Sports Day

I seriously should give myself a pat on the shoulder...... I actually ran on Sports Day!!!! ( Even though I didn't win anything, apart from getting second placing for marching! =)Praise God! )

Beware : Don't be deceived......

Haha, look at the heroine ....( no.2)

That shouldn't be me..... It was a 4x100m relay match, and it was the Upper 6 that won, not the Lower 6.....

Being the typical me, I "UNKNOWINGLY" went out to the podium for the first time to receive " my" medal!! LOL!!

But it was a sweet memory, at least I can show " to whom it may concern" this proof that I actually WAS an " athlete"...... Hahahaha......

Perhaps this is one surprise that God has in stored for me after these years......

Maybe, I should really win ..... Next year, of course. =P

Coming back to marching, Praise God that we got 2nd placing~ It was a little topsy turvy, but somehow we made it through by God's grace. =)

( I think this is the first time ever  I took marching so seriously)

But best of all, I get to spend this Sports day with my friends! =)

Peace~

Ahhhh, I will surely miss St Pauls too~~ 

Thank God for this sweet memory!! =)

Anne of Green Gables~~

When I saw this book during a book fair in my school, I told myself I am not leaving the hall without the book!! True enough, I kept my word. I have been searching high and low for this book, what more this is the complete and unabridged version!!! I nearly bought this book several years ago, when mum told me to choose between Jane Eyre and Anne of Green Gables. Lo and behold, I chose the former and I didn't regret it. Ah, the wonders of books.....

Hence, I begin my journey of knowing Anne. Pleasure indeed to know her actually, though it is a real pity that such a character would n't  have exist in today's modern world, not everyone can talk like Anne , I doubt that she will talk endlessly if she were to have a Facebook or Twitter account. Most probably she would be seraching for  some images of beautiful scenery , writing them down( renaming them) or stalking on Gibert Bythe's account( if he has one.....) Oh, the bliss of imagination!!

I am rereading Anne of Green Gables and the vocabularies just put me to shame. I just have to depend on the dictionary to have a better understanding on how beautiful Prince of Edward Island is. Lucy Maud Montgomery has the gift of apt and precise description of a place, and trust me I so want to live in Green Gables!! Well, dream on........( No harm in doing so)

Anne is just the kind of girl that I wished I was. Cheerful, imaginative, romantic, pugnacious and INTELLIGENT!!! To think of the fact that she actually ended with ties together with Gilbert Blythe

( he sure has brains!!!), she really made us all females proud!!! I like how she carried herself and studied Maths even though her teacher generally looked down on her!! Such character!! No wonder Gilbert Blythe fell head over heels over her...... Even though he insulted her because of her red hair. Remember about his carrots remarks???

That practically set Anne on fire!!! Who would ever thought that she too, will show admiration towards him as the story goes??

To end this blog.....

A man reserves his true and deepest love not for the species of woman in whose company he finds himself electrified and enkindled, but for that one in whose company he may feel tenderly drowsy.

George Jean Nathan

Hmmm, quotable quotes, points to ponder, what else, a good book to read!!

Classics~

Jane Eyre

New things?? Hmmm, you will never believe it, I actually watched a drama series-- Jane Eyre and I love it!! To be frank, Jane Eyre was never really my favourite, because I was simply " blinded" by Pride and Prejudice, so to speak. When I first read the book, I couldn't relate myself to Jane. Here are my reasons.
1. Jane is an orphan and is constantly deserted by others because of her low social standings and humble background.
--> I come from a happy and blessed family and thank goodness this is 21 st  century.
2.Jane is  someone of strong character and she stands up for herself.
--> When I was reading the book, I was just impressed on the surface, not clearly understanding what she really had been through as a young lady.
3. She fell in love with her master, her employer.
--> During this era, it is too common.
4. Edward Rochester was just creepy and weird( when I first read)
--> It takes a long time to accept him as the hero.

But things change. Why??
1. Jane was eighteen when she first began her job as a governess. Look who just celebrated her 18th birthday on February?? I can safely say that I can understand her better now. Definitely.
2. The theme of insecurity and true happiness is revolving through the whole novel. I am now in fact struggling with these issues? What will my future be? Will I be this? Will I be that?
3. Jane Eyre married Edward Rochester who is twenty years her senior. This is again a sign of maturity I guess, I tend to find most of the guys my age immature.
4. They just understand each other and complement each other so well. Instead of just money or good looks, this is what a relationship is suppose to be about, isn't it?

This experience really is an eye opener and I am truly happy to share this with you. In the case of good classic books, you will never be disappointed. =)

                                              Jane Eyre , played by Ruth Wilson.

Plain Jane eh? Not to Edward of course.

Edward Rochester, played by Toby Stephens

Appeared cold, but this iceberg melted when he became the master of Jane Eyre.

Ratings : 5 star~

My first movie review ( seriously...)

These few months at home made me think and wander even more, I no longer need to study about trigonometry or salts or whatever--> basically I am on a break. Well a very long break........ This is indeed the perfect getaway or rather bonus time where I get to watch the movies that I have planned to watch after completing SPM. I watched many movies, but today I want to do a movie review on Tangled. ( A loose adaption from the story Rapunzel.)
What do you expect from a Disney movie?
1. Songs
2. A castle, king, queen.....
3. Talking animals or in this case, highly intelligent animals
4. Magic
Synopsis
Yes, Tangled has all the elements above. The heroine , Rapunzel a princess was kidnapped by Gothel, an old lady who wants to be forever young. You see, Rapunzel's hair will glow when she sings and apparently those light can heal, make one young etc. Rapunzel has been calling Gothel "mother" for 18 years, not knowing the truth that she was the long lost princess of the country. She however couldn't hide her curiosity when she sees lanterns like bright stars in the sky every night on her birthday. She wondered, what do they possibly symbolize? Was it meant for her?  Meanwhile, one of the kingdom's most wanted thief, Flynn Rider found his way to Rapunzel's tower. Instead of letting her hair down to welcome her prince charming, Rapunzel used her long, long hair to sort of " protect herself" I leave you to figure out yourself. She made a deal with him and both of them embarked on a journey like never before. Yes, they did fall in love, but someone was always there to make things hard for them.

** My personal review
I have been searching for the right movie, simple, sweet, funny, and Tangled has it all! Imagine my excitement when I found this movie on youtube. The songs in the movie are nice and this is no ordinary fairytale, whereby there is no prince, but who cares??? I would love to see more Disney movies like this. This movie made me laugh, cry and sigh all the way long. Definitely one movie you shouldn't miss!

Rapunzel( voiced by Mandy Moore)

She is not your typical princess, and certainly not a damsel in distress. Love her pan!!

Flynn Rider/ Eugene( voiced by Zachary Levi)

What a pose?!! Eugene is not a bad apple after all. He has a kind heart.( Did I mention that he can sing too??)

Woot Woot,  even a frying pan can save the day!!

My favourite book~ Pride and Prejudice

Notice the title above, who would ever thought that this both qualities can somehow blend with each other so well in a novel. Yes, I am talking about the famous novel by Jane Austen.
This is in fact my first ever serious novel, once I read it, I simply couldn't resist it. I have read this book countless times and I fall in love again and again with Mr Darcy every time I finish reading it.
Here are several points on why I love this book apart from Mr Darcy.

1. The characters
--> Take for an instance Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet, Jane, Elizabeth, Lydia, Mr Wickham, Mr Bingley and
 ( ahem) Mr Darcy. This characters are distinct and unique in their own way. I must give credit to Jane Austen in the description of the characters above. These characters exist in our society till today and they are not flawless. We can somehow relate to them personally. How many a times we had act like Elizabeth with prejudice when it comes to judging others? Who could ever deny the fact that we sometimes let our pride just creep into us and slowly change our perception of one another?
* To me, a good story is one that you can personally relate to.

2. The settings
--> Yes, isn't it lovely when you read about Pemberly and the balls , dances and the beautiful scenery. It was after all in the early 18th century, where females were to be introduced into good society and they attended balls and they eventually find a husband. Well maybe not all, but to me, it is quite interesting. I think those days dancing tutorial was a must for both male and female. That was the only opportunity for them to really look into each other's eyes and communicate. It's romantic, don't you think so??
* I have no idea what 21st century people like you and me are up to. At least I know we don't dance.

3. The plot
--> This is not an ordinary love story. It also revolves around family matters, status, qualities of one's judgement and even scandals!! It takes a good storyteller to blend every elements of this beautifully and Jane Austen is one of them. Love doesn't come easily for two couples here-- Darcy & Elizabeth as well as Bingley & Jane. They had to face objections from their own family and in Darcy & Elizabeth's case, their own selves.
* I find Jane Austen's writings a mirror of today's society. Couples nowadays have their own struggles and family objections is still one of them.

4. The good moral values and the happy ending
--> Apart from some acceptable rude manners from several characters in the book, I can find no harsh words or comments in this book. This is basically the main reason why I love to read classics. They are straight to the point when it comes to romance, respect--> admiration--> love --> marriage. About the happy ending, I don't want to add in spoilers here for those who had not read this novel.
* Shouldn't love be that simple??

That's for now I guess. Do comment and happy reading!!

Collecting memories-- 1 February 2012~

Today is one of the day that I will remember for the rest of my life! Today was Puan Chan's retirement and as you know I have been writing lots of stuff about this event, our plans this and that , my oh my after all that we have prepared and been through, I'm so glad that we have made it!! Today morning I woke up with mosquitoes 'bites all over my hand. Last night, I was actually semi conscious , half asleep, half awake .... I was simply so nervous about today, whether everything will run smoothly or not.... Oh, what a night!!
I woke up early, ate breakfast, took my shower and get dressed. I first went to see Puan Inah, who was the emcee for the event, I asked her not to mention about who is going to perform and our plans etc.Next, I went to notify Puan Elizabeth about our gifts and helped her carries some gifts to her car.I then called several of my classmates , some were on their way, some were just about to come out.... Nevertheless, I looked at my watch, we still have time, don't panic Deborah Aurora! I rushed to the hall and saw Tung and we went to the backstage, thank God one after another they came, although Hamizah had to leave early... how sad.
We were a bit shocked when our senior assistant of students affair approached us and told us that those wearing jeans we are not allowed to go on stage.We restructured our plan. Come to think about it, this is entirely my fault and I should have make sure about the dress code. Somehow I told myself that the show must indeed go on, and I kept my cool ( I was almost crying). If I were to be emotional, who will lead them?? I have to be a professional at that time....
I went over to the teachers' side whereby the control system of the computers and curtains were there. When the video was played, everyone was basically laughing and it was actually a surprise to me to see the teachers who watched the video yesterday laughing again... I have nothing but compliments for the video. A job well done by Irina and all the actresses!! Then, someone told us that everyone is now allowed to go on stage!! Yeah, praise God! I quickly press the button to close the curtain, and you know what, the curtain at the right side got jammed, oh dear at that time, thank God there were a few prefects who helped us... It was so funny!! The girls arranged themselves on stage , with their back facing the crowd( it was my idea, but not a very good one-- for the sake of suspense...), and when they turned, the music started playing, and they swayed and waved, oh dear what a scene!! I was at the backstage looking at them, and then came a point where it was a little uneasy and the teachers suggested that I go join them. And I did, it was a little awkward though, but a nice piece of memory that I will treasure for the rest of my life. We bowed and after we gave teacher the gifts, we went down to take some pictures, with friends and teachers.
What a day in school!! I really love the antique car that Puan Chan was in when we waved her goodbye!
Nice! Sweet!
Later today, I went to church for the practise for the youth party. I think God somehow paved the way for me. At first I was to play the keyboard but Maria didn't bring hers, so I went for back up singing instead. I enjoyed it, together with Amelia. I think that I still need lots of practise to play the keyboard. God just eased my burden. He always does. Well, it is a very busy and fruitful day eh?
 What's for tomorrow, my first driving lesson! Let's just hope that I will enjoy it!
I will sleep with a smile on my face tonight!

                                                      The girls after the whole presentation~

                                                    Had a photo with Mr Chin, our Physics teacher for two years.
                                                         Mr David  took this picture.

Love is everywhere! Our gift to Puan Chan

                                                                   Puan Chan, our Sejarah teacher! May God bless her~

Eye opener

Today is a blessed day. Forget the part that today is a public holiday......
I followed my fellow Christian Fellowship members to visit the old folks in Megaway  Old Folks Home. This is a center run by a generous Christian couple. I was actually quite looking forward to this event. I had been to an old folks home, but this experience is different. Totally different.

I paired up with Anne, my classmate and we started to talk to some of the old folks. One of them is Uncle Goh, who is friendly and nice. He is a Christian( praise God) and he speak fairly good Cantonese and Mandarin. ( Anne had to speak to him in BM, but they can still communicate! ) He talked about his grand daughter  who is about our age and that she is entering university. I can see that he is very proud of her.

However he too expressed his sadness when he told us that his children didn't visit him this year. Uncle Goh is wheelchair bound due to a minor stroke, and he never failed to make Anne and myself feel at home at all times. I really enjoyed talking to him. One particular moment, I was holding his hands while we had praise and worship. He told me he can't clap his hands, so I clapped his hands. I will never ever forget that particular memory!
There were others too, I don't know their names but I'll certainly remember their faces......  They truly need love and care. It is a cruel fact, that everyone will grow old. Mind you, growing old is a painful process for most of us. When our body fails us, when we can't do the things that we normally do, when our children can't take care of us anymore....... Kinda depressing actually, but I am not going to let this experience to die off. I will continue to pray for these old folks, and that those who are not saved will be saved in the arms of Christ! =)

A truly memorable and fruitful event organised by our CF! Looking forward to our next visit!
*pls : Uncle Goh kissed my hand before we left!! May God bless him and all the old folks! =)

Brown Heart quote of the day: Growing old is inevitable, growing cold however is a matter of choice.

Take care and God bless!

Love Zone

I think I shall create a love zone in Brown Heart too... Will discuss this matter with Miss Tiffany Tham!


Love is not confined to only  romantic love between a male and a female. No, not candlelight dinners, waltzing around the room etc.....  It is more than that, it is about respect, admiration and FRIENDSHIP!!

I can say that I am very blessed to have a group of good friends in high school!! Among  them is of course Miss Tiffany Tham!! We share so many things in common--> one of them is that we love to listen to oldies!!( NOW YOU KNOW WHY SHE IS MY DUET PARTNER??!!)

So, I decided to dedicate a song to her and some fellow friends a few months back. Tried to call the radio station but didn't get through. Hence, I emailed. And my message was read on air!! Too bad she didn't hear it back then....

But ( THE BIG BUT) Yours Truly decided to try once more on the 8th of June!! She called once, line was busy!! She called the second time and this time she was greeted with a " hello"

WHAT A MOMENT!!!!  She told her story and mentioned about her friends!! ( That day was Miss Tiffany's birthday--> last minute present....)

She told Tiffany to wait for the message!! It was a long wait!! Phew right till midnight!! Just when she was about to give up, ( I HEARD MYSELF ON AIR!!!!)

~ words can't describe my feelings ~
~ Intermission~

Yes, so this is one memory that I would like to share with the visitors of Brown Heart~ May we create more memories together!!

Love ya
Joycelyn of BH!
God bless!

Brown Heart~ 1st visitor

This is a special house where lots of memories will be shared with its temporary or permanent residents. I shall welcome the first permanent resident--> Tiffany Tham!! =)

First time visitor : " Who is Tiffany Tham?"
Joycelyn of BH : " My fellow sister/ best friend/motivator, an avid reader who blogs, writes.... AND MY   DUET PARTNER!! "
FTV : " Oohh, so it's complicated?"
Joycelyn of BH : " Oh please...... she's just multi- talented! "
FTV :" I see, I see. So, do you welcome other guests or residents?"
Joycelyn of BH : " Of course, I am most pleased to welcome anyone to Brown Heart. As long as....."
FTV : " As long as.....?"
Joyvelyn of BH : " You don't violate anything here, and do comment here and there when you agree or disagree on something. Brown Heart is all for democracy!! "
FTV : "Why Brown Heart?"
Joycelyn of BH : Good question! I have a beautiful picture that I treasure till now , it was drawn by our very own Miss Tiffany Tham. A brown house in the midst of flowers, that is practically my dream house!! Hence, the whole concept and inspiration!! =) Many thanks to Tiffany!!"
FTV : " Miss Tiffany, is she like an angel?"
Joycelyn of BH : " She is an ANGEL!! "
FTV : " So, will I be seeing you guys everyday?"
Joycelyn of BH : " I can't promise you that, but we'll definitely see you at least once a week!! We have our own stuff to care about, apart from this beautiful place!!"
FTV : "Alright then. Thanks!! "
Joycelyn of BH : " You're most welcome!! Remember to tell others about this place!! =) And about Miss Tiffany's blog!! It's amazing!! "

Baby steps

I am taking baby steps in terms of approaching my next chapter and outlook in life. Many a times, I fall down , I get up, I fall down and I get up again ( the process is continuous)
As I grow older, I have the tendency to look back and reflect on the past....( thinking about those " beautiful" days...) Sometimes I can't help but think of how foolish and childish I have acted throughout these years..... But then again, not all the time.......
This year 2012, Yours Truly is taking baby steps again ..... A whole new environment, a whole new of totally different expectations and a different and special age--> 18!!
Well some may say that it's too late to begin with baby steps.... Well I say stop and ponder for a moment, nobody was born as an adult..... and we all were born as babies and if you noticed, babies never give up!!!!
They crawl, they walk and voila they begin a journey!!! ( I wouldn't say run.... but a journey....)

The best experience of Joycelyn of Brown Heart:

Driving ( Passing the driving test)
You have no idea how much effort I have to put in, the many days of sleepless nights and not to mention the time I looked up and pray regarding this matter. It took me four attempts to pass my driving test!!! Mind you, I was just as disappointed and heart broken when I see others getting their P license " effortlessly" But maybe I just don't want to give in and I think God is teaching a lesson to wait and not to take things for granted!! Amazing grace He has blessed me, I finally obtained my driving license today!! 15th of June 2012!! ( After 3 months of learning)

So when you feel like giving up, don't forget to ask God to give you the grace to start it over with baby steps!!  =)

Brown Heart quote of the day : When you are feeling down, be like a baby and never give up!! Crawl, walk and begin a journey once more!! =)

God bless,
Love Joycelyn of Brown Heart~