Horse Riding near Cobham

I tagged along F and T for a horse riding trip, near Cobham. It was an interesting event especially for me as I observe how beautiful a horse could be and the details of different type of horses, brushes for cleaning the horses and different skills in moulding a horse character.In short-it's kinda like caring for someone which really requires lots of passion, patience, effort, time and energy-like baby.

Misha (a Polish name for Michael), was the name of the horse.Elegant, young, with a very strong character. Apparently, the horse is bred for competition and F is trying hard to train it to be a good, tough one. I must say that Misha is really unique,cranky a bit at the first impression but nonetheless beautiful with its elegant color. It was also interesting to learn that the skills needed from horse to compete-not racing, mind you but two of the areas which I could remember are 'posing'(like a model) and jumping. This horse was already trained in Poland for competition and it is only 4-5 years old (the life span of a horse is 25 years old). It must be really worth all the effort having to bring it to UK from Poland, thanks to T. Apparently it took them about 8 months for negotiation and paper work finalization before Misha arrived to Weybridge which was 2 weeks before me:)

After a slight warm up in the training area, we took the horse for a walk through the forest. I've got the chance to stroll through the forest, yet another green and posh area of Surrey and found some really nice houses around. Apparently according to T, some of the houses belong to the famous celebrities. So, rich people stay here as well. No wonder horse riding is a common sport here, despite that it is an expensive sport.Also, shooting and golf are another two common favourites.

We wanted to go to the church in the evening but it was too late. Hence, we took the horse back for shower and drove home. We chatted for a while and look through the pictures as F scrutinize the postures and the progress of the training. Honestly, I do admire F's passion for horses and her determination to go for what she really loves doing. As for T, I do admire his determination to pursue his love. Overall this horse riding trip was not only enjoyable but it was an eye-opener experience for me.

A weekend away with friends

On Saturday, LM came over to Weybridge and pay me a visit. I picked her up from the train station which is about 5-10mins walk from where I currently live. We then went around shopping at the High Street of Weybridge. Well, it was really nothing as compared to the shopping streets in Central London, which I'd certainly warned her. Nonetheless, we did enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere that Weybridge offers,where one might not find in the buzz of the metropolitan city. We then went to Tesco express which was quite a distance away (and go lost:P), but nonetheless we bought lots of food to cook, and probably could last me for a week or two. She spend a night at my place and we watched a DVD to close the day.

The next day, we took a lift from my housemate to the Central London and she drove us to the Lancaster Gate where she took some medicine courses. I then met B and we went to the British musuem and shopping. It was really great to mix both learning and leisure together. One could really seek lots of knowledge by learning the history and understanding why things happened, though frankly, I never could fully understand the history of thousand or zillion years ago. I just appreciate them, rather than truly understand them,really. As there was also summer sales in London I've got myself a pretty good deal on a pair of working leather shoes and a shirt.

Later in the evening,I took the tube from Oxford Circus to Upton Park, where I've met one of my 'long time no see' friend. Hehe, you might be surprised to hear this but it's true-I met L,a BBC during my Trans Siberian trip in Aug/Sept 2006 on a train. That was two years ago and we did keep in touch along the way. Last year our paths cross again in London. I came from Edinburgh on my virgin trip to this buzzy city. L, was so kind to bring B&I around London for a short sightseeing, though back then frankly, I am more interested in catching up with her rather than the city itself.

Then on the 20th July, we met again. This time, it was her farewell party. We had a BBQ with some of her friends at her place. I met some of her cool friends, British, Italian, BBC and some of her family members. I have always like her cheerful smile and easy going personality. This time she is gonna leave for HK, perhaps for good. Haha...no wonder she has planned to ship all of her stuff and even the bedside table, all in 'a single bed size' amount of luggage all the way from London to HK. My train trip from the West to East London, is certainly nothing compares to her version of West(UK) to East (HK) trip:) Also, S, A and I stayed back and chatted with her.We had inherited some good books. One of them is the "Walks in Britain". I came to know that S joined a hiking club in London and A is keen to "do things" and L was suggesting that we should hike sometime before she leaves for her backpacking trip to Vietnam and straight to HK. So, L is gonna hook us up thru facebook, and perhaps I might foster hiking as my hobby though frankly, I doubt my stamina;)Nonetheless, I am always attracted to the majestic scenery of the God made hills, lakes and nature. It brought back some nostalgias on my last China trip with KY and WY 3-4 years ago. To re-live such an inexplicable adventure and experience would be really cool.

Speaking about hiking, did I mention that in Weybridge, one of the common sports over here is horse riding? Yeah, no joke, F,my current apartment mate owns a horse! She's only 27, owns a clinic and very entrepreneur. She has a smiling face all the time. An attribute which I really admire. So is S, who was my potential landlady in Weybridge and L,my colleague at S and her daughter; all are horse riders. Another activity worth considering;)

However, the horse riding experience with KC, A and I during our Trans Siberian adventure which had caused body ache and the pain in the ass, somehow deterred me;). I've talked to F, who seems to be an expert in horses, she seems to be very knowledgable and honestly, she has somewhat charmed my interest in horses.On the other hand, I felt pity for the horses, having to be ridden by humans.Hmm...we'll see...

Sometimes I Wonder

Sometimes I wonder,
What would I do if I was there two thousand years ago?
Would I commit my life to Thee for that thorny pilgrim road?
Or would I despise Your compassion and walk away with sorrow?

Sometimes I wonder,
What would I do if I witnessed Your miraculous healing?
Would I sing my praises with all my heart and soul?
Or would I ask for a sign from heaven or to Beelzebul I go?

Sometimes I wonder,
What would I do if I watched You standing on trial?
Would I boldly proclaim Your name and to death I follow?
Or would I deny you three times before the rooster crowed?

Sometimes I wonder,
What would I do if I stood at the feet of that cross?
Would I cry out for mercy and tremble with fear?
Or would I join the crowd in mockery and sarcastic jeers?

Sometimes I wonder,
What would I do if I saw that empty tomb?
Would I be amazed and rejoice and trust in the truth?
Or would I question and doubt and speak like a fool?

Sometimes I wonder,
What would I do if they told me You are alive?
Would I shout with joy and gladly declare Your greatness?
Or would I insist of feeling your pierced side like the doubting Thomas?

Sometimes I wonder,
What if I have wandered astray and stumbled on the way,
Will You still welcome me home with Your wide open arms?
And will You still search for the lost sheep and love the prodigal son?

‘Seventy times seven’, I heard You said;
And I know, I have been forgiven.

‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’

Weybrigde: A bridge to a New Life?

I have moved to Weybridge on the 10th July, a day earlier than planned. This is because there was the Elton John concert on the 11th July and to avoid the traffic jam, my friends have decided to help me to move on Thursday. W&C were so kind to drive my luggage and myself to Weybridge at the late night on the 10th. I'd arrived at almost 12 midnight and by the time I'd unpacked it was pretty late. Nonetheless, as I woke up the next morning, boy did I really appreciate the short distance to the train station where I used to catch the free shuttle bus to the company at The Heights.The first impression that I had for Weybridge when I attended the first interview with S was that it is calm, peaceful and green. I also saw employees who had cycled to work up the hill to their respective companies.At that time, I was even thinking of cycling to work if I get this job.The second time I went back to S for the second interview, accessment and presentation, I knew back then that I have grown accustomed to Weybridge.There was somehow a weird pulling sense of belonging here.Hard to explain but I guess it's because I have always like nature-the calmness and the friendliness of the country men have always impressed me. I felt rather peaceful, quiet and calm. Never have I ever thought that Weybridge is actually a posh area , where many rich people lives here. Hence, properties' prices here soar high. I've just got to know today from a colleague who lives here that apparently there are many wealthy rich men , particularly from the Scandinavian and the Chelsea football players who live here or nearby. No wonder I remember seeing a group of kids learning horse riding while I was "riding" the bus.Even my housemate, who is half French and half British with an origin from India, owns a horse! Apparently, London city itself doesn't have much appeal to these countryside lovers. This area may be posh, to me it's kinda like a small town. Nonetheless, I like it sofar though I am yet to walk around and discover more of the area. There is also a canal which could be really romantic strolling and taking picture.Hmm, I guess probably I would venture myself into the country activities, in addition to the weekend city trips since Central London is only 35mins away by train. Hey, come to think of it-it is indeed a great opportunity to be able to explore both side of UK-the city and the countryside. Visiting is one thing, living is another. I am looking forward to explore Weybridge, perhaps a bridge to a new chapter of my life-both professionally and personally.

Present: Carpe Diem and The "S'es....

Today is the 29th June. The month of June is gonna end soon. But one thing I am pretty certain: I am gonna live the moment! A week passed since I was attached to S, based at Frimley. I really like the technology adopted in the buiding of the company, the facilities (i.e cashless, shuttle bus and yes, they have a gym in their buiding for the staff!) and the flexi hours in the company. The staff can choose to work from home (how cool!). I came to know that even if your role is not that highly ranked over here as compared to Malaysia, the level of responsibilities and independence expected are rather high. I remembered what my French Director once told me that working in Europe, even as an intern requires a lot of time and commitment. I could not agree less. Ha...nothing are really like Malaysia in terms of working style/culture. As I do admire Asians' commitment and diligence, I also really do admire the high sense of responsibilities and efficiency adopted by the Europeans. These are certainly some of the attributes that I've learnt over here at S.

As the month of June is coming to an end, follows by the month of July, I am again looking forward for another new journey. I will update you when the time comes. At the present, I am living the moment. As for tomorrow, it will be a mystery. As for the past, it's history. As for now-the present, I just wanna make the most out of my time here, it's a gift (that's why it's called the present;), so I am gonna appreciate it, work hard in righteousness and for His glory. As for the others, I'll leave it to Him.

Ironically, I can't help wondering whether the letter 'S' could have somewhat related or signified to me anything recently. Four companies begins with the letter 'S' has somewhat associated with me. Ive let go of a job opportunity by co S in Malaysia. Now I am attached to another company, S, who was mistaken for another co. S by the headhunter. Strangely, the upcoming company also starts with S. Haha...I wonder if there are more events with 'S'es lining up for my discovery..:)Good events, I hope.
I would like to think the coming 'S'es as Shining, Singing, Sweet, Safe, Strength,Sunny and errr...'Sexy'? haha:)Neh, perhaps more Sense of humor would brings more happiness and meaning to life:)Cheers.

Where God guides, He provides.

"If God tells you to do something, he will give you the energy, talent, resources – whatever you need – to do it. Where God guides, He provides. "

I have gone thru months of many diferent experiences-roller coaster months!. But He did provide. He did give me the energy, talent and resources to do it. Even now, I am still at the crossroads of a decision and I think many decisions more to come. I've learnt not too worry so much (Matthew 6: 24-34)

"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today". (Matthew 6: 34).

I will not have survived till today if it's not for Him who provides. I left home alone, with so much aspirations and hopes to achieve but unexpectedly, the answers I was seeking were not what I've expected. It was ironically a twist of fate, which brought me to where and what I am now. I may not have achieved what I have aspired and wanted before I took the courage and board the plane from Malaysia to UK, but I guess God has a plan for me.Indeed He provides. Now that I reflect, He was holding my hands and guiding me all the way. I've made friends I never thought I really would. Ive learnt to forgive and forget (though am still learning).I have also learnt cooking from W and began to appreciate every little things in life. I've learnt a lot about kindness. "What goes around, comes around" (W, 2008).I am really grateful for all of the support from my friends-in everything. I am thankful that He is watching over me. Indeed, once the children of Christ, He will never, ever forsake you. I was drifted away,yeah, I'd backslided, somehow, He was so merciful. He forgives. It was thru my sis, who has given me the Study Bible on the day that I was flying to London, which has brought the desire and hunger of being close to Him. I'd never looked back since. He does provide, in the past, now and future. If we do our part, I believe He will do the rest. I choose to trust Him!

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 4:19

"...........we followed that dream, even when it involved risks. If you’re going to live by faith, you’re going to have to take some risks. In some situations, you’ll wonder if God is going to come through. But keep believing – because where God guides, God provides."

(Source : http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/FreeTools/devotional/todaysDevo/Devotional.htm?a=2641&z=1)

Love?

I came across another message about love thru the facebook today and I find it quite meaningful...

"Sometimes, in our relentless efforts to find the
person we LoVe we fail to recognize & appreciate
the people who LoVe us.
We miss out on so many beautiful things & simply
because we allow ourselves to been slaved by our
own selfish concerns.
Go for the Person of deeds & not for the Person of words
for you will find rewarding happiness not with the
Person you LoVe but the Person who LoVes you more.
The best LoVers are those who are capable of
LoVing from a distance, far enough to allow the
other person to grow, but never too far to feel the
LoVe deep within your being.
To let go of someone doesn't mean you have to
stop LoVing, it only means that you allow that
person to find her own happiness without expecting
him to come back.
Letting go is not just setting the other person free,
but it is also setting yourself free from all
bitterness, hatred, & anger that keep in your heart.
Do not let the bitterness rare away your strength &
weaken your faith & never allow pain to dishearten
you, but rather let you grow with wisdom in bearing
it.
You may found peace in just LoVing someone from
a distance not expecting anything in return.
But be careful, for this can sustain life but can
never give enough room for us to grow.
We can all survive with just beautiful memories of
the past but real peace & happiness come only
with open acceptance of what reality is today.
There comes a time in our lives when we chance
upon someone so nice & beautiful and we just find
ourselves getting so intensely attracted to that
person.
This feeling soon become a part of our everyday
lives & eventually consumes our thoughts & actions
The sad part of it is when we begin to realize that
this person feels nothing more for us than just a
friendship.
We start our desperate attempt to get noticed & be
closer but in the end our efforts are still unrewarded
& we end up being sorry for ourselves.
You don't have to forget someone you LoVe.
What you need to learn is how to accept the
verdict of reality without being bitter or sorry for
yourself.
Believe me; you would be better off giving that
dedication & LoVe to someone more deserving.
Don't let your heart run your life, be sensible & let
your mind speak for itself.
Listen not only to your feelings but to reason as
well.
Always remember that if you lose someone today,
it means that someone better is coming tomorrow:
If you lose LoVe that doesn't mean that you failed
in LoVe.
Cry, if you have to, but make it sure that the tears
wash away the hurt & the bitterness that the past
has left with you.
Let go of yesterday & LoVe will find its way back to
you & when it does, pray that it may be the LoVe
that will stay & last a lifetime.

Life is Beautiful…
Take care & GOD Bless..."