Yes you heard it people! I'm back in the USA! Currenty in Jeffersonville, Vermont doing my practical internship to complete my course. It was a sad good bye as I will be actually working and living on my own this time around. No new family support. Just me. The flight was killer... From KLIA (at 9.45pm) to Changi, Singapore... Then had to wait there for like 7 hours for my next flight to Narita, Japan (at 7am).... At the airport in Singapore, didn't have much to do. Tried to sleep, but couldn't. Then explored a bit... The toilets are beautiful if I may say. Then used their free internet thingys cuz I was so stupid not to ask for the code to use my laptop...
Changi Restrooms
The flight to Japan was 8 hours! Cramped in that small seat was no fun, plus the lack of sleep did not help. After that, to San Francisco I went... (another 6 hours there, i think)
San Fran from the air
Twilight on Display at San Fran Airport
And final flight was to Austin TX!!!! And to the Lippkes!!! But may I just say, carrying around that huge ass bag was no fun. Shoulders hurt for 2 days. But it was so good to be BACK!!! I got to visit Elgin High School and see Ms Timms!!! got the see Tomas, Courtney and Alyssa and Kurt!! Being back in School was so good! Mr Egan too! (my US History Teacher)
Ms Timms at Work
Tomas strutting some moves Apparently Tomas has really becomed quite the celebrity
But you know the main point of Texas was my ever so beloved Host Family: Lippkes!! Got to meet the BF of sis. Got to go watch them play softball! And got to Visit the Alamo while spending the weekend at San Antonio. Freezing my butt off all the time when we were outside, which was like all the time during the softball tournament. And they are living at Mammy's house now, and everything I see at that place just reminds me of her. Sad. Apparently, she had her body donated to science and the tombstone is somewhere in the yard, but I didn't get to go find it, because it was too cold outside.
The Alamo
The Sisters The Lippkes minus one Along the Streets Whomping Willow! Marilyn Wannabe The Riverwalk One Big Happy Family
Great album for those who love their worship songs. It has a great selection of the worship songs of today. Although they are not sang by their original singers, but they are still good. There’s 2 CDs and has great up beat ones like “Your Grace is Enough”, “Sing, Sing, Sing”, and also slow ones like “At the Cross”, “Mighty to Save”. Really great buy and definitely suited for the younger crowd.
30 All Time Favourite Hymns (RM43.90)
If the album before was for the younger generation, than this album is definitely suited for the older crowd. It has all the traditional hymns that are usually sang in church through the golden ages. With “Amazing Grace”, “Be Still and Know” and “Holy, Holy, Holy” just to name a few. Great songs to just sit back and relax while meditating on God.
Don Moen – I Believe There is More (RM32.90)
Don Moen is to us Christians, as Abba is to the general crowd. Their music is timeless and we love them years ago while still loving them now, as well as years to come. Don’s voice is always so pure and sincere that you just can’t help but be drawn to it. Apparently he performed in Malaysia once before in 1989 (the faithful year I was born), and he was awesome (or so I’ve heard, because 20 years later, customers still talk about it). This is one of this latest albums and quite frankly, all his albums are worth the listen. Young or old, Don never fails to impress.
Michael W Smith – A New Hallelujah (CD-RM32.90, DVD-RM49.90)
Awesome album first of all. This is the one recorded live while being accompanied by the African Children’s Choir on a couple of songs and I just loved everything. Special mentions are “A New Hallelujah”, “Help is One the Way” .feat Isreal Houghton, “When I Think of You”. There’s amazing energy in this album that you can only experience when you listen to this album. And if you can get your hands on the DVD, all the better!
DownHere - How Many Kings (RM32.90)
I must admit that this is the first time I’ve heard of this group, but the album is not bad. It’s more about the songs being fun and interesting that made me like this album. I would compare their style as a little rock-ish, kinda like some new age Beatles. I love “Christmas in Our Hearts”! It’s merry and fun! “How Many Kings” is a great soulful song too, really makes us understand that there really is no one like our Lord. Then there’s the track “Five Golden Rings” which just comes out of nowhere! With only just one line! And 3 words!! Get this album and you are definitely in for a surprise!
Since I'm working at a Christian Music/Book Store, I was thinking that I should review some of the music there. I listen to them all the time, and they are the only plus side to my job. So the next few blog posts from me will be about Christian Music! from my point of view... but really, this is more my brother's job.
Wow Hits 2009 - Various Artist
(CD-43.90, DVD-RM49.90)
Release : October 2008 This is by far one of my favourite albums in the store. It has the likes of Chris Tomlin, Switchfoot, Steven Curtis Chapman, Point of Grace, TobyMac and many more. It is mostly modern christian songs, and a couple of worship ones. With a mix of rock, light rap, pop and a whole lot more. Although it's all by Christian Artist, not all the songs are about God. Some are about love and some about home. But personally, I like it no matter what. It's 2 CDs and it's just jam packed with great songs! My fourites are TobyMac's "Lose My Soul", Chris Tomlin's "Jesus Messiah", Point Of Grace's "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)" and Tenth Avenue North's "Love is Here" . Definitely for the younger generation, and guaranteed to get feet tapping and your head bopping! Highly Recommended.
Song list: CD1
1. Every Man (Casting Crowns)
3. Call My Name (Third Day
4. Jesus Messiah (Chris Tomlin)
5. Let It Fade (Jeremy Camp)
6. You Are Everything (Matthew West)
7. Cinderella (Steven Curtis Chapman)
8. How You Live Turn Up The Music (Point Of Grace)
9. Mighty To Save LIVE (Michael W. Smith)
10. All Because Of Jesus (Fee)
11. Set The World On Fire (Britt Nicole)
12. Your Grace Is Enough (Matt Maher)
13. Song Of Hope Heaven Come Down (Robbie Seay Band)
14. In Better Hands (Natalie Grant)
15. Sound Of Your Name (Above The Golden State)
CD2
1. Everything Glorious (David Crowder Band)
2. This Is Home (Switchfoot)
3. Friend Like That (Hawk Nelson)
4. The Best Thing (Relient K)
5. Love Is Here (Tenth Avenue North)
6. Washed By The Water (Needtobreathe)
7. Give Me Your Eyes (Brandon Heath)
8. I m Letting Go (Francesca Battistelli)
9. Lose My Soul (TobyMac)
10. Jesus Loves You (Stellar Kart)
11. Count Me In (Leeland)
12. Unbreakable (Fireflight)
13. Already Over (Red)
14. All Along (Remedy Drive)
15. Sleeping In (Nevertheless)
Wow Essentials 2 - Various Artist (RM32.90) Released : March 2009
This album really has a good mix of new and old songs. Some are from about 2006, which may seen pretty old to some ppl. But the songs here are good, cuz it's easy listening, with many of them being familiar songs.
For those who were so gracious to always check in, I thank you, but am truly sorry to always disappoint.
Life has looked up, and God has given me that silver lining.
Here’s a little update on what’s been going on since my last post.
Had the most busiest and last semester in college.
Consisting of my part time job at the Department of Student Affairs in my college. And also successfully pulled off a big event! My college’s Prom Nite. But I’d prefer not to elaborate too much on that subject. All I can say is that it went well, and I came out a more mature person… hopefully. I’m proud of myself and that my hard work was worth it in the end. But I’m glad it’s over!
Out of college!
Yes you heard it! I’m done with college! At least for now… my phase at Nilai University College is over! And it couldn’t have come at a better time. With all the changes college has been having (with both the people and the administration), I don’t think I could have bared anymore of it. What I’m sad about is leaving my beloved friends and Christian Fellowship. God Bless them all.
Foreign Intervention
Been really involved with AFS most of the time, and am finally hosting for the first time!!! I got my parents to agree to hosting a German boy for a year! His name is Kai Jeske aka KJ aka whiteboi aka Guai Lou. He’s fitting in well with the family I guess. I have a feeling he secretly loves my 2nd bro… The Jay Man. And I’m doing all I can to make this a good experience for his as it was for me.
Played Matchmaker! But failed at my own :P
Yeah, I’m a real crowd pleaser and a sad case all rolled up into one! I introduced 2 very close friends of mine and well… their together! LOL!! I’ve never done this before! Seriously!! And I never dared to, but well, they are both great people whom I love very much, so I really want to see a happy ending for them. (you know who you are! And I want my own special mention when you 2 get married!! Better make me as much part of the wedding!! That’s if you get married la….)
And yeah, lets not elaborate too much into the failing part. Cuz we all know everyone wants to hear only good news! But having said that… I have no regrets! And I’m proud to say that! My God will show me the right person when the time comes.
All work and no play, makes joycey a sad sad girl…
LOL! Wokei, I guess I’ve lazed and played a little too much for my own good (3 weeks) . Because of my super stubborn self, I insist that I WILL go to USA for my internship… and while all my course mates have already started theirs, here I am waiting patiently and aimlessly for mine. So rather than being hawked on by me lovely parents for doing nothing at home, I got a part time job at a Christian bookstore, at Seremban Parade. My theory was rather than being bored at home, I’d rather work at the shop, be bored there and get paid! Hey! It’s not my fault business is slow there! And the manager needs help! Plus I get to listen to all the new Christian albums in the store! AND I’m working for God! How great is that!?
Problem is I can’t really take a day off, and I have to cover the manager’s shift whenever she has a hospital appointment. Well, that’s life. No one said it was perfect. My time there is great for catching up on my long over-due reading list.
Prayers answered! Internship/Work on the way!
I’ve finally been answered! God has been so kind as to finally grant me the chance to go back to US to work for 4 months!! Miami didn’t work out, but I’m going to a Ski Resort in Vermont now!! Now I just have to finish the new paper work and pay 2k (not inclusive of airfare) and I’m well on my way!! I going places babe!! Eat my dust!
