Friday, January 27, 2006
Leaving during CNY...
I'll be leaving Singapore in less than 24hrs. Bangkok beckons. Hmmm... This is the first time that I'm leaving during the Chinese New Year (CNY) period. Just some thoughts...
I remember when I was younger that CNY took on a different meaning to me. It was an occasion whereby we could take 2 days off school and visit all the relatives that we just don't seem to have the time to over the year. It was good seeing all the cousins, and basically just goofing around together. In the olden years, relatives would return from all around the globe just to have a time of fellowship and reunion (hence the name Reunion Dinner). And how can anyone forget the tonnes of food that is laid on the table?! It's as if CNY was invented just as an excuse for people to eat, sleep, wake up, and eat somemore!
But recent events have made the whole meaning of CNY totally diluted. More and more families tend to take advantage of the holidays to go off overseas. That was exactly what happened to my family. Most of my extended family members just chose to leave. All of a sudden, CNY has become just another holiday. Maybe just as well. Maybe it's time to spend time to appreciate our own family. I'm really glad that we are making the effort to go away this year though. It has been a long time since we last traveled. Hopefully, it will be a good breather for all of us.
Not having Ling with me would be something that I have to live with over the next 4 days. I would have brought her along at the drop of the hat. We've grown so comfortable and close to one another in the last 3 months. It makes this brief absence so much more unbearable.
i know that i'll drag my feet,
as they bring me closer to my airplane seat.
not looking back would be the hardest thing to do,
'cause knowing that you're standing there,
makes me want to run to the loo.
not to crap or to piss,
and definitely not to hug my irritating sis.
but to hide in the stall,
and sit down to bawl.
i'll be back in 3 days,
and till then all I want to say,
what i want you to know,
is that I LOVE YOU SO...
Mbeki...
Take it easy, Keep it real...
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Childhood and Adolescence...
I know that I've not blogged for several days already. Been really busy, not to mention the late nights when you just lie down and sleep blissfully till the next hectic day starts again.
Been thinking alot about this concept of Childhood and Adolescence, more so today since I attended 2 consecutive tutorials back to back. I just wonder: is this phase just a spot in time, to be a mere record in History, or is it universal, withstanding the test of time?
Ever noticed how different generations of teenagers tend to be obsessed with different things? In my parents' generation, it was the generation of the bell-bottoms and the Beatles. Now fast-forward to today, when the fascination with hipsters and hip-hop. Is there anything that binds these eras together?
Teenagers through time have been seen to be the 'Break Out' generation. Every has been teenager, teenager and would-be teenager, regardless of age, have in some point of their life been labeled by the adults as rebels. Why then this tag? I would assume that this unflattering description of teenagers boils down to the constant struggle by them to find some sort of defining identity. And to have that defining/ unique identity, they are compelled to withdraw from the ones that are closest and most influential to them (in psychology terms, microsystem), i.e. their parents. And adults seem to take this withdrawal as a sign of rebellion, a challenge even. Don't they realise that they went through the same phase as well?
Which brings me to a further point of stereotyping teenagers. Have you ever heard of a positive stereotype of teenagers? The mere mention of the word 'teenager' would bring to mind the following:
1. stubborn;
2. non-conformist;
3. self-centered;
4. vain...
and so on and so forth. Are these valid? You tell me. In my opinion, this question of labeling and stereotyping must be examined in two planes: the population plane and individual plane. Looking across the general population of teenagers, it may be valid to impose on them certain stereotypes. But if you take an individual out of this population, these stereotypes may not even hold. Some may even be refuted and corrected. The point that I'm trying to make here is that this phenomena called 'the teenager will always feature in some form or another in every other society. But what draws them together, or even the underlying essence of it all, would be teenagers' constant struggle to establish the 'I' from them'
On another note... Kobe scored freaking 81 points over the Toronto Raptors! How freaking awesome is that? He outscored the entire team plus change!
Just to end off... enjoy the following pictures that were taken at Tommy and Jophia's wedding. I wonder when will it be my turn. I did promise that once I can afford a decent ring, I would.
The Family
Best Man and the Perfect Girl
Take it easy, Keep it real...
Friday, January 20, 2006
Until I was loved by you...
Just something for Ling...
'You came into my life unexpectedly,
and everything took a turn for the better.
Your warm eyes, your laugh,
the sincere way you speak,
and the kindness you showed me,
all became a part of my life.
As you unfolded yourself to me,
I discovered more and more beauty.
I have never seen so much
gentleness in one person.
Without even knowing it,
you were slowly making a place
for yourself in my heart.
It used to seem so hard at times
to feel so close in a relationship.
But it's so easy to feel close to you.
I can't tell you how nice that feels.
I realize now that I had never known
what it meant to be loved
until I was loved by you.'
Thursday, January 19, 2006
TR2202
Good grief! I've never ended school this late before... Come to think of it, I've not started school this late ever too. Got to lecture at about 1800hrs, and ended at 2100hrs. Liked this first lecture and hopefully, this informative module continues to capture my interest. Just for those who did not know, I'm taking this module called Technological Innovation. On the onset, one would imagine that it would involve improving the various gadgets that are available in the market today. However, it is more of a Human Resource course. Hmmm... interesting... What I enjoyed most was the debate between groups at the end of the lecture. Not that it invokes lots of intellectual thought, but I felt that it was kind of entertaining when members of the groups just nit-pick at frivolous issues instead of concentrating at the matter at hand. They tend to ignore the bigger picture and indulge in mindless arguments. Oh wells...
I'll blog more when I've more bandwith... Can't really concentrate...
Take it easy, Keep it real...
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Tired... Chinatown!
I was just so tired today! Was nearly awake half of the darn night since I was down with some irritating cough. Think I kinda kept Ling awake since she too was lethargic for most of the day. One sure sign that the both of us are zonked is when you find us just outside the gym and have to resort to a game of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' to decide if we are either going in or going home. Well... just so that you know, we went home... :( Must get our asses to the gym tomorrow!
Met Tommy and Jo for dinner. Ate as much as usual, and I just love it when I have peeps to eat with me. Which is why I'm grateful that Ling is making a conscious effort to keep up with my appetite. The poor girl seems to be on a eating rampage (on her terms) when she is with me.
NUS really has a screwy system. Not only do you have to bid for your modules, you have to ballot for your tutorials as well. I agree that it allows for more flexibility in your timetable, but does everything in this country be so competitive?
Chinatown ain't that bad! Decided to take a walk through the crowd just to soak in the atmosphere. And it was P-A-C-K-E-D! It was just crazy! It was like the entire Chinese population of Singapore just decided to congregate in freaking Chinatown! But I guess a once a year thing ain't that bad. Somehow, I can identify with the goodies and food on display. Hmmm... and to think that I don't snack much. Got to rethink a little... hahahahaha...
And it was romantic, in a weird way, to walk squeeze through the crowd with Ling... Mbeki...
On another note, the Lakers finally beat the Heat! Go LAKERS! Read more at NBA.com
Take it easy, Keep it real...
P.S. Using Hydrogen Peroxide on your contacts before putting them on is definitely not a good idea. Ling found that to her own peril... cute!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Being Thankful
Just read in the papers the other day that some couples go to the extent of forgoing their friends just for the sake of sustaining their relationsips. That is, they stop meeting their friends altogether and spend their entire time just with one another.
Is this the way a relationship be run? Some would argue that a relationship involves just two people anyway, so cutting out everyone else except for that two persons involved wouldn't make a difference. Some detractors however would argue that a relationship is just a core centre surrounded by many other co-centric circles, i.e. you are supported by the surrounding co-centric circles of relationships that includes friends, family, etc etc...
I for one, would like to know and interact with my other half's family and friends. I wouldn't like my significant other to just give up her circle of friends just because I'm around. In fact, I believe strongly that when you enter into a relationship, you don't just enter into one with the other, but with everything that comes with him/her (family, friends, etc etc...). That should always be the basis of any relationship. And it is a basis of respect as well. Hmmm... What do you think? Is it really a sacrifice (there's that notion again) or is it a commitment? Is it healthy, or is it not?
The hustle and bustle of school should dawn upon me soon enough. It was a terribly great holiday, and somehow, returning to school just placed everything into perspective. And it's not school itself, school as a tool (whatever that means... I'm still trying to figure out). I've learned so far to make collective decisions with Ling. The world doesn't seem to belong alone to me anymore. I'm sharing it with someone, someone special. Sometimes, we are so caught up with the many things that are happening in our lives that we tend to forget the finer things in it. A thought hit me the other day: Was I thankful that it actually rained torrents? Didn't it cool the weather down a bit? Hmmm... But I do remember being thankful everyday that someone is lying next to me every night...
On another note, I happy that Ling managed to secure her other modules. We have been praying every night that things would turn out right. It wasn't easy going since appeals after appeals were turned down. I must admit that it was difficult to keep faith, but I'm glad that we pulled through it together. I intend to relish this semester with YOU before you leave at the end of the semester.
Take it easy, Keep it real...
Friday, January 13, 2006
Sacrifice
What is sacrifice? In the dictionary, sacrifice is defined as giving up something that is of importance or valued for the sake of other considerations. And please agree with me when I say that being with a loved one is something of importance and of value. Therefore, following this train of thought, is there sacrifice in a relationship? Are you giving up something of more importance or of more value?
I think that there is no such thing as sacrifice in any relationship, much less in a romantic relationship. Nothing should be more important than the other party (ok... let's discount God here for a little). In place of sacrifice however, there should be compromise. Here, it is defined as a middle state between conflicting opinions or actions reached by mutual agreement or concession. And if compromise can only be reached by agreement, it must follow that some kind of communication is involved. As such, it is important that in all relationships, communication is key. And with communication, comes understanding, and with understanding, comes respect.
I'm happy with the state of my life now. I'm finding purpose in my graduation in a year to come (those who are bugging me to get my honors, sorry... not interested); I'm actually seeing a future in a profession that seems so dreadful; I'm surrounded by a little band of friends that love me and a great family to boot; and last but not least, I see myself sitting on a swing in front of a seaside cottage with Els. The last is what keeps me smiling from day to night, lapping in the present, and fantasising about the future. I can't ask for much more right now...
And to me, sacrifice is getting up when you could have just gone back to bed, opened up a can of preserved fish, fried an egg, and got some noodles - all because I needed to take an aspirin. Whilst eating, I'm just numb, not by the throbbing pain in my noggin', but because my eyes were welling up, because... that was your sacrifice for me.
Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce to you someone that is of great importance and value to me...
Take it easy, Keep it real...
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Visiting a new fitness club...
Today, I managed to visit a fitness club close to the heart of town. And believe you me, being bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Service really sucked over there. Had to wait some 15 mins before anyone actually attended to us, and then another 15 mins before any issue was even resolved. Not to mention the rude customer service! Which brings the question to mind: is the consumer really sovereign? Are there just money-grubbing sales representatives around that only care about you buying their product and not bothering about after-sales service? And are we really going to continue accepting totally rubbish service? Note that I'm harping on this. I just feel that those in the service industry these days just don't take pride in their place at work anymore. Their job is just that: TO PROVIDE A SERVICE! I say be proud of that, and be the best customer service there is.
I think that is what is lacking here in Singapore. Sure... we are one of the premier tourist destinations in the world, but are we living up to that tag? With the kind of customer service that I experienced earlier this afternoon,NO! We have to clean up our act, and soon, if we are planning to impress with our Integrated Resort plans.
Saw lots of overgrown (mostly disproportionate) men in the gym as well. I can never understand why people go to such extents to grow to such humungous proportions... Is it a sense of satisfaction, or is it just to show people your incredulous body? Hmmm... if it is the latter, I'm seriously sad for those peeps.
In any case, printing notes in NUS is a bitch. Not only have you got to book a computer terminal just to access the required readings, you have to line up again just to get to the printing terminals. Is this some sort of Singaporean custom? To queue up for anything and everything else? I can still remember the Hello Kitty craze, and believe me, that was just insane!
On a happier note... the MacBook Pro would be available soon in Singapore! I cannot wait! For those who are curious, this is the hyperlink: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/
Just to end off, I really hope that Darling gets her modules. I mean, I would really like to see her again in school next sem, but would also love it if she graduates this year. She seems so restless on campus, and it would do her good if she leaves this wretched place as soon as possible.
Take it easy, Keep it real...
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Finally, School has started...
The days of waking up when the sun is above me are finally over. The hustle and bustle of squeezing with the peeps on the bus as well as the sweltering heat when crossing between faculties would soon dawn upon me... sounds quite morbid right? Well, I have the right to be! School is here!
It seems as though the idea of the commencement of the new semester was a long way ago. Didn't really want me holidays (whatever was left of it) to end. Crazy as it might sound right now, I was actually looking forward for the semester to start as soon as possible. I miss going for lectures and stuff. But then again, I just dread the idea of having to study just for the sake of getting to the exams and then to graduate. Learning should be done not on the basis of getting a piece of paper (your degree) at the end of the day. It should be done to enrich yourself, to be a better person, etc etc... all on one's terms. Hmmm... And to think that I'm seriously considering life as a high school teacher...
On another note, at least I'm spending my semester with Els, though it would shortlived since she would graduate in the summer (that is, if and when...). It's funny that I never did see myself knowing my other half in school. I was the one who actually warned others of the perils of doing so... But I've come to realise that it can actually be a good thing. He/She can provide emotional support when things just don't seem to go right in school.
Oh wells... I'll blog more when the time permits. Promise that I would do up my training schedule and post it by the weekend.
Till then...
Take it easy, Keep it real...
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Torrents!
And I'm not talking about the BitTorrent program that is around the net... You have no idea just how many gallons of rainfall I just experienced. It was just insane. When I woke up, it was raining. When I was getting to church, it was raining. When I got to church, it was raining. When I was leaving church, it was raining... (you should get the picture by now). How much rain can actually be stored above man?
Managed to get a new pair of trackpants this evening. I've resolved to wear them for my frequent gym sessions to cover up my legendary 'Chicken Legs'. On that note, I also need to refine my training program a bit. I don't seem to be gaining as much as I want. What's worse is that instead of maintenance, I'm actually shrinking. Damn! I must be doing something wrong. Have to consult my textbooks or my gym gurus.
It really seems amazing to me that I'm actually on a perpetual high. Maybe it's the flu medications, or even the lack of a proper pillow. Or maybe it is that special someone that makes me tick, makes me alive, and allows me to face a better tomorrow in the light of a darker yesterday. And here's an ode to her...
Darkness falls on when you aren't around,
Just as much as the sky lifts when you stare into me.
The world lies outside,
And in you I take much pride,
'Cause when you're here,
Nothing else appears.
I made a promise to Him to treat her true,
But little did I know that her would be you.
And with you came a little gift,
This gift of Love,
No other one can take.
Mbeki.
Take it easy, Keep it real...
P.S. Legs day tomorrow... Damn! (Maybe I should post my training program next time...)
Saturday, January 07, 2006
東の獣
東
の
獣
Beast of the East... Go figure.
Take it easy... Keep it real...
P.S. For those who can't see the script above, change your text coding to Unicode...
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Of Friends
Have you ever had the feeling that you knew a person so well before but yet then realize that you never knew him/her in the first place? Even when growing up with them, going through thick and thin with them, and yet they tend to forget all of this when you turn to them for help? If the above description fits how you were feeling, then you would know that fair-weather friends are all over the place...
So how does one actually ensure that they find good friends, those that do not abandon them as soon as things just don't turn out right? What I've learned over the years is that one has to be honest and sincere when treating others. And then hopefully have them reciprocate in kind. All relationships compose of 2-way traffics. I give, you take; and conversely, you give, I take. Both parties got to have equal amounts of giving and taking. Only then can a relationship be established.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that we must employ some sort of relationship economics as a foundation. What I'm getting at is that one shouldn't be disadvantaged in any sort of relationship.
I remember myself having many friends. And I stood by them whenever they needed help. But when the time came for me to get some help (physical, spiritual, whatever...) none of them were to be found. Did I come out poorer? Doubt so. If anything, I came out stronger. And they became the poorer.
And I'm happy that I've found peace in the circle of friends that I have. Friends that I can call my own.
Sponging...
Fell really sick last night, and still don't feel that great this morning. This sucks. My throat is thick with phlegm and head is still throbbing. Hmmm... I must remind myself constantly that I can't eat that much chocolate in the near future. This always happens when I allow my cravings to get the better of me.
Have you ever felt that you are the luckiest person alive? If you had someone sponge you down the entire night, you will. And somehow, you just want to stay sick forever, so that she can just stay close to you always...
In any case, it is just great that you can just lie down with your loved one.
Take it easy, Keep it real...
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Looking back at 2005...
Right now, sitting here in this crummy computer lab, and marvelling over my new blog (yes... kinda like a little kid in a candy store), it does seem apt to just pen, or type (if you will), some thoughts.
As the year 2005 passed right by me just 4 days ago, it feels just so surreal. Believe you me, 2005 wasn't exactly a walk in the park for me. And I did grow up. Kudos to those who carried me through the dark times and those who laughed with me through the good. Ugly events and things have happened, events and things which at that point in time, seemed very uneccesary to happen. And I remember constantly questioning His purpose for me. The days which I just lock myself alone within to mope.
But as they say, hindsight is always perfect, and on hindsight, I thank Him. A friend of mine once said: 'No one said that being a Christian means that shit doesn't happen to you.' And she is right. He let all those things happen just because He wants me to grow up. And He gave me the best gift anyone can give, LOVE...
And not that kind of lovey-dovey mushy scenes that you see on Hollywood (did you catch King Kong?), but the kind of love that you just know that endures everything else. And trust me, we have gone through those times.
And through it all, I know, and we know, that it is because of His gift of love, that allows us to love one another...
Take it easy, Keep it real...
My First Post
And finally, my blog is up, thanks to great amounts of help from Els. Kinda weird having someone do this tech mambo-jumbo for me. But any ways... thanks Dear, for spending time on this.
If anyone actually realised, I did have a blog with the same URL some time back in June until I lost some steam to constantly update. But no issues... you guys up there can now dwelve into my thoughts and nit-pick my brain.
I'll update as time passes, but in the meantime, do enjoy the pictures that follows...
it's the pose!
just plain me...
you make my day
