First to Worship

This is an account of my recent holiday to New Zealand from the 9th November to the 23rd November. More photos of my trip will be uploaded probably on Facebook when I have obtained all of them. Also, I preferred not to summarize it, but to give a more elaborate description of my trip, thus I apologize for the length and will split it up to 2-3 parts in all.

9th November 2009: Singapore

Singapore time
1704:
After making sure that the three luggage bags along with three handcarried backpacks and a camera bag were secured in the Mitsubishi Grandis, Dad, Mum, Tim, Chris, Aunty Pris, Aunty Susan and I squeezed with the luggage bags and proceeded to Changi Airport Terminal 3. Upon reaching the airport, we grabbed a trolley and stacked the bags neatly on each other.
The screen read: "Singapore to Christchurch - 1930 - SQ 297". We then checked in our luggage to the plane and obtained our boarding passes. Saying our farewells and thanks to our aunties and Tim, we entered the departure hall.

1742:
Used the automatic check in machine with the fingerprint sensor for the first time in my life. Cheap Thrill.

1803:
Met up with the other Tan family and had a Japanese meal - our last authentic Singapore meal before Steak, Fish and Chips and takeaways. Had good fellowship during the meal and left to board the plane together, stopping by to buy chocolates. Legions of chocolates. Actually just five packets of chocolates for the other Tan family and 3 packets for us, which includes Mars bars and my personal favourite, Flake. Uncle Keh Whoo led a word of prayer just before boarding and committed the rest of the trip to God.

1847:
Boarded the aeroplane SQ 297. As the other Tan family were regular travellers they had accumulated enough points to upgrade to Business class, we on the other hand were in rows 33 - Economy class, I took the window seat. Had dinner on the aeroplane and watched 'The Time Traveler's Wife' and '500 Days of Summer' on the plane before having a rather uncomfortable but uninterrupted sleep.

10th November 2009: Christchurch - Kaikoura

New Zealand time
1013:
I peered out of the aeroplane window and what I saw excited me to the bone - Snow-capped mountains in abundance, different colors of patches of land, and no sight of high rise buildings.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to land in Christchurch International Airport in a couple of minutes, please return to your seats, put your seats and leg rests in upright position and fasten your seat belts." I was ebullient and jubilant, I anticipated a whole new environment. In my heart I wanted the plane to land as fast as possible.

1020:
I haven't gotten out of the plane yet but I have landed!! I was told that the outside temperature was 9degrees Celsius/ 45degrees Fahrenheit. I walked out of the plane and caught a glimpse of my cousin, who was taking the same plane back to Singapore, at the departure lounge. He signaled to us, and we waved. We collected our luggage and queued up to stamp our passports - probably the nicest stamp I will ever have in my life; at least one I would treasure the most. We saw a large sign which read AVIS, and we rented our car; it was a brand new Toyota Rav 4 - FDQ726.

When we stepped through the airport doors to the outside there was a chilly and sensational gust of wind which was rather refreshing. The other Tan family was already waiting for us, and then we started on a 2 hour 46 minute drive to Kaikoura. The drive was most definitely rather long, but it was very comfortable.
The scenery was absolutely astounding: The hills were different shades of green and yellow because of the flowers and the azure blue sky was accompanied by little fluffs of white clouds. Upon the hills there were specks of white - sheep. New Zealand's sheep population is probably 3-4 times more than its human population. There were also horses, cows and deer. At one glance one could also see at least 10 different species of trees in front of you. The flowers were also like rainbows: There were Red, Orange, Purple, Yellow, Blue and so on. Already at first glance, I knew I loved this country.
After stopping for a few photos, we finally arrived at Kaikoura - a place near to the shores of the pacific ocean (East of the South Island). We checked in to White Morph Motor Inn, it was rather chilly but the heaters in the two storey room kept us warm and comfortable.

1456:
We stopped by at a nearby restaurant for lunch. Instead of Mynahs, we had seagulls. Initially we assumed that they were very cute birds, but as 'Finding Nemo' portrayed, they are in fact selfish and annoying noisy creatures. Food here in New Zealand is expensive, for GST is at 12.5%.
After lunch we went to a company known as Whale Watch. We actually planned to go see the whales the morning of the day after, but the guy there informed us that bad weather will hit that night which would have continued to dawn, thus we decided on seeing the whales that very day. They guaranteed 80% refund if we did not manage to catch a glimpse of the whale which gave us confidence that we would have seen a whale that day.
Many things in New Zealand are named after the Maori language. For example, the boat that we were on was called the Wawahia Boat, but I have absolutely no clue to what it means. We travelled 10km into the Pacific Ocean, where we saw many seagulls and albatrosses flying freely. The wingspan of the albatross is huge, the average length being about 10feet. During our 10km journey, there were dolphins swimming around and jumping in and out of the water right next to our boat, as if they were saying hello or playing games with us. The Wawahia boat that we were in contained a sensor which picks up the clicks that are made by the whales, allowing them to track the exact location of the whale. We soon arrived at the whale's location, waiting for it to surface.
After waiting for about half an hour, a spray of water was spotted in the distance. Birdie the sperm whale had surfaced. This particular whale is a resident whale, and has been here since 1991. We came about a hundred metres close to the whale, for that was the minimum length we could be as close to the whale. It exchanged air for around 10 minutes, which made me wonder how humongous its lung capacity was. After the 10 minutes was up, Birdie made a dive. One would expect a loud splash, but this dive was ever so graceful and quiet. I would probably describe it as Goliath dancing ballet, but it was a flawless performance.




*To be continued soon*

New Zealand in 2 days.

The Land of the Long White Cloud. Can't wait =)

I'll be gone for two weeks, please pray that there will not be terrorists, and I will land safely there and safely back here on 23rd's afternoon. Also pray that I will not freak out as I jump off the bridge... in a bungee =)

Keep you guys posted. Hardly anyone reads my blog anyway hahaha.

There's a saying which goes: "Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."

Happiness.

A subject of poignant interest.

Are you happy?

Am I happy?

Such imperfections in my life, in my studies, in myself. Should I just look beyond these imperfections and be happy, or should I try to change these imperfections, to 'perfect' them, or rather, improve on these imperfections so that they are one step closer to perfection? Often we speak of perfection. The word perfection exists, but as a matter of fact, with us humans, it does not exist at all; it is just made believe, just something one would strive for and never achieve.

Having a perfect life and having perfect studies will not necessarily lead to a happy life. It becomes a system, a machine; like a clock - every single day just comes and goes with the same routine, and at the end of the day the clock just resets itself. We are so caught up in a world where material wealth like money is everything, and that with money you can buy happiness.

I believe that happiness it's not what we achieve and obtain in the world, but what we have and share. There's this intimacy that we share when we talk about the love of God, about the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. There's this connection when you just stop and just listen - listen to the world around you and open your eyes to see the world that we live in. Sometimes it is not have we want to have that will make us happy, it is what we already have but we take for granted. There's another saying which goes “We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." Life's too short and too fragile to be taken for granted, a friend of mine once said, or rather, wrote: "How come we don't say 'I love you' enough until it is too late?"

Alot of things run through my mind, this is just one of the by-products. I've learnt however, to appreciate. To appreciate what lovely friends I encounter, what wonderful parents I've got, what marvelous siblings I have. To appreciate the opportunities and the life I've got. I've learnt, to do things with a smile on my face instead of a frown. To do things not because someone asks you to, but because it is for the good of the other person. I will be happy.

Cheerio for a smile! =)

When you're waking up the world is a blur, and what had seemed clear in a dream suddenly makes no sense. 

The last schooling day of 2009 has come to an end. Next year's teachers aren't the strictest sort of teachers, there's a tendency that the class will be rather disruptive. Daryl and I have already strived for better achievements :) I've already set new goals and targets for the year ahead and I hope and pray for the focus and discipline to carry them out when the time comes. I hope to be able to read the novels and books I plan to borrow and read during the holidays too, haven't read a novel for the longest time! :)

To everyone taking the O level/A level/IBDP Examinations: All the best and God bless you! May you peeps stay strong and diligent as you go through this (considered to be) one of the most important stretches of your lives :) You guys will definitely be kept in prayers, God will be there always and will guide you through this if you look to him for strength and wisdom! Even youths grow tired and weary, but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I wouldn't say he was weird, but the loquacious and unique Wei Keat will be missed. Take care in Canada, though you'll probably never ever read this in your life. All the best in your studies and hopefully if God permits, we'll meet each other again :)

It comes when it comes, it cannot be taught.

So today was results day.
I did better than I had expected except for chemistry. I'm contented with my results as I will not be attending the dreadful study camp which I was so afraid for but I'm aiming to study harder for next year to obtain better grades! (Predetermined hiatus allocation) Here's what I've got in decreasing order:

Core Mathematics: 87.5
Introduction to Human Societies: 86
Advanced Mathematics: 75
Physics: 75
Language Arts: 73
Biology: 70
Chemistry: 66
Music Elective: 64
Chinese: 61

All Praise and Glory be to God for my results, without him I probably could have achieved nothing! My source of strength and my source of Hope is Christ alone.

It takes some bad for satisfaction. Well I don't mind, at least I tried.

I feel better today. Much better.

(Recently I have been posting quite a number, but I am going to keep posts short)

Perplexed. I know my mind is kind of reckless. It is most definitely strenuous to try to keep things to myself - I need to try, which I will. I cannot afford to lose it again; off to a good time alone again I suppose. 

you're the kind of girl who can take down a man, but bring him up back again.

A suction force is pulling me distant from my holidays. A pile of "things to do" await me as I approach the end of October. Yet amidst this massive pile of things to do I have this inner peace of heart and mind. Filmed the YF Camp teaser and trailer today; not easy at all, especially in the Singapore heat and a nasty set of clothes. I thank God for reminding me about the things about my life I need to change, which hopefully, turns out for the better.

The heart is a very essential organ. I have this gut feeling that memories are associated with both the brain and the heart. It's hard to forget things, especially if they mean dear to you; when they are important to you. Recently I spoke to a friend. I'm glad I did not forget, in fact I feel ecstatic that I did not. My memories serve to be rock solid, like a diamond; it cannot be made, but can be found - and are close to indestructable. If my theory proves true, it proves that I have a heart :) Deep down a feeling of warmth swells within.

Like the shutter of a camera, your life flashes past you. What had seemed possibly like a minute has already been a week or two. A week ago I had been having sleepless nights, tossing, turning and waking up with symmetric intervals. No they weren't nightmares, but perhaps they were my own nerves gripping the better of me, inundating me with anxiety. Sleep. A word I so frequently miss out on, yet I finally managed to get last night. Through God's grace, I managed to overcome a hurdle which I had dreaded for weeks. A friend's words 'One step at a time' spurred me onward, and miraculously the chaos of the first week ended well - well better than I expected it to be. I feel a sense of guilt - is it human nature to depend on God more only when we are desperate? My mundane mindset needs to be altered.

It's only just a day more - yet would it come to a conclusion? It seems to be like a long and dusty tunnel, you can only make vague outlines of the end of the tunnel and as you descry the end, the whole process just repeats itself. Education is like a broken recorder; we strive for academic success, and then as the year comes to a close, another year of study begins anew. The hectic year has fizzled by, with many ups and downs. New friends have surfaced, and friendships I'll cherish for a lifetime.

I guess I can safely say that I am looking forward to a getaway from this at New Zealand later this year (:

Optional turns out to be something more or less compulsory in certain terms. Aftermaths of past failures and worries of the future are perpetually running in my mind. In the midst my thoughts, my memories, my anxieties; I start to imagine things. There is a certain degree of 'what ifs'. Inevitably, there's a point where you reach your destination - ultimately, where your choices and actions lead you to. Language Arts and Physics, I wished I had paid a little more attention than what I had. I was never the piccaso of the english language, never could I write as fluent the way Zachary writes, and with the many poems and short stories present to annotate and analyze, time is of the essence. Physics on the other hand, is hard enough to comprehend and leaves me perplexed at times. There isn't a catalyst to provide 'an alternate pathway' for the examinations, yet there are people in my life who really do help. I thank God for really nice teachers; and friends for the encouragement and company. Fortunately for me as well, my thoughts are not entirely negative. The verse which my dad had shared with me way back- Philippians 4:6. Prayer is a very puissant tool.

Viruses. Puissant and Powerful. Or is my body just feeble and exhausted?
Both I presume.
Now's definitely not the time to fall ill, it's delusional that I have a lot of time left - which is not the case. I cannot afford to stumble and waver now, somebody please help me! (Physically and mentally). This is a beautiful mess, it's like picking up thrash in dresses.

Freedom!
Freedom from one thing however leads to chains in the other.
Exams are coming!! I guess they are ineluctable.

Happy 17th Birthday Timmo. You've been the best brother I could ever dream of; sue generis, yet if you ever dye your hair I swear you will wake up the next morning without any.

Oh yes I can definitely feel the pressure now, having NZ and Study Camp clash together is not a laughing matter. As the exams draw near the 9 subjects seem to be laughing at me, gripping my ankles firm as I attempt to move forward. As much as I try to elude capture, they seem to track me down time and time again; and time is running out - 10 days. I find myself perpetually tired and cannot do anything about it. I have been studying yes, but yet somehow I am doubting my capability to do well. The two words study camp make me shiver even to the slightest whisper of them. Letter of Exemption? Not a possibility. Thankfully I have God, and with him all things are possible. The flame of perseverance and faith will certainly not die out.



"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles." - Psalm 34:17
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Pressure = Force/Area

Nathanael Xie Wenyao:

I feel like I haven't cherished the moments that I had with you as much as I should have before you left; I know we were supposed to go shooting pretty photos and jam like strawberries and blackcurrents and I think it's my fault for being too busy! Right now you're on the plane and I am praying for your safe flight to Indiana. Anyway take great care of yourself okay! It's been a superb blessing to get to know such an awesome person like you and I really do pray that you'd do well in your studies as well as remain as close as you are (if not closer) to God. Take pretty photos of Indiana and send them to me k! I'm going to miss you shifu, do come back during the summer breaks and go on msn and maybe skype as often as you can. And so I'll see you next summer! (:

Soli Deo Gloria(:,
Dominic Tan

As the saying goes:
Don't be dismayed at goodbyes.  A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.  And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.  ~Richard Bach

(Taken from someone's blog)

Have you ever been in love? Horrible, isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens your heart and it means someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses. You build up this whole armor, for years, so nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life. You give them a piece of you. They don't ask for it. They do something dumb one day like kiss you, or smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore.

Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so a simple phrase like 'Maybe we should just be friends' or 'How very perceptive' turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It's a soul-hurt, a body-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain.

Nothing should be able to do that. Especially not love. I hate love."
— Neil Gaiman (The Sandman Vol. 9: The Kindly Ones)

And so it was drama night. So happens it was chinese oral was on the same day. I was prepared for the chinese characters but the dialogue of the language had left me rather perplexed. I need to strive to work harder, my ability at it is really horrible.

Take care Edwin, that headache of yours seemed nasty.
And to all the people who are ill, get well soon!