"The Art of Racing in the Rain"

A novel that is narrated from the point of view of a dog,

and I think it's a Labrador Retriever.

A book that transcends the humour and family-oriented storyline of Marley & Me.

Can't believed that I managed to grab this off the bookshelves

when I was eagerly searching for a book on dogs for my sister's birthday present.

It's not as weepy and emo as Marley & Me.

It strangely reaches down one's heart and mind.

I won't be surprised that one day this will be up in the big screens.

one of my favourite lines,

"...one day you will find someone who stops the world for you..."

N.Y.Rs

put it less formal...

perhaps it's just my hopes and aspirations or checklist for 2010.

Haven't got a chance to sit down quietly, pray and discern.

So these are just off my head...

- Pass my IPPT (get a Silver hopefully. For ego and money.)

- Mission Trip in March to Philippines

- Not sing for Xmas Midnight Mass. Just wanna attend as a normal parishioner.

- Exercise at least twice a week, if not at least once!

- Gain in body mass, eat properly.

- Land myself in a job that is truly my hearts' desire and well-discerned.

- Digital Piano

- Pay off my bank loans (left $5k+)

- Form and stabilise Young Adults C.G

- Music Min able to run on its own with me just as an adviser.

- John to get back on his feet again.

- Multiply in love for my family

- (censored)

- Continue to be more vulnerable

- Write my daily journal, if not at least weekly.

- Finish up till at least one prophetic book/till Kings. (bible)

- Successful recruitment and leadership renewal for choir

- competent keyboardist for M.M & choir

- Write another song

turning 27 in 5 months time...

Did what I'm supposed to do...

Drove to Chinese Garden from church.

It was a battle of decision.

And i finally made my virgin run on the Jurong Lake

running route. Indeed awesome.

Rain clouds were hovering over me and wind blowing

quite strongly. But less than half way through the run,

sky started clearing up and I got to enjoy a bit of the

sunset. How lucky. Thank God.

Most people say jogging is so much easier than

swimming. Just need to wear your running gear and

off you go. But the INERTIA to even put on that gear

is really HUGE for me. Dunno why.

The panting and aching knees can be a turned off factor

But I do know the positive effects and joy after a run.

Dunno why. It just seemed so hard for me at times.

I would choose swimming over running often.

But running in a park with a lake really makes a whole

lot of a difference. Feels like i'm in Europe or something

haha.

Then after the run, which ended on the landmark bridge.

I stood on the crest of the bridge,

looking up at the sky as I cooled down.

Sun has set beyond the clouds,

and storm clouds were gathering on the opposite end.

The setting sun cast an orange glow on the storm clouds,

making it look splendidly nice.

But when the glow is gone,

it looked threatening and evil again.

Everyone of us could just be like dark clouds,

without the Light, we're just evil, scary beings.

Such a joy and blessing for having a car.

Can imagine Moli's joy of driving to ECP for Sat runs.

And Chinese Garden is really quite pretty.

Shall explore Japanese Garden next time.

Spring cleaned the youth room before the run.

So exhausting but fulfilling.

I hope I will clean my future house as diligently.

And I hope there're future youth leaders like me

who are cleaning freak.

I think I inherited my mum's genes.

A packed and exciting Wednesday awaits.

Still yet to come up with my N.Y.Rs.

I think I've contracted a Terminal Disease.

It's called Procrastination.

Happy 2010.

Had a brief look at my 2009 new year resolutions and hope....

I must say...quite encouraging.

At least more than 50% fulfilled.

God is good. =)

But this year really blew me away with a couple of things/events

At the age of 26, I never felt living a life so "full".

And just when I'm still taking it in,

2010 knocks on my door already.

Just like what Fr Henry said at thanksgiving Mass at Nativity Church,

I'm thankful for all the gains and losses I've been through this year.

In fact, the losses were eventually transformed into gains,

or they're just superficial losses.

A short thanksgiving list:

- A wonderful M.Arch thesis experience...

though in the eyes of many it is seen as a "failure",

but I've indeed gained so much that I've never have imagined.

Only He knows what's best for me. Only if I trust.

- The dream Europe Trip. Though delayed and lost some money due to that.

It was the perfect timing to go during Sept.

And what more can I ask when Moli and me were allowed to go on our own...

pseudo-honeymoon...lol. Discovered much more about ourselves and broke

down more barriers.

- The T3 Bible Studies Series. Thank God I went for it.

He planted that seed for the love of the Word in me.

Made a promise to myself to study the Bible from head to toe.

Not just bits and pieces here and there. Now onto Deuteronomy..hoho.

- The Purpose-Driven Life Book. Thank you Sarah and Olivia, for telling me about how good the book is. And I am truly thankful to have set

my eyes on this book when I went into HARRIS one day. This book

has taught and transformed me a great deal. Shed new light on

so many things and truly opened my eyes and heart.

- Asian Youth Day. This is truly the event of the year for me.

Mind-blowing. Stretched to the limits. Wow-ed to the max.

A pseudo Beatitudes to describe the people in Philippines,

"Blessed are the poor, for they shall be rich in love."

- NFFs (New Found Friends). Serving in the youth ministry, going for AYD...

my facebook friend's list increase by a hundredfold...

Thankful for the chance to share my faith and life with more people.

- A Toyota Vios (Family Car). Another huge blessing.

Though we're sort of contributing to the pollution of environment,

it really helps in making certain trips more convenient.

Multiple errands can be run within a day.

Fortunately, God struck me with Pope's Caritas in Veritate and

the Catholic News writing on Environment...

I'm really making a conscious effort to cut down wastage and

promote recycling. Hope I can try to push this through in our parish,

SFA, who is the patron saint of Environment/Creation.

- Part-time Youth Worker's role in SFA. Though not easy at times,

especially this Advent when Joachim is mostly out of action.

It was a time of testing and putting what I've learnt in AYD to practice.

Having to run Youth Retreat in the end without Joachim was daunting,

but I just learn to gladly obey.

While doing my journal reflection on the retreat on 30th night,

I stumbled upon Esther's random SMS sent a few days ago,

it was on the 5 loaves and 2 fishes. Here's my interpretation:

"Through trust and obedience, God will multiply whatever we offer Him

to feed His people. No matter how small it may seem.

It might seem impossible or you'll feel skeptical,

but don't reject it, step out in faith.

We will experience God's miracle and others will see God in our

lives and thus giving glory to Him."

Hopes and aspirations for 2010...

I will need another day to sit down peacefully and

pray about it. =)