Thank you. August 5, 2008
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I did not know how beautiful being thankful is – as I gazed into the flames of the candle I held during YFP just now.
I wish my mind would clear up. Distractions! August 4, 2008
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Today I had the super-privvy of waking at 9 am
I ended up watching Rachel Ray – and washing the clothes for Er Jie, since she happily tasked me to do it.
Headed to Novena to meet Bridget – then met with Theresa, an angel I swear! She helped us talk through DYTM, and arranged to help us further with our facilitation skills. Really enlightening talking to her. Since we’re so close to Colin’s office, we decided to meet him for Kopi! Ended up taking about life, YC and just catching up =)
With time to kill before meeting up with my Ww mentor, Rui Lin and course mate Chloeeeeeee – Bridget and I ended up sitting at Starbucks and making ANTI-PIGEON POSTERS for our Lao er. =) Hahahahaha. Please don’t kill us Gabe. We totally entertained ourselves and just ended up talking about stuffs.
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Meeting up with Rui Lin and Chloe was more than just dinner and HALF-PRICED PREGO YUMMY CAKES, and being lamp posts at the Chijme’s open area to couples.
I don’t know what’s ahead – and while it is really useful to hear what Rui Lin has to say about Warwick and about our preparation – it seems to me no amount of preparation can get me fully ready for the entire experience. I don’t know what to expect – in terms of everything else that’s not in the Duwwy guide– i.e. the intangible experience of being in a new chapter! All I know is -I’m getting ready to be blown away by the greenery – greenery – greenery.
On the flip side, with time passing so uber fast – and abby leaving in like less than 24 days time – and all my bestest friends busy to meet up – and Da Jie leaving for Aust soon – and Er jie busy with her wedding prep – and Mom in Jakarta – and everything whooshing pass me, I constantly need to remind myself –> I need to give this chapter of my life enough closure to move on.
Oh Happy Day! (Sister Act inspiration) August 3, 2008
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Take a listen =)
I love this song. We sang this on the bus while travelling from the parish in Melb to the airport!
Along this came this other sharings I neeeeeddd to share cos’ it brings so much joy to my heart! =)
Manon’s email! (met this lovely girl from Holland while queueing up for the toilet! I left her my email – and she replied back!)
“do you remember me? The girl you met while waitingfor the toilets during WYD. I waited for you a little while,but I couldn’t found you anymore.I hope you will receive this message and sent something back to me. How are you doing? Did you enjoyed your time over there during WYD?Is it already sure that you are going to London for your study? “
[okay, by the first para - I was so touched already. 1, she waited for me at the toilet! 2. She actually remembered that I tol dher I m going to London to study! And at that time when I told her, it was super noisy!]
“I’m back home for 2 days now, you are already a week or even more, didn’t you?It’s very weard to be back in my village. It looks like a very nice and long dream.I saw some pictures of me in the newspaper and I was on television sometimes veryquikley, that’s so awesome but unreal to.
After WYD we stayed with 500 Netherlands in SYdney for 2 days. Afterthat we travelled futher to Ballarat and stayed there in hostfamily’s.I stayed there with another girl of our group. The family was living on a big farm with 4000 sheep and 60 cows and a lot of land. They had 8 children,so there was always someone to talk with, very nice.We went a day to melbourne, saw a goldmine in Ballarat, and saw the 12 apostels,do you know them?
I could have stay a lot longer in Australia to see more of it, and I hope to goback one day.I could wright so many things down from my time in Australia, I couldtalk houres about it. So if you want something to know ask me. I hope you understand everything that I wright down, if you don’t, ask me.
dear greets from Holland,Manon Kroeze”
[AHHH! I've found a new pen pal in Holland =) This really sweet and friendly sister in Christ! =) She so cute type me all her experiences! Its so amazing how such bonds can be made withint 10 mins of toilet waiting. hahahaha]
Andrea’s daily email on the sharings of the Daily Readings!
“Feeling dissatisfied is a sign that Jesus is trying to get our attention; there’s something he wants to give us that we’re not yet open to receive. Our problem is: How is Jesus going to give us what we need if we can’t see him and feel touched by him?
To feel satisfied by an invisible God, we have to stay closely connected to him in prayer AND in the community that he’s given us. We have to pay attention to what he’s doing and who he’s chosen to do it through. That means getting more involved and expect the unexpected! “
[Found this pretty thought-provoking and relevant for some people around me =)]
Jane and Nat’s constant reminder
Conversion Retreat! Apparently its a really good retreat that has alot of good talks about faith and stuff by Fr William Goh at CSC! Anyone interested? =) It is from September 11 to 14, stay in. I can’t wait – and I thank God for sending this two lovely people, and especially Jane, to RAVE OVER THE PHONE after the retreat that I must keep Sept 11-14 free.
Angelo’s FB comment (Met at Train Station in Sydney, Hurstville!)
“Don’t worry about the WYD blues too much! Everyone experiences that, most people I know are kinda sad too, I was so down walking around the city and not seeing heaps of dancing pilgrims! (COOOOMMMEEE BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!) =) I felt better remembering that even though we wanna stay at WYD forever, God only gives us these times of grace to charge us for what we have to do when we get back home. Holiness isn’t somewhere out there, its right here, right now…woooot! 
“
His comment totally (almost) cured my WYD blues – cos’ it put WYD in perspective for me. =) Thanks Angelo!
Thank you for bring angels in my life! =)
Rambles on a Sleep-deprived Sunday Night August 3, 2008
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Totally awesome man.
For those who havent tried this awesome food-advert like food (read: oreo’s twist lick dunk), you take a tim tam stick, bite off the top and bottom part – dip it into milk, and slurp up all the milk through the stick. How to succeed? Make sure your tim tam stick is refrigerated first – and slurp really quick – it kinda disintegrates after a good 10 seconds. Totally cheap thrill but yes, =) do it!
Anyhoos – It was a pretty eventful week I must say. Started my weekend marathon from Thursday–> where I went on a major shopping haul with Abigail, just cos’ she spotted a 70% roxy sale! Ended up shopping everywhere else but there – managed to pick some good stuff for UK – and ALMOST bought red crocs! Thanks Abby for being such a great shopping buddy! Rmb what that Easter Egg Jibitx stands for okay!
Friday morning – had to go down to Changi to meet Noelle to check out the multi purpose hall for the management lunch we got to perform at. So I had the afternoon free! Decided to give myself a short nua-getaway by staying home and attempt to play the guitar, since I told Jensen I will play with him one day hahaha! I realise its becoming my pick-me-up of mid day!
Went to meet Duane at Hougang to walk to Nativity – it was so beautiful =) 
Met with Nat and Peter and went for Amplify Fridays! It was sucha moving experience cos’ the praise and worship session was really good. =) Learnt about Ministry gifts. I thank God for Duane, Nat and Peter – cos’ we shared on the long bus ride back to Bedok. I learnt so much! =)
His blessings are abundant I must say.
There I was at Bedok Mrt, 12 mn, being late for like 4 hours of the Warwick Freshies’ Stayover @ Claire’s – preparing to walk to Claire’s where worried Duane, Nat and Peter wondered how I was going ot get there – when Kun Peng (I hope I got your name right!) and Oliver came and fetched me from the station! I was so thankful =)
We spent the whole night paying bridge, other card games, eating donuts and talking till about 5 am. I woke up at 7.45 am to go to Changi Airport to send my mommy off to Jakarta. Though in my heart, I was really quite scared my super old organs would fail me and drag me into deep slumber.
That morning – happened to be the best morning walk I ever had in my life. I woke up to like sleeping people around me – left the house – and walked from Upper East Coast road to the 36 bus stop. I swear – I regretted not bring the camera. The sunlight was perfect – as it shone right through the trees I was walking next to. The air was particularly fresh and I burst into song (softly, lest people thought I was mad) as I was walking lah! I now understand why Abigail enjoys her walks home – cos’ nature and quietness of the walk allows for conversation time with God.
Met mommy at airport – just so I make sure I see her before she leaves – and ended up having breakfast with my dad. I was so thankful for that morning! Because it was really hard for me to just get family-alone-time. Shared with him my university prep – and YES! I got to drive from Changi Airport to Claire’s. So my morning was uber awesome. Topped with Bridge playing right after I returned to “home”, awesommmme. =)
We then made our way to the pre-departure briefing after rushing lunch at food republic. The fair was pretty okay- nothing much. Then I left with Claire and Yong Long – with time to spare, I decided to kill time with Yong Long since he wanted to “pamper” himself with a nice drink. Blessings never end! Had a great long conversation with him about the time before we leave for Warwick and all our thoughts about it. Totally fuelled my day ahead.
Then made my way down to Serangoon to meet fellow CAASers to finalise the script for our performance and film Xue Yang’s part of the video. 
The next day? – Met up with the CAASers at Changi Aiport to film all our parts. IT WAS SUPER FUNNY PLEASE. Cant wait for the video to come out and ahhhh! Laugh at it all over again 7 years from now, when we have dinner at some cool place in the airport (maybe crowne plazaa!) Noelle was the artist, Xue Yang’s the overacheiver, Francis’ the advernturer, Kenneth’s the runner guy and I was the nerd (hohohoho, it was the most fun to play la.)
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I have so many things to say about every thing that happened. And its so sad – I can digest it and chew it and totally remember the moment!
All in all – its been such great week and all.
But the two smses that really touch my heart and make me stop and take a deep breath are:
From Dajie: We leaving for Aust next wkend. Hope can spend sometime with u before u leave for uk.
From Erjie: The car is at home. We can go for a spin later at 10?
(which never happened cos’ I came home too late. =( )
All this compounded by the fact that I havent got the courage to start on my WYD blog cos’ of the sheer amount of things I want to type – my only prayer is:
My getaway Monday and Tuesday! July 30, 2008
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Monday was spent most lovely – with Abigail and Mel – just nuaing and enjoying each other’s nua-presence. I really agree with Joanne Sandhu when she says – the best outings are those that are free and like – just revel in each other’s company. Went to TJ in the morning – and guess what:
The EAS room is the room where all the aunties and uncles that tidy up our school so thanklessly go to when they are having breaks. This time round, one of the aunties (I don’t know her name!) stopped me in my tracks while I delivered biscuits to them and started a conversation with me – in chinese. (yeeepers.) I told her about my university life and all – and that I was scared to grow up!
And she replied – “girl ah, xin xing (confidence) and ren nai (endurance)! Work is actually very simple – its the human relations that make it complicated. Just believe in yourself and endure with others – and you’ll be fine”
After that – talked to Rui Shan a little – then went to MEL’s house to eat yummy bee hoon and watch ELLEN! We totally just nuaed teh afternoon watching tv away – breaking at 4.30 pm to ride her grandma’s bicycle to katong shopping centre for BUBBLE TEA. =) Dinner was with Papa and Mama – PA STILL ONLY LETS ME DRIVE FROM hawker centre to home to hawkercentre to home.
why =(
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Tuesday! Met up with Victoria – and spent the whole time just talking to her and catching up on each others lives. Just as we were sharing on how difficult it is to love everyone around us in the way Christ calls us to do so, the HOMILY for the evening mass totally answered that. =) Amazing timing! YFP at night was good – we learnt about the story of stuff:
Go see! – www.storyofstuff.com
Makes me want to save the earth!
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Today was totally awesome lah. Except from the fact that I feel I need to spend more time with my Pa and Ma.
Anyhoos – I went to SICC for lunch with my GYLC mates – Joanna and John! (and his mother!) The two of them played golf before I arrived – so then we had lunch – talked about life, where we’re heading, how we’ve been…. And then John (who had his own car?!) drove us to Orchard. We went to Jo’s house to get her car and then headed to the BEACH! =) Where we plonked ourselves at Mana Mana.
oh my goodness gracious me.
It is totally like a resort. Especially since there were NO ONE. We were practically alone, facing the sea, listening to 91.3, and just tuning into each other’s lives and views on things.
TOTALLY NUA.It was really good – cos’ it was the perfect atmosphere to catch up with someone whom I’ve bonded over 2 intensive weeks of GYLC – and stayed in touch with for 2 years. =) And we’re so going London together!
Went for church thereafter – went Duane!! And Jason —> ended up talking for a good whole half an hour outside Father’s house. It’s so amazing how everyone’s linked in this huge family of God =)
Then I met Limin and Cheryl Yew at Raffles for DINNER! =) Just chatted and caught up over sandwich – listening to their NUS stories and their RAG experience. Its just so surreal. =) I’m so happy for you guys!
=)
And ended up scolding the class.
It was quite funny! Cos’ I was oblivious lah.
Musical Muse after my previous post July 27, 2008
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It’s a long long journey
Till I know where I’m supposed to be
It’s a long long journey
And I don’t know if I can believe
When shadows fall and block my eyes
I am lost and know that I must hide
It’s a long long journey
Till I find my way home to you
Many days I’ve spent
Drifting on through empty shores
Wondering what’s my purpose
Wondering how to make me strong
I know I will falter
I know I will cry
It’s a long long journey
Sometimes it feels no one understands
I don’t even know why
I do the things I do
Will you break down these walls and pull me through
Cause it’s a long long journey
Till I feel that I am worth the price
You paid for me on Calvary
Beneath those stormy skies
When Satan mocks and friends turn to foes
It feels like everything is out to make me lose control
Till I find my way home to you
To you
(in my side bar)
My week after World Youth Day July 27, 2008
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Monday:
World Youth Day has ended – we arrive in Singapore at 2350hrs, half dead, coughing the WYD-cough, and sang “We Welcome” for the last time that night.
Tuesday:
8.30 am at Yishun Town Secondary teaching drama! The students are really quite funny, some classes were quite hard to handle though. Surprisingly, I had voice to scream at them. Started the day with prayer =) And thanks to Corinne, she reminded me to say a little prayer before I jump into my first lesson. What a difference it made! =)
Afternoon: Totally WYD-ed and chilled out to Matt Maher and slathered myself with super-loaded moisturisers to quench my thirsty skin.
Night: YPF! =) Missed you guys!
Wednesday:
Drama in morning. Went to PP Mc-Cafe to steal internet connection (can you believe it?? My internet actually died on me, I was secretly happy at not checking the emails haha!), to no avail. Ended up relaxing to nice music – Met PRIS AND SHARON! for evening mass, and had yummy Cafe Olio dinner, Sharon’s treat! I love love love the fellowship! Must repeat telecast!! Then had DYTM filming and meeting till late! =)
Thursday:
Drama in morning. Went home to nua and relax first – met Pris and Sharon and Gabe for evening mass, went to PP to get smoked salmon and honey dew! Went to Darren’s place for post WYD gathering! The food was fantastic, but what was more fantastic was the SHARINGS! Its so so so amzing how God touched each and every one of us differently, whether we can articulate it now or not. Sometimes, we need to gift of hindsight to see clearer =) Thanks Darren for hosting us!
Friday:
Had my yummy Nam Sing Hokkien Mee in the morning – ended up watching Rachel Ray and then going to PP to shop and get a hard drive! 320 Mb! YES! I can finally get my pictures out. My computer is dying of the lack of space. Rushed home and rushed to Abby’s work place cos SHE HAD THE CAR! I got driven around by Abby to go Mel’s house to pass her muffins to cheer her up. Abby dropped me at church – realised there was no evening mass. Ended up having quiet time in the adoration room =) Then I met Abby and Shereen for dinner at City Hall! Ate Din Tai Fung! Was really nice catching up with you Shereen! Thanks for organising!! =) Friendships like ours must must last okay!
Saturday:
Overslept. Woke up greedy for italian food at old airport! Ate, collected curry puffs and nuggets – left for church for DYTM practice. Mark as Mr Mark Clean Koi Pong cleaner is damn funny can! Thanks Adeline, Mark and Pris for helping out and for being such a sport! And to all those who came! Crystal – your rendition of Salve Regina is hilarious! Leonard – you own lah. Jia you DYTM! We can do it! =) Stayed up till about 11 plus-ish in Jago, then went home to settle computer stuff haha.
What totally made my day: A random guy reading newspaper actually went up to flag the bus for me, when I was running like a mad woman to catch up with the bus 32! =) Angels do exist! They do they do they do!
Sunday:
Woke up at 7am to go to the Changi airport to see David off! WE had yummy Mac-cy breakfast (thanks nat! =)) and yup, it was the last picture taken with him for the day. =( DAVID, you are SO COMING BACK AS CO-FACIL OKAY! DEC 11-14! =)))) Went home after that, and guess what! PAPA LET ME DRIVE! WHEEE! I drove around the flat for a trial run. Aunty Stephanie – she went to open the car when the manual key, instead of the infra-red sensor thing, and the whole car went into alarm mode. SO MUCH FOR GAINING TRUST. hahaha. My father was so funny, during church, he went out early just to stick my P Plate for me so that I can drive home! =)
Then travelled down to serangoon gardens for CAAS-ers meeting for the skit. Our skit is now going to be called CAASNU. Haha. I swear we are so going to own okay hahaha. =) So exciting!!! Thanks Noelle for hosting us at your mom’s office. Going down to airport to film this Saturday! haha!
Then whooshed down to City Hall to MEET OH THREE OH SIX! =) its been a long time coming! A small cosy group came today – but it was hilarious! JOEL, YOU OWE ME MOVIE. We had like dinner 1 at carl’s jr, then dinner 2 at Kolo Mee place. We tried to unravel the mystery of Rachel, and Jensen ended up singing a made up song all about her! Jensen you have talent man! =) All the way all the way! Now I promised Jensen to learn my guitar well so that we can play together – I try my best okay!!!
And so,
that was a post-wyd week thus far.
Its a -bleah- ramble of activity – and by bleah, I would translate it to: My body travelling, moving round and about Singapore doing things that’s planned each day.
This week is just absolutely surreal. My body may be doing everything that I so “rambly-ly” typed out, but really -
what is my challenge? – To find “world youth day” in my every day life.
Starting with you, you you you you you you.,
and most importantly, the central of my entire being,
You.
=) July 7, 2008
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lah di dar.
Life has it’s own way of pulling Stephanie along its pavements – watching each car pass without stopping to fill some gasoline.
Sunday was lovely! I met up with the CAAS-ers at the VERY COSY Bishan Olio Dome! Seriously nice place cos’ its small and comfy! It was surreal to me – we may very well be doing a “repeat telecast” 6 years time in some other comfy place and reminisce this very day.
Headed down to church for PnW prep with Pris and Brian – and DYTM meeting. Brian makes me want to go home and practice the guitar lah – he’s good at it! DYTM ended off with us just chatting about Leonard’s army experience as a motor-biker. hahaha.
At night – I went to FINALLY meet up with Rannald and Gerard! (after 1 year ago since Tj duathalon!) We went to check out brewerks and guess what kept me entertained — the british grand prix! We were ushered to seats that gave me full view of it! So sad I’ll be missing the F1 race in singapore =(((
Anyhooos- the next morning I had to sign my deed with my sisters – ate yummy popeye’s chicken – head down for driving – went Singapore souvenir shopping – gave tuition – and what totally awesomely made my day was: a call from Ms Nora saying that she’s arranging me to come in and teach Yishun Town Sec =)!! I was really pleasantly surprised because I wanted to help out as in, just be facil, or like stand around make friends with the teens – but Ms Nora actually offered me a teaching opportunity! =DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD I can’t stop grinning ear to ear – what a pleasant surprise.
I shall be true to my breaking-nocturnal habit and sleep early.
(actually it’s cos’ I have my TP test tomorrow! =S) –> I pray for curbs to stay away from my car.
DAJIE: May your feet become better okay? Thanks for coming down today despite your swollen feet! My sister got bitten by killer mosquitoes at some golf place –> =(
Bye bye Green Chocolate. July 5, 2008
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Bye Geraldyne =(
Tonight was a special night for the monthly meetup group – Gera, Mel, Abby and Bert.
Not only was it the first time we had yummy wholesome homecooked food proudly presented by the two master chefs of the day – Abby and Bert! They spent the whole afternoon preparing a whole course for us – plus ondeh ondeh desert (I got it right okay.)
=)
It was great fun because the whole – let’s take photo before dinner thing became our escape for the night – we kept taking so many picutres and laughing at them there after.
I’ll miss you Gera! You’re the mother of our group lah – way back in Kuan Tan man! =) Take care over there at Canberra and sorry I cannot send you off this coming Tuesday. =(
Abby, Melly, Bert, Gera – thank you for making this night a really special one, etched in my memory for its simplicity and distinct mark of our friendship – we don’t need big restaurants, loud music, “happening” activities(aka noisy clubs), fine dining at a restaurant –> just add a whole lot of sincerity and just being-yourself to our home-cooked yummo outing! =) I’m really glad today happened.
It was so cute – we did a menu for Gera, and a paper for her to plan her opening speech and entertainment – i.e. photo taking. hahahaha! We took so many retarded photos can.
Thanks for ARIPLANE, who introduced Jon and Kate youtube videos online to us on msn like 15 mins ago – I stumbled upon this video with a lovely song!
It’s called a charmed life – and the lyrics are lovely! =)
It’s a charmed life
Innocence wild
Crayola skies for a thousand miles
It’s a good life in the happily ever after
Last page of a very last chapter
It’s the story of a charmed life
It’s a charmed life
Unexplainable grace
Stumbling, you fall right into place
It’s a childlike world and you can feel the magic
Far from the typically tragic
That’s the beauty of a charmed life
When it all comes and where it all goes
Who needs to know just where
Fate will take you there
I love the lyrics for its colourful way of bring across things! And for the last paragraph – it sheds light on the decisions I’ve made – that is all in His hands =)
This song described fully – how I felt today after dinner – I dare to celebrate the simple world the 5 of us shares =) And how we happily indulge in the simplest yet most powerful things of what our friendship has to offer – inner joy.
It was a great recharge to the week. =) Love you all – and Gera, must skype okay!
Never take panadol in the morning July 4, 2008
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Today started off wrong.
=(
I missed a meeting with Bridget and Theresa cos’ I took panadol cos of a splitting headache in the morning – and forgot to set alarm after that =( So sorry!!
Makes me want to become a nocturnal-convert. You know I read on msn articles once that one can become a morning person with the right practices. Maybe I should. But Singapore too alive too much in the night =( I should live in Europe, or Australia, or Chicago. (but nah – I love Singapore too much -> I’m hunting for Singapore flag! Any contacts?)
Anyhoos – the morning was destroyed. I decided to go out to the ole’ trusty old airport road market to eat some comfort food: Porridge! And guess who I met in the small town of old airport road – Oliver and his mom.
The afternoon was a tad better I guess – I promised Audrey and Andrea I’ll take them out for ice cream at Ice Cream chefs. I’m so glad it materialised – just met up with the sweet pair and brought them to the place. Ended up talking about their orals and all – great catching up =) I din get to enjoy much ice cream =( still felt gong-gong after the headache.
Then I went for church practice – for PnW coming up this Tuesday =) I’m glad Pris and I have the same taste in the songs we choose =) Yay! Let’s make Tuesday a good session okay?
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Thought for the day:
I think I should stop being so nocturnal anymore.
1. It’s so unhealthy!
2. It makes my morning horrible! – I can’t enjoy the fresh breeze at 7 am!
3. It promotes an unhealthy lifestyle.
I blame PROJECT WORK and KI IS and (not really council – since I have loads of fun staying awake while writing proposals and taking on msn simultaneously with you guys)!
Anyhoos – gotta sleep early (or earlier in this case) going to meet Ryan for macs breakfast tomorrow. Haven’t caught up with this silly boy for a long time hoho.
Another day gone – I still pray for my hammock holiday. – First, the hammock. Now where can I find it! Oh and next thing on my Things to Do list – learning Golf -> thanks to John Loh, who booked all his lessons on the weeks when I’m gone! Haha, his seriousness in learning golf inspires me to go do the same. Yes John, we so totally better make use of our membership before we are 21!
