Never give up!

 

God has been awesome, and I have to say that again! AWESOME!

I was really worried actually, when I left without a job, I was wondering - man, what am I going to do? But God has been good, and very faithful, so I am not complaining.

Best of all, I have got my own time to pursue the things I want to do, and I guess when you finally KILL and give it ALL to Him, then things start working out.

There are important lessons that I have picked up, primarily - don't complain. Where I am at now, and how hard I work will bring in the $$$. So, I can't complain really because it's just me, myself and I =) It's a better arrangement that way, I don't like to complain anyway.

On the other hand, good news for ballet is that, me and Narae and dancing together again! And Nim too! So, 3 adults in a class, is very motivating plus the teaching school we go to, is good. The principal teacher, Wendy is superbly encouraging.

I am glad I made a move from the previous ballet school, not going to mention it. Great teaching, and the school's standards are high, but really - not suitable for an adult as they are very exam focused, and they view adults as " tak ada chance". Was actually pretty discouraged there, and almost gave up.

I am not going to put too high hopes on sitting for the exam, as I don't want to disappoint myself again, but If I can, I will. There's a better option now, and I will elaborate more when I start off and do so for a couple more times =) But I start, this Saturday, at 9.30 am.

Meanwhile, I am happy doing Interfoundation & Grade 6. Grade 6 is so beautiful =)

 

OK...Some pictures of me and Narae in action previously. And the great thing is, Wendy say's Narae is a super strong dancer! I am really, really happy for her. It's great dancing with her again, because then I know the standard I should be achieving and I push myself towards that goal.

Nim's also been real encouraging, and I do wish that Nim, you'd be more constant k! You have perfect physique. Don't worry so much about the steps, just take double classes and you'd be great!

 

That's us in the previous studio =) Narae is the one in the red skirt, and me in Blue. The other lady, is a newbie - so, doesn't count k. I think she did well for her first class!  

And Narae doing a ponche!

 

Pretty Pictures of Rabbits by Seng Chye

Last week, Friday morning was a perfect day for some outdoor shooting. Seng Chye, Poh Suan's cousin took some really pretty shots of the rabbits.

 

Mr Pink & Alvin - Simon & Family

I gave 4 of the rabbits away to good homes. Mr Pink & Alvin, both alpha males went to the homes of Simon and family, who lives in Setapak. Got to know them through, the email alerts that Aunt Janice helped me send out. Great family! The children, both in college, play with them before and after college, and the mum, feeds them and let's them run around in a cordoned off area of the garden! Wonderful! =) Sometimes, when we let go of the things we love most, I guess God will bless us even more!

 

Female Brownies 1 7 2 - Roshan, Slyvia & PIKJ church

And the two brown bunnies, I shall call them female brownie 1 & 2, went with Roshan and the PIKJ church in Kelana Jaya. I have a feeling these two bunnies are pregnant, which works out well for the church - since they want to have some bunnies for the kids to play with. Just checked with Slyvia, and the bunnies are not missing me! So it's a good thing...although, one of them have like missing fur (signs of pulling out fur means may be gestation period for the bunnies to give birth, or simply - infection!)

 

Three remains, with Chocomilk dead

Well, back to the remaining brood for me, which originally included 4 rabbits: Mummy, daddy, chocolate milk & jonathan, until....

Just a day before the photoshoot, mum killed chocolate milk, unintentionally. We left both chocomilk and jonathan out in the sun, with an umbrella actually, for them to run about in the cage, but then - the umbrella was blown away in a strong gust of wind,and choco milk died of heat/suns troke.

By the time I realised, jonathan was really panting for his life, and I had to quickly put him in an airconditioned room, plus, hydrate him with lots of water and glucose, and lots of prayer. Thank God he survived! I feel read bad about choco milk, sorry! But at least you are in rabbit heaven,  but you were quite naughty lar choco milk!

 

Photoshoot, beautiful!

Well, here are some really nice shots that Seng Chye put together, he compiled over 100 photos of the babies, so have a look! Now you know why I love them so much, though all they do is: shit, eat and sleep, and hump each other....I tell you, rabbits are the most horny creatures in the world! That's all they think about!

That's Joni the rabbit, I am prettifying him, he's like an anggora dwarf rabbit

 Joni, first time in the garden. He was a bit wary in the beginning, but wait till you see the next picture... Flight of the Joni Bee!

 

Joni somehow knew where Chocomilk was buried...he's paying respect....& Joni having some nice refreshing grass for a change!

 

 

Daddy (Left) & Mummy (Right)

Nowadays, both of them are pretty docile, don't get Mummy when she's pregnant though, she's real fierce.

And the loving couple - with a very weird humping pattern

They can't be separated, if I do separate them - they will miss one another. When mummy is on heat though, she acts kinda weird, she starts humping daddy, when it's the male who is supposed to hump the female! I guess that's because daddy is sterile - we kind removed * ahem*

 

For more pretty pictures on the rabbits, these are just like a selected few, go here.

Home Office!

 

Its almost midnight now, I just finished setting up my little home office!

More updates soon! =)

When dreams become reality

These past two days have been history in the making. It will be down in the buku teks sejarah, at which for once-the opposition came out strong to take major states in the country. And for once, the opposition really counted for something.

I can't believe that each vote really counts. I always used to think that regardless, it's just one in the sea of millions. But can you believe what happens when you "believe" that your voice counts? Just that one vote can literally slay giants.

What's also interesting to note that it is not about the race this time around. It's about general, overall wellbeing of where Malaysia is headed. Perhaps, God has placed us here for a reason, for such a time as this? It's exciting, yet we are headed to an extent for unknown and uncharted waters.

I think there will be lots of mistakes made, but what's important is that we learn from the mistakes, and the leaders that are put into place, would be God fearing individuals who will be accountable for their actions to the One above, and also to those who have believed in them.

I don't know much about the person I voted, I saw her smile at me, and she did go to the same school I went to - but I do hope that she will believe in the big picture. That Malaysia can indeed be good - and we can do it all together, regardless of the colour scheme.

Most of all, let's continue to pray for Malaysia, the winds of change is here, let's pray for continuous wisdom, peace and understanding for the leaders, and the people.

Amen.

-jade-

Little Mercies Everywhere

When you're down, it's amazing how people and things pick you up.

I realise something, nobody wants to mix around with a moaner or a complainer.

I can be that, especially now since I am going to be in limbo.

Forging ahead, it's only natural to be uncertain, hesitant and to worry.

But worry won't add an ounce of good to what I am doing, where I am at - so I'll just have faith that things will work out.

I don't regret what I did - I'm so glad I took the leap of faith. If you think I am talking in rounds, ask me, email me. =) If I had stayed on, well - it would be a "whoosh" moment. Like, a whole year would pass me by and I would still be in the same situation - and that's not what I want.

Funny thing though.

My body really "gave up" on me when I finally said: "I QUIT"

I had three weeks of non-stop: flu, virus, diarheoa.

As if telling me - Jade, it's time for you to : rest.

And rest I did - I have never felt so sick in my life!

Plus, I just got to know, i have 79/150 amount of hemoglobin in my system.

Meaning, I have only 1/2 the amount of red blood in my system-compared to a normal person.That just means that - I need to carry a ready pack of "Blood A (positive)" if I am involved in an accident, cut my hand off or something.

Do they sell that in the supermarkets?

Haven't seen those hemoglobin packs though.

Haha.

Till then, I think it's time for me to take a nice long bath. Love this painting that Al got for me, courtesy of a very talented artist-Ming

-jade-

Alvin's birthday Bash 2007 (Landmark event)

I found this photo quite amusing.
If my bf wasn't straight, would this be his partner kinda pose?
Notice the hand around the waist =) OK. Just joking!



Just posting some photos up of Alvin's birthday cookout we had last year, October 5, 2007 @ The Cooking House, Sri Hartamas.

It's become quite a legend, especially on facebook.

This is certainly a belated post, with the superman cake being jointly made by my ma (butter cake, freshly baked by mum), and then decorated by FatBoy



And cheers to the people that came and supported =)




Super belated post.

-jade-


<

My good friends wedding (Dec 2007)

This was taken at Poh Suan's wedding. One of my best buddies finally tied the knot =)She's a real cili padi. Which reminds me, this woman, didn't bring enough hairpins to her own wedding in Penang.

Thank God Jade came to her rescue - with bobby pins to do a real pretty chinese bun (the hair, i meant - not the food lar!), which complemented her chinese Kua.

Hope you had a good honeymoon dear.

-jade-

Now let's get focused on M-E

2008 will be a year of change for me.
I have taken the leap of faith, God please catch me!
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee...

-jade-

A tribute to the ladies

These are the two ladies I see almost everyday for the past four years.
Thank you for your friendship, laughther, patience and many many treasured memories.
It's been a blessing knowing you guys.
We've been lumped together for a reason =)

Love jade

Cellulite, You will DIE in 28 days!

Cat and Yoko absolutely believes in this product - Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil. Cat says she has yet to see a spot of blob on her thigh - and Yoko has like a wonderwoman figure.

Though you have to be hardworking and really use the product - and I mean, totally do a Thai massage on yourself.

So, I have been convinced and I will GO ALL OUT AND OBTAIN THIS PRODUCT!
Can't locate it in Malaysia though. So guess who's going to get it for me?
*Evil Laugh*

Neways, here's the writeup on the product. It says that according to research:

Smoothness (21% increase after 28 days)
14 Days +15%
28 Days +21%
On average skin smoothness increased 21% after 28 days

Elasticity (Improved 22% after 28 days)14 Days +15%
28 Days +22%
On average skin elasticity improved 22% after 28 days

What it's made of:

Ingredients: Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tritcum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Betula Alba Leaf Extract, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Limonene*, Linalool*, Geraniol*, Citral*.
* from natural essential oils

For full writeup, go here
And the Weleda official website: http://www.weleda.com.au/

-jade-

To You....

I can't paint or draw too well, apart from flowers
But I can tinkle a bit with new technology
And here's a tribute to YOU who makes loads of things seem easier, and less complicated than I see it =)
Missing you loads

-papergal-

The F means Freedom, not Fear

This is exactly how I feel.
I'm certainly not the only one on the planet who feels this way.
Most times, it is the FEAR of failing, or the FEAR of venturing out of our comfort zones that cripple us, or make us think that "the certain door/option" is shut.
Psychological barriers, they call it.

Well, ballet has taught me one thing.
Just do it! Keep doing it and I would get somewhere.
It's frustrating because you know that you have to work with limitations, and "discrimination" as teachers in Malaysia especially, do not see the "vast potential" in adult ballet - both as a viable income source, as well as talent.

Till then, it often feels like a lonely battle - because not many adults choose to break out of their norm, for FEAR of being ridiculed. Whether it is ballet, breaking out of accounting to do perhaps - travel, painting, changing course etc

Well, I really like what the director of everydancer says. It personifies the challenges that I feel, and I am sure what many feel.

Then again, we really should not beat ourselves up - try giving yourself a second chance. Just do it - go do it, whatever is your aspiration. You really only have ONE LIFE to live!

April 26, 2007 - Thursday
Director's Statement

"Achievement does something to you. It centers you in a way."

"Everyday Dancers" interview, June, 2006

The idea for this documentary came to me when I first attended the Adult Dance Camps in the summer of 2001. For me, walking into a dance studio at the age of 35 was a life-changing experience. It was the first step on the realization of a life-long dream and very possibly the first step toward the rest of my life.

You might think, "So what? Ballet? It's not like it's that big a deal, right?"

To step into a dance studio is an intimidating experience. It forces you to confront a host of issues, including peer pressure, image, physical and emotional issues, as well as the reality of aging bodies which can no longer do the things they used to do. It's deeply personal and often painful. And it can be life-changing.

Adults who pursue this youth-oriented art-form are often looked at as curiosities, people who're stuck in childhood, who want to recapture something they can no longer have. And yet, according to national studies, their numbers are growing. With just under a million people over 30 who study ballet in the United States, adult ballet classes in studios across the country are growing in popularity.

Just like a young adult or professional dancer, for these adults, walking into a dance studio can be filled with frustration, pain and unequaled hours of personal fulfillment. To chase the muse of dance at any age is just as valid, just as difficult and just as rewarding.

This film is really for anyone who's looked out the window of their office or cubicle and wondered if there was anything else. It's about the people you pass on the street without even thinking, or the older woman who takes her place silently at barre every week and disappears into her own, personal world for an hour.

It's about everyday people who gave themselves a second chance.

Divertissement Everyday Dancers Stories

Being given a second chance is always something that is treasured =) Well, this is a story of second chances...and how everyday people can make their dreams come true...

Everyday Dancers" synopsis

"Everyday Dancers" follows 5 amateur ballet dancers ranging in age from 40 – 61, as they prepared for then took part in a grueling, adult only ballet intensive held in August, 2005. Similar to what an aspiring dancer would experience as part of a pre-professional ballet program, these adults overcame significant obstacles to pursue their dream of dance. Most came to ballet late in life, each after 30, an age most professional dancers begin to consider retirement. Along the way they encountered emotional, social and physical obstacles. How they confronted these challenges and how their lives changed became a universal statement anyone in mid-life or confronting a life changes can understand.

Teresa: Through experiencing partnering for the first time, she came to terms with insulin dependent diabetes, in the process learning she could live a fuller life than she’d previously thought possible.

Robin: Her desire to go en pointe at 43 gave her the confidence to make changes in her life, including securing a position teaching dance to inner-city school children as part of the Boston Ballet’s Citydance Program.

Sharon: Despite living in a small, rural town and a host of physical limitations, her indomitable spirit prevails, pushing her to seek out better instruction and opportunities to improve and grow as a dancer.

Tessa: At 61, Tessa is in the midst of a dramatic life change: Entering retirement and moving to a new city. Growing older and reconciling what she sees in the mirror with the dancer she used to be is something she confronts daily with grace and humor.

Lauran: In spite of tremendous social pressure from friends and family not to start dancing, she walked into the only ballet studio in her remote desert town and began taking class with children and teens. In June, 2006, we followed her as she made her stage debut as the Fairy Godmother in “Cinderella.”

These are everyday people united by one, common passion: a love of classical ballet. Divertissement is the story of their journeys and how their lives changes as a result.

For more info, check out: www.everydaydancers.com

Elegance Personified

This is what i call elegance =)
Nice music as well...
Gosh...now why didn't my ma put me in ballet earlier?
I learnt taekwondo, karate, art class, piano, english and the works before dance!
Never mind, better now than never!

=)

Enjoy!

-jade-

Jade's Surprise BBQ by Alvin Chen & Company

My birthday BBQ surprise photos are up!
Al, had a string of surprises set for me for my birthday - starting from the 14 of September all the way to 16th September (Sunday).

Of course, yours truly - has a way of being gullible and fell for his perfect excuse of yours truly having to go for a Korean dinner with his brother, his brother's gf and alvin's good friend and good friend's g/f WITHOUT Alvin being there.

Alvin gave the very logical reason of having to attend a close friends wedding - and that I needed to go to basically be the - PR person to some degree!

Well, so Jade fell for it - went through the motions of thinking that she would be rewarded with steaming hot kimchi soup, crispy pork strips, lots of Korean starters - but no, she was rather surprised to see loads of cars parked outside Alvin's house and wondered whether the neighours were having a riot and decided to use Alvin's house as the extra parking lot.

Little did the very beguiled Jade know that when the "crowd" shouted "SURPRISE" - Jade was honestly VERY SURPRISED. Jade was like - hmmm, surprise for what? Then, Jade realised - OK, there isn't going to be a KOREAN BBQ, but there will certainly be a WESTERN BBQ, thanks to the fantastic planning and elaborate scheming plans from Alvin Chen, Jason Chen, I Ming and the rest of the crew.

THANK YOU ALL for making my birthday a truly memorable one: Al, Jason, I Ming, Kong, Sasi, Morgan, Staph, Pauline, Pearlen, Joey, TJ, Caroline, Chin Yew, Christine......=)

ps: My mother, brother, and father also had a part to play in this cuz the entire family knew except JADE. And my ma got us the delicious ribs roasted to perfection, and so succently chewy and juicy - especially with a dash of HP sauce added to the top. Purfecto!

NEWAYS..some photos for your indulgence!
You can come here: MY PARTY
Or just view the photos that I have pre-selected on the blog!

Love u tons Alvin!
MUaCks!

ps: safe journey across the seas, over the mountains and right into AAAAAAHHHHHDUHHHHHLAIDDD!

Butter cake with Lemon cheese & fruit topping

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Originally uploaded by jadesjadingjoint

My Ma's creation......=)

September babies 07 @ CG

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Esther and I had our September celebration @ CG. The cake is courtesy of my Ma, who baked it and partially decorated it before Alvin did the final "touch up". Was heavenly!

Jason (the other mastermind & chef ) & his accomplice, Staph

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Originally uploaded by jadesjadingjoint

Jase and Staph...posing for the photo..and after heavy duty four swishes of the red and white liquid =)

Yummy food!

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Originally uploaded by jadesjadingjoint

Al and Jason's BBQ are legendary. To book your seats/spot for the next one, kindly make yourself known to the Cziplee crew by purchasing RM 100 daily. Good customers make great friends who then qualify for the reward of: big, fat juicy ribs, salads and roasted vege. And the burgers are AMAZING!

Say Bye Bye To Vintage Two Hands

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Originally uploaded by jadesjadingjoint

Alvin's greatest sacrifice that evening - his vintage Two Hands in celebration of my birthday, and also to placate the very thirsty Joey.