Beyond the Blues

Post M writing came the blues. The blues that kept her from penning down the whirlpool of thoughts that were sinking and twirling in the endless pit. She picked herself up and out, by once again remember the advice she gained about two years ago. The true meaning of agape, and then to be honest with oneself.

Doing my body justice, I promise to write within 15 minutes, so as to get ample rest for a new work day tomorrow.

Beyond the blues, life indeed has been hectic. Leading up to her trip back home, she was running on gear six, turbo charged engine to complete the many tasks on her plate... and at the same time juggling the turmoil of emotions within her that were arising from certain things that caused her so much pain. Didn't help to reduce the oxidation potential at all. Looking back, it was only the grace of God that enabled her. Liking this to the different fuel types provided at the petrol station, maybe God's grace was many grades higher than the V-Power fuel supplied by Shell Petrol.

In the midst of all that, she managed to churn out a new year's first production. A pilot of such a production, and also an encouraging experience, just with the King. Once again, taking steps back into the purposes called of her.

Here goes, my latest production:



And.. the long awaited... Chinese New Year!


With two other travelers-in-crime, I went home for a short trip. Good family time... and met up with Alvin and Jace too.

Time was short, but felt like every moment was well spent. No photos of my sister!! Oops.. heehee.

Parents and Grandma :)

Our family and uncle's family. :)

The Princess is now back in wet and rainy Brisbane, and today is the 10th day of the Chinese New Year. Life is starting to pick up pace again. For all that has once been spoken forth about her, she's about to step in to embrace it. It's really scary not knowing what will come. It's fearful, making decisions to honour the King, and risk losing what she really holds dear. But the King has time and again reassured and encouraged her of His Presence with her in this journey. And the King only has good for her.

Yesterday, Monday, was good. In the King's presence during worship at a WAM Theology in Worship workshop, she found herself re-capturing the season in her life that the King touched her the most, and led her to Him. She thought back to the day she received Him into her life, and the life transforming years He's brought her through... and the foundations that He's laid for her.. and the call in her life.

She does not desire many things in her life. But time and again, there are certain things that she wrestles with the King about. And He knows her, and He has even verbally promised her, through the prophetic presbytery and through many affirmations. She walks this journey, growing in faith, and making daily choices... so that she won't look back and find herself having lost too many moments grappling onto the things of this world that has no eternal value... as much as she wants them.

"...I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

- Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

To seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness... and trust that He would provide the rest.

She loves comfort, but shouldn't get too comfortable... because the greatest comfort she can have is from Him who gives Comfort, and the presents that come along with it.

The pages of the book continue to write since the gloomy last chapter. This chapter reveals the warmth in her heart arising from her recent gift from the catalyst. She is as noob as anyone else in the league but that's okay, because the King would paint it for her.

With that, she ends with a thank you to the Giver of Gifts and prepares to enter dream land.

....and this entry eventually didn't take 15 minutes.. but 50 minutes.

Da Jie wedding... trip back home. :)

I'm back in Brisbane! Mixed feelings once again. Was looking forward to getting back at work, knowing the tons of experiments awaiting me. Yet at the same time kinda reluctant to return to a life 'all by myself' again....

Was a well packed trip I had. 姐姐嫁人了！

Morning Preparations.. before the Gatecrash!

Gatecrashing... :)

 

Hee... Happily married! :)

Celebrated Mum's birthday...

Decided to cook up a meal for Mum! Everything cooked by me, except the cake. Haha..

Pre- and Belated Birthday celebration for Bro, Sis, Mum and myself at 黑社会 restaurant.

Surprise visit to my relatives in Muar... Was thankful to be around to visit my unwell aunt in Meleka hospital too... Thank God for speedy recovery... and also very blessed to visit my other aunt who missed me so much....

Few of the places where many of my relatives work... :)

At the Coconut Garden hawker centre.

Mum's side of family. Aunt was so happy to see me she cried...

More food!!

and... more....

Breakfast at Muar Town!

Got my Singaporean driving license.... no photos of course.


Caught up with some buddies... and crazy ones.

Tea catch up with the invisible Eliza... can you see her... hand?

Another Tea catch up with the crazy as ever Andrea... oo, we grew up?

The wanAtutu ppl... a few of them, all moving up in life stages...

And... not to forget the Wushu guys... oh, and MEI LI MAO~~

Jammed packed well spent trip...
Played PS3 Final Fantasy 13 in my spare time..... shopping... sleep... laze with family.. oh, not really that much free time though. Hehehe..

Alrighty, time to sleep now. :)

Home sweet home

I'm home for my sisters wedding! Lots of preparations... Not that much on my end... Just getting my dress.

Had to decide to change dresses the last minute. Still keeping a secret with regards to photos. Will see on that day!

Had lots of mooncakes already. Mooncakes in Brisbane don't taste good. Not sure if it's the quality or company... Mooncakes are to be eaten with family... Makes it taste good. ;)

Photos for now.. Or today.

Goodnight world for now.

Refreshing 1D1N Sydney trip + Ex-Files Promo Video

Physically exhausted and drained.

But I had a great trip.

Impromptu trip.
Had the weekend off from work. Yes - I have to work weekends now.

I needed a breather. Some time to let my emotions take a break, and enjoy the nice air and food of Sydney. It was a very quick trip, definitely not the ideal holiday plan for many of the people I know.

The idea was to leave home (Brisbane) at 5am in the Saturday morning, and return at 1pm on Sunday in time for Sunday church service. A lot of people would not understand why I wouldn't skip a Sunday of church to go for a holiday. Or some would not accept my itinerary plans of rushing back to Brisbane on Sunday (thus forgoing half a day of extra 'self-time'), because of Church.

My answer is very simple. And I found myself giving my colleague, who once asked me the same question, this very answer, "I just choose to put God above all other things in my life."

God has graced my trip to Sydney with an awesome bunch of people. People who love God and loved the time God has given us to enjoy. It was like a very thankful and life giving trip, because we kept discovering the little blessings God has placed in our trip. The prayers that stopped the rain. The buses that came at the right time. The taxi driver who was willing to charge us less. The "lap cheong" shop owner who came to start his shop 2 hours before opening hours just because they knew we wanted to buy something... The timing of every single event, the food we ate, the places we went... God left His fingerprint on all of them.

Adriano Zumbo Patisserie - Macaroons, Chocolate Mousse, and the famous V8 cake (photo credits to Chee)

Not only was it a very refreshing trip, I also walked through the same paths I walked together with Atieno back two years ago... Those faith filled little steps back then.. and my today... I think I'm encouraged, and reminded once again of God's faithfulness... and His abilities to bring His promises to pass.

Relationship with God, is a journey.

My prayer... is that more people develop their relationships with God, knowing He is a trustworthy and promise-keeping God.

There are so many burdens I have to lay down before The Lord. And I'm learning to do them... so I can run faster after Him.

Goodnight world. :)

Oh.. yes, Ex-Files Promo Video... after many late nights and God's grace (I really mean this), it's completed. Be blessed.



Someone came to me after today's church service and told me they almost cried after watching the promo video. That comment really meant a lot to me.... such an encouragement in this season. :)

Beautiful 'Double' Rainbow - His Promises Won't Let Go Of His People

I asked God for a sign. I know He speaks in signs.. and also in a still small voice.
He once told me, to always seek to hear His still small voice, more than I crave signs, 'thunders' or 'lightnings'. He didn't show Himself to Elijah in the storm nor thunders nor winds, etc. He showed Himself in the calm... still small voice.

So, for this thing though, I needed a SIGN. I know I heard, but I needed confirmation.

I asked, for a rainbow. Not just any rainbow... A massive amazing stunning rainbow.

Today, I touched down in Singapore. Nice and hot weather. But then the storm came somehow, some where... I was indoors, I didn't know. But as I was walking towards Yvonne's house, Eliza and I witnessed the beautiful rainbow.

God's Promise to me... again. :)

And my brother saw it in DOUBLE.

Does that mean I was closer to the rainbow? Hehehe... God is good to all who love Him. :) And He loves us more than what we love Him with! :)

Turning a Quarter of a Century

This was my last two weeks. Mama came and celebrated my 25th birthday with me. We had lots of fun, in Brisbane and Hobart.

I was homesick before she came. Am so refreshed! Missing her already, but I'm still happy for all the good time spent!

Now... I'm back to 'work' again...!

Next time home, Chinese New Year!
Can't wait.

Update of the 1st week! God's Awesome Hand!

I came in with the intentions to write about my journey so far in Singapore... but I think I'd make it short... and write about other things instead.

There are photos at the end of this entry, so keep going to the end!!

A. So... Singapore thus far...

I don't feel very much considered a Singaporean at this stage. I AM a Singaporean.. but when I walk around the country, it just makes me think about what I don't know about Singapore..!

There's been so much changes to Singapore over the past year I was away, and I had difficulty making myself around Singapore, and finding out where I am, especially when I'm in a car.

Dad's car got badly hit in a car accident and that's why I'm now having to take public transport wherever I go. Thank God, He protected Daddy fully during the accident. It was a great miracle my dad came out totally unhurt and having to climb out from the other door.... The car was in a horrible condition though.. it's been about 1 month, and they are still fixing it.

Thank the Singapore government for such a wonderful public transport system. I'd say it's like one of the best in the world. Maybe count Hong Kong and Taiwan in too.. I haven't been around the world as much that I can claim I know which country has the best public transport system!

Anyway, some bits and pictures of the Singapore I've touched and tasted.

First Brisbanites gathering @ Chomp Chomp at Serangoon Gardens for supper on 14th Dec 09

Wen Huey, Jun Hao, Jem, Joe, Jerrine, Veon and I.

Dinner @ Maxwell before the 1st Brisbanites LG on Friday 18 Dec 09

Joe, James, Veon and I.

Met up with Eugene, Ying Hao, Shin Yee, Dan and Veon (she came late) for lunch @ Osaka Town in Raffles City Marketplace on Saturday 19 Dec 09

 

Met Mum and Dad for lunch @ Mushroom Pot after service today 20 Dec 09

And then embarked on my first escalator trip up Orchard Central...

 

Scary.... look at the height... that's not all...

Wah!!! Another flight... my legs were already jelly by the time I finished the 1st one.

Finally made it to the top... see my jelly legs?

I guess that's all for the moment... I'll discover more of Singapore next week!

B. God is Real and Working
Our God is not a God that's counting sheep in Heaven, nor is He a God that sits back and allow the world to run on its own. God doesn't sit in Heaven far away and breath in the offerings and worship of men. But God is real and involved in the lives of people - real and upclose.

Why do I say that?

You know, just returning to Singapore has made me simply rejoice when I see the work of God in the lives of my loved ones - family and friends. Friends and family just softening themselves to come to Church and all.... God is good, amen?

In the concerns of time, allow me to just copy and paste (and slightly edit) an email I sent to Judah 6:

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God has been doing so many miracles and moving in the hearts of my friends and family here. My dad finally soften his heart to come with us to Mum's Xmas Evangelistic Lifegroup event!  I'm so thankful for that, please continue to pray with me that Dad will soften his heart further to come to receive the Love that Jesus has for him!

Amazingly, I also wanna share how I visited my Wushu friends back in Singapore and got a chance to stand firm in Christ when they placed me in certain predicaments. A girl who just returned from Europe got me a 'sexually immoral' gift and when I received it, I didn't feel comfortable. But I didn't know how to reject her. So I placed it in my bag. But during supper, I felt God just gently speak to me, and reminding me of how BIG He is and that if I wanna reject the gift, He will definitely help me! After supper, I took out the gift and in front of everyone returned it to her. It seemed like the whole table was kind of 'prepared' that I was going to give it back. And so the girl gave me another gift..!

I really thank God for the favour amongst them. It seemed like they were testing my convictions and had already prepared another gift for me! We can't be sure how the devil  lay traps around for us to step into, but let us be alert!

I thank God for He had earlier prepared me for the event on many ocassions with the verse in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

On the same ocassion, another of my Wushu friend approached me with a box of cigarette and asked me, "So now, cigarette, marijuana, or cigar? Pick your choice." (I wasn't a smoker before.. I think he just wanted to invite me)

I thought for awhile and I believe God was helping me at that time in rejecting it nicely.
I managed a gently and joyful response, "I'd like the Holy Spirit."

That made my friend walk away, lost for words and at the same time, my other wushu friends around me were amazed and impressed by my response and instead of responding with sarcasm, they actually laughed and thought it was a good answer.

God is GOOD! Brothers and sisters, STAND FIRM, be self-controlled and ALERT!

I believe that as we stand firm and by being open about our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, God will open doors for us to plant and water more seeds in the hearts of many ones.

I so love my wushu friends, and I pray that they will come to know the un-ending love that God has for them.... pray with me friends... :)

Through that I managed to invite one of my wushu friend to a Chinese Christian Musical - one of her first time picking up the Bible and reading it, and because she is very bad in English, she has never understood much about the Bible. I really thank God for the opportunity to bring my friend's Chinese Christian outreach Musical and through that so many seeds were planted in her life!

I also found out that God has been making His way slowly into the lives of some of my other Wushu friends.... too much to share. I believe that one day, God will be able to touch the lives of all these friends who had once been such a big part of my life as we continue to pray and be the salt and light in their lives...!

Let us pray for opportunities to share God's love during this time. Let's keep praying for our friends and families.. and for the nations we are in! GOD IS GOOD!

Let God use us in this Xmas festive season as we sieze this opportunity to share God's love with everyone!! Don't shun away from people, but let's GO FORTH with the LIGHT that will shine forth from our hearts! :)

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God is good! 

Let me show ya some photos of Eleen's Church musical program and also the 2 friends I mentioned in the email. One of them is Hai Jiao and the other one is Elvin. There is just too much to type about God's work in the lives of them, and I believe as God makes all things good in His time, I will get a chance to share a whole entry about it! :)

Elvin, Hai Jiao and me waiting for the program to begin. 19 Dec 09

They picked up an NIV Bible and started reading and I got to share the Gospel and many other things with them!

Elvin, Eleen, Brandon and I having supper after the performance @ Bugis

C. The Great Need For God

So many times I could be tempted to just lay back and chill and take this holiday as a break from all responsibilites and commitments I have in Brisbane, whether in work or church. I'll a full-time employed scientific officer in my company, as well as full-time disciple of my Lord Jesus Christ.

And God has reminded me that whether I'm in Singapore or Australia, I'm stll a full-timer in all that He has placed in my hand.

So instead of slacking off, I did pick up the strength and rebuked any slumber or laziness in my life. It was hard work man.. lol. But yes, I made my way to my mum and bro's disciple class on Tuesday, life group on Friday and devotion before Church on Sunday, and also Hope SG! God is good!

Turning up for both disciple class and life group did send many reminders and God spoke to me in both sessions. The encourage from fellow Hope Brisbanites @ LG was so awesome it gave me the strength to stand FIRM when faced with that earlier confrontation (the immoral gift). God is good and as we continue to remain in His goodness, we will walk in the light, and shine forth pure light to many ones around us.

So, some pictures of LG and Church! :)

1st Hope Brisbanites LG on Friday 18 Dec 09.

Very encouraging life group to see everyone!!

Attended Hope SG with other fellow Brisbanites today 20 Dec 09

I believe there's gonna be so much more of what God will do in my trip here. I'm anticipating... as we bring revival to Singapore... and share forth the relevance of Christmas during this season.

Christmas is SO SO RELEVANT to us... Because CHRIST Jesus made it relevant? How so? 

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

- Hebrews 4:14-16

God knows how we feel... There's nothing we are going through that God doesn't understand. Lay down all your burdens to Him....

Because if there is one person who will EVER understand you fully, that is Jesus.
And if there is one person who will ever heal your hurts forever, that is Jesus.
If you're asking, 'Who in the world will ever understand me?" Jesus understands.
And if you are having a problem getting rid of something you can't stop doing yourself, only Jesus can help you.
If you are struggling, stop and let go. Jesus will take care of everything and make it right.

Christmas began because Jesus came to save an give EVERYONE hope.

Jesus cares for YOU and ME.

If there's anyone who would ever care, that is Jesus.

May the Lord bless and touch you this Christmas.

Let's keep praying! And believing... and leave it all to God. GO4GOD!

New Zealand Trip 2009

Hi all, I'm back from nice New Zealand. Hee... it was a great trip, and a great time for me to chill and perk my mind back to 'normal'. And here's a bit of the one week journey I had there... ooh.... I wrote all these while I was there! So I'm just copying and pasting from my word document!!

Sorry.. the formatting may look a little off... because I copied from Microsoft word... which is not good for blogger.. but due to my incompetency in html and programming.. lol... will just have to make do with what I got! At least the pictures are there and showing stuff! Enjoy!!

Alps seen from the plane

25 Oct 2009 - Sunday


Yee ha! We touched down in Christchurch at 2pm (11am at Brisbane). The flight was a placid and peaceful one, and I was reading ‘Destined to Reign’ by Joseph Prince. It spoke to me so deeply in my heart and I felt set free while reading it. As much as there are many controversies regarding Joseph Prince. But it is very right we are saved because of Jesus and we are in this new covenant with Jesus…. Shan’t go into it too much yeah! Here to talk about my trip!! Hee.. I’m halfway through the book, and maybe will finish it when the trip finishes.

So, back to Christchurch… We touched down… It wasn’t as cold as we expected…
We headed through the customs, they were pretty organised as they got us through the customs relatively quickly. Nice… since the worst thing through the customs is long queues..!
We got our car from Ace Car Rentals that were located about 7 minutes from the airport. Wee! It was a Mazda Famila~ nice car!

It was pretty nice to drive in Christchurch… we checked in at Comfort Hotel Carlton Mill, which didn’t look very comfortable… but then again, we got it from the budget website… and to be honest, the bed was pretty comfortable! Wahaha.. 


We had a quick snack at Burger King! Look at Set Yen’s excitement when she saw Burger King! Naw, I made her pose for it.. I was the excited one… after not seeing BK for almost a year now… I was craving my ‘mushroom swiss double’.

Walked into BK…Guess what?!

THERE’S NO MUSHROOM SWISS DOUBLE!!! HOW CAN THAT BE! WHAT BK IS THIS?!?!?!

So… what a flop. But to satiate the hungry stomach, I got myself a double cheeseburger… See what it says?

We then drove around the city… to the arts centre which was closed, then to the cathedral where there seemed to be some choir singing… they finished when we walked in… we went in and looked through the engraving on the walls and decided we shouldn’t take any photos (although there were people taking), I personally didn’t feel the peace ye know? But I shan’t elaborate on that… or go into apologetics in this entry!

Oh well, we walked around the Cathedral Square and were wondering, just where is everybody?!?! So we stumbled upon a Korean goods dealer and he told us that today is a public holiday! Oh no! and everything was closed! Then we remembered, our hotel reception said it was a public holiday weekend… tomorrow (Monday) is labour day! Oh man… did we choose the wrong time to come?

Well anyway, we took some photos…. And then headed back to the motel for a short rest and shower, then went out for dinner again… a buffet seafood dinner sounded great… but it was ULTIMATELY DISAPPOINTING! We walked in and first thing we saw were 90% Asians… and the food, the only seafood there was – mussels, boiled prawns, salad calamari and a Chinese style fish. The variety was horrible, and lesser than Buffet Garden!

It must have been catered for budget tour groups.. so we found what we ate totally not valued for our money. The only thing that tasted right and nice was the mussels, precisely what we should be expecting from the NEW ZEALAND mussels! So I ate plenty… and realised I should stop, else my cholesterol skyrocket again! LOL~ thank God I ran my 3 kms the day before at UQ Sport… wee hee hee..

Anyway, since we were so full, and Set Yen decided she wanted some practice with driving, we went for a drive without a place we wanted to go. It was also great in itself that it was a public holiday so there weren’t very many cars on the road… I think I had a shock of my life and almost wished there was a dual control set of brake pads + accelerator on my side of the car! Phew.. but thank God for MANY CLOSE SHAWS… And we managed to come back to the hotel safely…


I’m back here now, in the ‘not so comfortable’ comfort hotel… writing but there’s no internet connection.

It wasn’t a so perfect day afterall, but it’s alright I’m happy and contented and really thankful for this holiday from God! And I’m sure the trip will get better!!

Imma retire for the night now! NZ TV is better than Aussie TV though…. There was Rush Hour 3 just now, and then now there’s How to Lose a Guy in 10 days.. Hm… naw naw naw… me ain’t wonna do that iight!


Ciao~!!


26 Oct 2009 - Monday
Ya hoo!~

Here I am sitting in settlers motel, the only 5 star motel in Hanmer Springs! Really a great deal cuz we’re paying only about $150 each yet we get a Pamper Package that includes 2 thermal pool entries, ½ hour massage, ½ sauna and ½ hour private thermal spa pool, and a night at any 4 star motel in Hanmer Springs, but we got to stay at the only 5 star motel here! How cool is that?


Set Yen and I drove up from Christchurch this morning. Woo, it was a nice drive, we stopped by at Amberly for brunch at a nice café, there was a 15% surcharge as it was a public holiday. Oh, well… It was pretty cold, but once I put that hot mocha in my mouth, it was slowly soothing the cold away… and the nice breakfast was pleasing to taste! Yeah!

So after an hour of recharging and eating, we headed up north and stopped by Waipara for some wine tasting, Pinot Noir was nice! Wanted to get some but it was so expensive! And the person said they do import to Brisbane, so yeah, might get some back home!
 

So excited to be in a vineyard... my FIRST time!

The drive along the way was awesome. Heaps of sheep and lamb, many cows, and horses! You just gotta look across the plains, and the mountains, and you wonder what those white spots across the greens are. Then you go nearer, ooo, they’re sheep! Sometimes I wonder how the shepherds take care of them, and how they rally in the sheep.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27.

I guess that’s how the shepherd takes care of the flock of sheep! I don’t know! But I see how sheep looks and how they react, they can’t be alone, or else they’ll be lost sheep!

Well… there are really so many sheep in NZ, that’s why people like to mention, “There are more sheep in NZ than humans in Singapore!”

Anwyay… we reached Hanmer Springs around 1pm, walked about… got myself a little sling bag so I can stop ‘bringing my big bag around’….! Stopped by and had some tiptop cookies and cream ice cream, reminded on myself in NZ when I was only thirteen… There was this guy in my tour group who looked like Jin Cheng Wu… wahaha, shan’t go into that now! Wahaha!

Anyway, we soaked in the thermal pools… ooo… sulphur… lol!

We ended the night with dinner at ‘Peppers’, I had an awesome FISH!!
 

And I heard it’s going to snow tonight! Wonder what’s in for tomorrow! Well, gonna sleep now! Goodnight!


27 Oct 2009 - Tuesday


So we woke up this morning. No, there wasn’t any snow. But it was freezing and the mountains we saw yesterday became snow capped mountains. Yes, there was snow, but in the outskirts of town and up the mountains! It, however, rained the whole night though… and even in the morning, freezing!

We couldn’t do water rafting nor jet boat skiing due to the weather, so we had our thermal pool spa brought forward, and since Set Yen wanted to walk around the shops, I reluctantly followed… really don’t like shopping, ya know? But… what to do…?

We had lunch at Powerhouse Café. We were looking around for coffee and didn’t know which shop to go to! There wasn’t very many choices, but we couldn’t find a nice café, so we popped in one of the shops that Set Yen wanted to look at stuff, and the lady said ‘Powerhouse’ is the best in town.

So we went and found Powerhouse. The ambience was great and the place itself looked cosy and comfy. The food, nice design yeah? I guess, it’s not too bad! Having been blessed with so much good breakfast in my life, I wouldn’t classify this café as extraordinary… but it was definitely one I might recommend to people!

We then drove up to Maruia Springs, the place was about 70km from Hanmer Springs, but the journey was a little hard to go, since there were heaps of hills and windy roads, we reached there in about half an hour. It was very unlike what we expected. It wasn’t even a town. It was just a small ‘thermal resort-like’ place along the mountain roads. There was no fuel-station nearby, no shopping centre, basically, just a retreat area… pretty good place to unwind and relax, broken off from the world. The next nearest town is like 20km away… there are no televisions… yes, there’s internet but it costs $5 per hour… so that’s why I didn’t purchase it. Only 1 café in the resort, and 1 restaurant (charged like mad!) but didn’t have a choice cuz we didn’t bring food!


I had my massage first while Set Yen endeavoured the hot springs. We then swapped while she had her massage while I went to the rock pool hot springs, followed by the Japanese bathhouse! Think I spent too long in the springs, or went in too long, I felt dizzy and almost fainted. Quickly made myself lie on the ground flat to let myself remain consciousness! There was no one else in the bathhouse too, which was good in a way… cuz it was a ‘Japanese bathhouse’! Wahaha… if you know what I meant!

When I found my strength, I slowly got up, got dressed.. and made by way back to the hotel and drank lots of water, and laid on the bed for awhile before heading the to restaurant to meet Set Yen. My legs were like jelly and I couldn’t walk properly.. didn’t know if it was the same reason that I felt faint and weak or was it that I was starving and the hot springs just sped up the rate I needed FOOD!

We ordered a Japanese Nabe pot (hotpot), which was pretty tasty… pricy for the place, but we made our calculations and everything else we ate would be equally expensive had we multiplied it by two!

Our nice Nabe Hotpot dinner that I so needed after almost fainting from hot springs...

Full and satiated now, still weak, so I didn’t join Set Yen in the Japanese Bathhouse. Just lying on my bed and blogging, now gonna read my Bible and just sleep well tonight… think I’m pretty exhausted after all that driving and with the ‘near faint’ scenario. Feels like the female lead in a Japanese drama… you know, the girl sits in the hot spring, over spent time in there because she’s over bothered with things, fainted in there… and the male lead comes in and saves her…
Only problem is… there is no male lead neh!

LOL!! Alright, quit my day dreaming and better immerse myself in the WORD OF GOD!! Here I come my beloved Bible!


28 Oct 2009 - Wednesday


So we overslept this morning, cuz my phone ran outta battery.. Thank God we still made it in time for 1 more bath in the Japanese Bathhouse in the nice nice hot spring water… wee hee, this morning’s water was hotter than yesterday! Wee… I had ‘self control’ this time, didn’t over soak.. prevent myself from fainting!

We then checked out and had some tuna sushi and Sakura tea for breakfast. Check out them photos!

We then drove back to Christchurch and the journey was awesome. Stopped by along the way to take some photos of the rivers, it was icy cold! That’s ice water from the mountain melting down into the river.. how fresh and crisp!

We then stopped by a Winery where me got a bottle of Pinot Noir for home. Hee…! Headed back a long journey and hit Amberly once again, young Shannon was feeling hungry again. Well, it was 2pm already! We stopped by another café in Amberly, called ‘Underground – Spoon Café!’

And then went by Christchurch and got us some donuts and bread for breakfast the next morning, as we heard Akaroa was pretty deserted a place!

The road to Akaroa was extremely windy… I think I drift a few times, felt like Initial D! Wahaha… thank God for the protection! We managed to get to Akaroa safely around 5pm. Oh man, can you believe almost 90% of the shops and places were closed? Ya… that’s true, that’s like Brisbane too!

Well, we had a studio cottage in Akaroa Cottages. We saw it online but we got it at a last minute website, so we didn’t think it’ll be as great as the pictures online. But walking into the place, it was like AWESOME! Oh man… there was a little living room, a nice view of the mountains and sea, a fireplace, a kitchen suite and pretty bathroom. To top that off, a queen size bed and also a little porch for the car and tables outside for us to enjoy tea and the scenery. But man, it started drizzling.. and then broke into a rain… and then into a storm and it hasn’t stopped storming but seems to be getting bigger and the windy seems to wanna blow off this cottage! So we couldn’t do anything, but since the shops were also closed, and there didn’t seem to be much activity around town, we stayed in our cottage and had a simple cosy dinner and relaxing time watching the provided DVD, Indiana Jones – Crystal Skull. At least they had a dvd player and TV here!

The storm is huge man…. Our fireplace is so cool! Anyway... Imma be sleeping soon and waking up early for our dolphin swimming tomorrow! I pray for great weather tomorrow for us to get some dolphin swimming! Don’t wanna be freezing in the waters!

Hope to bring y’all some great photos with the dolphins!



29 Oct 2009 - Thursday


So… the storm lasted through the whole night. Awe man, I kept waking up. Had a funny dream too… Dreamt that a friend asked around if we want to watch a movie, so I said I wanted to. And since no one else wanted to watch, he only bought my ticket! Then I ended up feeling so sad, like, why everyone dowan to watch u still buy my ticket and make me watch ALONE?!’
Then I started crying and crying, feeling so lonely and hurt, then the guy felt so sorry he helped me sell the ticket out but no one wanted to buy. Then I remembered I said something,  that I can’t remember what I said. But the words came out as ‘real words’ and Set Yen thought I was speaking to her. So I quickly said, ‘What’s the time now?’ so she won’t be shocked at my sleep talking again.. muwahaha… yes.. I like to sleep talk, but it won’t sound clear!!

Anway, I had another dream… it was weird too. Wahaha… I keep dreaming these nights in NZ! And the dreams are just too funny yo!

So… we woke up but the storm didn’t stop. Was wondering if there was even going to be our dolphin swimming in such weather, so I drove Set Yen to the reception to use their phone and while I was waiting in the car for her, I saw from far away the storm clouds approaching. It was a pretty scary sight. It’s like the streaks in the sky just approaching me at 100km/h! I was sitting in the car thinking, “What if it was going to blow my whole car away?” Or… what if there was a tsunami…?!?!

A couple of droplets hit the windscreen.

Then another….

Then a click hit the windscreen, a loud click. And then more.. and more and more and there was HAILSTORM.

The ice that was falling from the sky were little tiny ice droplets, even smaller than the size of my pinky finger. But it was hitting on the car, while I was in there, and it was SCARY! I was thinking, “How is Set Yen going to get back in here?”

Somehow she did brave the ice storm and got back in the car. Oooh, it was an awesome sight. The hail lasted about 5 minutes and we headed back up to our cottage. There were nice drops of ice all around the place, a pretty sight. Sadly, the dolphin swimming and cruise was cancelled as the sea was too rough and dangerous for us to head out. The hail came again a second round… and we decided to stay in. We made ourselves coffee and tea and continued with breakfast… and the hail came a third time. I can’t remember how many rounds of hail there was, but each time, cuz we were indoor, we just wanted more! The hail was… pretty, pretty! We even caught a nice picture of a rainbow in between the hail! How blessed!

Cold and stepping on ice on the wharf... was careful not to slip and fall into the sea...!

See the hail and the rainbow after the storm.. beautiful....

So we went around Akaroa for a drive… Went around the shops since Set Yen just craves shopping! Ah man… I’m a female but I don’t feel shopping as much as she does! But turns out, I got my bro a nice nice T-shirt. Hee hee…

We had lunch at a café called Bully Harvy? Nice food, but Set Yen was disappointed with hers cuz she didn’t know it was in a broth form. But I personally think it was awesome!

We then had another intial D drive back to Christchurch. Wee.. check out a pose for initial D. I love driving in the countryside! It’s so fun- of course... safely..!!

We went by the French Farm Winery and Set Yen got some wine, while I got a nice postcard to send home!

Then drove all the way back to Christchurch and checked in this hotel – Towers of the Park. It was a 4 star hotel, more than what I expected, since we had a horrible hotel on the first day. Well, this hotel’s got free internet! That’s why y’all saw me online and in facebook. It was amazing I got a work email too regarding autoclave bags.

After we checked in, we got ourselves into Westfield shopping centre and wondered why we entered this when there are so many in Brisbane! And Set Yen even got herself a cup of bubble tea that tasted so horrible. Hm…

Then we headed to the city to do some shopping… oh, I really thought it would be quick shopping… I was done in about 45 min… but I can’t believe Set Yen took about 3 hours…. Argh!!! Why women gotta shop like that? I really don’t know understand women!! And I make myself sound like I’m not one. I am! But, I don’t understand the shopping aspect!

Well… y’all must be thinking ‘that’s why Shannon is like that…’ I just think there’s no point going to 5 shops over a period of 3 hours, looking at every single object in the shop, to end up deciding on 1 item that is about 2-5 bucks cheaper than the rest. Because 3 hours of your time… is worth more than that 2 – 5 bucks iight!

Gotta educate my sisters what shopping is all about man! Lol… although I’m sure they wanna educate ME on what shopping is all about…LOL!

Anyway, we finally settled for a Japanese/Korean restaurant for dinner… it was alright… felt a bit cheated but am too tired to bother now.

There’s also limited wireless internet here.. like a 500MB download quota in this hotel. So gotta scrimp and save oh.. hehe…

Well well.. I’mma go sleep now. Hope tomorrow will be a better day.

I believe God is really pruning me!!! Ah! Ouch! So I better learn.. and learn it fast!



30 Oct 2009 - Friday

I had a great sleep last night. Woke up thrice to hydrate myself with lots of water. The weather turned dry… and it was raining again at night. We had no agenda today, so we just slept till 10 or 11am. It was quite good yeah, we came to relax, and since we didn’t have to check out of the hotel, we just had a lie in!

It was refreshing. I think I was dead exhausted from all that driving. Next time we plan a road trip holiday – better have more than 1 drivers… not just drivers, but drivers who can drive! Wahaha…

Thank God for the dried mangos that kept me awake and alert while driving.. and the amazing initial D roads that I just love them so much! The city roads were all flat and plain.. boring.

We finished our donuts, ate some NZ green kiwis and fruits, and watched a Taiwanese drama – momo love. Wahaha, halfway through we went out and drove to Sumner where there was a nice beach with a pretty natural rock!

We had our brunch in a café called ‘The Rock’ and the logo of it reminded me of Simon Peter, the Rock. Turns out when I asked the waitress why they named their café the Rock, she said, ‘Because there is a rock outside’. Then I asked, what about the cross? She said, ‘There’s a cross on the top of the rock!’

That's how the Cafe sign looked!

Actually I was quite disappointed. I thought the café logo would have gone so well a Bible verse printed below it

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
- Matthew 16:18

I'm in the back of the rock!

Just hittin' the "CHILL" button on the rock.

Took a photo once I climbed up the ROCK!

Worshipping God on the Rock?


Well… we then left Sumner, and headed to New Brighton Beach, but turns out there was nothing there! Disappointing… we got ourselves some random ice cream, ate them in the car while admiring the sea (cuz it was too cold outside). We then drove back to the hotel, rested for awhile until 4.30pm and drove to Willow Bank Wildlife Reserve for the Maori Kotane Kiwi Experience. Was my birthday gift from Set Yen.. Thank you SET YEN!!!

We saw some pretty wild life, saw Kiwis! They were so cute, but too hard to capture photos of… we also had a ‘kiwi’ dinner that was pretty disappointing, but the fish was good! And then we also had the Maori tour around the ‘village’ and it was pretty awesome too! We got to go up and play with one of the toys the Maoris play with to help them be more alert and train them up for warfare.

The Kiwi Dinner - fish + NZ Green Mussels... disappointing again, cuz I thought Kiwi Dinner was something more like.. what the Maori people eat?

Anyway, it was a pretty good experience, I’ll give it a 8 upon 10. After that I dropped Set Yen at the city again since she forgot to buy some stuff. Told her maximum 10 mins, she spent like 20 min… haha… thank God I found a park lot just in front of the shop so I went in to help her make better decisions! Wahaha!!

Well, we’re back in the hotel, packing and resting. Gotta return the car at 11am tomorrow, and fly back to Brissy!

Well, I’ll rate this trip a 7 out of 10 and it would have been much better if the weather was good. New Zealand is also more like a ‘meant for couple/honeymoon’ country… so it would be much better if it was my honeymoon la… wahahhaa~~~
 
I keep having dreams every night… funny ones, weird ones…. Well, hope I get enough rest every night and go back to Brisbane, ready for WORK and LABOUR again!
Hee… can’t wait for Singapore now… but next stop, Canberra for work first!
See y’all tomorrow!! Tata!

All that above was written in New Zealand. So, it's not my up to date 'feelings' and opinions! You can see more pictures on my Facebook! :)

But, it's a great time I had and now I'm back to real work and things to do here. And God has been working in my life so much.. that I'll have another long entry to write... soon. :)

Thanks for reading... may you have a great day ahead!! :)

Luv,
Shannon