Geri's worse nightmare...

is coming true. Yes, I'm posting the dinner pictures we had two Thursdays ago at Churros King. So, after bible study with Wai Han and Geri, we had wanted to go to the Greek Restaurant by Whyte Ave. We knew there was one there, just didn't quite know where or the name of the restaurant. So anyway, after asking for directions from some random street walkers, we got to it: Yanni's. The price was way above our student budget (or mine at least) so we went on our merry way to find another place to eat. Geri suggested this Chilean Restaurant she had seen (mind you, she keeps a list of restaurants she wants to go to on Whyte Ave) and so we walked there. It was perfect. It was a very nice little place called Churros King.

Our appetizer:



Three entrees:








Guess which one I had?

Anyway, I totally recommend this awesome small little quiet Chilean Restaurant if you're looking for something like that along Whyte.

It's location:

10152A 82 Ave.
Edmonton, AB
Phone: (780) 989-1083

http://www.itry.ca/EDMONTON/RESTAURANTS/data/rest.435.html

Last night...

after a long day, I was ready to go to bed at 11pm. I switched off the lights, and out of habit drew my curtain and looked out the window. It caught me off guard at first, as I was not expecting it. The mixture of blue, greenish and turquoise colours against the black pitch sky simply took my breath away. It was simply amazing. Beautiful. What I saw was the Northern Lights, also known as "aurora borealis." I'm not a scientific person, so I can't tell you what exactly it is. All I know about the Northern Lights is that it's the dancing lights which can be seen in its full magnificence in places faraway from civiliazation (no lights and tall buildings) at night in the polar zone. It dances with a variety of colours and it is said that the movement of its 'dance' is accompanied by its dancing sound. I didn't exactly saw it dancing last night since there was way too much street lights (I do live in a city) and blocked by roofs of houses. But still, it was very pretty, and I feel so blessed to see such a rarity happening in the very sky outside my window!

For more scientific people:

The aurora is now known to be caused by electrons of typical energy of 1-15 keV, i.e. the energy obtained by the electrons passing through a voltage difference of 1,000-15,000 volts. The light is produced when they collide with atoms of the upper atmosphere, typically at altitudes of 80-150 km. It tends to be dominated by emissions of atomic oxygen--the greenish line at 557.7 nm and (especially with electrons of lower energy and higher altitude) the dark-red line at 630.0 nm. Both these represent forbidden transitions of atomic oxygen from energy levels which (in absence of collisions) persist for a long time, accounting for the slow brightening and fading (0.5-1 sec) of auroral rays. Many other lines can also be observed, especially those of molecular nitrogen, and these vary much faster, revealing the true dynamic nature of the aurora.





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_%28phenomenon%29

The Citizen Sector

Eonfire exists to develop the potential of next generation changemakers. It supports these aspiring social entrepreneurs in the development of social enterprises in the 21st century. These enterprises offer systematic solutions to social needs that traditional public and private sectors have not addressed. Social entrepreneurs are the flames who forge social transformations by creating new paradigms and enterprises. They are the energetic leaders igniting change through this emerging sector: the citizen sector.

Min,

Pretty much Eonfire Decentral is an educational non-profit organization that has 4 core competencies. They are as follows:

1. Campus chapter program (the lifeline of the network)
2. Annual conference / or joint conference
3. Maintenance of online portal to support members and chapters with resources and communication tools
4. Additional programs like organizing research and consulting projects, career development programs, leadership retreats and internships opportunities.

Eonfire Decentral is the big picture. It is a network of aspiring social entrepreneurs regardless of the field of studies you are in right now. Because it is a decentralized non profit organization, the Chapter executives will have a huge say in the activities that they will organize on campus. However, the executive team is currently writing a Startup Toolkit and it is in its editing phase right now. If you are truly interested in starting a Chapter in New Zealand, we would love it! It would be our first "non North American" Chapter. Please do read the website again to gain a better understanding of what Eonfire does at www.eonfire.org. If starting up a social changemakers organization is something you are truly committed to, you can talk to me and I can introduce you to our Executive Director - Kevin Bao, or you can always email him directly at kevbao@gmail.com.

I would love it if you're starting a Chapter at the University of Auckland!! We would then be working closely together (online, that is!)

I have a new email account!

You can email me at grace@eonfire.org if:

1. You would like more information about Social Entrepreneurship
2. You would like to be a member at Eonfire - University of Alberta
3. You would like to be an executive member at Eonfire - University of Alberta (we need support, there's just Matt and I at the UOA Chapter as of now!)
4. You would like to set up a Chapter and would like to talk.
5. You have great ideas on fundraising
6. You have contacts of socially responsible corporations, foundations and philantrophists
7. You would like to financially support Eonfire deCentral!

Don't email me just yet, I haven't figure out to use it yet!

The Busy Me

Tuesday
Org A 411 Assignment due
Econ 323 Assignment due

Wednesday
Just had a class and met up with Gary and Matthew today. Gary is the Executive Director with Canadian Centre for Social Entrepreneurship (CCSE) and is also Eonfire's mentor. He gave us much insight on the initiation and startup for our Chapter at the UOA as well as advice and a couple of philantrophist name to aid my fundraising efforts. Our Central Fundraising Team is targetting to fundraise $100,000 for the expansion of our organization. It's a tough job...and if you're an individual/part of a foundation/company who is passionate about Social Entrepreneurship and would like to be a part of this EXCITING social change that is sweeping across the globe, email me at meaningofgrace@gmail.com

Thursday
Org A 411 Quiz
Org A 411 I'm mediating at the practical
Bible Study!
Okay, so I haven't prepared for all three. I really should, tonight!

Next Tuesday
Econ 323 Midterm
Org A 411 Assignment due
Eonfire Dateline for my Canadian Potential Donors Database

So I've been quite overwhelmed with all of those datelines. The research for potential donors from corporations as well as foundation has been taking a lot of time but we're moving forward, that is for sure.

Once again, if you're a rich individual, please do not hesitate to email me. Or, you can visit eonfire.org to check out more about who we are. If you wana set up a Chapter, we could also talk more about it. If all of those does not interest ya, you could always pray for me for the above items!

So start talking already, dudes

Positions:

Hezbollah : We won't bow down to 'humiliating conditions' (ceasefire)

Israel: We will not have a ceasefire.

US: Sustainable ceasefire.

Canada: Yeah, we agree with the US.

UN: No no, an immediate ceasefire!

Okay, so Israel said they will adhere to a global peacekeeping (not UN) looking after the border between them and Lebanon. It was just unfortunate that they had an 'accidental' bombing today at a UN post which killed four peacekeepers (yikes, that looks real bad, Israel!)

Anyway, Hezbollah pretty much said they don't mind negotiating 'un-humiliating' conditions to solve the conflict, and Israel said yeah, they want a long term solution too. So, seriously...can everyone stop yakking to the media with all these unnecessary 'self-talk' while killing tons of people and instead turn their attention to talking to each other. Israel with Hezbollah. Hezbollah with Israel. Talking to each other, and listening, is the first step of mediation. With that, both parties can better understand each other's needs and work towards a solution that will satisfy both.

So, that is the textbook answer I would give my Prof if the Middle East conflict came up in my exam! However, it really ain't that simple. Look at all these third parties who are walking into the problem making it their own. Yes, that is what globalization does to you. It is all very complicated since US has their interests in Middle East in their ideological fight towards global democracy (amongst others), and UN wants to keep 'peace' but ain't doing it efficiently while other nations are just anxious.

Yes, it is all very complicated, but I think the focus has been taken away from what is most important in this tragedy: the innocent lives in Lebanon. All Lebanon ever wanted (and asked for help from UN for years, which UN has been slow in doing) was just sovereignty - a place to call their own without Iran and Palestine butting into their political affairs. All they wanted, was for tourists to go there this Summer to push their economy. Instead, what they got was not tourists but terrorist in their very own backyard funded by Iran.

Heat Wave...

This is the hottest summer ever, really. (Well, at least as compared to the last three summers I've spent here). Temperature in the last three days have been averaging about 32-35 celcius.

So, it hit me today WHY it's so extremely hot!

The reason being:

1. The intensity of the sun here is greater. Also, it is dry, and no rain.
2. Grace doesn't own a fan, let alone air conditioning!

That is why it is hot in and out.

Too hot for Grace's liking...

It's so extremely hot today! I've been checking and checking the temperature, and amazingly it's only 30 celcius. What happened to the Malaysian girl who has been trained to endure the heat?

Life is hot here. How is life on your side?

Eonfire

Guess I haven't been updating lots on my new passion on Social Entrepreneurship. Things have been crazy for the last two months and have disrupted my participation a lil, but I am currently one of the steering committee with Eonfire.

Here is what we are about:

What is Eonfire?
Eonfire is a new student-driven network for future social entrepreneurs and emerging business and citizen sector leaders. Comprised of youths who are determined to use their creativity, passion and entrepreneurial prowess to tackle social problems, Eonfire develops their potential as young changemakers. This campus-based student network spans numerous disciplines and levels to inspire, educate and connect next generation leaders. By creating an action-focused network for youth, Eonfire fosters the entrepreneurial spirit and hastens the pace of social change.

Our Mission
To inspire, educate and empower students to create social change through innovation in the public, private and social sectors.

Our Vision
A global network of young changemakers who positively impact their communities and beyond.

Our Pillars
Social innovation, socially responsible business, global citizenship, leadership, and design.

Me, a mediator?

I have so far read 16 Chapters in 3 texts for my Alternative Dispute Resolution class. Boy, and this is only the second week! The readings are really interesting, but just way too much information and methods! Communications, as I have learnt, ain't really that simple. So, if I ever get through this course and excel to become a skillful mediator, you can come and seek my help to remedy your situation for FREE!!

A profound thought for you today:

"Love and Conflict are inseparable." (Gibson Winter)

During times of confusion

The song comes:

Something Beautiful,
Something Good,
All my confusion,
He understood.

All I have to offer Him,
Was brokenness and strife,
But He made something,
Beautiful,
Out of my life.

Something beautiful.

Been thinking a lot along the lines of contentment lately.

Our mornings are filled with newspaper highlights of fighting in the Middle East, bombings by terrorist, nuclear risks from North Korea and Iran, so on and so forth. It almost seems like everything is breaking down - most importantly, human relationships are breaking down. In the midst of human pervertion and moral degradation in society which is almost becoming a norm, is there anything out there that is still pure and beautiful in its form?

Yes there is. As I look into my life, I cannot help but thank God for the purity of friendships I have. In particular, I thank God for blessing me with my close friends from CPU - made when we were studying in Taylor's College.

Though we have been apart for four years now, some of those friendships are still strong as ever.

To Lina, Ming King, Voon, Dutt, Adrian, Chin Wee, Chou Chow and Deej:

Thank you for being my true friend,
For being there for me all the time.
You have been my strength,
My source of joy and laughter.
The moments we have had,
Will always be embedded in my memory.
Our friendship will last, I know,
Because you are my true friend.

Lina, a best friend of mine, whom I appreciate and will cherish for life.

Down memory lane in KLCC, a reminiscence to each of us who was there with the whole group four years ago.

Love you guys, and missing you already!

The secret of contentment

I found a response to my question of contentment in an entry a while ago:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Paul in Philippians 4:12-13

See the connection?

Summer School

Whole day in University today for two classes and an exec meeting.

My Summer Courses:

Econ 323 - International Economics
Orga 411 - Alternative Dispute Resolution

It's an intense 5 1/2 weeks course...I hope I won't die from it at the end.

Guess what? I am already behind all the readings. Yes, this is the life of a normal student.

Need a lil prayer

So I've searched through the entire thick textbook-like Calendar and found that the second most desired Course I would like to take (after the Course that was cancelled) is Economics 213 - Economics of Developing Countries in Winter Term.

It even fits my schedule perfectly, taking over the time and day of the Course I just got dropped off.

However, there is just one problem, it is full. Yes, full. So, I signed myself up on the waiting list. Please pray for me that someone will drop the course and so I can take it up. Thanks!

I think I have a headache.

Been back in Edmonton for 20 hours now. I have so much to do that I don't know what to do.

I've been trying to unpack. But, I just realised that there is really a lot to unpack.

I can't find my handphone charger. :(

Ophoto isn't uploading my pictures. So Thaju, patient sikit ya...maaf maaf.

I've been unsuccesful at finding a course to substitute my CHRTC course which was cancelled for Winter Term. And I'm so sad that they aren't having it coz I so want to take the Christian Perspective in Business course. :(

I think I underpaid Fido for last month's handphone bill.

There is so much work to be done for UOA's Eonfire Chapter and Central and I've yet to plan that out. Matthew and Kevin are gona kill me!

Summer School starts on Tuesday!

Ok, I think I need a power nap now. Bye.

Saunders Lake

Went to Saunders Lake near Beaumont for a five hour long hike this morning with my Aunt and her new found club - the Edmonton Hiking Club. It was a beautiful sunny morning and nature just refreshes ya.

We saw some deer tracks, porcupine hole, trees killed by beavers (well, they just somehow chopped it down) and cute horses on our trail!

I should probably hike more with them except the fact that they go on Sunday mornings, which is usually my time with God. But, it was definitely fun to be out in the woods during summer!

Stampede!

So it's Stampede time! Everyone in Calgary looks like they're trying hard to look like a cowboy. For the last three years, I wasn't all hyped up about going to Calgary for a lil rodeo looking at how bulls try to kill farmers clasped in red. I happened to be in Calgary this year on the first day of Stampede and had time to see the parade. Nope, the bad news is I've yet to go to the Stampede Park (wherever that is) to watch the ganas rodeo, performances and ride rides.

So, there I was in my lil jeans and straw hat, without the much needed boots or metal belt to make me a cowgirl.


The pipebag players clad in skirts (oh, I mean kilts!)


Oh how I love the Cowgirls!


(what are the small lil horses called again? Anyone? help...)


Now, now, I can't leave the Scouts bunch outta this blog rite. It's definitely more important than showcassing the green military tanks I took during the parade!

Are ya?

Are you contented?
What are things in life you feel contented or not contented with?

If given the opportunity, what are the things you want to change to live a more fulfilling life?

Those are really reflective questions I have been deep in thought with a friend over dinner.

Am I contented with life? I would say yes, though not completely, but overall, I am. I enjoy doing what I do - being a business student at this point. I'm also glad I am able to be deeply involved with what I am passionate about - and hopefully, live it out now, and in the future.

Are you contented?

Left on a Jet Plane

I have left on a Jet Plane.
Don't know when I'll be back again.

I've been back in Canada for 23 hours. Still feel quite jet-lagged and tired after 30 hours of travelling. Leaving Malaysia the third time for Canada wasn't any easier than the first two times. Perhaps it was even more saddening not knowing when I will be back again. I simply don't know how to make a decision of staying in Canada for the short-term (or long-term) as opposed to returning to my homeland. Tough decision. We will see if the Lord opens any doors here...and how that will progress onwards.

Life is weird. The long travelling hours makes you think lots too - of how different life can be when you're in another country. The diverse culture, environment and people in another place will give you a totally different set of lifestyle. Hmm, but I think however different life can be, it really still is living - and we should be grateful for this very minute when we're still able to experience life - in whatever form it is right now for you, and I.

And the weirdest thing was I met a friend in Vancouver airport! We haven't seen each other for three years, and meeting in Vancouver of all places was just such a crazy coincidence. It is a small world after all.

Okay...I'm tired. I'm going to bed.