Friends

Friends are invaluable. I met Puii, Ness and Ploy when I was volunteering at the International Centre's Transitions Orientation in Fall 2005. We were at the same table, so we did a little intro and I got to know that they were from Thailand - ahh, my neighbours! That was it, and we left not knowing if we will see each other again. Soon enough, I was waiting outside my Finance 414 class and caught myself staring at these three asian girls, and wondering if we had met somewhere or knew each other. Ness then stared pointedly at me and called my name. Then I realized, oh it was the three thai girls (pardon me, I met thousands of people from all over the world at the orientation). We worked in a group for our assignments, and soon enough became friends. We had laughs, sighs, stress, food and shopping together. Today marks the last day I would spend time with them as their year as exchange students end. We shopped for nearly seven hours at West Ed (yeah, crazy I know!) today and it would be the last time I will see them until well, like, Ploy gets married soon enough so I'll go to Thailand for her wedding! They were very sweet, they got me a surprise bear from 'Build a Bear' where they chose the bear type, stuffed it with cotton and gave it a heart. I'll take good care of P.N.P. and he will always remind me of you three special girls.

I'm done!

Yay, I'm finally done with all my exams! Feeling a little bit exhausted from the busyness and stress of exams in the last two weeks though. But it's done, and I've a colourful summer to look forward to!

So here's what Grace is gona be doing in the next four months:

Navs Summer Camp in Cypress Hills for 10 days starting from this Friday. Then I'll stop by in Calgary for a couple of days before flying back to Malaysia. I have a summer internship with a sports marketing company for two months, and am really looking forward to that. Then guess what? I'm MC-ing at my cousin's wedding the following Saturday after I arrive in KL. Kinda nervous about that. Mmm, then I have a church camp to attend, may visit the Orang Asli (Aboriginals) at Kampung Jus - the place I visited last summer. Then of course there's eating, eating and eating, hanging out with family and friends and shopping! Initially I wanted to make a short trip to Singapore, but I'm not sure if my schedule permits it. Oh oh yeah...and I may also be organizing a formal class reunion, so that would be cool!

Then back to Edmonton for one or two courses in summer. Then of course there's organizational work to be done with Navs, ASASE and Eonfire.

Ok, as for now, it's time to clean the house!

The Revolution!

RE: Social Entrepreneur

Voon said...
so how's the revolution getting along? =P

***

Hi Voon,

The Revolution is certainly underway and we're getting a lot of momentum! I met up with a group of like-minded individuals on Sunday and Monday, and it was awesome getting to know them and better collaborate at what we are doing.

Dr. Gary McPherson is the President of CCSE (Canadian Centre for Social Entrepreneurship), the first of its kind in Canada. He is also the mentor for ASASE, which I am a part of. I read his biography a while ago, and he is just an incredible man. Now, Grace actually seldom (or rather, never?) read biographies, but his life story is just an amazing one, and he's now one of my 'heroes' in life aside from Patrice Lumumba (first Prime Minister of Congo; killed in a conspiracy by UN, US and Belgium). Gary is a quadriplegic, and have had polio since the age of nine. He was institutionalized in a hospital for 34 years, but remain very active in society. Though he is severely disabled, he is actively involved in business, politics, paralympics, charity, NGOs, social entrepreneurship and the like.

Then I also had the opportunity to meet Kevin Bao, which is the founder and president of Eonfire. Eonfire is a newly established organization seeking to link future and potential social entrepreneurs in North America, though we are planning to go international.

It was just really cool, looking at their enthusiasm, learning more about this field from them and others, and buying into the idea that yeah, this could really work! ASASE is now a chapter of Eonfire, so it would be neat to connect with students in other Universities who are excited about similar things.

There is so much ground work to be done at the grassroots level with ASASE, and also with Eonfire. But I'm really excited!

If you're an undergrad student who would like to be a chapter of Eonfire, regardless of where you are, do contact me and I'll put you to the right networks! Note that social entrepreneurship does not limit to the business sector, but can be in any sectors and industries, as what it really means is using our professional skills to enhance the livelihood of our community in a creative manner.

Find out more about eonfire:
http://www.eonfire.org/

Social Entrepreneur

What business entrepreneurs are to the economy, social entrepreneurs are to social change.

They are the driven, creative individuals who question the status quo, exploit new opportunities, refuse to give up, and remake the world for the better.

David Bornstein

My back hurts.

My back have been hurting for the last few days.

I've come to the conclusion that it's either:

1. Grace is getting old
2. Running twice a week is too much for Grace's body
3. Grace have been sitting in one position studying for waaaayy too long

I told my American friend that yesterday and he gave me the following advice: "Don't go throw your back out!"

Don't go throw your back out? Woah, I didn't realize that was English! Is that just American slang?

I can't decide!!

Ok, so here is the deal. I have one more precious option open. And the courses I wana take that fits my schedule are:

1. International Economics for Summer Term (meaning I take two courses in 6 weeks for Summer Term, not sure if I'll die or not...then five for Fall and four for Winter)

or

2. One course in Summer, five courses each for Fall/Winter Term. And take Modern Chinese History for Winter term.

Second option is actually easier on schedule and studying wise.

I can't decide!!

Please vote on it!

Let's talk about sex!

RE: What goes on in the Girls Bathroom Stalls

Anonymous said...
"is it wrong to have sex with someone else ..."

It is if you have to morally question yourself, and seek help from others anon to try to cope with it.. Yes even if it's NSA sex.

Realistically if there were no emotions involved with the cheating party, that would have to mean deep down that the relationship involves no core emotions. It's a reaching out for care of her needs.

Ask yourself: If the person you were in the relationship with, knew about, and didn't mind you were having sex with another person, would you care to be with them still?

No? Leave that bullshit relationship.

Yes? You better communicate that you need sex -- and that naturally, it's screwed up that they don't mind you're with others (not caring). So find someone new.

-ratpices
___________________________________________________

Ratpices, thanks for your comment. I agree with you in that sex "involves core emotions" and "is a reaching out for care of her needs." I think fundamentally when you have sex with someone, you actually care for them and want them to care for you. Sex is a very intimate act expressing your love to someone. It isn't just a physical act, but often involves core emotions as you are being vulnerable to that person in every way. And giving that person that much access to yourself constitutes trust and wanting love in return.

We often hear this:

Men give love to get sex
Women give sex to get love

But in reality, there has to be love between two people before you express your love in a physical way.

Agree?

Post-Exam Grace

So I had that two exams today...nearly killed me I tell ya. It went ok, not great...hopefully I won't fail...

I have one more final on Tuesday on African History. Will start studying tomorrow. Now I'm just trying to do other stuff while "relaxing." By the way did I tell you I've joined ASASE (Albertan Students' Association for Social Entrepreneurship) and am one of the executives now? I so don't want to look at the Club's Registration and Constitution stuff. Hmmmmm....

On the bright side, ahhhhhhhh...I love the sun and clouds we had today!!!

 


 

p.s. I took these pictures yesterday while studying from my backyard!

How was your day?

Ahhhh...

I'm dead meat tomorrow. I have two finals:

Finance 414 at 9am
Blaw 442 at 2pm

I think I'm gona fail...

Pray for me!

Easter

 


The Ressurection

He is not here...

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead?"

"He is not here, but He has risen!"

Luke 24:1-6 NASB

__________________

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

John 20:26-31 NIV

__________________________________________________

Easter is all about life and hope. Christ rose from the dead. He is not dead, He conquered death and has risen! The symbolism is such that with his supernatural divine powers of conquering death, he is now alive. And He brings to us life and hope.

Jesus Christ:

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. (John 11:25-26)
I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
I have come that they may have life, and life to the fullest (John 10:10)

What Jesus have to offer us through his death and resurrection is life. It is a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). It is life in Him, a life filled with joy and peace and hope through a tangible experiential love flowing into your soul. And it is this experiential love that gives meaning to life here on earth.

Happy Easter!

Good Friday

 


This is the story behind the commemoration of Good Friday:

Before the Sanhedrin:

The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." "Yes, it is as you say, "Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: in the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

Jesus before Pilate:

The governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied...[the governor asked] "What should I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?" They all answered, "Crucify him!"

The Crucifixion and Death of Christ:

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

Taken from The Holy Bible; Matthew 26-27

___________________________________________________

This is the account of the story behind Good Friday.

I think the most important question we grapple with is:

Why did Jesus need to die on the cross?

For all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23)
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed (1 Peter 2:24).

The death due to sin in this context is not physical death, but spiritual death - separation from God. And the only remedy to reconcile man with God - to help us reconnect to God again, is Jesus dying on the cross. Christ death on the cross is to mend the broken bridge between us and God. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Christ was the ultimate sacrifice so we can once again approach God directly and experience God's love.

But Christ death is not the end of the story, and that is why we have Easter on Sunday. Tune in on Sunday to learn more about the meaning behind Easter!

Or have a sneak preview on the story of Easter:
http://www.hechosethenails.net

What goes on in the Girls Bathroom Stalls

So here I am at the Cameron Libary Computer Lab doing some online readings and tutorial postings. Went to the "john" (is that the right Canadian slang for washroom?) and time again, I'm amazed at how interesting and insightful things happens in this small square stall. For the non-XX chromosome beings, we have quite some interesting ads in the ladies washroom, ranging from yeast infection cure, pregnancy counselling centre ads to abuse calling centres and women physical empowerment classes to fend off those big bad guys (and I've always told myself to take the number down so I can take up the class, but always forgot!). So anyway, I rarely go to the Cameron Libary washrooms coz I'm always in the Business School right...and I went to this stall where there were scribblings all over with two questions:

1. Is it wrong to have sex with someone else when you are in a relationship, even if it is a no-emotions-attached-sex only?

The answers ranged from "there must be something wrong with your current relationship" to "well, if you don't get what you want in the relationship, why not seek elsewhere" answers.

2. Do you girls believe in soul mates?

What do you think, men and women?

19 Celcius!

It's 19 Celcius outside though it's coupled with some mighty gusty wind!

I wana go out and play!

Wee Ming

 


My oddball friend Wee Ming got married. When he emailed me a month ago letting me know, I was so shocked. We've been good friends for the past four years, and he's this melancholic-loner guy who's a musician/owns a music production company/vegetable wholesaler and latest being a joint-owner of a cafe. I still don't know the whole story yet since it seems a bit sudden and I was a little apprehensive when he told me that. But, he sent me his wedding pictures today and I looked at it. I'm more than convinced that this is the woman which God has prepared for him. Funny thing was, in his email he said that he was reorganizing his drawer a couple days ago, and he found a birthday card. A birthday card I wrote him several years ago with a promise that I will be praying for a wife for him. And I have been praying for him.

I'm so happy for you Wee Ming!

Tuesday

Buec 342 Final Exam
(Check)

Research Paper due
(Check)

Finance Assignment due
(Check)

I'm tired.

Eli!

He's sooooooooooooooooooo cute!!!!

 

Throne Speech

Covers:

1. Accountability Act
2. Reducing patient wait times
3. Tough on crime
4. Child-care cash
5. GST cut

+

6. “Early and meaningful action” on a variety of fronts, including aboriginal issues, immigration, security for seniors and an improved environment
7. A place for Quebec at UNESCO

Wow, check out number six! Looks like courting the NDP and BQ confidence vote is evoluting in a slightly red tory looking government. Sounds great!

Yay!

My blog finally has audio on it!

Thanks to Sue Ann for the html codes and instructions!! And most importantly, thank you Voon for helping me set up the entire audio clip on my blog! I promise I'll try to learn from you when I'm back in Malaysia...not sure how good an IT student I'll make, but I'll try...

Here With Me

I long for your embrace
Every single day
To meet you in this place
And see you face to face

Will you show me?
Reveal yourself to me
Because of your mercy
I fall down on my knees

And I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love

You're everywhere I go
I am not alone
You call me as your own
To know you and be known

You are holy
And I fall down on my knees

I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love

I surrender to your grace
I surrender to the one who took my place

I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender:

I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love

The lyrics of this song utters the content of my heart.