Day Trip : JB! (Part 2)

Yup, so we finally arrived at Jusco Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre only to find out that...

THE FREAKING DEPARTMENTAL STORE WAS CLOSED!!!

and for what purpose?

A BI-ANNUAL STOCK TAKE!!!

ok, here we are from Singapore, traveling so many mile to this place only to find the main attraction closed for a Bi-Annual Stock. Like WTF? Bi-Annual, means that its only twice a year, and it had to be this very day that we decided to come that they are doing their stock take. Oh Whatever man!

So with the mega departmental store closed, we looked around for other stuffs like MNG, TOPSHOP, QuikSilver, Roxy, M.A.C, etc... Well shopping here isn't that bad as they are having mega discounts too. So we convert each item after discounts into SGD to see if it was worth buying. Jusco Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre is a good shopping place. Its huge and it really has almost everything there. I recommend it for anyone who want to go on a shopping trip.

After we were done with Jusco Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre, we headed to Johor City Square Shopping Centre in a cab.

Johor City Square Shopping Centre is nothing like Jusco Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre. If I were to use a local comparison, Johor City Square is like Bugis/Hereens and Jusco would be Nee Ann City. Something like that, hope you get the idea. There isn't much things here at City Square, just quite a number of pirated game and movie shops. One of them even have a deliver to Singapore pasted in their shop.

We walked around there for an hour or two before walking to the causeway to take a bus back to Singapore.

This time we took the CW bus service back to Queens St. I must say that this bus service is more comfortable than the SBS bus we took into M'sia. Getting back was fast and soon the day trip ended.

I felt that though tiring, it was fun. A day away from Singapore is quite good actually, walking around eating, shopping, its relaxing. If I had a car, probably going to Malacca would be even better. But this was good enough for me. Perhaps its the company too. We kept laughing and talking about everything. It was good fun.

Day Trip to JB, DONE! =)

Day Trip : JB! (Part 1)

So the gang went to JB! Yup we just printed out the bus number that takes us to the places we wanted to go and off we went!

We met at 9.30am opposite Little India MRT station to take 170 to Larkin. This bus would travel all the way through Bukit Timah Road to Woodlands.

We reached the causeway at approximately 10am. The Woodlands Checkpoint is air-conditioned and we were cleared through very fast.

-note: when taking public bus to M'sia, please get through the customs fast or else you'll end up like us.

After we were cleared at the customs, we went down to find the bus we took. But its was gone! We took too long at the customs and ended up waiting for the next 170, it took 15mins to arrive. So we boarded the next 170 that arrive and were one our way to M'sia!

You'll know when you reach M'sia's customs. Firstly, its run down, then there is no air-conditioning. Secondly, the place is so dirty and dusty,you know its not Singapore anymore.

-note: Please try and get hold of the WHITE CARDS before reaching the M'sian customs or else you'll end up like us.

When we arrived at the M'sian customs we did not have our white cards so we went to the custom counter and asked for 3 white cards. There are platforms placed around for people to fill in the white cards. After we were done, we went to the custom counter again to have our passport stamped.

Getting out of the customs, we were suddenly disorientated. The signs were in malay, and we did not see any sign pointing us to the bus pick up area. Not only that, there were so many taxi drivers trying to pick us up. There was this one guy who came over and persistently asked where we were going. He said he could drive us to the shopping area. We replied persistently that we were looking for the bus pick up point. Then he pointed to the pick up area and said that was going to back to Singapore. So we said oh thank you but we're looking for the bus to Larkin. After a minute or so, he said, the bus to Larkin is here(that is where he said earlier that the bus is headed back to Singapore). Thanks to our persistence and training from shopping in Bangkok, we took the right bus to Larkins. But, as like before, we missed one bus and had to wait for 15mins.

Larkin Bus Terminal is not very far from the customs. But unlike Singapore where all the bus berthing area are labeled clearly where each service number is, here there is nothing. The signs told you the destination, not the service number. We took a long time here at Larkin Terminal trying to find the bus that would bring us to Jusco Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre.

While trying to look for the bus to Jusco Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre, there were lots of coach services trying to get you to buy a ticket from them. But we just ignored them. After walking about the Terminal, we saw a bus service number 227. We quickly checked our print out and YES! that bus could bring us to Jusco Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre.

We boarded that bus, its 3RM per person. We sat in the bus and asked some guy in the bus how long would it take to reach Jusco City Shopping Centre, he told us 10 minutes and we were so happy.

But apparently he was wrong. I guess he was referring to the City Square shopping centre which was very near the causeway. A walk away. Jusco Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre is about 30 minutes ride from Larkin Bus Terminal.

Finally we arrived at Jusco Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre!!! =)

Defu Lane's Fishball

I just got home from buying fishballs. Yup, not from the wet market or the hawker center but from Defu Lane! Its like an industrial place and this is a fishball production factory. Well not really factory as they use minimal machines, but its a monstrous fishball producing place. The place is not like those factories where everything seem in place, its more like a wet market where they make fishballs.

So this guy, Ah Liang, seems to be in charge of the place. He is quite an old man but still working hard everyday to make these fishballs and sell them to people like us or deliver to the shops that orders fishballs from him.

His fishballs are better than average. Not super fantastic but its fantastic. Try to imagine fried fishballs. Not too salty, not over fried. Inside, its soft and juicy and chewy. In Taiwan TV show it probably goes something like this:

"zhe li yu yuan nuan nuan Q Q de. Fei chang hao ci. Fei chang you kou gan!"

Yea, you get the picture. So where is this place, what are the charges like, what time do they open? Here are the details below:

Address: 121 Defu Lane 10
Person-In-Charge: Ah Liang
Hp: 96161885
Operating Hours: About 10am - 2.30pm ( They close early so call early for orders)

Thanks to my Shifu, Lee Cher, for the recommendation.

The new hangout Gang

So with Nick and Sherm in Pulau Tekong BMTC SCHOOL 2, the gang has sort of changed. Now we have Jonny, Ruth and myself. We hangout late in the night, meet up for dinners, watch movies, play mahjong (at Clara's place).

Its really fun to hangout with them as these are the crazy people. We laughed at everything, made fun of everything, told lame jokes, basically being very comfortable with one another.

So, I'm back to the nocturnal lifestyle. Back to who I am, less the depressing self. Back to hanging out with people not from church. Maybe I'll leave that to weekends.

These people are really into going out that we have made plans for sat and maybe even next weekend. I see my ATM going into the REDS soon!

Ok, this weekend is going to be busy for me. I need to buy fishyballs, then keep it somehow, then meet the NS boys and gang for dinner. Then on Sunday prepare the fishyball so that it'll be nice warm and yummy. I feel busy, I feel like I need a car. GOSH GOSH!

ps: wont it be awkward if I just left after initiating lunch. Seriously I thought he went along with everyone. Nope, I dont hate him anymore. Nope, I just dont enjoy his presence. But lunch that day wasnt forced. It was genuinely a happy meal. I was glad to have lunch with a friend I've not seen for a long time. Dont blame yourselves for anything. Even if this relationship cant be restored to what it used to be. Dont blame yourselves. Will it happen again? I dont know. unless I'm caught in the same situation again then maybe yes.

YAYA CAMP '07!

I've just reached home from YAYA camp and I think this camp quite rocked. Ok, maybe cause my group (Caesar) won! But not just that, this camp I had fun cause it was relaxed and I could hang out with different people from different groups and CG.


I have many thoughts about this camp. So it might be a very very long post.


First up, I thank Glenda for helping me play keys for worship and leading the second slot!


I think my group rocks! Well Eunice (GL) told me before the camp that we are gonna be in the same group. I replied that we're definitely gonna win. And we did. Not cocky, but we work well together.

Our Group name was Emperor but there was another group whose name was Huang Di. We thought it was too close and we decided to call ourselves Caesar. We over-ruled the camp committee. But they were nice to give in to us :)

Caesar consisted of the following people: Eunice (GL), Timmi (AGL), Vin, Peiling, Gloria, ZhiWei, Val, Ivyna, Jolene, Tammie, Mel Mel(com member) , Justin(com member)

Our tag line was : "Give to Caesar what is due to Caesar." It was our cheer as well.

I think the group is rather well balanced. I had fun with my group. I got to know Timmi, Peiling, Mel Mel more. They used to be some face I know in church, now I'll try my best to talk to them when I see them in church on Sundays or maybe jio them out on Sunday after church as well.


I have benefited quite a bit in this camp. Knowing God and His people. On the first day, the bonding in my group through the games was great. I feel that we kept together as a team and I saw the team spirit being united.

In the afternoon I played basketball with the Youth Boys, I think it was a good way of just being with them, letting them know of your presence. They are nice boys, just mischievous and very very very playful!

In the night I got to talk to Xiao Xi. She is chatty and a very nice girl. I'm glad that she is comfortable to share with me and the people around about herself. I think she has some potential in being a leader, she sings well too.

Later in the night, I spent some time with Peiling, Emelyne and Bevan. Just hanging out chatting about some stuffs here and there.

Day 2 the rest of my group arrived. Namely: Tammie, Jolene, Ivyna, Val, Justin. We had light games and then we went for lunch. After lunch we had a break. Instructions given was, rest. Save up the energy for games later. They sec1 boys just didnt care and one of them got injured. it was a light injury and he was sent home with his brother to be treated. Pastor heard it and was upset as the time was given to rest, not play. and now an accident had occurred. He told them nicely to go to the room and rest. no more basketball.

Then it was time for briefing on the station games. When we were doing a head count, 3 boys were missing. Pastor found that they were bathing in the toilet. He was pissed. Everyone waited for them to come back. and when they were back, Pastor had all the boys in that room outside of the briefing area and gave them a talk. I thought he might just 'tekan' them but he talked to them nicely. I gave a sigh of relief.

After some instructions were given, some puzzles to be done for timing sake, it was off to station games. The games are quite ok, some difficult, some very easy. I think on the whole it was well done.

After the station games we arrived a East Coast Park. We were the last group to arrive though we were the first to leave. Why? Cause we gave way to the other teams. We gather and made sure everyone was around before moving off. I like the closeness we enjoy as a group :)

At East Coast Park, we kinda broke off as a group and hanged around with whoever we wanted. It was a good opportunity to just mix around. I hanged out with Eunice, Vanny, Eme, Lyd, Clare, Bear, YingQi, Mel Mel, Amanda, XiaoXi, Enmin, Jaclyn. It was quite fun hanging out with them. Just talking, making fun of each other, random topics.

The group broke up after awhile, people broke up into smaller groups. I went to look for food and help to clear up the BBQ stuffs as the LOVELY adults we gonna leave. So as I was settling the BBQ stuffs I went to join the young 'uns for awhile. I played with them TABOO.

Gosh, I think my IQ dropped a bit cause they talked to me as if I was their age (they are sec 1 - 3 girls). The way they describe the word to me for taboo is really low level.

Eg. Word: Tape

Them: "erm, scotch what? scotch what?"
Me: " scotch brime?"
Them: " NO! NO!"
Timmi: " Tape?"
Them: "YES YES!"
(screams and cheers)

How was I to guess its scotch tape? there is so many combination right? Anyway, I had quite a bit of fun, getting to know them through interactions like this and being at their level.

After this we went to Macs. It was to be me, Bear and Eme, Peiling. Then my big mouth asked so loudly, everyone went. Ok, macs was fine. Not very fun. Not much was said. So we left macs and on the way back, my itchy mouth asked peiling if she wanted to run back to the BBQ pit. Gosh she wanted and I didnt want to be a spoiler (since I asked), I ran with her. To me I was running with all my might, to her she was just merely jogging. I am so UNFIT!

So back there I left peiling, eme went to find her sister vanny, so bear and I tagged along. We joined a new group. This group had Vanny, YingQi, Mel Mel, XiaoXi and Amanda. We were talking about Caleb. How he was being so nice to Amanda. I could see the smitten looks on Amanda's face.

so now they too wanted to go to macs. so trip 2 to macs. I was talking to YingQi here and there and with Timmi too. This time round when we were there it had a little more fun. Timmi was hungry and ordered Big Breakfast. He took a cup of water for the 5 girls too. He told amanda (who wanted food as well) that he saved the hash brown for her. Gosh, she was smitten again! (actually he didnt want the hash brown.) I had a good laugh.

Timmi is quite soft spoken and quiet boy. But that morning, after he had downed more than half of his Big Breakfast, he became something else. YingQi wanted some sausage from his Big Breakfast. He cut quite a big piece. Then he said, " Ni yi kou, wo yi kou..." All of us were STUNNED! when it hit us, we were like, "omg! Timmi! What did you just say?" it gave us quite a laugh! I gave Timmi a thumbs up sign. It was a good effort/joke/trick. We left macs and I saw the 5 young 'uns sitting in a corner of macs eating breakfast. So I told them to be back before 6am if they wished to catch the sunrise. They were independent and took care of each other. Was glad that they were obedient. They were back before 6.

Went back and heard Bear had a tummy ache and was given Po Choi Yun. Auntie Lee Cher needed toilet and so did Gloria. Well they felt that the public toilets were too dirty and needed one soon. So I suggested Macs. She said ok, and we (me, leecher, gloria, eme, bear) drove there. As she didnt want to pay for parking I asked her if she would let me drive and park the car at the side while they went toilet. She agreed! :) I was so happy. I drove them back and parked at the carpark. Seems like I drove quite well :)

By then the sun was about to rise and I stayed up to catch the sunrise. It was disappointing as it was too cloudy a morning. but oh well, I was praying for a nice rainy morning so that I could sleep and I guess that is why it was a cloudy morning.

Half the committee disappeared in the night. So I had to help. Took care of the left over BBQ stuffs, clean up the area, clear tents. Then I was tasked to return bicycle. Then Pastor was worried about the bus. It was 8.15am and the bus company hasnt called him to give him the bus number plate and the driver's contact number.

So in his head plan B was forming, just in case. I told him dont worry la. Have faith. But well it was safer to check if plan B could be arranged. He called church and pastor Keith was already in. He asked pastor keith if he could get the number of the bus company as he has left it in the office (of all days) While he was talking to pastor keith half way, his handphone rang (he was using mine to call church as his phone batt was getting low). Guess who called, the bus driver! I was like thank you Lord! I mean in my head, heart I prayed that we wont be sabo-ed in this way. I had faith things would go on fine, maybe I took things for granted. But I thank God that he chose this way to strengthen my faith.

So all of the campers got into the bus and made their way back to Bethel Presbyterian church (campsite). And I took the bicycle to return. Things were settled faster than I had expected so I decided to go macs for breakfast.

After Breakfast I took a cab back to the campsite. After about 5mins I had boarded the cab, the rain poured heavily. I thanked God in my heart for everything that had gone on this morning. Everything was perfect in His timing.

After I got back, most of them were showered and were sleeping. they were given 2hrs break. As the young 'uns were still energetic I went to talk to them after I have showered. the 2hr break seem so short. Soon people were packing up and getting ready for the last talk.

In the last talk I feel burdened for the Youths again. I mean I was trying to stay awake. But I know I felt the burden for the Youths. Esp, CG1. I felt like I wanted to be a CGL for them. To be someone they can talk to, turn to when they face any problems.

After the talk I didnt go forward, I was afraid I fell asleep. but I knew God wanted to tell me something.

They announced the results of the games and my group won! after that we said our thanks, broke camp and left. Uncle Anthony gave me a ride home. I was so grateful for that.

After I reached home, I slept all the way till morning. That was how tired I was. But I had fun at the camp. I thank God for the new relationships formed in this camp...

Born for Glory, To God be the GLORY!

YAYA CAMP '07, it was great! I did not regret going.

Nick, Sherm, Darius

Yup the 3 of them are going into Pulau Tekong tomorrow. Its sad that they're going, but soon it'll be my turn. 2 weeks of confinement and then then they'll be out every weekends.

National Service (NS) is really disruptive to life. It breaks the chain of studying, of living, of hanging out. Of everything that is a norm to a person. I dont hate NS, but I dont really welcome it either. Wish I could study and make my passion my profession. But as my Dad told me, maybe I have to make my profession fuel for my passion. Who knows.

So all the best to the 3 of you. May God bless you and watch over you.


And no matter what you do, DONT BEND OVER AND PICK UP THE SOAP! SQUAT!

It sucks...

I dont know if you understand it. I dont know if you have noticed it. But it sucked. That is all I can say. If I had my way I would have gone away. This sucks. The feeling of it all sucks.

All my best friends are going into the dreaded Island. This sucks too.

At the moment, Life sucks.

Wicked!

SO... 2months after I've gotten my licence I've finally got the permission to drive on my own. YES, its not a big deal to most, but it surely is to me. I guess its the sensation that I can just drive alone beats all things else. When I did it yesterday, it was a sense of liberation and a sense of freedom. I looked over at the empty passenger seat at a red light and I thought of her.

Well, she isnt my first passenger and I felt that it kinda sucked. My first passenger is a good friend. I was just returning a favour. So I hope that wouldnt count. I have the urge to drive every time now. I love the ability to drive without someone nagging. But I dont mind driving alone or with (a) friend(s).

I blew my throttle yesterday, I rev till the needle reached 4 and 5. Yes, I broke my promise, sorry dad, but I was on a expressway and it was EMPTY! It was just so tempting. The adrenaline and the thrill of it was satisfying. I wont do that too often. Unless I'm driving alone and I wanna reach home fast :) (lies and excuses I know)

I guess after driving on my own yesterday, I got to know the car better and how to control my speed. I drove to church today with dad. He didnt make noise at all. Finally.

And today's message spoke of how with God there is no mistake. He allow things to happen at the right moment and we must decide how to react to it. Trust and Obey. He allow us to be at the bottom, so that when we rise up to the peak, we can truly say, "To God be the Glory!"

Guts...

You know I still have feelings for you, yes, some. And with that, gut feelings too. I was online the whole time. Looking at your msn nick, I felt like I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to say hi. I wanted to call you in fact.

Well my gut feelings served me well. You weren't feeling that good and somehow I felt it.

Why didnt I do anything? Cause I thought its pointless. You're with him. Not me. Even if I gave you everything the world could ever give, the fact still would never change. He loves you more than I would. I'm a casual person. I dont know if the right word to use is 'shuang kuai' but that is how I am. But I think a 'hi' and 'are you alright' would be a nice friendly gesture.

I dont know if I want this gut feelings to go away. I dont think I would want it to. I'll just see how much more sensitive and accurate this feeling would be. I'm not lying about this. I really did feel it. Somehow, I feeling very attached/connected to you. I dont know if these are the best words used to describe.

Oh well, sleep well and hope you'll feel better.

Rum and Rasin

Qns: What is better than Haagen-Dazs rum and raisin ice cream?

Ans: Haagen-Dazs rum and raisin with Bailey's Irish Cream Liquor!

Yes, I was toying with the idea since my sister bought a tub of Haagen-Dazs rum and raisin ice cream home 2 days ago. Well I just tried it with her and it taste FABULOUS!!!

The rum and raisin is quite sweet to eat on its own. Adding Bailey's helps cut down on the sweetness and increase the level of alcohol so that it makes you feel 'higher' eating it. Its damn shiok. Since Bailey's Irish Cream Liquor is quite creamy on its own, it doesnt clash with ice cream. I'm feeling damn good now. I think I'm going to eat it again tomorrow night, if the tub is still there!

Haagen-Dazs rum and raisin with Bailey's Irish Cream Liquor! Its heavenly!

End of work...

10 days of work has finally come to and end. I've never regretted taking up this job. Its fun cause of the people I've worked with. I'll always remember the time we worked together. These people are really fun to be with.

I thank God for His favour. Without it, I wont be able to get this job and have known these people. Thank you too for placing them with me in this job that it wont be a chore to go to work everyday. Thank you for the favour that You have given me with You and with man. THANK YOU JESUS!

So now its back to the slacker Vin. I'm missing work already. Missing the people I've been seeing everyday for 10 straight days! They provided joy and laughter and company. But the consolation is that I might be seeing them again in JULY! There would be another event in July and they'll call us up to see if we are available.

I hope we can arrange for a gathering soon. I'm trying not to lose contact I have with people as it is really easy is to.

I teared...

I was in the bus, on the way to work, listening to Casting Crowns. While listening to the song "If we are the Body" I suddenly teared. I was burdened and felt really down.

" But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way "

I teared hearing these words. I have not felt this burdened for quite a while. I wonder if I'm feeling this way cause of the things that are going on around me. Like putting my studies in Audio Engineering aside to earn cash to support my studies instead of praying and asking God what to do.

I dont know. Till now, I'm still emotionally unstable. I wanna drink, but for the sake of work, I decided against it. I miss you, I miss my gang of friends, I miss people in church. No doubt I made new friends in this course of work. I still yearn for someone whose hand fit like yours.

I feel life draining. Maybe the fatigue from work is catching up. Maybe the emotions that have been being suppressed are now resurfacing as work is ending soon. Maybe.

life seems weird to me...