Of Apple Strudels and Easter Bunnies

*Sniff *

I paused in the middle of my work to take in a deep breath, savouring the sweet aroma of apple strudel as it wafted into my room. Karen had just finished baking a batch of it, and naturally, Elisa (our 'new' housemate) and I were the willing 'human guinea pigs' for her recipes :)

Tucking into the rich pastry reminded me of Sammy's birthday 2 years ago, which we celebrated with a 'log' of Corica's apple strudel when I was visiting in Perth. Later, looking through the photos from that trip, I realised with a twinge (okay, it was actually more of a pang than a twinge :) that I hadn't written any entries here for... ages... :P

It's been 4 months since I last updated this blog, and Life has, in its typical fashion, zoomed past in the blink of an eye. On hindsight, perhaps it seems fitting and amusing that my previous post ended with a letter to 'Mr Time' last November then :)

Now, 4 months (1/3 of a year!) have passed, there's still much to do, still little time to do what's needed, and the need to prioritise becomes more pertinent than ever. So much has happened between then and now, including OCF's agm and convention, my short trip to Singapore, Chen's wedding, Christmas, searching for and purchasing our new home, packing for the move, New year's, Chinese new year's, my birthday, OCF's orientation, a 2.5-week heatwave (with consecutive temperatures of 35 degrees C and above, ouch), and Easter. Yes, it's been quite an eventful few months :)

However, as eventful as it's been, it's also become one of the toughest periods in my life so far, but I'm thankful for God's provision, for friends and family, for their love and support, and for each little blessing that comes along the way.

"... and I'll say of the Lord:
You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion, Deliverer,
My Shelter, Strong Tower,
my very present help in time of need. "
- 'You are my Shield' - Hillsong United

I'm hanging on, pressing forward, and taking things one step at a time.

~~~

On a lighter note, Karen and I had this conversation several days ago, after she'd bought chocolate Easter bunnies for Elisa and I :

Karen : "Aw, Elisa put her Easter bunny on her desk, so it's reading everything that's on her computer. Where's your Easter bunny?"

Me : "Oh, I put it in the fridge. " (then smiling mischieviously) "It's in a cold and dark place..."

Karen : "That's so cruel! Grace, how could you?!"

Me : "Well, if you want, I could put it out of its misery... " (while licking my lips and grinning :)

Karen : "ARGH! GRACEEE !!!!"

Heh :)