Oh my God! What happened? Where did the past week or so disappear to? IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE ALREADY! And boy am I not ready yet. I am still so busy doing things. Here I am, although dressed up and ready to celebrate, my mind is still telling me what tasks I have to finish first. And thank God I've done a good deal of it.
"So this is Christmas, and what have you done..." The song keeps playing in my head. Well, it's great that we've arrived at Christmas. I couldn't wait for it to come. And now it's here. Just a few more hours and it's Christmas day. Wow, the memories of last Christmas are still ripe in my head. Has one year really gone by so quickly?
I'll be having a Christmas dinner in awhile. Not the traditional one for today. That's for tomorrow, perhaps. As you can tell, my mind is still awry. Random phrases just pop up and I just type them down. Tell you what, I'll just leave you to it, shall I?
To all the people of the world, have a wonderful Christmas. Keep the love coming. I'll see you guys...
Monday, December 24, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Do what you love...
Hello! It's less than 2 weeks to Christmas, and I just can't wait to see how the year will come to an end. Things have been getting a little surprising here and there. I think some changes are about to happen. No matter, I welcome them with open arms...
It's my off day today, probably the only time I'm able to type a post. With work burning away each passing day, I can't help feeling that I'm wasting my life away with something I would never want to have a career in. That's exactly the kind of feeling when you're in a job which you hate. That's why I always, always say that we should do what we love to do. Think about it, you only have one chance of living this life. Why would you want to waste each precious day doing something you hate when you can be doing something you love? Stop wasting any more time! Follow your dreams, live your passion, do what you love! When we die, the only thing we can take with us is our memories. Do you want to regret that you wasted your days doing something unfulfilling, or do you want to be satisfied knowing that you pursued your dreams - or at least tried to pursue them?
If you're in the same position as me, trapped in a contract, seize the next chance of getting out. I don't plan to waste any more time and energy doing something which I feel has no meaning for me. Sure, the experience counts, not to mention the money, but in terms of feeding the flames of my heart, no way. I came into this world with a purpose. We came into this world with a purpose. It might not be clear to us at first thought, but I can guarantee you that you'll realise what your purpose is when the time comes. It all begins with what I call "the great awakening". It's the moment when you just stop and think, "What the hell am I doing? Why the hell am I doing this? I don't get any satisfaction doing this." And that's when you fall to your knees and thank God, because you now know what to do. You now have a purpose, a dream, a passion to live for.
The thing you love will be your purpose in this life. It's clearcut. It's that simple. All you have to do is to follow it, live it. In most cases, you will realise that you already have the necessary talents and skills needed to live out that dream. If you haven't, the universe will find a way to equip you with them. However, you need to have that intention in the first place. If you have no intention of following your dreams (for no reason I can think of), then the universe would have no intention of giving you what you want or need. It's the law of attraction at work. Set an intention, and watch the universe open doors for you.
You have to have faith, of course. You have to believe in youself. Sometimes you might find yourself at a dead end, but you have to know that there is always a way out. You might not see a way out, but the universe can. You have to trust it, you see. You have to put your faith in it. Sometimes it feels as though you're putting blind faith into it, but take heart, the universe supports you in all that you do. Set an intention, trust and believe that the universe will manifest it for you, and then be grateful for receving it...
I could go on and on, but I guess you get my point. If you haven't absorbed any of this information, just take this small piece of advice back with you: Don't waste any more time; do what you love...
It's my off day today, probably the only time I'm able to type a post. With work burning away each passing day, I can't help feeling that I'm wasting my life away with something I would never want to have a career in. That's exactly the kind of feeling when you're in a job which you hate. That's why I always, always say that we should do what we love to do. Think about it, you only have one chance of living this life. Why would you want to waste each precious day doing something you hate when you can be doing something you love? Stop wasting any more time! Follow your dreams, live your passion, do what you love! When we die, the only thing we can take with us is our memories. Do you want to regret that you wasted your days doing something unfulfilling, or do you want to be satisfied knowing that you pursued your dreams - or at least tried to pursue them?
If you're in the same position as me, trapped in a contract, seize the next chance of getting out. I don't plan to waste any more time and energy doing something which I feel has no meaning for me. Sure, the experience counts, not to mention the money, but in terms of feeding the flames of my heart, no way. I came into this world with a purpose. We came into this world with a purpose. It might not be clear to us at first thought, but I can guarantee you that you'll realise what your purpose is when the time comes. It all begins with what I call "the great awakening". It's the moment when you just stop and think, "What the hell am I doing? Why the hell am I doing this? I don't get any satisfaction doing this." And that's when you fall to your knees and thank God, because you now know what to do. You now have a purpose, a dream, a passion to live for.
The thing you love will be your purpose in this life. It's clearcut. It's that simple. All you have to do is to follow it, live it. In most cases, you will realise that you already have the necessary talents and skills needed to live out that dream. If you haven't, the universe will find a way to equip you with them. However, you need to have that intention in the first place. If you have no intention of following your dreams (for no reason I can think of), then the universe would have no intention of giving you what you want or need. It's the law of attraction at work. Set an intention, and watch the universe open doors for you.
You have to have faith, of course. You have to believe in youself. Sometimes you might find yourself at a dead end, but you have to know that there is always a way out. You might not see a way out, but the universe can. You have to trust it, you see. You have to put your faith in it. Sometimes it feels as though you're putting blind faith into it, but take heart, the universe supports you in all that you do. Set an intention, trust and believe that the universe will manifest it for you, and then be grateful for receving it...
I could go on and on, but I guess you get my point. If you haven't absorbed any of this information, just take this small piece of advice back with you: Don't waste any more time; do what you love...
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
This is the way of life...
Ahh, it's Tuesday. Thank God I'm off today. I had to work last weekend and the crowd just keeps getting bigger because it's the festive season and promotions are all over the place. I'm grateful I'm not working in the sales department; my servicing department is a lot less chaotic...
So we're now in December, the final month of the year. We've reached the end of another year again, I just can't believe it. 2007 is about to vanish into history. Whenever it comes to this time of the year, I can't help feeling emotional. It's like I have to let go of all the experiences I've encountered. I know they'll be stored in the recesses of my memory, but things will never be the same again. Sometimes even the bad experiences can be meaningful enough for you to treasure them. The good experiences, I don't have to mention. Who wants them to end, anyway?
This shows that we have to cherish all our memories, both good and bad. Because memories are the only things we can keep as each experience comes to an end. They're just like photographs, only more vivid. We can access them anytime, experiencing the colours and feelings that play out in our mind's eye. Even as we leave this place, our memories will still be with us, especially the ones which made quite an impact on our previous lives on earth.
We learn from our experiences. The lessons they bring can be easily discovered, or they can be buried deep within the experience itself, requiring you to look beyond the surface. Oftentimes, we have to go within, to dig deep, to return to our core, in order to realise what these experiences have to teach us. The insights you uncover as you "journey to the centre of the earth", so to speak, will jolt you at first, but then you start to realise, from deep within your being, that you've known this all along. You've just forgotten, that's all...
We need to journey back to our core as often as possible. In order to fully be in line with our source and to fully be at ease with ourselves, we need to reflect. We need to know. We need to experience the truth which is buried deep within each one of us, at the very centre of our being. Only then can we understand. Only then can we be enlightened. This very truth which is in every one of us, is linked to every one of us. We are all interconnected. What we experience affects the people around us as well. The things we do reveberate 360 degrees, and come back to us full circle. What you give out, you also receive. "It is in giving that we receive". "What goes around, comes around".
Send blessings out into the world, and watch what comes back to you. Be gateful for what you have, and watch what you receive. This is the way of the universe. Go against the current, and you will be struggling in vain. Flow with the current, and you will experience all that needs to be experienced, and receive all that needs to be received. This is the way of life...
So we're now in December, the final month of the year. We've reached the end of another year again, I just can't believe it. 2007 is about to vanish into history. Whenever it comes to this time of the year, I can't help feeling emotional. It's like I have to let go of all the experiences I've encountered. I know they'll be stored in the recesses of my memory, but things will never be the same again. Sometimes even the bad experiences can be meaningful enough for you to treasure them. The good experiences, I don't have to mention. Who wants them to end, anyway?
This shows that we have to cherish all our memories, both good and bad. Because memories are the only things we can keep as each experience comes to an end. They're just like photographs, only more vivid. We can access them anytime, experiencing the colours and feelings that play out in our mind's eye. Even as we leave this place, our memories will still be with us, especially the ones which made quite an impact on our previous lives on earth.
We learn from our experiences. The lessons they bring can be easily discovered, or they can be buried deep within the experience itself, requiring you to look beyond the surface. Oftentimes, we have to go within, to dig deep, to return to our core, in order to realise what these experiences have to teach us. The insights you uncover as you "journey to the centre of the earth", so to speak, will jolt you at first, but then you start to realise, from deep within your being, that you've known this all along. You've just forgotten, that's all...
We need to journey back to our core as often as possible. In order to fully be in line with our source and to fully be at ease with ourselves, we need to reflect. We need to know. We need to experience the truth which is buried deep within each one of us, at the very centre of our being. Only then can we understand. Only then can we be enlightened. This very truth which is in every one of us, is linked to every one of us. We are all interconnected. What we experience affects the people around us as well. The things we do reveberate 360 degrees, and come back to us full circle. What you give out, you also receive. "It is in giving that we receive". "What goes around, comes around".
Send blessings out into the world, and watch what comes back to you. Be gateful for what you have, and watch what you receive. This is the way of the universe. Go against the current, and you will be struggling in vain. Flow with the current, and you will experience all that needs to be experienced, and receive all that needs to be received. This is the way of life...
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Facebook. Now that's something...
Whoa, it's been a while. It's the 25th of November, 1 month to Christmas. Boy, what a year. But I'll keep the recollections till later, shall I? The past few days have been dragy and surprising as well. Yesterday I met up with one of my good friends whom I've haven't seen for nearly a month. We met for dinner after my work and had a sumptuous dessert after that.
Good thing I'm off this rainy Sunday. And good thing I'm off tomorrow, too. Well it so happens. It's the computer who sets the roster. In terms of career, things have surprisingly changed yesterday. I can't say for sure, need a little more confirmation, but it looks like I'm on a smoother path now. It was turbulent at the start, yes. I'll see how it goes...
Hey, Facebook is pretty interesting. I didn't want to sign up at first but since I was at work and it was during one of those drowsy afternoons, I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, I was addicted to it. Facebook is unlike the other networking websites like Friendster and MySpace. It's the applications which are the highlights. You add what you want on to your profile, be it informative applications or interactive applications. It's absolutely user-friendly, with an easy search function. And you'll get to belong in at least one network: Country, city, school, work - the list goes on...
Anyway, I can't think of anything else to say today. I'll write back soon if I can. See ya...
Good thing I'm off this rainy Sunday. And good thing I'm off tomorrow, too. Well it so happens. It's the computer who sets the roster. In terms of career, things have surprisingly changed yesterday. I can't say for sure, need a little more confirmation, but it looks like I'm on a smoother path now. It was turbulent at the start, yes. I'll see how it goes...
Hey, Facebook is pretty interesting. I didn't want to sign up at first but since I was at work and it was during one of those drowsy afternoons, I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, I was addicted to it. Facebook is unlike the other networking websites like Friendster and MySpace. It's the applications which are the highlights. You add what you want on to your profile, be it informative applications or interactive applications. It's absolutely user-friendly, with an easy search function. And you'll get to belong in at least one network: Country, city, school, work - the list goes on...
Anyway, I can't think of anything else to say today. I'll write back soon if I can. See ya...
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
My first public performance...
At last it's Tuesday, an off day for me. Funny how your days seem to be longer at work than at home. Anyway, the only event that recently stood apart from the rest of my mundane life was my grandmother's 71st birthday last Saturday. Ahh, it was that time of the year again where I showed another side of me, for some reason. I guess it's not everytime I post something like this on my blog but what the heck, embarass me for all you want...
Some years ago my cousin mentioned something which I haven't forgotten until today: "Every year, you have to embarass yourself once - on your birthday." I know it wasn't my birthday, and I've certainly been embarassed many times before, but this time it wasn't just any embarassment. In fact, maybe it wasn't an embarassment after all. I don't know, you decide...
I performed on my grandmother's birthday. On a stage. In front of everyone. In a public restaurant. Oh well, it was a good experience. Made my adrenaline pump so hard I nearly fainted. But before I show you glimpses of my dark secret, my Mr. Hyde side of me, let me get to the bottom of things, of how I ended up on stage in the first place...
There was a band playing already when I first entered the restaurant. For some reason the waiter who was serving our table asked if there was anyone who wanted to sing. Not that I put my hand up or something. My younger cousins, as usual, all ganged up to point fingers at me and told the waiter that I wanted to sing. Of course I declined. It wasn't until the restaurant staff came out singing Happy Birthday for my grandmother that I happened to do something which triggered the event. What did I do, you ask? I just sang the last sentence of Happy Birthday in a different part, that's all. The waiter came up to me and teased me, saying, "I heard you sing!"
Well what do you expect? I didn't even know what to sing. Then one of my cousins suggested La Bamba. I thought for a moment, "Hey, that's not a bad choice. But the band can't play that song (I saw their song book earlier on), and what if I forget the words?" Then my cousin said her father could play La Bamba on the guitar. Checked. Another cousin of mine (some of you may have seen the name Vanessa around) had an iPod with the Punk Rock version of La Bamba inside. Can you believe that? They even made it into a Punk Rock number. I was taken aback at first but I knew I had no time to waste: I refreshed my memory of the lyrics once again...
And so the dreaded time came for the two of us, my uncle and I, to go up on stage and perform. Naturally my whole family took out their camera phones to start taking pictures and even videoed our performance. I had the chance to bring back some, if not all, on my own phone. So here are the pictures; kind of blur, of course, but what the heck, right?
I guess this was just before we started to perform. I was probably asking my uncle, "How are you going to start?"
And off we went! "Para bailar la bamba, para bailar la bamba se necesita un a poca de gracia..."
I was coaxing the diners to clap their hands...
You see that arm with a camera phone right in front of my face? Yeah, I'm very sure it was my cousin Joshua. He was the only one filming us up close and personal...
Here I am looking like I'm in a trance or something. It's really an out-of-body feeling whenever I perform. I become oblivious to my surroundings...
And this should be the finale. I just remembered something at this point, "How do we end?" La Bamba usually fades away but you can't just fade away when it comes to performing live. Good thing my uncle knew how to end the song well. Thanks a lot, uncle! Without you on the guitar I could never have performed without music!
Some years ago my cousin mentioned something which I haven't forgotten until today: "Every year, you have to embarass yourself once - on your birthday." I know it wasn't my birthday, and I've certainly been embarassed many times before, but this time it wasn't just any embarassment. In fact, maybe it wasn't an embarassment after all. I don't know, you decide...
I performed on my grandmother's birthday. On a stage. In front of everyone. In a public restaurant. Oh well, it was a good experience. Made my adrenaline pump so hard I nearly fainted. But before I show you glimpses of my dark secret, my Mr. Hyde side of me, let me get to the bottom of things, of how I ended up on stage in the first place...
There was a band playing already when I first entered the restaurant. For some reason the waiter who was serving our table asked if there was anyone who wanted to sing. Not that I put my hand up or something. My younger cousins, as usual, all ganged up to point fingers at me and told the waiter that I wanted to sing. Of course I declined. It wasn't until the restaurant staff came out singing Happy Birthday for my grandmother that I happened to do something which triggered the event. What did I do, you ask? I just sang the last sentence of Happy Birthday in a different part, that's all. The waiter came up to me and teased me, saying, "I heard you sing!"
Well what do you expect? I didn't even know what to sing. Then one of my cousins suggested La Bamba. I thought for a moment, "Hey, that's not a bad choice. But the band can't play that song (I saw their song book earlier on), and what if I forget the words?" Then my cousin said her father could play La Bamba on the guitar. Checked. Another cousin of mine (some of you may have seen the name Vanessa around) had an iPod with the Punk Rock version of La Bamba inside. Can you believe that? They even made it into a Punk Rock number. I was taken aback at first but I knew I had no time to waste: I refreshed my memory of the lyrics once again...
And so the dreaded time came for the two of us, my uncle and I, to go up on stage and perform. Naturally my whole family took out their camera phones to start taking pictures and even videoed our performance. I had the chance to bring back some, if not all, on my own phone. So here are the pictures; kind of blur, of course, but what the heck, right?
I guess this was just before we started to perform. I was probably asking my uncle, "How are you going to start?"
And off we went! "Para bailar la bamba, para bailar la bamba se necesita un a poca de gracia..."
You see that arm with a camera phone right in front of my face? Yeah, I'm very sure it was my cousin Joshua. He was the only one filming us up close and personal...
And this should be the finale. I just remembered something at this point, "How do we end?" La Bamba usually fades away but you can't just fade away when it comes to performing live. Good thing my uncle knew how to end the song well. Thanks a lot, uncle! Without you on the guitar I could never have performed without music!Friday, November 09, 2007
I'll be home for Christmas...
It's my second off day for the week and I'm spending a quiet day at home. After all the stress and commotion of working life, I can't help being thankful for the home I can return to, the sanctuary where I rejuvenate.
Yesterday, which was my first off day, was spent with an old friend whom I haven't seen for nearly 2 years since the 'O' Levels. My my, what a reunion. The best part of it was, we spent our day in town as though we just saw each other the day before - just like the afternoons we spent after school together. Those were the days, I tell you. I hope to meet up again some time soon...
Tomorrow, my family would be celebrating my grandmother's birthday in the evening. My supervisor didn't allow me to take the day off and so I can only head there after work. I'll be looking forward to it, especially after a long day at work. I always find myself lucky enough to attend some kind of occasion after certain days of work. For some reason people would ask me out for dinner and I would tell them, "Thank God you called." So I'll be waiting for your call!
Other than that, I still can't seem to think we're nearing Christmas. Obviously it's because in the past, this time of the year would be the holidays for me. But right now I'm experiencing what it's like to be working during the so called holidays. When I saw the Christmas decorations in town yesterday, I had a slight jolt again, reminding me that Christmas is around the corner. Looks like this Christmas would be nothing like the ol' Christmases I used to have. Now I know how it feels to be a working adult at Christmas time.
And so I guess I'll sign off here again. But not without promising you this:
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents round the tree
Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams...
Yesterday, which was my first off day, was spent with an old friend whom I haven't seen for nearly 2 years since the 'O' Levels. My my, what a reunion. The best part of it was, we spent our day in town as though we just saw each other the day before - just like the afternoons we spent after school together. Those were the days, I tell you. I hope to meet up again some time soon...
Tomorrow, my family would be celebrating my grandmother's birthday in the evening. My supervisor didn't allow me to take the day off and so I can only head there after work. I'll be looking forward to it, especially after a long day at work. I always find myself lucky enough to attend some kind of occasion after certain days of work. For some reason people would ask me out for dinner and I would tell them, "Thank God you called." So I'll be waiting for your call!
Other than that, I still can't seem to think we're nearing Christmas. Obviously it's because in the past, this time of the year would be the holidays for me. But right now I'm experiencing what it's like to be working during the so called holidays. When I saw the Christmas decorations in town yesterday, I had a slight jolt again, reminding me that Christmas is around the corner. Looks like this Christmas would be nothing like the ol' Christmases I used to have. Now I know how it feels to be a working adult at Christmas time.
And so I guess I'll sign off here again. But not without promising you this:
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents round the tree
Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams...
Thursday, November 01, 2007
11
So here I am, typing this as I do my job. It's a brand new month, a brand new day, the 1st of November. Can you believe it? It's only 2 more months till the end of the year. Everytime I realise we're in November I pause and think, "Did it happen so quickly? Are we really in November?"
But the best thing about being at year's end is of course the holidays. Christmas and New Year's are just around the corner. Even if it doesn't snow here, I can just imagine what it would be like in winter time. You know that verse from The Christmas Song, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jackfrost nibbling at your nose. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and folks dressed up like eskimos..."
Anyway, November to me is somewhat like a preparation month for the finale. It's quite a mystical month, in the sense that the number 11 is a spiritual number in numerology. It isn't the final month of the year, just the one before, and that is what places it in a special position. Neither first nor last. Isn't that sexy? Haha...
Because of the significance of the number 11, people whose birthdate adds up to 11 have a very important purpose in this lifetime. Spirituality and a higher awareness will be part of that purpose. 11 is considered a master number in numerology, and many a time, people who have the 11 destiny tend to shun away from their higher purpose. They know deep down that they have a unique path, but are usually too afraid to follow it.
Even if your birthdate doesn't add up to 11, you will still experience some of its effects if you were born on the 11th or 29th (2 + 9 = 11) of any month, or were born in November itself. So all you 11 people, please don't be afraid to tread your all-important life path. Your soul is not just evolving for its own good; you'll be doing the world a favour, too, as people will finally realise the truth they have long since forgotten.
I wish all 11 people the best of luck for their journey in this life. May they have the courage to stand up for what they believe in and in doing so, awake us all to the truth we once knew...
But the best thing about being at year's end is of course the holidays. Christmas and New Year's are just around the corner. Even if it doesn't snow here, I can just imagine what it would be like in winter time. You know that verse from The Christmas Song, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jackfrost nibbling at your nose. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and folks dressed up like eskimos..."
Anyway, November to me is somewhat like a preparation month for the finale. It's quite a mystical month, in the sense that the number 11 is a spiritual number in numerology. It isn't the final month of the year, just the one before, and that is what places it in a special position. Neither first nor last. Isn't that sexy? Haha...
Because of the significance of the number 11, people whose birthdate adds up to 11 have a very important purpose in this lifetime. Spirituality and a higher awareness will be part of that purpose. 11 is considered a master number in numerology, and many a time, people who have the 11 destiny tend to shun away from their higher purpose. They know deep down that they have a unique path, but are usually too afraid to follow it.
Even if your birthdate doesn't add up to 11, you will still experience some of its effects if you were born on the 11th or 29th (2 + 9 = 11) of any month, or were born in November itself. So all you 11 people, please don't be afraid to tread your all-important life path. Your soul is not just evolving for its own good; you'll be doing the world a favour, too, as people will finally realise the truth they have long since forgotten.
I wish all 11 people the best of luck for their journey in this life. May they have the courage to stand up for what they believe in and in doing so, awake us all to the truth we once knew...
Saturday, October 27, 2007
A typical work day at the CBD...
So it's my second off day this humid Saturday. I think I'm starting to get used to this job. There are so many things I want to say about my days at the Central Business District (CBD). I've never had the experience of working there before until now.
It's amazing how the days play out at the CBD. Imagine yourself as an average white-collar employee. Every morning you get up around 7 and start to dress up for work. By 8, you start travelling in the trains and buses with commuters in what they call the "morning madness". You get to the office by 9, clock-in with your... clock-in card, and begin your paperwork.
Now here's how I see it from my eyes. I begin my workday at 10a.m. in the service centre. I clock-in, and get ready for the daily briefing. By 10:15 I go to the counter and start preparing the essentials like turning on the computers and running the programmes, replacing yesterday's newspapers with the day's ones, and filling up the candy trays with sweets (which always seem to disappear before you know it). Then at 10:30 we start raising the grailes and in comes the flood of kiasu customers who have actually been queuing outside before we even began business.
And then around 12 noon, it's probably the 2nd best thing after heading home: The lunch hour. People at the CBD have a knack for making the best of their lunch hours. That's when they can run their own errands and, of course, have a good lunch. Speaking of good food, the CBD has 'specialized' places where you can find the best food in town, one of them being The Golden Shoe food centre. I don't have to mention how crowded it is during lunch time, but if you really want to have a sumptuous lunch, then you'll have to brave the long queues.
I cherish my lunch hour. Want to know why? Because that's the only time I get to go outdoors. I recently realised that the moment I step into the train to travel to work from my house, I am completely enclosed in an air-conditioned environment. Even when I reach my destination, the train station has an underground link to the building I work in. In other words I am totally sheltered from the outside environment - just like a mole thriving in its underground tunnels.
When it's time for my lunch hour, the moment I step out into the sunlight, fresh air caresses my skin and I get in touch with the natural environment once again. And here's the highlight: After having my meal, I head down to the Singapore River where, thank goodness, I am able to recharge my batteries with nature.
Fast forward the day, and the time comes when business draws to a close. For the average office job, you get to end work officially by 6p.m.. Not for me, though. The service centre closes at 7:30, and during the last two hours of the day, it can get pretty crowded at times. But once the clock hits half past 7, the grails come down, and the clock-in card gets clocked-in.
Funny thing, the CBD. If you've never been in the CBD after office hours and during weekends, I suggest you try it one day. During my first weekend on the job, I got to experience first hand what the CBD is like on the last two days of the week. It's a ghost town, I tell you. It's like walking alone in an empty world. You hardly see any soul around. But the thing I realised is that... there's a certain kind of peace in the CBD during weekends. Imagine a place packed full of people on weekdays but on weekends, it's a different place altogether. Walking in between gigantic buildings, passing by closed shops, crossing empty roads, it's an introspective experience in a whole new environment...
So this is it, then. A typical work day at the CBD. I'll be hoping for more surprises to come...
It's amazing how the days play out at the CBD. Imagine yourself as an average white-collar employee. Every morning you get up around 7 and start to dress up for work. By 8, you start travelling in the trains and buses with commuters in what they call the "morning madness". You get to the office by 9, clock-in with your... clock-in card, and begin your paperwork.
Now here's how I see it from my eyes. I begin my workday at 10a.m. in the service centre. I clock-in, and get ready for the daily briefing. By 10:15 I go to the counter and start preparing the essentials like turning on the computers and running the programmes, replacing yesterday's newspapers with the day's ones, and filling up the candy trays with sweets (which always seem to disappear before you know it). Then at 10:30 we start raising the grailes and in comes the flood of kiasu customers who have actually been queuing outside before we even began business.
And then around 12 noon, it's probably the 2nd best thing after heading home: The lunch hour. People at the CBD have a knack for making the best of their lunch hours. That's when they can run their own errands and, of course, have a good lunch. Speaking of good food, the CBD has 'specialized' places where you can find the best food in town, one of them being The Golden Shoe food centre. I don't have to mention how crowded it is during lunch time, but if you really want to have a sumptuous lunch, then you'll have to brave the long queues.
I cherish my lunch hour. Want to know why? Because that's the only time I get to go outdoors. I recently realised that the moment I step into the train to travel to work from my house, I am completely enclosed in an air-conditioned environment. Even when I reach my destination, the train station has an underground link to the building I work in. In other words I am totally sheltered from the outside environment - just like a mole thriving in its underground tunnels.
When it's time for my lunch hour, the moment I step out into the sunlight, fresh air caresses my skin and I get in touch with the natural environment once again. And here's the highlight: After having my meal, I head down to the Singapore River where, thank goodness, I am able to recharge my batteries with nature.
Fast forward the day, and the time comes when business draws to a close. For the average office job, you get to end work officially by 6p.m.. Not for me, though. The service centre closes at 7:30, and during the last two hours of the day, it can get pretty crowded at times. But once the clock hits half past 7, the grails come down, and the clock-in card gets clocked-in.
Funny thing, the CBD. If you've never been in the CBD after office hours and during weekends, I suggest you try it one day. During my first weekend on the job, I got to experience first hand what the CBD is like on the last two days of the week. It's a ghost town, I tell you. It's like walking alone in an empty world. You hardly see any soul around. But the thing I realised is that... there's a certain kind of peace in the CBD during weekends. Imagine a place packed full of people on weekdays but on weekends, it's a different place altogether. Walking in between gigantic buildings, passing by closed shops, crossing empty roads, it's an introspective experience in a whole new environment...
So this is it, then. A typical work day at the CBD. I'll be hoping for more surprises to come...
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A real taste of working life - with a pinch of salt.
Whoa! Whoa! I still can't digest what had happened in the last few days. Phew. Alright, where do I start? Remember me saying that I had found a job as a beach surveyor? That's bullshit, alright. It didn't even happen. I was expecting a call from the company to confirm the start-date, but the project never even took off. Now, I've found a new job, and this one's already started...
It started so quickly that I didn't have time to realise what was happening. Last Thursday I went to the employment agency to apply for a position I saw in the papers. They told me it was for a mobile phone service provider (I can't mention the company's name due to confidential matters), and there were two positions: Call centre operator or front-line customer service executive. I was considering the call centre operator job at first, since it was something new to me and there was a certain sense of security being behind a phone. Not to mention the pay for that is higher than the front-line customer service executive.
During the second interview (there were three altogether), I had a very strong feeling that the lady who was interviewing me was hinting that I take the front-line customer service executive job. I actually said something about wanting the call centre operator job instead, but she said she would be the one to short-list people in the end. So I let it be because I thought it wouldn't make much difference anyway. Only two were appointed for the front-line customer service executive job: I'm one of them.
And so I had to go down to the place where I was going to work for my third interview - on that same day. The supervisor asked me a few questions and before I knew it, my employment agent called me up just as I was about to head home, "They want you to start work tomorrow. Can you come back to my office to sign the contract?" Can you believe that? It's neither good nor bad, but everything was decided so quickly on that same Thursday.
I had to report for work at 10a.m. the next morning. And then it was the start of my world going upside-down. I had no idea, no idea, that I would have to be operating so many programs on a computer. Heck, I didn't even know I had to be using computers! I thought it was just a little machine which printed out queue numbers that I had to be pressing. For the first three days on the job, I was in turmoil - and panic. I had to learn the replies to the various enquiries customers would ask and also the services the mobile phone service provider offers. I scribbled down notes and tried to memorize the countless steps involved when it came to using the system.
On top of that, my days have been burned like wild fire. I start at 10 in the morning and end at 7:30 in the evening. By the time I have my dinner and arrive home, it's almost time to sleep. If it wasn't for the two off days per week, I wouldn't have taken the job in the first place. Hours at work seem to drag at times. It's a pity thinking about how your days burn away when you have to wake up so early in the morning and only get to go back at night. It's true that I can make full use of my time doing a job, but what about time for "me"? I need some "me" time everyday, to be honest.
Well, I guess I'll just have to leave things to the higher powers, then. I have faith that things will turn out fine in the end. May all our wishes come true...
It started so quickly that I didn't have time to realise what was happening. Last Thursday I went to the employment agency to apply for a position I saw in the papers. They told me it was for a mobile phone service provider (I can't mention the company's name due to confidential matters), and there were two positions: Call centre operator or front-line customer service executive. I was considering the call centre operator job at first, since it was something new to me and there was a certain sense of security being behind a phone. Not to mention the pay for that is higher than the front-line customer service executive.
During the second interview (there were three altogether), I had a very strong feeling that the lady who was interviewing me was hinting that I take the front-line customer service executive job. I actually said something about wanting the call centre operator job instead, but she said she would be the one to short-list people in the end. So I let it be because I thought it wouldn't make much difference anyway. Only two were appointed for the front-line customer service executive job: I'm one of them.
And so I had to go down to the place where I was going to work for my third interview - on that same day. The supervisor asked me a few questions and before I knew it, my employment agent called me up just as I was about to head home, "They want you to start work tomorrow. Can you come back to my office to sign the contract?" Can you believe that? It's neither good nor bad, but everything was decided so quickly on that same Thursday.
I had to report for work at 10a.m. the next morning. And then it was the start of my world going upside-down. I had no idea, no idea, that I would have to be operating so many programs on a computer. Heck, I didn't even know I had to be using computers! I thought it was just a little machine which printed out queue numbers that I had to be pressing. For the first three days on the job, I was in turmoil - and panic. I had to learn the replies to the various enquiries customers would ask and also the services the mobile phone service provider offers. I scribbled down notes and tried to memorize the countless steps involved when it came to using the system.
On top of that, my days have been burned like wild fire. I start at 10 in the morning and end at 7:30 in the evening. By the time I have my dinner and arrive home, it's almost time to sleep. If it wasn't for the two off days per week, I wouldn't have taken the job in the first place. Hours at work seem to drag at times. It's a pity thinking about how your days burn away when you have to wake up so early in the morning and only get to go back at night. It's true that I can make full use of my time doing a job, but what about time for "me"? I need some "me" time everyday, to be honest.
Well, I guess I'll just have to leave things to the higher powers, then. I have faith that things will turn out fine in the end. May all our wishes come true...
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Transitional periods: Don't let it go downhill...
Well hello. Oh by the way, if you thought I've started working already, it's not true. I'm supposed to be starting this Monday, but it seems that they're pushing back the start-date. How untimely, with all the pressure I've got from my parents, calling me lazy and irresponsible and all that.
You know in life, there are always transitional periods where you're in between something which ended and another which is about to begin. I'm in one of those periods now. And I know this is just a small one compared to the one I experienced the whole of last year. Yup, the whole of last year.
It was a period of ending for me last year. I was about to start a new cycle, and last year was a year in which I had to clear out the old to prepare for the new. This year, I begin a brand new 9-year cycle, and it has been pretty good so far. Inevitably there were times when the going was tough, but overall this year seems to be a very fruitful year.
Right now, the going is a little tough, yes. You see, transitional periods, no doubt necessary, can be quite turbulent at times. Irritatingly so, this is the period where you'll sometimes feel insecure, guilty, and even worthless. We're so used to having something formal to do - like studying or working - that the moment our daily grind ends, we feel insecure, because we stop going to school or work. Let the insecurity linger a little longer and guilt sets in. I'm not doing anything productive, you think. In time, if still nothing major comes up, our sense of worth will start to deteriorate. I'm useless, I might as well not live...
I might be blowing things up, but I've ever experienced those feelings before. Maybe not everyone would feel that way when they're in a transitional period. But this is how it looks through my eyes. Pretty negative, you might think. But hey, I never said I didn't believe in the saying, "The grass is greener on the other side". Blimey, I even tell people I can't wait to grow old!
You know in life, there are always transitional periods where you're in between something which ended and another which is about to begin. I'm in one of those periods now. And I know this is just a small one compared to the one I experienced the whole of last year. Yup, the whole of last year.
It was a period of ending for me last year. I was about to start a new cycle, and last year was a year in which I had to clear out the old to prepare for the new. This year, I begin a brand new 9-year cycle, and it has been pretty good so far. Inevitably there were times when the going was tough, but overall this year seems to be a very fruitful year.
Right now, the going is a little tough, yes. You see, transitional periods, no doubt necessary, can be quite turbulent at times. Irritatingly so, this is the period where you'll sometimes feel insecure, guilty, and even worthless. We're so used to having something formal to do - like studying or working - that the moment our daily grind ends, we feel insecure, because we stop going to school or work. Let the insecurity linger a little longer and guilt sets in. I'm not doing anything productive, you think. In time, if still nothing major comes up, our sense of worth will start to deteriorate. I'm useless, I might as well not live...
I might be blowing things up, but I've ever experienced those feelings before. Maybe not everyone would feel that way when they're in a transitional period. But this is how it looks through my eyes. Pretty negative, you might think. But hey, I never said I didn't believe in the saying, "The grass is greener on the other side". Blimey, I even tell people I can't wait to grow old!
Saturday, October 06, 2007
The beach surveyor!
Okay, great. I've found a job at last. My cousin has signed up too! Actually it isn't anything new. Remember my surveyor job at The Esplanade? Yeah, this time it's at the beach...
She wore an itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini... Yup, it's time to survey again. Totally new (and unexpected) environment - the beach. No more air-conditioning, just fresh, salty air. No more free performances from the Mosaic Music Festival, just the sound of the waves crashing on to the shore.
To be honest, the surveyor job was the toughest of the lot for me. Not only was it energy-draining, it really pushed you out of your comfort zone to be bold in approaching that intimidating person over there. But thank God there's something which makes up for it: The pay. Yes, it's definitely more than the average job (probably much more), and if it wasn't for that, I'd probably be thinking twice about it.
Anyway, I heard that this time the survey would be extra long - much longer than the previous one I had to conduct. Two things: It's either I encounter all the right people who would be willing to sit through the long survey, or I do my best to improvise on it - summarize it, if you must. But how in the world am I going to summarize a survey, I have no idea for now...
Another great solution would be to go in pairs or more. Not only would that provide a shared confidence with each other, it would also intimidate the surveyee in declining us in the first place (oh boy, I feel so evil). Funny how we come up with peculiar solutions in situations like these...
So I guess it's all the best to me and my cousin - and everyone else involved in the project, of course. May luck be on our side...
She wore an itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini... Yup, it's time to survey again. Totally new (and unexpected) environment - the beach. No more air-conditioning, just fresh, salty air. No more free performances from the Mosaic Music Festival, just the sound of the waves crashing on to the shore.
To be honest, the surveyor job was the toughest of the lot for me. Not only was it energy-draining, it really pushed you out of your comfort zone to be bold in approaching that intimidating person over there. But thank God there's something which makes up for it: The pay. Yes, it's definitely more than the average job (probably much more), and if it wasn't for that, I'd probably be thinking twice about it.
Anyway, I heard that this time the survey would be extra long - much longer than the previous one I had to conduct. Two things: It's either I encounter all the right people who would be willing to sit through the long survey, or I do my best to improvise on it - summarize it, if you must. But how in the world am I going to summarize a survey, I have no idea for now...
Another great solution would be to go in pairs or more. Not only would that provide a shared confidence with each other, it would also intimidate the surveyee in declining us in the first place (oh boy, I feel so evil). Funny how we come up with peculiar solutions in situations like these...
So I guess it's all the best to me and my cousin - and everyone else involved in the project, of course. May luck be on our side...
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Anger, guilt, and fear: No point holding on to them.
Well hello there, it's been awhile. The past week was a pretty nice week. Nope, I haven't gotten a job yet. Still searching, yes. The thing that bugs me so much is when my mum keeps nagging at me to go and find one instead of being so lazy. Well if you're reading this, mum, what makes you think I'm not finding a job? You know what, I HATE it when you say I'm lazy - because I'm NOT.
Damn, if there's one thing about her that I can say I truly resent, it's the fact that she's just so insensitive. She might not think she is, but the way she speaks and the words she uses, they just pierce through you and stab your heart - honest! It might be her nature to speak loudly, so everytime I tell her not to shout at me, she says she isn't. Then there's the kind of vocabulary she uses: Stupid, crazy, irresponsible, lazy, naive. There's still some other crude words she uses which I can't remember for now. Combine her shouting and her language, and you get the ultimate put down.
I can frankly tell you that I was brought up with harsh criticisms. Whether or not that has made me stronger, I don't know. But I do know that my heart is incredibly fragile and it still aches from all those put downs. I don't usually blog about my hurts and pains because I think it's unnecessary, but this time I thought I really needed an outlet so bare with me.
We've all heard that we shouldn't keep anger, guilt, and fear in us because when they fester inside, they eventually eat away at us. I've also learnt that when you keep these negative emotions in you, they manifest in the form of illnesses. For example, Cancer is a manifestation of anger and resentment, so as tumors and growths. Guilt causes pain that manifests illnesses such as Arthritis. Fear gives way to illnesses that antagonize the body, such as Eczema and Migraines.
After learning about the mental causes of illnesses, I earnestly want to get rid of any negative emotions I hold in my heart. It's not easy, that's for sure, especially when you've experienced deep hurt like me and the only way is to forgive the person who caused you the pain. There was a story about a woman whose son was murdered. When the reporter asked her if she could ever forgive her son's murderer, she said, "No, but I will leave it up to God because it's too much for me to handle."
You know, I don't know if I can ever forgive my mother, come to think of it now. It's almost impossible that I'm saying this but I do want to find a way to let go of all the hurt she has caused me. I guess all I want her to say is that she's sorry, and I believe I will be able to forgive her then. Something tells me that I've got to be the first to forgive, instead of waiting for the person to apologize. It seems unfair, huh, especially when you know it was the person's fault? Ahh, I can't say for sure now. I'll just have to leave it to God, then...
To all the people who are feeling hurt right now, please know that you're not alone. Give up your hurt to God. Surrender it. Know that it's useless to hold on to anger because it harms you instead of the person you are angry at. Life is too short to feel pain, so let's not waste any more time, shall we?
Damn, if there's one thing about her that I can say I truly resent, it's the fact that she's just so insensitive. She might not think she is, but the way she speaks and the words she uses, they just pierce through you and stab your heart - honest! It might be her nature to speak loudly, so everytime I tell her not to shout at me, she says she isn't. Then there's the kind of vocabulary she uses: Stupid, crazy, irresponsible, lazy, naive. There's still some other crude words she uses which I can't remember for now. Combine her shouting and her language, and you get the ultimate put down.
I can frankly tell you that I was brought up with harsh criticisms. Whether or not that has made me stronger, I don't know. But I do know that my heart is incredibly fragile and it still aches from all those put downs. I don't usually blog about my hurts and pains because I think it's unnecessary, but this time I thought I really needed an outlet so bare with me.
We've all heard that we shouldn't keep anger, guilt, and fear in us because when they fester inside, they eventually eat away at us. I've also learnt that when you keep these negative emotions in you, they manifest in the form of illnesses. For example, Cancer is a manifestation of anger and resentment, so as tumors and growths. Guilt causes pain that manifests illnesses such as Arthritis. Fear gives way to illnesses that antagonize the body, such as Eczema and Migraines.
After learning about the mental causes of illnesses, I earnestly want to get rid of any negative emotions I hold in my heart. It's not easy, that's for sure, especially when you've experienced deep hurt like me and the only way is to forgive the person who caused you the pain. There was a story about a woman whose son was murdered. When the reporter asked her if she could ever forgive her son's murderer, she said, "No, but I will leave it up to God because it's too much for me to handle."
You know, I don't know if I can ever forgive my mother, come to think of it now. It's almost impossible that I'm saying this but I do want to find a way to let go of all the hurt she has caused me. I guess all I want her to say is that she's sorry, and I believe I will be able to forgive her then. Something tells me that I've got to be the first to forgive, instead of waiting for the person to apologize. It seems unfair, huh, especially when you know it was the person's fault? Ahh, I can't say for sure now. I'll just have to leave it to God, then...
To all the people who are feeling hurt right now, please know that you're not alone. Give up your hurt to God. Surrender it. Know that it's useless to hold on to anger because it harms you instead of the person you are angry at. Life is too short to feel pain, so let's not waste any more time, shall we?
Monday, September 24, 2007
Fly me to the moon...
Phew! The past week's been busy. I told you in my last post that I knew things were up and coming last week. Well, looks like most of the commotion is over. This week, I am fervently searching for a job. I had a couple of deals a few days back - pretty good ones, in fact. Hard Rock Cafe and Times the Bookshop popped up...
I was quite enthusiastic for the Times job, only thing I missed the interviews. I'm praying there'll be more to come. In the meantime, I hope even more good offers will present themselves to me. I can feel it coming; the energies are shifting soon.
In terms of my personal progress, things have never been better. I feel as though I'm a sponge, absorbing all that I want and all that I need. The angels have been helping me along, haven't you, angels? In fact from the moment I was born until today, they have been helping me along. Pity I didn't acknowledge them earlier. Good thing I have a better understanding of them now. I'm still in the midst of finding out your names, by the way!
Well then, I'll leave you here again. Oh yes, almost forgot, tomorrow's the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Full moon, people. Got your lanterns ready?
I was quite enthusiastic for the Times job, only thing I missed the interviews. I'm praying there'll be more to come. In the meantime, I hope even more good offers will present themselves to me. I can feel it coming; the energies are shifting soon.
In terms of my personal progress, things have never been better. I feel as though I'm a sponge, absorbing all that I want and all that I need. The angels have been helping me along, haven't you, angels? In fact from the moment I was born until today, they have been helping me along. Pity I didn't acknowledge them earlier. Good thing I have a better understanding of them now. I'm still in the midst of finding out your names, by the way!
Well then, I'll leave you here again. Oh yes, almost forgot, tomorrow's the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Full moon, people. Got your lanterns ready?
Saturday, September 15, 2007
A transitory week...
Another week has passed and we're already into mid-September. I had a pretty smooth week. It was kind of like a transitory week for me, neither eventful nor boring. I have a strong feeling things will start to pick up once the new week begins.
I actually tried applying for this Duck Tours job that deals with - you guessed right - the tourism industry. The job itself seems quite popular. My cousin tried too and she got called up for an interview. Only thing was they needed someone who could commit for a long period and she couldn't adapt to their schedule because her new term begins in late October. She said she wanted the front desk job but it was already full. She also said that there was the tour guide job and that you have to do your research and stuff. I thought that was quite cool. Imagine having that on your resume...
They haven't called me up, though. Haha, I know it's tempting to doubt that they ever would but I must keep my hopes up. Anyway, the weekend looks set and the new week ahead looks promising. I wonder what else could possibly manifest in the month of September. From what I've learnt, the signs have told me that this would be a significant month. I'll be keeping my eyes open, then...
I actually tried applying for this Duck Tours job that deals with - you guessed right - the tourism industry. The job itself seems quite popular. My cousin tried too and she got called up for an interview. Only thing was they needed someone who could commit for a long period and she couldn't adapt to their schedule because her new term begins in late October. She said she wanted the front desk job but it was already full. She also said that there was the tour guide job and that you have to do your research and stuff. I thought that was quite cool. Imagine having that on your resume...
They haven't called me up, though. Haha, I know it's tempting to doubt that they ever would but I must keep my hopes up. Anyway, the weekend looks set and the new week ahead looks promising. I wonder what else could possibly manifest in the month of September. From what I've learnt, the signs have told me that this would be a significant month. I'll be keeping my eyes open, then...
Saturday, September 08, 2007
The Pond
The past week finally completes the end of the 7th Chinese Solar month. It was truly extraordinary in the literary sense. That sense of accomplishment has returned. And what a unique way of closing the month yesterday: I visited the huge pond at the park.
It was in the late afternoon and when I arrived, it wasn't that crowded, which was a good thing. There were some old folks fishing and chatting about the good ol' life. A couple of kids with two women were sitting on a mat on the ground, the kids drawing the scenery with crayons. It was also the 1-week school break, I remembered. All around the perimeter of the pond you could see people jogging, strolling, and just sitting around. I guess I belonged to the latter group, perhaps they too wanted to muse about life, the wonder and humour of it all.
I sat myself down on a wooden bench, looking out over the water. The sun was still bright, its rays reflecting like little diamonds on the surface of the water. Thank God there was this huge tree with its branches over me, giving me shelter. I was amazed at how the branches grew towards the water; somehow the elements of nature really are interdependent with one another, just like how humans should be. Wood is drawn to water because it helps it grow, I thought, and how fitting as the productive cycle of the five elements also describes this.
I had a book with me and I decided to read a few pages of it, wanting to "warm up" with this new environment I hardly experience. Funny, isn't it? I've always read and heard people say that we should make nature a part of our life. I've always known intrinsically that within every person's core is a willingness to be with nature, that we subconsciously know that nature is a natural healer and can nourish the soul. And yet all this while until yesterday I had simply pushed aside the idea of spending time with nature.
Then there was a little commotion on my right when I heard one of the old folks saying in a loud voice, "Wah, 1 Kilo, 1 Kilo!" I knew they were referring to the fish that was pulling hard on the fishing line, only thing when the old man drew back the line and saw what he had caught, it wasn't a fish at all. It was a tortoise, one of many who made the pond their home. It was a first for me, seeing a tortoise grab a bait. But I also knew it was a sign; it's not everyday you get to see a tortoise being fished out of the water.
After reading what I needed to read, I decided to take a stroll around the pond. It looked huge at first, but on second thought, I could see that it would take only minutes to encircle it. I started walking clockwise. Along the way I met people on the other side - sports enthusiasts, more fishermen, and more children. The sun was setting slowing, evening was coming. I took in the view from the other side of the pond, spotting where I had sat earlier. Soon I had completed the circle, and I was back where I started. That was when I decided it was time to leave.
I felt a bit disappointed, to tell you the truth. If I were to tell you why, you'd think I was crazy. You see, the reason why I decided to visit the pond was because I was told to visit it - very subtly, of course. I expected some kind of event to happen, some awakening or drastic change in my thinking, perhaps. Maybe I wasn't supposed to expect that, because after leaving the place I realised that what I had done today was something to be incorporated into my life from now on. In other words, to make nature a part of my routine. I'm still trying to ingest that, and I'm still working out how to incorporate that into my lifestyle. Deep within me, I know the answer is simple enough, and action can be taken very easily. But on the outside, it seems so much harder... Funny, isn't it?
It was in the late afternoon and when I arrived, it wasn't that crowded, which was a good thing. There were some old folks fishing and chatting about the good ol' life. A couple of kids with two women were sitting on a mat on the ground, the kids drawing the scenery with crayons. It was also the 1-week school break, I remembered. All around the perimeter of the pond you could see people jogging, strolling, and just sitting around. I guess I belonged to the latter group, perhaps they too wanted to muse about life, the wonder and humour of it all.
I sat myself down on a wooden bench, looking out over the water. The sun was still bright, its rays reflecting like little diamonds on the surface of the water. Thank God there was this huge tree with its branches over me, giving me shelter. I was amazed at how the branches grew towards the water; somehow the elements of nature really are interdependent with one another, just like how humans should be. Wood is drawn to water because it helps it grow, I thought, and how fitting as the productive cycle of the five elements also describes this.
I had a book with me and I decided to read a few pages of it, wanting to "warm up" with this new environment I hardly experience. Funny, isn't it? I've always read and heard people say that we should make nature a part of our life. I've always known intrinsically that within every person's core is a willingness to be with nature, that we subconsciously know that nature is a natural healer and can nourish the soul. And yet all this while until yesterday I had simply pushed aside the idea of spending time with nature.
Then there was a little commotion on my right when I heard one of the old folks saying in a loud voice, "Wah, 1 Kilo, 1 Kilo!" I knew they were referring to the fish that was pulling hard on the fishing line, only thing when the old man drew back the line and saw what he had caught, it wasn't a fish at all. It was a tortoise, one of many who made the pond their home. It was a first for me, seeing a tortoise grab a bait. But I also knew it was a sign; it's not everyday you get to see a tortoise being fished out of the water.
After reading what I needed to read, I decided to take a stroll around the pond. It looked huge at first, but on second thought, I could see that it would take only minutes to encircle it. I started walking clockwise. Along the way I met people on the other side - sports enthusiasts, more fishermen, and more children. The sun was setting slowing, evening was coming. I took in the view from the other side of the pond, spotting where I had sat earlier. Soon I had completed the circle, and I was back where I started. That was when I decided it was time to leave.
I felt a bit disappointed, to tell you the truth. If I were to tell you why, you'd think I was crazy. You see, the reason why I decided to visit the pond was because I was told to visit it - very subtly, of course. I expected some kind of event to happen, some awakening or drastic change in my thinking, perhaps. Maybe I wasn't supposed to expect that, because after leaving the place I realised that what I had done today was something to be incorporated into my life from now on. In other words, to make nature a part of my routine. I'm still trying to ingest that, and I'm still working out how to incorporate that into my lifestyle. Deep within me, I know the answer is simple enough, and action can be taken very easily. But on the outside, it seems so much harder... Funny, isn't it?
Saturday, September 01, 2007
September, the intensified one...
Hello, hello! Hello to one and all! It's a brand new month, a brand new day! September, my favourite month. The 1st of September, sexy. Autumn, yes. Nice, sweet, subtle, demure. Fabulous September...
My job ended yesterday! No more monotony for me! The past month was very fulfilling, I must say. Learnt a lot of things. My skills have improved, haha! Anyway, I wonder what's up and coming this month. You see, September is a very special month, not just in my opinion, but in the study of Numerology as well. Alas, those of you who are skilled in the mystic arts will know what I'm talking about. Let me just put it this way: The energies of the year will always be focused upon September. In other words, the particular energy of any given year - whether personal or universal - will be intensified, emphasized, in the month of September. More accurately, we will feel its particular effects on the 9th, 18th, and 27th of September. These are what we call, "Triple-intensity days". This is just the tip of the iceberg, for those of you who are wondering what the hell am I talking about. "Elemental, Watson, elemental..."
So now, that said, tonight will be no ordinary night. My parents and I are invited to a performance tonight. A choir performance, to be more exact. An anniversary, to be more detailed. Looking forward to that, of course. What a nice way to usher in the new month. I still remember that line from the first book of the Harry Potter series, "Music, a magic beyond all we do here..."
I shall leave you here now. May the new month prosper for all...
My job ended yesterday! No more monotony for me! The past month was very fulfilling, I must say. Learnt a lot of things. My skills have improved, haha! Anyway, I wonder what's up and coming this month. You see, September is a very special month, not just in my opinion, but in the study of Numerology as well. Alas, those of you who are skilled in the mystic arts will know what I'm talking about. Let me just put it this way: The energies of the year will always be focused upon September. In other words, the particular energy of any given year - whether personal or universal - will be intensified, emphasized, in the month of September. More accurately, we will feel its particular effects on the 9th, 18th, and 27th of September. These are what we call, "Triple-intensity days". This is just the tip of the iceberg, for those of you who are wondering what the hell am I talking about. "Elemental, Watson, elemental..."
So now, that said, tonight will be no ordinary night. My parents and I are invited to a performance tonight. A choir performance, to be more exact. An anniversary, to be more detailed. Looking forward to that, of course. What a nice way to usher in the new month. I still remember that line from the first book of the Harry Potter series, "Music, a magic beyond all we do here..."
I shall leave you here now. May the new month prosper for all...
Sunday, August 19, 2007
It's been a great month so far...
I thought I'd better start typing a post since my cousin had probbed me in my chatbox. Is it that necessary to type every so often? Well I guess for me, hardly something ever comes by that's worth describing in my blog. Anyway, it's a Sunday and I'll be heading off to work later in the evening. Thank God the month's going to end. I can't wait to find something new...
In terms of my personal life, there's been much progress, yes. This month's been quite a good month so far. If you look at it from a metaphysical perspective, it's great for the dragon (my horoscope sign) because the literary and romance star is in its position. I've been absorbing a whole bunch of information from all my endeavours. The taste of accomplishment is indeed sweet. You know, I just love the feeling when I've finished reading a book I needed to read. The mastering of skills is like ecstacy, my my...
Oh yeah, I must thank my colleague for inviting me to his barbeque. It was great, that one. I had a nice time away from work, too. He probably has one of the nicest parents and siblings anyone would want to have. So cheers, mate!
Alright, now that most of it has been said, I shall leave you here again. It's goodbye for now, and I'll type back soon. See ya...
In terms of my personal life, there's been much progress, yes. This month's been quite a good month so far. If you look at it from a metaphysical perspective, it's great for the dragon (my horoscope sign) because the literary and romance star is in its position. I've been absorbing a whole bunch of information from all my endeavours. The taste of accomplishment is indeed sweet. You know, I just love the feeling when I've finished reading a book I needed to read. The mastering of skills is like ecstacy, my my...
Oh yeah, I must thank my colleague for inviting me to his barbeque. It was great, that one. I had a nice time away from work, too. He probably has one of the nicest parents and siblings anyone would want to have. So cheers, mate!
Alright, now that most of it has been said, I shall leave you here again. It's goodbye for now, and I'll type back soon. See ya...
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The sweet, sweet taste of accomplishment...
Hello to all! Whoa, pretty looong time since I wrote last time. Yeah, lots of stuff's been going on during the past week. Not major stuff, though. Just the minor ones. Lots of them. I had to juggle between work, hobby, study (oh yes), and goals. Interesting time I had, albeit busy. But now that I've accomplished most of my desires, run my errands, and smoothen out my routine, I can finally come back to Blogger and type, type, type!
Just last Thursday we celebrated National Day. Singapore has turned 42 now. And what a change we had in the location of the parade. We used to hold it in the National Stadium, but now that it's going to be refurbished, we held it at the bay. Yes, near The Esplanade, with the world's first floating stage. I preferred the environment there, with the backdrop of the city skyline and stuff. It's not everyday you get to see the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) parachuting in town or the Navy diving into the waters at the marina bay. Not to mention fireworks being launched from the tallest buildings of the Central Business District (CBD). Great venue, really...
Work has been going smooth, but I must admit, it's getting too monotonous. I've mentioned to my colleague that even though the working hours are not too long and the pay's reasonable, the kind of work you do has a much more profound effect on your mood. I've now fully grasped this fact. Monotony and boredom are probably the silent killers in work life. You know that song, "Killing Me Softly"? Yeah, they give you a slow death. Funny how human nature works - or maybe it's just me. If our job's too surprising, we get fed up. If our job's too boring, we also get fed up. What do we want, then? A balance? Yeah, I guess so, but can we really find a job with the right balance? I'm starting to believe we can. But of course, we cannot expect the right balance all the time. We have to be prepared for life's abruptness sometimes...
Work aside, I focus now on my personal life and my hobbies. I've been viciously prowling the market the past few days. For quite awhile before now, I've been wanting to get 2 books that appealed to me. I'd searched most of the online bookstores but they didn't carry them - locally, at least. But then I managed to find them on ebay and also another well-known foreign publishing company. And so I compared their prices, converting them into Singapore Dollars, at the same time saving up enough money to purchase them. I'd actually decided to purchase the books from ebay, but just yesterday, a lovely surprise happened. In my mailbox, I received a $10 discount from the foreign publishing company for all purchases above $20. And since I had 2 books to buy, they added up nicely to just above $20. What more could I do? I got them from the foreign publishing company instead.
So then, everything seems to be going as planned. About my job, I've decided to find something new by the end of this month. It looks like great days ahead, people. I hope you're having a good time. Vive la dolce vita!
Just last Thursday we celebrated National Day. Singapore has turned 42 now. And what a change we had in the location of the parade. We used to hold it in the National Stadium, but now that it's going to be refurbished, we held it at the bay. Yes, near The Esplanade, with the world's first floating stage. I preferred the environment there, with the backdrop of the city skyline and stuff. It's not everyday you get to see the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) parachuting in town or the Navy diving into the waters at the marina bay. Not to mention fireworks being launched from the tallest buildings of the Central Business District (CBD). Great venue, really...
Work has been going smooth, but I must admit, it's getting too monotonous. I've mentioned to my colleague that even though the working hours are not too long and the pay's reasonable, the kind of work you do has a much more profound effect on your mood. I've now fully grasped this fact. Monotony and boredom are probably the silent killers in work life. You know that song, "Killing Me Softly"? Yeah, they give you a slow death. Funny how human nature works - or maybe it's just me. If our job's too surprising, we get fed up. If our job's too boring, we also get fed up. What do we want, then? A balance? Yeah, I guess so, but can we really find a job with the right balance? I'm starting to believe we can. But of course, we cannot expect the right balance all the time. We have to be prepared for life's abruptness sometimes...
Work aside, I focus now on my personal life and my hobbies. I've been viciously prowling the market the past few days. For quite awhile before now, I've been wanting to get 2 books that appealed to me. I'd searched most of the online bookstores but they didn't carry them - locally, at least. But then I managed to find them on ebay and also another well-known foreign publishing company. And so I compared their prices, converting them into Singapore Dollars, at the same time saving up enough money to purchase them. I'd actually decided to purchase the books from ebay, but just yesterday, a lovely surprise happened. In my mailbox, I received a $10 discount from the foreign publishing company for all purchases above $20. And since I had 2 books to buy, they added up nicely to just above $20. What more could I do? I got them from the foreign publishing company instead.
So then, everything seems to be going as planned. About my job, I've decided to find something new by the end of this month. It looks like great days ahead, people. I hope you're having a good time. Vive la dolce vita!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows
Stop! If you haven't finished reading the book, don't go any further. I know I'm a little late now; most have already finished the book earlier. But if you haven't, stop reading this post, because I don't want to spoil the story for you - just like how it was almost spoilt for me.
On Thursday, the 26th of July, my father passed me the entertainment section of the daily newspaper and right on the front page were the words, "Anyone who cares about Harry Potter must know by now that he does not die". Damn! Why did I even pick it up in the first place? And then my "spoiler" cousin typed in my chatbox here on my blog, "Can I spoil it for you? Harry did something revolting in the end. And did you know that Dobby died?" Although after I'd finished reading the book, I still didn't see what the revolting thing was. I actually pictured him cutting something off his body when she said that.
Anyway, I'm here to give my critique on it. I'll try not to be too draggy; I want all the main points to suffice. As a general overview critique, I'd have to say that Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows is probably the best in the series, mainly due to the climax at the end. But I must admit that, for me personally, it was quite long-winded at times - especially during the second and third quarters of the book, when Harry, Ron and Hermione were on the run.
The first chapter gave us a good overview on what had happened in the wizarding world after we left off from Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince. Snape and Yaxley's arrival brought out suspense the moment I read the first line, "The two men appeared out of nowhere..."
And then there was the chapter on the memory of Dumbledore, In Memoriam, where all those nasty rumours arose about him, making things not only worse, but more complicating, I thought.
The Dursleys Departing was both funny and heartwarming to me, especially when Dudley appreciated Harry for saving his life from the Dementors previously.
I believe the chapter on The Seven Potters was a crucial point in the story. That was when Harry's wand acted of its own accord. I had a strong feeling that Dumbledore was the one who controlled Harry's wand at that time. Because when Harry thought he saw a blue eye in that shard of mirror he had, I had hoped that Dumbledore was still alive.
I must admit that I didn't really care that Mad Eye Moody died during the chase in the skies. He was a good man, very brave, but somehow I felt that Rowling would probably kill off a character from the Order of The Phoenix in the end.
It was so touching that Ron and Hermione had really decided to follow Harry through with his daunting task. The bond of friendship and camaraderie between them was unbreakable. Imagine leaving their education behind and backing Harry instead.
The Will of Albus Dumbledore was a shocker. Intriguing, how those three objects were chosen by Dumbledore to be given to Harry, Ron and Hermione. It was somewhat like The Da Vinci Code - Rowling probably wanted to include a trail of secrets in this final installment.
And then we come to The Wedding. Nice, sweet ceremony that took place before the harsh reality came round. Gave me a very bittersweet feeling to know that suffering would have to take place after watching two people vow their love for each other.
And now the dragginess began when the trio went to hide in Grimmauld Place. Kreacher's Tale showed us a letter from Lily Potter addressed to Sirius. The moment was very heartwarming indeed. Lily's words were very warm. I could tell she was a woman with a kind heart, who was very sweet and loving. It was painful to know that she had died saving Harry's life.
The Bribe told us about Lupin's weakness. I don't blame him, though. Imagine knowing that his son might also recieve the curse he had received. I was wondering how hard a life he would have to live and accept...
Magic is Might. The Muggle-Born Registration Commission. Long-winded chapters. Just to get that locket? My God, so much to tell...
The Thief gave me a bit of intrigue. Who was that person who stole from Gregorovitch? And what exactly did he steal?
The Goblin's Revenge - dialouge, dialouge, dialouge. No doubt useful information, but all talk, talk, talk. I somehow hate to read too much conversation between people...
Ahh yes, Godric's Hollow. Splendid. Tears welled up in my eyes at the graveyard scene. And it was Christmas, too. I could just feel the effect when you combine the two things together. Death and joy. Mourning and celebration. Painful for Harry, and yet I thought it was a good gift to see his parents at last... And blimey, James and Lily died so young, at 21 years old. And since they died in 1981, it was actually 1997 now. Harry was 1 year old at their death...
Bathilda's Secret was no doubt creepy. Snake emerging from her body and stuff...
Rita Skeeter's The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore was a waste of time. Yes, it was interesting to know about Dumbledore's past, not to mention hearing it from Rita Skeeter. But so what if he wrote that letter to Grindelwald? I didn't find it much of a controversy. I actually thought he was being his usual self in that letter, polite and reasonable.
The Silver Doe came just in time as a good injector of some action. That was when Harry found Gryffindor's sword to destroy the Horcruxes. The last part of the chapter was absolutely hilarious. That was when Ron came back and Hermione went bonkers. The style of writing was actually pretty serious, but I took it to be a funny scene...
Xenophilius Lovegood. Turn of events there. Nice guy, Xenophilius. Pity he was threatened by the Death Eaters.
The Tale of the Three Brothers was nostalgic. It was as though I was hearing a fairytale - but this time a real fairytale. Muggles would be mesmerized...
Now that I'd realised what The Deathly Hallows were, I thought they were quite cool. The Elder Wand, The Resurrection Stone, and The Cloak of Invisibility were all pretty good treasures for a quest.
Malfoy Manor was where the climax was starting to build up. Scary how they got caught and fought their way out of it. And that was where Harry beat Draco Malfoy to be the next master of the Elder Wand, huh? Although it wasn't stated at that point in time.
The Wandmaker and Shell Cottage were quite unnecesary to me. I thought they were just acting as a breather before the climax reached its peak.
Alas, the worst chapter in my opinion: Gringotts. What an awful waste of time! I know they needed to find that damn cup but the things which happened in that vault, they were so exaggerated! Items multiplying themselves and burning red-hot? I was expecting something more spectacular than that... Not to mention escaping on a dragon, how cliched can that be?
The Final Hiding Place, albeit short, was very nicely written. I liked the way Rowling brought us into Voldemort's thoughts. Very realistic, indeed...
The Missing Mirror, the scene where Aberforth Dumbledore came to their rescue, was once again unnecessary, although it was good to hear the truth about Albus Dumbledore's past.
And now the climax was about to unfold with The Lost Diadem. I loved it that they returned to Hogwarts and saw that there were students who rebelled against the new system, gathering secretly in the Room of Requirement. That really got my pulse racing...
The Sacking of Severus Snape was the prelude to The Battle of Hogwarts (boy, I love that title). I somewhat thought that a battle scene would be a good way to end the series. No doubt it's a cliched one, just like The Lord of The Rings, but it would be awesome to see the students and teachers of Hogwarts fight against Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
I had a feeling that Snape was actually on the good side all along. And yes, I knew he would die in the end, no doubt. Cruel way to be killed by a snake...
And then of course, The Prince's Tale answered all those questions that had arisen since the very first book. No doubt it was touching and painful at the same time to hear how Snape had loved Lily Potter all this while. Once again, a story of lost love has ripped apart our hearts, and shown to us how love can penetrate any boundary and go on even after death...
And now it was time for Harry to sacrifice his life in The Forest Again. Although there were many people who speculated that Harry was a Horcrux, I didn't believe so because if he really was, Voldemort wouldn't want to try and kill him in the first place. But since Voldemort himself didn't realise that he had left part of his soul in Harry, I guess those people were right: Harry was a Horcrux.
King's Cross reminded me of so many things. It was the most bizzare chapter for me. It reminded me so much of Pirates of The Caribbean: At World's End, when Jack Sparrow was stuck in the Undead world, a vast stretch of cracked land, nobody but him alone. I guess Rowling wanted to describe something like a near-death experience. Just as King's Cross was somewhat like a transition between the wizarding world and the Muggle world, Harry thought that he might be dead but he also knew that he could go back if he wanted to. Again, that was where Dumbledore himself clarified his past and reassured Harry that all was going well.
The final chapter, The Flaw in the Plan, was the ultimate showdown between good and evil. As the wizards and witches battled in the Great Hall, Voldemort and Harry had their last duel together. They did it in a cowboy-like shootout - except that it was more a case of using wands than guns. The problem is, I still don't quite get how The Elder Wand had backfired at Voldemort. Earlier on in the forest, when Voldemort used the killing curse on Harry, how come it didn't backfire then? Voldemort did fall unconscious, but how come he wasn't dead? Was it because he still had Nagini, the snake, as a Horcrux?
And now, I've come to my favourite chapter - only thing it isn't a chapter, more like an Epilogue which was named, "Nineteen Years Later". Yes, it was the most heartwarming ending for me. To see Harry and Ginny married with two boys and a girl, and Ron and Hermione also married with a son and daughter has got to be the best thing that has ever happened in the Harry Potter series.
Now that the 7th book has been released and read by thousands of fans, this 10-year chapter has finally come to a close. And what an experience it has been. I give my heartfelt thanks to J. K. Rowling for receiving the inspiration for Harry Potter, and look forward to what the future holds. Long live Harry...
On Thursday, the 26th of July, my father passed me the entertainment section of the daily newspaper and right on the front page were the words, "Anyone who cares about Harry Potter must know by now that he does not die". Damn! Why did I even pick it up in the first place? And then my "spoiler" cousin typed in my chatbox here on my blog, "Can I spoil it for you? Harry did something revolting in the end. And did you know that Dobby died?" Although after I'd finished reading the book, I still didn't see what the revolting thing was. I actually pictured him cutting something off his body when she said that.
Anyway, I'm here to give my critique on it. I'll try not to be too draggy; I want all the main points to suffice. As a general overview critique, I'd have to say that Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows is probably the best in the series, mainly due to the climax at the end. But I must admit that, for me personally, it was quite long-winded at times - especially during the second and third quarters of the book, when Harry, Ron and Hermione were on the run.
The first chapter gave us a good overview on what had happened in the wizarding world after we left off from Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince. Snape and Yaxley's arrival brought out suspense the moment I read the first line, "The two men appeared out of nowhere..."
And then there was the chapter on the memory of Dumbledore, In Memoriam, where all those nasty rumours arose about him, making things not only worse, but more complicating, I thought.
The Dursleys Departing was both funny and heartwarming to me, especially when Dudley appreciated Harry for saving his life from the Dementors previously.
I believe the chapter on The Seven Potters was a crucial point in the story. That was when Harry's wand acted of its own accord. I had a strong feeling that Dumbledore was the one who controlled Harry's wand at that time. Because when Harry thought he saw a blue eye in that shard of mirror he had, I had hoped that Dumbledore was still alive.
I must admit that I didn't really care that Mad Eye Moody died during the chase in the skies. He was a good man, very brave, but somehow I felt that Rowling would probably kill off a character from the Order of The Phoenix in the end.
It was so touching that Ron and Hermione had really decided to follow Harry through with his daunting task. The bond of friendship and camaraderie between them was unbreakable. Imagine leaving their education behind and backing Harry instead.
The Will of Albus Dumbledore was a shocker. Intriguing, how those three objects were chosen by Dumbledore to be given to Harry, Ron and Hermione. It was somewhat like The Da Vinci Code - Rowling probably wanted to include a trail of secrets in this final installment.
And then we come to The Wedding. Nice, sweet ceremony that took place before the harsh reality came round. Gave me a very bittersweet feeling to know that suffering would have to take place after watching two people vow their love for each other.
And now the dragginess began when the trio went to hide in Grimmauld Place. Kreacher's Tale showed us a letter from Lily Potter addressed to Sirius. The moment was very heartwarming indeed. Lily's words were very warm. I could tell she was a woman with a kind heart, who was very sweet and loving. It was painful to know that she had died saving Harry's life.
The Bribe told us about Lupin's weakness. I don't blame him, though. Imagine knowing that his son might also recieve the curse he had received. I was wondering how hard a life he would have to live and accept...
Magic is Might. The Muggle-Born Registration Commission. Long-winded chapters. Just to get that locket? My God, so much to tell...
The Thief gave me a bit of intrigue. Who was that person who stole from Gregorovitch? And what exactly did he steal?
The Goblin's Revenge - dialouge, dialouge, dialouge. No doubt useful information, but all talk, talk, talk. I somehow hate to read too much conversation between people...
Ahh yes, Godric's Hollow. Splendid. Tears welled up in my eyes at the graveyard scene. And it was Christmas, too. I could just feel the effect when you combine the two things together. Death and joy. Mourning and celebration. Painful for Harry, and yet I thought it was a good gift to see his parents at last... And blimey, James and Lily died so young, at 21 years old. And since they died in 1981, it was actually 1997 now. Harry was 1 year old at their death...
Bathilda's Secret was no doubt creepy. Snake emerging from her body and stuff...
Rita Skeeter's The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore was a waste of time. Yes, it was interesting to know about Dumbledore's past, not to mention hearing it from Rita Skeeter. But so what if he wrote that letter to Grindelwald? I didn't find it much of a controversy. I actually thought he was being his usual self in that letter, polite and reasonable.
The Silver Doe came just in time as a good injector of some action. That was when Harry found Gryffindor's sword to destroy the Horcruxes. The last part of the chapter was absolutely hilarious. That was when Ron came back and Hermione went bonkers. The style of writing was actually pretty serious, but I took it to be a funny scene...
Xenophilius Lovegood. Turn of events there. Nice guy, Xenophilius. Pity he was threatened by the Death Eaters.
The Tale of the Three Brothers was nostalgic. It was as though I was hearing a fairytale - but this time a real fairytale. Muggles would be mesmerized...
Now that I'd realised what The Deathly Hallows were, I thought they were quite cool. The Elder Wand, The Resurrection Stone, and The Cloak of Invisibility were all pretty good treasures for a quest.
Malfoy Manor was where the climax was starting to build up. Scary how they got caught and fought their way out of it. And that was where Harry beat Draco Malfoy to be the next master of the Elder Wand, huh? Although it wasn't stated at that point in time.
The Wandmaker and Shell Cottage were quite unnecesary to me. I thought they were just acting as a breather before the climax reached its peak.
Alas, the worst chapter in my opinion: Gringotts. What an awful waste of time! I know they needed to find that damn cup but the things which happened in that vault, they were so exaggerated! Items multiplying themselves and burning red-hot? I was expecting something more spectacular than that... Not to mention escaping on a dragon, how cliched can that be?
The Final Hiding Place, albeit short, was very nicely written. I liked the way Rowling brought us into Voldemort's thoughts. Very realistic, indeed...
The Missing Mirror, the scene where Aberforth Dumbledore came to their rescue, was once again unnecessary, although it was good to hear the truth about Albus Dumbledore's past.
And now the climax was about to unfold with The Lost Diadem. I loved it that they returned to Hogwarts and saw that there were students who rebelled against the new system, gathering secretly in the Room of Requirement. That really got my pulse racing...
The Sacking of Severus Snape was the prelude to The Battle of Hogwarts (boy, I love that title). I somewhat thought that a battle scene would be a good way to end the series. No doubt it's a cliched one, just like The Lord of The Rings, but it would be awesome to see the students and teachers of Hogwarts fight against Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
I had a feeling that Snape was actually on the good side all along. And yes, I knew he would die in the end, no doubt. Cruel way to be killed by a snake...
And then of course, The Prince's Tale answered all those questions that had arisen since the very first book. No doubt it was touching and painful at the same time to hear how Snape had loved Lily Potter all this while. Once again, a story of lost love has ripped apart our hearts, and shown to us how love can penetrate any boundary and go on even after death...
And now it was time for Harry to sacrifice his life in The Forest Again. Although there were many people who speculated that Harry was a Horcrux, I didn't believe so because if he really was, Voldemort wouldn't want to try and kill him in the first place. But since Voldemort himself didn't realise that he had left part of his soul in Harry, I guess those people were right: Harry was a Horcrux.
King's Cross reminded me of so many things. It was the most bizzare chapter for me. It reminded me so much of Pirates of The Caribbean: At World's End, when Jack Sparrow was stuck in the Undead world, a vast stretch of cracked land, nobody but him alone. I guess Rowling wanted to describe something like a near-death experience. Just as King's Cross was somewhat like a transition between the wizarding world and the Muggle world, Harry thought that he might be dead but he also knew that he could go back if he wanted to. Again, that was where Dumbledore himself clarified his past and reassured Harry that all was going well.
The final chapter, The Flaw in the Plan, was the ultimate showdown between good and evil. As the wizards and witches battled in the Great Hall, Voldemort and Harry had their last duel together. They did it in a cowboy-like shootout - except that it was more a case of using wands than guns. The problem is, I still don't quite get how The Elder Wand had backfired at Voldemort. Earlier on in the forest, when Voldemort used the killing curse on Harry, how come it didn't backfire then? Voldemort did fall unconscious, but how come he wasn't dead? Was it because he still had Nagini, the snake, as a Horcrux?
And now, I've come to my favourite chapter - only thing it isn't a chapter, more like an Epilogue which was named, "Nineteen Years Later". Yes, it was the most heartwarming ending for me. To see Harry and Ginny married with two boys and a girl, and Ron and Hermione also married with a son and daughter has got to be the best thing that has ever happened in the Harry Potter series.
Now that the 7th book has been released and read by thousands of fans, this 10-year chapter has finally come to a close. And what an experience it has been. I give my heartfelt thanks to J. K. Rowling for receiving the inspiration for Harry Potter, and look forward to what the future holds. Long live Harry...
Monday, July 23, 2007
The aftermath of the release...
Hey! Don't ask me about the book, though! I'm still halfway through it. And don't you dare tell me about the ending, if you've finished reading it, when you see me on the streets. My my, I must say, after reading the first seven chapters, I had the impression that J. K. Rowling wanted to fit in as much action as possible even from the beginning. Since it was the final installment, she was going to give it all she's got. And it has shown up pretty well so far. Not too slow moving and not too fast as well...
It's a cloudy Monday for sure. A new week, but no ordinary week. Now that Harry Potter has come it's not going to be that routine or meaningless. You know, when the book was released at 7:01a.m. on the 21st of July, I never thought I'd be anticipating it that much. I guess it's not everyday Harry Potter gets released in stores. The bookshop I went to didn't display the books on the shelves for people to take for themselves. You had to queue at the cashier if you wanted to purchase a copy. Fair enough, I guess. That way no one would be able to browse through the book if they were to sell it openly. Oh by the way, if you thought I was one of those "madly in love with Harry Potter" fans who queued outside the bookshop before the clock struck 7:01a.m., you were wrong. I decided that morning that I was a bigger fan of my bed...
So then, I'll try to give you my critique on the book once I've finished reading it. Right now, it's storytime...
It's a cloudy Monday for sure. A new week, but no ordinary week. Now that Harry Potter has come it's not going to be that routine or meaningless. You know, when the book was released at 7:01a.m. on the 21st of July, I never thought I'd be anticipating it that much. I guess it's not everyday Harry Potter gets released in stores. The bookshop I went to didn't display the books on the shelves for people to take for themselves. You had to queue at the cashier if you wanted to purchase a copy. Fair enough, I guess. That way no one would be able to browse through the book if they were to sell it openly. Oh by the way, if you thought I was one of those "madly in love with Harry Potter" fans who queued outside the bookshop before the clock struck 7:01a.m., you were wrong. I decided that morning that I was a bigger fan of my bed...
So then, I'll try to give you my critique on the book once I've finished reading it. Right now, it's storytime...
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix
And the new week begins with this rushed feeling that came from nowhere. Suddenly there are so many things to do. But first things first. Saturday was cool. My cousin, the one who came back from Australia (and is also the latest viewer on my blog), celebrated her 21st birthday way in advance. Nothing wrong with that since she's heading down under this Thursday. So Happy Birthday once again! And Bon Voyage just in case I don't see you soon enough!
Friday was spent seeing Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix. Ah yes, the one all Potter fans were anticipating this month. Overall rating for me? It was... good. Just good. No doubt it was probably the fastest moving installment compared to the other four. But that's not a bad thing. The book was dreadfully long - thank God their summary skills were good. The only setback for me was the climax. Not only was it so short, but they filmed it so quickly until it was so hard to see what was happening! Especially the part where The Order Of The Phoenix came to the rescue and fought with the Death Eaters. I was eager to see who was fighting who - but the camera did a 360-degree spin around the entire scene! What a waste!
And then of course there was the hightlight of the movie: Voldemort versus Dumbledore scene. Again, too short, too short! And blimey, it was kind of interesting to see them using the elements of fire, water, and wind to duel. The book didn't have that, but I guess using the elements would make some sense to people who don't read the series. But I was expecting more, to be honest...
Another thing I have to comment about is the music for the film. I have to say, it didn't catch my attention that much compared to the first three films. It's somewhat like the fourth movie where there were not many distinct tunes for certain characters or events. Probably the only scenes where the music got my attention was during The Advance Guard flying Harry to the headquarters - there was this drum-like, marching style theme - and Fred and George's grand dropout from school - a little Irish Jig, I could hear. I know they increased the volume in those parts but I have to say, they were pretty fitting. However for the other parts, I was trying to catch certain tunes but they just didn't surface enough. There was music for sure, but just not catchy enough, if I may politely say.
The whole movie was only 2 hours plus long. I really think they can afford to make it a little longer - maybe 2 and a half hours at the most. Like that they can extend the climax a bit, make it a little more detailed. However I must say that there were a lot more "tidbits" in this movie. There were humourous scenes like Fred and George's grand dropout from school and the newcomer Luna Lovegood - my God, she's good! I just love her calm, sweet voice. Such a breath of fresh air, if you ask me.
Well, at least Potter fans have something else to look forward to this month: The final book of the Harry Potter series - Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows. July 21st, 7:01a.m. local time here. And that's just this Saturday! Wow, this is certainly the end of a 10-year chapter in history. As the saying goes, "All good things must come to an end". But I shall add my own saying, "To make way for more good things to come!"
Friday was spent seeing Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix. Ah yes, the one all Potter fans were anticipating this month. Overall rating for me? It was... good. Just good. No doubt it was probably the fastest moving installment compared to the other four. But that's not a bad thing. The book was dreadfully long - thank God their summary skills were good. The only setback for me was the climax. Not only was it so short, but they filmed it so quickly until it was so hard to see what was happening! Especially the part where The Order Of The Phoenix came to the rescue and fought with the Death Eaters. I was eager to see who was fighting who - but the camera did a 360-degree spin around the entire scene! What a waste!
And then of course there was the hightlight of the movie: Voldemort versus Dumbledore scene. Again, too short, too short! And blimey, it was kind of interesting to see them using the elements of fire, water, and wind to duel. The book didn't have that, but I guess using the elements would make some sense to people who don't read the series. But I was expecting more, to be honest...
Another thing I have to comment about is the music for the film. I have to say, it didn't catch my attention that much compared to the first three films. It's somewhat like the fourth movie where there were not many distinct tunes for certain characters or events. Probably the only scenes where the music got my attention was during The Advance Guard flying Harry to the headquarters - there was this drum-like, marching style theme - and Fred and George's grand dropout from school - a little Irish Jig, I could hear. I know they increased the volume in those parts but I have to say, they were pretty fitting. However for the other parts, I was trying to catch certain tunes but they just didn't surface enough. There was music for sure, but just not catchy enough, if I may politely say.
The whole movie was only 2 hours plus long. I really think they can afford to make it a little longer - maybe 2 and a half hours at the most. Like that they can extend the climax a bit, make it a little more detailed. However I must say that there were a lot more "tidbits" in this movie. There were humourous scenes like Fred and George's grand dropout from school and the newcomer Luna Lovegood - my God, she's good! I just love her calm, sweet voice. Such a breath of fresh air, if you ask me.
Well, at least Potter fans have something else to look forward to this month: The final book of the Harry Potter series - Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows. July 21st, 7:01a.m. local time here. And that's just this Saturday! Wow, this is certainly the end of a 10-year chapter in history. As the saying goes, "All good things must come to an end". But I shall add my own saying, "To make way for more good things to come!"
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
It must be heaven sent...
What a great job it is. Yesterday was my first day - or should I say night - on the job. Nuance-Watson's the company. Heard of it, anybody? Yeah, and all I have to do is pack the customer's purchases into temper-evident bags at the counter.
Blimey, even my colleagues were taken aback with the jobscope. Simply doing that for 4 hours has to be heaven sent. And there's more. The staff there are so darn friendly and caring. No doubt it's a female environment but they really are very concerned about you. One of my colleagues even said that the cashier he was working with bought him a drink. Now that's what I call, "Welcome to the family". What a nice boost of morale he got from that orange juice. Here's where I can truly say, "All is well in my world..."
And now it's already 4 o' clock. Got to get ready for tonight. I start my packing at 7. So I guess I'll leave you here, then. I'll write back soon...
Blimey, even my colleagues were taken aback with the jobscope. Simply doing that for 4 hours has to be heaven sent. And there's more. The staff there are so darn friendly and caring. No doubt it's a female environment but they really are very concerned about you. One of my colleagues even said that the cashier he was working with bought him a drink. Now that's what I call, "Welcome to the family". What a nice boost of morale he got from that orange juice. Here's where I can truly say, "All is well in my world..."
And now it's already 4 o' clock. Got to get ready for tonight. I start my packing at 7. So I guess I'll leave you here, then. I'll write back soon...
Thursday, July 05, 2007
My third job for the (really extended) holidays...
Blimey! I just accepted an offer for another temporary job. Guess where's it at - the airport once again! But this time, I'll be working retail. Yup, I hear they need people for the duty-free shops in the transit areas. My first time working retail; bound to be a good learning experience. The best part is, some of my former colleagues will be joining me, too! Well, experience comes with experience...
I'll be working under the same manpower agency as my last job. And boy did they call on time. The reason why is because, from a metaphysical perspective, the dragon (which is my zodiac sign) will be experiencing good luck until the 6th of July for the fifth month of the Chinese solar calendar. That's because in Flying Star Feng Shui, the number 6 star occupies the dragon position presently, and it stands for "unexpected windfall" and "luck from heaven". Securing a job now would be auspicious for the dragon, as heavenly blessings can befall on it. Any projects or undertakings performed after the 6th of July would be inauspicious, as by then the number 5 star, which stands for "extreme misfortune" and is also the most feared star in Flying Star Feng Shui, would occupy the dragon's position.
How convenient, Feng Shui. I believe I'll be making my way down to the airport tomorrow for an interview/job training session. As good luck is currently with me, I'll pass some on to you. Good luck!
I'll be working under the same manpower agency as my last job. And boy did they call on time. The reason why is because, from a metaphysical perspective, the dragon (which is my zodiac sign) will be experiencing good luck until the 6th of July for the fifth month of the Chinese solar calendar. That's because in Flying Star Feng Shui, the number 6 star occupies the dragon position presently, and it stands for "unexpected windfall" and "luck from heaven". Securing a job now would be auspicious for the dragon, as heavenly blessings can befall on it. Any projects or undertakings performed after the 6th of July would be inauspicious, as by then the number 5 star, which stands for "extreme misfortune" and is also the most feared star in Flying Star Feng Shui, would occupy the dragon's position.
How convenient, Feng Shui. I believe I'll be making my way down to the airport tomorrow for an interview/job training session. As good luck is currently with me, I'll pass some on to you. Good luck!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Behold, a new world...
So it's a new month and here I am again, still stuck without a job. Hey I did apply for one but I'm still waiting for the outcome. Anyway that was on Friday and it's a Sunday today, so I guess I'll be hearing from them pretty soon.
I don't know whether I should go into detail here but I guess I shouldn't. You see, that same Friday was a powerful day - very powerful, in fact. It was as if I discovered a new world. The reason why I said I don't want to go into detail here is because I'm still new to this new-found world, and also because I find I'm not really the right person to explain this new world to you. That's why I'm just going to show you the person who led me into this new realm. Again, I guess you should know by now that the usual means whereby I discover new things is through books. And so the author I'm going to introduce you to is Doreen Virtue, Ph.D.. She really is an angel - literally. The very first book I discovered from her is titled, "Realms of The Earth Angels". And I guess after reading the last two lines you'd think I was impossible. But trust me, go and find her books if you really want to see what I mean. The only thing you need to have is an open mind - perhaps a very open one - and an open heart, which means just tune in to your intuition a bit, let your inner self speak to you. The book I mentioned above is a pretty good introduction into her world - at least for me. But I have a nagging feeling it'll also be a good conclusive book for some readers. No matter, I'll let you decide...
So then, now that I've poured out my experience, I shall continue to explore and delve deeper into this fascinating new world that I've found. I guess we both need good luck on our sides, so good luck to you and me...
I don't know whether I should go into detail here but I guess I shouldn't. You see, that same Friday was a powerful day - very powerful, in fact. It was as if I discovered a new world. The reason why I said I don't want to go into detail here is because I'm still new to this new-found world, and also because I find I'm not really the right person to explain this new world to you. That's why I'm just going to show you the person who led me into this new realm. Again, I guess you should know by now that the usual means whereby I discover new things is through books. And so the author I'm going to introduce you to is Doreen Virtue, Ph.D.. She really is an angel - literally. The very first book I discovered from her is titled, "Realms of The Earth Angels". And I guess after reading the last two lines you'd think I was impossible. But trust me, go and find her books if you really want to see what I mean. The only thing you need to have is an open mind - perhaps a very open one - and an open heart, which means just tune in to your intuition a bit, let your inner self speak to you. The book I mentioned above is a pretty good introduction into her world - at least for me. But I have a nagging feeling it'll also be a good conclusive book for some readers. No matter, I'll let you decide...
So then, now that I've poured out my experience, I shall continue to explore and delve deeper into this fascinating new world that I've found. I guess we both need good luck on our sides, so good luck to you and me...
Friday, June 22, 2007
In the midst of all that is happening...
Well, it's a nice, old Friday afternoon. The past week has been pretty ordinary, but not just any kind of ordinary. It was a special kind of ordinary for me. Remember my last post on the law of attraction? Well, it's been working pretty fine these days. It's been manifesting my desires just on time.
I was supposed to keep a record of the things which have manifested in my life, but I guess I didn't give much effort to it. The interesting ones that have popped up are really those subtle things which I'd thought about before. Surreal, you could say, but pretty real all the same. I will continue to experiment with the law of attraction. I will continue to study it, test it, and experience it. Wonderful, really...
Aside from that, my cousin will be coming back from Australia in the wee hours of Sunday morning. When was the last time I saw her? Ah, around Chinese New Year, if I'm not wrong. Gosh, that was in February. How time flies...
Alright, I guess there's nothing much left to say. I'll write back soon. See ya...
I was supposed to keep a record of the things which have manifested in my life, but I guess I didn't give much effort to it. The interesting ones that have popped up are really those subtle things which I'd thought about before. Surreal, you could say, but pretty real all the same. I will continue to experiment with the law of attraction. I will continue to study it, test it, and experience it. Wonderful, really...
Aside from that, my cousin will be coming back from Australia in the wee hours of Sunday morning. When was the last time I saw her? Ah, around Chinese New Year, if I'm not wrong. Gosh, that was in February. How time flies...
Alright, I guess there's nothing much left to say. I'll write back soon. See ya...
Saturday, June 09, 2007
The law of attraction.
Now I really feel quite guilty. No job at the moment, no. But it's not really my fault, you know? I couldn't find any suitable job in the papers! Ah, so that takes the guilt off, doesn't it?
Anyway, the past week has been unsatisfying on the outside (in terms of job prospects), but satisfying on the inside (in terms of mental growth). Well, yes, I've been studying, of course. And that takes even more of the guilt away, haha! I haven't mentioned anything about... The Secret, have I?
Ah, it's a long story, but why don't I cut it down to the main parts, shall I? Have you heard anything about the law of attraction? I'm sure you have, but I doubt you knew you could actually put it to work in your life, right? Well, I'm here to tell you that the law of attraction is working in every moment of your life, whether you know it or not. Right now, even as you're reading this, the law is working, attracting future circumstances that will manifest as your life experience. And guess what? You are creating all of them yourself.
"But I'm not doing anything right now!", you may say. Yes you are; you are creating your life experience through your thoughts. And whatever it is you're thinking most of the time, whether consciously or unconsciously, the law of attraction will manifest the exact circumstances into your life experience.
Let me tell you more about the law of attraction: Like attracts like. That's the formula. Like thoughts attract like thoughts. That which is like draws unto itself. It's just like when we say, "Birds of a feather flock together". Whatever you're thinking most of the time will result as your life experience.
So if you're thinking, "I don't have enough money with me everytime", there you have it, you don't have enough money with you everytime. If you're thinking, "I always have bad relationships", so be it, you always have bad relationships. If you're thinking, "I keep getting sick", there you go, you keep getting sick.
However, if you're thinking, "Today's a good day for me", you're right, today is a good day for you. If you're thinking, "She's such a great person", yup, she is a great person. If you're thinking, "I always get a seat on the train", it's true, you always get a seat on the train.
You see how it works now? The law of attraction always manifests whatever it is you're thinking about the most - your dominant thought, in other words. Now, I know that some of you, after reading this, will be so afraid of your thoughts - especially the bad ones. I can assure you, there is always a time delay - the buffer of time, some call it. Your thoughts don't instantly manifest; if they do, we'll be in trouble. The law only responds to thoughts which have been lingering in your mind for some time.
But think about it. After absorbing this knowledge, there's a whole range of things you can do with the law of attraction. If you've been consciously focusing on something that you can't afford, for example, "I want to get that handphone", then the law will eventually let you have it. If you've always been sick and want to get good health from now on and you think, "I want to be in perfect health from now on", you will get good health soon enough.
But I have to warn you that it can be tricky sometimes. You see, the law of attraction manifests the things which you give your attention or focus to. If you think, "I want to have enough money from now on", yes, you will have enough money from now on. But if you think, "I don't want to run out of money", guess what? You will run out of money. Same for, "I don't want to have bad relationships", or "I don't want to be sick", or "I always encounter rude people", or "I keep running out of time". If you think that way, you will have bad relationships, you will be sick, you will always encounter rude people, and you will keep running out of time.
You get the gist of it? The law manifests whatever it is you give your attention or focus to. In other words, to make it simple for you, only focus on the things which you want. Never focus on the things which you don't want, or don't like, or hate to experience. With this knowledge you can do wonders for your life. You can create your own circumstances, and take control of your own destiny.
Of course this is not the full story. There are many methods and processes that you can use to harness the law of attraction. If you want to go in depth and study the law of attraction further, then I advise you to watch the movie, The Secret, which, if I'm not wrong, wasn't released in Singapore. However, the official book for the movie was released here (I've finished reading it). Some other books you can read are: The Science of Getting Rich, by Wallace D. Wattles; and the whole range of books offered by Jerry & Esther Hicks: Ask and It Is Given; The Law of Attraction; just to name a few.
Believe me, it is this kind of knowledge which should be treasured. This is the kind of knowledge that can be used for life. Study it well, and you will benefit.
Remember, the law of attraction manifests whatever it is you give your attention or focus to...
Anyway, the past week has been unsatisfying on the outside (in terms of job prospects), but satisfying on the inside (in terms of mental growth). Well, yes, I've been studying, of course. And that takes even more of the guilt away, haha! I haven't mentioned anything about... The Secret, have I?
Ah, it's a long story, but why don't I cut it down to the main parts, shall I? Have you heard anything about the law of attraction? I'm sure you have, but I doubt you knew you could actually put it to work in your life, right? Well, I'm here to tell you that the law of attraction is working in every moment of your life, whether you know it or not. Right now, even as you're reading this, the law is working, attracting future circumstances that will manifest as your life experience. And guess what? You are creating all of them yourself.
"But I'm not doing anything right now!", you may say. Yes you are; you are creating your life experience through your thoughts. And whatever it is you're thinking most of the time, whether consciously or unconsciously, the law of attraction will manifest the exact circumstances into your life experience.
Let me tell you more about the law of attraction: Like attracts like. That's the formula. Like thoughts attract like thoughts. That which is like draws unto itself. It's just like when we say, "Birds of a feather flock together". Whatever you're thinking most of the time will result as your life experience.
So if you're thinking, "I don't have enough money with me everytime", there you have it, you don't have enough money with you everytime. If you're thinking, "I always have bad relationships", so be it, you always have bad relationships. If you're thinking, "I keep getting sick", there you go, you keep getting sick.
However, if you're thinking, "Today's a good day for me", you're right, today is a good day for you. If you're thinking, "She's such a great person", yup, she is a great person. If you're thinking, "I always get a seat on the train", it's true, you always get a seat on the train.
You see how it works now? The law of attraction always manifests whatever it is you're thinking about the most - your dominant thought, in other words. Now, I know that some of you, after reading this, will be so afraid of your thoughts - especially the bad ones. I can assure you, there is always a time delay - the buffer of time, some call it. Your thoughts don't instantly manifest; if they do, we'll be in trouble. The law only responds to thoughts which have been lingering in your mind for some time.
But think about it. After absorbing this knowledge, there's a whole range of things you can do with the law of attraction. If you've been consciously focusing on something that you can't afford, for example, "I want to get that handphone", then the law will eventually let you have it. If you've always been sick and want to get good health from now on and you think, "I want to be in perfect health from now on", you will get good health soon enough.
But I have to warn you that it can be tricky sometimes. You see, the law of attraction manifests the things which you give your attention or focus to. If you think, "I want to have enough money from now on", yes, you will have enough money from now on. But if you think, "I don't want to run out of money", guess what? You will run out of money. Same for, "I don't want to have bad relationships", or "I don't want to be sick", or "I always encounter rude people", or "I keep running out of time". If you think that way, you will have bad relationships, you will be sick, you will always encounter rude people, and you will keep running out of time.
You get the gist of it? The law manifests whatever it is you give your attention or focus to. In other words, to make it simple for you, only focus on the things which you want. Never focus on the things which you don't want, or don't like, or hate to experience. With this knowledge you can do wonders for your life. You can create your own circumstances, and take control of your own destiny.
Of course this is not the full story. There are many methods and processes that you can use to harness the law of attraction. If you want to go in depth and study the law of attraction further, then I advise you to watch the movie, The Secret, which, if I'm not wrong, wasn't released in Singapore. However, the official book for the movie was released here (I've finished reading it). Some other books you can read are: The Science of Getting Rich, by Wallace D. Wattles; and the whole range of books offered by Jerry & Esther Hicks: Ask and It Is Given; The Law of Attraction; just to name a few.
Believe me, it is this kind of knowledge which should be treasured. This is the kind of knowledge that can be used for life. Study it well, and you will benefit.
Remember, the law of attraction manifests whatever it is you give your attention or focus to...
Sunday, June 03, 2007
A free man...
Ah, so the job's over and my R&R week has come to an end. It's kind of nice rotting at home after 3 weeks on the job. But then the guilt will start to come in and if you think about it, you might as well go in search of new experiences anyway, right? Well it seems true to me, and now I wonder what I'll do for this coming week. Search for another job in the papers? I guess so, huh?
My friend recently called me a "free man". Didn't like the sound of it at first, though. Made me feel so guilty as though I was wasting my life away, haha. Well, it might seem like it at the moment but I can tell you it won't be for long. Times change before you know it, and sooner or later everything wouldn't be the same anymore. That's where the memories come in. And that's where the tears start to fall.
I'll leave you here, then. See you in a bit...
My friend recently called me a "free man". Didn't like the sound of it at first, though. Made me feel so guilty as though I was wasting my life away, haha. Well, it might seem like it at the moment but I can tell you it won't be for long. Times change before you know it, and sooner or later everything wouldn't be the same anymore. That's where the memories come in. And that's where the tears start to fall.
I'll leave you here, then. See you in a bit...
Saturday, May 26, 2007
The Big 'E'
Hello, hello! It's a Saturday and my very own off day! It was hard to get this off day, mind you. I tried asking at first but to no avail. It wasn't until last Thursday when they needed someone to replace an absentee that they begged me to help out. Alright, maybe begging's too strong a word, but they certainly needed someone to do the job. Luckily my colleague knew that I wanted Saturday off and he made a deal for me: "Okay, if Oliver works tonight, can you give him an off day on Saturday?" Thank you so much, pal!
So here I am now. Good thing my colleague is also off today, haha. The past few days on the job have been fine. Monotony's there everyday, I must admit. But I'm not really complaining; we still get paid to be bored, don't we? The experiences were interesting enough. You get to see different people at different times of the day. You get to memorize which airline is situated at which row. You get to enter (and shop in) the transit area where all passengers prepare to board their planes at the gates. Finally, you get to know that the whole project ends on the 28th of May. Good or bad, you decide.
Come to think of it now, if they asked me whether or not I would continue with this job if I had the chance, I would think twice about it. One part of me would love to stay since I find working at the airport a pretty nice experience. The other part of me would love to do something new, always in search of new experiences. I call it "The Big 'E'". And I think that's first on my list.
Here's wishing you a great weekend ahead...
So here I am now. Good thing my colleague is also off today, haha. The past few days on the job have been fine. Monotony's there everyday, I must admit. But I'm not really complaining; we still get paid to be bored, don't we? The experiences were interesting enough. You get to see different people at different times of the day. You get to memorize which airline is situated at which row. You get to enter (and shop in) the transit area where all passengers prepare to board their planes at the gates. Finally, you get to know that the whole project ends on the 28th of May. Good or bad, you decide.
Come to think of it now, if they asked me whether or not I would continue with this job if I had the chance, I would think twice about it. One part of me would love to stay since I find working at the airport a pretty nice experience. The other part of me would love to do something new, always in search of new experiences. I call it "The Big 'E'". And I think that's first on my list.
Here's wishing you a great weekend ahead...
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Customer Service Officers, I salute you!
Boy oh boy! 3 weeks of un-blogging! Tut tut, it's really been a long time. Kind of miss updating my blog, haha! Anyway, where should I start? Lots of things have been happening, of course.
I guess I last left off telling you about my second job for the (extended) holidays, right? Well, I'm still in the middle of it and it's been not bad, really. I've encountered interesting experiences working at the airport. In fact, just on the first day of my job, right before my shift was about to end, a nasty passenger made my day. "Why didn't you tell us earlier? This is so f*****g annoying," was what the caucasian in a business suit said in a "killing me softly" kind of whisper. Of course my partner and I were dumbstruck at first, never believing that we would encounter such a passenger. But then we realised that angry passengers were actually complaining to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and not us, yellow-shirted temporary employees. We're just here to promote the new policy; we didn't make the new law. So I guess from that day onwards we knew we were supposed to be permeable, letting through whatever comments passengers had to say - because they're not for us, yellow-shirted temporary employees. It's like what Singaporeans say, "Go in one ear, come out the other".
Okay, now that I've released my burden on my blog, I'll have to say that that incident was a pretty good experience for me - and I guess for anyone wanting to work in the customer service line. When I went through the training for this job (on how to be a good customer service officer), the guy who was lecturing us said that at the end of the day, your skin will be one inch thicker. In other words you'll be able to handle life's inevitable criticisms much better. Again, like what Singaporeans call, "Thick skin".
Well, enough about negative experiences. I did encounter satisfying experiences on the job, too. There was this French business man (wearing a pinstripe business suit that made us go, "Whoa, nice suit.") who wanted to carry a bottle of wine in his hand-carried luggage because he was afraid that it would break if he left it in his check-in luggage. Of course we told him that he was not allowed to bring it on board the plane and that we were very sorry for the trouble, but the moment he said, "No, no, it's not your fault", we knew our positions were clarified. Here is a man who uses his conscience before he speaks.
You see, even something as small as that can do wonders to improve your mood. It is especially so when it comes to customer service. Imagine having to deal with frustrated passengers all day and then someone comes up to you and pays you a little compliment. Wouldn't you be so grateful for that person? Do the same to other people in your life and what would you get? True satisfaction in return. If everyone pays a little compliment to the people in their lives, wouldn't the world be a much nicer place to live in? Happiness would fill the air, and everyday wouldn't be the same anymore...
I take this opportunity to salute the people who give customers their satisfaction, and hope they would receive the same satisfaction in return...
I guess I last left off telling you about my second job for the (extended) holidays, right? Well, I'm still in the middle of it and it's been not bad, really. I've encountered interesting experiences working at the airport. In fact, just on the first day of my job, right before my shift was about to end, a nasty passenger made my day. "Why didn't you tell us earlier? This is so f*****g annoying," was what the caucasian in a business suit said in a "killing me softly" kind of whisper. Of course my partner and I were dumbstruck at first, never believing that we would encounter such a passenger. But then we realised that angry passengers were actually complaining to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and not us, yellow-shirted temporary employees. We're just here to promote the new policy; we didn't make the new law. So I guess from that day onwards we knew we were supposed to be permeable, letting through whatever comments passengers had to say - because they're not for us, yellow-shirted temporary employees. It's like what Singaporeans say, "Go in one ear, come out the other".
Okay, now that I've released my burden on my blog, I'll have to say that that incident was a pretty good experience for me - and I guess for anyone wanting to work in the customer service line. When I went through the training for this job (on how to be a good customer service officer), the guy who was lecturing us said that at the end of the day, your skin will be one inch thicker. In other words you'll be able to handle life's inevitable criticisms much better. Again, like what Singaporeans call, "Thick skin".
Well, enough about negative experiences. I did encounter satisfying experiences on the job, too. There was this French business man (wearing a pinstripe business suit that made us go, "Whoa, nice suit.") who wanted to carry a bottle of wine in his hand-carried luggage because he was afraid that it would break if he left it in his check-in luggage. Of course we told him that he was not allowed to bring it on board the plane and that we were very sorry for the trouble, but the moment he said, "No, no, it's not your fault", we knew our positions were clarified. Here is a man who uses his conscience before he speaks.
You see, even something as small as that can do wonders to improve your mood. It is especially so when it comes to customer service. Imagine having to deal with frustrated passengers all day and then someone comes up to you and pays you a little compliment. Wouldn't you be so grateful for that person? Do the same to other people in your life and what would you get? True satisfaction in return. If everyone pays a little compliment to the people in their lives, wouldn't the world be a much nicer place to live in? Happiness would fill the air, and everyday wouldn't be the same anymore...
I take this opportunity to salute the people who give customers their satisfaction, and hope they would receive the same satisfaction in return...
Thursday, April 26, 2007
My second job for the (extended) holidays...
And so the story goes... It's been a week since I made the gruelling but righteous decision. I'm quite sure I've made the right one. Now that that's over, I've got some other good news to tell you...
I've just found a temporary job today. And it's a job which is going to be quite recognised in the coming days. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has just released a new policy about bringing liquids, gels, and aerosols onboard aircrafts. The new rule has got to do with re-packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols into transparent re-sealable plastic bags if they are to be taken onboard airplanes. This policy has also emerged in other countries due to the incident last year when British police foiled a plan to blow up several transatlantic flights using liquid explosives. Our job is to advertise the new rule to passengers and tourists alike.
Well, the policy takes effect on the 8th of May, so only then will I start working. In the meantime, I've got training and orientations to attend, one taking place early tomorrow morning at the airport. Funny how I always wanted to work in the airport and now an airport job has landed on my lap. Coincidence? Nah...
I've just found a temporary job today. And it's a job which is going to be quite recognised in the coming days. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has just released a new policy about bringing liquids, gels, and aerosols onboard aircrafts. The new rule has got to do with re-packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols into transparent re-sealable plastic bags if they are to be taken onboard airplanes. This policy has also emerged in other countries due to the incident last year when British police foiled a plan to blow up several transatlantic flights using liquid explosives. Our job is to advertise the new rule to passengers and tourists alike.
Well, the policy takes effect on the 8th of May, so only then will I start working. In the meantime, I've got training and orientations to attend, one taking place early tomorrow morning at the airport. Funny how I always wanted to work in the airport and now an airport job has landed on my lap. Coincidence? Nah...
Friday, April 20, 2007
What's all the fuss about?
Yup, I've made the decision. Made the big decision already. It's done. It's over. I'm now a certified PhD. You know what PhD stands for? Poly-halfway-dropout.
Well it isn't all that bad, really. I know many people would think it's taboo to drop out of school. I don't see it that way, though. I think I'm one step closer to my goal. If I were to continue with that course, feeling dreadful everyday, what's the point of continuing? I might as well take a different path and serve my National Service first. I don't think it's a detour. Studying in that course was a detour. I've actually saved up 2 years to complete my National Service, and once I'm done with that, I can start pursuing my passion. I don't have to waste another 2 years in that course, suffering in silence, knowing that I have no interest, no talent, and no desire to work in that industry in the near future anyway.
I know there'll still be some people who will disagree with me, frowning upon my decision to withdraw from my course - one of them being my mum. As I said, most people are accustomed with the 'normal' way of how things should flow. They regard anything else as taboo. In my case, they think taking a different route, but ultimately to my passion, is wrong and out of the ordinary. It's not that they are conservative in their thinking. It's just that they are keeping their eyes to one straight road, believing that this road is the one and only road to success. I'm sorry but I'll have to disagree with that. There are many roads to success. It all depends on what your dreams are.
Come to think of it, it really isn't such a big decision after all. I'm just kind of switching my priorities, get what I mean? After all, every Singaporean male citizen has to serve his National Service anyway. So what's all the fuss about?
Well it isn't all that bad, really. I know many people would think it's taboo to drop out of school. I don't see it that way, though. I think I'm one step closer to my goal. If I were to continue with that course, feeling dreadful everyday, what's the point of continuing? I might as well take a different path and serve my National Service first. I don't think it's a detour. Studying in that course was a detour. I've actually saved up 2 years to complete my National Service, and once I'm done with that, I can start pursuing my passion. I don't have to waste another 2 years in that course, suffering in silence, knowing that I have no interest, no talent, and no desire to work in that industry in the near future anyway.
I know there'll still be some people who will disagree with me, frowning upon my decision to withdraw from my course - one of them being my mum. As I said, most people are accustomed with the 'normal' way of how things should flow. They regard anything else as taboo. In my case, they think taking a different route, but ultimately to my passion, is wrong and out of the ordinary. It's not that they are conservative in their thinking. It's just that they are keeping their eyes to one straight road, believing that this road is the one and only road to success. I'm sorry but I'll have to disagree with that. There are many roads to success. It all depends on what your dreams are.
Come to think of it, it really isn't such a big decision after all. I'm just kind of switching my priorities, get what I mean? After all, every Singaporean male citizen has to serve his National Service anyway. So what's all the fuss about?
Monday, April 16, 2007
My destiny.
What a hell of a Monday it is - literally. It's the last week of the holidays before school reopens and my mum's nagging and ranting just doesn't do any good. Sometimes all I really need is peace and quiet and this is what I get. Isolation can be so desperately needed at times.
I've already tried applying for a place in Lasalle-SIA and I earnestly hope they'll call me up for an audition. It would be so much better if I could get a diploma before I do my National Service. The thing is, I've got to make a bold move sometime this week. I'm planning to withdraw from my course before the school year begins. I don't see what's the point of continuing with my present course until Lasalle-SIA calls me up. Because even if they don't accept me, I'll most probably withdraw from it anyway and serve my NS first.
Funny how I've got to make such a big decision so early in my life. I really wonder what life has in store for me. Talk about destiny...
I've already tried applying for a place in Lasalle-SIA and I earnestly hope they'll call me up for an audition. It would be so much better if I could get a diploma before I do my National Service. The thing is, I've got to make a bold move sometime this week. I'm planning to withdraw from my course before the school year begins. I don't see what's the point of continuing with my present course until Lasalle-SIA calls me up. Because even if they don't accept me, I'll most probably withdraw from it anyway and serve my NS first.
Funny how I've got to make such a big decision so early in my life. I really wonder what life has in store for me. Talk about destiny...
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Is it the government's fault or is it just me?
It's a hot, hot Saturday today. Holy Saturday, in fact. Yesterday was Good Friday. I have a wedding to attend tomorrow - Easter Sunday, how lucky they are. Anyway, I hope it'll be a good one not only for the two love birds but also for me. Hahaha, I don't mean I want to get married tomorrow, though!
The holidays are coming to an end. Just a little over 2 weeks more and then it's back to the two 'P' words: "Poly" & "Projects". Boy, they're stressful. But you know what? I've been considering whether I should serve my National Service first and then study something which I like after I complete it. I really have no interest in this particular course I'm in now. Don't even plan to work in this industry next time. So why waste another 2 years studying it, get what I mean? Even my parents' money will be wasted. Might as well just cease it and do something which I have a passion for. I tried changing courses, mind you, but to no avail. I even tried applying in a private institute but the government wants me to complete my NS first before I can study private. Stuck in a rut, huh? If only they could commence the course before I turned 18. That way the government would still allow me to get a diploma from a private institute before I serve my NS. Now the only options left are to try changing to Ministry of Education (MOE) approved institutes or go carry the damn rifle. The only MOE approved institutes left are the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), which is a big no-no for me, and the art schools like Lasalle-SIA and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). I would love to study in a school of the arts but just because I had a grade '7' for one of my subjects in the 'O' Levels, I don't meet the minimum requirements for enrolment. But someone told me you could always try appealing, get what I mean? I might try that after all.
So you see what kind of situation I'm stuck in right now? I wish I was living in the mountains, for heaven's sake...
The holidays are coming to an end. Just a little over 2 weeks more and then it's back to the two 'P' words: "Poly" & "Projects". Boy, they're stressful. But you know what? I've been considering whether I should serve my National Service first and then study something which I like after I complete it. I really have no interest in this particular course I'm in now. Don't even plan to work in this industry next time. So why waste another 2 years studying it, get what I mean? Even my parents' money will be wasted. Might as well just cease it and do something which I have a passion for. I tried changing courses, mind you, but to no avail. I even tried applying in a private institute but the government wants me to complete my NS first before I can study private. Stuck in a rut, huh? If only they could commence the course before I turned 18. That way the government would still allow me to get a diploma from a private institute before I serve my NS. Now the only options left are to try changing to Ministry of Education (MOE) approved institutes or go carry the damn rifle. The only MOE approved institutes left are the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), which is a big no-no for me, and the art schools like Lasalle-SIA and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). I would love to study in a school of the arts but just because I had a grade '7' for one of my subjects in the 'O' Levels, I don't meet the minimum requirements for enrolment. But someone told me you could always try appealing, get what I mean? I might try that after all.
So you see what kind of situation I'm stuck in right now? I wish I was living in the mountains, for heaven's sake...
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
What will I do?
I'm typing this in school at the moment. Had to come back for a drama meeting. Pretty sudden, actually. But somehow I was expecting it. I've only got less than 3 weeks before school reopens. I doubt I'll find another job because they probably won't even want someone who can only work for less than 3 weeks. I wonder what I'll do for the rest of the holidays...
Since I've nothing else to say for today, I shall end here. Must be the shortest post I've ever written.
Since I've nothing else to say for today, I shall end here. Must be the shortest post I've ever written.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
R&R
Ahh it's been a long time. Well the retreat was fine; had the opportunity to visit my primary school to help teach Religious Education. On Friday I saw Mr. Bean's Holiday with a Brother and a friend. The thing is, it isn't as good as the previous one, Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie, which was - blimey - 10 years back in 1997. I found that the flow of the movie was somewhat ridiculous. I mean, there was a storyline, but the series of events that happened were unbelieveable. Travelling so many miles away just to chase for a bus ticket? And then getting stuck in the middle of nowhere for so long? I must admit I was a little bored at certain parts of the movie. But of course there were some bloody hilarious parts as well. The scene where he lip-synced an aria acting as a soprano in an opera was brilliant! And the "begging for money" scene at the train station where he mumbled in 'French' and started pretending to cry was absolutely funny. The ending was acceptable too, where everyone sang the original "La Mer" which was the 1950 oldie "Beyond The Sea". All in all, I think it's still worth watching, especially if you're a huge fan of Mr. Bean.
Yesterday was Acies (pronounced Ah-chase) for the Legion Of Mary. It was held at the newly renovated, designer-church, St. Mary Of The Angels. Pretty nice, actually. After that a group of us went to a friend's house just to chill out. I was literally at another end of Singapore yesteday. Took me almost 2 hours to travel to that end of the country. But it was worth it, I guess. Had a nice time yesterday. Today's a nice, cool Sunday and I shall have a R&R day today ("Rest & Relaxation"). But I've still got to head for mass this evening. Until then, enjoy the rest of your weekend...
Yesterday was Acies (pronounced Ah-chase) for the Legion Of Mary. It was held at the newly renovated, designer-church, St. Mary Of The Angels. Pretty nice, actually. After that a group of us went to a friend's house just to chill out. I was literally at another end of Singapore yesteday. Took me almost 2 hours to travel to that end of the country. But it was worth it, I guess. Had a nice time yesterday. Today's a nice, cool Sunday and I shall have a R&R day today ("Rest & Relaxation"). But I've still got to head for mass this evening. Until then, enjoy the rest of your weekend...
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Shut them outside world freaks!
Ah well, today's a Saturday, and it's been quite long since I'd written the last post. You know why? Recently I reinstalled The Sims on my computer and I got addicted to it - again. I tell you, this is one game that got me hung up in the past, and now it's come back to haunt me - again. It's just so realistic! Damn. But mind you, I'm just talking about the very first edition of The Sims, not The Sims 2 or anything. If version 1 can kill, what would version 2 do? Resurrect the dead? I'm a huge fan of simulated games. Sim Park, Sim City - those are my kind of games. Not Warcraft or DOTA or Half Life. Those games make me tense for no reason, haha!
Anyway, my stay with the Brothers will commence soon. Looks like I won't be blogging for another 4 days or so. There's choir today. Kind of glad it's a Saturday again. My last weekend before I shut the outside world from my mind, like my friend said in his "list of things to bring" e-mail. Wonder what'll it be like. I've stayed there a couple of times, though. But I guess this time round will be different. This time it'll be more... realistic, haha! ("Wake up at 5.30a.m.? You're kidding!") It'll be more prayerful. ("Meditation right after we wake up? I'll be sleeping instead!") I really wonder whether I'll survive this one, hahahaha!
Okay, so I guess it's time for me to end here, then. Hope this post is entertaining enough to last for almost a week (as if my posts are really that funny). I'll see you after the retreat, perhaps. Farewell!
Anyway, my stay with the Brothers will commence soon. Looks like I won't be blogging for another 4 days or so. There's choir today. Kind of glad it's a Saturday again. My last weekend before I shut the outside world from my mind, like my friend said in his "list of things to bring" e-mail. Wonder what'll it be like. I've stayed there a couple of times, though. But I guess this time round will be different. This time it'll be more... realistic, haha! ("Wake up at 5.30a.m.? You're kidding!") It'll be more prayerful. ("Meditation right after we wake up? I'll be sleeping instead!") I really wonder whether I'll survive this one, hahahaha!
Okay, so I guess it's time for me to end here, then. Hope this post is entertaining enough to last for almost a week (as if my posts are really that funny). I'll see you after the retreat, perhaps. Farewell!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
I need a stroke of inspiration...
Okay, the job's over, and the days of freedom (and boredom) are back. I went back to the office yesterday to submit the remaining surveys and the rest of the day was spent in town. Met my friend in the evening and we ate at a cafe for dinner. But after that, I think I had one of the longest walks in my life so far. We decided to walk from City Hall to Bugis, and then from Bugis to Little India. The food was digested, of course, but we also drank along the way. My friend hadn't been to Mustafa Shopping Centre and so we dropped by; this is the place where you can find the widest range of products at the lowest prices. It's always packed with people, mind you. We made our way home before missing the last train...
Well I wonder what'll happen in the coming days. Should I find another job? I know I'll be staying with the Brothers in my secondary school next week. Kind of a retreat - I'm going to use that time to clear my head a little. Maybe arrange my thoughts and sort of destress and reflect on my life so far. I seem to be hoping for some kind of inspiration to occur. Something drastic to change my life in a small way at least. Damn, I'm obsessed with self-improvement...
Anyway, I'll write again soon. Hope something really changes for the better. See you later...
Well I wonder what'll happen in the coming days. Should I find another job? I know I'll be staying with the Brothers in my secondary school next week. Kind of a retreat - I'm going to use that time to clear my head a little. Maybe arrange my thoughts and sort of destress and reflect on my life so far. I seem to be hoping for some kind of inspiration to occur. Something drastic to change my life in a small way at least. Damn, I'm obsessed with self-improvement...
Anyway, I'll write again soon. Hope something really changes for the better. See you later...
Saturday, March 17, 2007
2 days of un-surveying people...
Well yesterday was unlike any other day. I was invited to attend a 40th anniversary celebration of the Brother Principal of Catholic Junior College. They held it at the church of St. Ignasius and there was also a banquet later in the evening. Not bad, really, the mass and all. The Archbishop came to grace the event and I was pretty impressed by the small but creative choir who sang for the mass.
A couple of us went for supper later that night. We sat and talked until it almost hit midnight and then we decided to make a move, because two of us had to report for retreats early this morning. Today's a rest day for me. Thank God I'm still off from conducting surveys on people. My last day of work will be tomorrow. After that will be another short break for me perhaps. Wonder whether I'll find another job...
Anyway, here's my congratulations again to the Brother Principal of Catholic Junior College.
A couple of us went for supper later that night. We sat and talked until it almost hit midnight and then we decided to make a move, because two of us had to report for retreats early this morning. Today's a rest day for me. Thank God I'm still off from conducting surveys on people. My last day of work will be tomorrow. After that will be another short break for me perhaps. Wonder whether I'll find another job...
Anyway, here's my congratulations again to the Brother Principal of Catholic Junior College.
Friday, March 16, 2007
All religious teachings have a common basis...
Hello! If you're wondering why I sound so happy, that's because I've just completed the necessary errands. I always feel good after completing what needs to be done. Funny thing, errands. Imagine if we didn't have any errands to run, wouldn't it be a much peaceful existence here on earth? Or would it be extreme boredom? I guess if you're talking about us living on this planet, then it'll surely be boring without anything to do. But what if we're living in paradise, or another life, an afterlife? Will it still be boring?
Life and all its wonders... It's amazing what we can do here on earth. But sometimes I wonder what it'll be like after we pass away. Where will we go to? Where do we end up? Will we still exist in some form? Or will we just fade into oblivion? Will our souls be taken up to what the Christians call heaven? Or will we still be trapped in what the Buddhists call Samsara, and be reincarnated into another life? If you put together the Christian teachings and Buddhist philosophies, on first look they may appear pretty different and diverse. But then again if you think about it, if you manage to get out of Samsara and achieve nirvana, which means enlightenment, isn't that the same as going to heaven, like what the Christians believe? Hmm...
All religions teach us to do good in this life, there is no doubt about it. Although each religion has its own similarities and differences with one another, it is only a matter of choice in what you believe in. In other words, there is no right or wrong choice. I'm sure we have all seen and heard of various religions which have vast differences from what we believe in. However it is interesting to note the basis of how each religion came about. Christianity came from Jesus Christ, Islam came from the Prophet Mohammed, Buddhism came from the Buddha, Hinduism came from the Vedas, Judaism came from the Torah, and the list goes on and on...
I for one believe that these people who founded each of the world's religions were sent by a higher being, or a higher force. Call it God, call it divine intervention, call it spirit, call it the soul of the world, call it universal force - whatever you call it, I personally believe that someone or something greater than us does exist. What is important is that we keep to our faith. Do what is right. Love unconditionally. That way we will all benefit from what we give out. And what we give out, returns to us threefold...
Life and all its wonders... It's amazing what we can do here on earth. But sometimes I wonder what it'll be like after we pass away. Where will we go to? Where do we end up? Will we still exist in some form? Or will we just fade into oblivion? Will our souls be taken up to what the Christians call heaven? Or will we still be trapped in what the Buddhists call Samsara, and be reincarnated into another life? If you put together the Christian teachings and Buddhist philosophies, on first look they may appear pretty different and diverse. But then again if you think about it, if you manage to get out of Samsara and achieve nirvana, which means enlightenment, isn't that the same as going to heaven, like what the Christians believe? Hmm...
All religions teach us to do good in this life, there is no doubt about it. Although each religion has its own similarities and differences with one another, it is only a matter of choice in what you believe in. In other words, there is no right or wrong choice. I'm sure we have all seen and heard of various religions which have vast differences from what we believe in. However it is interesting to note the basis of how each religion came about. Christianity came from Jesus Christ, Islam came from the Prophet Mohammed, Buddhism came from the Buddha, Hinduism came from the Vedas, Judaism came from the Torah, and the list goes on and on...
I for one believe that these people who founded each of the world's religions were sent by a higher being, or a higher force. Call it God, call it divine intervention, call it spirit, call it the soul of the world, call it universal force - whatever you call it, I personally believe that someone or something greater than us does exist. What is important is that we keep to our faith. Do what is right. Love unconditionally. That way we will all benefit from what we give out. And what we give out, returns to us threefold...
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Let's see if I can change routes...
Today's going to be slightly longer than the average day. I just received my results for the last exam and yes, I passed, but there's more. I want to try to change courses today. I'll be going back to school to fill up the form and if I make it, good for me. If not, we'll talk about it later.
Yesterday's work day went off with a slow start. It only pushed upstream when the ticketed performance ended; I managed to get 8 people to do the survey. The most I usually get for ticketed performances is 6 people. Anyway, today's pretty unpredictable. 3 ticketed performances tonight but I have a feeling things are going to shake up a little. I'll see what I can do...
I'll leave you to it. I'll have to start my journey soon. See ya...
Yesterday's work day went off with a slow start. It only pushed upstream when the ticketed performance ended; I managed to get 8 people to do the survey. The most I usually get for ticketed performances is 6 people. Anyway, today's pretty unpredictable. 3 ticketed performances tonight but I have a feeling things are going to shake up a little. I'll see what I can do...
I'll leave you to it. I'll have to start my journey soon. See ya...
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
3 more days of labour...
Yesterday was not bad, really. It rained during work, and that's both good and bad. It meant lesser work, because the outdoor performances were cancelled. But it also meant lesser pay, for without people, we couldn't possibly conduct our surveys, could we? I'm not looking forward to today's work day, I must admit. Although there's the potential of earning quite a huge sum because of 4 ticketed performances this evening, I'm still going to be drained of energy by the end of the day. Well, when you gain something, you also lose something. It works both ways. C'est la vie...
But on a whole, I must say I've made an exceptional amount of money just by working for 4 days now. Most other jobs don't pay you as much compared to this one. But it's not all money, I shall remind you again. It's real labour. You need energy to run around, the guts to approach virtually anyone, and the speed to finish as many 15-page surveys as fast as you can. Lastly, prepare to burn your late nights, too. Good thing the festival ends this Sunday. I can't wait to take a nice, long break after a whole week of toil. I shall see you soon...
But on a whole, I must say I've made an exceptional amount of money just by working for 4 days now. Most other jobs don't pay you as much compared to this one. But it's not all money, I shall remind you again. It's real labour. You need energy to run around, the guts to approach virtually anyone, and the speed to finish as many 15-page surveys as fast as you can. Lastly, prepare to burn your late nights, too. Good thing the festival ends this Sunday. I can't wait to take a nice, long break after a whole week of toil. I shall see you soon...
Monday, March 12, 2007
Diversity explosion...
Well, I made a significant difference in my work yesterday - my second day of work. In fact I doubled my Friday's pay. Hard work, though, but I hope to reach even higher today and for the rest of the week. I must say I'm getting used to it, almost always knowing what the next question will be when interviewing people. That way it'll be much quicker to finish the survey and move on to more people - which means more money, haha!
I believe I'll be meeting a whole lot of people while doing my job. That's one of the interesting aspects of it. Although sometimes it may be intimidating or just plain scary (especially if the person looks fierce from afar), I do get to meet some nice and warm people on the other hand. And that really boosts me up, I must say. There's nothing better than to meet friendly and cooperative people whom I can relate to easily. I pray fervently for that...
This job really polishes my interpersonal skills and I'm happy to be honing it to its highest potential. Again, I give my sincere thanks to my cousin, Vanessa, for recommending this job to me. If you didn't wake me up that morning to tell me about it on the phone, Vaness, I wouldn't have known about it. I really appreciate your calling...
All else said, I shall end my post here, then. It's the beginning of a brand new week, and I'll still be pushing myself to overcome all my fears, real or imagined...
I believe I'll be meeting a whole lot of people while doing my job. That's one of the interesting aspects of it. Although sometimes it may be intimidating or just plain scary (especially if the person looks fierce from afar), I do get to meet some nice and warm people on the other hand. And that really boosts me up, I must say. There's nothing better than to meet friendly and cooperative people whom I can relate to easily. I pray fervently for that...
This job really polishes my interpersonal skills and I'm happy to be honing it to its highest potential. Again, I give my sincere thanks to my cousin, Vanessa, for recommending this job to me. If you didn't wake me up that morning to tell me about it on the phone, Vaness, I wouldn't have known about it. I really appreciate your calling...
All else said, I shall end my post here, then. It's the beginning of a brand new week, and I'll still be pushing myself to overcome all my fears, real or imagined...
Saturday, March 10, 2007
A new me...
Wow wee! One of the busiest days of my life yesterday. It was my first day on the job and blimey, I've used up a hell lot of energy for the evening. Yes, I was conducting surveys on people watching the performances at the Mosaic Music Festival held at The Esplanade. And one survey is bloody long! The night before I was telling myself that I could easily interview at least 10 people tomorrow. Well I did manage to hit my target on the dot but the process was very difficult. The hardest part for me was approaching them. Sometimes I wonder how the hell I developed this fear when others don't have much difficulty at it. I really am my worst enemy...
That's why I'm finding ways to rid myself of this self-destructive behaviour. Honestly, it's quite a big deal. Any psychologists out there? I would love to hear tips from you. I'm also into meditation and the like nowadays. Mind clearing, self-affirmations, enhancing the subconscious mind, whatever you call it. I really think the mind is a powerful tool but it has its dark side, too. Therefore I really want to muster the skill of mind control, so that I can control my mind instead of it controlling me. It's pretty demoralizing at the moment, I should say. Sometimes it can be such a wet blanket; when an opportunity arises, my mind negatively responds. It was worst a few months back but I'm glad to say that it has improved considerably. At times I usually have to force myself into a different way of thinking. It's the forcing which I hate. I believe there should be a way to change my thinking forever. Brainwash me, for heaven's sake! I want to purge myself of all negative thoughts and actions. Be a new person. Turn over a new leaf. See the break of dawn once more. Wake up to a new life, a new Oliver, a new me...
That's why I'm finding ways to rid myself of this self-destructive behaviour. Honestly, it's quite a big deal. Any psychologists out there? I would love to hear tips from you. I'm also into meditation and the like nowadays. Mind clearing, self-affirmations, enhancing the subconscious mind, whatever you call it. I really think the mind is a powerful tool but it has its dark side, too. Therefore I really want to muster the skill of mind control, so that I can control my mind instead of it controlling me. It's pretty demoralizing at the moment, I should say. Sometimes it can be such a wet blanket; when an opportunity arises, my mind negatively responds. It was worst a few months back but I'm glad to say that it has improved considerably. At times I usually have to force myself into a different way of thinking. It's the forcing which I hate. I believe there should be a way to change my thinking forever. Brainwash me, for heaven's sake! I want to purge myself of all negative thoughts and actions. Be a new person. Turn over a new leaf. See the break of dawn once more. Wake up to a new life, a new Oliver, a new me...
Thursday, March 08, 2007
"Hi, would you mind if I take 10 minutes of your time to do a survey?"
Hooray! I've got a job at last. Thanks to my dear ol' cousin, Vanessa. And here's my congratulations to Genevieve, too, for convincing my senior to allow her to work on weekends only, hahaha! Anyway, I hope everything goes well for us. What job is that? Oh, it's a survey company, I dare say. We'll be doing surveys for the Mosaic Music Festival held at The Esplanade starting tomorrow. It'll last only 10 days, though, but the pay's pretty good - depending on how well you do the job, of course.
Well, at least I'm doing something constructive to occupy my deadening holidays. Will be a good experience, I hope. Not to mention being able to catch glimpses of the performances. I hope. Alright, on to something else. I'm still waiting for those darn results. Wonder how I'll fair for this exam. Okay, on to something else again. Oh oh, looks like I haven't got anything left to say. We'll call it a day, then. I'll see you back here again...
Well, at least I'm doing something constructive to occupy my deadening holidays. Will be a good experience, I hope. Not to mention being able to catch glimpses of the performances. I hope. Alright, on to something else. I'm still waiting for those darn results. Wonder how I'll fair for this exam. Okay, on to something else again. Oh oh, looks like I haven't got anything left to say. We'll call it a day, then. I'll see you back here again...
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