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| Down with a cold today....not very productive. Hope I will feel better......For those with some last exams to go, good luck!
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| I played the piano at a wedding ceremony today. I wasn't extremely close to the couple but I had a few good chats with them before. They are truly mature Christians, and pour out their hearts for God. It was a simple ceremony, yet the love and commitment they showed for each other touched me deeply.
Some people asked me if I charge them money for playing. When I said no, they felt that I should have, because more and more people from the church is asking me to play at their wedding. Indeed, if strangers invite me to play, I would ask to be paid. But if they are people whom I have crossed paths with some point prior, and with whom I have shared some happy or significant moments with-no matter how fleeting-I am more than willing to play FOC. I am glad to share this gift of mine on the most important day of their lives, and in return, I am often touched by the God-binding love they share, and by the life that they are going to walk together.
It is also true that external rewards will lessen the intrinsic reward of an activity. The more you get paid for something, you attribute more of your 'happiness' to money, than to the joy derived from the activity itself. I rather enjoy a few moments when I become genuinely touched by God's and man's love, than having some extra pocket money for the week. Some things are priceless.
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| I haven't had a hearty laugh for a long while until tonight.
It was only a conversation shared with a friend over dinner...and we weren't even talking about anything in particular - just random ideas and opinions. Yet, not a single moment of awkward silence was heard, nor was there any disjointedness in our exchange.
The humor and relaxed atmosphere were especially timely after a long day of work at the computer. The drudgery gradually lessen and I felt refreshed by the end of the night. Things that did not work out during the day no longer matter, and I am ready to face new challenges the next day. Come what may!
Never underestimate the healing power of a like-minded and supportive friend.
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| It has been 8 months since I last wrote on Xanga. I guess I am just not a very verbal person......For some reasons, however, I feel that I must learn to better articulate my thoughts on paper, and improve my writing speed.
This is my 8th week as a student in the Hospital for Sick Children. Although I do not have many direct patient contacts, seeing the little ones along the corridors motivates thinking about life. What can I do to help these kids? How their parents feel about having an unhealthy child? Would they rather not have kids if they knew that their child might end up suffering?
Many emotions were brought to light as well. My heart sinks every time I see a chemo child in a wheelchair. Their futures are uncertain, yet they are going through the most exhausting and trying treatment. They have lost so much weight and their hairs have fallen off. Their arms are thin to the bones, and their eyes protrude from their sunken faces. If you manage to glance into their eyes, there seems to be a voice asking, 'Why me?'
On the contrary, your day brightens when you see energetic and healthy children leaving the hospital. These kids are ready to return to school and embrace life to the fullest. Their lives may be changed forever because of the treatment they receive here. When my work gets dreary, I always remind myself about the true purpose behind -- to improve the lives of sick children. | | |
| Life has not been so thought-provoking for the past month. Perhaps I should think harder......
After 6 years being away from the stage, I performed again on the piano today. It was a good experience overall, though I was more nervous than before. My body tensed up nearing the time to play, and my mouth got so dry. My mind seemed to be elsewhere. I walked up the stage with feigned confidence, and took a bow. I sat and started wiping the keyboard absent-mindedly. I also adjusted the height of the music stool aimlessly, more to lengthen the time before the dreaded go at the keys than to get the most comfortable sitting position: for there is none.
Thankfully, my piece (Debussy's L'Isle Joyeuse) moved on without major mishap.
After the event, I promised myself to treasure every opportunity to perform in the public, and gain back the composure and command I used to have on stage.
I shall go now to practise my next piece...... | | |
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