Hello my neglected space.
My last draft has been sitting since the plane ride back from Taiwan.
And now, I start work tomorrow. Any words of advice for me?
Monday, May 28, 2012
And so a month has passed since my last post. Only a single sleep, or half of it, remains before my results of my final semester would be released. At this witching hour, I sometimes wished I had a friend on the other side of the globe that I could talk to. But I guess its time for my own thoughts. Probably a pretty fitting way to wrap up university since results day is tomorrow. Over the past month, many things came and left. And I'll just go through them in the order my brain churns them out.
Exams were probably one of my least worries. Considering that FYP was really the bane of my life amongst other things. But nevertheless, it would be foolish to write off exams. I've had three exams this sem. One was language for Chinese Level 1 which was before reading week itself. I honestly should shoot myself in the foot if I don't score an A for that module. Do I deserve it? Probably, but definitely got room for improvement considering how I always tend to slack off in the end and copy answers instead of actually listening to the audio tape.
HR module caught me by surprise tho. It was something I dread and wished I didnt need to take. But teachers really make all the difference. I feel that despite her failure to keep to time schedule and leave enough time for other matters, she actually made HR bearable and a whole different experience from engineering modules. So it is true what they say about modules in other faculties. I actually found it interesting the way the floor opens up to comments after each presentation. Its a real eye-opener hearing comments from your peers. Some you can tell that their comments are so generic that it adds no value, yet there are those which hit the exact chord and it impresses me how some people actually look at things or vocally expresses that they are pissed. And all this is possible cause of our tutor! tho she won't read this, I am really grateful. Oh, and as sadistic as it sounds, I had fun writing the exam. Its really been a while since I wrote essays but my thoughts just flowed. I even managed to end off the essay with a quote that I heard from watching criminal minds. Funny how entertainment also adds value to your education.
For the TE module, well, probably the hardest to score an A amongst my examinable modules. Much of the weightage has already be decided from other assessments and projects. Honestly, I did my best for the individual projects, probably did decent for my group projects. There's room for improvement that I am aware about, but heck, I've explained it in my last post anyway. I guess in a way I'm hoping to get lucky with the finals. Found the paper pretty alright. Typical DC paper. Ran out of time and I just had no idea what to scribble to answer one short question towards the end of the exam. Didnt help that I was sitting next to profs blue eyed boy and he happily stretched his hands in indication or rather announcement that he has finished his paper like 10 minutes before time. =.= Oh well, hope I did as well as my previous project management module back in year 2.
FYP... where oh where do I even begin. I guess I should start with screwing up my final presentation. I dont think I've screwed something up this badly before. It sucks that most of what I propsed is correct, but I made an illogical jump which leads to a different aim of the research altogether. Why oh why didnt I realise this or why oh why didn't my prof pay more attention to my work. But then again, after talking to so many people, I realise that most profs don't pay much attention to their students works anyway. You're doomed if your prof doesnt care, and doomed in a way that you are busy as hell if he does care. Either way, FYP is a pain, just with varying degrees of pain. Despite how horrigible I felt after the final presentation, I'm glad that I managed to present much better for the poster presentation. At least I wasnt feeling like an idiot standing there among my peers.
Sometimes the things you do on the spur of the moment are the ones you remember best. Had a last minute outing for dinner and ice cream after the final poster presentation. Dinner was at Marche and dessert was subsequently at Vivo's rooftop overlooking the monorail heading to Sentosa. Haha. Its been a while since I actually kicked back, relax, stare at the stars and just talk. That night there were no stars tho, but windy enough to not be uncomfortably stuffy. I realise I don't do much of sitting aorund and just talking. Its different from hanging out and playing cards. It leaves little time for talk and I'm probably too distracted playing the card games than thinking of an intelligent reply. I wished I did more of this throughout my uni life. But then its the things you do differently that you would remember, not the routine. More opportunities in future I hope? Which reminds me of yet another topic.. Work.
Screw work, back to why the outing in the first place. Grad night, themed greco-roman. Rather interesting theme. Breaks away from the usual formal wear where you're only as spectacular as the amount you invest in your suit. Switching to a more fun theme allows imagination to run wild, and I have my sister to thank for that. 80 percent of my costume is a product of Kuching carpenter street! Managed to drop by the Bersih rally in Kuching too. Oh ya, its downright appalling to see all the conspiracies and response on the bersih rally for the first few days after the rally all the way until freaking now. Its a different scenario to be 'protesting' from 2-4 but if you're still around looking for trouble at 5-ish to 6, then well, you're pretty much inviting trouble. I don't believe there was a need to breach dataran neither was there a need for police brutality. I guess I shouldn't say too much about this 'hot' topic, but I do regret and feel sorry for the lost of lives that day.
Anwyays, back to grad night, it really was a night to remember, and I'm glad that in civil engin, we have the right kind of people at the helm organize and bond people together. I really feel lucky to be a part of the relatively small cve community. I'm gonna miss the fact that I can basically start random conversations which people from the cohort and get to know them a little better. There's no ulterior motives and there's time to hang out. For lunches, dinners or just to hang out. Loved how the dinner was organized. There was a pretty big team of organizers actually. Much thanks to them. I pretty much decided to sit out of organizing this one. A time for me to sit back and enjoy the show. But I must say, I do feel for my firend who's always at the head of the organization. Hopefully one day its your turn to join purely as a participant. I thank my friends who voted and cheered for me. I hope the play acting of being king with sombong attitude doesnt stick. The slideshow of pictures over the years made me hold back a tear, despite not contributing to it. I'm emotional that way. Its really touching to think how the years have gone by, the friends we made. As we go on, we remember, all the times we had together. =)
Embarked on Grad trip Part I from Melaka to Penang! My first ever time to Melaka, Ipoh, Taiping and Penang. Started of in Melaka with the awesomest people for one night, before switching to join my band of brothers for the remainder of the journey. Its a food trip which I pretty much documented on my fb, so if you are interested in the places I went too, go check out the pictures there. Despite the enjoyable company, I must say that the incessant need to look over my shoulder when I'm typing on my phone is downright irritating. Why the need to keep an eye on me and the constant need as if seek my approval? There is nothing wrong with learning something new. There is no need to act as if you know everything already. Its annoying. You call a brother a poser for wanted to take nice pictures. Display pic worthy pictures. Then when its cool, you jump on the bandwagon. Thinking about irritating people sometimes let you think about yourselfs. Makes me wonder if I too, am seeking another persons approval. Its kinda funny how I know why you do waht you do so well. I kinda feel that you're the person who probably understands me better than most people. Keep your friends close, keep your enemies even closer?
Sometimes when you are unsure of a decision. You look out for a sign. Or you ask God for a sign. One day, I was wondering if it was a good idea. I was in Church. Kneeled down on the church pews as I began to ponder my decision. Usually my thoughs would be "i should be alright". But that day, it hit me hard. 'No' was the answer. A smack in a face NO with no room for negotiations. I don't know how or why, but it just happened. If this is not a sign, I wouldn't know what is, unless God one day subscibes to SMS service, but I'm not too sure there's network coverage up there. Only one for prayers, thats for sure. Two days later, NO was not the answer I gave. Why do I do this to myself? The feeling of being almost there, can reach there, not yet there is killing me. And not just about my CAP..
Despite what my results will show tomorrow morning, or rather in a couple of hours, I will remind myself that it is the journey which matters, the destination is an added bonus.
what do you know.. a friend on this side of the earth replies! or maybe from a different world?
Exams were probably one of my least worries. Considering that FYP was really the bane of my life amongst other things. But nevertheless, it would be foolish to write off exams. I've had three exams this sem. One was language for Chinese Level 1 which was before reading week itself. I honestly should shoot myself in the foot if I don't score an A for that module. Do I deserve it? Probably, but definitely got room for improvement considering how I always tend to slack off in the end and copy answers instead of actually listening to the audio tape.
HR module caught me by surprise tho. It was something I dread and wished I didnt need to take. But teachers really make all the difference. I feel that despite her failure to keep to time schedule and leave enough time for other matters, she actually made HR bearable and a whole different experience from engineering modules. So it is true what they say about modules in other faculties. I actually found it interesting the way the floor opens up to comments after each presentation. Its a real eye-opener hearing comments from your peers. Some you can tell that their comments are so generic that it adds no value, yet there are those which hit the exact chord and it impresses me how some people actually look at things or vocally expresses that they are pissed. And all this is possible cause of our tutor! tho she won't read this, I am really grateful. Oh, and as sadistic as it sounds, I had fun writing the exam. Its really been a while since I wrote essays but my thoughts just flowed. I even managed to end off the essay with a quote that I heard from watching criminal minds. Funny how entertainment also adds value to your education.
For the TE module, well, probably the hardest to score an A amongst my examinable modules. Much of the weightage has already be decided from other assessments and projects. Honestly, I did my best for the individual projects, probably did decent for my group projects. There's room for improvement that I am aware about, but heck, I've explained it in my last post anyway. I guess in a way I'm hoping to get lucky with the finals. Found the paper pretty alright. Typical DC paper. Ran out of time and I just had no idea what to scribble to answer one short question towards the end of the exam. Didnt help that I was sitting next to profs blue eyed boy and he happily stretched his hands in indication or rather announcement that he has finished his paper like 10 minutes before time. =.= Oh well, hope I did as well as my previous project management module back in year 2.
FYP... where oh where do I even begin. I guess I should start with screwing up my final presentation. I dont think I've screwed something up this badly before. It sucks that most of what I propsed is correct, but I made an illogical jump which leads to a different aim of the research altogether. Why oh why didnt I realise this or why oh why didn't my prof pay more attention to my work. But then again, after talking to so many people, I realise that most profs don't pay much attention to their students works anyway. You're doomed if your prof doesnt care, and doomed in a way that you are busy as hell if he does care. Either way, FYP is a pain, just with varying degrees of pain. Despite how horrigible I felt after the final presentation, I'm glad that I managed to present much better for the poster presentation. At least I wasnt feeling like an idiot standing there among my peers.
Sometimes the things you do on the spur of the moment are the ones you remember best. Had a last minute outing for dinner and ice cream after the final poster presentation. Dinner was at Marche and dessert was subsequently at Vivo's rooftop overlooking the monorail heading to Sentosa. Haha. Its been a while since I actually kicked back, relax, stare at the stars and just talk. That night there were no stars tho, but windy enough to not be uncomfortably stuffy. I realise I don't do much of sitting aorund and just talking. Its different from hanging out and playing cards. It leaves little time for talk and I'm probably too distracted playing the card games than thinking of an intelligent reply. I wished I did more of this throughout my uni life. But then its the things you do differently that you would remember, not the routine. More opportunities in future I hope? Which reminds me of yet another topic.. Work.
Screw work, back to why the outing in the first place. Grad night, themed greco-roman. Rather interesting theme. Breaks away from the usual formal wear where you're only as spectacular as the amount you invest in your suit. Switching to a more fun theme allows imagination to run wild, and I have my sister to thank for that. 80 percent of my costume is a product of Kuching carpenter street! Managed to drop by the Bersih rally in Kuching too. Oh ya, its downright appalling to see all the conspiracies and response on the bersih rally for the first few days after the rally all the way until freaking now. Its a different scenario to be 'protesting' from 2-4 but if you're still around looking for trouble at 5-ish to 6, then well, you're pretty much inviting trouble. I don't believe there was a need to breach dataran neither was there a need for police brutality. I guess I shouldn't say too much about this 'hot' topic, but I do regret and feel sorry for the lost of lives that day.
Anwyays, back to grad night, it really was a night to remember, and I'm glad that in civil engin, we have the right kind of people at the helm organize and bond people together. I really feel lucky to be a part of the relatively small cve community. I'm gonna miss the fact that I can basically start random conversations which people from the cohort and get to know them a little better. There's no ulterior motives and there's time to hang out. For lunches, dinners or just to hang out. Loved how the dinner was organized. There was a pretty big team of organizers actually. Much thanks to them. I pretty much decided to sit out of organizing this one. A time for me to sit back and enjoy the show. But I must say, I do feel for my firend who's always at the head of the organization. Hopefully one day its your turn to join purely as a participant. I thank my friends who voted and cheered for me. I hope the play acting of being king with sombong attitude doesnt stick. The slideshow of pictures over the years made me hold back a tear, despite not contributing to it. I'm emotional that way. Its really touching to think how the years have gone by, the friends we made. As we go on, we remember, all the times we had together. =)
Embarked on Grad trip Part I from Melaka to Penang! My first ever time to Melaka, Ipoh, Taiping and Penang. Started of in Melaka with the awesomest people for one night, before switching to join my band of brothers for the remainder of the journey. Its a food trip which I pretty much documented on my fb, so if you are interested in the places I went too, go check out the pictures there. Despite the enjoyable company, I must say that the incessant need to look over my shoulder when I'm typing on my phone is downright irritating. Why the need to keep an eye on me and the constant need as if seek my approval? There is nothing wrong with learning something new. There is no need to act as if you know everything already. Its annoying. You call a brother a poser for wanted to take nice pictures. Display pic worthy pictures. Then when its cool, you jump on the bandwagon. Thinking about irritating people sometimes let you think about yourselfs. Makes me wonder if I too, am seeking another persons approval. Its kinda funny how I know why you do waht you do so well. I kinda feel that you're the person who probably understands me better than most people. Keep your friends close, keep your enemies even closer?
Sometimes when you are unsure of a decision. You look out for a sign. Or you ask God for a sign. One day, I was wondering if it was a good idea. I was in Church. Kneeled down on the church pews as I began to ponder my decision. Usually my thoughs would be "i should be alright". But that day, it hit me hard. 'No' was the answer. A smack in a face NO with no room for negotiations. I don't know how or why, but it just happened. If this is not a sign, I wouldn't know what is, unless God one day subscibes to SMS service, but I'm not too sure there's network coverage up there. Only one for prayers, thats for sure. Two days later, NO was not the answer I gave. Why do I do this to myself? The feeling of being almost there, can reach there, not yet there is killing me. And not just about my CAP..
Despite what my results will show tomorrow morning, or rather in a couple of hours, I will remind myself that it is the journey which matters, the destination is an added bonus.
what do you know.. a friend on this side of the earth replies! or maybe from a different world?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift, thats why they call it the Present.
Yesterday I submitted my thesis. Tomorrow I'll be sitting for the first paper in my last ever examinations in NUS. Half the number of examinations will be over by tomorrow. And for today, I'm a damned mugger. Some kind of present eh?
There are some things in the last couple of days maybe weeks that have been getting on my nerves. Its the sort of underlying attitude I sense from friends and close friends alike. Kinda a gut feeling. When conflict arises, how exactly do you solve the problems. For something has has lapsed for so long, is it right to bring it up again? Do you let bygones be bygones as if it never happened or do you simply apologize and move on.
On the topic of group projects, I think I feel more at ease doing projects with friends. Some may disagree, but I get this comfortable feeling that you know someone's got your back. Or if you left a certain part to a certain person, it'll turn out alright. I guess the biggest trouble comes when expectations differ. Some want to just get over with it, some wants that elusive A+ to be head and shoulders above the rest. You can't blame the person who's had enough of projects. But then again, you can't blame the person who wants to do better than the rest. Okay, rephrase, it may not be that the person wants to do better than the rest, but rather she sees the possibility for improvement, and strives for it.
Considering where my grades stand, I know I should be aiming for the best, and nothing short of it. Yet I find myself letting loose and lowering my standards. I have awesome group members tho, or at least the majority of them are awesome. We're able to finish our projects like one week in advance. But in fact there were room for improvement and I know it. I just didnt want to work on it anymore I had my thesis to focus on and that took up alot of time. Moreover, we finalizes and submitted the project already. I guess thats the difference between a work worthy of an A, and just above average. But nevertheless, I had a great time working with different people, especially since its in the final semester. I realised how little I know about them and how little they know about me, despite four years of being coursemates.
Somehow I've been unsure of myself lately.. I guess weird has become the new norm for me...
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
And so ends Week 11. Only two more weeks of school left, plus another week for exams. My exams happen to end even before the actual exam week this time. Well, that is whats left of my university life as an undergraduate. Feel like life is speeding along the Autobahn.
In the coming weeks, we will be chionging what seems to be the final lap. To complete all term papers, quizzes, presentations, reports, thesis and project meetings. Its gonna be pretty darn busy as hell. Yes, its gonna be hectic. There's no changing the fact, that we still have tons to do.
But what we can change, is how we approach this mountain of madness.
We need little nuggets of excitement in our days. Make little tiny plans. Ice cream, lunches, chilling out, little walks. As emotional beings, we need something to keep us looking ahead. Something that keeps me sane... Hrmm..
In the coming weeks, we will be chionging what seems to be the final lap. To complete all term papers, quizzes, presentations, reports, thesis and project meetings. Its gonna be pretty darn busy as hell. Yes, its gonna be hectic. There's no changing the fact, that we still have tons to do.
But what we can change, is how we approach this mountain of madness.
We need little nuggets of excitement in our days. Make little tiny plans. Ice cream, lunches, chilling out, little walks. As emotional beings, we need something to keep us looking ahead. Something that keeps me sane... Hrmm..
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Oh wow! Blogger seems to have made some changes since I was gone. Another month of my final semester has gone by. And like all the other months, it just disappeared... A week in the past month went to Korea. Was a rather last minute decision to go, there were times that I thought of not going. And then there were times that we organizers thought of cancelling the trip as the prices of the tickets started to hike and hike. Incredulously, we ended up taking airasia for a whopping 800sgd. Bloody expensive and the luggage price was a killer. In the end, I was told that cathay pacific was going for about the same price. Felt damn crappy that we made the wrong choice. But all in all the trip was awesome. Got to make new Korean friends, toured Yonsei University, learn from their research lab and the food, omg the food, the bbq pork is so darn delicious that I think about it every now and then. Its like available everywhere in Korea but here in sg, it can only be found in the Korean speciality stores. The Koreans were super accommodating. Their hospitality knows no bounds. My only regret is not being able to hang out with them more. Even the prof sent his apologies for not having the time to go out for soju. Yes, Drink-soju-with prof. Three words you wouldnt find in the same sentence in Singapore. I loved the feeling that I didnt have to worry where to go, how to go, or getting lost cause there were two Korean regulars. Plus the fact that we were brought around by the students after the forum. A truly laid back trip without having to worry much. I wish the same can be said of Taiwan when I return at the end of June. Korea's a really vibrant city that I wouldn't mind going back too. Sometimes you wouldn't understand how a city can be described as vibrant until you live it. Then you will know.
With graduation around the corner and the looming fyp deadline, (or should I have reversed the order) the constant topic of work, interviews, future plans seems to be a staple in conversations. I cant help but think about my future. I've heard from three different people that life as a site engineer in my company will be shit. I actually typed out my company name, but then that would be a baddddd idea. Haha. If all I do as a site engineer is to liaise with suppliers, sub cons and labourers, where exactly does the stuff I've learnt in the past four years go? Will it be of much use to me in such an industry where a simple foreman or experienced person can replace me? What goes on on-site is pretty much different from what we study in practical. Especially when construction quality isnt really there. I kinda feel that it is a waste of all that studying, all those mediocre grades and above average grades. Of course I have the option to swtich jobs in two years to lets say consulting, but then again, why would a company take me when I would be starting quite afresh as compared to a fresh grad then? Consulting and contractors live pretty much two different worlds. What should I do, what should I do. Of course, I might be put into the design office from the very beginning, but then again, history does not lie. I dread such conditions that I have been hearing, but a secret part of me hopes that I can look past the bullshit and endure through what most people cant. Wish me luck.
I'm pretty surprised that I'm typing and all this typing is just coming off the top of my head. Usually I think about what I'm going to post, then write about it. I guess thats why some posts are half written like the one I have dated Feb 14 and left there in drafts. By the time I get to type down those thoughts, half of them disappeared into my dreams already. But then it would be good practice. Especially for HR exams since i'll need to write two essays and then there's thesis which is due in one months time. My target, 30 pages! Write write write and dont think too much!
Till next time =)
With graduation around the corner and the looming fyp deadline, (or should I have reversed the order) the constant topic of work, interviews, future plans seems to be a staple in conversations. I cant help but think about my future. I've heard from three different people that life as a site engineer in my company will be shit. I actually typed out my company name, but then that would be a baddddd idea. Haha. If all I do as a site engineer is to liaise with suppliers, sub cons and labourers, where exactly does the stuff I've learnt in the past four years go? Will it be of much use to me in such an industry where a simple foreman or experienced person can replace me? What goes on on-site is pretty much different from what we study in practical. Especially when construction quality isnt really there. I kinda feel that it is a waste of all that studying, all those mediocre grades and above average grades. Of course I have the option to swtich jobs in two years to lets say consulting, but then again, why would a company take me when I would be starting quite afresh as compared to a fresh grad then? Consulting and contractors live pretty much two different worlds. What should I do, what should I do. Of course, I might be put into the design office from the very beginning, but then again, history does not lie. I dread such conditions that I have been hearing, but a secret part of me hopes that I can look past the bullshit and endure through what most people cant. Wish me luck.
I'm pretty surprised that I'm typing and all this typing is just coming off the top of my head. Usually I think about what I'm going to post, then write about it. I guess thats why some posts are half written like the one I have dated Feb 14 and left there in drafts. By the time I get to type down those thoughts, half of them disappeared into my dreams already. But then it would be good practice. Especially for HR exams since i'll need to write two essays and then there's thesis which is due in one months time. My target, 30 pages! Write write write and dont think too much!
Till next time =)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Its been a while since I've sat down to actually think about a proper post. Usually I do it before I sleep, but whatsapp has in a way become my blog. Best of all, it replies!
I honestly havent had this feeling in a long time. Its been more than a year since I last felt it. The feeling of being so occupied with work and things to do that thinking about the bigger picture actually takes a back seat. Things thats on my mind at the moment in order of priority; Korea > HR project > Cina > FYP > TE. Yes, in that order. Surprised?
There's the Korea trip which I'm really excited to go for, but problem with it is that its so last minute. Buying plane tickets were a headache, espectially with prices rising every few days. Organizing where to go is another issue. With the expectations of other group members under me, I can't hlep but wonder if they are okay with the itinerary. Too many days in Seoul? Not enough educational programmes? Not enough time to play? But I guess in a way, their lack of input or voice cancels out their right to complain. I hope this trip is educational and fun enough for the team. Its much easier to enjoy this trip as a participant, rather than leading the team. I guess I have a tendency to shy away from taking responsibilities. Time for a change?
Somehow, I feel a drive inside amongst all this busyness. Theres a tendency to work harder, clear off all assignments and settle all the email correspondence without delaying further. Maybe its just the feeling of being under pressure. You actually have a goal to work towards, rather than spend time aimlessly with deadlines a few blue moons away...
The meme craze has caught up to me. I feel that some memes actually very aptly capture a situation pretty well. And the one that goes for this busy-period would be:
But when all is said and done... life restores to normal. But what is normal?
I honestly havent had this feeling in a long time. Its been more than a year since I last felt it. The feeling of being so occupied with work and things to do that thinking about the bigger picture actually takes a back seat. Things thats on my mind at the moment in order of priority; Korea > HR project > Cina > FYP > TE. Yes, in that order. Surprised?
There's the Korea trip which I'm really excited to go for, but problem with it is that its so last minute. Buying plane tickets were a headache, espectially with prices rising every few days. Organizing where to go is another issue. With the expectations of other group members under me, I can't hlep but wonder if they are okay with the itinerary. Too many days in Seoul? Not enough educational programmes? Not enough time to play? But I guess in a way, their lack of input or voice cancels out their right to complain. I hope this trip is educational and fun enough for the team. Its much easier to enjoy this trip as a participant, rather than leading the team. I guess I have a tendency to shy away from taking responsibilities. Time for a change?
Somehow, I feel a drive inside amongst all this busyness. Theres a tendency to work harder, clear off all assignments and settle all the email correspondence without delaying further. Maybe its just the feeling of being under pressure. You actually have a goal to work towards, rather than spend time aimlessly with deadlines a few blue moons away...
The meme craze has caught up to me. I feel that some memes actually very aptly capture a situation pretty well. And the one that goes for this busy-period would be:
But when all is said and done... life restores to normal. But what is normal?
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Feels damn good to be back home this Chinese New Year, after a one year absence.
The familiar cookies on the table, the playing of high pitched Chinese songs from special CNY programs, the familiar sounds of firecrackers, and last but not least, the company of family.
Would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Chinese New Year. May the year of the Dragon keep you protected from all that is evil.
P/s I apologize in advance for what I'm about to do to my body over the next week. Will live healthy and exercise more after this season of celebration =)
The familiar cookies on the table, the playing of high pitched Chinese songs from special CNY programs, the familiar sounds of firecrackers, and last but not least, the company of family.
Would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Chinese New Year. May the year of the Dragon keep you protected from all that is evil.
P/s I apologize in advance for what I'm about to do to my body over the next week. Will live healthy and exercise more after this season of celebration =)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
I guess since I came back Singapore, there hasn't really been time for reflection. Most of the time I'm worrying about where to eat, who to eat with, what to do next, and my thesis.
Anyways, heard this from church a couple of weeks back. It actually helps to remind myself what forgiveness is when I'm not up for it. As the saying goes, "to err is human, to forgive is divine"
The ten commandments of forgiveness
1. Forgiveness is not easy. It simply takes time
2. Forgiveness is not forgetting. It doesn't mean a change in memory, it is a change of heart
3. Forgiveness does not overlook evil. It is not avoidance, it is not denial
4. Forgiveness is not indifference
5. Forgiveness is not the same thing as approval
6. Forgiveness is based on recognizing and admitting that people are always bigger than their faults
7. Forgiveness is willing to allow a person who has offended us to start over again
8. Forgiveness recognizes the humanity of the person who has offended us and that we are afterall, only human
9. Forgiveness surrenders the right to get even
10. Forgiveness means wishing the person who has offended us the best
Sent via BlackBerry from SingTel!
Anyways, heard this from church a couple of weeks back. It actually helps to remind myself what forgiveness is when I'm not up for it. As the saying goes, "to err is human, to forgive is divine"
The ten commandments of forgiveness
1. Forgiveness is not easy. It simply takes time
2. Forgiveness is not forgetting. It doesn't mean a change in memory, it is a change of heart
3. Forgiveness does not overlook evil. It is not avoidance, it is not denial
4. Forgiveness is not indifference
5. Forgiveness is not the same thing as approval
6. Forgiveness is based on recognizing and admitting that people are always bigger than their faults
7. Forgiveness is willing to allow a person who has offended us to start over again
8. Forgiveness recognizes the humanity of the person who has offended us and that we are afterall, only human
9. Forgiveness surrenders the right to get even
10. Forgiveness means wishing the person who has offended us the best
Sent via BlackBerry from SingTel!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Goodbye 2011 - the twelve months to remember
January - The year started off with a bang. I was as excited as I would ever be. Flew to Sweden on exchange, and having the time of my life. It was the start of my six months travelling adventure. Meeting new friends from all over the world and having a taste of Europe. There's no better way to learn the geography of a region then to travel it yourself.
February - Spent my first ever Chinese New Year away from home. Miss my own brother's wedding dinner and celebration back in Kuching. I guess I would say I'm pretty upset that I missed the wedding, but hey, no better way to make up for it then to crash their honeymoon when I met up with them in Paris. =P I watched the greatest show on earth in Sweden, the northern lights show out in -25 degreens. Snowmobiles, ice fishing and snowfights for the win!
March - Its really quite ridiculous that I got three whole weeks for Easter holidays. Don't see the real reason for the break, but we took it as a chance to explore europe of course! Was eventually rather worried that the places I go to in Easter will clash with plans in Summer, but there was no problem at all! Grew closer to awesome friends. Kinda sad that I don't see them much anymore though. One is all the way in the US, and the other two are over in Pulau NTU. Oh wells, miss them travel buddies who have similar aims and budgets. Countries covered includes England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Spain!
April - Hrm, there isn't much to April as the first week was spent still on easter. After the trip, was the recovery period. Travelling for too long will eventually take its toll. There's a pivot point some time after the two week duration that you just want to stay at one place and not having to think of where to go and what train to catch next. Back in Lund, this is probably the month for visiting friends and all the cookouts in Lund. Projects and courseworks too started to build up.
May - Summer is coming! Lund is starting to get really pretty! Swedish people are always out along with the sun. Impromptu barbeques and chicks suntanning just outside my corridor 0.0 These people don't need to beach to suntan man. All they need is sun and an open field! People were just happy with the awesome weather when shorts enters the what-to-wear today vocab. On the other side of up, May wasn't such a good month for me. I had my suspicions confirmed. And it hurt. The other thing I remember about May, is the weird exam atmosphere. There's really no need to tell students not to cheat, no need to ask for permission to visit the washroom and lecturers answered your queries even with diagrams. Odd indeed but an enlightening change.
June - In the summer of '11, I travelled Europe with my best friend. Summer! A whole month of travelling for me. Starting in Manchester, and ending in Kuching! Countries covered includes Italy, Rome, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Holland! Photos, rain, private rooms, expensive food, breathtaking scenery, trains, buses, planes, chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates! Oh yes, the nightly beer, chocs and card sessions. If only life in NUS had a little more of these. Its probably the best that my summer could be. =)
July - Home Sweet Home. There's really no place like home. Its probably the longest I have ever been away from home. Six whole months away from home. I spent the month lazing around, eating, playing mahjong and not having to worry about anything in the world. Food was provided, money came from daddy and love came from all around.
August - Back to reality of NUS after an eight month break. Uni felt different, but it started off mostly with design project which occupied prety much the whole month. It was good in a way that I could concentrate on it. There were people around to eat lunches and dinners. All those poor souls in the design lab that worked overtime and some late into the night, while others camped over.
September - Uni now felt really different. Its like first few weeks in a school. Or rather like learning how to take baby steps again. In a way its starting with a clean slate, but that looking on the brighter side of things. Something always felt missing. Its just a phase till the void gets filled up and the world is whole again. My birthday came and went. I finally took a look at the big picture. To think and reflect on life. Turning 23, one more till the year of the dragon.
October - Somehow, NUS seems to warp the concept of time. Every month pretty much feels the same unlike on exchange where there's very significant landmarks for possibly any month. In the month of October, I pretty much used computer games to fill the void. A temporary but self destructive measure. Some modules actually started be be more fun with the friends that you make and go to classes to, and have meals before or after.
November - In doubt of whether I should, I went ahead with my gut feeling. Exams are such a pain. They take up all your time, or are supposed to take up all your time until you get sick and tired of it such that you switch of to fb, twitter or just to randomly surf around. I was constantly thinking of my FYP, but didnt do much as I probably was supposed to be studying for exams. Such a horrible feeling. Exam ended. For the penultimate time in NUS.
December - FYP aside, Christmas is in the air. Class chalet was an awesome idea. Getting to know acquaintances from school outside of school. Seeing the crazy side of things, and hopefully avoiding awkward moment. Also had fun watching my friends chior perform at orchard. Being part of the mini entourage and singing along to krysmas carols which I lovee! Haha. Didnt get to stroll through Orchard that night as it was raining. Its the first time that I spend most of December in Singapore. Coming back to Kuching never fails to recharge my strength to face the coming year. Eventually, these holidays will be cut short and come along less frequently due to work and then family. Who know who, who know when, and who knows where. Some people find love in the least expected places. I wrapped up the year going back on my words that I said on the first day of last year. But it was awesome!
January - The year started off with a bang. I was as excited as I would ever be. Flew to Sweden on exchange, and having the time of my life. It was the start of my six months travelling adventure. Meeting new friends from all over the world and having a taste of Europe. There's no better way to learn the geography of a region then to travel it yourself.
February - Spent my first ever Chinese New Year away from home. Miss my own brother's wedding dinner and celebration back in Kuching. I guess I would say I'm pretty upset that I missed the wedding, but hey, no better way to make up for it then to crash their honeymoon when I met up with them in Paris. =P I watched the greatest show on earth in Sweden, the northern lights show out in -25 degreens. Snowmobiles, ice fishing and snowfights for the win!
March - Its really quite ridiculous that I got three whole weeks for Easter holidays. Don't see the real reason for the break, but we took it as a chance to explore europe of course! Was eventually rather worried that the places I go to in Easter will clash with plans in Summer, but there was no problem at all! Grew closer to awesome friends. Kinda sad that I don't see them much anymore though. One is all the way in the US, and the other two are over in Pulau NTU. Oh wells, miss them travel buddies who have similar aims and budgets. Countries covered includes England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Spain!
April - Hrm, there isn't much to April as the first week was spent still on easter. After the trip, was the recovery period. Travelling for too long will eventually take its toll. There's a pivot point some time after the two week duration that you just want to stay at one place and not having to think of where to go and what train to catch next. Back in Lund, this is probably the month for visiting friends and all the cookouts in Lund. Projects and courseworks too started to build up.
May - Summer is coming! Lund is starting to get really pretty! Swedish people are always out along with the sun. Impromptu barbeques and chicks suntanning just outside my corridor 0.0 These people don't need to beach to suntan man. All they need is sun and an open field! People were just happy with the awesome weather when shorts enters the what-to-wear today vocab. On the other side of up, May wasn't such a good month for me. I had my suspicions confirmed. And it hurt. The other thing I remember about May, is the weird exam atmosphere. There's really no need to tell students not to cheat, no need to ask for permission to visit the washroom and lecturers answered your queries even with diagrams. Odd indeed but an enlightening change.
June - In the summer of '11, I travelled Europe with my best friend. Summer! A whole month of travelling for me. Starting in Manchester, and ending in Kuching! Countries covered includes Italy, Rome, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, Holland! Photos, rain, private rooms, expensive food, breathtaking scenery, trains, buses, planes, chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates! Oh yes, the nightly beer, chocs and card sessions. If only life in NUS had a little more of these. Its probably the best that my summer could be. =)
July - Home Sweet Home. There's really no place like home. Its probably the longest I have ever been away from home. Six whole months away from home. I spent the month lazing around, eating, playing mahjong and not having to worry about anything in the world. Food was provided, money came from daddy and love came from all around.
August - Back to reality of NUS after an eight month break. Uni felt different, but it started off mostly with design project which occupied prety much the whole month. It was good in a way that I could concentrate on it. There were people around to eat lunches and dinners. All those poor souls in the design lab that worked overtime and some late into the night, while others camped over.
September - Uni now felt really different. Its like first few weeks in a school. Or rather like learning how to take baby steps again. In a way its starting with a clean slate, but that looking on the brighter side of things. Something always felt missing. Its just a phase till the void gets filled up and the world is whole again. My birthday came and went. I finally took a look at the big picture. To think and reflect on life. Turning 23, one more till the year of the dragon.
October - Somehow, NUS seems to warp the concept of time. Every month pretty much feels the same unlike on exchange where there's very significant landmarks for possibly any month. In the month of October, I pretty much used computer games to fill the void. A temporary but self destructive measure. Some modules actually started be be more fun with the friends that you make and go to classes to, and have meals before or after.
November - In doubt of whether I should, I went ahead with my gut feeling. Exams are such a pain. They take up all your time, or are supposed to take up all your time until you get sick and tired of it such that you switch of to fb, twitter or just to randomly surf around. I was constantly thinking of my FYP, but didnt do much as I probably was supposed to be studying for exams. Such a horrible feeling. Exam ended. For the penultimate time in NUS.
December - FYP aside, Christmas is in the air. Class chalet was an awesome idea. Getting to know acquaintances from school outside of school. Seeing the crazy side of things, and hopefully avoiding awkward moment. Also had fun watching my friends chior perform at orchard. Being part of the mini entourage and singing along to krysmas carols which I lovee! Haha. Didnt get to stroll through Orchard that night as it was raining. Its the first time that I spend most of December in Singapore. Coming back to Kuching never fails to recharge my strength to face the coming year. Eventually, these holidays will be cut short and come along less frequently due to work and then family. Who know who, who know when, and who knows where. Some people find love in the least expected places. I wrapped up the year going back on my words that I said on the first day of last year. But it was awesome!
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