eternal life

2009-09-11T12:27:00.002+08:00

Hello (: i wonder if anyone still visits my blog. I highly doubt so anyway (: so, life has been rather busy for me. ups and downs. lefts and rights. ha i'm not making sense. Okay, so, it had just occurred to me that today's September 11th - the day the twin towers collapsed. It was through the History channel that made me realise it. It's now showing a commemorative film on the tragedy that happened 8 years ago. 8 years, how time flies. As i watch the film, my heart goes out to all those who suffered much during that fateful day. Nonetheless, there is something to be thankful for - the 14 miraculous survivors. God bless all. It's a miracle.

And even until today, none can deny the fact that this tragedy made a huge impact on our lives. We have seen the disastrous consequences. We await the coming. It has been 8 years. How many more years are there to come? We never know, for it is never known to anyone. All we can do now, is to be ever ready and await the arrival.

the arrival is near

2009-05-18T23:21:00.003+08:00

HELLO PEOPLE! IT'S BEEN A LOONGGG TIME SINCE I LAST POSTED. well, so here i am! to revive the dead!

There's nothing much to post actually; my life has been rather monotonous, no ups or downs. I lead a silent, peaceful life. (:

HA. I WISH.

anyway, though it wasn't very peaceful, it was full of fun & EXCITEMENT :D MUAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA.

the highlight of the week was a 3-day holiday! and i'm proud to declare that EXAMS ARE FINALLY OVER. ((((((((((((: now THAT'S SOMETHING WORTH CELEBRATING :D :D :D (before i start mourning over the results). yeap. and i sure did! The first day of the vacation was spent sun-tanning at the pool at Seletar Country Club. BIG THANKS TO PRAWNY FOR HER GENEROSITY! :D the Club was magnificent! but the weather wasn't very nice that day. One moment it'd rain, the other it'd stop out of a sudden. Unpredictable weather. and there was something weird about the sky; when it rained, it was sunny. when it didn't rain, it was full of dark clouds. o.o haha. but we managed to get tanned afterall (: and prawny got her goggle tan. hahahah.

I've kinda lost interest in blogging, as you would have realised (crapping all the way, as always). oh well, at least i've updated ((: haha.

okay, it's getting late. gtg now! TOODLES :D

GOD BLESS.

The Next Chapter

2009-04-01T18:27:00.002+08:00

Wall is not responding, again. It is never going to mend its ways, despite the many chances i gave it. Why is Wall forever so hostile? Nobody knows, nobody cares. I have thus washed my hands off it. WALL is never to be spoken of ever again. Let it be. It will never realise its mistakes. Things like these are never significant to Wall. and for the last time, Wall, FAREWELL.

(:

2009-03-22T22:20:00.001+08:00

It's absolutely amazing how God creates wonders in people all around the globe. Here's one example, from Venezuela! :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amSqQ5XNaGE

totally coolness.
P-E-R-F-E-C-T

2009-03-06T21:27:00.003+08:00

Once again, the week has finally come to an end. the WeekEND. (:
These weeks have been really hectic, and looking back now, i'm surprised at how i managed to survive these deadly days. Tests after tests, they never stop. There's more to come in the following week. But i believe that this is just a fact we, sec threes have to accept, and adapt. Upper Secondary life, now we understand what it's all about. And in no time, we'll be facing O Levels. Time passes really fast. But i think i've really got to be thankful for God who has been there all the time. He's always there when i need Him. What a joy (:

Once Again.

2009-02-21T17:23:00.002+08:00

EUPHONIUM 126288 SAYS HI! :D

haha. yeap, i have my euphonium with me now (((: cause we have e-learning on two days next week, so Ms all thought we need more PRACTICEE (((: SYF'S COMING! O.O time really flies. we've about one month to the competition! gah. oh well, i shall spend the entire day with my euphoniumm (((((((((((((((((((((((: to be prepared for SYF! WHEE! :D :D :D SMSB'S GONNA OWN!

2009-02-18T23:04:00.001+08:00

COMMON TESTS THIS WEEK! 3 DOWN, 2 MORE TO GO! :D

2 KILLER papers. Physics & Social Studies. All the best people (:

PHYSICS...... ________________
D
I
E

2009-02-18T23:02:00.002+08:00

History is repeating itself. Have you, in any way, realised? There is just something wrong going on, you gotta' know it.

2009-02-10T21:34:00.002+08:00

Physics is a killer.

We're often encouraged to question to clear our doubts, but the problem is that we dont even know what we should ask. ha. At least for me, that is /: Oh well, i'm so gonna die for physics. hmm, makes me wonder if i should have taken bio instead. oh well, God will lead the way. (:

Today was a lovely day (:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EUNICEAUMEILIN! :D :D :D

haha. thanks for being such a great source of entertainment to all of us, your friends, and for bringing joy to our mundane lives. Thanks for being there when i needed help ((: WE WILL ALWAYS BE GREAT SISTERS IN CHRIST!!! :D :D :D

GOD BLESS YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO. HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT -------------

(pokes!) hahahaha.

Monterverdi, Tu se' morta

2009-02-10T00:08:00.002+08:00

You are dead, you are dead, my dearest,
And i breathe; you have left me,
You have left me forevermore,
Never to return, and i remain -
No, no, if my verses have any power,

I will go confidently to the deepest abysses,
And, having melted the heart of the king of shadows,

Will bring you back to me to see the stars again,

Or, if pitiless fate denies me this,

I will remain with you in the company of death,

Farewell earth, farewell sky, and sun, farewell.

---

People in the past can be really scary.

the Awesome day

2009-02-01T22:52:00.002+08:00

the Awesome day is coming in less than 2 days!

:D :D :D

i'm very grateful to God for his bountiful blessings all these years. Time really flies, i feel rather old now. ha. Oh well, not as old as sommeee peeeoplee ((((((((((((:

we're forever young at heart :D

i'm like, crapping again. oh well, i'm just too excited for the time to comee, though i forsee that it's just gonna be a normal day, with the usual lessons and the usual homework. but it's the start of a new age! :D THE NEW AGE. MUAHHAHAHAHAHAHA.

I LOVE MY FAMILY
I LOVE MY FRIENDS
I LOVE MY SCHOOL
I LOVE BAND
I LOVE MUSIC
I LOVE LIVING
MOST IMPORTANTLY, I LOVE GOD

YAYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Praise the Lord for such a wonderful year! One month has passed, and things seem really cool (: i'm looking forward to leading a more fulfilling Christian life this year (: what a wonderful time to come!

YAYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

-
GOD BLESS (:

Orientation Camp

2009-01-09T18:31:00.005+08:00

Hello people!! just came back from orientation camp at Sarimbun. Home Sweet Homee (((: but my voice is dying; pathetic. i think everyone's voices have become hoarse as well, due to excessive screaming.

nevertheless, the camp was a full blast! We've had tons of fun and laughter, especially with our trainers. speaking about trainers, mine's one tough man who's hard to find, despite his young age. he's really a great trainer, the best one i've ever had. I'M HAPPY (((((:

though the living conditions were disastrous, the people around me made me feel at peace. 3/5 rocks to the maxxxx!!

we spent every single day waiting for the last one to come. and every single day, we were hyped up almost all the time. the activities were exciting. team-building games were hilarious. we couldn't wait to get home; but until the last day, everyone seemed reluctant to leave. funny, isn't it.

five days passed really quickly, and today was a solemn day. but to me, it wasn't solemn at all. and i'm really guilty for that. and for that i became solemnised. the world is so weird.

anyhow, the camp was great and i'll definitely remember it for life.
i'm just a heartless freak.

p.s. my heartfelt gratitude goes to all members of 009 as well as the dinos, camp leaders, trainers, teachers and friends for making these five days worth.

"Life without Jesus is like a donut;

there's a hole in the middle of your heart"

2009-01-03T19:24:00.002+08:00

It's a cold night.

Two years didnt last long enough. We could've had two more.
We must grab the chance, one last time.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

2009-01-02T18:18:00.004+08:00

IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

What a refreshing start for the year ((: This year's really different. Although we didnt do much, but it just feels different. May God guide me along the way.

3/5 people seem really nice and approachable! (((: It's sure gonna be a wonderful class, especially after the camp (: YAYE. CAMP. May God lead the way.

Time flies. O levels' just next year! omg. eeek. I wanna be sec one forever. hahahaha.

Lunch today was great (: had a great time with the good old friends, just like how we used to. ((: YAYEEE.

I see great teachers amongst our midst. YAYE. PRAISE THE LORD. What a nicely done timetable. GREAT JOB TEACHERS! :D :D :D

GOD BLESS.
What a wonderful world (((((((((((((:

2008-12-29T21:47:00.002+08:00

You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all.

Blue Heaven by C.J. Box is really an awesome book. You should read it one day. It has even optioned for film recently. So that means you might get to catch it in the cinemas one day! :D isnt't that awesome?
Indeed.

Anyway, if you're in for thriller, tis' a great book for you! :D :D :D

the school's plan is working well. YAYE.

school starts this friday. these few days are gonna be so hectic, sadly.

& 'Tomorrow will be hated' - Abigail Yeo.

Farewell.

2008-12-29T18:56:00.000+08:00

it's a brand new experience.
this is only the beginning.
omg.

GOD BLESS.

2008-12-22T14:16:00.005+08:00

shocking news everyday..
~~reading my blog = wasting time~~

HELLO AGAIN ((:

as you can see above, i had practically no mood to continue my previous post earlier on. but now i'm back in normal mode. so yea. actually i dont have much to say, cause all the fun stuff were not experienced by me. i missed those, sadly. but still, i enjoyed some other things as well! ((:

the Navigators campus was super cool, especially the multi purpose hall. it's MULTI-PURPOSE you see (((: and most of the memories i can recall were during midnight when i first spent with yijia, stoning while she mugged. stoning seriously is the boring-est thing you can do in life. and should only be practised when you seriously have nothing better to do, just like me. after yijia gave up and turned in, dear cousin amanda came along with her laptop (which she placed on the table). to my surprise, though i usually do it, she was writing an essay in the middle of the night and even seemed determined to finish it by then. the topic was Tracks, but with just one word given, she wrote a beautiful piece of art out of it. that all happened on the first night.

the second night was not to be mentioned.

most of the things they did involved cards. almost all the time was spent on cards, and for me it was, again, stoning.

one event that was kinda memorable was the sister's week thingy. the sisters were led into the multi purpose hall, lights off, and had to burst balloons until we found a light stick with a label on it. and then we began searching for the guys with the same light stick and guess what,

GOD BLESS.

2008-12-22T11:43:00.003+08:00

the past week was mostly spent on camps. but before that, i went to catch a movie called "Cape No.7" with my family. the pastor introduced it to us all so we thought it must've been a great show. and indeed it was, the '2nd top grossing film in the island's cinematic history, behind Titanic'. what a wonderful way to end off before the gross camp.

the gross camp, the worse one i've been to ever in my life, was held in Sarimbun Scout Campsite. i cant imagine what the five days in 2009 will be like, if i couldn't even stand the two days there. actually it wasnt that bad, the games and activities were fun. the friends made it even better. trainers were all hyped up almost all the time. they were really kind and friendly too (: we all enjoyed ourselves. and with them, time passed really quickly. two days passed just in a wink of an eye. all was good, but the place itself...

upon returning home, i left for piano lesson. and more than half the day was over. the next day was fellowship camp! ((((((((((((((((: it began in the morning, but i arrived in the evening. all the fun activities were over when i came. haiz. but nonetheless, the earlier part of the day was spent quite meaningfully for me ((: all thanks to jialing (((((((((((((((((((: BIG HAND TO JIALING ~ haha. she introduced my friends and i to a performance by euphonium soloist, Steven Mead. though we were a lil late, but i could say i didnt actually miss any part of it. the first song, i think, was Pantomime. the first and only euphonium solo piece i've ever heard before the concert. and i've listened to it countless times. when the door to the auditiorium opened, i was mesmerized by the pleasant tone produced on the euphonium, and to my surprise, it was that piece. janice, joanne and i quickly got our seats and joined the rest in the whimsical journey of euphonium sounds.

every piece was exciting and fresh. we were never bored at any time. i especially liked the intervals between the pieces when he spoke to us about practically anything. and all was well. at the end of the concert we had our tickets autographed. ha. pathetic but still, WE HAD A PHOTO WITH HIM! ((((((((((((((((((((((((((( : the camera man identified us through our polkadots and said " i'll send the photo to you". (not then, but we-dont-know-when). hah ._.

after that, i rushed home to get the camp stuff and met amanda in the mrt. to kembangan. so we joined the rest during bbq and i started being spastic, as usual. oh well. ((((((((((((( : it was great seeing so many of them at the camp. & many new faces as well (:

we had a nice time at Navigators (: it was a reallly conducive place for FELLOWSHIPPP (((:

SPREAD THE LOVE YO.
GOD BLESS
JOIN FELLOWSHIP
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( :

2008-12-15T19:46:00.002+08:00

Is this your hobby? OH WELL, can't be helped. have a happy life (:

2008-12-15T19:21:00.002+08:00

HELLO PEOPLE!

i'm back again! yea going back on my word but, yea. suddenly felt like crapping again ((:

the holidays are almost over and i've not done anything productive. most of it has been spent on slacking and more importantly, CHURCH ((((((((((((((((((((((:

recently, i helped out at the sunday school children's camp together with Mom. didn't do much actually, but it somehow was memorable. seeing the kids at camp, i was reminded of the past; those days where i used to hang out with friends i dont usually do now, sadly.

but on a lighter note, i got to know more people, younger & older. some distant relative was there to help too (((: it's a small world afterall (((:

on the whole, it was a refreshing experience; though i dont have any intention of being a sunday school teacher. hah.

2008-11-13T23:07:00.002+08:00

Hello. time for some updates,

not exactly though; i've come to realise my mind is blank whenever i blog. Blogging used to be the 'in' thing few years ago. Now the craze has gone. & i'm leaving this to rot as it has already begun to.

blog-hopping alone would be easier.
the world has reached the stage where secrets are never kept.

it's been too long,

farewell people.

& remember, He's always there

Immanuel

The Seventh Night of July

2008-11-08T21:02:00.002+08:00

The Seventh Night of July - Itaru Sakai

"In Japan, July the seventh is known as “Tanabata”. There is a legend that a young couple live separated by the Milky Way. Yet on this night, only once a year, they are allowed to meet. Festivals are held throughout Japan to celebrate their reunion. In this work, composer Itaru Sakai musically expresses this romantic legend linked to the mid-summer night sky. In the middle of the piece the voices of the man and the woman are represented by alto saxophone and euphonium solos"

A couple of months ago, I chanced upon this piece while browsing some music files in my brother's comp (after his mass upload of band pieces (((: ) the name 'The Seventh Night of July' somehow caught my attention. & so I listened to it; and it was definitely a piece worth playing. It seemed almost impossible, that i would have had the opportunity of playing it in band,

the Holy number creates wonders

2008-10-29T14:28:00.002+08:00

BAND WAS COOL (((((((((((((((:

i was totally freaked out when Sir suddenly commanded, ' EVERYONE HAS TO BRING HOME THEIR INSTRUMENTS, NO EXCEPTION'

and so, we did, for our own good. poor twins & I lugged along our heavy cases onto the bus. and people were STARING O.O seriously, HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. and mine had some weird bumps on both sides, which obviously aroused suspicion from many. it was definitely a MEMORABLE experience. YES. (: oh by the way, the instrument weighs 4.5 kg; the arms i have now are not mine: they tore apart.

but, we all agree that the past is over.

STREAMING

2008-10-29T14:19:00.002+08:00

Praise the Lord! I've got what i wanted (((((((((: YAYE

It's a real huge class!
45 COOL PEOPLE (:
at the moment,

and 2E4 RULES ((((((((((((((:
BAND RULES
SEC3CL RULES ((((((((((((:

YAYE this is gonna be awesome. real cool stuff.

Thank God for blessing me with a huge bunch of great friends! And we're all gonna be in this together! AGAIN! FOR THE NEXT TWO WHOLE YEARS O.O

yayeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
& the school website's got an awesomely NEW LOOK ((((((((((((((((((((((:

AWESOME
AWESOME
AWESOME
AWESOME

2008-10-28T11:53:00.002+08:00

sitting by the greeen screeen
waiting aimlessly for the most-awaited moment
S
T
R
E
A
M
I
N
G

the hope of many.
GO PHYSICS& CHEM!

2008-10-28T10:05:00.002+08:00

Two women, dressed in their finest, were having lunch together in an exclusive restaurant. A friend saw them and came over to their table to greet them. 'What's the special occasion?' she asked. One of the women said, 'We're having a birthday party for the baby in our family. He's 2 years old today.' 'But, where is the baby?' the friend asked. The child's mother answered, 'Oh, i dropped him off at my mother's house. She's taking care of him until the party's over. It wouldn't have been any fun with him along.'

RBC ministries

2008-10-25T18:13:00.000+08:00

TAKE A CHILL PILL.
and everything will be fine (:
Thank you, Lord.

2008-10-21T22:38:00.002+08:00

It's always disheartening when you see it. But why do you care? All you have to know is what you know, and what you know you do not know at all. hurh. And whenever they rise up, do give some attention to them. Do listen, and not speculate. It doesn't matter whether they succeed, when you've already tried your best.

The human heart can be as hard as stone, as cold as ice. It takes loads of strength to soften it, to melt it. And where does that strength come from? God. It's immeasurable.

It's been an eventful year, 2008. Things have changed, and we're awaiting the coming of the new year. A new hope. Change. Change for the better. And as we approach a new beginning, we're drawn nearer to our 2nd most important assessment in our education. Procrastination must never be practised.

2008-10-21T22:11:00.002+08:00

To the birthday girl of 21st OCT 08 - Yvonne:

It's been great having you as a classmate, bandmate & the leader of the class, especially when you've always so generously gave in whenever i was wrong. And as a matter of fact, you never failed to help me amend my ways.

I wanna wish you all the best in all that you do. And in all that you do, keep God within your vision. Keep God within my vision/

Thanks for everything,
Thanks for saving us out of space & giving us a new lease of life.

You'll definitely make a good leader in future (:
Hope to see you soon!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ((:

2008-10-21T18:19:00.002+08:00

we have lost our one and only source of communication.
does this mean the end of our story?

2008-10-20T21:16:00.003+08:00

WELL HELLO PEOPLE (: YES, I'M BACK. hurh.

i eagerly signed in to blogger once again, with the hope of getting rid of all those study notes which i have weirdly posted on my blog. these notes did not help much though. urgh, yes, speaking about exams. /: results. urgh. -.-

it's time for a new beginning.
3/__

band's resuming tomorrow ((:
juniors are joining ((:

looking forward to band camp, sec three camp & fellowship chalet! YAYE (:

i'm speechless. bye.

thanks for updating the tagboard yea. this blog has been neglected, and will be gone forever.

YAYE

Godbless

2008-10-08T19:24:00.002+08:00

EFFECTS OF HEAT ON FOOD

changes in flavour, colour & appearance, texture:
- flavour improves
- natural flavour of food becomes stronger
- colour changes to become more palatable
- hard food turns soft; soft food turns crispy etc.

effects of heat on carbohydrates - food softens:

caramelisation - when sugar is heated, it melts into a colourless liquid. when heating continues, the melted sugar thickens & turns golden-brown in colour
gelatinisation - starchy foods like potatoes and rice grains are hard when raw. when cooked in liquids, starchy foods absorb water. the starch grains inside will swell and soften, then burst, releasing the starch to make a paste
cellulose - vegetables contain cells made of cellulose. heat breaks down cellulose in the cells. this is why vegetables become smaller and less crunchy after being cooked. eg. carrots

effects of heat on proteins:

coagulation - process in which proteins turn from liquid to solid when heated. this is why foods containing proteins become firmer when heated.

eg. a raw egg changes from liquid to a more solid state when cooked

however, when foods like meat are heated for too long, it becomes too hard and difficult to eat

effects of heat on fats:

solid fats will melt into liquid oil when heated. when heating continues, it turns brown, then black. if heating continues, smoke appears (smoke point). the oil catches fire (flash point) and burns.

butter, margarine & ghee are examples of common solid fats.

effects of heat on vitamins:

vitamins B & C are sensitive to heat & are therefore destroyed when overcooked.

marshall cavendish: Teenlife 1

2008-10-08T19:11:00.003+08:00

girl put your records on
.

WAYS TO REDUCE LOSS OF NUTRIENTS:

do not remove the skin of fruits & vegetables because vitamins and minerals are found just under the skin. you dont want them to be gone; less nutritive
wash food before cutting. do not soak cut vegetables or meat in water. this may result in the loss of vitamin B & C as they are water-soluble
cut/chop foods just before cooking. vitamin C is detroyed when exposed to the air for prolonged periods of time
do not add bicarbonate soda to the food. it is alkali and will thus destroy vitamin C
cook vegetables for a short time. overcooking may result in the loss of vitamins B and C
use little water when cooking to prevent vitamins B & C from dissolving
serve and eat vegetables immediately after cooking. the will reduce the loss of vitamins B and C to the air

WAYS TO REDUCE COOKING TIME TO SAVE FUEL:

organise cooking time. prepare food to be cooked while a dish is being cooked; plan ahead
switch off equipment when it is not in use

WAYS TO REDUCE WASTE WHEN PREPARING FOOD:

dont shop in bulk as foods kept too long may spoil
prepare just enough food for the number of people
use excess food or leftover food to cook new dishes
use excess water from boiling food to make soup or gravies
store excess food properly (in the refrigerator)

marshall cavendish: Teenlife 1

Michael Card- In the Garden

2008-10-04T21:34:00.001+08:00

Trembling with fear, alone in the garden
Battle before the final war
Blood became tears, there in the garden
To fall upon the silent stone
There in the darkness the Light
And the darkness stood still
Two choices, one tortured will
And there once the choice had been made
All the world could be saved
by the One in the garden

The light of the dawn, was seen in the garden
By gentle eyes so sadly wise
The angels appear, they come to the garden
Clothed with sighs, they realize
The One they've adored from the start
Will be broken apart
By the ones He had come to save
So they're here simply now to be near
He's no longer alone, they sit by him and moan

2008-10-03T19:28:00.003+08:00

literature's definitley worth studying.

literature

2008-10-03T16:40:00.002+08:00

enough of history, literature now ((:

how to achieve power and keep it?

Napoleon begins by being part of a powerful organisation (pig elite), but is selfish and deteremined (keeps the milk for himself); he builds upa a group of followers and efects all who argue against him (four young porkers) or who are powerful rivals (Snowball, another pig).

Napoleon maintains power through terror - dogs & executions

& manipulating the truth & controlling history through propaganda & the media, all with the help of Squealer.

He also introduces a cult of personality (seldom appears & only then accompanied by great ceremony) and makes himself indispensable to the others by confusing & frightening them about what would happen if he were not there. He does this by creating a common & 'invisible' enemy, Snowball, and blames him for everything that goes wrong, also suggesting that Jones might return. For whatever happens, he is certain that the animals would not want Jones back. They feel intimidated by this & choose to trust Napoleon.

The pigs increase the workload of the animals & worsen their living conditions while they enjoy privileges themselves.

Therefore, they use rituals and ceremonies to keep the animals happy to distract them from their misery that they're actually slogging for their lives for the farm, whilst the pigs are not. The animals are 'brainwashed' in a way, such that they forget they are treated unfairly.

suez canal (continued)

2008-10-03T16:19:00.004+08:00

with the expansion in Singapore's trade & the arrival of more steamships, the Old Harbour became overcrowded.

there was not enough space along the banks of the river

to build storehouses for keeping goods & coal
to build dry docks for ship-repairing.

NEW HARBOUR

built in 1852
between the southern coast of Singapore Island & 2 smaller islands
renamed Keppel in 1900
steamships and sailing ships could sail right up to the harbour because of the deep waters
two small islands sheltered the harbour from strong winds & big waves

SINGAPORE HARBOUR BOARD

set up to make more improvements to the port
new wharves, docks, storehouses & machine shops were built
modern machinery (ie. forklifts, cranes, tractors) were used for loading & unloading of goods
railway system was set up to link the port to other parts of Malaya

all these improvements provided better & faster services in handling goods from ships at the port.

as the volume of goods brought in by ships grew, Singapore became one of the busiest ports in Asia.

Singapore: from settlement to nation (pre-1819 to 1971)

suez canal

2008-10-03T15:57:00.007+08:00

why was there a need for an alternative route for trade?

merchants needed raw materials & new markets to sell goods.

ships between Europe and Asia had to sail around the southern tip of Africa, which was a long & often dangerous journey from London to Singapore. ships took too long a time to travel.

---

Suez Canal was built to avoid the sea route around Africa in order for ships to cut through the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.

---

Within a few years, Suez Canal became one of the busiest waterways in the world. Faster steamships replaced slower sailing ships as they used the Suez Canal instead of Cape Route.

---
benefits:

people, mail and cargo took a shorter time to travel from Europe to Singapore.
cost of shipping goods was reduced due to savings in distance & time
great expansion in Singapore's trade due to increased speed & volume of ships calling at the port of Singapore to refuel & collect food supplies

Singapore maintained its role as an important trading centre & a port-of-call.

Singapore: from settlement to nation (pre-1819 to 1971)

industrial revolution

2008-10-03T15:34:00.006+08:00

the industrial revolution is the invention of new machines & the discovery of new sources of power to drive these machines that bring about changes to our world.

examples of i.r. :

spinning machines - changed the way goods were produced and shortened the production time
steam-engine - coal was burnt in the steam-engine to turn water into steam. pressure from steam provides energy for machines to produce goods in great quantities.
railway trains & steamships following the discovery of steam-engine - people could travel longer distances in a shorter period of time to look for markets and raw materials

ith steamships, Europeans were able to sail to the East to obtain raw materials (i.e. tin) & find markets to sell their goods. this resulted in the growth of trade in S'pore.

Singapore was the port-of-call, where ships from Europe & America stopped to refuel & obtain food supplies.

Asians in Singapore also used steamships to transport their goods between S'pore & other ports in the region. Thus, Singapore's position as a port for the collection of goods from the East & the distribution of manufactured goods from the West gained importance.

communications improved. letters & documents took a shorter time to be delivered. thus, Singapore came into closer contact with Britain & the rest of the world.

+ impact.

Singapore: from settlement to nation
pre-1819 to 1971

it's time

2008-10-02T19:17:00.002+08:00

the sheep - blind, stupid followers
(Animal Farm)

i'm a lost sheep. stupid follower of Satan.
blind in seeing faults.

it's time, to return to Him.
it's time to turn back to God.
i know.

Lord, teach me to

.

2008-10-01T17:47:00.002+08:00

看了那则报道, 我心里感到十分遗憾. 世界究竟发生了什么事? 而且, 得知了消息后, 竟然会有这么冷酷无情的反应. 真是令我太惊讶.

世界末日即将到.
拭目以待.

2008-10-01T17:42:00.003+08:00

Wall is horrible. As the name suggests, Wall doesnt react to anything. okay, maybe some. but still, Wall does not react to you. stoning in front of his paint all day. i've already given up talking to Wall. It'll not respond anyhow.

I've tried calling Wall countless times. But to no avail. Wall really makes my blood pressure rise. I can die from this. It's not worth it. The heartless Wall, nothing will change. Unless Wall changes it itself.

In conclusion, Wall is a freak.

2008-09-28T17:42:00.003+08:00

EXAM STARTS ON THE MONDAY AFTER THE NEXT.

: O

gotta mug my lungs out.
mugging with fellowship peeps are cool ((: & quite effective too!

((((((((((:

8 MORE DAYS TO MATH PAPER 1
8 MORE DAYS TO LITERATURE

9 MORE DAYS TO INTEGRATED HUMANITIES

10 MORE DAYS TO MATH PAPER 2
10 MORE DAYS TO SCIENCE

11 MORE DAYS TO HOME ECONOMICS

2008-09-23T21:17:00.006+08:00

you're an irritating freak.
you bug me whenever i stop thinking about your possible existance.
you appear right in front of my eyes when i dont expect to see you.
you disgust me
you may have meant well, but i dont seem to see the link between the word 'good' and you
why do you always appear right when i never thought you would?
you stupid thing

now you've turned me into a freak
i look like i'm mentally unsound
i can't be a normal person, but observe the things all around
just cause of you. stupid thing. bleah

you come in so many forms, all so terrifying.
& got me injured cause of you.
WHY
WHY
WHY
WHY

cant you just disappear?! you've been bugging me for the past thirteen years of my life. please, just GO AWAY.

stupid lizard

2008-09-22T18:34:00.003+08:00

class T's a huge success (((((((((((((((: thanks to the enthusiasm of many dedicated members of the class. without them, nothing would've been possible. eagerly awaiting the final product, with our wonderful names printed on them (((((((((((((:

it's what makes a class, a class ((: hee. & with everyone owning a common property, this brings us back to unity, as we've always been (: never mind that. (:

2008's surprisingly coming to an end. time passed really fast this year. 2007 seemed as if time had been stopped for quite some time. weirdd. the world is weird. precious friendships have been made, amazing memories, i'll never forget ((((((((((:

awaiting 2009.
sec three, not fun at all.

eoys, please pass quickly. (:

everlasting omens of (yawns) sufferings. ha.

nonsensical.

2008-09-22T18:29:00.002+08:00

who even believes that the world is perfect? NO ONE.

so please, stop being so weird and all.
the world can never be perfect.

you can't grow if you don't fall.

eoys /:

2008-09-22T18:12:00.002+08:00

alas, the end-of-years'

i've been busy preparing for the coming exams, but time doesnt seem to be waiting /: english tomorrow! eek. seems scary & impossible, but i'm not feeling any pressure even till now, where i have like, less than one day to the papers. maybe flooding my mind with loads of study notes might help contribute to some amount of stress, i hope? in any case, this does not sound like a good idea. not at all. ha. :

there's actually nothing to study, except for improving my command of english, which should have been done long ago. there's nothing i can do now, really. and as usual, i'll just leave everything to God. sounds easy, but it's really a risk to take. eek.

i need some creative juices. i've ran out of ideas. in fact, i never really had anything to begin with. /:

i've been flipping through the pages of my file countless times, to and fro, and nothing seems to be working. instead, all those red markings are beginning to freak me out. ha.

GOD WILL MAKE A WAY.
(self-deceit)

2008-09-20T17:45:00.002+08:00

清晨沉步入门,
心已知他人恶.
深知无药救,
但也无动于衷.
忍耐, 忍耐,
阳光走在最后.

2008-09-14T21:11:00.003+08:00

everytime i watch the history channel, my mind gets mixed. it always says the universe is exploding/tearing apart/freezing etc etc etc.

the world will come to an end, that's for sure.
but i'm getting the impression that the end of the world is very very very near.
& i think it's true luh.

o.o

it is said that the universe might end in a freeze
but, isn't that what not the Bible has said? /:

scientists & researchers seem to have so much scientific evidence that can prove, entirely, that what they said is credible. But, what does the Bible say?

2008-09-08T23:01:00.002+08:00

had subway again with those two mad people, ABI & EUNICE.T (: my dearresstttt section mates. (:

Janice left without a word : O

seniors were unreachable. i guess they were busy anyway (:

my initial plan was to have lunch with bro, since he was alone at home. but those funny people brainwashed me. HA. and we decided to go lunch togehter instead (:

subway, and subway it was. always subway. hahahahaha.
and always Italian B.M.T.
haha/ oh well/ (:

we were trying out our oboes a.k.a. straws again! ahhahaha. we even tried buzzing like how we do with our euphoniums, and started to seem like jokers. i didnt want to turn back, lest there were millions of amused glares eyeing at us o.o

oh well, section lunch was funnnn (((((((((((:
HALF the section, at least. hahahhaahahahhahaha.

I HEREBY CONCLUDE THAT ABIGAIL IS A POTENTIAL OBOE PLAYER. HAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA.
we tried to sustain our 'notes' on the straws. hahahah. played till our faces turned red :/

okay i'm stuck with my euphonium forever. cnat even produce a note on bro's sax. ha.

i shall stop crapping and get down to work. yes.
GOD BLESS

2008-09-08T22:57:00.002+08:00

yes. 2 weeks to the eoys. ALL THE BEST PEOPLE (:

2 WEEKS! 14 DAYS! : O

spent the entire day doing art, how pathetic can that be. well, ti's better than studying. at least i feel somewhat accomplished now.hahahaha. self-encouragement (: YAYE.

GOD BLESS.

2008-09-06T14:56:00.002+08:00

On that fateful day, the section competition 2008 WAS HELD. AND THE EUPHONIUMS CAME IN THIRD! WHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

we thought we screwed up, but God helped us in the end. PRAISETHELORD (((:
heeeheeeheeheeheeheeheee.

((: BAND ROCKS
MSTAYROCKS ((:

yayeee

GLADYSROCKS!!! ((((:
thank you wonderful senior, for visiting us on this fateful day ((:

section lunch was great (((: & we even learnt how to play the oboe on the straw! hahahahahhahahahahaha. funny people. <3 my section (((((:
wheeeeee

3RD SECTION OUTING! OOH IT WAS FUN (((((((((((((((((((((:
HA. seniors,that's for not visiting us since you graduated. ((:

DO COME BACK, SENIORS! WE'LL DIE WITHOUT Y'ALL!
(but we try not to)

(((((((((((((((((((:

my first recital by the sec ones was superb! WELL DONE SEC ONES! (((: juniorsssss WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU (((((((((((((((((((((:
heeeheeheeheeheeheee. cant wait for them to join main band (:
'DO YOU WANNA JOIN MAIN BAND?'
'OH YES!'
''YAYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE''

(:
:

hahahahahaha.

this week was rather cool. i shall recap what happened during the holidays (as it is called):

MONDAY- mugged till we died. ha. a&j (: wahhaahahahahahahahahah. went to the library to study. no child's play! (: it was funnnn. honestly, i didnt do much. and now all my homework has been pilling up till what it has become of today. i'm desperately in need for timeeee TIMEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! haahahah.. WE LOVE SUBWAY(: WE LOVE MACS(: mc wings are fattening, abi. but you can afford to eat more ((:

TUESDAY- BANNDDDDDDDDDDDDD. it was our last practice with mr tan (for the term). & CCA'S SUSPENDED NOW ): oh well, this means mugging time! (: anyway, reached school superrr early that day, even before 10 am. and i made a few trips up and down the school, from the band room on the fourth floor to the canteen cause i was bored. and abi had not reached yet. until the last trip down, SHE FINALLY APPEARED. she seemed rather traumatized. O.O oh well, we then made our way down to the hall and banged our fingers on the piano for a while, since our dear sectionmate - EUNICE TANG YI LI was nowhere in sight. for more information, you may want to check out abigail's blog. i'm too lazy to post the rest. (: anyway, i had lunch ALONEEE. with abigail, at least, BUT ALONE. horrible section mate. ETYL. so we had macs again. nowhere else to go. haiz. returned to school for BAND. (((((: yayee. it was fun, as usual (: mr tan never fails to crack us up ((((((:

WEDNESDAY- project work. sewingggg (((: went home to stone for the rest of the day.

THURSDAY- the moment i woke up, i got a shock of my life, as the clock read '1430' O.O and there you have it, half of my day gone. went for piano lesson later in the afternoon. ok i'm not making any sense here. whatever (::

FRIDAY- BAND AGAIN ((: this time it was MC! O.O started off a lil' weird, but we kinda got used to it after a while (: yayee. 've introduced to new parts of Jericho, very interesting. (: tis the wonders of the human mind. discussed section comp after band (:

SATURDAY - TODAY! MY FIRST RECITAL (FOR THE SEC ONES)! SECTION COMPETITION!!!!! WHOOO!!!! (((((((((((((: rocks mannn. ((((((((((((((:
hahahahahahahahahahhha. SECTINO OUTING! WHEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

mr happy ((:

2008-09-01T20:58:00.000+08:00

you took the test. YOU. -.-

irks me mann.
seems like the whole world's gone for a complete turnover.

2008-09-01T19:12:00.001+08:00

you have 6 days to sort things out. you dont want them to become corrupted. well, He is in control.

believe.

2008-09-01T17:00:00.002+08:00

'Everybody's changing & i dont feel the same'

It's no longer safe anymore. Backstabbers thrive well in here.
Face the world, face yourself.

2008-09-01T16:49:00.002+08:00

REVISION - DAY 1.

hmm, doesnt seem to be working well. 1/7 of the holidays will pass as swift as the wind.

1/7 = 14.285714285714285714285714285714 %

<3 apple pie

God's amazing in every way.
Dinosaurs (:

2008-08-31T18:44:00.003+08:00

the five people you will meet in heaven. o.o
(((:

you should watch (:

It's the holidays. Well, what can i say? Holidays will be over after 7 days. how saddening. It's really short for me to accomplish anything. Well, i'll just have to 'run like a rushing wind', in this case, study.

study

& MORE STUDY.

randomness, as usual.

tag replies

2008-08-31T18:39:00.003+08:00

ALAS.

(:

Rejoice! It's God's day! :D

tag replies:
huiyin - -
daniel - hello. thanks yea (: PLAY hard too (((: muggerrr
gladys - ERHEM. hahaha.
ken - hello (:

tag replies are always so weird & random. /:

Rejoice! It's holiday!

2008-08-30T20:43:00.001+08:00

Adonai - avalon

One single drop of rain
Your salty tear became blue ocean
One tiny grain of sand turning in your hand
A world in motion
You're out beyond the furthest Morning Star
Close enough to hold me in Your arms
AdoniaI life up my heart and I cry

My Adonai
You are the Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonia
One timid faithful know
Resounds up the Rock of Ages
One trembling heart and sould
Becomes a servant bold and courageous
You call across the mountains and the seas
I answer from the deepest part of me
From age to age you reign in Majesty
And today You're making miracles in me.

2008-08-29T21:43:00.003+08:00

firstly, HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY to all those in the teaching profession. May God fill you with ultimate joy as you serve the school & the community with your loving kindness & vast knowledge ((:

i've just realised that reflections are not that effective, in fact it causes a repelling effect. that's bad. oh well, reflections can't be trusted, differnet people REALLY have BIGGG differences in the way they think, and the results will be drastic, confusing. it's better not t confuse. & though i must admit i'm not thinking very fairly, there's still nothing positive to think about. well, MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

urgh

2008-08-28T00:01:00.001+08:00

there's this nasty spread of bumps & rashes on my arm. eeww. Lord, help me chase them away.

2008-08-27T23:51:00.002+08:00

i see 2 visions. 2 themes.
the obvious.
that most would desire

the oblivious. the vision.
you can't seem to see it.

she's trying all she can to preserve it
hope she does fine.

---

2008-08-19T21:29:00.002+08:00

Continuing from the post about Ms Ow's sharing. She did said something about the verse

'I am fearfully and wonderfully made'

even though science has proven this verse to be true (sth about the body being very fragile...??? oh well.), He's already made Himself clear about this. & It is because of this verse, that we ought to be thankful for what we are, and what we have. He plans everything, he creates everything to the best of his ability. to the best it can ever be. There are no mistakes whatsoever. There are no accidents. & we wouldnt be possible if not for Him.

2008-08-19T21:25:00.002+08:00

The National Day Rally was inspiring & encouraging. Singapore has a long way to go, indeed.

A young nation on the rise.

New lives are found, new ones are very much welcome. Welcome, to the world.

2008-08-19T21:19:00.003+08:00

It's the 2nd last lesson of biology. After that, it'll be another set of interesting facts & stuff -PHYSICS. the wonders of the world. If not for that, i wouldnt even know why i'm on Earth. Mrs Tan has indeed captivated my attention & interest for biology. therefore, i've considered. He will guide the way. It is interesting how he guides instead of just showing yea (: well, but i haven't really experienced it. I hope to, someday.

Mrs Tan once said, 'In order to excel in Bio, you have to be hardworking'

& give up your relaxational desires.

Byebye blogger. ~~Hello livejournal.~~

2008-08-19T21:12:00.002+08:00

Ms Ow shared devotion with us today during assembly. & we are once again reminded of the exams which are really nearing. And we can't just sit back and do nothing about it.

I guess what made this sharing so impactful for me was the fact that Ms Ow said that we study to glorify His name, not just for the sake of doing it. & this is really true. He is exactly the reason why i live, & why i study. We have to show the world, his amazing ways, through us.

& we can do it, because He gives strength.

'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'
taken from some part of the Bible.

2008-08-18T17:51:00.004+08:00

Birth Control Methods... If only man hadn't sinned, i wouldnt be studying this right now. Indeed, this has proven that times have changed. :/ & we can no longer live the way people did in the past. Even in ________, some things ought not to be discussed. Why? Because there is practically nothing to be unhappy about. It's all a result of sin. And from this, i've once again sensed a difference. Is it really the difference between us & them? I dont know, but He will show. If it is, i'd be very glad (: Sometimes things are just so simple you dont even have to think so much, the sarcasm isnt required. It isnt very evidently contained.

He will show, i believe.

There's band tomorrow. Now there's no longer anything to look forward to. Should we be glad? or not? Oh well, i'll just play, & play. We'll just pretend as if nothing has happened. (: And till then, we'll see. ((:

I Made it Through the Rain

2008-08-14T12:34:00.003+08:00

Once again, i've landed myself back at home. Initially, i'd strongly insisted going to school. Sadly, i gave up and came back. ha. Well, i'm enjoying myself here ((: slacking & wondering what i should do next. Even at this point of time, i can't help but worry about my tests, which i've(or am going to) missed. haha. Well, it's great to miss it but when you think about the marks, it isn't as fun as it might seem. yeap. Oh well, can't do anythin 'bout it right. ((:

& as you've realised, i've changed the layout. Time for a change yea (: The previous one was way too weirdd. cool bluee is nicer ((: And as for the title, dont ask me why it sounds so emo or whatsoever. Cause i seriously cant be bothered to think of a better one than the original. yeap. I just love simplicity la. hahaha (((((((((((((((:

This crazy sick bug really should go away. It's not fun to fall ill yea?

The Olympics are just fascinating, especially when Michael Phelps is around. (((: He's seriously good at it. Well, now it's between USA and CHINA. Who will be the ultimate winner? We shall see (:

p.s. (even if you're not reading this) THANKS VALERIE FOR ACCOMPANYING ME TODAY ((: hahhahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

(:

2008-08-13T21:36:00.004+08:00

Today was a horrible day mannn. Didn't manage to attend school, missed great stufff. Draculas are the most hated. I HATE DRACULAS.

Shall i go tomorrow? I've yet to complete 2 compositions, & then i think she'll start to nag continuously (like how she always does). I can somewhat predict what happened in Chinese class today. The same old thing over and over again.... ((:

Oh, i'm listening to Harvard Din & Tonics' newest album! IT's cool yea. You should listen to it (((: By the way, Harvard Din & Tonics is an all-male a capella singing group. Harvard University's very own. They rock (: Talented people (((((:

CHECK THIS OUT!
http://www.dins.com/main/music

They came over to my school last friday. But because i had to keep my instruments and all, along with all the band mates, we missed the first part of it (including the introduction of Din & Tonics) As a result, i didnt even know the name of this singing group, until i chanced upon Nicole's blog (((: Thanks Nicole. I must say, i'm quite slow at realising things. hee ((:

It's really superb, Din & Tonics. Dad and I are so obsessed with it now. Dad even wants to order a copy of it (: cool yea..

hahaha. (((:

2008-08-11T22:23:00.002+08:00

In this ever-changing society, you cant get things to go your way. We just have to accept the fact & live with it.

Once again, i ask myself: what do we study for? The most obvious answer would be to prepare us for the future. & what do we study Literature for? Surely it can't be just to mark a pass in the tests & exams, just so we can excel in this SUBJECT. Just so we can make our teachers feel reassured & accomplished. I believe it's more to it than this.

Literature. incomprehensible. Even i can't understand what we're doing this for. But whatever it is, i'm now trying to feel it, just like how i feel music. It's interchangeable.

2008-08-11T18:39:00.003+08:00

OKAY THIS IS CRITICAL. I HAVE LESS THAN 5 WEEKS TO THE EOYS. AND I'VE GOTTA TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY.

PLAN FOR THE WEEK:
MONDAY - REVISION FOR ANIMAL FARM CHAPTER 1-7
TUESDAY - REVISION FOR SCIENCE
WEDNESDAY - REVISION FOR SCIENCE
THURSDAY - REVISION FOR SCIENCE
FRIDAY - REVISION FOR SCIENCE
SATURDAY - SUMMARY OF SCIENCE
SUNDAY - ENSURE THAT ALL HOMEWORK IS DONE.

and there goes my week. how exciting! -_-

there's lit test tomorrow, and i've not quite studied. well, i guess i'll have to say byebye to my 'PASS'.

& i'll have to feel the author on the spot. kinda difficult i'd say. feel the literature. ha. ha. ha.

I'm so glad Singapore is not like Animal Farm. If it is, i wouldn't be here typing this right now. Peace and harmony ((:

CORRUPTION is NOT to be tolerated at any costs.
ALL MEN ARE EQUAL.

(((((((:

we must not make use of others' weaknesses as an advantage to ourselves, else it will cause suffering and misery. we must never be Jones' fans. we must always be alert and make sure no harm comes to us.

ALL MEN ARE EQUAL, NO MAN IS MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS.

2008-08-09T18:16:00.002+08:00

this week had been rather slack, as usual. 4 days of studying. the week passed really quickly. and it's NATIONAL DAY today. wheee (: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA! (((((((((((:

best cousin (: hope to catch up with her someday.

'and there we have, NDP 2008'
ndp's rather cool yea.
i've been waiting for my brother to appear, but he seems to be nowhere in sight.
oh well.

all thanks to my dear brother, all those marching band songs are stuck in my head, permanently. yaye man (((((((((:
-__________-

& as you can see, i'm crapping again, like how i always do.

ndp is so cool (: the band rocks! ((((((((((:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE! after attending history lessons, i've learnt more about the long history of Singapore. it's given me a deeper understanding of the country. hence, making me better appreciate the national day parade. yaye man (:

<3 SINGAPORE (:
where i belong (:

2008-07-30T20:11:00.002+08:00

Is it any wonder, that we're so different?

Sometimes i really wonder, if that's what you call _____. You don't seem to show it, neither do i. But, can we help it? Are we strong enough to withstand the force? Are we strong enough to resist? Does it matter, what we do, rather than what we are? Questions after questions, and I never get an answer. I think about it the whole day, and my mind seems to be in outer space. However, while doing so, am i not aware, that i'm ruining my entire self?

IF that's what you call ____, show it to me then. I need an answer. Because of you, it's no longer safe in here. I don't feel a sense of belonging anymore, and this thought makes me yearn for Him even more. Is it good, or not?

I try not to think about it. While doing so, i am enjoying myself. Am i? Are you? You tell me things i cannot believe, now. Tell me, if you really mean it.

I know He means it, for i believe in Him, and Him only.

Immanuel.

2008-07-30T20:06:00.003+08:00

As they approached me, i felt a sense of urgency
'I have no time,' i replied in a haste.
'I have no time for everything'

If He'd approach me, would i have time for Him?

2008-07-27T20:58:00.001+08:00

and it's just another day
for whatever happens you'll always be safe
and he's taken charge
you'd never know

2008-07-27T20:39:00.003+08:00

2008-07-27T20:22:00.001+08:00

it's no longer safe in here.

2008-07-27T20:08:00.002+08:00

cached

2008-07-26T15:48:00.003+08:00

speech day/SICW finale concert.

Yesterday, the school proudly held its annual Speech & Prize Giving Day. This was a pretty grand event, i'd say. The staff & students have put in alot of effort in making this a success. This year was rather different for me, as i was not there as an award recipient, but as a performer (: The experience was cool, still. (: y'know, change is good in a way. Well, it can't be helped, 'cause i really didnt study much last year. yea. ha. Nevertheless, i'd learnt something valuable - to never take things for granted; to never stop striving for the best.

So it was, the one and only Speech Day. The event was meaningful, & it definitely made me feel proud as a St Margaretian. This was when Mrs Marion Tan, our school principal, gave a thorough report of the school. Furthermore, i've come to realise that we have, in fact, many achievements made throughout the past year, as well as the first half of 2008.

Rushed off to ACS (Barker) for bro's band concert. The concert was held in conjunction with Singapore International Band Festival 08, organised by Wind Bands Association of Singapore.

'From 19th-25th July, twelve conductors from five countries met under the guidance of Douglas Bostock to study various aspects of conducting, with particular references to the important works from the wind orchestra repertoire'

to be performed at the final concert, which was held last night.

The band played exceptionally well! It consists of like the best of the best!? CRAZY people. Seriously, they played sooo wellll

Unimaginable thrill.

The unity of the sound was there, articulation, dynamics, intonation, colours, phrasing, musciality, emotions, mood changes, EVERYTHING was done PERFECTLY. and my ears were almost bursting, the people on stage must've turned deaf by now. It was superrr cool k. This concert was the best i've ever been to. And it was an inspiration.

It had occurred to me many times during the concert, that i asked myself, 'are they really humans?' We hold the truth to be self-evident. And i believe it is possible to be like them, but of course with hard work and the determination to press on.

Music is just so amazing, way beyond our imagination. Sometimes i even ask myself 'what am i doing?' I can't even explain it myself. Music is the common language used by people of all nations, and it's really cool how people can communicate while speaking different languages.

And as we continue to strive for excellence, let us bear in mind that we do this not for the sake of doing it, but for the hunger & passion for music. That eternal longing within our hearts. May it be kept within ourselves forever. Go BAND. We can do it (:

God Bless.

unpredictable life

2008-07-24T19:39:00.004+08:00

It was another seemingly routine day. People reluctantly made their way to school/work, hoping for the day to end fast. With rest & sleep on everyone's minds that morning, nobody would have thought that someone would be sleeping for eternity.

Yes. An unknown lady had committed suicide at my block today.

Precious lives were given by our Heavenly Father, and now she had to end it, by herself. Though i dont know the reason behind it, i just felt it wasnt worth. Life is unpredictable. But nobody said you had to predict it. It wasnt a must for Him to breathe life into us, instead it was His plan that we exist. & surely there must be something that we live for. Surely there is something apart from pain & sadness that we love life for. As for whatever problems we face, surely there is a solution to it. Nothing is impossible. You dont have to predict it.

God Bless.

2008-07-23T20:30:00.002+08:00

yesterday was a disaster. got back math test and didnt get full marks. had 3 marks deducted from the last question, cause i didnt know how to do. and i still didnt know how to do, after mrs juan 'went through' the question, like a strike of lightning. -_- i couldnt get anything. pathetic.

pw was alright yea, quite fun indeed. ac taught us how to generate problems & solutions to futuristic ideas, using an example of the canteen filled with birds. so we were discussing about how the problem of birds could be solved. charmaine & i thought of a brilliant idea yea. ac to be the scarecrow (: a real one. (: go AC! whahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha. ac pulled my bag. horrible. how many times already ahhh. -____________________-

ok, as usual, i'm not making sense today.
BAND was COOOOLLLLL. while doing warm-ups, guess who appeared? MR TAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! whoo!!!!!! he's da bomb! WHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA. goodgood. our band was seriously hyped up after his arrival. (: yea mannn.

& today during the speech day rehearsal, we had a feast of performances yea. dance is cool (:

2008-07-20T19:31:00.005+08:00

helloooo people! had band(sectionals) in the morning. drills was horrendous mannn. perspired like mad like almost every minute, until i've ran out of sweat. ha. grosss. after drills was BUDDY-TEACHING! HOW EXCITING!!!! buddied nikolette my DEARESTTTTT JUNIORRRR. so fun mannn. (: : i was like alone, & abi had janice to help her. hrmphhh. seriously, i cant teach. haah.i bet nikolette was blurreddd by what i taught her. ha.

after break, we went up to the sec 1 level t continue with sectionals. but the door wasnt open yet. and it was until then that 'ommamagubuchi' saved the lives of our section! cool yea? ha i bet i'm not making sense again.

we tried Jericho, and it sounded really cool. the battle of Jericho was superrrrr thrilling, & we had loadsss of notes to play! almost ran out of breath. the 'celebration' part was even cooler. sounded super bright la! it so matched the name! LET'S CELEBRATE! -___________- woo! fun stuff.

and random as it seemed, we all squeezed in one corner of the classroom, with no fans above us. i was perspiring like maddd again. super disgusting. super dirtyy.

it was then that i decided i really needed a nice bath. but unfortunately, i couldn't. so, filthy as i was, so was everyone, we continued to perspire as the whole band embarked on a tough journey. a journey to persevere, a journey due to unity, something one would never forget, but something one would regret. SIXTEEN MINUTES MARCHING ON THE SPOT! WHOO! highlight of the day. : i can feel it in my legs now. wobbly legs. haha, we all took turns to say the timing. split into 3 groups. when it was the last group's turn, the clock seemed to have slowed down A LOT. haha. but it was good, at least it didnt require much energy. (: 16 min for 'BM's. hahah. double for 'comm & sl's. triple for 'M's. saddening. well, like i said, something one would really regret. it's good exercise anyway. ((((: whoo! funnnnnnn stufff.

16 minutes later, abi and i were bored. so we decided to EMBARK ON AN EVEN MORE CHALLENGING ADVENTURE. LIVING IN DARKNESS. WOW. but we didnt perspire (: wheee (: & we waited for jingwen & yvonne to finish their other 16 minutes while we continued being random. randomness here: i'm seriously hungry and someone doesnt want to go for dinner. all thanks to batman. (: urggghhhhhh. okay back to yesterday's happenings. after random happenings, we finally went for lunch! WHOO! ok i know i'm a pig. urgh.

went to serene, hoping to rent some movies for the birthday girl's party later in the evening. wanted 'shutter' but we were underaged. ha. wanted 'the eye' but none of us had an IC. so yea.. didnt manage to rent any. & we went for LUNCHH!!!! (((((: there was this super cool beijing olympics cup at macs & yvonne & abi seemed very interested in it. but they didnt manage to get it la. and when we all sat down to eat, abi occasionally spotted THE SUPER COOL BEIJING OLYMPICS CUP on top of a fire extinguishing thing! hahaha. apparently someone didnt want it & just abandoned it there. horriblee. hahahahaa. so yvonne and abi were gettin' ready to go on a MISSION to get it! hahahaa. jingwen and i just laughed along. when they sneaked out to the fire extinguishing thing, it was super funny laa. they were like two stand-up comedians there, acting as if they were doing something not to be seen by anyone. jingwen and i thought we should've video-ed it, such a hilarious scene. hahhahahahahaha. & when they finally succeeded in their mission, the cup was placed in the middle of the table. and we all stared at it in awe and wonder, with our eyes gleaming with excitement. 'oooohhh the holy cupppp!!!!!!' heh. farrnrieee people. but in the end we decided to give it up, cause it was kinda dirty and all. haha. wanted to trick eunice. t but she was already disclosed to the secret behind it. haha.

so the 5 of us made our way to abi's house, after braving moving roads & blinking green men, UNTIL we landed on a spot, never to be remembered for life. we saw bus 165 & 855 at the traffic junction! before we even made our way to the bus stop! these were the buses we were to board. so, without hesitation, i hurriedly flagged the bus & waved to the bus driver. we were still at the traffic junction.

HE POINTED AT ME WITH HIS INDEX FINGER MANY MANY TIMES, GLARED AT ME WITH THOSE DARK, HATE-FILLED EYES, AND MOVED HIS HAND IN CIRCLES NEXT TO HIS HEAD, TELLING ME THAT I WAS CRAZY

my face fell to the floor, underground. utterly shocked. omg, i totally disgraced myself. urgh.

okay whatever happened next, i dont wish to elaborate, horribleee experience mann.
just a short message to abigail:

hey abi (: it's been fun knowing you. you and your super high-pitched laughter, it always brings joy to my day (: i can remember vividly the first time we met, in band. you funny girl, the girl who always freaked me out with those freaky ghost stories of yours. hahah. band was never a bore, & remember the times we've had, especially in band. the times where we almost ran out of breath while playing our euphoniums. haha. and even as we've moved on to a higher educational level, never had i expected that we'd be in the same class. such a coincedence yea (: the madwoman/B.B.M./&govin-lovin's best frienddd((((: hahahhahahahahahahaha. such wonderful moments i'll never forget. and even on your birthday, yesterday, thanks for inviting yea (: i've definitely enjoyed myself (((((: GOD BLESS & ALWAYS BRING LAUGHTER TO OTHERS! (:

2008-07-14T22:10:00.002+08:00

how time flies.

The eoy examinations are around the corner, approximately 10 weeks from now. Wow. how time flies... midyears have been a challenge, to me, that is. now that it's over, i guess i can be relieved? NO. not at all. life is full of challenges, never ending obstacles & tests. it's a long term kinda thing. & there's no way we can avoid these. so, what are we going to do about it? the eoys. it's the streaming year, the time where we plan for our future, our ambitions. are we going to just slack for all we care or do something that'll make us, our family & friends proud? the choice is simple. but putting it all in action...

2008-07-14T19:32:00.002+08:00

I could feel His presence yesterday, finally. It started after choir, when the combined fellowship service was about to begin. I felt super weird, nothing could come out from my mouth. I felt restless! Weird, really. I thought i'm supposed to feel energised.. Oh well, anyway, during the worship session, i began singing exceptionally loud, and this was pretty unusual. It felt as if my lungs were coming out anytime. many weird happenings indeed... well, all in all, i felt Him. Thank you Lord, the day has finally come.

(:

2008-07-14T17:05:00.002+08:00

my life's so screwedd. math homework all not done. chinese zuo ye far from completion. english research yet to be done. reading rites not done at all, except for 1 practice paper -_- science revision not done, project not done, practically everything not done.

haizzzz. & here i am slacking away.

2008-07-12T21:46:00.002+08:00

can somebody like... tell me what will happen if i dont study or do my homework? i need to be warned. yea. :

2008-07-11T19:37:00.003+08:00

no band today. ): (:

went to bras basah complex together with charmaine and en ge. purpose was to find the shop which manufactures stuff. when we asked the shop owner, i kinda realised that it wasn't as easy as i thought. really tough, in fact. oh well, what can we do? pray, & pray again. planning is essential. ((((((((((: teamwork as well. we can do it. ac /: HAHAAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHH

okay i dont make sense.
i never do.
hahaha

no band tomorrow. ): (:

going to church for practice. may God be with us. ((((((((((:

congrats you! CGHA! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA ((((((((((:
even if you're reading this, & i doubt you will. hee.

got back english ct today. and the result is horrendous, but expected. haizzz. studdyyyyy, STUDDYYYY & STTTUUUDDDDYYYYYYY

there seems to be some kind of disease spreading around here? i dont know what, though. rather concerned actually. not good for the ears, y'know? yea.. please refrain (: tyvm.

REVISION/STUDY/HOMEWORK list
5 pages of math assessment/day

to be continued...

2008-07-11T19:32:00.002+08:00

'because of the world, you change'
really?

well, just to tell you, though it's really generic, everybody has different views to life. you can't expect me to think the way you do, right? .it's just a matter of different personalities & changes that take place unknowingly. you dont know, but i do. (:

oh well, i dont really mind, just dont bother 'bout that cause it'll never turn out the way you expect.

you didnt use to enjoy it, but i surely did

2008-07-11T19:27:00.001+08:00

'with great power, comes great responsibility.'

You can do it (:

2008-06-30T23:10:00.002+08:00

love them like Jesus.

do you hate? do i hate? i do, i murder. i sin. everyone murders. scary, isnt it?
well, sitting with valerie's fun, & tiring at the same time. she's just so hilarious & brings joy to everyone she converses with. 'IT'S A JOY TO TEACH'. when will i ever get that comment from any tch? heh. neverrrr. (:

love them like Jesus.
indescribable love.

indescribable world, just so indescribable. so full of sin, so much as if it can never be washed away. Jesus, you saved the world. I Thank you Lord. ((((((((((((((:

God Bless the World.

love them like Jesus.

2008-06-26T19:22:00.002+08:00

I'VE GOTTA POST. I NEED TO SAY SOMETHING. IF NOT I'LL LOSE MY INTERACTION ABILITIES.

okay so back to school! actually not supposed to be back la. today was a really AWESOMMEEE dayy (: silent mode the whole timee. heee.

and very special thanks to PAMELAAAA for bearing with my silent-mode-ness. hee. really sorry and really thank you ((((((((((: WOO KHONGREAT!!!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU. & me (((:

2008-06-25T19:50:00.001+08:00

now i know the real definition of 'evil'.

how evil can this world get?

2008-06-21T16:41:00.002+08:00

make a trip to science centre, & discover the wonders of SCIENCE!!!!!

&&&&&&& discover the wonders of life. (:

the mysterious rod:
the exhibit uses the fundamental concepts of optics and geometry to present the illusion of a rod which expands and contracts in size mysteriously.

it is indeed amazing how our eyes actually get tricked, just by using a mirror.

however, rather than just looking at it scientifically, it also teaches us the importance of our personal values. this gives me another side of view to things in life.. that things may not exactly be what they appear to be. it's indeed tempting to do things that arent right, AND without knowing it. scary stuff... the world is evilll... therefore, we have to be clear with our personal values in life, just like how we have to be clear with the concepts of science, & fully understand the meaning behind it.

in this way, we'll be able to prevent ourselves from getting deceived.

2008-06-21T16:02:00.002+08:00

it's saturday, 21st june.
school reopens: 23rd june.

in a wink of an eye, time flew before you could even realise. holidays are coming to an end. i forsee many things are going to happen. well, what can we do? PRAY & everything will be fine.

"pray, and everything will be fine"
i'll pray for you. (:

i think Pray by Avalon is interesting. but i can't really figure the lyrics just by listening to it. hmm.

all the best, people!
SCHOOL, HERE I COME!

2008-06-21T15:59:00.002+08:00

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

-Chris Tomlin

.i'll pray for you (:

2008-06-21T15:54:00.004+08:00

beliefs. actions

how are we ever going to associate them together? it's tough, alright. really tough. but how are we gonna achieve that? it's really hypocritical to not practise what we preach. by doing that, we're not even fit to be called what we are. so, how then?

2008-06-17T17:25:00.003+08:00

HELLO WORLD. IT'S A WONDERFUL DAY TODAY. REJOICE! AND AGAIN, REJOICE!

EVERYONE IS HAPPY FOREVER, LIKE FORVER.
((((((((((((((((:

IT IS FOREVER.
HAPPINESS IS FOREVER.

Scribbling in the Sand

2008-06-12T22:01:00.002+08:00

Amidst a mob of madmen
She stood frightened and alone
As hate filled voices hissed at him
That she should now be stoned

But in the air around him
Hung a vast and wordless love
Who knows what loom at his lesson
He was in the middle of

At first he faced the fury
Of their self righteous scorn
But then he stooped and at once became
The calm eye of the storm

It was his wordless answer
To their dark and cruel demand
The lifetime in a moment
As he scribbled in the sand

It was silence it was music
It was art it was absurd
He stooped and shouted volumes
Without saying a single word

The same finger
Of the strong hand
That had written ten commands
For now was simply scribbling in the sand

Within the space of space and time
He scribbled in the sand
They cam e to hear and see as much
As they could understand
Now bound by cords of kindness
They couldn't cast a single stone
And Jesus and the women found that they were all alone

It was silence it was music
It was art it was absurd
He stooped and shouted volumes
Without saying a single word

The same finger
Of the strong hand
That had written ten commands
For now was simply scribbling in the sand

Could that same finger come
And trace my souls sacred sand
And make some unexpected space
Where I could understand
That my own condemnation pierced
And broke that gentle hand
That scratched the words I'll never know
Written in the sand

It was silence it was music
It was art it was absurd
He stooped and shouted volumes
Without saying a single word

The same finger
Of the strong hand
That had written ten commands
For now was simply scribbling in the sand

-Michael Card

2008-06-12T16:17:00.002+08:00

"always abide by His word, and He will make your paths straight."

amazing how God speaks in ways.

2008-06-11T17:02:00.000+08:00

my toenail is killing me.

amputation...