Yes, I'm finally coming down to blog about this event! =)
When I first got to know about this event from my friend who is one of the LP103 team member organising this, I was very excited as it was such a meaningful thing that I had always wanted to be a part of. I immediately sign up as a volunteer to facilitate the chronically ill kids from Club Rainbow. However, I also felt that organising this event is going to be really tough. My friend told me they are aiming for $3K amount of funds initially and I thought it was impossible...
But inspired by my friend's optimism, I put faith on it and decided to help her in realising this dream. So I started helping to source for venue sponsors, and then for photographers, buses and other logistics + fund raising. During the fund raising flea, only $200+ was raised and again, the target seems impossible. Along the way, more and more expenses were predicted & the funds target continue to rise to almost $5 or 6K. We continue working hard to publicise the event.
A few asked me why I was helping so much when I'm just a volunteer and not part of the organising team.. Honestly, I don't think I help much at all. I just do what I can along the way but the team themselves are really the ones doing much more than what they could do.. So the success of the event was really based upon the sweat and blood of this team. =)
A night before the event, I was feeling pretty excited and anticipative, wondering who my kid will be and how he/she will respond to me. I wanted to really make my kid's day awesome and memorable but a part of me fear that I can't wow the kid. I decided to give the kid a gift at the end of the event and was wondering what to get. But finally I got down to making a 2012 Diary for the kid. After packing all the things needed like mosquito patch, hat & umbrella for the kid in case it gets too sunny, I went to sleep with a smile on my face. =)
The next morning, I woke up early (earlier than necessary probably cuz too excited) but still reached Pruhall late because of some last minute delay.. >.< There were 3 groups in total and I was allocated to the Carrot group. The venue was really well decorated with colorful balloons everywhere.. (I almost forget, who don't love balloons?) =) Finally met the kid I was allocated to! His name is Jagdish and he came with his aunt. He's very shy and hardly spoke anything else other than "yes" and "no". I started asking him questions about himself and he's so shy! He only look at his aunt when he replied while his aunt kept telling him to look at the person who's speaking to him (who is me). To break the ice, I decided to give him a nice paper clip that I prepared the day before to cheer him up and that really did break the ice! =P (For kids, presents always works!) After we got on the bus and started heading to Bollywood Veggies, we finally had a real conversation. That is when I got to know Jagdish better.
Jagdish is 11 years old, born on 29 September. His favourite color is red and he likes to draw. He doesn't like Powerpuff girls (neither do I) cuz he thinks it's too girlish. He likes to play computer games too. And the chat went on and on... I told him I'm very timid and asked if he could protect me if we get lost. He said he will, and only once. Lols... He said if we meet bad guys, he will stand up, just once, for me. Even if it's just once, the innocence of kids, so sweet! =)
When we reach, we started with lunch, followed by the baking session, which was really great fun! The kids were challenged to do all the things themselves with us guiding them along. It was really nice to see the kids trying hard and then their expressions of happiness and satisfaction when they got it done. =)But what made it more touching was that when others drop by to chat with Jagdish, he got all shy and started looking at me as he responded to others. Aww he had found a form of support & trust in me.. Moreover, another memorable thing was the other kid at my table group. I think his name is Ahish. His family is very cheerful n happy-go-lucky. Despite their child's illness, they still appear very happy and excited. I could feel the family's bond and love from the way the husband jokes and laugh, and the wife picks up the jokes and laugh too.. It suddenly reminded me that admist our busy and sometimes complicated lives, 幸福还是简单的快乐.
After the baking session and having flour all over us, we cleaned ourselves up and headed for the farm tour. The weather was so good that the sky was all clear and the sun was scorching hot. Nice aunt got a cap for Jagdish but no cap for herself. So I opened my umbrella to shelter her. Under such heat, I don't think anyone can tolerate without any shade. Farm tour was again, very fun. I learnt more about edible and inedible banana plantations, plant dye, lime, beanspouts, and other vegetables. The farm tour was short but we all had enough from standing in the Sun already. Lols..
The last station was the Potting session where the kids and volunteers will get to plant their own vegetables. It was really enjoyable and I took home 2 plants (1 donated from my fren who doesn't want to take home the plant).
Finally, the outing to Bollywood veggies was over and we headed back to Pruhall for finale. =)
Back at Pruhall, I was amazed by the amount of food that LP103 prepared for us. There had already been drinks, ice cream and lunch at Bollywood Veggies. But back at Pruhall, there's snacks and Mr bean drinks again + a huge cake for everyone to enjoy! It's really a WOW day! =D Each kid got to take home a big bear too. How sweet! =)
Towards the end of the event, it's time to present Jagdish his "wow" day graduation gift - the 2012 diary I made for my kid! I pulled Jagdish to my side and told him "Jagdish, if you can recall 3 things about me, I have a gift for u!" At this moment, my 2 awesome photographers OQS & Branden started snapping & snapping photos of this 'memorable' moment but this unfortunately sort of intimidated Jagdish a little and he got all shy again and cldn't say a thing except for smile. So I decided to hold it off a while and give him the gift later when less people are around.. Time to say good bye. Though he eventually still didn't say the three things that he remember about me, but I hope I've somehow made a difference in his life. =)
Jagdish's story (from his aunt): Jagdish had some muscle disorder that prevented him from being able to move himself without feeling pain or fatigue. As there is currently no cure for such an illness, he's wheelchair bound for life. His mother had passed away and his father is hospitalised, hence his aunt is taking care of him now. His aunt is really amazing, so patient and kind looking after Jagdish so well.
On 19 November, I gave Jagdish a call. Again, a shy voice answered "yes" to all questions.. Hopefully, despite his handicap, his heart will stay strong and happy always.
------it all takes the courage to believe------ ; {1:54 PM}
"really thank you for being part of my life, and being so supportive of me n listening to my victim story above, heeehe. "
"katie, u r bubbly, u r also mature. u r cute, u r also serious. u r driven, u r also laid-back. There r many sides of u & they r all a part of u. It means you show the best given what u have at that moment. That's what makes katie interesting :)"
Thank you babe, for your constant encouragement, jokes and most importantly, honesty. =)
------it all takes the courage to believe------ ; {10:23 PM}
It's thanksgiving. I'm grateful for everything that I have in life, thankful for everyone whom I have came across in my life. Whatever that made me who I am today. :)
It was 19:04, raining heavily outside, I was enjoying my cheesy turkey pizza with my team mate at IBP, listening to 98.7FM, the phone rang...
and I made my final decision.
Yes, finally.
I no longer hope that it is the right decision, and I no longer fear. Because I've made my choice to be starting out this new journey. And where I go, where I will reach, I will put my faith on it.
------it all takes the courage to believe------ ; {7:35 PM}
Enjoy with soundtrack... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Y4kfHtxuU&feature=BFa&list=PL034947B1C95ED2D4&lf=plpp_play_all
Fall "Who should be blamed when a leaf falls from a tree? Is it the wind who blew it away? Or the tree that let it go? ..Or is it the leaf who got tired of holding on." - Best Quotes
Photo from Art 'n' Articles
Simplicity Just when you feel bored and empty, look into the far horizon and you will be filled with strength, aspiration and joy.
Photo from National Geographics
Cherish "When you really matter to someone, that person will make time for you. No excuses, No lies, and No broken promises." - Best Quotes
[of course, don't overask for time! ;)]
Photo by Jon Sullivan
------it all takes the courage to believe------ ; {8:18 PM}
When I was 18, I had regretted not joining Art Elective programs or learning from an Arts School since young to groom my interest in Art. However, I discovered over time that what I want from Art was not technique or perfection but an avenue for expression and appreciation.
During my first 3 months in high school, I joined the Arts Club but end up quitting after 3 months for another CCA as I didn't find much fun from the activities that I did in the Club. Although I enjoy Art and Craft but I couldn't find meaning in what I was doing. I didn't understand why then.
Shortly, I realised what was missing was the fun from self-inspiration and challenge. I do indeed like drawing and painting but I didn't enjoy drawing or painting on a rountine basis or when I was told to do it. I draw when I get the impulse or inspiration from around me, e.g. a picture or a show. Then regardless of the outcome of the artwork, I will be happy. Moreover, having to self-learn by experimenting around with strokes and/or colors makes the process even more enjoyable.
So I guess that is why I didn't consider Art as a career because I actually get more satisfaction from doing it as a hobby.
The best thing about hobbies is that you don't have to be technically perfect. You don't have to have the money for the best art material nor to take classes under the best teachers.
All you need is a burning passion, to feel it deep down and express it. Then, you can produce an inspiring piece anywhere and everywhere.
I don't believe in competitions either because each art piece is unique in their own ways, expressing one's feelings and thoughts. And this would naturally suit different taste.
The most important thing is to love your work.
I particularly love Artworks that show not just beauty, but also express feelings.
Know what I mean?
Freedom Live up to your own expectations, not the expectations of others on you.
Hope Living things don't live alone, we mutually protect, support and give love to each other. This is what brings hope.
Discovery Adventure is self-found; Sometimes, it's not necessary to be strong but to feel strong.
Mystery An Act of Survival or an Act of Escape.
Inspiration comes when you least expects it.
------it all takes the courage to believe------ ; {12:23 PM}
Had a good brunch today with my Uni frens. :) Great catch-up session after so long (a few months also considered long). After we all graduated and started work, all of us got so busy with our own lives, with the only exception of lunch meetups when we work near each other. It's great to be able to meet up again today. And it seems quite some time since I last visited Clark Quay and Orchard Road. Super no life...
Flu is not getting better for the past 3 days. Now started coughing too. Really hope can fully recover by Tuesday.
I seriously love the feeling of entering The CD Shop, find a comfortable corner and just tune in to their songs. The sound system is really fantastic. All songs will sound good on their audio system. This shows the importance of having a good audio system at home too.
Omg I've so many things to study!
And when all else fails, Art and Music will always be my best friends.
------it all takes the courage to believe------ ; {11:45 PM}
Okay I know quite lame... This kind of stuff happens everyday BUT this is my blog!! So I can blog about anything! =P
Prefer my new hair as it's much easier to manage. But my overpriced camera is officially spoilt. =( It's been with me for 5 years. And the only camera that I have now is my camera phone. *Sign* What kind of camera should I get now?
And not to forget (tho I should really forget about this), had a totally frightening nightmare today. A nightmare about yourself getting hurt is still okay, you woke up shaken but calm down fast. But a nightmare about your love ones getting hurt is so much more scarier than you can believe. The gush of emotions totally woke me up in the silent night, with the only comfort that it was just a nightmare. But it made me feel so bad that I set my heart to always remember to spend enough time with my family, my love ones. Now the very thought of the scene still brings me goosebumps.. Hope I will have a better dream tonight.
On a happier note, I managed to do what I set out to do today. Just played mum's favourite songs by Fei Yi Qing for her on DVD. She was so happy! She gets happy as fast as she gets upset..Lols... And it was so fun when I showed her how to dance Jive with 1 of Fei Yi Qing song as the beats were Jive beats. It's so cool to be able to dance to any songs that comes on as long as you get the beats right. =)
------it all takes the courage to believe------ ; {7:49 PM}
Yes, if you noticed, I finally got down to tidying up info on my blog after years!
I even realised some links are no longer applicable. No wonder a few months ago friends kept asking why my blog is collecting dust.
As for the song, Right Here Right Now, sorry...I can't change... I know everyone visiting this blog is sick of the song alr, probably nobody even bother looking at it. Not because I don't want to but because I can't remember how to change. I added it 1 year ago, totally forget which paragraph to remove from the settings alr. >.<
5 more days to important day, another 9 more days to special day, yet another 15 days to USS, and then another 16 days to the anniversary of the day I first cried!! Yay Wonderful November~
------it all takes the courage to believe------ ; {8:38 PM}
Likes...
Art: sketching, painting
Music: country, soft rock
Sports: skate, cycle, dance
Movies, Books: adventurous, meaningful, inspiring
Nature: Sightseeing
Making a difference
Fantacise her life like Anything but Ordinary.
