Ho-Ho-Ho Update from North Pole (almost)

It's that time of the year again..

CHRISTMAS!

well, not yet.. but almost!

Instead of going back to hometown, Jakarta, I head up to Toronto, Canada!
Instead of warm, sunny weather, I have cold, cloudy weather!
Instead of wearing t-shirt and shorts, I wear layers after layers of clothing!
Instead of another Christmas in a tropical island, I will be having a WHITE CHRISTMAS!

Finally, I really enjoy singing "Let It Snow" and "White Christmas" because I will be experiencing it soon!! Whhee!!!

My first winter with snow ever! My first Christmas in North America, particularly, Canada.

It's going to be great!
I'm going to have to bundle up though, because I think I have already been feeling numb from the wind chills.


TODAY -- Sat, Dec 5, 2009 -- Toronto, Canada

Met up with Ashley Ee, the Canadian (hehe) who came to Singapore for exchange.
Rode the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) -- train and streetcar-- from Finch Station to Union Station, then to Harbourfront.
Had a great time strolling around Harbourfront area, Eaton Centre and City Hall.
Watched an ice skating performance outdoor in Harbourfront.
Caught a street dancing show in their mini Esplanade-like theatre studio.
Watched Jully Black outdoor concert and fireworks at the Cavalade of Lights at City Hall.
Figured that she's an awesome R&B artiste that has great band members!
Stood there at City Hall at 7 pm until 8.30 pm with the super chilly weather.
NUMB - NUMB - NUMB
I think I almost had a frostbite -- my toes were feeling it.
Final stop, McDonald's for some hot drinks before going back to the TTC all the way home.

Oh, weather update: - 5 degrees Celsius
I think throughout the whole strolling time, it was around 2 degrees to - 5 degrees.
I really hate the wind.

More updates soon...
Pictures still not transferable at this moment.
Will try soon.

Ending the Semester with JOY

The semester is OVER!
So happy that holiday is here!
Christmas... where will I be?
In the land where I can finally sing Let It Snow for real without being ironic.. hehe..

When I looked back, I am amazed at the journey I took this semester.
So many ups and downs, but in the end, JOY kicks in to give me strength.
It's worth it, you know -- all these toils and hard work.
What matters most is the process anyway.
How we managed ourselves despite the tribulations.
How we finally made it to the end.
It's worthwhile to know that at the end of the day,
a huge widespread smile draws across our faces.

I've been through a lot just this semester alone.
Thanking God for the days He gave and the strength to endure it.
Thanking God for the people surrounding me.
No matter how annoying they get sometimes,
I still need them to mold me.

Just watched The Bucket List.
Heard this profound quote about living a worthwhile life:
(In the movie it was said the Egyptians were asked this when they die to decide where they would go.)

"Have you found joy in your life?"

"Have your life brought joy to others?"

Think about.
Your life would not be worth living if your life is not full of joy and giving joy to others.

What a good question to end this semester and the thought for this year.

Ending of a Semester

I have been MIA as I am ending my final year 1st semester in NIE.
This semester is actually my LAST full semester in here because next year, I'll be attached to a primary school for 10 weeks before my graduation. That is super long, but I can't really think about that yet.

I'm rushing assignments nowadays. This week is the craziest week as I have my final performance and my other assignments to hand up on the same week!!
So yes, RUSHING.

Meanwhile, I tried hard to still have social life outside school. It's not working properly right now as my life at this time revolves around school or schoolwork. So social life = school friends.
As long as I get to meet people everyday, I think I'll be fine (SO HIGH I).

Anyway, I can't wait for my holiday!! It's soon, it's soon! Nov 13 to be exact! Wheee!!

Til then.

Okay, just a little quick update.

Recess week is over.
I have 2 more assignments to hand in.
And yes, I'm still sane.. That's good because I would keep the insanity to the end of the semester.

Next week it's going to be one heck of a busy week. VERY!
Let's see if I can still post stuff here.
Most likely I will because it's my ........................ !!!

Video Skyping 101

Skype is probably one of the finest invention.

Could be better with non-laggy video call.
Free is real good through =p

My first Skype conversation with my brother who is in Canada now.

Along with the the featured appearance by my cousins.

The coin trick

The card trick

Yay it's them!

Hey little cousins!

The CRAZIEST Weekend

It went like this ....

FRIDAY

• UniFire @ YMCA -- SO AWESOME. Sang and truly blessed with the opportunity given to bless others through songs. Had so much fun afterwards too.

the worship time by ENCS Music Team

birthday song dedicated to P Neli

SATURDAY

• Work @ Lakeside -- BUSY as we head towards the concert in a few weeks time!
  
• Spiritual Growth Series: Love People @ YMCA -- simply great! Encouraging and energizing!
• Music Rehearsal @ 3 Rifles Bldg -- late, but fun.
  
• Dinner @ KFC, Kovan -- with my three favorite girlfriends!!! After dinner talk is always amazing. Whatever comes out, it's out... Shhhhhh...

the love God chapter complete with banana

jai & i after the class

adel with jai's BIG shades

gorgeous myanmar babe, angel, and i with ab's name tag

SUNDAY

• Church @ Vivo GV Max -- THE ULTIMATE! Went nuts today on stage with the aid of Stomp the Yard choreography.
• Ash's Farewell Party @ Marche, Vivo -- again, ULTIMATE fun. Pose for the camera and food! Bye, Ash. See you again when you've watched Nacho Libre.
  
• Jai's Baptism @ YMCA -- awesomeness. finally. so proud of you. most supporters award goes to Jai. lol.
• Naz's & P Neli's Bday Party @ their crib, Pasir Ris -- LOTS OF GOOD FOOD! chicken lollipop is the best! Love 'em homemade desserts. jammin' and writtin' songs good too. met the guy who wrote "Count on Me Singapore", Clemens?

(photos coming up)

Packed? Yeah.. Not a single thing called WORK OUT or HOMEWORK. great.
Substituting my play time (and surely sleep time) to exchange the time lost.
Wait, it's not lost. It went to something great. Relationship and encouragement.

GOOD NEWS!

Will be starting my vocal lesson SOON! Finally... the moment I've been waiting for. I need it already. Going another level in developing myself.

LIFE IS GOOD. GOD IS BETTER. (thank you)

Not a Typical Monday, but Can Be

Thinking about Math assignment at this hour!
Thinking about Music Arrangement assignment too!
READINGS! Whoa!

Been relaxing and taking things easy lately.
Trying to not make homework or work a chore. It's not if I don't make it to be.

Pilates -- I love to hit the gym just for this class.
Felt so refreshed and healthy right after. Psychological?
Just a day, can it make a difference?
The genius who put this idea into action --->
(Joseph Hubertus Pilates)

Eating late -- a big NO NO, but can't help it. Need that dinner after a heavy workout.
Fish, olio fussili, coleslaw, lime juice -- finished 3/4 portion only. A good start of living healthy again, I suppose.

Still aiming at 2 kg above ideal weight. IT'S POSSIBLE! Hurrah Fitness First!

That's my Monday. What's the menu for tomorrow?