Fukushima 50

world community has been very concerned about the Japanese events over the past week - the earthquake that shocked the world, followed by tsunami disaster that left millions homeless. on top of it, the happenings at the nuclear plant of Fukushima Daiichi placed fear in everyone's heart.

to sacrifice oneself for greater good, in movies these are always heroic actions that result in 'happily ever after'. this group of people, not knowing what the outcome will be, has chose to be there to try and minimize the chances of a nuclear catastrophe from occurring. these people were not obliged to carry out duties in the plant anymore, seeing the fact that government has already evacuated most of the residents nearby. these people certainly have a clear view on what their priorities are, which both you and me are included in the top of the list. it is their dream, to let us realize ours. thank you!

I respect this team of people from the bottom of my heart.
let us live our lives to the fullest, just so that we don't waste their efforts. :)

21

decided to just round up a little on my whole year of being 21, since this is going to be the last day.

I graduated from university in this remarkable year of my life, worked a little and added footprints to more places on this planet. so many changes took place both obvious and discreet, moving me to a different perspective in seeing my world. this world of mine has grown bigger, considering I am now a member of the society that is suppose to contribute to the nation's economy (theoretically).

as always there are the never-changing elements, such as the strive to be a respected member of the society and the yearn to know more friends. the exposure to this complicated society that you and me are currently staying in continues to freak me out.

amidst the starting of my 22nd year of life... I wish for everyone to treasure everyday.
真心渡过每一天! :)

branded

this afternoon I received a call from this relative of mine. she told me to drop by this boutique to check out the new batch of bags which has just arrived from UK. some time ago as we were outside having lunch I had made a casual remark that I wanted a purple Longchamp. so she took it quite seriously and had paid attention to find me one eventually.

as a matter of fact I'm not really a fan of branded luxuries, especially now that income is the main part of my consideration. not to say that I do not own any of these items but I just think that everything has its own value. to buy a luxury item is not just about the product itself. it includes the practicability, the customer service, the after-sales treatment and also the whole process of swiping your card in the boutique store after several long visits.

I believe that branded-s are really worth the price because of the satisfaction that comes along with it, be it a present or a hard-earned reward. however I really do not agree with the concept that your life should go around these brands simply for the sake of parading to others that you have the ability to make such purchases. the value of brands varies among individuals I guess, just hope that those with counterfeits can stop degrading these highly sought after brands.

the only branded item that I regret for not buying... priceless as it is a limited edition. :(

'Going back'

I often make the statement of 'going back to Singapore' back in secondary school days. over the years I still make the statement, only to realize that 'going back' meant quite differently already.

back in those days, this island was very different. there was no explosion of 'imported people' and so it had a unique culture of its own where each foreigner tries their best to adapt to. it was that kind of culture that made me even consider settling down here all over again after graduation. however nowadays I take a different perspective to look at this island country already.

the dynamics of the city, the pace at which developments are taking place, are all starting to go in a direction that I cannot really comprehend anymore. we cannot really blame globalization, since it is helping to built a world without borders. however there are certain essence of a culture that trades off together with the merging of world communities. so much we say about preserving certain bits and pieces, but what are all these when the puzzle can no longer be completed?

perhaps it was the growth in us that changed my thinking, or even the comfort that I am currently enjoying back in home country that made me think differently. probably for those that really know my story, you know that when I say 'going back' it does not only mean the literal meaning anymore.