Chapter 4: That's How It Is

Time will always come for you
That's how it is, how it is, that's just how it is
And I will try to comfort you
That's how it is, how it is, that's just how it is

That's How It Is by Paul Freeman

 

 

 

Ain't it good to have fun in a gathering? How about a sports event? Wait. That would be pretty tiring, right? I know. How about a bbq? Splendid Idea. That's how the fun is for me. And for people around me.

 

 

 

 

A Good time to invite new friends and enjoy a delicious meal. Glad that I wasn't a one man welcomed guest. I brought my lovely girlfriend, Rachel with me. Along with my busy buddy of mine. Leonard Yeo. Busy in training in the Army. Been there, done there. So had to understand his situation. Good time to invite him before he flies off to Australia for Exercise Wallaby. A three week duration of training. Come back safe and sound, buddy.

 

 

 

Me and Leonard Yeo.

 

 

 

Leonard Yeo, along with my dear CG mates. Han Rong on the left side and the man who organized the BBQ in the first place, Joram Tan. 

 

 

Frankly, I posed this with Joram, so that Bryan Ng could have a better look at the T-Shirt he bought for me for my birthday. Haiz..... Too bad, he was under the weather that day, Poor guy. 

 

 

 

And of course, me and my sweetheart, Rachel Ratna Patrick.

 

Overall, the barbeque was alright for me. Perhaps a movie outing or a dinner gathering would be slightly better to invite more friends. Or perhaps an outing at a beach. A place where we could run around, organize a picnic and play some beach volleyball.

 

Well, that's how it is. For that day. Although I did not begin the day with my CG. But with Rachel in the morning for a jog, then some sightseeing and a stroll at the Fort Caning Park. A wonderful and historical park to walk about. Should go there more often.

 

 

 

Anyway, that's how it is for people around me. And me around them.

 

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Chapter 3: First Time

I'm feeling alive all over again,
As deep as the sky that's under my skin
Like being in love, she says
For the first time

Well maybe I'm wrong,
But I'm feeling right where I belong
With you tonight
Like being in love
Can feel for the first time


LIFEHOUSE- FIRST TIME

12x2, 3x8 & 4x6. What does it equal to? The answer is the answer to how long I've been in this world. And this pair of even numbers have brought some significant moments for me.

Normally, I'll celebrate my birthday with my family and friends. But this year, there are new memories in which I can carry forth as long as I can remember for the rest of my life.

What you saw above are three different cakes in which I have consumed. On top was what Rachel's family celebrated with, followed by my CG and it's not a chocolate cake and finally, what my former collegues at Marina Square Jack's Place did when I was having lunch with Rachel.

What you saw was a birthday card written and done by Usher Ministry. And the leaders had written their birthday wishes to my card.

What you saw above are the respective family members of Rachel's feeding me the cake. Rachel's Grandmother, Father and Mother.

What you saw are the packets of well wishes from Rachel's father, aunty and grandmother. All contains money.

What you saw was one of my Usher Leaders named Darshan, who also shares the same birthday as me.

What you saw above are my group of friends who were present for my 24th birthday at Ion Orchard Swensens.

What you saw above was what my family got me for my birthday as presents.

However, there are others which you'll have not seen. There are more presents revealed to me as a suprise. A brown jacket from Recoil by Rachel, two T- shirts from Bryan and Izzudin and a cap from Omar. Not to mention a suprise visit to Ayie at Paragon Coffee Bean.

The most important feeling I've seen myself and not what others had sen is the love behind it. That's the most important thing I had seen and felt. And I also had read two birthday cards from Rachel and Bryan and it shows how much love and friendship they had in store for me. God is indeed great. 

I want to take this time to say Thank You for being part of my life and I would never want to trae this for anything in this world. Before I end the blog, here's a bible verse to recap on. 

How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you!”

2 Samuel 7:22 NLT 

Chapter 2: Kiss Me

Oh kiss me out of the bearded barley,
Nightly , beside the green, green grass
Swing, swing, swing the spinning step
You'll wear those shoes and I will wear that dress

Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift you open hand
Strike up the band, and make the fireflies dance
Silvermoon's sparkling,
So kiss me

Kiss me down by the broken tree house
Swing me , upon its hanging tire
Bring, bring , bring your flowered hat
We'll take the trail marked on your father's map

Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift you open hand
Strike up the band, and make the fireflies dance
Silvermoon's sparkling,
So kiss me

Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer

Ever wondered what you feel like doing when you're on a break or on leave? Shopping? Vacation? Clubbing? Hanging out? Or Sleeping? And when you execute the plan, do you want to do it alone or with company?

Well for a guy like me, I've done something in which I imagined doing so and it went according to plan and our favour. Why our? Hahaha. I didn't execute this plan by myself. I've planned this with my one and only true love. The next Princess Leia. The next Nefertari. My dear sweetheart, Rachel.

 

A brief history of my Girlfriend. We met at SMU on April 1st 2012 when we were submitting our application and it was the last day. Then I realized that I've no idea and forgotten how to pay the application fee. And Rachel was there. Followed by another Chinese girl. Not sure of who I should approach, God made a decision for me. Rachel. And another thing. Fear stopped me. But I decided to fight fear with guts and I asked her the question of how to pay the application fee. And she helped me.

From there, our friendship began. From Facebook chats, Handphone text and calls, to meeting for dinners. We brought out open communication, honesty and mutual feelings at times when we meet up or communicate on the phone. Another thing was Spirituality. Something we both strongly agree on. And so was Joy, Sadness, Jovialism(no such terminology--> hahaha!!!). Plus what I've mentioned on bringing out. We even exchanged gifts and wrote emails when Rachel was in ths states.

 From there, our feelings for each other was almost questioned in our hearts and Rachel asked me to pray about it before we meet up to talk about something she's been pondering about. And it's the same ponder in my mind too. Hence, I went to have a chat with her face to face with a prayer and watchful eye from God.

And then, on August 3rd 2012, another important day for both of us. The day we confessed to each other. We were special friends at first. And now, Thanks to God's answer to both our prayers and answers, we both escalated from best friends to a life long couple. And I Thank God for this blessing.

That's why Rachel's not just my Girlfriend. But my future Life Partner, My Current Prayer Partner and the right one whom I've been searching for.

.

After applying for 2 days leave(13th and 14th September 2012, Thursday and Friday respectively) on Wednesday, I began thursday morning by jogging in the park while Rachel had to run some errands for her mum.

 (Thursday)

 

We met in the afternoon to meet her dear mentor, Aunty Soon Lee and had lunch with her at Thomson Plaza'a Swensens. A wonderful lunch indeed. And a wonderful, warm hearted and inspiring mentor she turned out to be. I felt as if I was communicating with my long lost primary school teacher who almost resembled her a little. I also felt like an inner peace when I had a chat with her. It's like she's giving me an opportunity to confess to her my problems and she could offer me a great solution to my problems. Rachel. I don't mean to envy you. But you are blessed with a great mentor. Don't you agree, honey? :)

After that, we went to Yamaha music school at Thomson Plaza still as Rachel was looking for music books and checking out the prices of the Drum Kit and the Guitars. Then we went to Shop N Save at Khatib MRT station to some mini grocery shopping and guess what? Sarah made a guest appearance. Haha! It's good to see her smiling in peace.

 

Later, we took the train to Somerset and visited Centrepoint's Robinsons to look for Blazers and footwear. I won't forget the shiny silvery blazer which I wore at a shop called Domanchi. I hope I got the name of the shop right. And yes, we finally found the shop called Bread and Butter and managed to discover some Ed Hardy T-Shirts. But sad to say that the stock is very limited. Haiz.....Then we took a walk down to Plaza Singapura after having our dinner and visited Pedro to look for nice formal shoes. We even went to Cathay area to look for a shop that sells patterned designs of T-Shirts. A place where my CG mate Leon went to buy his T-Shirt once. Then we ended the day when we were romancing at the Bishan Park. I was lying down on Rachel's lap and felt as if time just froze for a few minutes. It's like an freezing point of our lives.

(Friday)

Started the day a little sad when my sister argued with me about not being at home with my family. But managed to meet Rachel and talk about it with her. After our conversation which ended with a positive outcome to it, I started to pick up my smile because of her. Thanks, sweety.

We began Friday by heading to Changi Airport to have lunch, followed by a Dessert at TCC. Delicious. Following that, we dropped by an Ang Mo Kio Jack's Place to collect a 50 Dollar Voucher so that I can make good use of it with Rachel on my birthday. Haha. That's the plan. And I love it when a plan comes together. Quoted from Hannibal Smith in A-Team.

 

 

We then headed to Marina Square's John Little and Raffles City's British India, Topman and other shops that sells expensive outfits. After all the sighseeing was done, we had dinner at Ang Mo Kio's McDonald(the one opposite Ang Mo Kio's KFC) and spent the entire night romancing again. This time round, it was at Ang Mo Kio Park. 

Those were the two old great romantic days we spent together. Can't wait for a lof of great days coming soon. Hang in there, honey. I'll be planning for more. Pray Hard that time wil fly fast for my ORD. :) 

And also, Thank you so much, Father in Heaven for everything. Amen :)  

 

I'm looking forward to climb the relationship ladder with you in the near future and praying and believing that we are committed to our current relationship and one day, form a covenant under God's true and mighty Will. :)

And here's a verse in which I would like to share.

There are three things that amaze me
no, four things that I don’t understand:
how an eagle glides through the sky,
how a snake slithers on a rock,
how a ship navigates the ocean,
how a man loves a woman.

Proverbs 30:18-19

Chapter 1: When We Were Young

"You sit there in your heartache

Waiting on some beautiful boy to

To save you from your old ways

You play forgiveness

Watch him now, here he come
He doesn’t look a thing like Jesus

 But he talks like a gentleman

Like you imagined when you were young"

When We Were Young - The Killers

A song to start with.

Hi Everyone! Including those who don't bother to read but stare at my photos. Welcome to my blog. Allow me to introduce myself. My name's Mason. Full Name: Mason Ryan Kumaran.

Yeah yeah, that name sounds rare. I'm referring to my first name, that is. But for those who are curious to know about my name, allow me to be your personal dictionary.

 Origin of Mason: France

Meaning of Mason: Bricklayer or Stoneworker

 Origin of Ryan: Ireland

Meaning of Ryan: Little King

 Origin of Kumaran: India
Meaning of Kumaran: Youthful Son

Some of you would definitely ask me what my true religion is. I mean, of course, I would too. I'm a Human Being. Definitely. But has any of you ever asked me one question? Who am I related to? Let me give you the answer. And no one should disagree with me on what I'm gonna say. Unless if you're an athiest. If you are, don't bother reading my blog. Please leave. If you're not, well here's the answer to the million dollar question.

I'm related to GOD. Oh Yes. Just like God is related to my life, my heart, my soul, my blood, my movement, my thoughts and everything you could think of or wonder, I'm related to HIM. What I'm trying to say is.....

I'm a Christian. You see, most people have the impression that Christianity is just a mere religion. That's why there's racial classification. It happens everywhere. Work, Society, School, Institiution, Socialising. Basically, Everywhere! But if you ask a Christian, he or she will reply you this. Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship with God. If you don't believe me, go and read John 3:16. Every Christian knows this verse.

However, I was not born a Christian. Neither was I raised in a Christian Background. I was raised in an Indian Background. That's where the name Kumaran came in.

As I grew up, my interest and curiosity for God started to grow. Thankfully, I was admitted to St Gabriel Secondary School and my friend, Jason Joseph, brought me to a chapel in my school premises and introduced me to God. That's where I found peace. It's one of the best places where I can also find God. Plus, as my interest became very hungry, I decided to name myself Ryan. Why? Because at that time, I had a chance to choose a name that can defy me. Since I love to become a leader one day, Ryan played a part in my definition. Also, my religion, Cathocism, also stepped in.

That was me in Republic Polytechnic. I developed an interest in Modelling.

After secondary school, my entry into Republic Polytechnic earned me a name from my class and to my level. I was so crazy to make myself known to everyone. Which in my part, made me feel proud. But it also made others envy or worst, hate me. From then on, my interest with God started to deteriorate. As I learnt the hard way of knowing others and socialising with people around me, I began to observe and make decisions of choosing the right people with whom I can associate with. I'm talking about friends. And what you're gonna see are friends who have sticked with me side by side and despite knowing my negative flaws, they chose to not walk out on me.

My Secondary School Gang. From Left to Right. Jonathan Chow, Nigel Wong, Myself, Johnson Lim and Kelvin Teo Tee Ang. We were watching Avengers that day.

Leonard Mah, Myself, Jason Joseph( the one who brought me to the chapel) and Johnson Lim. Another group from St Gabriel Secondary School. This was on Jason's 21st birthday.

And who could ever forget him? My Dear friend, Low Jie Ji. This was taken in JB. Our first trip together as friends.

Don't count them out, peeps. Izzudin, along with Bryan Ng and me on our last day before we graduated from Republic Polytechnic. 

Myself and Chan Bohao. Not only were we good friends in Republic Polytechnic, but we were great FYP team mates as well. And it was the day we showcasedour installation for the world to see and experience.

 

A group I would never forget. Leonard Yeo, Myself and Asraf Omar. We call ourselves the 3 Mouseketeers as we were very close in Republic Polytechnic and our trip to Vietnam for Service Learning. This was on the day I was baptised as a Christian.

Bryan Ng, Myself and Derick Soon. Also on my Baptism day. Derick and I were collegues in Marina Square Jack's Place. We used to work there. 

Those are the photos of my friends you see up there. I believe as I meet different people in this world, I would be able to make new, true friends. Perhaps, more.

As I was on the journey to graduation (due to my repetition of my first FYP in Republic Polytechnic and my third deferment in the Enlistment of the SAF, thanks to the education department in RP), I started working in Jack's Place to earn some income and experience along the way. However, I still cling on to God,although it wasn't as stronger as I have currently. When I finally attended my Convocation day, I was already enlisted in the SAF. 

That's me in a Graduation Gown and my Diploma.

In the army, I was lost and helpless, although I have several opportunities presented to me. Despite that, I felt as if God has washed His Hands off of me. But that's when I was wrong. He did not. And He never Will. Unless You gave Him the choice to.

That's me on the day of POP with my family being invited to a spectacular moment.

When I asked God of proving how much He loves me, He answered me through a sms from a friend from Republic Polytechnic. And it was a girl. Before that, I broke up with one girl before and that incident caused me to stay away from Women. Except my mother and sister. That girl is the reason why I became a Christian. God sent her to deliver me out of trouble and changed me to a righteous person. And that girl is Stella Chia.

Stella Chia and I were in Drama IG (Interest Group--> same definition as CCA) in Republic Polytechnic. We both can understand each other when we communicate.

And through her, I was brought in to a church called Heart of God Church where love, wonders and miracles flowed through the atmosphere and made me a person of who I am right now. It was an easy process for me and my friends who were changing me and helping me. But more importantly, letting me know that they are also my friends too. And I can open up to them closely and bring myself forth to the Presence of God. And they were absolutely right.  

That's me in my Drama IG days. I played Gauss, the leader of Heaven in a play titled, Reality Crashes In. 

My interest in God started to grow again. After it grew, I decided to take a huge step in getting closer to God. For that, I made a decision to give my life to Jesus and becoming a part of Christ myself. And there's one way to do that. Baptism.

That's the proof of me baptised. Just like God is my true spiritual Father, I'm also his child. And so are all of you. And I wasn't the only one who had a great moment like this. My church friends, or CG( Connect Group ) mates joined in for the moment.

And this is portrait of my CG mates with my friends whom I invited to witness my great moment.

And that's when Mason came in. There's my story of my name. Now about myself.
.

I'm a nice, warm, friendly and approachable guy. I'm a crazed fan of WWE and Smallville Drama series. I love playing Basketball, Badminton and Bowling. Sports with the alphabet "B" in front. Of Course, I'm no pro. I work out a lot in the gym. Oh yeah. The gym is like a temple where I can visit and pay respects to the equipments which would generate the muscles and weight in my body. Eating healthy food like Subway suits my style of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, I have one bad habit. I enjoy eating Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. My family were shocked to bear witness as I occupy the fridge with Ben & Jerry's Ice Creams with different flavours. It's like I've bought half of NTUC inside. I'm also a drama lover. I've performed in 8 plays and went for an attachment in a children's drama company called I Theatre. Great experience for me though. Loved it.  

At the same time, I'm a model. I've done modelling in my school before. One event was to promote recycling, where we wear clothes that has plastic or papers pasted over it. Another was for a play called Midsummers Night Dream. After graduation, I was recruited by Creative Talents to become a Model too. Although I had my portfolio done, I was unable to commit due to my National Service. It ate up most of my time.

 This photo above helped me to capture the best costume portrayal for the men's section at my Chinese New Year Dinner & Dance Party organized by JP Pepperdine. It was taken before I was enlisted a few days ago.

In the army, I've become a Sergeant in my unit called 6 SIR and I've done a few modelling poses for a Rapport Magazine before. Well, here they are.

I'm also a dog lover. And the photo at the bottom is my dog name Rusty. He's cute and handsome, but hyper and a rascal. He likes doing things which we never expected from him. Like pouncing on us, indicating that he wants something and running around like a madman after I give him a bath. I love my dog. I guess that's why people describe dogs as Man's Best Friend.

.

My hobbies include reading comic books and I have another blog on that. It's titled www.marveldcsuperstar.blogspot.com. I'm a huge fan of marvel and dc comics and if you wanna know more about it, click on the link I've typed down  for you to access. 

I'm the second child in the family. My family is three people, including me. My mother and my sister.

My Mother. She has the best smile. Guess I knew where I picked up from. She plays an important role in my life too. Without a father in my life, she made me a man now. And I'm thankful to have a wonderful mother like her. :)

And my sister. Yes, we've had our fair share of sibling rivalry. But no matter how much she yells and criticizes me, I still care for her. Just hope she understands that along the way. There's good in her. She displays that, but sometimes, she doesn't do it rightfully. 

I'm attached currently to my girlfriend and soon to be life partner, Rachel Ratna Patrick. A sweet young swan who has transformed my life into a wonderful person. She may not be a dream girl for me. But she is definitely God's answer to my companionship and my expectations of a girl. And my expectations are based on the character of a girl. And to my ultimate surprise, she went passed my expectations. And here's the picture of us together.

Taken on my 24th birthday at Marina Square Jack's place. :)

Well, I'll end my chapter here. And there's one way to end it. A reflection. And the reflection is a bible verse. A verse which tells you that God loves you.

 "For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring." 

Acts 17:28