beloved bel

Does this weather forecast look familiar.. like in Singapore? London is forecasted to have a heatwave here (too much of a summer I think!). My colleagues say we are all gonna roast (with highest temp of 39deg! I do hope he was kidding altho he didn't sound like it. They said the highest they've had was in 2003 where it was a 38.5deg.) *faint* p/s I think my family brought too much of the sunshine from Singapore here haha ~~~~~~~ On a separate and happier note, Kathryn is finally back from her 3 week holiday! Which means I don't have to cover for her.. hurray haha.. glad to hear she had a great time in South America. She went to Argentina and Brazil... hmm I wonder if I'll ever go to S America in my life... it sounds like a whole new different world in that part of the earth.

The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all. - Ecclesiastes 9:11 Years ago at a Sunday church service, I remember Ps Prince sharing on this verse in the book of Ecclesiastes saying that we need "time and chance" to happen to us, ie God placing us at the right place, and at the right time. Today I was listening to the recent sermon CD church sent, and again he used this same verse which I used to hold on to. Indeed we are not living in the times where you would succeed if you are fast, strong, smart or skillful; yes these do count to your success what what is essential above these are doors of opportunities which is "time and chance" don't you think? You need to be at the right place at the right time. What's the point if you are smart and all but no chance to show them to the right people? Not that I am ...

Wow this past 12 days has been a blur to me now as I sit down quietly and think back.. my family came to visit me (as I type now they are at Heathrow waiting to board their flight home.) It has been a mix of excitement and stress I must say! It's my dad's first trip to Europe (hurray) and Denise too. My brother, like me, was here 12 years ago so I think that doesn't quite count. He must have not remembered much of it anyway. SALZBURG Salzburg view up on the fortress on a beautiful day The Salzach river We went to Salzburg (and surroundings including Untersberg, Hallstatt, Mondsee), our titled "lakes and mountains" trip as requested by my brother. We had a really great time, weather was perfect on the first day and then it became cloudy and then rainy on our 3rd day (a shame I think altho they insist it's still nice). Mirabell Gardens all over again for me some arty shots: of Ed and the siblings The cable car ride up t...

Last Saturday Ariel volunteered to drive me to Ikea to get some stuff for my new place and happens the Wembly store is near her place. It was my first time going to her place at Perivale and wow that was quite a ride on the Tube as her place is in Zone 4. Lovely neighbourhood though. Must say I was quite excited to go Ikea heehee coz I loved going to the one in Singapore. Over here, it's on a sprawling piece of land but then surprisingly quiet considering it's a Saturday afternoon. Ariel said it must be the credit crunch. I was very looking forward to the Swedish meatballs but then when I saw they have fish and chips here, I chose that instead. Hmm rather disappointing leh. Their meatballs are still the best. We started shopping after lunch and I think I ended up buying quite a few things hehe... I got what I wanted - red side table, a standing lamp, a big box for my bags =P, more throws and cushions.... thank God Ariel drove me home with my barang barang after that. :...