Is It Supposed To Be A Celebratory Occassion?

Tomorrow, all schools in S'pore will be celebrating Teachers' Day.
I thought it is understood that the atmosphere is going to be celebratory and all students will have a half day? Maybe, I don't follow the "policy" too well.

One school makes it sounds like a "reward" (for being able to sustain perfect punctuality and zero absenteeism). The classes with non-perfect punctuality will be asked to stay till their usual last period (for most, it would be till about 3pm) as a form of punishment. Okay, they are advised to do self-study on their own. But still, haiz..

How would the students remember the day? I am, of course, referring to the ones who will be asked to stay back. More than 10 classes, okay! Tell you the truth, the ones who are rewarded don't particularly feel good either. They feel sick of the system also.
As parents, we don't punish our kids during our birthdays, do we? Heh.. this is just an analogy. I mean it is supposed to be a celebratory occasion and usually we are more forgiving. There are other time for discipline.

The smarter kids are thinking, since they will be confined, they might as well don't turn up. Wrong! An even 'smarter' staff comes out with the idea of not accepting MCs even for tomorrow. I am thinking, if a sick student were to be silly enough to follow that equally silly instruction and were to drag his feet to the college tomorrow... and *touch wood*, something happen..
Dear college, you will be in deep shit.
Actually many of these students I know, were thinking of going back to their secondary schools to meet their teachers. So sorry, they will be trapped here. Just how much do that college value gratitude?

Anyway, I do understand the motives behind. I don't understand the actions. They just don't match well.

The celebratory day (tomorrow) is killed! I am feeling sick, both literally and figuratively. Mm..

Trying to Write ..

Writing takes time and it is quite an art (which I significantly lack). I do admire people whose writing just flow. Wow!

In the day, many thoughts would run through my mind, in bits and pieces.
They ranges from
the good/bad ; the happy/sad ; the wishful/realistic or just opinions of things happening around me.
It may be good to piece them together or maybe record it somewhere somehow.
Ha.. I just lack the necessary skill, or perhaps my thoughts are just kind of "confused".

Besides, many times, when I was trying to write something, a sweet voice would tell me in the course of my writing - "maybe not tonight".
Haha.. that is from my dear friend. Let me introduce her. She is plain laziness.
My dear friend beckons me to her arms again.
"Honey, okay, here I come".
Byee..

Anyway, today is rather calm and plain. It's okay, but not the kind of calmness or plainness I really enjoy. On one hand, there are many people whom I would like to meet or talk to. Heh.. guess they are busy. On the other, I have got things to be cleared as well.
Wishing everyone (all beings) well and good.

First "Published" Photo by SE-K750i

This is my first "published" photo taken by Sony Ericsson K750i. It was taken today in the morning, while waiting for a pal to join me for breakfast.

The original photo has the dimension of 1632 px by 1224 px and with size of around 360 KB. Wa.. I am pretty impressed that a hand phone camera can take photos with quite solid quality.

Oh, on my way back home, I also witnessed two cats fighting. Ha.. that kind of "moments", this SE-K750i will not be able to make it la. *Ahem, I think my present Canon A80 also cannot make it. Haha..
(Err.. it's not the case that I like to see cat-fight. Actually I wasn't too sure that was fighting or not. One black one pounded on the other mixed black-white one. The latter gave a loud "miaw", looked back, used the front right paw to execute a "slap" on the black cat's face, and they freezed and stared at each other into the eyes for quite some time. Their staring expressions were kind of cute leh.. They only "break-stare" when a person walked past near them.)

Not Just A Gathering..

I thought it was going to be just a very simple gathering at Settlers Café with quite a few of us.

It started off simple. Yes. We were there chatting and having games. Simple and pleasant.

Then there was a cake. Huh? The cake was meant for me???
Although my birthday was passed a week ago. They knew it, but they still made an effort to celebrate now. Got a gift some more. Wa.. I was touched man. And usually at such moment, I will be at a lost of words, in a state of “speechless-ness”.

They got me a SteinZeiser 4 Section Tripod (MOD:SZ-40). That piece of equipment is far too pro for me. Really! Ha.. what a motivation for me to get more serious with photography?! I need help!! Hahaha..

Some pictures of tripod :
(I tried to grab some pictures from the internet. I can’t find any. So.. erm.. haha.. you all got see my own shots. *Ahem, other people use tripod to help them to take photos with their camera. I use camera to take pictures of tripod. :P )







I feel fortunate.
Not because I was given a gift. But rather I know I have good friends.
I felt the same way last Sunday, during my dining experience at Ling Zhi. =)

Composition of Jam @ Custom

The traffic jam @ our custom (with reference to Woodlands one), the gate-way between S'pore & M'sia can be really bad. Many times, the faster way to cross over is by foot, literally.
I'm not complaining this time.
I shall try to provide another perspective.

If an attempt were to be made of the "composition" of the jam, we find :

- Big trucks.
These are the main "obstructors". They literally block everyone in their path. Besides, it is understandable they will take longer than usual to clear the custom. They are essentially part of the trading teams between the two countries. They can be 'annoying' and 'noisy' (most of the time).

- Buses.
Their sheer size is equally 'threatening' as the above. They are mostly factory buses fetching workers back home to M'sia.

- Cars.
There are many. Are the drivers of these cars, necessarily holiday makers of some kind? Haha.. not necessary ba. Many of these drivers travel to-and-fro very regularly. They either have families/friends on both sides or working here while staying at M'sia (very unlikely to be staying here and working in M'sia), making travelling between the two countries (almost) a daily affair.

- Motor-Cycles.
I find this the most amazing. They appear in thousands. No joke. The sound/noise they produce while in the queue is unmistakeable. The bikes are so packed together and they move by inches. The riders will not be able to stretch their legs too much, laterally and have to constantly watch out for the hot engine exhaust very near them. If we look closer, almost all (if not all) of the riders are pretty expressionless. They can also look real tired. This is unlike drivers and passengers in cars who are almost always observed to be engaging in small talks.
Heh.. do remember the exhaust-fumes the riders are breathing in at the same time. Okay, some do have a towel wrapped around their nose and mouth. That is an attempt to protect themselves, but does it help? Many riders are also not wearing safety helmet (yes, even while they are in the queue on the S'pore side).
Anyway, these riders are mostly M'sia citizens.
I don't think anyone will find such a jam-experience of the bike, in any sense enjoyable. Yet why are so many riders making such journeys everyday?
They work here, but stay and spend there. The currency conversion rate makes it a economically viable option.

I must add on. Besides the riders, there are also many more aunties and uncles working here and need to make daily to-and-fro journeys between the two countries. They usually travel by company (big) buses. The bike riders only make it more observable for me.

Actually, I admire these M'sians quite a lot.
(1) For their future and family, they are willing to make the sacrifice. Maybe they don't even view it as a sacrifice at all. But just imagine, returning home just after mid-night and coming back to S'pore the next day (technically speaking, it's the same day) in the morning to work again. They hardly have time for their families and friends.
(2) I sense their fighting spirit. Not many S'poreans can take that kind of life, I think.

Wa.. don't dare to say my life is tough ah.

Weakness or Strength

W approached me :
”I don’t feel good about the session. Could you tell me where I went wrong?”

F approached me :
”I observed blah-blah-blah. I’m really at a lost of what to do with them. How would you handle this?”

I felt much flattered that they trust me enough to share their concern(s) with me and thought I could assist them in some ways. I admire them for admitting their “weaknesses” and are willing to rectify them in order to help others better.

Somehow, I see more of their “strengths”. As in, if we were to face our “weaknesses” bravely, we sure have a greater apportunity to improve in leaps and bounds. Eventually who are the more ‘powerful’ ones? Haha.. undoubtedly, the ones who have the will to improve.

Butt- Dent

Oh yes, there's a dent on my car now. It was caused by a butt and so I call it a butt-dent. Heh..
If the butt-dent is on the seat of the car.. oh.. that's natural.
No! The above-mentioned butt-dent is on the bonnet of my car. Hahaha.. still can laugh ah.

There was a photo-taking session this afternoon.
During the fun-shot, everyone was first nicely arranged. At the very last moment, a dear *little pal shouted, “wait wait wait.”
He came right in front of the car, back-facing it, with a little jump, he landed pretty hard on top of the bonnet with his butt. A dull “pop” was heard.. and erm.. oh, should I also mention, when he slid down, another dull “pop” was heard too. Much like what goes down must come up. Haha..

A : "I'm sorry."
Me : "It's okay. Give me your dad's contact number." ...

A : "I thought it should be able to withstand... "
Me : "Okay.. next time, just don't get a Mazda." ...

He apologized profusely and I don't want to make him feel bad also la. In fact, I was laughing throughout our conversation. Besides, I know the action of his was not a deliberate one.

Fact 1 : I can't undo the act. (Anyway, it was an unintentional one.)
Fact 2 : The dent is not very obvious, due to the colour of the car perhaps. (It is only visible at certain special angles.)
Fact 3 : I can choose how I want to react. (He jumped on my car. I can jump on him. Nay.. I chose to stay calm.)
Fact 4 : He already feels bad. (I can't bear to make him feel worse.)
Fact 5 : The law of impermanence nature of every mortal thing prevails. Hahaha..

Aiya.. actually, I wasn't really thinking so much when the event happened. It just happened and I didn't want to spoil the fun-element then.
Here, I'm just giving myself more reasons that I need not be too unhappy about it.
Strangely, many colleagues and other *little pals who had witnessed (or heard about) the event seemed to feel the pain more than me. :P

Of Barium & Of Sodium..

I (with rather serious facial expression) asked some *little pals, “what do we get when we react 1 mole of barium with 2 moles of sodium?”
It really set some thinking.
“Metals don’t react with each other”, said the quicker ones, somewhat protesting .
Mm… this caught me by surprise. Cannot lose face ah.
After a while, I retorted, “possibly yes, under suitable solvent.” (mm.. someone smoking leh.. haha..)
When pressed for the name of that ‘suitable solvent’, I said, “the suitable solvent is.. (pausing a while).. humour.”
Haha.. then they realized it was just a crappy question.

Anyway, the suggested answer is BANANA.
Need I explain?
Barium = Ba
Sodium = Na
So we get Ba-Na-Na. In short, “BANANA”.

Okay, I was recycling old joke (erm.. if we want to call it a joke). In any case, this crappy Q&A never fail to draw some laughters everytime, every year.

I think human in general welcomes humour. Oh well, there are many kinds of humour. Learn many, but use appropriately.

I just like to see people happy. I will feel happier if I can make someone unhappy (or just moody) to become happy (or just feeling better). I know there’s such a limit of what I can do.

We can always try to make things better. =)

In Pink..

It's interesting how a piece of fabric can evoke varying reactions among different age-groups.

The younger ones were going :
- "Why are you so pink today??!!" (erm.. as if they entirely missed out the white, the fine blue and light green, in between ..) ,
- "Please change it, it's not nice." (wa.. I smiled and said, "too nice, very dangerous leh, may "招蜂引蝶" ..) , etc.

The older ones were going :
- "You look so bright today." (erm.. I also hope they were also referring to my mental faculty.. )
- "This is really nice and happening." (ha.. they stared hard at it and even touched it.. )
- "This is going to make anyone seeing it, brightens up." (wa.. really so powerful meh?.. )
- "Hey! It reminds me of the song - you light up my life." (mm.. the person saying that even started singing to me.. haha.. I hope I have that kind of power man.. ), etc.

I am seldom in pink, but pink is in, I was told.
Haha.. and so I tried.
It’s my recent possession and I think I like it, anyway. :)

Birthday

It’s just another day, I thought. I mean I don’t usually celebrate it or even talk about it. However, many well-wishes streamed in making the day rather ‘special’ for me. It’s kind of sweet to learn that people bother to remember the a-bit-special day of ours. A few whom I hardly contacted for quite some time actually specially initiate the contact today. Wow! :)

I really enjoyed the good company, appreciate the well-wishes, and a few special meal arrangements by some close pals.

Thanks to ALL. I am grateful. The experience only motivates me to be a better person, hoping I can “serve” ALL, better in the (near) future.

- - -

Have we wonder, many saints and the enlightened ones have more than one “birthday”?

We celebrate their mortal birth (the day they were born physically by their mothers). We are living in a mortal world and so the significance of this day seems more apparent to many. Be grateful to our mothers.

We celebrate their spiritual birth (the day they were initiated into the cultivation path). We know many felt pretty much re-born at that stage. From there onwards, their life could take a drastic turn (a turn for the better). They began to progress and humbly guided people along. Certainly that was a day worth remembering and celebrating.
Be grateful to our spiritual masters.

We celebrate their Nirvana (the day they attained enlightenment). Ha.. need I elaborate more here? Haha..

- - -

I am merely trying to see birthday in a slightly different perspective. :)

Wish all beings..
Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Soul
&
Happy BirthdayS :)

A Delicious Day ...

Would anyone describe his "day" as being "delicious"?
Oh well, I do admit that the two words don't really come together in usual English writing.
I had a lunch appointment and a dinner appointment on the same day (i.e. today).
During lunch, one of the best Chinese Zi Cha was served ; during dinner, one of the best steamboat in town was presented. Yummie..
When all energies are now channeled to digest the food, don't teach me about semantics or connotation. I shall insist in describing my day as being "delicious". Haha..

The food aside,
I am just glad I was with the best of companies. A rather memorable day, indeed.

Food gives comfort to our stomachs and fuels our bodies. We need a healthy body to function well. Please eat healthily.
Good company gives contentment to our hearts. We would like to have a happy heart to face the world. Please cherish the people around us and continue to make friends.
But..
What fuels our soul? ...

Life is short, mortally speaking ; life is eternal, divinely speaking. They are not contradicting, I feel.
No one objects when we say, "life is short." Our stay on earth is hardly over a hundred years, despite the fast advancement in sciences. What is a hundred years compare with the *age of our universe? We say life is short to remind us of the impermanence nature of life. We have to cherish every moment of it to do good.

On a more spiritual view, are we really gone (into nothingness) when we leave this world? I choose to believe there is life after death. In other words, I choose to believe life is eternal in the spiritual realm. Many people know pretty much how to take care of their bodies and to build healthy relationships making their lives fulfilling (however they want to define what "fulfilling" is meant to them).
Good. :)
At the same time, please do take care of our souls.
How? Many saints had shown us the way.. :)
It's not going to be easy. (Who says it's easy anyway? Haha.. )
But we must be the hopeful ones, for they (the holy ones) never give up on us. :)

- - -

Quite a few *little pals had noted that I had become more quiet lately.
It's so true. It's because.. erm..
Thanks for their concern. I shall be able to handle it.
I'm already glad that they actually ask about it. Ha..

My New Toy (Song Ericsson K750i)

Let me show you my new toy :

*tada*...


Let Mobile Review tells you how good it is. :)

Frankly, I also don't know why I'm getting myself such a high-end phone. I should be getting Nokia 3120, which will serve me well enough and it is currently *free @ Singtel. Maybe, the current $120 rebate (for upgrading) appeals to me just too much. Yes, I'm paying $120 off published price. Simply irresistible.

Haha.. perhaps, once in a while, I need a little pampering too. :P
(Erm... if no one pampers me, I must learn to pamper myself lor.. )

I got to face a fact :
Being almost an IT idiot myself, it will take me quite a long while (or never), before I know the ways to unleash the full capabilities of this new toy. Someone, please tell me I'm "crazy". Haha..

Counting JJsss …

Counting, counting and counting …
I’ve decided to count the number of Junjie-s I know. Haha…

洪 Junjie :
Taught him during his first 3-month at JC. Seldom in contact with him after the first 3-month although he stayed in the same JC.

萧 Junjie :
A FM students. Never taught him before. Nevertheless, our paths crossed many times and therefore we chatted quite a bit over his 2 years in JC. Oh I know why. His sweet-heart was in my class. He was also one of our top students in his batch.

朱 Junjie :
Never taught him before. Seldom talk to him. However, I often seen him around in college. At least we smiled and acknowledged each other every time our paths met.

卓 Junjie :
Taught him during his first 3-month at JC. It was a rather pleasant experience. He was just that kind of super guai student. After which he stayed in the same college but was no longer in my ‘clutch’. However, we maintained brief contacts during his 2 years in JC.

胡 Junjie :
The eldest in my list. A big-sized family man with 2 sons. Always willing to share his experiences with anyone.

林 Junjie :
A famous local singer. Don’t really know much of him. Anyway, I like some of his songs.

林 Junjie :
Oh yes, a second Lin Junjie on the list. This one can’t sing, but can dance (specific type only hor.. haha.. ). Known each other pretty well. He is really much like a dear younger brother and a close pal to me. Rather amazing.

陈 Junjie :
Better known as Chun Kiat. He stunned me when he said, “you can also call me Junjie,” only after some weeks we knew each other. He is therefore the most current Junjie in my list.

Everyone Wants a Good Life ...

After a simple consultation, when the atmosphere becomes less formal..

Student A : Oh dear, I don’t think I can do mathematics or any science subjects.
(Her subject combination being Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics)
Teacher : Huh.. you just realized you can do better in Humanities?
Student A : Erm.. actually I also don’t think I can do Humanities? .. (slight pause).. (then, quite seriously) Sir, if you know of any rich old man, can recommend? I think life can be easier this way.
Students B, C, D : (Smiling in agreement… )
Teacher : . . . . . .

Examination is just round the corner and obviously, the *little pals are too stressed up and were dreaming of “钓金龟”. Haha..

Everyone wants a good life. I can’t help but to think, many people choose to equate the “goodness” with “materialism”. They witness with their own eyes, how the tai-tai-s can shop to their heart’s content and how the well-off gong-zi-s can provide superfluously to their better halves, etc. Wow..I also want. Haha..

But look around. How many people really belongs to that kind of tai-tai-s or well-off gong-zi-s categories? I’m afraid it’s not the majority. Yet life can be just as good for every single one of us. It’s up to us to define “goodness”. We can choose to enjoy and cherish whatever we are having now. We can strive to reach a higher goal, but please enjoy the journey at the same time, value the company walking through with us. In this way, our set goal if achieved is sweet ; if not, the journey itself will also be a priceless experience.

家财万贯，
可以买黄金屋，并不一定可以买到温暖的家;
可以买金枕头，并不一定可以买到甜美的梦;
可以游戏人间，并不一定可以得到真诚的爱。
- - -
一颗自在的心，便可叫人无处不快活。
我们的心“自在”吗？=)

Looking Out for Each Other..

A group of *little pals (M, MJ, ZX) approached me. They told me that ZY has been studying so hard, and yet not achieving. They are very worried for ZY as he has already shown sign of despair/sickness/breaking down. They hope I can help him out. What makes them think I can do it? Mm.. Ha.. I shall take that as a compliment.

It’s not that I didn’t notice anything not-so-right about him. I was thinking of giving him slightly more time. I guess I need to act sooner.

What I feel good about the ‘telling-tale’ is the spirit of looking out for each other. During this period, every *little pal is so stressed up. Many were so concerned about the major examination ahead. Yet they have the heart to look out for each other. I can feel the warmth. Lovely.
We need such spirit to make the world a better place to live in.

- - -

We can be very busy with our life, be it busy with our work or play.
Let’s not use such as an excuse/reason to neglect the people around us.

阳光或许能温暖我们的肉身、
它不一定能温暖我们的心房。
简单问候、亲切微笑、真诚关心，便可在人间增添几分温馨。=)

A "Naive" Question?

The atmosphere was light and a *little pal asked me,
"Sir, do you know what is 'W-T-F'? So-and-so actually wrote that on his biology answer scripts and when returned, there was a big red circle around it, plus a big question mark beside it."
(The 'culprit' claimed it was accidental & unintentional. Oh well... )

*Ahem.. there were ladies around, and they pretended nothing was heard.

Ha.. I said, "Certainly! It stands for 'Want To Find'. In Mathematical Induction, we often say we want to find or show P_k+1 is also true."
The reply drew more laughters, even among the ladies who were simply amazed how 'naive'/'creative' I am. Am I? :P

By the way, this version of interpretation for the abbreviation is not original. I think someone 'taught' me more than 2 years ago. I'm quite sure the idea came from another *little pal, but I really can't recall who actually. Ha..

ND Random Collage

(Photos Courtesy of JM)
These pictures are randomly picked from a collection by JM, taken on 09 August 2005 @ Yishun, and I was just nearby witnessing the shooting as well.
I like the expression beaming from the faces of the characters.

Reflection Makes Us Stronger

一个能够时时反省自己的人，才能知自己之过错。
古时一日三省吾身的曾子，他用三件事来反省自己：
1. 为人做事有否尽心？
2. 对人是否信实？
3. 求学有否温习？
一个人，若能每天反省对人对事，及对所学能时时温习，则可终身寡过。
- - -
Reflection - what a word!
The saints are practising it. I’m only trying it, trying to perfect it. No doubt I’m still far from perfection. Nevertheless, I believe that each step we take, we are one step closer to our aims. Let’s not be despair and encourage each other along the way.

In the course of pursuing our goals, let’s not forget we are working on the very fair basis that we are still (only) human. Let’s allow room for mistakes, so as to be able to forgive others and ourselves (especially important to forgive others). We face the mistakes, learn from them and grow from them.

We shall be getting stronger as each day rolls by =)

S* Education (or Rather The Lack of It...)

S* = Sex.
Unimaginably, I am going to talk (a little) about sex education (or rather the lack of it... ).
If you are uncomfortable, in any way, please need not read on.

Typical local drama serial scenes (about loving couple) :
A pair of loving couple was preparing to get married. Soon after, we witnessed the entire wedding procession and the bliss beaming from the couple cannot be missed. We could be pretty touched at the same time. At the end of the wedding dinner, the scene will still be focused on the couple. But now, they will be alone, looking lovingly at each other, went under the blanket, lights off and the rest was left to our imagination. (I am not asking for more graphic details of what actually happened under the blanket.)
Then hor.. Not too long later, the newly-wed bride may announce that she was pregnant. Wow! And everyone was rejoicing.

Tell you a true story happened not too long ago (shared by a fellow colleague, today) :
Some teenagers (secondary 4 students) went out together for some kind of gathering. It was an over-night event. Okay, let's imagine that it was the usual over-night BBQ at a rented chalet (big enough with some rooms). There was a particular pair of lovers, and they were preparing to rest after a tiring day. By some (perhaps deliberate) arrangement, they shared a bed and literally went under a blanket together.

Weeks later, the girl broke a news to the boy that she was pregnant. The boy was shocked. They were (are) still schooling. The girl asked for money from him for various reasons (which are not the focus in this story), on numerous occasions, apparently related to the pregnancy. The boy felt responsible for it and gave in. But the stress factor was too high for him and it certainly reviewed all over his facial expression. The guy was called in by his teacher and through some persuasion, he confided in his teacher.

That guy was truthful enough to provide the details, including what actually went on under the blanket on that night. *Ahem. A stark revelation : the guy said they were talking, followed by a little cuddling and later... (ready?)... just felt asleep la. Nothing of that sort, okay.

Ha.. so all the while this guy believed that going under a blanket was all it took, for pregnancy to occur. Mm.. actually, this was in accordance of what he saw in all local TV drama serials. So pure ah?
Obviously he was played on by the naughty girl, and this guy didn't know what sex is. I am talking about a fully physically-matured guy here who didn't know what sex is. Mm..

Should I be very surprised?
Oh well.. I have heard of even more interesting tales of married couples who were trying so hard to conceive but failed. They finally approached doctors and in most cases, low sperm count, not-so-good sperm/egg quality, etc. were the main 'culprits'. In certain cases, the couple was perfectly healthy in all ways, but was just performing sex in the wrong way!! "Wrong" as in not the way, if you want pregnancy to occur. Erm.. I shall spare you the details.
I am thinking. In this time, will someone (adult, especially) admit openly, he or she doesn't know anything about sex? Look around, everyone acts as if they know something/everything about it.

I know there are people (in various agencies/organizations) who are trying (so hard) to come out with effective programmes to teach our youth, about sex. But, at the rate it is going, I'm a little doubtful. But still their effort may be commendable. We must understand they are working with many binding "red tapes".

Even in the best of efforts, it may still fail.
There was a team who tried to teach a small village about contraception. They went down to demonstrate how to put on a condom properly. They really demonstrate, in the most decent sense. They used the pole, which was part of a villager's fencing around his house, to demonstrate how to put on a condom. Innovative, we may think.

However, the pregnancy rate did not go down. It was maintained more or less the same. A check was done. Apparently, the villagers really put in their best effort.
Proof : Almost all (S/M/L) poles on the fencing around their houses wore a condom. Some still got "double or triple protection", okay. :P

Maybe not many people are comfortable to talk about sex. And when they do, there are certain social pressures to guide them not to be too explicit. Hence, almost everything are done in analogy or as subtle as possible. Aiyo.

ND Celebration @ Yishun

I was part of the ND Celebration @ Yishun.

It is really not my usual practice to celebrate National Day. I feel like going down to at least take a look, just because many of my current *little pals were participating as NDP motivators at Yishun and some ex-*little pals were participating in the actual main parade, etc.

I went down, alone (my usual practice). It’s certainly very nice to be with friends, but I’m just as comfortable being alone. Besides, it’s public holiday. I always have this perception that my friends would have programmes planned with their better halves, loved ones, friends, etc.. and I usually don’t initiate (no matter how I wish to meet him or her, no matter how badly I miss a person). That’s how passive I can be. Ha.. what a perfect recipe for remaining as a bachelor.

Surprisingly, I bumped into another *little pal (this one was not participating as motivator) just a few minutes after I reached the place (I had not even orientate myself right), and we ‘stucked’ together till everything ends. Interestingly, I don’t even teach this *little pal before but we literally talked through the good part of the evening. We must be really talkative (okay, we are just being articulative.. haha.. )

I’m really glad to meet many of my *little pals there and caught them in actions. They were very much surprised (pleasantly) to see me there. Haha.. it was all written on their faces. That was the moment I can see how enthusiastic they can be, about something. Ha.. I will never be able to witness that kind of enthusiasm of theirs if I were to remain in a classroom context. Simply lovely.

The fireworks. No joke, I was barely about 20 metres away from the firing points. That was the nearest anyone can be. Why? Hey, I was just at the makeshift fencing around the firing points. The magical feeling of witnessing the firework so near, I shall just leave it to your own imagination (much because I lack the writing skills to express it rightly). Anyway, I can feel the vibration of the explosion, the sprays of colourful, almost dancing sparks seemed to be just within reach against the dark black sky. Frankly, at that moment, a thought crossed my mind : How lovely, if I can hold someone dear at that time. Haha.. I’m imagining, of course. Anyway, the silly thought faded off just as fast as the colourful sparks changed into white burnt-smelling smoke. Silly me. :)

The Mobile Column. Ha.. I was just 2 to 3 metres away from it. Wa.. it looked pretty much like a show-off thingy. Nevertheless, I just relaxed and enjoyed the pride beaming from the servicemen’s faces.

It might be better if I had brought my camera along. But again, bringing one might be distracting for me. The mental impression I had tonight was pretty impactful. So do I really need a camera? Haha..

A side note :
We left the place with good memories in our mind.
Guess what's left on the once fresh green open field?
Litters & litters ...
Haiz...

National Day..

The Singapore flag was officially adopted on December 3, 1959.
The white crescent represents Singapore as a new nation, the five stars symbolize democracy, equality, justice, peace and progress, while white is representative of the purity and virtue of the people, and red stands for universal brotherhood.
- - -
I quite like the simple design of our national flag. Maybe because it was one of the first few flags I had learnt and that impression of what a flag ought to be like, simply sticks in my mind.

I'm not a person who understand politics. Nevertheless, I'm grateful for what S'pore has provided me these 30 + years and more to come. I'm grateful, but erm.. not as in that kind of super patriotic sense.
I like the country for just a very simple reason, this is where my home belongs, where my friends and memories are.
Happy Birthday Singapore (today being her 40th birthday), deep within I really mean..
- Happy Family,
- Happy Friendship,
- Happy Memories, for all people out there.

Haha.. I am boldly equating Singapore with our family, our friends and our memories.
I sincerely wish Singapore to continue to prosper and grow healthily in all aspects.

Today, I feel slightly different. I know quite a few of my *little pals are directly involved in the NDP. Haha.. I know they are feeling proud and I'm just glad.

有天才有地；有地才有国；有国才有家；有家才有。。。（我们的一切）
所以，我们是否当感恩其源头呢？
哈哈。。 感谢天、感谢地、感谢阳光照耀着大地。。。

I Mean Business..

Certainly a very inappropriate heading.
Just that, I am really very determined and serious not to be a businessman (商人) and/or have a business of my own. I am just not cut out for it, I strongly feel. I try to rationalize such strong feeling :
(1) I will most likely sell things at cost price. (Haha.. much to customers' liking.)
(2) I don't have the guts to take risks. (Can't imagine everything can go to nothing overnight.)
(3) Gaining profit is hardly my priority in life. (Sometimes, I'm also a little confused over this.)
(4) Charges for the maintenance of office, employees ++ are just too high here. (So who's the real sure-win boss?)
(5) I lack leadership qualities. (Some people may disagree on this. oh well.. :p )
... the list may go on.

Today, my department was tasked to sell 'healthy food' to raise fund. My fellow colleges really put in a very decent effort to come out with a pretty wonderful menu. The selling was done rather briskly, but the takings for the day wasn't really impressive even though I find the pricing of the items were already a little too steep. Okay.. the setting-up cost was estimated to be around $170 and the takings for the day closed at around $305. Wa.. near to a 80% profit leh! However, since we are talking about raising fund, please note that any "labour cost" incurred is nullified and we do not need to pay any rental or PWD charges.

So today's experience of raising fund may be a fun one, but it makes me more certain that setting up a business of my own is a no-no to me. Of course, I do have friends who are doing so well and living so well off, by being a businessman of sort. I guess, different people earn different kind of money ba. I sincerely wish them well.

Nevertheless, I am glad I know what I like. (It's so important to know what we like.)
I shall continue to do good/better what I'm already doing now. =)

Two "Childish" Acts..

A birthday cake was presented and a birthday song was sung.

There was a (appro. 4-year-old) little boy standing amidst us, thoroughly enjoying himself by looking at the the cake and listening to the song being sung. Just see how he clapped along and the broad grin he carried, we know full well that he was just so happy.
This little boy was asked to give a peck on the cheek to the birthday boy. He gamely followed. His reactions immediately after the peck amused all of us who were present. He must have done it so sincerely and with all his might, so much so that he actually 'tasted' the face of the birthday boy. Ha.. to make it clearer, after the peck, we saw him licking his own lips and at the same time showing us some weird expression on his face. The sight is just so cute man....
Actually, many of us (the birthday boy included) went for a brief run and we didn't have time to wash up ourselves before the gathering. Haha.. that face must have tasted real salty :P

There was another (appro. 4-year-old) little girl looking on from a distance, while the birthday song was being sung. Obviously she was just as interested and she drew herself closer to the cake gradually.
While we were trying to get the cake divided to be shared, she "sneaked" in even closer, swapped her index finger swiftly and lightly across the side of the cake to dig up a little portion of the cake and immediately put that little index finger in her mouth. Wow.. what a moment to witness.
Socially, she might be appeared to be rude. But just look at her eyes, her innocent / pure look was enough for us to "forgive" her act. We actually laughed and rewarded gave her an even bigger piece of the cake (since she liked it so much).

In both instances, we laughed and find the little boy and little girl so adorable.
What happened if both acts were done by you and/or me?
What qualities these little kids have possessed so that they can be easily "forgiven"?
What makes their smile so attractive?
I always think, at times, we can also learn a lesson or two just by observing little kids.

7th Lunar Month ... 7th "Celestial" Stage

Singapore has a population predominantly Chinese. Many of the Chinese are believers (not really the same as practitioners – I think) of Taoism or Buddhism.
Yesterday, we saw the first day of the 7th lunar month – the month many Taoists or Buddhists believe the soul of the deceased are released from hell to roam the mortal earth for some reasons.

(Rather) uniquely, we have many
(1) Getais (stage performances with mainly not so current bands and songs),
(2) 10-course dinners with loud auction (apparently to raise funds for charity),
(3) Offering of incense (huge quantity some more), by individuals, or by various independent organizations doing it as a group.

I am not here to challenge the believe or the practice. I am just going to talk a little about the “offering of incense”.

Take a quick peek out of our window. Count the number of burnt grass-patches you see. If we think it is already bad, let’s wait to see how everything escalates on the 15th day of the lunar month (19/08/05). In recent years, our government has set up portable urns to facilitate the offering of incense (especially during this month). So the environment problems are more controlled, but never solved.

It’s a common practice for these believers to offer incense (to deities) on the 1st and 15th day of every lunar month, but nothing compares to the scale we observed on the 7th month. On the 7th month, the offering of incense is done for the deceased, the soul from the nether world. Oh, the offering of incense to the deities is not dispensed with. It will be done separately of course, without significant change in usual scale, I think.
So who’s the powerful ones. Haha..

The entire idea behind may be well-intended. This is the month for 普渡 (meaning Mass Salvation).
Questions :
(a) How does the offering of incense helps in the salvation? (Not doubting the practice, but just want to think about it.)
(b) Why does the word “mass” link to only the souls of the nether world? (Do we think we ourselves are free from ignorance or illusion and salvation only needs to apply to them?)

Many I had talked to expressed the great power they feel from the beings from the nether world. They exclaim (that it’s a proven fact) that if we are generous with the offerings and to do it whole-heartedly, we will be rewarded handsomely. Ok, they say the offerings will appease the souls and when they are appeased, we are much safer. Besides, a windfall will may strike. I think many are looking forward more to the latter. Mm..
Where’s the salvation?
In what ways do these souls being elevated to a higher level of awareness?
I believe in Salvation, but am rather doubtful the way it’s being done / generally observed.

Salvation is to all beings (the word “普– mass” suggests it all), we included. Ok, we shouldn’t neglect the beings from the nether land. I am just thinking, we should also be thinking about our own salvation.

Some Divine/Celestial information :
The Formation (开天辟地) till The Void (混沌) of our material earth comes in 12 stages (compare with 12 mortal months per year) , namely :
子、丑、寅、卯、辰、巳、午、未、申、酉、戌、亥。
It is now in between the stages 午 and 未. (Note : 午 is the 7th stage and 未 is the 8th stage.)

If all the while there’s a saying that Mass Salvation is to be done in the mid of 7th month, then on a more celestial view, Mass Salvation is done during the mid of 7th “celestial” stage – NOW!
I don’t know whether we find the logic fuzzy. But IT is really now ..

God Bless..
May All Beings Find The Way.. =)

"Come On"... "Add Me"

A close pal and I exchanged some sms-es in the morning.
A particular message of his streamed in and it was supposed to be on a more encouraging tone with the text
"... come on ..."

Let’s Imagine. In the morning, when our alertness has not been fully awakened and we were trying to type the text with a handphone enabled with the “dictionary-function”, and we missed typing the “space” between the two words.
(erm.. He did just that.)

What will we get?
"... condom ..."

No doubt the simple message was well intended, and it was purely a result by a slip of the thumbs, I can’t help but to laugh my head off. Hahaha..

I have my fair share of such slip some months back.
Someone asked, through a sms, if he could add me in his MSN account.
I intended to reply : "... Sure.. add me!... ".

That time, I thought I hit every button correctly on my handphone pad in my reply.
But.. the word "add" almost got me into trouble.
Try typing the text "add" with the key stroke 2-3-3. The first match is actually "bed".
Therefore, my first welcoming message to him became : "'... Sure.. bed me! .."
Wa.. it was only after more than 15 min that I realised the slip. I felt pretty embarrassed and I quickly corrected myself by sending a second message to him, before anyone decided to interpret the word "bed" in the verb form. What will he be thinking between my first and second reply? I wouldn't want to ask also. Hahaha..

Tranquility, Harmony, Serenity, Peace

In life, aren't we all seeking for inner Tranquility, Harmony, Serenity and Peace?
Keep seeking ..
It takes effort ..
It may not be too far away ..
It begins from ourselves..
- - -
Usually it begins by first .. letting go ..
“执着”不就是众苦的根源吗？