following the melodies of life along a chromatic scale
Time has clasped us firmly around the wrist, then pulled us through the year’s happenings in a breakneck fashion. The last new year was ushered in reverently, amidst a charged atmosphere of fervent prayer for the Year of New Beginnings. This new year’s–at least for me–will be the same, except that the year to be heralded in brings with it much change, and maybe, much disappointment for some of us.
Though knowing that and having church leaders tell us it will be difficult, I still rest easy and in confidence that the Lord will continue to watch over my family & I in all our endeavours in the coming year, whatever they may be. For now, since I’m not a soothsayer nor fortune teller, I’ll just look back in time and count my blessings. :)
It’s been a while–and it’s been fast. It still feels like only yesterday that dad brought home the new Starbucks 2008 planner, and I began filling out my days in it. This year has really been one of new beginnings for me, in many, many ways. :)) Though nothing romantic began (I’m still waiting, God!! :D Haha), lots of other randomly wonderful things did. I’ve grown up a bit more (I think!) as a person, and for the better (I hope).
I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for God bringing all these different people and events into my life this year.
So: HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE, and may you all have an amazing time tonight ushering in the new year and a new season, wherever you may be.
As for me, I’ll be at church. :3 Har har, who didn’t expect that? After midnight, however, I may go hang out til the wee hours of the morning with my loves. :D
DISCLAIMER: Image-heavy and seriously LONG post, only read if you’re interested in spotting/reading about yourself or kaypoh-ing about the uselessly random things I’ve done in my life this year.
:D Merry Christmas, from the bottom of my heart!
The day to commemorate our Lord’s birth has finally arrived, and in full swing! For He came to give us life, and that we may have it abundantly.
I hope and wish that everyone will have a wonderful Christmas, celebrating with family, friends, and loved ones.
For those still having exams around the corner, may this be a time of refreshment and encouragement to you! All the best!
<3
Because I’ve been disgustingly lazeh, and also distracted by the latest happenings in my life, I’m only blogging about my sprained ankle now.
Yes, I sprained my ankle. This is why I have been limping around, dragging my left foot behind me. :P
What’s a sprain? More technically, it means you ripped or partially tore a ligament. Mine was partial, because I could manage some movements with my ankle (with pain).
Happened last Monday, the 15th, when I was playing futsal with my cell! Luckily, it was at the end of the session–I got all my money’s worth, and didn’t disrupt anyone’s playing time. :DDD Though it sounds crazy, I gotta say it was kinda fun. I mean, I’ve never gotten a sprain in my whole life, so it’s an experience…
KEVIN (my cell leader) TOOK OFF HIS SMELLY FUTSAL SOCK TO TIE THE ICE PACK AROUND MY ANKLE!! D: Ewww. Everyone cracked jokes about bacteria and such… Because of the frame of mind I was in, no photos of the glorious ankle + Kevin’s smelly, sweaty sock + ice pack. But once I drove home (auto car, so I could use my right leg), dad insisted I go to the hospital to check for anything more.
X-rays declared my bones fine, but wowwww it looked like there was a golf ball under my skin.
Ladies and gentlemen (or those who know), what are the five hallmarks of inflammation again?
Say them with me: Calor (warmth), dolor (pain), rubor (redness), tumor (swelling) & functio laesa (loss of function).
:D I can assure you all five were present, lol.
Thus, it’s been a week since it happened, so I can partially walk now. Hopefully by Christmas (3 days!!) it’ll be ok, since I’m helping out with worship for Christmas day service. Don’t want to hobble onstage.
I also attended Comic Fiesta 2008 @ Sunway Convention Centre, which ran from 20th-21st December! How did I do it? Took a painkiller, wrapped up my sprain in a tight compression bandage for support, then pretended to walk just fine. Only went on the first day, and I MADE RAE DRESS UP ALL CUTESY! :D I also dressed up, but half-heartedly and in whatever la. Photos and a proper post of the event will appear after Christmas, because Rae wants to filter through the photos before allowing me to post. ^^;
CHRISTMAS IS COMING! :O Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! DECK THE HALLS, BABY!
The first line of Regina Spektor’s song, Samson, floats like a haunting memory across my mind. Was it only two years ago that we lay on the cold parquet floor of your room, snuggled closely for warmth, as the scent of sandalwood drifted in the air? I’ve got to shake this vividness off. It’s already been a year.
“Your hair was long, when we first met…”
It was your hair, I believe, that made me begin to love you. Then we talked, and everything else happened. Time and distance played a game with us, and now all that’s left are faded memories of sunnier days (or moonlit nights, as you never liked the sun).
“But they’re just old light…”
The lights of the distant stars were the only heavenly bodies present on those new moon nights where we shivered in your car, counting and naming the constellations. Nowadays, I hardly see those lights–they’ve been replaced by the harsh, closer, yellowy-electric streetlamps.
“I loved you first, I loved you first…”
You were first to bid those lights goodbye.
And now, it’s my turn.
Today, I was lucky enough to attend a song-writing workshop at Canaanland Bookstore (HQ @ Niu Ze Xui) by two singer-songwriters, Alarice & Deb Fung! :D I’d originally procrastinated registering or doing anything about the event since my aunt sent me an email about it, but I finally got off my arse and sent in my registration last night. AND I AM SO THANKFUL I DID! The workshop was not only inspiring, it was truly amazing and enjoyable as we got to hear both Alarice & Deb perform some of their songs for us in an acoustic set.
Both ladies are blessed with lovely voices that blend together beautifully, yet are still unique in their own way. Alarice has an airy, ethereal, and mellow voice that almost seems unreal when she solos off or improvs during breaks in her songs; her voice & style reminds me of a mix between Colbie Callait’s mellow voice & Mandy Moore’s sweetness. Deb Fung’s voice is more mature and focused, floating over top of the guitar flute-like when she sings; to me, she has Jewel’s lyrical agility & Janice’s sweetness.
At the end of their set, both ladies gave us a little introduction and backstory of how they came to be recording artists. They also conducted a casual, intimate workshop, which was more of a Q&A session where they answered our questions about methods employed in songwriting, difficulties they’ve faced as singer-songwriters when facing a public audience, and how they get inspiration to write/compose! A lot of it was drawn from their personal experiences, which apparently was shared by many of the other budding songwriters in the room (including myself!). I found it really helpful, and enjoyed that both of them were so down-to-earth, real, and honest when sharing; you could really feel how earnest they were in encouraging and inspiring us. :)
Deb, having been on the music scene longer, was more serious and tackled more of the technical questions. Alarice was really cute, and shared a lot of her personal experiences in songwriting to supplement Deb’s answers. They really complement each other in all ways; no wonder they’re touring together!
Later, Deb opened the mic to anyone who was willing to share some songs they had written, etc etc. Took a while for me to gather enough courage to go up, but I did (and I have no idea why…). I was cold, nervous, shaking, but just wanted to share my music, and the applause & support helped a little, lol. Like some jakun I kept my eyes glued to the microphone/floor as I sang my juvenile, 14-year-old composition entitled “Permission from Above” without accompaniment. Miraculously enough, I didn’t hear myself crack, squeak, or go off-key during the whole time despite my stage fright being in full swing! :) Everyone liked it, and complimented the song after I was finished. I’m glad they liked it!! Didn’t expect so many positives in the feedback, but what I received was really, really encouraging. Makes me want to go back to all those unfinished archives, haha.
After I shared my song, a guy called Ming shared two of his songs as well. He played guitar while singing, and I liked what I heard! Can’t remember any titles, but he had a pleasant, mellow voice that was well-controlled! After Ming, another guy called Hon Chien shared a worship song that he composed the music for, and his friend wrote the lyrics to. Couldn’t catch some of the words, but it was a gentle song that sounded peaceful and worshipful. Only the three of us shared, and then Reverend David closed the session in prayer, thanking God for the talent we’d been given.
At the end, Deb & Alarice signed CDs, let us sign up for their mailing list, and just hung around in case we had anymore questions. :) I traded contact information with a few people who wanted to meet up again in the future. Who knows, maybe we’d be able to collaborate and write something worthy of being recorded! :D
When I signed up for the workshop, we got Deb’s CD Whoever You Are free, and had the oppotunity to buy Alarice’s newly-released EP Songs for a Season at the door. I listened to both CDs all the way home, and am listening to them now as I write this entry, lol! If this entry has piqued your interest in Deb & Alarice’s music, I believe Canaanland outlets should have their CDs. I’ll post up a review later, as I have to run off to Christmas Choir practice at SIB now. :P
If you ever happen to read this, THANK YOU ALARICE & DEB FUNG for coming to PJ to run your workshop & tour! Myself and everyone who was there has been really blessed by your God-given talents and beautiful spirits. All the best on your tour!
“Put away the personal attitude towards your compositions and just showcase them to the public without fear of their criticisms! After all, your talent is God-given, and it’s not what you’ve done, but what God has done through you. God uses others to refine that talent He’s given you, and it’s a process we all go through.”
– Deb Fung
:D I have just returned from the Cameron Highlands road trip that I went on with Rae, Sufen, David & Patrick from the 8th until the 9th of December~!! It was an aweeesomee time, and a truly refreshing & rejuvenating getaway. The weather wasn’t the greatest, but it was definitely cooling enough to make us all happy.
Since it was a 2-day 1-night affair, we crammed as much as possible as we could into the first day! We left PJ at the unbelievable time of 5am on Monday morning, having dimsum at SS2 before setting off on our journey. I drove all the way from home sweet home in PJ up to the apartment where we stayed in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands!! We took the NSE all the way to the Simpang Pulai exit, which was the new route up to Cameron Highlands. The route bypasses the towns on the other side of the mountain, so you reach smaller towns first, then only Brinchang and Tanah Rata etc.It wasn’t scary in the least–in fact, I was having so much fun maneuvering up the windy, winding trail that I refused to surrender the wheel to either Rae or Pat, haha.
After we reached at around 10am, we K.O.’ed for about an hour before going off to have lunch at The Downtown Cafe (which was pretty sad in terms of servings, though). Strawberry tea costs the SAME PRICE as mineral water!! So strange.
Following that, we began our whirlwind visits to Ye Olde Smokehouse (where we saw a gorgeous, fully-blooming English-style garden and inn), Cameron Highlands Resort (a very, VERY posh YTL hotel), a random strawberry farm & souvenir shop (where we camwhored with a big, ugly strawberry monument & I got a strawberry umbrella), the BOH Tea Plantation Teahouse @ Sungei Palas (a treacherous drive, but THE most rewarding experience awaited), a random flower nursery (where we found very interestingly-shaped cacti, LOL), and finally, the Brinchang night market (bought our dinner & found BEER ICE-CREAM WHOA).
Phew. All that in 8 hours! And I did all the driving again, cuz I was still having fun…
The excitement for the later part of the evening consisted of my left eye developing conjunctivitis (oooooooh) BECAUSE of my vanity and insistence on wearing contact lenses despite it irritating that eye for half the day. Went to the pharmacy, confirmed my suspicions, and got antibiotic eye drops to make it better… We played Monopoly in Starbucks (yes, CH now has its very own Starbucks, which is actually really nice for ambience and chilling) for the rest of the night while my eye recovered and we wound down for bedtime.
Rolled out of bed the next day at around 7.30am before we left the apartment for good and headed back down. Stopped at the morning market to pick up highland sweetcorn and strawberries before we left! Rae drove down the mountain, then Pat took over when we hit the NSE so we’d reach home faster (they wouldn’t let me driv because of y eye and the fact that I got a brief bout of motion sickness). I was SO sadddd when we passed the “Terima kasih jumpa lagi” sign… It was so relaxing, and going with the four of my loves was really, REALLY fun. Totally awesomeee roadtrip gang. I loved every moment of the trip–even when my eye got conjunctivitis. NEXT TRIP SOON K. <333
All in all, I gotta say my most favourite spot in CH is now the teahouse at the BOH Tea Plantation @ Sungei Palas. To get there, you drive up from Brinchang towards the Orang Asli villages, and on your left, there should be a sign pointing towards a VERY NARROW, STEEP ROAD, labeled “Boh Tea Plantation” or summat. I must warn future visitors that the road is very narrow, and although it affords two-way traffic, only one car can cross. There are lay-bys for opposing traffic to slip into so the other can pass, and it is FULL of bends where you can’t see the rest of the road (i.e. you have no idea if another car is heading your way or not). I suggest sounding your horn every time you reach one of the blind bends.
After navigating through the REALLY NARROW road, which has DISGUSTINGLY SHARP HUMPS towards the end, we reached the lovely teahouse and tea factory! The view of the tea plantation is absolutely breathtaking. The undulating, verdant hills of the thousands of neatly ordered tea bushes was truly a sight to behold as we enjoyed our tea from the teahouse. It is built to overlook part of the plantation, and one can just sit there for hours, solely taking in the surroundings. The snacks and cakes aren’t much to rave about, though.
I just sat on the balcony for a quarter of an hour, gazing out into the green fields as far as I could see. Even though the people around me buzzed with excitement and noise, I tuned out and only took in the peaceful, settling view. Thinking about it now, all I did was just sit and stare at a couple thousand tea bushes and a view that was nothing but greengreengreen while being drenched by the mist and rain until my friends thought I was weird; BUT this sense of serenity just overcame me, and I had to be still and soak it in. It was so calming–something I’ve needed for a while. Is this what we call the voice of creation, speaking to our souls of the wonder and beauty that our Lord has infused into this world? :) If it is, I’ve been blessed by my trip there. Really, really blessed. (Rae said I was dreaming and floating, hehe)
God definitely blessed and protected us on our journey to and from CH. :) Hehe. Noob drivers, but we made it!! ALL IN ALL, I enjoyed myself up there, as did the other four. David, Rae & I K.O.’ed in the PJ heat for a while after reaching home. Poor Suf & Pat had to go for class and work, though…
Siggggh. I already miss CH. Can’t wait for next time.
The rest of the photos will be uploaded on facebook. Check back on this entry for the links soon!
…are exactly what my hair is right now. :) Whee!
After running some errands with mummy, we went to get our hair done at Trendz Salon @ Subang Sheraton. Jayne, who owns the salon (and its newly-opened branch in Hilton PJ), was trained in the U.S. of A. and is really good at coloring hair, perming, AND cuts too, for really reasonable prices!
:DDD I reaaaallllyyy like my new hair! It’s a subtle, coppery shade, with freshly-permed curls. She gave me cute bangs that aren’t too lala, but just right. Took aaaaages for the perm + treatment + coloring, but it was definitely worth the wait. The only thing I dislike about perms, though, is not being able to wash your hair for 2 whole days, blergh. I usually wash my hair everyday because I can’t stand how grody it gets…
I’d post a picture, but when I tried taking pics of my hair, the color didn’t quite show up… SO you’ll have to wait until you see me in real life, k? :) Hehe.
While at the salon, I was flipping through multiple copies of women mags, all chock-full of Christmas partying tips, makeup advice, wardrobe suggestions, event information… SO COMMERCIAL LAH. I can’t deny that I was all wide-eyed, absorbing all the pretty shimmery new looks and dreaming of owning more than one of the new dresses I saw. Guilty! Hah. But all the fun served up to us during Christmas is pretty hedonistic, and misses the reason for the season (oooh I rhymed). I guess there should be a balance between the two, because there’s nothing wrong with having fun gatherings with your friends, but at the same time, the main reason behind Christmas is remembering our Lord Jesus Christ’s birth.
BUT BUT BUT I’M SO EXCITED! :D I have two weddings to attend that are coming up: one is at the end of December, and the other is during the first weekend of January. Just managed to get dresses for both events yesterday, only because mummy dragged me away from my incessant RO-ing. That means dressing up, MOREEEE photos, and a celebration of love between two people (where all the guests get to oooh and aaahh at the gorgeous couple). Makes me wish I was getting married. :))
Yeah, right, Li Yen. WAIT FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER 10 YEARS K. Finish up your studies first and wait on God’s timing.
^_________________^ Mehh. I just had a good day, and I feel pretty.
SO SUEEEE MEEEE.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year~~~”
I sang at the CF/CSS/staff/lecturers’ Christmas celebration today at IMU, with Seng Chye on guitar and Christy on keyboard. Went very well, in my opinion (albeit the wrong chord hahaha!). Thanks so much, you guys! It was great. Also, thanks for putting up with my last-minute-one-day-before practices…
I HAD NO IDEA IT WAS SUCH A BIG EVENT!
Honestly, when Jon Au from the Catholic Students’ Society called me and asked me to prepare a few songs for a Christmas party, I thought it was just a small ‘do at, say, a seminar room or a lecture hall. Something quaint and cosy. Acoustic set. Little did I know it was held in the atrium, with oodles of food, cupcakes, hors d’oeuvres, TURKEY, and many, many people. The turnout was bigger than I expected.
The choir sang, but I missed most of it while saving my car from the DBKL saman. Seng Chye did a cover of Jason Mraz’s version of Winter Wonderland, which was funky and upbeat (I sang backup). I followed with a medley/fusion of O Little Town of Bethlehem and O Holy Night, with a little bit of sharing in the middle. I’d been looking for a verse to share the entire night, but finally settled on John 3:16, since the theme of the event was agape–God’s love.
I’d prayed a lot about the song choice, and whether or not to share something, since I didn’t want to just sing and leave people feeling all “merrified” for Christmas. There’s a much, much bigger reason as to why we celebrate Christmas, and I was glad I could share it. What’s more wonderful than the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior, redeemer and friend? :DDD Hopefully, that message was conveyed in today’s celebration, so that people don’t walk away solely with the commercialized, plastic-wrapped notion of Christmas in a box.
As usual, my legs SHOOK when I sang. The butterflies in my stomach never disappeared, BUT I believe, because my aunt was praying loads for me as I sang, God squished those butterflies. :)) After my performance, my aunt came over and huuuuuggged me, taking all the jitters away. Thanks to everyone who complimented the performance! I have to say that God really helped me through it, as with every other time that I sing. He draws the voice out of me.
My highlight of the day (the WEEK even) would be “officially” meeting Jimmy, the outgoing president of the Christian Fellowship. I’d heard a lot about him: glowing reviews from my aunt, other students, CF members, infinity milers…said hi to him once or twice. Even when I’ve heard him speak in CF the few times that I went, I knew there was something different about him. While talking to him today, I can say I’ve never, ever felt such peace. I can ALSO say that I now see why there have only been good words about him. No wonder the CF is strong and well-led.
Jimmy really impressed me with his attitude, his manner of speech, his sharing… I mean, WOW. He gave off such an aura of confidence and trust in God–this sense that he was totally and wholly secure in his calling to do missions as a doctor. When he was sharing with me about his convictions, I could sense this comfortable closeness with God. Now that’s something I desire to have, and am really striving for. Not even close yet, but meeting him has really inspired me, and let me see how God’s light can shine through when one is really walking close to Him. Wow. Really. It’s just awesome.
(It’s actually POSSIBLE to reach that level!!! /awe)
…now I need to stop being lazy and attend CF more regularly, lol.
<3 It’s December! And that means it’s also the beginning of the Christmas season. I miss having white Christmases, though this is the second non-white Christmas I’ve had in the past 5 years. There’s something sentimental and peaceful about watching the snow fall, drifting lazily down in the dim moonlight, while being snuggled up in a wool blanket with someone special… clutching a mug of steamy hot chocolate / mocha with mini-marshmallows. And right beside is the gently glowing Christmas tree, all adorned with tinsel, lights, and tiny ornaments. Siggggh. :))
Futsal today (Monday, the 1st) was quite fun! I think I was more tuned in today, though I got tired and had no energy to run around by the last hour. Patrick and Ashvin, Rae’s boyfriend, joined in today. I think they both had fun, because they said they’d be back. :D
I’ve been tagged by Rae! Yet another meme.
Rules & Regulations:
1.Do not copy answers
2.The tag questions must be 100% the same
3.Tag people after doing tag
4.No tagging back
I tag:
1. Dea
2. Cecilia
3. Joel
4. Brian
5. Joe
6. Jason
7. Boon Hong
8. Teddy
9. Darren
Click to read. :) I’ve decided to do this so the memes don’t stretch the page unnecessarily.
