I survived! 2 sleep deprived nights preparing powerpoint slides for 2 consecutive days of presentation. I'm getting used to talking on the stage. Not forgetting the graded Immunology tutorial that didn't make sense in the beginning. The worse is probably over for now, until the exams roll round the corner.

Time flew exceptionally quickly this year, and before I know it, I'll be out of NTU and into the Biopolis. Is there more to life than this? Feeling really restless, really unproductive, not just in terms of work, but in God's kingdom. How I long to go out there and proclaim the good news with no reservations.But, noooo.... One must always speak with properly peppered words. What wisdom is it to speak like a fool? I am fool because I talk like one.

I really admire Travis, for giving it all to God. I miss them lots. All the bible studies, crusade meetings, prayer meetings, the evangelizing, the parties, movie outings, roadtrips...


The crusaders.

Went to watch... 881. Anyway, the song played when the credits was rolling is really nice :)

Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak; sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go.

Dear God,

Grant me strength. This is so suffocating, choking the life out of me. *puke*

"Fun game": tagged by eliz

Rules of the game: Each player of this game starts off with ten weird things or habits or little known facts about yourself. People who get tagged must write in a blog of their own ten weird things or habits or little known facts as well as state this rule clearly. At the end, you must choose six people to be tagged and list their names. No tagbacks.



1.Before putting on braces, my 2 front teeth were so obvious that people thought I was smiling when I wasn't. Sometimes, people will actually ask me what am I smiling about when I don't close my mouth completely. :D

2. I've contemplated getting a scooter license so that I can get my very own cream coloured vespa scooter. But, I think I shouldn't. I'm already dangerous enough on a bicycle :S

3. The last thing you can imagine is Dawn running around the jungle in camouflage being GI Jane. After my A's, I applied for the SAF women's scholarship which required me to do exactly that. I made it all the way to the interview, 12 army officers against lil' ole me. Talk about a "live" firing session. Guess they couldn't imagine me carrying a rifle either, that explains why I'm still here. Haha.

4. I own a burgeoning wardrobe of clothes, in which I only wear maybe about 1/3 of the clothing in it. I always find some excuse to keep my clothes no matter how old, small they are.

5. Super bad memory for card games, game rules, jokes and music theory. I've been taught how to play the piano, the cello, the recorder (everyone has lor) and guitar. But, what do I STILL know how to play? I mastered the first 3 instruments, meaning I could play complete pieces on them. The guitar can't be considered because I've yet to play a complete piece on it. Ask me to play now and I can't play ANYTHING. I think I exasperated my piano teacher. You can tell me the same riddle 2 weeks later and I won't be able to remember the answer. Fun right?

6. Read me like an open book. I am lousy at hiding my emotions. Enuff said.

7. I jiggle, wiggle and pirouette in the privacy of my own home. I jiggle, wiggle and swing in dance classes. Yes, I dance. (Well, used to, no chance now.) Surprise, surprise. Though I'm not good at it, but at least it's better than my attempts at mastering an instrument.

8. Disclaimer: I've got sweaty palms and feet. Don't say I didn't warn you. Which makes my shoes smell at times, especially when I wear them for too long.

9. I've been told I snore. Loudly.

10. Listen to Alternative rock Franz Ferdinand, Indie Rock music, Mayday, though I hardly seem like the person to. More of a rock person than a pop person. If it makes sense to you. I also adore the polar opposite of rock music, jazz and easy listening tunes.

The 6 people I pick are: Lichang, Ereen, Geraldine, Christine, Marilyn and Evangeline.

Haha. Finally I answered the questions eh. Not as difficult as I thought.

A bird landed on my shoulder in an air-conditioned SBS bus.

?!?!?!?!?!!?

Don't ask me how the bird got into the bus and flew to the upper deck of the double-decker bus, but it did. The poor thing was trapped and flew smack into the windows in failed attempts to get out of the bus. It made a few girls scream and passengers vacate half the deck. It made me scream as it flew into me, but I could only sit in my seat as the stairway was clogged with students it had frightened. Finally, a brave soul, walked to the front of the bus, caught it and held tight onto the indignantly squawking bird. Thank God the pane right behind the bus could be opened slightly and the poor creature was let out where it belongs.

What can I say. 1 bird vs a deck (-1, the brave guy who caught the bird) of frightened passengers.

I've been insanely busy even before school started. Lagging behind in my emails and updating this blog. So, yes school started Again. It's the last of the familiar humdrum and strangely, I know I will miss it. Especially Candice and Jac. I would say things will be different this semester as my mind is occupied by different matters. What used to mean alot, mean less now. Otherwise, my thoughtlife is still pretty much tormented by doubts and inadequacy. Which makes me cling on tight to Philippians 4:8 " Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." Been failing miserably at it though, unpleasant thoughts chase me into my sleep, spinning disturbing dreams.

I thought this was the end, maybe it's only the beginning. The beginning of freedom long overdue.

Mr Snowman in a fantasy world of his own.

When was the last time you ate durian from its shell?

Something that was as ordinary as meeting Faye for lunch today turned out to be the biggest highlight of the week.

A guy came up to us and asked for help in filling out a survey form and Faye started conversation with him, asking him why he was doing this survey. Somehow, later she asked him if anyone had shared the gospel with him and he said yes. However, he wasn't ready to accept the gospel and wanted to let nature take its course, if there was a God, He would send a sign for him to accept Him, no? But, Faye probed him further. By asking him questions about heaven and hell and where did he think he was going to go after that? As for letting nature take its course and signs, I think Faye talking to him out of the blue about Salvation is enough of a sign. Amazingly, the Holy Spirit must have been working on his heart for quite sometime because he accepted Christ readily. Here was this guy thinking that it would just be another ordinary day and walks up to 2 girls to complete surveys and he ends up walking away with eternal life. Ain't it an awesome deal?

It takes purpose to share the gospel. If Faye hadn't been direct by going to the point about the Gospel and be persistent enough to push through all the discomfort, I think the guy wouldn't have been saved. Tis a miracle! Imagine saving a soul everytime I eat lunch, but of course it is not up to me. It is all the Holy Spirit's doing for softening hearts. But, we have to do our part too. Many times, I find that I haven't been persistent enough when it comes to sharing the gospel.

We don't know when we are going to die, if I told you that Christ will save you and allow you to go to heaven despite your sins, would you take it? Because time is running out.

What the heck are you doing Dawn?

Ah haha.. Yes. Changed the skin again. Shalom pointed out to me that it's the same as Ereen's. Thought I should be more original. Hehe. So here's a more summer vacation theme. Since it's summer back home all year round, this should be a non-issue.

Oh yes, where was I? Saw Frances off at the airport because she was going to HK to work. A whole lot of us went to see her off, probably one of the largest farewell parties I've ever seen. I pray that God will watch over her and keep her. It's not easy being overseas, having to settle down all over again and getting used to the environment. Especially when there is a language barrier.

Finally celebrated Sheena's birthday at Tong Shui and Bakerzin. Realised that we're not really a photo-taking bunch. Hence, the lack of photos with them. Guess I'll remember to bring my camera the next time I go out with them. Burst out laughing when I realised that Teng bought the same bag for Sheena. But, Sheena definitely had the better bag, my bag's rubbery! Hers is leather. But at least, the birthday girl liked it. Had a really great time catching up with them on their lives and talking rubbish. Haha. I think Teng will not tell us anymore stuff because we kept teasing her :P

Yummy Dark Choc something. This is not even mine! Bleah

It' s another week of hustle and bustle, except I get to spend more time at home this week. Which is good! Really need to spend some time packing, unpacking and sorting out junk. Looking forward to meeting more people! Miss them lots.

Fickle, fickle

Change of skin. Again! I guess I got irritated with the phrase on the previous skin, " cause feelings mean nothing". I felt kinda disturbed everytime I look at it. So it's GONE. For good. Muahahaha.
Came back late again today. Went to catch Fantastic 4 with Candice, Corinne and Germ. As usual, I arrived late from work. The number of things to do increases everyday. *sweat* Need an extra pair of hands.

All I wanna do....

All I wanna do

is NOTHING.

Absolutely nothing. Just hang around at home and REST. Watch the clouds go by and ponder, seek God about what to do and how to deal in many aspects. Organize my scattered thoughts. My life is so disorganized now! Can't stand it. My room is a reflection of my life and currently it is filled with clutter. My mum has amazingly converted my room into a store room while I was away.

Here's what the week has been like. Work, work, work, work and Work.

Mon: Went to Takashimaya for my acne riddled face. Came out looking like a pinched tomato and boy did it hurt :(

Tues: Fiona's 21st birthday at the Vilage (Heeren)

Wed: Glady's farewell at Marche (Vivocity)

Thurs: Dinner with Yingz at JE

Fri: Shopping for birthday presents with Germ, Yingz and Faye came over to my place at 11plus pm.... Yingz stayed over and Faye came to collect her luggage. Really hope to meet up with her after she's back from her mission trip to Santiago.

Sat: Bathed my smeeeeellly dog. Headed down to church for leader's meeting, shopped around for more presents with Karen, OCX, Dan and then to Roanna's 21st birthday.

Sun: Churchie church. Dinner with Karen, OCX, Joel (x2), Shalom and Samuel. Germ and Joel dropped by and stayed around till 12, looking at my photos from the trip and videos on youtube. It's Germ's fault that I'm starting to like Crazy Frog because it looks hilarious. Esp when germ imitates it.

The coming week.. is equally bad. I wish I had time to jog, but I don't. Bumped into my friend (who was jogging) on my way home earlier and he said I should jog asap because... he could see my tummy!!!! No thanks to his honesty. Well, what he said was true. Strangely, I don't feel that affected. My tummy reminds me of happy days eating Reese Peanut Butter Cups. It's going away anyway, due to the starvation during work.

Here I promised photos.
http://ntu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=924&l=998c4&id=227800168
Guess I'm too unmotivated to blog about my trip in words. So this is my photo blog part 1 for the trip. While we were still in Atlanta.
I have so many things to blog about that I don't know where to start. Thanks for reading my blog though, the purpose of blogging is so that you (Yes you!) can read it.
Like Sheena said, blog about Teng and her coming to pick me up at the airport. I was really surprised by you both! Both of you cheered me up :) I'm sorry that I had to leave so soon though. I guess I should develop the habit of taking more photos, so that I have more to remember things by.
As expected, I've been out alot catching up with people that I have not seen for the past 5 mths. Hung out with Cherie for a couple of days, before she flew back to Vancouver. Did I tell you I looooveee my dearest cuzzies? They are my darlings.
Feel really blessed to have so many angels in disguise around me, for picking me up when I fall apart and standing by my side.
I'm still quite alive despite all the busy-ness. Started work a week ago and I'm glad to hide in the lab all day long. Can't fathom how I used to be able to stand the heat and humidity. My occupation is to grow bacteria and keep those lil' bags happy. When they are happy they will produce my favourite protein. If not, I think my prof will be more than unhappy. I have wonderful colleagues too :) However, it doesn't mean that I can't wait to get off work and get a life. It's probably my most enjoyable job so far, but I still prefer studying. At least, you get hols as a student, no?

Who is Oguri Shun??! (Cher and Me at HK Cafe) Credits: Lenggy.

I'll be back (soon)

I will miss Atlanta. it has already grown on me. Haha. Only few more hours to fly and I'm still awake, it's gonna be more than 24hrs of sleeping, eating, sitting, stoning and reflecting upon what I've been up to for the past 5 months. Somethings are best left here and some I'm going to bring home, for example, cooking! Hehe. I starting to type gibberish... So, I guess I'll make this short. I'm on my way back home. Home sweet home Singapore. (not Alabama) And I'll be posting pictures of my 1 mth long roadtrip round the States, once I get enough motivation. (Hint: Need motivation) Or you could refer to Caleb's blog for highlights of the trip. Hasta la vista :) I'll see you guys back in Singapore soon!

2am in Las Vegas

It's been 10days since I left Tech. Been to New York, Niagara Falls and Toronto. Talk about speed travelling. Really tired now, considering it's close to 6am in the morning to me, but only 2.45am in Las Vegas. I have only went back 3 hrs back in time. Arrrgh. Yep, but I'm well and alive in case you are wondering where I've disappeared to. Will be heading next to Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Then I'll be back on the 3rd of June!! In the meantime, I doubt I'll be able to blog at all. Because free wireless here is scarce. And I've got no time to blog either. I promise pictures when I'm back in Sg :)

Exams are finally over!

Yep. That's all I have the energy to type to for now. I'm glad that the exams are over, a huge load off my mind. Been spending more time with friends whom I'm not going meet sometime soon in the future, no thanks to the distance that separates 2 continents. Lots of stuff left to be done.
In case you are wondering, Caleb is safe and sound with me and has settled in quite comfortably.

A time to rejoice, a time to weep.

The killings on Monday at VT has shocked the entire US. School is no longer a safe place. I can't help but wonder what goes on in the mind of Cho Seung-Hui the guy who meticulously thought out the whole killing spree and how alike I was to his victims. It's easy for me to picture the scene in my eye. A guy who suddenly walks into the classroom and showers it with bullets and the next moment your friends and probably yourself are dead. This reminds me of what life is about and what is worth living for. Definitely not grades, why would grades matter when you are dead? I couldn't remain apathetic to the killings that are happening right under my nose, maybe I would be less affected in Singapore as I cannot really identify with the scene. But, now that I am studying in US, it's easy to see how such a tragedy can happen and how traumatic it is.

Spent the week in reflection and prayer for the community in Virginia Tech and for God's mercy on the killer's soul. How misguided he was. I pray that God' glory and love will be evident in VT. What Man meant for evil, God will turn it for good. He will turn winter into spring, He will make something good out of all this suffering.


Other than that, I have been studying and working on my homework. 1 more week to the finals :S I need God's strength to pull me through all of this. I don't see how I'm going to survive without His help. Seriously.

Easter with the Shekarabis

Spent Easter over at Andrea's home. I learnt how to cook some authentic American food and got to know her family and friends. Her parents are really cool people and her Mum is really humourous. I love the Shekarabis!! Thanks for adopting me.

Pool sharks
I missed home too, reminds me of how Mum will buy hot cross buns for Gd Friday and Easter. Next year we'll bake them, won't we Mum? I wish we cooked more at home.
Missed the steak and cake today, but went for prayer meeting today. Steven, our ever gracious host, fed us with cheese dip with nacho chips and wheat choc chip cookies. I was stuffed to the brim. No wonder I'm growing horizontally. I'm starting to enjoy praying corporately :)

A big misunderstanding and ugly accusations

It is disappointing that my parents think so little of me. No thanks to dad for all the accusations and no, I won't be like Juliana because it's not like that at all. Things are not what you assume it to be. I can't force people to adhere to my travel plans. We're all splitting up into smaller groups anyway. If what I've said initially caused you both to worry, I'm really sorry.

No longer bound by law.

Something about a recent Bible study hit me really hard. We are free from the Law, as mentioned in Galatians 5. So are we free to do whatsoever we wish if we accept Christ? Not really. Why? Because I am compelled to obey the Law because I love God. Perhaps the best way to illustrate this would be me cleaning the house because my mum threatens to take away my allowance if I don't VS me cleaning the house because I love my mum. Same end result, but when I obey my mum because I love her, it'll make me feel happy and free, not bound, not forced to do something I don't want to. I am really overjoyed and relieved having this freedom, because it's no longer a chore to follow what God says. If I tried to follow God's rules, eg: Love your brother as yourself, on my own, without accepting help from the Holy Spirit, without love for God, I will feel that I'm being coerced into doing it. Perhaps, that's what I felt before. If we love God and His commands, we will not feel that we're forced to obey and be fearful of punishments if we don't do it. Instead, we will follow it joyfully and experience relief. Haven't we ever felt really disturbed, frustrated at doing something that we are forced to do? The relief I'm speaking of is being free of feeling this way.

The thought that I am free in Christ, turns any rotten day into a good one :)