If interested, here is a link to my piano programme (It's a Word doc, may want to Save Target As... instead of viewing on the internet.. your preference.) (It's actually the programme handout for my recital in July.)
(No, I decided against Ireland in the end in favour of Debussy.) =)
Wednesday, August 21, 2002
Tuesday, August 20, 2002
Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay!
Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay!
I passed my ARCT piano exam!!!
Haha, I’m obviously VERY excited! =)
[sigh of relief] =)
THANK you for everyone who has supported me… for everyone who attended my recital, for everyone who helped out (ushering, refreshments, adjudicators, programme, sound, lighting), and for everyone who gave me many valuable comments and coaching, for everyone who has listened to me practise or let me practise at their house... THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
[whew]
Praise the Lord. =)
Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay!
I passed my ARCT piano exam!!!
Haha, I’m obviously VERY excited! =)
[sigh of relief] =)
THANK you for everyone who has supported me… for everyone who attended my recital, for everyone who helped out (ushering, refreshments, adjudicators, programme, sound, lighting), and for everyone who gave me many valuable comments and coaching, for everyone who has listened to me practise or let me practise at their house... THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
[whew]
Praise the Lord. =)
Monday, August 19, 2002
[whew]
[breathe]
I haven’t been able to do that for a while now; the past few weeks have been pretty chaotic. Orlando didn’t come at a very opportune time, either.
It feels good to be able to just slow down and *think*. (Driving long distance at night is quite conducive for that, I find.)
To reflect on the past weekend, past month, the past couple of years, and see where I’ve succeeded or failed, where I’ve been strong or need to improve from here…
I see how God has worked in me, how I fit into his will, and where I have to continue to trust in Him.
Reflections can be indeed humbling, but at the same time, awesome.
The conclusion is often one and the same, however, no matter *what* has been going on…
I fall at His feet, and am overcome by his grace. =)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
– Matthew 11:28
[breathe]
I haven’t been able to do that for a while now; the past few weeks have been pretty chaotic. Orlando didn’t come at a very opportune time, either.
It feels good to be able to just slow down and *think*. (Driving long distance at night is quite conducive for that, I find.)
To reflect on the past weekend, past month, the past couple of years, and see where I’ve succeeded or failed, where I’ve been strong or need to improve from here…
I see how God has worked in me, how I fit into his will, and where I have to continue to trust in Him.
Reflections can be indeed humbling, but at the same time, awesome.
The conclusion is often one and the same, however, no matter *what* has been going on…
I fall at His feet, and am overcome by his grace. =)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
– Matthew 11:28
Monday, August 12, 2002
How safe it feels to be on Canadian soil.
Haha, as the finale to the conference, after breakfast and checkout, we were addressed by the firm's chairman, Jim Turley. Again, he emphasized the firm's commitment to its people, encouragement in achieving work-life balance, and importance in quality and integrity. I guess that's what they wanted to do for the conference, to push the firm's culture as a selling point to attract many young aspiring accountants. I think actual training was minimal in the conference... which makes the conference an even bigger waste of money. =P
As soon as we were dismissed, I boarded the shuttle bus that took us to the airport, and caught the flight to Toronto, getting out of the airport at 5:30pm.
Back to my world... especially this crazy week... I need to practise piano. =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Haha, as the finale to the conference, after breakfast and checkout, we were addressed by the firm's chairman, Jim Turley. Again, he emphasized the firm's commitment to its people, encouragement in achieving work-life balance, and importance in quality and integrity. I guess that's what they wanted to do for the conference, to push the firm's culture as a selling point to attract many young aspiring accountants. I think actual training was minimal in the conference... which makes the conference an even bigger waste of money. =P
As soon as we were dismissed, I boarded the shuttle bus that took us to the airport, and caught the flight to Toronto, getting out of the airport at 5:30pm.
Back to my world... especially this crazy week... I need to practise piano. =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Sunday, August 11, 2002
Ouch, ouch, ouch… I guess I just experienced my first time getting sunburnt.
Today, we had “Team Challenge” outdoor activities, where we had to participate in various events, typical team-building activities. At the end of every activity there was a debrief on how these events related to Ernst & Young’s “global shared values”: Integrity, Teamwork, Leadership, Client-driven, and Innovation (not sure if I missed any… I should probably know these by heart by now.) The activities were pretty fun, and my team was pretty cool. However, it was outdoors ALL DAY (9:30 – 3:30), in the middle of an open field, on a clear sunny day in Orlando, Florida.
Wonderful.
So much for my many efforts at avoiding getting a tan. [sigh]…
All throughout the conference the presenters have been emphasizing these shared values, expanding on each one. This morning the presenters spoke about Leadership. They described a number of facets of leadership that they felt defined the term. I don’t remember most of them, but the one that stood out was “servant-leader”.
I don’t know what faith they believe in, but they did share that they were religious. However, the concept of servant-leader really only brings one person to mind: the person of Jesus Christ. I was very impressed that they are able to bring such meekness into the culture of the firm. And their humility was apparent to everyone.
After dinner, we had a little treat: we were lucky to see the illusions of Craig Kargas. It was amazing, but extremely freaky. He performed tricks as mind-reading (predicting beforehand that 4 members of the audience would collectively pick: a Dodge Viper that is black, with license plate AB4792, with a cost of $52,711.13. It was crazily scary. He also performed physical distortions (he broke off the head of a spoon by pinching it (and concentrating, but that’s just performance) right in front of our eyes. I don’t know… it was just really crazy stuff. =P
This evening after dinner, everyone went out, and I got a taste of Pleasure Island. Well, nothing really, just a number of clubs in one place (8 of them, to be exact.) We were all tired anyway, so we didn’t stay long. Why some parents brought their kids to Pleasure Island, I don’t understand. =P
Anyway, one more session tomorrow morning, and I will be on my way back home.
So enough Orlando for another few years. =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Today, we had “Team Challenge” outdoor activities, where we had to participate in various events, typical team-building activities. At the end of every activity there was a debrief on how these events related to Ernst & Young’s “global shared values”: Integrity, Teamwork, Leadership, Client-driven, and Innovation (not sure if I missed any… I should probably know these by heart by now.) The activities were pretty fun, and my team was pretty cool. However, it was outdoors ALL DAY (9:30 – 3:30), in the middle of an open field, on a clear sunny day in Orlando, Florida.
Wonderful.
So much for my many efforts at avoiding getting a tan. [sigh]…
All throughout the conference the presenters have been emphasizing these shared values, expanding on each one. This morning the presenters spoke about Leadership. They described a number of facets of leadership that they felt defined the term. I don’t remember most of them, but the one that stood out was “servant-leader”.
I don’t know what faith they believe in, but they did share that they were religious. However, the concept of servant-leader really only brings one person to mind: the person of Jesus Christ. I was very impressed that they are able to bring such meekness into the culture of the firm. And their humility was apparent to everyone.
After dinner, we had a little treat: we were lucky to see the illusions of Craig Kargas. It was amazing, but extremely freaky. He performed tricks as mind-reading (predicting beforehand that 4 members of the audience would collectively pick: a Dodge Viper that is black, with license plate AB4792, with a cost of $52,711.13. It was crazily scary. He also performed physical distortions (he broke off the head of a spoon by pinching it (and concentrating, but that’s just performance) right in front of our eyes. I don’t know… it was just really crazy stuff. =P
This evening after dinner, everyone went out, and I got a taste of Pleasure Island. Well, nothing really, just a number of clubs in one place (8 of them, to be exact.) We were all tired anyway, so we didn’t stay long. Why some parents brought their kids to Pleasure Island, I don’t understand. =P
Anyway, one more session tomorrow morning, and I will be on my way back home.
So enough Orlando for another few years. =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Saturday, August 10, 2002
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all!
…
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all!
…
[Sie gai jun sai siew, siew, siew,
Siew duk jun kay miew, miew, miew
…]
Blog ending 1:
"Ahhh! The singing! The singing! Make it stop...!!!"
Blog ending 2:
“Ring, ring, ring,”
“Hello? Oh! Hi, Karen Yam! I’m actually on the It’s a Small World Ride right now… hahaha….”
Oh my, oh me.
[more to read below if you’re really bored… =P ]
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all!
…
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all,
It’s a small world after all!
…
[Sie gai jun sai siew, siew, siew,
Siew duk jun kay miew, miew, miew
…]
Blog ending 1:
"Ahhh! The singing! The singing! Make it stop...!!!"
Blog ending 2:
“Ring, ring, ring,”
“Hello? Oh! Hi, Karen Yam! I’m actually on the It’s a Small World Ride right now… hahaha….”
Oh my, oh me.
[more to read below if you’re really bored… =P ]
Ah, the magic of Disney.
I haven’t been to Disneyworld (or Florida, for that matter,) for a long time, so visiting the Magic Kingdom brought back many memories; no particular undertone intended, just that many sights, sounds, and things were actually familiar to me. (I’ve probably been to Magic Kingdom at least four to five times.)
It was a better experience than I expected (so yes, Janey, I did have fun today, =P) even for a relatively “non-Disney” fan.
As soon as we got off the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, we were greeted with the principal theme and multiple variations of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” We planned out our route, and decided to circle the park in a counter-clockwise fashion, starting out with Tomorrowland.
Wow, I’ve never claimed to be a really bright kid when I was little, but it is only now that I appreciate cleverness and punniness of the park. What 10-year-old will appreciate the Shakespearean allusion in the store name: The Merchant of Venus? Or, the Geiger’s Counter, an ice cream parlour? How about the cleverness in the name of the singing alien in the Starlight Café, Sonny Eclipse? I think I *did* understand the pun (back then) in “The Lunching Pad” though! Oh, the enlightenments.
We went on Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, actually a new experience for me. =P
Aside from the Buzz Lightyear ride, everything else was virtually unchanged for, perhaps, over 10 years?? I don’t remember if FedEx had such strong sponsorship of Space Mountain back then though.
Next up was Toontown Fair, where every moment is a Kodak moment.
Fantasyland followed, and of course, we *had* to go on the “It’s a Small World” ride. It practically epitomises the Magic Kingdom! Unfortunately, it wasn’t as *magical* as it felt when I was little, but alas… the only direction that innocence can go towards is being lost. =P I had really wanted to go on the Snow White ride, but there wasn’t too much time. Next time, though: I must overcome my fear. I remember being absolutely terrified of that ride. [shut up..=P] (And can you believe the lineup for the Peter Pan ride was 65 minutes??? Crazy!!)
Anyway, next to Liberty Square and Frontierland for Splash Mountain (still quite excellent after all these years) and the Haunted Mansion. After all those years of going to Disneyworld, I have never been to the Haunted Mansion, and it was a lot of fun. We were pretty scared, actually, but mainly due to self-affliction. (We were *genuinely* scared…) Anyway, I shall tell that story some other time.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
I haven’t been to Disneyworld (or Florida, for that matter,) for a long time, so visiting the Magic Kingdom brought back many memories; no particular undertone intended, just that many sights, sounds, and things were actually familiar to me. (I’ve probably been to Magic Kingdom at least four to five times.)
It was a better experience than I expected (so yes, Janey, I did have fun today, =P) even for a relatively “non-Disney” fan.
As soon as we got off the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, we were greeted with the principal theme and multiple variations of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” We planned out our route, and decided to circle the park in a counter-clockwise fashion, starting out with Tomorrowland.
Wow, I’ve never claimed to be a really bright kid when I was little, but it is only now that I appreciate cleverness and punniness of the park. What 10-year-old will appreciate the Shakespearean allusion in the store name: The Merchant of Venus? Or, the Geiger’s Counter, an ice cream parlour? How about the cleverness in the name of the singing alien in the Starlight Café, Sonny Eclipse? I think I *did* understand the pun (back then) in “The Lunching Pad” though! Oh, the enlightenments.
We went on Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, actually a new experience for me. =P
Aside from the Buzz Lightyear ride, everything else was virtually unchanged for, perhaps, over 10 years?? I don’t remember if FedEx had such strong sponsorship of Space Mountain back then though.
Next up was Toontown Fair, where every moment is a Kodak moment.
Fantasyland followed, and of course, we *had* to go on the “It’s a Small World” ride. It practically epitomises the Magic Kingdom! Unfortunately, it wasn’t as *magical* as it felt when I was little, but alas… the only direction that innocence can go towards is being lost. =P I had really wanted to go on the Snow White ride, but there wasn’t too much time. Next time, though: I must overcome my fear. I remember being absolutely terrified of that ride. [shut up..=P] (And can you believe the lineup for the Peter Pan ride was 65 minutes??? Crazy!!)
Anyway, next to Liberty Square and Frontierland for Splash Mountain (still quite excellent after all these years) and the Haunted Mansion. After all those years of going to Disneyworld, I have never been to the Haunted Mansion, and it was a lot of fun. We were pretty scared, actually, but mainly due to self-affliction. (We were *genuinely* scared…) Anyway, I shall tell that story some other time.
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Friday, August 09, 2002
Aiya, I have been spending way too much money… my classmates and I went shopping again today…
The conference officially started today with a reception, where we basically had a Waterloo reunion (I think there are around 20 of my classmates here…) instead of the original intent (I assume) of getting to know other people. After an hour of mingling, the entire Ernst & Young delegation migrated into the next ballroom for a presentation and dinner
I think it’s really funny how much Ernst & Young has invested into this conference… the point of which, I think, is to “sell” the firm to these summer interns as a place to work full-time. I think that’s a waste of money because if these interns already accepted offers to come for the summer, wouldn’t you think they would want to return?? Anyway… I guess it’s a free trip for me, but still. =p.
It’s funny: Think huge pep rally – convention centre set up for dinner, say, 90 tables? There are 750 interns plus 140 facilitators / presenters. The lights are dim, the music is blasting, the clubbing-type lights are going, and there are two huge screens at the front, primed for an Ernst & Young PowerPoint presentation.
The best thing was the automatic cordless polling device. Everyone had a remote control-like thing which generated automatic statistics, so the presenter could ask a question, and it would generate a stat in 20 seconds, like the ratio of male to females (47:53), where people were from: International, Canada, or USA (5:13:82), or whether or not we agreed that leading a successful career was synonymous to earning a high salary (49:51) [interesting…].
After dinner, I think most people went to Pleasure Island for clubbing. My classmates and I declined, and decided to go to the pool. I was smrt enough not to bring my bathing suit… it was a *really* nice night, complete with a replicated Mayan pyramid. =P I really miss swimming. I guess going to the PAC next term won’t really compare, won't it? =p
Anyway, breakfast starts at 7am tomorrow…so,
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
The conference officially started today with a reception, where we basically had a Waterloo reunion (I think there are around 20 of my classmates here…) instead of the original intent (I assume) of getting to know other people. After an hour of mingling, the entire Ernst & Young delegation migrated into the next ballroom for a presentation and dinner
I think it’s really funny how much Ernst & Young has invested into this conference… the point of which, I think, is to “sell” the firm to these summer interns as a place to work full-time. I think that’s a waste of money because if these interns already accepted offers to come for the summer, wouldn’t you think they would want to return?? Anyway… I guess it’s a free trip for me, but still. =p.
It’s funny: Think huge pep rally – convention centre set up for dinner, say, 90 tables? There are 750 interns plus 140 facilitators / presenters. The lights are dim, the music is blasting, the clubbing-type lights are going, and there are two huge screens at the front, primed for an Ernst & Young PowerPoint presentation.
The best thing was the automatic cordless polling device. Everyone had a remote control-like thing which generated automatic statistics, so the presenter could ask a question, and it would generate a stat in 20 seconds, like the ratio of male to females (47:53), where people were from: International, Canada, or USA (5:13:82), or whether or not we agreed that leading a successful career was synonymous to earning a high salary (49:51) [interesting…].
After dinner, I think most people went to Pleasure Island for clubbing. My classmates and I declined, and decided to go to the pool. I was smrt enough not to bring my bathing suit… it was a *really* nice night, complete with a replicated Mayan pyramid. =P I really miss swimming. I guess going to the PAC next term won’t really compare, won't it? =p
Anyway, breakfast starts at 7am tomorrow…so,
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Wednesday, August 07, 2002
Some things airport staff should never announce:
“Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay, but we had some complications due to a fuel leak…”
God is good. =)
And so my International Intern Leadership Conference experience begins, situated at the fountain of youth: Disney =P at the Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Wow, reminds me of last year when I narrated my accounts in the City of Life: Hong Kong, China.
“I miss Hong Kong...” I whine. =P
Anyway, I could *not* leave my computer behind; there are too many things on my mind to disconnect myself from my world for 4 days… I’ll be back in Toronto on the 11th.
I had about an hour to kill because I arrived early before the rest of my friends are supposed to land. So here I am, on my computer, complete with Starbucks coffee, in the middle of Orlando airport, composing my first blog from the land of the free. I was disappointed, actually. I was looking forward to plugging into a data port and dialing-up… but to no avail. I guess Toronto is somewhat more advanced in this area. =P
I’ll probably see you online tonight. =P And maybe actually retire early, for once... oh yes, if anyone's interested, I can be reached at 407-939-1000 room 5444, or just ask for me. =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay, but we had some complications due to a fuel leak…”
God is good. =)
And so my International Intern Leadership Conference experience begins, situated at the fountain of youth: Disney =P at the Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Wow, reminds me of last year when I narrated my accounts in the City of Life: Hong Kong, China.
“I miss Hong Kong...” I whine. =P
Anyway, I could *not* leave my computer behind; there are too many things on my mind to disconnect myself from my world for 4 days… I’ll be back in Toronto on the 11th.
I had about an hour to kill because I arrived early before the rest of my friends are supposed to land. So here I am, on my computer, complete with Starbucks coffee, in the middle of Orlando airport, composing my first blog from the land of the free. I was disappointed, actually. I was looking forward to plugging into a data port and dialing-up… but to no avail. I guess Toronto is somewhat more advanced in this area. =P
I’ll probably see you online tonight. =P And maybe actually retire early, for once... oh yes, if anyone's interested, I can be reached at 407-939-1000 room 5444, or just ask for me. =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Monday, July 29, 2002
Da da da da da da da da!
Da da da da da da da da!
Da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da DAH DAH!
Haha, God is good.
Once again, I am overwhelmed by his grace:
his providence,
his blessings,
his joy,
his comfort,
his peace,
his rest…
The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
This is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father's God, and I will extol Him
– Exodus 15:1-3
Da da da da da da da da!
Da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da DAH DAH!
Haha, God is good.
Once again, I am overwhelmed by his grace:
his providence,
his blessings,
his joy,
his comfort,
his peace,
his rest…
The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
This is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father's God, and I will extol Him
– Exodus 15:1-3
Thursday, July 25, 2002
Events of the day:
[I'm currently auditing a software company, in a team of four. The work environment is not *too* favourable: despite the completely open concept layout, it is *extremely* quiet. Also, the client placed us right behind a couple of servers, and the fans around are FREEZING! The drone of fans is also quite sleep-inducing. =P Anyway...]
At around 11 o'clock, the server makes a noise, like it's going to shut down. Subsequently, some power goes down, and monitors around us start flickering. The server maintenance guy runs in, some profane language escapes his mouth, and he runs off. Apparently, (as I later found out,) he went to pull the fire alarm.
A few seconds later, all power dies.
The fire alarm rings.
"Fire! Electrical! Get out!"
I look to my team, and shruggedly, we follow the crowd out to the parking lot, actually smelling some burning smell on the way out.
A few minutes later, four fire engines pull up and the firefighters proceed to investigate the situation in the basement of the building. They come back out, get gas masks, and start pulling out a waterhose, pumping water through.
A few minutes later, Pizza Pizza pizza is delivered, and we get free food.
["nice." =P]
After half an hour or so, as the firefighters retreated and started to pack up, everyone was let into the building to collect their personal belongings, and were dismissed for the day.
Haha, exciting things *do* happen on audits. =P Actually something else happened today too... we were notified that one of our contacts was to be let go today, effective immediately. That was *not* fun.
Anyway, our senior let us go home for the day, but I ended up going back to the office with her because a whole slew of things was looming over my head, although I still intended to leave early.
And so I did.
I really need to practise. =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
[I'm currently auditing a software company, in a team of four. The work environment is not *too* favourable: despite the completely open concept layout, it is *extremely* quiet. Also, the client placed us right behind a couple of servers, and the fans around are FREEZING! The drone of fans is also quite sleep-inducing. =P Anyway...]
At around 11 o'clock, the server makes a noise, like it's going to shut down. Subsequently, some power goes down, and monitors around us start flickering. The server maintenance guy runs in, some profane language escapes his mouth, and he runs off. Apparently, (as I later found out,) he went to pull the fire alarm.
A few seconds later, all power dies.
The fire alarm rings.
"Fire! Electrical! Get out!"
I look to my team, and shruggedly, we follow the crowd out to the parking lot, actually smelling some burning smell on the way out.
A few minutes later, four fire engines pull up and the firefighters proceed to investigate the situation in the basement of the building. They come back out, get gas masks, and start pulling out a waterhose, pumping water through.
A few minutes later, Pizza Pizza pizza is delivered, and we get free food.
["nice." =P]
After half an hour or so, as the firefighters retreated and started to pack up, everyone was let into the building to collect their personal belongings, and were dismissed for the day.
Haha, exciting things *do* happen on audits. =P Actually something else happened today too... we were notified that one of our contacts was to be let go today, effective immediately. That was *not* fun.
Anyway, our senior let us go home for the day, but I ended up going back to the office with her because a whole slew of things was looming over my head, although I still intended to leave early.
And so I did.
I really need to practise. =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Wednesday, July 24, 2002
re: July 22 - Sanctification, the death side
I've never thought of sanctification as explicitly as Oswald Chambers explains it.. the process of my "stripping down," down to my totally depraved nakedness; the vulnerability is kind of scary.
This text made actually me think of the book we attempted to read [for cell group]: "The Heart of Worship", by Matt Redman. The second chapter is called "The Undone Worshipper". It tells about worshipping God with a brokenness where God "undoes" us, maybe even leaving us with a thorn in the flesh to remind us of our weakness. It's only in this realization of our nothingness that we can truly worship God.
Matt Redman's story is pretty amazing.. what happened was that he got tendinitis in his right hand, which means not being able to play guitar for 6-7 weeks. For a worship leader, songwriter, a general music person, that is detrimental.. I don't know how difficult it would be for me if I had to give up a similar characteristic so integral to my self. But he only faced it with an attitude of worship, humbly trusting in God.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
– Psalm 51:17
I've never thought of sanctification as explicitly as Oswald Chambers explains it.. the process of my "stripping down," down to my totally depraved nakedness; the vulnerability is kind of scary.
This text made actually me think of the book we attempted to read [for cell group]: "The Heart of Worship", by Matt Redman. The second chapter is called "The Undone Worshipper". It tells about worshipping God with a brokenness where God "undoes" us, maybe even leaving us with a thorn in the flesh to remind us of our weakness. It's only in this realization of our nothingness that we can truly worship God.
Matt Redman's story is pretty amazing.. what happened was that he got tendinitis in his right hand, which means not being able to play guitar for 6-7 weeks. For a worship leader, songwriter, a general music person, that is detrimental.. I don't know how difficult it would be for me if I had to give up a similar characteristic so integral to my self. But he only faced it with an attitude of worship, humbly trusting in God.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
– Psalm 51:17
Tuesday, July 16, 2002
(Read the previous post first if you haven't already...)
(Don't worry, only seldomly will I write such lengthiness. =P)
Oh yes, I *did* have another point to my story.
Given my gratefulness and appreciation for all my friends who have taken time to give me a card, I should really turn my efforts up a notch and try to remember birthdays... I'm just not a "date" kind of person. =P
[sigh]... perhaps too much nostalgia for my own good. =P Not to say, however, that I don't live in the present; I very much do...
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
(Don't worry, only seldomly will I write such lengthiness. =P)
Oh yes, I *did* have another point to my story.
Given my gratefulness and appreciation for all my friends who have taken time to give me a card, I should really turn my efforts up a notch and try to remember birthdays... I'm just not a "date" kind of person. =P
[sigh]... perhaps too much nostalgia for my own good. =P Not to say, however, that I don't live in the present; I very much do...
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
OK, I don’t often do this, share my recent thoughts, (or even, my life story.) But in any case, here goes. I’ll try to come up with a point. =P
Random thoughts on a common theme…
…a result of a combination of items:
1. I’ve been cleaning my room lately (it’s taken >6 mos.)
2. I possess tendencies of an extreme packrat (it’s genetic, I say.)
3. I also possess meticulousness in organization (anal accountant? Perhaps.)
4. My friends and I either graduated this year or will graduate in the next year.
5. I enjoy very much moments of nostalgia in general.
I stumbled on my old cards as I cleaned my room. Of course, they were all packaged and labelled by year, grade, and event. Because my friends and I are all approaching graduation and moving on to the next stage of life, everyone is curious as to the “goings-on’s” of everyone else with whom we went to school before university.
Looking at these cards made me think of my journey:
Meeting my first friends in grade one: Alfred and Andrew… it was on the school climber (back then climbers were built out of wood, complete with opportunities to pick up slivers, none of this ultra-safe plastic nowadays: what fun is that?? =P)
My first birthday cards: 11th birthday in grade 5, 12th birthday in grade 6… where the gesture of a card was ample; where Andrew was the coolest person to have a computer-generated, dot-matrix printed card =P; we only signed names without writing anything; friendships were innocent and fun; there was no need to “talk” anything out; disputes were rare, if any.
A drought of cards between grades 7 to 9, which confirms the reasons for my extreme dislike of middle school… it was a traumatic experience, indeed. =P
Starting from grade 10, (sweet sixteen!) a LOT more was written in cards. It’s amazing how far we’ve come since grade one. We have since matured significantly, having gone through many more life experiences (although I don’t deny having a somewhat sheltered childhood / adolescence…), accomplished many achievements, dreamt bigger and better futures.
As I graduated from high school, my circle of friends expanded... We’ve shared wonderful experiences together: Switzerland, and being stranded in Florence; monopolizing the school by controlling the yearbook ([to the student council] Oh yeah? Oh yeah? One page for you! Black and white! =P Haha, joking); graduating from a ghetto school as a circle of friends who actually looked toward the future... =P
I also got to know what *real* friendship is: sharing struggles and burdens with each other, empathizing based on the understanding gained from past experiences, caring without seeking anything in return, tasting the purity the love of philios…
This concept of friendship extended to university; having met a few more people whom I now consider as my closest friends…
My point in all of this?
In the final analysis, all I can say is that I have been blessed beyond comprehension. God has carried me through all these years (especially out of those traumatic middle school years… =P) and I am forever grateful.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
– James 1:17
Random thoughts on a common theme…
…a result of a combination of items:
1. I’ve been cleaning my room lately (it’s taken >6 mos.)
2. I possess tendencies of an extreme packrat (it’s genetic, I say.)
3. I also possess meticulousness in organization (anal accountant? Perhaps.)
4. My friends and I either graduated this year or will graduate in the next year.
5. I enjoy very much moments of nostalgia in general.
I stumbled on my old cards as I cleaned my room. Of course, they were all packaged and labelled by year, grade, and event. Because my friends and I are all approaching graduation and moving on to the next stage of life, everyone is curious as to the “goings-on’s” of everyone else with whom we went to school before university.
Looking at these cards made me think of my journey:
Meeting my first friends in grade one: Alfred and Andrew… it was on the school climber (back then climbers were built out of wood, complete with opportunities to pick up slivers, none of this ultra-safe plastic nowadays: what fun is that?? =P)
My first birthday cards: 11th birthday in grade 5, 12th birthday in grade 6… where the gesture of a card was ample; where Andrew was the coolest person to have a computer-generated, dot-matrix printed card =P; we only signed names without writing anything; friendships were innocent and fun; there was no need to “talk” anything out; disputes were rare, if any.
A drought of cards between grades 7 to 9, which confirms the reasons for my extreme dislike of middle school… it was a traumatic experience, indeed. =P
Starting from grade 10, (sweet sixteen!) a LOT more was written in cards. It’s amazing how far we’ve come since grade one. We have since matured significantly, having gone through many more life experiences (although I don’t deny having a somewhat sheltered childhood / adolescence…), accomplished many achievements, dreamt bigger and better futures.
As I graduated from high school, my circle of friends expanded... We’ve shared wonderful experiences together: Switzerland, and being stranded in Florence; monopolizing the school by controlling the yearbook ([to the student council] Oh yeah? Oh yeah? One page for you! Black and white! =P Haha, joking); graduating from a ghetto school as a circle of friends who actually looked toward the future... =P
I also got to know what *real* friendship is: sharing struggles and burdens with each other, empathizing based on the understanding gained from past experiences, caring without seeking anything in return, tasting the purity the love of philios…
This concept of friendship extended to university; having met a few more people whom I now consider as my closest friends…
My point in all of this?
In the final analysis, all I can say is that I have been blessed beyond comprehension. God has carried me through all these years (especially out of those traumatic middle school years… =P) and I am forever grateful.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
– James 1:17
Sunday, July 14, 2002
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
Sorry, I realize it’s been a LONG while… haven’t had much time to think and write, but here’s what I *was* thinking about:
Do we ever *need* a boyfriend/girlfriend?
By definition, “need” means there is a *necessity.* Perhaps this necessity demonstrates the importance of the person; that we cannot live without him/her. This may be the highest form of compliment… (recall the movie, “Needing You” =P)… demonstrating to the other person that the relationship is indispensable.
Maybe we *need* affection, need someone to care for us, to be there for us when we need it…
But… do we ever get to that level of necessity? I don’t know.
Nor am I an advocate of necessity for such things either…
Just something that I’ve been thinking about lately.. =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Do we ever *need* a boyfriend/girlfriend?
By definition, “need” means there is a *necessity.* Perhaps this necessity demonstrates the importance of the person; that we cannot live without him/her. This may be the highest form of compliment… (recall the movie, “Needing You” =P)… demonstrating to the other person that the relationship is indispensable.
Maybe we *need* affection, need someone to care for us, to be there for us when we need it…
But… do we ever get to that level of necessity? I don’t know.
Nor am I an advocate of necessity for such things either…
Just something that I’ve been thinking about lately.. =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Monday, July 01, 2002
(In response to Nighthawk's comments:) [see "Enjoy a Yam here"]
I agree. Long distance is *not* an ideal, and I don’t think people go around *looking* for a long distance relationship anyway… it just results from circumstance…
And I’m not saying distance is completely not a factor. =P But I guess I emphasize the “commitment” part of the relationship. True, commitment should be a significant part of *any* relationship, but it just takes a *lot* more effort in a long distance one. The risk of being too independent is extremely high. However, it’s still possible to still communicate, to support one another in struggles, to overcome trials together despite the difference in location…
I don’t know, I realize I’m idealistic in many ways… =P But it still boggles my mind: if people really want *something*.. wouldn't they stop at nothing to get it? (fine, under reasonable situations... but still...)
I don't know, I still think that if there's a will, there's a way...
*especially* if it's God's will...
so I guess the question becomes, then, *is* it God's will...?
But then again, that is *always* the question... =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
I agree. Long distance is *not* an ideal, and I don’t think people go around *looking* for a long distance relationship anyway… it just results from circumstance…
And I’m not saying distance is completely not a factor. =P But I guess I emphasize the “commitment” part of the relationship. True, commitment should be a significant part of *any* relationship, but it just takes a *lot* more effort in a long distance one. The risk of being too independent is extremely high. However, it’s still possible to still communicate, to support one another in struggles, to overcome trials together despite the difference in location…
I don’t know, I realize I’m idealistic in many ways… =P But it still boggles my mind: if people really want *something*.. wouldn't they stop at nothing to get it? (fine, under reasonable situations... but still...)
I don't know, I still think that if there's a will, there's a way...
*especially* if it's God's will...
so I guess the question becomes, then, *is* it God's will...?
But then again, that is *always* the question... =P
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
Friday, June 28, 2002
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
– Psalm 19:1
What a beautiful day...
...especially compared to our office right now... it's freezing. =P
My coworker and I decided to take a walk at lunch, so I took off my jacket to go outside. =P
Such a nice day.
Nice to just sit in a park, (located in downtown nonetheless,) and just admire the peaceful beauty of nature...
a tranquility amidst busy city streets all around...
like the stillness in the eye of a tornado...
it's so calming...
so comforting...
so peaceful...
so nice... =)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
– Psalm 23:1-3
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
– Psalm 19:1
What a beautiful day...
...especially compared to our office right now... it's freezing. =P
My coworker and I decided to take a walk at lunch, so I took off my jacket to go outside. =P
Such a nice day.
Nice to just sit in a park, (located in downtown nonetheless,) and just admire the peaceful beauty of nature...
a tranquility amidst busy city streets all around...
like the stillness in the eye of a tornado...
it's so calming...
so comforting...
so peaceful...
so nice... =)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
– Psalm 23:1-3
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
Sunday, June 23, 2002
God is good.
God is great.
God is awesome.
God is superlative.
Actually, God *defies* superlatives.
Haha... silly, silly... =P
Yes, Vern, how right you are. Haha.. I'm probably the only person who can amuse myself like I do... =P
Anyway, I was having one of those days. In this case, the "those" refers to an uncontrollable-emotional-outpour type of day. No, I don't get these often, but every couple of months I'll get one. =P
I'm not generally an emotional person, but pretty much the only thing that *does* cause me to get emotional is thinking about God's grace, as was the case here.
God has blessed me *abundantly,* to no end. I don't think I have any complaints about any aspect of my life... which leads me to pose the question, "Why??"
I am a proud and selfish person, undeserving of any goodness whatsoever. Totally depraved, spiritually blind, completely hopeless on my own strength, subject to spiritual death if it weren't for...
...God's grace.
"Why???"
"I have chosen you to be my child."
"But... it's too much... I can't accept it..."
"It is only by my grace that you can be saved. I love you the way you are, and this is my gift to you. I know you want to return the favour and try to do something back for me, but really, there is nothing that you can *do*. Just accept my gift to you."
"I don't know...."
--------
I must have gone through this conversation dozens of times before I could say,
"I don't know... but okay... yes... I accept!"
And thus commenced my journey as a Christian.
Ever since, he has abundantly showered his blessings upon me, and with the same level of gratitude as before, I struggle between the concept of work ethic and the acceptance of his grace.
But really, why do I bother? What good is it to gratefully but semi-unwillingly accept his gifts, to wallow in my unworthiness?
God has chosen me to be called his own, he has granted me the gifts to be used for his will, and it is up to me to say, "Um... I don't know... but okay... yes, I accept!"
And so I do, and (try to) shower *his* gifts on those around me. =)
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
God is great.
God is awesome.
God is superlative.
Actually, God *defies* superlatives.
Haha... silly, silly... =P
Yes, Vern, how right you are. Haha.. I'm probably the only person who can amuse myself like I do... =P
Anyway, I was having one of those days. In this case, the "those" refers to an uncontrollable-emotional-outpour type of day. No, I don't get these often, but every couple of months I'll get one. =P
I'm not generally an emotional person, but pretty much the only thing that *does* cause me to get emotional is thinking about God's grace, as was the case here.
God has blessed me *abundantly,* to no end. I don't think I have any complaints about any aspect of my life... which leads me to pose the question, "Why??"
I am a proud and selfish person, undeserving of any goodness whatsoever. Totally depraved, spiritually blind, completely hopeless on my own strength, subject to spiritual death if it weren't for...
...God's grace.
"Why???"
"I have chosen you to be my child."
"But... it's too much... I can't accept it..."
"It is only by my grace that you can be saved. I love you the way you are, and this is my gift to you. I know you want to return the favour and try to do something back for me, but really, there is nothing that you can *do*. Just accept my gift to you."
"I don't know...."
--------
I must have gone through this conversation dozens of times before I could say,
"I don't know... but okay... yes... I accept!"
And thus commenced my journey as a Christian.
Ever since, he has abundantly showered his blessings upon me, and with the same level of gratitude as before, I struggle between the concept of work ethic and the acceptance of his grace.
But really, why do I bother? What good is it to gratefully but semi-unwillingly accept his gifts, to wallow in my unworthiness?
God has chosen me to be called his own, he has granted me the gifts to be used for his will, and it is up to me to say, "Um... I don't know... but okay... yes, I accept!"
And so I do, and (try to) shower *his* gifts on those around me. =)
Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.
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