Happy Birthday Benedict! :)
Thanks for being a blessing!
Ok, promised to blog about the House Party and what I learnt there. :) Here goes!
House Party in Wales was awesome; I think God taught me alot of things, through people and situations. I can honestly say that I'm a different person now; alot more confident in approaching new people and talking to them. 2 mths ago, that would have been impossible; I was shy as a mouse and only spoke up upon being spoken to, especially in group settings. I still rmb feeling shy and awkward during Alpha when we had to mingle with all the new friends; and just wanting to stick to Xinxin or hide in the kitchen. So pathetic right!! And yea realised that alot of it had to do with my fears- fear of being rejected by others; fear that they wouldn't like me; that I was embarrassing myself; that I had nothing to say etc...
And I really have to thank God for ppl like my sister, who's been there with me on this journey of growth and self-discovery, every single step of the way. Love you Cheh; thanks for the tough advice and talking sense into me even when it hurts. I do need prodding in the right direction at times. :) And thanks for rejoicing with me in such little victories too!!
Also for Aidan, en route to Wales I just casually asked him how he made friends so easily (in this respect, he kinda reminds me of Thong.. lol) and he shared with me 'his story', how it didn't come easily to him as well. It was God's moulding thru painful experiences + lotsa practice + trying to love people the way God loves them that honed his social skills. And he told me I had it too! That both encouraged and challenged me- to rise up above my fears and approach new people throughout the weekend away.
Twas good!! :) :) :) I really enjoyed myself! And discovered that it wasn't so scary after all, that people open up to you once you're honest and smiley. :) Praise the Lord. I like this new side of myself; thank you Lord for teaching me. And little comments from friends helped too; like how Samara told me, "You were really good at lunch today". Simple things like tt really encourage. :)
Last night we had bible study and we discussed our response when our non-Christian friends indicated they were interested in Christianity. Aidan was saying how we should be prepared cos we may never know when the opportunity comes; it may be when we go back to e corridors in our blocks. And this morning it happened! My law friend was sharing her problems with me and I managed to direct the conversation to the bigger things in life, like "What do you think your purpose in life is?" and how she seemed to be looking for something but not knowing what it was. Then after that I told her about how God loves us and wants the best for us and she told me she used to be a Christian but stopped believing in God. Because she was disappointed in Him and the behaviour of other Christians.
And then it was seminar time! ARGH. Afterthat we were too sleepy and exhausted; I was having a major headache, (still am) so didnt press to continue the conversation even tho I wanted to. Still, I did not and still do not know what to say to her. What would you say to someone who is disillutioned with God due to past experiences? And as I talked to her, I could relate to alot of her feelings- I'd been in similar situations b4 and it's horrible as it is. Even worst still to be without hope in a loving God! I don't feel properly equipped... I want to do more than listen to other people's problems, but it's hard!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
Wales trip
Monday, November 13, 2006
A child's poem
"You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God! Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway."
"If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids."
"But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.
And...that's why I believe in God."
- A child's prose.
Childlike, yet startingly true.
I especially like the 2nd paragraph- Indeed God goes everywhere with me, even if I'm distracted or unaware of His presence.. He has been good!
Had a good weekend; Nottingham Games was held on Sat and busloads of Singaporeans and Malaysians from all over the UK came down to Notts. And I met Karen here!!!!!! I was sooooo happy to see her. And met Kimberly from Dunman, Yafen and Kandy from VJ too! I didn't even know they were in the UK too. Made a few friends from Imperial College too, through tennis. So great- I will have people to stay with when I go down to London. :) Didn't get to meet Arch though! Boo.. Haha anyway, it was absolutely FREEZING on Saturday. Wind speed: 23 km/hr. I helped out with tennis and it was outdoors in the Cripps Hall couts. Brrr!!!! So cold! It was quite funny cos everyone was bouncing up and down to keep warm and it was quite a sight to see the tennis players all bundled up as they played the game. After a while, it wasn't so funny anymore cos each blast of wind really cut right through the layers we were wearing. And I was reduced to a huddled up ball crouched against the fences. Then I gave up and escaped to the warmth of Cripps Hall and took a nap there on a bench. Conclusion: Hot weather makes one sticky, sleepy and uncomfortable but at least it's bearable. Cold weather is unbearable! It makes one sickly and miserable and worse still, suffer if not properly protected.
How I appreciated a cup of hot chocolate after braving the cold. :) And the chinese dinner provided by the Malaysian Singaporean Society. Whee!
Dinner tonight was good- FINALLY! Am so happy to have good food. Beef spaghetti, peas and a yummylicious slice of cake. I think I overate though.
I'ts been such a long time since I last wrote an essay- 10 months? And I'm struggling now, editing a speech for mooting tmr. Finding the right word and syntax doesn't come so naturally anymore, as it did for the countless History, Literature and GP essays that constituted the JC days.
Carol
"If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids."
"But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.
And...that's why I believe in God."
- A child's prose.
Childlike, yet startingly true.
I especially like the 2nd paragraph- Indeed God goes everywhere with me, even if I'm distracted or unaware of His presence.. He has been good!
Had a good weekend; Nottingham Games was held on Sat and busloads of Singaporeans and Malaysians from all over the UK came down to Notts. And I met Karen here!!!!!! I was sooooo happy to see her. And met Kimberly from Dunman, Yafen and Kandy from VJ too! I didn't even know they were in the UK too. Made a few friends from Imperial College too, through tennis. So great- I will have people to stay with when I go down to London. :) Didn't get to meet Arch though! Boo.. Haha anyway, it was absolutely FREEZING on Saturday. Wind speed: 23 km/hr. I helped out with tennis and it was outdoors in the Cripps Hall couts. Brrr!!!! So cold! It was quite funny cos everyone was bouncing up and down to keep warm and it was quite a sight to see the tennis players all bundled up as they played the game. After a while, it wasn't so funny anymore cos each blast of wind really cut right through the layers we were wearing. And I was reduced to a huddled up ball crouched against the fences. Then I gave up and escaped to the warmth of Cripps Hall and took a nap there on a bench. Conclusion: Hot weather makes one sticky, sleepy and uncomfortable but at least it's bearable. Cold weather is unbearable! It makes one sickly and miserable and worse still, suffer if not properly protected.
How I appreciated a cup of hot chocolate after braving the cold. :) And the chinese dinner provided by the Malaysian Singaporean Society. Whee!
Dinner tonight was good- FINALLY! Am so happy to have good food. Beef spaghetti, peas and a yummylicious slice of cake. I think I overate though.
I'ts been such a long time since I last wrote an essay- 10 months? And I'm struggling now, editing a speech for mooting tmr. Finding the right word and syntax doesn't come so naturally anymore, as it did for the countless History, Literature and GP essays that constituted the JC days.
Carol
Friday, November 10, 2006
Good times- Prom night Dec 2005 at Ritz
Was reading through old entries in the blog I share with my VJC friends.. Sugar-puff-honey-crunch always! haha.. Good memories eh! Seeing each other every day in school, ponning maths n econs lectures together, thinking of what delicious canteen food to eat, comparing skirt lengths n trying to escape from tan yew hwee, laughing at the 5 boys in class, getting through the dreaded As, talking about our dreams and ambitions and where we thought each other would head to after JC..... just being so happy together. :) I hope you all remember the "meaningful conversations" I always tried to initiate! Hahaha.. The JC years just zoomed by like that and all of us have gone our separate ways (with the exception of wei n fio! lucky lucky lucky)
And I just wanna say thank you for being such wonderful friends. It never fails to amaze me how we can connect so well despite being such different people, with our own quirks and idiosyncracies. Heh.. You girls are special and unique! Miss you all.
Carol (honey)
Thursday, November 09, 2006
CU event
Had the Sherwood 9:20 (my christian union group in hall) evangelistic event last tuesday- which was really good fun! :) Although my group, comprised of the arty-farty people came in last. Hahaha.. I wasn't particularly looking forward to it cos I'd been inviting people all day and it was discouraging hearing negative responses time and again. So I was especially happy that people like Min, SQ, Jayoung, Dave and Bazil came- the most unlikely people who seem closed to Christianity. To God be the glory! :) In particular, I'm very happy because Dave (a 2nd year brit who stays next door) came. It was super last minute; Aidan told me to go back to my block to invite more people; 10 min before the event started. So I banged on Dave and Bazil's door (my neighbours) and to my absolute surprise, they came along too!
Anyway, Dave thanked me yesterday for inviting him to the pub quiz and told me he really enjoyed himself! That made my day. :) It was a breakthrough because I'd been trying to befriend him for quite some time- he doesn't seem to have any friends in hall and he always eats by himself. And I think it's the way God wired me- I enjoy reaching out to people who feel left out and desire that they feel loved and included too. I know all too well what it feels to be left out and it's not a nice feeling! Heh..
And before dinner I had a sudden realisation of how sheltered I still am, despite being miles and miles away from home. Looked thru the CCUSA website b4 dinner- thinking of working in America or volunteering in South Africa during the summer. Very scary.... I will truly be on my own. Here, God has provided so well for me- I don't have to worry about much except my studies. And I thought of my peers-Grace Tan whom I grew up with, now sooo independent, criss-crossing the USA and maybe even Africa in time to come! And James Pang, dedicating 3 mths of his time to serve God faithfully in Thailand. Aidan and Hannah, my CU leaders- both of whom took a gap year after college; Aidan to work with the wildlife in South Africa and Hannah to work in a nursing home here. Compared to them, I feel so small and timid, so unable to take care of myself! Yet I feel so privileged to know these people and am encouraged by them to think beyond myself and my limitations..
Love Carol
Anyway, Dave thanked me yesterday for inviting him to the pub quiz and told me he really enjoyed himself! That made my day. :) It was a breakthrough because I'd been trying to befriend him for quite some time- he doesn't seem to have any friends in hall and he always eats by himself. And I think it's the way God wired me- I enjoy reaching out to people who feel left out and desire that they feel loved and included too. I know all too well what it feels to be left out and it's not a nice feeling! Heh..
And before dinner I had a sudden realisation of how sheltered I still am, despite being miles and miles away from home. Looked thru the CCUSA website b4 dinner- thinking of working in America or volunteering in South Africa during the summer. Very scary.... I will truly be on my own. Here, God has provided so well for me- I don't have to worry about much except my studies. And I thought of my peers-Grace Tan whom I grew up with, now sooo independent, criss-crossing the USA and maybe even Africa in time to come! And James Pang, dedicating 3 mths of his time to serve God faithfully in Thailand. Aidan and Hannah, my CU leaders- both of whom took a gap year after college; Aidan to work with the wildlife in South Africa and Hannah to work in a nursing home here. Compared to them, I feel so small and timid, so unable to take care of myself! Yet I feel so privileged to know these people and am encouraged by them to think beyond myself and my limitations..
Love Carol
Saturday, November 04, 2006
fireworks
Fireworks have been going on all night- yesterday, today and tmr! BOOM BOOM BOOM. Spectacular... Last night was especially beautiful- 20 tonnes of fireworks going off at another hall. Could see them from The Downs (this expansive green hill) when I came back from the Christian Union meeting. :) It's Guy Fawkes day tmr, but I think the Brits are too excited so they've started setting the fireworks off already. Bonfire night tmr!
Hehe anyway it's been a great weekend. Went for a walk at Wollaton Park on friday afternoon; I felt so liberated among the wide open spaces- like I could finally breathe again. (Mad week, had 2 tutorials and 1 seminar) And just enjoyed God's creation; the lovely fall colours, towering trees and tranquil lake. Had fun kicking the heaps of fallen leaves too! Though I had to compose myself when other people walked by. Hehh.. Then back to my room, where Aidan caught me just in time, then rushed off for Tort lecture and finally CU meeting which was great.
Today me, Fifi, Kyunghee and Jayoung (Korean girls) went to watch The Taming of the Shrew in Stratford-upon-avon, Shakespeare's birthplace! Was really fun! :) The play was not bad; but I thought it was too modern a take on it and I couldn't really catch what they were saying.. Too sleepy n didn't read the play beforehand. Anyway, Stratford-upon-avon is really nice, a charming little town. We agreed that it's even nicer than York.. Will post pics soon! Oh yea I bought a cactus too! :) Hope it won't die in winter.. The temperature has plunged. In the past few mornings, The Downs has been covered with frost! Shiver....
Alrighty good night everyone!
So tired!
Love, Carol
Hehe anyway it's been a great weekend. Went for a walk at Wollaton Park on friday afternoon; I felt so liberated among the wide open spaces- like I could finally breathe again. (Mad week, had 2 tutorials and 1 seminar) And just enjoyed God's creation; the lovely fall colours, towering trees and tranquil lake. Had fun kicking the heaps of fallen leaves too! Though I had to compose myself when other people walked by. Hehh.. Then back to my room, where Aidan caught me just in time, then rushed off for Tort lecture and finally CU meeting which was great.
Today me, Fifi, Kyunghee and Jayoung (Korean girls) went to watch The Taming of the Shrew in Stratford-upon-avon, Shakespeare's birthplace! Was really fun! :) The play was not bad; but I thought it was too modern a take on it and I couldn't really catch what they were saying.. Too sleepy n didn't read the play beforehand. Anyway, Stratford-upon-avon is really nice, a charming little town. We agreed that it's even nicer than York.. Will post pics soon! Oh yea I bought a cactus too! :) Hope it won't die in winter.. The temperature has plunged. In the past few mornings, The Downs has been covered with frost! Shiver....
Alrighty good night everyone!
So tired!
Love, Carol
Sunday, October 29, 2006
thankful
All I can say is, thank God for Kristy and Esmond! :) Shall elaborate more in a later post when I'm not so swamped with work. Lotsa reflections about lessons learnt and challenges identified, which qll point to God's provision.
Also thank God for the outing with the Hong Kong girls yesterday. They're really nice and I'm glad I didn't feel very out of place despite being the only Singaporean. Fifi is coming back from London tonight! Yay haha.. :) SQ will be back too, from either Sweden or San Francisco, can't remember.
I received a package from Cheh in Australia during the week too!!!!!! Thank you so much Cheh, you sure made my week! I love you lots! :) :) :)
Oh yes, something interesting happened this morning. I was stupefied by the end of summer term. Went down for breakfast at 830am, only to find Kenneth at the entrance of the dining hall, unable to get in. After knocking on the main and side entrances to no avail, we gave up and went back to our rooms. Still clueless, I went to church with Kristy at 930am and again the doors were securely shut. How odd! Everyone seems to be on strike this morning, I thought. Then the light dawned as 2 African ladies who were also standing outside the church told us that summer term has ended!! What does that mean? I wondered... Anyway, after enlightenment, it just means that the UK/Europe pushes back the clock by an hour, since the days grow shorter as the night increasingly encroaches upon it. ie daylight saving time. Haha to follow up on my train of thought, I mused, How arbitrary this daylight saving time mechanism is! Can a continent meddle with the long hands of a clock, supposedly representing order and certainty, just to suit its own agenda? Is time therefore part of our socially-constructed reality, just as the law purportedly is (as we learn in Understanding Law), which works because people collectively believe in it? Well, there's obviously more to it than that, but yeah just some food for thought here. :)
Love, Carol
Mood: all pepped up.
Also thank God for the outing with the Hong Kong girls yesterday. They're really nice and I'm glad I didn't feel very out of place despite being the only Singaporean. Fifi is coming back from London tonight! Yay haha.. :) SQ will be back too, from either Sweden or San Francisco, can't remember.
I received a package from Cheh in Australia during the week too!!!!!! Thank you so much Cheh, you sure made my week! I love you lots! :) :) :)
Oh yes, something interesting happened this morning. I was stupefied by the end of summer term. Went down for breakfast at 830am, only to find Kenneth at the entrance of the dining hall, unable to get in. After knocking on the main and side entrances to no avail, we gave up and went back to our rooms. Still clueless, I went to church with Kristy at 930am and again the doors were securely shut. How odd! Everyone seems to be on strike this morning, I thought. Then the light dawned as 2 African ladies who were also standing outside the church told us that summer term has ended!! What does that mean? I wondered... Anyway, after enlightenment, it just means that the UK/Europe pushes back the clock by an hour, since the days grow shorter as the night increasingly encroaches upon it. ie daylight saving time. Haha to follow up on my train of thought, I mused, How arbitrary this daylight saving time mechanism is! Can a continent meddle with the long hands of a clock, supposedly representing order and certainty, just to suit its own agenda? Is time therefore part of our socially-constructed reality, just as the law purportedly is (as we learn in Understanding Law), which works because people collectively believe in it? Well, there's obviously more to it than that, but yeah just some food for thought here. :)
Love, Carol
Mood: all pepped up.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
some physical activity
I went swimming with SQ today! I feel so good! :D Finally some strenuous physical activity since I got here. Is climbing The Downs counted? Heh it sure makes me puff and pant every morning, that hill.
Speaking of hills, I watched One Tree Hill with Baz this afternoon... It's not bad, but too much stuff on basketball.
I think I'm getting fat!!!!! Aaaaaahhh....
And reading contract law cases is just killing my eyesight. :(
Talked to Biyun last night on MSN, she's super funny!!!!!!!! I was laughing like crazy. Hehe miss you girl- your humour and extraordinarily LOUD voice. Shout to me from SIngapore! Hahaha..
I'm sorry this post is just a random mixture of events..
Good night everyone.
Speaking of hills, I watched One Tree Hill with Baz this afternoon... It's not bad, but too much stuff on basketball.
I think I'm getting fat!!!!! Aaaaaahhh....
And reading contract law cases is just killing my eyesight. :(
Talked to Biyun last night on MSN, she's super funny!!!!!!!! I was laughing like crazy. Hehe miss you girl- your humour and extraordinarily LOUD voice. Shout to me from SIngapore! Hahaha..
I'm sorry this post is just a random mixture of events..
Good night everyone.
burdened
Teach me to pray when I am in doubt:
"But I trust in Your unfailing love;
My heart rejoices in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
for He has been good to me".
-Psalm 13:5-6
"But I trust in Your unfailing love;
My heart rejoices in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
for He has been good to me".
-Psalm 13:5-6
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
aimlessness
Some important notices:
1) My address:
Room D011 Sherwood Hall
University Park Campus
The University of Nottingham
Nottingham.
NG7 2RA
United Kingdom
Please write to me! :) I check my mailbox everyday; so you can be sure of a reply. Hehe
2) View my pictures online at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/carolannekoh
Enjoy! :)
Will post pics of my York trip soon.
Anyway, I'm quite happy because God kinda addressed my doubts.. Felt very bogged down recently- wondering what God's purpose is for me here and what I want to get out of the whole overseas experience. I seriously couldn't answer those questions! It's been almost a month since I went to England and still I don't know... So yea.. I've been feeling guilty at my lack of discipline and purpose.
Talked to Chua on MSN just now and he found it so funny because it was so obvious to him what God's purpose for me is, whereas I was completely clueless! Ahaha...
So here it is, to be the best law student I can be for God and to testify for Him! Basically to be faithful in the roles that God has laid out for me- be it a student, friend, sister or daughter. In order to please and glorify Him. :) Thanks Chua! You are wise... I know you are reading this! Hehee..
Yeah suddenly I am reminded of why I wanted to study Law- to train and sharpen my mind; also to be in a position of influence that I might point others to Him. And last night, I had a short glimpse of its benefits.. Felt very happy that I could apply the skills that I learnt to studying the Bible! :)
And personally, I only have a broad idea of what I want to take away with me at the end of the 3 years. I want to grow as a person- discover God, discover myself.. And come back a changed and better person, equipped to serve God and other people!
Let me know if you have any input! :)
Love, Carol
1) My address:
Room D011 Sherwood Hall
University Park Campus
The University of Nottingham
Nottingham.
NG7 2RA
United Kingdom
Please write to me! :) I check my mailbox everyday; so you can be sure of a reply. Hehe
2) View my pictures online at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/carolannekoh
Enjoy! :)
Will post pics of my York trip soon.
Anyway, I'm quite happy because God kinda addressed my doubts.. Felt very bogged down recently- wondering what God's purpose is for me here and what I want to get out of the whole overseas experience. I seriously couldn't answer those questions! It's been almost a month since I went to England and still I don't know... So yea.. I've been feeling guilty at my lack of discipline and purpose.
Talked to Chua on MSN just now and he found it so funny because it was so obvious to him what God's purpose for me is, whereas I was completely clueless! Ahaha...
So here it is, to be the best law student I can be for God and to testify for Him! Basically to be faithful in the roles that God has laid out for me- be it a student, friend, sister or daughter. In order to please and glorify Him. :) Thanks Chua! You are wise... I know you are reading this! Hehee..
Yeah suddenly I am reminded of why I wanted to study Law- to train and sharpen my mind; also to be in a position of influence that I might point others to Him. And last night, I had a short glimpse of its benefits.. Felt very happy that I could apply the skills that I learnt to studying the Bible! :)
And personally, I only have a broad idea of what I want to take away with me at the end of the 3 years. I want to grow as a person- discover God, discover myself.. And come back a changed and better person, equipped to serve God and other people!
Let me know if you have any input! :)
Love, Carol
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Good night, sleep well
My parcels from Singapore came this afternoon!!!! :)
I banged on Bazil's door (he is my corridor neighbour) to ask him to carry them for me, but it turns out that they were very light. Hehe.. Anyway, I'm so happy!!!!! :) Been faithfully checking my pigeon hole every day, on the lookout for mail and the parcel slip. So yay I'm so happy.. :)
Haha.. anyway, memorably, I opened the box to find some of the gifts friends gave at the airport- which Mummy snuck out of the carrier bag while I wasn't looking!!! Ahaha.. It was very heart-warming. :) Felt so loved, reading the poem, cards and little rolled up messages... As I read them one by one, I thought of each giver.. Faces, smiles, memories. And more than that, what the person meant to me and what I in turn mean to him/her. Felt a pang of homesickness.. I miss the people I love and the ability to be myself with them. Had dinner with my Christian Union friends at Weatherby's in Beeston... CHICKEN BRIYANI!!!! A very welcome change from horrible British fare. Heh.. Still, I was the only non-white and I felt awkward, conscious of myself and out of place at times.. Really thrown outta my comfort zone! A learning experience indeed.
Ah well.. back to my little blue box of notes. Was supposed to read them on the airplane, as Huixian directed; but it's only 3 weeks later that I actually did! Timely, since I already felt so loved at the airport and on the airplane and I'd had quite a bad week.. Sick and stressed. =sTold myself to read just one per day, so that I'll be happy for the next 20 days perhaps? But I ending up reading all!!!! Whatever happened to self-control? Flung to the wind in blissful abandon. :)
Oh well... It was a good reminder that I am loved- by family, friends and God. Yes I am loved! And not alone!
Sleep tight everyone!
Love, Carol
I banged on Bazil's door (he is my corridor neighbour) to ask him to carry them for me, but it turns out that they were very light. Hehe.. Anyway, I'm so happy!!!!! :) Been faithfully checking my pigeon hole every day, on the lookout for mail and the parcel slip. So yay I'm so happy.. :)
Haha.. anyway, memorably, I opened the box to find some of the gifts friends gave at the airport- which Mummy snuck out of the carrier bag while I wasn't looking!!! Ahaha.. It was very heart-warming. :) Felt so loved, reading the poem, cards and little rolled up messages... As I read them one by one, I thought of each giver.. Faces, smiles, memories. And more than that, what the person meant to me and what I in turn mean to him/her. Felt a pang of homesickness.. I miss the people I love and the ability to be myself with them. Had dinner with my Christian Union friends at Weatherby's in Beeston... CHICKEN BRIYANI!!!! A very welcome change from horrible British fare. Heh.. Still, I was the only non-white and I felt awkward, conscious of myself and out of place at times.. Really thrown outta my comfort zone! A learning experience indeed.
Ah well.. back to my little blue box of notes. Was supposed to read them on the airplane, as Huixian directed; but it's only 3 weeks later that I actually did! Timely, since I already felt so loved at the airport and on the airplane and I'd had quite a bad week.. Sick and stressed. =sTold myself to read just one per day, so that I'll be happy for the next 20 days perhaps? But I ending up reading all!!!! Whatever happened to self-control? Flung to the wind in blissful abandon. :)
Oh well... It was a good reminder that I am loved- by family, friends and God. Yes I am loved! And not alone!
Sleep tight everyone!
Love, Carol
Monday, October 09, 2006
quickie break
Tried taking an afternoon nap; but I still feel groggy. The flu is making me so lethargic; when I am well I seriously need some exercise! Stand up and stretch! Haha.. Skipped lunch today; just thinking of the hall food quells my appetite and the LONG queues are a major turnoff. Needed to take a nap too; to sleep off the headache. Anyway, I still feel greedy... thinking of the snacks (ie chocolate, fruit bars, muffins, sandwiches etc) at the retail outlets which we can purchase with our meal cards. Ahhhh must go there to stock up tmr!!! I only have super healthy stuff on my shelves- raisins, apricots, pumpkin seeds, biscuits, tea, honey and milo. Mum and Cheh would be proud of me. :)
Candace and Nat say there's lotsa sales in the city- YAY!!!
There's this shop called TK Next or something which sells designer clothes at a fraction of the original price; I bought a pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans there last week for about S$50! And I bought a 2nd hand pink duvet cover too; for about S$12 from the British Heart Foundation. Hope it makes my room look cheerier! :)
Carol
Candace and Nat say there's lotsa sales in the city- YAY!!!
There's this shop called TK Next or something which sells designer clothes at a fraction of the original price; I bought a pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans there last week for about S$50! And I bought a 2nd hand pink duvet cover too; for about S$12 from the British Heart Foundation. Hope it makes my room look cheerier! :)
Carol
Saturday, October 07, 2006
A peek into my life
After reading James' blog, I feel inspired to post pictures and update friends about my life overseas too. And of course, being reminded time and again by friends who want to see my room spurs this entry as well. Which is long overdue! :) It's been an exhilarating experience so far! And I think writing it down/blogging helps to keep me thankful. (Have to admit I haven't been faithful in either! =s)
Alrighty, here's a sneak peek into my life in England!
I'm sorry the 1st pic is the sink. Not terribly exciting.. hehh
So grateful to have this in my room- My own sink! 
My bed, with the furry pillow I hug to sleep! (given by the YA)
Nice and full :)
Some of the cards and notes that I cherish.
Front view of my roomcalling home
I feel so excited whenever I dial all the lengthy numbers and when the operator says, "Please hold while we connect your call." :) Just called home and talked abit to Kor. He just got his new car today!!!!! Happening!! :) Heard it's really hazy in Singapore now and that alot of people are ill. Naughty Indonesian famers setting off forest fires! Haha.. I will pray that the Lord will keep my fanily and friends safe and well.
My fresher's flu is getting better; sore throat is almost gone thanks to the honey water and apple cider vinegar. Just have runny nose and a throbbing head; which is really not conducive to studying. I really enjoy what I'm studying though! It's really stimulating. Moreover, Law is always what I wanted to do so yes, I give thanks that I'm given the opportunity to learn it... :)
Okie gtg for a picnic at Wollaton Park! Heheoverseas life is really exciting. Gwen, my French friend, will be helping me and my friend Fidelia plan our France tour in Decemeber! It's really nice of him. :)
Love, Carol
My fresher's flu is getting better; sore throat is almost gone thanks to the honey water and apple cider vinegar. Just have runny nose and a throbbing head; which is really not conducive to studying. I really enjoy what I'm studying though! It's really stimulating. Moreover, Law is always what I wanted to do so yes, I give thanks that I'm given the opportunity to learn it... :)
Okie gtg for a picnic at Wollaton Park! Heheoverseas life is really exciting. Gwen, my French friend, will be helping me and my friend Fidelia plan our France tour in Decemeber! It's really nice of him. :)
Love, Carol
Monday, October 02, 2006
1st law lecture!
Listening to Rod Stewart now- his songs remind me of Mummy and Daddy. :) And of watching the live DVD at home. I feel so nostalgic.. Have I Told You Lately?
Had my first law lecture today!! At 9am in the morning; Fidelia was so worried when she didn't see me at breakfast. Why? Because I was sooo exhausted; some prankster set off the fire alarm TWICE at 4am last night. Again! A few nights ago, it wailed THRICE at 3am. It's really horrible; not just the screaming siren but the huddling in the cold outside in your pyjamas. Brrr brrr!! I'm so glad for the warm duckling socks Cheh and Mark sent from Australia and the fleece pyjama top I bought at Beeston. (A nearby neighbourhood that has many charity shops) The weather is getting colder; it's the wind that really gets to me though. Chilly...
Oh yes, about the law lecture.. I didn't understand practically everything the lecturer was saying!!! Oh my gosh.. It was about Law of Contract, which I know nuts about and I was soo lost! Had a really bad headache after that, worrying that I couldn't keep up etc.. Yeah and then there was another lecture at 5pm so we had to do some readings on cases.. By the time I got back from some induction meeting for vlounteering, it was 3pm and my headache was getting worse because I hadn't started on my readings!!! Argh... But instead of worrying more, I prayed that God would give me wisdom and understanding; that the Holy Spirit would illuminate my mind and finally, that I would finish the readings by 430pm. And praise the Lord; the light dawned and I managed to understand and cover the material in time. During the lecture, I actually understood what was going on! Yeah! Praise the Lord! :)
Indeed, "The Lord will hear when I call to him"- Psalm 4:3
Sunday service's memory verse.. Was so happy to be in church on SUnday morning.. Really felt strengthened and uplifted. Read Psalm 18! :)
Love, Carol
Had my first law lecture today!! At 9am in the morning; Fidelia was so worried when she didn't see me at breakfast. Why? Because I was sooo exhausted; some prankster set off the fire alarm TWICE at 4am last night. Again! A few nights ago, it wailed THRICE at 3am. It's really horrible; not just the screaming siren but the huddling in the cold outside in your pyjamas. Brrr brrr!! I'm so glad for the warm duckling socks Cheh and Mark sent from Australia and the fleece pyjama top I bought at Beeston. (A nearby neighbourhood that has many charity shops) The weather is getting colder; it's the wind that really gets to me though. Chilly...
Oh yes, about the law lecture.. I didn't understand practically everything the lecturer was saying!!! Oh my gosh.. It was about Law of Contract, which I know nuts about and I was soo lost! Had a really bad headache after that, worrying that I couldn't keep up etc.. Yeah and then there was another lecture at 5pm so we had to do some readings on cases.. By the time I got back from some induction meeting for vlounteering, it was 3pm and my headache was getting worse because I hadn't started on my readings!!! Argh... But instead of worrying more, I prayed that God would give me wisdom and understanding; that the Holy Spirit would illuminate my mind and finally, that I would finish the readings by 430pm. And praise the Lord; the light dawned and I managed to understand and cover the material in time. During the lecture, I actually understood what was going on! Yeah! Praise the Lord! :)
Indeed, "The Lord will hear when I call to him"- Psalm 4:3
Sunday service's memory verse.. Was so happy to be in church on SUnday morning.. Really felt strengthened and uplifted. Read Psalm 18! :)
Love, Carol
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Arrival
Hello this is my first post from Nottingham! am in my friend's room now.. we just cooked dinner! My first Chinese meal since coming here. hehee staying over at her place tonight and then we're going to church tomorrow. Yay I'm happy because I really miss going to church on Sunday morning.
This is just a very short p0st- more to come!!!!!! :)
Love you all in Singapore,
Carol
This is just a very short p0st- more to come!!!!!! :)
Love you all in Singapore,
Carol
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
breakouts :(
So tired, preparations are really wearing me out! Headaches are back; sorry I can't meet up/cancelling on so many people.. Just 4 days to go.. Hopefully everything will be settled by then..
Anyway, spent yesterday with Mummy!! Who took off to be with me. Aww.. I felt like a tour guide, bringing her around.. Ahaha.. :) Went to 4 different places, all in a day's work. Hoho.. We discovered this really quirky, laid-back shop in Chinatown which sells so many pretty vintage-looking dresses, skirts and shoes! What a gem.. Bought a nice beachy white top there instead of the cheongsam which I was supposed to buy. Can't find any nice ones la... Cut my hair too; it looks ALOT thinner. Got a shock when I looked at the floor of the salon; it was strewn with what looked like a full head of hair. My hair!! So much gone! =(
Feel quite excited about the pending overseas study because I picked up some travel brochures of Europe yesterday... Oh my gosh, sooooooooo beautiful!!!! I can't believe I'll be actually be IN those places for real. :)) Breathtaking... I'd be totally in awe. :) Thank you Lord! Met Cathleen, the Malaysian Singaporean Society president yesterday too and a word of advice from her, "Start thinking about your Europe trip!" Hahaha.. She looks alot like Cherilyn from YA. Yeah I like her; she seems to be very helpful and sensible. :)
Gonna be a long day today... Give me strength O Lord!
Love, Carol
Anyway, spent yesterday with Mummy!! Who took off to be with me. Aww.. I felt like a tour guide, bringing her around.. Ahaha.. :) Went to 4 different places, all in a day's work. Hoho.. We discovered this really quirky, laid-back shop in Chinatown which sells so many pretty vintage-looking dresses, skirts and shoes! What a gem.. Bought a nice beachy white top there instead of the cheongsam which I was supposed to buy. Can't find any nice ones la... Cut my hair too; it looks ALOT thinner. Got a shock when I looked at the floor of the salon; it was strewn with what looked like a full head of hair. My hair!! So much gone! =(
Feel quite excited about the pending overseas study because I picked up some travel brochures of Europe yesterday... Oh my gosh, sooooooooo beautiful!!!! I can't believe I'll be actually be IN those places for real. :)) Breathtaking... I'd be totally in awe. :) Thank you Lord! Met Cathleen, the Malaysian Singaporean Society president yesterday too and a word of advice from her, "Start thinking about your Europe trip!" Hahaha.. She looks alot like Cherilyn from YA. Yeah I like her; she seems to be very helpful and sensible. :)
Gonna be a long day today... Give me strength O Lord!
Love, Carol
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
pre-departure musings
Started packing already, I feel a strange heaviness when I slowly strip my room of its contents. There isn't much space left to fit in things that remind me of home. *sobs* Less than a week to go! Just feeling numb and a bit depressed at times... Trying to go out less this week so that I can spend time with the family and with God.. And finish reading the Tales of the Kingdom series, which really buttresses my faith and comforts my heart, even though they're just childrens' story books. =) To the King! To the Kingdom! To the Restoration!
Met James Pang today for the IT crash course!! Yay.. I know how to use the webcam already! and Microsoft Excel too, among other things.. =D Thanks James!
Oh my gosh my sis (Dazz) is soooo funny.. I can hear her laughter all the way from the living room! She's watching My Lovely Samsoon. Ahahaha...
Love, Carol
Met James Pang today for the IT crash course!! Yay.. I know how to use the webcam already! and Microsoft Excel too, among other things.. =D Thanks James!
Oh my gosh my sis (Dazz) is soooo funny.. I can hear her laughter all the way from the living room! She's watching My Lovely Samsoon. Ahahaha...
Love, Carol
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