Saturday, September 29, 2007
Pet Trick The Dog Saviour
I called Pet Trick in the morning. He suggested that I should get a bark control collar. It sends electric signals to a dog whenever it barks excessively. He was worried that I might think it is a cruel method to shut Rusky up. What could be more cruel than putting a dog to sleep or abandon it on the streets? I asked God for His plan and He gave it to me. I bought a baby gate at Pet Resource @ Serangoon. Toilet suggested that I could keep Rusky in his house for a day. Thank God. That was exactly what I had in mind. I bought the bark control collar @ Pasir Ris. I was on time for pre-service choir practice. After the day's events, I went to fetch Rusky. Toilet's family loved Rusky! Rusky flirted with Toilet's Golden Retriever Janielle and Janielle chased it angrily around the house. His relatives laughed at the playful pair. Toilet's mum Jo was very understanding with Rusky's bad habits. She even suggested that I should bring Rusky back if her relatives visit them again. I brought Rusky back and tried the collar on it. I prayed for a peaceful day ahead.Posted by Benjamin at 8:58 AM
Overboard
I was studying at McDonald's @ Toa Payoh with 无敌 when my mum called me at 1 am. A panic tone. My whole family members were awake. Rusky went overboard with its barking again. Our condominium's security guards rang the door bell and woke them up. Our neighbours made a complain once again. They warned that if Rusky continued to bark, the authorities would be informed and Rusky would have to go. I was traumatised! I drove back at the speed of light, only to find Rusky wagging its tail and running towards me. I pushed it away angrily and went ahead to find my parents. When I walked into the room, my parents and my third brother looked at me gloomily. My mum insisted that Rusky must leave. Even my third brother agreed with her. I was at a lost. After they went back to sleep, I sat quietly in the living room. Rusky jumped on my lap and we cuddled a little. I must save its life. No one else will do it.Posted by Benjamin at 5:28 AM
Friday, September 28, 2007
Rusky The Incredible
Rusky's living space is the drying area in the kitchen.- He wailed like a ghost when I tied it to the railing.
- He screamed like thunder when I left the door closed.
- He creeped out like a rat when I left the door opened.
- He slipped out like a snake when I put a metal barrier.
- He jumped out like a frog when I put two metal barriers.
- He climbed out like a monkey when I put three metal barriers.
And all I thought I had was a dog. Oh my God.
Posted by Benjamin at 12:01 PM
The Mind Cafe @ Chiltern Park
Our cell group had prepared for a barbeque session at my house. Oh no! Here comes the rain! Superman seemed to attract rain all the time. It rained the last time his cell group had a barbecue session during Christmas season. It also rained on his wedding day. However, we were not taunted by S.A. Tan's attacks. He didn't know that Superman had a backup plan this time... The Mind Cafe @ Chiltern Park! I brought them to my house. Hello Nurse did what he do best... teach the new friends how to play board and card games! Hello Nurse brought Saboteur and Bang! and Daniel Wu brought Risk. As they stalled time, I-loh, Pearl and I were busy changing the food menu. Barbecued hot dogs turned into fried sausages served with naan. Barbecued crab sticks turned into scrambled egg with diced crab sticks and sausages. Barbecued potatoes turned into boiled potatoes with mayonnaise and beacon bits. Superman led them into ice-breaker games and I did a simple dog show with Rusky. All of a sudden, I got that God-had-planned-this-long-ago feeling once again. Everything seemd to fit into place. Like what the Bible says, each of us are parts of the body of Christ, serving a common purpose and working towards a common goal. Our cell group may be not perfect, but as we pool our talents, abilities and resources together, our weaknesses are made strong and our strengths are made stronger!Posted by Benjamin at 1:02 AM
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Life Ring
Rusky did both its small and big business on the sofa! I was pissed to the max. I almost wanted to strangle it to death with my bare hands. I had a fight with it and endured a few scars. I drove Rusky back to its bed and sat angrily in the living room, waiting for Patrick to arrive. He reached my house at 8: 45 am. The first thing he did was to attach a training leash called a life ring around its neck. He demonstrated how to keep Rusky under control and to restrict its movement. Miraculous. Rusky transformed into a pleasant little puppy. It stopped struggling almost immediately. He suggested that I do not need to cane or scold Rusky any longer. In fact, he said, that is how dog aggression arises. I heeded his words as though it came from God. When I returned from work, I kept it in the kitchen. As usual, it barked for attention. I pulled its leash a couple of times. It laid down silently on the ground. Wow. I am sure God inspired the invention of the life ring!Posted by Benjamin at 1:16 AM
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Rusky: A New Beginning
I searched desperately on the Internet. I found a dog trainer called Pet Trick at http://www.waggie.com.sg/. Inexpensive. Only S$380 for ten lessons. I brought Rascal to a multi-storey carpark at Ang Mo Kio Ave 1. I made a total of ten turns up five storeys before I reached the roof carpark. The lights were faulty. Complete darkness except for my vehicle's two front lights. Creepy. I almost thought Pet Trick was going to pounce on me with his gang of dogs anytime. Speak of the devil. Pet Trick called to inform me that the training ground was switched to the first storey. I made another ten turns down and met Pet Trick. On first look, he looked like Jacky Wu (吴宗宪 ). Rascal seemed to have a natural affinity to him. Jumped and wagged its butt excitedly. Wow. Rascal made many friends. Golden Retriever, Maltese, Pomeranian. Rascal was the only dog who behaved like a wild dog. I talked to one of his 'disciples' about Rascal's problems. I felt that I was not alone to bad dog behaviour. I was determined to sign Rascal up for the dog training. She suggested that I changed Rascal's name. Rascal sounded unfriendly and wild. Rusky is the new name!Posted by Benjamin at 12:53 AM
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
One More Dog Down
Rascal has to go. It urinated on the floor of the living room again. As usual, my dad locked it in the kitchen. As usual, it barked like nobody's business. As usual, my dad caned it to shut it up. As usual, it refused to shut up as long as it remained locked up. It is simple. It is a vicious cycle. My dad didn't understand it. He blew up. I sped home and took Rascal out of the house. I kept it in my car. Should I put it to sleep? If not, who wants to keep it?
Posted by Benjamin at 11:58 PM
Monday, September 17, 2007
Sparrow's Revenge
Sparrow launched a number of attacks on our family.- She took Groban away when we were so attached to him.
- She took Bark Bark away secretly from school and hid her away from us.
- She found a 'golden tortoise' who financed her fight for Bark Bark's custody.
- She brainwashed the kids to hate their dad.
- She was linked to the murder of Jungle the Good.
- She made Bark Bark spy our family's every move.
- She took a video interview of Bark Bark, who cried because of the 'pain' and 'torture' her dad had caused her.
- She demanded a higher payment of maintenance from my second brother, now that she had two children under her 'care'.
Sparrow convinced Bark Bark that her dad's well-intentioned scolding and caning were merely means to make hell out of her life. Her ability to brainwash ignorant people has proven that she was nothing more than a washing machine. I almost wanted to think of ways to get back at her, but the Holy Spirit reminded me to forgive her trespasses and let God deal with her. I rest my case.
Posted by Benjamin at 3:53 PM
Posion Ivy's Chalet
I reached Poison Ivy's chalet at 9 pm. It's been a long time since last year before I saw my Fairfield buddies. Cheat Demon got himself a pair of brown tinted contact lens to match his brown-dye hair. Free Willy wore an interesting China shirt. Chiong brought his girlfriend-wannabe along. Block Punch served us barbequed food throughout the night. Really nice guy. He taught Posion Ivy with great patience how to play Mahjong. I encouraged Poison Ivy not to miss such a good catch. She did not seem really interested though. 1:45 am. I drove them to Changi Village for supper. We then drove to the carpark to 'observe' the 'different kind'. Next, we went to Old Changi Hospital to 'enjoy' the 'spiritual atmosphere'. But we didn't stay too long for different reasons. I was more afraid that bad thugs might be around to rob our money and rape our girls than the spirits that roamed the place. Block Punch was afriad that he might have a ghostly encounter like his friends. He was telling me about how his friends went into the building and videotaped the happenings. As they drove back to their chalet, the video captured things that they did not want to see. The driver sped on the road and had a car accident. Only one of them returned to tell the story. Scary leh. 4 am. We were back to the chalet. By then I was dead beat. Chewing Gum woke me up at 8 am. I drove them to Pasir Ris MRT station. I drove to church for pre-service choir practice. I almost couldn't open my eyes. I went for Nat's tuition. Automatic system shutdown for a number of times. She had to 'boot' me a couple of times. Thank God Emo Ming canceled her tuition. I drove home to catch some sleep. I woke up in time to teach Harmonica. My dad then called me to 'inform' me that Rascal had broken a cup, soiled the sofa and urinated on the corridor. When I went home, my dad was sleeping on the couch, holding a cane. I guess he had a rough night with Rascal again. This was the first time I felt bad for bringing Rascal the troublemaker back to our peaceful home.Posted by Benjamin at 12:30 AM
Friday, September 14, 2007
Rascal's Fate
Complains about Rascal. Morning to night. I think I am going crazy already. I thought that Rascal is an adorable and obedient dog. But Rascal is a real rascal behind my back. It bit people inside the house, chased people out of the house and ran after people outside the house. It tore my brother's books apart and drank fromit it I heard that my dad, my mum and my third brother had a duel with Rascal last night. Rascal won. They almost died from a heart attack. I want to believe that Rascal will change for the better, but time is not on my side. My mum suggests that I send it to the SPCA. But SPCA will put it to sleep within 24 hours. How can bring myself to do that? My last resort is to make him stay at the back of the kitchen. Let's pray that it will keep its boundaries clear. Quietly.Posted by Benjamin at 5:36 PM
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Second Cell Group Meeting With W230
Cell group was G.R.E.A.T.! We played sports at Punggol Community Centre. What a good opprtunity to feel a rush of adrenaline! Exercise is once in a blue moon for me, given my busy schedule. I almost died from a heart attack. Panting like Rascal. Eliz Navida was funny. She hopped around the court, busy ducking the ball instead of running for it. She screamed ALL THE TIME! Daniel Wu is an extremely skilful basketball player. He stopped traffic and girls as he dribbled the ball around the court. Superman was good with his 'tunneling throught the people' move. In fact, no one dares to touch him as we were afraid he might 'lay hands' on us. My basketball team lost. What's new? I cannot play ball for nuts. After the basketball game, we played batminton. I-loh was really irritating with his gentle moves. He kept making me run forward for the shuttle cock. We went to eat prata @ Kovan for supper. Superman and I loved the prata there. Then I sent Daniel Wu home. I told Daniel Wu that after having a taste of how wonderful w230 is, I cannot see myself attending other cell group anymore. Daniel Wu said that I am a good addition to the cell group. What an honour!Posted by Benjamin at 10:18 PM
Closer To The S$5 000 Grant!
I just finished a 4-hour Physics tuition with Dying Ant, Rubber Biakky and Weeping Mann. We were all trying to keep ourselves awake with one giant packet of potato chips, green tea and home-made barley. I realised that Sim Lim Square is round the corner! A opportunity granted by God to go sourcing out for hardware. I went back to the shop that sold me my old Canon LBP-2900 monochrome laser printer. S$225 for the printer. S$80 for the toner. 2 500 printings per toner. I searched www.dell.com for a laptop. S$999 for Dell Vistro 1000. I searched www.quickbooks.com for an accounting software. S$1 872.50 for Quickbooks Premium 2007/2008. S$1 284 for Quickbooks Point-Of-Sales 2007/2008. Our company only need to pay S$600++ for all that!Posted by Benjamin at 3:40 PM
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
My Worst KTV Session
Hello Nurse, Song, Superman and I decided to meet to celebrate Indomee's birthday at The Mind Cafe @ Boat Quay. Another boardgames cafe. We waited for 2 hours for Hello Nurse and Superman to arrive. Hello Nurse disappeared, even though I saw him earlier before I went to buy a birthday cake at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Superman was held up by work. All of a sudden, Hello Nurse turned up in a black The Mind Cafe uniform. He was working in The Mind Cafe! He was just downstairs serving customers. To think that we waited so long for nothing. We started playing some games before Superman arrived with his lovely wife Wonder Woman arrived. I ordered Crispy Chicken Platter and Ice Peach Tea... delicious! After the celebration, my third brother gave me a call. Surprisingly, my third brother asked me out for a KTV session. KBox @ Jurong Entertainment Centre. I reached there at 11:30 pm. 5th Month invited her employees. I realised one of them was drunk. She first went to the toilet to comb her hair for almost half an hour. When she came back, she started jumping at the microphone at every song. To be nice, I shall not comment on her singing. Furthermore, she pushed forward her own songs and cut short my songs. I was singing 曹格's 背叛 until the 'high part' when she suddenly cut the song. I lost my singing mood completely. And her friends kept on pushing her towards me. OH MY GOD. I was praying that the KTV session could end as soon as possible. When it finally ended, my third brother volunteered to send them home and asked me to go straight home. I never loved my third brother so much before.Posted by Benjamin at 11:49 PM
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Jungle Died
Jungle died. Trauma. Shock. Brain damage. My second brother brought it to the animal clinic, where it breathed its last. My eldest brother and sister-in-law cried with deep pain in their hearts. They loved Jungle. Jungle was a good-natured and innocent dog. Bark Bark is the murderer. She threw Jungle hard on the floor. She claimed that Sparrow's maid Pretty Shark told her to do it. Melissa told her that if she kills Jungle, she can stay with Groban forever. Melissa knew that if Bark Bark kills Jungle, we will not want to keep her. What an evil plot!
Posted by Benjamin at 2:15 AM
Saturday, September 8, 2007
First Cell Group Outing With W230
Ah Ong visited my church today! Wow. I couldn't help but felt that she was growing taller every time I see her! Most of my cell group members commented at first sight that she was extremely tall. As a new friend, she was made to introduce herself more than ten times: her name, how we know each other, where she works, where she lives, etc. I drove Ah Ong and my cell group members to Kopitiam @ Le Meridian Hotel. I seldom looked forward to a great fellowship with my cell group members. After dinner, we chilled out at Coffee Club Express till 11 pm. Ah Ong and I were supposed to visit Rascal. However, by the time I sent all my cell group members home, it was already 1 am. Until next time!Posted by Benjamin at 9:09 PM
Nic Rocks!
Nic shared his testimony with us during the service. What a man with great aspirations! Nic was born without limbs, but that doesn't stop him from living God's purpose in his life.There is no joy in my circumstances, but there is joy in the purpose in my circumstances: Nicholas Vujicic
He inspired me with tremendous courage to face my fears with courage. No wonder his nickname is Captain Courageous.
Many people accomplished nothing simply because they are too afraid to do anything. Nicholas Vujicic
Although I cannot empathise with his situation, but I understand from him what it means to place our complete trust in God.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope: Jeremiah 29:11
I was deeply touched by his love for God and God's love for us. I realised that I did not love God as much as he did. Even though I have limbs, I am handicapped in many ways. I thank God for my circumstances, as I realise this:
I am an ordinary man with an extraordinary God. With God, I have to live an extraordinary life.
Know Nic. http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
Posted by Benjamin at 5:00 PM
She Hates Her Dad
I had a personal talk with Bark Bark. She hated her dad for, in my opinion, the most minor of things. She hated him for arranging tuition and swimming lessons. She hated him for not giving her enough allowance. On the other hand, her mother gave her personal tuition and big allowances. I told her that she should not hate her dad for such minor things. But she would not listen. She insisted that she will be happier staying with her mum. Oh my God. Her mum Sparrow slept around with rich people who could financially support her material indulgence. She made up stories about people who antagonised with her, especially our family. She would use all ruthless means to get what she wanted. I told my brother we should use wits to let her play own game. Let Bark Bark stay with Sparrow. Firstly, since Sparrow is behaving like a dog, biting hard at the bait and refusing to let go, we will surprise her by letting go. Burden her with the two children. Distract her from us. Secondly, given Sparrow's nature, she will reveal her true nature to Bark Bark, who will regret her decision and returns to her father's side. Even if Bark Bark chooses to continue staying with Sparrow, at least she can live with my nephew Josh. They can take care of each other. Fourthly, my brother can free himself from the evil clutches of Sparrow and start afresh with his new girlfriend. Once Josh reached 21 years old, I will give them an objective point of view of the whole picture and let them discern for themselves what is right and what is wrong.Posted by Benjamin at 2:27 PM
Friday, September 7, 2007
Rescue Rascal
I was teaching New Tear when my sister-in-law called me. Must be bad news. She seldom called me unless necessary. Most likely she wanted to complain about Rascal. Indeed. But it was worse. She told me that the lady from the management committee of Children Park told her that our neighbours had complained to her about the prolonged barking and whining of Rascal. They even put Rascal on video camera and recorded its sound. They seemed to suspect that Rascal had been ill-treated or tortured by us. Besides, it caused them extreme nuisance and sleepless nights. She told me that they had called the S.P.C.A. If Rascal is been ill-treated or tortured, S.P.C.A. will issue a fine of S$500. If Rascal does not have a microchip (a tiny device injected into dogs to find out whose its owner), S.P.C.A. will issue a fine of S$5,000 and, quoting my sister-in-law's word, 'exterminate' it. Scared me to death. I thought S.P.C.A. is supposed to protect against cruelty to animals. How can they put Rascal to sleep? Following that, my mum called me and screamed about how much trouble Rascal had caused. I assured her repeatedly that S.P.C.A. will not find Rascal and everything will be fine. It seemed as though nothing can go into her head and she hung up. Then she called again. I reassured her again. She hung up. Then she called again. I reassured her once again. She hung up. New Tear was looking rather awkward by then. I played my cool. Must maintain my 'image' lol. Once the lesson ended, I packed everything that belonged to Rascal and fleed the house immediately. I went to Sweats' house and left Rascal in the car. He barked like thunder roar. During the tuition, I called Children Park management office and spoke to a lady. Indeed at least five different households had called in and complained about Rascal. I explained to her that we did not want to cause intentional harm or damage to anyone. She understood and agreed to inform us before S.P.C.A. came into the premises of Children Park. Thank God. Next, I called Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (A.V.A.) to consult them about injecting a microchip into Rascal. I can bring Rascal to any animal clinic to inject the microchip. I brought Rascal to Animal Practice @ Upper Serangoon Road. Thanks to Rascal I met a pretty nurse. During the injection, it struggled with all its might and farted at the vet's face! What a funny scene!Posted by Benjamin at 2:42 AM
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Mind Your Own Business
Sourcing for an accounting software. I found out through the Internet that Spring is offering a grant, under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Assistance Scheme, to all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who voluntarily register to become GST traders for the first time. This grant amounts up to S$5,000 and can be used to pay for 100% of an accounting software costs and 50% of qualifying costs that include consultancy fees, training fees charged by consultantsIT hardware costs and Internet subscription fees of up to 1 year. Wow. We are planning to get an accounting software called Mind Your Own Business (MYOB) Accounting Premium, a laptop and a Canon laser printer. With this grant, it is as though you have earned a good sum of money without working hard for it! Praise the Government! Praise the Lord!