I have been intending to review 2009 for myself for some time. But as it would have it, I haven't been reaching home earlier than 12 midnight for 3 of the past 5 days; and of the days I did, there was too much work to be done or I was just simply too tired. And now, with the CMPS report, I guess that'd have to wait till after Monday, when hopefully I'd get a bit of a breather.
Daily for the past week, there would be 2 pages reviewing a particular aspect in the past decade. I'm wondering whether I should make such an attempt to. A decade ago, I was 11, in primary 5. Certainly, many many things have changed since then. Many experiences, and I'm inclined to think there're many more good than bad ones. God has been extremely gracious and good. I always thought that if I were to sit down and count God's blessings within a year, it would already take forever, if I even remember all of them; what more a decade, or a lifetime? (:
At this point of time, I would just like to express my deepest appreciation and thanks to all those who have given me lifts home for the past year. With the start of clinicals, many of my friends and classmates have started to drive. I'm always very thankful and touched when many of them offer to give me a lift all the way to my doorstep even when it's already past midnight, or to somewhere I need to go. It really demonstrates the love that they have for me and my other friends. It's not as if all of us live within close proximity of one another. Twice in the past 4 days, 2 of my choir friends have ferried 4-5 people who lived in different parts of Singapore. And it's not even on their way home. By the time they reached home, it would already be past 1am. Yet they do so willingly. Thank you so much. (: If I ever get a car, (after I get my license, hopefully next year), I would reciprocate this love I have been shown. You can hold me to my word.
Going for watchnight service and countdown in a while. For the first time in many years, I have not made a concrete decision whether to go out for supper after countdown, or even stayover at someone's place. For the past few years, I would have more than made up my mind days in advance that I'm only going to reach home in the late morning of 1st January. Is it age catching up with me? The desire just to have some time on my own at home? Not wanting to have to hang out with a large group of people? Is it to accompany my mum, who had spent many of the past new-years on her way home alone because my sister and I would be out with friends? Or just the thirst for a good night's sleep of more than 6 hours in the comfort of my own bed? I don't really know, it could probably be many or all of the above. But certainly, there is an element of fatigue setting in. Can't wait to finish my CMPS report (which is due Monday), it seems to be the only thing on my mind nowadays (besides CHP), since tomorrow would already be Friday.
To end off, would just like to quote Dr. Ang Peng Tiam, who wrote the following words in his column in the Straits Times supplement, Mind Your Body:
"Everyman wants to take control of his life. But the truth is, you are not in control. I , as your doctor, am not in control either. Someone else is in control - a higher being."
This patient [with recurrent breast cancer] is still very much alive today - a living miracle, full of vitality and purpose in life.
My silent prayer is that, by God's grace, the miracle will repeat itself. As we approach the new year, we are reminded that there is hope even in despair, light in darkness, and, as a doctor, even though I have no control over my patients' destiny, I can be a vessel of peace.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
For One More Day
You may not believe it anyhow.
But ask yourself this: Have you ever lost someone you love and wanted one more conversation, one more chance to make up for the time when you thought they would be here forever? If so, then you know you can go your whole life collecting days, and none will outweigh the one you wish you had back.
What if you got it back?
Another one of Mitch Albom's books. Don't really have much to say about it, having read Five People You Meet in Heaven and Tuesdays with Morrie not too long ago. Personally there wasn't anything fresh within the book which appealed to me. Hopefully, Have a Little Faith would have something new to offer.
But ask yourself this: Have you ever lost someone you love and wanted one more conversation, one more chance to make up for the time when you thought they would be here forever? If so, then you know you can go your whole life collecting days, and none will outweigh the one you wish you had back.
What if you got it back?
Another one of Mitch Albom's books. Don't really have much to say about it, having read Five People You Meet in Heaven and Tuesdays with Morrie not too long ago. Personally there wasn't anything fresh within the book which appealed to me. Hopefully, Have a Little Faith would have something new to offer.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Till we meet again
This is a back-dated post which I kept in my phone until now.
"For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:22
This worse kept going through my mind when I was on the bus returning from the crematorium. Perhaps because it is one of my favourite pieces in Handel's Messiah, but because the truth and reassurance that there is life after death through Christ comforts me. A friend asked me, "After all this has happened, do you still believe there is a God?"
I think this is a question that a lot of people have on their minds, one which challenges Christians to respond, maybe one which 'justifies' people's disbelief in Christianity. And though I believe one must broach some theology in response to this question, I doubt it is the most appropriate response at a time when one is in grief.
For God is love, and through this all, I have seen love. Love from her parents and brothers, friends, classmates, even people who hardly know her, but were willing to pray for her, to come together to do something for her. I may never know why God allowed her to go through such suffering. But what I do know is that I saw love. I saw God in His glory through these circumstances. Detractors who think that God is narcissistic and sadistic know only half the story. They don't know that in the advent of the new heaven and earth, my dear friend, with all the believers before and after her, will share this glory with Christ. Not to mention that God, the creator, being love, deserves all this glory, for the truth that He is God in the first place.
I wept, more because I felt the grief and sorrow of her loved ones. Because I lost someone who loved me dearly. Even though our time together as classmates, as friends, was short, you have touched me with your love. I saw Christ living in you.
Why would someone cling onto something so dearly if it were merely a farce? One might say many cling on to ideologies to their deaths. There can only be 2 conclusion: One being that a person can be so crazy, deluded and mistaken; Second being it is the truth. I believe that every person who comes to the Lord has to examine the evidence and truth by himself. But this fact in itself should be worth anyone's time and attention exploring, why millions in the world hold on so tightly to this person called Jesus, even in suffering.
Thank you for your friendship, company, laughter and everything you've ever done for me.
Thank you for loving me.
Till we meet again. (:
"For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:22
This worse kept going through my mind when I was on the bus returning from the crematorium. Perhaps because it is one of my favourite pieces in Handel's Messiah, but because the truth and reassurance that there is life after death through Christ comforts me. A friend asked me, "After all this has happened, do you still believe there is a God?"
I think this is a question that a lot of people have on their minds, one which challenges Christians to respond, maybe one which 'justifies' people's disbelief in Christianity. And though I believe one must broach some theology in response to this question, I doubt it is the most appropriate response at a time when one is in grief.
For God is love, and through this all, I have seen love. Love from her parents and brothers, friends, classmates, even people who hardly know her, but were willing to pray for her, to come together to do something for her. I may never know why God allowed her to go through such suffering. But what I do know is that I saw love. I saw God in His glory through these circumstances. Detractors who think that God is narcissistic and sadistic know only half the story. They don't know that in the advent of the new heaven and earth, my dear friend, with all the believers before and after her, will share this glory with Christ. Not to mention that God, the creator, being love, deserves all this glory, for the truth that He is God in the first place.
I wept, more because I felt the grief and sorrow of her loved ones. Because I lost someone who loved me dearly. Even though our time together as classmates, as friends, was short, you have touched me with your love. I saw Christ living in you.
Why would someone cling onto something so dearly if it were merely a farce? One might say many cling on to ideologies to their deaths. There can only be 2 conclusion: One being that a person can be so crazy, deluded and mistaken; Second being it is the truth. I believe that every person who comes to the Lord has to examine the evidence and truth by himself. But this fact in itself should be worth anyone's time and attention exploring, why millions in the world hold on so tightly to this person called Jesus, even in suffering.
Thank you for your friendship, company, laughter and everything you've ever done for me.
Thank you for loving me.
Till we meet again. (:
Friday, December 25, 2009
A Very Different Christmas
"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ~ Isaiah 9:6
This year's Christmas period has been a very different one for many reasons. First of all, I think it's the first time that there's only ONE miserable week of break in between postings. While I know I shouldn't be complaining because the millions of people who are out there working only has one day, I'm still a student so I guess I should still erm.. get longer breaks? Okay. That was a weak argument.
Secondly, I don't think I had ever been this busy for the previous years. For once, I have to concede that handling tuition, carolling with Hwa Chong Voices, Jubilate (Church youth choir) and the programme for church Christmas service, with even the limited CHP Lit-Review stuff, all within the course of one week, is no mean feat. Not to mention the CMPS report which is due real soon and which I've not started on. Some may say that it's my own fault for saying 'yes' to so many things, so I shouldn't be complaining. For those out there who are concerned, I thank you for the encouraging sms-es and words that you've given me. It's really greatly appreciated. (: Although all of these had been physically and mentally tiring, they gave me an immense amount of joy. God's grace has sustained me thus far, and all glory goes to Him. However, maybe it's time for me to consider not taking up so many things for next year, to give myself some respite and rest. But then again, I say this every year. Well, we'll see. Till then.. (:
However, the week hasn't been all 'work'-related. Caught up with a sister in church who returned from overseas studies for a short while and couple of JC classmates. Great times of catching up. It's always refreshing to meet up with friends you haven't seen for some time and talk about anything under the sun. The connection's just amazing, and I always bid them goodbye fulfilled.
Thirdly, the loss of a dear sister, classmate and friend has brought additional meaning to this Christmas. The truth that a living God came to this world to die for dying people so that they may live for eternity amazes me once again. It is the hope that Christmas brings that assures me that I will meet her again in future.
No matter how much the Christmas period may change/vary for me year to year, one thing never changes: The real significance of Christmas.
"Christmas isn't Christmas till it happens in your heart
Somewhere deep inside you, is where Christmas really starts
So give your heart to Jesus, you'll discover when you do
That it's Christmas, really Christmas, for you"
-----------------------------------------
On a separate note, I would like to say a great thank you to all those who wrote me cards and gave me presents. Just your luck to have a bo xim friend like me, who didn't write any card or buy anybody any presents this year. For those who have been writing me cards every year without fail, a huge sorry that it's been pretty much one-way the past years. I may not be able to reciprocate your love in cash (i.e. gifts) or in kind (i.e. cards), but I really appreciate it very much, from the bottom of my heart. <3
P.S. Nobody is interested in any of the events in the previous post? ):
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ~ Isaiah 9:6
This year's Christmas period has been a very different one for many reasons. First of all, I think it's the first time that there's only ONE miserable week of break in between postings. While I know I shouldn't be complaining because the millions of people who are out there working only has one day, I'm still a student so I guess I should still erm.. get longer breaks? Okay. That was a weak argument.
Secondly, I don't think I had ever been this busy for the previous years. For once, I have to concede that handling tuition, carolling with Hwa Chong Voices, Jubilate (Church youth choir) and the programme for church Christmas service, with even the limited CHP Lit-Review stuff, all within the course of one week, is no mean feat. Not to mention the CMPS report which is due real soon and which I've not started on. Some may say that it's my own fault for saying 'yes' to so many things, so I shouldn't be complaining. For those out there who are concerned, I thank you for the encouraging sms-es and words that you've given me. It's really greatly appreciated. (: Although all of these had been physically and mentally tiring, they gave me an immense amount of joy. God's grace has sustained me thus far, and all glory goes to Him. However, maybe it's time for me to consider not taking up so many things for next year, to give myself some respite and rest. But then again, I say this every year. Well, we'll see. Till then.. (:
However, the week hasn't been all 'work'-related. Caught up with a sister in church who returned from overseas studies for a short while and couple of JC classmates. Great times of catching up. It's always refreshing to meet up with friends you haven't seen for some time and talk about anything under the sun. The connection's just amazing, and I always bid them goodbye fulfilled.
Thirdly, the loss of a dear sister, classmate and friend has brought additional meaning to this Christmas. The truth that a living God came to this world to die for dying people so that they may live for eternity amazes me once again. It is the hope that Christmas brings that assures me that I will meet her again in future.
No matter how much the Christmas period may change/vary for me year to year, one thing never changes: The real significance of Christmas.
"Christmas isn't Christmas till it happens in your heart
Somewhere deep inside you, is where Christmas really starts
So give your heart to Jesus, you'll discover when you do
That it's Christmas, really Christmas, for you"
-----------------------------------------
On a separate note, I would like to say a great thank you to all those who wrote me cards and gave me presents. Just your luck to have a bo xim friend like me, who didn't write any card or buy anybody any presents this year. For those who have been writing me cards every year without fail, a huge sorry that it's been pretty much one-way the past years. I may not be able to reciprocate your love in cash (i.e. gifts) or in kind (i.e. cards), but I really appreciate it very much, from the bottom of my heart. <3
P.S. Nobody is interested in any of the events in the previous post? ):
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Musicals, Theatre and Concerts 2010
Was surfing SISTIC again just now. Saw many productions which I'm interested in catching. I was just thinking for the upcoming year, I'll try to catch a larger variety of productions. But this also means I'll be looking at the lowest category of tickets (or thereabouts). Anyway, this is shout-out to all who may be interested in the following:
In chronological order:
1. Merchants of Bollywood (12th-17th Jan)
[Lowest priced ticket: $38]
"“Merchants of Bollywood” is a one of a kind musical - An original production from Australia with a cast and crew direct from India’s film city – MUMBAI. Hailed as the world’s first authentic Bollywood musical, it is inspired from the real life story of Vaibhavi Merchant, the show's choreographer. The show features a galaxy of internationally renowned dancers and stage performers including Carol Furtado (MTV) and Arif Zakaria (Dance Like A Man). The show features songs from super-hit movies like Dhoom, Bunty Aur Babli, Rang de Basanti etc and music by Oscar winnning composer A.R.Rahman.
With over 850 sell out performances worldwide, this musical has enthralled over two million audiences in London, Brussels, Paris, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Auckland, Sydney, Zurich, Berlin, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Bangkok - just to name a few cities. This theaterical spectacular is a heartfelt story of a young girl, her grandfather and their love for dance, music & Bollywood! Tear are shed, wounds healed and conflicts reconciled in a powerful journey to the sacred heart of dance. Bangles and beads, swirling colours in costumes and sets will excite the senses in this lavish production beautifully choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant and set to the high energetic music including smash hit songs arranged by Bollywood’s famous duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant. Vaibhavi Merchant, regarded as one of India’s very renowned young choreographers is famous for her creativity that brings loads of vigour and life to all her spectacular shows.
The finale showcases a healing bond between old and new; in a fusion of Folk, Classical, Modern, Western and Indian dance forms. Their electrifying energy, lively rhythm and enchanting dance steps, undoutably makes this the most exciting musical of the year. So come ENJOY the glamour and glitter of Bollywood right here in Singapore !!!"
My comments: Indian musical. A first for me.
2. Puccini's La Boheme (29th Jan - 3rd Feb)
[Lowest priced ticket: $15]
This production is set in the 1930s by Andrew Sinclair, a resident director of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London: "Having directed this opera a number of times in various settings from 1830 to the late nineteenth century, I thought it might be interesting idea to set it in another period in Parisian history when the country was economically depressed and the future uncertain. In the 1930s, France had lurched from one chaotic government to another in a short time. Life was unstable economically as it was politically. Despite this, Paris remained a melting pot for artists and writers and their hopes and ideals. People were determined to enjoy themselves and the cafes, theatres and restaurants were full to overflowing. Beneath this superficial gaiety, life was different".
Against this background, the two lead characters in the opera , Rodolfo and Mimi fell in love, separated and reconciled before she passed away.
Dubbed by New York Times as the 'world 's most popular opera', La Boheme has some of the most gorgeous arias in the Italian opera repertoire.
My Comments: Opera. Italian. Also a first for me.
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (26th Feb - 14th Mar)
[Lowest priced ticket: $35 before 15% for students]
Ripe with attitude, Goh Boon Teck’s delirious imagination has descended on one of literary history’s most perfect stories ever written, To Kill A Mockingbird. This stylized and unconventional adaptation features a strong multi-racial cast of veterans and promising actors from both television and theatre. Aggressively modern and assertively trendy, audiences will be treated to a visual pastiche inspired by the coexistence of good and evil, and the simplicity of light and dark. While taking artistic liberties in its staging, the issues of class, courage, compassion and prejudice, explored in the book remain fundamental. To Kill A Mockingbird will intoxicate with its gritty and intense look at human behavior, gone wrong.
My Comments: Read the book before. Would be interesting to see the stage adaptation.
4. KUMAR: Stripped Bare & Standing Up (4th - 7th Mar)
[Lowest priced ticket: $18]
The outrageously funny Kumar sold out his 5-show run at the Esplanade last year before the shows even started and when he finally hit the stage, everyone was squealing with laughter! Uncontrollable madness!
After 17 years in the "funny-biz", Kumar, the undisputed Drag-Queen of local comedy stripped off more than just the skin-tight panty hose and turned his "no-holds-barred" wicked sense of humour onto himself.
Nothing is sacred as he shares the hilarious (yet moving) stories of his growing up years with his Dad, how he was discovered in a dress after Boom Boom Room and his many escapades during Basic Military Training. There is nothing basic about this show which incorporates a wonderful "mini-docu" and culminates in Kumar showing off his dancing skills with Singapore's best known tabla-man, Maniam.
My Comments: Just for a good night's life :D
5. The Tempest (2nd - 10th Apr)
[Lowest priced ticket: $55 (Wed, 3pm). Prices for other timings are just too ex to quote]
In March 2009, Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), in collaboration with Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, presented The Bridge Project - Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale starring Ethan Hawke and Rebecca Hall. Directed by Tony and Academy Award winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Revolutionary Road, Cabaret), the production received rave reviews from both the press and public.
The Bridge Project is a partnership between Sam Mendes, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and the Old Vic in London run by Kevin Spacey (Academy Award winner for The Usual Suspects and American Beauty).
In April 2010, Year two of The Bridge Project features another stellar transatlantic lineup in a work by William Shakespeare: The Tempest. In this celebrated classic, widely considered to be Shakespeare’s final play, Mendes and company explore outcasts, power, and magical lands.
My Comments: Shakespeare. Not my first, but I'd think it's worth a watch. If not for the price of the tickets ):
6. Chicago (16th Apr - 9th May)
[Lowest priced ticket: $70 for non-restricted view]
With over a decade of decadence on Broadway and London’s West End, CHICAGO will return to Singapore from 16 April to 9 May 2010, for a strictly limited season at the Esplanade Theatre with an all-star cast including the award-winning Sharon Millerchip (Roxie Hart) and Craig McLachlan (Billy Flynn).
CHICAGO tells the tale of Roxie Hart, a nightclub dancer who dreams of heading in Vaudeville, kills her lover, then convinces her husband to come up with the $5000 to hire Chicago’s shrewdest, smooth-talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.
CHICAGO has played over 15,000 performances worldwide, has captivated an estimated 17 million people around the world, and has been honoured with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® Award and thousands of standing ovations. So whether you have seen the Academy Award® winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or whether you have seen it before and want to recapture the magic, CHICAGO always delivers with ‘sizzle and timeless class’ - TIME OUT.
My Comments: Probably going with some churchies. But if anyone wants to watch but have no company (hopefully not the case), sms/ring me. My grouse is that they've imposed a "student below 18" age-limit on $50 student tickets!!! Ugh.
-------------------------------------------------
Kudos to you if you've gotten this far :D Let me know if anyone wants to watch anything =)
In chronological order:
1. Merchants of Bollywood (12th-17th Jan)
[Lowest priced ticket: $38]
"“Merchants of Bollywood” is a one of a kind musical - An original production from Australia with a cast and crew direct from India’s film city – MUMBAI. Hailed as the world’s first authentic Bollywood musical, it is inspired from the real life story of Vaibhavi Merchant, the show's choreographer. The show features a galaxy of internationally renowned dancers and stage performers including Carol Furtado (MTV) and Arif Zakaria (Dance Like A Man). The show features songs from super-hit movies like Dhoom, Bunty Aur Babli, Rang de Basanti etc and music by Oscar winnning composer A.R.Rahman.
With over 850 sell out performances worldwide, this musical has enthralled over two million audiences in London, Brussels, Paris, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Auckland, Sydney, Zurich, Berlin, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Bangkok - just to name a few cities. This theaterical spectacular is a heartfelt story of a young girl, her grandfather and their love for dance, music & Bollywood! Tear are shed, wounds healed and conflicts reconciled in a powerful journey to the sacred heart of dance. Bangles and beads, swirling colours in costumes and sets will excite the senses in this lavish production beautifully choreographed by Vaibhavi Merchant and set to the high energetic music including smash hit songs arranged by Bollywood’s famous duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant. Vaibhavi Merchant, regarded as one of India’s very renowned young choreographers is famous for her creativity that brings loads of vigour and life to all her spectacular shows.
The finale showcases a healing bond between old and new; in a fusion of Folk, Classical, Modern, Western and Indian dance forms. Their electrifying energy, lively rhythm and enchanting dance steps, undoutably makes this the most exciting musical of the year. So come ENJOY the glamour and glitter of Bollywood right here in Singapore !!!"
My comments: Indian musical. A first for me.
2. Puccini's La Boheme (29th Jan - 3rd Feb)
[Lowest priced ticket: $15]
This production is set in the 1930s by Andrew Sinclair, a resident director of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London: "Having directed this opera a number of times in various settings from 1830 to the late nineteenth century, I thought it might be interesting idea to set it in another period in Parisian history when the country was economically depressed and the future uncertain. In the 1930s, France had lurched from one chaotic government to another in a short time. Life was unstable economically as it was politically. Despite this, Paris remained a melting pot for artists and writers and their hopes and ideals. People were determined to enjoy themselves and the cafes, theatres and restaurants were full to overflowing. Beneath this superficial gaiety, life was different".
Against this background, the two lead characters in the opera , Rodolfo and Mimi fell in love, separated and reconciled before she passed away.
Dubbed by New York Times as the 'world 's most popular opera', La Boheme has some of the most gorgeous arias in the Italian opera repertoire.
My Comments: Opera. Italian. Also a first for me.
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (26th Feb - 14th Mar)
[Lowest priced ticket: $35 before 15% for students]
Ripe with attitude, Goh Boon Teck’s delirious imagination has descended on one of literary history’s most perfect stories ever written, To Kill A Mockingbird. This stylized and unconventional adaptation features a strong multi-racial cast of veterans and promising actors from both television and theatre. Aggressively modern and assertively trendy, audiences will be treated to a visual pastiche inspired by the coexistence of good and evil, and the simplicity of light and dark. While taking artistic liberties in its staging, the issues of class, courage, compassion and prejudice, explored in the book remain fundamental. To Kill A Mockingbird will intoxicate with its gritty and intense look at human behavior, gone wrong.
My Comments: Read the book before. Would be interesting to see the stage adaptation.
4. KUMAR: Stripped Bare & Standing Up (4th - 7th Mar)
[Lowest priced ticket: $18]
The outrageously funny Kumar sold out his 5-show run at the Esplanade last year before the shows even started and when he finally hit the stage, everyone was squealing with laughter! Uncontrollable madness!
After 17 years in the "funny-biz", Kumar, the undisputed Drag-Queen of local comedy stripped off more than just the skin-tight panty hose and turned his "no-holds-barred" wicked sense of humour onto himself.
Nothing is sacred as he shares the hilarious (yet moving) stories of his growing up years with his Dad, how he was discovered in a dress after Boom Boom Room and his many escapades during Basic Military Training. There is nothing basic about this show which incorporates a wonderful "mini-docu" and culminates in Kumar showing off his dancing skills with Singapore's best known tabla-man, Maniam.
My Comments: Just for a good night's life :D
5. The Tempest (2nd - 10th Apr)
[Lowest priced ticket: $55 (Wed, 3pm). Prices for other timings are just too ex to quote]
In March 2009, Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), in collaboration with Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, presented The Bridge Project - Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale starring Ethan Hawke and Rebecca Hall. Directed by Tony and Academy Award winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Revolutionary Road, Cabaret), the production received rave reviews from both the press and public.
The Bridge Project is a partnership between Sam Mendes, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and the Old Vic in London run by Kevin Spacey (Academy Award winner for The Usual Suspects and American Beauty).
In April 2010, Year two of The Bridge Project features another stellar transatlantic lineup in a work by William Shakespeare: The Tempest. In this celebrated classic, widely considered to be Shakespeare’s final play, Mendes and company explore outcasts, power, and magical lands.
My Comments: Shakespeare. Not my first, but I'd think it's worth a watch. If not for the price of the tickets ):
6. Chicago (16th Apr - 9th May)
[Lowest priced ticket: $70 for non-restricted view]
With over a decade of decadence on Broadway and London’s West End, CHICAGO will return to Singapore from 16 April to 9 May 2010, for a strictly limited season at the Esplanade Theatre with an all-star cast including the award-winning Sharon Millerchip (Roxie Hart) and Craig McLachlan (Billy Flynn).
CHICAGO tells the tale of Roxie Hart, a nightclub dancer who dreams of heading in Vaudeville, kills her lover, then convinces her husband to come up with the $5000 to hire Chicago’s shrewdest, smooth-talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.
CHICAGO has played over 15,000 performances worldwide, has captivated an estimated 17 million people around the world, and has been honoured with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® Award and thousands of standing ovations. So whether you have seen the Academy Award® winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or whether you have seen it before and want to recapture the magic, CHICAGO always delivers with ‘sizzle and timeless class’ - TIME OUT.
My Comments: Probably going with some churchies. But if anyone wants to watch but have no company (hopefully not the case), sms/ring me. My grouse is that they've imposed a "student below 18" age-limit on $50 student tickets!!! Ugh.
-------------------------------------------------
Kudos to you if you've gotten this far :D Let me know if anyone wants to watch anything =)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Five People You Meet In Heaven
I've been trying to read more recently. By that I mean reading more non-medical literature. I'll try to pen some thoughts if I have, or identify some quotes which mean something to me; not so much to sell the book to readers, but more to remind myself of what I've read and the thoughts which struck me when I read the book sometime when I revisit my blogposts in future. (Hopefully Blogger doesn't crash/close-shop in the next 20 years)
Didn't really buy or identify with the 5 lessons that the character was supposed to learn from the 5 people he met in heaven. Picked out a short paragraph which I liked.
"Lost love is still love. It takes a different form, that's all. You can't see their smile or bring them food or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor. But when those senses weaken, another heightens. Memory. Memory becomes your partner. You nurture it. You hold it. You dance with it.
Life has to end, love doesn't."
Didn't really buy or identify with the 5 lessons that the character was supposed to learn from the 5 people he met in heaven. Picked out a short paragraph which I liked.
"Lost love is still love. It takes a different form, that's all. You can't see their smile or bring them food or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor. But when those senses weaken, another heightens. Memory. Memory becomes your partner. You nurture it. You hold it. You dance with it.
Life has to end, love doesn't."
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tuesdays with Morrie
"The culture doesn't encourage you to think about such things until you're about to die. We're so wrapped up with egotistical things, career, family, having enough money, meeting the mortgage, getting a new car, fixing the radiator when it breaks - we're involved in trillions of little acts just to keep going. So we don't get into the habit of standing back and looking at our lives and saying, Is this all? Is this all I want? Is something missing?"
"Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live."
"Why do people always say, 'Oh, if I were young again.'? You know what that reflects? Unsatisfied lives. Lives that haven't found meaning. Because if you've found meaning in your life, you don't want to go back. You want to go forward. You want to see more, do more.. You have to find what's good and true and beautiful in your life as it is now."
"I believe in being fully present. That means you should be with the person you're with. Really listening to someone - how often do we get this anymore?"
"Death ends a life, not a relationship."
So many lessons to learn, I wonder whether I'll get them all at the end of the day. I certainly hope that I don't get them too late.
To my beloved sister and friend, you and your family are in all our prayers. You are loved by many more people in many more ways than you know. Hang in there. Continue to live.
"Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live."
"Why do people always say, 'Oh, if I were young again.'? You know what that reflects? Unsatisfied lives. Lives that haven't found meaning. Because if you've found meaning in your life, you don't want to go back. You want to go forward. You want to see more, do more.. You have to find what's good and true and beautiful in your life as it is now."
"I believe in being fully present. That means you should be with the person you're with. Really listening to someone - how often do we get this anymore?"
"Death ends a life, not a relationship."
So many lessons to learn, I wonder whether I'll get them all at the end of the day. I certainly hope that I don't get them too late.
To my beloved sister and friend, you and your family are in all our prayers. You are loved by many more people in many more ways than you know. Hang in there. Continue to live.
Giant in the Basement
I was interpreting for my pastor who spoke in English in the Chinese congregation yesterday. He shared his experience about a 5 year-old girl asking him the following question:
Q: "Why is Vivocity so big?"
A: "Because there is a giant in the basement."
And so I interpreted, “因为在广场的地下层有一个巨人.” with a bewildered look on my face.
Majority of the congregation laughed. I didn't get it. And in a few seconds, I became the reason they were laughing. O.o At least, it woke those up who were about to fall asleep during the sermon.
Well, and if you didn't get it, it's normal, because you're just like me. (:
Q: "Why is Vivocity so big?"
A: "Because there is a giant in the basement."
And so I interpreted, “因为在广场的地下层有一个巨人.” with a bewildered look on my face.
Majority of the congregation laughed. I didn't get it. And in a few seconds, I became the reason they were laughing. O.o At least, it woke those up who were about to fall asleep during the sermon.
Well, and if you didn't get it, it's normal, because you're just like me. (:
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The Drug Development Process
When you are facing a severe lack of time in studying for a test in 2 days time, you wonder whether topics like "The Drug Development Process" should be the first thing on your mind, especially when you have all the therapeutic seminars pending your attention.
My obsessive-compulsive traits dictate that I should revise in chronological order. Hence. urgh.
Fortunately, some lecturers' notes do contain a tad bit of humour in them. (:
"Many men are rats but a man is not a rat!" ~ James Munch 1929, on the limitations of animal studies
Will probably be back a while later to talk about something else, when I need another break. Blogging does have its therapeutic effect, on me at least.
My obsessive-compulsive traits dictate that I should revise in chronological order. Hence. urgh.
Fortunately, some lecturers' notes do contain a tad bit of humour in them. (:
"Many men are rats but a man is not a rat!" ~ James Munch 1929, on the limitations of animal studies
Will probably be back a while later to talk about something else, when I need another break. Blogging does have its therapeutic effect, on me at least.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Federer Crowned 2009 ATP World Tour Champion
BARCLAYS ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS
Federer Crowned 2009 ATP World Tour Champion
London, United Kingdom
by ATP Staff
24.11.2009
London, United Kingdom – Swiss superstar Roger Federer has been crowned ATP World Tour Champion for the fifth time, after becoming just the second player in the history of the South African Airways ATP Rankings to regain the year-end No. 1 ranking.
With five year-end No. 1 finishes, Federer ties Jimmy Connors’ mark and now stands just one back of Pete Sampras on the list of all-time ATP World Tour Champions. Sampras finished as the No. 1 player six straight years, from 1993-98.
Federer clinched the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion title by beating Andy Murray at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals tonight. Federer and rival Rafael Nadal, the 2008 ATP World Tour Champion, had entered the prestigious circuit finale at The O2 in London locked in a two-man battle to conclude the season atop the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings.
“It means a lot to have returned to No. 1 and to finish the year again at No. 1,” said Federer. “It was an incredible year for me both on the court and off the court and to be able to break the all-time Grand Slam record and finish the year on top is amazing.”
The 28-year-old Swiss held the World No. 1 ranking for a record 237 straight weeks from 2 February, 2004, to 17 August, 2008, before Nadal ended his streak. Federer reclaimed the top rankings spot on 6 July, 2009, after winning a record-breaking 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.
Federer now joins Ivan Lendl as the only players to have held, lost and regained the ATP World Tour Champion title in the history of the South African Airways ATP Rankings (since 1973). Lendl held the year-end No. 1 South African Airways ATP Ranking from 1985-87 and finished second behind Mats Wilander in 1988 before reclaiming the top spot at the end of 1989.
Federer began his return to the top in mid-May at the Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open, where he snapped a seven-month title drought by avenging his Australian Open defeat against Nadal. He followed with history-making performances in his next two tournaments. He became the sixth man to achieve a career Grand Slam with victory over Robin Soderling in the Roland Garros final, and then prevailed against Andy Roddick at Wimbledon to eclipse Pete Sampras’ record of 14 majors won.
After celebrating the birth of twin daughters with wife Mirka in July, he returned to the courts the following month to win his fourth title of the season at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati. He then became the first player in history to reach the finals at all four Grand Slams in the same year on three occasions, completing his 2009 campaign at the majors with a runner-up finish to Juan Martin del Potro at the US Open.
Federer is pursuing his fifth circuit finale title this week at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He won successive titles in 2003-04 when the tournament was held in Houston and reclaimed the title in 2006-07 in Shanghai.
Federer Crowned 2009 ATP World Tour Champion
London, United Kingdom
by ATP Staff
24.11.2009
London, United Kingdom – Swiss superstar Roger Federer has been crowned ATP World Tour Champion for the fifth time, after becoming just the second player in the history of the South African Airways ATP Rankings to regain the year-end No. 1 ranking.
With five year-end No. 1 finishes, Federer ties Jimmy Connors’ mark and now stands just one back of Pete Sampras on the list of all-time ATP World Tour Champions. Sampras finished as the No. 1 player six straight years, from 1993-98.
Federer clinched the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion title by beating Andy Murray at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals tonight. Federer and rival Rafael Nadal, the 2008 ATP World Tour Champion, had entered the prestigious circuit finale at The O2 in London locked in a two-man battle to conclude the season atop the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings.
“It means a lot to have returned to No. 1 and to finish the year again at No. 1,” said Federer. “It was an incredible year for me both on the court and off the court and to be able to break the all-time Grand Slam record and finish the year on top is amazing.”
The 28-year-old Swiss held the World No. 1 ranking for a record 237 straight weeks from 2 February, 2004, to 17 August, 2008, before Nadal ended his streak. Federer reclaimed the top rankings spot on 6 July, 2009, after winning a record-breaking 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.
Federer now joins Ivan Lendl as the only players to have held, lost and regained the ATP World Tour Champion title in the history of the South African Airways ATP Rankings (since 1973). Lendl held the year-end No. 1 South African Airways ATP Ranking from 1985-87 and finished second behind Mats Wilander in 1988 before reclaiming the top spot at the end of 1989.
Federer began his return to the top in mid-May at the Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open, where he snapped a seven-month title drought by avenging his Australian Open defeat against Nadal. He followed with history-making performances in his next two tournaments. He became the sixth man to achieve a career Grand Slam with victory over Robin Soderling in the Roland Garros final, and then prevailed against Andy Roddick at Wimbledon to eclipse Pete Sampras’ record of 14 majors won.
After celebrating the birth of twin daughters with wife Mirka in July, he returned to the courts the following month to win his fourth title of the season at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati. He then became the first player in history to reach the finals at all four Grand Slams in the same year on three occasions, completing his 2009 campaign at the majors with a runner-up finish to Juan Martin del Potro at the US Open.
Federer is pursuing his fifth circuit finale title this week at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He won successive titles in 2003-04 when the tournament was held in Houston and reclaimed the title in 2006-07 in Shanghai.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Law and Justice
Watching the first singles match of the ATP World Tour Finals, between Andy Murray and Juan Martin Del Potro. Quite an exciting match, with excellent and brilliant shot-making here and there. In summary, Del Potro fell to a 0-5 deficit in the 1st set, rallied to 3-5 before losing the 1st set 3-6. But he made an impressive comeback to win the 2nd set 6-3. Now third set.
Just finished reading Subhas Anandan's autobiography - The Best I Could. Have been wanting to buy this book since some time back, but due to some recent circumstances, I bought the book last week. Besides giving readers a glimpse of the events which shaped his character, worldview and philosophy, it also recounts certain high-profile criminal cases which have been featured (and which I've read) in the newspapers. I've got to say I found quite a bit of respect for him as a person and as a lawyer, from what he writes at least.
From what he described of his university days (and what some of our medical professors described of theirs), it seems that uni then was much more fun and happening. I wonder whether it's just me, or whether in general, university student life/culture has taken a backslide.
To the layman with an untrained mind in law, this book explores and discusses some concepts about law and the criminal system. I remember a friend (who is now in law school) once telling me that the most useful/important pre-U subject for law would be mathematics, and not literature or English, contrary to what many believe. Because more important than anything else, law is anchored on logic and extremely strong reasoning, even though many may interpret law differently.
Would just like to share 2 short excerpts from the book, something I feel worth thinking about:
"They say that sometimes justice and law are distant cousins. In the case of some countries, you'll be lucky to say that justice and law have the same parents. It is sad to say that sometimes we feel justice and law seem to be indifferent to each other. The law says something but when it is interpreted in the courts, it says something else."
"There are people I've defended who have been acquitted and walked out of court free men and omen. But in all honesty, they walked out free because the prosecution could not prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court does not at any stage say, "I am discharging and acquitting you because you are an innocent man." The statement is always, "I find you not guilty. Therefore I discharge and acquit you. It is a myth that everyone who is acquitted is innocent."
And Murray clinches victory with 6-2 in the 3rd set.
Now Roger will play Verdasco at 4:45am.
Just finished reading Subhas Anandan's autobiography - The Best I Could. Have been wanting to buy this book since some time back, but due to some recent circumstances, I bought the book last week. Besides giving readers a glimpse of the events which shaped his character, worldview and philosophy, it also recounts certain high-profile criminal cases which have been featured (and which I've read) in the newspapers. I've got to say I found quite a bit of respect for him as a person and as a lawyer, from what he writes at least.
From what he described of his university days (and what some of our medical professors described of theirs), it seems that uni then was much more fun and happening. I wonder whether it's just me, or whether in general, university student life/culture has taken a backslide.
To the layman with an untrained mind in law, this book explores and discusses some concepts about law and the criminal system. I remember a friend (who is now in law school) once telling me that the most useful/important pre-U subject for law would be mathematics, and not literature or English, contrary to what many believe. Because more important than anything else, law is anchored on logic and extremely strong reasoning, even though many may interpret law differently.
Would just like to share 2 short excerpts from the book, something I feel worth thinking about:
"They say that sometimes justice and law are distant cousins. In the case of some countries, you'll be lucky to say that justice and law have the same parents. It is sad to say that sometimes we feel justice and law seem to be indifferent to each other. The law says something but when it is interpreted in the courts, it says something else."
"There are people I've defended who have been acquitted and walked out of court free men and omen. But in all honesty, they walked out free because the prosecution could not prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court does not at any stage say, "I am discharging and acquitting you because you are an innocent man." The statement is always, "I find you not guilty. Therefore I discharge and acquit you. It is a myth that everyone who is acquitted is innocent."
And Murray clinches victory with 6-2 in the 3rd set.
Now Roger will play Verdasco at 4:45am.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Straits Times Saturday Special Report: Secret Lives
Read the special report which offers a glimpse of the lives of HIV/AIDS patients in the Straits Times this morning. Would encourage all those out there to get your hands on a copy and spend a few minutes of your time to read it.
I've never clerked a patient with AIDS in the wards before, neither do I know anyone who has HIV. They may have contracted HIV in a moment of folly, but they deserve our empathy no less because the price they are already paying the price and bearing the consequences, physically, emotionally, financially and socially.
Very frankly, I don't know how I would respond or interact with a patient with HIV. As it is now, I'm still not very apt at interacting with people, or even friends, who are hospitalised or are undergoing treatment for illnesses. I don't know whether they would want to talk about their illness, or whether I should just babble on and update them about the things going on in my life. Even for friends whom you've known for a substantial amount of time, the silence may not be totally comfortable, and could be a tad awkward. "Just being there" doesn't seem so easy when you don't know whether that's what your friend really wants or needs.
"Sometimes things happen without any reason. When there are no explanations, let God show you the way."
I've never clerked a patient with AIDS in the wards before, neither do I know anyone who has HIV. They may have contracted HIV in a moment of folly, but they deserve our empathy no less because the price they are already paying the price and bearing the consequences, physically, emotionally, financially and socially.
Very frankly, I don't know how I would respond or interact with a patient with HIV. As it is now, I'm still not very apt at interacting with people, or even friends, who are hospitalised or are undergoing treatment for illnesses. I don't know whether they would want to talk about their illness, or whether I should just babble on and update them about the things going on in my life. Even for friends whom you've known for a substantial amount of time, the silence may not be totally comfortable, and could be a tad awkward. "Just being there" doesn't seem so easy when you don't know whether that's what your friend really wants or needs.
"Sometimes things happen without any reason. When there are no explanations, let God show you the way."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Death
For 2 days in our Family Medicine posting, we have a palliative care programme, where we are exposed to palliative medicine, visit a hospice and make a house visit to a patient requiring palliative care (both to be done tomorrow). To get us to think about certain issues, we were shown this movie - "Wit", starring Emma Thompson. Powerful it was, to the extent that some of my male classmates teared at the end.
Essentially, the movie depicts the journey taken by a literature professor from the moment she was diagnosed with advanced metastatic ovarian cancer, to the point when she passed away. Not only did it give me a glimpse of what a terminally-ill patient with cancer goes through, it also exposed, albeit exaggeratedly (hopefully), some short-comings of health-care providers and (supposedly) professionals. As much as professors in medical school and doctors in the hospitals belabour the point that one must view a patient as a human and as a whole, how easy it is for us as medical students to view them as 'interesting cases' with good histories or physical signs to elicit; and possibly as doctors in future to look at them as diseases to be managed and treated, instead of people whom we should be caring for holistically.
There was this particular scene when the doctor was just shooting questions at the patient, some less relevant than others, showing no concern or interest to her as a person, in the process of clerking her. I laughed. How ironic in retrospect, when I realise that sometimes, this seems to be the way I'm clerking patients at times, especially when time is short, and there are many other patients to see. I asked myself, "Is this who I'm going to turn out to be?" I pray not.
A dying person loses many things, as brought up during the discussion after the movie.
One loses his physical appearance - hair, eyebrows, etc.
One loses the roles he used to play - the one being cared for, instead of the carer; the one being provided for, instead of the provider; roles at work and in the family.
One loses freedom when one is hospitalised - Fixed timings for meals, medications and bedtime; having to wear the same garb as everyone else; having to do what the doctors, nurses, therapists tell you to do (and you can't really say no); having your movement restricted within the confines of the hospital.
One loses independence.
One loses control - not only of his situation, but many times, of his body.
One risks losing his identity if his identity is dependent on the people who used to surround him.
One risks losing his value if his value is based on the work that he used to do.
One risks losing his self-worth if his self-worth is established based on the roles he used to perform.
There is only so much one can hold on to at this stage. Some people are motivated to live their remaining days doing something meaningful. All very well. But what if one is so weak, to the extent of not being able to do anything, what is going to sustain him till the day he has to go?
If one must look for something to hold on to, it had better be something that never changes, and that can only be one thing - that God loves you, and you are His beloved child.
"Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more, Death, thou shalt die.
~ John Donne, Holy Sonnet X
Life, death, soul, God, past present. Not insuperable barriers. Not semi-colons. Just a comma.
Essentially, the movie depicts the journey taken by a literature professor from the moment she was diagnosed with advanced metastatic ovarian cancer, to the point when she passed away. Not only did it give me a glimpse of what a terminally-ill patient with cancer goes through, it also exposed, albeit exaggeratedly (hopefully), some short-comings of health-care providers and (supposedly) professionals. As much as professors in medical school and doctors in the hospitals belabour the point that one must view a patient as a human and as a whole, how easy it is for us as medical students to view them as 'interesting cases' with good histories or physical signs to elicit; and possibly as doctors in future to look at them as diseases to be managed and treated, instead of people whom we should be caring for holistically.
There was this particular scene when the doctor was just shooting questions at the patient, some less relevant than others, showing no concern or interest to her as a person, in the process of clerking her. I laughed. How ironic in retrospect, when I realise that sometimes, this seems to be the way I'm clerking patients at times, especially when time is short, and there are many other patients to see. I asked myself, "Is this who I'm going to turn out to be?" I pray not.
A dying person loses many things, as brought up during the discussion after the movie.
One loses his physical appearance - hair, eyebrows, etc.
One loses the roles he used to play - the one being cared for, instead of the carer; the one being provided for, instead of the provider; roles at work and in the family.
One loses freedom when one is hospitalised - Fixed timings for meals, medications and bedtime; having to wear the same garb as everyone else; having to do what the doctors, nurses, therapists tell you to do (and you can't really say no); having your movement restricted within the confines of the hospital.
One loses independence.
One loses control - not only of his situation, but many times, of his body.
One risks losing his identity if his identity is dependent on the people who used to surround him.
One risks losing his value if his value is based on the work that he used to do.
One risks losing his self-worth if his self-worth is established based on the roles he used to perform.
There is only so much one can hold on to at this stage. Some people are motivated to live their remaining days doing something meaningful. All very well. But what if one is so weak, to the extent of not being able to do anything, what is going to sustain him till the day he has to go?
If one must look for something to hold on to, it had better be something that never changes, and that can only be one thing - that God loves you, and you are His beloved child.
"Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And death shall be no more, Death, thou shalt die.
~ John Donne, Holy Sonnet X
Life, death, soul, God, past present. Not insuperable barriers. Not semi-colons. Just a comma.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Transformed by the Renewing of the Mind
It is ironic, as one of my friends commented, that the number of my blog posts usually increase in the middle of a posting or near an EOPT, but dive immediately after it or when I'm in a relatively slack period of my posting (e.g. during Family Medicine). Maybe it's that blogging, as mentioned in my very first post, is cathartic for stress-relief. Maybe when I have more time, I choose to spend it doing other things, like playing computer games, watching movies/DVDs, reading, etc. But anyway, quite a lot have transpired over the past 10 days or so. Hopefully I can update more over the next few days (:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~ Romans 12:1-2
For some reason, "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" keeps appearing in my head recently. Once a couple of weeks ago, once just last Monday, and once again today. And I'm still struggling to comprehend the enormity and significance of the meaning behind this 2 seemingly very loaded verses.
During a rally last Monday, the speaker used the example of some churches who do not really advocate the use of drums and electric/bass guitars during worship. So on one hand, they read Psalms 150 but on the other, frown upon the use of any instrument besides the organ and piano. We shouldn't be judgmental, bearing in mind the style of worship should be acceptable by the congregation in the context of their culture. But we have to constantly reflect whether our traditions are becoming a burden to us, getting in the way of renewal.
Just today, during singing practice, a question was asked, "Can Christians sing seemingly-Christian songs written by non-Christians?" It was then noted that a few composers of sacred music, past and present, were not actually Christian. Do we then say that we must not sing these songs? One of us shared, if I may paraphrase, "God is beyond limits. Let us not limit what He can do with our own inadequate and rigid understanding."
To sum it up, as my Pastor shared, music in itself is neutral. The distinction between sacred and secular boils down to the person who sings/plays it. A person singing 'sacred music' without the intention or heart of praising God is not worshipping. A person singing a song without any overt mention of Jesus or God, perhaps even a 'secular song' about love, but directing it towards God and praising Him, is truly worshipping. At the end of the day, it is the heart of worship, and that, is all about Jesus.
True transformation can only occur when we allow the Holy Spirit to renew, reeducate and redirect our minds. Not that we have a blanket disregard of traditions, 'conservative thinking' or rules and laws, but rather, to understand, adapt and apply the spirit of the law, rather than the letter of the law. (Romans 2:29)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Quote-worthy:
Our complaints are not over the lack of necessities but the abundance of benefits. The source of our problems is our blessings.
~ Max Lucado, Six Hours, One Friday
Do our wealth and talents cause us to indulge in spiritual vanity and stand in our way of worshipping God?
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~ Romans 12:1-2
For some reason, "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" keeps appearing in my head recently. Once a couple of weeks ago, once just last Monday, and once again today. And I'm still struggling to comprehend the enormity and significance of the meaning behind this 2 seemingly very loaded verses.
During a rally last Monday, the speaker used the example of some churches who do not really advocate the use of drums and electric/bass guitars during worship. So on one hand, they read Psalms 150 but on the other, frown upon the use of any instrument besides the organ and piano. We shouldn't be judgmental, bearing in mind the style of worship should be acceptable by the congregation in the context of their culture. But we have to constantly reflect whether our traditions are becoming a burden to us, getting in the way of renewal.
Just today, during singing practice, a question was asked, "Can Christians sing seemingly-Christian songs written by non-Christians?" It was then noted that a few composers of sacred music, past and present, were not actually Christian. Do we then say that we must not sing these songs? One of us shared, if I may paraphrase, "God is beyond limits. Let us not limit what He can do with our own inadequate and rigid understanding."
To sum it up, as my Pastor shared, music in itself is neutral. The distinction between sacred and secular boils down to the person who sings/plays it. A person singing 'sacred music' without the intention or heart of praising God is not worshipping. A person singing a song without any overt mention of Jesus or God, perhaps even a 'secular song' about love, but directing it towards God and praising Him, is truly worshipping. At the end of the day, it is the heart of worship, and that, is all about Jesus.
True transformation can only occur when we allow the Holy Spirit to renew, reeducate and redirect our minds. Not that we have a blanket disregard of traditions, 'conservative thinking' or rules and laws, but rather, to understand, adapt and apply the spirit of the law, rather than the letter of the law. (Romans 2:29)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Quote-worthy:
Our complaints are not over the lack of necessities but the abundance of benefits. The source of our problems is our blessings.
~ Max Lucado, Six Hours, One Friday
Do our wealth and talents cause us to indulge in spiritual vanity and stand in our way of worshipping God?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Partnerships
Ran the Nike 10k Race yesterday, clocked a time of around 56 minutes. I guess it's acceptable and not too bad, since I never really do train much for my runs. But I really expected better. Funny how we (I) always expect more than what we put in. After I finished my race, I hung around the finishing line for a while, watching the other runners coming in while catching my breath and cooling down.
Many of them, in the last 100 metres, came in hand-in-hand. Many were couples, pretty sweet. (: Some of the other pairs were ladies. I didn't see 2 guys come in hand-in-hand though, (fortunately).
I've never run a race with someone else's hand in mine, but I can imagine how it much it takes both parties. The faster one (let's assume it's the guy in this case, and no, I'm not being sexist. Just for convenience's sake) would have to be willing to slow down his pace to accomodate her, not to get fed up halfway and leave his partner behind. She would have to be willing to try her best to match up to his pace and not to slow down or give up. There has to be so much willingness by both parties, so much resolve and determination to say, "Yes, let's try to make this partnership work out. Together."
It is no mean feat, I have to admit. There were times when I was running with some friends and I do get a little irritated, (even though I'm willing to slow down) that they (in my perhaps skewed and biased perpsective) do not seem to be trying hard enough. There were also times when I was running with guys faster than me, and find it extremely challenging to catch up.
What drives this willingness, resolve and determination?
I think it's love. As one of my friend rightly told me "When you love someone, it's not about you. It's about her."
Nobody said loving someone would be easy.
Whenever I think of how my mother would prepare breakfast for me every single day, never bearing a grudge when I have almost never thanked her for it;
Whenever she has to wake up earlier than me everyday before 5:30am so that she can wake me up and I won't be late, even when she does not need to;
Whenever I tell her that I'm not free to have dinner with her because I've something on and yet she never revealed her disappointment at not being able to have dinner with her own son;
I'm reminded of what love is.
It was always about me and never about her.
And if you fall before you cross the finishing line, I promise to carry you across it. Together.
Many of them, in the last 100 metres, came in hand-in-hand. Many were couples, pretty sweet. (: Some of the other pairs were ladies. I didn't see 2 guys come in hand-in-hand though, (fortunately).
I've never run a race with someone else's hand in mine, but I can imagine how it much it takes both parties. The faster one (let's assume it's the guy in this case, and no, I'm not being sexist. Just for convenience's sake) would have to be willing to slow down his pace to accomodate her, not to get fed up halfway and leave his partner behind. She would have to be willing to try her best to match up to his pace and not to slow down or give up. There has to be so much willingness by both parties, so much resolve and determination to say, "Yes, let's try to make this partnership work out. Together."
It is no mean feat, I have to admit. There were times when I was running with some friends and I do get a little irritated, (even though I'm willing to slow down) that they (in my perhaps skewed and biased perpsective) do not seem to be trying hard enough. There were also times when I was running with guys faster than me, and find it extremely challenging to catch up.
What drives this willingness, resolve and determination?
I think it's love. As one of my friend rightly told me "When you love someone, it's not about you. It's about her."
Nobody said loving someone would be easy.
Whenever I think of how my mother would prepare breakfast for me every single day, never bearing a grudge when I have almost never thanked her for it;
Whenever she has to wake up earlier than me everyday before 5:30am so that she can wake me up and I won't be late, even when she does not need to;
Whenever I tell her that I'm not free to have dinner with her because I've something on and yet she never revealed her disappointment at not being able to have dinner with her own son;
I'm reminded of what love is.
It was always about me and never about her.
And if you fall before you cross the finishing line, I promise to carry you across it. Together.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
'Tis the season for concerts and theatre
As we enter the 4th and final quarter of the year, we always find that December is the month when the number of concerts, theatre productions, musicals explodes. Perhaps the season of cheer is also a time when people are more willing to spend, give themselves a break and a good laugh, well, in general, relac a lil bit. :P
Navigating through the SISTIC website, there are so many attractive productions that I'd wanna catch, but due to limited time, and more importantly, the limited size of my wallet, I'd have to be discerning as to what I'd wanna catch. Just to list a few:
1. Broadway Beng - Jiak Liu Lian! (3-12 Dec): I watched the previous one. Not that I totally understood everything, since I'm highly deficient in my Hokkien proficiency. But with the limited bit I understood, I had a good laugh. Tickets aren't unreasonably priced, but no student discount ):
2. Happy Songs for a Great Recession by Budak Pantai (17-18 Dec): Have always heard about Budak Pantai, but never heard them before. They're supposed to be real good though. Student tickets are $25. Sounds good to me.
3. Soweto Gospel Choir - African Spirit (22-23 Dec): I haven't really heard a live African choir before, and this one's a 2-time Grammy Award winner. The tickets are a little on the ex side though.
4. The Inaugural Choral Elite (Victoria Chorale, The Vocal Consort, VJC Choir)(30 Dec): Haven't heard a choir in some time. And I would dare say these choirs are solid choirs. Ticket prices reasonable too.
Maybe, maybe I can catch all of them, but it may cause a perforation and hemorrhage in my wallet, resulting in diffuse walletitis. You may also see free air in the coin compartment if you take an X-ray of it.
Anyone out there wants to catch any of the above? =)
Navigating through the SISTIC website, there are so many attractive productions that I'd wanna catch, but due to limited time, and more importantly, the limited size of my wallet, I'd have to be discerning as to what I'd wanna catch. Just to list a few:
1. Broadway Beng - Jiak Liu Lian! (3-12 Dec): I watched the previous one. Not that I totally understood everything, since I'm highly deficient in my Hokkien proficiency. But with the limited bit I understood, I had a good laugh. Tickets aren't unreasonably priced, but no student discount ):
2. Happy Songs for a Great Recession by Budak Pantai (17-18 Dec): Have always heard about Budak Pantai, but never heard them before. They're supposed to be real good though. Student tickets are $25. Sounds good to me.
3. Soweto Gospel Choir - African Spirit (22-23 Dec): I haven't really heard a live African choir before, and this one's a 2-time Grammy Award winner. The tickets are a little on the ex side though.
4. The Inaugural Choral Elite (Victoria Chorale, The Vocal Consort, VJC Choir)(30 Dec): Haven't heard a choir in some time. And I would dare say these choirs are solid choirs. Ticket prices reasonable too.
Maybe, maybe I can catch all of them, but it may cause a perforation and hemorrhage in my wallet, resulting in diffuse walletitis. You may also see free air in the coin compartment if you take an X-ray of it.
Anyone out there wants to catch any of the above? =)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Of Expectations
First of all, I would like to thank all the readers of this blog, who have given me comments, suggestions or criticisms, whether personally, via msn or the tagboard. Believe me when I say these comments are all precious to me, and that I really enjoy the exchange of opinions and mutual sharpening of each other's minds.
At the end of the day, I can only pray that what I write and what I think can be used by God to provoke the thoughts of my readers, and that in His own way, they will be edified and ministered to.
So once again, keep the comments coming (:
-------------------------------------------
A couple of weeks back, my mum told me my uncle from Australia bought iPhones for my sister and I. Since he's coming in December, I was pretty nonchalant about it.
Last week, my uncle asked me for my address and said he was going to courier the iPhones over. I was post-call and in the middle of my slumber, and I thought he was going to take his time to mail it over. So I didn't think much about it either.
A few days ago, my mum told me that my uncle had already DHL-ed the iPhones over. And since that day, I've been asking my mum whether the DHL man came by everyday, even though I knew that yesterday was a public holiday and today was a Sunday. I am an impatient person, I know it and I know it too well. Because my expectations have been raised, I seem to can't help but think about it day and night, even though I know that eventually, it'll arrive at my doorstep.
I think one should have expectations in life, because expectations drive us toward an eventual goal to be achieved. If one does not have expectations in his work, he will have nothing to work towards. But can the same be said of people? Are we given the right to have expectations of people? If parents don't have expectations of their children, will they motivate them to improve? Similarly, I would think that one will have different and stratified expectations of acquaintances, friends, good friends, best friends, boy/girl-friends, husband/wife, etc.
Thing is, when do expectations become unrealistic? Moreover, very often, conflicts and struggles come when various expectations don't agree or are not reconciled. What if your perceived-best friend did not ask you to be her maid-of-honour on her wedding day when you were almost dead sure that you're gonna be the one? (Using this example, just because I was watching the episode where Izzie's getting married to Alex on Grey's. Yea I'm lag. -.-) I guess, then, modifying and compromising one's expectations may just be the only way. Maybe to the extent of having zero expectations? But then again, how easy is it to do that? Is it even achievable?
I wonder whether God has expectations of us. No doubt His love and grace is unconditional, but do that carry expectations? If they do, for sure, all of us fail terribly. Does it make sense to say that, I love you, I do have expectations of you, but even if you fail to meet these expectations, no matter how many times, I will continue to love you, to the very end. Is this how it works? If seeing this seems to be how it works between parents and their children, I'd think that this is how it works for God and His people. And I guess this is probably how it should work between us and the people we truly love.
At the end of the day, I can only pray that what I write and what I think can be used by God to provoke the thoughts of my readers, and that in His own way, they will be edified and ministered to.
So once again, keep the comments coming (:
-------------------------------------------
A couple of weeks back, my mum told me my uncle from Australia bought iPhones for my sister and I. Since he's coming in December, I was pretty nonchalant about it.
Last week, my uncle asked me for my address and said he was going to courier the iPhones over. I was post-call and in the middle of my slumber, and I thought he was going to take his time to mail it over. So I didn't think much about it either.
A few days ago, my mum told me that my uncle had already DHL-ed the iPhones over. And since that day, I've been asking my mum whether the DHL man came by everyday, even though I knew that yesterday was a public holiday and today was a Sunday. I am an impatient person, I know it and I know it too well. Because my expectations have been raised, I seem to can't help but think about it day and night, even though I know that eventually, it'll arrive at my doorstep.
I think one should have expectations in life, because expectations drive us toward an eventual goal to be achieved. If one does not have expectations in his work, he will have nothing to work towards. But can the same be said of people? Are we given the right to have expectations of people? If parents don't have expectations of their children, will they motivate them to improve? Similarly, I would think that one will have different and stratified expectations of acquaintances, friends, good friends, best friends, boy/girl-friends, husband/wife, etc.
Thing is, when do expectations become unrealistic? Moreover, very often, conflicts and struggles come when various expectations don't agree or are not reconciled. What if your perceived-best friend did not ask you to be her maid-of-honour on her wedding day when you were almost dead sure that you're gonna be the one? (Using this example, just because I was watching the episode where Izzie's getting married to Alex on Grey's. Yea I'm lag. -.-) I guess, then, modifying and compromising one's expectations may just be the only way. Maybe to the extent of having zero expectations? But then again, how easy is it to do that? Is it even achievable?
I wonder whether God has expectations of us. No doubt His love and grace is unconditional, but do that carry expectations? If they do, for sure, all of us fail terribly. Does it make sense to say that, I love you, I do have expectations of you, but even if you fail to meet these expectations, no matter how many times, I will continue to love you, to the very end. Is this how it works? If seeing this seems to be how it works between parents and their children, I'd think that this is how it works for God and His people. And I guess this is probably how it should work between us and the people we truly love.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Of Questions and Answers
I was back from a 45 minute-run, and while waiting for the lift (Call me lazy to take a lift up to the 3rd floor, but well, I doubt the 3 extra flights of stairs will help me lose that many more calories :P) I saw 2 empty plastic takeaway Starbucks cups, one on each side of the lift landing. There was chocolate all over the interior of the cups. And if my memory doesn't fail me, they have been lying there for the past 3 days. (As a responsible citizen of the country, member of the constituency and resident of the neighbourhood, I should have just thrown the cups into the rubbish bin 2 steps away. If the cleaner doesn't beat me to it, I'll do it tomorrow.)
But anyway, my question is, how come there are no ants swarming the cups; when my metallic snoopy cup will be harrased by these crawlies if i happen to leave my finished cup of coke overnight?
------------------------------------------------------------------
I was at a Christian Acapella group this afternoon. It was our first meeting, and were still discussing the basis, reason and rationale for our existence. I have to admit, it has been very long, probably since my last choir concert, that I have sung with a such a talented and gifted group of musicians. And I really miss that feeling. I had trouble following while sight-singing, and I almost felt inferior. Almost, because I know that the extent of gifting for everyone in this area is different. All of them, as far as I could sense, were really focused on using music to glorify God, and wanted to be very clear that the purpose of this group was to glorify God with high-quality sacred music.
At some point in time, a question was raised: What does it mean to glorify God through music? Does it mean that by putting together a bunch of good Christian singers who sing Christian music, God will be glorified? Conversely, does it mean that by having a group of Christian singers who are less musically-inclined, God will be less glorified?
We are all certain of the fact that God doesn't need us to sing for Him, because He can command the rocks to sing out for Him and glorify Him. But the reason why we want to achieve such excellence, musically and beyond, for Him is because our God is a God of excellence and perfection. When He impressed and inspired a composer to write music, it was intended to sound a certain way, and what we all want to do, is to achieve that intended standard. Not that by singing a perfect piece is God glorified, but by our intention to give Him our best, the best that can be achieved, are we given Him all the glory. There is no question that the Spirit can minister to people through a lousily-performed piece. Nor is it necessary that a well-performed piece will minister to many.
Ultimately, I would think that we can never know whether God is glorified and whether people are edified, but we can glorify Him when our hearts are right with Him whatever we do for Him.
------------------------------------------------------------------
We can have a lot of questions: theological questions, medical questions, scientific questions, life's big questions. However, many-a-times, there may not be an answer to them. Even if there were, they may not be satisfactory, and the search continues. At which point in time do we come to accept that we may never find out the answer, but exercise our faith in God such that we don't need to answer to move on?
------------------------------------------------------------------
“我站在你左侧，却像隔着银河”
~ 《你不是真的快乐》 后。青春期的诗，五月天
I always felt this is one of the most beautifully written lines in Chinese pop music. (:
But anyway, my question is, how come there are no ants swarming the cups; when my metallic snoopy cup will be harrased by these crawlies if i happen to leave my finished cup of coke overnight?
------------------------------------------------------------------
I was at a Christian Acapella group this afternoon. It was our first meeting, and were still discussing the basis, reason and rationale for our existence. I have to admit, it has been very long, probably since my last choir concert, that I have sung with a such a talented and gifted group of musicians. And I really miss that feeling. I had trouble following while sight-singing, and I almost felt inferior. Almost, because I know that the extent of gifting for everyone in this area is different. All of them, as far as I could sense, were really focused on using music to glorify God, and wanted to be very clear that the purpose of this group was to glorify God with high-quality sacred music.
At some point in time, a question was raised: What does it mean to glorify God through music? Does it mean that by putting together a bunch of good Christian singers who sing Christian music, God will be glorified? Conversely, does it mean that by having a group of Christian singers who are less musically-inclined, God will be less glorified?
We are all certain of the fact that God doesn't need us to sing for Him, because He can command the rocks to sing out for Him and glorify Him. But the reason why we want to achieve such excellence, musically and beyond, for Him is because our God is a God of excellence and perfection. When He impressed and inspired a composer to write music, it was intended to sound a certain way, and what we all want to do, is to achieve that intended standard. Not that by singing a perfect piece is God glorified, but by our intention to give Him our best, the best that can be achieved, are we given Him all the glory. There is no question that the Spirit can minister to people through a lousily-performed piece. Nor is it necessary that a well-performed piece will minister to many.
Ultimately, I would think that we can never know whether God is glorified and whether people are edified, but we can glorify Him when our hearts are right with Him whatever we do for Him.
------------------------------------------------------------------
We can have a lot of questions: theological questions, medical questions, scientific questions, life's big questions. However, many-a-times, there may not be an answer to them. Even if there were, they may not be satisfactory, and the search continues. At which point in time do we come to accept that we may never find out the answer, but exercise our faith in God such that we don't need to answer to move on?
------------------------------------------------------------------
“我站在你左侧，却像隔着银河”
~ 《你不是真的快乐》 后。青春期的诗，五月天
I always felt this is one of the most beautifully written lines in Chinese pop music. (:
Friday, October 16, 2009
Lea Salonga, Dec 16th (Wed)
A shout-out for anyone interested in watching Lea Salong live at Esplanade Concert Hall.
As I have only 1 extra ticket, you have to fulfil the following criteria:
1. Know who Lea Salonga is and preferably keen to watch her sing live (duh)
2. Free on Dec 16th (Wed) (duh x2)
3. Be a student, because it is a student ticket
4.Secretly want to have a date with me.
5. Don't mind my company
I wouldn't go so far as to say first come, first served. Just in case nobody comes. Heh. But seriously, if you're keen, drop me an sms/email/call. (:
As I have only 1 extra ticket, you have to fulfil the following criteria:
1. Know who Lea Salonga is and preferably keen to watch her sing live (duh)
2. Free on Dec 16th (Wed) (duh x2)
3. Be a student, because it is a student ticket
4.
5. Don't mind my company
I wouldn't go so far as to say first come, first served. Just in case nobody comes. Heh. But seriously, if you're keen, drop me an sms/email/call. (:
Thursday, October 15, 2009
My solo movie experience
Nowadays, it'd seem that the only time I'm available (not technically, well, but.. :P) to catch a movie, is when I'm on call that night. Probably because I'd reason that I'd be working through the night (technically, but well.. :P), I deserve a break in the afternoon since I'm still a student. Afterall, there is only a certain period of time when you're officially a student ('tho we are life-long learners), and there are things that you can only do while you are a student.
Anyway, the previous time I watched a movie alone was quite some years back. It was Shanghai Knights. For some reason, I think I wanted to watch it quite badly, and my friends have already watched it, so I decided to watch it alone. (Maybe because it featured Fann Wong - afterall, you don't often see a local actor/actress make it to Hollywood back then. Now as well.) Maybe I was young and impressionable then, or maybe I just couldn't decipher tones of speech, but I don't remember experiencing what I experienced yesterday.
Me: Can I have a ticket to (500) days of summmer?
*I remembered that being Wednesday, I'm entitled to student discount. Hence I flashed my student EZ-link*
Receptionist at Box-Office (Henceforth known as R): I'd need 2 student passes.
Me: I only need 1 ticket.
R: Oh. So 1 student ticket and 1 normal ticket>
Me: No, ONE ticket would be enough.
R: Huh? Oh I'm sorry..
Me: It's alright. *And I gave her my classic smiley face*
Come on, what's wrong with watching a movie alone? No doubt, movies seem to be the most prevalent social event, whether for couples or for groups. (Correct me if I'm wrong) But sometimes, it's hard to find company, or find time when your company can make it, or find company who want to watch it (with you or otherwise), or find company who hasn't watched that movie. And I don't really wanna wait for the DVD, especially when I'm not sure whether I want to invest $20+ in a DVD instead of $6 for a student ticket.
So maybe in future, box-office receptionists should learn to conceal their expressions of disbelief when someone purchases a single ticket. (:
Anyway, (500) days of summer was not too bad for a movie. Could vaguely draw some parallels between the character and me. Well, in case there are people who read this and haven't watched it and are keen to watch it, shan't have any spoiler alerts. But a theme that struck me was reconciling expectations and reality. Very often, in relationships or otherwise, we have expectations of others, we think we can expect or predict how they would think or respond. But in reality, we probably can't.
Sometimes we expect people, who are of adult age and adult mentality (these 2 don't necessarily coexist, a pity to say) to know what they want in life. Maybe some people do know what they want, which is they don't want anything at that point in time. You can't fault them for it. Knowing that you don't want anything counts as knowing what you want i guess. Till then, there's really nothing much you can do about it, is there?
And probably, for me personally, where the line for friends and someone special is really quite distinctly drawn, a quote in the movie made me realise "You can't ascribe great cosmic significance to a simple earthly event." Because for the millions out there, perhaps the line for normal friends and someone special isn't that far apart. Not that it's wrong. It's just my personal take on things. Being the oddball, I should attempt to understand the norms of how people interact, even though I may not subscribe to it. That would probably save me a lot of interpretative errors.
Not that I want to be anal about drawing clear lines. But for me, clarity trumps ambiguity. Anytime. It may be really cruel, even for both parties, but I would think that its protective effect would reap more benefits in future.
"And there's no mountain too high, no river too wide
Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side
Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide
But I love you, I love you, until the end of time.
~Come What May, Moulin Rouge
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought'a know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love.
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you.
~ Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You
I think we (or at least I) are a sucker for these songs which promise loads. Until the end of time? I remember what my pastor mentioned about many people: 说就天下无敌，做就无能为力. Indeed the future may really be unpredictable, and really not in our control. Does that devalue the promises that we make? I don't think so, because the promise is a commitment, to signify that yes, the future may be unpredictable, but come what may, I will walk through it with you. So till then, I'll still be a sucker for these songs.
Thank God for His Word and Love, the only things which never change. (:
Anyway, the previous time I watched a movie alone was quite some years back. It was Shanghai Knights. For some reason, I think I wanted to watch it quite badly, and my friends have already watched it, so I decided to watch it alone. (Maybe because it featured Fann Wong - afterall, you don't often see a local actor/actress make it to Hollywood back then. Now as well.) Maybe I was young and impressionable then, or maybe I just couldn't decipher tones of speech, but I don't remember experiencing what I experienced yesterday.
Me: Can I have a ticket to (500) days of summmer?
*I remembered that being Wednesday, I'm entitled to student discount. Hence I flashed my student EZ-link*
Receptionist at Box-Office (Henceforth known as R): I'd need 2 student passes.
Me: I only need 1 ticket.
R: Oh. So 1 student ticket and 1 normal ticket>
Me: No, ONE ticket would be enough.
R: Huh? Oh I'm sorry..
Me: It's alright. *And I gave her my classic smiley face*
Come on, what's wrong with watching a movie alone? No doubt, movies seem to be the most prevalent social event, whether for couples or for groups. (Correct me if I'm wrong) But sometimes, it's hard to find company, or find time when your company can make it, or find company who want to watch it (with you or otherwise), or find company who hasn't watched that movie. And I don't really wanna wait for the DVD, especially when I'm not sure whether I want to invest $20+ in a DVD instead of $6 for a student ticket.
So maybe in future, box-office receptionists should learn to conceal their expressions of disbelief when someone purchases a single ticket. (:
Anyway, (500) days of summer was not too bad for a movie. Could vaguely draw some parallels between the character and me. Well, in case there are people who read this and haven't watched it and are keen to watch it, shan't have any spoiler alerts. But a theme that struck me was reconciling expectations and reality. Very often, in relationships or otherwise, we have expectations of others, we think we can expect or predict how they would think or respond. But in reality, we probably can't.
Sometimes we expect people, who are of adult age and adult mentality (these 2 don't necessarily coexist, a pity to say) to know what they want in life. Maybe some people do know what they want, which is they don't want anything at that point in time. You can't fault them for it. Knowing that you don't want anything counts as knowing what you want i guess. Till then, there's really nothing much you can do about it, is there?
And probably, for me personally, where the line for friends and someone special is really quite distinctly drawn, a quote in the movie made me realise "You can't ascribe great cosmic significance to a simple earthly event." Because for the millions out there, perhaps the line for normal friends and someone special isn't that far apart. Not that it's wrong. It's just my personal take on things. Being the oddball, I should attempt to understand the norms of how people interact, even though I may not subscribe to it. That would probably save me a lot of interpretative errors.
Not that I want to be anal about drawing clear lines. But for me, clarity trumps ambiguity. Anytime. It may be really cruel, even for both parties, but I would think that its protective effect would reap more benefits in future.
"And there's no mountain too high, no river too wide
Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side
Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide
But I love you, I love you, until the end of time.
~Come What May, Moulin Rouge
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought'a know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love.
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you.
~ Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You
I think we (or at least I) are a sucker for these songs which promise loads. Until the end of time? I remember what my pastor mentioned about many people: 说就天下无敌，做就无能为力. Indeed the future may really be unpredictable, and really not in our control. Does that devalue the promises that we make? I don't think so, because the promise is a commitment, to signify that yes, the future may be unpredictable, but come what may, I will walk through it with you. So till then, I'll still be a sucker for these songs.
Thank God for His Word and Love, the only things which never change. (:
Monday, October 12, 2009
Michael Jackson Medley
My sister shared this with me.
Like WOAH. Zai. Impressed, totally.
Would be fun to try it out, wouldn't it? Any keen parties? :D:D:D
Like WOAH. Zai. Impressed, totally.
Would be fun to try it out, wouldn't it? Any keen parties? :D:D:D
Sunday, October 11, 2009
My maiden experience as a wedding emcee
Strange and a little absurd, some may say, that my maiden experience as a wedding emcee was for a couple whom I'm not even acquainted with, and whom I've not seen until 1 hour before the commencement of the wedding luncheon.
I've attended quite a few church weddings, but not many wedding dinners/luncheons. Maybe only 2-3? But certainly less than or equal to the number of fingers on one hand (i.e. 5, unless you have polydactyl). And therefore, much can be said about the extent of my experience in the proceedings of a wedding reception, or rather, the lack of it.
It can really be stressful doing something for the newly weds during a wedding, whether you're presenting a special song item or being the emcee. (Actually these are the only 2 things I've ever done at a wedding; being a part of the audience celebrating the holy matrimony of a couple does not count. Hopefully, one day I'll have the honour of being a brother for the groom, and ultimately, if God willing, the groom. Haha). But anyway, the reason it can be stressful is because, you would want to be the last person to screw up any part of the wedding (if there are any screw ups at all). Well at least, for me, my wedding's gonna be, hopefully, perfect, in whatever sense of the word. Also because people only get wed once in their entire lives (ideally).
And so, it makes me (a person who really hopes everything runs like clockwork, according to every detail in the planning) very very nervous, and a little uptight, when there's hardly a proper run through of the whole sequence of events during a wedding ceremony. Especially when the not-so-proper run through is peppered with 'play-by-ear's.
For one, I don't know how a yum seng's supposed to work. So I guess I made everyone a little bewildered and amused when I shouted yum seng 3 times without taking a single sip in between. Oh wells. This is how learning and gaining experience takes place isn't it?
Everyone's placing a bet that I'll cry big time the day I get wed. I shan't comment on that, but I can probably predict that I'll be pretty uptight about it. Imagine that. But if my sister's gonna be my wedding planner, I dare say it's probably gonna go quite well, given how she arranged by surprise birthday party x2. And I think she'll expect a big angbao from me. Haha.
P.S. Have I mentioned that I'm considering embracing a concept of a musical for my wedding? If I have the time and energy, and if my other half agrees to it, hopefully I can be the producer, the director, the composer/arranger, and of course the lead actor/singer. Haha. May sound unrealistic, but I'm entitled to my dreams rite? Heh.
I've attended quite a few church weddings, but not many wedding dinners/luncheons. Maybe only 2-3? But certainly less than or equal to the number of fingers on one hand (i.e. 5, unless you have polydactyl). And therefore, much can be said about the extent of my experience in the proceedings of a wedding reception, or rather, the lack of it.
It can really be stressful doing something for the newly weds during a wedding, whether you're presenting a special song item or being the emcee. (Actually these are the only 2 things I've ever done at a wedding; being a part of the audience celebrating the holy matrimony of a couple does not count. Hopefully, one day I'll have the honour of being a brother for the groom, and ultimately, if God willing, the groom. Haha). But anyway, the reason it can be stressful is because, you would want to be the last person to screw up any part of the wedding (if there are any screw ups at all). Well at least, for me, my wedding's gonna be, hopefully, perfect, in whatever sense of the word. Also because people only get wed once in their entire lives (ideally).
And so, it makes me (a person who really hopes everything runs like clockwork, according to every detail in the planning) very very nervous, and a little uptight, when there's hardly a proper run through of the whole sequence of events during a wedding ceremony. Especially when the not-so-proper run through is peppered with 'play-by-ear's.
For one, I don't know how a yum seng's supposed to work. So I guess I made everyone a little bewildered and amused when I shouted yum seng 3 times without taking a single sip in between. Oh wells. This is how learning and gaining experience takes place isn't it?
Everyone's placing a bet that I'll cry big time the day I get wed. I shan't comment on that, but I can probably predict that I'll be pretty uptight about it. Imagine that. But if my sister's gonna be my wedding planner, I dare say it's probably gonna go quite well, given how she arranged by surprise birthday party x2. And I think she'll expect a big angbao from me. Haha.
P.S. Have I mentioned that I'm considering embracing a concept of a musical for my wedding? If I have the time and energy, and if my other half agrees to it, hopefully I can be the producer, the director, the composer/arranger, and of course the lead actor/singer. Haha. May sound unrealistic, but I'm entitled to my dreams rite? Heh.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Words
Derek Shepherd: “How did he not know this happened?”
George 'O Malley: “Why is it his fault for not noticing? Going through life thinking they had the relationship where she could talk to him if she was in trouble, she would tell him. If you really have feelings for someone, if you really love them, then you talk to them.”
Owen Hunt: “Maybe she tried. Maybe words failed her. Sometimes, words fail."
In the Midnight Hour,
Grey's Anatomy Season 5
George 'O Malley: “Why is it his fault for not noticing? Going through life thinking they had the relationship where she could talk to him if she was in trouble, she would tell him. If you really have feelings for someone, if you really love them, then you talk to them.”
Owen Hunt: “Maybe she tried. Maybe words failed her. Sometimes, words fail."
In the Midnight Hour,
Grey's Anatomy Season 5
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Mortality and Morbidity
Yesterday, I had some difficulty passing motion; and even today I kept running to the toilet a few times, with slight sensation of incomplete voiding. Now, normal people would probably experience these symptoms once in a while and think nothing of it. But when day in day out for the past couple of weeks, you've been talking to patients who presented with these symptoms and have now been diagnosed with some pathology, you can't help but have some morbid thoughts running across your mind. Disclaimer: I am not paranoid, nor am I excessively worried or anything. And now I am perfectly fine, physically at least, maybe with the exception of a slight weight problem :P Just had some thoughts. (:
A couple of weeks ago, during my night call, I witnessed for the first time, a patient dying in hospital, in probably what is the most dramatic thus far. The patient came in vomiting blood. For some absurd reason, he was sent up to a general ward (VS. ICU) even though he was quite hypotensive (i.e. low blood pressure). After some time, he started vomiting blood profusely, and even at one point, started to seize. Imagine a patient with a plastic bag full of fresh blood beside him, and now more blood on his clothes. The on-call team started resuscitation efforts. But at the end, he didn't make it. All this while, his family members were waiting outside, looking worried and praying hard.
I was just thinking. Had the patient known that the last thing he would ever say to his family and loved ones was before he was admitted into the Emergency Department? Had he anything more he would have wanted to tell them? Had his family anything more to tell him?
Was thinking about acute/sudden death (i.e. suddenly collapsing after a marathon, road traffic accident?) VS death due to chronic condition (i.e. cancer). Which would I prefer? For one, maybe an acute death would be less painful, as compared to the seemingly long-term suffering of a chronic condition, where one might perceive himself to be just waiting for time to pass. But if I knew I have a chronic condition, I would be able to plan what I would wanna do for the rest of my limited life.
I wouldn't want to be unable to tell my loved ones that I love them (if I never had before), just because some drunk irresponsible driver ran me over and I died instantly.
Such is the unpredictability of life. Certainly, I know the Hope that awaits me. Just that, just wondering, will I have any regrets should I just pass away the next day? Will I regret not spending sufficient time with my family? Will I regret not telling someone how important he/she is to me? Will I regret not mending ties with certain individuals?
So many potential regrets I can now think of. But will I be able to live my life differently, knowing I may have these regrets?
Anyway, I'm perfectly fine. I guess. Shall go read newspaper and do my 2nd case write-up after that. (:
A couple of weeks ago, during my night call, I witnessed for the first time, a patient dying in hospital, in probably what is the most dramatic thus far. The patient came in vomiting blood. For some absurd reason, he was sent up to a general ward (VS. ICU) even though he was quite hypotensive (i.e. low blood pressure). After some time, he started vomiting blood profusely, and even at one point, started to seize. Imagine a patient with a plastic bag full of fresh blood beside him, and now more blood on his clothes. The on-call team started resuscitation efforts. But at the end, he didn't make it. All this while, his family members were waiting outside, looking worried and praying hard.
I was just thinking. Had the patient known that the last thing he would ever say to his family and loved ones was before he was admitted into the Emergency Department? Had he anything more he would have wanted to tell them? Had his family anything more to tell him?
Was thinking about acute/sudden death (i.e. suddenly collapsing after a marathon, road traffic accident?) VS death due to chronic condition (i.e. cancer). Which would I prefer? For one, maybe an acute death would be less painful, as compared to the seemingly long-term suffering of a chronic condition, where one might perceive himself to be just waiting for time to pass. But if I knew I have a chronic condition, I would be able to plan what I would wanna do for the rest of my limited life.
I wouldn't want to be unable to tell my loved ones that I love them (if I never had before), just because some drunk irresponsible driver ran me over and I died instantly.
Such is the unpredictability of life. Certainly, I know the Hope that awaits me. Just that, just wondering, will I have any regrets should I just pass away the next day? Will I regret not spending sufficient time with my family? Will I regret not telling someone how important he/she is to me? Will I regret not mending ties with certain individuals?
So many potential regrets I can now think of. But will I be able to live my life differently, knowing I may have these regrets?
Anyway, I'm perfectly fine. I guess. Shall go read newspaper and do my 2nd case write-up after that. (:
Sunday, October 4, 2009
“把碗洗得干净一点！”
Maybe my blog is really dead. But well, good thing that death is not an end-point, but a transition point. Just like I have the power to revive my blog as and when I want to, so there will come a day when all the dead-as-of-now will 'go to' another place, for better or for worse, but that would certainly be for eternity.
Anyway, just wanted to pop by (can you technically pop by your own blog?) before I continue on my surgical case write-up (which in itself can be a form of warped enjoyment, just that it's super time-consuming -.-"). There's been a lot of news lately, from publicised ones like Ris Low and disasters (natural or otherwise), to private ones like friends and acquaintances being hospitalised, witnessing my first death in hospital (this was like.. 2 weeks ago). Each of them deserve a full post, but well, until I have a little more time on my hands, I shall not venture into lands unknown, past the point of no return.
Just now, when I was washing the dishes (dish, to be more accurately - my own soup bowl), my mum nagged, “把碗洗得干净一点！”. The main point is not that my mum nags (which mother doesn't? Moreover I think my mum nags minimally already (: ) Thing is, if something is clean, it means it has to be perfectly clean. If it isn't, then it really isn't. It's quite an absolute isn't it? Oh. Correction - It IS an absolute isn't it?
As much as social studies and GP have taught us always to "agree [with almost everything, it seems] to a CERTAIN EXTENT," I wonder whether our minds have been accustomed to spectrumise everything. Law aims to make the punishment fit the crime, and rightly so, but have we forgotten that there is sin has no such grading system?
Can you love a person more over time? Love is an absolute standard too, isn't it?
Anyway, just wanted to pop by (can you technically pop by your own blog?) before I continue on my surgical case write-up (which in itself can be a form of warped enjoyment, just that it's super time-consuming -.-"). There's been a lot of news lately, from publicised ones like Ris Low and disasters (natural or otherwise), to private ones like friends and acquaintances being hospitalised, witnessing my first death in hospital (this was like.. 2 weeks ago). Each of them deserve a full post, but well, until I have a little more time on my hands, I shall not venture into lands unknown, past the point of no return.
Just now, when I was washing the dishes (dish, to be more accurately - my own soup bowl), my mum nagged, “把碗洗得干净一点！”. The main point is not that my mum nags (which mother doesn't? Moreover I think my mum nags minimally already (: ) Thing is, if something is clean, it means it has to be perfectly clean. If it isn't, then it really isn't. It's quite an absolute isn't it? Oh. Correction - It IS an absolute isn't it?
As much as social studies and GP have taught us always to "agree [with almost everything, it seems] to a CERTAIN EXTENT," I wonder whether our minds have been accustomed to spectrumise everything. Law aims to make the punishment fit the crime, and rightly so, but have we forgotten that there is sin has no such grading system?
Can you love a person more over time? Love is an absolute standard too, isn't it?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It's Tme for Sayang Sayang (:
Guess I'll just squeeze in a short post (for once!) before I get engrossed in handling groupings and pairings for future postings, gathering feedback for Dean's Office, doing PBL and reading up for tutorials (:
It's Time for Sayang Sayang
(Music and lyrics by Alvin Oon)
There seems so many things that lie before us,
there’s just so many things we want to do.
But let us stop and pause for just a moment,
let’s do something special me and you.
It’s time for sayang sayang, it’s time for sayang sayang.
Caring for one another family and friends.
It’s time for sayang sayang, it’s time for sayang sayang.
As we go walking together hand-in-hand.
The time that we all love is here to treasure,
a very special time of the year.
These days you're sure to find, these days are yours and mine,
We share them with the ones we hold so dear.
It’s time for sayang sayang, it’s time for sayang sayang.
Caring for one another family and friends.
It’s time for sayang sayang, it’s time for sayang sayang.
As we go walking together hand-in-hand.
Sweet. Lovely (:
It's Time for Sayang Sayang
(Music and lyrics by Alvin Oon)
There seems so many things that lie before us,
there’s just so many things we want to do.
But let us stop and pause for just a moment,
let’s do something special me and you.
It’s time for sayang sayang, it’s time for sayang sayang.
Caring for one another family and friends.
It’s time for sayang sayang, it’s time for sayang sayang.
As we go walking together hand-in-hand.
The time that we all love is here to treasure,
a very special time of the year.
These days you're sure to find, these days are yours and mine,
We share them with the ones we hold so dear.
It’s time for sayang sayang, it’s time for sayang sayang.
Caring for one another family and friends.
It’s time for sayang sayang, it’s time for sayang sayang.
As we go walking together hand-in-hand.
Sweet. Lovely (:
Monday, September 14, 2009
A Little Something about my Life
A friend of mine had once commented that my blog is dead before it is even alive. Well, rightly so, and I kinda agree. The past 2 weeks since Surgery posting started have been quite an experience, albeit an extremely hectic one. Not only is surgery quite a entirely different ball game in terms of physical hours, but it so happened that these 2 weeks have been a period when I had, for a while, many additional things on my plate. These include my first attempt at translating a full-length medical article, my first experience at conducting a choir at a choral music camp, taking up an additional tutee, scrubbing in and assisting in my first operation (despite just holding a retractor and proctoscope), etc. Knowing how long it takes for me to blog, and since I'd very much prefer to finish one post at one sitting, I refrain from beginning one.
Now it seems that the only time I have to blog is when i watch tennis at 4:30am in the morning (Update: Federer just took the first set 7-6 against Djokovic in the US Open semifinal, his 22nd consecutive Grandslam semifinal, following Nadal's shock loss against Del Potro). You absolutely have to love it when you see beautiful shot-making like, returning the ball around the net instead of over the net. And the weather in the US isn't really helping, now that the men's finals is gonna be played live on probably a Tuesday morning in Singapore (due to rain delaying matches on previous days), I'd either miss the match or won't get much sleep before reaching TTSH at 7:30am in the morning.
On a side note, I absolutely love my Mondays. And I really really love them. It's really a precious break for me, because I hardly get any rest during the weekends, needless to mention weekdays. That's because nowadays there are few/no lectures on Mondays, and my students all have lessons in school, so I'm basically free till evening. Hence, Monday gives me time to catch up on studying/reading (be it medical or otherwise), watching movies, or just some time of my own. Therefore sometimes I'm a little bewildered when some of my friends want to go back to the hospital on Mondays. But then again, I shouldn't be critical, because they're really keen and passionate about learning (I must say I do not share the enthusiasm on an equal level) and they probably get their rest at their own time. It's just that since I'm already spending 4x10h in the hospitals on 4 out of 7 days (not inclusive of time spent travelling, which can be quite substantial), I'd really like to spend the rest of my time on other things that I enjoy doing and are of value. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that I hate medical school. In fact, I'm enjoying every moment of it, learning, interacting with patients and doctors. Just that I don't want my life to only and merely revolve around medicine.
Some of my friends (These are friends who truly care about me and my welfare, so I do appreciate their kind intent and concern (:) have asked me is it really necessary for me to have so many students, take up so many commitments outside of school, etc. Well, I'm not short of money for now, and frankly-speaking, if I'm giving tuition just for the money, then I'm really short-changing myself, because I know some of my friends who charge much higher rates than I do. But it really is the fulfillment of seeing my students improve, developing an interest in the subject and a way of thinking and working out the solutions which give me satisfaction. People have said that I should learn to say no. Maybe that is something I should learn, but to me, if you can help someone who's asking you for help, and if it doesn't kill you, I'd be inclined to agree. Afterall, you'd never know what you're missing out on learning or experiencing if you don't give it a try. And trust me, students teach you more than you think they can. And yes, to those who are afraid that I'll burn out, do continue to keep me in prayer and remind me if you see signs of that happening to me =) And yes, I won't forget to make time for my family as well. =)
I've actually cut out many newspaper clippings which I'd have liked to make some comment on or something, but currently they're just sitting on my tray, 10 of them at least. They range from the thought-provoking to the bizarre and absurd.
Well, as I'm watching tennis, I'm not intending on blogging about something totally serious. So anyway, just wanna share a little something about a perspective. I've not, and am not intending to, examined the whole merits and accuracy of this perspective. Just something that came to my mind some time back. (Federer takes the 2nd set 7-5!) Humans' emotions can be quite volatile. You can try to observe a person, try to subconsciously formulate some patterns and theories on how he/she may respond or react to certain situations, but at the end of the day, sometimes they may still surprise or shock you, just when you think you can start to predict how they'd respond. Is it just because people don't really know what they want? Or maybe it's just the complexity of the human psyche. Maybe that's what makes life and human interactions so interesting. And for a person like me who likes predictability, who gets fed up at times when I can't figure out what a person's thinking or what's going on in a person's mind, it is really quite a lesson to learn.
The value of waiting.
Actually I've been done with this post a little time back, just that I'm waiting for the match to finish. Another beautifully excellent shot in between the legs after Djokovic returns a lob. Check it out on youtube, it should be there in time to come. =) Roger through to his 6th consecutive US Open final for a record 6th consecutive title in the Open Era. (:
Now it seems that the only time I have to blog is when i watch tennis at 4:30am in the morning (Update: Federer just took the first set 7-6 against Djokovic in the US Open semifinal, his 22nd consecutive Grandslam semifinal, following Nadal's shock loss against Del Potro). You absolutely have to love it when you see beautiful shot-making like, returning the ball around the net instead of over the net. And the weather in the US isn't really helping, now that the men's finals is gonna be played live on probably a Tuesday morning in Singapore (due to rain delaying matches on previous days), I'd either miss the match or won't get much sleep before reaching TTSH at 7:30am in the morning.
On a side note, I absolutely love my Mondays. And I really really love them. It's really a precious break for me, because I hardly get any rest during the weekends, needless to mention weekdays. That's because nowadays there are few/no lectures on Mondays, and my students all have lessons in school, so I'm basically free till evening. Hence, Monday gives me time to catch up on studying/reading (be it medical or otherwise), watching movies, or just some time of my own. Therefore sometimes I'm a little bewildered when some of my friends want to go back to the hospital on Mondays. But then again, I shouldn't be critical, because they're really keen and passionate about learning (I must say I do not share the enthusiasm on an equal level) and they probably get their rest at their own time. It's just that since I'm already spending 4x10h in the hospitals on 4 out of 7 days (not inclusive of time spent travelling, which can be quite substantial), I'd really like to spend the rest of my time on other things that I enjoy doing and are of value. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that I hate medical school. In fact, I'm enjoying every moment of it, learning, interacting with patients and doctors. Just that I don't want my life to only and merely revolve around medicine.
Some of my friends (These are friends who truly care about me and my welfare, so I do appreciate their kind intent and concern (:) have asked me is it really necessary for me to have so many students, take up so many commitments outside of school, etc. Well, I'm not short of money for now, and frankly-speaking, if I'm giving tuition just for the money, then I'm really short-changing myself, because I know some of my friends who charge much higher rates than I do. But it really is the fulfillment of seeing my students improve, developing an interest in the subject and a way of thinking and working out the solutions which give me satisfaction. People have said that I should learn to say no. Maybe that is something I should learn, but to me, if you can help someone who's asking you for help, and if it doesn't kill you, I'd be inclined to agree. Afterall, you'd never know what you're missing out on learning or experiencing if you don't give it a try. And trust me, students teach you more than you think they can. And yes, to those who are afraid that I'll burn out, do continue to keep me in prayer and remind me if you see signs of that happening to me =) And yes, I won't forget to make time for my family as well. =)
I've actually cut out many newspaper clippings which I'd have liked to make some comment on or something, but currently they're just sitting on my tray, 10 of them at least. They range from the thought-provoking to the bizarre and absurd.
Well, as I'm watching tennis, I'm not intending on blogging about something totally serious. So anyway, just wanna share a little something about a perspective. I've not, and am not intending to, examined the whole merits and accuracy of this perspective. Just something that came to my mind some time back. (Federer takes the 2nd set 7-5!) Humans' emotions can be quite volatile. You can try to observe a person, try to subconsciously formulate some patterns and theories on how he/she may respond or react to certain situations, but at the end of the day, sometimes they may still surprise or shock you, just when you think you can start to predict how they'd respond. Is it just because people don't really know what they want? Or maybe it's just the complexity of the human psyche. Maybe that's what makes life and human interactions so interesting. And for a person like me who likes predictability, who gets fed up at times when I can't figure out what a person's thinking or what's going on in a person's mind, it is really quite a lesson to learn.
The value of waiting.
Actually I've been done with this post a little time back, just that I'm waiting for the match to finish. Another beautifully excellent shot in between the legs after Djokovic returns a lob. Check it out on youtube, it should be there in time to come. =) Roger through to his 6th consecutive US Open final for a record 6th consecutive title in the Open Era. (:
Friday, August 28, 2009
Fiat Justitia et Pereat Mundus
The holidays are really, really too short. Or are they? Which sorta begs the question - Is 'short', in terms of length, an absolute term or a relative term? 7 days. Compared to the 3 months of holidays that other uni students have, it's probably as short as it can ever get. However, from another perspective, these 7 days of holidays are the same 7 days that all my other 250+ classmates have. Therefore, are my holidays short? What is the reference/standard used for comparison?
Was watching this movie called 'Come What May'. No, it's not a sequel of Moulin Rouge, though I personally love the movie AND the song. The synopsis from IMDB:
"Caleb and Rachel team up to lead the Patrick Henry College team in the intense world of collegiate moot court competition. Caleb looks to date Rachel, but she's waiting for courtship. Meanwhile, Caleb becomes caught in a moral tug-of-war between his parents - a newly Christian father and a feminist attorney mother. Caleb's mom goes before the U.S. Supreme Court defending abortion, even as Caleb simultaneously takes on the opposing legal argument at the national moot court championship."
At the heart of this movie are several themes:
1. Truth and Belief - Absolutism and Relativism
"People believe what they choose to, but you need to believe the truth. What you believe determines what you do." - Don Hogan (The Christian father)
" See.. when somebody tells you something is 'morally wrong', watch out. There's always a sliding scale. Even stealing, well, what if you're starving? Some people are so sure that there's black and white. There's always a grey area, they just won't admit it." - Judith Hogan (The attorney mother)
"While you and I do have different views and opinions, should that really matter as long as we respect each other?" - Judith Hogan
In this day and age, it'd seem that there are many Judith Hogans speaking to us. With God's unchanging and absolute character, comes His unchanging morals and values for us. Some detractors may say that while God said "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour" (Ex 20:16), Rahab was commended for her faith in God (Heb 11:31) despite lying to save the lives of the 2 spies (Jos 2). Would that have been double-standards? But we should bear in mind that Rahab saved 2 lives by doing what she did, and that would have been upholding a higher principle. Although we must not easily compromise on laws and principles, let us not go down the path of being overtly-legalistic either. At the end of the day, I think we have to go back to the Word to discern the heart of God so that we will act in a way pleasing to Him.
Especially in our multi-religious society, where religion appears to remain still a touchy and sensitive issue, is it really true that respect is all that matters and that differing beliefs don't matter? No doubt, we should and must respect others for they too are created in the image of God, but we shouldn't go down the path of thinking that "all beliefs are good and well as long as they do not harm others", etc. This doesn't mean that we go around denouncing others' beliefs, picking fights and inciting riots, but to engage others peacefully with respect.
Patrick Henry College's founder, Dr. Michael Farris (also a US constitutional lawyer and Baptist minister) says this in the movie, "Here, we have confidence in reason, because we have confidence in God."
2. On Abortion
At the centre of this movie is the question of "When does life really begin?" Roe v. Wade is mentioned extensively, a landmark case in the US which upheld that that a mother may abort her pregnancy for any reason, up until the "point at which the fetus becomes 'viable'", where 'viability' is defined as the potential "to live outside the mother's womb, albeit with artificial aid".
There's this exchange between Caleb and Don, his father:
Caleb: "The issue is, how do you know when does a baby's life begins?"
Don: "That's not a biology question, you know. Biology has nothing to do with it, in fact it's so simple that a 10 year old can understand it. Just pick a time when you know the baby's alive."
Caleb: "The day he's born."
Don: "Alright, what about the day before that? Is the baby alive the day before that?"
Caleb: "Of course."
Don: "And how about the day before that?"
Caleb: "Sure."
Don: "There you have it. Life doesn't begin incrementally. It's not like the baby was anymore alive today than it was the day before. It's radical, it's an event, and it only happens once in a human's existence."
Caleb: "At conception."
Don: "No other explanation makes sense. And it's so simple, anyone can understand it."
Caleb: "But why don't they get it?"
Don: "It's not that the people don't get it, they don't wanna hear it."
At the end of the movie, during the moot court finals, Caleb argues against Roe v. Wade, "They tear the baby out of its only means of life support, and say 'Wow, look at that, our machines can't sustain it's life,' and somehow, that proves it's not viable!"
Something for all of us to think about.
3. Fiat Justitia et Pereat Mundus
The literal translation would be "Let there be justice, though the world perish." In the movie, it's interpreted to mean, "Do the right thing, come what may."
Dr. Michael Farris says this, "Moot court becomes real court before you know it. Winning Moot court is great, for the moment, but living by Christian principles, living by God's righteousness, that will guide your whole life."
4. Commitment
Don: "Say you lend a guy 10,000 bucks. What are you gonna want from him?"
Caleb: "Well I'd want him to pay it back."
Don: "Would you lend it to him if he wouldn't commit to that? If Rachel gives you her trust, if she puts herself in your hands, she wants a commitment that you're not gonna break her heart."
There are other themes on family, work, etc. But I think it'll be better for each of us to explore them ourselves (Actually, more like this post is getting horrendously lengthy.)
In summary, I think the movie's a good watch. The DVD's not mine though. If and when I get my hands on it, you can borrow from me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really think blogging takes a lot of time.
Was watching this movie called 'Come What May'. No, it's not a sequel of Moulin Rouge, though I personally love the movie AND the song. The synopsis from IMDB:
"Caleb and Rachel team up to lead the Patrick Henry College team in the intense world of collegiate moot court competition. Caleb looks to date Rachel, but she's waiting for courtship. Meanwhile, Caleb becomes caught in a moral tug-of-war between his parents - a newly Christian father and a feminist attorney mother. Caleb's mom goes before the U.S. Supreme Court defending abortion, even as Caleb simultaneously takes on the opposing legal argument at the national moot court championship."
At the heart of this movie are several themes:
1. Truth and Belief - Absolutism and Relativism
"People believe what they choose to, but you need to believe the truth. What you believe determines what you do." - Don Hogan (The Christian father)
" See.. when somebody tells you something is 'morally wrong', watch out. There's always a sliding scale. Even stealing, well, what if you're starving? Some people are so sure that there's black and white. There's always a grey area, they just won't admit it." - Judith Hogan (The attorney mother)
"While you and I do have different views and opinions, should that really matter as long as we respect each other?" - Judith Hogan
In this day and age, it'd seem that there are many Judith Hogans speaking to us. With God's unchanging and absolute character, comes His unchanging morals and values for us. Some detractors may say that while God said "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour" (Ex 20:16), Rahab was commended for her faith in God (Heb 11:31) despite lying to save the lives of the 2 spies (Jos 2). Would that have been double-standards? But we should bear in mind that Rahab saved 2 lives by doing what she did, and that would have been upholding a higher principle. Although we must not easily compromise on laws and principles, let us not go down the path of being overtly-legalistic either. At the end of the day, I think we have to go back to the Word to discern the heart of God so that we will act in a way pleasing to Him.
Especially in our multi-religious society, where religion appears to remain still a touchy and sensitive issue, is it really true that respect is all that matters and that differing beliefs don't matter? No doubt, we should and must respect others for they too are created in the image of God, but we shouldn't go down the path of thinking that "all beliefs are good and well as long as they do not harm others", etc. This doesn't mean that we go around denouncing others' beliefs, picking fights and inciting riots, but to engage others peacefully with respect.
Patrick Henry College's founder, Dr. Michael Farris (also a US constitutional lawyer and Baptist minister) says this in the movie, "Here, we have confidence in reason, because we have confidence in God."
2. On Abortion
At the centre of this movie is the question of "When does life really begin?" Roe v. Wade is mentioned extensively, a landmark case in the US which upheld that that a mother may abort her pregnancy for any reason, up until the "point at which the fetus becomes 'viable'", where 'viability' is defined as the potential "to live outside the mother's womb, albeit with artificial aid".
There's this exchange between Caleb and Don, his father:
Caleb: "The issue is, how do you know when does a baby's life begins?"
Don: "That's not a biology question, you know. Biology has nothing to do with it, in fact it's so simple that a 10 year old can understand it. Just pick a time when you know the baby's alive."
Caleb: "The day he's born."
Don: "Alright, what about the day before that? Is the baby alive the day before that?"
Caleb: "Of course."
Don: "And how about the day before that?"
Caleb: "Sure."
Don: "There you have it. Life doesn't begin incrementally. It's not like the baby was anymore alive today than it was the day before. It's radical, it's an event, and it only happens once in a human's existence."
Caleb: "At conception."
Don: "No other explanation makes sense. And it's so simple, anyone can understand it."
Caleb: "But why don't they get it?"
Don: "It's not that the people don't get it, they don't wanna hear it."
At the end of the movie, during the moot court finals, Caleb argues against Roe v. Wade, "They tear the baby out of its only means of life support, and say 'Wow, look at that, our machines can't sustain it's life,' and somehow, that proves it's not viable!"
Something for all of us to think about.
3. Fiat Justitia et Pereat Mundus
The literal translation would be "Let there be justice, though the world perish." In the movie, it's interpreted to mean, "Do the right thing, come what may."
Dr. Michael Farris says this, "Moot court becomes real court before you know it. Winning Moot court is great, for the moment, but living by Christian principles, living by God's righteousness, that will guide your whole life."
4. Commitment
Don: "Say you lend a guy 10,000 bucks. What are you gonna want from him?"
Caleb: "Well I'd want him to pay it back."
Don: "Would you lend it to him if he wouldn't commit to that? If Rachel gives you her trust, if she puts herself in your hands, she wants a commitment that you're not gonna break her heart."
There are other themes on family, work, etc. But I think it'll be better for each of us to explore them ourselves (Actually, more like this post is getting horrendously lengthy.)
In summary, I think the movie's a good watch. The DVD's not mine though. If and when I get my hands on it, you can borrow from me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really think blogging takes a lot of time.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Why Buy It Next Time When I Want It Now?
And so begins the one week of holidays (or is it pseudo-hols?) It'd seem that all my evenings for the week are already occupied, and a couple of (the limited) mornings and afternoons are taken up too. That kinda leaves little time for the DVDs I wanna watch, books I wanna read and the dreaded Pathology I'd probably need to force myself to start studying. And therefore, from the outset, it appears that this 1 week will be a meaningfully spent one, despite having no tennis to watch until the US Open begins the week after. (Federer is now leading 6-1, 0-3 in the Cincinatti Masters. Hopefully he'll wrap up the match this set)
With regards to EOPT, there's really nothing much to say, but to really thank and praise God for really nice examiners (who gave me the feeling that they really do try their very best to help you pass) and for indeed, peace during the test proper itself (though the experience while waiting for the 1st 2 shifts of students to finish can be pretty nerve-wrecking).
But all that above is really besides the point. I happened to see this plastic bag from metro in the kitchen (the place I frequent most during tests and exams, probably contributes to my apparently increasing abdominal girth. Hopefully it's just my imagination ) a couple of days back, which says in huge font, "Why Buy It Next Time When I Want It Now?" Says pretty much about what appeals to the masses nowadays, doesn't it?
Since young, I've always been thought to spend within my means. My mum would always tell me never to “先洗未来钱” ("spend future money" - in Canto). And I always thought I never will, or even be tempted to. But with the ownership of a credit card, things get a little more complicated. Some may say, "Just don't get a credit card!" They're probably right. But the 'Aunty' side of Emmett tends to like the idea of getting points for charging things to his credit card, with the rationale that he's still spending within his means. And true to his resolve, he has been clearing all of his bills and not accumulating any interest.
But, the problem comes when there's something that I'd really really wanna buy. Like the 5 seasons of House M.D. (I know the 6th season is gonna be showing soon). Or some British first-day covers which cost like $10+ each. Or the endless list of DVDs (which I sometimes seriously doubt that I'll have time to watch). But with "Why Buy It Next Time When I Want It Now?" in your face, it becomes so much easier to succumb to the shiok-ness of instant gratification.
So what to do? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Don't own a credit card
2. Don't own a credit card (Don't have an aunty mindset)
3. Charge only what you can afford to your credit card (Of course, I'm speaking from a young adult's point-of-view when I don't need to pay for any big-ticket items at this point in time. I don't know, maybe working adults have an important use for credit facilities)
4. Don't accumulate interest on your credit card by clearing your debt monthly
5. Save up a portion of your allowance (I have to admit I'm not a particularly good saver. Besides setting aside my tithe, I don't really plan that much, 'tho I do keep track of my accounts meticulously.)
Nothing really new. You can probably find some of these tips in the "Invest" section in Sunday Times. But as you can see, 'tho practical these may be, they're not the easiest to abide by. Personally I only manage to keep to point 4. Time for improvement.
So hopefully, to all out there, when you next see, "Why Buy It Next Time When I Want It Now?" Think twice, thrice, or as many times you would, before you whip out that credit card. Better still, just walk away, or close that online shopping browser window. That's what fleeing from temptation means right? (:
P.S. Btw, the aforementioned items are not a 'trying-to-hint-discretely' wishlist, just in case anybody gets the wrong idea. (: Although should anyone have any intention to add these things to my collection, they're most certainly welcome :p
And Federer just won his 61st career title. 6-1, 7-5. A few fantastic shots. Really superb shot-making. Anyone wants to watch the US Open finals together? :D
With regards to EOPT, there's really nothing much to say, but to really thank and praise God for really nice examiners (who gave me the feeling that they really do try their very best to help you pass) and for indeed, peace during the test proper itself (though the experience while waiting for the 1st 2 shifts of students to finish can be pretty nerve-wrecking).
But all that above is really besides the point. I happened to see this plastic bag from metro in the kitchen (the place I frequent most during tests and exams, probably contributes to my apparently increasing abdominal girth. Hopefully it's just my imagination ) a couple of days back, which says in huge font, "Why Buy It Next Time When I Want It Now?" Says pretty much about what appeals to the masses nowadays, doesn't it?
Since young, I've always been thought to spend within my means. My mum would always tell me never to “先洗未来钱” ("spend future money" - in Canto). And I always thought I never will, or even be tempted to. But with the ownership of a credit card, things get a little more complicated. Some may say, "Just don't get a credit card!" They're probably right. But the 'Aunty' side of Emmett tends to like the idea of getting points for charging things to his credit card, with the rationale that he's still spending within his means. And true to his resolve, he has been clearing all of his bills and not accumulating any interest.
But, the problem comes when there's something that I'd really really wanna buy. Like the 5 seasons of House M.D. (I know the 6th season is gonna be showing soon). Or some British first-day covers which cost like $10+ each. Or the endless list of DVDs (which I sometimes seriously doubt that I'll have time to watch). But with "Why Buy It Next Time When I Want It Now?" in your face, it becomes so much easier to succumb to the shiok-ness of instant gratification.
So what to do? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Don't own a credit card
2. Don't own a credit card (Don't have an aunty mindset)
3. Charge only what you can afford to your credit card (Of course, I'm speaking from a young adult's point-of-view when I don't need to pay for any big-ticket items at this point in time. I don't know, maybe working adults have an important use for credit facilities)
4. Don't accumulate interest on your credit card by clearing your debt monthly
5. Save up a portion of your allowance (I have to admit I'm not a particularly good saver. Besides setting aside my tithe, I don't really plan that much, 'tho I do keep track of my accounts meticulously.)
Nothing really new. You can probably find some of these tips in the "Invest" section in Sunday Times. But as you can see, 'tho practical these may be, they're not the easiest to abide by. Personally I only manage to keep to point 4. Time for improvement.
So hopefully, to all out there, when you next see, "Why Buy It Next Time When I Want It Now?" Think twice, thrice, or as many times you would, before you whip out that credit card. Better still, just walk away, or close that online shopping browser window. That's what fleeing from temptation means right? (:
P.S. Btw, the aforementioned items are not a 'trying-to-hint-discretely' wishlist, just in case anybody gets the wrong idea. (: Although should anyone have any intention to add these things to my collection, they're most certainly welcome :p
And Federer just won his 61st career title. 6-1, 7-5. A few fantastic shots. Really superb shot-making. Anyone wants to watch the US Open finals together? :D
Saturday, August 22, 2009
A Start to Everything
Some may obviously question the wisdom of starting a blog when his EOPT (end-of-posting-test) looms in less than 8h, but well, I'm gonna start it anyway. Not only for the catharsis in escaping from Oxford, Kumar and Clark (medical textbooks), but also to put an accelerator in overcoming the inertia of expressing my thoughts in written language. Afterall, there is indeed, a beginning to everything. Not to say that I am fully prepared (some seniors have said one can never be, or at least feel, fully prepared in any test/exam in medicine), but at this point of time, it'd seem that there is more value in writing this than staring blankly at the investigations to be done for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
I've always resisted the temptation of having my own personal blog, though I have tried my hand at blogging. Reason being:
1. I find it time-consuming to maintain a blog. Afterall, not much point leaving a blog lying to waste if I'm not going to update it on a regular basis.
2. I did not understand the idea/concept/purpose of a blog. Is it going to be a place whereby I share my innermost personal thoughts/struggles - If so, why put it on a public domain for all to see in the first place? Or is it going to be a site where people find out what I do by the day, weeks and months - Surely my life isn't the most interesting one.
In response to my own doubts, I have decided that this is going to be a place where I'm gonna let others in on my insights/feelings on certain issues, be it societal, political, religious or personal. Well, don't expect me to divulge my innermost feelings on certain issues (not that you'd know of their existence anyway) (: Well, and I don't really care who's going to be reading what I write, but if you do, and if you have comments or feedback, do email me and we can discuss it =) Just don't start an online war on this blog. I'm just a noob blogger.
Sorry to disappoint anyone who'd have expectations of a fancy blog layout (doubt there'll be anyone though, for people who read this blog probably know me, and all who know me know me for who I am) Hah.
So much for an introduction. Hopefully this blog will officially get up and running soon, and its existence be sustained. No promises on the regularity in posting (oh dear. I'm not a commitment-phobe, am i?). Well, I'll try my best.
As for EOPT, whatever will be, will be. In God I trust.
I've always resisted the temptation of having my own personal blog, though I have tried my hand at blogging. Reason being:
1. I find it time-consuming to maintain a blog. Afterall, not much point leaving a blog lying to waste if I'm not going to update it on a regular basis.
2. I did not understand the idea/concept/purpose of a blog. Is it going to be a place whereby I share my innermost personal thoughts/struggles - If so, why put it on a public domain for all to see in the first place? Or is it going to be a site where people find out what I do by the day, weeks and months - Surely my life isn't the most interesting one.
In response to my own doubts, I have decided that this is going to be a place where I'm gonna let others in on my insights/feelings on certain issues, be it societal, political, religious or personal. Well, don't expect me to divulge my innermost feelings on certain issues (not that you'd know of their existence anyway) (: Well, and I don't really care who's going to be reading what I write, but if you do, and if you have comments or feedback, do email me and we can discuss it =) Just don't start an online war on this blog. I'm just a noob blogger.
Sorry to disappoint anyone who'd have expectations of a fancy blog layout (doubt there'll be anyone though, for people who read this blog probably know me, and all who know me know me for who I am) Hah.
So much for an introduction. Hopefully this blog will officially get up and running soon, and its existence be sustained. No promises on the regularity in posting (oh dear. I'm not a commitment-phobe, am i?). Well, I'll try my best.
As for EOPT, whatever will be, will be. In God I trust.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)