My 19th birthday week

5:01 AM

A photo diary of what happened in that blessed week. (8 Oct -18 Oct)

 Yep, that's me.

 My mini dessert table!!!! Bare and minimal, but thankful for the way it turned out. Thankful for my mum who purchased chocolates and marshmallows for me ♡ 

 Friends!!! Thankful for them that they came, gave me their time and their love! ♡ Much appreciated ♡
 Megan ♡
 Jo ♡
 And Nicole ♡  This is the way she normally laughs and I thought it was so cute
 Attention on GLORIA


 Even though I make mum mad quite a lot, thank you for loving me ♡
 PARTY HATS heheheeh
Pretty friends 
 This Tanya is really really pretty ♡ .♡
 Bffs... Meet Sop soon :'(
 Afterwards, somehow I felt drained because I had to make sure things were going smoothly! We had family dinner at Chil Chil Chicken! And they gifted me a ice smoothie cause they were nice :)

The next day, I went for the wonderful bike outing and my first day at the stables! (Monday) Tuesday I went to take out my stitches for my wisdom tooth extraction. I spent the whole day just resting at home, because tooth pains are just.......... a good reason for a nice day of doing nothing HAHAHA.

 Next day!!!! Actual birthday ~~ (11 Oct)
 Helping my bro with chem in starbucks. Got a venti latte cause why not? Hehe it was my free drink cause I finally got 60 stars on my starbucks card, making me a bronze member (or 2nd level member) !!!
 Yummy cake my aunt got me for Chateraise, which made me happy :)))

Pretty sure I did nothing on Thursday, then I went for GB and tribe cell meeting on Friday! Which was real fun, because if I remember correctly, it was the Mid-Autumn festival celebration!!!! It was super fun because we had zi char and we had karaoke. I learnt that most of my tribe members like chinese songs and I was introduced to a chinese teen boy band called... Yes boys or something like that hahaha.

Saturday...... My pretty packed week and everyday... Didn't update my schedule properly and forgot I had Gkidz training starting at 9.30am..... Realised at 10.30am and took a Grab down. Spent quite a sum on taxi rides this month... I didn't really prepare for the day's events ahead which included running with cell group. I was already unwell and thinking of not running, but I might have been able to swim hahaha.
 SUNDAY ~ HIGHLIGHT. Honestly, what have I done in my life to deserve such fun times? All God's grace! Went for Gkidz in the morning. Had to head to Sembawang Gardens in the evening and since (Kor Kor) Daniel lived at Sembawang, he kindly opened his house for us! We play wiiSports! Hahahaha so fun~~ I feel like I've become a kid again ~~~~ Sweet memories.

I loved the games we played, including karaoke, which was watching others sing. Dancing, which we ran off halfway to get free ice cream :p My first time being a baddie in a long time hahahaha ahhhhhh. And acting, which I failed and the rest just backed me up. (How to act out emoji movie in front of 40 people..... I just froze and smiled)

I loved the atmosphere and the gooood fooood!
 The joy of being with my fellow gkidz leaders!
 Gals. I'm sorry if this is unglam for you all. Still posting because I love you guys. (on behalf of my insta post ♡ )
 Adorable child, qiqi! The first day I came to gkidz 3 years ago I already thought her cheeks were so cute ♡

 Pink sunset we witnessed while walking to the harbor.
 Cai ning, yong qi and yu heng. Who are such well-behaved and good mannered children. Made me realised I want to serve in gkidz with my future spouse too, so that our children can grow to love to serve the Lord as well. ♡
 SPARKLERS! Can this day get any more perfect than it is already???????? I love all theseeee.
 Taking picts with a lit carriage???? What a dream.
 We ended the night with singing a song about a child and hopes and dreams and it's like my top 10 moments in life or something. I uploaded on insta and forgot to save it :/// The memories live on in my mind ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ 
Thank you  my dearest celllll for the celebration with me! Though short, I am still thankful ! After recruiting several David club members YAY! I love you guys! I love that I get to see you guys every week ♡ 
 Pretty gifts my cell got me!!!! ♡  I have a crush on that aesthetics
Met my teacher for lunch and it is such a dear memory of mine. Had this fabulous bowl of ava-salmon chirashi and I think it's pretty gooood! At Metropolis, L1, nearby Macdonalds. \

Dear God, thank you for such a wonderful week. Though many times I was just rushing about, I thank you for the moments of love and joy. Memories I will remember and be thankful for when I get tinges of loneliness. I thank You for the pleasure of song and dance, of hugs and friends and smiles, gifts and loved ones. Thank You Jesus for giving me life. I love You and thank You ! ♡ 

Driving...

4:09 AM

Sigh... 


I am so drained now because it takes a lot of concentration to drive and I feel like I had several hours of it or something. Anyway, thanksgiving first because God should be glorified! I passed my driving test today!!!!!!!!!!!! Praise the LORD! 

(I think I'm going to ramble a bit today because my thoughts are everywhere) Probably anyone who knows me well enough knows I'm not the most careful person in the world right... I know that too when I'm being honest with myself. It's a flaw.... okay? Anyway, I couldn't pass my test the first round because of several horrendous mistakes, so today was my second try and I was really praying for it to be all okay. 

I messed up my vertical parking and slightly freaked out. I hit the curb at the back when I was doing parallel parking and I was feeling really scared that I would fail already. My tester was a reasonable guy, (in which God answered my prayer) he actually went out of the car to check if I had striked the curb instead of straightaway assuming, and also showed me my mistake. So so thankful. He also had a very encouraging smile and thick mustache, and he didn't scold me when I made mistakes, so I am ultra thankful. God was really helping me, I felt it was a miracle I passed. Even the route I took outside, was an easier route in my opinion. So so thankful. I wanted to pinch my cheeks when I realised I passed. 

*Inner scream* 

I'm still so scared of driving outside. Even more so now, because I am literally a licensed driver and will not be forgiven so easily when I make silly mistakes. My aunt took me out on a drive on her car just now and I'm internally hitting myself for being SO careless.... :-((( I'm used to the driving centre's car and am not as good as controlling her signal signs and predicting the brakes and all........ Like I felt like I threw out what I learnt out of the window... I kept forgetting to signal and everything. I nearly banged a car in the carpark and overshot the stopline by a lot...... because I missed seeing the traffic light when I was accelerating..... Feeling really horrible... Even though I got my license, I really really need to make an effort to be a good and responsible driver on the road. And not let my tester's kindness to waste. He actually told me, "Drive safely" when he passed me. I really feel like I'm letting his good intentions go to waste if I do not perform on the road now like when I did during the test. Sigh.... 

God, please save me! Help me to be careful driver on the road, not to endanger others and to be observant and to discern the road conditions well!!!! 

Still really give thanks because I no longer have to top up money into my driving centre's account. YAY! My money can stop outflowing. This whole driving thing has mainly taught me two lessons: 1. Plan my time ahead to use less money 2. Ask others for advice first so that you don't do silly things and waste money. 

Thank God for everything nonetheless. Praise Him who is kind and great! 

THE BEST DAY EVER - 9 Oct

8:17 AM

I didn't manage to send myself those pictures so I can blog about them, but I have so much thanksgivings!

Going to try to cut short the rambling!

On Sunday, I had my 19th birthday party, which is the first party I had since sec 1! I was a bit tired out, because it was immediately after my Gkidz in the morning and sometimes socialising, even with my BFFs, do tire me out. Nicole asked me if I want to join them for cycling in the morning and I said yes, which turned out to be a great!!!! decision.

I woke up so tired. Feeling one of those days you just don't want to do anything and might be in an angst mood! Made the trip to Touch Centre, during which I had pangs of nostalgia. Got there, realised 3hours of bike rental from the shop opposite TC was only $8! YAY. I only brought $10 because of all my spending on goodie bags and such!

I havent ridden a bike in 3 years or something. I was all wobbly. We took the bike to East Coast Park and I was having trouble getting the hang out of the bike. All the rest seemed so good at biking. Remembered that I have to keep my head straight to keep my balance and after I did that, cycling became much easier! We cycled for about 20 minutes or so, at first I felt quite uneasy, thinking I would fall, but after that, I really enjoyed myself! I was talking to Nicole about random things. It helped me to relax. I don't remember what we talked about, I just remember being SO CHILL 8)

It started to rain, and we went for shelter. Elijah prayed for the rain to stop and I remembered the verse James 5:16b. "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." I realised that if I were living in sin, my sin would hinder the power of the prayer, as it is a corporate thing as well. The rain started to slowly reside. I tried to reflect on myself as I was cycling, and I knew in my heart that I've not been a decent steward at home, as I have not been tidying my closet and desk. My helper has to do that for me every day. If I were her, I would think of me as really lazy. And I have so far only completed like one reflection in these 2 weeks. I told God I would spend the next day tidying my things, and wednesday on my reflections.

We went up the slope and went straight ahead for ages and we reach Gardens by the Bay!!!! Then we got to this road with Marina Bay Sands, the flower domes and the Singapore Flyer as the backdrop!! WOWW. I had to try to get a good shot :D





We wanted to go to MBS, but the bridge was blocked, so we turned and went on this dirt road towards Kallang National Stadium instead. SO BLESSED. I love going to new places and exploring! Makes me so happppppppy! We went to cool off in the mall and I met Callista from my secondary school there!! Wow~ Glad I got to say hi to her. I recall she is such a nice and kind-hearted person ♡

Cycled back and whew! The weather was scorching hot! Got a sleeve tan which is so uncool, I think I will go swimming this Sat morning, just to try to get rid of the unsightly sleeve tan. Also got sunburnt, though probably not a serious one. Still worth mentioning cause it is my first time getting a sunburn guys! Elijah was a great tour guide and thankful that he was taking care of us through the first half, cycling at the back. At least that is what I think he was doing! Haha, what if actually it's just because he cycles very slowly HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Anyway, I loved the whole cycling experience, because we were beside nature and the breeze. The exertion was great too, we probably went for a few kilometres (I clocked more than my target number of steps) and I didn't feel out-of-breath tired. Except for that steep slope. It was a really pleasant experience. Getting to see my FCBS mates again and experiencing the power of prayer! We didn't have rain after that! PTL~

We went to Bedok for SpringLeaf Prata and I hope to go back man....  I want to try cheese prata.

Tried to reach Riding for the Disabled Association on time, but it was getting to late, so I called a Grab.... $14 sigh. God, I would want to be able to earn some money, if it is in Your will. Amen. I had a refreshing 20 minutes nap on the cab.

Got there, I was assigned to a sweet girl named *T (I think it's not so nice to publish online right?) who had Global Development Delay. She was 10, but her size reminded me of my little sis, who is 7. She has a really likeable spirit. She held my hand when she met me for the first time. I can tell she speaks really well and she can think and remember things logically. She is good at stretching and not bad at ball movements; she threw the ball into the hoop with one hand. What else does she need to develop on..? I think I will test her math next week, just to see which part of the cognitive skills she needs more attention on... I am still a newbie in this..

Met a sweet girl named Avril from HwaChong, she is 17 and she volunteers there. Had a good convo with her. Went to fetch my sister from Proteach all smelly and sandy from RDA and cycling. Had a good shower (YES IM CLEAN) at my grandma's place and walked my babysis home. How to discipline her into being more hardworking? http://wearethatfamily.com/2014/04/15-ways-to-teach-kids-how-to-work-hard/ Found this really good article. I am guilty of growing up not doing any housework. I think it has made me really lazy, honestly.

Good articles for future parenting
1. http://wearethatfamily.com/2014/01/wfmw-how-to-play-chore-roulette-with-your-family/
2. http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/09/what-i-want-my-kids-to-know-about-money/

Not too late to change my habits (rmb, today I cleaned room and closet). I still need to learn how to wash toilet, shoes, iron clothes, plan meals.... Long way to go before I can be more responsible. It is so hard to wake up at 6am these days though!!! weheewe

Tomorrow is my bday! Just a random thought, spending time with my FCBS friends (I think it was then) made me realise something important. Outward beauty, which I spend quite a lot of time on, is not that important. It's silly, when I think of the times I try to make my insta page look nicer, or when I just wear pretty clothes and hair to look prettier. Sure, I mean, it's okay to do that and it's all fine, but I realise I have to be assured of myself without all that too..? Inward beauty is stunning, the one that God knows about and who I really am on the inside. Someone may not be the prettiest on the outside, but they have a warmth and strength on the inside that makes them approachable and nice. Even if someone is really pretty, honestly sometimes it's great, because beautiful people also reflect God's design. But I think the benefits of it are not as great as we may perceive. (I have been watching kdramas, and the lead girls are so pretty)

The pictures were aesthetic

8:01 PM

Day at CHIJMES! I wasn't really aware before that this place us to house the CHIJ girls and was a convent. The church/cathedral was so pretty. Honestly did not focus a lot on the history of the place, though I would like to do that! One more reason to go back to CHIJMES~
 Lunch set at $18 including GST and service charge, which I thought was worthwhile, because we got Steak! Tanya got Cauliflower Blue Cheese soup as Starter, which was good! I got Garden Salad. Don't get it lol... Get soup better HAHAHA. So blessed we found this place (at the end of the restaurants, near the carpark) in the midst of all the classy expensive restaurants. Thank God! ♡
 I think Tanya looks so pretty here, but she doesn't think so!!! hahaha
 Trying not to be awkward while taking picts...


 All for the sake of aesthetics... Posing one...




 OH MY WE LOOK SO CUTE HERE
 Would wanna go disney land w Tanya Ongie just to do this post again







Beautiful weather at CHIJMES yesterday.. Should count our blessings. 

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8 

I had an argument with my mum today which I need to ask God .... "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:5-8 
Honestly, I think it may be pride or stubbornness, I'm very reluctant to apologise because I feel I did not say something that warrants such a big reaction. Okay, I still could have been in a nicer, it could have been said in a slightly less accusatory tone. Is it bad that I don't even cry because my mum feels hurt (because it was because she misinterpreted and insisted I meant it that way when I did not - I even explained to her and she still thinks I meant it that way), but because I feel guilty for not saying sorry.. The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways to convict us and change us into the people God wants us to be. I am blessed by my God infinitely when I choose to walk in His paths, even when I don't want to or when it hurts.

Not that I'm putting out bad family stuff online, but that we all have to go through a journey and have different struggles to become who God created us to be. ♡

I have a "hectic" week of meeting people coming. Meeting Lou, Megan, Moh people and Uq people. In the midst, may I always be diligent in seeking rest and peace with Christ, my Lord, my still waters, my green pasture. ♡



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