every now and then, but I'll keep 'em short and sweet. maybe.

So yea, I'm back in Melbourne after bumming around for 2 months back home. I actually miss bumming around. Alas, all good things must come to an end. So now I'm packing my stuff and getting ready to move into a new place (cause the owner wants his apartment back & is kicking us out).

Just about a week left for this summer holiday. Let's enjoy it till the very end, shall we?


Oh! And I've been listening to Community OST. It's nice~


~ videomaking-itch is satisfied... for now ~

Ah Kong, Zai Jian

On the 27th December 2010, my grandpa passed away.

Before he passed away, I got the chance to see him one last time. I donno why but I felt sad when I shook his hand to say goodbye that last time. Maybe it's because mum's been talking about death since I got back. I guess we all sort of expected it sooner than later. He passed away 3 days later.

Ah Kong was the strongest man I knew. He even walked up the stairs all by himself before laying down to rest. 97 years is a long time for a man to live and I'm glad he passed away peacefully.

I was never close to ah kong. I barely knew the guy and never had a proper conversation with him. The fact that I couldn't speak a word of teochew didn't help. But I did had one conversation with an uncle who came to my ah kong's funeral. I didn't get his name but he told my that he used to work with my ah kong and that it was ah kong who gave him a proper education. When he told me this, I could see the gratitude in his eyes. I doubt that I would ever meet that uncle again but to hear about my ah kong making a difference in the lives of the people around him, that's precious.

I simply don't understand why my mum hates sharing about family and relatives. Every time I ask about something family-related she would simply wave-off my question or refuse to answer. There are the rare occasions where she would share but other than that, she rather I don't ask anything. But of course, I'm just gonna keep pestering her.

It was great to see the entire Lee family (mum's side) together after such a long time. But to reunite under such circumstance was quite unfortunate. All my nephews and nieces are all growing up so fast. To think that these kids are one day gonna be MY kids' cousins. Hmmm just a random thought that came about. So ah kong's funeral was pretty much a bittersweet experience for me.

On behalf of your children, in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, we thank you for being a part our lives and we're gonna miss you. God, I thank you for ah kong and for the life that you have given him.

I'm gonna miss you. Ah kong, zai jian.


~ I wonder if I'm gonna see ah kong in heaven ~

Imma feeling reflective - Part 1

This year has been a crazy year. It probably the first time I've ever been so active in well, everything. Church, dance, uni, video - allow me to blog intensively about each one of them.

Dance
Story time. Did you guys know how I ended up breakdancing? Back in my CCGS years, I remembered having a sudden interest in dancing. It was probably due to watching my previous church dance team perform. So I told myself that I was gonna learn "hip-hop" when I'm in Melbourne.

>> Fast forward to Melbourne 2009.

I had a friend who's been learning dance at the Melbourne Music Academy (which is currently under renovations, I think). This friend of mine happened to be a high school friend from Perth and I vaguely remember sharing with him about my interest in dancing. From there, one thing lead to another and I tagged along to one of his classes. Cools I'm on my way to learning "hip-hop".

Here's the funny part. I went to MMA excepting to learn "hip-hop" but when I got there my friend told me, "Oh yea, this is actually a breakdancing class." He had brought me to the wrong class. But how different could it be, right?

"It's a little different," he added.

He lied.

So that's how I (accidentally) picked up breakdancing.

>> Fast forward to Melbourne 2010.

I haven't been as consistent as I hoped to be but I still enjoy breakdancing. But if I really wanna get better and learn power moves, I'm gonna need to train regularly. One thing for sure, I don't plan to stop dancing anytime soon. Not forgetting Flare Dance Ensemble. I'm really loving the new bond I've made with the people from the club. Can't wait to dance with them again.

For more on my 2010 dance shenanigans click here.

Studies
Year 2 is no cake walk. I've always find it hard to believe how a person can be so stressed out from their studies. This year, I learnt the meaning of stress. It was probably my fault for getting too caught up in so many activities to the point that I started neglecting my studies and assignments. I seriously thought I was gonna fail 2nd semester but by grace, I did much better than expected! 2Ds, 1C & 1PA is pretty good compared to 4 fails.

I seriously owe a bunch of people a BIG thank you for spurring me on during the times I was just so stressed out and at the point of giving up. Winston Chua for being my late late night study buddy. Thank you for the tenom coffees, a sofa to sleep on and chopsticks for my snacks. Really appreciate it bro.

Aileen Sim for praying for me the day before my first paper. I really REALLY needed that. During the month leading up to the exams, a giant ball of stress has been gradually building inside of me waiting to devour my very being (ok, this may be slightly exaggerated). That single prayer dispersed the presence of said stress and gave me hope (this isn't). Crazy I know but wow! Thanks, Aileen!

To my Geomatics' buddies, for being supportive even though we were all rushing our individual assignments. I think after all those last-minute sessions, a sense of camaraderie has been cultivated within all of us. Let's work harder next year, shall we? I don't ever wanna rush last-minute datelines with you guys ever again. See you in 3rd year!

I'm sure there are more people I should be thankful for but I rather not say names in case I miss someone out. Special mention to Gloria (Jeans).

>>> Moving along

This year, I struggle with the fact that I have no passion for my course (re: Study Woes). Most of my close friends would know the reason for my undertaking of Geomatics. So to cut a long story short, it was the only course I could enter with my below average TEE score of 68.6%. Not my proudest moment and one that I'm very sensitive about. Hmm.... but I'm feeling better now.

So what if I fall short? There's nothing wrong with me.

If I'm not happy with my course, why don't I change? Well, things aren't that simple. But one thing's for certain, I'm gonna finish my current degree. After that, let's see how far "passion" can take me.

Weee~ what a wordy post. Congrats on reading till the end! That must mean my rambling isn't as boring as I make it to be.... or maybe you're just bored. Go read a book, write a song or something. It'll do you good.

IT'S SO FLUFFY!!!!

~ stay tune for part 2! ~

I'M RIDING A ROBO FISH!

~ imma feeling reflective. hmm. ~

A Weight Off My Chest

Ok, I know I said that I was gonna share about my revelation from the 40 days fast BUT in the end I decided not to. That's because some things are better left unsaid. But I'll tell you one thing.

God spoke.

Each time that God speaks, His words are always concise, straight-to-the-point, true and painful. One way I discovered how to tell whether God is speaking to you. It always comes with an enlightenment and a sense of peace.

I was enlighten. And at peace.

It's been more than a month since the end of the fast and it hasn't been easy. Alas, the Christian journey is a journey of FAITH. Faith to believe that God is good and that He knows what's best for me. Most of the time I just want to satisfy my own selfish desires but teach me to refrain.

Chris Willis shared one Sunday about idols (desires). This was what I had scribble down, "We hold our idols in our hands & it's not a bad thing. But if we close our hands & refuse to let go, it becomes an obsession. God, doesn't like that. He's gonna keep prodding & telling us, "Hey, I'm all you need."

I've been clinging onto an "idol" for far too long. Teach me to cling onto You instead.

Lemme share with you guys a song I wrote. It would probably shed some light upon what I'm trying to communicate. Whether you get it or not doesn't matter to me. This post is meant to serve as a reminder to me. Of a decision I've made and.... growth. Personal growth? Hmm maybe.

Lyrics:
Some people say that love's a game
Some people people say you have to win
Some people say that love is blind
But who's to blame when hearts are burned

A love that can't be fooled
A love that pure and true
A love that can't be fooled
A love that pure and true

There are those who play the game
But there a those who choose to lose
It a choice you have to make
To sink or swim, to do or die

A love that can't be fooled
A love that pure and true
A love that can't be fooled
A love that pure and true

It was fun while we were young
But now's the time where we must part
I don't want to lose myself
Be another victim of blind romance

A love that can't be fooled
A love that pure and true
A love that can't be fooled
That's what I want for you

by Julian Tay at 4:04pm
30th Nov 2010

____________________________________________________________________

Woohoo! First post from Kuching. ever. Maybe I'll blog over the holidays from back home. Should be a good way to spend my time.

Well folks, that's it for The October Issue #2. (Better super late then never?)

Will blog about what's been happening real soon!


~ clearing the draft folder once more ~

Project YouTube

I thought that I would have more time to blog during the holidays. I guess I was wrong!

Last Sunday we had a special thanksgiving for the leaders in my community. I was given another video opportunity but this time, it was to honour my Clan leader, Krystal.



I believe that videos are powerful mediums capable of invoking thoughts and emotions within the viewers. But to think that a video I made was capable of doing so frightened me (that was before I realised how awesome it was). It touched me to see the community and Krystal so touched by the video and that I was able to bring a few laughter to their Sunday morning.

I may not be sure about where I'm going with all this but I'm gonna continue making videos. It's always encouraging to receive compliments for our efforts. Afterall, I do enjoy entertaining and making people laugh. Who knows? Maybe one day this "talent" will be used for greater things. Just maybe.

On an unrelated-but-sort-of-related-note, I finished reading this book called, The Alchemist. To quote from the book, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

Hmm... well first I'm gonna need to know what I want and how serious I am about wanting it. Dreams will remain dreams unless I chose to pursue them. And that's where faith and courage steps in. Alas, faith and courage doesn't come easy for me, especially in the areas of love and career.



May be I should become a K-pop artist and find love in a foreign country.

Nahhh.... just joking.

The video above came about from a certain individual's enthusiasm after discovering this article: MBC lauches global audition program with Youtube.

So basically it's a voting contest where the winner gets a chance to win some cash and earn a debut supported by MBC.

Here's the link for the voting:
http://ytasianidol.appspot.com/gallery#
Find us under Country: AUS / Genre: ROCK
So do "like" the video if you like it!

A LOT of effort went into recording and editing this video, so kudos to Chris for doing most of the work! It was tiring but definitely heaps of fun. Glad that Project Clockwise was able to "re-unite" for this occasion.

Alrighty! It's been a long day and sleep awaits. Goodnight friends and pleasant dreams!


~ 40 days fast revelation up next! ~