Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Target Exercise Heart Rate
My maximum heart rate is 220 - 41 (my age) = 179.
My target heart rate during exercise should be 70% of maximum = 125 beats per minute.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006


What an enjoyable read!
I completed it in two sittings. Very engaging & easy to digest. Delightful doses of witty English humour here and there. Plenty of references to movies and thought-provoking truths to be gleaned from there. Some snippets that pulled me in very quickly:
One other factor that has led some people to feel that God might exist is the human sense of loneliness, emptiness and restlessness, not to mention our sense of the infinite. That's why the background story of The Matrix is so ingenious: it feels like it might be true. In the film, Morpheus tells Neo:
Let me tell you why you are here. It's because you know something. What you know you can't explain but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life. There is something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind driving you mad. (p3)

I like his explanation of how to define sin.
According to the Bible, sin is ignoring God in the world he has made. But why is ignoring God in this way so serious? Because it cuts us off from God. Because every time I insist on my independence in a world where God sustains everything, I am cutting myself off from the very source of all life. The Bible is clear that to live like that results in death - and not just death here, but eternal death. (p16)

There's self-depracating humour too.
And yet, if I'd listened to my conscience during the month of May, I'd now be - according to Men's Health anyway - a 'leaning tower of power', as opposed to a wobbling vat of fat. Not only that, but listening to my conscience - and by that I mean the God-given sense of what is right and what is wrong - will affect far more than my body. It will affect the destiny of my soul. Why? Because 'we are the choices that we make'. (p94)

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8: 36,37


Monday, May 29, 2006


How I spent last Saturday...........
'Christianity Explored' is a name of a book by Rev Rico Tice and Barry Cooper. They're from All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, UK. It's also the name of a 10-week course aimed at people seeking to explore Christianity. In a nutshell it will answer who Jesus is, why He came and what we are to do about it. These two fellows were in town and they gave a crash course from 9am to 4pm.

Impossible to do justice to all that was covered but these are the key things I came away with.
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. - 2 Corinthians 4:4.
We preach Christ, God opens blind eyes.
God created the world, created light....God can recreate our hearts.
But we have to be honest about God's wrath and the reality of judgement. We are not good people going to heaven, we are bad people not going to hell. God's judgement is proof that He's good.

There is so much wrong in the world because there is something wrong with us.....our hearts. The world is not the way it is supposed to be. We are not the way we are supposed to be. Each of us has a heart problem. Also otherwise known as sin. The heart of sin is ignoring God. We are in dire need of rescue. If we reject Jesus and continue in our sin, He will respect our decision.

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. - Romans 1:18
Personal application. Pray that Jesus would be an unavoidable issue in the non-believer's life. Need to weep more for the lost. Where are the tears?

Off tangent thought. That infamous author Dan Brown has, in my personal opionion, helped to raise the topic of Jesus. It is up to us to take full advantage of it and steer it in the right direction.
We preach Christ, God opens blind eyes.

Thursday, May 25, 2006


Bethany Methodist Nursing Home
Followed the WTWF on their community outreach to the 'Faith' womens ward. Apparently this ward is very pampered because our church has adopted it and there are many such visitations. WTWF engaged the entertainment services of a quintet of what I would describe as 'high quality chinese opera sans costumes karaoke singers'. Yes, those who desired could follow the bouncing dot on the lyrics on the TV. After that, we played 'pass the parcel'. Just about everyone is in a wheelchair so much aid was needed to pass the thingies around. Some got the parcel and didn't want to pass it on, not comprehending the game. I felt awful but had to pry it away to keep the game going. There was one lady that caught my hand and refused to let go after that. Think human touch is highly valued and sadly few and far between for some, perhaps.

Then we played Bingo! It was quite funny. It was semi-orchestrated so the winners were evenly distributed around the room. Next was lunch. About half the residents could feed themselves, but the other half needed to be fed porridge. Whatever the case, just about everyone had a really healthy appetite. That's great, I think. The lady I fed was mildly ravenous and she whacked a to-the-brim bowl of porridge. To be cautious about choking, we were using teaspoons. Can you imagine? Hmmm.

We passed out presents after that and engaged in ad-hoc chatting. Particularly impressed by one 88 yr old who entertained us with a cantonese ditty about Jesus being born in a manger. Despite her appearance and age, she sang with gusto, firm tones and loudly. She ended off by clutching the chain and cross around her neck, lifting it up for us to see and then rendered this valuable advice " lei kei ju". That means ' you must remember' - the cross that is.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Sore Throat Battle Aids
I'm under attack and these are my weapons. No household is complete without a bottle of Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa. There are two items (#8 & #11) on the ingredient list that sound rather dubious but since it's all herbal, I just close two eyes. The most effective but eye-squinting concoction is actually the honey-apple cider vinegar combo. I was told to drink the cider vinegar 'neat' for a really bad sore throat. Cannot imagine. Vinegar, by the way, is also the most effective way to rid 'pee assaulted' floor areas. Takes away all hint of any uric acid smell. I purchased many a bottle of vinegar when Baobei was being toilet trained. Last but not least is the Strepsils Gargle. This is very 'laht' but I believe it kills all the germs in the throat and numbs it so I can get a good night sleep without feeling that awful lump every time I swallow.

Thursday, May 18, 2006

I believe wholeheartedly that..........coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.
The day's catchphrase for me.....
This is taken from the back page of the Straits Times Classified. There's always some sort of self-improvement or motivational article contributed by different life coaches, best sellling authors etc. Today's was written by John C Maxwell, well known author of Leadership books & former pastor.
I like this part when he is quoting someone's advice on life and how it pays to do a little extra planning....

It's important to run not on the fast track, but on your track. Pretend that you have only six months to live, and make three lists: the things you have to do, those you want to do, and those that you neither have to nor want to do. Then, for the rest of your life, forget everything on the third list.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

This is absolutely hilarious. Who says Singaporeans are not creative?

POEM ABOUT PAP MP
>
>Recently, my white MP,
>Knok on my door, and very kek ki..
>Say 'I've worked so hard, so vote for me',
>'Or rubbish won't be cleared, in your vicinity'.
>I said 'Dear MP of my GRC',
>'Dun remember u, so please pardon me'.
>'I only saw you on TV',
>'Dozing off and jiak liao bee'.
>Last GE I voted for thee,
>2% up in GST.
>Cut CPF and up utility,
>Are still very clear in my memory.
>5 years later, then you come to me,
>Fresh from your slumber of ivory.
>Say that only, you can help me,
>Escape from a life of poverty.
>Just take a drive on CTE,
>Count the number, of all the gantries.
>Or squeeze a ride on the MRT,
>That has not been cleared for ye.
>My life since the last GE,
>Has been downhill though I voted PAP.
>If I vote the same for your sleeping spree,
>I can expect the same misery.
>So this time round, I vote for somebody,
>Who will kachiao you, to productivity.
>Forms fill wrong, no big deal to me,
>If there's someone to speak up for ah bee.
>So dear MP of GRC,
>If life no improve, vote u cho simi?

Tuesday, May 16, 2006


I am coveting this little thingie. Yes....my mind is made up. I like it small because I plan to use it while keeping fit. I've done my research and it's a much better product than the ipod.

Monday, May 15, 2006

This is a funny looking lime plant from my garden. It has a local name but I can't remember it now. It's very bumpy but also very fragrant. There is also another bunch but this bunch looks better. I'm always amazed when the garden produces stuff....because I neglect it completely. I never water the plants. I never fertilize it.

Mother's Day
I heard a lot of noise from the kitchen when I woke up. I knew what the boys were up to. Resisted thinking to myself, " Hope it's not too much of a mess they make in their bid to do something sweet for me. " I was served breakfast in bed. I liked the teamwork. One brought the small table. The other brought the tray. In the end, I brought the tray out to the dining table because it's too weird for me to eat breakfast in bed. What if I leave crumbs and then ants will attack me at night?
My son gave me flowers. His school was smart......I didn't ask how much he had to cough out for that. It's the thought that counts, right?
As anticipated, ate too much food at dinner. We went to that new Shanghainese restaurant near Sixth Avenue. Yanqing's Secret. My fave was the Heavenly Old Duck Soup (milky like fish soup but oh so delicate). The selection of cold appetisers were superb.....especially the 18 seasonal vegetables that were crunchy yet asthetically presented....and the deep fried Shanghainese fish. Everything was excellent....the xiao long bao, the venison, the sweet & sour fish, the sesame pancake, the "mochi"- like dessert with fresh cream & mango.
I weighed 50.7kg before dinner and 52kg after. Oink.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

And yet another to cancer.....
Last night I was at a wake at the Christian columbarium in Choa Chu Kang - Garden of Remembrance. Old schoolmate from 25 yrs ago. The breast cancer appeared 4 yrs ago and later became all -over cancer. Could tell as there were the obvious visual side effects of chemotheraphy. There was a sense of peace with the loved ones she left behind....so it was rather pleasant actually. The photo she choose to display was lovely. Glam shot....from her wedding just 7 yrs ago.

Anyway, the photo set me thinking about what it would be like with the new heaven & new earth when Jesus Christ comes back again for us.

Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelations 21:3,4)

I was wondering what I would look like. Would I look like at my prime? Just like the glam shot of my friend. Doesn't make sense to look like when we kick the bucket.....whatever took us away....disease, age, accident etc.

He who was seated on the throne said, " I am making everything new! Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. " He said to me: " It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.......(Revelations 21:5,6)

Good that everything will be new....restored....just like we know it, but without all the defects, disease, hurt, broken-ness, whatever.
Then it goes on about those that are

....cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers..........thier place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. (Revelations 21:7,8)

I understand the second death refers to spiritual death - the permanent separation from God.

And so.....it's sobering....to process the passing of a person (albeit one I hardly knew). But also good to look forward to everything being made new again. No cancer ever. Yeah.

Monday, May 08, 2006


That's a hornbill!
This pic was taken from the boys' bedroom. There's actually a pair of them. They've been hanging out in our backyard. See our neighbours' roof behind. They traverse left and right on the roof edge and drink water from the gutter there. I understand hornbills mate for life. They're big birds and it's lovely to gaze at them.

Sunday, May 07, 2006


Matt's Meditation on Maths
He looks real comfy doesn't he? Yeah....yeah....just look at the stuff that he does his homework with. There's an empty bowl which had noodles, and the cup that had milo, the scissors to cut the noodles.....and the absolute "must have" - the pillow. Guess the maths homework was so riveting that he had to continue the adventure in dreamland. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I saw him.

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Polling Day
Today's the day. But I'm in the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC which is not contested. So I don't have to vote. Think this place has never been contested....and probably never will be. Last time I voted was way back and for the President - either Ong Teng Cheong or Chua Kim Yeow.
My Progress Package was $200. Tsk. Next time election comes around, think I should move. Don't even get to smell any wiff of upgrading carrot (the one with many zeros attached). I have no idea who my MP is now. But I do remember one Sunday afternoon (last year?) when my doorbell rang. I walked up to my gate to see what the fellow wanted. Turned out he was prepping people to shake hands with Mr Gan Kim Yong . Think my quizzical look revealed what was going on in my head.
Huh? Who's that?
I told him I wasn't interested. But before I knew it, Mr Gan was there sticking his hands out through my gate. So I shook his hands. The impression it left on me was probably not one he was hoping for.
Wah biang. This guy is not very tall hor. He's actually about my height leh. Oh no..I hope all my sons grow up to be taller than that.
Have to say though. Must give him some credit for taking a hot Sunday afternoon to go walk around my estate just to shake people's hands.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Irritating Pop-Up
Every 30 seconds or so there's a little green pop-up box that appears on the lower right side of my computer screen. It comes up & down again. There's a picture of a skeleton head and the words 'Incoming Intelligence' next to it. This is accompanied by a tune I would associate with military secrets. When I click on it, it leads to a 'Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon - Advanced Fighter' home page. Offering a myriad of computer games for $$. Evidently the boys (wonder which one) have viewed this and now I can't get rid of it! It's driving me batty. Batty. Batty. Batty.
Boundaries
Borrowed this book from CCMC library. By Dr Henry Cloud & Dr John Townsend. Speed reading it & midway through now. In a nutshell, it explores how we can have better control of our lives by establishing clear boundaries. Key words are ownership & responsibility. Knowing where personal ownership ends & sticking to it.
Chapter 10 is titled 'Boundaries and Children'. Think this is a very good guideline on the overall big picture look at parenting.

By the time they are ready to leave home, our children should have internalized a deep sense of responsibility for their lives. They should hold these convictions:
My success or failure in life largely depends on me.
Though I am to look to God and others for comfort and instruction, I alone am responsible for my choices.
Though I am deeply affected by my significant relationships throughout my life, I can't blame my problems on anyone but myself.
Though I will always fail and need support, I can't depend on some overresponsible individual to constantly bail me out of spiritual, emotional, financial, or relational crises.

The boundary needs of children are:
Self-protection
Taking responsibility for One's needs
Having a sense of control and choice
Delaying gratification of goals
Respecting the limits of Others