Dear self/blog/readers who haven't given up on this blog (ahem!),

God knows how long it has been since I actually get to come home from wherever, with the time and peace for myself. I miss Rachel-time lots. Growing up is starting to scare me a bit. I wonder how the adults cope. At the moment I devote 12 hours a day working, often time more. 3 hours travelling. Slot in a couple more for church/him. What's left is just sleep. Thankfully, I get minimum six hours of sleep these days. And tomorrow I get to sleep in. Praise God church starts at 11.30am, hehe. (:

But gee, I cannot imagine having a real job in the near future, actively serving in church at the same time juggling with family responsibilities. Yikes. I wonder if that 14-year-old girl who just got married ever considered such realities. I get creeped out just thinking about it, despite I often caught myself daydreaming about my perfect adulthood. Bleh.

I digressed.

I've been so caught up with work, I hardly feel any sense of festivity. No hype, I'm almost jaded. Christmas and New Year's felt so foreign for the first time. Work kinda sucked the life out of me. I forgot all about new year's resolutions, and thought I won't have the time to think of my 2011 resolutions/reminders.

Now I'm just too darn sleepy to write anymore, bother.

Rachel the rookie reporter/rusted blogger signs out for the night,

xx

Like a lot of you out there, I am young and ambitious. My career comes first after God.

But I'd give it up for a happy, wholesome family. God knows the things I'd sacrifice for that.

Food for thought for a brand new year, I guess.

"Challenging" is an understatement.

It's cut-throat.

Wow, it has been almost half a year since I've updated this blog! It almost feels like a stranger to me now.

Tomorrow I'll be opening a new chapter in life - oh how cliché and half true. I'll be undergoing my third internship, this time at The Star, before I officially graduate with a journalism degree in my hands. ;) And then, I step into the vicious industry. So I heard it's vicious.

While I was often caught ranting and counting down the days to graduation, anticipating to relive the fun I had working in magazines, recently I've been dreading to move on. Time to grow up, but I'm still sitting in my little happy bubble; too complacent (and perhaps, too lazy) to get out.

My heart and mind battled it out before settling for this major newspaper corporation. My mind won, for your information. ;) It's the night before another challenge arises, I cannot do anything but pray for an open mind, more for an open heart. Knowing that He has something big in store for me. Knowing that I have a bunch of great people who has got my back. (:

Nonetheless.

I'm happy where I'm at, at the moment. Hallelujah! ;)

It was funny how we met. But if you didn't approach me at the YES reunion dinner 2 years back, I wouldn't know that you're actually my senior in university. The worship director in TCPJ's Christian Fellowship. And how great of a friend whom I'm now missing so badly.

Like everyone else, I couldn't believe my ears, or rather my eyes when Jolyn uttered the words (over MSN), "Joash died." It did not make sense at all. It won't make a difference even if I was wide awake. I still wouldn't have believed it. It took me an eternity to grasp reality.

Suddenly it all came crashing down on me again. The second death within half a year. I never expected myself to mope, cry and mourn over your death for three days in a row. You were not a close friend, but a good friend. Good enough that your leaving carved a big hole in my heart.

I still remember the last time we talked. It was after a PR class, and we were discussing about the final semester's schedule, the crazy Russian bunny show called Usavich, and my high recommendation of The Annoying Orange. And then we talked about the magazine I interned at.

You: Oh. So, tell me about it. *your trademark cheeky grin included

How lame you were Joash Wee! We were laughing hysterically during that conversation. And I still remember I was waiting for Jolyn while looking at the club recruitment tables and you mimicked a potential bimbo who participates in the first meeting of the Fashion Club. I don't remember what exactly you said, but I know it cracked me up. Never knew you were that funny, you crazy man.

Even though, regretfully, we never spent much time together, there are a couple of things about you I'm sure about. Your warm, friendly, dashing ever-present smile. Your talents. Your heart for people, and our Lord Jesus Christ. It doesn't take much for anyone to fall for you, Joash. You're one of those people who touches people's lives even in brief moments. That's quite magical, ain't it? You have lived a life Jesus have lived while He was on Earth; humble, selfless, charismatic. It's impossible to not love you. (:

As much as I miss you, and it hurts knowing how you have left, at the same time I know it's all within Daddy's plan. Bet you must be rocking your heart out in heaven. Daddy would be so very proud of you. Have a great time with your earthly daddy and sisters too. Don't forget to look out for your mommy, your brother and sisters on earth here too. And don't forget us too!

Love you, bro. (:

Hi readers, I'm back from a 2-month hiatus... to announce the extension of my hiatus for the next 5 months.

Don't got much time to write about the trip so let the photos speak for itself. I had such an incredible time, and especially at Paramore's kick-ass concert! Went on a major shopping spree there- Cotton On, by the way, is SO affordable there and Bugis Street is just amazing! Couldn't resist but to shop some more now that I'm back, hehe.

But you know what's a real feel-good factor? The fact that I supported myself financially 100% for this trip. Heck I never realized til my mom pointed that out to her friend! I guess I have the right to be proud of myself for that? (:

What's better is that she acknowledged that and I really would give her the credits because she raised me up to be just like her- an independent woman. (: Not trying to blow my own trumpet but really, I got it from my momma! (;

And ultimately, all glory goes to God because a big (sometimes, careless) spender like me survived 3 days in a country whose currency is three times the RM's value. God truly provided, and I even came back with excess! (:

This trip is certainly a highlight of my 2010. Looking forward to more backpacking adventures, aren't we, Ivy? (;

Every moment is God-given, and being so happy makes me appreciate what He has blessed me with. And 2010 has been all about blessings. Blessings upon blessings. May these blessings overflow upon those around me!

For sure, my 2010 will not be happy all year round. But I'm experiencing a fabulous beginning and I hope my outlook stays that way come rain or shine.

My pastor was right. When you obey God and walk in His ways, He'll bless you with much more than you ask for. Joy beyond expectations.

I cannot ask for more.

When you're happy, you don't need the most grandiloquent of words to tell stories. And what's a happy post without a happy ending?

(:

It’s been a while since I last posted a decent entry, and I can finally do so now that I’m in a happy, reflective and Internet-less mode. Haha.

How has 2010 been treating you hitherto? It’s close to the end of February and thankfully to Daddy, I’m enjoying every moment of this spanking new year! 2010 so far has been a period of fresh starts and pleasant surprises.

Grandma’s departure was a celebration more than anything. It was quite shocking and devastating as I could never imagine the arrival of this day. Like the late MJ, grandma is one of those people who had always been around and you thought she’ll continue to be here. Nevertheless I’m happy she left because she doesn’t have to deal with diseases and everything that comes along with old age. I’m happy she left so peacefully, and on such a significant occasion- Christmas Day. When Christ was born on Earth, she is now born again in heaven. Am pretty sure she’s having the time of her life up there now- pun totally intended, hehe.

Mom has also been a lot less tensed ever since Grandma left, and I understand entirely why. Turning grand 21 soon and as much as I hate to jinx one of my resolutions, I think it’s a great year and good start to spend more time with her. Now let’s just hope my actions speak louder than that.

Chinese New Year, unlike previous years, has been so enjoyable! For some funny reason, I have been so in touch with my cina self. That includes my obsession towards cheongsams, specifically grandma’s vintage ones. And I’ve also been visiting people a lot, instead of just rotting at home waiting for people to come- quite sad I know, but this is what happens when you don’t have many relatives! Ultimately I’ve been enjoying Auntie Alice (a fellow church member)’s delectable cooking for the past week! If only I had sumptuous dinner like that every night, I would be one fat little girl!


Also, my internship had been a blessing. It was worlds different from my experience at seventeen- the demographics, the modus operandi, my colleagues, the establishment etc. Either way, I learnt a couple of things if not a lot. And definitely met the most wonderful (and whacky) of people, from my colleagues and superior to the individuals I interviewed. To have tête-à-tête sessions with local renowned fashion writers was certainly one of the highlights, I couldn’t ask for more. (:

I have finally let go of something (or someone) dear to me for about two good long years. My stubbornness certainly did give me the strength to hold on to something for close to a year but circumstances were just breaking that force. My mind understood how nothing could work out when God says no, and it took me a rough while for my heart to succumb to that fact. Anyhow, we had our share of good times and he was a really great loyal companion. (:

On a brighter note in the same chapter, a (familiar) door opened as my window shut. Four years and a lot of BS later, chemistry reignited itself and in a nutshell (roll those eyes, yeah), this chapter has never been sweeter and so refreshing. There’s something about chemistry which you can’t control but for the love of Christian Louboutin heels, we hope not to get ahead of ourselves and screw up this time. One thing’s for sure, we’re constantly praying. You see, we can write out our plans all we want, but at the end of the day, it’s best to let God have the eraser or liquid paper. Heck, He owns it either way! :P


Here goes the best for last. What’s fantabulous about my three-month break is good ol’ quality time spent with my dear BFFness! It almost seems like a miracle to have met up with her for a good few occasions (no thanks to family obligations and her crazy hours interning at the production house!), although she has had no whatsoever fate with any of the exclusive seventeen events I attended and intended to bring her. Anyhow, no complaints because each BFF date was fun-filled girliness with loads of heart-to-heart talks to boot! The past year was quite a pain in the ass for us, but we’re definitely living it up as BFFs more than ever. So Wei Jiin if you’re reading, NO CRACK leh! Or at least, ‘mended’ crack, haha. I’m gonna miss you when you return Down Under babes!


Whoa, talk about verbal diahorrhea! No apologies though, only my pure gratitude to Daddy for the generous blessings He has poured on me thus far! Hope y’all are doing fabulous too. In everything, give thanks. (:

Love, xoxo.

I freaking miss you.

Yeah so the updates on this blog have slowed down heaps. That's what you get when you're working and the only time for leisure activities is on weekends. Thus the schedule's packed and busy with church and the youth, work and outings; there's just no time to breathe!

Lots have been going on lately, plus a whole lotta rollercoaster rides. The world's a stage, they say. And my life's a drama. Worthy enough to be an episode of Gossip Girl too if I may add. Haha. If anything, I constantly tweet so you can catch a glimpse of the going-ons in my life. (:

I end this blogpost with my absolute favourite scene in Gossip Girl season 2 (like finally I'm moving on!).

...

Um, kay. Embedding is disabled so just watch the sweetest moment of Blair and Chuck and smile away. My heart melted. (:

Chuck: [to Nate] Tell her how you feel. Give her a chance to be with a guy who does deserve her.

Been meaning to write out my Christmas list but was too occupied at work and in the weekends. I cannot believe it's Christmas Eve tomorrow, I guess sitting in the office facing the computer screen has transferred me into a bubble of oblivion. And since nobody in the office celebrates Christmas, there won't be a round of Secret Santa this year- awww.

Sadly I don't feel the Christmas spirit this year but I do have quite a list of presents I want- mind you, I'm saying this in full consciousness that it is unlikely I will receive one or if any of the things I want. So don't mind me, the list is for my own reference or for another sweet generous soul who would like to cheer me up with a present this festive season. (:

For one, I am desperately in need of the ever-awesome a Global Positioning System (GPS) kit. Friends and readers who know me well should know that my sense of direction is close to none. And it doesn't help when interviews, parties, dates, shopping and events happen at venues far from familiar in my geographically-retarded mind. Le sigh!


Somebody please fix my iPod's earphones! God-knows-what happened to the right ear's output but yes, PLEASE FIX IT! ): It's ironic because last year, I sent Esther (of 17)'s headphones to be fixed as I was her Secret Santa. She was overjoyed to have her headphones all fine and dandy again! So anyone willing to be mine this year? (:

Surprisingly, I have nothing more to ask for. Although, my fashion wish list is constantly expanding so, ahem. (;

And argh, my biggest Christmas wish now is for the developing pimple on my face to disappear! Rawrr!

Anyway, Christmas is all about giving- as demonstrated by our Almighty God.


Jesus is the gift God gave each and everyone of us. Thus Jesus is the reason for the season- also the reason behind the existence of candy canes. (:

Blessed Christmas, all. (: