One of the gifts which I have received this Christmas was a macro lens for Evie (Thanks, Uncle Kenny!) and I was very keen on trying it out.
I haven't gotten as much time as I'd like to explore with it (busy, busy, busy!) but here are some of the shots I've taken.
I haven't gotten as much time as I'd like to explore with it (busy, busy, busy!) but here are some of the shots I've taken.
I have not only enjoyed seeing the world up close, but I am seeing it with fresh eyes and new perspective.
The amount of detail that my Creator places in His creation has amazed me and it continues to astound me.
My God is awesome.
I was put on the task to arrange this year's Christmas Eve dinner with my family.
So, Evie was hard at work - delivering the invitations, confirming everyone's availability and keeping track of it all.
After the luncheon with The Muncheros, we primped up, dressed up and headed out for dinner.
I only managed to take pictures of our appetizer before the evening sun was curtained by a prussian blue hue all across the sky.
After a hearty meal, we proceeded to the Little Uncle's home; where there was dimmed lighting, sparkly lights on a Chrissie tree, wine, Christmas carols gently playing in the background, presents and most importantly, family, my family.
I went home that night with a full stomach and a bursting heart.
So, Evie was hard at work - delivering the invitations, confirming everyone's availability and keeping track of it all.
After the luncheon with The Muncheros, we primped up, dressed up and headed out for dinner.
Dinner with a view. |
Best satay on the planet. |
I only managed to take pictures of our appetizer before the evening sun was curtained by a prussian blue hue all across the sky.
After a hearty meal, we proceeded to the Little Uncle's home; where there was dimmed lighting, sparkly lights on a Chrissie tree, wine, Christmas carols gently playing in the background, presents and most importantly, family, my family.
I went home that night with a full stomach and a bursting heart.
The Little Uncle's Christmas tree. |
The Muncheros and I have been planning for this day for quite a bit before I reached the shores of Penang.
I've been away for 1.5 months and we were all looking forward to be reunited with each other over the holiday season.
We decided on having a luncheon at my place on Christmas Eve, a day where ALL of us were supposedly able to make it. (Joa Wee, if you're reading this, you missed out on a lot... food-wise, stories-wise. :p)
We were one man (and one girl) down, but... as the arts people always say, "The show must go on."
And, went on it did.
The boys were trading girl secrets and us girls were busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen. And when we all gathered at the table, it was exactly as it should be - conversations going round the table, plenty of laughter and a spread of good food.
I've been away for 1.5 months and we were all looking forward to be reunited with each other over the holiday season.
We decided on having a luncheon at my place on Christmas Eve, a day where ALL of us were supposedly able to make it. (Joa Wee, if you're reading this, you missed out on a lot... food-wise, stories-wise. :p)
We were one man (and one girl) down, but... as the arts people always say, "The show must go on."
And, went on it did.
The boys were trading girl secrets and us girls were busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen. And when we all gathered at the table, it was exactly as it should be - conversations going round the table, plenty of laughter and a spread of good food.
Top to bottom, from L to R: Aglio Olio | Whipped Potatoes | French Beans with Shitake Mushrooms | Rosemary and Thyme Roast Chicken |
Customary group shot. |
(P/S: If you look closer, there's a soft toy perched on Samuel's (the
guy in yellow stripes) arm. We did miss your presence, Joa Wee. Next
time we meet up, you're doing the dishes. :p)
With that, just another year has passed; 2012 is almost a wrap.
It has been a year of meaningful transitions, challenging days, happy news and through it all, I am most grateful to Him first, and for my family, a very close second.
It has been a year of meaningful transitions, challenging days, happy news and through it all, I am most grateful to Him first, and for my family, a very close second.
Scratch that.
AutoCorrect struck.
Because, the little boo-boo happened two months ago, and I was on a blogging break then, remember?
But, it still managed to sneak a chuckle out of me when I looked at the screenshot a little while ago.
AutoCorrect struck.
Because, the little boo-boo happened two months ago, and I was on a blogging break then, remember?
But, it still managed to sneak a chuckle out of me when I looked at the screenshot a little while ago.
I don't mind the grocery shopping, the trip to the wet market, the cooking and even the cooking preparation (which takes up the bulk of any cooking attempt).
However, I loathe cleaning up after. I despise doing the dishes. That's not news. Everybody knows that if I do volunteer to clean up after and do the dishes, it's not because I want to, but because I'm inclined to be nice (or it is The Day - the day that I got a pet unicorn. DON'T laugh. I'm working on getting one.).
Over the years, I have tried various methods to skirt away from the dreaded chore by pretending to be busy, conning my sister into it by giving her something of mine that she has had her eye on and threatening to tell on her (VERY effective!).
But today, I have discovered that all my cheeky and deceitful means to avoid the dishes pales in comparison to this:
P/S: If my child ever throws this sort of tantrum or whining, I will put him/her over my knee and give him/her a good hiding.
However, I loathe cleaning up after. I despise doing the dishes. That's not news. Everybody knows that if I do volunteer to clean up after and do the dishes, it's not because I want to, but because I'm inclined to be nice (or it is The Day - the day that I got a pet unicorn. DON'T laugh. I'm working on getting one.).
Over the years, I have tried various methods to skirt away from the dreaded chore by pretending to be busy, conning my sister into it by giving her something of mine that she has had her eye on and threatening to tell on her (VERY effective!).
But today, I have discovered that all my cheeky and deceitful means to avoid the dishes pales in comparison to this:
P/S: If my child ever throws this sort of tantrum or whining, I will put him/her over my knee and give him/her a good hiding.
[Source: Huffington Post]
It reads,
Jack,
You are my best friend.
We had fun together.
I will miss you.
I will talk to you in my prayers.
I love you, Jack.
Love,
John
='(
My heart is so broken.
Remembering the families and friends of the Sandy Hook victims and covering them in prayer.
I love the holiday season.
I love making gift tags, I love doing elaborate gift-wrapping and I love Christmas carols (I compiled a Christmas Cheer playlist late in November and it has been on loop since December the First.).
And, I love that the holiday season calls for generous giving; especially when it is in the form of cute cupcakes delivered right to your office's doorstep.
I love making gift tags, I love doing elaborate gift-wrapping and I love Christmas carols (I compiled a Christmas Cheer playlist late in November and it has been on loop since December the First.).
And, I love that the holiday season calls for generous giving; especially when it is in the form of cute cupcakes delivered right to your office's doorstep.
Tis' the season to be jolly, indeed...
I must have watched both videos for more than five times (each!), and I am still wiping away tears of laughter...
Note to self: Never give any of the names mentioned in both videos to my future unborn children. There is a very high possibility for me to rot in an old folks home when I am senile, as payback for the humiliation they will receive for their entire lives.
"Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected."
William Plomer
Misty-eyed and red-nosed when the eight-minute video was over.
This was my take on having children five days ago.
But today, after reading *this* article, followed by *this* article, I take it back; I take it ALL back (Okay, fine, only the part about wanting a baby. The Jackman part can remain.).
It would be a tragedy to bring a child into a world populated by such persons.
But today, after reading *this* article, followed by *this* article, I take it back; I take it ALL back (Okay, fine, only the part about wanting a baby. The Jackman part can remain.).
It would be a tragedy to bring a child into a world populated by such persons.
I read the novel by Victor Hugo years ago. And, one of the items on my Bucket List is to watch Les Mis on Broadway someday, God willing.
Which is why, when I discovered that there will be a film adaptation of it, my heart leaped for joy and soared to the skies - No trampoline necessary.
Never have I been so moved by a trailer before in my life... Christmas couldn't come soon enough...
May 4th, 2012
Dearest Angeline,
After being your sister for 15++ years, this is my first letter to you and it is worth the wait because you are now at the age where we can finally share to one another and communicate on a more mature and intimate level.
The events that transpired during the past two weeks when I was back home weren't easy to watch and it was certainly a blow to my heart to watch you go through all that.
I may not be the best person to talk to when it comes to relationships (I am still figuring out many many things in life, love being one of them) but I want you to know this truth: God has the best in store for you. And, that man will represent as close and as much as he can be (to the degree that he allows and is willing for God to work on his heart and life) to our Heavenly Father - He will be your protector, your lover and the man of your life. He will lead, love and cherish you - and he will never break your heart intentionally.
Never ever settle for second best. Never give in just because your emotions are running on high at the moment.
You are precious to me. There's no one who could love me as an elder sister more than you and I want you to know that I love you just as much, and more.
I am praying daily for God to heal your heart and mend all the brokenness; to restore you completely that you will not be afraid to love again and open up yourself to another person, but only when the time is right.
Draw close to God, our Heavenly Father. Live in His love daily. Read the Bible, it is the best guide to life that there is. And, always always remember that you are loved and your life is celebrated, every single day.
Love you,
Jie Jie.
From L to R, top to bottom: Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup // Crisp Skin Norwegian Salmon Fillet on Mushroom and Leek Risotto //Tiramisu // Creme Brulee
I have not been updating this space for the longest time.
Two days short of four months, to be exact. And, I haven't been writing
consistently for months prior to this hiatus either.
I stopped writing not for the lack of happenings in my life, but for the overabundance of it. I realised that I wanted - needed, in fact - to take things in as they come and let them be as they pass; that it was fine and alright to let some things be just for me.
So, monumental transitions and happy news for the past six months...
First row (L to R): Last night with my bestie who did her final semester in the land of scones and tea // Last ladies cake (inside joke) hangout session with Dee Dee, who is continuing her degree Down Under // First (which has now become the unofficial tradition - an oxymoron, I know) very successful dinner party The Muncheros had at my place.
Second row (L to R): Preaching engagement at GCC, SP - First time ministering outside of my home church. Message title was 'One Life, One God' // November 8th, 2012 - Final all-nighter. The end of life as a student // Time off in Singapore with my family.
Third row (L to R): November 19th, 2012 - Began my internship at HELLO! magazine // Learned that my little sunshine is little no longer, she's becoming a big sister in 6.5 months time // A dear friend (and fellow blogger) had her first child - A baby boy. Can't wait to see him soon enough.
Granted, there are several other things which have been and are going on, but I'll save them for later... Maybe in another four (or six?) months time... ;)
I stopped writing not for the lack of happenings in my life, but for the overabundance of it. I realised that I wanted - needed, in fact - to take things in as they come and let them be as they pass; that it was fine and alright to let some things be just for me.
So, monumental transitions and happy news for the past six months...
First row (L to R): Last night with my bestie who did her final semester in the land of scones and tea // Last ladies cake (inside joke) hangout session with Dee Dee, who is continuing her degree Down Under // First (which has now become the unofficial tradition - an oxymoron, I know) very successful dinner party The Muncheros had at my place.
Second row (L to R): Preaching engagement at GCC, SP - First time ministering outside of my home church. Message title was 'One Life, One God' // November 8th, 2012 - Final all-nighter. The end of life as a student // Time off in Singapore with my family.
Third row (L to R): November 19th, 2012 - Began my internship at HELLO! magazine // Learned that my little sunshine is little no longer, she's becoming a big sister in 6.5 months time // A dear friend (and fellow blogger) had her first child - A baby boy. Can't wait to see him soon enough.
Granted, there are several other things which have been and are going on, but I'll save them for later... Maybe in another four (or six?) months time... ;)