Thursday, August 23, 2007

If you guys haven't catch Evans Almighty, do check it out when it premiers on the 30th August 2007.

Well, it's a hilarious comedy with a lesson on Noah's Ark. My heart was impressed with how majestic God can be with His intent and how God can actually be so close to us. Of all, the show also teaches about obedience and with all the twists here n there, it's a two thumbs up from me! Anyway, i was touched in a special way from the movie cos God just have something to teach us about the Ark =).

I'll share some solid lessons i learned and already applying in my life. Amazing ain't it? Christian lesson from a comedy movie yo!

Now who says Christianity is boring with a God like that?

INSANE!
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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

John is flying back to States, New York to carrying on his architectural studies. It's gonna be a good 4 years and till then, who knows what happens. Surely i will miss him. Shall Fabian fly back to the States as well, then I'll have lesser "Ang Mo" friends around.

I got Char along for the farewell dinner on Monday. We had Italian rice with mushrooms, long beans with some nuts, beef stew, Choc Lava(superbly sinful and will wait for the day for Char to make for me and share with you guys..) and Longan. Did i tell you all those were cooked by John alone? It pays to be an overseas grad. Perhaps I'd realize it one day...

Char had cramps lately. I hope she's feeling much better...Gave her some painkillers n warm water during the dinner =). Oh, we had a cool bottle of apple juice as well. Hanging out with this bunch of "every meet up got new faces to say hi to" was kinda a classy thing. Not too used to it having wine(didn't drink tho') and jazz/broadway music over dinner. Maybe or just perhaps, I'm opening my world...

Yep, n highly sociable.

I'm glad char enjoyed herself too. We had interesting conversations like seasons over at Vancouver, lifestyles and cultures. There were mission trips as well, not forgetting some war literatures our newly met friends were well-versed after. Man, what world was i living in?


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Saturday, August 18, 2007

I am reading this book that one of my buddy, John Lim gave me on my birthday-Wild at Heart. I ain't much of a reader, actually. I read, anyway.

John knew there was something really inside me when we met, everyone knew i was insane at what i do, often too energetic to even slow down! However, he kinda knew me personally and bought the book because he knew that inside me was a world i battle alone.

Then when i read a few pages, i understood why he got this very book. This dear friend believed in me. Ah...I love John too. There is something i can offer, that adventure to live. That Wild Heart to fire up for God, my life and the people hanging around me...and that i shouldn't hold back my possibilities.

Through this author John Eldredge, i stepped into another world i never knew was so magical and i dared to dream again...



Synopsis
EVERY MAN WAS ONCE A BOY. And every little boy has dreams, big dreams: dreams of being the hero, of beating the bad guys, of doing daring feats and rescuing the damsel in distress. Every little girl has dreams, too: of being rescued by her prince and swept up in to a great adventure, knowing that she is the beauty.

But what happens to those dreams when we grow up? Walk into most churches, have a look around, and ask yourself: What is a Christian man? Without listening to what is said, look at what you find there. Most Christian men are...bored.

In Wild at Heart, John Eldredge invites men to recover their masculine heart, defined in the image of a passionate God. And he invites women to discover the secre of a man's sould and to delight in the strength and wildness men were made to offer.

Page 11:
I gaze into boyhood, i search the pages of literature, i listen carefully to many, many men, and i am convinced these desires are universal, a clue into masculinity itself. They may be misplaced, forgotten, or misdirected, but in the heart of every man is a desperate desire for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.



Page 13:
The universal nature of this ought to have convinced us by now: The boy is a warrior; the boy is his name. And those are not boyish antics he is doing. When boys play at war they are rehearsing their part in a much bigger drama. One day, you just might need that boy to defend you.

Those Union soldiers who charged the stone walls at Bloody Angle; the Allied troops that hit the beaches at NOrmandy or the sands of Iwo Jima - what would they have done without this deep part of their heart? Life needs a man to be fierce - and fiercely devoted. The wounds he will take throughout his life will cause him to lose heart if all he has been trained to be is soft. This is especially true in the murky waters of relationships, where a man feels least prepared to advance. As Bly says, "In every relationship something fierce is needed once in a while."

...

Page 14:
Flying Tigers, The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Magnificent Seven, Shame, High Noon, Saving Private Ryan, Top Gun, the Die Hard films, Gladiator - the movies a man loves reveal what his heart longs for, what is really inside him from the day of his birth.

Like it or not, there is something fierce in the heart of every man.



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The term “runner’s knee” refers to an inflammation of the tendon, the (ITB), that is located on the outside of the thigh. As injury to this tendon often results from overuse of the knees, and runner’s rely on their knees to function within their sport, the title “runner’s knee” is quite appropriate. The name is, however, deceptively exclusive as runner’s knee describes an ailment common among individuals who are active in a spectrum of activities such as biking, walking, or jumping.



As mentioned above, the inflammation of the ITB can be a result of overuse or overstretching of the tendon in any activity that requires repeated knee bending. Misalignment is also a factor in the injury. If a bone is out of it’s correct position, then the excess stress being placed elsewhere can result in the pulling and inflammation of the ITB. The tendon can also undergo stress because of weak thigh muscles or a direct injury to the knee such as a fall or a blow. Runners with flat feet, or fallen arches, often have knee problems as the ITB is forced to stretch in order to compensate for the missing arch.

According to the experts at WebMD, some of the symptoms connected to runner’s knee are:

* Pain in the area of the kneecap, specifically where the thigh and the kneecap connect
* Pain when bending the knee in such activities as walking, squatting, running or biking
* Pain the elevates when walking on an incline such as stairs or hills
* Swelling on or around the knee
* A popping or grinding sensation in the knee

There are several strategies that can work both as preemptive and healing measures against injury to the ITB.

R.I.C.E: No, this is not a diet recommendation, but rather an acronym for a recommended healing plan. The letters stand for rest, ice, compression, and elevation and serve as a great way to combat swelling of the knee.

Medication: An anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or as prescribed by your doctor is also a great way to reduce swelling. Medication should, however, be used only as a supplement to other forms of treatment in order to achieve total recovery.

Stretch: Stretching is a great way to maintain strength and flexibility and will support both prevention and healing from injury to the ITB.

Quality running gear: It’s important not to sacrifice your health for a cheap shoe, so make sure your shoes provide enough support. The gear and apparel section of TFS is a great resource for tips as to what shoes offer the best support. It’s also important, if you have a history of knee injury to wear a knee brace when involved in any physical activity and, if you have fallen arches, to wear orthotics.

Because most people who deal with runner’s knee live very active lifestyles, it can be tempting to push the injury to the limit. While it is an unwelcome interruption, it’s important to allow the ITB to heal before returning to your exercise regimen. It’s imperative, whether or not you are injured, to be patient with yourself, be in tune with your body, and take measures that respect your health.


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Friday, August 17, 2007

There is something wrong with my right knee.

n it's not funny cos i have a half marathon to run.

My knees must start working together, both of them!

hitting the pills for now...Lord help!
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Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Since ORD-ed, i decided to reject work and not start any. $ mattered but I've long planned to do what i wanted long ago - being at home. NS has gotten loads of time out of my two years and those sacrifices took me away from family and doing my own stuff. I paid my due and promised i'd give me back to myself.

E same vicious cycle came rolling. The art of uncertainty.

My trouble is this-not doing what people are doing. Everyone is heading for the papers, doing stuff when i ask why, all they could answer was "i don't know". Is this a norm? I know it's important for that survival locally but is it just it?

When i was running with this senior just the other Saturday, i told him how i hated to go somewhere and do something not knowing what and not. The envy of peers entering local Unis bites in. Hadn't done enough for the past but it's bygone. I've sunk in. Yet many had the choice but seemed not knowing what to do with it.

Even if i applied for SIM, those same coloured shades follows. When they go "why not NUS, NTU or SMU?", all i could offer was silence. No longer can i continue to ramble at myself for a past i wish to lay down.

Perhaps i could make SIM proud one day. Perhaps i could make my family live a little better one day. Perhaps, i'll make my mark to be somebody one day.

That's because i had a past to push my present for the future.

Perhaps the bitterness will turn into strength.

There are many things I'm still good for.

Lest, I'm still the good boy at home...
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Saturday, August 11, 2007

Discipline.

It's gonna be my word for these coming few weeks.

Army Half Marathon coming up in two weeks time. 21km. I force myself to train cos i know the scientific system working in the body that wing commander used to teach us. If i don't? i'm letting him down.

Yes, i'm running for the formation. Although my group of officers on course said that i have an identity crisis, i don't mind being green myself running for the reds. It ain't gonna be about just the vocations, it's about the people, friendships that i've made throughout. Of course, the many treacherous work that pushed me beyond my limits and allowing me to learn from many senior officers.

Let it be done. 26th August the sunday would be a victorious day. Gotta set the sight on and feel the pressure. Knees will hurt, feet will scorch from heat with contact from the distance, heart will pump excessively and arms will sore from the swings. Apart from all these distraction, one focus-finish the race. Got it.

Next up would be 5Bx every morning i wake up and buff up. Someone said i lost weight and shrunk. Maybe. I wanna gain back those disciplines. Mind you, it's tough but no one will say its impossible.

Let's go, kid. Keep up the pace.
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Woke up 0600 hrs today. Had a run with one of my Lt Colonel. It was a great and enduring run for his age but he presses on like anything. In that hour, we talked like anything w/o any age gap. I was recognized by him for my enthusiasm for business and entrepreneurship. He would love to have me to join him and others stakeholders into their business and i was surprised why me...

It's about my mindset and the difference he found in me. I wasn't normal, for sure. All these time of identity thingy finally paid off. Why would i want to be whom people wanted me to be? If i'm dynamic, let me be. If i'm outspoken, let me be. If i have balls of energy that cannot be quenched, it is me.

So we talked and discussed and i'm willing to take this further. Ain't knowing how far this could go but going back to school for studies, acquiring skills, networking and internship could actually help me with this business if i'm going in. My purpose is kinda clear but there's always the no.1 thing on my mind...

God's business.

So it's all gonna be really busy.
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People try to tell us who we're meant to be but it's up to us to decide whether or not the label fits. After everything i've done to fight it, i finally understood the label i was meant to have.

I would never be normal or ordinary, my destiny was to be extraordinary. This is the label i've accepted...now it's my responsibility to earn it.

-Kyle XY
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Friday, August 03, 2007

Wednesday Afternoon. 01 Aug 2007

i struck with a temperature in the afternoon. Apart from all the cold shivers i had, the suffered body was driven to lay on the floor. Even with my uniform on, the additional two couldn't make any difference. With a body shaking, i pushed myself to having my clothes changed and headed for Bedok poly clinic.

The pain rose to suffer my bones. The agony of temperature and excruciating cartilage saps every of last energy i had. I took every step cautiously to the healing center, the world past me but no one knew.

My temperature: 38 degrees

Wednesday Night. 01 August 2007

I could have died. My brains were scorched. My limbs were rooted to the bed. I could no longer lift up the tiniest pinky finger. i was lamed. The fantasy that took me around made me realized i was part of the FANTASTIC FOUR guy. I thought i could "FLAME ON" with my fingers-I did try-that's really terrible. The brain wasn't mine, i though i could be Einstein. I'm not kidding. I was uttering rubbish and hallucinating.

A little more love came in when my parents took over. They were in-charged. Now, my body was back to theirs and they sprung into action. The towels, the fans, the blankets etc. They knew what to do. All i could do was to imagine i could live another day. I kept thinking i needed a drip then i fell asleep. When i woke up, the pain caused me to think about the drip again. These thoughts addicted me deeper, harder.

More love poured when char called and showed concern. As i laid sideways on the phone, the heat stricken hot tears down my cheeks and drowned the microphone. I thought i would just lay till my eyes open no more. Nowhere to seek help, i got her to pray for me. That moment, the angels were passing by...

Then i sincerely prayed inside....

The peace that transcends all understanding dawn. Nobody could except Him. Powerless i was, He stood Powerful. Exhausted i was, He proved strength. Darkness i was in, He showed light. Plain Zero, He was my HERO.

N i felt better in the little corner of my heart.

The battle continues. The cost was worth a higher stake...

My temperature: 40.3 degrees

Thursday Evening. 02 August 2007

No solid food still. I'd puke if anything goes in. Temperature still up on the 38.5. Doesn't sound good but much better. Or was i right? <3 style="font-weight: bold;">Friday Morning. 03 August 2007

I was delivered. Fever went down and I'm back to my normal temperature. Just that my throat still lingers the pain from a swollen tonsil. Well, at least the battle was well fought. Throughout this ordeal, its been tough and i've certainly learn something out of it...

Don't proclaim or speak of anything negative.

You'll be fine with lots of love. God can offers lots and people too!

My temperature: 37.2

My normal temperature: 36.8

I'm getting there!...


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Thank God for internet. Now it's so much easier to explain things to people, without myself explaining first. Please do know there are people like ME who needs your prayer whenever i sound out TONSILLITIS! Apart from the TITANIUM (known as Thalassemia minor) blood running through my dad, yanda and myself, i'm pretty much prone to to below mentioned. The picture used are for the faint hearted. Not for the faint hearted, please log on to www.google.com or www.yahoo.com and under "images" tab, type TONSILLITIS.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the back of the mouth. A sore throat is the common symptom. In addition, you may also have a cough, fever, headache, feel sick, feel tired, painful swallowing, and swollen neck glands. Pus may appear as white spots on the enlarged tonsils. Symptoms typically get worse over 2 to 3 days and then gradually go, usually within a week

What is the treatment for tonsillitis?

• Not treating is an option as many tonsil infections are mild and soon get better
  
• Have plenty to drink. It is tempting not to drink very much if it is painful to swallow. You may become mildly dehydrated if you don't drink much, particularly if you also have a fever. Mild dehydration can make headaches and tiredness much worse
  
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen ease pain, headache, and fever. To keep symptoms to a minimum it is best to take a dose at regular intervals as recommended on the packet of medication rather than 'now and then'. For example, take paracetamol four times a day until symptoms ease
  
• Aspirin gargles may ease the soreness. Dissolve some soluble aspirin in water and gargle for 3 to 4 minutes. You can do this 3 to 4 times a day. Spit out the aspirin after gargling. (You should not give aspirin to children under 16)
  
• Other gargles, lozenges, and sprays that you can buy at pharmacies may help to soothe a sore throat. However, they do not shorten the illness. They tend to be expensive, and may do little extra to ease symptoms than the above measures
  

Do I need an antibiotic?
Usually not. Most bouts of tonsillitis are due to viruses, although some are due to bacteria. Without tests, it is usually not possible to tell if it is a viral or bacterial infection. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but do not kill viruses. However, an antibiotic is not thought to make much difference even if bacteria cause the tonsil infection. Your immune system usually clears throat and tonsil infections within a few days, whether caused by viruses or bacteria. Also, antibiotics can sometimes cause side-effects such as diarrhoea, rash, and stomach upsets. An antibiotic may be advised if the infection is severe, if it is not easing after a few days, or if your immune system is not working properly (for example, if you have had your spleen removed or if you are taking chemotherapy, etc)

Occasionally, tonsillitis is due to an uncommon cause such as glandular fever. See a doctor if symptoms are severe, or if they do not ease within 3 to 4 days

What about having my tonsils taken out?
Removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be an option if you have frequent and severe bouts of tonsillitis. That is, five or more infections over a year. Also, when each infection is severe enough to affect normal life (such as needing time off work or studies). The value of tonsillectomy is uncertain - throat infections are not prevented if the tonsils are removed, however, for some people, the number and severity of throat infections may be reduced after tonsillectomy

Source: Adapted with permission from a © document supplied by EMIS and PIP

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