Soccer Futsal Soccer;

My weekends are going to be filled with Futsal, Futsal, Futsal!

I bet on Monday, my whole body's going to be aching like anything, and I wont be able to climb down from my double decker bed, and I just got to lie on my bed the whole day.

But I can hardly contain my excitement! Like Chai said, "I just want to kick ball." See, once a footballer, always will be. My legs are so itchy now, and all I can think of is tomorrow's Futsal friendly with Chris cousins.

AND on Sunday, 9am to 6pm, the Samsung Asian Youth Games Futsal Challenge. I want to win! The Champion team will receive prizes worth up to $20 000 Samsung products. But that's not the reason will I want to win. Victory always taste sweet. Once you've tasted victory, it never feels good to lose anymore. Well, okay, losing always sucks. But when you've won before, and you lose the next time, the feeling leaves you more defeated. But of course, most importanly, we must play the game well. Because the best feeling is always knowing you've played to your best!

So, my weekends are going to be spent with the girls, seems quite like a soccer camp. And then the following weekend will be chalet already! WOOTS.

I cant concentrate at work! Last day today anyway! I just want to change now, and dribble the ball around. And July's dawning upon us, which also means I'm getting nearer to see NO. 8 and his hell of a bomb team!

BY THE WAY, I got a STEVIE G POSTER with his signature, a huge one from adidas, which I pasted proudly on my room door :D And only people who spent more than $100 in adidas can get the poster for free, plus a chance for a lucky draw dip and if you win in the draw, you will get a KOP ticket free for their upcoming match in Singapore! I HOPE ITS ME! Bought Dad a liverpool jersey (ITS FATHER'S DAY ON SUNDAY!), and a soccer ball for myself. So, I got the beautiful poster which said "EVERY TEAM NEEDS A 12TH MAN". Hmm, until now, I still dont really get what it means. Anyway, Gerrard's signature on the poster is like printed on. Its like he signed on one poster, and then the rest are replicas of that original poster. But its still cool. And anyway, I'll be getting his signature when he comes, so I'll wait. Haha.

Hmm, why does time past quicker from the left hand side of 12 than on the right hand side?

Love,
Turtle 12:50pm

Speaking Mandarin;

I'M UTTERLY DISAPPOINTED AND ASHAMED OF MYSELF!
I cannot string a full sentence of Chinese together!

I used to think Mandarin was this shit subject, that everybody in their right minds should not bother themselves with. And so, every Chinese lessons, I would not pay attention, would not bother to study hard for it, would play a fool with friends...

AND OH HOW I REGRET!
A colleague from China showed me her bank transaction statement awhile ago at work. She asked me to translate some of the English messages on the statment account, because she is unable to read them, and she thought that they were some important messages, and that she owes the bank money. Haha.

Okay, so I read, and I tried to translate to her in Chinese as accurately as possible. But I realised, I CANT! I was stammering, "erm erm erm...", keep casting around for the right Chinese words... So I had no choice but to skip some parts. They were just notes from the bank, like call this number if you have any enquiries, or set up a POSBkids account for your child to stand a chance to win $20,000!

BUT its important to her that she understands what was written to put her mind at ease, and I think I did a total shit job in translating for her. What is taxes in Chinese? I learnt that one before, but I forgot! So I had to ask her (in Mandarin, of course) "You know, when you work, you have to pay the government some of your money right?" And she told me its "Shui" (I think.). And I was like "Dui! Dui!" Its want I learnt before but is long forgotten. And whats bank account in Chinese? I skipped that part. And whats coin in Chinese? I had to try to explain to her about this "Scratch & Win" contest the bank is having, and I wanted to illustrate using a coin to scratch, but WHAT'S COIN IN CHINESE?!

In the end, she said thank you to me. But I'm thinking, how much of my Chinese translation did she understand? I guess she must be laughing inwardly at my Mandarin! And I'm also having a good laugh myself, at myself.

I quickly told Jingwen, and she said my colleague should have asked her, given that Jing's going to be a Chinese teacher. Well, my Mandarin grades had been satisfactory, A for O levels, B for A levels. But I find it really difficult to communicate and express myself fluently in Mandarin. I want to do the same as I can when I'm speaking English.

And I find myself not being able to understand lots of conversations on tv sometimes, especially when watching those Taiwanese Variety shows. Sometimes, Dad will laugh and I would be like "What? What so funny? What is (insert unfamiliar Chinese word/s)?"

I really wished I had put in more effort in my Mother Tongue. Quite shameful not being able to speak proper Chinese, when you are a CHINESE. And Dad's Chinese is damn good lar, considering he graduated from River Valley and Hwa Chong in those days. I'm really thinking of going for Chinese language courses to brush up my Mandarin. I dont know, should I?

EVERYBODY! PLEASE CONVERSE WITH ME IN CHINESE THE NEXT TIME!

Love,
Turtle 1:20pm

Dad Abroad;

Dad flew to Doha on Sunday night for business trip. Doha is in the Middle East, part of the United States of Emirates (UAE). And Mommy cried!

My dad used to travel overseas alot when he was in the army, because he had to conduct trainings or undergo trainings abroad. Sometimes for a week, sometimes more. So, its quite a normal thing for my dad to travel around, and the family's used to it. But this time, Mommy cried, and it made me really sad too. I felt like crying as well, but then sometimes, its better to keep your emotions in check, so Mom at least would have someone to lean on and comfort her. If we all start crying, it is going to be more emotional and painful.

I think this time, Mom cried because she's looking ahead, as this would be Daddy's final trip to Doha, before coming back and then leaving again to work there for two years. So I guess she was really sad.

When Dad leaves to work there, Grandma, Sis and I will definitely be sad. But I'm sure none will feel the pain as much as Mom. See, at least Sis and I have our friends and school and other activities to keep us occupied. While Mommy has her work, its not enough to keep her from thinking and missing her husband. The man she has been living with for 21 years.

But Mom still encourages Dad to pursue his dream, thats why she never objected him to go to the Middle East, even though she knows there will be a temporary seperation. She doesnt want him to look back one day, and regret for not doing what he wanted to do at his prime.

I really think thats the mark of love, of true love, unconditional love, whatever you call it. Around me, I see friends in relationships which are so suffocating, so possessive. They fight often, quarrel, and get really unhappy and tired of each other. But at the end of the day, they are still together. Why? They claimed cause they love each other. They claimed its because they love each other alot, which explains some of the possessive and suffocative behaviour. When I hear that, I can only laugh.

Not only Mommy, but I see how my unlce sacrifice his time and even his business, to take care of my aunt during this period of time when she is ill. The amount of patience, love and effort he put towards caring her touches me greatly. Its so tiring and draining, but yet, he is still there for her. 24/7.

I'm not sure how many of us takes more than we give in a relationship. And for those who takes, how many are actually truly appreciative of such acts of giving and love?

People now uses the word love like tissue paper. So easily, without thinking. Love is a four letter word, but it actually have a whole magnitude of things inside, such as sacrifice, patience, understanding, tolerance... But now, love is being cheapened. And people delude themselves, as they want to believe that they are being loved. So we see friends who keep "break and patch, break and patch" in a relationship, or we see friends hopping around from one person to another looking for what they call LOVE.

I dont know why I'm talking about this, but I was really touched by my Mom's love for my Dad. And when I look around me and see friends or people talking about love, I get very angry and I feel its so ridiculous, because actually they dont know anything about it. Me, myself, is guilty as charged, in the past at least. But know, I've learnt much more already. I guess 1 Corinthians 13 defines LOVE the best. Of course, there is no such thing as perfect love, because nobody is perfect. But that doesnt mean we cant love the right way.

Love is patient,
love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.

On a lighter note, we all skyped with Daddy yesterday night! Ohhk! Its my first time skyping, and I think its really cool, and the best form of communication for long distance calls. Free somemore! I mean, you can talk through the phone, but you cant see the person at the other end right? But you can hold coversations and look at the other party at the same time when you skype! So we chatted with Dad for quite awhile before he went to take his nap, before his dinner. Its about a 7 hour difference in the time zone. And then we skyped once more after his nap, before we turn in. It was fun! Haha.

It really closes up the distance. Its so true that technology these days makes the world shrink. Haha. So I guess, it wouldnt actually be that bad once Dad leaves to Doha for the two years. At least we can still talk to him, as though he's in the room. I feel really sympathetic for those people who lived in the past. No phone lines, whats more a computer. So they can only write letters, which takes damn long to be delivered during those times, probably 2 weeks or more. Must be suffering. Well, thank God I'm living in the technology era.

Driving lesson later after work! So excited. I think this lesson we'll go to the main road already. Drove in circles and at a damn low speed the other time (my first lesson). The car stalled once or twice, but other than that I thought I was pretty alright! Haha. Now, I just have to concentrate on my FTT, passed in on my first try, and then concentrate wholly on my practical!

Anyway, today's a friend's birthday. A friend I think I've lost. A friendship so strong, but got lost suddenly. I think its my fault, but still, I wished this friend a Happy Birthday, hoping and hoping, we'll get back like in the past.

And today's also Jalaine's knee operation. I think she's quite nervous, but she just kept complaining about having to fast from 12am last night to 12nn today when she cannot even tahan for 2 hours. Haha. Am praying for her op to go smoothly and successfully, and hope that she recovers really really well and fast, so that she can play basketball again!

Love,
Turtle 1:35pm

Love & Fun;

Sunday was a blast in Church! Jingwen was so high when she saw FIR and especially, Niu Nai, who was last time from Energy. And light sticks in the dark are so beautiful. The testimonies shared by the different celebrities were really inspiring and touching. Speaks really about the cultural mandate that Pastor Kong had be talking about, bringing Jesus into and living for Him in the marketplace!

Rededicated my life back to God, and I'm so happy and blessed. I feel so renewed and so refreshed. Been lost once, but now I'm back. I dont know how the other girls feel and all, since its the first time they are attending church. Might feel uncomfortable, might feel like "Hey, whats going on?", might feel curious to know more... Haha.

Anyway, after Church, Yiting came all the way down to Expo to meet us! So nice right! Then we took the car down to Marina Square to fellowship with the adult cell, and some from Daryl's cell. Maybe playing futsal with Chris's relatives on the coming Saturday at Jalan Bahar *punches the air* Haha. Futsal Futsal Futsal!

After lunch, the six of us, Chai, Chris, Jingwen, Huiying, Yiting and I walked to Esplanade to get some VERY VERY VERY VERY COOL STUFF. REALLY COOL, but its a secret still. Hope Jingwen kept it safely. Haha. On the way to Esplanade, there's this underpass area at the escalator when all the cool, artistic people gather to practice their cool, artistic stuff. And a group of guys were doing beatboxing, which I thought, was really entertaining, and some people were taking photos of them. Talented people everywhere eh!

And there was this creative display of art using corrugated paper all along the passageway to Esplanade. Yiting and I were very impressed. Lots of hard work put into it, definitely.

So anyway, after buying the VERY COOL STUFF, someone, I think Chai, suggested to go to the Marina Barrage, since all of us, except Huiying, havent been there before. And poor Chris in her new high heels! I volunteered to exchange with her for awhile. Woah, dont know how she tahan walking all the way!

And so, we tried to find our way to the Barrage. And we walked all the way to the Singapore Flyer, only to see it from afar. The Barrage is at the other side of the Singapore River. It seems so near but yet far! Huiying forgotten how to walk there, and there doesnt seem to be any routes leading there as well. Except for the River, we were clueless as to how to get there. And the heels hurt so much too. So, we decided "Heck, nevermind!", and we walked to Popeye's to rest and eat (again). Haha. I LOVE POPEYE'S WHEAT POTATO, FRIES, AND ONION RINGS! Their chicken is a tad too salty (compared to KFC's), but yiting said the meat inside is more tender. Still, give me Popeye's anytime! Sat and chat and played games, before camwhoring around the Flyer mall.

First, we camwhored in the toilet. We put self timer on the hand dryer, but then one group of people came in, so it was rather embarrassing. Haha. Then we went to this forest thingy to take more photos. Was really fun climbing up the rocks and all. Photos with Jingwen! Will try to get from her asap so I can upload them! I collected lots of brochures regarding Singapore's places of interests. Look, we dont only have the Zoo and Sentosa! There's so many interesting places to go besides Orchard Road. Huiying suggested we do The Original Singapore Walk, in July! Haha. Hmm, will read through more on the brochures, seems really interesting. Singapore is small, yes, but I'm sure 99.9% of us only know Singapore as the square feet we live on.

Anway, cant wait for July!

AND some random, but nice photos!













Love,
turtle 11:00am

Daydreaming during Office Hours,

Back to work after 3 days of rest at home! Been suffering from a bad cough and a painful sore throat (Now how's that for a combination!). Guess its due to the spicy Korean stew we ate on Saturday. Well, the sore throat is gone, BUT my cough got abit worse. With lots of phlegm. Eeww.

I really cant wait to stop working for good (NEXT WEEK!). But then, where do I get money to spend then? I'm abit broke now. Money really is not enough. Thus, I was thinking of taking up a really part time job, so as and when I'm free, I can work and study at the same time. At least the meagre sum earn would be enough for me to NOT keep asking my parents for money.

I really need someone to teach and discipline me regarding my finiancial matters!

Anyway, I'm really quite fond of the Jonas Brothers, but you've got to admit, this is quite scary:



I think Joe Jonas made a total fool out of himself in this video! First, the suit and the heels. Then the hair. The the sick facial expression, when he anyhow lipsynch. Haha. I suppose its hilarious, I did laugh. But it freaked me out at the same time! And oh, when he turned around, his back view looked like America's Next Top Model's Cycle 11 winner. Mckey or something. Lucky it was not Nick or Kevin who did this ridiculous stint, if not, i will cry! Hmm, I wonder what Beyonce would say if she sees this? Haha.

Going for my first driving lesson today, straight after work! Cant wait :D I want to get my license quickly. At the meantime, must prepare for my FTT on the 7th July. Hope its as easy at BTT, though I doubt it.

AND and, my tattoo's healing perfectly. Though it can get rather itchy at times. So, I'll scratch it gently, on the outside of my shirt. And its scabbing too, with flakes of inked skin falling off sometimes, like dandruff. Haha. But otherwise, its perfectly fine :D

And I'm looking forward to tomorrow's evening, as I'm joining Chris for the Song of Solomon Conference at Expo. I'm so glad she so willingly asked me along. Its been awhile since I went to church with a friend. Now its always just going for Sunday service with mom, or sometimes aunt. I really want to have a breakthrough in my Christian walk with God. Its very dry, really. I'm tired of being wordly. I'm tired of being a Sunday Christian. I've always remembered what Pastor always said, that Christianity is not a religion, its a relationship. Its becoming more of a religion to me now. I dont want it. The days when I was so on fire for God, attending services, cell group meetings, conferences... I really miss those days. I know that I'm not living the life that God intends for me. The life I'm living now, it lacks something. It lacks something which I know I had it during those days. Something which makes life meaningful, purposeful and exciting. I WANT to find it back. I've always believe in my faith, but its time to act it. I've procrastinated long enough, and there's this inner thing in me that keeps pushing me to seek fellowship, to grow. I've made the decision to act, and the rest I leave it to the Lord.

Zoe = life of God. Hey, that was my batispm name. Yes, I need to find it back.

Anyhow, I really really want to thank my dearest friend, Maria, for always being there and praying for me, regardless of how many times I would run away. From cellgroups, from the committments I'm scared to face. My dear friend, you're part of the reason I never stop believing, in God and in myself. Your walk with God through these years excites me and touches me profoundly. I wish I could be there, sharing them with you. But its okay. My new journey with God will start soon! Thanks Maria, for everything! :D Especially for your prayers. I love you!

I pray for a new seed of faith to be planted in me, and I pray for a whole new relationship with Lord Jesus. Amen.

Love,
turtle 1:45pm

My first Tattoo Experience,

I was inked just yesterday, 06062009.

Since 13 years old, I've already wanted a tattoo. And when I flipped onto Miami Ink and then LA Ink (tattoo tv series), I've never wanted a tattoo more.

To me, a tattoo is never a taboo. Its always a piece of art, body art, whether you get it done with a meaning to it or not. Of course, I do not appreciate tattoos which are done any old how, or those that are done in a whim. But tattoos which are done with much thought, and much skills (by the tatto artist), on the body canvas, always look beautiful to me.

Finally, I got it done today, with the support from a couple of friends.

And I love it.



I would definitely get more tattoos in the future. But not just yet.

Tattoos are not only costly (mine's $180) and painful, but they are also a lifetime investment, so it is very important for me and those who intend to get it, to thnk very carefully if they really do want to get ink.

If you really do, then the pain is no longer a major factor because its definitely bearable, and you would grit your teeth to sit through it.

I got mine done in abt an hour. It did not hurt in the starting for me because it felt like epilating. However, as the skin got more raw, it began to hurt alittle bit more. And some parts are rather ticklish too. Soon, I felt a burning sensation. The outline for me, is more pain than the shading. However, there are some parts which are rather, what you call, shiok.

It really helps to talk to your friends and tattoo artisit once in awhile to take your mind of the pain. Chai, Jingwen, Jas, Elaine and Kathy (she was coincidentally there!), came in once in awhile to chat with me.

My tattoo artist is a gentle man, Alecs, who owned the tattoo studio, Alive Tatto Studio, at Clark Quay, The Central. He told Elaine and I, while tattooing me, that he had me tattooing for 9 1/2 years already. And he was introduced to me by Jalaine.

To me, it is very important to get an experience tattoo artist, who does not blindly accept your design, but also give his advice to you on whether it would turn out nice or not on the skin, and what can be done to make the tattoo looks better. I feel that it is important to take your tattoo artist's advice into consideration as well, so that the tattoo can be done in the most beautiful way. Of course, ulitmately, the decision is still yours, but its wise to discuss your design more thoroughly with your tattoo artisit.

And of course, you must make sure that the tattoo studio you go to uses NEW, DISPOSABLE, STERILISED needles, meaning that it is NOT REUSED. To me, this is the UTMOST importance You dont want to get an blood transmitted diseases from another person!

So anyway, I really love my tattoo alot. I think that Alecs had done a GREAT black & grey with it. Pain factor? Prob a 6? Its really BEARABLE, and dont let pain, or rather, the anticipation of pain stop you from getting a tattoo if you really want one, because really, anticipation of pain is overrated. As for the sound of the tattoo machine, well, its actually quite alright. Haha.

So for now, I have to take proper care of my tattoo for the next two weeks at least. Have to apply the aftercare lotion, and wash it with cold water. It would scab and get itchy but I'm not suppose to scratch it. Haha.





Alive Tattoo Studio, at Clark Quay The Central









Darlings.









Choosing the eagle i want for my tattoo, and found the one which I had been looking for.

























Having fun embarrassing ourselves in public, while my tattoo artisit draws out the design. Took him abut 45 mins!



Back to the Studio!





Looking at Alecs's portfolio to pass time. Lots of nice designs, and one guy actually tattooed the AC Milan crest on his arm! hardcore fan or what! We thought maybe Xuan could get a Red Devil! Haha.



Me getting more nervous!



Finally! Getting ready to be inked!



Privacy! Haha.



Getting the stencil on!



Alec's tattoo equipments.



Being tattooed!



Outline done!



Shading done!





Masterpiece! Fleshy, me. Haha.
Anyway, LOVE THE EAGLE AND THE VICTORY BANNER. It turned out much better than I expected.





After getting the tattoo, with alittle burning sensation, but feeling good :D

I'm really happy today. Besides getting the tattoo I've always wanted, I also managed to meet Kathy after so long, and we chatted for quite awhile as I was getting inked. Really happy that her relationship with her boyfriend is growing stronger and stronger! They are one of the most loving couples I've ever seen! Haha.

Managed to plan and discuss soccer chalet too! CANNOT WAIT!

And also, Chai, Huying, Jingwen and I went to feast on authentic Korean cuisine at Bukit Timah, while Elaine went home to study (or watch tv huh!), and Jas went for her class gathering. The food was delicious and sumptous, and we ate to our fill! And the price is so reasonable! We only paid $15.40 each! And they have very good service too. Presently, Jingwen and Huiying are very into the Korean culture. Haha.

After the hearty dinner, we walked from Timah to WestMall, before catching a bus home. Slow, night walks are ultimate. Even though we were sticky and rather smelly from the Korean bbq smoke.

I'm more refreshed now. This is the day I had been looking forward too, since the week of chaos, which left me jaded.

BUT, I got 2 big and painful ulcers now! Haha.

Oh well, life has its ups and downs :)

Love,
turtle 12:45pm

Time out,

Completely jaded.

Only looking forward to the weekends.

And to finally stop working.

I cannot take it anymore.

turtle 10:05pm