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Yl and Qy 28 Jan 2006
Joo Chiat Temple - crowd craziness 29 Jan 2006
The "Just Awoke" me 30 Jan 2006
Fishing - not my cup of tea 28 Jan 2006
Rustic charm - my superb photography 28 Jan 2006
Second sis and I - on the breakwater 28 Jan 2006
Sun Down 28 Jan 2006
Still Life - Pasir Ris Park 28 Jan 2006
CNY can be so bored. This morning finally checked out of chalet. Was fully drained of energy. Mum, sis, yq, yj and I had breakfast at Costa Sands before returning home. Dad drove us home.
After a 3.45 hours of sleep, I'm still so sleepy. Going to grandma's place soon.
Tomorrow's off again. But wed still need to make a trip to school and why? To edit and print my ITP report. Waste my physical, mental and even financial resources. 68 pages and almost three-quarters are coloured!
Should I go for dinner with mrs annie goh and former class? When should we go night safari?
CNY? Why bother? Why does my parents have to get themselves so busy over household chores especially during CNY? Aren't consistency the best policy? And what's so special about CNY that a typical Chinese family has to embark on mass cleaning which we called the spring clean?
I know I lack Chinese cultures, traditions and values. There isn't a need for me to deny though. Guess what? I get more excited over Christmas than any other festivals, which I feel bored and irks. I am certain I won't be able to tolerate those festivals for long, and would one day break away from traditions. A "no-culture" guy perhaps.
In the afternoon SISes and I took sis' bf's car to costa sands pasir ris for check-in at 3 plus. Got unit C-07, a single-storey premier suite. But it's pretty spacious. 2nd sis and i went swimming and i tried diving, and my ears got blocked quite a few times.
Then all relatives arrived and we had bbq dinner. Sat ard and did nothing b4 I gone home at 10.45pm?
Later I'll be going to the temple with my family. Temple or church? How am I going to inform my dad I'm converting? I am so confused. At one time I'm reading bible, at another time I'm going to a temple? I must be out of my mind - to the point I told wx I'm going to advocate a newly-created religion by me termed Buddianity.
Buddianity incorporates teachings of Buddhism and Christianity into a one whole package. So how am I going to promote it? By advertising, public relations, personal selling or direct marketing? 1,001 ways, including nothing.
Is it a happy chinese new year or a dreadful one? I certainly feel the latter one would be more applicable.
Two days ago was supposed to be our project consultation day with our boss. After noon time, he was missing in action, and until the day before only did wx and I manage to sit down with him to discuss about our project. Holy shit comments on our recommendations, probing us to make more solid recommendations. He brought to our attention the importance of technology, and how we can make use of the technology to impove the company and its product offerings.
Obviously, my company did not have any website and I would very much like to recommend one. At another point, my boss casually remarked that it was not feasible to implement a good computer system. [True enough, my office's computer system CMI - cannot make it!]. It's an utter conflict of interest. At one moment, boss wanted to make use of technology to capture business opportunities. At another moment, he said good computer system aren't important!
My blood was boiling at that time, but my ability to put on a pretence if I want to has never failed me. And just wx and I left the room, I frowned and boss walked out of the room behind wx as well, and most probably he'd seen my frown! But I pretended nothing again, and any way that's my free expression.
Just 15 minutes before I call it a day, boss requested me to edit Perth itinerary for NJC. I was utterly irritated as I was touching up on my ITP report! And I finally knocked off at 6.30pm. It was the first time I worked overtime for 30 mins long.
But one thing good is that we got to go on almost a week-long holiday as we do not have to report to work until friday. And why did boss even request us to report on sat when all the more there won't be much (or even none) work to do?
After work, I met up with br and LMH at plaza sing. Had fastfood as dinner at macdonald's b4 heading for orchard. Watched Zodiac at 2115. It was a stupid show on how the 12 animals got their positions listed in the Zodiac sign. Simply dumping my 9.50 bucks.
Reached home at 11.45pm, and continued with my ITP report after bathing.
Today is CNY eve, and I'm checking into Costa Sands Pasir Ris.
My state of mind now: in total blankness and tireness.
Pyjamas time!
It's exactly one month from now. One month from now, we're graduating. Sad? Happy? Or mixed feelings? Sad because we're parting from each other? Happy because project deadlines, tests and exam nightmares are finally over? Graduation means the mark of a new chapter in life for many of us.
This afternoon I attended the School of Business Achievers' Function cum Farewell Assembly. A guest speaker Mr Ken from Just Media, who was formerly an SP Banking student 11 years back, delivered an inspiring speech and he said: "there is no failure in life, and the only failure is failure to participate in life; that we should pursue things we are passionate about, saying of passion, it means things that you would continue doing even if it means selling away your house, car, or receiving no pay at all!"
Wenda Leong and what shaf called my brother "Mr Ng" - our qualitative analysis lecturer, were performing some sort of a rap dance. And yes, Chen Yen Yin was part of the performing team as well! Indeed hilarious and entertaining.
Next? Presentation of awards. And I was so glad to receive the School of Business Prize - a certificate of recognition, and a certificate of commendation. I was seated beside li yanbing. I did not even know the so-called yan bing that xing yi mentioned to me was her until she asked if I were Melvin. Call me Mr Ng.
After the event, we went for tea reception and I chatted with linda and a gal called elaine from the same lecture group as me, before I went for a photo-taking session.
I left the school and met my sweetie at bugis and we watched "Memoirs of a Geisha." The three hot stars - gong li, michelle yeoh and zhang zi yi acted in the movie that I've been waiting to watch for so long. It portrayed the arts of geisha, and it has always been my stereotype that a geisha is a prostitute! But I was wrong and came to understand that a geisha is an entertainer, someone who weaves the art of entertaining for the pleasure of guests through dancing, singing and drinking. Japan has a rich tradition indeed, and geisha is a perfect instance.
My sweetheart went to buy earphones and later I had my mee rebus for dinner at food junction.
Work again tomorrow. And I am down with a phobia. A phobia that revolves around ITP project. Because my boss is giving wx and I feedback, and I am absolutely sure our report requires major revamption. Next week is submission, and we have to make a trip back to school to print and submit the report should our office is closed.
My state of mind now? Unsound. Gonna sleep soon.
Oh and yes! I was so surprised to discover a cheque worth 200 bucks in my certificate envelope. Well, only 200 bucks. But it's better than nothing. At least it partly covers my CNY's shopping?
I'm terribly lethargic right now. Most probably due to my early stage of insomnia? Even when I'm asleep, my brain is still working and my mind is revolving around school work. Are these indications of an impending stress? Adding on the fact that my ITP report has yet to be approved by my boss, let alone wang pheck hoon? That BPT report is not completed, and two tests of 1.5 hr duration are upcoming in less than a month's time?
Oh Lord, in Your glory I seek your spiritual support and your Holy spirit so I can run the last lap of my poly education in complete resonance.
The day before I went Heeren during lunch break and bought a pair of trekkers from New Urban Male for 40 bucks. But negative feedbacks were passed by my mum, sis and colleagues. I wanted to change that white trekkers to a black one at citylink's outlet but there were no stock left.
I continued my way to suntec city to meet nb. We went eng wah cinema to checkout the showtime for In Her Shoes but the timing wasn't great.
In the end we tried out cineleisure, lido and back to cineleisure again. Bought 9.45pm tickets and had our dinner at KFC.
The movie was great - it's about two sisters having relationship problems with each other and how they finally reconciled. Cameron Diaz (I'm oblivious if I spelt her name correctly) was so pretty.
I was unable to catch the last train and flagged down a cab instead, reaching home at 12.30am.
Almost completing my ITP report and I managed to complete writing the abstract. Chih Wee is limiting Sentosa's interns 8000 words? And others said interns have to write at least 8000 words? Chih Wee must be lazy to read a long report perhaps. And it would be too good to be true if all liaison officers were to put an 8000-word cap, for I wouldn't have wrote 10,000 words.
Until now, wx and I still couldn't get through to wang pheck hoon. she's been MIA or missing in action for quite some time. We've emailed her, but until then, no reply. If would be terrible if she were to mark our grades down. Having said that, I am absolutely certain that it will not be anything to go by, at least for me. Appeal might will be my move. And if conrad de souza has no authority to make an appeal possible, I'm sure that the director of business faculty will.
However, would I, who is only a student, be heard? But since it is in SP's interest to be the leading polytechnic in Singapore, if not among the world at large, even a minor issue has to be addressed, let alone the inability of a lecturer to carry out her roles dutifully. And would it be appropriate for a lecturer to tint her hair with fanciful colours, especially when this is part of the school's "no-no?"
I'm doubly certain that the list goes on.
The day before, my boss granted me an off day to attend the School of Business Achievers' Function cum Farewell Assembly to be held on next wednesday. I'm glad because I don't have to work. I was informed I'll receive a School of Business prize as well as a certificate of commendation. But sadly no one is accompanying me to the event. My parents are working, so are my sisters. Hope it won't be too bored, and I'll most probably leave after the award presentation. Oops! What about reception? Wouldn't it be a waste if I don't grab a few finger food? Bleah~
I have been working on my ITP report since yesterday, for the whole afternoon and night, as well as today, for the whole afternoon. Finally managed to complete writing on my company's competitors and recommendations. Even though I'm left with formatting and writing an abstract of the report, it seems that the day where I will drop the last word on the report is faraway.
Faraway? "Why am I in this world so faraway from home? Without you, I will be so faraway from home." This is a lyric of Groove Coverage's song titled "Faraway." I love this song. Perhaps, home is really faraway from us in this world. Because earthly home is not our home, but merely a tent. Our home is in the heaven, and we'll return home to be with God only after we have walked till the end of our earthly journey that is meant to prepare us for eternity.
Starting tomorrow, wx and I will have to do telemarketing to all secondary schools. It will be a dread for me. Even though I enjoy talking over the phone, but talking with a total stranger is totally not my cup of tea. Timothy also advised us to consider working for him as sales executive under a commission-based plan and profit-sharing after our ITP, in which we have to solicit new customers, taking care of our customers' needs and so on. My first reaction within me was "How much can I earn?" I'd rather work as a relief teacher, earning 65 bucks a day.
Ironically, I told yin about relief teaching and she actually applied for it after my marketing on relief teaching. But students are monkeys, especially primary school students, wheareas secondary school students are gangsters, unteachable lot. But the pay is enticing enough, at least for a relief teacher.
uccd project meeting tomorrow night. will be home late, most probably after 11pm.
Coming tuesday my group is presenting on thailand for uccd, and I've already got in mind who will be chosen to act in my roleplay. And in anyway, participation in other group's presentation is mandatory because it will affect the audiences' grades as well, so in fact, I am creating opportunity for audiences to earn their grades.
the only thing I'm looking forward is chalet. end of itp still seems a long way to go, but hope it won't come too early neither, cos I do not want to graduate. Schooling has already been part of my life. Soon after graduation, re-adaptation might well be the key word. bleah.
Had uccd project meeting at marina square's starbucks yesterday with my group members. managed to decide on the presentation for next tuesday.
After shaf left home, shar, my, sc and I went Lerk Thai for dinner. My Thai fried nice tasted more of ketchup. But it was nice on overall.
After that, we went home and at 11pm, I left home to meet my former classmates at Boat Quay. Instead of chatting over a beer at a pub, we sat at a coffeeshop where I drank soya milk instead. Because ru ting brought along her brother, now primary six grader. Initially I can jolly well join them at the Esplanade straight after my meeting, but I know someone will be there. So it's better that I go later:) We discussed where we shall go after that, and then were on our way to Partyworld in Parkland. Partyworld? Irks, I hate this name.
I left home at 2.30am as I was too sleepy. Woke up only at 1pm today, and worked on my project till 6.45pm. Initially wanted to take a dip, but it was raining incessantly for the whole day. I am feeling overweight now.
Hope tomorrow's weather is fine, so I can swim after work. Work? Tomorrow's gotta wake up at 8am, and will not have the opportunity to rest all the way till CNY. Stress...
It happened the day before, as I was walking towards Novena Square after work at 1.30pm. Just as I crossed the road from a childcare centre adjacent to a bus stop, I was wondering why this lady in her late fifties was walking (in opposite direction) even under the rain. Couldn't she have stayed in Novena Square till the rain stops?
I was thinking if I should shelter her, with my umbrella. But one reason that held me back was - I'm late for a seminar on teaching as a career. She came waving at me surprisingly, "Small boy, can you bring me to the bus stop?" in her wobbly voice in which I took a second to fathom.
"Certainly," I replied without much hesitation. I started the conversation rolling by asking where she was going. She said "Novena Church" and moved on saying "God will bless you for being kind. I had a stroke and doctor told me I wouldn't live long. I prayed to Mother Mary. If she do not want to give me money, give me a life instead. I lost my voice and had to insert a tube in my throat. But Mother Mary helped me." I recounted this from my memory, still vivid.
She was a convert, and used to be a Muslim. Instead of sheltering her to the bus stop, we walked till we reach the entrance of Novena Catholic Church. After excusing myself, I pondered over this whole incident as I was walking down the same road for a second time to Novena Square.
Is it a message from God? Or a mere encounter with a stranger? And I am still pondering... But I am sure at that moment, I felt God's existence. God has his purpose.
I was late in meeting a friend, but wasn't late for the seminar at Orchard Hotel. And after the previous encounter, I told myself "if God deems I should be a teacher, he will make me a teacher to educate His creatures."
At the end of the seminar, it started to rain again. My friend and I went for BPT meeting at Marina Square.
I reached home to continue on my UCCD before turning in at 2.30am.
God, thank you for giving me the mental strength to complete my report today.
Soon, I'll die today, and tomorrow shall be my birthday.
My workzone, shared with wx. Less than 2 months and it's the word 'bye.'
Sr's at work?
went to office, late by 10 mins only. timothy asked wx and i to call up all jcs to promote work experience trip programme to blue mountains in sydney. jcs? and i tot of someone whom i can't say lest timothy might request more from me. am sure my close frens know wat i mean. hate calling and requesting to speak to relevant person. and calling at 11am plus was so wrong cos all teachers are having lessons way up to 1st and 2nd break at 12 plus and 1 plus!
went united square with sr for lunch. after lunch suddenly whole building blackout! wat a lucky day. ppl in foodcourt were like in gala dinner! jewellery shop quickly closed the door for fear of thief who takes advantage of such situation.
went back to office den timothy asked me to do a kinda brochure on the work experience programme. ok nvm! i know my design sucks. but the pc auto-restart! my design work (of placing words and pictures here and there) all gone, even though it's the recovered version. can't believe i spent half the afternoon doing on this. home pc also infected. suddenly pop up a porn gal. so shocking. to think i'm 'as pure as water' - suddenly reminded myself of someone who said this phrase. puke.
tdy rain on and off. after sunshine, it's rain. after rain, it's sunshine. den rain again. just as i was abt to leave, the rain stops. God, thank you for this. initially wanted to go have dinner with my dar but i lazy to walk. so went swimming alone instead.
in the pool saw a fat gal swimming so slowly. legs not even put in the effort to kick, and the hands not even bother to 'swim.' i was saying she might as well dun swim! stay in the water will only make her more hungry laterwards.
but i dun comment others too much lah. i dun seem to shed my weight! still at 85kg:) my shoulder bone is protruding out. and it looks weird and irks. i dun see others like tat. hai...
hope tml not much work. but after work have to do proj. so stressful... uccd, bpt, itp reports to complete. and presentation slides. fuck like hell.
Fullerton Hotel's Party
Fireworks at Esplanade
ytd went to watch chronicles of narnia at cineleisure at 2035 with nb. quite a good show, to the point that i dun even know when and why did aslan come alive again after being killed by the witch. the wardrobe was such a fantasy. most prob due to me messaging nonstop in the cinema.
show ended at almost 2300 and i grabbed a burger from bk b4 we took bus no. 36 to suntec. while walking to esplanade, a gal patted onto both of my shoulders. i was like wat fucking bloody idiotic shitty sucky person was tat to pat on my shoulders on new year's eve? guess who's she? vani. she just knocked off from conrad and gonna meet her frens. even shaked hands not only with me, but also naz! so surprising...
reaching esplanade bridge, i was dumbfounded by the immense crowd. we managed to squeeze into the middle of the poor bridge when the clock striked midnight and the fireworks went off and blasted into the sky. so sad we couldn't get a perfect place but we manage to see the big ones. nb was being sprayed and i lol. luckily i took a step further.
after fireworks, walking towards fullerton hotel was also very difficult. reached the hotel and i found it very 'on' man! many ppl wearing party hat and got band players.
reached home finally almost 2am. taxi driver was toking to me nonstop about her daughter's education. & i chatted along nonstop all the way home till i even forgot to ask him to turn into my carpark!
tdy went canoe with nb. canoed only from 1400 - 1500. before tat i ate roasted pork rice at east coast hawker. after canoeing ate mee goreng. ken came to meet us for a while cos he's in ecp.
reached home at 6 plus and started raining. managed to complete my uccd task. so happy now.
but sad tue is comnig soon. hafta wake up early for school. den wed, thu, fri and sat must go work. dread. Hmm, so how now? I AM GRADUATING NEXT MONTH!!! filled with happiness and of cos reluctance. happy cos i'm gonna get a diploma. but den reluctant to let go of school life.
going to rest soon liao. happy new year to all! n thanks nb for spending a wonderful new year with me, 31 Dec 2005 - 1 Jan 2006. god bless u, my dear fren shaf and all...
