m-hawk

‎1year, 12718km of jinba ittai

2012-01-26T21:07:00.002+08:00

Aella the MX-5
Nikon D700, 24-70mm f2.8G
24mm, f2.8, HDRI, ISO100

2011 in 50 Photos

2012-01-14T15:31:00.015+08:00

2011 summarized chronologically in 50'139 words worth:

Lunch with Debbie

Let's Snap @ Little India

Emmanuel YSG Fellowship at David's

Astra the D300s

Aella the MX-5

Tung Ling Bible School Fun Day

Ezra the 300CE

Jackie the XJ6L

Ryan's Birthday

Emmanuel YSG CNY Fellowship

Emmanuel YSG Car Photoshoot

Aella at Sunset

Aella

70-200 f2.8

My Nikon family

My 21st

Sunset at Upper Pierce

Tung Ling Graduation

Tung Ling Farewell Service

Aston

Frenchman Bay, Western Australia

Family Portriat

Holden Commodore SV6

Zoo with Claudia

Barnacles, Rasa Sentosa

Pineapple and Quirky

Mjolnir the D700

USS with Claudia

24-70 f2.8

Aella at noon

Claudia's Birthday

NDP Rehearsal

XXCO+2

Pouts

Gold ring family

Sheffield Opal 2 Dorm

Pantry dinner

MacRitchie at dawn

Aella before a storm

Christmas lights

Lomo Fisheye2

Baking with Claudia

Carol Service

Christmas eve dinner

Yatch

St John Island (I think)

Christmas Dinner

Emmanuel YSG Christmas fellowship

Watchnight

2012 Calendar

Remember When

2011-10-07T13:32:00.006+08:00

2011-08-20T23:10:00.001+08:00

Give me more lovin' than I've ever had
Make it all better when I'm feelin' sad
Tell me that I'm special even when I know I'm not

Make me feel good when I hurt so bad
Barely gettin' mad, I'm so glad I found you
I love bein' around you
You make it easy, it's as easy as 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4

There's only one thing to do
Three words for you I love you
There's only one way to say
Those three words and that's what I'll do, I love you

Give me more lovin' from the very start
Piece me back together when I fall apart
Tell me things you never even tell your closest friends

Make me feel good when I hurt so bad
Best that I've had, I'm so glad that I found you
I love bein' around you
You make it easy, it's as easy as 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4

There's only one thing to do
Three words for you I love you
There's only one way to say
Those three words and that's what I'll do, I love you
I love you
1234, Plain White T's

Hanging by a moment here with you

2011-08-16T04:33:00.001+08:00

Don't stop

2011-08-13T22:25:00.004+08:00

Nikon D300s, Nikkor 10.5mm Fisheye
10.5mm(DX), f/2.8, 1/60sec, ISO200
Photoshop CS5, Topaz Lens Effects

Some days it feels like the 16dec2008(first day in service) or 12Jan2009(first ops duty), other days it feels like 14dec2010(ord). But you can't get one without the other, I suppose. Color-popped photo, so it's both monochrome and colored.

Every guy should get the chance to red-line a roadster with her hood down.

2011-07-31T00:35:00.001+08:00

Aella the MX-5, best selling sports roadster

I took Aella out for a 25km loop, down the length of Upper Thomson, via Old Upper Thomson, along Sembawang Road towards Dieppe Barracks, then back on SLE/CTE to Bishan. It felt like heading to camp; counting down to ord, watching the clock, waiting to book out, having the evenings free, convincing myself that things could be better but they could also be so much worse, and realizing that ns isn't all as bad as its portrayed. Code-switching is difficult.

(:

2011-07-04T21:36:00.002+08:00

Congratulations and celebrations
when I tell everyone that you're in love with me.
Congratulations and jubilations
I want the world to know I'm happy as can be.

Who would believe that I could
be happy and contented.
I used to think that happiness
hadn't been invented,
but that was in the bad old days
before I met you
when I let you walk into my heart.

Congratulations and celebrations
when I tell everyone that you're in love with me.
Congratulations and jubilations
I want the world to know I'm happy as can be.
Congratulations, Cliff Richard

rabbi ben ezra

2011-06-25T00:38:00.001+08:00

Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in His hand
Who saith, "A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!"
Click, also posted here and here

Pray

2011-06-25T00:19:00.002+08:00

I will pray for you now, for you have been my faithful friends
While the road we walk is difficult indeed
I couldn't not ask for more than what you've already been
Only that you would say these prayers for me
May your heart break enough that compassion enters in
May your strength all be spent upon the weak
All the castles and crowns you build and place upon your head
May they all fall, come crashing down around your feet
May you find every step to be harder than the last
So your character grows greater every stride
May your company be of human insignificance
May your weakness be your only source of pride
What you do unto others may it all be done to you
May you meet the One who made us
And see Him smile when life is through
May your blessings be many but not what you hoped they'd be
And when you look upon the broken
May mercy show you what you could not see
May you never be sure of any plans you desire
But you'd learn to trust the plan He has for you
May your passions be tried and tested in the holy fire
May you fight with all your life for what is true
I have prayed for you now all my dear and faithful friends
But what I wish is more than I could ever speak
As the way wanders on I'll long to see you once again
Until then, would you pray these prayers for me?
Oh, that you would pray for me
Pray - Kendall Payne

This is just the beginning- Count Dooku, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

2011-06-21T00:53:00.000+08:00

People
Charlotte Zolotow
Some people talk and talk
and never say a thing
Some people look at you
and birds begin to sing

Some people laugh and laugh
and yet you want to cry
Some people touch your hand
and music fills the sky
Also posted here, here, here and here

Monochrome

2011-05-24T00:01:00.001+08:00

Would you dance if I asked you to dance
Would you run and never look back
Would you cry if you saw me crying
Would you save my soul tonight

Would you tremble if I touched your lips
Would you laugh oh please tell me this
Now would you die for the one you love
Hold me in your arms tonight

I can be your hero baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away

Would you swear that you'll always be mine
Would you lie would you run and hide
Am I in too deep have I lost my mind
Well I don't care you're here tonight

I can be your hero baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away

Ohhh I just wanna hold you,
I just wanna hold you, oh yeah
Am I in too deep have I lost my mind
Well I don't care you're here tonight

I can be your hero
I can kiss away the pain
And I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away
You can take my breath away
I can be your hero
Hero, Enrique Iglesias

Bliss

2011-05-14T02:16:00.002+08:00

Remember, time passes at a constant rate.

Rate of change of time = dt/dt = 1.

HELLO QUIRKY

2011-04-22T22:11:00.000+08:00

How long till you notice this? (:

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me

2011-04-22T22:10:00.002+08:00

Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day
The soldiers tried to clear the narrow street
But the crowd pressed in to see
A Man condemned to die on Calvary

He was bleeding from a beating, there were stripes upon His back
And He wore a crown of thorns upon His head
And He bore with every step
The scorn of those who cried out for His death

Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King,
But He chose to walk that road out of
His love for you and me.
Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary.
Via Dolorosa - Sandi Patti

It's been a really good 2011Q1

2011-03-19T01:29:00.002+08:00

Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to, when all they need is one reason why they can. - Willis Whitney

Update

2011-03-03T23:40:00.001+08:00

It seems now that I'm busy taking photos, touching up, and uploading to flickr, I don't blog much.

www.flickr.com/eugenephoen

Abundantly blessed

2011-02-08T10:44:00.002+08:00

How can I say thanks for the things
You have done for me?
Things so undeserved yet you gave
To prove your love for me
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude
All that I am, and ever hope to be
I owe it all to thee

To God be the glory
To God be the glory
To God be the glory for the things he has done
With his blood he has saved me
With his power he has raised me
To God be the glory for the things he has done

My Tribute
http://www.elyrics.net/read/a/andrae-crouch-lyrics/my-tribute-lyrics.html

2011-01-20T22:48:00.000+08:00

Joy is the flag flown high
From the castle of my heart
From the castle of my heart
From the castle of my heart
Joy is the flag flown high
From the castle of my heart
When the King is in residence there

(So) let it fly in the sky
Let the whole world know
Let the whole world know
Let the whole world know
(So) let it fly in the sky
Let the whole world know
That the King is in residence there.
http://www.breadsite.org/lyrics/352.htm

What a week!

2011-01-09T00:21:00.004+08:00

Changi Beach, 3Nov10
D90, Tokina 12-24mm f/4
12mm(DX), HDRI, f4, ISO100

In chronological order
(1) Started school
(2) Met Rachel, Jeanette, Zhe Yu, Bhupi
(3) Barely cut my hair
(4) Met Debbie
(5) Made some friends
(6) Survived school
(7) Emmanuel SG BS

Today after TSS I heard something about one of my small group member's family. And my first thought, as de facto sgl, was how the sg could go over and support and stuff, or what we could do for this member. But on hindsight, seriously, what more can we do besides praying for our sg member. Prayer should be all that we do and have to do. Of course we'll go over and stuff, but that's stage two. For all my meticulous planning I forget the most important element. Get your priorities right, Eugene.

untitled?

2011-01-01T19:56:00.002+08:00

So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
I hope it's not too small
Five Loaves And Two Fishes, Corrinne May

I know that you're the God above.
You're filling me with grace and love.
Now I just wanna say thank you to you.
You've pulled me from the miry clay.
You've given me a brand new day.
Now all that I can say is Hallelujah.
Another Hallelujah, Lincoln Brewster

Best of 2010

2010-12-31T03:30:00.010+08:00

JAN

Lexus UZZ40 SC430

Friday bible study (Click)

Supper after cell

BMW E60 525i

Emmanuel YSG Fellowship (Click)

FEB

XXCO Lohei

Guitar Orch '08, '09 CNY gathering

CNY at Jeanette's

Removal of P-plates: 365 days, 9500km of safety (click)

MAR

Nikon D90 'Nephos'

Guitar Orch Mar10 camp visit

Mercedes W124 300CE 'Ezra', first shoot with Nephos (Click)

APR

Sunny morning

Ezra at midnight (Click)

Bishan seen through Nephos (Click)

MAY

MacRitchie Reservoir Park (Click)

Lego: Toy Story - Army men on Patrol (Click)

Upper Pierce at Six (Click)

Upper Pierce at Six (Click)

Lego: Woody and Buzz to the Rescue (Click)

JUN

Lunch with Deb

Warm afternoon (Click)

BMW E60 525i at Midnight (Click)

BMW E60 525i at Midnight

JUL

Ezra along Old Thomson Road (Click)

MBS

Breakfast with Sam

Baptism and membership class

Seeing double?

AUG

Dinner with Ian, Benedict, Joash

YOG (Click)

Wesley Sanctuary

Confirmation and reception into membership

Bible study/Steph's birthday

Lunch with Deb (Click)

SEP

Emmauel YASG Fellowship

Lunch with Rach

A Picturesque Fairth: Lower Seletar Reservoir Park at dawn (Click)

Ethereal Likeness : Lower Seletar Reservoir Park at dawn (Click)

iPhone4

Turk ice cream man (Click)

OCT

T-bone Sunrise: Upper Seletar Reservoir Park at dawn

Lake Geneva Shoreline: Upper Seletar Reservoir Park at dawn

ACS(Junior) visit

Rex Plays The Blues (Click)

Down To The Crossroads: Bishan at nine

NOV

iLight@Marina Bay: The Fullerton Hotel

iLight@Marina Bay: Double Helix

iLight@Marina Bay: MBS

Changi Beach at dawn

Changi Beach at dawn

Changi Beach at dawn

Changi Beach at dawn

Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo: Meerkats

Emmanuel YASG: Marcus' birthday

BMW World 2010: GINA

BMW World 2010: E90 M3

BMW World 2010: Z8, Z1, 507

NS Cohesion: Singapore Science Center

View from MBS SkyPark Ku De Ta

Raffles Hotel

Seah Street Deli - great ambiance and dessert

Kranji Reservoir Park

Lunch with Sam

DEC

Kranji War Memorial

Kranji War Memorial

Christmas Lights along Orchard

Christmas Lights along Orchard

Christmas Lights along Orchard

BMW F10 523i

BMW F10 523i

BMW F10 523i

ORD

Spain, Portugal, Morocco 2010: Spanish Flamenco

XXCO Supper

XXCO Supper

2010-12-20T04:36:00.002+08:00

I'm at a little Spanish hotel in Granada, second place with free wifi in the past week. Shooting photos makes the tour much more fun, and rewatching Band of Brothers isn't too bad either. The cold walks and empty streets remind me a bit of London last year, except happier. Good stuff.

Just a filler.

2010-12-07T18:34:00.001+08:00

It's december already! Picking shots for '2010 in photos' is going to be fun, especially since I have so many more photos than the last two years.

new photos!

2010-11-16T21:36:00.003+08:00

I think we are incredibly blessed in Singapore, to even be able to think about rejecting new members to our cell group, or to dislike someone in church. We don't have to eagerly welcome new members because that would mean one less persecutor. I ask again, what if accepting new members would drastically change the group dynamics. Are we to reject new members, or accept them and wear a fake smile like hypocrites? But we already know the answer.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. - Jn13:34-35NIV

new toys!

2010-11-08T22:38:00.004+08:00

I have a huge backlog of photos to sort out, about a thousand shots.

I was thinking about how the cell group would respond to new members, while driving home just now, when this scene from toy story 3 popped into my head. The awkward moment after Rex causes the cardboard box to fall off the ledge at Sunny Side, and all of Andy's toys spill out. Then the jack-in-the-box (?) exclaims "new toys!", and the party begins.

a yellow wood.

2010-11-06T22:22:00.007+08:00

So someone comes along and asks if it's alright for your cell group to adopt their members, 'cause (a)their cell isn't meeting regularly, (b)there's no leadership, or (c)simply isn't fulfilling its members requirements, and are thinking of disbanding. Are you supposed to consider (a)your own cell's unity and bond, or (b)other Christians' spiritual welfare? How about if (a)it's simply because no one wants to step up in the other group, (b)merging would throw the gender ratio way off, or (c)negatively affect the group dynamics? Now what if the potential members are all your friends, do you (a)consider the effect a merge would have on your group, or (b) be all inclusive and show the love.

On another point, I think it's very immature to say NS is the most useless thing around and a complete waste of time. Without NS we'd probably be speaking Bahasa Melayu. NS does suck, big time. But very often people fail to achieve anything because they lack discipline. (To all those who condemn classical music training, it's not just about the music). So, dear understudies, condemn NS all you want, it's probably all you excel in.

I would like to know how clubbers explain Ephesians 5:18.

Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit

Good stuff!

2010-11-06T00:23:00.003+08:00

Many red cars today!

Plus a GORGEOUS ELECTRIC BLUE ACURA NSX FACELIFT. click

Imagine a car like that. In Singapore. It's huge, really long, seemed more like a grand tourer than a sports coupe.

5weeks6daysONLY.

2010-11-04T00:28:00.001+08:00

baby steps!

2010-10-28T22:59:00.003+08:00

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and He hears me when I call

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

---

Some unedited shots with my new gear -

Godzilla takes over Kardonville!
Taken with my Nikon D90 and Lensbaby Muse Plastic Optic

Love aplenty along Bishan Rd
Taken with my Nikon D90, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 and Bokeh Masters Kit

Detail Enhancer

2010-10-25T20:45:00.003+08:00

Ta-da!

Done by yours truly.
Or alternatively - facebook. Remember to click 'like' (:

SL73 AMG

2010-10-25T20:40:00.000+08:00

How cool is this! 1998 MB SL73 AMG. 7.3L V12, 525bhp.
Also used in the 1999 Pagani Zonda

Sudden smile

2010-10-13T22:47:00.006+08:00

I've been editing photos - they're on facebook, I'll upload them here, soon.
Photomatix Pro is good stuff.

Today was a dreary day. Neither good nor bad, just.
But I suppose that in itself is a good thing, especially when I'm counting the days left in service.

Then I saw Deb's video on fb. Good stuff.
God is good.

Rather, it was easier to perceive God to be good.
Since God is unchanging and always good, regardless of our circumstances.

Back to work tomorrow, 62 days and counting.

2010-10-12T11:25:00.007+08:00

Finally got Aperture to work properly!

Exactly nine weeks left.
32.5 work days left.
---

I was thinking, if after two whole years of NS, no one can deny that God has been faithful, that's not too bad a way of spending two years is it?

---

I love this photo, esp the way the lines converge. And the car too, of course.

AC

2010-10-05T15:28:00.006+08:00

Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? - 1 Cor 6:3-6 ESV

I have to say, the ACS Board of Governors keeps very strictly to this verse. I'd like to know which blabbermouth teacher leaked the news to the press.

---

I think it's incredibly myopic how people make a big joke of Dr Ong's departure and his replacement. For one, Dr Ong did achieve a lot for the school during his term of service. More importantly, we're going to need a Godly replacement to bring the school forward. There aren't many high-flying mission schools, and it's so easy to slip and fall. So pray for ACS.

ACS (Independent), 10Oct08
Nokia N82, Carl Zeiss Tessar 2.8/5.6 AF
6mm(1/2.5"), 1/500sec, f/2.8, ISO100

More HDRIs

2010-09-30T18:09:00.003+08:00

I've been ill at home, and reprocessing some old HDRs. This programme Photomatix Pro is pretty good, they just released version 4.

Nikon D90 'Nephos'
Nikkor AF-S DX VR Zoom 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED
Tokina AT-X 124 PRO DX - AF 12-24mm f/4
Photoshop CS5
Photomatix Pro 3.2.9

Breaking Dawn
Upper Pierce Reservoir, 26Aug10
D90, Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
18mm, HDRI, f/3.5, ISO200

Autumn Leaf Cuttings
Chinatown, Mid Autumn Festival, 20Sep10
D90, Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
38mm, HDRI, f/8, ISO100

Ethereal Likeness
Lower Seletar Reservoir, 8Sep10
D90, Tokina 12-24mm f/4
12mm(DX), HDRI, f/22, ISO200

Top shots

2010-09-27T16:31:00.007+08:00

Favourites from the last few outings:

Nikon D90 'Nephos'
Nikkor AF-S DX VR Zoom 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED
Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G
Tokina AT-X 124 PRO DX - AF 12-24mm f/4
Photoshop CS5
Photomatix Pro 3.2.9 (click)

A Picturesque Fairth
Lower Seletar Reservoir, 8Sep10
D90, Tokina 12-24mm f/4
12mm, HDRI, f/4, ISO200

Autumn Leaves of Red and Gold
Chinatown, 20Sep10
D90, Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
18mm, 8.0s, f/22, ISO100

Clmado Turk Ice Cream Man
Clarke Quay, 20Sep10
D90, Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
38mm, 1/13sec, f/4.5, ISO400

Mid Autumn Festival
Clarke Quay, 20Sep10
D90, Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6
18mm, 1/13sec, f/3.5, ISO400

Learning Gallery
Singapore Art Museum, 23Sep10
D90, Nikkor 35mm f/1.8
35mm, 1/30sec, f/1.8, ISO200

Ultra Nature, Digital Nights 2010
Singapore Art Museum, 23Sep10
D90, Tokina 12-24mm f/4
14mm, 1/8sec, f/4, ISO400

A Digital Experience
Digital Nights 2010, Singapore Art Museum, 23Sep10
D90, Tokina 12-24mm f/4
12mm, 1/6sec, f/4, ISO400

Binary Waves
Digital Nights 2010, Singapore Art Museum, 23Sep10
D90, Tokina 12-24mm f/4
12mm, 8.0sec, f/22, ISO200

The piano, it sounds like a carnival
F1 Skyline, Singapore Recreation Club, 23Sep10
D90, Tokina 12-24mm f/4
12mm, HDRI, f/22, ISO200

Nice? (:

NSX

2010-09-16T18:55:00.003+08:00

Can you believe that this model is twenty years old already?
The Acura NSX.

so shine on

2010-09-15T22:32:00.005+08:00

Three active lines

Swedish Meatballs

Another farewell. Long drive back from the airport

Pasta at The Box Bistro, Courts Tampines North Drive 2

Macchiato at The Box Bistro, Courts Tampines North Drive 2

If I remember correctly, the Cohen Brown method says that people are like rubber bands - stretchable. But like what Peiyi says, things could be so much worse and God's been good. So whatever, screw this. Bad/emo stuff aside, the last few days were pretty good (:

So long

2010-09-09T13:32:00.010+08:00

I'm trading my N82 in, after over 2.5 years. It's not the most user-friendly phone, can be pretty irritating while syncing, but the camera is amazing.

Nokia N82
Carl Zeiss Tessar 2.8/5.6 AF

N82, 6mm (1/2.5"), 0.049sec, f/2.8, ISO400
Dec08, Walt Disney World Epcot

N82, 6mm (1/2.5"), 1/1000sec, f/2.8, ISO100
Dec08,Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

N82, 6mm (1/2.5"), 1/111sec, f/2.8, ISO125
14Aug09, W124 300CE

N82, 6mm (1/2.5"), 0.029sec, f/2.8, ISO200
20Dec09, Lutwidge Arms Hotel (Lake District, UK)

N82, 6mm (1/2.5"), 0.059sec, f/2.8, ISO400
7Jul10, F10 523i

N82, 6mm (1/2.5"), 0.029sec, f/2.8, ISO400
Sep10, Food Republic

The WDW Magic Kingdom photo and the Lake District photo are among my favourites, pretty impressive coming from a handphone camera released in 2007.

Lower Seletar

2010-09-08T14:40:00.006+08:00

Nikon D90
Tokina AT-X PRO DX - AF 12-24mm f/4
Lensbaby Muse (50mm), Plastic Optic

D90, 12mm (DX), HDRI, f/22, ISO200

D90, 12mm (DX), HDRI, f/4, ISO200

D90, 50mm (DX), 1/400sec, f/4, ISO200

Firefox doesn't render orange nicely.
Just updated: cars i like

Upper Pierce

2010-09-08T14:31:00.000+08:00

Nikon D90
Nikkor AF-S DX VR Zoom 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED

D90, 18mm (DX), 1/2000sec, f/3.5, ISO200

D90, 18mm (DX), HDRI, f/3.5, ISO200

bittersweet, like white coffee on a spoon

2010-09-07T23:14:00.004+08:00

I wanted to put this in sepia, but the pre-dawn colours are much too beautiful. It doesn't render nicely in firefox though.

Nikon D90, 18mm (DX), 1/500sec, f/3.5, ISO200
Upp Pierce Reservoir Park

Many yellow cars today :/ but...

2010-09-06T00:43:00.002+08:00

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. - Ps100:5NIV

And this one, as the Dragon says in Balls of Fury, "no can defend":

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. - Rm5:8NLT

Nephos

2010-09-04T00:12:00.003+08:00

This is Nephos.
Originally νέφος in Greek, pronounced nef'-os.
It means 'cloud', or 'mass of clouds'.
The word appears once in the NT, in Hebrews 12:1
Nephos is a she.

Still I will say

2010-09-01T22:31:00.002+08:00

Isn't it wonderful to have a God you can actually approach? Someone you can cry out to and question? I mean, how many religions/lifestyles let you do your own research and verify if a teacher is interpreting correctly. And isn't it comforting to know that whatever happens is part of a supreme being's plan, and this supreme being is the creator of all the universe, and He's holding us in His palm?

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. - Ps139:15-16NIV

This afternoon was pretty lousy. And it dawned on me, just this morning I was thinking how wonderful God is, with all the replies I got from teachers, coordinating my cell group fellowship, and arranging some meals with friends. But God's goodness is unchanging and certainly shouldn't be dependent on our feelings. So army superiors, you can be whatever you want to be, my God is still a good God.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1Thes5:18

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your Name, Matt Redman

to a tee

2010-08-30T21:47:00.003+08:00

Don't you ever be sad
Lean on me in times of bad
When the day comes and you're in doubt
In a river of trouble about to drown

Don't you ever be sad
Lean on me in times of bad
Hold On, hold on
I'm coming, I'm coming
Hold On I'm Coming - B.B. King (Sam&Dave)

so we keep waiting

2010-08-29T21:05:00.004+08:00

You know how some photos are so nice that they just tug at your heartstrings and make you gasp 'woah'? From Trey Ratcliff:

click

How can i keep from singing

2010-08-28T23:39:00.004+08:00

Mocha

Xi Mut Milk Tea

Pemimpin

Upp Pierce (unedited!)

Deb!

bluegrass

2010-08-26T23:09:00.002+08:00

Loading Assets

Upper Pierce

Five Million Dollar Home

2010-08-26T11:53:00.003+08:00

Nice.
(:

WARRANTY

Not just ‘a’ warranty, but the Legendary Crumpler ‘Til Death Do Us Part’ Warranty!

If your Crumpler bag fails as a result of defective materials or workmanship under normal use while you: a) draw breath and b) remain the bag’s owner, we’ll repair or replace the part(s) in question – no questions asked. Just drop your bag off at a Crumpler Store or mail your bag to a Crumpler HQ, postage paid, together with your proof of purchase and a short note to explain the problem. We’ll make it right and send it back to you ASAP.

If we reckon the fault occurred as a result of ‘abnormal’ usage – no offence intended – we’ll contact you and obtain your approval to repair the bag at your expense.

Repair Buff
Crumpler HQ
6 Chelmsford Street
Kensington, Victoria
3031
click

excited already!

2010-08-23T00:29:00.002+08:00

Danny and I spent another late night over pancakes,
Talkin' 'bout soccer
And how every man's just the same
We made speculation
On the who's and the when's of our futures
And how everyone's lonely
But still we just couldn't complain

And how we just hate being alone
Could I have missed my only chance
And now I'm just wasting my time
By looking around
But you know I know better
I'm not gonna worry 'bout nothing
Cause if the birds and the flowers survive
Then I'll make it okay
I'm given a chance and a rock
see which one breaks a window
See which one keeps me up all night and into the day

Because I'm so scared of being alone
That I forget what house I live in
But it's not my job to wait by the phone
For her to call

Well this day's been crazy
But everything's happened on schedule
from the rain and the cold
To the drink that I spilled on my shirt
'Cause You knew how You'd save me
before I fell dead in the garden
And You knew this day
long before You made me out of dirt

And You know the plans that You have for me
And You can't plan the end and not plan the means
And so I suppose I just need some peace
Just to get me to sleep.
Table For Two, Caedmon's Call

Got that right

2010-08-19T23:43:00.003+08:00

I like Corrinne May's lyrics and tune a lot more than her range and tone.

So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as you will
I surrender
Take my fears and my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
I hope it's not too small
Five loaves and two fishes

friends, lovers or nothing

2010-08-17T22:19:00.003+08:00

Nikon D90, 145mm (DX), 1/60sec, f/4.8, ISO400
YOG Football Girls' Preliminaries - Chile vs Trinidad&Tobago
We are the champions, no time for losers click

Lucky shot

2010-08-14T22:50:00.003+08:00

Nikon D90, 170mm (DX), 1/60sec, f/5, ISO200
YOG Girls' Preliminaries - Group A - Match 1
Turkey (red) vs Iran (white)

Good try means wrong.

2010-08-12T16:43:00.006+08:00

Sony DSC-H3, 1/15sec, f/3.5
17Dec09, Bayswater, London

I don't wanna cry for you.
There's nothing left to lose.
You gotta let the boy have his way.
Cause it gets him to drink it away.

I don't wanna cry for you.
There's nothing left to do.
If it can make me feel better,
than I’m gonna cry, cry for you.
Don't Wanna Cry, Pete Yorn

wherever you fall.

2010-08-11T23:23:00.007+08:00

I saw this shot of New York city on a rainy evening, on Trey Ratcliff's StuckInCustoms, and the first thought that came to me was my photo of Bayswater from last december. If you've visited enough you'd know that I use monochrome photos when I'm emo.

Nokia N82, 1/111sec, f/2.8

I'm disappointed how things played out, that everything screwed up and the friendship fell apart so easily

2 opposites and a latte

2010-08-10T22:14:00.004+08:00

Nikon D90, Photoshop CS5, 1/80sec, f/4
Alter, Wesley Methodist Church Sanctuary, Confirmation and Reception into Membership

Nokia N82, Gimp 2.6.5, 0.059sec, f/2.8
Latte at Hatched (Evans Lodge)

Nikon D90, Gimp 2.6.5, 1/2000sec, f/8
MBS Casino

Dear Steve

2010-08-09T23:34:00.002+08:00

I would like a macbook air with:

2.66GHz Intel Core i7
4GB 1066MHz DDR3
512GB SSD
10hrs wireless productivity

Essentially a MacBook Pro (13") in a Gen4 MacBook Air body, preferably sleeker so Samsung and Dell will just give up trying to develop an "MBA killer". Oh and if it's that awesome you can call it the MacBook Air Pro and brand it "turbo", "kompressor", "iVTEC", "double vanos", or even "GT2". Or MBAP Mugen RS, quad-turbo W16.

ten days worth of blessings, chronologically

2010-08-07T21:12:00.013+08:00

Breakfast with Sam:

Mocha chips and worship prac:
Kopi Chino:
Dinner, dessert & supper with Ben, Ian & Joash:
300CE Ezra:
Emmanuel YASG:
Dessert at Marble Slab:

ten minute meal

2010-07-30T23:25:00.002+08:00

ArmorAll (and other amazing products)

2010-07-27T00:04:00.005+08:00

Once again, highly recommended:

ArmorAll products (left to right): Extreme Tire Shine, Leather Care Gel, Original
UV Protectant, Tire Foam, Wax-it-Dry Gel, Wheel Protectant, Windscreen Wash

And two other great products: Turtle Wax Zip Wax Car Wash, Megular's Ultimate Quik Detailer

^ Result of ArmorAll Leather Care Gel

^ Result of ArmorAll Original UV Protectant

^ Hours of hard work!!!
Nikon D90; Adobe Photoshop CS5
HDRI, 1/500 sec, 1/2000 sec, 1/4000 sec; f/4.5

CS5

2010-07-23T02:13:00.005+08:00

My mac is over two years old and I still feel happy using it. The thing is, consumers don't care whether a 1.6Ghz Core2Duo is powerful enough, as long as it doesn't hang. And I haven't had any problems with viruses/trojans/ad-ware. Apple seems pretty similar to BMW:

"Driving pleasure is not about theory. Or even technology. It is a pure, incomparable experience."
The BMW Experience - The Story of Joy

Two tell-tales

2010-07-18T01:11:00.005+08:00

250km/h to MBS

Coffee without milk and sugar

2010-07-15T17:21:00.002+08:00

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
To God Be The Glory

The Joshua Project

2010-07-13T23:34:00.001+08:00

Oversized kidney beans

2010-07-11T00:53:00.004+08:00

Nokia N82, iPhoto '09, 0.059sec, f/2.9, ISO400
BMW F10 523i

The N82's Carl Zeiss Tessar 2.8/5.6 lens is pretty impressive, especially for off-the-cuff shots. I'm going to miss it when I switch to an iphone

The BMW F10

2010-07-07T22:22:00.004+08:00

(Foreground) BMW F10 523i (2010), N53B25 2.5L Straight-6, ZF 8-Speed AT
(Background) BMW E60 525i (2006), N52B25 2.5L Straight-6, 6-Speed AT

The F10 is really advanced and impressive, the N53B25 unbelievably silent (i thought the engine didn't start), and the new ZF 8-Speed silky smooth. Other than that it drives like a typical BMW, solid cabin, great handling, German precision (:
The Ultimate Driving Machine. Joy Today, Joy Tomorrow.
Nice numbers huh.

Kindly explain.

2010-07-06T22:02:00.006+08:00

Upper Thomson Road, 5Jul10, 8am; Lanes 1 and 2 stationary, bus lane empty.

Buyong Road, 5Jul10, 6.15pm; Green light, erp active at $2, traffic stationary.

But of course, as simple citizens we shouldn't pretend to understand what the competent authorities are planning, no?

ArmorAll

2010-07-05T23:20:00.000+08:00

I highly recommend ArmorAll products.

"When you see your car we want you to think it's nothing short of brilliant."

Rainy afternoon

2010-07-03T22:56:00.005+08:00

Nikon D90, Gimp 2.6.5, 1/50sec, f3.5, ISO200
W124 300CE "Ezra"

Thanks for supper and the nick, hotstuff (:

B-pillarless!

2010-06-29T23:58:00.002+08:00

I just thought of this, last friday's worship:

Eugene: Okay lets start. *some guitar intro* The sun cannot compare to the *looks around* glory of Your love. There is no - eh don't like that leh, I'm not a worship leader and this is my second instrument.
Hans: Uh we don't know the song.
Wes: Yeahh.

Talk about pregnant pauses.
---
Today was pretty good, managed to settle the chords and chord sheets for this sunday's worship fairly quickly. And the call was really economical, high productivity!

Abundantly blessed (:

2010-06-29T00:07:00.006+08:00

This is a beautiful song, I love the lyrics as much as the music
Take My Life, Chris Tomlin

---
Six red cars ((: Today was unbelievably good. Applying leather care to the car seats, and Fosters (thanks debbie!) made me remember how faithful God has been.

red cars!

2010-06-27T20:45:00.002+08:00

Today was, and still is, a good day (:

Bought jeans and shoes at Levi's, 30% off;
pumped Shell vPower at 98unleaded price, plus 18% off;
even after driving the E60, i still feel happy behind the wheel of my W124 CE, it feels...sturdy and torque-y;
collecting the F10 soon!
Plus lunch with a friend, in a bit (:

lie no more

2010-06-27T01:14:00.006+08:00

Half of me wants to curl up, the other half says screw this where's your freaking dignity.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him - Rm8:28NIV

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. - Ps34:8NIV

faithfulness endures forever

2010-06-24T21:06:00.007+08:00

You know, I had this idea that if you talked to someone too much, you'll eventually run out of things to talk about. And similarly, if you haven't talked to someone for awhile, there'll (hence) be a whole lot of things piled up to chat about. But recently it hit me that instead of accumulating, all these things just faded from existence. And that just sucks. The thing about it is I don't know what the problem is, nor how to fix it. I think I'm quite a problem solver, in the sense that I'll just go straight for the problem and hit it hard. But now I don't know what's wrong, or who's changed, or why it's turned out like that, or what to do.

And this morning I had the best encounter ever with a small group member. It took so much from me just to swallow it and not retaliate. I guess of all the things I've messed up, I don't want to add sg to the list. But I suppose I've learnt, I didn't get caught foot in mouth this time, Ian.

This afternoon while I was thinking about this friendship and all the stupid things that happened and wondering to God why, Brian Doerksen's Come Now Is The Time To Worship played on my mp3. And it seemed as though all this nonsense didn't matter anymore. Well not as much, and I know that whatever happens is in God's plan and it'll all work out for the best. I've been reading Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, and all the kings who "did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight" were blessed with peace and wealth. Listening to Here I Am To Worship suddenly made it so clear, that I shouldn't have to worry about all these small problems.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matt 6:33 KJV

A moment ago I heard this song, it's amazing -
Lord you have my heart
And I will search for yours
Jesus take my life and lead me on.

Lord you have my heart
And I will search for yours
Let me be to you a sacrifice.

And I will praise you Lord (I will praise you Lord)
And I will sing of love come down (I will sing of love come down)
And as you show your face (Show your face)
We'll see your glory here.
Lord You Have My Heart

remember these?

2010-06-22T23:38:00.002+08:00

He's got the sun and the rain in His hands,
He's got the moon and the stars in His hands,
He's got the wind and the clouds in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.

He's got the rivers and the mountains in His hands,
He's got the oceans and the seas in His hands,
He's got you and he's got me in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.
click

If I were a butterfly, I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings
If I were a robin in a tree, I’d thank you Lord that I could sing
If I were a fish in the sea, I’d wiggle my tail and I’d giggle with glee
But I just thank you father for making me, me

For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me.
click

cutting loss

2010-06-20T02:18:00.002+08:00

another 2am night.
---
I spent an hour arranging the E60 photos, only for sgcarmart to crop them back to normal.

joy

2010-06-17T22:24:00.003+08:00

There's something about the seat, the steering wheel, and/or the cabin as a whole that makes the car feel good. Like, as personal and in control as you can get with an automatic. I got lost on the way back from the airport last night, it was a pleasure.
It's been a while since they discontinued that, but it still fits to a tee. And you've got to give it to BMW, their slogans describe the brand perfectly - 'sheer driving pleasure', 'joy is bmw'

to what end

2010-06-17T14:30:00.003+08:00

"Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving." - 1 Cor 12:4-5 NLT

freeway

2010-06-16T19:52:00.007+08:00

I'm going to the airport later to pick my mum. This afternoon on the way to camp as I was wondering which car to take there, I suddenly recalled the whole slew of sendoffs last september. The drives there and back were fun - quiet cabin, empty roads, guttural engine - but that's about all that was pleasant. It suddenly made me miss all the friends overseas.

This song popped into my head, and I only just realised this line in the song:

You're in England now, I hope that you'll be home soon (Come Home Song, Pug Jelly)

I remember the 3.12 group strumming that song in the sauna bus in vietnam five years back. I remember buying the album at the Sembawang CD shop in Orchard MRT, together with a Puddle of Mudd album. Ages and ages hence.

Nice huh

2010-06-15T21:47:00.004+08:00

The 35mm f/1.8G is amazing, shot at 11pm with flash at -3.oev:

Nikon D90, 1/30sec, f/1.8, ISO200
BMW E60 525i (2006)

Gold (:

2010-06-15T21:37:00.002+08:00

Kinda expected more.

Gold lights, red glow, blue shadows

2010-06-13T23:33:00.006+08:00

I bought a new camera lens, it's pretty amazing. AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G, shots taken without flash/tripod, using available light at around 7:30pm:

Nikon D90, 1/6sec, f/1.8, ISO800
Mercedes Benz W124 300CE (1989)

D90, 1/6sec, f/1.8, ISO800
BMW E60 525i (2006)

armor all ftw.

2010-06-13T23:20:00.004+08:00

I used two Armor All products today - Extreme Tire Shine Gel, and Wheel Protectant. I highly recommend both. Before and after using the Armor All Extreme Tire Shine Gel:
They're not cheap though, I managed to get them at a promotion, about 20% off.

Nice right -

very amusing.

2010-06-10T18:55:00.001+08:00

They smashed the sacred pillar and wrecked the temple of Baal, converting it into a public toilet, as it remains to this day. - 2Kings10:27NLT

2010-06-08T23:24:00.005+08:00

Quotes of the week:
ZhiYing: ...think all Audis look about the same
Ben: Seriously, Audis are overrated.
---
So you thought only a veyron could adjust its spoilter? Well, RC can too!

I got this set - Woody and Buzz to the rescue!
(click for Army Men on Patrol)

queer mcmuffin and quiet coffee

2010-06-01T20:51:00.003+08:00

aye old friend, excessively shiny

2010-05-30T15:18:00.004+08:00

I'm proud of the gloss (:
-
Is it wrong to have a ysg with guys only from the ac schools, or to have one car for every two people at bible study, two japanese and three german?

Upper Pierce at Six

2010-05-28T09:14:00.003+08:00

Nikon D90, 1/3 sec, f/6.3

D90, 1/60sec, f/5.6

D90; 1/60sec; f/4.5

D90; 1/60sec; f/3.5

D90; HDRI, 1/15 sec, 1/30 sec, 1/60 sec; f/14.0

ac streaks

2010-05-25T21:52:00.003+08:00

I spent about half an hour breathing carbon monoxide with my dlsr along bishan road this evening (quite a failure). But I noticed something interesting in this photo:

Cool huh (:
---
Rumbling growl of a 3.0L straight six
<3

:D

2010-05-20T23:32:00.003+08:00

The Russian FSB high-speed chase cars in The Bourne Supremacy look pretty cool.
2 x MB W124 300E (1986) and 1 x MB W201 190E (1982)

But it doesn't make sense why the high-speed chase cars would be W124s and W201s (as powerful as they were in that era), when the secret service agent drove a BMW E65 7-Series (2002), and the secret service team drove three MB W211 E-Class (2002). The only thing I dislike about the bourne series is the number of collectible cars destroyed. They should destroy cars still in production, not 20 years old classics-to-be!

the end is nigh

2010-05-18T20:07:00.006+08:00

I just read the Buddhist anti-evangelism "Agree to Disagree - Conversations on Conversion". It's..surprisingly moderate and repetitive, like Siddhartha's om motif. There seems to be much emphasis on remaining neutral and pleasing everyone. Something bugs me though, page three seems to portray the religions as having the same main thoughts. But frankly speaking if you believe your religion to be true, how can you stand to see it as a generic alternative.

It's because of things like these that I can understand why people can accept gay or morally wrong Christians. In the first place all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rm3:23NIV) so it doesn't matter whether you're breaking a big or small commandment. At the end of the day what matters is whether you believe in Jesus Christ.

So to all those who stress acceptance and moderation: Whoever is not with me is against me (Matt12:30ESV), because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth (Rev3:16ESV)

walk on by

2010-05-16T21:50:00.007+08:00

I love this chorus, totally forgot about it till this morning's service -

All the heavens shout Your praise
Beautiful is our God
The universe will sing
Hallelujah to You our King
All The Heavens, Hillsong Australia

I find it really comforting that whatever happens, I can rest assured that God's in control and that it's all for the best. In a way, there isn't much to stress over, and even if things don't go my way there's always this..acceptance that God's plans are so much bigger and better. Like I recently heard she coupled up, but it's like, okay boss whatever you say. I don't want to end up like the Israelites in First Samuel, and ask for something against God's will.

And, something Rev. Alvin said this morning, isn't it wonderful just knowing that the creator of this universe cares intimately about you?

So close I believe, You're holding me now
In Your Hands I belong, You'll never let me go
In Your Hands, Hillsong Australia

Army Men on Patrol

2010-05-13T20:44:00.006+08:00

Remember those brave green soldiers from Toy Story?

There's an important mission in Andy's bedroom -- time to send in the green Army Men! Hopping along on their removable stands, these brave toy soldiers never leave a man behind. Good thing they've brought their Jeep, stretcher and all their equipment with them! - Lego Army Men on Patrol

Now i want this, lego Woody and Buzz to the rescue!

kinder surprise

2010-05-13T17:12:00.001+08:00

The Pacific

2010-05-11T21:36:00.006+08:00

"My men earned it. I am just wearing it for them"
- Sergeant "Manila John" Basilone on his Medal of Honor, The Pacific P259

---
After reading W.E.B. Griffen's war novels, Hugh Ambrose's The Pacific is a pretty refreshing change. Less of the officer glory and success stories, more of PFCs and Sgts stuck in hellholes watching their friends get shot at, or of ensigns running out of fuel and dropping into the ocean on the way back to their carrier.

quiet coffee

2010-05-10T20:35:00.001+08:00

oldy mouldy

2010-05-06T23:52:00.003+08:00

I seem to like older cars, like those around the early 90s.
Acura NSX (or Honda NSX) 1990-2005
2002 facelift:

but i know who holds tomorrow

2010-05-06T21:51:00.000+08:00

He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? - Luke 12:54-56