Twelve Valuable Steps to Raise Your Self Esteem

As adults, we can choose the messages we accept or reject.

As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission."

"Building high self-esteem is a process, not something you can develop overnight," says Jeffrey Keller. "Yet, I believe every person has the capacity of high self-esteem. The question is, are you ready to make a commitment to increase your self-esteem?"

If your answer is yes, here are 12 steps to get you started:

Step One

Stop comparing yourself with other people.

There will always be some people who have more than you and some who have less. If you play the comparison game, you'll run into too many "opponents" you can't defeat.

Step Two

Stop putting yourself down.

You can't develop high self-esteem if you repeat negative phrases about yourself and your abilities. Whether speaking about your appearances, your career, your relationships, your financial situation, or any other aspects of your life, avoid self-deprecating comments.

Step Three

Accept all compliments with "thank you."

Ever received a compliment and replied," Oh, it was nothing." When you reject a compliment, the message you give yourself is that you are not worthy of praise. Respond to all compliments with a simple Thank You."

Step Four

Use affirmations to enhance your self-esteem.

On the back of a business card or small index card, write out a statement such as "I like and accept my self." or "I am valuable, lovable person and deserve the best in life." Carry the card with you. Repeat the statement several times during the day, especially at night before going to bed and after getting up in the morning. Whenever you say the affirmation, allow yourself to experience positive feelings about your statement.

Step Five

Take advantage of workshops, books and cassette tape programs on self-esteem.

Whatever material you allow to dominate mind will eventually take root and affect your behavior. If you watch negative television programs or read newspaper reports of murders and business rip off; you will grow cynical and pessimistic. Similarly, if you read books or listen to programs, that are positive in nature, you will take on these characteristics.

Step Six

Associate with positive, supportive people.

When you are surrounded by negative people who constantly put you and your ideas down, your self-esteem is lowered. On the other hand, when you are accepted and encouraged, you feel better about yourself in the best possible environment to raise your self-esteem.

Step Seven

Make a list of your past successes.

This doesn't necessarily have to consist of monumental accomplishments. It can include your "minor victories," like learning to skate, graduating from high school, receiving an award or promotion, reaching a business goal, etc. Read this list often. While reviewing it, close your eyes and recreate the feelings of satisfaction and joy you experienced when you first attained each success.

Step Eight

Make a list of your positive qualities.

Are you honest? Unselfish? Helpful? Creative? Be generous with yourself and write down at least 20 positive qualities. Again, it's important to review this list often. Most people dwell on their inadequacies and then wonder why their life isn't working out. Start focusing on your positive traits and you'll stand a much better chance of achieving what you wish to achieve.

Step Nine

Start giving more.

I'm not talking about money. Rather, I mean that you must begin to give more of yourself to those around your. When you do things for others, you are making a positive contribution and you begin to feel more valuable, which, in turn, lifts your spirits and raises your own self-esteem.

Step Ten

Get involved in work and activities you love.

It's hard to feel good about yourself if your days are spent in work you despise. Self-esteem flourishes when you are engaged in work and activities that you enjoy and make you feel valuable. Even if you can't explore alternative career options at the present time, you can still devote leisure time to hobbies and activities, which you find stimulating and enjoyable.

Step Eleven

Be true to yourself.

Live your own life - not the life others have decided is best for you. You'll never gain your own respect and feel good about yourself if you aren't leading the life you want to lead. If you're making decisions based on getting approval from friends and relatives, you aren't being true to yourself and your self-esteem is lowered.

Step Twelve

Take action!

You won't develop high self-esteem if you sit on the sidelines and back away from challenges. When you take action - regardless of the ensuing result - you feel better about yourself. When you fail to move forward because of fear and anxiety, you'll be frustrated and unhappy - and you will undoubtedly deal a damaging blow to your self-esteem.

The "real you" is a magnificent, unique being with enormous potential and capacity for experiencing love of yourself and extending love to others.

As your self-esteem grows, this "real you" emerges. You begin to take more risks and not be afraid of failure; you aren't as concerned with getting approval of others; your relationships are much more rewarding; you pursue activities that bring you joy and satisfaction; and you will make a positive contribution to the world.

Most importantly, high self esteem brings you peace of mind ... when you're alone, you truly appreciate the person you're with - yourself.

home sweet home...

I'm finally home from my 5D/4N trip to Cambodia. Pictures will be up later.

I must say that this has really been a very enlightening trip for me. I gotta admit that I was shaken by the extent of the poverty I saw. Yet, I was impressed by the tenacity of the people there...

Day 1

Met some of my group mates and had breakfast with them... was quite glad my group mates were really nice people. There wasn't any annoying or anti-social peeps on the trip.

On the plane, I met my roomie and she turns out to be my secondary school senior. Recalling fond memeories of our secondary school definitely helped us to break ice. She is a really nice gal and I was glad I got a nice roomie... we shared rooms for the next 4 nites.

Touching down, we visited the Angkor Silk Farm where we were educated on the intricate processes of silk making. Thereafter, we went to the Les Artisan d'Angkor where we learnt more about wood-working, stone carving and polychroming of objects.

Next, we went off for lunch and then back to the hotel for a short rest. About 3 pm (Cambodian Time, 1 hr behind Singapore Time), we left for the Floating Village of Chong Khneas, along the Tonle Sap Lake. It was a very humbling trip for me. Along the way, we saw the houses that the country folks lived in. It was so small and heart-wrenching. My own bedroom is even bigger than their small little house.

Along the Floating Village, I was amazed by the resourcefulness of the Cambodian people. They lived on the boats so that their house would float with them as the lake floods during the monsoon seasons. I was also struck by how simple their lives were. Play-time for the children were simply swinging on the hammock! The older boys would play pool at the "community centre / games centre" on a boat.

I now truly understood the meaning of the river as a source of life for the people. The people literally live off the river... They cook, wash and bathe from the river, do their " big and small business" into the river and fish from it.

We also saw the floating boats which went from "house" to "house" to sell goods. The Cambodians knew we were tourists so they chased our cruise boat to get us to buy food and drinks from them. The children leaped off their boat and clung on to our boat. These kids were really tenacious man!

After the boat trip, we adjourned to dinner with the Aspara Dance Show. Kinda reminds me of Balinese dances... We also went off for massage after that. It was Thai massage for US$6 per hour. It was my first Thai massage and I was shocked that it was rather painful. Left me some bruises for memories... lolz. But I must admit that I really felt very relaxed after that.

When we finally returned to the hotel, we heard voices along the corridor so my roomie and I went out to investigate. A bunch of them were playing games in the room. My roomie and I joined them to get to know them.



Day 2

After breakfast, we visited Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of Khmer. In the afternoon, we visited Angkor Wat. It was really beautiful and amazing standing on ancient relics and to witness the restoration work taken to save these relics. It was a sureal experience for me...

We had dinner before going off for massage again... This time, this place we went to wasn't as good as the first night. When we came back, we were invited yet again to play games but we din go cos we were too tired...

Day 3

After breakfast, we travelled by coach to Phnom Penh. The ride was a interesting experience. First, our coach was stopped by the police because we did not have a tour guide travelling with us to Phnom Penh. After some arguing with the police and phone calls to the company, we were on our way. Barely an hour later, our coach tyre experienced a puncture at the outskirts. Our driver had to change the tyre with a few of our heroic boys and gals.

The changing of tyre was a series of mishaps... first, the cross-bar and the part to turn the bolt were dented. He had to wait for another coach to stop so he could borrow parts. Then, in the midst of changing the tyre, he cut himself on the arms and his slipper also broke... We all felt so sorry for him so we increased the tips we gave him.

By the time we reach Phnom Penh, I was having a headache... Thankfully, lunch was good so I felt a lot better after that. The activities after lunch was a little depressing. We visited the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Uk. It was a dark Cambodian past and I felt very sicken by the horrors human beings can inflict on another human. Although one can say that the horrors should be laid to rest since it's history, history has proven to often repeat itself in different forms, different ways. I just hope that in this lifetime, I will never have to hear of such horrors again...

Dinner was a fantastic restaurant with fantastic ambience... I really needed that as a perk-me-up after the afternoon. By night, I was so exhausted that I collapsed in bed by 10pm.

Day 4

We visited the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda located within the palace grounds. We also visited the National Museum, which contained a vast collection of Khmer art. In the afternoon, we visited the Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong) and the Central Market (Psah Thmey) where I had a great time shopping and bargaining for price. Only thing I din like... the Russian Market was extremely cramped and claustophobic... I nearly fainted there... lolz..

At night, we went on a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River, along the Phnom Penh riverfront. The feeling was so surreal that it was beyond words for me... After dinner, I finally got to visit a casino for the first time... Naga World Casino. It was very interesting watching how people play the casino games such as jackpot, bacarat, big/small and roulette. But I had no urge to do so... complete waste of money... lolz

There was a really nice fair across the road with rides, games and food! Much like the pasar malam I remembered when I was young... the pasar malam today no longer have as much rides and games. They mostly sell food, cds, clothes or hardware.

By the time we return to the hotel, I felt a little sad cos we had to pack up... in a flash, my holiday has just breezed past and I have to return to reality already... I only wished that it wasn't so soon... sigh...

I also re-thought a lot of things this holidays and will be re-aligning some aspects of my life to help myself live a fuller life.

Looking forward to hopefully take a short trip in December...

Your Birthdate: November 20

You are a virtual roller coaster of emotions, and most people enjoy the ride. Your mood tends to set the tone of the room, and when you're happy, this is a good thing. When you get in a dark mood, watch out - it's very hard to get you out of it. It's sometimes hard for you to cheer up, and your gloom can be contagious. Your strength: Your warm heart Your weakness: Trouble controlling your emotions Your power color: Black Your power symbol: Musical note Your power month: February

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Feeling quite bummed out that this holidays hardly feels like a holiday... been working everyday checking books and files... me thinks it's only a holiday cos I dun see my kids... sigh...

Cambodia... please come sooner... ;P

Here's a lil something to cheer everyone up... no offence to any Malaysians out there... I love Malaysia and have lots of Malaysian friends...

**************************************
WHY CHEWING GUM IS BANNED IN SINGAPORE
**************************************

A Singaporean was on holiday in Malaysia. He was having his coffee, croissants, bread, butter & jam at the hotel's coffee house. A Malaysian man who was chewing gum, sat down next to him & started a casual conversation.

Malaysian : "You Singaporeans eat the whole bread?"

S'porean : "Of course."

Malaysian : "We don't. In Malaysia, we only eat what's inside. The crusts we collect in a container, recycle it, transform them into croissants & sell them across to Singapore."

The Malaysian then had a smirk on his face while the Singaporean listened in silence.

Malaysian : "Do you eat the jam with the bread?"

S'porean : "Of course."

Malaysian (chuckling): "We don't. In Malaysia, we eat fresh fruit for breakfast, then we put all the peels, seeds & other left-overs in a container, recycle them, transform them into jam, before we sell it across to Singapore."

This time, the Singaporean retorted : "Do you have sex in Malaysia?"

Malaysian : "Why, of course we do"

S'porean : "Do you wear protection"

Malaysian : "Of course! We wear condoms."

S'porean : "And what do you do with the condoms once you've used them?"

Malaysian : "Stupid question ! Of course we throw them away."

S'porean : "We don't. In Singapore, the government secretly puts them in a container, recycle them, melt them down into chewing gum & sell them across to Malaysia, ... & that's the real reason why we banned chewing gum in Singapore."

Take the time to live ...

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in.

"Mom let's run through the rain," she said.

"What?" Mom asked.

"Lets run through the rain!" She repeated.

"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated, "Mom, let's run through the rain,"

"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.

"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"

"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.

Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran! We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...

So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday.

To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. They say:

It takes a minute to find a special person,
an hour to appreciate them,
a day to love them,
but an entire life to forget them.

Take the time to run through the rain... Take the time to live!!!

But don't forget to keep in touch with your friends, you never know when you'll need each other!

You're Right

A husband and wife were involved in a petty argument, both of them unwilling to admit they might be in error.

"I'll admit I'm wrong," the wife told her husband in a conciliatory attempt, "if you'll admit I'm right."

He agreed and, like a gentleman, insisted she go first.

"I'm wrong," she said.

With a twinkle in his eye, he responded, "You're right!"


Question and Answer

A father and son went fishing one day. After a couple hours in the boat, the boy suddenly became curious about the world around him.

He asked his father, "How does this boat float"?

The father thought for a moment, then replied, "Don't rightly know, son."

The boy returned to his contemplation, then turned back to his father, "How do fish breathe underwater"?

Once again, the father replied, "Don't rightly know, son."

A little later, the boy asked his father, "Why is the sky blue"?

Again, the father replied, "Don't rightly know, son."

Worried he was going to annoy his father, he says, "Dad, do you mind me asking you all of these questions"?

"Of course not, son. If you don't ask questions, you'll never learn anything!"

Rosy

When I think of Rosy, all I can think of is: To God Be The Glory

She's my college teacher who has been through a lot over the last 10 odd years. I have never met anyone as strong as she is, battling 3 different types of cancer and surviving 12 surgeries. Her body may have been battered and butchered by surgeons but her faith is strong. She is so optimistic and has never stopped believing God for a miracle.

To me, she is already God's miracle child. She is a living testimony that with God, anything is possible. He is Jehovah Shammah and Jehovah Rapha. He is our healer and is always present with us.

During her first cancer scare, she was battling breast and ovarian cancer. She survived that and was back in school teaching after a year. That was when I first met her. Having survived cancer, she taught me to live life to the fullest and how our lives must serve a purpose. Her purpose was in her dedication to her profession and students, moulding and shaping lives. She was the one who taught me how to open up my mind and look beyong the superficial.

The year I left college, she had spots in her liver and lungs. The spot in her liver was removed but not the ones in her lungs. She underwent chemotherapy for that to prevent them from spreading.

The third cancer scare was last January when she had a tumor in her spine. God is good and the surgeon managed to removed most parts of it while using radiation to tackle the rest.

This time, the tumour in her spine returned and she has undergone surgery to remove most parts of it. However, there are still some bits clinging on to the nerves, causing her pain in her right thigh. Just when the orthopedic surgeon has given up hope, God bless her neurosurgeon and modern technology. She will be undergoing radio surgery where gamma rays will be used to blast the tumours away.

However, they would be permanent side effects, from pain to numbness in her right thigh. I am believing God for a miracle for her once again, that the tumours can be removed with minimum side effects.

In all these things which are happening around me, I feel that God is reminding me that our lives are not lived according to our timing but to His. There is a time and season for everything and right now, I just wanna live out my purpose and be a comfort to people around me who have touched me deeply.

Cambodia... here I come!

I'll be off to Cambodia for a 5D/4N trip from 15 June to 19 June...

I'm very excited about going cos the historian in me loves the looking and spending time with ruins... Yup... I'm a self-confess geek whose once upon a time ambition was to be an archaelogist

Here's my itinerary for the trip:

Day 1 - Arty Farty @ Siem Reap!

I'm off to visit the "Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles" to look at Cambodian artistry & Silk Farm to look at the silk creation process. At night is off to the local market and apsara dance show!

Day 2 - Angkor Wat!

This is the day my cultural self will soak in the presence of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.

Day 3 - Phnom Penh!

Another cultural day where I'll be off to the Independent Monument, National Museum, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the Wat Phnom Temple.

Day 4 - Gory Affair!

I'll be visiting the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek (a remembrance of the Pol Pot regime. Then I'll be off to some fun visiting the Russian Market and Central Market. I'll also be visiting the Naga World Casino and cruise along the Phnom Penh riverfront in the sunset.

Day 5 - Home sweet home!

I'll be taking an early flight back to my loved ones back home...

Can't wait for the trip to materialise... except I have to get through my exam period first.... What a bummer... lolz

At least something sweet awaits me this June hols... amidst the book checking, the resource packing blah blah...

Which baby are you?

January

Pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Sensitive. Down-to-Earth. Stubborn.

February

Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexiest out of everyone. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest And loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Horny. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizing dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

Mar

Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Great kisser. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Observant and assesses others.

April

Suave and compromising. Funny and humorous. Stubborn. Very talkative. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal. Does work well with others. Very confidant. Sensitive. Positive Attitude. Thinking generous. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Able to cheer everyone up and/or make them laugh. Able to motivate oneself and others. Understanding. Fun to be around. Outgoing. Hyper. Bubbly personality. Secretive. Boy/girl crazy. Loves sports, music, leisure and traveling. Systematic. Hot but has brains.

May

Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Shy towards opposite sex. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High-spirited.

June

You've got the best personality and are an absolute pleasure to be around. You love to make new friends and be outgoing. You are a great flirt and more than likely have an a very attractive partner. a wicked hottie. It is also more than likely that you have a massive record collection. You have a great choice in films, and may one day become a famous actor/actress yourself - heck, you've got the looks for it!!!

July

Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people's feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. spazzy at times. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Love s to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

August

Outgoing personality. takes risks. feeds on attention. No self-control. Kind hearted. Self-confident. Loud and boisterous. VERY revengeful. Easy to get along with and talk to. Has an "every thing's peachy" attitude. Likes talking and singing. Loves music. Daydreamer. Easily distracted. Hates not being trusted. BIG imagination. Loves to be loved. Hates studying. in need of "that someone". Longs for freedom. Rebellious when withheld or restricted. Lives by "no pain no gain" caring. Always a suspect. Playful. Mysterious. "charming" or "beautiful" to everyone. stubborn. curious. Independent. Strong willed. A fighter.

September

Active and dynamic. Decisive and haste but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people's problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Usually you have many friends. Enjoys to make love. Emotional. Stubborn. Hasty. Good memory. Moving, motivates oneself and others. Loves to travel and explore. Sometimes sexy in a way that only their lover can understand.

October

Loves to chat. Loves those who love them. Loves to takes things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn't pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Brave and fearless. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care to control emotions. Unpredictable. Extremely smart, but definitely the hottest AND sexiest of them all.

*November*
Trustworthy and loyal. Very passionate and dangerous. Wild at times. Knows how to have fun. Sexy and mysterious. Everyone is drawn towards your inner and outer beauty and independent personality. Playful, but secretive. Very emotional and temperamental sometimes. Meets new people easily and very social in a group. Fearless and independent. Can hold their own. Stands out in a crowd. Essentially very smart. Usually, the greatest men are born in this month. If you ever begin a relationship with someone from this month, hold on to them because their one of a kind.

December

This straight-up means you are the most good-looking person possible... Better than all of these other months! Loyal and generous. Patriotic. Competitive in everything. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Easy to talk to, though hard to understand. Thinks far with vision, yet complicated to know. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having lots of ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Has that someone always on his/her mind. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Abiding. Able to show character. One guy/girl kind of person. Loveable. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves music. Pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Sensitive.

Colorgenics Test

Came across this colorgenics test from a friend's blog. Seeing it's 90% accurate for her, I decided to try it out at this link:

http://www.paulgoldin.com/colorgenics.htm

Here are my results... pretty accurate, I must say...

You work hard, seeking success. You are self-sufficient and in spite of all the trials and tribulations that have beset you in the past you carry on regardless. You are one to be admired because you pursue your objectives single-mindedly and with initiative. You know that you can 'do it' and what is more, you will - without necessarily being dependent upon the goodwill of others.

You 'need to be needed'. As an idealist you are intolerant of anything short of special consideration from those close to you. If you do not get what you seek you are apt to become reclusive and you will close the doors on all those within your sphere of influence.

You wear your heart on your sleeve and since you are an emotional person you are apt to give your all - heart and soul - to all those that show you a little affection; but take care - it would appear that you have been extremely hurt in the past and you keep leaving yourself wide open for punishment.

For some time now your hopes and expectations have been denied and because of this you are becoming withdrawn and introverted. Continual disappointment has manifested itself in you becoming both suspicious and restrained you have become withdrawn from others and have receded more and more into yourself. You seem to have lost your innate enthusiasm and imaginative nature, for fear that you may be carried away by it only to find that you are wasting your time. You loath to trust people, as in the past your trust has been misplaced. You seem to be keeping yourself cautiously aloof from others. At this moment in time your attitude is to trust nobody - until they can prove themselves to you.

You are presently worried about your future and you feel that whatever you do will go wrong. At this time you are your own worst enemy. All the disappointment that you have experienced, coupled with the fear that there is no point in formulating fresh goals, have led to anxiety. You would like recognition and a position of trust but you are concerned that these hopes and dreams may not be realised. You are very argumentative and insistent that you are right - maybe you are - but you are pushing too hard. Take it easy, let go, and smile. Smiling and agreeing with people works wonders - try it and see.

Try it out and see if it works for you.

Woman stopped by unannounced at her son's house. She knocked on the door then immediately walked in. She was shocked to see her daughter-in-law lying on the couch, totally naked. Soft music was playing, and the aroma of perfume filled the room.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm waiting for Justin to come home from work," the daughter-in-law answered.

"But you're naked!" the mother-in-law exclaimed.

"This is my love dress," the daughter-in-law explained.

"Love dress? But you're naked!"

"Justin loves me to wear this dress," she explained. "Every time he sees me in this dress, he instantly becomes romantic and ravages me for hours."

The mother-in-law left.

When she got home she undressed, showered, put on her best perfume, dimmed the lights, put on a romantic CD, and laid on the couch waiting for her husband to arrive.

Finally, her husband came home. He walked in and saw her lying there so provocatively.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"This is my love dress," she whispered, sensually.

"Needs ironing," he said, "What's for dinner?"

Is this what many years of marriage does to one? lolz....

for the feminists...

For all those men who say, "Why buy a cow when you can get milk for free?"

Here's an update for you: Nowadays, 80% of women are against marriage, WHY?

Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage.

Men are like....

1. Laxatives ... They irritate the crap out of you.

2. Bananas ... The older they get, the less firm they are.

3. The Weather ... Nothing can be done to change them.

4. Blenders ... You need one, but you're not quite sure why.

5. Chocolate Bars .... Sweet, smooth, & they usually head right for your hips.

6. Commercials ... You can't believe a word they say.

7. Department Stores ... Their clothes are always 1/2 off.

8. Government Bonds ... They take soooooooo long to mature.

9. Mascara ... They usually run at the first sign of emotions.

10. Popcorn ... They satisfy you, but only for a little while.

11. Snowstorms ... You never know when they're coming, how many inches you'll get or how long it will last.

12. Lava Lamps ... Fun to look at, but not very bright.

13. Parking Spots ... All the good ones are taken, the rest are handicapped.

This really makes great laugh... ;)

The work load hasn't been reduced... I'm still stressed but no longer frustrated. By the grace of God, I have managed to cut it down already. He is always faithful especially when he has multiplied my time...

I was becoming quite stressed about my piling work. God bless a colleague who comes back every Saturday to work. In this way, I am able to come back every Saturday to clear up my marking and lesson planning that I barely have time for between Mon to Fri.

God also bless my lil bro who came to pick me up. As such, I could lug some books over last weekend to clear up my marking.

I am really grateful to the people around me who has shown me a lot of love and concern. While reflecting during my quiet time on Tuesday night and talking to a friend on Wednesday, I am marvelled at how God works in us.

He gives each of us a calling to fulfill, regardless of our capability. As long as we have availed ourselves to his calling, he will always fill us with the capability to perform tasks that he has placed for us.

The calling he has placed for me has been tough. At times, I come close to giving up and throwing in the towel. However, he has never let me fall. Each time I come close to giving, he reminds me of my purpose through quiet time and angels he sends around me. He has also placed understanding bosses around me who have never given me a hard time. Their encouragement has spurred me on to greater heights in the things I have done.

Maybe it might seem strange as to why I have been praising him in my blog lately. That is because these few months has been really tough for me. If by my own strength, I would have failed. I am only able to succeed because of his strength and guidance.

It is true that God draws closest to us when we are at our weakest. This is his way of reminding us to constantly seek him first...

I'm highly stressed and darned tired... This has gotta be the most tiring week of my life...

This has been a week of rushing my psychology assignment (last one! Thank God!) and vetting of papers. All this amidst my ton of marking and courses I have to atttend. Plus had to be down with food poisoning on Tuesday... Make me feel almost tired and miserable!

Fortunately, I'm too much of an optismist to get depressed for long. Be it your happy or miserable, life still goes on AND the things that you have to do are STILL waiting for you to do it. Might as well do it happily... That's my mantra in life. It has indeed served me well through all my down periods... :)

More updates... God has spoken so I have decided to go to the new school... I think my kids will be super happy. From their recent journals, they were telling me how much they like me and how much they will miss me... so sweet rite? At moments like this, I'm glad I'm a teacher.

Envy me for this... BUT don't envy the lesson plans, worksheets and exam papers I have to set, the exam papers I have to vet (6 levels, mind you!), the reflections I have to do, the courses and meeting I have to attend, the admin matters I have to handle, the tons of marking I have to do, the moments my kids and I drive each other crazy, the nights I have to burn midnight oil for my assignments and exam preparation...

Makes me really wonder how I actually managed to stay so optismistic and not go mad... All I can say is the grace of God.

Job Description of Parents

POSITION :

Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

- Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment.
- Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
- Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life.

- Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
- Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
- Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
- Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
- Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
- Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
- Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
- Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
- Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
- Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
- Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

None! Get this! You pay them!

- Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
- A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.
- When you die, you give them whatever is left.

The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Haha... how funny but its so true...

Little Davie jokes

Little Davie attended a horse auction with his father. He watched as his father moved from horse to horse, running his hands up and down the horse's legs, rump, and chest.

After a few minutes, Davie asked, "Dad, why are you doing that?"

His father replied,"Because when I'm buying horses, I have to make sure that they are healthy and in good shape before I buy."

Davie, looking worried, said, "Dad, I think the UPS guy wants to buy Mom."

********************************************

A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She started her class by saying, "Everyone who thinks they're stupid, stand up!" After a few seconds, Little Davie stood up.

The teacher said, "Do you think you're stupid, Little Davie ?"

"No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!"

*********************************************

Little Davie watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face.

"Why do you do that, mommy?" he asked.

"To make myself beautiful," said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue.

"What's the matter?" asked Little Davie.

"Giving up?"

**********************************************

The math teacher saw that little Davie wasn't paying attention in class. She called on him and said, " Davie! What are 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?"

Little Davie quickly replied, "NBC, CBS, HBO and the Cartoon Network!"

**********************************************

Little Davies's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals.

One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person.

"Yes," said the policeman. "The detectives want very badly to capture him."

Little Davie asked, "Why didn't you keep him when you took his picture?"

dilemma... dilemma

Recently, my bosses have been asking me if I will be going to the new school... That's like a question that is so heavily steeped in dilemma...

If I go, the travelling distance will be as far as I have been travelling for the last four years and frankly, there are days where the distance really gets to you. Especially when you are fatigue and taking a cab home during the peak hour can cost you as much as $13 (no kidding... I was stuck paying $6 at the Holland Road jam! Bummer...)

However, if I don't go, my conscience will get to me... there are just a lot of people I can't let go...

(a) students - my adorable T and A who struggle with reading, my Z who seems to have endless family problems getting in the way of his studies, K who has started to put in effort albeit inconsistent and even the irritating A (YES! I still haven't given up on you no matter how many times I have to send you out!)

(b) colleagues - the friendships built over the last 4 years

How? How? How?

Only solution...



Deep inside, I hear God calling but I'm just a stubborn ole thing... so I asked God for 3 signs... 2 have since materialised (in neon blinking lights, I must add)...

Now I'm looking for the last...

When it appears, I know God has truly called and I will do according to his will...

In the meantime, pray...

God works in mysterious ways...

This year began as a very frustrating year for me, with endless problems that seem to crop up... my self-esteem simply took a nose-dive. I became upset and depressed with everything...

1) I don't feel successful at work...

problems managing the monkeys at teach, not so creative lessons, falling behind my level teachers due to time wasted on classroom management...

There were the days when I simply doubted my own ability and considered a career change...

2) My studies dun seem to go so great...

I haven't been going for lectures and tutorials, just so much things to do that I felt so bummed out. For my assignments, I haven't been able to hand up one on time... God bless my tutors for extensions...

Not such a great student after all...

Just when I wanted to throw in the towel, God reminded me that His ways are higher than mine and I just have to let things work according to his plans... He would not short-change my efforts...

At work, my performance bonus came in and as usual, my bosses are fair... My efforts at work did not go un-noticed. In fact, I'll be getting my promotion (provided I do not do any stupid acts!) By next year, if I do survive this year and not have to repeat, I'll get my emplacement...

Three cheers to more pay!

I'm not materialistic but having more pay is just a reflection that I am getting somewhere in my career...

As for my studies, my hear sank when I read the comments from my tutors... too dramatic in expressing my opinion, not enough supporting argument... blah blah... I thought they would fail me. Instead, I ended up with 75 and 70 for my Psychology assignments and 70 for my English assignment.

Even my church work has praise reports... friends that I have brought to church have accepted Christ and are finding the peace of God in their life... I feel so happy for them!

When doors seem to close, it is not really a closed door. Just that, it is not time for GoD to open them. Even when the doors are not open, his favours continue to pour into your life. He has not forsaken or abandoned us. Just that, we are often blinded because of our own expectations. When the time is ripe, his doors will naturally open and his blessings will pour out so great that you become shocked by the power of his grace.

That's the power of God's love...

Motherhood at 60

With all the new technology regarding fertility recently, a 65-year-old woman was able to give birth to a baby. When she was discharged from the hospital and went home, her relatives came to visit.

May we see the new baby?" one asked.

"Not yet," said the mother."I'll make coffee and we can visit for a while first."

Thirty minutes had passed, and another relative asked, "May we see the new baby now?"

"No, not yet," said the mother.

After another few minutes had elapsed, they asked again, "May we see the baby now?"

"No, not yet," replied the mother.

Growing very impatient, they asked, "Well, when can we see the baby?"

"WHEN HE CRIES!" she told them.

"WHEN HE CRIES?" they demanded."Why do we have to wait until he CRIES?"

"BECAUSE I forgot where I put him."


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*

That was a teaser for laugh...

Life's lessons...

In our life as we are growing, it's inevitable that we meet some ups and down.
We have to learn to protect ourselves, as well as love ourselves.

The score of life depends on how we are going to compose it.
Avoiding does not mean we will always get by,
Facing it does not mean it will be difficult.

What we achieve, may not last forever,
What we have lost, may not mean we will not earn back.

Turning away does not mean cowardice.
Do not say that there's no choice.

There's no absolute right or wrong answers,
There's is more then one answers to problems.
We will always have road ahead of us to go forward.

If we can find a reason to be sad,
We can also find one to be happy.

Those who learn how to let go, finds tranquility.
Those who learn how to forget, finds freedom.
Those who learn how to care, find true friends...

Singapore Arts Festival 2007

Blue Love sounds really interesting... Anyone interested to get arty-farty along wif me?

Easter Drama 2007

Last year's Easter Drama was fantastic! Can't wait to see what's going to be up this year!

Airline Funny Jokes

After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet," which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight. Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor.

Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by Qantas' pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.

By the way, Qantas is the only major airline that has never had an accident.

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what they're for.

P: IFF inoperative.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny. (I love this one!)
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

And the best one for last..................

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget ! ! ! ! ! !

tangled family mess...

Two men met at a bus stop and struck up a conversation. One of them complained of family problems.

Finally, the other man said, "You think you have family problems? Listen. A few years ago I met a young widow with a grown-up daughter, and we got married. Later my father married my stepdaughter. That made my stepdaughter my stepmother and my father became my stepson. Also, my wife became mother-in-law of her father-in-law.

"Then the daughter of my wife, my stepmother, had a son. This boy was my half-brother because he was my father's son, but he was also the son of my wife's daughter, which made him my wife's grandson. That made me the grandfather of my half-brother.

"This was nothing until my wife and I had a son. Now the half-sister of my son, my stepmother, is also the grandmother. This makes my father the brother-in-law of my child, whose stepsister is my father's wife. I'm my stepmother's brother-in-law, my wife is her own child's aunt, my son is my father's nephew and I'm my own grandfather! And you think you have family problems!"

There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she's blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend.

Her boyfriend asked her, "Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?"

The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend is blind too, and refused to marry him. Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her saying, "Just take care of my eyes dear."

This is how the human brain changes when the status is changed.

Only few remember what life was before, and who's always been there even in the most painful situations.

Life Is A Gift

Today before you think of saying an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food -Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive – Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one Maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.

Life is a gift! Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, and Fulfill it!

My thoughts:

Been feeling a tad bit burnt-out this period, intensified by the hot and erratic weather... BUT having read this makes you realise that there are more important things in life than being bothered about the small things in life...

To live life to is to take life's challenges by its horns... what does not kill me will make me stronger... cliche but how true...

Butter vs Margarine

“Pass the butter please”. That was usually the case during meal time.

Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys!

When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback return on their investment, so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back.

It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter.

How do you like it?

They have come out with some clever new flavorings.

DO YOU KNOW... the difference between Margarine and Butter?

Read on to the end... gets very interesting!

-Both have the same amount of calories.
-Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 gm compared to 5 gm over margarine.
-Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating
the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.
-Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.
-Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few.
-Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods.
-Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years.

Margarine can:
1. Very high in trans fatty acids.
2. Triple risk of coronary heart disease.
3. Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol) and this increases the risk of cancers up to 5 fold.
4. Lowers quality of breast milk.
5. Decreases immune response.
6. Decreases insulin response.

And here's the most disturbing fact.... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING!

Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC!

This fact alone was enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance).

You can try this yourself:

Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded area.

Within a couple of days you will note a couple of things:
* no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something)
* it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value; nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not a find a home to grow.

Why?

Because it is nearly plastic. Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast?

A father put his three year old daughter to bed, told her a story and listened to her prayers which she ended by saying

"God bless Mommy, God bless daddy, God bless grandma and good-bye grandpa."

The father asked, "Why did you say good-bye grandpa?"

The little girl said, "I don't know daddy, it just seemed like the thing to do."

The next day grandpa died.

The father thought it was a strange coincidence.

A few months later the father put the girl to bed and listened to her prayers, which went like this: "God bless Mommy, God Bless daddy and good-bye grandma."

The next day the grandmother died.

Oh my god, thought the father, this kid is in contact with the other side.

Several weeks later when the girl was going to bed the dad heard her say,

"God bless Mommy and good-bye daddy."

He practically went into shock. He couldn't sleep all night and got up at the crack of dawn to go to his office. He was nervous as a cat all day, had lunch sent in and watched the clock. He figured if he could get by until midnight he would be okay. He felt safe in the office, so instead of going home at the end of the day he stayed there, drinking coffee, looking at his watch and jumping at every sound.

Finally midnight arrived, he breathed a sigh of relief and went home.

When he got home, his wife said "I've never seen you work so late, what's the matter?"

He said "I don't want to talk about it, I've just spent the worst day of my life."

She said "You think you had a bad day, you'll never believe what happened to me. This morning our neighbour James dropped dead on our porch."

Terribly overweight Irishman is put on a diet

Doctor: You eat regularly for 2 days, skip a day
Repeat for 2 weeks
Next time we meet, you should have lost at least 5 pounds

Irishman returns after having lost nearly 60 lbs !!

Doctor: Amazing ! Followed my instructions?

Irishman: (nodding his head) Almost dropped dead by the 3rd day !!

Doctor: From hunger ?

Irishman: NO......... From the bloody skipping !!!

Timeless...

Bro introduced this to me... it's so beautiful... here's the Korean and English version for you to enjoy...

Korean version:



Lyrics:

An dwae yo nal, no, a beo ri myeon
Him deul eo do yeo gi deo, meo mul lo yo
Jo geum man do, bol, su i da myeon
Nam eun sa rang man keum uso bol, taen dae

Timeless, i byeol eun a ni jyo
Han bon eui sarm i ra myeon ji geum oo, rin dae
Hold tight baby
Timeless, i ga seum ae mud o yo
Sun gan eui yeol byeong cho rom jam shi man, a peul bbun i ni
We both agree
This is timeless, love

Sae sang eun da, ha na, ga ji man
Seul peum ma jo ham kkae ga neun geon ga yo
No mu geu ri wo ddo nal, bul ro, bun geu dae
Ma eum bbun in sang cho man mo mul gaet, jyo

To hae haen nun mul sam ki myeon, geu ddae so ya ar gae dwir kka yo
Nae son jab a yo, ddo na gae mal a yo

Timeless, i byeol eun a ni jyo
Han beon eui sarm i ra myeon ji geum oo, rin dae
Hold tight baby
Timeless, i ga seum ae mud o yo
Sun gan eui yeol byeong cho rom jam shi man, a peul bbun i ni
We both agree
This is timeless, love

Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Baby, it’s timeless
Oh baby it’s timeless

Timeless dol a gal su i, do rok
Sun gan eui yeol byeong cho rom jam shi man, a peul bbun i ni
We both agree
This is timeless
This is timeless, love


English version:



English Lyrics:

Baby come close let me tell you this
In a whisper my heart says you know it too
Baby we both share a secret wish
And you're feeling my love reaching out to you

Timeless
Don’t let it end (no)
Now that you’re right here in my arms where you should stay
Hold tight baby
Timeless
Don’t let it fade out of sight
Just let the moments sweep us both away
Lifting us to where
We both agree
This is timeless love

I see it all baby in your eyes
When you look at me I know I feel it too (yes I do)
So let's sail away and be forever baby
Where the crystal ocean melts into the sky
We shouldn’t let the moment pass
Making me shiver let’s make it last
Why should we lose it don’t ever let me go

Timeless
Baby its timeless
Oh baby its timeless

Timeless
Don’t let it fade out of sight
Just let the moments sweep us both away
Lifting us to where
We both agree
It’s just timeless
It’s just timeless

Love

Funnies... Just for laughs!

An oral surgeon was scheduled to extract four wisdom teeth from Jim, a high-school football player, who had opted to be sedated for the procedure.

As the intravenous anaesthesia was being administered, the doctor asked Jim
how he was feeling.

"Man," he replied, struggling to keep his eyes open, "I feel like I'm in
English class."

~~~~~

The minister asked the little girl, "Do you know what's in the bible?"

"Yes," she responded, "I think I know everything that's in it."

Surprised, the minister siad, " That's a pretty big claim for someone your size, go ahead and tell me."

The girl started out, "Well... let's see... there's a picture of my brother's girlfriend, a ticket from the dry cleaners, one of my curls, and a Pizza Hut coupon.

~~~~~

A visiting minister was very long-winded. Worse, every time he would make a good point during his sermon and a member of the congregation responded with "Amen" or "That's right, preacher" he would get wound up even more and launch into another lengthy discourse.

Finally, the host pastor started responding to every few sentences with "Amen, Pharaoh!" The guest minister wasn't sure what that meant, but after several more "Amen, Pharaohs" he finally concluded his very lengthy sermon.

After the service concluded and the congregation had left, the visiting minister turned to his host and asked, "What exactly did you mean when you said 'Amen, Pharaoh'?"

His host replied, "I was telling you to let my people go!"

~~~~~

A lawyer was reading out the last will and testament of a rich man to the people mentioned in the will:

"To my loving wife Rose, who stood by me during the rough times, as well as the good : the house and $2 million."

"To my daughter Jessica, who looked after me in illness and kept the business going : the yacht, the business and $1 million."

"And to my cousin Dan, who hated me, argued with me and thought I would not remember him in my Will, you were wrong : Hello Dan!"

There's something about this period that is bringing out maudline feelings in me... maybe cos of Valentine's Day and the Chinese New Year.

Valentine's Day is a trying reminder to the singles out there... reminding you that you dun have a valentine (which is why I use it as an excuse to celebrate Friendship day!) It is also reminding how relationships dun seem to work out for me for some strange reasons... Maybe it's because my life is pretty much unsettled at the moment.

My best friend, J, is getting married this June and this is bringing out a strong yearning in me for a stable relationship that has long term potential. Looking at her fiance (WK)'s relationship, it's a reminder for me for what works and doesn't work in a relationship. When a relationship works, things just seem to fall naturally into place and there will seem to be little obstacles between the pair aka character differences, differences in opinion etc. While there are little quarrels here and there, it will serve to draw both closer, rather than divide. J was telling me, over dinner one evening, that somehow things will happen for me when my life achieves some form of stability...

I'm convinced of what she said cos it did seem to work out for her. A part of me also believes her cos I'm a hopeless romantic...

In truth, I haven't had time to eally think about what I really want from relationships. And this is why they have never really worked out. After brooding and mulling over this, I realised that all I want is to find someone who can complement me - enjoy the same activities as I enjoy, share my belief system, share similar love languages as I do, share my joys and sorrows etc. Kinda idealistic but then, I'm a hopeless romantic! I believe that for every one person, there is a certain someone out there for him or her... kinda fits like a jigsaw puzzle. I really believe that that someone out there really exist for me... and maybe, I might find him somewhere, somehow...

Chinese New Year is both a happy and uncomfortable time for me - happy cos it's a time of family reunion plus I'm pretty lucky at Mahjong during this period... hehee... Uncomfortable cos it always feels strange for me when I visit my paternal side. It's a reminder of your dysfunctional family and how you are the only child there without any parents accompanying you (except for your brother). The feeling of family reunion is lost for me at my paternal side...

Thankfully, it only lasts for half a day and my life seems to be back to normal in terms of routine. Only the maudline feelings remain... kinda a bitter-sweet experience.

Which strengthens my belief that I can only find someone who can complement me... I dun wan marriage for me to be a compromising affair - where I simply find someone cos I'm afraid I will be left on the shelf. There are some things in life that we can compromise but marriage is certainly not one of it. I have had friends who compromised and are stuck in unhappy relationships. Some are lucky to be able to recover that romance while some were less fortunate... I never hope my children will go through the same things which I went through... no doubt it made me tough, it was a hard road of experience to tread...

Can angels take the form of animals?

As we know, everyone who is in heaven is a saint. But there are also "official" saints, those recognized for all the good they did here on earth. One who couldn't have succeeded without a particular heavenly helper was St. John Bosco, whose feast day we observed on January 31st.

John was born in Becchi, Italy in 1815, and although he grew up in poverty, he had a wise and loving mother, who saw that he got an education. Before John had reached his teens, he was already experiencing wonderful dreams about his future. It seemed clear that he was to become a priest, and work with homeless boys, saving them from the streets, educating them and teaching them about God. Just how this was all to come about was not explained in the dreams. John set out to accomplish the task anyway.

The street kids that he dealt with were rough, angry and not all that interested in reforming their lives. Often they would rob John when he approached them. Gradually, he won over the younger ones, and established group homes for them. But the assaults continued. And because many of John's rescued boys were hard to handle, the citizenry was not exactly thrilled with his mission. Often, they too attempted to drive him out of the area. (Teenagers were considered a pain by many then too.)

One autumn evening in 1852, John Bosco was making his way across the most broken part of the slum district. He was alone and depressed. (Yes, even saints get depressed.) "Lord," he prayed, "I know you want me to care for the least of your children, but I can't go on being mugged and robbed, and still do the work you've assigned me. How about a little help?"

Suddenly John noticed a dog behind him. Or was it a wolf? The creature was huge and grey...but friendly. Timidly John called it, and the dog trotted up and took his place alongside John, as if he had been trained to do so. "I'll call you Grigio," John told the dog (Grigio" means "grey" in Italian). The two strolled along in silent companionship until John reached his house, and the dog left, as if his job was done. But it wasn't. A few days later, John had to travel through a dangerous area, where he had once been beaten by street thugs. He was apprehensive but…there was Grigio! Again, the canine bodyguard stayed next to John, until he reached his home. How had he known?

Thus began a tender pattern - John walking alone, the dog suddenly appearing and escorting him to safety. On one occasion someone behind a tree fired two shots at John. They missed, and the shooter aimed again. But Grigio raced at him, teeth bared, and the man fled. Another time, as John was walking down a dark and unfamiliar street, two men threw a sack over his head, obviously intending to kill him. Suddenly John heard barking. Yes, although he hadn't seen his faithful companion, here came Grigio again,growling and driving the men away. A few days later, Grigio saved John's life in an ambush. A dozen men had surrounded him with their sticks raised to strike when Grigio arrived upon the scene. Of course everyone fled.

The animal became popular, for he sometimes came into John's house, and allowed the smaller boys to play with him. But his appearances always had a purpose. Sometimes it was to meet John at the door before some journey; sometimes to escort John safely home, even when John was unaware of danger. At least once, Grigio even prevented John from going out. He lay down on the threshold and barred the exit. "Grigio, move aside!" John commanded, but the dog resisted, and John eventually gave up and took off his coat. About an hour later, John's neighbor rushed in to warn John that another trap had been set for him. Grigio had saved him again.

By now, John realized that something heavenly was going on. And as if to confirm it, the dog appeared as John was on his way to visit a farmer. When they arrived, John brought the dog inside. Grigio lay down quietly in a corner while the family ate. But when they had assembled leftovers for Grigio's dinner, they could not find him! No doors or windows had been open, yet he had vanished.

For over thirty years, as John Bosco traveled Italy, saving boys and establishing the Salesian Society, a new order of priests, faithful Grigio continued his inexplicable but wondrous mission (and never grew any older!). To this day, if a Salesian priest is in danger, a large grey dog sometimes appears, just at the right time.

God sends angels in many forms. Even dogs? You decide.

Ode to my Mom

My mom, in my opinion, is the greatest mom i could ever ask for... all these years, she had always been my champion, providing me with moral support especially in the area of my studies. I never was a good student... I was not failing but I din exactly get the best of grades either... She never made me feel inferior to my brother, who comparably scored better grades than I did... Instead, she would encourage me, telling me that having the best grades were not the most important. What was more important was that I enjoyed what I did and I did my best...

She has also supported me financially through my studies... Though I paid her back, she never failed to ask me if I needed help with my school fees. She would deposit the cheque in my account so I could sign for my school fees and earn my UNI$ points. She has also never harassed me to return the money. As long as i did return, which showed her I was financially responsible, it was enough for her...

I have a job that required me to put in ridiculously long hours... I leave the house at 6.30 am and I'm never home till almost 8 pm. Weekends, I'm also rarely free... having to do my marking, lesson plans, set and vet through exam papers etc. She does all the housework at home so I have a clean and comfortable house to come homw to...

I cannot ask for a better mom than her... one who has so unselfishly placed her children's needs above hers... and yet, request for so little in return...

On this special day, all I wanna say to her is "Happy Birthday" and thanks for always being there for me!

Although I missed service to spend a great birthday dinner with her and my aunts and cousins, this was remembered by her. She was very touched by my gesture... At least I did honour my Mom... I think I made God proud too! Hehee...

Happy Valentine's Day!

For the single souls like moi... be glad you never receive cards like this!

MARIANE'S VALENTINES (Rejected by Hallmark Cards)
by Mariane Holbrook - from www.marianeholbrook.com

# 1
With all my heart I love you,
With all my heart I care;
I still have one big question, though,
"Do you still dye your hair?"

#2
You look so lovely in that dress
I even love your hat.
Is it okay to tell the world
You've gotten sorta fat?

#3
My valentine, I love you so,
You fill my heart with bliss.
If you'd just put your teeth in
Then I might enjoy a kiss.

#4
Dear Valentine, you are so dear,
I love your tender touch.
Let's just forget your mother said
You'd not amount to much.


A young man called his mother and announced excitedly that he had just met the woman of his dreams. Now what should he do? His mother had an idea: "Why don't you send her flowers,and on the card invite her to your place for a home-cooked meal?"

He thought this was a great strategy and arranged a date for a week later. His mother called the day after the big date to see how things had gone.

"The evening was a disaster," he moaned.

"Why, didn't she come over?" asked his mother.

"Oh, she came over, but she refused to cook..."


When Mary was pregnant, her 5 year old, Billy, was utterly amazed, and a little bit
disbelieving, that his sister was growing in his mommy's tummy. So one day when the baby was especially active, she asked Billy to place his tiny hands on her tummy to feel the baby kick.

When he did, however, the baby was suddenly still.

"Oh, Billy, she must have decided to take a nap," shrugged Mary.

"A nap?" Billy marveled. "You mean there's a bed in there too?"


A man spoke frantically into the phone: "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart".

"Is this her first child?" The doctor asked.

"No!" the man shouted, "This is her husband!"


A successful lawyer bought a brand new Lexus and brought it in the parking lot to show his colleagues. A truck drove by and tore off the door. He dialed 911. The police came but the lawyer started screaming hysterically. "I just bought this car and it's ruined."

When the lawyer wound down the policeman shook his head in disbelief and said, "I can't believe how materialistic you are. You are so focused on possessions. Don't you notice anything else?"

The lawyer asked how he could say such a thing.

The policeman said, "Don't you know that your arm is missing from the elbow down?"

The lawyer screamed, "Oh, no. my Rolex is gone!

plagued by poor health...

Something is wrong with my body for the last 3 weeks...

For the last 2 weeks, I was plagued by back pains caused I slipped and fell outside, hitting my tail bone when I landed. Nothing too serious but I just couldn't bend down normally...

This week, I'm down with flu... Maybe I should consider lucky that I'm among the last to kena flu at my workplace already.

Hopefully, I recover soon so I can back to my normal routine... so sianz being ill...

My Personality

Neuroticism	54
Extraversion	67
Openness To Experience	90
Agreeableness	37
Conscientiousness	66

You are neither a subdued loner nor a jovial chatterbox. You enjoy time with others but also time alone. Stressful and frustrating situations can often be upsetting to you, but you are sometimes able to get over these feelings and cope with these situations. Novelty, variety, and change spice up your life and make you a curious, imaginative, and creative person. You have some concern with others' needs, and are generally pleasant, sympathetic, and cooperative. You are reasonably reliable, organized, and self-controlled.

Test Yourself Compare Yourself View Full Report Browse 1000s of the most popular myspace layouts or create your own layout.

This is not a story but a true incident that happened in USA.

An Indian man walked into a bank inNew York City one day and asked for the loan officer.

He told the loan officer that he was going to India on business for two weeks and needed to borrow $5,000.
The bank officer told him that the bank would need some form of security for the loan. The Indian man handed over the keys to a new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produced the title and everything checked out.

The loan officer agreed to accept the car as collateral for the loan.

The bank's president and its officers all enjoyed a good laugh at the Indian for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral against a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drove the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage and parked it there.

Two weeks later, the Indian returned, repaid the $5,000 and the interest, which came to $15.41.
The loan officer said, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multi millionaire. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow "$5,000"

The Indian replied: "Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $15.41 and expect it to be there when I return'"

Ah, the brain of the Indian... This is why India is shining !!!!!

Turning 25...

There's something about turning 25...

It made me reflect about all areas of my life and look for ways to improve my situation...

Relationships wise... I have learnt to treasure people dear to me, such as friends who have weathered through thick and thin with me, providing a listening ear whenever I need to get things off my chest and giving me great advices. Most of all, I have learnt to better appreciate my mom...

I have also learnt to let go of relationships that have caused me much grief over the years, or have drained my emotions quite completely... They made me realise how little I was loving myself... That's why 2007 is my 'Love myself more' year... Not narcissistic bt rather learning how to take better care of myself...

Health wise... I'm learning the importance of taking better care of my health... As a Christmas present for myself last year, I signed up with a gym and have been attending classes regularly (at least twice a week). I am getting fitter, no longer panting when I climb up the overhead bridge, and slimmer as well...

Spritually... I'm learning to draw closer to God, praying for his anninting on everything I do... In return, I have received a peace of mind, knowing he's watching me and giving me favours in everything I do...

Career-wise... that's an area of uncertainty in my life...

Frankly, I love what I do... the kids are great to be with (on most days!), the colleagues are friendly and easy to work with plus I have favours from my bosses...

However, over the last 6 years, I cannot deny that the stress of the job has taken a toil on my health. Last year, I practically clocked a MC a month (not as if it was something to be proud of!). I have also been on hormone pills for over a year to ensure a certain part of my anatomy can run like a clockwork... But I have since had to stop due to side effects... Now, things have gone awry for me again!

In like of this, I am really pondering if it's time for a career change... something less stressful for me... My gynaecologist has been bugging me to do something less stressful so I can tackle the root of my monthly problems... My facial therapist has also been telling me that so I can control spots that marr my 'beauty'.

I'm not afraid of working hard, neither am I afraid of new challenges... I just want a job that will end when I step out of the office... I no longer have an appetite for slaving over my computer, working my weekends away...

Financially, I would just like more $$$ for whatever I do... Like now, I'm only taking home less than $1.5K for the work I do... It's really bugging me how pathetic it is for the hours I put in... That averages to $60 a day for 11 hours of official work... It does not even begin to factor in the hours I put in at home...

In short, I'm tired... Over the years, the opportunity costs have really gone up for me and it's wearing me out... I really need a break from it all...

This is 'food' for me to seriously consider and to pray about over this year...

E-MAIL FROM JURONG POLICE DIVISION

BEWARE AS TO WHERE YOU PARK YOUR CAR NEXT - IN MALAYSIA!

This actually happened to a Man not a woman recently in KL Imagine:

You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. Then you lock the doors, start the engine and shift to Reverse. Then you look into the rear mirror to back out and you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window screen that is obstructing your view.

So you shift the gear to Park, unlock your door and jump out to remove that silly piece of paper (or whatever it may be). When you reach the back of your car, that is when the surprise begins!

The Car-Jacker appears out of nowhere, jumps into your car and takes off!! Your engine is still running, your belongings are all in the car, including whatever you may have bought from you shopping trip. They will mow you down as they take off if you so much as try to stop them.

BE AWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED.

Just drive away and remove the paper that is stuck to you rear window LATER, and be thankful that you read this email.

I hope you will forward this to your friends and family members.

Imagine if your purse is inside the car. They then will have your IC, credit cards, home address and maybe your house keys! Good Luck.

Disclaimer: I got this in the email... not so sure how true this is... but I guess it's better to be safe than sorry...

The Honest Truth about Men

1. The nice men are ugly.

2. The handsome men are not nice.

3. The handsome and nice men are gay..

4. The handsome, nice, and heterosexual men are married.

5. The men who are not so handsome, but are nice men, have no money..

6. The men who are not so handsome, but are nice men with money think we are only after their money.

7. The handsome men without money are after our money.

8. The handsome men, who are not so nice and somewhat heterosexual, don't think we are beautiful enough.

9. The men who think we are beautiful, that are heterosexual, somewhat nice and have no money, are cowards.

10. The men who are somewhat handsome, somewhat nice and have money and thank God are straight, are shy and NEVER MAKE THE FIRST MOVE!!!

11. The men who never make the first move, automatically lose interest in us when we take the initiative.

NOW.... WHO UNDERSTANDS MEN?!?!

What's Your Personality Type?

You Are An INFJ

The Protector You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity. Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is. You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience. You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them. You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher.

What's Your Personality Type?

My Positions in Christ

Based on "The Bondage Breaker" by Neil Anderson

I Am Accepted:

John 1:12 - I am God’s child.
John 15:15 - I am Christ’s friend
Romans 5:1 - I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 - I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 - I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:1 - I am a saint.
Ephesians 1:5 - I have been adopted as God’s child.
Ephesians 2:18 - I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Colosians 1:14 - I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colosians 2:10 - I am complete in Christ.

I Am Secure:

Romans 8:1-2 - I am free forever from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 - I am assured that all things work together for good.
Romans 8:31 - I am free from any condemning charges against me.
Romans 8:35- I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God.
Colosians 3:3 - I am hidden with Christ in God.
Phi1ipians 1:6 - I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.
Phil1ipians 3:20 - I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 - I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
Hebrews 4:16 - I can find grace and mercy in time of need.
1 John 5:18 - I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me.

I Am Significant:

Matthew 5:13-14 - I am the salt and light of the earth.
John 15:1,5 - I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.
John 15:16 - I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8 - I am a personal witness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:16 - I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
2 Corinthians 6:1 - I am God’s co-worker (1Cor3:9)
Ephesians 2:6 - I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 3:12 - I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Phil1ipians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Hope this blesses all who are reading this...

Interesting Facts!

1. The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as a substitute for blood plasma.


2. No piece of paper can be folded in half more than seven times.


3. You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.

4. Oak trees do not produce acorns until they are fifty years of age or older.

5. The King of Hearts is the only king WITHOUT A MOUSTACHE!

6. American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first-class.

7. Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.

8. Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.

9. Most dust particles in your house are made from DEAD SKIN!

10. The first owner of the Marlboro Company died of lung cancer. So did the first "Marlboro Man."

11. PEARLS MELT IN VINEGAR!

12. A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.

13. Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least six feet away from
a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.

14. And the best for last..... Turtles can breathe through their butts.

Teaching in New Perspective

After hearing today's sermon at church, I had a renewed mindset to Teaching in particular...

You can't make people want something they don't want!

How true is this statement... Kids today are barely interested in going to school. Especially for the older kids. Why?

I really believe that there are times, as teachers, we have become so caught up with teaching to the textbook and syllabus that we do not address pupils' needs.

This was the same challenge the speaker at the Teacher's Conference 2006 highlighted. Kids today are so into multimedia... computer games, TV, podcasts, internet etc. However, in schools, we are still stuck to textbooks, workbooks and white boards...

Until we can link what's in the textbook to the things they can find through multimedia sources, I really believe we cannot reach out to children as effectively.

I also believe that some of the things we teach have lost its relevance to the world we live in around us. One of this area I feel in the topic of sexuality education... A topic everyone shuns to explain to the young ones what it is all about.

In due respect, I admire MOE for taking on a difficult task that should have belonged to parents. The curriculum is a solid one. I agree that teaching abstinence from sex is the only way to sanctify sex and prevent them from making mistakes that they can regret later aka getting sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.

I also have to agree that we have a generation of youths who will not do as they are told. I've been through the rebellious stage before where for everything that you are told to do because it is good for you, you will choose the complete opposite.

Teaching children to protect themselves is also equally important... However, it is kinda like opening Pandora's Box... we may end up unknowingly encourage youths to cross the boundaries because protection is the safety net against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.

The challenge relating abstinence from sex is to teach the sanctity of sex in marriage... I believe that if we can do it right, sexuality education can be transformed and be relevant.

I'm not sure I'll actually have the fortune of teaching sexuality education this year... but I'm sure I'll definately look forward to the challenge.

As for other subjects, it is a new curriculum I am doing this year, I'm excited of rising to the challenge of making what I teach relevant...