Salsa! Salsa! Salsa!

I have been feeling so insecure about dancing salsa that everytime I go to Union, I am unwilling to dance with new poeple. I always take the safe route and dance with people I know.
Each time I get on the dance floor, I keep making mistakes and it sucks! I also have a huge problem remembering all the cool moves that I learnt at class. Hate it! Hate myself for it!

I was so affected by these two points until two wonderful young ladies set me straight.

1. Eileen said - "Sometimes even I don't notice the mistakes that you make, how much less will the people looking at us know that there was a mistake at all. Only you know when you make a mistake, but just carry on and dance"
2. Jona said - "Jo, the ladies are not looking for someone who can do all the complicated moves. We don't mind doing the simple moves so long as the guy is confident in what he knows and he makes the lady look good. No need to be so complicated."

I kept thinking about these two points and went down tonight prepared to do the simple things but focussed on making sure that the lady looked good doing it. I had an amazingly wonderful time. I even asked one lady that I hadn't met yet to dance. She said no coz she was really tired (and you could see it in her face!).

Then the band played this fusion piece mixing latin/big band/swing/rock n roll all into one song. Danced with Jona (read her views) on this one and I don't think I have ever had more fun dancing salsa! There was alot of space around us so we could move around more and we kept doing all kind of crazy stuff to suit the music. We spent alot of time dancing apart but trying to still complement each other as we danced.
The coolest part was that there were people around that we just watching us two having fun. I hope to ar that music piece again!!

I am beginning to like dancing salsa all over again!!!

God's Timing

My eyes had been opened
I had it a little warped,
It was time for me to do some pursuing,
In the matters of my heart

So I scanned till the horizon
Eyeing out for potential
Till I saw and found the person
Just one I considered special.

I chased, I tried,
I put effort till the end,
But she called and told me,
“Just friend”.

I picked up the broken heart
”Dear, God please heal
For I know I can trust in You
To answer my appeal”.

Again I scanned, considering my options
Upon what I may just yet see
I was looking for just one
But whoops, I saw three.

To meals each one I went out with
With a mission to be informed
If at all our minds could click
And my heart would feel warmed

In quick time, I ruled them out
Till left there was only one
Upon her I placed my focus
And never allowed in none.

Yet a door once closed was once again thrown open,
Now what was I to do?
For that which was only one
Was now again two.

I looked to God and said to Him,
“Lord, help me to choose,
Without first knowing which
To neither my heart will I lose.”

He said, “son, keep your eyes upon Me,
Now is the season for growing.
Trust in My perfect will,
Wait, it’s all about My timing!”

It's All About Timing

I have recently had the chance to revisit this idea. It’s all about timing. I mean, have you ever tried to cook a plate of stir fried kai lan but you turn on the flame after putting in the ingredients and the oil? It’s all about timing.

I remember my first relationship about 11 years ago. We had been going out for about a month and a half when her ex-boyfriend STOPPED calling her and asking her to get back together with him. This was the time she decided that she actually wanted to be with him. I, of course, got the short end of the stick. It’s all about timing.
I remember another incident in my life, another relationship. We had been together for about a month, when I was very clear that God was saying to me that this was not the right time for a relationship. (Note that He never said anything about her being the right or wrong person). 3 years later, I finally decided that it was time to give it another shot. That was the day that I found that she was in a 2 week old relationship. It’s all about timing.

It’s all about timing. The tough question to answer is who is the time keeper?

God, I have been waiting on You for a while now and I declare to You again that You are the Time Keeper. In Your time, You will bring the excellent choice You have made be known to me. I thank You for the great and wonderful gift of a wife in advance and look forward to see what You have in store for me.

Alfred's Wedding

I just had the privilege of helping my housemate organize his wedding. My! What an interesting process that was.

First of all, his bride wanted an outdoor wedding. This in mind, the two of them decided to use the Zoo as the venue for the wedding. It was a beautiful location, by the reservoir, naturally terraced and all around greenery. According to the zoo, this was the first time anyone was using the natural terraces for the wedding. The concern was that if it rained, the space would become muddy and then it would be real icky!
Although it rained the three days prior to the wedding, the actual day in itself was a bright beautiful day. All glory goes to God for this miracle.

The wedding ceremony had basically 3 sections, the exchange of vows, the solemnization and communion. The vows was done in the presence of witnesses so that their decision would be public, and one that all of us who witnessed, were asked to hold them accountable to.
Next up was the solemnization. This was done so that legally, the two of them would be married.
Finally, they shared communion. This was to signify their unity with Christ and their fellowship with Him. It was cool to see that the groom, as the new head of the family, served his wife.

Following the ceremony was a simple dinner, which started with the lighting of the Unity Candle (which signifies the end of two separate lives and the beginning of a new single united one). Following this, the FOG, FOB and the new Husband and Wife gave speeches. This was followed by a band performance by a band called “No Compromise”. They were good.

It was a wonderful day, and we all went back feeling tired but happy!

In Silence

This song is one that I wrote when I was waiting for a young lady. I was waiting for a long time...guess what happened.

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In Silence
by Joseph Giri

For many years I waited,
Gaver me time to grow
I held on tightly to the hope
That one day you'd know
Just how much my heart yearned for you
But still Í'm filled with doubt I don't know what to do
So I'll just wait here
In silence

Each time I held my phone and saw your name
I longed to dial your number and hear your voice
But I knew that I would just be playing a game
I'd close my eys, heave a sigh and make the choice
To just sit here
In silence

Now I know your heart sees another face
Your smile, your hand are reserved
You rest in love in his embrace
While I just watch from over here
In silence

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Children and Martini

Yesterday, on the way back from NIE, I took the train from Boon Lay down to City Hall. Was planning to meet some friends for a couple of drinks.

Sandra sat at the corner seat and I sat beside her. Beside us was this lady and her daughter was in front if us standing and holding on to the pole. She then jumped up to try and grab the hand hold but she missed. So I encouraged her to try again. This went on till the train started moving.
We soon got to chatting and found out that this young lady, Maya, was 6 years old. She was from Arizona and was on her way to India. We three were just playing with one another.
Soon I had to stand coz someone else needed the seat more than me and this meant that I was standing next to Maya. This of course facilitated the playing. Her mum was watching on and was laughing away at us.
Right at the end, when she alighted at City Hall too, this beautiful young lady said "thank you" and gave Sandra and I each a hug. I was so pleasantly surprised!

Made my way to Moreton's at Oriental Hotel. They serve Martinis there at $9.95 each from 1700 - 1900 every weekday. They also serve complementary filet mignon sandwiches. The sandwiches are amazing!!!
Tried out Ivy's Lycheetini but it wasn't very nice. Had myself an Appletini that was fantastic. They had cinnamon sugar on the rim of the glass and it gave such a kick to the drink.
After 1.5 Martinis, I had already had too much to drink (empty stomach you see!) and was way buzzed. Walked back to City Hall with Elsa and Su Linn ( who also had 2 Maritinis each and were in FAR better condition than me!) and by the time I got there,I was feelingmuch better.

I seriously recommend this Martini Bar thingy. It is really a great place to have a chat and a drink. Very cozy and open.

Insights From A White Flare Skirt

Went Salsa-ing last night. Saw a young lady there that danced really well. But more than that, it as hat she was wearing that was amazing to me.

She was in a baby blue top and a white flare skirt. Everytime she made a turn, the skirt would 'float' and the sight was amazing (now for those of you ho think otherwise, the skirt had an inner lining that DID't flare). The coolest part as the fact that she looked amzing while still being very modest. In my opinion, that is the best combination.

This episode got me to thinking. If I was the guy dancing with her, would I actually notice how amazing she looked hen she danced? I mean, I would get a real good look at her face but not the whole picture would I?
The guy who was watching from afar now, he had an opportunity to behold the complete beauty of the situation.
All this said, I would still rather be the guy dancing with her!

Here is the insight that I had. As much as I would love to be the one dancing with her, I would then be the guy that doesn't get to see the whole beauty. How true is this of the things that we have with us.
Do we hold our jobs, friends, relationships so close that we fail to see the whole beauty in it?

Sometimes we should just take a seat and watch. Wait and see. The whole beauty of that, of whom, we hold in our hands.

Rampant Apathy

I have heard time and again the complaint that the morals of our society are slowly being eroded away. How true this is. Look around and you will see the blatant absence of courtesy, the blatant disregard for laws.
Mind you, there are many who still have the above traits but by and large the majority of the populace is beginning on a steady downward spiral.

All that being said and done, what is even more startling is the blatant INDIFFERENCE, APATHY that the rest of us have taken upon ourselves to exhibit with such passionate religiousness. Look around, you will see the people flouting the rules and mores of morality, but notice also the abundance of people around that are willing to just standby and mutter under their breath.

Maybe some of us are concerned with the possibility of butting into other people's business and more so of being made to look stupid, or worse, to be found embarrassing our peers. But isn't it our business that these people are butting into, when they litter without concern for the cleanliness of the place, when they make out in public transport, when they walk / drive through a red traffic light "because there is no car what!" What do we do? Do we just watch or should we be actively holding up the moral standards and rebuke our brothers and sisters.

If we just let things be, we are as much a part of the problem as the offenders themselves!

The List

A very many many years ago, my good friend John, sat me down and got me to prepare of list of characteristics that I wanted in a wife. I then prepared a list and the top 2 items on my list are

1. Must be a Christian that is active in ministry
2. Must understand and appreciate my sense of humour

My decision to stick by this list has resulted in having a much smaller pool of 'potentials' than many of my friends. I see them hooking up rather quickly and (from my perspective, at least) rather easilty.

I have been repeatedly chided by friends that I am too rigid and I am too picky. Am I?
I have been struggling with similar questions and the post on James blog is one that I agree with.
Why do so many people out there assume that singleness is a problem? Why is it not possible to be single and yet live a fulfilling life.

I think that it is possible, provided that we have the right perspective and also if we have Jesus to fill the need for relationship in us. Jona's blog entry has highlighted to me that there are ladies out there too who practice the preparation of a list and of evaluating the potential spouse objectively by this list, not by our emotions of the moment..

I've been single now for about 5 years now. I intend to stick to my list and if that means that it is not yet my season to move into a relationship...Amen to that.

Hairy Bum Problem

As some of you may know, I recently had to undergo an operation around my butt area. I had a pilonidal sinus. (You can read more about it here, but be warned that the photos are not for the faint hearted / stomached).

It started of on a thursday, with a slight discomfort while sitting down. I thought I had injured my tail bone but I do not remember bumping it anywhere! The discomfort grew, till on saturday, it was a reall challenge to sit if I was standing, and to stand if I was sitting. I was still involved in service as part of the band as so I carried on. By the time I had finished dinner, the only thing on my mind was to get home ASAP and to get into bed. Getting in and out of the taxi was pure torture (as Alvin and Cindy can testify). The taxi ride was no better. Lying prone in bed was the only position where the pain was bearable.

On Sunday morning, I felt somewhat better. I went to church and co-led the songs with John Suan. As soon as service was over, I grabbed a bite from the refreshment counter and got a cab straight to Causeway Point. Alfred met me at the doctor's. The doctor took one look and told me what the problem was. He told me that the only possble treatement was surgery and it was possible to get the surgery done immediately. I was excited about getting rid of the pain in my butt. When I Asked if it was possible to prevent this problem, he looked me in the eye and with a dead pan voice said, "Shave". I laughed.

I shuffled off to Raffles Hospital in town while Alfred helped me to pack some clothes and toiletries. I got the hospital at about 1530 and by 1600, the surgeon had given me a pre-op and told me that though the operation was simple, the heling process was going to take at least a month, two weeks of which I was not going to be able to work. This led to a whole set of problems with my practicum but I went on with the surgery.

Alfred arrived at my little hotel room at 1705 and I was wheeled to the OT at 1720. The op went well and I was out, back in my room by 1930. Alfred was a real blessing and he helped to call all the relevant people. Mummy and Daddy even made the trip down from KL.

I was discharged on Tues morning but have to go back to the hospital everyday to get the dressing changed.

All this basically coz I have a hairy bum!

Dear Daddy God, Give Me Rest

On Saturday, at Praise Fellowship, I went up to the front during altar call and asked Mark to pray fro rest. I was physically and spiritually tired and I was looking for some rest.

Amazingly, God answered almost immediately. The next day I was warded and underwent surgery. This resulted in me basically getting a confirmed 2 week leave from school. I was really concerned that this was going to affect my practicum.

My supervisor has since informed me that as long as I can get my 10 observations done within the stipulated time, then it should not be a problem. I also would not be able to calim any more medical leave for the duration of my practicum. This, I think, can be arranged as my Covering Teachers are in class everyday. I may not get an excellent result, but I can definitely clear my practicum.

Also, the rest time in the hospital was great. I was in Raffles Hospital and the room was basically a hotel room. I thank God for medical insurance. It meant that the operation and the room cast and all the related cost was covered by my insurance.

I am now resting at my uncle's place. Mum is down from KL and is basically taking care of me. I get to manja a little bit nowadays. My unlce even drives me from home to the hospital to get my dressing changed.

God is good. When His children ask, He gives. And when He gives, He never short changes. What a wonderful God I have.

Questions

Do I?
Do you?
Do we want to be?

Should we?
Could we?
Daddy, please tell me.

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I had just at that time begun to make an effort to pursue a young lady. I sat down and did some thinking. I realised that these were some questions and also probably the order in which they needed to be answered.

At the time of the entry, I was still undecided about whether or not I wanted to get into a relationship. So I chose to spend some time with her, to get to know her more. I especially wanted to see her in different contexts. The amazing this was that I really liked what and who I saw. Thus, the first question was answered. Yes.

We went out for a couple of breakfasts where the conversations were fantastic. We had some long phone chats which were glorious. All these ( with consultation from Mr. AA to ensure that I wasn't imagining things) led me to conclude that the answer to the second question was ...Yes.

Boy was I wrong. We didn't communicate at all from new year on. I was getting a bit concerned. I called. During this conversation, I heard these scary words. "JoGi, I don't see us as more than platonic friends..." I am glad I was seated. I now knew that the answer to the second question was ... No.

The rest of the questions are redundant.

Since then , this young lady and I have chatted and talked things over. My little fantasy bubble had been lovingly burst and I still have someone I can call friend (there is some disappointment in the voice here!). Things are a little awkward but healing comes in the morning.

Life goes on.

A New Song

I wrote this songs as I was experimenting with a "new" chord progression (Am G/B C D, Am G/B C C, Am G/B C D, Am G/B C E)

Thanks to Uncle Brendon, I was able to write the bridge in A major.

Song is entitled ” WHY?”

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Why do we live in such pain
When we can give it to Him
For, His yoke is easy and His burden is light

He has promised to make us fishers of men
If we walk in His light
He has come to show us how to live
So we can be free

Free to worship my Jesus
Free to walk in the light
Free to walk in the path of truth
Free to walk by faith and not by sight