yay gym nite!

we had our *semesterly* gymnite at OU this past Friday (absolutely HAD to wear the raven shirt!) ..... i had an awsome time! i've missed playing basketball...... eventhough i wasn't REALLY giving it 100%, but whatever. it was fun watching the guys. ("shuffle steph, shuffle!!!") franki was there too, which was the nice part...... it would've been nicer still if he played with us. instead, we spent the evening being his guinea pigs as he tried out his new camera lens. ("don't you DARE take a picture of me..... frank!") *sigh* ah well...... must admit though, he did get some pretty good shots in..... and it's nice to have that wonderful time of fun documented. *grin* enjoy!


fly birdie, flyyyyy!!


incredible jumpers....


hiding from the camera...


this isn't a physical contact sport.... so YOU think.


look at tom go!


michelle getting some action in.....


yeah!

setting our sights on faraway lands.....

wow. it's SO interesting how so many of us are looking to step out of our comfort zones this summer...... looking to faraway places and seeing if God will lead us there to serve. it's so awsome to hear about all this passion! and finding the same awakening in myself......... it's amazing. it also strikes me as interesting that we are looking to more than just the church-sponsored projects....... let me clarify, there is NOTHING wrong with the ones that our church is involved with....... no project is unworthy, believe me. but somehow, i've always wondered what other oppurtunities there were out there.

nothing's written in stone for any of us yet, so i'm not gonna mention any specifics...... but i will ask all of you reading this to keep those of us that are considering, and those of us that God is working on, in your prayers. thaaanks! ^-^

heard this song for the first time a couple days ago... it was sooooo super sweet and struck a chord with the hopeless romantic in me, so much so that i couldn't resist hunting down the lyrics. ^-^ i know i know...... it's not valentine's day yet! so sue me. *pbbt.*

Chris Rice - When Did You Fall
From the album Amusing

You’re all smiles and silly conversation
As if this sunny day came just for you
You twist your hair, you smile and you turn your eyes away
C’mon, tell me what’s right with you
Now it dawns on me probably everybody’s talkin’
And there’s something here I’m supposed to realize
‘Cause your secret’s out, and the universe laughs at it’s joke on me
I just caught it in your eyes, it’s a beautiful surprise

Chorus:
When did you fall in love with me?
Was it out of the blue
‘Cause I swear I never knew it
When did you let your heart run free?
Have you been waiting long?
When did you fall in love with me?
When did you fall in love?

Make your way over here, sit down by this fool, and let’s rewind
C’mon, let’s go back and replay all our scenes
You can point out the hints, the clues, the twists and the smiles this time
All the ones that slipped by me
I bet my face is red, and you can hear my heart poundin’
Well I guess it don’t matter now that I realize
‘Cause baby I missed it then, but I can surely see you now
Right there before my eyes
You’re my beautiful surprise

Chorus:

Was it at the coffee shop
Or that morning at the bus stop
When you almost slipped, and I caught your hand
Or the time we built the snowman
The day at the beach, sandy and warm
Or the night with the scary thunderstorm
I never saw the signs
Now we’ve got to make up for lost time
And I can tell now by the way that you’re looking at me
I’d better finish this song so my lips will be free

Have you been waiting long, when did you fall in love
I kept you waiting so long, when did you fall
Have you been waiting long
When did you fall in love with me
When did you fall in love?

Copyright 2005 Clumsy Fly Music (ASCAP)

post from january 12th:

a new year has started...... i'm still bitter that i was cheated of one extra week of official holiday. :P how strange to think that half on janurary is almost gone. time really is like water slipping through one's fingers............

i never made resolutions before...... i mean, why make 'em if all you end up doing is not fulfilling them? but this year's a little different..... i feel as though God's really been showing me that i'm just not able without Him. so i decided to make, not so much a resolution, but a theme for the year: refuse to be independent. catchy, huh? ^-^ actually, i didn't come up with that (what do u take me for, a genius?!).... came from oswald chambers' my utmost for his highest......... i never picked it up before, but decided to go through it after it was suggested to me from one of my girls! it is so full of profound insight. definitely peruse through it, if you could get your hands on one!

school's started again. can't believe it's my last sem. i've got 4 classes and my thesis....... a little apprehensive about the last item. i still feel as though i haven't done enough work on it (because i really haven't! didn't work on it at all over the holidays....). weeell.... the only thing to do is to trek on, i suppose. and drench the project with prayer. :P boy do i ever need that.

NEWS FLASH!!!!!!! there's a new singing sensation in town........ she's beautiful, she's wonderful, she's talented, she comes highly recommended by the pastoral staff......... who is she, you ask????? why it's none other than............................................................

KAREN LEUNG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm all finished with school for now..... wow. What a BIG sigh of relief. Time really flew this past semester..... can I really be done? Can I REALLY have one semester left before this is all over????? Whatever will I do with myself???

Snow Gala madness this week..... but in a GOOD way of course! ^-^ I'm sure that it's gonna turn out AMAZING...... I'm always in awe of how h2o-ers team up to make an event a HUGE success, beyond anything I could have hoped for. God has been SO good to us this past semester! I'm so excited to see what He has planned for us in the new year. Here's what I've been working on this week:


h2o Snow Gala 2005: finished program


h2o Snow gala 2005: program close-up

hmmmm. extremely interesting conversation going on behind me right now...... it originated from electron orbitals, and has now meandered over to faith and religion and logic. these physicists (i think that's what they're in..... i don't know these guys). what minds! here's an interesting thought: "if people believe that there's a heaven, then why aren't they doing everything in their power to get into it?" hmm. good question. and another observation, "it takes balls to believe in a religion... to have faith." *lol* it definitely does.......

MUAHA..... i REALLY should be studying geophysics...... but ANYWAY. this was from lyds' site::

10 Firsts:
- first best friend: celeste & esther (wow..... all the way back in HK!)
- first screename: stevie
- first kiss: my parents, most likely.
- first pet: the bunny my parents let me have for a day then promptly returned...... :(
- first piercing: ears
- first crush: err....... a boy named matt in grade 2...... he was a twin! and he was cute. *lol*
- first music: jaci velasquez, heavenly place. or if u go furthur back than that..... psalty the singing song book?! ^^
- first car: hot wheels that actually belonged to ben*grin*
- first love: Jesus
- first date: i've never been on one. :P

9 Lasts:
- last cigarette: never had one
- last alchoholic drink: hmm. currant wine. that was good..... right at the sweet-bitter threshold. *grin* wanted to try sangria but i didn't have id with me...... *sigh*
- last car ride: Mum driving me home from the library last nite
- last real kiss: not yet!
- last movie seen: half of "The Four Feathers" last nite.
- last phone call: err...... my mum last nite, asking her to get me from the library?
- last CD played: Bethany Dillon - Imagination
- last bubble bath: haven't had one in years. literally.
- last time you cried: err, i don't remember. last month?

8 Have You Evers:
- have you ever been arrested: no. (regardless of the hoyden some ppl *ahem, frank!* think i am. *grin*)
- have you ever dated one your best friends: noo.
- have you ever skinny dipped: haha..... definitely NOT.
- have you ever been on TV: i think so..... caught in some shots for the news.
- have you ever kissed someone & then regretted it: nooooope. i don't kiss ppl i don't LOVE.
- have you ever been dumped: nopers.
- have you ever snuck out: hmm. out of what? home? (no) lectures? (yep)
- have you ever been in a fight: a physical one? does sparring count??

7 Things You're Wearing:
- jeans
- hiking boots
- white t-shirt
- my "soft rocker" owl tee
- glasses
- grey sweater
- sous-vetements....... *muahaha*

6 Things You've Done Today:
- woke up
- brush my teeth
- feed kaji
- ride the bus
- read a novel (wish i could replace that with "Bible"...... but there u have it......)
- check e-mail

5 Favorite Things In No Particular Order:
- God
- music
- books
- blue skies
- hot chocolate

4 People You Can Tell Anything To (well maybe not ANYTHING):
- Jesus
- Carmie
- Denise
- Melly

3 Choices:
- black or white: black
- hot or cold: hot
- chocolate or vanilla: chocolate

2 Things You Want to Do Before You Die:
- share the gospel
- dig a well

i'll go back and reply to the last post later..... but for now, i must mention a (belated.... his birthday was on the 6th!) happy birthday to prolific composer & director extraordinaire Joe Hisaishi (composer of the soundtracks to My Neighbour Totoro, Nausicaa, & Mononoke Hime.......). do i ever love his music! right up there with frank sinatra, baby! if you have never heard his stuff....... i dunno what to say. ur life is not complete? u poor, deprived child? ask me for his music?? *lol*

i've been obligated........::

if you reply to my journal:

1. i'll respond with something random about you.

2. i'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.

3. i'll pick a flavor of jello to wrestle with you in.

4. i'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.

5. i'll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.

6. i'll tell you what animal you remind me of.

7. i'll ask you something that i've always wondered about you.

8. you must put this into your journal.

Another afternoon at Havenbooks....... except today there're no sun-spots to languish in. :( It's actually very grey outside..... totally not a do-work type of day..... more like a snuggle-with-tippy-and-a-blanket-and-book kind of day. I've got my LAST presentation/thing to do for school tomorrow! I'm excited.... ^-^ Although I don't feel like working on it at all right now. *blah*. It's not even that difficult..... I am my own worst obstacle in this. I wish I was a fairy. Then I can wave my magic wand and MAKE my project be done. ~*

Frank Sinatra's playing in the background..... omigosh, I LOVE his music!!!!! It's so fun and feel-good and romantic..... all at once. *grin* His music totally takes me back to another time.... It is THE best. "I've got a crush on you........."

Aww....... Tara's leaving meeeeee! I'm so upset. *sniff* :*( But then again..... I wouldn't want to stay at work if I could go home (to work on my presentation..... oh what fun.). The consensus at work today is that I am both evil and adorable. *muaha.* Oh, and I'm reportedly crazy as well.

My most sincere apologies for a post that's so all-over-the-place! I just don't feel like focusing...... (I think it's an on-going theme this afternoon.... isn't it obvious??) ALRIGHT. I'm gonna try to get some work done.

Note: This wasn't the "promised" blog post...... I'll get to that..... some time later. Just didn't wanna keep the masses on their tippy-toes! *grin*

A quiet afternoon here at Havenbooks today.... prime time to do some homework, but I can't help but savour the moment...... I'm sitting in a sunspot, eating my lunch, and feeling totally quiet and content. ^-^ What a gorgeous day it has been today! The golden sun is smiling. Here're the crisp, invigorating days I missed because of the gloomy autmn we had! Hmm..... don't really have anything substantial to say today.... what random thoughts can I organize into some semblance of order so that I can create a blog post??????

On a different note, my legs are TIRED from swords class....... if I got to sit for the rest of the day, I couldn't be happier. But oh how I'm loving this! The forms are definitely getting more complex now, and it's more of a work-out, but I think that's absolutely a good thing. We started practising jumps today! *grin* Much thanks to all of you that helped convince me to take this. ("Maybe it's God's will for you to gain some self-confidence." *lol!*)

I've never been one to make life-plans/goals...... I've never been one to construct lofty dreams of how I wanted my life to turn out, only to realize later that it isn't what God wanted for me. As a result, I've never truly had to surrender any plans I had, because I didn't have any to give up. I've always counted that as a blessing, because if I didn't have plans, then I'm totally open to what God calls me to, right? So I thought.

In the recent weeks, God has showed me that, whether it's intentional or otherwise, not considering certain options is synonymous to having plans and refusing to give them up for something better. What ever am I speaking of?? Missions! Let me back up a bit.

At the beginning of November, we had missions week at church, and our church-supported missionaries John & Kelly Ulrich (very neat individuals, btw!) came and spoke about their work in Zimbabwe. What exciting lives they lead! And afterward (maybe the next day or so), God started whispering to me...... I have been limiting myself to be used in this way because I've never considered it. Not that I've consciously said," no God, I don't want to be a missionary," but I guess of all the crazy things that God would want me to be, I never thought that this would be one of them. I've never had a great passion for some country or ppl group; I never thought of myself as the missionary type. Maybe I'm more attached to my western lifestyle than I realize. Maybe I'm scared that if I let myself try, I'd get hooked into it one way or another. I dunno. Whatever the reason, I never thought that being a missionary would be a possibility for me. How silly of me to limit myself..... to limit God.... in this way!! Not to say that this is what He's calling me to.... I'm not leaving for the mission field tomorrow or anything. But all this rambling to say that God has showed me that I'm not as open-minded as I once thought I was. All this to say that God has showed me that I need to come before Him and tell Him that I am truely here for Him to use, however He sees fit. All this to say that I'm glad He showed me now, before I missed something great.

All this to challenge each and every one of you, dear friends, to truely and completely give yourself away to God. Open up your self to every possibility, because He has something awesome in mind for you, something that you will spend the rest of your life regretting if you miss the oppurtunity.

Live with abandon.

at the risk of opening up a BIG can of worms (remember a few years back when we all got into a HUGE debate over 'Christian' and 'secular' artists?), i thought this was good to read.......

They'll know we are Christians by our fish?

I was driving in downtown Chicago last week, where traffic seems to be our No. 1 pastime—even ahead of baseball (go Sox!). In my mind-numbed auto stupor, I noticed that the car ahead of me had that little fish on the back (you know, the ichthus?) Really, I couldn't help but notice, not because I'm automatically drawn to Christian symbolism, but because the driver rudely cut me off in traffic without using a turn signal.

Don't get me wrong. I'm sure my driving habits have offended others at some point too. None of us are perfect. But the car fish is one of those everyday cultural items that stir mixed feelings in me. At time I'm filled with good cheer when I see it—"Ah, there goes a brother or sister in Christ. God bless!" And admit it: When a driver with a fish on his car is courteous in traffic, you conclude that they were nice because they were a Christian, as "proven" by the fish, right?

If that's true, then we need to accept the downside of the fish. It brands us as a Christian, and that means when we pull a fast one in traffic, another driver may think, There goes another rude and arrogant Christian. There's great responsibility in wearing the fish, and from my driving experiences, not enough Christians take it seriously.

Should that be any different from wearing the name "Christian" in our everyday living? This directly relates to the whole secular vs. sacred debate. I think some Christian artists are reluctant to be called "Christian artists" because they're afraid that in the spotlight, they will occasionally slip up and misrepresent Christ. It's easy to think, Yes, but we're all family in Christian music—we show grace to each other when we make mistakes—whether in traffic or in the mainstream. Right? Tell that to artists like Amy Grant, P.O.D., Sixpence None the Richer, and Switchfoot.

It's something to consider, the responsibility of being labeled for Christ. As it pertains to music, I can see it either way. Whether or not artists are publicly identified as "Christian artists," I can't stress enough that the emphasis be on their conduct, and not on their label. Personally, I'm not the type who calls much attention to myself with symbols and such. I'd rather be labeled a Christian by my words and actions—that people know me as a Christian by my love, not my shortcomings or my advertising.

~ Russ Breimeier
ChristianityToday.com

i thought that he makes a wonderful point in this short article...... not about the distinction between what makes a artist Christian or not, or even how the Christian community has treated bands that have "crossed over", but about how ppl will label and watch us if we declare ourselves as Christ's followers. isn't it scary? if ppl know that we belong to Christ, how much more will they watch us and point it out when we do wrong?! i mean, we're human too! and we mess things up each and every day. it still surprises me that God would choose such frail, fallible creatures to be the bearers of His truth.

is it at all fair for us to be singled out like this? no one's ever said that God's way was an easy path...... and life, needless to say, is NOT fair (no matter how much we wish it was sometimes!). we shouldn't let fear stop us, because we are not called to cower in the corner, afraid to show the world the precious gift we've been given...... and God has not given us a spirit of fear! definitely easier said than done though....... :I

Father, make me brave for You. ><(>

"The books or the music in which we thought the beauty was located will betray us if we trust to them; it was not in them, it only came through them, and what came through them was longing. These things --- the beauty, the memory of our own past --- are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have not visited."

~C.S. Lewis

this wonderful snippet was cited in a book i'm currently reading, which looks at the roots of the ecological crisis the world finds itself in today. it paints such a striking image of truth in my mind...... the book uses this to make a point: present-day society, if they choose to spare it a thought at all, worship nature itself, instead of worshipping nature's Creator, the ultimate artist whose genius is reflected in His creation. and this doesn't merely apply to the way we've idolized nature. look at all that we've glorified.... mere things and people that don't deserve our worship! no wonder we're never satisfied.... no wonder we're always coming up with newer, flashier gimicks to distract ourselves! how can one feel satisfaction when you aren't even looking to the source for the answer? what a wonderful wake-up call. i'm appreciating c.s. lewis' writings more and more.... ^-^

what dumb idols do you find upon the pedestal of your heart?

so after a year and a little bit, i had to bid tristy farewell...... and clara too. was a little sad...... i loved my dear fishies! (especially tristy... since he was really my first pet) but at least my sister didn't bawl unconsolably this time. :P got another fishie (so our tank won't go to waste, Mum says)..... wasn't too keen on getting pushed into replacing my pets so soon at first, but i'm loving my new fish! i've always wanted a betta fish (ie: a fighting fish!)..... and he's so gorgeous! his name's 'kaji'..... that's japanese for 'flame'. here's to hoping that i can take good care of kaji! :)

i neeeed to take a break.................. -_-

gawd how i HATE models....... there's a very very very good reason why i'm not an ecologist.

too bad this thing is due tomorrow. and i would hate to have to wake up and deal with THIS again. so here i am at 2:45 am....... *blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.* @_@

Tristy's being all still again....... <=( still eating though, which is definitely good. Mum has a hypothesis..... maybe Tristy's.... pregnant?! no waaaaaay! does that mean tristy's really a girl?! and that Tristy and clara....... oh good grief.

I guess we'll see........

*yaaaaaay!!!* I'm so happy, b/c Tristy seems to be feeling better. For the past few days he hasn't been moving very much at all! Got me soooo worried..... I have a theory that smthg's wrong with his tail. Fortunately he still eats, so I was reasonably sure he wouldn't end up pushing daisies like Ducky. ANYWAY. He seems to be back to normal now (at least for the time being)! Hurraaaay!!!!!


i love u, tristy!!! (an old picture of tristy and nyago..... before i got clara and ducky. ^-^)

Soooooooo...... it's Saturday afternoon here at Haven. "pbbt, pbbt, pbbt," Tara says. *lol* I love it here on Saturdays..... Cocina breakfast club, the BEST Saturday crew in the world..... and to top it all off, Switchfoot playing all day! We must be on the fifth play through the CD...... *wheeeeeee.....* I'm a little bored though..... it's not crazy-busy anymore, but it's not quiet enough to do work. Oh well. It's all fun! ^-^ Even if some customers are knobs. =P

And it's so GORGEOUS outside! I think I'm falling in love with autumn more and more. I ADORE the bright skies and the crisp air! Just right for snuggling in a sweater, or doing something active outside (brings back grade-school memories of playing soccer!)

h2o last night........ here's the start of smthg new. I'm so psyched for h2o this year! The commitee's so commited and so full of good ideas...... It's AMAZING how God has raised up this group of ppl to lead the group...... and I'm glad that I have the oppurtunity to be involved. :) *hurray for co-worship coordinating (TXP, you rock!), and playing guitar on the balcony at sun-set!* Seriously Jean, you have the most gorgeous view from your apartment. And Vanny, thank you so much for leading the discussion this week! And a big thanks to all the 'volunteers' for helping to do the promo for the sidewalk sale!

I love the start of school, because it always feel like a fresh start.... a chance to try new things and to do things right..... this year has been no exception! I can't wait to see what God's gonna do this year. Hurray for September.

ooooooh! it's green! I'm so impressed. *lol* for some reason i've never noticed that i can post in another coloured text. or maybe it's smthg new. :P

i'm at work again...... still no internet at home. lots going on these days. melly's here to visit! and her family's flying in today...... more craziness. nary a moment to myself, but it's all good. i don't get to see her enough. ^-^ it's just a bummer that i haven't done much with her this week because i've been working quite a bit. ooh! we got new counters and computers at work! and new software as well! touchscreens are the absolute bomb. *heeheehee*

registration for this school term has been utterly frusterating. SO many complications, and it ends up that i'm not even able to take the courses i want, even after all the hastle (moose-moose: i don't think the OU courses are gonna fly! :( ) . and i had the hardest time making things fit! *grrrr* u'd THINK that getting to choose your courses would be great...... hmm. not so much. oh well...... it's kinda settled for now. just one more thing to register for, as soon as the class gets added to the class registry list.

ookaaaay...... not much else to say. i'm just killing time until my shift is done. *grin* can u believe that there's nothing pressing to be done at work today? yay!

thought:
"... all these centenarians, -- Prince Riquet, Carabas, Little Red Riding-Hood, Bluebeard, and others. They play with the children, they amuse the elders, there seems to be no end to their fund of spirits and perennial youth.....

No wonder; the stories are only histories of real, living persons turned into fairy princes and princesses. Fairy stories are everywhere and every day. We are all princes and princesses in disguise, or ogres or wicked dwarfs. All these histories are the histories of human nature, which does not seem to change very much in a thousand years or so, and we don't get tired of the fairies because they are so true to it."

-from Folk & Fairy Tales

(Hallett & Karasek, eds.)

"The journey was more important than the place; most important was to return home.... and to be able to say: I have been there, I have gone on a journey, I have come safely home."

- from Something Rich & Strange

(Patricia McKillip)

**BLAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH.....** Excuse me while I melt into a puddle on the floor......... it's so darn HOT today! And it's like 30 degrees in the store........ even with the lights off. >_<" Yiiiiikes. I wish for a downpour...... even if I get caught in it. It would feel miles better right now! *I'm siiiiiiinging in the raaaaain.........* (Ha, if only!) It's a sweltering 43 degrees outside right now, with the humidex! Melly my girl, you picked a golden time to come visit. ;)

Still slow at the store today...... though not as slow as last week. Went out to lunch with my manager...... we had candy cane rice, Carmie! It was yummy. I have leftovers. *yum yum!* ^-^ I was trying to read Troilus & Cressida...... I'm on Act 1, scene 2...... but I'm too distracted to focus on Elizabethan English right now. *waaaaaah.....* Terrible terrible heat. Ouch..... I think my toes are getting roasted *moves foot out of sun-spot*. Can I last 45 minutes more?! Why are we open until 6 anyway?? It's not like anyone ever comes by in the last hour........ Yay. I snagged myself a ride after work, so I don't have to venture out into the asphalt desert.

Ok...... thoughts are waaaay too fragmented. I make no sense. See ya all loverly ppl next time.

6_6"

*la la la...* I'm at the store now at things are sloooooow and there are no problems to fix. ^-^ Soooo..... I've been catching up on my web route. Haven't done that in awhile, espcially since I no longer have internet at home! Guess that was my real reason for posting..... just wanted to let everyone know that I am now extremely out of the loop. If anyone would like to reach me/ get together/ask me something, please give my cell a ring: 613-261-7625. If I miss your call, please leave a msg! My voice mail actually works now, and I promise to get back to you.

*wheeee!* hurray for summer. so much time for being a shutterbug! or making the attempt anyway. all alot of fun! ^-^ and i think i'm getting hooked on the photo blogging..... even if it takes quite awhile to get everything on to one post. the spread below was inspired muchly by dear karen. these beautiful blooms are from our garden..... planted by Mum and enjoyed by the rest of us! *hee......*


... pansies... a kaleidoscope of colour! ...


... purple daisy (that's not the real name, is it?!) ...


... regal chive flowers...... i don't know why i luv these so much! ...


... a pretty purple flower...


...bleeding hearts... they look sad, don't they? to think that they used to be my favorite flowers.....


...lilies of the valley...


...gorgeous peonies...


... all watched over by friendly garden gnomes ^-^

CANADA WON THE MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT THIS YEAR! *WOOOOT!* ^___^

Yay! 'Twas an incredibly GOOD day today.....

Started with an *ahem!* invigorating round of mental gymnastics with Tom (what he calls "Sunday school.....")...... we all whine abt how he's out to stump us..... but I have to honestly admit that I kinda..... enjoy it! It's nice to examine things that you thought you knew...... as I figured out today, the whole point IS to take smthg out of the context of the wealth of your knowledge, turning it around a bit, then inserting it back into your mental fabric. ^_____^

And then Sunday service..... Jean led for the first time!!!!!! *yay Jean~~!!!!* I must say..... well done! Very well-prepared.

The one downer from today...... it was Pastor James' last day at CCCO. I'm gonna miss him and Beate. They are wonderful ppl...... I don't know why they're leaving or where they're going next -- all I can say is that I'm thankful God gave me the chance to rub shoulders with such amazing, radical individuals.

The afternoon was FUN! Went out to lunch with a bunch of friends..... a rare treat! And then we visited the new War Museum, which was also fun. I loooooove museums..... ^______^ (anyone wanna visit another museum SOON????) It was such a good afternoon! I was in such good company. *grin* Makes me super thankful that I have such wonderful friends to share memories with.

And it was shutterbug frenzy! Here are some pictures from today..... Much thanks to Denise for the pix! And sorry to anyone who's UBER offended that I posted their image..... I only posted it b/c I thought you looked wonderful! But if any of you really have a problem with anything, let me know and I'll remove it (not the group pix though....).


lunchtime bunch!


pretty colours....


*aieeeee!* it's karen!


flags of Canada..... war museum


inside the LeBreton Gallery..... it's tilted!


museum bunch!


itsa chungiiiiiii~!


sitting on top of the roof..... a little bit riske perhaps?!? (not in a scandalous way..... in a daaaangerous way.....!)


GOOOORGEOUS picture of pam and denise! ^-^

I have AWSOME friends...... *group huuuuug!*

*wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!* God is good. A- IN HYDRO BABY!!!! Definitely time to celebrate. *runs to get a cooler..... yummy harvest berries!* Yep yep..... definitely a God-thing...... I totally did not see this coming. But it's such a high! So hard work actually DOES pay off?? *hee.......* I guess when my prof said that things usually work out ok, he meant it. *wheeee........* I'm giddy. My sentences don't flow..... whatever's in my head's just spilling out. My most sincere apologies. =P

**ha..... i'm never gonna get this post written...... too busy talking to ppl i don't usually talk to! ah well...... i wouldn't trade these conversations for a measly post.**

On a different note...... I've been listening to Nichole Nordeman's "Woven & Spun"....... Carmie's unwanted CD! Girl, I dunno what's wrong with you! The songs are soooooo amazing. Lyrics-wise at least....... She has such an amazing way with words. At least two of the tracks have moved me to tears at one time or another...... The last track being one of them. I dunno why, really..... Surely other ppl have written about the same thing?

It's about giving God thanks, even when things don't work out our way, and we don't get what we want, or evn what we think we need. Maybe it's because of the things she talks about in the song, are what anyone else would consider basic necessities. It really strikes a chord with me..... that even water, food, a home, peace..... even if I don't have these, God is still God. He still has a plan to provide for me...... no matter what happens the thing that should still be coming out of my mouth is praise, and there is something to be thankful for, even when things go south.

**i'm thinking of u joshi! it's truely amazing..... that i should be blogging abt this song when i 'happened' to decide to talk to u**

Gratitude

Send some rain, would You send some rain?
'Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud?
Let the sky grow black and send soem mercy down
Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid
But maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case.....

We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If You never send us rain

Daily bread, give us daily bread
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed
Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight
Wrap us up
And warm us through
Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs
Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time
Or maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case....

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
A lesson learned to hunger after You
That a starry sky offers a better view if no roof is overhead
And if we never taste that bread

Oh the differences that often are between
Everything we want and what we really need

So grant us peace, Jesus grant us peace
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibis and enemies tonight
Or maybe not, not today
Peace might be another world away
And if that's the case....

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need
And if You never grant us peace

But Jesus, would You please.....

written by Nichole Nordeman
(c) 2002 Ariose Music/ ASCAP/ Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing

****
This is what it means to be loved.... to know that the promise was when everything fell, we'd be held -- Natalie Grant ><(>

i can't believe i'm done............
............ someone pinch me.

it's so surreal. i've been so immersed on scholastics for the past while, being passed from one subject to another, and then all of the sudden....... it's over. the day i've been dreaming of is suddenly reality, and all the bright oppurtunities that summer offers is suddenly free for the taking. *satisfied sigh*

so first day of freedom...... i've been at work. *heehee.... out from one pit and into another huh? it's really not so bad.* i was at the store by myself for half the day, and next to no one came in because of the rain. needless to say, i was bored. so i picked up an anthology on folk and fairy tales, and i started to read, and i found something that struck me as interesting:

to wait a bit in choosing a husband
rich, courteous, genteel and kind;
that is understandable enough.
but to wait a hundred years, and all the time asleep, not many maidens would be found with such patience.
this story, however, seems to prove
that marriage bonds,
even though they be delayed, are none the less blissful,
and that one loses nothing by waiting.
but maidens yearn for the wedding joys
with so much ardour
that i have neither strength nor the heart
to preach this moral to them.

any guesses as to which tale this is referring to?? *heehee* i'll elaborate on this later..... for now, home i go! ^-^

good gracious...... my brain has never felt so FULL before! "full capacity" has just taken on a whole new meaning for me....... it totally does not help that the two subjects i'm studying for simultaneously are totally different and all the terms from both subjects are getting combined into one long word list in my head..... isn't that lovely. "phalanx" and "trepanning" are getting mixed up with terms like "hydraulic gradient" and "salt intrusion". greeeeeat. they'll be all nicely amalgamated by the time my exam rolls around tomorrow evening........

just wanted to show carmie the product of my procrastination earlier today (i promise i was much more focused after this!) -- aren't they perty?? ^-^

things that cheer me:

~ the pounding thunder of the rideau river after it awakes from its winter slumber:



~ corny star wars jokes:
"Why is the force like a roll of duct tape?"

~ the first true clue that spring is here:



~ awsome strappy leather sandals for under $10!

~ curious seagulls that aren't afraid to get their picture taken:



~lego. ("they're so stumpy!")

ooh ooh! here's a one question survey for everyone: what's something quirky that you enjoy doing? *grin* i'd love to see what turns up.....

and what's mine? untangling hopelessly tangled string/yarn/thread! *haha* is that totally random or what? i think it's something to do with the feeling of gratification u get when the whole chaotic mass finally comes apart and sorts itself out...... *heehee* :D

Alright guys….. at long last! New years pictures from the Wong family photo album. *grin* Had to go the long route to get these posted all together…. Don’t ask. (yikes….. hello coupled with lagging internet does not a good combination make) Anyway anyway. Without further ado, it’s the year of the rooster guys! ^-^








 





it’s really too bad that this picture is fuzzy….. 

oh gosh...... how am i a sock?!??? i do NOT fall for the opposite sex easily..... *shakes head* although i must say lyds.... that quiz was fun fun fun! i love random ways to procrastinate. ^_________^

You are a sock. You are a cozy, fuzzy, warm-hearted person. A lot of your friends describe you as a hopeless romantic. You fall for the opposite sex very easily. But be careful, because usually you don't know what you are getting into, and because you are very sensitive, you can get hurt... especially in early relationships. Also, don't exclude the cold-hearted from your "want-list", because they just might be looking for a kind person to warm up their heart.... or a sock to warm up their feet. Most compatible with: Toilet Paper. Click here -- What Random Object Represents Your Inner Self?

oh, and also to lyds: i'm in THIRD YEAR and i am single single single! single as a lone lost sock. so no fear.... u won't be the only one breaking "the construct".... although if i were inclined to worry about such things i would have to worry more about becoming part of the stereotype..... not sought after as u are, darling! ^-^

chocolate mocha yumminess! *heehee* here's the result of today's baking..... only four turned out perfectly shaped, and i gave two to auntie jennifer and uncle jim. so one left for dad and one left for mum...... lots of irregular bits left though that go great with ice cream.... *grin* made with zavida french vanilla coffee.... i suppose u coffee addicts will appreciate that! *lol* it is indeed coffee-ish.... hence i highly recommend having with ice cream. ^-^


 

ooooh hello makes me mad...... i wanted to post up a whole slew of pictures, but it treats each picture as a separate post! grr....... so no new years pictures.... -_-' many apologies..... i think i have a way to get around this obstacle, but it'll take awhile. so new years pictures another day.... 'tis high time for beddy-byes!

*sigh......* i've been neglecting my poor bloggy.... how many times since my last post have i clicked on the link to shards, and look. and look. i should post? i think to myself. but what would i post about? my mind continuously draws blanks. later then maybe..... later, i promise. and so it goes..... the vicious cycle (ha..... is that how it's spelled? prolly not). i've been wanting to post, honest. (i must justify my non-postage to my non-existent readers.....) i've been wanting to post about how nostalgic i've been feeling, about tasting a chantico for the very first (and the very LAST, i assure you!) time, about an interesting conversation at work, about finding a thesis for next year. but *sigh* i've done none of it. i suppose i can blame it on being busy, but really. does that excuse really hold up anymore? i can't believe so. i waste too much of my time. God gives me enough time and i throw it out the back window. i'd rather sit in front of the boob tube and do nothing...... afterall. it's so much easier to be complacent. i have become a professional time-waster..... all of yesterday i did ZERO work. i woke up late, ate very slowly, did laundry, watched tv, read a book. nevermind that i have school work to do....... *sigh* God, teach me to manage my time better. i'm doing a horrible job.

strange emotions coursing through me lately..... all nostalgic and melancholy for no reason at all. nostalgia..... i've been dying to watch the rocketeer and seaquest DSV. *haha* does anyone remember those? the first is a movie and the second a tv show..... *sigh* how i miss them. thank you so VERY much to (older) tim lee for digging out his old tapes for me! ^-^ the rocketeer will have to wait, i suppose. i dug out my old cassettes and listened to them too. geez, aren't old ppl getting on in their years the ones that are supposed to feel nostalgic? i feel so silly. -_-; and melancholy..... yes, alot of that. i go to church and i question why i'm there. for no reason at all. ever have those days? when clouds just hang over u and u want to be left alone, but u really don't know why. and the part of u that doesn't understand really wants to be with people. but during those times i really am not sociable. so if i look a bit lifeless, just drifting on by, that's why...... it's so strange. i'm not sad, or mad at anything or anyone. but days like this...... it's difficult to be joyful. i still struggle with what true joy is. what makes it different from happiness? of course, i've heard it explained before..... i know what the difference is SUPPOSED to be. but what i know in my head i can't reconcile to my heart or my soul. so does that mean then that i have never felt true joy? that the "joy" i've felt all along has been superficial happiness?? that's a yucky thought. God, teach me what true joy is.

right now i am stuck at church (*sigh*.... such is the life of a 20-year-old that can't drive, i suppose!). i feel like i'm am again wasting my time. but then..... perfect time to post! *lol* and so i have. i HAD planned to go home and bake for valentine's day, but alas..... no ride home. later then, maybe.

---------

another thing about this senseless melancholy-ness (ha.... making up words here).... it goes as swiftlyas it comes. i spent three minutes with kathryn, and things are as right as rain again. *lol* the human psyche. how strange it is...... and how good it is that God puts things and people in our lives that can so effectively lift out spirits. ^-^

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!! hope ur holidays are a wonderful time of precious memories with family and friends, and a time to remember the ultimate Gift that was given us so many years ago. joy to the world! the Lord has come. (photo curtesy of shutterbug.... ^-^)


http://www.sh1ft.org/shutterbug/ 

I was complaining to God one day.

"Why can't life be fairer to me?!" I whined. And do you know what He said? In his painfully kind, patient, and quiet voice?

"It wasn't fair that I had to die for you."

Cold splash of truth: He's right. That was the most unfair of all. What He said struck me as so true and unfair that it made me cry. I asked Him then, "Why do You love me so much? That's unfair too, you know."

"I know. I still do. You won't understand it, but I always will."

just a thought ><(>

teaser? 

wheeee! it worked! helloooooooooo!!!!!! who else has hello? look for me! username: avatre. that's u denise! *heehee* if u want the pictures, that is. *grin*

my hair is curly. delicious. ^-^ i did it for pauline and douglas' wedding yesterday.... *yey!* how i looove weddings! pauline was beautiful! and they were all smiles. i took a ridiculous amount of pictures. *heehee* as soon as i figure out hello, there'll be pictures to see here! *yeeeey!* i do wanna post smthg more serious here.... but maybe at a later hour. *heeee....* but in the meantime, here's another survey that was sent to me by my good friend sherie! *lol* didn't i say i liked doing these things?

1.What would you like to do that you haven't been able
to lately?: read for fun, draw.....

2. Name as it appears on birth certificate: Stephanie Shi En Wong

3.Nicknames: Steph, Stevie, Stephie

4. Piercing: 2 holes in each ear ^-^

5. What is the most recent movie you've seen in the
theatre? King Arthur.... boy that wasn't since the summer! hopefully i'll catch a few more over the holidays.....

6. Eye colour: dark brown

7. Place of birth: Hong Kong

8. Favourite food: hmm. i must say.... SHEPHERD'S PIIIIIIEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

9. Ever been toilet papering: *lol* nope. unless u count toilet papering the guys during pauline and douglas' wedding shower! ^-^

10. Love someone so much it made you cry: um..... not yet.

11. Been in a car accident: i think i've been in the car when we've gotten rear-ended before.... a loooong time ago.

12. Croutons or bacon bits: bacon bitty-bitty-bits!

13. Favourite day of the week: hm.i dunno! sunday or saturday!

14. Favourite Flower: sweet peas, daisies.... whatever's pretty, i must say. ^-^

15. Favourite Sport to watch: HOCKEEEEEEEYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!! *sniffle* please come back, NHL! and summer olympic sports like gymnastics, diving, and rowing. ^-^

16. Favourite drink: oj with LOTS of pulp.... *lol* and i must admit that i do love coolers! the berry one's the best. ^____^

17. Favourite ice cream: cherry white chocolate. *mmm!* sublime.

18. Disney or Warner Brothers: do i have to choose? i'll go with disney i guess.... but they've both come up with good shows.

19. Favourite fast food restaurant: taco bell!!!!!!!!!! *droooool* and arby's! both of which u can't commonly get in ottawa. *tear*

20. Favourite colour for your bedroom carpet: something neutral and not outrageous..... like ugly red or green. *heehee*

21. How many times did you fail your driver's test: none! why? because i've never taken one! *muahaha*

22. Favorite place to be for the holidays: "i'll be HOME for christmas"..... or anywhere else with family and friends. ^-^

23.Which store would you choose to max out your credit card: IKEEEEAAAAA!!!!! naturally. *lol* and chapters.

24. What do you do most often when you are bored: *lol* i'm rarely ever really BORED. too many things i'd like to do. ^-^

25. Bedtime: almost never before 2am. *haha*

26. Who will respond to this e-mail the quickest: no one?

27. Who is the person you sent this to that is least likely to respond: i dunno!

28. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire? everyone!

29. Favourite TV shows: extreme makeover: home edition, me my house and i, inuyasha, stargate!

30. Last person you went to dinner with: eeeeeh...... my parents?

31. Ford or Chevy: i have no idea.

32. What are you listening to right now: nthg at the moment...... i WAS playing the theme from "beauty and the beast" but switched it off because of the tv. *grin*

33. What is your favourite colour: blue, green, red and yellow. and white, but does that count?

34. Lake, Ocean or river: ocean.... or river. *lol* i am sooo indecisive!

35. How many tattoos do you have: zero.

36. Time you finished this e-mail: 2:39 pm

i finished a paper. it's actually done..... days before it's due. why don't i feel accomplished? maybe because there's another one, twice as long, waiting to be done. great. wonderful. so why am i here, instead of madly plugging away at it? i dunno. u tell me. focus is smthg that is easily shattered. so porcrastination it is. for sure i'll kick myself HARD later...... but allow me a brief reprieve..... i'm not one that can go hard at academics days on end. also, i am prolly one of the few who actually like these things..... join me in this twiddling away of time if u'd like! i enjoy reading them too. *grin* (thnx to lyds.... i got this off her xanga)

0) Single or Taken: single
1) Your Full Name: Stephanie Shien Wong
2) Sex: female
3) Birthday: April 12
4) Sign: aries
5) Siblings: one brother (benji; 19) one sister (little b; 7)
6) Hair color: black
8) eye color: dark brown

*-;-* R e l a t i o n s h i p s*-;-*
1) Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend: many! oh wait u mean THOSE.....
4) Did your crush send this to u? haha! i have a crush on lyds......
5) Where do u go 4 advice? mum and dad....
6) Are you in love? working on it....

*-;-*F a s h i o n S t u f f*-;-*
1)Where is your favorite place to shop: bluenotes, IKEA, salem's, value village
2)What do you wear most often: jeans, sweaters, t-shirts, hikers
3)What do you love to shop for? stationary, books and IKEA things
4)What kind of style do you have? dunno..... not any kind u can put a term to. mixed?

*-;-* T h e E x t r a S t u f f *-;-*
1) Do you do drugs?: no
2) What are you most scared of: living a life that denies Him, and being denied on The Day
3) What car do you wish to have? u mean after i actually get a license?!?? something small and cute..... preferably a hybrid of some sort.
4) What do you want to try out for a day? *haha* the list grows long here! archery... riding... fencing.... fashion designing..... interior designing...... being a rockstar! *lol* riiiight steph........

*~! F a V o r I t E !~*
1) Boys Name: Noah, Liam
2) Girls name: Merilee, Charlotte... too many to count
3) Subjects in school: geology, physical geography, ancient studies
4) Animals: kites (and most raptors in general), tigers, dolphins


*-;-* H a v e Y o u E v e r *-;-*
1) Given anyone a bath? yep.
2) Taken a shower with someone? sure.
3) smoked: no way.
4) Bungee jumped: *haha* don't think i'm gutsy enuf.
5) Broken the law: jay-walking?
6) Made yourself throw-up: yes.... by accident.
7) Gone skinny-dipping? ha! no.
8) Made yourself cry to get out of trouble? no.... can't make myself cry worth beans.

*-;-* 1 s t T h i n g T h a t C o m e s To M i n d *-;-*
1) Red: sassy! style. peppers.
2) cow: ben. *lol*
3) socks: white. comfy
4) Dog: want one! white samoyed.
5) Ocean: blue, vast
6) Chocolate: delish.

*-;-* Final Questions *-;-*
1) Do you like filling these out: yes..... am i strange?
2) How many people are you sending this to? zero
3) Who will send it back: nada
4) last film you saw at the cinema: King Arthur
5) Last person you talked to: mom/ Dr. Wigfield

a nice poem that puts things into perspective.... much thanks to pam for sending this one along!

The World is Mine

Today, upon a bus, I saw a very beautiful woman
And wished I were as beautiful.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch.
But as she passed, she passed a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two legs; the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.
The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me, "I thank you,
you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you
You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two eyes; the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child I knew.
He stood and watched the others play,
but he did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join them dear?"
He looked ahead without a word
I forgot, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears; the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go..
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I'd know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

booyaah! links are up.... comments are up..... lovely! don't forget to check out the domains of those beautiful ppl..... and the wonderful places! and DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT! *heeheehee* see lyds? procrastination has done it again......

oh noooooo!!!!!!!!!!! i forgot that when i applied the new template that it would wipe my comment function! poopity poopers. *grr....* darn it..... alrighty then..... i'll get around to putting it back on..... some time! have to learn html all over again..... some of u are prolly chuckling b/c it's really not that difficult. but keep in mind: very computer illiterate person here!

wow..... another post! testament to my lack of focus, my ability to procrastinate, and my desire to escape..... *heehee* i just took one of those iq tests that pop up at random sites..... my there were alot of questions! it was interesting though..... i scored 127 (out of what? 200??), and apparently:

Your Intellectual Type is Insightful Linguist. This means you are highly intelligent and have the natural fluency of a writer (i highly doubt that!) and the visual and spatial strengths of an artist (maybeeee.... more likely than the former anyhow!). Those skills contribute to your creative and expressive mind.

*lolz!* ^-^ alright alright..... back to my paper i go.....

wow..... it's rare that i'm up so late that no one else is online! and i'm not even doing smthg pointless and silly. why am i so motivated tonight?

my key board goes clickity clack.... clickity click..... sounding in the stillness of night........

i love it when i get to have interesting conversations with ppl..... like tonight. the topics of discussion consisted of:
pets
the incompetetnce of politicians
ranting
sharing Jesus with roomies
working towards goals vs. worrying
my so-called *eloquence*
seeing friends this weekend!
packing and making sure u don't forget smthg important

*lolz* how random. they don't follow any type of logical order at all! i love it. here's smthg to comment on..... what are your favorite things to talk about?

oh go figure.... what kind of a store would forget to apply a discount to the tab and thus overcharge u $100?! future shop would. oh yes they would! trooping back to the store tomorrow..... they better give me back my money without hassle.

*hee* i'm averaging about a post a month! i'm sorry..... on the rare times i do post i really should post smthg more substantial, but alas, my brain protests against any sort of exercise. so u shall have to again endure some fluff. but maybe i'll post a little more often..... now that i have my own computer! *WOOOOOOOT!* how absolutely lovely! oh dear..... my mind is drawing blanks. i think i shall end this! what a pure waste of time, huh? please visit again..... perhaps next time there will be smthg good to read here. my most sincere apologies. why am i speaking in such terms?? ah brain...... u need a good rest. ^-^

hmm, i really should be working on that project proposal of mine..... but it has been an age since my last post. maybe it'll be a short one. ^-^

well, school's started up again. got some interesting classes this term with quite a bit of hands-on things..... which suits me well! i just spent 3 hours digging in the dirt this morning. *ugh* 8:30 is totally WAY too early for a lab. unfortunately for me and my group, we got lost yesterday on the way to the site and totally missed our lab..... *hee!* so we had to go to this morning's. going out again for another lab this afternoon... hope i don't get lost this time! (that would so totally suck if that happened again! and funny too.... ) yeah..... i really like my classes this term, although i'm not too pleased with having so many things to hand in so early on in the term. i have a book report due next tuesday and i'm so not gonna finish that book! <=/

otherwise..... the store got super hectic in september, so i've been working lots. the textbook rush is just about dying down though, so i'm not working as much anymore, and just in time! just when the school work picks up. last week cbc news came to the store and did a segment on us..... it was pretty cool to see our store on the 6'o clock news!

what else? hmm..... that infection i got about 3 weeks back is just about all gone, for which i praise God! the only thing is that there's still a few persisting sores hanging around, and it's ever-so annoying. i'm thinking of seeing the doctor again.

this past weekend was the english retreat..... i had a really great time! seeing my dear girls, getting to know some new ppl, and seeing people from eaco (God really used them! they did a great job leading singsparation.), and getting to see mikayla! *oooh she's sooooo cute!* and i discovered a couple things about myself as well. there're so many things i could mention! it was beautiful there..... if not a little bit too fly-infested. (carmen: "tell me if a fly falls on me, ok?")

anything else? ooh! i got a fish yesterday! his name is tristan. ^-^