Last blog entry for 2011...
a big THANK YOU to all my blog’s faithful readers… the “oldcomers” and the “newcomers”
This blog is really a place I “vomit” everything.
Thank you for bearing my negativeness, complaints, pains etc.
Thank you for sharing my joy during my up-moments too!
Here wishing all a Happy 2012!
Cheers to a fantastic 2012!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
I'm blessed!
“If is God’s will, He will provide the way”
Had a “Blessed List” before, during and even after SOT.
Here are some of them.
Before SOT…
#1 - cash blessings
$$$ from school
Got the highest-ever-record from cny honbao
Just when I thought 3mths installment for SOT.
$1800 came from an anonymous … cleared the school fees.
#2 - new books
Received much help from different ones to help find/ask around for the books I needed for SOT. At the end of the day, was blessed by Hensa & Eena with six brand new books.
The amazing thing was that after that, someone actually blessed them 5x the amount they blessed me. Wow!
#3 - parents’ support and acknowledgment
Dad offered to pay for school fees so that I don’t have to work and study at same time.
He even willingly gave me (on loan) monthly allowances or anytime I need $$.
During SOT…
#1 - jobs offer
Though initially experienced many closed doors but God is good, those closed doors were actually in the wild wild west. After which passed two interviews and was accepted by two childcares with good pay too.
#2 - $$ from government
Very timely! Very divine!
On 7 April, I decided not to work so when I was worried about my income… I saw the letter from government upon reaching home.
#3 - pay increment notice
Received sms from Mrs E Tan that after I’m back to work after SOT, I will get to enjoy pay increment. Just imagine increase took place even when I was not at work.
#4 - bdae blessings
Love offering from kakis, zone, Pst, Efi…
Treats from kakis, team, zone, Rick/Zhi/Min, May…
#5 - ezlink card with solid amount from Yanjie
Though she gave me as belated present but it was so timely - just when I needed.
#6 - $$ from Friend A
This really shocked me as I have ever heard about it but experience personally. Before this, I was praying to God for financial blessing.
I prayed. I believed. Off I went for mission.
I received a sms from Friend A when I was in Philippines that Friend A accidentally transferred $xx to my account. I then told Friend A that as I’m away for mission trip, I will transfer back the money when I return.
Upon knowing I’m at mission, Friend A immediately replied “You don’’t have to return the $$ to me, treat it as a mission blessing to you!”
I was shocked and of course is a no-no to me but Friend A refused to let me know the bank number for me to do transfer back.
Of course months later I managed to write a “thank you” note and passed secretly with the cash. Felt that I cant accept the money but then and then I really went “Wow!“, God is so real and can be creative in the way He blesses you. Haha!
#7 - free meals
From cg members, from SOT friends and even from colleagues.
After SOT…
#1 - graduation giftssss… in the form of gift and $$
#2 - flooded with love from cg, JAMs, team and friends
#3 - job waiting for me
After 6mths of SOT…
Found and established great friendship... definitely priceless!
ps: this won't be last post about SOT
still has many drafts yet to complete... Haha!
Had a “Blessed List” before, during and even after SOT.
Here are some of them.
Before SOT…
#1 - cash blessings
$$$ from school
Got the highest-ever-record from cny honbao
Just when I thought 3mths installment for SOT.
$1800 came from an anonymous … cleared the school fees.
#2 - new books
Received much help from different ones to help find/ask around for the books I needed for SOT. At the end of the day, was blessed by Hensa & Eena with six brand new books.
The amazing thing was that after that, someone actually blessed them 5x the amount they blessed me. Wow!
#3 - parents’ support and acknowledgment
Dad offered to pay for school fees so that I don’t have to work and study at same time.
He even willingly gave me (on loan) monthly allowances or anytime I need $$.
During SOT…
#1 - jobs offer
Though initially experienced many closed doors but God is good, those closed doors were actually in the wild wild west. After which passed two interviews and was accepted by two childcares with good pay too.
#2 - $$ from government
Very timely! Very divine!
On 7 April, I decided not to work so when I was worried about my income… I saw the letter from government upon reaching home.
#3 - pay increment notice
Received sms from Mrs E Tan that after I’m back to work after SOT, I will get to enjoy pay increment. Just imagine increase took place even when I was not at work.
#4 - bdae blessings
Love offering from kakis, zone, Pst, Efi…
Treats from kakis, team, zone, Rick/Zhi/Min, May…
#5 - ezlink card with solid amount from Yanjie
Though she gave me as belated present but it was so timely - just when I needed.
#6 - $$ from Friend A
This really shocked me as I have ever heard about it but experience personally. Before this, I was praying to God for financial blessing.
I prayed. I believed. Off I went for mission.
I received a sms from Friend A when I was in Philippines that Friend A accidentally transferred $xx to my account. I then told Friend A that as I’m away for mission trip, I will transfer back the money when I return.
Upon knowing I’m at mission, Friend A immediately replied “You don’’t have to return the $$ to me, treat it as a mission blessing to you!”
I was shocked and of course is a no-no to me but Friend A refused to let me know the bank number for me to do transfer back.
Of course months later I managed to write a “thank you” note and passed secretly with the cash. Felt that I cant accept the money but then and then I really went “Wow!“, God is so real and can be creative in the way He blesses you. Haha!
#7 - free meals
From cg members, from SOT friends and even from colleagues.
After SOT…
#1 - graduation giftssss… in the form of gift and $$
#2 - flooded with love from cg, JAMs, team and friends
#3 - job waiting for me
After 6mths of SOT…
Found and established great friendship... definitely priceless!
ps: this won't be last post about SOT
still has many drafts yet to complete... Haha!
Friday, December 30, 2011
counting... down...
3days to brand new school year…
As always, will definitely have mixed feelings before school starts.
A part of me cant wait for school to start but a part of me hopes time can slow down. Usually the mixed feelings caused by rested too much VS the start of work again.
But this time the mixed feelings somehow seem different.
Though one thing for sure - no matter what and when, Miss Lim will always be excited to see the children and start teaching again.
Earlier I was just thinking “Time flies! School reopens next week!” and for a moment, fear, literally fear came in.
Prexxxxx from the school or prexxxxx from myself?
Probably as kindergarten I’m in is definitely different, way different from the last few kindergartens I’m was in... I know what awaits for me when school reopens.
The commitment, the work load, the expectations etc.
And to add on would be the accreditation that school is gearing up for.
Jiayou Miss Lim Jiayou!
Got to stay focus and positive! =)
As always, will definitely have mixed feelings before school starts.
A part of me cant wait for school to start but a part of me hopes time can slow down. Usually the mixed feelings caused by rested too much VS the start of work again.
But this time the mixed feelings somehow seem different.
Though one thing for sure - no matter what and when, Miss Lim will always be excited to see the children and start teaching again.
Earlier I was just thinking “Time flies! School reopens next week!” and for a moment, fear, literally fear came in.
Prexxxxx from the school or prexxxxx from myself?
Probably as kindergarten I’m in is definitely different, way different from the last few kindergartens I’m was in... I know what awaits for me when school reopens.
The commitment, the work load, the expectations etc.
And to add on would be the accreditation that school is gearing up for.
Jiayou Miss Lim Jiayou!
Got to stay focus and positive! =)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Taiwan Trip - Tainan #2
11 Dec
2nd day @ Tainan
The day started sweetly to have Teammate SM specially prepared a bottle of water for us and not forgetting, more thicker jackets!
He drove us to one of his favorite breakfast shop, Dou Jiang Sao.
Yum Yum Yummy! It was another hearty breakfast!
Can I say again… I love Taiwan breakfast!!!
After that, Teammate SM drove to pick Teammate YG who just ended her morning prayer meeting.
Very sweet of her also brought us thicker jacket.
It was also very nice of Teammate SM’s mum who called Teammate SM just to ask about us - where we were and have we eaten already. Very touched by her move.
First stop - Tainan Confucian Temple
We had some “activities” before we walked around the temple and took some photos.
We then went to the Old Street across the road. We had our first try of “salty ice-cream” where we had some "joke" there.
Check out the flavors ... How will you read it?
At the place we had some finger food too - the lady boss very quickly placed some sticks to our plate. Thank God we were fast even to react if not we may ended by eating and paying more. Haha!
We were also brought to two special café which I suppose if we were on our own, we probably wont be able to find/see.
Next stop - National Museum of Taiwan Literature
We had some fun reading/looking through the history.
Was then also on the phone with Teammate YG’s mum. She was happy and excited that we were in Taiwan and kept asking Teammate YG to take good care of us. We also made a deal that the next Taiwan trip, we will visit her in Hualian.
Next - Sogo Shopping Mall
It was their last day of GTS - Great Taiwan Sales.
A super big mall that after much walking, walking, walking and walking… we only managed to conquer HALF of the mall.
Next stop - "Du Xiao Yue"
A must have when you come Tainan.
Nice combination of their noodles and sauce!
Basically there are food everywhere in Tainan, there supposed to be another nice makan place just across the road but we didn't managed to try cause yet to open.
They then brought us to have another famous, winter melon drink.
A person who don't really like winter melon also find it nice, seriously!
Then we dropped by at Chihkan Tower
We just took some photos before we proceed to the next makan place (oops! eat again?!).
Final stop where we had another famous dish and dessert of Tainan.
After that, Teammate SM drove us back to the hotel before he went back home. We rested while waiting for Teammate JL and her boyfriend WC.
Likewise been 4mths since I last see Teammate JL who I also had been in contact with via facebook and whatsapp… we went crazy when we met! The other person who pressed the bell many timessssss to make known her arrival.
The 3 of us had a good catch up - once we started talking, it seem like we cant stop. You see… it been 4mths since we last catch up. Haha!
We then hopped on Teammate JL’s car to conquer Garden Night Market for the 2nd time. We were really “pampered“… everywhere we go, we have car to travel in.
Personally, I’m already very impressed by Teammate SM’s speed in conquering food at night market on the first night.
Was even blown away by Teammate YG and Teammate JL too on the second night. They have fast legs and hands too.
Without any hesitating, once they see it, they buy it and eat it!
Just before you can finish the packet of food on your hands, they already put another packet of food on your hands. Haha!
But I guess that’s the fun of going night market with friends. Is good to go with friends too - just buy small portion and share around, so with that you can buy and try more varieties.
"pictures speak more delicious than words"...
There are more than just food stalls at the night market.
We also went around shopping.
I hereby declare … … we have conquered the ENTIRE night market!
All thanks to Teammate YG who strategized walking in a way that we wont repeat same alley twice.
Straight after, literally straight after our “dinner”… Teammate YG brought us to a place for famous “pig heart soup” and then lastly for almond dessert.
The night ended, really ended with the final dessert, fruit.
* burp *
to be continued...
2nd day @ Tainan
The day started sweetly to have Teammate SM specially prepared a bottle of water for us and not forgetting, more thicker jackets!
He drove us to one of his favorite breakfast shop, Dou Jiang Sao.
Yum Yum Yummy! It was another hearty breakfast!
Can I say again… I love Taiwan breakfast!!!
After that, Teammate SM drove to pick Teammate YG who just ended her morning prayer meeting.
Very sweet of her also brought us thicker jacket.
It was also very nice of Teammate SM’s mum who called Teammate SM just to ask about us - where we were and have we eaten already. Very touched by her move.
First stop - Tainan Confucian Temple
We had some “activities” before we walked around the temple and took some photos.
We then went to the Old Street across the road. We had our first try of “salty ice-cream” where we had some "joke" there.
Check out the flavors ... How will you read it?
At the place we had some finger food too - the lady boss very quickly placed some sticks to our plate. Thank God we were fast even to react if not we may ended by eating and paying more. Haha!
We were also brought to two special café which I suppose if we were on our own, we probably wont be able to find/see.
Next stop - National Museum of Taiwan Literature
We had some fun reading/looking through the history.
Was then also on the phone with Teammate YG’s mum. She was happy and excited that we were in Taiwan and kept asking Teammate YG to take good care of us. We also made a deal that the next Taiwan trip, we will visit her in Hualian.
Next - Sogo Shopping Mall
It was their last day of GTS - Great Taiwan Sales.
A super big mall that after much walking, walking, walking and walking… we only managed to conquer HALF of the mall.
Next stop - "Du Xiao Yue"
A must have when you come Tainan.
Nice combination of their noodles and sauce!
Basically there are food everywhere in Tainan, there supposed to be another nice makan place just across the road but we didn't managed to try cause yet to open.
They then brought us to have another famous, winter melon drink.
A person who don't really like winter melon also find it nice, seriously!
Then we dropped by at Chihkan Tower
We just took some photos before we proceed to the next makan place (oops! eat again?!).
Final stop where we had another famous dish and dessert of Tainan.
After that, Teammate SM drove us back to the hotel before he went back home. We rested while waiting for Teammate JL and her boyfriend WC.
Likewise been 4mths since I last see Teammate JL who I also had been in contact with via facebook and whatsapp… we went crazy when we met! The other person who pressed the bell many timessssss to make known her arrival.
The 3 of us had a good catch up - once we started talking, it seem like we cant stop. You see… it been 4mths since we last catch up. Haha!
We then hopped on Teammate JL’s car to conquer Garden Night Market for the 2nd time. We were really “pampered“… everywhere we go, we have car to travel in.
Personally, I’m already very impressed by Teammate SM’s speed in conquering food at night market on the first night.
Was even blown away by Teammate YG and Teammate JL too on the second night. They have fast legs and hands too.
Without any hesitating, once they see it, they buy it and eat it!
Just before you can finish the packet of food on your hands, they already put another packet of food on your hands. Haha!
But I guess that’s the fun of going night market with friends. Is good to go with friends too - just buy small portion and share around, so with that you can buy and try more varieties.
"pictures speak more delicious than words"...
There are more than just food stalls at the night market.
We also went around shopping.
I hereby declare … … we have conquered the ENTIRE night market!
All thanks to Teammate YG who strategized walking in a way that we wont repeat same alley twice.
Straight after, literally straight after our “dinner”… Teammate YG brought us to a place for famous “pig heart soup” and then lastly for almond dessert.
The night ended, really ended with the final dessert, fruit.
* burp *
to be continued...
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Taiwan Trip - Tainan #1
10 Dec
1st day @ Tainan We successfully arrived at our destination, Tainan.
Met up Teammate YG!!!
Been 4mths since we last met… joy x10 when I met her!
Really appreciate her that despite of her busyness at work, she still came and picked us.
Of course whether Teammate JI, Teammate YG or later Teammate JL, I did told them needn’t come to fetch, we will take our own transport to the hotel but none of them actually take my suggestion. Haha!
Teammate YG left to work after we checked and settled down in the room. She also briefly told us about the surroundings of our hotel, where to eat/shop and how to get to her church for service later.
The moment I have access to wifi, I saw Teammate SM’s msg asking whether have I arrive in Taiwan so then I gave him a call. He was excited but was shocked that we were left “alone” so he immediately offered to bring us around.
He was fast! After the call, he actually reached within 30mins!
Ever since we graduated from SOT, he been one of the overseas teammates who I'm very much in contact with - whether via facebook or whatsapp. So the feeling was awesome to be able to meet him up face to face after 4mths too.
Our packed and fruitful day started after we met up with Teammate SM. His intention was to make our every hour and every minute counts so he was fast in deciding/bringing us from place to place to place and from eating this to drinking that to eating this and drinking that.
Seriously it was really because of Teammate SM that we visited so many places and ate so many varieties of food in just few hours.
First up - we had the first bubble tea in Taiwan!
Nice choice! Think they are friends of Teammate SM too.
We grabbed our drink and off we went to next destination, Tainan’s Gold Coast - the place where we regretted not wearing thicker jacket. Haha!
But seriously I love the view there - basically anything that has clear sea and wide clear sky will interest me and catch my attention.
There are stalls at the side so we also had our many first try.
Rice Blood
Made of chicken’s blood and glutinous rice, difficult to describe the taste. Only can say we don’t quite enjoy it? Haha!
Rice sausage wrapped with Taiwanese sausage
The taste + the sauce = fantastic!
We don’t sit and eat but everything was on the go - eat as you walk.
Next stop - Lin Mou Liang Park
The wind there was strong! Haha!
We walked around, took some photos and left to the next destination.
Up next, a must when you visit to Tainan, AnPing Street.
This was where we get to learn about the stories of AnPing Bean Jelly & MaoQi Black Bean Jelly.
While majority went for the tourists’ choice, we went for the choice of the residents of Tainan. After we tried both, we were on the Tainan residents’ side. Their bean jelly tasted smoother actually - like those “melt in your mouth” kind.
Final stop (for the afternoon), AnPing Old Street which due to the time, we had a quick walk/shop.
Teammate YG called to ask where we were.
Not knowing we were with Teammate SM, she was shocked that we went to so many places.
This made me confirm that truly if not for Teammate SM, we wont be able to go to so many places on our own.
Teammate SM quickly but safely drove us to Great Light Church to meet up with Teammate YG to attend their weekly youth service. We feel young again! Haha!
We were given headset, just in case the pastor preached in dialect but overall ok, can understand his preaching in Chinese. The youth was on fire, very responsive to the pastor’s preaching too.
Though the service was pretty long but overall enjoyed myself.
Was blown away by some of their testimonies too.
Just before we left with Teammate SM who came by to pick us, we met up his mum who shared with us shortly about her health which we did heard a bit from Teammate SM.
I was given the great honor to pray for the mum. I prayed shortly in English then in Chinese - trust me! I was really depending on the Holy Spirit for words. Haha!
Really thank God, He showed up cause usually when I pray in Chinese, my tongue will get twisted and will pray in “parable” but this time I successfully prayed completely and fully in Chinese.
I’m proud of myself too! Haha!
Teammate SM then drove us to Tainan’s famous night market, Garden Night Market for a time of feasting! We literally ate from the moment we reached till the moment we left.
Nothing can stop us, not even the rain! Haha!
Is one thing to watch on television and from the mouth of others about Taiwan’s night market and is another to experience yourself.
Woohoo! Let the pictures do the talking to what we ate that night…
That night, Teammate SM really had a mission - to feed us all the famous and delicious food of Tainan. Haha!
After a solid ~1hr of eating, Teammate SM brought us to have crispy chicky. A must when you come Taiwan so you know what’s the real one compare to Singapore’s. But by then we were too, too full that we can only shared one though he brought each of us one.
The night of “Feasting Mission” ended with a soya bean drink from the famous breakfast/supper place.
That night we were blessed by the very thoughtful family of Teammate SM. Teammate SM knowing we were freezing cold in the day actually brought us more thicker jackets which really helped to warm us!
So for the night, beside our own shirts, we were actually wearing a thick jacket and another thicker jacket of his.
And his mum actually bought each of us a box of pineapple tarts.
to be continued...
1st day @ Tainan We successfully arrived at our destination, Tainan.
Met up Teammate YG!!!
Been 4mths since we last met… joy x10 when I met her!
Really appreciate her that despite of her busyness at work, she still came and picked us.
Of course whether Teammate JI, Teammate YG or later Teammate JL, I did told them needn’t come to fetch, we will take our own transport to the hotel but none of them actually take my suggestion. Haha!
Teammate YG left to work after we checked and settled down in the room. She also briefly told us about the surroundings of our hotel, where to eat/shop and how to get to her church for service later.
The moment I have access to wifi, I saw Teammate SM’s msg asking whether have I arrive in Taiwan so then I gave him a call. He was excited but was shocked that we were left “alone” so he immediately offered to bring us around.
He was fast! After the call, he actually reached within 30mins!
Ever since we graduated from SOT, he been one of the overseas teammates who I'm very much in contact with - whether via facebook or whatsapp. So the feeling was awesome to be able to meet him up face to face after 4mths too.
Our packed and fruitful day started after we met up with Teammate SM. His intention was to make our every hour and every minute counts so he was fast in deciding/bringing us from place to place to place and from eating this to drinking that to eating this and drinking that.
Seriously it was really because of Teammate SM that we visited so many places and ate so many varieties of food in just few hours.
First up - we had the first bubble tea in Taiwan!
Nice choice! Think they are friends of Teammate SM too.
We grabbed our drink and off we went to next destination, Tainan’s Gold Coast - the place where we regretted not wearing thicker jacket. Haha!
But seriously I love the view there - basically anything that has clear sea and wide clear sky will interest me and catch my attention.
There are stalls at the side so we also had our many first try.
Rice Blood
Made of chicken’s blood and glutinous rice, difficult to describe the taste. Only can say we don’t quite enjoy it? Haha!
Rice sausage wrapped with Taiwanese sausage
The taste + the sauce = fantastic!
We don’t sit and eat but everything was on the go - eat as you walk.
Next stop - Lin Mou Liang Park
The wind there was strong! Haha!
We walked around, took some photos and left to the next destination.
Up next, a must when you visit to Tainan, AnPing Street.
This was where we get to learn about the stories of AnPing Bean Jelly & MaoQi Black Bean Jelly.
While majority went for the tourists’ choice, we went for the choice of the residents of Tainan. After we tried both, we were on the Tainan residents’ side. Their bean jelly tasted smoother actually - like those “melt in your mouth” kind.
Final stop (for the afternoon), AnPing Old Street which due to the time, we had a quick walk/shop.
Teammate YG called to ask where we were.
Not knowing we were with Teammate SM, she was shocked that we went to so many places.
This made me confirm that truly if not for Teammate SM, we wont be able to go to so many places on our own.
Teammate SM quickly but safely drove us to Great Light Church to meet up with Teammate YG to attend their weekly youth service. We feel young again! Haha!
We were given headset, just in case the pastor preached in dialect but overall ok, can understand his preaching in Chinese. The youth was on fire, very responsive to the pastor’s preaching too.
Though the service was pretty long but overall enjoyed myself.
Was blown away by some of their testimonies too.
Just before we left with Teammate SM who came by to pick us, we met up his mum who shared with us shortly about her health which we did heard a bit from Teammate SM.
I was given the great honor to pray for the mum. I prayed shortly in English then in Chinese - trust me! I was really depending on the Holy Spirit for words. Haha!
Really thank God, He showed up cause usually when I pray in Chinese, my tongue will get twisted and will pray in “parable” but this time I successfully prayed completely and fully in Chinese.
I’m proud of myself too! Haha!
Teammate SM then drove us to Tainan’s famous night market, Garden Night Market for a time of feasting! We literally ate from the moment we reached till the moment we left.
Nothing can stop us, not even the rain! Haha!
Is one thing to watch on television and from the mouth of others about Taiwan’s night market and is another to experience yourself.
Woohoo! Let the pictures do the talking to what we ate that night…
That night, Teammate SM really had a mission - to feed us all the famous and delicious food of Tainan. Haha!
After a solid ~1hr of eating, Teammate SM brought us to have crispy chicky. A must when you come Taiwan so you know what’s the real one compare to Singapore’s. But by then we were too, too full that we can only shared one though he brought each of us one.
The night of “Feasting Mission” ended with a soya bean drink from the famous breakfast/supper place.
That night we were blessed by the very thoughtful family of Teammate SM. Teammate SM knowing we were freezing cold in the day actually brought us more thicker jackets which really helped to warm us!
So for the night, beside our own shirts, we were actually wearing a thick jacket and another thicker jacket of his.
And his mum actually bought each of us a box of pineapple tarts.
to be continued...
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