Newly discovered cafe

The other day, I discovered this cafe within a paper craft shop in Plaza Singapura. The shop's name is called Made with Love, if I recall correctly. The cafe is inside, very small, with just 2 tables (but each table can seat 4 people comfortably). I wouldn't have noticed it if I didn't see the menu displayed outside (else I would have walked past the shop and proceeded to Secret Recipe coz was hungry). They serve mostly cakes & pies and of course drinks. I ordered a steak & guinness pie (to find out what it was) & a glass of honey lemon.

There was real steak inside! (sorry about the mess...was eating halfway before deciding to take a pic). I wouldn't say it's fabulous, but it was quite ok. The price is also very reasonable (think the pie cost about $5). But I like the idea that it was nicely tucked away in the shop. You get to avoid the crowd!

Anyway, it was an interesting shop on its own. I believe they conduct lessons there too coz there was a special room right at the back.

plaza singapura

Unequally yoked

Yesterday, I attended an event (for Christians) & 1 of the topics discussed was whether a Christian should get together with a non-Christian.

Well, personally, for myself, it's a big NO NO! It is a most difficult situation and being a female, it is worse (why do all guys expect the ladies to give way?! - some of the guys actually said that if the girl loves you, she will follow...what about the other way around?).
The difference in values & background is very trying if eventually, they do get married. I'm already feeling the persecution & oppression from my parents (who are not Christians), can you imagine a lifetime of that (some more double the amount becoz of your in-laws). Anyway, even if I feel like I'm beginning to like someone (好感) who's a non-Christian, I will not even let anything begin. I will pray for GOD's help to cut off this bondage. I believe GOD will honour one's commitment to be obedient.

Of course, there were questions on what if you have already reached the stage when you're about to get married. In the first place, one should not lead the other on that far (even in the hope that the person will become a Christian), i.e. not even begin. Also, it is on dangerous grounds. Firstly, wanting the person to convert becomes a selfish motive (so that you can get together). We call it evangelistic dating. Secondly, it's hard to tell if the person converted because of you or truly believes in GOD. If 1 day, things don't work out, will that person draw away from GOD, especially if he/she entered the faith on the a wrong footing?
Hence, never take that risk. It is harmful to both parties.

I've seen instances where people start to draw away from GOD because of being unequally yoked. They tend to feel some shame & guilt that they disobeyed (that's why they draw away), which they will carry on into their lives. It's sad, but we are not to judge them. They are only answerable to GOD. As always, love the sinner but not the sin.

Of course, there are grey areas where the 2 persons are already together but 1 of them converts (I think some people, though believes, hesitate in converting because of that), whether as a dating or married couple. Well, I guess you are not forced to break up, esp. if married, coz it was in a time of "ignorance". GOD honours marriages for you have taken the vow. However if the non-Christian leaves you because of that, well...I don't have the answers. (Hey, some may even use it as an excuse!) The leaving party should not blame GOD for that. They made the choice.
Anyway, I know that I can't answer that coz I'm already a Christian, and of course I'll find someone who's a committed Christian as well. Only GOD has the answer.

I would rather live without an earthly partner rather than an eternity without GOD (of course I hope to marry a Christian lah!).

tag: christianity, unequally yoked, christian marriage, christian dating

My friend's engagement

Just heard news of my friend's wedding proposal. It's really over-the-top!

Her bf had planned a birthday surprise for her & on the day, as he popped her into the car, he told her she was going skydiving (they live in Australia)! She has been wanting to try that for some time so she was really excited. Of course it was planned to be in tandem with the instructor.

Anyway, as she got harnessed, jumped off the plane & was parachuting down, there, in a big field (the landing patch) was a big black sign with pink letters "MARRY ME XXX". (Wow! right?) Which girl wouldn't get touched by this? As she landed, he kneeled down & popped the question.

*sigh* So romantic & sweet. Envious lah...haha...but no skydiving for me. Was tearing when I read her account. So happy for her.

Hmm...wonder what's your dream wedding proposal? I used to think of those simulated rain scenes (haha...like watching movies)...

tags: wedding proposal, marriage proposal

Fencing wound

Got my official battle wound in fencing last week.

This happened when my opponent (a guy) missed the target area (basically the torso for foil, which is assuredly protected) and poked my arm, which was not so protected as it was not the target area.

Anyway, the first time in real dueling gave me an exhilaration (though I didn't fare that well). I guess I'm not so aggressive & a little slow. But will aim to improve! I will like to continue although it's quite expensive, so I will have to drop archery (can only choose one). Well, after all, left-handers in the fencing field are not so uncommon as compared to archery. And it seems I get to work out my whole body more? Need stamina though.

Victor Tan @ Esplanade

Was waiting for time to be up at the Esplanade before a concert & saw this interesting display going on at the concourse steps (called As it is...).

technorati tags: Esplanade (Singapore)

Walking around City Hall

Was on leave and after running an errand, took a walk down City Hall area...

1) The Old Parliament House (now The Arts House)
2) The new Supreme Court (behind the old)
3) A slip road round the corner of St. Andrew's Cathedral (post IMF)



technorati tags: City Hall, Singapore

Archery bruises

"Showing off" my wounds again! Except that these are results of my sillyness.


I must have been not fully awake yet when I was warming up my muscles. Forgot to watch my arm & TWANG, the string struck my arm when I fired the arrow. Of course by then I was fully awake with the pain. :(

My birthday treat

Celebrated my birthday a couple of weeks ago. Finally, I got to try Menotti at Raffles City. It's Italian and the best part were the deserts. Me & my friend tried these out:




Oops, photos are a bit blur coz was using my mobile & the place was quite dark...
I had the tagliatelle with scallops & mushrooms (can't remember the exact name) & my friend had the atlantic sole fillet. Although the presentation was not that exciting, it was not bad, but I thought the fish was nicer.
Alas! I didn't capture the deserts which were mmm....must have been too anxious to try it. I had this warm chocolate cake with melted chocolate in the middle which oozed out deliciously...hah...heavenly & indulging. Think I should go back there to try out their deserts. :)

It's been a while...

Phew, it's been a while since I posted anything...coz I was busy packing, shifting house & unpacking (not finished!).
Finally with the PC set up & weekend ahead, well, guess I should catch up on my entries. :)

Parrying

Today, for fencing, we watched a no. of videos of fencing competitions. Well, was informed that half of the world champions are left-handers! Hopefully I can be outstanding too. :)

Anyway, after the videos, we learnt a bit of parrying. There's this 6, 4, 7, 8 number system in parrying. Don't ask me how it's done, but had difficulty trying to remembering the numbers & associating them to the actions. Must we remember the numbers? Can the action just occur spontaneously? Hence, trying to say the numbering & do the action caused me to be slower.

********
Have been contemplating if I should continue fencing or archery after this 8 weeks of lessons. Well, fencing will let me work out more, but need stamina & speed. Wonder if I can achieve that.