The SCUBA Attempt

On 10-11-2011, Ally attempted to discover what scuba diving is all about. *pats self on the back*

There's not much to say, really. It was a short course, only 1.5 hours.

Learnt how to clear the goggles underwater, how to use the regulator, and most importantly, how to retrieve the regulator in the event it comes off underwater. Also did a lap in the full gear. 1 lap! Too little, i must say. Went for the course alone, was scared shit. Glad it went alright though and even made some new friends. Felt some tightness in chest when breathing using the regulator. Thought I was the only one feeling that way, but turns out, the other 2 girls I made friends with also felt the same way!

Conclusion?

- Maybe scuba diving not really my thing. I don't think my chest can take it, considering my asthma problem.

- The adrenaline rush of being out of my comfort zone is crazy. But it is at times like this that I learn to have more faith in my capabilities.

Fear is always holding me back. But i'm glad that this time, I did not let fear win.

Found this composition on Google. Author unknown but these are wise words indeed.

"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. When you dare to face the things that scare you, you open the door to freedom and success.

Most of your obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them or procrastinating about dealing with them, you make up your mind to walk boldly through them.

Don't be afraid to take the steps you need to take to make those positive changes in your life. To fight your fears, you must act. Your fears increase when you wait, put off, or postpone. If you understood your situation enough, you would never be afraid.

The attainment of your dreams is but a determined action away. Successful people take action."

How inspirational. :)

Now, to end this post with a really uncomplimentary picture of me. :p

Cheers!

Finding the good in hatred

Knowing that you're hated is definitely not a good feeling.

But reading these few quotes from Forbes Asia, being hated doesn't seem like such a bad thing anymore. Hahaha. Here's why.

Hatreds generally spring from fear or envy. - Machiavelli

( You hate me because you fear/envy me. It's comforting to know that at least I have something worth being envious about! :) )

To be loved is fortunate, but to be hated is to achieve distinction. - Minna Antrim

( To be hated is a sign that there's something distinctive about me! :) )

Hating makes the hater hateful. - Malcolm Forbes

( I think this is rather self explanatory :) )

WOW, WHAT OPTIMISM!

So.....I went googling more Haters quote! Here's more good ones to share!

If you don't like me, remember, it's mind over matter. I don't mind and you don't matter.

Haters only hate the things that they can't get and the people they can't be.

Love me or hate me, either way, i'm on your mind.

:)

Epic blonde moments

Blonde moment #1 :

On June 4, 2011, while on the MRT heading back to Hougang.

Ally : Ninda, check out that girl. She reminds me of the Ice Queen.

Ninda : Ice Queen?! Huh?

Ally : The Ice Queen, from Narnia. Don't you know that movie? It's so famous!
Ninda : Ice Queen? You mean White Witch?

Ally : Oh yeah! That's the name...White Witch...

Ninda : Aiyoh...Ally!

(I said Ice Queen because I remembered her ice castle and how "cold" she was so my brains automatically processed the name as Ice Queen.)

Blonde moment #2 :

On June 6, 2011, while chatting with Sam on Skype.

Sam : I am x-men
Ally : I am cloud

Sam : Huh? Is there such a character?

Ally : There was a girl called Cloud right? She controls the weather.

Sam : OH MY GOSH
U R SOOOOOO BLONDE
its STORM
aiyooo what would you do without me?

Ally : Oh yeah! That's the right name. Rings a bell now. -_-'''

(I remembered she controlled the weather, and scenes of the clouds turning grey from one of the earlier X-Men movie came to mind. Again, my brain processed the image and automatically processed the name as Cloud.)

Seems like I've been rather blonde lately. =p

Systems and processes are created for a reason. That there may be an order to the way things are done. And if everyone follows this order in the right manner, life would be so much better; increased efficiency, zero confusion, added value, thereby improving customer satisfaction.

When I was dropping Sam off at Puduraya the other day, I was so cheesed off with what I observed and experienced first hand from some of the bus operators and drivers from K*nsorti*m. Mind you, K*nsorti*m is one of the major provider in this field!

The Puduraya bus terminal has undergone a massive facelift and it seems to be quite a good progress or improvement from the past. Bus schedules of all the different bus operators and the different destinations bound are listed on screen, implemented to the likes of LCCT and KLIA. The huge, clean, comfortable, air-conditioned waiting area and automated sliding doors to the boarding area was pretty impressive honestly!

So 15 minutes before Sam's bus was due to depart, we both went down to the boarding area to look for the designated bus as projected on the screen earlier. It says P19 (Platform 19) , PFT 6688. When we got down, the specified bus was not at sight. A different one was. So naturally, passengers began asking the Konsortium staff if this is the bus. That fella confidently said "No, this is not the bus. Go to the double decker bus outside of the Puduraya Terminal. That's the bus to your location." Since he said it with such confidence, and considering that he is a Konsortium staff, of course people would take his word for it. So everyone went out of the platform area to the double decker buses waiting just outside of Puduraya. Upon getting there, the bus clearly stated "To Kamunting". Ok, i'm starting to get a weird feeling about this. And so i told Sam something isn't right. Cause it just doesn't feel right. His bus was suppose to depart at 5.00pm. But we've been standing around the area till 5.20pm and the bus driver was making no attempts to even start the engine! So we walked a little further and say 2 Konsortium guys in uniform and decided to ask them. (Again, because they wore the uniform, they would be considered a reliable source for information). We told him the entire situation, saying that we're suppose to board PFT 6688 bound for Penang according to the screen but we were directed here. Is this the bus? How come it's different? That dude said "Oh, memang macam itu. Tak boleh ikut skrin punya. Sistem itu untuk tunjuk saja." So i asked him back. "Kalau tak boleh ikut skrin, kenapa ada sistem canggih macam ini tapi tak ikut?" He replied "Biasalah".

His explanation still left me feeling very unsettled, and very worried, considering what happened int he recent Cameron Highlands bus crash and also because I didn't want Sam missing his bus back due to boarding the wrong bus. Anyway, because parking in Puduraya was so expensive, I had to rush to quickly exit the parking, before they charge me an additional RM2.80 for exceeding the hour by 5 mins. Despite the paranoia and skepticism, I had to leave with faith that he will be alright, and so will the bus be. After I left, thankfully Sam decided to clarify with another guy sitting around nearby who seemed like the bus driver and guess what? The driver said "No, this bus does not go to Penang." Sam quickly ran into the platform in Puduraya, where the bus was designated to be initially, and guess what again! PFT 6688 was there this time. The system works! The buses do follow this system!

Now, why do we deserve to be angry? Here's why. Despite procedures and processes being established for the improvement of current operations, some people and companies are just plain lazy to follow, for plain dumb reasons - the typical too-complacent-to-change syndrome. And it was thanks to these kind of people, that got us (and probably many many more) misled to think that the new system is a flop, as expected of many government projects. They do not realize that a possible consequence to their foolish action and mindset is the real hindrance of EFFECTIVE operational progress and improvement.

It is also thanks to people like these that the country can't develop as progressively as it should. And this applies to work as well! In every corporation/SME, there will be people like these. And as long as they are not made (be it forced or gently) to change, they will continue to be like this, continue to affect others to being like them too, and therefore, keep this undesirable attitude in existence, which slowly mutates into a culture, carried on from one generation to another.

The core change that needs to be done is not so much of the operating system - it is the MINDSET of the "operators".

ENFJ

Did one of those personality tests mid last year @ www.mypersonality.info and my personality type turned out to be ENFJ.

Did another personality test today @ www.humanmetrics.com, just to test the consistencies of these "what-is-your-personality?" websites and guess what? Same answer! ENFJ. Hmm, i'm starting to think that perhaps the questions were the same. I don't really remember.

Anyway, it is ALWAYS interesting to read about these kinda stuff. It makes one more reflective and inquisitive somehow. You start asking yourself questions like "Am i really like that?" and then you get into the contemplative mode and most often, you end up agreeing to what was read. And, if you're the curious (or should i say "kepo") and need affirmation type, you'd start reading about the personalities of compatible partners, suitable types of careers based on your personality and etc.

Yes, that's me. Guilty, as charged.

Well, for one, i'm glad i don't have a shifting personality.
Note to self: Maybe i should try the test again when i'm at a different life stage. Married / with kids. The anxiety of wondering if the outcome would the same should be interesting.

And ahhh, this blog needs updating!

Brilliant idea to upload the traits of my personality here, for easy reference IN THE FUTURE.

ENFJ - IDEALIST ; The Teacher ; The Mentor

(According to http://keirsey.com/4temps/teacher.asp)

Even more than the other Idealists,Teachers have a natural talent for leading students or trainees toward learning, or as Idealists like to think of it, they are capable of calling forth each learner's potentials. Teachers (around two percent of the population) are able - effortlessly, it seems, and almost endlessly-to dream up fascinating learning activities for their students to engage in. In some Teachers, this ability to fire the imagination can amount to a kind of genius which other types find hard to emulate. But perhaps their greatest strength lies in their belief in their students. Teachers look for the best in their students, and communicate clearly that each one has untold potential, and this confidence can inspire their students to grow and develop more than they ever thought possible.

In whatever field they choose, Teachers consider people their highest priority, and they instinctively communicate personal concern and a willingness to become involved. Warmly outgoing, and perhaps the most expressive of all the types, Teachers are remarkably good with language, especially when communicating in speech, face to face. And they do not hesitate to speak out and let their feelings be known. Bubbling with enthusiasm, Teachers will voice their passions with dramatic flourish, and can, with practice, become charismatic public speakers. This verbal ability gives Teachers a good deal of influence in groups, and they are often asked to take a leadership role.

Teachers like things settled and organized, and will schedule their work hours and social engagements well ahead of time -- and they are absolutely trustworthy in honoring these commitments. Valuing as they do interpersonal cooperation and harmonious relations, Teachers are extraordinarily tolerant of others, are easy to get along with, and are usually popular wherever they are.

Teachers are highly sensitive to others, which is to say their intuition tends to be well developed. Certainly their insight into themselves and others is unparalleled. Without a doubt, they know what is going on inside themselves, and they can read other people with uncanny accuracy. Teachers also identify with others quite easily, and will actually find themselves picking up the characteristics, emotions and beliefs of those around them. Because they slip almost unconsciously into other people's skin in this way, Teachers feel closely connected with those around them, and thus show a sincere interest in the joys and problems of their employees, colleagues, students, clients, and loved ones.

Dealing with Stress from Work: Idealists Out of Balance

How do you deal with work-related stress? Each personality type has different stressors and copes in different ways. Better understanding of your own stressors and coping mechanisms can help you reduce the tension and anxiety work stress often creates.

Since Idealists tend to work for a better future for all, if things keep going badly and they lose hope they become stressed. When Idealists experience great stress, they can have muscle or sensory problems.

The Teacher is likely to become stressed if they experience an absence of trust and too much pressure to conform. They also dislike interpersonal conflict. If this happens, they may become excessively critical, which is antithetical to their normal positive self. One of the signs that the Teacher is in high stress is muscle tics or cramps. To recover, this normally social type must be left alone. Solitude and journal writing can help them get back to normal. Also getting out of the current arena of conflict and taking on a new project can restore their sense of self. Says Josephina, "My old boss and I worked like a charm. I had plenty of freedom and a crew to lead. Then she retired and my new boss was quite different. She wanted to inspect everything I did and insisted upon her way of doing everything. Some of her ideas were good, but others didn't work at all. She wouldn't listen to me. I got a tic in my right eye and had problems sleeping because of restless leg syndrome which I'd never had before. Something had to change. Then I heard about a special project which needed a new team and I applied. I'm now on the team, my tic and restless leg syndrome is gone. I never realized before how much I needed to be trusted and free to exchange ideas on improving things."


Women and Romance
Part 3: Idealist Women
By Dr. Lovegood

Idealist women tend to be very romantic. They love to give and receive tokens of affection, such as an original poem, a hand carved box, or an item which reminds them of some shared experience. Men often appreciate their compassion and empathy along with their belief in others. When dating, they hope they'll get to know each other through deep conversation.

So far, mostly true. :)

of quotes

We find courage to stand when we kneel before the Lord. ODB

It is better to write for self and have no public, than to write for public and have no self. Chris Connolly

This week has been an interesting one indeed, with fascination and observations inclined towards wise quotes. I find some of the quotes rather interesting for 2 reasons, firstly, the oxymoronic way they are written and secondly, because they resonate with certain issues I've been thinking about.

Side note:

The year's coming to an end real quickly!

RSA Animate : True & Inspirational!

The suprising truth about what motivates us and SMILE or DIE.

The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) is superbly amazing and awesome.

Sporting and completely hilarious

POKER FACE | Lady Gaga (Acapella)

Shrek peek

Donkey > Puss : You are a CATastrophe!

Puss > Donkey : You are riDONKulous!

LOL! hahahahahaha

The 2-minute rhyme

It's great when we both have Skype to talk endlessly with at work. :)

And i present to you, my 2-minute impromptu poem made to rhyme..

"my heart cries out to you,oh romeo..

my every being aches being apart from you..

our love is like milk and oreo..

just as i am better only when with you.."

haha! good one, isn't it?

BUT... i was mistaken to be a racist! haha, calling him oreo and me milk.

Now, back to work... :(

Emo-nya...i feel like quitting...sitting in the office can be such a bore sometimes..

The life equation

What is LIFE?
Some pretty interesting equation of life I got of the internet revealed this of life.

Life + Love = Happy ........ equation (1)
Life - Love = Sad ............. equation (2)

Adding both the equations, (1) + (2) yields:
Love and love cancels. Hence,

2(Life) = Happy + Sad ...... equation (3)

Dividing equation (3) by 2 :

Life = (Happy + Sad) / 2
Life = (Happy/2) + (Sad/2)

Hence,

Life = 1/2 Happy + 1/2 Sad.

Of good shoes

They say...

" Shoes are important. Because good ones take you to good places."

I've yet to find my pair of good shoes..

U Blonde??

This goes out to all the blondes I know, or even the blondes out there! Enjoy! (",)

********
Two sisters, one blonde and one brunette, inherit the family ranch. Unfortunately, after just a few years, they are in financial trouble.

In order to keep the bank from repossessing the ranch, they need to purchase a bull so that they can breed their own stock. Upon leaving, the brunette tells her sister, 'When I get there, if I decide to buy the bull, I'll contact you to drive out after me and haul it home. The brunette arrives at the man's ranch, inspects the bull, and decides she wants to buy it. The man tells her that he will sell it for $599, no less.

After paying him, she drives to the nearest town to send her sister a telegram to tell her the news. She walks into the telegraph office, and says, I want to send a telegram to my sister telling her that I've bought a bull for our ranch. I need her to hitch the trailer to our pickup truck and drive out here so we can haul it home. The telegraph operator explains that he'll be glad to help her, then adds, it will cost 99 cents a word. Well, after paying for the bull, the brunette realizes that she'll only be able to send her sister one word.

After a few minutes of thinking, she nods and says, 'I want you to send her the word 'comfortable'. The operator shakes his head. How is she ever going to know that you want her to hitch the trailer to your pickup truck and drive out here to haul that bull back to your ranch if you send her just the word 'comfortable'?

The brunette explains, "My sister's blonde. The word is big.
She'll read it very slowly.... 'com-for-da-bul."

********

Hahahahaha! Classic and a good one! Reminds me of ruttituttifrutti, my once extremely blonde sista :)
Sometimes, her blonde-ness just amazes me laa..
And yeah, there are some other blonde friends as well..
So here's to all blondes!
May you continue to uplift hearts and bring warm smiles and joy to those around you..and i mean this in a good way of course, no hard feelings/mockery whatsoever.. :)

Cheers!

Help me with my change

I realize I do this alot. Whenever i'm at my lowest feeling frustrated, demoralised, weighed down... I would resort to one thing. I will say this one thing. And I say it everytime.
" I think it's my hair..i think i need to cut it / put on a different style / do something to it..whatever.."
Like seriously! I always blame it on the hair, being too long, flat, boring etc and hence, the weighed down feeling. Any remedial action I take to change must always begin with the hair. I honestly don't know why this obsession with the hair.

Anyway, lately, i've been feeling like crap. My life isn't too bad, I know and I shouldnt be complaining but yet, I'm just so mad at myself. I am living such a horribly lazy lifestyle of no exercise, no massive social gatherings, no studies, no challenge, NO GOAL! Actually, that's wrong. I do have goals! I'm just not doing anything about them. Arrgggghhhhh...

So i've decided. I need to cut my hair. I need to do something different to it, to give me back the self-esteem I need. With great hair, hopefully, comes great confidence. And with great confidence, comes greater enthusiasm to make a change to myself and this horrid lifestyle I'm carrying.

Shaun gave me this offer at my last visit to Trendz.
DYE + CUT + TREATMENT = RM100.
Not sure if the offer still stands but i'll try and ask him next week. I honestly don't know if it's a good deal.. Is it too cheap or expensive? Is it worth it?

** Friends who are reading my blog (i know it's not many) but I would appreciate if you could share your thoughts if it's a worthwhile deal. Cos I'm such a virgin when it comes to hair. All I've ever done to my hair was cut and wash, and a very mild highlight (after much persuasion from Benji, that is). I've never treated it, never permed, never curled, never dyed..so my knowledge is zero in this aspect. I would also need your suggestions on which of the following hairstyles would suit me. Please please pweeeeeaasseee help me out.. here are some pics for your viewing pleasure.

************************

option 1
not a very practical option cos i would need to keep trimming.
but bangs are so hot. it gives one the confidence to carry the protagonistic attitude.
then again, not everyone looks good in bangs la.

option 2
i'm definitely cutting my hair like this.
but should i dye my hair like this? i kinda like the edgy vibe it gives.
maybe instead of blonde, i'll go for maroon?

blonde seems too punk, more for an artist rather than a chemist. lol

but its the blonde than gives the edgy-ness, i think.

feedbacks pleaseee??

option 3
or would i look better dye-ing my entire head like this? rather than just the fringe?

option 4
very interesting. but definitely wont suit me right?
then again, with slight modifications, minus the irregular lengths, etc it could turn out nice..
hmm...

option 5

honestly, i'm really tempted to curl my entire head / hair like this.

but i dare not take the risk cos if it turns out horrid, i'll have to straighten my hair, and i'll end up looking like a mop instead!

but i really really like her look. would it suit me, you think?

************************

All comments would be greatly appreciated, peeps. If the haircut turns out well, all who contributed in one way or another with their wise suggestions would be greatly rewarded with a nice dinner. I promise. When I feel good, I'll be even more generous. =)

Plus, i hope you care enough about me to want to help me get out of this rut i'm in by supporting and guiding me through this 1st step of change i take.

Thanks first and foremost, guys!

Pixie

im such a cam-whore.. but i realise i suck at cam-whoring.

poses / looks - boring!!

but with practice comes perfection.

Got to work on more funky poses next time.

i shall practice more. :)

And so the season begins

And so the season of engagements and weddings begins..

For the past few months, news of friends and acquaintances getting engaged and hitched have been coming in one after another. It really does get you thinking on what's in store for you (and everyone) in the future. A colleague of mine made this passing comment one day @ lunch saying the younger generations (referring to my generation, of course) are getting married earlier, completing the cyclical phenomenon of the tradition of our forefathers who used to be married at very young ages. Somehow i sense a whole chunk of grammatical error in my previous statement.. anyhow, it sounds nice, so i wont bother fixing it or dwelling too much on the technicalities of the English language.

Where were we? Ahh yes, back to weddings..and engagements..

Yesterday, while browsing through FB @ work, a friend posted her status mentioning rings and dream dresses and etc. The first thing that came to my mind was "omgg, is she getting hitched?" and so i clicked on her profile and i was right. She was getting engaged. And i have to admit, joy and happiness weren't exactly the first thoughts in my mind. Rather, i was in utter shock, questioning the possibility of it happening!

First and foremost, she's younger than me by 2 years and so is her fiance.
(not judging anyone based on age here, but based on the point below, i'm hell suprised that their parents consented to it)

Secondly, i don't think they are both financially stable YET.
(engagements and weddings require massive funding, and unless you're born with a silver spoon, where papi and mami provides EVERYTHING, finances are definitely an issue. In their case, I dont know the family well enough to say for sure that they are well off to do but from what i know, middle class family?)

Anyway, who am i to assume and judge? What matters most is love prevails. And i'm a sucker for happy endings. So i quickly changed my negative worrisome thoughts to happy thoughts. =D

She may not know this, because we're not exactly close friends, but I pray that her relationship and marriage will be a fruitful one and I believe it will be; as i do admire the maturity and passion that both have in view of their relationship and how God lies central in it. And this i know because i occassionally follow her blog. And while reading one of her posts, it reminded me of a lot of things I once had and have in mind, pre- and post- being in a relationship, about relationships, and God. It was a good reminder for me to get my priorities set right again, and to make sure he does too.

I know our time will not come anytime soon, as we still have much to learn and prepare, both together and separately; for marriage, and for fulfilling God's intended purpose for us. We've been stumbling occassionally along the way, with hindrances that keep distracting and discouraging us, but we will stay strong and continue running the race, guided by Him, and encouraged by each other; this my prayer for us. ♥

I like the season of engagements and weddings.
It's the season to be jolly - fa la la la la la la la la! :)

The Raise - Must Read!

"The Raise." Enjoy! :)

The day the Penis asked for a raise...

I, the Penis, hereby request a raise in salary for the following reasons:

I do physical labor.

I work at great depths.

I plunge headfirst into everything I do.

I do not get weekends or public holidays off..

I work in a damp environment.

I work in a dark workplace that has poor ventilation.

I work in high temperatures.

My work exposes me to contagious diseases.

Sincerely,

P. Niss

The Response...

Dear P.Niss;

After assessing your request, and considering the arguments you have raised,

the administration rejects your request for the following reasons:

You do not work 8 hours straight.

You fall asleep after brief work periods.

You do not always follow the orders of the management team.

You do not stay in your designated area and are often seen visiting other locations.

You do not take initiative - you need to be pressured and stimulated in order to start working.

You leave the workplace rather messy at the end of your shift.

You don't always observe necessary safety regulations, such as wearing the correct protective clothing.

You will retire well before you are 65.

You are unable to work double shifts.

You sometimes leave your designated work area before you have completedthe assigned task..

And if that were not all, you have been seen constantly entering and exiting the workplace carrying two suspicious- looking bags..

Sincerely,

V. Gina

******************************

LOL!!!

I laughed my ass off reading this. So needed it..after being gloom and lifeless the entire day.

Awesome piece of work! Kudos to whoever wrote it. :)

All you pervs out there, if you like it, hit the LIKE button! hahahaha..

A beautiful discovery

Picture this.
A rainy evening. The skies are dark; the rain pours heavily; the traffic slow moving.
You look into your rear mirror. What do you see?
The reflection of the car headlights visibly clear on the seemingly glossy highway.
As you move forward, while stealing glimpses of the rear mirror, the yellow reflections seem to move along as well, somewhat dancing; graceful and serene in motion.
At that moment, you forget everything and find yourself with a weird sense of peace and comfort. And a smile on your face.
If only that moment; that sight could be captured. It would have been the year's best picture.
That was my beautiful discovery today. =)

Of being grateful and gracious for whatever life brings

This is something worth sharing and to be contemplated on...

"When I pick up a person from the street, hungry, I give him a plate of rice, a piece of bread. But a person who is shut out,who feels unwanted, unloved, terrified, the person who has been thrown out of society -- that spiritual poverty is much harder to overcome. Those who are materially poor can be very wonderful people. One evening we went out and we picked up four people from the street. And one of them was in a most terrible condition. I told the Sisters: “You take care of the other three; I will take care of the one who looks worse.” So I did for her all that my love can do. I put her in bed,and there was such a beautiful smile on her face. She took hold of my hand,as she said one word only: “Thank you” -- and she died. I could not helpbut examine my conscience before her. And I asked: “What would I say if I were in her place?“ And my answer was very simple. I would have tried to draw a little attention to myself. I would have said: “I am hungry, I am dying, I am cold, I am in pain, or something. But she gave me much more -- she gave me her grateful love. And she died with a smile on her face. Then there was the man we picked up from the drain, half-eaten by worms and, after we had brought him to the home, he only said, “I have lived like an animal in the street, but I am going to die as an angel, loved and cared for.” Then, after we had removed all the worms from his body, all he said, with a big smile, was: “Sister, I am going home to God” -- and he died. It was so wonderful to see the greatness of that man who could speak like that without blaming anybody, without comparing anything. Like an angel -- this is the greatness of people who are spiritually rich even when they are materially poor."

by Mother Teresa

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is love, enjoy it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrowful, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

This email really got me re-examining my approach to life. More often than not, we brush off forwarded emails such as these without giving it much thought because it's just one of those forwarded emails but when we stop to ponder, even just a little more, the depth of its message surfaces and hits us where it matters most.

When the waves and storms of life hit us, do we handle it with grace? Do we acknowledge that trials and temptations are necessary for our growth? Do we seek to glorify Him through our well-being and even at our worst moments? Do we stand strong in the faith? Or do we falter and seek to draw pity on ourselves, diverting all due attention to ourselves with the wrong intentions?

How do we live a selfless life in such a self-centered world?

How do we see the beauty in ugly?

It's no easy task but it is a challenge to be met.

T-M-N-T

Introducing..

T H E T M N T

(to the tune of Kung Fu Panda's KungFu Fighting soundtrack)

Woooooooohhh....Hah!

Everybody wants TMNT

We're like the coolest groupie

We are karate-junkies

And pizza is for hi-tea

Wanna improve your kung-fu?

WATER is for you!

waaaaaatttteeeeeerrrrr!

We're lame.

But we're awesome AND we rock! ;)

I miss camp!