Foam rose and bouquet business

Ok, I've officially dipped my hand (and fingers) into the foam rose business. Not sure who else out there is my competitor, but I do know that I need to get awareness out. Comment so far from a stranger who rode the NEL with me on Thursday night is that these look very real :)



This is the result of a tutorial by Adrian for making a bouquet. Kinda different from what I've observed from the previous years when I was doing this for the club.

Results from trying out a new bouquet last night.

Anyway, bouquets start at $7 for a bouquet of 3, $12 for bouquet of 6, $16 for 9 roses, and $24 for 12 stalks. Each stalk in the bouquet will be wrapped in netting, and pink and purple crepe paper will be used to wrap the bouquet. Variety of colours for the stalks are available as well, from pink, red, yellow, blues, lavender, and more. See my previous post for examples of available colours. These are good as gifts for valentine's day, or just about any occasion. Single stalks are great for friendship day gifts, whether you are a guy or gal, single or attached. Stalks are $1.50 each. Will post up shots of individual stalks later so you can select your preference. These can be mixed and matched for bouquets as well. And these roses will never wither and die. So do let me know if you are interested, or know of anyone who's interested. Cash on delivery to any mrt station. Within SIM as well :)

*Edit* Forgot to add instructions on how I can be contacted. Interested buyers can drop me an email at jon.journey@gmail.com. Please include your name, contact number, number of stalks and colour, whether you'd like to make a bouquet, and when you'll like to collect and at which location. For delivery on valentine's day, do let me know at least a week in advance so I can prepare my schedule :)

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Thoughts at 2.38 in the morning

Just want to pen (blog) down my thoughts for a bit before going to sleep. Wanted to do this last night, but couldn't as I was too tired from all the hustle and bustle of the day. And with the badminton mini-outing with Adrian later in the afternoon, I won't be touching my laptop here for quite a bit till at night.

God has been good. Been feeling really blessed for the last few days. Financially wise, He has provided when I was about to rewrite the definition of being broke in my dictionary. I guess I've been eating too much again, together with the wedding and various expenses, which really gave me a headache in terms of managing my finances. And still, there's the little amount that I owed my cousin over my sister's shared wedding gift. Was already resigned to spend the period after CNY broke so that I could pay that off by March. In the end, I decided to sell off some games that had been lying around in my room unplayed for months and years, with one item already posted on various buy/sell forums for a year and a half and no one could match my (already very cheap) price. Initially just posted one item on 1 forum, then decided to post up both on another. Posted on Wednesday, and calls and smses came in on Thursday afternoon, and the 2 items I posted up for sale were sold on Friday. Had to meet a buyer at 3pm at Harbourfront mrt, then the other at Compass point at 1030. In-between, I had a project meeting, my own revision, taking care of the kids' guitar rehearsal, and dinner with Terence at Dhoby Ghault. Granted, I do treasure the stuff I buy, especially the rare stuff, but then, if I'm not using them, then I guess they have to go. If nothing else, it does give me funds to get more supplies (see below).

In light of this, I've been feeling more in tune with God. Can feel more of His presence in my life, and been feeling more peace as well, and less worry for the last few days, which is good. Reminds me of one of my favourite songs, Wonderful King:

You feel our hearts with
More than we can
Hold inside, so we sing

Beautiful Saviour
Wonderful King

And the bridge goes

Oh beautiful sound

The joy of heaven here

Oh wonderful sound

Oh the love of heaven now

Really love the bridge, and the whole song. Simple in a way, and really beautiful. Wish I can write songs like that. To sing of God's love in my life, all the days of my life.

Speaking of music, concert preps are still ongoing. No publicity yet, guess I'll have to do some nudging. 11 more days, and I still have not practiced with my group yet. So far only got 2 songs more or less confirmed. 2 more to go. 4 songs in 10 days or so. Hope it'll go well.

There's some progress in my projects, thanks to Eliz and other friends in school for helping out in some areas. Still a lot more work to be done, and I just hope to send one in by the school's March deadline. I guess I'll have to ship the other over on my own. Still struggling with OTIA and ESAP. But projects will have to be my focus for now. 4 months and some weeks to go before my papers end.

Btw, am selling foam roses to raise some cash, and see if it's doable in the long run. Call it an experiment if you will.

So far, these are the ones I've done. I'll do more and maybe post shots here in the weeks ahead. Each stalk is going for $1.50 only. These are excellent for friendship day (February 14) gifts, or as every day gifts for friends and loved ones to put a smile on their faces. Bouquets are also available, for stalks of 3, 6, 9 and 12. Something like this:

This was done last year during the club's concert fundraising. A bouquet of 3 stalks will go for $7, and 12s will cost $24. I'll be accepting bouquet requests up to the 10th of February. So if you want to order or do know of anyone who wants to order, do drop me a sms, or post comments below :)

On an ending note, want to share something that encouraged me yesterday. Was on my way back to school when I saw this poster for the Bird Park at a bus stop while my bus was driving by. It was a picture of an eagle with the words "They will soar on wings like eagles. Isaiah" Kinda surprised me quite a bit. Didn't think that a Bible verse from Isaiah 40:31 would be used on an ad for a tourist attraction. It's amazing, to say the least. Hope to see more of such things in future.

"The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD." Lamentations 3:25-26

Reflections of the year past

Really wanted to do this a few days back, but just couldn't find the time or mood to do so. It's a bit late, yeah I know, 13 days into the new year, to think back to the past year, and what I've accomplished, and what regrets I had.

Did start the year with a cheery mood, starting a relationship with HS just 3 days before the start of the year. Though eventually it turned out to be short lived, I guess you can call it a learning experience. You really know who your friends are when you are down in the dumps, those who'll stick by you through thick and thin, and offer words of encouragement from time to time. Especially when I need it the most. To Colin, Ben and Liyen, Cat, Neo, Emily, and even Caroline and Kevin, I just want to say thanks for the ear you lent when I needed a friend to talk to, for all the smses (which I still have in my phone's inbox), for all the guidance, pushing, nagging you all gave at that point in time. With the exams looming in 2 and a half months, you all did your best to help me get back to my feet and prepare for the do-or-die papers, when I was almost ready to give up and sink.

Things aren't that smooth after my exams as well. Guitar exco recruitment was the main priority then, given that we didn't really hand over properly. Eventually found the people, but still, conflicts were bound to happen, which did. I still feel I could have done a better job in getting to know the newcomers better, as well as those who continued from the previous year. Not to mention try to stem the tide of people leaving, which I guess, is something that clubs experience year after year. But still, that aside, did have some fun collaborating with the singing club for a couple of performances. And getting to know some funky people, like Ben Tay, who's most likely gonna take over the mantle. Been fun working together with him on events, planning and stuff. And I don't think I can see anyone else taking over.

Also got to know some new people during the vacation, like Noelle, Rut, Rusyinni, Caleb, Grace, Sok Kheng, and others. Been great working with them in Surbana (thanks to Em's recommendation). Really have to catch up with them again over lunch. Hope to do so soon.

Newcomers to the cell as well, there's been a few. Huiqin when she could join in, Adrian and Jane, Ben Cher, now that he's married to Liyen, and Wei Tsu, my "twin" and fellow ISFJ personality in the cell. Still am surprised somewhat at how we started talking online and the resulting revelation of being kindred spirits. Ah well, more members to add to the worship leaders list. Heh, I'm just being evil here :p But I do hope to raise up another guitarist or musician in the cell, so that the responsibility of praise and worship in the cell can be shared. It's not fun to lug a 30 lb (14+++kg) guitar around, especially on public transport. Speaking of which, that's my new baby, a Taylor GS6 (sitka/flame maple combi), received on the 17th of October, 2007. Really love it a lot, thanks to Brendon and Jarvis for bringing it in for me and for the setup and advice on guitars. I feel I've become a guitar nerd somewhat in the latter half of the year, with all the research I did into guitars and stuff. Did consider the possibility of becoming a luthier, but it won't be cheap to learn, not to mention the apprenticeship needed to learn the trade. I guess it can only be a dream for now. Speaking about guitars, I DO hope to add MORE to my guitar family in the years to come. Red spruce/Myrtle 4.5xp McPherson, Sitka/Indian Rosewood Santa Cruz pre-war dread, and maybe a Cornerstone small jumbo as well. Not forgetting a dehumidifier to keep all these dry :p And a dedicated music room as well. Lol, I'm just drooling at the prospect of such a collection. Won't mind a R Taylor style 1 Bear claw sitka/figured Honduran Mahagony as well. Lalala... I can dream, can't I?

Ben and Liyen's wedding, and subsequent Speedlight camp rounded up the year. I certainly have fond memories of these events, getting to know more friends and learning from them, especially for the wedding and in the buildup to it. Looks like it's gonna be another year filled with weddings for me. Subject of dinner yesterday before MS with Chinglu, Ken and Adrian (worship team in church), when Chinglu commented she was invited to 3 weddings for this year. I had one last week. My sis' coming up at the end of March, and Jon Lau's in June, and Addie and Stef's in October. Hmm, 4 weddings, with more, possibly, coming up by others. Hope my turn can come along as well. All I can do is trust in God, and in His plan and providence for my life. Like what I've mentioned in previous posts, I have my resolve to stay single till graduation, and well, I have to stick to it. I know God will lead me when the right time comes :)

Will this year be better than the last? I certainly hope so, and pray it to be so. Graduation is looming on the horizon, with my final exam date being 3rd June if there are no changes. Need to find a job and settle down in contributing to the national's GDP, and my (very empty) bank accounts, heh. With loans to settle as well, I just hope I can find a good job and be financially independent. Now, back to my literature review, and framework hunting, and survey/interview question preparation, and analysis, report writing, test preparation, and essay writing, and.. and... and...

"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

Blessed New Year

Been a while since I last blogged. Doing this now from the Starbucks at Raffles City, thanks to Wei Tsu who pointed out there's a power point here. Wanted to head to the Mac at Bugis as I spied a power point there a couple of days back, but am skeptical about its availability as it tends to be crowded. So am camped here with a grande americano and a jacket as I'm sitting right under the aircon duct (brr..). Been a long 19 days or so since the last entry, and there's so much on my mind. Wanted to blog much much earlier, like before Christmas, but didn't manage to.

First off, would like to wish all my readers a Blessed Christmas (hey, there ARE 12 days after all :p), and an equally Blessed New Year. Hope God will continue to bless you in whatever you do.

Been kinda busy of late. Ben and Liyen's wedding (congrats, btw) was just before Christmas, and I was roped in as a guitarist. Kinda nervous, being the first wedding I'm playing for, and it showed during Ben's singing of I Will Be Here. His announcement that I am single and available (!) as I was leaving the stage after the song just added to the blush which I was sure was on my face. Ah well.. 6 more months before my resolve ends, and I'm already semi-torn.. But that's another matter to talk about. Or rather, not talk about, in public at least. Can't really afford the distraction now, with so much at stake in my studies. I MUST hold on to my resolve, and to God.

Speedlight camp was held at Prince George's Park (NUS) right after Christmas till saturday, which provided a nice break from all the hustle and bustle of life. Really enjoyed myself, with some new lessons learned from all the sermons and reflections and workshops. Also made some new friends from the Woodlands speedlight side, with my group being the oldest (this year they segregated according to age). Being my "first" camp, I didn't really know what to expect, though the theme, "Hunger", did provide a clue. There's so much to reflect on, that I have to read back on my sermon notes to recollect all my thoughts on the whole camp. Which I've yet to really do yet. Been catching up on my thesis of late. Been typing the pages I zapped months ago into a word document for my literature review. And today as well, even though it's New Year's day. I guess it's gonna be like this for the next few months till I graduate. Need to shift into higher gears or I can kiss my (rather last minute) attempt to get at least a 2nd Lower Honours goodbye. And I'm still lost at OT, not to mention ESAP and need to brush up on my SE. Sigh..

As I looked at all the decorations put up to celebrate Christmas, namely along Orchard (ok, I've not ventured much beyond Bugis lately), I wonder if the people who are have already "celebrated" Christmas really know of its true meaning. That Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, came down to earth to die for the sins of man that we may receive salvation through Him, and healing for our sicknesses and diseases. That through Him, we may have direct access to the Throne of God, to the Father, without having to go through any priest, as was the case during the times of the Old Testament, where the people had to offer animal sacrifices through the high priest to atone for their sins. Christ gave of Himself that we may now have this privilege. He is now our great High Priest, interceding for us before the Father, and that we can spend eternity with Him in Heaven after our life on earth ends. You may be thinking, what sins did I commit, I'm a good person, I've done good things so I should head to Heaven after I die etc. Salvation is not by good works, but rather by Grace, His gift, alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). And everyone is guilty of sinning against God, one way or another. Ever since Adam took of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil, sin has entered into this world. To receive salvation, you need to receive His gift. Only through Christ, that we can go to the Father (John 14:6). Because God loved us so much that He provided a way out of sin through His son, Christ, that we may be united with Him again (John 3:16). That's why Christ was willing to suffer for our sakes, to be battered and bruised and betrayed by one of His own disciples, and ultimately, die the most horrible death by being nailed to the cross. Imagine the pain and hurt He felt when He walked the earth.

I know it's a big wall of text. But think about it. It's only through Christ that we can find our salvation and peace. The latter is certainly not easy, given the turmoil of our everyday life. But He has promised us His peace, which is so unlike the peace that the world offers. Think about this, my dear reader, in the last few days before Christmas ends. There's nothing we can give back to Him for His love for us, except our hearts, and that's all He desires.

"'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.' For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." Isaiah 1:18-20