Seven Types of Ordinary Happiness

I came across this cartoon on an old copy of 'The Age', entitled 'The Seven Types of Ordinary Happiness', it is a cartoon by Leunig. Sorry you can't see the cartoons, but it is the descriptions that causes one to pause and wonder for a while, with a smile.. ... Here goes:

1) Secret Happiness Which is Steady But Beautifully Delicate
2) Three Minutes of Happiness Borrowed from a Dog
3) Traditional Lying Down Happiness
4) The Happiness Which Comes from Staring at a Rock
5) Happiness Blended with a Mysterious Saddness
6) The Strange Happiness Associated with Seeing a Meteorite or Shotting Star
7) Diffuse, Residul Happiness Resulting from Rhythmic Domestic Tasks such as Washing the Dishes

Can you relate? What are your forms of 'ordinary happiness'?

Joa : )

My Life is Over

Yes, my life in Melbourne as I know it is over. With today's sending off at Planetkids, what I always tell people how I spend my time is over. Uni, AIESEC and Church. Yes, I am officially out of all these activities. I am free, I am lost. Contemplation is needed to find my place again.

I Feel Like a Dad

Hee...

I feel like a dad. Yep, my 'boys' have graduated from the primary school program in church. They're moving on to bigger and better things in the youth adult program.

Haizzz.... never thought I'd feel a tad sentimental cos I always kinda kept an emotional distance to all things, and I dun even think I am that close to my boys. But for some reason, it was a little sad and emotional. I may be becoming a softie. Hee... My kid's pastor was a bit of a wreck! I wonder what it is like to love childre (that aren't biologically yours) so much. Hmmm... I sometimes wish I had his capacity to love.

Newayz, good luck boys! I hope you meet cool and inspiring people as you move on in life! Will be praying for ya!

Joa

P.S. Hope ya love my pencil boxes! : )

The Problem With Friends

Jiarong, Wenwei, Benedict, Shaun , Joseph, Yongsheng, Kelvin, Teck Lee....

They come they go

Had a good time, ciao amigo

Change, Move on, Leave the country, Go to different schools, I'm smarter, You're dumber, Different crowd, Different interests, Gotta girlfriend now

Every brotherly bond that dies, a little part of you dies too

Farewell, I wish u happiness, I wish u love, I wish u joy, I wish u maturity, I wish u find the purpose that u were put on this earth for and that u will use the many gifts that have been graciously given to u

Really, it is not a coincidence our paths crossed

Jiarong, Wenwei, Benedict, Shaun , Joseph, Yongsheng, Kelvin, Teck Lee.... Kenny

Sincerely Joa

Shedding of Blood

yes... exams are over, am moving on in a phase in life.

And what better way to commemorate my time in Oz than to mark it. Yes, I GOT A TATTOO!!! I wanted to get the Southern Cross but then it wasn't all that great looking so i decided to get a star tattoo. More Photos soon..

Special thanks to my Tattoo Si Fu, Lyn! It wasnt so scary with ya helping me out! Hee... Really have no idea how u stand getting your tattoos??!! it stings man!

As I was saying, its interesting what goes on in the head when one does something like a tattoo. Its like getting married cos its literally a physically life changing experience. I was admiring the tat in the mirror and I felt that i always should have been there. One knows one has made an good decision at these crucial juntures when you feel that the decision was always going to be made.

Hee... I hope this is a sign that I'm getting better at making these kind of decisions.. fingers crossed!

Joa

Pay attention girls!!

Tounge in Cheek look into a guys psyche...


1.Getting angry at us for not reading your mind is like getting angry at yourself for not being able to fly. It's not just futile, it's physically impossible.

2. Yes, we do think Jessica Alba is hot. Sometimes we're even dumb enough to admit it.

3. Don't ask us to understand your shoe fetish. Asking us to respect it is even sort of pushing it.

4. You do look good without makeup, just not as good as you look with it.

5. Ever notice how we don't fight with our male friends? That's why we get so frustrated when we fight with you.

6. You care what you're wearing infinitely more than we do. In fact, if you're naked when you open the front door, you won't hear an argument from us.

7. You don't like to get hit on in public, you don't want to date online and you don't want to be set up on blind dates. Tell us if sending messenger pigeons is an appropriate way of courting. Because if it is, we're all over it.

8. There should a statute of limitations on stupid things that we said that can come back to haunt us
There should a statute of limitations on stupid things that we said that can come back to haunt us. I propose 24 hours.

9. Cooking dinner for a man is like buying flowers for a woman, except it takes a lot more time, effort and thought for you to do it. Thanks. We appreciate it.

10. We actually like your girly pet-names for us, but please, not in front of the guys!

11. Your nice guy friends are the most reliable source for telling you if your new boyfriend's a jerk. And he probably is. (By the way, you might want to consider marrying that nice guy who's giving you advice about the jerk.)

Random Ramen Rant

Mmmmm... Ramen Craving from watching too much Naruto....

its the small things that make life nice

yesterday:
- took a break from the books
- went for an urban life group meeting where we shared on the 5 languages of love and other aspects of relationships. Brought Kenny along as well. He seemed to enjoy it. He warmed up to the UL rather well. Hope it made his day. : )
- rented the American version of Ju-On (the grudge, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar). It is good. One of the better western horror films. I think mainly because they kept the same team that made the Japanese version and mostly only changed the main actors. So the creepy Japanese horror style was kept true. Watched it with Kenny. He is so fun to watch it with as he is the scarediest cat in the world. (" Hey Kenny, Boo! .............ArghHHH!!!!") Had popcorn and chips to complement.

Today:
- went for a jog with Kenny and Liss and MILO!! haha... Milo loved it! And it is officially true, I run faster than Milo. Haha! Never seen him so tired, tounge wagging and all. Hee...

- P.S. Let it state for the record Liss wasnt keen to just jog cos she was 'tired', but when I said that Kenny and Milo were coming, she replied by sms immediately (which for those who know her, never happens) and excitedly that she was keen. Hee... Motivated by a dog to run.. interesting....

- Milo pooed like 4 -5 times (Kenny brought bags)! Having some diahorrea or sth.
- Showered and cut milo's hair. He looks decent now. Cuter too!
- Had a lunch (if ya in Melb, do not go to a cafe called ' Taste of Malaysia' on King St, not great food or if you do, dont order the Laksa) w Liss and Kenny.

Whew! Can I say, i had a good time. Its this small simple things that seem enjoyable to me now. I think all I need to do is to appreciate the things I already have. Do what I'm supposed to do and everythings gonna be just dandy!

Cheerful atm Joa

: )

Becoming younger as you get older

Becoming younger as you get older


1. Change your perception of time. Don't be in a hurry.
2. Get restful sleep.
3. Eat fresh, nutritious food.
4. Take at least two multivitamins with minerals every day.
5. Practice a mind body technique such as yoga or tai chi.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Don't put toxins in your life, including toxic food, toxicemotions, toxic relationships, and avoid toxic environments or toxic relationships.
8. Have a flexible attitude to minor hassles.
9. Look at so-called problems as opportunities.
10. Nurture loving relationships.
11. Always have an attitude of curiosity, learning, and wonder and spend time with children.

From some website I found, I like it.

Joa

Purpose

Ahhh...

Yes, the small dose of freedom just caught me. Yes, ladies and gents, I just finished my last assignment of my last semester. I probably have half a day of a break before a very busy Saturday.

I really hate these kinds of times, the transition periods. Where one does not really know where I'll be in a few months time. Whatsmore, there is so much to do to wrap up the current phase. Making things worse, is the small nagging doubt of whether deciding to wrap up the current phase in life is the right decision?

Sometimes I wish I get clearer instructions or signs of where I need to be, but then I realised that is some guy came down from a cloud and told me exactly where I need to be or how I should live, life's gonna be rather restrictive and boring. I mean, half the fun and learning process in life is to make mistakes. I guess the trick is to make less and less as you get older.

TANGENT!! -- For those who may be interested in finding out your purpose in life, I suggest a method I picked up from a blog I read from time to time.
1) Get a paper or lap top
2) Write on the top '#Name# Purpose in Life'
3) Write down whether comes to mind! Dun think so much!
4) Stop when you write something that brings out so much emotion in you that it causes u to tear.
5) Yup, you either have hit the nail on the head or are really close!

Disclaimer: This works best depending on whether you are the kind of person who is really interested in searching for your purpose (not the same as someone who just says s/he is interested). It also works best if you have already attempted to look for your purpose in other ways.

Ok.

'All work and no play makes Joa a dull boy'. Yessree, I think that kinda describes my life atm. Which is kinda sad. I remember watching this movie starring Topher Grace, Patrick Swayze and Scarlett Johanson about a young executive (Grace) dating a more experienced employee's (Swayze)daughter (Johanson), the title escapes me atm, grrr...

Newayz, Grace's character was so consumed by work that he had no other life besides it and even lost his fiance over it. He went so far as to invite himself into Swayze's home to have dinner so that he did not have to go home to an empty house and empty Porsche. Yes, I wanna be successful and focused on my purpose, but I think i'm missing out on the colours of life atm. I mean, success and living abundantly is not exclusive. Hmmm....

Joa

This time next year... ...

I just finished a week rushing thru three assignments after my week in Sydney. I then decided to take some time to engage in more relfective activities, ie reading and commenting on other people's blogs and now, adding to my own.

It is really strange now that I know I am approaching my end of a phase of my life. Knowing that this time next year, I wun be in my apartment, typing on my Ikea desk, sitting on my Ikea chair, being warmed by a second hand ewt heater, it is strange.

This time next year, I'll no longer have to balance AIESEC, Uni and Church and the hectic-ness that comes with it, this time next year I probably wun see many of the friends I've made here nor attend the church which has become such an important part of my life.

This time next year, I wun be able to 'terrorize' my housemate's dog and act like a parent to him, I wun have to pick up the household chores slack of my housemates (hee...).

This time next year, I wun be able lie in my Ikea bed and let my mind wander about the adventures I want to have; I wun be able to have a homemade 'Riva' coffee and recline on my lazy chair and again let my mind wander about my imaginary adventures.

This time next year I wun have control over my time, I wun be able to skip classes and lectures, i wun be able to read DragonBall in japanese (even though I dun actually read japanese) on the Asian Studies level of the Baillieu Library.

This time next year, I wun be able to sneak in a KoKo Black hot chocolate in my week, I most prob wun be able to get cheap and good cappaucinos and I wun be able to say " just " franchise coffee is crap"! - but their fraps are good! Hee...

This time next year, I'll no longer be part of AIESEC in Aust/VIC, I'll no longer be able to try one more time to be helpful, I'll no longer be able to billet random AIESECers in my apartment while Milo irritates the hell out of them, I'll no longer be able to interact with really smart people who have grown on me.

But... ...

This time next year, I will be happy. I will be happy with my job (whatever it is), I will take the time to catch up with old and new friends (physically or virtually), I will do my bestest in whatever I do, I will avoid behaviours that causes regrets, I will make the most with what I have, I will be more open and vunerable to people, I will be more bold in forming relationships with people. This time next year, I will be happy! : )

This time next year, I want to be where He wants me to be and be doing exactly what He wants me to be doing. I want to be open and sensitive, I want to be obedient, I want to be discerning and wise and loving.

Wow...this time next year...

cheers!

Joa

A Nice Closure Working Holiday

Yeah.... Sydney was kinda what I needed to get going again.



SPMs was a good time to think things thru, catch up with people and make new friends. I even got a hash name.... Tickle Me Skankman.... haha....

It was so nice to spend time with my SM team again, I've really come to respect them for their talents and personalities. Its a pity that we never got the chance to work together towards an output, we would have made a kick arse team!

Jake- the AIESEC nerd, always aware of everything AIESEC and knowing all the moves to the various line dances! Not to mention a compendium nerd. But above all, someone easy to talk to, always with an encouraging word to add.

Ryan - the impressive Qld SM! Always in control and in the thick of things.

Kylie - "I hate you all!" and drunk sums Kylie up best. But seriously, beautiful girl with a beautiful personality!

Bryn - cold exterior, but deep down he is a warm and fuzzy bugger! He gave me my first Elmo!

Hee... Finally theres me, the token Asian dude! ahah!

Met the other SMes too, impressed! Very switched on people! Go Jen, Heidz, Try, Su and Dan!








Conf was cool, met and connected with new people. Was also a good place and time to deal with some of the doubts, depression and demons swirling in my head(Thanks to Luce for that chat, cant wait to see u in VIC in a few days!). But more so, it was good to really get into the AIESEC culture, it was the first time I really hung out at parties, skolled, got into the themes and generaly let myself go and be comfortable with myself. I even participated in a Hash Run (which I thought would get me drunk, but it turned out ok). Drinking really is a Aussie social interaction and I really shd stop seeing it as a negative thing( I mean cultural understanding man!)




All in all, Sydney was a good place to go this time, not sure if I'm going up in Dec, maybe for Jake's 'Awesome ' Conf if it does not clash with VIC's timeline.


More Photos on FaceBook!

Joa

Life Check

I was told on sat that I am a person that ppl find it hard to approach.

Woh... ....

Ok, I have been suspecting it for a long time now. And on hindsight, the signs were rather clear.

But what was even more scary was after a short discussion w her, realised a few things:

1) I am hard to approach cos I'm not myself most of the time when I'm w ppl

2) I am not myself cos maybe I dun really like myself.

Woh... ...

This is not a whingeing post!! Its almost more like a discovery post! I mean, I am really curious to know the characteristics and behaviours I display to push ppl away, behaviours that make me seem cold and aloof.

It wld be soooooo helpful!

Joa

P.S. Be honest, i really dun mind! :)

Going back in one circle

Woh...

On the tram today, I pulled out a book Joyce got for my birthday last year. It was called 'Winning With People' by John C Maxwell. It is such an interesting thing that a book that could have helped me SOOOOOO much this year was laying right under my nose all this time.

Obviously, all the principles and knowledge contained in that book would not have been the be all and end all of my leadership development in my term, but it sure would have helped me navigate through the complex world of team and human dynamics.

But I digress, what's interesting is that sometimes, you don't have to go all out to exotic places (and people) to look for the answers that you want to certain situations in your life. Sometimes, the answers ya looking for is right under 8 other books on the top left hand corner of your built in wardrobe.

Sometimes, the happiness we're looking for isnt in material things, in achievement of a goal, or even in a person or group of persons. Sometimes, we already have all we need to be happy, its just maybe, people, a goal or material things may be blocking your view to realise that you already have the happiness you need. All ya need to do is to look back and evaluate what you already have and suddenly, you stumble upon the anwser ya looking for.

Hmph... Yes. Smile people.

From Feeling Good To Feeling The Food

Hi yo!

It sucks when ya good week ends in a not so good weekend. This week has been not bad, made new friends, caught up with friends over meals and outdoor sports, learnt to drive, got some success with the AIESEC project i'm trying to do. So all in all an alright week.

So irritating that it had to be topped off with one of the worst nights of my life (physically at least). After getting home home last night from the church's kid's ministry, it was a normal meal and then cos I was sooooo tired, i headed to bed after that. Little did i expect that I'd wake up at 1am, 2am, 3.15am, 5am to excruciating abdominal pains!! With a slight fever and body aches to top it up, I think this is what they call stomach flu. It was so bad, i think i nearly fainted so many times last night. OMG!!

After the last 5am episode, I rushed to under my blanket (forgot to say that each pain episode was accompanied by a trip to the toilet) and closed my eyes as tight as i could. Slept pretty much through the morning and woke at 12pm. I called my Pastor and ask permission to skip the kid's service today, could not see myself being a positive presence to the kids today. Kids go: " Hi Joa!!" I'll go: "Yeah...., whaddya want..." hee.... : (

Being sick and staying by yourself really makes you miss the times when ya were young and your mom attended to you with medicine and wet sponge baths. Ahhh... makes me feel nostalgic just thinking abt that. I remember when my Dad would bring me his 'very effective!!' chinese medicine (bitter as hell too). I hated it then, now I miss it. Hmmm....Staying away from home, you miss so much of these little homely perks. Or my brother (yes, my brother can actually be kind sometimes... usually when the moon is of a bluish shade) bringing me fish porridge that he bought. Ahh...

Well, I kinda feel better now, just really dranined. Still so much work to get thru. Can anyone do a budget??

Joa

My First Official Driving Lesson!! + Feeling Adventurous

Yay!!

I drove on Thursday 30th of August 2007.

Yes, I am on my way to a license (fingers crossed). The Toyota Corolla handled well. My instructor, Robert something, was a very nice Englishmen who married a S'poren that has two children , one studying in Perth and the other in Melbourne. His step-daughter cant cook (a 2min noodle in 10 mins) but his wife is an excellent one, he loves going to S'pore for the food, especially the chicken rice.

haha... as u can see, he started a nice convo with me to keep me relaxed. haha...

A car is an amazing thing, the control and power you feel is really something. That you can control a 1 tonne machine to do aythin you want is such a cool feeling. Being in the driver's seat, the engineering that goes into a car is simply amazing, even for a standard hatch back like a Corolla. So much though and ingeunity has gone into the thousands of parts, put together into a nice package so that you can move around in a sleek metal box. Think abt that the next time ya driving.

It is a nice feeling to be doing something new, i feel a little more alive. That effect has carried on over today. I feel adventurous and the need to explore. (I did my first toilet grafiti in the Bailieu Library toilet today, it was a nice feeling to join in the Aussie culture of toilet grafiti. Most of it is rubbish, but on occassion, you do get interesting stuff that makes you go Ahhhh...) I hope this feeling carries on and I keep this mindset, I seem to feel more appreciative of life in this mindset. Haha....

Life is not bad atm.

Joa

Marrying Age

You know ya in trouble when you feel envious when ya frens start getting married.

I never thought it would happen to me - Marriage envy.

I mean, I always saw myself as a happy bacholar till I'm like 30, that's when I would start looking around.

Seems life have other plans.

Maybe due to not having a girl friend for an extended period for in such a long time has triggered this inner instinct/desire. I mean, whatif I dun start looking now, where will i find the time to form a strong and stable relationship to even consider marriage? But i'm like ending my uni studies now man, big changes to my life in a few months time. Dumb to start a relationship!! I mean, i do not forsee myself in a long distance relationship, that is hard. Though, quite a few of my frens seem to do it well. Hmmm...

Now, there is also the faith side to consider for me. I mean i believe that God has the right person out there for me. But where does His divine intervention end and I start? Hmmm...

I know i know, there's so much more to life than a relationship. But its kinda on my mind quite a bit these days. Hope this does not sound like a shallow post.

Joa

Emo Moment No.1- missing out

Recently, I've been thinking, have I missed out?

I think Heidz sums it up best in her blog - "so much yet so little"

Hmmm....

Pls bear my rant... ...

I'm not sure when was last I was a happy camper and excited to face a new day. Thankful I am, but you know that feeling of excitment you get when you have a school excursion to the zoo, or when ya taking a road trip to Malaysia? It's been a while.

I've surrounded myself with stuff to do, I'm busy with uni, AIESEC, church but I seem to have neglected something. What is that thing? I miss it, but I dun know what it is.

Ahhh...could it be fun? Have I nelgected fun for a while?

When was the last time I did something for the heck of it? When was the last time I spent time with people without needing to follow an agenda or accomplish an objective?

Hmmm... maybe its not fun.

Heck...I'm rambling aren't I?

"Ramble ramble ramble, it rhymes with scramble, thats what I do, fit and able.

I dont feel stable when I ramble, but hang on... ... things arent in shambles.

No, after I eat my eggs scrambled, I think I'll be strong enuff for another day of scramble"

Wish me luck, and pls dun gamble.....hee..

Joa

Bad Joa, bad....

Yes, yes...bad me for miaing in the blogging world!!

Apologies to all my fans (who i prob can number with one hand).

I must say though, it has been an eventful two months which has kept me from posting.

I think I will just post a whole bunch of pics to sum up the last two months

MelCon 2007

It has been a bit of a ride this conference. Many behind the scences issues that I will not explain. Kudos to the OC and the LCPs for pulling this one off. The mountains they had to climb to pull this one off is amazing. Not sleeping, calling everyone in their LC, working while sick and coming together to REPRESENT during the conference has been amzing and frankly very humbling for me.

I love Victoria! Just wanted to say that, I am keen to see it thriving when I step down. A bit nervous with how I am gonna get it done, but somehow it will work. Somehow... ....

Exam Results

Yes, I failed my Investments, $2,500 out the window. No more finance subjects!! Still scared to tell my Dad. Feel so bad, when I graduate, that will be the first thing I am saving to pay back!

SA Trip and Peini's Visit

Yup I took my first break in two years. It was a two day trip to SA with Kenny. Mixed a bit with AIESEC in SA and went on a wine tour. Had fun!

Yay! My first JC fren that came to visit me! Thanks Peini! I was telling her how it is strange that I get to know my frens better when I'm in Australia. I got to know Lala, Pam, Dennis? and now Peini better when start talking to them occasionaly, whereas in S'pore we never talk abt the stuff we talk abt now. It is weird.

Well, Peini was here for abt 4 days, could not really spend too much time with her due to AIESEC, but went SNOWBOARDING !! Yeah!! And since her sole mission in Melb was to see snow, to Buller we went. I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Though I wasnt walking all that well the next day, I take the pain with a smile on my face.

Well, thanks for the conversations OPN, and making me explore Melb before I butt off in Dec. I hope ya enjoyed urself, THANKS FOR HARRY POTTER!!! hee.... Best one so far!

AIESEC Elections

Yes, the time where I relinquish power is at hand. A new generation of leaders is set to step up soon. Elections on the 25th!! Come all ye people! I hope I have a successor.

Yup thats the update.... Emo stuff coming your way soon!

Joa

Right wing Left wing

How would you describe a 'Right wing' person?

or

How would you describe a 'Left wing' person?

I was doing some online research after watching a certain documentary and it fell on this topic.

anyone?


Joa

God Moving

Have you ever seen kids weeping and crying not because they are in pain or because they did not get what they want?

Have you ever seen kids with arms raised but not asking for toys or their favourite food?

Have you seen kid's hearts transformed instantly with only a man delivering a simple message, without explict props, performances and programs?

Have you seen kids so hungry for a person that logically cannot exist, but at that very moment was literally talking to them?

Today I have. On my knees, tears streaming down my face, unable to stand up straight; just like the kids.

My mind cannot explain it, but my heart can. And the greatest thing is, this is only the beginning, a glimpse of what is to come in the next few weeks, months.

Thank you Jesus.

Hillsong United - All Of The Above

Hmmm... not sure if I'm violating any piracy acts or intellectual property right laws by talking about a consumer product. I hope not..anywayz...

Over the last three weeks since I purchased this album, I have been really impacted by the power, inspiration and 'feel' of the music. It has added so much more depth to my quiet time; prompted me to think of my life; and above all, my relationship with God.

Be warned, it isn't like your typical praise and worship album. Joel Houston, who is the leader of Hillsong United (and son of Pastor Brian Houston) said it is almost like an experimental album done by bascially worshipping God in the studio. Thus many songs would not sound like the typical 'praise and worship' songs that you are used to in today's pentecostal churches.

You can actually feel the layers of emotion in each song. An example is 'You' by Dylan Thomas and Paul Andrew, the basic lyrics and melodies convey a strong gratefulness for being saved and changed by God. Whenever I hear it, I immediately quieten down in my heart. Like this song alot! : )

Another favourite is 'Devotion' by Marty Sampson which speaks of us Christians wanting to see heaven established here on earth. As described by Marty, an old school church hymn feel was used to express this song, this works especially well in the beginning verses and the chorus, it captures your heart for the lost.

Brooke Fraser (on 'Lead me to the Cross' and 'Hosanna') massively adds a soulful voice to the album, a recording artiste outside of church (No.1 mainstrean, non-christian records in the land of the sheep, NZ), she brings strong mainstream music techniques and her unique blend of sombre which are infused perfectly into the album.

Though I have been listening to Hillsong since joining City Harvest Church many years ago, I never really noticed Hillsong United. Really glad I got recommeded this album. When I was younger and interested in music, I always dreamed of writing christian music but with a relevant, modern and artistic platform, I think this comes close to that vision. Highly recommeded to EVERYONE. Buy it even if ya a non-christian, it really is good 'soul food'.

more details about hillsong united can be found on http://www.myspace.com/hillsongunited

Cheers

Joa

I am priviledged

After all that depressive posting, i think a positive one is warranted! (Also i feel better after expressing it, talking to Jake via MSN too, helps talking to someone in the same situation).

Anywayz, this pic can be easily mistaken for a communist (no offence my commie bros) country, where it is dark, gloomy (no offence Londoners), its industrial sites all around and people have no religion, no fear of God (no offence my atheist bros) and things are just bad.

But it is Melb! just a pic from my room that looked like a sad place to be in. Nice, savvy Melb. Where it is not too relaxing, but not too rushed. People are nice (kinda), food is great. I'm in an awesome church, led by awesome people. I know many locals and internationals who would call me a friend (maybe not a close friend, but friend nontheless) and this stretches to other states. I've got a cool apartment, with a kinda nice view on the 23rd floor. I dun need to work, I am the regional head of a global student organisation (first international regional in charge ever!), I eat well, i get to go to uni, i sleep well, people love me, I definitely know my God loves me! What right do i have to be depressed?

I am not in a 3rd world sad place. I've a future and it is a bright and fulfilling one. I've a present, and it is one full of possibilities and opportunities still. I just need to reach out and GRAB it!!!

C'mon Joa! Be the warrior/leader/man ya called to be!

Yeah!

Joa

Leaving things till too late

Once things cross a certain line/time, there's no turning back. Damage been done. Things burnt. Could've been nice, soft and white, now its dark, black, burnt and ugly.

Repairing needs a hard knife to scrap off all the scars and burns. Painful and icky process, with alot of resistence.

Bloody look ahead mate! Pull up your socks and get down to it!! You still have one good piece left!!

Joa

Slap Slap

When things seem to be going wrong, you just wonder why.

Have I done all I can? Was there a hand I could've lent?

Am I being the leader I'm supposed to be?

What other things do I not see?

All the encouragement you know and hear,

Just gives its way to fear.

I know what ya going through, I've been there, I've shed tears.

How something so unrelated can be so personal, so close,

That it reflects on you like a mirror, and you are sad to see what you see.

Is that all there is to me?

(I hate being depressive, just how i feel atm.)

Joa

Tribute No.2

I must confess.......

........

I've recently made a new friend and we've been sharing a bed on and off these past weeks

......

.....

And he's Milo!!! hahaha!!! sorry if i scared anybody! Hee... Yes, Milo's has become a regular sleeping mate these past few weeks, but i still make him sleep on one of my blanket cos i still think he's kinda dirty. I've become unexpectedly attached to this little bugger, in the past i only play with him once in a blue moon, but recently, i find myself spending more time with the rascal. He's definitely gonna be remembered in this part of my life. After i graduate, i prob wun see him as he's going back to S'pore with Sheryl.

I do appreciate his company when I'm at home alone studying or doing some AIESEC stuff on fri and sat nights sometimes. I kinda feel sad for him when everyone's out and he's by himself. I wonder how dogs cope with loneliness?? Hmmm... But if you notice from his eyes, they actually look lonely and in constant want of company. I hope i'm making his life a bit better. (Not so when i punish him for rumaging thru the dustbin or peeing on the carpet).

Wonder when's he's birthday, treat him to a proper hair cut and stuff.

Face to face with God

Fall on your face, fall onto your knees. This the presence of the God Most High.

Weep, Wail, Shake for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

I love You Jesus. You occupy my heart, You are the answer to everything in my life. Never leave me O' Lord, never take your presence away from your servant. Though I walk through the valley of the sahdow of death, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL, for You are with me, Your rod, Your staff, they comfort me.

Dear Jesus,

I cannot start a single day without You again.

Your son, friend, brother

Joachim

~ Life is never the same after heart surgery~

Life so far at 24

Achievements

1) Leadership positions is many clubs since young
a) Primary School - Volley Ball Captain
b) Secondary School - Drama Club and Art Club Prezzy
c) Junior College - House Vice Captain, Basket Ball Captain

2) Infantry Officer in Singapore Armed Forces

3) Corporate Relations Director in AIESEC Melbourne
State Manager in AIESEC Victoria

'Failures'

1) Junior College 'A' Levels - Didnt make it to Uni

2) The University Of Melbourne - crappy grades so far (6 more left!!)

3) AIESEC - Not being an effective leader atm

4) Christianity - have lived a good live, but always held back in a few areas, have not yet LIVED a FULL Christian life. One that is exciting and faith driven. Getting there though, thank God for Planet Shakers!

5) Character - its scary to see the flaws in my character over these few years. Especially in regards to integrity and commitment. I am beginning to see less and less of good things that I actually thought I have. This whole Oz trip has been like a mirror to my character. Rather disappointed with what I am seeing in the reflection.

Hardworking - varying (work smart better)
Committed -varying too
Honest - well... kinda
Selfless - hell no!

Time to work on a plan of change..... (haha, the Toyota Way, continuous improvement)

Joa

Tribute Series - Old Friend Syl

I'm gonna start a tribute series, just to keep memories and showcase my life.

Tribute's not in any ranking order, and I'll do them from time to time.






ANywayz, first up will be Syl.


It's been almost eight years since i got accquainted with Syl. Its been an interesting friendship to say the least. She's been an awesome friend throughout the times we've known each other even though at that time I did not notice it. Only on hindsight did i realised the little things that she's done for me. I remember there was once when I was doing this multi level marketing thing (Quick! Bring out the cross! Begone you MLMer!! Curses, gnarl.....!), she actually got her Dad to sit through one of my 'sales pitches' just to help me out. Needless to say, I'm out of that business now as I have a personal problem with selling to personal contacts (I admire the ppl who have the cahunas to do it). But on hindsight, I was really touched that she did that for me and countless other things that i may have missed and may still be missing.


Unfortuately, we did hit a bad patch last year which is inconvenient to discuss in a public forum, but i think we now have kinda recovered from it and can speak more freely to each other now becasue of that experience. I pray I'll never be such a bastard to someone in the future as I was to her, bad Joa, bad Joa... >: P


But on the whole, I forsee us keeping in touch for years to come. Good luck with your quest to become a full fledge writer Syl! I'll definitely buy your first book! Peace out!!

Joa :)

Perfect Autumn Day 2

Hi again!!

Its a world's first!!! Joachim's posting 2 ENTRIES in a day!! Woh!! Get out the champange! Let's celebrate this monumental event!! ....

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....erm... yeah, anywayz, now we've gotten that outta of the way..

I went around taking pics to capture this perfect autmn day, ppl were wondering why i was taking pics of the ground, heee... enjoy peeps!

Perfect Autumn Day

Just wanted to post this in case i get too busy and forget today.

On hindsight, I probably should have stopped and take a few pictures of the surroundings (i'm currently a camera shy person carrying a camera wherever i go, hmmm...).

But the sky was gloomy, the temperature was nice and cool and the leaves were on the ground like a light orange carpet. Put a smile to my face for some reason, had a nice peaceful feeling.

Now its even drizzling lightly outside of the Baillieu Library as I am studying/blogging. The air is quiet, not too many people in the streets just now as it is here in the library, and a comforting and sleepy tone is in the background.

What can I say, its a perfect autumn day.

Joa

BAd test

Had a bad mid sem today, really made me reflect on how i've been taking my work since young. I realised that i have not really worked hard for something, like REALLY WORKED HARD for something. I always had a nonchalant attitude to things that I attempt. Might becasue I am afraid to fail and just put up this wall of nonchalance for protection. I dunno ..

I think i need to be abit more bold and hungry towards things. Just put myself out there and just take hits if they come. O serah serah.... What's life without risk? Am I too safe with myself? Ergh.....psychoanalysing myself over the www. Thats weird! haha!1

Anywayz, just a short post

Joa

Sleepy Day

Sunday is always a sleepy day. Cancelled two engagements today and basically spent the entire day trying to study investments (test on Thurs).

Its gonna be a rush the next three weeks as assignments start to to be due, now its the calm before the storm of stress and all.

Re-cap:

I've just finished running my first AIESEC conference. The conference turned out to be unexpectedly GREAT!! At least from the first yrs POV. Not too sure about the EB/TL level members. Even though the facis did put in alot of work, I believe the conference was great due to the newbies and also God (that's my opinion anyway). Even though things were kinda against us, somehow they fell into place at the right time. The right mix of people were there, it wasnt too wild, also not too serious (like last year).

"Make your plans and God will guide your ways"

I've learnt so much about myself and about Bri, Heidz and Murad. I really do have a good team and I need to lean on them but lead them at the same time. I seriously need to look at upskiling myself and them and their EB to be able to lead the quality new ppl we have.

Got home onThurs and had a nice dinner at Ippei's with Lobz, Heidz, Aaron and Joyce. They're good company. Had a good chat that i have not had in a while, been a loner for a tad too long.

"Joachim, you need to get out more and hang with more ppl and not just bury/hide behind work and busyness." Hee.... that's what i tell myself anywayz.

Voluntary Solitude is a sad feeling. Cos you wanna meet and catch up w ppl ,but something stops u from picking up that phone and calling. I'll force myself this week, i think that's the only way. Kinda like a sales cold call. In fact, sales is remarkably similar to making frens. Weird.

Talking about sales, had a ICX sales training day on Sat. Kinda pissed w Murad for not organizing it properly w Gen, he took a too hands off approach. Ah wellz, it turned out well in the end but will still have a chat to him about it.

Emma is such a sales person, short no doubt, but such a sales person. Long and Gen are great, always helpful and obliging. Hope they stay on in AIESEC VIc!! Justin Basham (Bri's Bro was good, even though he was not a good presenter, his tips were awesome, need to contact him soon. Must ask Bri.

Anyhooz... Stopping here now, more to come.

2007

Hi

Its been a while since i blogged. Not supposed to be doing it now actually. But I feel so restless atm.

Haizzzz....

Been thinking about so many things lately.

Singlehood, God, intimacy with loved ones, loneliness, stress, friends, family, State Conference, getting on well with my LCPs, money, children's church, food... ...

Been a bit stretched lately, been getting up early and sleeping late, find myself demotivated and drained from time to time.

Am i missing out on life? I haven't truly laughed in a long time, I haven't shared a laugh with someone in a long time. Haven't connected with someone in a long time.

Am I self centred to be focusing only on myself?

Haizzz....

I'm missing something, I wonder what it is.

Joa