Lingism - An inspirational entertainer's journey

That DazzLing Show

2007-07-17T23:55:00.000+08:00

Finally, my 1st solo show!!!!!!!! Come and bedazzled!

http://www.myspace.com/thatdazzlingshow

Dedicated 2 Deaw

2007-05-24T21:50:00.000+08:00

A face etched in silent anguish
Hands wreathed with veins of suffering
Your heart draws me like a moth to flame
Words left unspoken but volumes transmitted
How does one tear herself away from a hero
Unesteemed by the world but exalted by angels
Your unadulteration makes it hard to leave
Before anything has even started
Because I phileo you, I choose to
Before our souls become enmeshed
Not because you are unworthy
But because you are priceless

Is he the varn?

2007-05-18T01:20:00.000+08:00

Only time will tell. In the meantime, a gal's gotta keep living for her dreams. I might just have my 1st venue for The DazzLing Show! To be confirmed later today.

Stay tuned and remember to bring your friends!

;D

Retro @ TCC

2007-05-16T00:34:00.000+08:00

Till Further Notice

2007-04-08T13:28:00.000+08:00

Hey babies, won't be on msn or blogging for a while.

Rationale?

Less talk, more action.

Tag though, I'll reply.

Keep in touch!

:-)

A Heavy Heart

2007-03-24T16:30:00.000+08:00

It's so much easier for me to put up foodie pictures than talk about what I've been going through and feeling the past few weeks.

March was a raw month filled with unnegotiated pain-in-the-nose. The vasomotor rhinitis showed no signs of letting up. This inflammation that hit a new low since a bout of flu in early Feb has made it not just hard to speak or sing but virtually impossible to open my mouth on certain days. But somehow, in the course of this week over a confluence of events, God assured me that He WILL heal me from the inside out. I just need to believe and receive. And that has been the hardest thing for me to do since the affliction three years ago. To know in the head but not in the heart in itself is a torment or cruel joke. You want to but you can't.

A complete heart surgery was needed to stop the wondering and wandering. Is it God's will to heal? Does He want to heal me? I needed supernatural intervention to just rest in His love. A relentless love that will redeem me from every wretched pain in this harsh and unremittingly cold season. Tammy calls my recent breakthrough a "crossover" where I am finally entering my Promiseland of restoration as MORE breakthroughs await me.

God seems to be the Chief Physician who's in the business of fixing broken hearts. Even Corrinne May was going through a challenging time with irregular heartbeats. The good news is she's on the steady road to recovery after a recent operation. Thank God.

Somewhere in my heart, I wish I too had a surgical procedure that could magically remove the rhinitis. But I have no man-made panacea or solution. Nothing short of a miracle can lift this condition and restore the nasal walls that were burnt away in an unorthodox treatment gone awry last June.

My only hope is Jesus.

And like Corrinne so aptly articulates:

I fear I do not have the strength to withstand it
to stumble through
to fight my way
to the end

I shall look towards your light
until I reach that day
where I can collapse
bloodied
in your arms
and feel you holding on to me
for in my dying breath and in my frailty
you are my strength

Amen

Arvind's Farewell Party

2007-03-20T19:37:00.001+08:00

Guess who was the real STAR???

More Proposals Part 2

2007-03-16T13:44:00.000+08:00

I am supposed to work on performance proposals 4 the following by next Tues:

1) Esplanade Waterfront Theatre
2) Open Mic (Esplanade NLB)
3) Substation
4) The Stage Is Yours (CDC)

The question is should I propose live muisc or The DazzLing Show?

A Lovely Ladies' Nite

2007-03-15T00:20:00.000+08:00

Days of Our Tai Tai Lives

2007-03-13T23:47:00.000+08:00

Beyond The Sea

2007-03-11T22:56:00.000+08:00

View from the dining room in the day

View from the dining room at night

Can you sea the jet plane?

Feverish Pitch

2007-03-09T10:16:00.000+08:00

It's been a long week.

After food poisoning, I had fever last morning which still hasn't gone off. In between all that, I had to meet the ad agency and work on The DazzLing Show proposal on Aids awareness. It's interesting how they have so specifically asked me to propose an interactive comedy cos' that's what I wanna to do in my own show. Submitted it last night and gonna work on the quotation now.

Thanks Ryann, for believing in me. I don't know if we will get the pitch but it sure got me started on writing my proposals. Meeting Dating Loft at 6pm to discuss the possibility of doing The DazzLing Show before their datings events.

Purposeful dating, anyone?

OH! Entertainment Website

2007-03-04T01:14:00.000+08:00

Done by none other than Krishnan Karmoo~nications Karnsultancy

Their motto? "Anytime, anywhere but NOT anyhow"

I'm loving it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Small Pleasures In Life

2007-03-04T00:47:00.000+08:00

Recovered froma bad bout of food posioning 2 days ago since Thurs nite. Puked my guts out like a Merlion twice - on Friday morning and nite. It was terrible.

Saturday was a different story. Washed my hair and thankfully, the porridge stayed in my system. By evening, I was feeling adventurous enough to meet a few frenz for dinner.

Thanks, Jie Rong for the empathetic listening ear and making the observation that "God seems to be moving in some areas but not so much in others." I shall remember to rest in His healing love.

In the meantime, this foodie pic of a cranberry ham sandwich taken a couple of hours back at PS Cafe, Paragon is for Rosh!!! Bon appetit, gal!

Proposals, Proposals

2007-03-03T12:09:00.000+08:00

Nope, I am not getting married. Not yet anyway, heh.

Some girls say in a wistful tone, "I wish I can get married now. Don't have to work anymore."

There are two underlying issues to such a seemingly wishful statement:

1) Is marriage a panacea to their problems?
2) Is provision a women's prerogative? What is a woman's role in society?

I don't have all the answers but here are my two sense worth, meaning - I do have ALL the answers, lol.

1) Most women dread going to work.

I understand not everyone has the privilege of pursuing their calling or passion. Loans or bills to pay are the immediate obstacles, it seems. However, what I am proposing is that noble purposes have been embedded in our hearts since Day One of our fetal calendar. Unfortunately, along the way we've been conditioned to believe that the dream in our hearts is an impossible indulgence or worse, a non-income generating luxury. As the old adage goes, do what you love and it won't feel like work!

2) Call me old-fashioned but I still believe that the man's primary role is to provide.

Before the feminists strangle me cheerfully, hear me out gals. Alot of social problems are caused by men not taking financial and familial responsiblity towards the kids. Even if they are workaholics, the women end up with the unenviable secondshift of supervising the maid and kids when they come home after a long day at work. Emotional and verbal abuse are not uncommon in such home environment. Women need the space to receive and give love. That's how they function optimally. Whether they have a job or not is secondary. The key thing is there ain't nothing for Mother Nurture to give from her love tank if she already has been sapped at work and is continually worrying about the tyrant boss. Graphically speaking, the woman is The Breast and her man is The Shield. He shields her from the bloody political action at work and when he returns home from yet another braveheart battle, she nurtures and recharges him. Nuff said. ;)

So married or not married, a gal's got dreams that society can't deride.

And my dream is to make this world a better place.

For now, I have to write a proposal on inspirational shows for the anti-smoking and Aids awarness campaigns. Help me, Jesus.

One step at a time. And in the meantime, believe in the God who believes in you!

Thanks, Ed! Brilliant sia

2007-02-26T00:21:00.000+08:00

Hey sis Ling, I decided to sing you a song. LOL!

God Is All Around (Love Is All Around) - Ed Ed Ed (Not Wet Wet Wet)

I feel Him in my fingers
I feel Him in my toes
That God, He's all around me
And so the feeling grows

He'd spoken in the wind
He's everywhere I go
So if He really love me
Come on and let Him show

Chorus
I know He love me, He always will
His mind's made up by the way that I feel
There's no beginning, there'll be no end
'Cause on His love I can depend

I see His face before me
As I lay on my bed
I cannot get to thinking
Of all the things He said

He gave His promise to me
and I gave mine to Him
I need dear God beside me
in everything I do

Chorus

I got to keep it moving

It's written in the wind
Oh everywhere I go

So if He really love me
Come on and let Him show

Come on and let Him,
Come on and let Him,
Come on and let Him,
Come on and let Him show

Good Gifts From Daddy

2007-02-24T23:51:00.000+08:00

A convo I just had with a good bro, ed.

Endoh Taiki says:
very nice blog

Endoh Taiki says:
http://bus-stories.blogspot.com/

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
"He was gonna try it, but he knew it was God who was really gonna help him. God had never let him down. "

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
wow

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
tt really spoke 2 me

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
thks ed

Endoh Taiki says:
EXACTLY

Endoh Taiki says:
we think alike

Endoh Taiki says:
it was because of that one single sentence

Endoh Taiki says:
thats why i wanna share with u

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
RAUS

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
amazing

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
grace

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
thks Jesus

Endoh Taiki says:
i read that line i know u will like it

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
gumdong

Endoh Taiki says:
hur hur hur

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
gawd was reaching out 2 me the WHOLE day

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
he win liao

Endoh Taiki says:
he always win lor

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
one of my gd frenz gave me a Nikon Digi Cam Coolpix L6 2day

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
she said God told her 2 buy 4 me

Endoh Taiki says:
WOW

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
she was on a tight budget but managed 2 get it at one third the price by some miracle. apparently, the salesman was veri nice 2.

Endoh Taiki says:
nobody even bother to buy me batteries

Endoh Taiki says:
let alone a cam

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
then God told me "the Father longs to give good gifts to His children"

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
my parents favoured my sister. my dad bought barbie doll n pc 4 her. so i never really understood Daddy God's heart towards me

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
that was episode 1 2day

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
episode 2

Endoh Taiki says:
i see

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
i went for women's fellowship grp in the afternoon

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
the message was "He who does not withhold His only Son from us longs to give us good gifts". He longs to heal our broken hearts

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
then on my way home, i saw a bus ad

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
"IT IS NOT HARD TO FIND GO(L)D"

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
then suddenly u sent me the bus blog

Endoh Taiki says:
oh my God

Endoh Taiki says:
hahahahahahahahaha

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
wahahahhahhaah

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
see, u r making a difference in the lives of yo frenz n readers

Endoh Taiki says:
he's with you EVERY day

My Year 2 Shine! 2007 says:
amen

Fyi, the camera was EXACTLY what I wanted. For one, I ain't the techy sort so the mere thought of comparing specs and prices was mind-blogging (read: a drag). Itz amazing how God reads my mind. Then again, He made me!!!!!!!! The incredible specs that were met:

1) Ergonomic
2) Slim & pretty (like me)
3) BIG FAT screen, good 4 viewing (also like me)
4) Video recording capacity up to half hour (great for portfolio shots) &
5) 1GB memory card (4 all the precious memories with you guys)

AMAZING FRIEND + AMAZING ABBA = AMAZING GRACE

THANK U, JESUS!

Thks babe...

:,)

ENJOY, MY DEARIES!

V Day with Tuesday Group!!!!!

2007-02-16T00:58:00.000+08:00

From Pro Volleyball Player to Entrepreneur

2007-02-10T16:52:00.000+08:00

– Danek Kaus

Ken Xie grew up in China. As a young man he used his natural athletic ability to play professional volleyball for a while. But his parents, who are both college professors, wanted their son to follow in their academic footsteps. So Mr. Xie left his home in Beijing 16 years ago to work on his Ph.D. in electrical engineering at Stanford.

It was not what he wanted to do. “I call getting a Ph.D. — permanent head damage,” Mr. Xie says. “When some people get a Ph.D., it can create problems because their world view is different.” He found the opportunities offered by Silicon Valley more enticing than academia so he left school to become an entrepreneur and has been involved in several successful companies.

He founded NetScreen in 1997 (acquired by Juniper in 2004) and served as president and chief executive officer until 1999 when he “took some time off” to be the managing partner of Jedi Venture, a venture capital firm. Mr. Xie became bored with the slower pace and wanted a new venture to spike over the net, so he formed Fortinet in 2000. In 2004 he was selected as a Top 15 Technology Innovator by Computer Reseller News magazine.

Although he is dedicated to building the company, he envisions a time when he can play more golf and tennis and spend time with his wife and three children, who range in age from one to seven-and-a-half. His parents are still hopeful that he may one day turn out OK. “They keep asking me when I’m going to get my Ph.D.,” Mr. Xie says. “They have more respect for that.”

Taken from another article, "Helping Companies Secure Their Future" also by Danek Kaus:

He attributes the firm’s growth to several factors, one of which is having a leading-edge technology. “For a startup with a new technology, you need to make sure you are different and have a more advanced technology to survive and be competitive,” Mr. Xie says. “We were the first ones with a real-time, network-based content security solution.”

He also credits much of the success to the company’s employees. “You must build a strong team that has the same vision,” he says. Mr. Xie says the firm is the leader in the unified threat management space and wants to become a market leader in other areas as well.
“I try to do something better in this space,” Mr. Xie says. “Later, I hope people will say ‘that guy made a difference.’”

FWAH!

I Hope I Dance

2007-02-04T00:20:00.000+08:00

This post is kinda way overdue but better late than never...

Wanna give thanks for the Fortinet event last week. Was initially very apprehensive cos' the events coordinator said I'd hv 2 pay attention to what the speakers shared on and make relevant transitions in my introduction for the next guy in line throughout the one and a half day conference. Not a problem except that the topics were KINDA technical. Reading the biographies of the high-profile CEO and his management staff didn't exactly make it easier. I think I choked on the lump in my throat. So one could only adopt the next most strategic tactic - preparing my cue cards the night before n hoping for the best as Sleepy Beauty's head hits the pillow.

The emcee's initiation came during the cocktail reception when I had to welcome Ken Xie before his informal speech n introduction of his chaps at the Dayang Cafe. But the nerves unfrayed a little cos' my guts were resurrected, "Thank you, gentlemen. I am sure all of you are looking forward to hearing and seeing more of this sterling cast featuring Richard Gere and Antonio Banderas (lookalikes). You may even want to catch Mr Ken Xie for a round of basketball." This guy, I'm telling u, is at least 2 m. I kid you not, a short genie & the gentle IT security system giant:

My fears were apparently unfounded. God gave me the right words to say at the right time. Even Ken told me "great job" before the 1st morning session was over. But the most gratifying highlight for me was before the Q&A session in the afternoon. "Talk more later hor," instructed Daniel so that there'd be enough time to set up. It so happened that Richard Stiennon, CMO (Chief Marketing Officer), was sharing about cyber crime, teenage hackers and the mafia. That really made me sit up in my chair. My 3 minute diatribe? "Teenage hackers are not inherently evil. Most of the times, they are just looking for a fatherly figure to look up to. Hence, the term, "Godfather" for the mafia. The good news is Fortinet is not on the dark side. When we find our voice and fulfil our destiny, others will fulfil their destinies as well." Didn't get to elaborate but I think they got the idea.

The second day was practically a sea breeze. In fact, I was told to keep the introductions short cos' we were running outta time and the participants needed to be dismissed by 12pm sharp for lunch and their hosted activities. So I scooted back to my room for lunch and rested in the afternoon. Choosing my last song for the gala dinner in the evening proved to be a tough selection process. Though the final candidate wasn't the ideal song for delivery given the inflammation of my nose, I decided to do it anyway, even if it meant sounding like a crow. Cos' ultimately, what speaks to the hearts matters most and what the world doesn't need is another sweet voice but PURPOSE. And since my motto as an inspirational entertainer is to inspire "the reckless youth of sixteen and jaded CEO of sixty", "I Hope U Dance" would fit the bill nicely.

The irony I've learnt is this - when we lose ourselves in something MUCH bigger than our own agendas, success follows as a pleasant surprise or by-product. Despite the many last minute changes, the programme ran with clock-work precision. What was supposed to be the most challenging song of the nite turned out to be one that took off with the Langkawi wind - strong, passionate and powerful. I thought God was just enveloping me in His reassuring arms and carrying me on His wings of love. One could almost feel His tangible presence crashing through the waves behind the stage as He swept through the audience seated on the sandy beach in front of the mountains. *Gasp*

Towards the end, I couldn't help grinning when Mr Hansen Chang, VP APAC took over the mic later and said, "Though there's probably only one name you can remember right now, there are also others responsible for the success of this event and conference..." On a parting note, Hansen, Freddy and a few other people shared their kind affirmation for my "professional" hosting and er, caring charisma (or at least that's how I see it). A couple of guests even took my namecards for future events. But it was Ben of Malaysia that made my day in his Aussie accent, "You were really entertaining to watch during the conference. And when you sang, you blew us away!!!" Hehe, thks dude. ;p

Though it's been an extenuating time battling the symptoms these few days, I am reminded of that song so divinely unleashed. Yes, by His grace, I shall give faith a fighting chance. No matter how hard it gets, I never wanna stop dancing. I hope you never do too. *-)

I HOPE YOU DANCE
(Lee Ann Womack)

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

Til Death Do Me Apart

2007-02-03T23:53:00.000+08:00

u wrote me a letter to comfort me in my time of need. thank u. i removed a line cos' it's personal 4 u.

-------------

HELLO LING!

HOPE YOU're FEELING MUCH BETTER! sorry for the caps, but they're there
to say HOW ARE YOU?

hope you've got enough rest. let me tell you a story my mum told me during the A levels period. her colleague was diagnosed with breast cancer two years back. she went through to stage four and had chemo treatment. recuperating now. my mummy said that what's most admirable was that she told her colleagues that she would fight on against the cancer till the end no matter how hard it was. that time it served as an encouragement to me of how i should stay hopeful during the exam period. i guess it's strange coming from me, but draw strength and healing from the Lord, and as you suffer unto Christ, may he transform you more into his likeness and you to attain your dreams through this process. God knows that your voice is most precious to
you, and i'm sure He honours your commitment of serving and impacting people through your singing.

so press on, my sister!

The Sixth Sense

2007-02-02T18:04:00.000+08:00

Apparently, in order not to be dominated by my pain and 4 me 2 receive healing 4 my rhinitis, jaw malfunction and tongue allegery, I have to engage my "sixth sense" - faith. The evidence of things unseen (or unfelt) but hoped for.

It's been a very, very tough week for my nose. Hell breaking loose within. Sad story of my life for the past 3 years -

Ling is in pain and finds it hard 2 talk or sing. Will this be the only reality she will live and die with? Will she ever be healed n fulfil her calling, hopes and dreams?

Stay tuned 4 more updates!

I so desperately want 2b well.

God, please heal me.

:(

Lingkawisamy!!!!

2007-01-26T11:58:00.000+08:00

The Ling Empire Strikes Back

2007-01-19T14:42:00.000+08:00

This bears repeating.

Since 2005, my phone periodically re-sends messages from my Inbox. It usually resurrects at the rite time n rite place. Just got this from Starhub by a friend who sent it last year:

"try? Do or do not, there is no try!" - yoda, the empire strikes back. "u r strong in the force, luke, but u r not a true jedi yet. Join me & we will rule the empire 2gether, father & son." - darth vadar, the empire strikes back. Inspiring quotes, amen? :) bwahahahaha!

16:33:05
16-01-2006

Rhinitis must die,

in the name of Jesus!

Ling Going Langkawi!!!

2007-01-17T13:21:00.000+08:00

I'm so excited about my Langkawi gig at Berjaya next week that I've already started planning my wardrobe and packing. There's other preparatory work to be done since other than hosting and singing for the gala dinner, I am needed at the conference. But if I dun look good, Fortinet dun look good.

Come to think of it, the resort looks really good:

The representatives attending the conference are from different parts of the world, ie, Korea, Japan, China, Philippines, HK, India, Taiwan n US. Sooo, looks like I have to learn a few multi-cultural greetings before I leave this Sunday nite. And just in case, yours truly gets a couple of proposals along the way, I can even have my wedding and honeymoon there!

Just in case...

The New Yorker

2007-01-16T01:45:00.000+08:00

Okies, u read yo Jazz For Dummies 1st. Then, I will come to NY and jam with u, my fav pianist n little bro. In the meantime, lez ask Daddy God 2 show us more of His Father's heart and give us grace 2 keep to our creative regimes. :P

Come Forth, Dreams & Destinies!

2007-01-16T01:32:00.000+08:00

Was checking an email acc tt I seldom use 2nites ago and found this. A much needed word for the year ahead even as I hv been pondering in 06 where n when God was gonna use my "purpose, personality, dreams and destiny" model-message. Looks like this IS the year to unleash it. What other confirmation do I need?

Will be updating this entry along the way 2 register the reasonance. Amazing how it totally clicked for me and how uncannily it mirrors my journey & conclusions last year.

---------

January 10, 2007

IN 2007 - MAY YOUR DREAMS AND DESTINIES COME FORTH!
By Patricia King

"He knows the true cry of our heart is not simply for His promises to come forth, but that we might KNOW Him..."

This month's devotional is prepared by Rob Hotchkin, who is one of our itinerant ministers and teachers on our Extreme Prophetic Team.

In 2006, Our View Had to Die

Recently, I was praying into this New Year, asking God what He had in store for us in 2007. I felt He said that this would be a year of "Dreams and Destinies coming forth."

In 2006, many of us prayed and prayed, decreed and decreed, believed and believed for what the Lord had laid on our hearts. And many of us were challenged when we didn't see the promises released the way we thought they would be. We didn't see what we thought we would see, the way we had figured it would happen, when we were expecting it.

But don't be discouraged. God didn't ignore us. He didn't forget us. He didn't turn away from us. He was simply preparing us to receive a greater revelation of who He is and how He is. He was preparing us to receive something even bigger and better.

2006 was a year of God allowing "our view" of what He was going to do--to die. Not the dreams and destinies that He has called us to believe for, but simply "our views" of how He would do it, and how it would look. All so that He can do something even bigger and better!

Often, when our plans for a promise don't come to pass, we think the promise has failed, too. Not so! We are merely being set up by God to see Him in even greater measure. God tells me all the time to expect Him to move in big ways, but He also reminds me not to expect "how" it will look. We often feel we know how God should do something, or when He should do it.

He wants to break us out of the boxes of what we think we know about Him, and remind us that He is an awesome and infinitely faceted God. Because deep down, He knows the true cry of our heart is not simply for His promises to come forth, but that we might KNOW Him in an even greater way as promises come forth!

He loves to surprise us! He loves to reveal His promises in ways that reveal a greater measure of who He is to us. And I believe that if we stay in faith, continue in prayer, and praise and honor God, knowing that "His ways are higher than our ways," 2007 will be the year when we hear the Lord say, "Dreams and Destinies come forth!" And they will come forth in ways that will show us new aspects of our incredible God that will have us praising Him and loving Him as never before!

A Teaching from Lazarus

"Jesus loved Martha and Mary so much, that He did not respond to their prayer the way they thought He would."

In John 11, we hear the story of Lazarus and his resurrection. Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, are dear friends of Jesus. He has visited with them on several occasions. Martha has cooked for Jesus. Mary has sat at His feet adoring Him, anointing Him with oil, and wiping His feet with her tears and hair. This is a family that passionately loves the Lord. And they know that He loves them. As a matter of fact, when Lazarus becomes ill, the word they send to Jesus is, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick." (John 11:3)

This family not only loved the Lord, they knew the Lord. They knew He was the Messiah. They knew He was God. And they knew that when they needed help, He would be there. So when Lazarus got sick, Martha and Mary did what we all do--they prayed. They sent word to the Lord. And because they knew Jesus loved them, and they knew Jesus was the Healer, and they knew Jesus was good, and that He was God, Martha and Mary expected He would show up and help.

God wants us to expect Him to move. He rewards that faith. But often His ways or His timing, at first, don't make sense to our way of thinking!

Now Jesus did love this family. Just like He loves you and me--perfectly, everlastingly, and passionately. John 11:5 spells it right out, "Jesus loved Martha and her sister Mary and Lazarus." He loved them so much, that when He got the word asking for help with their problem (when He heard their prayer), He didn't come right away (John 11:6). Huh? That doesn't make any sense. Not to us, or to Martha and Mary. But it made perfect sense to God.

Jesus loved Martha and Mary so much, that He did not respond to their prayer the way they thought He would, nor at the time which made sense to them. Jesus loved them so much, that He actually waited for Lazarus to pass away from his illness. He knew this would be hard for Martha and Mary (not to mention Lazarus!). He knew this was not the way they thought things would play out. Jesus' intention was to bring them into a greater revelation of how and who He was.

See, God sometimes allows us to go through a difficult time--a time where we feel He has not heard us, or He has not answered us, or the promise we were believing for has died, so that He can show up in a way we never imagined, and reveal a greater measure of who He is to us and for us!

Martha and Mary knew Jesus was the answer to their problem. They knew He could help. They knew He was the promise. But because He didn't move in the way "they thought" He should and when He should, they were confused, they were angry, and they were hurt. They were surrounded by people consoling them (John 11:19). Many people were likely telling Martha and Mary that they had just believed too big of God, that they needed to be more realistic, and that the time of God moving in power was over. Thank goodness they didn't listen!

Pour Out Your Heart Like Martha and Mary

When you are: wrestling with discouragement, struggling with God not showing up how you think He should, confused, hurt, or even angry with God, don't listen to the well-intentioned comforters who will tell you to lower your expectations, or that God no longer moves in power or healing or miracles. Do what Martha did in John 11:20, go and meet with Jesus!

Get in front of Him and pour out your heart! Tell Him how you feel. Tell Him you don't understand. Tell Him you're confused. Tell Him you're angry. Tell Him your heart is broken. Even tell Him you think you know what He is supposed to do and how He is supposed to do it (this is what Martha does in John 11:22, and 24, when she tells the Lord "I know" this and "I know" that).

During those times when the Lord has not answered your prayers the way you thought He would, don't turn from Him, but turn to Him. Both Martha and Mary go to Jesus with their hurt and confusion (John 11:20, 29). And we should too.

When Mary falls at Jesus' feet (a place she has been before), pouring out her heart and sharing her pain and confusion (John 11:32), the Lord isn't offended. God doesn't turn away from us when we are struggling, even when we are struggling with Him. Just the opposite. He encourages us to boldly come before Him during our times of need (Hebrews 4:16). This deeply moves God (John 11:33, 11:35).

I believe that when Martha and Mary were before God and saw how deeply moved He was over everything they had been through, something in them was deeply moved. Something in them remembered that Jesus was the God who loves them, the God who adores them, and the God who only wants the best for them. When they realized that God had not hardened His heart toward them, the hard heart of their own confusion was removed.

We see this prophetically at the tomb of Lazarus when Jesus says, "Remove the stone!" (John 11:39). The stone is what seals up the tomb; it is a sign of coming into agreement with death, and it represents when we give up on the promises of God and allow our hearts to harden.

The Promise is Not Dead

"We will not only see the promise come forth, we will see a greater revelation of Jesus!"

Jesus stands before the tomb, the place of death, knowing that the only thing that has truly passed away is how Martha and Mary used to see Him. The promise wasn't dead. And I believe He was excited because He knew that Martha and Mary were about to find out that He was an even bigger, better, and more faithful God than they had even imagined!

Jesus turns to Mary and says, "Did I not say that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). Jesus then declares that He knows God always hears our prayers (John 11:41), and then being confident in this, He cries out, "Lazarus, come forth!" (John 11:43). And Lazarus came forth, revealing a greater measure of who Jesus was, and a fuller realization of all things being possible.

Now, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus not only know Him as friend, Lord, Messiah, God, and Healer, they know Him as "the Champion over death and every work of the enemy." And because God did it "His way" instead of their way, they had a greater revelation of who He was, and so did their town! Revival broke out, and many came to know that Jesus was Lord (John 11:45). Praise God!

Don't look back on what DIDN'T happen last year the way you thought it would. Look toward Jesus and praise Him that His ways are higher than our ways. Pour your heart out to Him. Believe that He hears every one of our prayers, and that if we simply stand in that belief, we will see the glory of God. And that just like Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, we will not only see the promise come forth, we will see a greater revelation of Jesus! Who knows, it may even trigger revival in your town like it did in Martha and Mary's!

So stand in faith. Refuse any discouragement. Believe God to show up in surprising ways that reveal more of who He is to you than you have ever known before. Be excited that God is doing it "His perfect way," and that He is doing exceedingly and abundantly beyond all that you could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

And in 2007, may those things that you felt died in 2006, be resurrected in even bigger and better ways to the glory of God. May this be the year you hear Him speak over you, "Dreams and Destiny come forth!"

Bless you,

Patricia King with Rob Hotchkin

www.extremeprophetic.com

A Porsche Invite

2007-01-16T01:22:00.000+08:00

Dear Ling,

Silver Ribbon (Singapore) would be hosting a charity concert at the HDB
auditorium on 13 Feb 2007, 7pm – 9pm, to raise funds to organize more
complimentary talks and events for the community. Our Guest of Honour is Mdm Halimah Yacob, Chairman, GPC (Health) / NTUC Asst Sec-General / MP for Jurong GRC.

Ms Mavis Hee, our invited celebrity at the concert, Ms Selena Tan from Dream Academy, Dr Alex Su from Institute of Mental Health, Zingo Festive Drum Troupe from NUS and Puppets Alive 2! by The Finger Players have agreed to perform at the concert. However, we are in need of an emcee for the event. Thus, we are writing sincerely to request for your kind assistance. Your nod would make an immeasurable impact in positive mental health promotion.

Thank you so much for reading this email and looking forward to your
favorable reply.

Porsche Poh

Executive Director

Silver Ribbon (Singapore)

www.silverribbonsingapore.com

Something Beautiful

2007-01-15T00:04:00.000+08:00

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

"Eh, update your blog leh - dun let yo fans down!!!" said Rosh last nite at Gaya3's lovely new place. It's times like these I remember how our online lives are intertwined by the mere click of a mouse. You are such a sweety, Rosh. Am sure your Prince Charming will be totally charmed by yo sardonic wit and generous heart. Thanks for the finger lickin' good dinner and wishing u a smashing, blessed time at Deli. NGO, wow! *-)

Indeed, it's been a while. It was as if I was afraid to bear my heart - fully to you, you and you. Appreciate you guys for reading this and sharing my journey with me. November 06 was particularly a challenging time fraught with health and family problems. The inflammation got worse in Sept and took another dip during Nong Khai. The air was too cold and dry. The past few months in short were a nightmare for my health. But the bigger question haunting me with unmitigated vengeance as 07 descended dreamily on my bed, oblivious to the partying and counting down was this, "Can my health keep up with my hopes and dreams for the new year?"

It's been almost two weeks. My nose is possibly at its most inflammed by far. Meaning greater technical difficulties within my inner console to talk or sing. How can this be when my songs are ready for the EP recording? When I am ready to do The Ling Show? When I am ready to take on the world?

Rhetoric is at best left unentertained. Simply because it's an abyss thereafter where no strand comfort may be be found. Answers elude me when I try to be still and know that He is God. Things seem to be happening so slowly but I do see that Abba has been opening strategic doors that were unpremeditated on my part. Invitations to perform and speak at a certain church and do a talkshow in RGS. While I was sure that God was gonna lead me to speak to Christian youth groups and move towards doing talkshows at schools instead of the quintessential drama, I didn't know how. I wanted You to lead and true enough, You did.

06, as it were, was a window to hopes and dreams being fleshed out in 07. Yet I knew it was gonna be more about knowing Daddy God and letting Him heal me from the inside out. And in the course of that, He enlarges my heart to receive His bigger and better plans for my life. Like getting married to an oil sheik or something. Right...;p

Didn't wanna share this initially cos' it's really personal but I want this to be real 4 you 2. Found out the ex was seeing someone pretty seriously. Dun get me wrong, he's a real sweet guy so I'd wished him all the best upon initiating the breakup. While I rejoiced inwardly for him, I couldn't help but question His plan for my life. Why is it that my decision to do what was best for him at that juncture leaving me with a broken body and shattered dreams? Not to mention with no 1.8m, God-lovin', frequency-sizzlin' n jazz guitar-playin' guy in sight? My very own musical counterpoint and soul mate? Mr Niche?

It was 23 Dec when I heard the "news". Had a wedding gig that nite at Shangri-La. It was bittersweet singing the love songs as I wondered why my life had gone so wrong. Or so it seemed. The gig went well but did little for the dull ache in my heart. "Try speaking to me on this tomorrow, God..." Service at indoor stadium was great but sat thro wondering at which point You were gonna address tt specifically...the fear of being left behind and forgotten by my own Father. Suddenly, Ps Prince invited a black lady from Taiwan, Black Pearl, to share a song with the congregation. The second her lavish vocals belted out the 1st line, a watery fountain gushed from my tear ducts like an unstoppable deluge. You see, after the breakup, I'd written a letter to his best friends for them to take care of him. Both replied and one shared this -

"Oh yeah, was looking up some lyrics for cell and this old song caught my eye, thought it would boost you...goes to show that God's plan is perfect, even though it may seem unlikely at times...

Beautiful
Beautiful, beautiful
Jesus is beautiful
And Jesus makes beautiful things of my life
Carefully touching me
Causing my eyes to see
Jesus makes beautiful things of my life"

Truly, Daddy
You never fail to touch the eyes
of my heart to see,
You WILL make all things
beautiful for me,
just for me...

Guess which one the jaboh?

2007-01-09T18:36:00.000+08:00

Beat it, Baybeats! ;p

2007-01-08T18:33:00.000+08:00

Hi,

Thank you for the time and effort your band has spent in preparing your
application in the very first Baybeats Auditions.
As we are only able to offer audition slots to 30 bands, we are sorry
to inform that your band was not successful in their application.

Nevertheless, we thank you for your enthusiasm and will keep your band
in mind should there be a suitable opportunity to present the band in
other events of Esplanade.
We hope that you will continue to support the Baybeats Festival, and
all the best in your future endeavours!

Thank you and Regards,

Baybeats 07

----------

Needless 2 say, i was kinda disappointed but Ed made me feel better. 2b fair, It's been a happening year so far n I'm thankful for an impending gig to sing n host for a a corporate gala dinner held at Langkawi from 22 - 25 Jan. I even get to bring a chaperone!

;D

My Year 2 Shine ! 2007 !!! says:
My application 4 baybeats audition got rejected

DoubleDecker says:
its ok

My Year 2 Shine ! 2007 !!! says:
:(

DoubleDecker says:
its their LOSS

My Year 2 Shine ! 2007 !!! says:
tens!

DoubleDecker says:
u got beautiful voice to me

My Year 2 Shine ! 2007 !!! says:
tks ed...

DoubleDecker says:
really

My Year 2 Shine ! 2007 !!! says:
Ness time i got gig call u

DoubleDecker says:
its time they have a change for baybeat i know its a party but i really had enuff of screaming on stage. cant even make out wat the hell they screaming. need some real good vocals.

*falalalala*

My Nong Khai Trip

2006-12-27T19:58:00.000+08:00

Baybeats Application

2006-12-12T17:52:00.000+08:00

"Your submission was successful. See you at the auditions. "

Wohoooooo~

Presenting my baybeats band - HeaLing!!!!

From left: RZ (electric & keys), Ling (frontman) & Jeff (git, backup & percussion)

It's off to Nong Khai tomolo 1st thing in the morning. I am excited - finally. At what God is gonna do through the band 4 the pple there. Pl pray 4 open hearts 4 the shoppers at Tesco as we do our stuff on Fri, Sat n Sunday. May they receive the love of Christ this season! Tens dears! ;-*

My Little Bro

2006-12-06T16:45:00.000+08:00

Have yourself a blessed little Christmas, Nic.

Keep writing n playing the piano ya?

*Hugz*

Not Just Another Wedding Gig

2006-12-03T23:28:00.000+08:00

As a wedding singer-host, people often ask me if all wedding gigs are the same. Yes n no. The one on Saturday evening for instance was special.

For one, it was not in the usual 5* hotel. Not tt it mattered. In fact, the food was much better than a few other branded establishments. Largely a family, church frenz n ex-colleagues affair, there were abt 25 tables max. Cosy. Personally, itz not about the no. of tables or hotel. Cos' after a while, u realise all hotel ballrooms were designed by the same contractor, Phua Chu Kang. So what makes a difference?

1) The couple
2) The guests
3) The emcee

While i haven't been in the wedding entertainment biz all tt long, u do get to meet different types of couples. Some are personable n some are professional. The personable ones are endearing cos' they make u feel like u r hosting or singing for frenz. Very heartwarming.

The perk of doing wedding gigs is i get to hv my 10-course dinner without having to auction off my soft toy collection, i.e., Moo~thusamy. Itz a real bonus, also when people at the table I am appended to happen 2b nice. My fav bunch so far has gotta b the one tt falls under the category of "Ex/Current Colleagues Network." Last nite was no exception, fortunately. Table 3 was extremely supportive, regaling me with compliments like, "U hv a beautiful voice" n "U r a beautiful lady". Fyi, it was a guy n gal who said tt respectively. I think tt was really Daddy God's way of affirming me cos' I was feeling insecure in both departments 4 health reasons.

The evening got more interesting when they started asking me abt my "job". So i rattled on abt my choice of niche vocation (which at times may feel like a vacation). Isn't your industry very competitive with pple like Adam Khoo? "No", I replied, "he's motivational, I'm inspirational." Lol. Turned out the guy asking that question is a facilitator with RP n an ex-Chinese High (back then) boy. "U shld really come n share with our students. Let me c if I can pass u a contact," he added. Wow! Tt was really unexpected. *Fingers crossed*

I am always so encouraged by the Lord spurring me on when I feel defeated or "nuah." He'd impressed upon me earlier this yr 2 contact RP specifically abt speaking or performing thr. I just didn't get down 2 it, procrastination n fear of rejection i guess. But God knows better. N things r gonna get better. Thank u, dear Chiew Pei n Choong Hock 4 letting me share this day with u...

Yes, I can because He is willing

2006-12-02T13:00:00.000+08:00

Can

It's easy to see God's beauty in the beautiful. But what about tt which is not so obvious 2 the human eye?

That's what the heart is for.
2 feel, 2 respond n 2 worship.

When will I be healed?
Can i ever sing again without the inner battle raging in my nose n soul?

I can only imagine

Cold CalLing Chong

2006-12-01T23:46:00.000+08:00

Cold calling can be a real funny business n by tt, i mean, hilarious.

Was calling the sec schools for the names n email addies of the PCCG/Welfare HOD the past couple of days. Here r some award winning incidents that otherwise made a strictly admin business brisk n lively:

Scenario 1

CalLing: Hi, may I hv the email address of yo PCCG?

Clerk: fstgs_shgjha@moe.edu.sg

CalLing: Ok...thks

Clerk: U repeat.

CalLing: fstgs_shgjha@moe.edu.sg

Clerk: Very good! 100 marks!!!!!!

Fwah, this one can become teacher! ;D

Scenario 2

CalLing: Hi, may I hv the email address of yo PCCG?

Male Clerk: sgdhg_snb_ajs@moe.sg

CalLing: Thks! Does yo school hv a counsellor s well?

MC: Yes but our school is closing down next year u know? U still want?

CalLing (*stunned silence*, then, *loud laughter* n *regains composure*): No, thank u very much uncle!

Upon introspection, i realise i shld hv said, "Sorry 2 hear tt". :(

Scenario 3

CalLing: Hi, may I hv the email address of yo PCCG?

Clerk: Need to check.

CalLing: Er, do u mind giving it 2 me pl?

Clerk: Ya, i mind, very looooooooooooooong

CalLing Chong *faints on the other line*

Last but not least, my favourite -

Scenario 4

CalLing: Hi, may I hv the email address of yo PCCG?

Clerk: Where u calling from?

CalLing: O(pen) H(earts)! Entertainment

Clerk: Ohhhhhh!

How on earth did she know my company name??! ;D

Had a real nice time with a friend at esplanade in the evening. He plays the piano n writes more than a mean tune. Unnamed n Pieces of My Heart r on repeat mode, smthg i only figured out today on WMP. Both beautiful but each tells a different story. I agree. They dun require lyrics. It wld take more than words 2 convey the pathos of the song.

Maybe it's reading yo entry n listening 2 yo music tt prove to be a potent combination. My heart is full rite now as tears 4 a split, spill from my eyes. Gratitude 4 a chance to touch yo life n in turn, being inexplicably touched by yo person, passion n compassion tt fateful tele-conversation.
2nite, I thought I caught a glimpse of God looking at me through your eyes.

U will always hv a special place in my heart, bro. Even when I get attached, married n hv kids eventually. Or when I get rich n famous after The Ling Show. Or both.

Thank you, Nic.

:.)

I Live In Singapura

2006-11-30T14:11:00.000+08:00

I Live In Singapura by Hossen Leong

It's really ultimate. Must watch for Singapureans AND Malaysians.

Spent my lunchtime consolidating (read, finding an appropriate font for the lyrics of each song) my 8 compositions. Apparently, I am 2 songs short of an album...

DoubleDecker says:
Singles = 1 song

DoubleDecker says:
EP = 3 to 5 or 6 songs

DoubleDecker says:
LP = Album = usually 10 to 15 tracks

EP stands for Extended Play n LP 4 Long Play. Guess the demos are put on hold til after X'mas n the Thailand mission trip. Maybe, I'll be adequately inspired to write new songs, who knows?

*falalalalala*

A Typical Ling Day

2006-11-27T22:55:00.000+08:00

These days anyway, until next year.

Finally decided to nail down some semblance of a daily schedule loosely based on my fav singer-songwriter's life. In the words of Corrinne May, "It's a full-time job."

1) Wake up at 9 a.m.
Ok, ttz at least one thing I have in common with Corrinne!

2) Have my breakfast of ________
I tend 2 skip breakfast like a rope, haha. Somehow breakfast just doesn’t excite me as much as lunch or dinner. I try to drink Milo at least. Used to eat the powder n down it with water b4 dashing outta the house 4 school so I wldn’t be late

3) Take my primrose oil, omega, vit C n Holy Com
I buy all that stuff but they just sit pretty on my dresser, inquiring on my SOHO affairs. “Take me, take me!!!” I can almost hear them gnashing their teeth now...;P

4) Read the The One Thing
I run around like a headless hamster sometimes on the mental treadmill otherwise known as WORRY. Reminding meself of God’s love helps me stay sane in a crazy world

5) Talk to Daddy God
Just telling Him my needs cos’ there ain’t nuthin’ 2 BIG He can’t fix or 2 small He won’t fix. Heng ah

6) Check email n chat online

7) Write scripts
It’s scary but it can be quite fun. Currently working in dribs n drabs on “Something About U” n “It Might Be U” 4 The Ling Show

8) Call people to follow up on booking venues for The Ling Show
Looking at DXO n the wine bars at Dempsey

9) Email events co, corporations, churches & schools

10) Have lunch
When I’m too decadently lazy to "tabao" from the kopitiam nearby, I stave away my pangs by being glued to the screen. Lunch can be anytime from 12pm – 3pm, depending on how raveneous I am.

11) Read/ research on work-related interests
This is the part I like best

12) Continue marketing
This is the part I hate most

13) Continue writing
That is if I’m not having a post-lunch siesta...zZz...
In cases of a mental roadblock, I dress up n tumble outta the house 4 a spot of tea. Itz amazing what soft jazz music playing in the coffee-hued background n plush sofa seats can do to bring on the deluge of ideas as creative juices permeate my medulla oblongata (is tt my left or right brain?). Fav tea-haunts include TCC, Ikea, McCafe @ the beach (since I stay opp only) n Starbucks (if it ain’t too noisy). As a part extrovert, it helps having people around me even if I may not know them. Strangers, after all, are just friends we haven’t made yet

14) Meet a friend for tea
Having tea n lovin’ it! Ok, the truth is I do this a lot. It’s the budget tai-tai or businesswoman’s brain storm-in-a-teacup session

15) Prepare for evening appointment
I run late for appointments at times cos’ just b4 I step outta the house, a flash of a brilliant idea may strike me like lightning at the most inopportune (last) minute

16) Come back home
“I wanna go ho-o-o-o-me” (michael buble) or “baleh kampo-o-o-ong” (my version)

17) Eat a fruit
Apple or orange?

18) Wash up and brush teeth
Time to make the pearlies happy

19) Check email n chat online

20) Read a bit n turn in by 12 midnight
Cos’ of the late hours I tend to keep since hostel days in NUS, I usually dun sleep til 1am. Which dun help my nose at all now. So must really start from tonight…

Sweet dreamzZz babies!

*-)

Light of The World

2006-11-24T23:45:00.000+08:00

A Million Candles

This is the world we live in. And this is the world He came to save.

Jesus, the reason 4 the season.

NSH Goes "Live"

2006-11-19T01:52:00.000+08:00

Life is like a google search - u never know what u're gonna get.

I am on myspace! It all started with Jeff, my neber/ guitarist/ gd fren's hubby who put it up. It was a mixed sensation of excitement tempered with "what if they hate it???" Imagine my surprise then, when I read these reviews on Soft.

;D

Tuesday With Morrie

2006-11-14T18:05:00.000+08:00

It is afterall a Tuesday.

Had tea with Gayathri, like the tai-tais tt we r, at the Pkway Yakun. We were chatting abt the prospect of getting my own place next yr, bank loans n the plight of domestic helpers who often return home, strangers to their own families. But the highlight of the afternoon well spent was something i picked up from MPH, "Tuesdays with Morrie". Was wondering whether I shld add on 2 my already exploding collection of books n more books but this caught my eye:

"Dying", Morrie suddenly said, "is only one thing to be sad over, Mitch. Living unhappily is something else. So many of the people who come to visit me are unhappy."

Why?

"Well, for one thing, the culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. We're teaching the wrong things. And you have to be strong enough to say if culture doesn't work, don't buy it. Create your own. Most people can't do it. They're more unhappy than me - even in my current condition."

That clinched the deal for me as i trotted to the counter with The Illuminary. The world we live in tries to make us feel better abt ourselves through advertising. We will be happier if we get a new car or _____, according to popular consumeristic jingles. Traditional hims (or hers), on the other hand, extoll the virtues of marriage by 30 years old or even the permanent bliss of a 9-6 job. Nobody to come home to? Neh mind cos' nowsadays even your career can be your wife or hubby!

Do I want to get married?
Not to the wrong guy.

Do I want to have a great career?
Not with the wrong job.

2nd best just ain't gonna cut it cos' life is 2 short for rehearsals.

"Aiya, no such thing as an ideal job lah", they say. Who's the they? "They" who have been there, done tt or "they" who never dared n never tried?

They tell me I'm lucky to have complete autonomy over my own business n (lunch) hours. They who have not known the fear of stepping out, vacillation n self-doubt. I free-lance not cos' I'm free. I am free-spirited.

But the journey has its own rewards. The laughing teenagers, smiling guests n grateful newly weds. Most of all, the joy of creating a new show or materials to influence existing cultural landscapes. Changing mindsets, hearts or even lives.

Thks for touching mine,

Morrie.

Oops, It Did It Again

2006-11-12T22:59:00.000+08:00

My phone tt is.

It re-sends some encouraging smses saved previously n judiciously in my inbox. And it has done tt abt 20 times since last yr. Decided to keep a record of this SSP (Supernatural Starhub Phenomenon). Cos' they usually re-emerge at the right time n right place, n uncannily when I needed it the MOST. Bizarre but in a good way...itz almost s if Someone noes what's going on in my life. Here's one I just received from Jess. It was 1st sent on my b'day, 18-10-2006, 00:02:31.

"Happie birthday, Siao Ling! And may e Lord bless u, enlarge ur territory of faith, love, hope, fruitfulness n gd health n His hand b upon u 2 keep u fr harm n free u fr pain. Jabez prayer."

Amen!

Thk u gal.

Thks Starhub.

Thank YOU, Daddy.

*-)

The Joy of Improv

2006-11-11T22:59:00.000+08:00

Had a really nice time during Gayathri's b'day's party @ Zee's cosy simei joint last nite. So good 2 see the gang again - Khartik, G, Roshini, Jo, Anuja, Zee n Sri. The food was delish, Zee made spaghetti, cheese-tomato, cashew salad n other stuff. I helped cut the bacon, lettuce n tomatoes. There was so much briyani leftover! The whole party ended on a melodrama ard 11+ pm when G's contact lense felt like it kinda got stuck in her rite eye. So we all zipped dwn 2 the nearby CGH only 2 find out the wait @ the A&E wld b at least 2 hrs. The solution? Teh-tarik at Bedok Sempang - thks 2 Rosh, 4 being the willing (enslaved) driver! ;D

Just got back from a jam session @ Bukit Timah with Jeff n the rest. It was really fun just doing the improvisations, like a rock version for "O, Come O Ye Faithful". Haha. Be cool. Be original. Even if it's just improv. Like these peeper.

Canon in C

Am I the only gal who wants to marry this pianist - without even seeing his face??? Ok, the next one is 4 all the Mario fans out thr. This guitar dude is able to replicate the entire host of sound effects for Mario Brothers, level 1. Go figure.

Mario Guitarist

N if u just can't get enuff, here r some child prodigies.

Marimba Ponies

Ok, ttz it. I'm gonna learn how 2 play the guitar -

N put it on YouTube.

Flushed Away

2006-11-10T00:40:00.000+08:00

The rhinitis was acting up more than usual this week. Just when I thought all my hopes of recovery hv been flushed away, gawd shows me a miracle.

I am NOT going down!

Ps. Hugh Jackman never fails to deliver even in an animated movie. His brit accent was a real keeler. *drool*

"I Not Elite!"

2006-11-08T15:50:00.000+08:00

Shamus suggested tt I do another roadshow to address the issue of elitism - tell them this: "being able to study well and produce excellent academic results is only one facet of being a human being. it doesn't necessarily mean you are complete. you still need to learn about other things in order to be human."

I think I can cover that in "Something About U".

And it's definitely not elitism tt necessarily makes a person shine.

Looking forward!

Something About U (yes - you!)

2006-11-07T00:34:00.000+08:00

Yup, that's the tittle for the new roadshow I decided on Sunday for the pre-tertiary institutes. N guess what is the tittle of my daily devotion today?

There Is Just Something About You
Isaiah 60:1
1 Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

People might have said to you, “Why are you so lucky?” or “You seem to be looking younger and younger,” or “There is so much bad news these days. Yet, you seem untroubled by them.”

Now, the people of the world don’t have spiritual discernment. So they can only go by your physical appearance, your behaviour and what happens to you. In other words, if they notice something different about you, it’s because they see the evidence of God’s glory on your life — in your family and work life, health and finances.

Your friends and colleagues may have told you that you stand out from the rest as though a spotlight were on you. And, truly, this is so because of Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27) When God’s glory is upon you, you become a heavyweight, even if you are not eloquent. I should know. I stuttered and stammered right up to my teens. So when your words change people’s lives, you know it is not you, it is the Lord.

You don’t have to be a straight-A student, or be able to speak Queen’s English. You may be uncouth like the disciple Peter, but when the glory of God has risen upon you, and you stand up and preach, 3,000 people get saved! (Acts 2:14–41) What is important is that God gives weight to what you say.

You might be a nobody, like Joseph, a slave cast aside and forgotten in a dungeon. Yet, the greatest king on earth at that time sought him out to have him interpret his dreams. In other words, God will give to you answers that the people of the world do not have.

Maybe it is your hands — when you lay hands on the sick, they recover. Maybe it is your ability to give counsel that is spot on, or your ability to speak into their future with a word of knowledge or word of wisdom from God.

“The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 60:3) My friend, when you see this happening, it is because the people of the world are drawn to the glory of the Lord which has risen upon you!

The Aunty in Purple

2006-11-07T00:15:00.000+08:00

Not me lah! ;D

Burn The Floor Roadshow

2006-11-04T00:37:00.000+08:00

Taken at J8 during the roadshow for Burn The Floor in March this year. Just got the photos 2day. Made me wish I cld dance like these pple:

They came, they danced, they left a blazing trail! *WOW*

Isn't she such a DarLing????

I think she wants to dance with Trent... :p

Sooo, baby, do u think u can dance???

;D

More Than A Tolkien Hope

2006-11-03T00:05:00.000+08:00

I dedicate these poems judiciously swiped from George's email n Nic's blog 2 my dear friend, Shamus (pl pay attention to the highlighted words - just 4 chew):

All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king.

- JRR Tolkien

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves:
"Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?"
Actually, who are you not to be these things?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightening about shrinking
so that other people around you won't feel insecure.
We are all meant to shine as children do.
We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically releases others.

- Marianne Williamson

I think I'm learning the joy of that...Beauty for ashes.

Do u believe in coincidences or predestination? Had smsed a friend earlier in the afternoon to meet in the evening cos' Tams n I were gonna visit a friend around his area. The reply came much later when I reached Beauty World. "Paiseh, just woke up. Delirious from fever." Aiyo, dun sound 2 good. "Maybe we can get him dinner on our way to Aisha's place? U think?" Tams nodded sagely n added, "Wah, scully he stays at the same place as Aisha." Aisha is a friend returning 2 the States next Wed so she had a farewell thingy at her place for the Tuesters. Minutes later, a sense of familiarity seized me like an old friend when we walked into her estate. "Eh, I think Vincent lives here also leh." I exclaimed. "Really? Ask him which blk." Tams was 2 bz hunting down lobby 4 2 fully partake of my sharkeded joy.

As His sense of humour wld hv it, they stay in the SAME blk. He's just one floor directly under! *faint*

Gawd, Chew vin!

I Am Set On High

2006-11-02T09:47:00.000+08:00

I happened to be in SMU yest with a friend, Tams. It was pretty much an impromptu thing as we hopped off the bus n charged across the road in the face of oncoming traffic. When we made it safely down to the basement of one of the blocks and was sauntering towards the Kopitiam, I was accosted by a leaflet-distributing guy, "Win Free movie tickets by listening to SMUBE". I took it n started sniggering uncontrollably, tickled by the (hopeful) fact that I still look like a student. Come to think of it, I always look like a student when I do roadshows in the skoo uniform what! What talk me?!! *tsk, tsk*

After gloating adequately, we settled down at the Kopitiam. Tams ordered yindian cuisine while I was happy 2 just sip my piping hot chrysanthemum n reminisce the days I was still with TYS n training SMU e-mentors for the CRuSH forum. The topic was "Online Communication With Teenagers". It was really fun just sharing some of my personal experiences n anecdotes with the young peeps altho some were surfing on their lappies (think i no noe huhhhhh). It's true nonetheless, SMU students are different 2 some extent. Less bookish n more expressive. One of the participants even wrote me a note after the session, thanking me. Yeeling, I think was her name. Lively n friendly girl...wonder how she's doing nw. :)

Was sharing with Tams how I felt like just taking a break from what I am doing or giving up entirely. I mean, does God even noe the health struggles I m having? But I woke up this morning and decided to start the day rite and anchor myself in His love for me. Read my daily devotion n was much encouraged:

Set Your Love Upon Jesus

Psalm 91:14 14
Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

A woman came to Jesus with an alabaster flask containing very costly fragrant oil, and poured the oil on His head when He was in a house in Bethany. (Matthew 26:6–7) She did this because she loved the Lord. She had set her love upon Him.

But those who were present considered what she did a great waste because the oil could have been sold for an amount equal to one year’s wages, and the money given to the poor instead. Even Jesus’ disciples were indignant and asked her, “Why this waste?” (Matthew 26:8)
But Jesus defended her, saying, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me.” (Matthew 26:10) Not only that, He accorded her the highest honour when He added, “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” (Matthew 26:13) Two thousand years have passed since this woman anointed Jesus with the expensive oil. She never expected, in her wildest imaginations, that her act of love would be told down through the ages. Many kings and rulers have come and gone. Their great acts have faded from the memories of men. But what this woman did for Jesus is still told today around the world as a memorial to her!

When you set your love upon Jesus and act out of love for Him, though others may see it as a waste of time, energy or money (my mother seems to think so), He will defend you and deliver you from your critics (worst critic - myself). He will also set you on high (ya, I wanna have my office on a high flr with sea-view). Your ministry will become powerful and life-changing (amen! send me helpers, Lord). Your work will be highly esteemed among your peers (aiya, I dun need their esteem, moral support can already - 4 nw). Your company will be prominent and highly successful (yeah! OH! Entertainment goes IPO). And it will not just be a job that you have, but a position to influence and impact many lives (open heaven, open hearts!). So set your love upon Jesus. Make Him the love of your life today. And He will deliver you (from ALL my nasal inflammation, jaw n tongue probs) and set you on high!

Halle~moo~ja!

Still Waiting

2006-11-01T23:22:00.000+08:00

Beginnings are always painful.

Especially if u hv to end something b4 that. The need 4 closure. Why love if the end seems incipient from the start? Giving appears risky in the face of rejection. The lack of reciprocation is frightening yet real.

Then why love?

Because we are fashioned to give and receive love. Not the way Hollywood parades it like some kind of rotting flesh trophy when it's all about "ME" n instant self-gratifying transactions.

The urge to be admired n lauded drives many men into the arms of the 24/7 lovers online. Nvm the fact u may not feel the warmth of her virtual embrace 2nite as the cyber male succumbs to the siren's call n dissolves into a mass of futile limbs. The Atrophy of Samson. Another one bites the dust.

The ache to be cradled and called "beautiful" wields a greater allure than vigilant reminders of vile intentions tt lurk within the labyrinth chatroom. "Just call me Baby n I am yours", sings the broken-down-tape-recorder refrain of a lass desperate for a tall, dark stranger. Serendipity Tonight Dawns. STD only, if u're lucky.

At what price? At what cost?

As Delilah systematically emasculates fine young men with every click n young virgins r ravished with mere sweet words that don't mean a thing, desire is reduced 2 a bottomless pit, an abyss. It offers no respite nor reprieve for the thirsty soul tt longs to behold real beauty n drink deep.

A broken cistern cannot fill another.

I can only satiate myself with -

Him.

November Goes Marketing

2006-10-31T11:09:00.000+08:00

Nature abhors a void.

Been feeling a wee bit empty as October draws 2 an initial tentative, then, final close. It's like I've been on a perpetual high the past month n nw my feet are landing back on earth with a loud thud. EarthLing Chong!!!

But I realise this feeling of sadness is:

1) temporal,
2) a mere withdrawal symptom,
3) a signal to move on AND a sign of better things to come.

Pl dun misunderstand. I love the youth n hv had loadsa fun engaging them whether at roadshows or other events since last year. The funny thing was I had started out wanting 2 address working adults on themes of alienation (some say "ah-lienation"), purpose n destiny. But in a strange way n in His timing - 2 years later (inclusive 5 mth copywriting stint late 05), I m now moving on to the corporate scene to charter new terrain with "The Ling Theme Show" n "The Ling Show." The latter is open to public.

Scarey? VERY

Exciting? You bet!

Impossible? Emphatic "NO"

For ALL things with Daddy God are Himpossible. Look at Olivia Lum, the lady behind Hyflux. When Olivia 1st came to Singapore, she had close to nuthin'. But when she started hearing abt how much God loves her thro Pastor Prince, things kinda got outta control.

"Ask n u shall receive
Knock n it shall b open 2 u
Seek n u shall find"

N that's what marketing a product is really all about!

I just heard my friend, Mark Nair from my ex-church on the brown show. Qai farnee!

Mebe itz tyme to do my own pokecast - can be a gd marketing tool oso, u noe?

Fly, Butterfly Gal, Fly!

2006-10-30T00:33:00.000+08:00

Made some new frenz last nite, Vincent's actually - Philip, Nicholas n Ansley.

I was impressed tt at the young age of 16 & 17 respectively, they already had clear notions on what to do with Days of Their Lives. Pastorial Philip was drooling at the prospect of starting a family "eventually" (never 2 early 4 planned parenthood) while Nic the poet waxed lyrical abt changing the Malaysian literary scene. Go 4 it guys! Felt a certain kindredness n reasonance. Must b the Malaysian connection since I was born thr? Malaysia, Truly Asia... ;-)

Found out also tt 2 of my "ou xiangs", Liang Wen Fook n Mr Brown were from Hwa Chong!!!!! *Sharkeded look* Following the bizarre revelation was the even more bizarre unpremeditated sharing of my life story (in part) over dinner in Suft n Tuft @ Funan. Was so ji dong tt I burst in2 tears at one point. Perhaps, I was just very moved at the reminder of Daddy God's faithfulness in all details of my life, BIG n small. While there r the mundane earthly struggles, guess He loves me too much to leave me s the b* trying to be a butterfly huh. ;P

Dog & Butterfly - a folk song by Heart

There I was with the old man
Stranded again so off I'd ran
A young world crashing around me
No possibilities of getting what I need
He looked at me and smiled
Said "No, no, no, no, no child.

Chorus:
See the dog and butterfly.
Up in the air he liked to fly.
Dog and butterfly
Below she had to try.
She roll back down to the warm soft ground laughing
She don't know why, she don't know why
Dog and butterfly

Well I stumbled upon your secret place
Safe in the trees you had tears on your face
Wrestling with your desires frozen strangers
Stealing your fires
The message hit my mind
Only words that I could find

Chorus

Bridge:
We're getting older the world's getting colder
For the life of me I don't know the reason why
Maybe it's livin' making us give in
Hearts rolling in taken back on the tide
We're balanced together ocean upon the sky

Another night in this strange town
Moonlight holding me light as down
Voice of confusion inside of me
Just begging to go back where I'm free
Feels like I'm through
Then the old man's words are true

Chorus

N cos' He has set me free, I am free 2 spread my wings indeed!

The Language of Love

2006-10-27T10:28:00.000+08:00

There r a thousand other things I shld b doing even as I m typing this rite nw. N there are a thousand n one things I shld be worried about, such as, the ongoing inflammation of my nasal passages which has been making it hard to speak n sing the past week. Ironically, it seemed to get worse when the haze cleared up. But I really shld noe better than focus on these lying symptoms. If I believe God is real (n He is), I shld just quit worrying abt it n do The One Thing ttz really necessary n stop freaking out over my health, dreams n future. Today's devotion is really apt too. A Rema word for a prolonged season of pain - healing n the Holy Communion.

On days like these, i really feel like giving up. On gawd, myself and my dreams. But what else can I do? Other than being true to how I was made n made 4, I can't bring myself to pursue any alternate calling than using my voice to speak n (hopefully) inspire youths, young adults n even jaded CEOs. For tt reason alone, I must press on n rest in His love n promises 4 me. That He is in the process of restoring my soul n body...That no weapon or inflammation formed against me shall have its way...For what can separate us from the love of Daddy God? Not even my imperfections, I'm afraid. Heng ah.

The resilience of life, even when life seems to pull the stops on us.

When I stepped in2 the living room last nite, my mom was watching Shoot II (you hua zhi shuo). This lady being interviewed was talking abt how inspite of her cancer she chose 2 fight on. Disregarding her pain, she took on menial jobs with meagre pay, being not very highly educated. Dispelling thoughts of suicide, she persevered 4 her 3 kids. The hosts of the programme then contrasted this spirit of resilience with the recent case of a man jumping onto the MRT track cos' he felt he cldn't provide for his family. According 2 sources, he was counting on the tragic act to jolt the generous public in2 helping his kids when he's gone for gd. When quizzed, the lady admitted she'd dallied with such an option in her mind but banished the thought when she cld not bear to subject her loved ones to the post-trauma n guilt tt suicide brings. "They need their mother more than the money," she cried out.

That for me, hit the nail on the head.

The pressure for most parents to be a lean, mean economic machine in Singapore is very real, to say the least, esp for men. The value of life has thus depreciated while we misappreciate the "finer" things in life, ie, the 5Cs. As a result, the currency of love has become what Daddy n Mommy can buy instead of what they can give - TIME & LOVE. "But I work hard to give my babies a better life what!" protests well-meaning, albeit deluded parents. *Chope, chope* Do u mean better material standard of LIVING or quality of LIFE? Itz like this folks:

1) Do u live to work or do u work to live?
2) Do u hv children to enjoy them or do u have children 2 define them as a burden?

Children r a blessing to be enjoyed, not to be stressed out over or worse, a punching bag for your own expectations n insecurities. Helo, helo!!!! You ren zai jia mah????

When we use the carrot vs stick (featherduster in my case when i was growing up) towards our children, the implicit but unmistakable message is this: "Kiddo, Lau Pa n Lau Ma only love you when u perform. So try harder and come back again ok? Next!" My question is - how can any young person already struggling with the issue of self n identity, grow up in an environment that does not breed a healthy sense of security n unconditional love? Little wonder the ones in the better schools become obsessed with perfectionism while those in the not so academically-driven institutions act out in other ways, such as BPC (Beyond Parental Control) behaviour. Who is ultimately responsible? The system? The gahmen? The skool? Or the parents?

As a non-parent, my heart goes out 2 those who have to fend for their young ones in a creative (read: unpredictable) ecomony and still be concerned about their education. But let's not delude ourselves in thinking that ALL our expectations are GOOD 4 our children. Some of these standards r but expectations we have internalised from OUR own parents. Believing tt these r our own expectations, we project them on GUESS_WHO??? Our kids! The cycle repeats itself endlessly like a looney washing machine unless someone wakes up and says, "Ok enuff, I'm going to let my kid pick the subjects, CCAs and career that suit him best. N NO guilt trips even if he fails."

This poem always brings tears to my eyes. It's called "A Stranger Passed By" - for all the parents out there. Cos' it's really not what you can do 4 your children, more than it's abt speaking your child's love language. N tt for them is simply knowing they matter to you, whether they get 100% or 49%, it shldn't have to matter ultimately-

"Nothing's gonna change my love 4 u,
u oughta noe how much I love u,
one thing u can be sure of,
you can always count on my love."

Njoy!

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh, excuse me Please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too;
Wasn't even watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said good-bye.
But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,

My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
He walked away, his little heart was broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,
"While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use,
But the children you love, you seem to abuse.

Look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood quietly not to spoil the surprise,
and you never saw the tears in his eyes."

By this time, I felt very small, and now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little boy, wake up," I said.
"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"

He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.
I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."

She said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway."
I said, "I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

"Are you aware that: If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family -- an unwise investment indeed.

So what is behind the story?
You know what is the full word of family?
FAMILY= (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER, (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU!

Isn't that neat? Fill life with love and bravery and we shall live a life uncommon."

Love u, Mom!

;D

Hippo & Dog

2006-10-25T23:54:00.000+08:00

If u think this is farnee...

The Lion Sleeps 2nai Version

Vait til chew c the Bollywood wersion varn - i laff dao peng!

The Bollywood Version (or if u prefer, inVersion)

Eh, varch wee me leh. i gee *****!!!!!!

Super Farnee NTU Indian Lecturer

2006-10-25T18:20:00.000+08:00

Was a little under the weather but this guy made my day.

I like Indian men but this one totally takes the cake lah!!!!!!!!! Wahahaha.
Hmmm...mebe i shld do smthg with the feedback forms I hv amassed over the year for "I Not Ugly"...Wahahahaha. Some of the comments are REALLY quite farneeeeeeee!!!

Namarie: A Hwa Chong Farewell

2006-10-24T01:59:00.000+08:00

Haha, just kinda got back from the Hwa Chong Sec 4 Batch Dinner.

It was a hilarious n adrenaline-pulsating evening. I think I was laughing/ giggling/ hyperventilating throughout, except when they showed the memorable montage n the whole batch started belting out "Amigos Para Siempre." The climax was when the 460 sixteen yr-old voices crescendoed at the end, taking the evening to a possibly higher note...;-D But it was really heartwarming to witness n soak up the palpable contagious camaraderie amongst the boys via osmosis. In that sense, same sex skools have the advantage of a greater, more cohesive, gendered bonding. Take it from this IJ gal. "Saltwater" also brought back a deluge of memories. One of my friends back in Katong Convent, Gerri used to love it n we'd sing along as with "Seasons In The Sun" n "Those Were The Days." Real retro sia, in restrospect. The song sung by the boy band at the beginning of the dinner, "God Bless The Broken World" was also beautiful, with good vocals n southern drawl to boot. Magician, ballon swallower, accoustic echo boys, roman arm wrestler, flamboyant models n even a William Hung lookalike - you name it, Hwa Chong has it!

It was indeed an inexplicable joy to be part of the Hwa Chong boys' lives, one way or the other. But kudos to the 33rd Hwa Chong Institution Students' Council (hi skool) for pouring in their sweat, tears n blood (???) so unreservedly to ensure the clock-work precision of the operation n log. U guys are phenomenal! Can mobilise u all to plan my wedding next time liao...lol. Joke, hor, joke. ;-p

Portraits of a Mooooo-ving Evening

Namarie - A farewell 2 remember.

Best wishes, guys!

*-)

My 20 Something Birthday

2006-10-19T00:17:00.000+08:00

Am listening to Corrinne May's The Answer on her X'mas album. Unfortunately, this biggest fan is unable to attend her Christmas concert at the Esplanade on 17th Dec cos' I will be at Northern Thailand, Nong Khai! Arrgh! The only comfort I have is that both of us will be performing "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" and sharing the love of Christ this merry season, albeit on different stages and parts of the world. Will be in Thailand with the band from 13th - 20th Dec. The actual performance is from Fri to Sunday where traffic will be highest at the shopping mall. Featuring a mix of jazz, worship and originals, the band comprises Jeff on bass, Rong Zhao on guitar, Daphne on keyboard & a thai personnel on drums. Based on the 1st session yest, it looked promising already...;-)

My 20 something b'day was yest - 18th Oct. I usually kinda do an introspective inventory based on what has happened over the year since the last birthday. Can still remember my ex-colleagues at the ad agency celebrating 4 me then with yummy egg tarts. After leaving those nice people in jan '06, it's been a roller coaster ride or rather exciting (read: harrowing) journey with God. This October, particularly has been a real fun platter of wedding gigs, hosting assignments, school roadshow n talks. Had a fab time at St Hilda's on tues and m now looking forward 2 the "reunion dinner" with the Hwa Chong High School guys next Monday at Hilton. Itz gona b a riot sia! ;-D

So what did the b'day gal actually do? Had a nice steak with the nebers, Jeff n Tammy at Jack's Place 4 lunch. After that was the band prac. Went for a seminar in the evening with Jen but kept nodding off so ended up in Cartel @ PS with 2 old friends, Jess and Jo. Jess took some real nice pics so I shld b uploading them soon once I get them. All in all, a great week and b'day. A big THANK YOU 2 all my friends who either called, emailed or smsed to wish me. Indeed, I am much loved and life at 25 ++ can only get better, not bitter.

Thank U, Abba 4 the past year n a renewed lease of hope, faith and breakthroughs!

Blessed to be a blessing -

in His love & mine,
Beloved Ling

World Mental Health Day Carnival 2006

2006-10-15T01:59:00.000+08:00

It started out being a real hazy Saturday. It was so bad I cld hv sworn I saw it in the kitchen. That left me with only one last resort b4 I stepped outta the house - THE mask. The farnee n fun thing abt wearing the mask is triple-pronged:

1) people stare at u like nobody's bizness
2) but no matter how hard they stare, they still duno who u r, n
3) bcos they duno who u r, u can smirk all u want behind the mask without being detected

Ahhhh, the sheer bliss of blatant anonymity. Heh. The only downer is that no one knows your true emotions either. As I walked past one of the void decks, a small Indian boy popped out of nowhere with his soccer ball. He stared at me for as long as he could without appearing socially intrusive b4 reluctantly resuming the game with his even smaller brother. I grinned broadly at him until I realised - dang, he can't see my toothy grin. Then as I was crossing the road, a car slowed down for me. I smiled but again, it was futile. I cld only register my appreciation with the wave of my hand. The mask was beginning to be a party pooper. As I plodded on determinedly towards the bus stop, it then struck me. Haze not withstanding, most of us go around with masks. Fearing rejection, sometimes it seems alot easier to hide behind a projected self and get through the banality of life with little or no complexity. It works to some extent but unfortunately we'll never know how much more fulfilling life wld hv turned out. By just being real to ourselves, our loved ones and those around us.

Sobering insight for me even as I went on that afternoon to host a segment for the World Mental Health Day Carnival 2006 at The National Library. Comprising several booths represented by Health Promotion Board, Silver Ribbon, Singapore Association of Mental Health, ATOM, Caregivers' Association, Youth Reach & a few others, I was heartened by the genuine enthusiasm of these volunteers who made the time to generate public awareness on mental health. The highlight for me was probably the oil painting and Cultural Mosiac displays done by the mentally ill. The unadulterated beauty of every brush stroke n painstaking artistic touch belied the ugliness of an extenuating condition often hidden from the public eye and battled through alone. True colours indeed.

It wasn't before long I'd made new friends with the warm people of Silver Ribbon and signed up for it. Not unlike the yellow ribbon, itz only our perception of the mentally ill that imprisons those who suffer. There's also Youth Reach "to partner children / youths with mental health challenges and their families to empower them to achieve their goals and to live in a safe, caring and inclusive community."

Though itz hard coming out to seek help, I'd rather live life without a mask.

Haze or no haze.

:-D

My Bollywood Bash

2006-10-08T23:24:00.000+08:00

My Bollywood friends gave me an early b'day bash so here are zee fotos. Thanks for that fab lunch, folks, the cake was great too n the special appearance by Ros (thks 4 the exquisite glass earrings gal) was a bonus. U all are such darlings!! But the icing on the cake, we unanimously agreed had to be the cute Nepalese waiter. Zee, did u get his no??? :P...

The awful truth

2006-09-27T23:17:00.000+08:00

My neighbours, Jeff and Tammy rented this dvd called "The Awful Truth" by a guy called Michael Moore. He may not be a super star but he's a super snoopin' American satirist behind Fahrenheit 9/11, an Academy Award-winning "searing examination of the Bush administration's actions in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11". On "The Awful Truth" Moore goes around NY n other parts of the city to give the low down on corrupted government practices n social injustices. He even once had a guy play "dead" in 3 countries, Canada, Britain & USA at the same time. The winning country wld hv the 1st person going over to the "victim" to see if he were OK. Guess which country won??? If we conducted the same survey in Singapore, passer-bys will probably think the guy was trying to chope car-park space for his gf.

Should guns be banned? Meet pete, the anti-gun mascot! He's sure one friendly son-of-a-gun...

Stop Child Porn

2006-09-26T15:50:00.000+08:00

Have you lit yours 2day?

How to remove the sting from the ray

2006-09-25T17:54:00.000+08:00

Say that again?

2006-09-23T03:04:00.000+08:00

I am very happy. Audrey came to Meze to support me last nite. Her friend said I look younger than them. They are 25 so that means I look, what, 18???? Ok, dun push it , Ling, dun push it. I neh. Am just very tired. Some drunk Irish came to the wine bar. With their hearty lungs, you can hear them brawling a mile off. But they were quite nice, bought us drinks when we did Bob Dylan's "Blowing In The Wind". I ordered a fruit punch. One of them got kinda carried away and refused to leave the stage and kept muttering something about Johnny Cash. But he did a very solid cover of Wonderwall by Oasis. Which reminds me, wanna learn Yellow by Coldplay. Tanya's version rawks! Gosh it's really late...3am. But I got this habit of reading a few pages before my shuteye. Currently reading "The Spirit of Success" by Norman Drummond. He asks these 3 questions in his bk on connecting the heart to the head:

1)Who are u?
2) Why are you living and working in the way that you are?
3) What might you yet become and do with your life?

If I may sum myself up, it's probably this -

1) I am an inspirational entertainer.
2) I live to inspire and inspire to live.
3) I might become Singapore's first inspirational interactive entertainer & do a world tour but when all the layers of make-up have been peeled away, I am but the beloved child of God.

Ask yourself these questions and share with us...goodnite...*-)

It's not easy being an IJ girl

2006-09-22T13:51:00.000+08:00

The Sunday Times is in hot, spicy, tom yam soup.

Allegedly. For alleging that "IJ girls' is a generalisation for girls who study in CHIJ schools and who like to hem their school uniforms real short, wear their belts real low on the hips, and are allegedly easy when it comes to the opposite sex" (17th Sep). True or false (Please refer to pic for verification of mortifying dress conduct)? I have a confession to make. For lurid details, do NOT scroll down.

As a true, er, blue convent gal, I thought I should come clean about my past before the press beats me to it. Remember the highly publicised and romanticised Bridge of Love that linked KC to St Pat's? Well, it did nothing to connect my soul OR body to the "brother" school across the road. Rumours were rife, however, then that some KC girls wld meet SP guys at the neighbouring block. It is unclear as to whether their taste has now extended to VS farther down the road. The interesting thing was - I NEVER got an invite. Simply because I never got round to asking which block, what time and what to wear for the tea party. Though one strongly suspects the dress code would have a been a frills-free and skool-u affair, somehow those guys were just not my spot of tea. It might have something to do with the traumatic incident where a SPS(pecimen) spat like a MERLION in front of me at the bus stop and I basically lost my mind for the next 10 mins.

Suffice to say, this up close and personal gesture left such an indelible mark that even the sound of a lizard clearing its throat innocently can still send shivers down my spine. Nothing against St Pat's tho, if I ever bear a son I may consider sending him there. Then again there are plenty of good boys' schools around. Hwa Chong is definitely one of them! I remember the drama when my folks tried to transfer me to Tao Nan Primary when I was going onto P4. I went ballistic on the kitchen floor cos' in my little mind's eye, I'd perceived myself as a KC girl. Nothing more, nothing less. My sister on the other hand went to RGS and look how she turned out. Ok, joke, joke. She's fine but we are worlds apart. Shipping excites her while I'd rather be a singer on a star cruise or something. Oh btw, did I mention we are doing "I Not Ugly!" for RGS, Corrinne May's alma mata, in October? Wohoo!

But I digress. As the prestigious and privileged postion holder of PE monitor for the class, I had more pressing concerns on my mind than nabbing the vaguely cute Maris Stella boy in my tuition class. Concerns such as, "jaga-ing" everybody's precious wallets during PE and leading them in rigorous warm-ups with my then accomplice, Zee who is now currently accomplice to AGC. These officious duties were executed simultaneously under the watchful eye and loud mouth of our caring PE teacher. "Eh, PE monitor, better do properly, if not I will SIT ON YOU!" A heavy weight champion of at least 100 kg, such a threat was not to be dismissed lightly. When we weren't busy fending off PE teachers throwing their weight around, KC girls were being developed artistically through Book & Music Week. A really happening yearly event where writing, drama, song and dance were celebrated in almost every imaginable form in the classrooms and the hall. But it was really the inter-class competition (think Survivor-Amazing Race) that spurred us on relentlessly as my chairwoman resorted to dressing up as a mermaid in sec 2 to win the judges' hearts. Needless to say, we won and she went on to marry an ang moh merman some years later. There was also our very own Arts Festival, years before the national one was implemented by the gahmen.

So in short, like that where got time, resources or energy to give the boys an easy or difficult time??? Not that we would even if we had 25 hours a day. At that young and impressionable age, it was already inculcated in us that women had a pertinent role to play in society and deserved their own identity. "Don't aim to just become the president's wife. Be the president!" I think a nun with apolitical ambitions said that during school assembly. It stuck.

The truth is, ladies and gentlemen, you can take a girl outta the convent but you can never take the convent out of the girl. As our school badge displays, "Simple dans ma vertu, forte dans mon devoir." Simple in virtue, Steadfast in duty. Proud to be an IJ girl and lovin' it!!!!

If I got daughter, sure send her there.

Out of Control

2006-09-22T11:52:00.000+08:00

My friend, Mr Kenneth Koh rawks! A performance 4 the NJC talent time last aug.

I was the back-up bimbo. It's a bit dark but I am identifiable by the big hair.

Enjoy!

2006-09-21T14:11:00.000+08:00

Ingenious Parrot

I think I finally met my match.

Squawk!

Nosing around...

2006-09-20T15:51:00.000+08:00

I was feeling really rotten about the pain in my nose, ie, rhinitis one afternoon. After making a mad dash home from the library in the rain with my puny umbrella, I was prompted to vist to corrinne may's blog. Guess what I found?

Was so touched that I forgot my chronic suffering in the momentary light of eternal hope...

So hang in there, wherever u r, my friend - pain, disappointment, heartache or self-doubt...we r all in this together...

Where there is life, there is hope. We'll miss you, Samuel Tan. Tho I never knew u personally, I m glad u caught "I Not Ugly" last year & I made u smile (hopefully). U may have lost to dengue but u hv not lost your legacy.

Tens for making a difference...*hugz*

Ling & Ling

2006-09-14T18:15:00.000+08:00

Pics taken at a friend's wedding dinner (fotos n 1st 2 captions compliments of Tammy)

"Ling the Mama-san "

"Ling the scary movie"

"Chee Ling (the radiant bride) & Siao Ling (the radiant chipmunk)"

So guess who's not married?!!! Dear gawd, please intervene...some 1.8m british indian who plays jazz guitar wld b good. Heh, now u noe y i m not married. Yet. ;P

Tho I must say sometimes we do cross paths with people who are an ominous fore-shadowing of Mr or Miss Rite. Like this tall, Indian Mauritian guy I met when singing at Meze Bar, Mandarin Hotel on Friday. He kinda plonked himself on the seat next to mine & struck up a conversation when I was getting my ginger ale from the bar. He was cute alrite but I dispelled any funky notions by saying that I did youth work and was very "perturbed by the problems among the youth, esp the flagrant rise of HIV & Aids." The poor chap probably realised he wasn't gonna get lucky, so he slunk in2 the nite. Not without leaving me his namecard and sales pitch, "Come and visit our hotel with your husband during your honeymoon!"

There was another bloke I met before xmas in 04 at Coffee Bean, Borders. A british guy, really witty. We totally connected on the intellectual level as topics ran the gamut from social to political. However, to his horror (& mine), I didn't approve of premarital relations. "Boring!" he pouted and promptly stormed off after we split at the doby ghuat kopitiam 6 months later when we met for the 2nd & last time.

Like I always tell the galz when I go do the roadshows or talks:

If he can't wait till marriage, then he's probably NOT worth the wait!!!

In the meantime, boys & galz, keep yourself meaningfully occupied if zee hormones r raging. Time to go jogging with my neighbour, Tammy! Mebe I will "lunga" (run in2) a cute guy jogging in the opp direction. Or mebe a dog will "lunga" me.

O gawd, prease let the dog b cute 2!!!!!

;P

Soup Spoon, Anyone?

2006-07-12T16:35:00.000+08:00

Warning: This afternoon dialogue is strictly not 4 intellects!! ;P

HELP: where can i buy cushion for swivel chair huh? says:
chew wanna verk at soup spoon?

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
no leh

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
hahahhah

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
vai chew ask

HELP: where can i buy cushion for swivel chair huh? says:
i looking at their vebsai

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
hahhaha

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
vai chew looking at their vehsai

HELP: where can i buy cushion for swivel chair huh? says:
yesterday was at raffles city

HELP: where can i buy cushion for swivel chair huh? says:
but no soup spoon

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
chew hungry har

HELP: where can i buy cushion for swivel chair huh? says:
cos reno

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
ya loh

HELP: where can i buy cushion for swivel chair huh? says:
thot if chew verk there, then chew can steal soup for me mah

HELP: where can i buy cushion for swivel chair huh? says:
den i can drink flee soup

HELP: where can i buy cushion for swivel chair huh? says:
it's oveys abt personal benefits lah

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
"vaiter, thrz a flea in my soup"

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
"sir, itz flee varn, dun weri"

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
"i varn 2 speak 2 yo manager"

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
"sari sir, he nart flee"

Gd things r gonna happen 2 me says:
WAAHHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHA

HELP: where can i buy cushion for swivel chair huh? says:
"chew beta flee from the scene naw, or i vill kew chew"

HELP: where can i buy cushion for swivel chair huh? says:
hey, put that on chor brog. weri farnee.

Chew gart served!
;D

I Am Singaporean

2006-07-11T15:59:00.000+08:00

Confessions of An Ex-Convent Gal

My name is Zhang Xiao Ling, not Mo Xiao Ling.

My 12th b’day fell on the last day of my PSLE. When my parents wanted to transfer me to Toa Nan Primary School, I nearly cry dao si. :(

I had my first Arts Festival in KC. They say you can take the girl outta the convent but you can never take the convent outta her. Nowadays, I keep my belt on, especially my seat belt. If not, fine $200.

I talk and laugh very loudly. Singaporean men cannot take it. I am not a SPG. I prefer Indian men. Chinese also can. *joke*

I hate the bra ads that have proliferated all over the island. I am not a sex object. I am NOT an object.

I am an inspirational entertainer. My Ah Ma say got purpose, no CPF = no use. I tell her now creative economy, must follow your heart. When married, then follow husband. ;D

I left the rat race because even if I win, I’m still a rat. I rather be Dumbo the Elephant. Let them laugh, at least when I fly, I will have the last laugh.

I’m thankful to God, the gahmen and my parents. When they correct me, it’s out of love.

But sometimes, I feel nobody understands me. Sometimes, I feel abandoned.

When I was 12, I found out I was adopted. My biological parents sold char kuay teow and gambled. But I understand because I studied E Lang and Soci in NUS.

Maybe, I should go back to Malaysia and look for them. But I will never forget my roots.

I am Singaporean.

I Am Canadian

2006-07-11T15:54:00.000+08:00

It was done 4 a beer ad but also served as a dig at the americans 4 their misconceptions of canadians.

Really cool! Check it out!!!

The transcript:

Hey, I'm not a lumberjack, or a fur trader....
I don't live in an igloo or eat blubber, or own a dogsled....
and I don't know Jimmy, Sally or Suzy from Canada,
although I'm certain they're really really nice.

I have a Prime Minister, not a president.
I speak English and French, not American.
And I pronounce it 'about', not 'a boot'.

I can proudly sew my country's flag on my backpack.
I believe in peace keeping, not policing,
diversity, not assimilation,
and that the beaver is a truly proud and noble animal.
A toque is a hat, a chesterfield is a couch,
and it is pronounced 'zed' not 'zee', 'zed' !!!!

Canada is the second largest landmass!
The first nation of hockey!
and the best part of North America

My name is Joe!!
And I am Canadian!!!

Superman, Superman, where art thou?!!

2006-07-04T20:14:00.000+08:00

I loved the the movie. I loved the popcorn. Most of all, I loved Snooperman.

I mean, this guy is so super. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders for the woman he loves, the weak, the defenceless - earthLings in other words. His calling is desperately lonely though. Misunderstood by Lois Lane, u can almost hear his superhuman heart break a few times in the movie. Unbearably poignant at some points. Poignant, not pregnant. But pregnant with mystery how Lois bore him a piano-bashing Superboy cos' it was not accounted for in the prequel. Maybe, Superman beamed the Supersperm into her ovaries by just looking at her. Or maybe kissing Superman makes u pregnant. Fwah, risky sia. Boys n galz, dun anyhow kiss ah.

After watching the movie, a girl will invariably ask herself this question, "Who's MY Superman?" He's obviously gotta be of divine lineage, comes from another planet, has super powers and is strong yet gentle (itz not that girls can't make up their minds). "Meek" means possessing GREAT strength which one chooses to harness for good and noble purposes. Actually, come to think of it, the geeky Clark Kent is more my type. Why not? He's kind, a good listener and gives good advice. I held my popcorn and breath when the kryptonite threatened to assail Superman's broad but vulnerable shoulders. And the inevitable struck our 2 hero viciously, throwing him into the pitch black of a callous orbit. Like the Saviour who was pierced on the cross 2000 years ago, they both defied the tombstone of a hospital bed.

Superman Resurrected.

Eh, come and get me leh.

A Hairy Ordeal

2006-07-04T13:00:00.000+08:00

Before

After

Can u spot the products endorsed (unofficially) by me?

Kudos to Tammy, the home salonist @ Blk 28!

;D

Priorities, Priorities & Priorities

2006-06-12T17:08:00.002+08:00

Finally caught Gungfu Hustle at a friend's place in my block during lunch. It was hilarious n had some clever spoofs but just a little over the top. I'd probably rate it 3*. Thot the female lead's beauty n innocence were a comic contrast to our zero-2-hero's wretchedness. Everybody loves a hero but oft we dun see the process and price paid. So the next time someone makes a denigrating comment, just tell him "WIP or Work In Progress!" Kinda like how u feel s if u're drowning in a sea of projects or holiday homework right now. Aren't skool hols supposed 2b fun?!!!

The truth is, my batch back in the pre-war years of 19____ probably had it alot less stressfool but the fear's the same. I remember how we used to scuttle out of the classrooms after a test or exam n promptly do a post-motem on the paper. N if that weren't morbid enuff, I relished the repetitious rounds of mental calculation of what wld b deemed s a reasonable score or outcome 4 the paper. Little did i realise tt in the bigger scheme of things, I cld b merely shortening my own life-span (of cse, back then I'd been quite happy 2 trade in the last few decrepit years of my life for a Donkey in Physics. Sad rite?). While we worked ourselves in2 a shark-feeding frenzy over which top 5 jcs we MUST get in2 (back then 4 me, it had 2 b vj cos it was opposite my house), the most ironic thing was NOBODY in NUS ever asked me which jc i was from. Cos' it simply just didn't matter. What was more impt was we were there n that's all it mattered. The even funnier thing is no one hardly asks which varsity n course u do when u start working. 2 my horror, I concluded that it was impt to discover who u r, what u want and work towards yo dreams. So if u wanna b a doc/lawyer/teacher/engineer, go 4 it. If u wanna b a singer-songwriter, then take music lessons or go 2 La Salle/Berklee. Sometimes i wonder how Corrinne May managed to come so far. Perseverance I guess, really does pay off. Musicians, contrary to popular belief, r disciplined creatures. Entertainers, on the other hand, r a different breed. But that's just my excuse. ;p

Ling's List of things - by June!!!
1. Renew bizness licence asap
2. Finish workshop proposal
3. Market show
4. Write my book
5. Write new songs
6. Get my hosting/singing clips edited for the site
7. Market entertainment services to hotels, wedding planners/boutiques n event companies
8. Revise existing scripts
9. Write new ones, n last but not least
10. START planning my own show

So much 2 do!!! Sigh, i need a secretary or something so I can just focus on conceptualising n performing. Maybe, next year but in the meantime, a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do. All part of character molding I guess. Press on Ling, press on!!!!

But 1st things 1st, my Korean show at 6pm.

WHAT Priorities?

Angel In Disguise

2006-06-11T12:31:00.000+08:00

Gosh, it's l pm and i still haven't left the house yet...Spent the later part of the morning ploughing through the sites n articles on Corrinne May. Crazed fan aside (i already told her i m her BIGGEST fan liao), i'd like to think of it s research since i may be conducting a workshop@RGS n Corrinne is afterall an old RGS gal. Heh. Anyveys, here's a real cute video of some american school choir doing her song "Angel In Disguise". A befitting song 4 their angelic voices...

Better run, looks like it's gonna rain. Maybe some cute guy will give me his jacket.
----------

I'm back!

Well, I didn't exactly run in2 the cute guy with the jacket although it did drizzle. It's funny how u sometimes hv 2b an angel in disguise when u least expect it.Was leaving Giordano with one of my best friends, Gayathri (since KC days) when Zee's mom called. Apparently, she was taken ill with bouts of vomitting and fever. :( Since Zee was overseas, she did the next best thing, which was to call her daughter's friend! :) Cos' the poor Aunty cldn't go to the doc alone with a seriously sprained foot. It sounded pretty bad on the phone so my gal friend the DRAMA MAMA suggested calling an AMBULANCE. U know, like one of those vans with a flashing siren which is really LOUD? Errrr, I don't think so, Gayathri...Aunty just probably needs a helping hand/arm/crutch to the doc that's all. So b4 we knew it, we were in a cab and at Aunty's blk, then the simei mrt clinic in less than an hour. The doc was really professional and thorough. For only 20 bucks!! Rating:*****

After dinner, it was about 9pm when I helped Aunty back her nearby flat. Washed up some of the dishes and swept the floor 4 her before I plonked myself in front of an american TV interview with Wang Lee Hom!!!!! He's so cute (eyes so BIG sarmo)!!!! For the uninitiated, he's a taiwanese singer-songwriter. Ok, I'm NOT a fan but he's pretty intelligent n came across s a real nice guy with an affable personality. One of the more insightful things Lee Hom (haha, 1st name basis) said was how upset he feels whenever producers go up to newbie wannabes n say, "Hey, I can make u the next Stevie Wonder or Wang Lee Hom..." "Cos' everyone's got a unique quality n we're meant 2b ourselves," he went on 2 assert. Hmm, sounds familiar. Gawd, r U trying 2 tell me something (again)??? ;P

In a strange way, Alexander Wang Lee Hom, 4 me tonite was that cute angel in disguise. His message? Stay true to yourself!

When I least expected it. :)

Everyone's Got One

2006-06-10T22:17:00.000+08:00

It's a:

a) blog
b) bf/gf
c) bozo ex-bf/gf

Give up?

Love it or hate it, you can't live without it. Those who love the sound of theirs go on to become DJs, MJ wannabes n voiceovers for MRTs, "Kovan station, Kovan station. Dun mind the gap hor." But how does one find his or her distinctive voice in a cacophony of blaring media messages, paternalistic parental projections (oft raised in an escalating pitch) n Jay Chou's deafeningly loud-dao-si mumble? ;p

I went for a song-writing workshop today and it was fun to say the least. Major takeaway for me from the really funny kangaroo man, Steve McPherson was this,

"Every human being has a unique voice that is specifically and intentionally designed by God. Even my father who is profoundly deaf and is unable to communicate verbally has a unique sounding voice. God created everything about us a particular way for a purpose." More...

Allow me to extrapolate on that - what I love to tell others:

We are put on this earth to discover our voice. Not just the literal one.
A special gift or mutant ability to make a difference to this world, to tell a story. Your life-story, defined by an amalgamation of your B3 (Background-By-Birth), unique personality traits and life experiences. Which is why no 2 scientists can be identical, unless they choose to clone each other behind their backs. Even humour writers beg to differ. Imagine Neil Humphreys trying to be like Mr Brown or Mr Brown trying to be Neil Humphreys. You get the shivers, I mean, picture. ;D

In a moment of anguish, I thought about giving up on school roadshows last week after a long-drawn, protracted, painful, draggy n draining battle with rhinitis in the past 2 n a half years.

"They don't need to hear my life-storeeeeeee..." I wailed like the Last Wayang @ AMK Ave 4 Blk 3456, howling into my pillow and buried in a comforter which yielded no comfort. After an excruciatingly hellish treatment (the doc just basically burned up the nasal membrane with some very vicious chemical. It was so bad i was screaming through the 3 mins s tears flowed involuntarily) 3 weeks ago, my nose felt even more inflammed. Which only means one thing - I got not better but WORSE. Even harder to talk now; don't talk about singing. Sounding nasal is one thing, grappling with the pain another but not being able to speak freely without feeling I got a bicycle clamp on my nose is the ultimate blow (especially in an air-con environment). Suddenly I felt a sense of affinity for Mr Careless Whisper. Fear clenched my heart (and my nose) in a callous fist, unwilling to relinquish its sickening stranglehold. I dun want to become like him leh. *No offence*

"Is this your idea of a sick joke? Calling me to be an inspirational entertainer and then giving me rhinitis???" I raged against my Creator and threw my pillow at Him. He chose the right to remain silent. The only trespasser to my grief was an uninvited lizard. It stopped dead in its slimy tracks on the ceiling at the din I was creating to express its empathy aptly. "TSK, TSK, TSK." Tens ah, dude, I never expected you to understand but WATEVA loh. Unappreciated, my new friend scooted off in a huff for a puff. ;-(

The thing about Gawd if u dun know by now is He's real sneaky. Just as I decided I'm through with Him, He speaks through an AAM (Australian Ang Moh) on a saturday morning, "Your confidence is not in the fluctuating seasons of our voices, but in the God given uniqueness that is within you."

Perhaps, it's time to let go and let Him help me find that uniqueness. And one fine day when she's ready to burst out in her truest warble, Chong Siao Ling will finally sound like Chong Siao Ling.

Soooooooooo, have u found your voice? Cos' your voice matters!

Not just your VOTE.

Ps. But hor, if I run 4 EM (Entertainment Minister) one day, u all must vote 4 me hor!!!!

*-D

A Brand New Branding

2006-06-09T13:51:00.000+08:00

Brands.

Love 'em or hate 'em. Can't live without them. It's like bad boys vs nice guys. Label not withstanding, we invariably end up as one or with one. A brand new branding 4 a brand new me? "Ger, I think you better find a full time job. More steady. Easier to find boyfriend also." Well-meaning words escaped from my mom's lips like the well lubricated cogs of zee treacherous capitalistic machine. How many times do I have to explain to this whiney, I mean, wonderful woman that I, www.chongsiaoling.com, am so not designed and destined for the conventional clutches of a 9 - 5 deskbound job? I understand her concerns though. Girl's gotta eat, even if the goldfish can survive on unicellular algae that MLMs are so hot about these days. But what will the school children and wedding couples do without me in an increasingly creative economy?

Inspirational Entertainer vs The Wedding Singer.

Take your pick or askme@chongsiaoling for booking enquiries.
Hurry before my mom makes me take a full-time job.

While jobs last!

Ps. Btw, notice how I so inconspicuously blend in2 the background in the fotos:

school uniform -> sea of school uniforms
red cheongsam -> red curtain

lol.

love,

chong siao ling