GOOD BYE 2008 AND WELCOME 2009

2008 had been a year of ups and downs personally. I had to meet ends with savings from my past employment and a little freelancing did help to tie up some lose ends.

In June this year, we welcome our second litter of puppies to find them leaving us one by one by 20 August. It was very heart breaking, especially, when I spent a lot of money bringing them to the vet hoping they would beat the wits.

Employment came in October when I was offer a 6-month contract with IPP Financial Advisory Firm. I hope to prolong my contract and to find another job to save up for the Hillsong conference in Sydney in July.

All these years, my Bday has been going on unnoticed, except having small celebrations in my cell group. However, I had a surprise this year whereby, I enjoyed a Peranakan Lunch at the True Blue Cuisine (Peranakan Restaurant), joined my friend's cell group and went to a buddy's home where we had a fabulous celebration. Although food wasn't plentiful, we enjoyed being on Radio Melody teasing each other, including those who phoned in.

This Christmas will go down memory lane as one of the most unforgetable one. Since FCBC is part of the Love Singapore Network and this year, My Hope Singapore was a big project in Singapore, I went to 3 such events, kicking off with the Prayer Meeting on 5 December. Coincidentally, this could be my last time serving as a vocalist in the main services and support events. Next year may be a year of Sabbath for me, either a few months, only God knows.

Two touching moments were carolling at Tanglin Mall with the Special People Ministry. When I was asked to help in November, I was quite hesitant. However, When I obeyed, God was really faithfully and it was a resounding success. To God be the Glory!!!

Going forward, may 2009 bring us more cheers and much, much more for us to celebrate about.

Till 2009, God bless.

UPDATE

This blog is dedicated to my Lord and Gracious Saviour Jesus Christ. He is such a compassionate God that he provides my needs, for instance, to see me through a precarious crossing at Bukit Timah for my last assignment, (June-August 08) and now provide me with a job at IPP Financial Advisory firm. Every morning, He will send people to walk me from Tanjong Pagar MRT to Lippo Centre. Though better then the previous place, the traffic crossings do not have audible cues, thus, it's difficult for me to cross the road. However, He has never fail to provide passersby to help me safely to the office.

My bosses are Great Ladies and they know I am doing my best to sell the appointments for them. As the weeks progress, I am securing more appointments and praying alongside with them that the appointments will lead to future business.

So far, They have been quite happy working with me and I with him. We're getting to know one another and they are adapting to my style of working, knowing my condition.

21 Nov has been an exciting day, for my ex-boss and I met for lunch having not met for one year or so.

I went to collect a new album that has not been released into the market yet And Radio Melody has been the first station to play the songs and to interview NanSheng Gege. It has been exciting for he was quite ok, despite last minute notice.

I also sent one lyric to Ps John and Susan to fit a melody and hopefully, they can revert soon. I hope FCBC will get to sing it in future.

Dear Lord,

I thank you for the provision. Please give me a heart of truth and a worshipful heart to glorify you Beautiful Name each and every day of my life.

Grant my heart's desire to love the people you love and not to judge them with one-sided opinion. All these I pray in the name of My Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

God's Blessings

Since my last assignment ended on 1 Aug, I was in search for a new assignment. Having gone several interviews and been told, 'Sorry, we can't take you cuz of your blindness' or 'our company does not have the facilities to cater to your needs and my IT personnel is reluctant to explore new venture for fear you may damage our computer/program', etc. To me, these were 'shit' excuses and I grew resentful towards Singapore employers.

Just as I was resorting to the fact of applying for social assistance scheme, Annie encouraged me to send my resume to two organisations, one of which was IPP (Investment, Protection and Planning) Financial advisers. I went for the interview without any expectations. To my surprise, I was accept upon the first interview and the flexible hours really comes as a surprise.

My bosses do not expect me to work 5 days a week. My work week starts from Wednesday to Friday and we are still fine tuning the working hours.

Truly, I was honest with God. I told Him my savings have depleted and I really was at wit's ends. He did not abandon me but provide me this employment opportunity.

My managers are Christians as well and understanding people. They know I have to overcome many obstacles and we would encourage each other every day that it will be better than the day before. Indeed, God is Good to us and today, I finally got the breakthrough and am able to fulfil my job.

Another exciting thing that happened was I once use to know Pan Ying but lost touch wwith her after her marriage. It had been more than 10 years. 3 saturdays ago, Pan Ying came to FCBC to share her testimony and to present some songs. There, we re-established contact again. We were very joyful meeting each other and is planning to meet one of these days to catch up.

Really God is Good. Just tell Him your feelings and He will certainly address your concerns. Praise The Lord!

On 15 october, I caught up with Nan Sheng, one of the pioneers in promoting Xinyao, (songs written by Singapore Youths) during the 80s. We lost touch for more than 10 years though in the 90s, he was the host for Good morning Singapore in Channel 8 from 7-9 am. He is now an evangelist and will be ordained as a Pastor soon. Really happy for him for God has given him a happy family and the Kingdom career.

Early last Saturday morning, my grandma passed on. She was 84 and my family was very busy with her last rights. It was concluded yesterday where her ashes was placed somewhere she had chosen some years back. This marks the end of one generation in our family tree. Though sad, we are happy for her for she ended her suffering on earth and hopefully, she is in a better place now.

A PATIENTLY WAITING ONE MONTH

Since my last post, I have been going in search for new assignments. Though sent many job applications and going for several interviews, no news yet. However, I guess, for employers to be willing to take persons with disabilities, embarking on a public education campaign is vital. I hope our government has the political will to do more to give more recognition to PWDs.

I sincerely hope the parelympians will receive equal treatment as their able-bodied counterparts. Since the government is willing to reward able-bodied sports men and women for their achievements, I hope they can do likewise for atheletes with disabilities who put in equal, if not more time and effort to be where they are today.

I hope by the next time I blog, I can celebrate something.

HAPPY-SAD TWO MONTHS

Since my last blog, lots of events have taken place. Firstly, I successfully completed my two months stint with aAdvantage Consulting Group. Though only managed to sell one seminar package, was glad that at least, someone bought the package.

3 pups arrived on 21 June which brought us short term joy. The last of them passed on this morning. Though sad, have to live with it for according to the vet, they die from something called the Fading Puppy Syndrome, which may occur from a viral or bacteria infection, which can be contracted either in the womb or due to secondary infection. This usually can infect the whole litter, which unfortunately, happened to our pups.

One interesting thing to note is that even criminating a little puppy can costs more than $200, very shocking indeed. Therefore, we've decided to dispose her by ourselves.

I was among the 12,998 participants of the Young NTUC contingent at the Padang for the National Day Celebrations. It was very breath-taking, hearing the plane fly pass to the Floating Platform at Marina Bay. The sights and smell of the fireworks also contributed to the excitement. We were using inflatables and round torches to form the Singapore Flag, which is the biggest human flag since the event became apart of the National Day Celebrations since 2006/7.

I'll show you the cute little pups here. Bye for now.

EXCITING JUNE/JULY

The month of May was a preparation for what is to happen in the coming two months. Not for a moment did I dreamed that a 2-months assignment would come my way. When the opportunity came, I actually recommended my friend for the post. Later did I know that another position has been made available due to unforseen circumstances. Though not my dream job or something I'd like to have a career in, I accepted the offer and is beginning to enjoy it.

Since leaving the insurance industry in 2004, I decided then that telemarketing job wouldn't be my future rice bowl. However, God's ways are higher than mine and His thoughts are higher than mine. I believe, He wants me to learn humility and to be appreciative of every opportunity given.

It's been two weeks and I'm still looking forward in making my first deal. Though the environment has changed a lot, I believe with all my heart, with God's blessings and guidance, a sale would eventually come my way.

Though Jun has not been in office since last Friday, we are adapting well to our new colleagues and I would say, I'm quite independent and would rely a lot on myself in doing most tasks.

The next time I blog again, it may be the beginning of the 2nd half of 2008. Really, time and tide waits for no man and we must learn to treasure every moment.

Something good is breeding at home. The second lot of puppies are about to be birthed and my family and I are waiting in anticipation. The Three girls are growing healthily and happily and it's always a joy knowing they will be at the door greeting me when I get home.

My hope for the second half of the year is to walk closer with God and to be able to work in the Public Relations field and establish a career from it.

My mom and auntie will be going for a short family camp and I'll get to manage my things by myself at home.I pray that they will come to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour and enjoy a life of Love with God.

Dear God, may you hear my cries and prayers and quickly bring to pass so I may support myself and bring glory to your name.

Please grant my request to serve in the main services on Sunday as a vocalist again for I wanna use my voice for your glory. Help me to pass the audition tomorrow and may I be promoted to be involved inthe MP team. In jesus Name I ask with ThanksGiving, amen.

SINCE THE ESCAPT OF MAS SELAMAT

Since the escape of Mas Selamat from the WRDC on 27 february, many points of view have arisen on his escape. Personally, I am not too worry about it praying and hoping the authorities will apprehend him sooner than later. Many creative entrepreneurs made $$$ by printing T-shirts, mugs, to mention two items among the many, selling to the public. Hahaha, don't know when this will come to a good conclusion.

For the past few weeks, have been busy, marketing my beauty and wellness products, working for another company and on a lookout for better offers to come by.

What's heartening is that a friend of mind entered my song for an International competition, surprise!!! However, I feel that this may be the chance opportunity for me to allow my hobby to become my vocation. Hope this will be a good springboard and stepping stone. Don't know when the result be known. Nonetheless, keeping my fingers cross and pray that my entry will be recognised by the judges as a good piece of art work.

Well, life can be a journey and a stage, depending how one decides to live it, right?

The demise of a well-known radio presenter really brings home the message that when God calls us home, it's the greatest reward, therefore, we must live a life worthy of a legacy, so others can remember the good we would have done during our passage on earth.

That's all for now, till next time!! CHEERS and GOD BLESS!!!!

EVENTFUL WEEKS

Every day is a journey of learning for me for the past 2-3 weeks. Why do I say so? Being a visually impaired person living in Singapore, we may not be able to get the support from the authorities or the so-call Blind Association in times of need. I had been in search of a job till I gave up in November. However, in December, an opportunity came by. However, this job partnership did not last for as long as I'd hoped for. The company that took me in is a new set-up and is bringing in a new concept into Singapore. The boss is not realistic in that, he wants big clients before establishing his company in Singapore. I am not saying that it is impossible but clients need time to know us and the company.
Perhaps, I did not know how to manage their expectations and He put me down several times. Already, during the promotion of the Guo Nian Match-Ups, my friends and family already cautioned me about him. I always am very forgiving and would like to continue working with him. However, it came to an abrupt end in that he said that his partner was not keen to engage me any longer for they doubted my calibre. I accepted it and quit on the very day.

Fortunately, Auntie Grace, Uncle Chu and Joseph Chew were ready to engage me as part of their editorial team and my core duty is telemarketing, something I'd been doing in the past.
You see, when God closes a door, two others open. Besides employed with ServeHope Pte Ltd, I also joined my cousin, Linda in the beauty and wellness business.

I really trust God that He will never abandon us or leave us hungry. His divine plan is always higher than ours.

I believe before the year ends, I'll be a prosperous person. Till next time, Cheers.

THE PAST ONE MONTH

Hey all,

Time and tide really waits for no man. It seems not so long ago, February left us, and now, we are left with 10 days of March. I just can't imagine saying good-bye to 2008 in nine months without achieving my goals that I set for this year.

Well to stock take, the first three months has been a learning process. I went into an employment, finding that I'll be leaving by end of this month. Well, will be signing a new contract doing another thing starting in April. Whatever it is, my goal for this year is to start my own business and to allow myself to determine my pay cheque and not wanting outsiders to determine my economic worth.

The new company I'll be joining is a company that s staff strenth of 80% made of People with Disabilities and 20% our sighted counterpart. That's cools to find this in Singapore. Well, I guess, someone with a heart must start this as an example for other employers to follow.

Will update you as I go along.

For the Good Friday cum Easter Weekend, my church is conducting sanctification services in which I went soul searching and have been enjoying discovering myself.

Well, have to leave off here as someone is impatient, MSNsing me now.

Do leave your message for me. CHEERS

WELL INTO 2008

February 2008 is ending soon in 10 days time. Wow! Time has really flown by me but I feel that so far, God has been very good to me. In January, He kept me busy with the business of Guo Nian MatchUps games which did quite well. Since we went on 938live, the national radio, sales hadn't been too bad. It's a pity that it was not launched earlier. Nevertheless, close to 200 sets were being sold with more enquiries coming. For those of you who miss the opportunity this year, you can get in touch in Mid December 2008 and we'll try to get the game to you.

I say God has been very good for I have been praying with someone for 4 months. He is also looking for directions, for instance, should he carry on being his own boss or accept a posting in China on his terms. Guess what! He really got the job to go to China on his terms and will be drawing on a handsome salary packet. Praise the Lord!

As for me, I had 3 job offers, of which, I am still evaluating which to accept. Of course, I am not drawing his kind of salary packet but it is good enough for my expenditure, with some to save. Praise God!

My collaboration with my cousin is going on very well and we hope to encourage more people to come on this program to benefit from it.

Last may, when I went for my medical screening, (a routine once a year), my doctor warned that I am a little on the plum side. However, since January, I have been making a conscious effort to reduce excess weight and I am very pleased that it has worked well for me.

This program does not encourage you to go on a crash diet or to deprive oneself of the intake of food but the supplements of this company really speaks for itself.

I believe I shall be on the way to good health during my next visit in 12 weeks time. For those of you who wants to be like me, please leave your message and contact details so I can get in touch. Bye for now.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008

Hello friends,

Before I begin, like to wish one and all a happy, healthy and wealthy 2008. Already it's 12 jan into the new year.

I have been keeping myself very occupied lately, going into various joint venture. Do you still remember the 'Guo Nian Match-Ups' card game I blogged about several times? Happy to note that it is bearing fruit as orders are coming in. My wish for this project is to sell all 10,000 sets before the Lunar New Year. Played the game with several prominent people who are helping me promote to their friends and relatives.

Apart from this, I am also assisting my cousin in her health and wellness business. It's very exciting helping some people to restore their health and others to get in shape as they age gracefully. I hope to use this platform to broaden my base and hope to secure continuous projects throughout the year.

Have been trying to swim more regularly. However, with the current weather condition in Singapore, it's quite difficult to plan ahead for, several times, our plans were disrupted by the rain. Well, hope the weather will be kinder to us next time.

Normally, I do not make resolutions. However, I hope to be able to visit friends who relocated from Singapore to another land due to work commitments. I hope to visit them before they return home, to learn their way of life abroad and at the same time to catch up with them as well.

Till next time, all the very best. Please leave a comment or if you like to order this very exciting card game to play with loved ones during the Lunar New Year, kindly leave your contact details so I may get in touch with you.