I've been swimming a lot lately, including yesterday and today. The weather is somewhat "uncanny" these few days. Normally, I would expect much more rain during the month of December but its been so hot lately and the sun is shining brightly almost everyday. It did rain at night though, that which gave me a good night's sleep. Now my skin is reddish-brown and I had to spread a lot of sunblock on myself today to avoid getting redder.


I have a kinokuniya membership card and 50 dollars worth of Kinokuniya vouchers thanks to my aunt's wonderful Christmas present. I should be appreciative of her kindness and return the favours next time when I have enough money. I want to master Japanese but its getting harder as I learn new verbs, nouns, adjectives and worse of all, the grammar phrases and structure which at times can be very complex. I guess learning any language is not easy.


私は日本語がお上手になりたい。


This will be my last post or second last post of the year. Oh dear, it's already 30th December 2008. New Hopes & Aspirations for the New Year 2009. The coming year is an opportunity for us to see what wonders God can do in our lives. Present each day to him, and let him guide you and fill you with His love.

Today, me and my cousins had a great time at Sentosa! I haven't been there for over a year! There are renovations in many parts of the island but some of the attractions are still present. I can't wait for the new Resort World to be launched in 2010.


Anyway, my father sent 7 of us into the island. We went to the beach first to play. We found a nice shady spot under a palm tree to lay out the picnic mat and put down our belongings. Then, me and my other cousin went swimming in the sea at Tanjong Beach. We played in the turquoise water and threw seaweed and sand at each other. Then, we swam to the southern most island of Sentosa from Tanjong Beach ... The life guard told us that we were not to do so when we reached the other island. That was probably because there were people canoeing around that area but we took that for granted.


After that, we played volleyball and Frisbee at the beach. I brought a pink bucket and spade along and despite rude comments about those items, we ended up building (and destroying) sandcastles.


Then we had lunch at the Koufu FoodCourt where I had some ramen and crispy chicken and iced milo and why am I remembering such trivial stuff. Anyway, we went to take the Sentosa Luge after that. I had a 50% discount on the ticket with my Sentosa Pass. The Skyride and the luge was really fun! But we had to queue up so long just to go for one luge ride .... not to mention, under the sweltering heat of today's sun.


After that, we went to butterfly park and I touched a common tree nymph and it rested on my fingers. We saw many exotic butterflies and creatures and other stuff. I bought a butterfly bookmark as a memento too ... The park hasn't changed that much since I last went there about a year ago.


We sat a crowded Sentosa express back to harborfront and later went to Plaza Singapore to catch a movie called Bedtime Stories. It was fun and enjoyable but not impactful enough for me to remember it clearly. I still feel that Bolt and Yes Man! were better.


I am fairly sunburnt now. I went swimming yesterday already with my friend and more swimming today under the sun has turned my skin red. I'm fine with it because I want to enjoy this precious time I have before I choose my new educational institution next year.


God, Love, humility, prayer and communication solve all problems!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
عيد ميلاد مجيد! Весела Коледа!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
圣诞快乐！聖誕快樂！
Sretan Božić!
Veselé vánoce!
Glædelig jul!
Vrolijk kerstfeest!
Maligayang Pasko!
Hyvää joulua!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Καλά Χριστούγεννα!
חג מולד שמח
क्रिसमस की शुभकामनाएँ!
Selamat Hari Natal!
メリークリスマス！
즐거운 성탄절 되세요!
Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus!
Merry Christmas!
God jul!
Feliz Natal!
Crăciun fericit!
С Рождеством!
Срећан Божић!
Veselé Vianoce!
Vesel božič!
Feliz Navidad!
З Різдвом!
Giáng sinh Vui vẻ!

And a happy new year ...

Christmas is a time to see the world through the eyes of love. It's a time to remember that the world is made up of people like us and to see them for who they are inside. All have problems like we do, but all are special, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Today is Christmas Eve. The year has passed by so quickly. I'm not going to reflect on what has happened this year yet. Mum's friends and my aunt are coming to have a Christmas steamboat dinner at our house tonight.


There are new songs in audition sea. I don't know what to post here now. I'm looking forward to my trip to Sentosa this Saturday. Life is changing and advancing ever so quickly. Sometimes its scary how time passes so fast as we get through life.


Christmas is the season of love because God is the God of love. Minnasan, Merri Kurisumasu Ifu. Christmas Day wa, O tanoshimi ni shite imasu! Ja mata ne!

I've been blogging quite a lot recently. I went out with my cousin today. I was treated to lunch by my aunt and uncle and the lunch was delectable but expensive. Then we went to Kinokuniya and I finally bought my Japanese-English bible! The actual price was about 122 dollars but due to God's help, we managed to borrow a Kinokuniya discount card and I got 20% of the 122 dollar bible. So I ended paying 98 dollars only! My cousin benefited from it too as she was buying another book. Thank God!


We went to Lot One after that and I read my new Japanese bible and my guidebook for quite some time. Then we went to watch "Yes Man" at the cinema and it was a great and funny show. I love the antics. The show was somewhat meaningful but the ending was somewhat abrupt and salacious. However, I feel that Bruce Almighty was more hilarious then this movie.


My sore throat is slightly better but now my nose is like a dripping, clogged pipe. I hate that feeling and I pray that it will go away. There's a silver lining in everything that happens, and in every person too. Challenge yourself with finding it and you'll start to see life in a better light.

I went out with my aunt today. We had a Japanese lunch at Marina Square, after which I bought presents for my parents and cousin for Christmas. Then, we went to watch the musical "Another Crazy Christmas" and it was really fun and entertaining. The vocals, music and atmosphere was thrilling and exhilarating. I think we both enjoyed the 2 hour long show. I liked the part when the actress sang parts of carols with their names from A to Z.


Then I watched some Bruce Almighty at my aunt's place before going for dinner at grandma's house. It was a meaningful day today. I had to use a new pair of contacts because the old one is getting too thin and might tear soon. I couldn't tell the difference between the left eye lens and right eye lens, but since both of my eyes have nearly the same degree, I couldn't feel any difference. I'm having a sore throat right now but its getting better and so is my shoulder! Praise God!


True success can only be achieved in partnership with God.

Today was a really hectic but fun day for me. I went to see the doctor early in the morning due to matters concerning my right shoulder and clavicle. It's much better now and the ache or strain is reduced significantly. He still sent me to take an X ray and the results were normal. I know that God will heal me in time to come but I'm impatient and I really want it to heal quickly...


The hectic part of today was mostly in the morning where I was smsing and calling my friends to come for the Christmas party in the afternoon while walking to and fro from my home to the polyclinic and to the other family clinic. I think I walked more than 4km in total this morning.


Only one friend managed to come though because the rest were either busy, saved or were too lazy to come. But that's okay because I know I've impacted them somehow.


We had fun at the party. We played some games around the place. We sang songs. We exchanged gifts. We ate and ate and drank and now I have a slight sore throat because of all the barbecued stuff. It was a great time of chatting and fellowship. I thank God for such friends beside me.


Time to sleep. It's late. A contented man is one who enjoys the scenery along the detour.

I just returned home from camp today. I believe all of us had a great encounter with God and we are ready to be radical for him! After hearing the testimonies shared, and experiencing the wonderful presence of God during worship, I really want to get into a more intimate relationship with him. I want God to guide me in each step of my life and to help me make the right decisions.


The games during camp were excellent and each game taught us a lesson. We learnt to respect our leaders, not to fall into temptation, to realise our strengths and weaknesses, to coordinate effectively and uphold one another, and to obey the Word of God and put it into good use. We learnt to bring a friend and connect a friend, to see a need and meet a need and to see a potential and develop that potential.


I realised during this camp that I have to really be sincere in my time along with God and to do my best to seek him and communicate with him. I have to make radical decisions in the near and far future. I need to pray over this matter because I really need God's security. I need to look forward and just go.


I'm also thankful to my Youth Pastor Gary for leading us throughout these 2 years and seeing explosive growth in the youth ministry to about 800 people in both districts. I believe that in 2009, this figure will exceed a 1000. I really need to care and connect with those who have yet to experience God's love and press on in prayer for them.


Never hesitate to trust the unknown future to a great God. We never know what's going to happen tomorrow. But with God, all things are possible!

Tomorrow morning will be the start of Church Camp. I hope to be changed for the better for the next 4 days. I pray that there will be good weather, great growth in the ministry, God's intervention throughout the 4 days of camp and also a safe, fruitful trip to our campsite.

Ashita no asa wa "Church Camp" no hajimari desu. Watashi no negai wa, tsugi no 4 nichi ni, mainnichi o tanoshimi, mainnichi ni atarashii no mono o manabimasu. Sono Camp wa, Watashitachi to Kami ishouni wa anzen ni shinakereba naranai.

Put your hand into God's, trust him to lead you, and you will never be disappointed.

今日、私はシンガポール芸術美術館に行った.

私は日本の芸術祭ショーケースのために行った.

Raishuu no Getsuyoubi wa "Radekeru" kanpu no hi.

次の月曜日ラディカルキャンプです！
O tanoshimi ni shite imasu! 楽しみにしてんだよ！내가 기대하고 있어요!

Today was fun. I went out with friends to watch a movie at Orchard Cathay Cine leisure. We watched Bolt, which is a show about a dog who acts for a TV series featuring him and a girl, where they go about rescuing people and carrying out missions. Then the dog got lost and went on a long journey of "self discovery" along with a sleek (slick) cat and an ambitious hamster. And blah blah. It was very nice and touching movie, along with the hilarious scenes, I give this movie 5 stars.


We went to Takashimaya again and I bought another Japanese guidebook. I'm making good progress in my learning. I have to eat dinner soon. You can only make one success of yourself, but you can help make many successes by inspiring and encouraging others.

I went swimming in the morning.
I went to town later, to takashimaya again.
I went to Kinokuniya again.
I ate Omelette with Rice. It was delectable.
We walked around orchard road and the shopping malls there.
Then, I watched a movie (Four Christmases) with my friend. It was a short but nice movie.
I was happy but quite exhausted when I reached home.

私は午前中に泳ぎに行った。
私の町に、再び高島屋に行った。
私は紀伊国屋に再度行った。
私はライス長官とのオムレツを食べた。それおいしいされた。
私たちの周りを歩いてオーチャードロードのショッピングモールがある。
それから、私は私の友達と一緒に映画（ 4つのクリスマス）を見守った。
これは短いが、いい映画だった。
私はとても幸せだった家庭に達したときに疲れきっている。

Not the perfect translation. I hope it's right. Let's brighten the day (or night) with the sunshine of thanks! おかげでその日の日差しと（または夜）を明るくする！

It's already Thursday. Time flies. A lot of things happened tonight, mostly due to text messaging on my mobile. I haven't text messaged this much in a long time. I need to help someone, I need to get the attention of busy peers, I need to learn more Japanese.


I went out on tuesday to meet my friend. We had a nice chat at the Coffee Hub at Takashimaya. I browsed at Japanese guidebooks. We talked about our lives. I chatted about the trip to Korea and gave him some souvenirs from my family tour there...


I have to organise my holiday time wisely. What a joke it may seems! No it's not. I really think I need to. I'm addicted to manga and anime, I have not tried going without watching or reading them daily when I'm in Singapore. I get carried away online sometimes and end up spending so much time doing unessential things.


人生美しいですが、疲れる. いろいろのことが起こった ... けど、私は行き続ける必要がある. God likes to bless and use those who aren't confident in themselves, and who know they need him. He can't help those who don't even desire his help. 神を祝福し、自分に自信を持っていない人は、使用して、彼の必要性を知っている人が好きだ。彼も彼の助け欲望しない人に役立つことはできません。

We just returned from Korea tonight. It was a fun and exciting vacation but tiring nonetheless. I have a right shoulder ache and my lips have peeled. I hope I do get better soon though. I learnt more Japanese than Korean on the trip there because I brought my guidebook and translator, and there were many Japanese brochures there. I want to go to Japan for our next vacation but its much more costly so we have to save up.


The trip to Korea from Singapore took about 6 hours. We boarded Korean Air at night and left for the Incheon International Airport. Our tour group consisted of 36 people, excluding our tour guide who met us in Korea, our tour coordinator and our tour assistant. They were a great help in making the whole tour a success. Their jokes really lifted our spirits and transformed mundane bus rides into meaningful sessions of fun and laughter.


We went to Everland Amusement Park on the first day of our trip, after the plane arrived. We had fun with the rides there, including a water raft ride and a 3D image simulator with physical effects. We had lunch there and then boarded another plane headed for Jeju island (via a domestic flight), where we spent 2 days exploring the area.


We travelled on the "mysterious road", in which the bus moved uphill with the engine off and moved with increasing acceleration as the road got steeper. I don't understand the reason either. We also explored the physical landscape of the area and went to some bear museum and a lot of other attractions in the island. We also learnt about the past traditions of the Jeju islanders in a civilisation museum and in an old village there which is now a tourist hot spot. We were entertained by the tourist guides there too.


We left Jeju on the 3rd day of our stay in Korea and headed towards the coldest part of South Korea, where we would go skiing. the place was called Yongpyong if I'm not wrong. It was the first time I've ever skied and it was great fun but I had difficulty stopping, especially when I launched down from a steep slope. There were regular skiers and snowboarders there and they were excellent in their skiing skills. I really envy them ... well somewhat.


The next day, I saw snow for the first time in my life. The temperature was below 0 degrees at night. My hands were really cold when I was outside skiing. We were really lucky on the 5th day. We saw a wide landscape of coniferous and deciduous trees with leaves covered in snow. It had snowed heavily on the 4th night of our stay, It was still snowing in the morning and the scenery was simply breathtaking for someone like me who has not seen snow in my entire life. Photos were taken. There are so many things I would like to describe and explain but either I can't remember them well or they just slip past my mind after each time I recall them.


We went to Lotte world too before skiing. We took the Sindbad ride and it was thrilling. We sat on the train which circled lotteworld and it was not thrilling ... but the ride was worth it as we had a bird's eye view of the entire theme park. Then, I sat on the viking ship and the going down made my lower abdomen tremble in weakness. We sat on the merry go round next and it was boring but still, just for the experience, I didn't mind.


From day 5 to day 8, we visited various places of interests such as the presidential area in Seoul, Nami Island (Where winter sonata was filmed), some huge park, some huge temple area, the night markets and shopping streets and shopping centres in Seoul and many other places which I can remember briefly but can't express well in words. But I really can't remember all the names and details of the places we visited.


Concerning shopping, we bought many souvenirs. Dad spent a bomb on the Ginseng tea for me and mum. It cost nearly a thousand dollars just for 6 tubs of ginseng. I was shocked at the price. Mum bought some facial stuff. There was complimentary kimchi from the kimchi school we went too. We bought seaweed back. There were tipping and photography costs too.


We also got the opportunity to try on traditional Korean costumes and had our photos taken in them. I will probably upload one or two photos next time because its past 1am now and there's no way dad can upload the 100s of photos taken during our 8 day trip.


I need to sleep soon. Perhaps the most disappointing thing about the trip was the food. We had 2 Chinese meals there and 2 intercontinental breakfast meals, and these were probably the best meals we had there, in my opinion. Korean food does not suit my taste and my family's taste. I do not fancy kimchi at all. We had seaweed soup everyday, and at times with either pork or chicken hot plate or steamboat. The food isn't that bad. The stone pot rice was delicious but not good enough. I can safely say that Singaporean food is at least twice, no three times better than Korean food. I give the food there a 6.5/10, but I'm no judge because "one man's meat is another man's poison."


During one of our dinners, we had seafood. They served live sea urchins, scallops and oysters. No one dared to eat the sea urchin which was moving. Then they bought an octopus out and everyone shrieked. I held the octopus using a stick while the tour assistant took a photograph. The tentacles were still moving (just like a lizard's tail), when they were cut off. It was disgustingly exciting.


Overall, I think this was a great trip. We all enjoyed ourselves tremendously and I made new friends as well. We had to save up for the next trip. We (excluding me) spent a lot on this vacation. I thank God for our save return home and for blessing us throughout this vacation and for providing us with enough money and sustenance to live our lives happily and purposefully.


Every unseen act of love and kindness will be rewarded openly in Heaven.