#98 The Wedding Bell Rings

This was Saturday! I woke up at 730am, cause some humans were just so noisy, shouting at each other and jumping and throwing stuff around. So yeah, i was woken up to see Kash & his friends all here, a room away from me. Was busy watching the tv to avoid hearing and seeing the chaos upstairs. Anyway, BestFriend, YingYng, came soon after I took my bath. Watched the Chinese show still we had no choice to leave and meet Sonja. Walking in the heels were tough and honestly, I had very mixed feelings. I didn't know whether I should be happy going or not. While walking with YingYng, I was sharing with her a little about the thoughts I was feeling. It was rather mixed.

I don't know whether I should share those fears I had here but they were not ordinary fears. (not like those eg. what if i fall? or any other what ifs) But rather, about whether we're the same or... Its kind of hard to explain if you're not someone closeclose to me, so I'll leave it as that. In the end, we met Sonja. Went over to Causeway and had lunch which were fries and walked even more. By then, my legs were seriously crying for mercy. After my lemon water it was to the interchange to go to the church.

I must say the church looked really really beautiful. The worship was fantastic, the songs were lovely cause they're all my favourites. The wedding was sweet, lovely couple, lovely smiles, so simple and sweet. Everything seemed so nicely done, the bride was pretty, the message was good and ah, it was just really nice and sweet. After the wedding ended, bestfriend and I were crazy over the desserts! My peach tart and her chocolate cake! We remained at the counter having even more. I guess a total of six? :) They were really awesome! After saying hello to the bride & bridegroom and having pictures snapped, we were on our way off.

Off to? Orchard! With the killer heels! It was scrapbooking material-shopping with bestfriend time. I bumped into Autie Valerie and oh did I mention that Uncle George and Auntie Sue was at the wedding as well? Small world! Anyways, shopping in killer heels were tough. Got the materials and went off bare-footed to the bus stop and took bus all the way home. It was a wonderful journey, nice chats, nice company and just feels great when I'm with someone I love and know she loves me as well, a great sense of acceptance I guess.

I totally loved the day and the company I had throughout the day. Despite all my thoughts, Ms Foo, thank you for not forgetting me and inviting me to your special day.

#94 Day Out With <3

It was a wild adventure! From the southern ridges. We started off at the merong trail somewhere in the forested area opposite of HabourFront. We climbed 24 stories up, with the thousands of steps to see the beautiful see once we've reached the top. It was an amazing sight. Following which we went to Faber Park, which somehow reminded me of Ms Foo? Heh. The flowery balcony on top of a hill and lovely pathways. Since it was all interconnected our next stop was Henderson Waves, which was totally amazinggggg! As it we were so high above ground and the view was breathtaking! We were super high above the ground that we both kind of panicked.

After which, made our way down to the hilltop park (which I guess we kind of missed) and landed up at forest walk. The best ye worst part of the journey. YingYng attempted to make friends with the monkeys but i was just too terrified to walk past them. So to continue the walk we had to use the stairs, AGAIN. Matellic flooring + rain = slippery floor. Never the less we still had fun, got to to the Alexandra Arch. Thank God there were no lightning and also that the forest walk didn't have any trees covering us. Alexandra Arch wasn't a great sight though. And from there, we made it back down the stairs into the civilisation, which gave me a sense of relief. We made it! And now we were safe!

I enjoy such journeys and somehow strangely, it reminded me of this year's journey. The beginning was tough - getting used to the work and lessons and everything else - just like @ the 24 storey Megong Trail. But the scenery was wonderful. The "scenery" here would be the break now. From place to place every green place reminded me of something new, which is the successes and failures that I've faced this year. Through hardship, its when you see the fruits of labor, just like this journey & also, the O's journey.

#30 Good Friday & Easter

Many a times especially in these years, people have forgotten the real meaning of Good Friday, the real meaning behind Easter. It's just the, "I want Easter Bunnies!" kind of conversations that you would have with one another. But have you realised the reality of things? If Good Friday had never taken place, we wouldn't be standing on Earth today, forgiven and free. It is by His blood that we have been cleansed from our Sins and we know we have something to look forward to after we leave our Earthly Land.

Personally Good Friday has a special meaning to me, other than all the stories we here about how amazing Jesus can die on the cross and resurrection on the cross. Since a young age, my parents would always remind me that it's not about the chocolate Easter eggs or the public holiday but it's about Jesus, Our God. Thus even till today, when its Good Friday, I still take time reflecting about what Good Friday and Easter means to me, and that's what I'm going to share. Why don't we try placing ourselves in Jesus' shoes, how would you feel if you knew that your closest loved ones are going to betray and deny you, not once but thrice? How would you feel if you knew what is going to happen to you tomorrow – that you are going to be crucified on the cross, not for yourself but for others?

If I'm in His shoes I would have many, many questions that I would want an answer. Why would I have to be the one that would have to die, if I'm totally innocent and pure? Why would I have to be grouped with a group of sinners when I'm flawless? Why is it me that is suffering and being mocked at when the people mocking me should be the one at my place? Why. Why. Why. Why. Why!

But through it all, I always thank God for saving me, for paying for my sins and for giving me an eternal life. Where would I be today if not for Him? Would I be standing testifying his goodness in my life? I was born into a Christian house, but many loved ones aren't Christians, would I be able to share the goodness of God to them? There is many times where I've seen God's hand in my life. He has brought me through man, both easy and tough circumstances. He has been my shelter, my best friend, the person I would run to SO often. Even times when I stray away, i would suddenly feel a sense of guilt for neglecting my devotionals and come back. I guess my life has changed for the better because of Him in me.

His faithfulness is so real to me. Every time when I feel down and 'out', He never fails to be there for me and I always am able to hang on to His Word and speak it into my life. When I'm feeling so afraid and upset there's always a someone that would be there helping me through. Other than my close circle, not many know that I actually pray before entering every class/break. Especially if I'm lagging behind or the work is not done or I just feel so drained and energy less to carry on, He always comforts and strengthens me. When just a centimeter to the door I say, "Jesus, help! I need to make it through, alive and well.' There are so many times – be it in school, home or at church, I see his faithfulness. I've learnt to have Faith in Him and lean on him completely for the strength to carry on.

It is because of Him, I have the chance to live today. It is because of Him that I'm forgiven and free. He's so special to me, someone that would never leave nor forsake me, even if the world turns away from me, I know He would be with me and carry me through, just like what He has been doing in my life. When I only see darkness, He brings the light. Sometimes I wonder, what's the future going to be like? Has Gods' Will been revealed yet in my life? But at the end of the day I know that my job now as a student is to work hard and bring Him all the glory that my life would become a testimony for Him. This Good Friday and Easter, take time to reflect on Gods' goodness in your life. We might be too busy with our daily busy schedules to even realise that He is the one who gives you the strength and courage to move on. He's the one who gives you a new day to begin with. He's the One that surrounds you with people that love you. He didn't have to pay the price for us; it is us that should be on the cross. But He has paid the price for us all. Why don't you take time to thank Him for sacrificing Himself and for being so faithful to us?

Jesus, even as I've taken time to reflect on Your goodness in my life, I want to thank You for being ever so present through everything I do. For dying on the cross for me, for forgiving me time and time again even if I stray away, You still welcome me back home. Thank You for blessing me abundantly with loving parents and family, friends and people around me. Daddy God, there is so many things that I can thank You for but even as its Good Friday, Thank you for showing me how much You love and care for me, that my life would never be the same again because You live in me. My Daddy God is just an amazing One!

Before I end off this post I would like to share two songs lyrics that are really very meaningful during this season:

It Wasn't Easy:

Don't think for a moment
I never felt the pain
You can't imagine
The hurt and the shame
They put the nails through my hands
Pierced my side, please understand
It wasn't easy, but it was worth it



It wasn't easy, it wasn't easy
It wasn't easy but it was worth it
It wasn't easy, it wasn't easy
It wasn't easy but it was worth it


I didn't have to do it
But I did it anyway
'cause I really love you
So much I took your place
I died for your sins
Yes I'm the one
Don't take it lightly
What I've done
It wasn't easy, but it was worth it


I left my throne
My purpose was the cross
Shed innocent blood
I paid all cost

So You Would Come

Before the world began
You were on His mind
And every tear you cry
Is precious in His eyes
Because of His great love
He gave His only Son
Everything was done
So you would come

Nothing you can do
Could make Him love you more
And nothing that you've done
Could make Him close the door
Because of His great love
He gave His only Son
Everything was done
So you would come

Come to the Father
Though your gift is small
Broken hearts, broken lives
He will take them all
The power of the Word
The power of His blood
Everything was done
So you would come

#24 Day Out With Bestie

A friend is one who stands by you in your hour of need but also shares many memorable occasions. A friend is one who asks for nothing and expects nothing in return other than friendship. A friend will accept whatever you have to give when in need and in return will give to you when you are in need. A friend is one who does not count the cost and does not expect you to count the cost be it a monetary gift or the gift of time which is one of the most precious things that can be given.

I happened to stumble upon this page on the definition of a friendship at the urban dictionary and felt that it is so appropriate for today's sharing. Today marked the best day of 2009 in my life, i hope in YingYng's too. We walked to trails, through water, we met many different living things along the way but at the end of the day we made it to land to where we were heading to, the Lower-Pierce Reservoir.

Let me start by sharing the experience before linking it to the friendship we share. I agree, its such a strange thing to do. To some extent, scary. But we insisted and did it together. Our initial plan was to go and catch a movie. I had school earlier that morning, so traveling might not be the best thing because it might be too time consuming, so we continued to stick to the plan of catching a show... Only to realise that we've been so outdated and most of the shows that we thought were showing in cinemas we already out! So we had to put the idea aside. We then headed for lunch before deciding what to do next. I wanted to bring YingYng somewhere special, where we could create more memories for each other and we both knew somehow that we need a breather, a break from the pile of work waiting for us to complete.

Thought of places before.. Monkeys came to my mind. How weird? No. I thought of Lower Pierce Reservoir. The place where you can just laze around and really just admire the surroundings. And the last time i probably made a trip there was really a long long time ago, 6/7 years? So i decided to head there, that's probably the 'nearest' to Bishan too. Before that, our first stop was to North Point to grab some chewy juniors before heading off. It was a surprise to YingYng. I didn't quite know the directions there though. Thought of coming back to Bishan before heading to Thompson then i realised that we should just hop on some 85_ and we'll get there. True enough, it was 855. Went through highways and it was really fast, before we realised, we were at the right stop.

We got down, crossed to Casurina area and followed the couple in front, I've only been there by car, i didn't know how to enter the reservoir walked down to some entrance we saw the couple enter, only to realise we can only get to the reservoir through that forested area. In the beginning it IS scary. You hear the crickety sound, you hear chirping sounds. There are creatures in there too. Happened to see Monitor Lizards and a few strange birds. Why do i say its scary? Because you're in there alone with YingYng with all these weird surroundings. You're walking on planks of wood, and there is no way out sign. No turning back.

We walked through all 3 trails. YingYng was the photographer. Halfway she asked, 'What if the wood planks break?' We'll be in the water! Other than that, what happens if our hand phones are out of signal and we are in the middle, in the woods. Lost. Thank God nothing that sort happened and i started to have fun. Looking at the living things around me. Soon enough, i started to realise, hey! I see the reservoir! It was really a sight, after walking through trees and plants and everything else! It was just lovely, really! And a few minutes, we were on land. We were at the reservoir, it was just an amazing sight. Lovely sight and I'm glad we went there.

You might not be able to picture this in your minds, but if you had walked in with us, you'll realise how memorable this experience is. Something I'm sure I'll remember for the rest of my life. The scary feeling to the hey look at the monitor lizard its on our pathway! to the we've reached feeling. Just everything was so great that you have to be there to feel how we felt. It was such a lovely time spent with the person most special to me.

We walked all the way back from Lower Pierce Reservoir to Thompson Plaza to catch bus 52 back to Bishan and it was BubbleTea time. We actually walked a really really long distance to that bus stop. The distance of 4 bus stops away from one another, so try imagining.

In a friendship, you won't always get an easy path. The journey might not always be a smooth sailing one. There would be obstacles before you reach your 'destination', but its through them where you would learn more about yourself and the person I'm with in the journey.. YingYng. I would never trust someone to bring me through that trails, alive. But in the end, i did. I enjoyed myself. Sometimes the friendship might be shaky, because you enter a new phrase but putting the differences aside, we also managed to make it through. We met with obstacles like the creepy sounds, but we overcame them. And that's what's most important in the friendship. All in all, We still love and accept one another despite our differences. (not that many though.) I know i don't have to act to be another person to make sure she accepts me, i can be myself.

No one and nothing is and would separate this friendship. Through this experience I also realised how special YingYng is to me, how i can say 'YingYng, what happens if we get lost?' and laugh it off together. Or say anything we feel without feeling restricted compared to speaking to others and your whole world might know it tomorrow. How i know I'm simply accepted, i don't have to say or do anything to feel the acceptance. Its just such an amazing and special friendship.

YingYng,
Thank you for the times we spent together. From the first lunch @ Macs in Secondary 2, to the ice-cream buffet in Secondary 3 and this year i know it would be this day we had at Lower Pierce Reservoir. The memorable days we always share. I want you to know, that even if i don't say a word after days or just hi&byes you are still the special friend. And no one would ever replace you or replace the times we shared together. No one else would ever take your place or become a better friend because you are the best and I can't ask for anyone better than best. Let's keep this friendship as strong as ever so that it would be even harder for people to try to separate us. Thank you for every moment spent with you, i really enjoy them and appreciate the time spent together. You'll always be YingYng, my Bestie. You're loved, always.

With lots of love,
Tashka.

#18 Happy Birthday YingYng!

You are my best friend,

My very best friend,

You make me happy,

Everyday,

You share your great snacks,

You share your best toys,

So please don't take

My best friend away.