The Road Goes Ever On

"Go then, my little Book, and show to all
That entertain and bid thee welcome shall,
What thou dost keep close shut up in thy breast;
And wish what thou dost show them may be blest
To them for good, may make them choose to be
Pilgrims better, by far, than thee or me.
Tell them of Mercy; she is one
Who early hath her pilgrimage begun.
Yea, let young damsels learn of her to prize
The world which is to come, and so be wise;
For little tripping maids may follow God
Along the ways which saintly feet have trod."

- Adapted from John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress"

Year 2006, it is with bitter-sweet sentiments that I bid thee farewell.
A good part of me feels relieved that I survived you at all with the help of my gracious Father,
another part of me is thankful for the lessons that you've taught me.
I now realize in its full reality that it is braver to hope than to give in to despair,
that wealth does not always equate to contentment,
that it pays to wait for God's perfect timing,
that the shadow proves the sunshine,
that to lead really means to serve,
that the words of my mouth are really an outflow of the heart,
that love covers a multitude of sins indeed,
that a beautiful heart is more precious than a polished facade,
that the comfort of strangers can truly make a difference,
that home is in the warm company of steadfast friends,
that a kind and giving spirit can dispel the darkness,
that following God's dream for me is infinitely scary,
but much more rewarding than following my own selfish ambitions.

2006, you've made me see how unmitigatedly and comprehensively flawed I am,
and that makes God's unfailing and extravagant love for me,
all the more amazing and wondrous.

Just two nights ago, God reminded me of a pure, innocent promise I made unto Him
as a child experiencing the first sweet rushes of His love in primary school-
that I would sing my song unto Him everyday without fail,
regardless of my mood and circumstances.
I was just stunned during that moment of revelation,
that He remembered this promise which I had long forgotten,
but yet unconsciously has grown to become my personal credo.
So moved that He has kept me close by ever since.....
And I pray that I shall never depart from His side.

Austen-speak

An sms I sent to Andrea this afternoon:

"Dear Friend,

I regret to inform you of my delay due to this most unfortunate weather. Do anticipate my happy arrival around 1.20pm. Till then, please proceed with the luncheon should the rest of my party arrive promptly."

In normal sms language/Singlish: "Heavy rain, will be late. Reaching ard 1.20pm. You all eat first."

===================================================================
A few other brilliant phrases by my friends who have been infected with Austen-speak.

"What impertinence! Insufferable fool!"

"Ah, that is a fine description. Indeed, the gentleman has a dignified air about him."
"Certainly, one must be proper when describing Mr Darcy."
" Yes I do agree, he must not be teased, nor laughed at."
" It would not do to belitte so fine a profile."

"I found it to be a most diverting and pleasurable experience indeed."

"Perhaps he was silenced by your grave countenance?"

(and this one is the winner! I was blown away by it!)
"one cannot fathom the true intent but with such unmitigated brashness, we cannot help but venture an unflattering speculation."

Pride & Prejudice

A few years ago, I would have told you without hesitation how much I abhor Jane Austen's novels....I avoided taking any 18th century period courses in my NUS Lit days because I couldn't bear Jane Austen and her characters' obsession with marriage and social classes. Well.....it seems like my sentiments have reversed entirely now, and its comically ironic how badly I wish I HAD taken those 18th century period courses.

I've been on a "Pride & Prejudice" rampage of late.....devouring the novel, the 2005 Keira Knightley film and the BBC mini-series (Yes, the Colin Firth one). I find myself falling in love with these classics as I get older....their world and culture was an immensely rich and complex one. (At this point, I truly yearn to visit the UK!!) It was the age of elegant manners and gallantry! (Gentlemen standing up whenever a lady enters or leaves a room. How fine!)
And oh...the language....where do I start? It's so refined, eloquent, fast and witty that it seems like a dance with words coming alive off the page. All of which makes for such a pleasurable, delightful read/ watch. I think I got rather 'high' just reading it. haha! People just don't speak like that anymore....how sad!

For example, what used to be "May I ask to what these questions intend?" (spoken by Mr Darcy), has been crudely reduced to 'Huh? You ask for what?' by Singaporeans. Sigh. Well, no point lamenting on the demise of good English in this post, for that would take up far too much space. Here are some of my favourite excerpts from the novel, accompanied by movie stills from the 2005 film.

I know the BBC Colin Firth Purists would detest my preference for the seemingly fluffy 2005 film adaptation, but I must say that the film grows on you.....cinematography is stunning, Keira Knightley brings refreshing youthfulness to the heroine Elizabeth Bennet (she was 20 years old when they filmed it, which makes her the same age as the character!), and Matthew Macfayden......sigh, he is just wonderful as Mr Darcy. Colin Firth's Darcy was all dark, stern and broody....but Macfayden's Darcy reveals just the right amount of tenderness and awkwardness of a man disoriented in love.

For a plot synopsis, view: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/pride/summary.html

Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy's first dance:
--------------------------------------------------------------
[Elizabeth Bennet] "I remember hearing you once say, Mr Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created."

[Mr Darcy] "I am," said he, with a firm voice.

"And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?"
"I hope not."
"It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first."
"May I ask to what these questions tend?"
"Merely to the illustration of your character," said she, endeavouring to shake off her gravity. "I am trying to make it out."
"And what is your success?"
"She shook her head. "I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly."

==================================================================

The world's best 2nd proposal in my opinion.....
--------------------------------------------------------------------
[Elizabeth Bennet]: "Mr Darcy, I am a very selfish creature; and for the sake of giving relief to my own feelings, care not how much I may be wounding your's. I can no longer help thanking you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister. Ever since I have known it, I have been most anxious to acknowledge to you how gratefully I feel it. Were it known to the rest of my family, I should not have merely my own gratitude to express." [..............]

[Mr Darcy]: "If you will thank me," he replied, "let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you, might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe, I thought only of you."

Elizabeth was too much embarrassed to say a word. After a short pause, her companion added, "You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever."

Oh Joy!!!

Introducing my brand new Jane Austen box-set!! Absolutely brilliant I say! It's got 5 classic Jane Austen titles in it: "Emma", "Pride & Prejudice", "Mansfield Park", "Persuasion" and "Sense & Sensibility". Ahhh...happiness! It shall stand alongside proudly with my LOTR box-set....and upcoming Narnia box-set. Teehee! (Yes, Michelle gets rather high on books. I know May and Rie are just shaking their heads in disapproval...knowing full well that I don't enough space for all these books.)

Thanks Shirley and Andrea for your contributions to my little library! :)

Christmas Party@BMI

Yeahhh!!! Tonight was the big night we were looking forward to. (2nd last day of term before the term break too!! Holidaaayyys!!) Berno was rather high and loony today- she came up to me to sing random carols quite often...and insisted that I complete the next line. haha! But then again, all of us were rather high today too....what with the excitement of pressies galore and party food in the pantry.

It was particularly crazy after our classes. After a coach finished his/her classes and returned to the office, there would be cheers by the others...machiam like countdown...waiting for the last coach to finish so that we could get the party started. hehe! Some coaches even wanted to grade all their students As after class, to speed up the grading process, and get on with the real fun. But thankfully..we maintained some level of professionalism in the end.

It turned out to be an awesome time of fellowship! Christmas was never this warm, cozy and fun in BMI before. Here are some pics....

Berno 'stealing' a gift from the Christmas bush

Pressies galore!!! It was great fun watching the pile grow and grow.

With such a colourful and tantalising pile of pressies, you can hardly blame us for being distracted from work.

Christmas baggies filled to the brim with all sorts of goodies and cards inside.

Danny, our 'resident Santa', who lugged his gifts around in a erm, black trash bag. We had to choose our mystery gifts randomly from his 'sack'. Here is Jaymee selecting hers.

We gathered round to sing some carols...and the 3 guitar coaches enthusiastically provided the accompaniment.

The gals singing along/ taking pics

Dorcas, our 'resident chef cum F&B officer', fittingly wearing the chef's hat that I gave her.
Yes Eunice, hope you don't mind. But i kept the cookie card. :)

Meet my pet penguino- Pammy Happy Feet!!! (yeah, i've been teasing her with that label for a while now.) Today we found out that she used to tap dance as her ECA in sec school. FOR REAL LEH! Oh my, she's really my pet penguin lor. haha! Look at her here....trying to tap dance for me. How precious. haha!

"Awake my soul"-Psalm 57:8

"In essence God walks everywhere incognito. Every bush is a burning bush. And the world is crowded with God. What we need to do is awaken to Him, and even more to remain awake to His presence."- C.S Lewis

"If I could prescribe only one remedy for all the ills of the modern world, I would prescribe silence. Because even if the Word of God were proclaimed in its fullness, it would not be heard, there is too much noise. So begin with silence." - Soren Kierkegaard

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

As we build up momentum for the Christmas party next Thurs, 'the kids' at BMI have started to decorate the office to make it look more festive. :)

Introducing, the Church of St. Berno. haha! Just kidding....that little wooden chapel that you see there, was Part 1 of my Christmas gift to Bernice. It reminded me of her church...Orchard Rd Presbyterian, so I got it for her to put on top of her cabinet. I loaned her Spot, the dog, as her watchdog. The boss passed by and laughed, "And so the teddy bear sits on the throne!"

This is our humble little Christmas BUSH!!! Yes, we are a deprived lot....we ain't got no tree, so we have resorted to decorating the artificial plant in our office. But it's starting to look quite pretty now rite? We've even placed our pressies beneath the bush. haha!

We shopped around, and couldn't find any decently priced red stockings!! So we've settled for Christmas baggies instead! This row belongs to the Ops/Admin team....and its even got their names above it. It's amazing how quickly the gals have gotten possessive over their baggies.....people were 'fighting' over which bags were theirs. "I want the red bag with the snowman!" etc.

The bosses were rather taken aback and asked "Ah, what is this for ah? Did someone sew it?" hahaha! See the candy canes popping out of the baggies? Yeah, we're gonna surprise each other with small gifts/ chocs/candy in these couple of days before Christmas. So fun!!!

The coaches' lockers. So pretty and festive now rite? Really makes you smile. Heh!

Assuredly Yours

Sometimes we have to go through a rather painful journey of letting go of our own trivial dreams, in order to receive the bigger dream that God has in store for us. And when we finally come to that stage of sweet surrender.....we realize that we're breathing the air of heaven.

2006 for me...has been about that. I felt a little bit like Job (but of course, he had it a 100x worse). I was 'kicking and screaming' initially...for having to give up so many dreams and creature comforts, for having to suffer major heartbreaks over and over again, for having to see loved ones admitted in and out of hospital, for having to die to self and take up the cross.

But now I think I can see a little more clearly, why I had to go through that punishing journey, all that testing.
My heart was numb and cold initially....but now, I feel His heartbeat, His dream alive in me.
Yes Lord, whatever it takes....grant me a heart to know You, break my heart for the things that break Yours.

"My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me."- Psalm 63:8

==================================================================

'Assuredly Yours'
(by Ollie Sebastian)
--------------------------

All that I am is in You
All that I seek is to follow You
I run to Your side when You call
For there is the Hope I am longing for.
Just to be by your side
There is hope in my life
There is no greater freedom I'll find

Take my life
And all that I have to give
Take my world
Just inhabit all of it
Take my dreams
Make me assuredly Yours.


(Listen to the mp3 at: http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/music)

"C is for Cookie, that's good enough for me"

Look at what I found in Cold Storage the other day! INSTANT COOKIES! Yeah, it's Betty Crocker's new product. I bought it for Pam, so that we could all have fun 'baking' in the office. haha! So like I explained to Pam, "you just add water, throw the fella in the microwave, and in 1 min, you're done!" You add the choc fudge topping after that. And yes, it's included in the pack.

Jasmine, Pam and I had quite a bit of fun 'baking it'. We carefully followed the instructions, added the tablespoon of water, mixed everything up, and spread it over the bowl that was supplied, and popped it into the microwave. We couldn't believe that it was done so quickly! How amazing! Take a look at the end product...and it smelt pretty good too!


Pam added the fudge topping....and she tried to spell out our names no less. haha! [read it anti-clockwise: Jas, Moo, Pam, Berno (well, she got tired at Berno)]

It costs $3.50, and is only a single-serving. But its really rather sweet and rich, so you can share it with friends. Quite costly, but well...it's a novelty, and you pay for the fun experience and the convenience. Perfect for lazy people as Jasmine quipped. Betty Crocker also has other varieties like Hot Fudge Brownie, Choc Molten Cake, Molten Caramel Cake, and Cinnamon Swirl Cake.

A Franciscan Bendiction

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Happy Feet

I love, i love, i LOVE this movie!! Somehow I never tire of the trailers. There are many versions on youtube too. If anyone sees the Baby Mumble plus toy around, please let me know where to find it. HE'S SOOOO ADORABLE!

Thank You!

I know this is a little late, but I really want to say a big THANK YOU for all your birthday shout-outs, wishes, celebrations, gifts, and love!! The wish-list was pretty much fulfilled...every item that I listed. haha! Amazing! But it was so much more than just receving pressies....I came away with a new appreciation for your years of friendship. That is something money can never buy. :)

Slowing down the world

I haven't had time, or energy to blog much lately.....in fact....I'm so hurried these days running from one place/task to another, that I'm really getting quite impatient with people who are indecisive/blur/ lazy/slow to take action etc. More often than I like....I find myself screaming (in my head) "GET THERE FASTER!!" or "GET IT DONE ALREADY!". Today I was so frustrated that I exclaimed "I need to clone myself!" in the office. Arghhh!! So many things to do, so little time....and just one of me.

I don't like being this hurried, this task-oriented, this curt. I don't like not having enough time to socialise and to build relationships. I keep forgetting to pay my bills, to do my errands, to reply to my smses/emails cos there's just too much on my mind (yah, so sorry if I haven't been replying to u!). I don't like having no energy during weekends, and puking when I'm super exhausted.

How I wish I could just slow down the world!! Sigh.

I've been Punk'd

Yeah, those are COWS pasted on my work computer. I've been majorly PUNK'D these few days by the legendary pranksters at BMI as they 'celebrated' my birthday. haha! It all started on Tues, when I found my cubicle plastered with pieces of paper that read 'you' in various languages (English, Mandarin, French, German). I knew then, it was going to be an on-going 'series' (I was one of the planners of the huge Jasmine bday prank remember?).

On Weds, the next word appeared- 'are'. Later in the afternoon, the cows popped up too after I came out from a meeting. Today, the final word appeared- 'wanted'. Nobody in the office would admit to it of course. These are the pics....but mind you, these show you the tidied-up version of my cubicle. I had to throw most of them away, in order to have some decent space to work. haha!


They even relocated all my stuffed animals from the basket, and placed this notice in the basket with shreds of paper:

It says "Your decomposed animals- We've found a better place for them"

They relocated them to the top of my cupboard, propped them up with a 'Praise the Lord' sign which was a gift from students, AND added articial plants around them as decoration.

Pretty well-done I must say.....all that effort that went into it. haha! My cubicle is starting to look like a zoo.....I was joking with them that I should charge them $1 admission fee, each time they came round to 'visit' me.

There were a few other minor pranks/strange behaviour as well during the last few days:
- Danny kept asking me if I would like a drink
- Coaches kept peering into my classroom during lessons, to distract me with huge toothy grins
- Danny, Wilson and Daniel Wilson, the guitar coaches performed 2 songs for me impromptu. The first one was "Twinkle, twinkle little star" in an Indian accent with percussions (table) and a dance. The second one was "My girl"...but they changed the 'my girl' in the chorus to 'Michelle'. If only we had recorded that. Really entertaining! haha!

The final one, before the big bday supper/taboo game was this:
I came out from my last class of the day to find these posters with my distorted face plastered all over the office. Courtesy of Danny.

What can I say? I saw it coming....after all the pranks I had masterminded. But it really made work more fun, and certainly cheered me up. A fantastic effort guys!!!! Thanks for everything, the songs, the pranks, the love etc. Somemore got german and french leh....not bad not bad. heh! I think we all had great fun. :)

Reminiscence

I desperately miss those days rehearsing/jamming/ mucking around in the studio with Andrea's jazz band '5@play' and my acoustic band- 'Disclosure'. Hmmm...here are old pics from our precious time together last Christmas.

The awesome Eugene on guitar and Reg on bass

Beautiful Andrea! :)

Dear bros Jim and Kelvin. Shu-Lyn from 5@play

The lovely group shot after the actual gig@esplanade

Happy Feet

I want one of these cuddly penguins!!!!

SMS conversation with Desmond:
===========================
Desmond: There's only one Casino Royale slot at 6.30pm at Vivo. Wanna catch it somewhere else?
Mich: I wanna watch Happy feet!!
Desmond: WA BIANG! But its your bday eve.....I'm okay...But sure??
Mich: Elijah Wood is the voice of the penguin leh. How cute!! His eyes are blue like Elijah's somemore. Aiyah, but if you not keen just pick another cinema for Casino Royale. Mebbe The Cathay?
Desmond: I haven't been there...nice ah?
Mich: Wa Biang! Ah Bu den?? Go go (bk tix)


People....why does wanting to watch 'Happy Feet' warrant a 'WA BIANG' reaction huh??
Who doesn't love penguins? I thought it was universal...even for guys.

Rie's Wedding@The Raffles Hotel

Last weekend was Cherie's wedding. Yes, another one of our 31/97, AJC classmates married off! I was seriously ill all of last week, but miraculously managed to pull it together at the last min to sing "Bless the broken road" during Rie's dinner walk-in. I'm glad I did it in the end, cos I quite enjoyed the experience. (I don't get to gig now remember?) Jon (who kindly accompanied me on guitar) and I only practised for about 45 mins in all I think, so we were pleasantly surprised that we pulled it off smoothly enough. Yay!

Ooh, I even got to meet and chat with local singer-musician Cat Ong and her really funny, cool guitarist David. They were employed to play at the wedding. Thanks Rie, for that opportunity to grab Cat's contact! heh! She was such a warm, friendly and encouraging lady.

Here are some pics from that nite taken with me hp! :)

Group pic with the lovely bride, Cherie (top row, right)
I really thought your evening gown was so elegant dear!

May and Mariann, Rie's 12 yr old little sis. They were doing this 'thumb dance' the whole nite, and annoying their 'neighbour', Ashanti with it. haha! Check out May's fancy hair-do. Got flowers (note PLURAL) in her hair ah! Fwah!

Our table- the class of 31/97, AJC: (Left to right) Mariann, May(World Bank officer), Ashanti (the Gah-men officer), me, Sophine (the lawyer)

May singing with David

Shutting down...now

You know how when you're so exhausted, that your body just screams for you to slow down, by giving you major signals? eg. you develop vomitting spells, and you don't know why cos you didn't drink. Well, i found out that it was due to fatigue.

But then you still don't slow down even though you want to, cos there's just too much work to do, too many people who want a piece of you. So it goes 'hmmm, bobian lah'....and basically goes into 'shut down' mode.

That's what I experienced the past few weeks. This week I suddenly developed this horrid, nasty flu and cough....and i mean NASTY. I can't remember the last time I was bedridden and so physically weak. Normally when I get a flu or cough or whatever, I'm still able to walk about and do my stuff. This time, it was a really huge battle with my body.

"C'mon....move your sorry ass out of the bed."
"No. We're not budging"
"You have to!! I've gotta teach my classes"
"WHAT?? No way! We've had enough you stupid girl."
"Too bad, get up!" etc.

And then...I drag that sorry body to work and back home again.
I'm still recovering, so I sound beautifully nasal now.
The nasty bug has since infected my cousin too (she's my room-mate).
So stay far far away from me. ahhaha!

Child

It's tough growing up and assuming more responsibilities. We can't run away from them forever that's for sure......but at the same time, it's a tragedy to lose that inner child within us totally. I guess what I'm saying is...not to stay childish, but to retain a bit of child-likeness...that sense of playfulness, openness and wonder. That keeps us sane rite?

But somehow, the world seems intent on squashing that out of us......what with the heaps of work, deadlines, bills and not to mention rude heartaches that remind you not everyone is to be trusted. It hits you so suddenly.....one day you wake up, and you realize....it's just not fun anymore.

How I long for that space to breathe freely....
How I long to awake from this jaded spell....
How I long to return to those magical days of star-gazing....
Yes, my child, you shall believe.
I must believe.

Elsewhere

(by Sarah McLachlan)

I love the time and in between
the calm inside me
in the space where I can breathe
I believe there is a
distance I have wandered
to touch upon the years of
reaching out and reaching in
holding out holding in

I believe
this is heaven to no one else but me
and I'll defend it as long as I can be
left here to linger in silence
if I choose to
would you try to understand

I know this love is passing time
passing through like liquid
I am drunk in my desire...
but I love the way you smile at me
I love the way your hands reach out and hold me near...
I believe...

Oh the quiet child awaits the day when she can break free
the mold that clings like desperation
Mother can't you see I've got
to live my life the way I feel is right for me
might not be right for you but it's right for me...
I believe...

I would like to linger here in silence
if I choose to
would you understand it
would you try to understand...

Listen to the mp3:
http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/music/item/329

Duality

"Right smack in the middle of a contradiction is the best place to be"- Bono on how he reconciles being a rock star and a christian. Bono went on to say that there's not enough tension in Christian art. Good art has duality which captures the struggle of life.
I totally agree and respect him for saying that.
Sometimes I really wish that Christians would be more honest with themselves.
Why do we cling on to our sanitized, squeaky clean brand of Christianity?
That's not real life.

Tyler Creasman on the Mr Brown Show

This ang moh kid has a killer Singlish accent. This is his follow-up to the hilarious youtube skit. I love this kid man...I hope he gets real famous. haha!

Mr Brown to Tyler:
"Ah that's why lah! You go ang moh school then all the Singlish no more how?? Wasted lah! You must go back Gahmen school."

http://www.mrbrownshow.com/?p=437

The Answer

(lyrics by Corrinne May)

I believe you are the answer to every tear I've cried
I believe that You are with me
My rising and my light

Give me strength when I am weary
Give me hope when I can't see
Through the crosses I must carry
Lord, bind my heart to thee

That when all my days are over
and all my chores are done
I may see Your risen Glory
Forever where you are

Listen to the mp3 at http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/music

Sarah McLachlan- "Wintersong"

Sarah McLachlan is one of my favourite singers...and I've uploaded some tracks are from her newly released Christmas album "Wintersong" on to my multiply site.
http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/music

It's one of the BEST Christmas albums I've heard....so many are filled with unimaginative, cliche interpretations...but Sarah's is truly unique and filled with a certain artistic flair.

Her voice is stunning as usual....her wistful, ethereal vocals add a special magic to these Christmas songs

1) Wintersong- original composition by Sarah McLachlan
2) River- a cover of Joni Mitchell's classic
3) Christmas Time is here- featuring Diana Krall with her exquisite piano playing.
4) I'll be home for Christmas- nice jazzy solo bit in the middle with a muted trumpet

"Number not the voices, but weigh them"

I was first introduced to this quote by Viggo Mortensen......and I think there's a lot of wisdom here. We shouldn't allow ignorant, stupid people get to us.

"Seek not the favor of the multitude. It is seldom got by honest and lawful means. But seek the testimony of the few, and number not the voices but weigh them."
-- Emmanuel Kant

Birthday Wish List

It's that time of the year again!!! Yeah, me birthday on the 25th of Nov. Teehee!
I've already received some early birthday gifts...thanks to Andrea and Berno! THANKS AGAIN!! Luv your pressies. :)

Some of you are starting to ask me what I would like. So here goes....
(pls try to inform me which item you are getting....because aside from the vouchers, I have no wish in receiving multiple items of the same gift. Thanks!!)

1) Espirit or Tangs Voucher (this is what I need the most now)
2) Blusher or Lip gloss (preferred brands- Stila/ Bobbi Brown/ M.A.C)
3) A nice edition of the novel "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott. (my current version is dusty and torn, and lost. Somehow, I appreciate all these classics more, when I'm older)
4) "The Little Mermaid" CD soundtrack
(don't get the dvd, Bernice got that for me already! The sweet dear!!)
5) Nice, dangly earrings
6) Chris Botti CD (pls check with me for the latest update of the albums i'm missing from my collection)


and if you really love me...
7) Apple Wireless Mighty Mouse. HA! :p

Corrinne May- "The Gift"

Corrinne May's new Christmas album, "The Gift" is out in the stores now. Marcus says that I'm like his Corrinne May update/newsletter. I should receive commisssion for this service eh? haha! Are you listening Warner Music/Pink Armchair Records? :)

Anyway, for a preview of 2 tracks, "The Answer" and "Silent Night"...you can go to my multiply website.
http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/music
It's not a super-impressive album.....but well, we love her and will buy her cds all the same. She looks really pretty on this album. I love the hair. :)

I hope her next album featuring original songs will come out soon...that's the gem I'm waiting for.

OH MY!!!!!

Some Chris Botti fan in Canada read my review of his concert here, and posted it on the official Chris Botti website's forum!!!!!! It's the same forum that Chris Botti's tour manager, Jeremy, posts on. OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And people liked my review too!!! Teeheee!
Amazing how they found it man. Yes, I'm quite chuffed with myself now. haha!

http://www.bottionline.com/bulletin/showthread.php?s=2c572b0102e49e06a05312ba270ee6d9&threadid=3022

The fan found the review on my Multiply website:
http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/reviews/item/1

"A Thousand Kisses Deep"

Tonight was one of the best musical moments in my life.....watching Chris Botti live@Victoria Theatre. It was simply magical, everything a live concert should be- absolutely dazzling in terms of musical virtuosity and finesse (In Singlish, it means 'Fierce ah!' I've not seen such an incredible jazz band live, with the likes of Billy Childs and Billy Kilson. We were indeed a privileged lot. ), but most importantly, it was moving and inspiring because of the deep, special connection with the audience. *Sigh* That's what music is all about...that's why I love to sing.

Chris Botti and his musicians, are truly gifted.....they gave such stirring, sensitive and expressive performances. Andrea and I were reduced to mush, and moved to tears. Chris Botti's unique, silky tones were amazing to experience live. And like the Leonard Cohen song he regularly performs, it felt like "A thousand kisses deep"....to the soul. I'm just soooo glad I got to go.....would have really kicked myself if I gave it a miss. It was really worth every dollar! THANK YOU GOD, for letting me go!!!

It's really so rare to see an audience this engaged......it was like we were all cast under a spell. Nobody spoke a word while Chris was playing/speaking! And I must say, this guy is so refreshing in the way he bantered comfortably and freely with the crowd. Most famous musicians can't be bothered during their concerts. But Chris was telling stories about the songs he played, about his experiences (like playing with Sinatra!!), cracking jokes and really just establishing that awesome connection with the audience. I know I must sound like I'm just absolutely smitten haha! But if you were there you'd understand why. This guy is just incredibly personable, warm, good-natured and charming!

What a memorable night! :)

John Mayer Volkswagen Commercial.

*Dang* I've never wanted a car more!

BUTTON MOON

The opening sequence to that retro Brit children's show. Doesn't it bring bk warm, fuzzy memories? I love the Thames bit at the start too.

Go on, sing along with it. You know you want to! haha!"We're off to buttonmooooon..." :)

The Soul Cages

You hide behind a mask of cool demeanour,
A glossy, artful veneer you have designed.
Peel it all off and what will we find my friend?

A child.....held captive?

I see the turmoil your heart is in,
A torrent of emotions, that will not be denied
You're not as impenetrable as you think you are,
You're not that person they make you out to be.
The soul....was never meant to be caged.

Chris Botti Live@Victoria Theatre

I'M OVER THE MOON!!!! I'm going to watch Chris Botti LIVE@Victoria Theatre on the 25 Oct, Weds!!!!!!

Andrea and I have secured tix for the show ($100 each, and that was just for the cheapest seats in the house), and I managed to get my boss to grant me approval to reschedule my class for that night. I'm soooooooooooooo happy!! *jumps up and down in excitement* (breathes) *YIPEEEEEEEEE!!!*
Michelle never gets leave lor. heee!

We kinda decided to go in like 10 mins over msn. haha! Both of us were contemplating going alone before we even had our discussion. That's how badly I wanna see him lor. haha! If you watch the dvd you'll understand lah. His band is superb....and well, I dunno when I'll ever catch Chris Botti again. What if the stupid haze gives him such a bad impression of S'pore that he never returns? heh! I'm so glad that Billy Kilson, the brilliant drummer is coming along with Chris too!!

Oh yes, I've also secured my Corrinne May concert tix today. Ticket sales opened at 9am today. By 12noon, me and Berno only managed to get the 3rd row from the stage (stall). Warrau....Singaporeans super kiasu or what?? It's only Corrinne May leh! She comes back for concerts twice a yr lor people!

If you book your tix tmrw, I'll bet you that can only get circle seats, which suck. Some funny lady booked 20 tix at one go at the counter...so the guy at Sistic urged us to hurry up and buy our tix. Don't forget internet bookings as well. Madness!!

EVA CASSIDY- SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

She is my favourite singer in the whole wide world. No one compares to the late Eva Cassidy in terms of authenticity and emotive power in vocal delivery. Her phrasing was so exquisite, her story-telling so compelling! Truly, she was one of a kind.

Solitary

"I think I tend to be creative in a private sphere"-Sting

Me too!! Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't even dare to compare myself to STING...but i totally identify with that. Why ah? Is it a Lit student syndrome? (Sting studied and taught English Literature.) Writing and reading are mostly solitary activities.

I find myself totally lost, and rather annoyed during group brain-storming sessions. To me, it's a waste of time. I'd be more productive if you left me alone to think for a bit....and I probably wouldn't like your ideas in the first place. (sorry if i sound grouchy, bad group work experiences in Uni)

Embraceable You

Had a bad day....but I have Chris Botti.
Chris Botti is the sweet balm to my soul, at the end of a weary day.
*Sigh* I just lose myself in the lush, silken sounds of his music.

What would I do without music?? I asked Jon, my singer-songwriter friend, this qn just now..."On a scale of 1 to 10, how impt is music to you in life?"
He replied "11/10".
haha! My own answer was 15/10. I didn't tell him that of course, until he gave me his answer.
Looks like we're both hardcore, we think alike.
Other pple would think and answer within the scale, our answers were both off the charts.
So what is it for you? :)

"Music is like air to me"- Chris Botti

In Repair

(by John Mayer)

Too many shadows in my room
Too many hours in this midnight
Too many corners in my mind
So much to do to set my heart right
Oh it's taking so long i could be wrong, i could be ready
Oh but if i take my heart's advice
I should assume it's still unsteady
I am in repair, i am in repair

Stood on the corner for a while
To wait for the wind to blow down on me
Hoping it takes with it my old ways
And brings a brand new life upon me

And now i'm walking in a park
All of the birds they dance below me
Maybe when things turn green again
It will be good to say you know me

Oh it's taking so long i could be wrong, i could be ready
Oh but if i take my heart's advice
I should assume it's still unsteady
Oh i'm never really ready, i'm never really ready
I'm in repair, i'm not together but i'm getting there
I'm in repair, i'm not together but i'm getting there

Chris Botti- LIVE

Conversation on msn a few hours ago:
==============================
Mich: G, I wanna cry!!!!
G: Why?? What happened?
Mich: Chris Botti dvd....it's sooooo gd!!! These musicians lahh. *swoon*
G: Blardy hell! I thot what happen....mosquito bite you or what!
Mich: (thinks) *why wld i cry over mosquite bite?*

In conclusion: we think this cd + dvd is just fantastic....the drummer Billy Kilson in particular is truly 'the baddest, most kick-ass drummer in the world' as Chris quoted. And yes G, I agree with you...he's really hot. haha! His playing on 'Why Not' was insane.

Those who are dismissing my recommendation because you associate Chris Botti with sleepy, smooth jazz should listen again. Chris is a whole new different animal LIVE!! This cd + dvd is just packed to the brim with fiery, high energy, dazzling, intense, fast, exciting jazz! I couldn't stop dropping my jaw during the amazing solos/improvisations. And it's filled with stellar performances by guest vocalists like Paula Cole, Sting, Renee Olstead, Burt Bacharach, Gladys Knight and more. The musical partnership between Sting and Botti, was particularly graceful and mesmerising. I've got this dvd on repeat mode!

I've learnt a valuable lesson from watching these great musicians on John Mayer's, Chris Botti's, Sting's albums.... playing/singing more or louder isn't always better...but it's about making every note, every vocal run/slide/ inflection/ lilt count. It's also about partnering with each other....not trying to out-do each other, but backing each other up. Now, that is great musicianship! Perhaps this is why I dislike showy divas like Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Jessica Simpson etc.

I've uploaded a few tracks from Chris Botti's new album on my Multiply site:
http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/music

Christmas with Corrinne May@Esplanade

Don't say I never inform you guys hor! :) Bet nobody else knows about this precious info. Heh!
(Don't bother spending time to THINK about if you should go for her concert...from past experience her tix sell out like hot cakes within a few days.)

16 Dec, Sat, Esplanade Concert Hall
Tix at $48 and $68.
Sales through Sistic will start on 19 Oct, Thurs
More info at: http://www.esplanade.com/SOPApp/espsop/portal_proxy?uri=rDS5J7I4v,M!bI8Q_h1XBHTJ.rMJKCSgmC9X.HZ49ihagg,Zs36nmN0_sJFM

Corrinne is working on her new album right now, and word has it that she should be releasing it around Christmas. :)

Random

1) My grandma makes me laugh lah. She left me a note last night on the kitchen table that said this: "POTATOE salad on the stove" heee!

2) Jon, I just wanna say I'm soooo proud of you. :) I'm glad that things are working out so divinely for your music. Am keeping ya in prayer! As for the promise to arrange for me a private audience cum poetry reading session with Sting, when you get famous....I'm very touched by that, and I will hold you to your word. HA! :p

Chubby Bunnies and other nonsense

The silly things we do at BMI to amuse ourselves!! :) Everytime Thurs comes, most of the coaches will be in a very chirpy mood, and we will be yelling 'HORRIDAY!!!' (holiday) randomly every other second. Friday is our off-day you see. Today, Berno and I took the madness to new levels as we decided to toast marshmallows at the pantry. Hmm....not an easy task as you can see....cos we had to use chopsticks instead of satay sticks (caused huge holes in the marshmallows)....and we had to tip-toe as the toaster was quite high up. The marshmallows took quite long to melt too....and they refused to brown. bleahh! Oh well, still fun all the same. hehe! Pammy my love, if only you were here...we could coat the marshmallows with nutella!!

Danny was the one who bought the huge packet of camp-fire marshmallows....for no particular reason. It caused quite a bit of excitement in the afternoon. (I truly think we're just a bunch of kids) He taught us this game...where you are supposed to put one marshmallow in your mouth, keep it there, and say 'CHUBBY BUNNY'. If you can say it rather coherently, then you're supposed to put another marshmallow in your mouth. This goes on until you're just totally incoherent, your mouth has no more room...and well...until you literally look like a CHUBBY BUNNY. hahaha! I think it's such great fun. We had a good laugh over it. Steph, you should try this one out. haha!

Tues was also the birthdays of one of the keyboard coaches, Jasmine. And we pulled off a series of pranks on her the whole week leading up to her birthday. (Well, to be honest...Berno and I were just bored, and decided that it was time for another massive prank to entertain ourselves. Jasmine's birthday was just a convenient excuse. And we figured that taping up Jasmine's locker was just to0 predictable.) The whole idea was basically to take turns going up to her, to do really random and nonsensical things. Here's what happened over the week.

1) Danny went up to her, speaking french for a whole min. Even when she appeared perplexed and replied back, he would continue speaking to her in french, as if she understood. It's like watching your fav TV show dubbed in the wrong language. haha!

2) Wilson took a giant torchlight, and demanded to search her mouth for something he had lost. All the while, shouting out instructions in Hokkien.

3) Dorcas sternly asked Jasmine "why did you eat my cookie?". Jasmine protested of course, but Dorcas would insist "I know you ate it! Why?? It was the only one I had." After many rounds of 'interrogation', Jasmine truly started to believe she ate the cookie unknowingly and felt quite apologetic. We couldn't believe it ourselves! That was quite good acting on Dorcas' part

4) When Jasmine asked for a new work polo-tee, Isabel our counterstaff made her sign for upon collection which is the usual practice. BUT Isabel made her sign for it 5 times!! Jasmine asked Dorcas "how many times did you have to sign for your t-shirt?" Dorcas played dumb and said "err...Bel ask me to sign how many times, then i just sign lor." Jasmine then commented "I don't understand how come my signature just evaporates after each time I sign leh!"

5) This is the best one. Berno and I typed out this official looking letter (with BMI "Take it higher" logo and all) saying this:
"Dear Coach,

We are currently upgrading our security system to include voice recognition scans. We will need your assistance in recording the following sounds. Please hold each word for 5 secs, and speak it with a smile for the best results. Thank you for your cooperation.

Ah Eh Ee Oar Ooh

M b p k t"

Jaime, our secretary went up to her for this assignment, and to do the recording. I taught her how to pronounce the sounds (they came from my vocal manuals), and timed her for it. Jasmine suspected nothing, and did it soooo earnestly and seriously that we felt bad. We were laughing so hard. Danny nearly choked on his water while hiding behind the pantry wall.

6) Finale: Daniel Wilson went up to Jasmine with a very serious face (he is soooo gd) and told her that she had to memorise this password, because Josephine our executive manager would test her on it. He even explained, how we had no choice and all. The ridiculous password was:
"The eagle has landed
The ducks are infected
The chickens are flying
The penguins are laughing"

After much coaxing, she finally bothered to write it all down, and pasted in her locker.
Josephine then went up to her and asked for the password. But Jo insisted that there were 5 lines to it. Of course Jasmine didn't know the last line, so Jo told her to go and find out. It's supposed to be 'The phoenix has exploded".

We had the big 'reveal' on her birthday on Tues, and Jasmine finally pieced everything together. haha! We gave her flowers, pressies, a card to make up for all our mischief of course.
We are a bunch of kids....we are. :)

Nocturnal

Lately, I've had to report to work at 2pm daily due to a new work policy. I must say my body is still getting used to the shock of being dragged to work at this 'unearthly hour'. Despite cups of coffee, showers, blasting of loud music....I still have a hard time waking up, and working productively in the afternoon.

Even up till today, I remain a groggy, grouchy creature until it hits around 7.30pm (when it starts getting dark). After that, it's all systems go....perky smiles and creative ideas galore. When I come home, I'm usually still on an adrenaline rush from my classes earlier, and I find it super difficult to turn in early. (it's 1.30am now, and I'm nowhere near sleepy)

Jaime and Jo (our admin staff) overheard me psyching myself up in the office this afternoon, "Wake up Michelle! WAKE UP!!"
I whined to them about my nocturnal habits, and then to my own shock and horror came to this discovery...."I'm a HAMSTER!!!" (that's right Gerbils are nocturnal. I know, cos I used to keep lotsa them)

Jaime laughed, and was kind enough to refine my statement, "No lah, you're an owl."

Run, Baby, Run

We had a meeting in the office today as part of syllabus planning.
My boss highlighted this 'trend' that he observed in the bible. God often chooses to use those who like to run away, ie. resistant to heed God's divine call, or those who feel that they are highly inadequate. Eg. Moses, Jonah, Hosea, Jeremiah, Amos etc.

That was a major 'UH-OHH!!' moment for me....

Disclaimer: I'm not saying that God doesn't use those who are willing to avail themselves...but sometimes it depends on HOW we avail ourselves too. If we come before Him in surrender, and with humility like Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8), then of course....God can use us. But if we avail ourselves in pride, self-confidence...like the self-righteous Pharisees, then we miss the point.

I guess sometimes we really need God to "scare us to death" with a divine call that is so high, so impossible to fulfil based on our own weaknesses, and inadequacies......just to remind us of how human we are....and how big He is!

Chris Botti Live in Tokyo - Embraceable You

I couldn't resist posting this. Not only does Chris Botti have a gorgeous tone, he also does excellent interpretations of these jazz standards.

Sting & Chris Botti- "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning"

This song brings back such bitter-sweet memories from my Uni days. Sigh....and to imagine that I found a version performed by Sting AND Chris Botti!!! Sweet, the ultimate combination lah. Don't you guys think Chris looks like a younger version of Sting?? His playing on the trumpet is just beautiful....awesome velvety tones. He's the only trumpeter I bother to listen to. I hate the fact that I can't go for his concert here on 25 Oct. Arghh!!

p.s: This song was also featured in "Sleepless in Seattle"....in case you find it familiar. :)

Sheryl Crow & Sting - Always On Your Side

This song doesn't exactly show off Sting's musical chops...but man, does he look good here with the gorgeous Sheryl Crow!

"Always On Your Side"

by Sheryl Crow ("Wildflower" Album)

my yesterdays are all boxed up and neatly put away
but every now and then you come to mind
cause you were always waiting to be picked to play the game
but when your name was called, you found a place to hide
when you knew that i was always on your side

well everything was easy then, so sweet and innocent
but your demons and your angels reappeared
leavin' all the traces of the man you thought you'd be
leavin' me with no place left to go from here
leavin' me so many questions all these years

but is there someplace far away, someplace where all is clear
easy to start over with the ones you hold so dear
or are you left to wonder, all alone, eternally
this isn't how it's really meant to be
no it isn't how it's really meant to be

well they say that love is in the air, but never is it clear,
how to pull it close and make it stay
butterflies are free to fly, and so they fly away
and i'm left to carry on and wonder why
even through it all, i'm always on your side

"You can't control an independent heart"

Don't tell me what to do, or what to think.
Don't presume that you are better than me.
Don't subject me to your narrow-minded beliefs
and your hasty judgements.
Don't you see the veiled face of Nazism?
Don't you see?
You people have got it all wrong.

"You can't control an independent heart
Can't tear the one you love apart "- 'If you love somebody set them free' by Sting

Did I just say that??

I blurted this out a few days ago...."I think I should ask my aunts to get me a thumb drive for my birthday" (it's not that I don't have a thumb drive, but I would like those kick-ass types...2GB, which cost ard $90).

*Silence*

I can't believe I just said that. Sure doesn't sound like me....
Then last nite I asked Andrea this "Should I sell my 30GB iPod, and buy the new 80GB iPod for $350??" (Andrea has a contact who can get it real cheap you see). I mean it's freaking 80GB!!!!!
Think of the incredible number of songs I can store with that. Yes, the audiophile would just go insane.

Since when did i get so practical and techy?!?! Since when did I get excited by gigabytes??

Sweet

It's the last week of term, and students have just been amazing again. During today's presentation lesson, almost all the students broke down in tears as they shared or listened to their classmates talk about their walk with God, and His faithfulness in their lives. It was truly a moving tear fest......and it all started with this humble, simple Indonesian student of mine, Hady (no not Sg Idol lah!). A GUY, the first to cry in class!!!! I did not see that coming.....but it was a preview of lots more to come.

I joked with one of the girls to leave her tissue packet on the music stand, cos I anticipated that it would come in handy! They all sang with such heartfelt delivery that I was blown away! I'm so proud of them....:) I think I did more hugging than actual evaluation of their presentations. But well, in a way...there was no need for the latter. It's all about bringing the students to heaven and back during that 1 hour of class. And looks like we did it.

My last class of the day was pretty powerful too.....seeing normally indifferent/aloof and detached students enter deeper and deeper into worship as the weeks progressed, lifting up their hands and smiling as they touched heaven. It's just awesome seeing God work in the classroom, melting down walls, breaking down our defences....and the transformation is so visible in their countenance! I got chills over and over again.

This week I've been blessed with loads of pressies too! (Michelle loves receiving pressies!) I got muffins, a huge decorative plaque, cards, hugs and really encouraging feedback and appreciation from the students. I thought the best one was this....there was this class which chased me out of the classroom for 2 mins....(sounds fishy rite? but i played along), and when I returned I saw something glittery on my keyboard. They had poured Hershey's choc kisses all over the keyboard! *MELT* It took some time to sweep off all the little chocs, but it was really such a creative gesture which touched my heart.

Bernice has been so cute too...cheering me up with flowers, balloons, mentos and Tic-Tac!! :)
See...I'm really quite easy to please. haha! In fact, I think if someone just gave me rainbow sprinkles in a plastic container, I'd be over the moon. Haha! I'll bet Steph thinks I'm loony again.

Please Pray...

"The reason why we pray is simply that we cannot help praying"-William James

My grandfather has been hospitalized. Last year he was hospitalized too, for a minor stroke which affected his motor and speech abilities. He's more or less recovered since then...but last week he fell down the stairs. It seemed alright for a while, but recently his knee started to get really painful and swollen. The docs have him under observation now, they're still trying to find out what is wrong.

I'm worried for him...and I'm just really emotionally (and physically) drained out. Not from just this incident alone...but from everything that's happened this year....feels like I'm being pushed to the edge. I really don't think I can bear much more crap. It's a very critical time at work too....new term, training up a new coach, planning new syllabus, newly extended working hours etc. I've never felt so tired in my life.

So yeah, please keep me and my family in prayer. Much appreciated!

The Rhythm of Life

You know that life is getting a tad too hectic and fast-paced in Singapore when you get seriously annoyed that it's going to be an 8min wait for your MRT to arrive (you know from those boards that 'count down' for you). Don't all of us go "Crap! So long ah?" whenever it happens to us?

The thing is...an 8 min wait in another country, like say Australia, would be met with sighs of relief and gratefulness.

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair grows in me
and I wake in the middle of the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water,
and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

-Wendell Berry, from "Collected Poems"

Keeping Company with God

"For prayer exists, no question about that. It is the peculiarly human
response to the fact of this endless mystery of bliss and brutality,
impersonal might and lyric intimacy that composes our
experience of life"
- Patricia Hampl

The past 2 weeks have been pretty incredible....God has really been moving....and I don't know where to start! :) It's been quite hectic too, hence the silence on blogger. I won't tell you the whole story, cos it's just too much. But let's just say that He's really shown to me very concretely, intensely....and tenderly that He knows my needs, the concerns on my heart. God has been answering my prayers at very timely moments, and in very creative ways. *Much respect and love to the One who is higher than I*. :)

There were moments where I would express to God, how much I miss gigging, the music we made...and almost instantly, Jon decided to pop by BMI to jam!! Then I would casually mention to God how much I miss certain friends whom I haven't seen in ages....and soon enough, smses from them would start streaming in (without any initiation on my part!), or I would bump into them in town!! Of all times right? Not meeting, talking, bumping into each other for months, and out of the blue they come back into my life. :)

God brought students and friends along, with powerful words to remind me of certain dreams I had forgotten. Providence came financially too....something I've been praying for a long time. God generously supplied me much needed affirmation for the work I'm doing at BMI....particularly the syllabus planning for 2 new modules that center around the prayers in the bible. He used Jon to give me a word (Psalm 40:3) that was really the theme verse of the whole vocal program. Both Jon and I were shocked....Jon had no idea I've been using it for the program....and I was amazed that God would use that exact same verse to affirm and encourage me.

A few days later, I stumbled about Philip Yancey's new book 'Prayer: does it make a difference?" at Kino. It was as if the book dropped down from heaven!! I badly needed the angle, perspective on prayer that Philip Yancey was exploring in his book, to complement the research I had already done. Of course, which better writer for me to learn from rite? Yancey is one of my all-time fav writers!! I happily purchased the book on the spot of course. When I went home, I was very tempted to leave it aside and watch my dvds...but I felt this strong urge from God to read it straight away. So I obeyed, and was I richly rewarded.

There in the first chapeter, staring me in the face were the 2 key verses/bible passages I was planning to use in the first week of the new syllabus- Psalm 8 and Gen 2:23. I was stumped. It really encouraged me that I was on the right track with regards to the program planning. That wasn't the end though, through the book....God taught me so many valuable lessons, brought much insight and revelations. I had a powerful God-encounter that night. It was intense, a bit painful....but in the end, it brought release and a deep connection with my Maker. Over and over again, He kept assuring me that He knew my needs, my concerns, my pain, my dreams.

It's such a beautiful mystery how God moves among us, and how He connects us with one another. :)

=================================================================
A series of short thank you notes again:

Jon- Thank you for the music as always. It's been more healing than you know. But more than that, your friendship is really treasured in my heart. I'm still amazed how you felt so prompted by God to write that email at 4am in the morning. It was a much needed affirmation from God that you brought....thanks!

Eunice- for that random sms that you sent me, because you stumbled across some old Christmas card I gave you. :) I miss you too! Thanks for praying alongside with me.

George- for being so encouraging as I'm planing this new module on Prayers of the bible. Your feedback was valuable indeed.

Audrey- for always putting up with my late night calls, and the random outbursts along with them. *Palapapumpum* my friend!!!

Dehui- your words cut straight to the heart (in a gd way!). :) I appreciate you being there....for letting me 'fall apart' in your car.

Andrea and Berno: my gals!!!! :) where would I be without you...it's been so much insane fun lately. Gushing over Mac stuff, John Mayer, Amanda Lee and more. I love how we're getting closer. Enjoying the friendship very much.

Bliss

Bliss is a moment of quiet solitude, on a lazy Friday afternoon, seated in a cosy corner of Olio Dome cafe at the S'pore Art Museum.......accompanied by a fragrant cup of Chai Vanilla Latte, the dazzling, fluid prose of Neil Gaiman ("Stardust") and the musical genius of John Mayer (from my iPod). I swear, I must have been sitting there just smiling to myself.

If I imagined hard enough, it was as if I was not in S'pore...but in some cafe at Queen Victoria Building in Sydney. :)

Vultures-John Mayer

I am hooked on this guy....especially watching his live videos on youtube. Can you believe that every live version of 'Vultures' is different?? That's how solid their musicianship is! This video on amazon is my favourite thus far.....its the slickest and features a short but great keys solo!! I like!! Wish there was more....oh, it's so bluesy and soulful! *swoon* It's just amazing watching these brilliant musicians go at it.

Was telling Andrea....a guy get hotter (in our eyes) when he's got great musicianship. But when he looks like he's really enjoying the music (like John Mayer)...he scores! haha! (Pardon the bimbo gushing....heh!)

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000H0MKGK/ref=s9_asin_image_1/102-8018872-0948912

John Mayer- "Continuum"

"Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good." - "The Heart of Life'


"Down to the wire
I wanted water but I'll walk through the fire
If this is what it takes to take me even higher
Then I'll come through like I do
When the world keeps testing me, testing me, testing me" -"Vultures"

"When you're dreaming with a broken heart
The waking up is the hardest part
You roll out of bed and down on your knees
And for a moment you can hardly breathe
wondering
was she really here?"
-"Dreaming with a broken heart"

John Mayer's new album "Continuum" is absolutely fantastic!!!! (mind you, this is coming from someone who is not a John Mayer fan) It's just really great music! Every track on this album is strong on its own! This is pretty huge, considering how much rubbish is being released these days.

I'm really surprised at how much he's grown and evolved as a song-writer/singer/musician. His new album features such creative instrumentation (old school rock, blues, pop, jazz all fused together seamlessly)....and I just love how bold, soulful and richly textured his new sound is. (smart guy has surrounded himself with excellent musicians) His singing has improved a lot....he sings with remarkable tenderness, sincerity and a well-controlled falsetto! (Amazing, considering how limited his range used to be.) His lyrics are showing greater maturity, insight and wit as well. I LOVE IT!!!! A very strong effort dude! Or as Andrea has described "FIERCE!!" haha! I so agree.

I've uploaded some tracks on multiply, but because I believe that this album is soooo good, I will only upload 3 tracks as a preview. Please buy the album proper. It's definitely worth your money.
http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/music
1) Waiting on the world to change (current single that's being played on radio.)
2) Vultures (this is sooo groovy and sexy!!)
3) Dreaming with a broken heart (very tender and wistful. It'll break your heart. The piano playing-quite unusual for a John Mayer track- is very mesmerising and plaintive)

Simple Pleasures

It's been a good day, filled with simple pleasures. :) I'm like on a little bit of a 'high' now. haha!

Met Audrey for dinner...and we tried out this new restaurant at Citylink mall, "New York, New York". It resembles NYDC cafe....but i think the food is better, and more affordable too. Go check it out! It's been attracting long queues. We ordered "mushroom cuppaccino" soup and calamari as appetizers, then we shared a turkey and cranberry sandwich on sun-dried tomato bread. Yummmy! They gave us free apple-flavoured cotton candy for dessert! SWEET!!! (shrewd promotion strategy...but definitely a pleasant surprise that brought child-like smiles all round) Look at the grin on Audrey's face...haha!

After dinner, we headed to the esplanade library for a dvd rampage. Heh! It was such a beautiful, cooling night too....after the rain this afternoon. Just revelled in the evening breeze, gazing up at the poofy white clouds in the night sky...singing silly tunes and reminiscing about wrapping ourselves up in snuggly jackets while strolling through the streets of Australia by night....even doing a spot of grocery shopping at Cole's. haha! Oh Pammy!!! It's strawberry picking season there....ahhh, i wish i could join you!!

I also managed to grab a copy of John Mayer's brilliant new CD!! Was waiting for it all week! More on that in the next post...

All in all....thank You God for good company, good music, good food, and refreshing weather!

"Let's Forget About It"-Lisa Loeb

"The time between meeting and finally leaving is sometimes called falling in love"

"I was quiet, and I was tired. and I wanted you to bring me up
I wanted you to make it stop, yeah I wanted you to bring me up.
So I was wrong and you were right.
Bring me home.. "

Lisa Loeb...she strikes me as this quirky, urban troubadour. It's easy to lose yourself in her songs, cos they're very relatable and cathartic. Her observations on life, love, and relationships are refreshing too, and she's really brilliant with her fluid, storytelling song-writing style.

I've uploaded some lesser known acoustic songs from John Mayer's old album "Room For Squares" too. Can't wait for his new album to come out!

http://jazzymoo.multiply.com/music