i slept at 6am last night watching iron chef America and top chef on food network. the dishes they displayed were phenomenal. it's like who would have thought of burning/scalding the black bass skin with a Bunsen burner before it's being cooked so it'll get the crisp and risen look. now THAT was ultimate.

I'm not proud to be a nocturnal mammal but i can't deny that i am one. I've been up til 4 am for about two weeks now and waking up at noontime. i was roused by the alarm clock, yes, alarm, who sets an alarm during holidays? it was... for an errand to run. i had an appointment with the optometrist, they won't see you if you don't and they're not there all the time. opticians can't do eye exams for you, each eye exam costs $50. each pair of glasses costs $300 at a discounted price. so, tell me, isn't this MADNESS? ha ha, i got my prescription the other day, and the optometrist left out a PD box... for Pupil Distance. Because of that, I couldn't make my glasses, so i returned today with an appointment, but another eye doctor was there, he told me i have to return tomorrow with another appointment to see the SAME optometrist that rendered the prescription to measure my PD. this was of course, no surprise, since blunders as such often occurs in Canada. i just hope i don't have to pay another $50 just for my PD, which HE left out.

though sapped by the sun and frazzled by the limited rest, my bf and i headed off to this warehouse that sells all designer brands, so prices were cut from $249 to $117 and such. I am broke so I didn't get anything even though my fingers were hurting from the restraint. we lumbered our way to Canadian tire where i bought an snug laundry bag and two gigantic storage containers. We bypassed Tristan & America where i tried on some outfits; the sale was bizarre -- from $75 to $10. accessories at $2 and belts at $5. it turned out i didn't buy anything because i didn't like the fit and am not an "accessories" fan. our final stop was Dollarama, yeah, where all the worthy stuff lies, sold way below it's value. a well spent $27 indeed, i got everything i wanted.

came home to check my email and my marks for inorganic chem were finally out. it was an impressive mark i would say. Praise God! i wouldn't have traded it for any lower, duh. i am very satisfied with it. Praise God again!

now, some rest would do me good...

there is no reality but perception. everyone lives life through their own individual filtered perception, everyone has their own view, opinion, thinking, mindset. and because of that, people make different decisions on how to live their life and live it differently. through every different perspective, this is what makes living life interesting.

alot of people i know can grill! yes! hence the reason why i'm always the one indoors and waiting the food to be served, what a slob... i know! so i'm not exactly in a very good position to give out grill advice. but hey wait! the TV has taught me stuff. chefs have taught me stuff through it. so here it is:

when grilling food, always make sure that griller/grater(whatever you guys call it, i have no clue) is oiled, or if no brush, make sure the food is oiled. BUT! make sure the food is dry (pat with a paper towel) and then oiled. cuz the water in the food evaporates fast, and will leave your food really dry and you would want your food to be juicy and nice. also, water is the key thing that makes your food STICK TO THE GRILL and don't come off! so if you want your shrimps to look good, put OIL not water!

this is a must-learn for all sorts of grills, even korean grills, barbecue grills, restaurant grills. for sgporeans- seoul garden.

have you ever had such freakin' good food that you wished it would have just stayed in your mouth a little longer? mouth-watering, juicy, tender, creamy, scrumptious, delightful, palatable, full-bodied... i wish i could meet someone just as passionate about FOOD as me. because when i talk about food and fine dining, it's like a trip to heaven... or for bad food?... a trip to hell.

check out allrecipes.com
that's where all my inspiration comes from, to create and invent my very own special meals which often turn out incredible, had some tasters. or you could stick to the recipes, but be creative and always work with what you have in your fridge! you won't regret it! but picture the food, and imagine how it will look and taste before you make it. fyi that's my talent.

i was researching on parenthood today after watching Dr. Phil on TV. it's never too early to plan! or i could pass what i know to my brother (already married and soon to have kids- maybe about 2 or 3 years?) www.drphil.com has all the cool articles on everyday life. e.g. how to create a phenomenal family

i will post up the notes i've gathered after i compile them. catch it later.

if i fall short of anything, feel free to comment.

blush
lipstick
4-tones brown eyeshadow
basic eyeshadow
eyeshadow of your choice
oil-free moisturizer
light-weight foundation
primer
loose powder
white/black eyeliner
eyebrow liner
lip plumpers/gloss/moisturizer/balms
mascara
tweezer
brow shaver
nail clipper
brow trimmer
brushes
bronzer
vaseline/baby oil
cotton pads
facial tissue/kleenex

if i fall short of anything, feel free to comment.

trench
red/gold/black pumps
leather sandels
black/red/grey cardigan
a watch
pearl ear studs
hoop earrings
low-heeled black ceremonial pumps
working leather bag
beach tote bag
backpack
gymbag/shoebag
clutch
casual hobo bag/handbag
visor
sunglasses
nail enamel
black working pants
black working skirt (half knee or just above knee length)
white blouses
white/grey tees
black/white/pastel undergarments
sport shoes
red/maroon/grey/yellowish-orange/black tank tops/long sleeve
bikini
swimsuit
luggage
loafers
blazer
fitting jeans/skinny jeans/skinny black cotton pants
black panty-hose/slacks
fitting jacket for casual occasions
black dress for party/formal
grey wool wide leg pants
pointed toe boots
shiny black peep-toe flats
nice cap/hat

i was brought to my knees today when the perplexing issues of life once again flooded my mind. i came to the cross and knelt at his feet for direction in silence and in humility. i confessed that i have sinned, and have neglected Him, haven't been giving Him the deserved authority and honor in my life, yes He could take it all away with one swift wave of His hand, but His love is the greatest, and He has forgiven me. So I thanked Jesus for dying on the cross as the propitiation for our sins that I am cleansed by His sacrifice. I once again crowned God the King of my life that He is in charge, and as i did that, i felt my minuscule world that was once overshadowing and choking now shrank into non-existence against His Almighty presence. I knew at once that if I have Him, every problem in the world can be solved, every situation triumphed, every circumstances met with victory, everything and everyone else just paled in comparison.

i realized I miss God's presence.

i think ratatouille is a very good movie. i watched it with my bf yesterday. it makes me want to cook and EAT! lol. i called up one of my old friends and my parents yesterday. they were pretty happy i called.

anyways, my bf and i bought some blue cheese and some good french baguette. i learnt from the movie that to see if bread is good, you need to hear the crunch when you squeeze it, not taste it, not looking at it. it's hearing the marvellous symphonic sounds of crunching bread. the movie also inspired me to go to Paris! for my honeymoon... Italy(Venice, Rome, Florence/Bologna) and Paris, food, food, FOOD! is my passion!

exams are over on 11th. so it's been 8 days of holidays. helped my bf move out, spent some time at his place in Toronto. Playing some foozball, running some errands, did a little shopping, went to Lakeshore to feed some ducks, played some x box and DS, watched Simpson's movie, cooked some food, watched some TV...

now we're just chilling in the basement, eating $3.99 Ben & Jerry's ice cream, more TV, DS....
blah...

though it's not my home. but it's surely a place i return to. it feels homely and warm, with freshly home cooked food and family gathering to watch TV, snacking on popcorn and chips. enchanted by the drawer full of goodies -- cookies, chips, chocolates, popcorn, candies, crackers...etc. life is good.

finally returned to my bf's home, his parents are really hospitable and sweet. :) and i haven't tasted good home-cooked food for such a long time. we're gonna meet up with some of his friends much later, maybe tomorrow.

p.s. i just realized that the suburbs of Canada does resemble slightly of Malaysia. As i was cruising in the car, my roving eye caught sight of the connecting power lines, the long roads, the low-rise buildings, terraces, private apartments and lots of green trees lined like accompanying forests aside the highway. it brought be back in reminisce to my trips to Malaysia when i was a child, visiting our much-loved relatives back there. oh how i miss those days...

If i were to die in a few months, and if i can do four things (achievable)
I would,...

...go horseback riding
...lie under the stars with someone i love
...have a dinner at a fancy restaurant with all my friends and eat lobster
...go to the zoo with my parents

by the way, i got to be an orientation leader after sending in my resume and going for an interview. it's a small step to leadership for me! Thank God for giving me this opportunity!

i think I'm gonna join sorority next term. so all the best to co curricular activities and balancing with academics!

just a few minutes ago, i felt i had to send an email to my fellow christian brothers and sisters. i felt since life is what you make of it, i shouldn't miss this chance. and once you've encountered death, you'd realize that nothing in this world matters that much anymore, by nothing i meant THING not person. one day, we'll all die and realize that ok, life's just that.

cut straight to the point, here's the email i've forwarded to all of them:

Subject: To all xxonites whether still attending or not, please forward if you find this meaningful

Here's a heartfelt message and blessings to all of you in XXON:

although i don't attend there anymore and im away overseas but I still want to share this with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I've attended so many churches to see how different people express themselves in worship and to expose myself to different types of preaching because to me, it does not matter where you worship as long as you gather with other believers.

There are times when we feel we're at a spiritual high and we get so passionate about God that we really express our love to God and go on and on about Him. But when the passion fades, or as days go by, we start to express ourselves less and less. If that happens to you... then you should go back to God and tell Him, rekindle the fire for Him again, the King of all Kings, Jesus, victorious, saved our lives! We should celebrate that joy everyday of our lives and not let the things of the world bother us so much. We go to God with whatever we have, and He'll carry it. Don't carry the burden yourselves, whatever problem you're facing, go to God. We often get so tired that we don't have the energy to go back to Him or find excuses not to. If that is you, then all the more you should spend more time with Him, then His peace would increase in Your life. Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7. He wants us to approach Him, He loves us so much He wouldn't find our problems a bother for such a busy busy God, He will always have time for us.

During worship, do express your love to Him. I think everyone should gather not for any other reason but to purely thank Him for what He has done in our lives and in our week, in our family or in other people's lives, or simply express your honor and love for Him. Don't just give mental assent, express it. David in the Bible danced and sang Psalms to worship God, and it gave joy to both him and God. so just between God and you, if everyone was to really express your love, i am sure less people would be shy to do so.


The Bible tells us that small things that may not seem to us of great value matters to God.

"What is that in your hand?" God asked.

"A rod," Moses said. And with that rod, he performed miracles and confounded the might of Pharaoh.

"Five loaves and two fish," a little boy said. And with that little boy's lunch, Jesus fed 5,000 men besides the women and children, and his disciples gathered 12 basketfuls of leftovers.

"The jawbone of an ass," Samson said. And with that, he slew a thousand Philistines, who were the enemies of God's people.

"Five stones and a sling," said David the shepherd boy. And with one of his stones and the sling, he brought down Goliath, the mighty Philistine champion dressed in full armour.
Even humming to a tune of a song as long as it's for God, go ahead and show Him how much you adore Him, Jesus, our Lord Almighty.
A little thing God cherishes most. Also, as the fire in the church starts off with a flame, it begins to attract non-believers' interest as in what's going on? and they'll like to find out. because they want to know where we get the joy everyday in this dark world. a flame shines bright in the day, even brighter in the dark. Let us shine for God, and represent God as his child to reflect His love and His kindness, instead of showing a face downcast or burdened. We should celebrate the joy of Jesus coming, til He comes. This is heaven on earth.

--
Cheers
Catherine Tee

go take it! http://www.quizbox.com/personality/test82.aspx

Your view on yourself:
Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.

The seriousness of your love:
You are very serious about relationships and aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like. If you meet the right person, you will fall deeply and beautifully in love.

Your views on education
Education is less important than the real world out there, away from the classroom. Deep inside you want to start working, earning money and living on your own.

The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.

How do you view success:
Success in your career is not the most important thing in life. You are content with what you have and think that being with someone you love is more than spending all of your precious time just working.

What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of having no one to rely on in times of trouble. You don't ever want to be unable to take care of yourself. Independence is important to you.

Who is your true self:
You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

aldo pumps and heels
trench coat - one for early fall, one for early winter
mac makeup brushes
makeup from makeup professionals
silver pearl necklace and earrings when i get much older
omega/cartier watch
brilliant rose wedding ring soo kee - haha
black porche convertable - can't drive yet...
gold small hoop earrings
diamond dangling earrings
money for facials, spas and manicure and pedicure

now am i materialistic? HAHA DUHHHH
but if i dun get them, i wont cry. because i already got the best in life. :)

omgosh i so love the songs i've downloaded. i think so far, this library is the best collection of songs ever. cuz i always "refresh" my song library every month by ridding the yucky songs or songs i've played too many times and download others.

right now im studying for tomorrow's finals! im actually prepared! i kinda like doing this work. i hope my finals will be as easy as my assignments. i think so. haha! after exams i swear im gonna do something crazy or fun. im gonna go crash my high school, search out my friends and hang out. before that im gonna get buzzed with my bf's roommate and my bf with alcohol! well before exams end i'm already finishing two bottles of wine: white shiraz and pinot noir. :)

i'm a freaking alcoholic. except that i have some taste. dun really like vodka and stuff. i prefer wine and beer. :)

ok right now, back to work!

today it suddenly hit me that being me is not being so conscious about what other people say and to just do what i want, be what i want to be, do what i am interested in. i shouldn't care so much about what people say about me or think about me. i accept compliments and praises, and i am generous to other people as such too. i serve them with kindness and humility but not to please everybody. many have proved impossible.

also, i was inspired by hardworking people and friends. i know people are not perfect, and infallible, but i know perseverance and excellence. be excellent at what is good, be innocent of evil. i want to be that. i want to be excellent in every aspect to feel good about myself and not ravel in self pity.

i wanna keep up with a pleasant, presentable appearance, dress smartly (doesn't need to be trendy). i wanna be healthy, keeping up with exercise and balanced diet. i wanna excel in academics, be a model student and get good grades, they don't need to be straight As. To me, B is good. Anything above would be a bonus. I wanna be nice to people within my limits. i want to be beautiful in character and in person. i don't need to try too hard to put extra makeup or to dress like a model, no, i just be myself and do what is necessary for being a presentable person. someone whom people will not call sloppy, or lazy, or irresponsible or selfish.

my boyfriend is trying very hard to excel in his studies too. but the course is very difficult and he is worrying about repeating the term. i have been praying for him. i am assured that he will not repeat because i know his capabilities.

i, on the other hand, have an exam coming up on Aug 11, Saturday. tomorrow I'd really have to study hard and wrap up what I've learnt so far.

alright, time for bed!