2 Camps and 2 Dinners!

Been busy during the past week with camp b4 dinner b4 camp b4 dinner!

Combined Youth Leaders Camp was an incredible journey of studying God's word with a whole lot of new friends made. and the amazing thing about these friendships is that they are going to be eternal - for our destination is in heaven. I thank the Lord for the truths learnt, insights gained and the grace to apply it to my life. God causes calamities to punish people for evil. God has no pleasure in seeing the wicked destroyed but that all would turn from the evil ways and come into repentence. Man cannot run away from God. God can use even an unwilling heart in the worst of circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Thank God for Shalom, Zion Bishan, Nazareth, Moriah B-P Church. It was create to know them and to see each one's passion to study the word of God increase!

Had create time of fellowship over sushi (ichiban hoshi) with Allvina, Gwyneth, Alex, Joanne and Shelia. Later we had a good chat over some coffee and milk. Wonderful way to wrap up a camp.

Campus Crusade Metamorphosis Camp was another Spiritually refreshing camp. I was given one day to get to know all the people who have bonded over the course of the last few days as I couldn't make it for the pervious days. I really thank God and them that they were so warm in extending their love. Indeed, such is the example of the love that Christ has shown unto us in offering us salvation.

Camp speaker was Rich Miller, speaking on the last night about "Fear that paralyzes". Am glad that God brought me to be there that night. For it was there that He showed me what fears I am hiding behind that confident front and how my actions and thought-life was dictated by my fears. My fear came in terms of self-worth and image. How to be liked? How to be well-loved? How to be confident? Well, my self-worth is based on what God sees me as. Is it great to be liked and well-loved? Sure... Should we work at it? Why not? But I realise that when we work on it with our own strengths, it's way too tiring... My hearts desire is to love other more, deeply. But it is only possible to do that when my heart's focused on God's love and not my own.
Another thing I re-learnt is that God is in control, now that's head-knowledge. The challenge I had and have now is for that to be in the heart. That the heart knows that God is in control ALL the time. Period. Thank God for blessing me with these truths and enabling me to bless others too.

Great week, now time to go watch-night service.

"To God be the glory great things He have done!
So love He the world that He gave us His Son!"

Combined Youth Leaders' Camp

Met up with Allvina this evening. It's always great meeting up with this blessed sister, and I thank God that she has such a gift of encouragement.

Attended my 1st and last Combined Youth Leaders' Camp meeting. The people were all pretty friendly and I thank God for them all. My partner in counselling is this girl from Shalom BP, Hsiao Yun. I pray that God will enable us to be more prayerful, and to prepare the hearts of the campers. Jonah is a pretty good book to do precepts studies on and while doing day 4's study today, it has really spoken to me. A true heart of repentence, that turns away from sin. A God that hears my cries, if I do what is right, and looks upon me, and will deliver me. A God that hears me, if I will repent and turn away from my wickedness.

Hope I come prepared for this camp. Put in more prayer, put in more heart, and effort.

Gen12ii

I filled in that looong Gen12ii form online this evening.

I commit this "journey" into His hands. I know He can provide and will provide for all my needs.
Every cent and equiping that I'll need from Spiritual training to language. Already there is a small hurdle ahead of me.

Pray that God will make me prayerful.

Japanese Church Service

Attended the Singapore Japanese Fellowship service with Joy today at St George's Church.

It was combined service with the children and adults. The children very cute and they put up a nativity skit entitled「 ほんとうのうクリスマスプレゼント」- meaning "The Real Christmas Present".

I did not realise the translation earphones were at the seat behind and we ended up trying to decipher all that Japanese with our mediocre level of Japanese. Nonetheless, praise God that it is indeed heart-warming to hear God being worshipped and His word being preached in different tongues. The children sounded so cute I even recorded it down.

Jesus Christ - yi ya su ku ri si to (イヤス・クリスト）

Thank God for Joy, it has been a while since I've had a proper time of fellowship with a believer and she has been an encouragement to me. That God will for Himself raise up godly men and women to serve His kingdom, desiring with all their hearts that every detail of their walk be pleasing unto Him.

Memorised Rom6:4
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life."

Newness of life

Sunday School Camp 2005 was a success by God's grace.

I've learnt much during this camp. Camp verses were Ephesians6:10-18 on the armour of God.

Yet, when I came home in the evening. I was struck by an overwhelming sense of a lack of love for God and a desire to have a truly intimate walk with Him. To say I'm a Christian who loves God is one thing, but to act out my love for God is another. How much time I spent in God's word, compared to TV, hobbies, internet chatting, etc.

King David in Psalms 119:97 "Oh how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day." Can I say that for myself one day? I hope so.

Picked up my Bible and it was at Romans 6. "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." v5

God thought me that this verse is not only for new believers, but also for seasoned ones. Not yet yielded enough. If I wanted to be a man after God's own heart as King David was, I must start by loving God's laws as much as David did, that it was his meditation all the day. Seeking God and His testimonies and statutes above self-pride and righteousness. Today will start a difference in my life again. I will walk this newness of life.

1Pet 1:16 "Because it is written, Be ye holy ; for I am holy(Lev11:44)"

Accountability:
1) Cut TV
2) Read God's word more each day.

December Hols are here!

Exams are over and Sunday School Camp is coming up in 2 days time.
Have to entrust my results in God's hands.. some papers were just plainly difficult.

Pray that I'll be given the right mind and right heart to be in Sunday School Camp. As assistant camp master, I really desire to do what God would have me do in this camp. Whilst now, I'm just feeling a sense of emptiness and perhaps lostness. Many things to be done... Yet God is concerned about how I choose to do them each, and not that I simply get them done.

Is it not that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"(Phil4:13)? Yes, it is. It's God who gives purpose, meaning and fulfillment to the works of my hand. And I will do my works to the best of my might(Ecc9:10).

Watched Saw II with friends today. Grostesque and horror films aren't my liking and this is particularly grostesque. If you watched it and did not find it particularly grosteque, then the world has succeeded in desensitizing you to violence and gore. The very instinct that makes us squirm, fidget and want to shut our eyes when we see violence, gore and other disturbing images flash before our eyes is what has been wired into us, helping us to differentiate what is good and what isn't. It's also a warning, indicating danger for us. Some people may find my opinions particularly extreme, but just look at the desensitized world out there. When 9/11 struck and the world had images of violence plastered all over their tv screens, how many had commented in curiousity "wow... this looks like a movie", before it even occured to feel pity and disgust? I know I was more curious then shock, and pity and disgust came much later then it should.

We ought to be good stewards for God with our minds and perspectives too. I hope that years later I'll still squirm at violence, bloodshed(and not see it as theatrics) and psychotic serial killers. On an added note, yes, I hope I'll be shy about sexual imagery thown about at me everyday and to mention even the word "sex". We seem to have traded our shyness for unfounded boldness and desensitized our minds to sex, as something that has found it's way to casual talk with every television drama and movie flashing a scene or two of suggested pre-marital sex(on this point saw 2 din have any, amazingly).

What to watch, listen, think and do then?

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
~Philippians 4:8

2 down!

Thank God! 2 papers down. Kissing programming and linear algebra good bye.

3 more to go. Japanese, COmputer Organisation and Digital Logic, Entrepreneurial Marketing.

But I feel... a sense of liberation already..

それから、日本語は勉強します！

Prying hard to see that glimmer of hope!

That describes my feelings right now. Not going to do a long entry.
Just want to say how much I can't wait for my exams to be over. Especially for the subjects of Computer Organisation, Linear Algebra and Programming Methodology.

Very typical of me to be thinking of play even before my exams are here.. haha... yeap, I'm thinking of how i wannna spend my time after exams already. Looking forward to sunday school camp, photography courses I signed up for and of course Christmas...!

On top of that I just bought a Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (Tamiya) Kit on Monday... call it retail therapy.. haha ;)

Movie I wanna catch now would be Doom.. and soon Chronicles of Narnia and Chicken Little! (Invitations are open now.. )

God hears and God speaks. The Lord is at hand.

Am feeling troubled at heart. A few things have weighed me down yesterday. It started with a situation in my project group that has really gotten out of hand with something that a difficult charactor in the group has done directed at me. Also, I've got a math lab quiz later. Anything to do with Linear Algebra or Exams for that matter are giving me the jitters now. I feel unprepared. I did not know what to do, but to ask several people to pray for me. (Thank you for your prayers! I felt better and appreciate your concern.)

Praying myself, I began to ask God to answer my cries. I'm lost, troubled in spirit, heavy hearted, worried and afraid. But I don't seem to see God immediately working. Seems almost like He may not have heard my prayer. Then I remembered Phil4:7.

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

~Philippians 4:4-9 (New International Version)

I felt better realising that I could rejoice in the Lord always, coz He is in-charge, the head honcho around this town(called the Universe). And what an amazing verse 5, "The Lord is near(at hand says KJV)"! Yes, He is! He is like a life-guard, except better yet, a life-guard that swims with you. At hand to rescue me. So I made my prayer and petitions with thanksgiving to God and slept well.

Woke up this morning (unduely) worried again. How faithless I am. Yet, God proves faithful again whilst I'm not. Praise God for this mornings QT Psa34:11-22.

¹¹ Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

¹² Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,

¹³ keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.

¹⁴ Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

¹⁵ The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;

¹⁶ the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

¹⁷ The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.

¹⁸ The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

¹⁹ A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;

²⁰ he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.

²¹ Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

²² The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

¹⁷ The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. ¹⁸ The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ¹⁹ A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;
Yes, God hears and He is attentive to my cries! Wonderful isn't it? Having God tell u that. Once again reminding me he is close and will deliver me from all my troubles.

I prayed for wisdom, and what was God's will. Now I know.

¹¹ Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
¹² Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
¹³ keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.
¹⁴ Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

I will deal with all things justly. Will not lie in ths situation, will not speak ungodly words, will not do evil but do good and seek peace! So that "my gentleness be evident to all.(because) The Lord is near." AMEN!

Trust in God.

Trust in the Lord with all thine hear and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

And old truth revisited in the past few weeks. Was physically tired and mentally overwhelmed by my work. The catch up game on school work and projects seemed endless[still is endless] and all these culminating to exams coming up in November. Perhaps, I was relying too much on my own strength to go through each day. It was about trying to get things done asap. It was so unconscious that i did not realise I wasn't trusting in God but my ownself to work things through.

But thank God for seeing me through. My work did not get less, but I did know who was in charge and I had peace to do my work. Now I'm able to blog, to testify that the Lord is good ;) and I'm beginning to get on top of work, or at least I'm not anxious about it anymore.

For as His ways are higher then mine and His thoughts higher then mine, so will I trust the Lord and not look to man for support nor strength. If you're down-trodden and feel like you've got heavy burdens that are weighing you down, making it hard to breathe, hard to carry on walking down, difficult to catch up, look to God who created all things and is in-charge of all[yes, even in whatever situation you're in].

For Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto you souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."(Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)

"I've tried it it really works!" sounds like a new slimming advertisement? haha... but really, it works!(with my life I can garantee that)

Now it's how to acknowledge him in all my ways...

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.~Psalms 29:11

I've forgotten

I've forgotten about penning down some of my thoughts in the past month or so.
It wasn't that nothing happened. In fact a lot of things happened and many to the glory of God.

Amidst struggling homework, programming labs, tutorials, quizes and all... I will gladly testify that the Lord was with me and saw me through! Admittedly, it was a struggle, that sometimes I lost, to do quiet time and pray but God is faithful still.

Friends around me seem stressed out by the work and the pace of uni life... Japanese language, programming labs, maths tutorials and many new concepts are also weighin me down.. but I thank God that He planted in me a fountain of life.. that I may have life more abundantly through Jesus ;) So yeap, I'm enjoying life in university, inspite of the work and the stress!!

So finally it's mid-term break. It's time to study for some tests and rest. So that's it.. from 1st week of school to last week of term.. time really flies..

Orientation and week 1.

Been awhile.. the 1st week of lecture timetables have started.

Freshmen orientation week was made fun entirely by the company ;) I thank God for putting me where I was and meeting all my orientation mates. It really is enjoyable to make new friends and suddenly, I'm dozens of friends richer :P Also getting to share the Gospel with 2 friends was a joy.

Rag Day

KBox


Throughout the fun, was the overwhelming CORs bidding rounds. What to bid, how much to bid, when to bid, and so much more... am thankful to God that I managed to obtain 5 modules.

WARNING: Long story ahead
I had wanted very much to take the japanese language module for a number of reasons. Interest, Career, and possibly mission work. It never dawned on me that I'll not be able to take the module until the bidding round 2A started. by the night the bid had went up to 192 points [I am only given 350 points to bid]. When I decided to place 200 points as a bid, I was told that new minimum was 201 and I could not place my bid!!!

the next day was an even greater drama with the whole CORs system becoming inaccesible due to crippling traffic. Bidding was to end at 3pm and at 2.50pm I still could not get in to place my bids. I had 2 modules to bid for. I placed 5 points on the other and was outbidded already. I realized, what was I worrying about? I cannot control the server from lagging. There was nothing that I could do, but my Heavenly Father could! Why am I not praying? And God works everytime in His very own prefect timing! Right after saying a quick prayer, I heard someone from across the lab announcing that CORs has just decided to extend the closing time to 5pm instead!! Praise God! I managed to get in and placed my 345 point bid for my japanese module then ;)

Did I get the module? I was told at 7+pm that night via e-mail that I did not - the minimum bid was a mere 350 points. I was really disappointed. Could it be that God did not want me taking that language? really, was that the 1st confirmation that my desire is not what God wants? Although I prayed that God not give me that module no matter what if He did not want me venturing in that area; the sense of disappointment was a little hard to shake off. That night I asked, "if not, show me another way..."

True enough after searching through what's left, I came across "Entrepreneurial Marketing". The only thing that spurred any interest in me and it was only 1 point! Wow you can't get any cheaper.. thanks to the odd timing of 6-9pm. Thank God for leading the way, because I did not have enough points to bid for most of the modules and the rest simply were dreary looking modules. btw, the minimum bid for Japanse in round 2B was 1280!!

I had not entirely given up on Japanese yet. There was a 67 slots for arts students that will be opened up to all if it wasn't filled up by round 3. and so, there was 67 slots in round 3. I really did not know what to expect. I did not think that I could successfully bid for this module given that it is particularly popular and thus it's track record is "expensive". Nonetheless, I felt that I should try at least. And if God did not want the "unbelieving me" to get it, I won't anyway and I'll just have to trust Him to provide for something better out of whatever modules are left. I decided that I'll put 300 points in this time.

Later that night I really did not know what to expect in my e-mail. Clicking and opening the mail from CORs, I was half-expecting to just admit that this module isn't for me to have. But God is wonderful! He is Jehovah Jireh, my Provider ;) I got the Japanese Module! and I did not just succesfully bidded for it, I got it at a mere 31 points! What a far cry from the minimum 350 points in round 2A!!

• Programming Methodology CS1101x
• Computer Organisation CS1104
• Linear Algebra I MA1101R
• Entrepreneurial Marketing TR2201 (breadth)
• Japanese Language LAJ1201 (breadth)

these modules did not come easy and they sure weren't what I had originally intended. I learnt and am able to testify once again that God's plan and time is the BEST! I can do all that is humanly possible, but it does not mean that I will obtain what I set out to achieve. God provided and He did not just provide, He provided it at the best time for me that I would not have wasted all my 350 points to get it in round 2A instead!

In His time... In His time... He makes all thing beautiful in His time...
Lord my life to You I bring, may each song I have to sing. Be to You a lovely thing, in Your time.

O Happy Day!

Attended Lizhen's Baptism at Jurong country club... Indeed, it's a happy day!
Congrats Lizhen! Welcome to a new start. May you run the good race in faith, and hear the Lord say "well done, good servant!" when u reach the finishing line.

Happy day! Happy day!
When Jesus washed my sins away!

A lil setback before the start of University

Got an e-mail from School of COmputing today regarding my placement test. Yep, as you may have already guessed, I did not manage to pass it, so I'll have to take the programming module in the 1st semester.

A humbling experience, but nonetheless, I'm sure God will see me through. It's for the best and I'll see it through my stride.

A little late update to my blog. Not usually a narcist by nature... but hey, I got my haircut and highlighted! 

Finally, a tuition assignment.

Just wanted to give thanks to God. Indeed when we choose to honour the Lord that He will likewise and even better honour you!

Been looking for a tuition assignment for a very long time now(5 months). I've writtten to a dozen agencies. Responded to a dozens more emails, but none replied. Assignments all wanted girls, parents wanted women teachers even for their boys! I never thought that finding a tuition assignment would have been so tough for a guy. Nonetheless, I trusted God to provide; anxious to know when.

But God is perfect in His ways and timing. Today an agent SMS me for the 1st time. His only question was "Are you confident to teach JC1 maths C?". I replied, yes, and got it. Indeed, everything is God's to give. If He should will it so, He could give it to me easily - just like today. Or I could still be searching high and low to no avail.

And so is God's gift of salvation to ALL men - given freely and easily. If men would believe in His Gift. Are you searching high and low for something? maybe you should look HIGHER.

" So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide(-Jehovah Jireh). And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided. "

Genesis 22:14 NIV

Thank You Lord!

Heaven came down and Glory filled my soul!

This is what I caught on camera as I stepped into my corridor this afternoon from attending a Christian burial service in Kulai, Malaysia.

Do you know where we're headed to?

I thought I had it all planned out, all set and all scheduled. At least that's what my PDA told me. I was to cook dinner for the gals (Gwyneth, Erica and Eveline) at 6pm and then we're to head out to have a couple of rounds of tennis and squash, perhaps even swim at 8pm. It was not to be. Dinner was pushed up to 5.30pm, Squash and tennis was never played. Instead we found ourselves at "Garden of Remembrance" a Christian Columbarium attending a vigil service tonight. A fellow church sister's grandma had passed away and she flew back in from Dublin.

Once again I am reminded that death is a reality and it comes unexpectedly. No one can say for sure when it'll come. Am I too young to die? (Nope, at least not biologically) What eats me most about non-Christian funerals, is how clueless people are about where their loved one has gone. Everyone trying to get a good priest or good funeral procession to "escort" the dead to heaven, a better place in hell or to be reincarnated as some animal. What more can a priest who can't save himself to heaven do for the dead?

After all the rituals, crying and burning of paper possessions, are we really sure of where our loved one has headed to? God's word says that our bodies will wear and give way one day, but our souls are eternal.(Luke16:19-31) Are we then sure of where our souls are headed to?

16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son
~John 3:16-18

John 3:16-18 tells us exactly where we are all heading to. God has told us that we all will go to either 1 of 2 destinations. verse 16 tells us how to get to heaven and verse 18 tells us how not to get to heaven.

Jesus said "...and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this? "(John11:26)

I do. And I'm comforted that I'll get to see the people I love again in heaven. If you get there before I do, watch out for me, I'll be there by and by.

been waiting or 2 years and 4 months to say this...

"ORD OH!!!

WOOOO!"

Guess-The-Herb

Anyone can tell me what plant is this? It's definitely a herb. I once thought it was thyme, but now it doesn't look like thyme. I forgot to label when I planted, now I'm clueless what plant came out..

Let's see. I had lavender seeds, thyme and rosemary that most look like these plants. I thought it smells like lavender and looks a lil like lavender, but then I'm not sure if lavender actually can grow in Singapore. as for rosemary, I don't think I planted the seeds. And thyme, well, it jus looks different from thyme. I've nv smelt thyme before so i can't tell if it is thyme..

NUS Undergraduate Scholarship.

I wrote in to apply for the NUS undergarduate Scholarship just to try, despite it being my shortlisting only. Got my reply today. Apparently the interviews are already over(though the website read that shortlisted candidates would be informede by 30th June).

Thank you for your interest in The National University of
Singapore(NUS).

Kindly be informed that the interview for NUS/ASEAN
UndergraduateScholarship for AY2005/06 undergraduate program was completed.
There maybe another round of interview conducting in Singapore
aroundAugust/September 2005. You will be notified via email if you
areshortlisted for the interview

Well, thought i could relieve some financial burden off Mum and Dad. Praise God! As I continue to pray for His leading in this new area trusting in Jehovah Jireh - my Provider.

I kept my promise, i went.
I was there, as promised.
But the other wasn't.
We did not meet as agreed.

It hurts to feel forgotten.
It hurts to feel unimportant.
Or perhaps more, it hurts to seem so foolish to keep a promise that only I felt was important for a year.

Thank God...
Am reminded not to put my trust in man but in Him.
Am comforted that 'tho others may not care, but He cares.
Am just glad I kept my promise as He would have wanted me to.
Am relief that I can put away this burden in my heart.
Am just thankful that His will was done.


everything was a lil surreal this evening.

p.s. Sorry if this entry is vague and ambiguous. I once could tell someone everything, but now I realise I don't seem to have anyone I can tell this to, 'cept God.

A promise made a year ago.

I'm heading to the botanical gardens now to keep a promise I made a year ago. I'm not quite sure what to expect either. Am praying for God's grace to know what to do.

Sunset 23rd May 05. How beautiful has God made the sunset/ 

New Dance Shoes

I finally took the plunge and bought new dance shoes. $65 from Broadway @ Chinatown, quite cheap for dance shoes actually.

Wore it to Fiesta @ Jitterbugs last night. Felt really smooth actually. Definitely helps a lot with the turns and spins, but it's surprisingly not slippery either. It's a worthwhile investment.

Felt that there was somewhat of an improvement in my dancing last night. Better able to make sure I'm on the one. Perhaps in time to come, I'll be less conscious of the one and it'll all be instincts... :P Enjoy enjoy.. move to the music..

Applied for 2 Tution assignments online, yesterday. Waiting for the agent to get back to me.. I hope. Clementi assignments.

Gonna catch Starwars with Richard later, let's hope the weather holds out and the whole outing will be just nice...

Guess what I bought today? nice? 

Ever wondered what Thyme looks like? They smell VERY refreshing! 

Too squeezy must spread out!! more space to breathe now... 

Here's an update to what happened to the Chilli's from down under! Apparently 3 seeds decided to sprout. 

2nd Dating Quiz Attempt

Your dating personality profile: Romantic - You know exactly how to melt your date's heart. Romance comes naturally to you and is an important component of any relationship you have. Religious - Faith matters to you. It is the foundation that you build your life upon. You trust that God has a plan for you. Wealthy/Ambitious - You know what your goals are and you pursue them vigourously. Achieving success is important to you.

Your date match profile: Romantic - You need someone with a traditional understanding of romance. A true romantic is a must-have in any potential date. Religious - You seek someone who is grounded in faith and who possesses religious values. You believe that a religious person can enhance your life. Adventurous - You are looking for someone who is willing to try new things and experience life to its fullest. You need a companion who encourages you to take risks and do exciting things.

Your Top Ten Traits 1. Romantic 2. Religious 3. Wealthy/Ambitious 4. Stylish 5. Athletic 6. Adventurous 7. Outgoing 8. Conservative 9. Traditional 10. Big-Hearted

Your Top Ten Match Traits 1. Romantic 2. Religious 3. Adventurous 4. Athletic 5. Traditional 6. Practical 7. Wealthy/Ambitious 8. Stylish 9. Intellectual 10. Conservative

Take the Online Dating Profile Quiz at Dating Diversions

Well, I wanted to try out the quiz again without spending longer then 3 seconds on each question. So here’s the quick quiz results. It’s so different from the 1st (well, except for the religious part). Well, it’s up to you to psycho-analyse me with this data. Thanks to Jason once again ; )

Dating Quiz

Your dating personality profile: Religious - Faith matters to you. It is the foundation that you build your life upon. You trust that God has a plan for you. Stylish - You do not lack for fashion sense. Style matters. You wouldn't want to be seen with someone who doesn't care about her appearance. Conservative - You take a conservative stance on most issues and aren't shy about saying so. Your political views are an important component of who you are.

Your date match profile: Practical - You are drawn to people who are sensible and smart. Flashy, materialistic people turn you off. You appreciate the simpler side of living. Religious - You seek someone who is grounded in faith and who possesses religious values. You believe that a religious person can enhance your life. Traditional - You aren't looking for someone who is sexually repressed. You want someone who is adventurous under the covers.

Your Top Ten Traits 1. Religious 2. Stylish 3. Conservative 4. Romantic 5. Adventurous 6. Outgoing 7. Traditional 8. Athletic 9. Intellectual 10. Wealthy/Ambitious

Your Top Ten Match Traits 1. Practical 2. Religious 3. Traditional 4. Adventurous 5. Romantic 6. Stylish 7. Athletic 8. Intellectual 9. Conservative 10. Shy

Take the Online Dating Profile Quiz at Dating Diversions

Jason just sent me a link today to someone's blog.

Are the students from National University of Singapore (Faculty of Science) really that boring and ugly?

I thought the writing was uncalled for and unneccesary. As much as he felt that he was being fair by not singling out individuals, he had just condemned a whole faculty's population by putting on such a label on the fac. How fair can that be?

Though more importantly, I felt that it was very ungentlemanly to have passed such sweeping comments(no matter how much truth he felt was in it). His inability to hitch someone "decent"(by his standards) doesn't justify trashing a lady's honour.

Lastly, I don't understand why a guy has to complain that his fac has no one for him. Doesn't he have any other friends? Surely, his social circle isn't as small as that?(or could it be). Could it be that the average Singaporean university male is socially inapt, low in self-esteem, irreverent to the fairer gender and helplessly ignorant of his condition(or rather the lack of it?)

There you have it, I just condemned a whole population (that will soon include myself). Perhaps a personal reminder, then ;)

An awesome shot of lightning that I was blessed enough to catch on camera just 2 days ago. 

Yes, a long weekend!

I love long weekends! but then again, who doesn't?

Last bachata lesson in a few hours time. Really beautiful slow dance. Class is real small, apparently the interest isn't much there i suppose... though a lot of it could probably be picked up if you social enough at Union or something like that.

On iTunes now - Spanish Harlem by the BBC Allstars band... What a beautiful piece to start off a weekend.

Got a promotional offer for Al Dente (quite a good Italian restaurant) that entitles me to a 1+1 main course within April. Asked my younger sis, but apparently she is too shy to be seen alone having dinner with her bro... what?!! don't know what she's thinking. Really want to go for it before the offer ends, drop me an sms if anyone's keen...

Gonna ORD/ROD...

Time flies... 2years and 2 months in the army, now coming to an end soon in the next 7 weeks.

God has been wonderful in seeing me through some of the most physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling times in my life these past 2 years. An opportune time to grow as a person- to be much better at it. And also a spiritually reviving past year. Looking back, God has blessed me exceedingly, though I feel way short in measure to be who He wants me to be. But praise God, I'm still a few steps closer ;)

Will start clearing my leave from next week onwards. Somehow, I don't quite know what to do, though I seem to have lots to do.

Have got my room's redesigning in progress. Repainting and new furniture (Yes, com is still on the floor and I'm wondering what will my mum say if I got rid of my bed?) This is gonna be a real headache but well worth the extra panadols.

That planned fishing trip with dear Kailing! Sorry, no dates yet. Just gonna go fishing without really knowing how to fish that well. If it works out, we'll hv a ball of a time. But even if it doesn't I'm sure we'll have a laughing good time too... Afterall, fishing isn't about the fish actually(that's a bonus), it's abt watching the world pass u by and the great outdoors. Okay I admit, I take sick pleasure in skewering the prawns and ikans.. heh...

Adrienne my debate junior has called me if I'll like to help out the new batch of debators. The ACJC debates are coming up in the month of May, and these "noobs" are hoping they won't be "free frag". The AC's have a particularly fond memory for me, as I personally carried that shield out of AC's own hands in a five-to-nothing unanimous victory. Hope we score something here. Anyone keen on coming down to watch the competition, just ask me.

Salsa, how to move on from here on? Am looking for lessons to improve bah... I love Latin beats so much now, I can jus about learn every Latino dance there is... Something about how when you get dancing in your heart, it'll stay there a life time bah.. I believe the human body was made to dance and the heart made to feel the music. Thank God for making us that way! wonderful way of expression. To that someone who once said I can't dance.. "Try dancing with me now!" haha.. no lah, kidding.. Anyway, meanwhile I'll continue in Luther's Salsa 3 class with Maoz and co. The moves are just insanely daunting (I couldn't believe we actually caught all that on Friday! haha...)

Still hoping for a tution assignment. I can really do with a little bit more cash.

What more can I, should I, must I do?

With the nearing of my ORD, comes an important date too. I'll have to have answers by then, answers I'm sure of. Perhaps more of that at a later time...

New Bracelet Design!

A New bracelet design is out! Made from genuine swarovski crystals, frosted stars and silver, this new design is retailing for only $6.50!

Check it out @ http://page.auctions.shopping.yahoo.com/sg/auction/89808938?aucview=user
More accessories here http://user.auctions.shopping.yahoo.com/sg/user/jing_shalom

Excuse me, but what's it worth?

"Debates", being a debater of sorts, the word has always dawned upon me with notions of feisty cross-fires, salient points, logical arguments, cohesive cases, all topped up with irresistibly comprehensive statistics, analysis and cases of precedence. Yet as importantly, we debate to come to a more informed conclusion of a matter that does not appear to have a straight answer. What was sorely lacking in all our discussions on legalising casinos was a a strong, well-articulated and comprehensive opposition voice - knowing that we debate a forgone conclusion, do we tend to down play our negative sentiments and inhibitions towards a legalize gambling penthouse(make that plural...) by reassuring ourselves that the government "knows-better"?

I'm loving it
Our political machination of propaganda is quite an applaudable device that is appealingly democratic yet amazingly iron-fisted. How I love it when I see a new issue of debate in the horizon. How our favourite tabloids, broadcasting networks, talk shows and papers start a trail of fact reporting, surveys, discussions(no matter how inappropriate the panel of experts, nor how inadequately prepared they seemed and how the discussion would somehow degenerate into the travail, leaving people no better then when they begun). How ministers have a gift of speaking in a coherent voice (a remarkable work that can only point to a single author) and commencing off in neutrality yet eventually swaying towards reluctance to the inevitable and of course finally embracing it. I love it because of the uncanny semblance to watching Vanna White sashaying across a board of lit rectangles, each time revealing more letters to the phrase, each moment trying to solve the puzzle - all that elaborate PR and Corporate Communications to serve us the answer that had already been decided. So much for my love of the ingenuinity that went into it.

For the love of God, pls dun!
When MM Lee said that he was personally opposed to gambling but Singapore could no longer afford not to have a casino, he seemed pretty convinced (but so was he when he thought that graduates would have brighter babies and should give birth to as many as they could while lower-education families should just stop at 2 in the late '70s, not withstanding the statistical majority of successful men and women from lower-education homes).

My point being, are you convinced that Singapore would "crash-and-burn" without a casino? (i'm not) Looking at the established gambling havens of Las Vegas and Macau, one can't help but wonder how Las Vegas got it's catchy name of "Sin City" nor how Macau is reknown for it's triads and illicit money laundering activities that have links with the casinos. Surely, we have better security, tighter laws and less corrupt government that wouldn't turn us into another Macau. Vegas with all it's affluence, resources and experience in dealing with casino related crimes is still considered a hot spot of opportunity for organised crime, ranging from drugs, prostitution, loan sharking, illegal gambling(so much for the argument for legalising gambling to kill illegal gambling) to extortion. Violent crime is the most predominantly impactful crime in Vegas given the nature of them.(Vegas has new crime element: Israeli mob )
I truly am clueless, what gives the government or people confidence that they'll be able to control crime from a casino(much less 2) given the extensive experience that world leading casino cities have had with casino related crimes and are still strugglling with. It does seem that we'll "crash-and-burn" faster with the casino(s) around. Would I be correct 10 years from now? Perhaps I won't. But we sure are opening up the floodgates to being known as "Sin-gapore".

For the love of money, pls dun!
Quite honestly, deciding to build 2 casinos because it will generate a direct 10,000 jobs is plain lame. Given the social cost, it ain't like building another wafer or petrol-chemical plant. Let's talk about the social cost 1st before Lim Boon Heng starts on the job opportunities generated. I hate to say this, but as a minister or any care-taker of the state, blurting such comments that have not been given suffcient or due consideration is incredibly irresponsible. Let's estimate and postulate the social cost before weighing it with the economic gains. After all, social cost will carry a hefty economic price tag to invest at keeping vice and other social problems at bay too.

Why would a tourist actively choose to come to Singapore because it has a casino or 2 when neighbouring Macau has a more developed industry? Or even the more experienced Genting Casino? How many can we attract and who to Singapore with our casinos? Given our exorbitant alcohol prices, incredulous tabacco taxes, small time red light district, death panalty for even soft drugs. Singapore is an incredibly "clean" and expensive place to gamble. Compared with the big players, what have we to offer that stands out that will garantee the financial returns and justifiable profits of our inevitable social cost? If the idea of employing more policemen and social workers is what we're thinking of resolving unemployment, I say it's time to get back to the drawing boards for better ways to solve unemployment then building casinos.

Monetarily, going into building simply a casino with resort facilities will not be the factor that'll draw the money spending crowds given the fierce competition we face in the region. There is no data that shows some level of safe returns. Socially, history and present day examples have only shown us a social burden that is incredibly heavy and difficult to manage. I can only say, guys up there please do due dligence and present us with way more comprehensive and convincing case before making sweeping statements like "Singapore cannot afford not to have a casino", coz at least 1 Singaporean here isn't convinced.. (Yes, this is what education does to a man....)

2.20c worth.

DIY Electric Toothbrush Sander

Been awhile since I touched modelling as I continue to sort out my room and belongings, I’m finding it hard to get the space to work on models.

After going through a couple of articles and receiving some feedback from modellers making their own sander using an electric toothbrush, I decided to give it a try and start a mini-project.

I remember reading one such article by a Japanese modeller a few months back but thought, these electric toothy brushes must be really expensive, it’ll be crazy to use them to sand stuff. Well, I was wrong, many electric toothbrushes now are dirt cheap( ‘except fro the Oral B ones). On a trip to Guardian pharmacy I found them selling an in-house brand electric toothbrush for only SGD9.90 and it came with an additional head that I just have to mention was compatible with Oral B’s electric toothbrushes as well. Please do not get the cheaper brushes for kids as those do not have sufficient power for it to be a decent sander.

So here’s the low down on what you need:

• An electric toothbrush (circular rotating motion)
• Sandpaper
• Double-sided tape

 
Now here’s how the toothbrush looks right out of the box.

STEP 1 – Remove Bristles

 
A brand new brush head

Use a plier or pincer of sorts to pluck out the bristles. I find that plucking the bristles by bending them sideways is much easier then trying to remove them straight out (perpendicular to brush head surface). Note, i did not cut them, I removed them from the root. You don’t want any bristles left remaining.

Ouch.. that must hurt.

STEP 2 –  Attach sanding head

Now this step is real simple. In fact if you’ve got step 1 done, you’ve basically done like 90% of all there is to this sander.

Take double-sided tape and sand paper and measure accordingly to the brush head.

Cut the correct size and stick tape onto sand paper.

Next peel the tape and stick it to the brush head.

 Tada!!

Now, you’ve done it! Sorry, I got too excited and just had to try it out first. The sanding was excellent and that just made me wonder how did I put up with all that crap hand sanding all this while? Every modeller is a lazy modeller (but that’s not our fault, I think kits are just too hard to prep before we get all crazy with the colouring and fixture). If you’re a lazy modeller like me, do spend that short amount of time to DIY one such brush yourself, you’ll never want to look back at the days w/o it.

Additional thoughts

• Use rechargable batteries. Cheaper in the long term. Last longer per charge then alkaline. And higher voltage = stronger sanding POWER!! mmm… good :P
• Some Japanese modellers are replacing the generic motor with Tamiya hyper/Ultra dash motors. These motors will definitely upz your sanding power by lots. Something to consider in the future.
• Try out more permanent sanding discs? Not tried, but sounds worth trying if it means I dun have to keep changing sand paper. Okay I’m darn lazy, i admit it.

Re-designing my room

Been hard at work for the past few days clearing out TONS of trash... I supposed to get my room re-organised as I'll be leaving the army in a few months time (less then 90 days to be exact) and I'll be embarking on my university life. So, I found it apt to "celebrate" this momentous time in my life with a change of environment(so to speak).

The changes are far from over as I trashed out loads of stuff. I'm even getting rid of my old faithful study table(yeah, it's a hand me down from my uncle). I'm taking the changes slowly as I'll probably pick up a basic interior design book of sorts to get some ideas on what to do with my room. I'm a lover of simple stuff, but i admit I live in a mess... so I think zen's for me, but i dun want my back to hurt if I always have to work without proper back rest.

Functionally, my room will have to be used for:

1. Sleeping
2. Study/Work
3. Play (i.e. music/movies/modelling/drawing)

Aesthetic requirements:

1. Creative!
2. Spa cious
3. Stylish
4. Relaxing... like a spa...

haha... is this too much to ask for my room? haha... well, it's like the only space I "own" and since I spend most of my time in my room, I'm gonna be demanding of it this time.

paints, furniture, lightings? well, nothing should be too fixed as I tend to like to move things around... so I plan not to do too much drilling. Everything should be kept easy to clean too. I welcome any suggestions. time to consult some design friends...

oh yes... i forgot... budget... hehe.. right now there is no budget... as in (zero budget)... but the plan is probably not to spend more then a couple of hundred... tt's why I taking it slow... change can take place slowly.. furniture by furniture...

layout as of today. I need someplace to put that computer but yet not take up too much space.

Re-arranging my room... messy...

Salsa on Good Friday.

Went to check out ACTFA today... well, to say the least, it is "unfinished". And there was no crowd(in fact, there was nobody). Wasted $10 bucks on a orange juice... I'm not going back til I get like an overwhelmingly positive response on that place. Coz it jus doesn't make sense to open up the place when it hasn't even been renovated properly yet.

We then moved on to Union Square, where it was surprising spacious! There was good music and quite a number of people dancing, but it wasn't pack or squeezy.

I have a wish... I wish to dance better... with confidence... stop fumbling like an idiot... stop missing the beats... come out with better moves... feel the music... be more natural... it all comes down to confidence.. doesn't it? all this self-esteem issues are stopping me from enjoying myself as much as I should... too critical of myself... heeyoz... better to jus sleep... and enjoy salsa another day :)

大塿㿿濿 / Ai Ootsuka Love Jam - Now Listening!

Ouch!!!

I got discharged today after staying a night at NUH. Surgery can be so freaky.
Let's see a quick assessment of my current condition is 4 wisdom tooths are out, slight swelling on the right cheek, a very numb right lower lip, chaffed side lips, lots of pressure on my right jaw.

Doesn't sound too good. I hope this will all get better with sleep. I discovered ulcers on my lips but I dun really feel much pain from them, perhaps coz my lower lips are numb.. sucks, I can't even feel my food with my lower lip. Porridge can jus drip out without me knowing (and yes, it has happened). Well, doc says this is a possible side effect of the surgery when they bruise or damage the nerve. It should be temporal, though rarely is it permanent. Nonetheless, it's still worrying.

I tried not taking my painkillers from the afternoon. but by the evening, there was so much pressure and discomfort in my jaw, that I don't think I can sleep without those painies... so I'm on ibuprofen and paracetemol. Yes, 2 different types of painkillers.. dun ask why, I can't figure either.

My stay at the hospital was a time when I had spent more time doing my quiet time. Last night was jus a psalms night. I started with Psalm 6, followed by the other psalms that speaks of the fear of God, God's grace and forgiveness and Glod's glory declared by the heavens. It was quite a time really. Amazing to take time and notice that every creation and every aspect of nature speaks of a master designer. Just as how a piano could never have formed itself out of mere coincidences over millions of years, how much more a complex plant, ecosystem, animals, the galaxy or even us humans. All of this speaks of intelligent design, purposeful design and leaves a pattern that reveals to us that God is the master designer and creator of all things. We could not have been a result of atoms knocking into coincidence. That's a thought to ponder about the next time we're hit by a breeze, can u imagine, it is God who sets every single wind current on its course?

Tomorrow morning I'm hitting Kenridge hanging bridge, have not much idea about the place but am going with my aunt and cousin. Will be bring the camera along, I hope to be able to get some nice pictures back.

Chili from Down Under

I've just gotten an Australian Chilli from vendors who were here to train us this week. Apparently, this chilli is hotter then chilli padi. It looks so perfectly red, it seems unreal. Kinda plastic in fact. Anyhow, I'm gonna be planting the seeds for this, hope it grows in Singapore. Would be nice to have such a chilli plant around.

Shenton Skyline from Marina Sq Foodcourt 

Urbanised dawn from home. The weather has been pretty hazy and cloudy recently, not the best to take dust and dawn images of the sun IMO. 

some of the designs... 

A new venture!

What do I do when I'm low on cash, gonna ORD, ain't got a tution assignment yet and generally still needing to finance a new camera that gonna come about?

I start a new venture! Actually, it isn't that new. I've had it on my mind for a while now but never really got about to working on it. And what may that venture be? Haha... I can't believe it myself, but I'm selling hand-made beaded accessories for women!! haha... now before you gasp, let me clarify that I'm not the one making them!

In fact, it's a venture with my dear cousin Irene. She makes the stuff, I sell them! Perfect! Since her clients are usually her friends and her friend's friends, she doesn't make much deals in a month, I'll help her with the marketing and selling. She'll be my supplier.

Anyhow, she has an eye for good designs so her creations are really not bad. Check them out!

Well, pray that this thing will take off and we'll all benefit from a lil more cash and a lil more experience.

Now, if you're wondering how you can support me, click on the url below and recommend as many people as you know who will be interested bah! Thanks in advance!

http://user.auctions.shopping.yahoo.com/sg/user/jing_shalom

Finally my Photocard Driving License... 

The day I passed my traffic Police test!

I'm incredibly thankful and joyous today.

After 5 months of driving lessons in the driving school (not including the 3 months and money spent on private classes), 1 test failure, $2000+ spent (from my own pocket), I finally passed my driving test and got my license to drive!!!

I was so prepared to fail after the warm-up session as I walked into the balloting room to get the test route and testor. Why? Firstly, do not ever drink coffee after lunch!! I was tired and unalert yet my eyes wide-open and my nerves were all in a bundle... Followed by which I brushed the curb in the circuit, almost crashed into a beginner vehicle which suddenly decided to move off when I was doing my right turn into the S-course, after he had stopped stationary. NEVER ASSUME, a beginner driver is giving way to you when he/she stops.. it's probably coz his psychomoto is sooo very bad, he managed to stall the vehicle in front of the yellow box and his just fumbling for the keys, gear shifts and clutch to start his vehicle. And I almost got stuck in the junction box when the light turned red. I wasn't careful or alert enough after the coffee(which I thought was suppose to perk me up), it really was time to pray and I just prayed for the anxiety to go away. Surely God had a bigger purpose for me even if I would keep failing this test and I'm sure he would provide (yupz, no money for more failures).

My next shock came when I got balloted to have the same testor who failed me the 1st time round!! My heart just sank, I'd better prepare myself for failure. Just at that moment it struck me that nothing ever happens by chance, I had wanted to give my testor a tract during my 1st test, but I had forgot to bring tracts that day. I quickly rummaged through my bag and realised I had the tracts "From Heaven with Love". God was working at that moment but I had no clue yet. I felt burdened that I really had to give him the tract this time, it's like God's making it up by arranging it to be so the 2nd time round. Suddenly, I did not feel that my results were as important as making sure I passed him the tract this time round. When I got into the vehicle my nerves and all were just miraculously fine. I was genuinely alert and careful, it was like the effects of the caffeine had suddenly worn off. Also, my warm up test route was my actual test route!!! Could you beat that? If not for the warm up, I wouldn't have known that there was going to be 2 roadworks along my test routes that required me to keep right even before the traffic junction as the road works were immediately after traffic lights.

To cut the rest of the story short, I passed with 18 points and passed my testor Mr Tan Kwong Moh the tract (which he was so glad to recieve, he actually smiled). I really wasn't expecting God to use this test in such a miraculous manner. Well, praise God from whom all blessing flow!!! It was yet another experience to learn of God's faithfulness to His children if we'll only place Him squarely first and walk in righteousness!

Thank you God!

Valentine's Day

I'm currently re-reading "Boy meets Girl" by Joshua Harris as I promised myself after the 1st read that I'll pick up this book once again a few months later to study it in detail. There's just so much in this book that makes it worth the time to pay attention at what God has to say about courtship and romance. And what better day to start then on Valentines itself.

For the next few day's I'll be posting a series of thoughts and reflections from reading parts of the book, by chapters.

Made for each other.

I'm equally amazed by the story of love that Adam and Eve would have shared as first man and first woman. Would they have gotten everything right the first time round? Did they ever get bored of another? Would their relationship be a model one for husbands and wifes?

Well, I believe that somewhere out there someone is made for me and I for her, specifically by the Creator. And I found myself identifying with the charactor Elanna when she told her grandfather, Adam, that it was easy for Adam to find love, because God only created Eve for him, but for us it's a confusing world out there with so many other people. Yet what the author wrote in reply spoke of a truth that I find myself always missing out on.

"It's not more confusing," he gently said. "It only seems that way because.
Our meeting was 'easy', as you put it, not because we were the only human kind,
but because in those sweet days before we disobeyed, we implicitly trusted the
Maker to bring that was good"

It's always about waiting upon His will, isn't it? Sometimes the heart is anxious in looking for that special someone to share a lifetime with, that we sometimes 'jump the gun' and miss out on what God has best for us? I give thanks for the longings of the heart, that God has given me. After all He did say that "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." ~Gen2:18

My Valentines prayer would be to wait upon His perfect will, for the best, and not settle for even second best, while trusting "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."~Psa84:11

Me and my Korean flight stewardess [an update for my profile]

Virgin Post

This is the virgin post in Garage Publications.

I'm not a someone who'd write a dairy much less keep log of many things goin on in my life.

Truly, there's so much in life that sometimes to sit down and write some would be some what of a waste of time I thought.

To mark this post with some wise words from none other wiser then King Solomon himself, Ecclesiates Chapter 1:

2Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
3What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
4One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the
earth abideth for ever.
5The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down,
and hasteth to his place where he arose.
6The wind goeth toward the
south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the
wind returneth again according to his circuits.
7All the rivers run into
the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come,
thither they return again.
8All things are full of labour; man cannot
utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is
done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
10Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath
been already of old time, which was before us.
11There is no remembrance
of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to
come with those that shall come after.

Perhaps all is Vainity... and I won't be posting much or at all once the initial fizzle of fascination or pure curiousity pales out to the other vainities that have captured my mind.