Yamaha LL-16 Gone

Yesterday, I got an sms inquiring about my Yamaha LL-16 about a week or so after I’ve posted an ad in G4C.  Thinking it’ll probably amount to nothing since I’ve never closed a sale in that forum before. 

Anyway, this guy, John, wanted to try the LL-16 so we met at the usual spot and he liked what he saw and handled. And the deal was done in last than 15 minutes.  Well, there goes my LL-16.   It always happen when I’m about to sell my guitars that certain half-heartedness come up.  I guess each guitar was personally chosen by me and was appreciated. If I’m much better-off financially speaking, I’d keep a vast collection of guitars much like some people keep time pieces, stamps, antique clocks, coins, etc.  There is only so much space that one can has in this country and home.  I’d heartily recommend folks who are looking for a good handcrafted dreadnought guitar that is also hardy, to get this LL-16. Good workmanship.   Just saw an ad that someone is selling his LL-5 12 strings…..

Well a couple of hours later, that same person withdrew the ad. Decided to keep it instead. Good decision!  

Coronation Day!!!

Monday morning, while eating lontong, I felt some hard stuff in my mouth. Thinking it’s some gravel, I spat it out and realize it was the metal crowning from my left molar.  Washed the crown and made appointment to see Dr Lewis Lee, the dental surgeon.  Decided it might be better to see him on Tuesday instead.

So yesterday, as I came into his dental office, I showed the crown and he said it’d be a quick fix. However, open examining my teeth, he commented that the left molar has seeming surface crackline.  Though now it does not appear to have cracked into the gum or real cracks, it is advisable to do a crowning. He recommended yellow-gold crown which allowed a thinner piece yet durable protection.  Gold? Sounds costly.

So I said, “if I have to do it; I have to do it, don’t I?”  So the procedure took place.  It lasted almost 2 hours including about 30 minute wait for plastic crowning which is a temporary fix until the actual crowning is done by next week.

Dr Lee gave three jabs to numb the gum before he proceeded to cut the tooth and trim the edges so to speak.  Long story short, it was done within 2 hours.  However the temporary crown made of plastic, needed 3o minutes to harden within the mold.

The cost? Well it was costly, no doubt.  I quipped within myself. When royalties were crowned, their crowns were of immense value and they became financially enhanced. Whereas commoner like myself, when I get a crown, I’m more impoverished!  :-)

It was a full day.

Grown-Up

Today while walking towards Takashimaya Shopping Centre, somewhere in the underpass, someone called out to me, “Uncle Alvin!”  Unaccustomed to such greetings in public place like Orchard Road (actually anywhere since I live opposite side of most of my family members).  Looking up, I realized it was my niece, Yvonne, the oldest daughter of my eldest brother, David.  Well, she happened to be free that day whereas I was trying to fill time while waiting for my dental appointment (it was rescheduled 30 minutes later). 

So we decided to take a fast lunch at a MacDonald’s. It was her treat (she insisted).  We had a good chat. As I listened to her and looked at her, I realized that this is the first time, we’ve ever had lunch together. She is now a young mother of two kids.  Just to think that she was among numerous nephews and nieces of my family.  Raised by her paternal grandmother (and aunts), she actually turned out alright.   During the conversation, also realized that other nieces are expecting their babies in this two months.  I’m thrilled to learn that, and glad that our family is still intact with the fourth generation. This coming CNY, will be even noisier, albeit livelier too. 

After a brief lunch, we went our separate ways. It was a good lunch get-together. 

Measure of Greatness or Lack Thereof

Wei Guan emailed me a link about George Eldon Ladd, known for his New Testament Theology.  Some supposed he made famous the phrase, “already but not yet” with regard to the inauguration of the Kingdom.  Anyway, Jeff Straub wrote it in Theology Central , a blog by Central’s prof.

My thought on this man?  I’m of the opinion (could be biased anyway) that Ladd is a bitter person, one who perhaps with his brilliance, had been achieving things smoothly. Thus when some things came up and didn’t quite measure to his expectation, he wasn’t able to take it.  basically, can’t process failure or under achievement.  Hence, as some says, gotten “bent out of shape.”

Then again, it’s my opinion based on Straub’s blog.

Tried Something Different

In December 2009, we took a few days’ trip to Bangkok to visit with our friends, the Scotts.  One reason was to take a break from the ministry; the other was to reconnect with our friends whom we’ve known since seminary days at Central.  They were gracious hosts and Amanda enjoyed reacquainting herself with Elaine, David and Amber.

One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the Floating Market in Bangkok where it used to be that the locals do their barter trade on water (via boats no doubt!).  It was interesting to see how even the womenfolk could navigate their ways around and along the river deftly. However, since it is now a touristy spot, naturally the waterway gets very crowded.  Undoubtedly the place has also undergone upgrades to facilitate tourists visits.

We also tried their cooked soup noodles as well. We figured that it should be alright since it’s cooked on the spot anyway. We’ve not done this before but hey that’s something different for a change.

Scene taken while on the boat

Simple but Lasting Gift

I was going through my drawer the other day, and came across a small coin pouch that has been with me for a long, long time.  It was a birthday gift from Steven from way back when i was the youth director and he was a senior teen probably in his first or second year in Poly.

Coin Pouch

It was still in great condition and useful in keeping coins (I keep unused foreign coins for future usage). I reckon this is one of the few things I receive that though may not be pricey but highly useful.

Truth Shared & Applied

On monday night, while reading through one of the few pages, one particular story talks of Christ’s presence in believers’ midst. I was able to share the thought that Christ is omnipresent, and because He is always in our midst, we should be careful of sinful thoughts or bad attitude. The key point to Amanda that Christ is present.

Last night, while I away to church, Amanda was having dinner with my wife.  During the regular conversation, she highlighted to her mom that there are actually 3 persons at the dinner table.  Mother asked her how so, and she said, Jesus is also in our midst. We cannot see Him because He is “invisible” and when asked what that word meant, she explaned simply that it means “cannot be seen.” 

That’s great. I hope she would grow to realize the truth that all of our lvies are “coram deo” – that is before the face of God, literally.  That she, along with mom and dad, would remember that our lives are to be lived rightly before Him and for His glory.

Self-Reading

This evening, as usual, while Amanda lie down to drink her milk before going to bed, I read with her.  This time, I read the children’s devotional book. However, I don’t follow the sequence nor one page per day format.  Anyway, after reading a few pages she wanted to read a page on her own.

I know my wife has been helping with her phonics and all, and no doubt she could do it. But tonight was kind a pleasant revealer of how much she can read. With a little initial stutter, she actually finished the entire page on her own! I’m impressed! Maybe I’m easily impressed but I am indeed. 

Cedar top and Mahogany

Since acquiring the Taylor GSMC, I’ve enjoyed playing it and realized why I like it that much — it reminded me of playing songs via classical guitar (most classical guitars use cedar tops).  Been busy lately. Haven’t time to blog much. Will drop note later perhaps after the children camp coming up this week.

Sent Off

Today we sent WeiChee and family off to the field of Irian (West Papua). It is a joyful/sad occasion. Sad because our friends are leaving us for the Lord’s work; joyful because they are obeying God’s leading for their lives and we as a church were part of that journey; that process. We were obedient in sending them off to the Lord’s field.

Many of us arrived at the Budget Terminal about 2hrs prior to departure time. It was a casual and light occasion at that time. Kids ran around oblivious to the heavyheartedness of adults. Still it was fun watching them expend energy in the departure hall. Adults meanwhile, ‘loiter’ around in small groups having chit-chats. Some regular visitors turned up: MeiLeng, Angelia, as well as Jeff and Patricia. Stephanie came too.

When 16:00 hrs came, I asked Daniel to gather the folks for group picture. It was quite a breeze since the folks knew what they were supposed to do. Then came the difficult moment – to pray for the missionary family on behalf of the church. Difficult only because one can sense the sadness around.

Tears flowed as I prayed for the Lam family prior to their moving off to Departure gate. It was understandable. Inevitable I might add. The people of NTBC love them dearly. That is wonderful. I do wonder if it’s our turn, will they likewise?

As a side note, I was pleasantly surprised to see TzeCheh (aka Tracy) and Jasmine. Both are married with kids in tow. Both whom I have not seen since 1993 when we left SBBC. Frankly I missed them much though not expressed. I missed their ever positive outlook. The life of the party so to speak, in a positive manner. I missed their fervor. Sadly they are not attending church since the fiasco in ’93. only thing to do is to pray that the Lord will prompt their hearts to yearn for worship and communion with God and His saints.