"Judgment Day"

When a major examination is over and the markings are done, the *powers of the college will all gather to decide who will be
- promoted (a status every student is looking forward to obtain)
- advanced (a pretty new 'invention' and technically speaking I can't tell a difference between this and the previous)
- repeating (simply saying the student concerned can't make the mark, but is young enough to be given a second chance)
- superannuated (a premature end, the over-aged student concerned will be asked to leave)

Haiz.. How I wish everyone can be promoted. In reality, it never happens (I still hope it would, one day). This year, we have about 30% not being able to clear the mark (set by the college¹). That works out to be slightly more than 240 students. Yes, we have to discuss these cases one-by-one and hopefully it can be done within a day. At times, the discussion may spill over to the next working-day. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about the big administrative workload here. That's another point altogether. It just pains me a little to see with my own eyes how one-by-one² is being judged and literally being "removed" from the register.

I am thinking to myself...
Why after putting in so much effort, the students still cannot make it?
Is it the students' inability to study?
Or should I say it is the inability of the teaching staff to impart knowledge?
These students did not wake up on time?
There are fundamental flaws in the educational system?
These students are tied down by other difficulties³?

Over the years, I can only
- keep thinking about it,
- try to minimize the "casualty-rate".

When the laborious discussion is done, we will then become the bearer of good/bad news. Mm.. How I wish I could announce, "Everyone did very well and all will be promoted."

- - - - -
¹ Different colleges set different standard of "crossing-lines". *Ahem, here is ironically one of the highest.
² A minority few of these students already expected a negative outcome as they know what kind of effort they have put in, or rather they know they have not done their part.
³ There could be family problem(s), financial problem(s), relationship problem(s), etc.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Since, I am in the topic of "Judgment Day", allow me to digress a little.
Is it true that only the students went through "Judgment Day"?
Heh.. everyone one of us is being "judged".

In work : we are ranked annually. Subsequently we realize the pay-package can vary due to such ranking.
In family : we are told (usually by our parents) how much nicer our elder/younger siblings are. Nevertheless, parental love and care are still there for us.
In relationship : we are subtly hinted how much better if we can be like that person, doing this and that... Haha..
In friendship : we are told, "you are the bestest pal".

I think, it is quite natural for people to judge/compare, be it explicitly or discreetly.

I ask myself,
Isn't it better if we were to learn to "judge" ourselves (do the necessary corrective measures if need be), before other people were to judge us?
Isn't it better if we were to be less "judgmental" towards others, be more forgiving and to accept the other person as who he is? "Accept" does not necessarily mean we are totally agreeable with the other person. It's merely another level of respect demonstrated, even to person whose ways are much to our dislike.

Have I talked about Judgment Day in the more Biblical sense?
Ha.. other time, perhaps. I got to rush. Today is the day and I am told I can't be late. Mm..

(Another) Tree Top Walk

It’s more like a family outing of a pal on a Sunday morning. He asked me along and “Yes”, I said. So there I was, with his mother, his girlfriend and his sister.

Ha.. I had “conquered” the Tree Top Walk for at least 4 times. I am supposed to be the most pro in today’s team. :P

I can still vividly remember my first time. I went alone. I actually got lost. The entire trekking took me a good 5 hours. I was not really scared, but just dead bored. So bored I actually called up a pal at work for a brief chat. Alone in the forest, tired and bored, it was rather up-lifting to hear a familiar human voice. Thanks! :)

The subsequent trips were with different groups of friends. Each time, a slightly different route was taken. So.. ha.. I know quite many variations already. :)
Today, we decided to start it of from Lower Pierce Reservoir. It was equally refreshing.

What amazed me today was we really came close to many animals and managed to take some shots of them.
For examples :







Walking at a slower pace, we also managed to appreciate the flora better.
Just a few shots here :





Squirrels, Flying Lizards, Gaint Ants, Dark-Brown-Dove-with-Almost-Glossy-Green-Wings, Butterflies were also spotted. However, they prove to be too fast for my camera. Mm.. so you just got to imagine yourself.

Okay.. a few more photos of the day in here.

雨后总会放晴吧

有好一段日子了，
似乎还没有办法得到对方的谅解。

咳。。。
还好这一阵子工作量也比较大，
正好以“忙”来麻醉内心的不舒畅。

我并不会太担心他的日子过得好不好。
因为他的人缘还算不错，只要他懂得放开心胸，
他不难发现他的身边有好多关心他的人。
说也奇怪，
我倒是有点儿担心他吃得好不好、睡得好不好。

或许是我还不够真诚。
或许是我还不够谦下。
或许是我还不够礼让。

有如兄弟情份在不知不觉中减半、毫不知情下渐淡，
我如何能不感伤？咳。。。

再过一段日子吧。
我总想与他好好谈谈。
我也想明白问题的关键是在那里。
我不奢望雨后会有彩虹。不过雨后总会放晴吧。

祝福大家。

I Marvel @ ...

I marvel at

(1) the magical flexibility in the applications of the Pigeonhole Principle (PP).
The PP may be simply stated as..
Let m and n be any two positive integers. If m objects are distributed among n boxes, then one of the boxes must contain at least [m/n] objects.
[x] denotes the least integer not less than x. { E.g. [1.2] = 2, [3.01] = 4, [2.5] = 3, etc. }
Note : [.] is not the standard mathematical notation. It's my limitation for not being able to create the kind of brackets without the "little horizontal" line at the bottom.

A simple illustration :
Suppose 5 (m = 5) pigeons are to be put into 2 (n = 2) compartments. PP says that at least one of the compartments will contain at least 3 pigeons.

*Ahem. Apparently, it's so common sense! Do we really need PP to tell us "at least one of the compartments will contain at least 3 pigeons?"
So PP must be so trivial, so common sense then? Not really.

Try taking on the little challenge to answer the following questions :
Q1. Show that, among any four integers, there are two integers whose difference is divisible by 3.
Q2. Seven darts are thrown at a dartboard which is circular and of radius 20 cm. If all the darts land within the dartboard, show that there are two darts not more than 20 cm apart.
Q3. Show that if a and b are integers, then the decimal representation of a/b either terminates or eventually, a block of digits repeats itself to infinity. For example, 6/5 = 1.2 and 12/7 = 1.7142857142857142857... .

The above questions (and plenty more advanced challenges) can be elegantly solved by applying PP sensibly and logically. Simply magical. No worries, I wouldn't want to bore you with the solutions. However, this is to be taught next year to some selected students (based on the new syllabus). Crazy! Erps.. I'm referring to the idea of teaching something of such level to JC students. To me, the profoundness is comparable to university materials.


(2) the ability of some of my *little pals who can write concisely and precisely (yet not necessarily using bombastic words). Indeed, there are many great writers writing in a style using the simplest words and yet suffers no lost in precision and can evoke the intended feelings and emotions within us, at the same time making us think. Ha.. My way of writing simply pales in comparison and frankly, these *little pals are the ones giving me the initial motivation to maintain a blog. Anyway, they somewhat spur me to continue to improve on.

Random Recollection Series 2005/Part 6

(1) I have noted, when it comes to matters of the heart or expressing how I feel, I will auto switch to the "Chinese mode". Not that I can't express anything in the English language, but the Chinese language comes much more naturally for me, I think. I have also observed that is when I tend to write in random "verses", without prior training of any sort. Strange. I wonder who I was in my previous life(s). Heh.. I think should be someone from China.

(2) December Bells.. ha.. certainly not just the Christmas Bell but also many Wedding Bells. One of which, I am asked to be the MC for the couple's night. Erm... I don't know how to say "no" as he is such a great pal and colleague. Just hope I can manage well on the night and certainly it will also be another learning experience for me. Oh, another reason why I don't know how to say "no" : he said I will be pairing-up with another experienced beautiful lady suggested by his bride-to-be. *Ahem.

(3) CM contacted. A little surprised when he mentioned he is currently serving his NS at Mindef. It's quite a "gathering" of *little pals at Mindef now. Mindef.. mm.. what a familiar place. I know of at least 5 *little pals there, at present.

(4) I was in my car. When the tune "Unchain My Heart" was played, it was brought to my attention that the same 6 CDs have been there in my car for at least 3 months, I think. That is to say, I have been hearing the same set of tunes for that long. I am that lazy to switch / change the set of 6. I used to change much more frequently. But.. erm... okay, I shall change them soon.

(5) I was just pleasantly surprised when he invited me to travel together this December. I was wondering to myself. Did he chance upon this site? Ha.. certainly he sees through the super passive side of me and understands that I usually wouldn't initiate anything, although I may very much feel like it. So if nothing were to go wrong, I should be spending Christmas in NZ. Nice. I think I need a little "get away".

Of Microscope -&- Of Telescope

Microscope : A scientific instrument that makes extremely small things look larger.

Telescope : A piece of scientific equipment shaped like a tube, used for making distant objects look larger and closer.

No worries, I'm not getting anywhere scientific.
I just feel like talking a little bit about human flaws/shortcomings : bad temper, behavioural ugliness, character imperfections, selfishness, stubbornness, ... (we know the list goes on...)

Okay, let's admit. Who don't have any flaws or shortcomings of any sort? Heh.. Who knows our flaws/shortcoming best? Not necessarily ourselves. (所谓：当局者迷也) Our best friends or family members will/should know us best. (所谓：旁观者清也)

I think the best way to improve ourselves is to identify our areas for improvement - AFIs.
Hence, isn't it considered a blessing if our friends tell us so. I mean tell us what our AFIs are. Let's be brave enough to face it. We do have our own AFIs.

However, in this society, I often hear people "slamming" each other, if not openly than discreetly.
"This so-and-so is so @#$%^ "
"She is just a *&%$@# "
"I don't believe anyone could do such a thing like $#@%!$ "
"I think he is $#@%! ",
"I just don't just his ^%#&$! ""and many more crude ones which you have heard of before.

I not saying we cannot have opinions of our own. But how do all these "slamming" help us? Sharpen our observation skills? Making us "holier-than-thou"? There is simply no "net improvement" to any party. Believe me, when we observe/judge others, at the same time others are also observing/judging us. Why entangle ourselves in such a vicious-cycle?

Let's stand back... but still observe!
When indeed we see the flaws and shortcomings of others, we just need to remind ourselves whether we have any of those flaws and shortcomings. If yes, we must understand how equally "disgusting" we are. If no, please thank our "guardian angels" for leading us well.
If we have a bigger heart, try to feel a little sorry for these people whom we think are in the wrong. We know they are "plunging" and should we not give a helping hand?
What I'm trying to say may be "slamming" need not occur, be it openly or discreetly. Mm...
(所谓：见贤思齐焉，见不贤而内自省也)

I try to bring you to another perspective.
When I asked, "Who knows our flaws/shortcomings best?" The better answer is actually your lover. That is simply because both of you will naturally spend so much time together. You can say how perfect and sweet your lover is. But do you remember how many times you quarrelled over something (maybe even seemingly trivial things) with your lover. There were disagreements. It hurts (like hell). There may be wounds left behind. However, after a while, you all forgive each other, still come together, apparently knowing each other better. It is love, not time, that heals.

Therefore, putting love, in the broadest sense, how should we look at the flaws/shortcomings of others after admitting that everyone has flaws and shortcomings?

Some people suggest :
(1) Use a telescope to look at flaws of others. Yes, we admit the flaws are there. The flaws are theirs. It's not really going to hurt us. Leave their flaws far far away, at a distance that really requires a telescope to look at, if we want to. Scrutinizing them brings us no merit in any sense. Use a microscope to look at our flaws. Hey! Come on. Dig out our own dirt and clean them away. We do want to be a better person, don't we?

(2) Use a microscope to look at the virtues of others. It's there. Dig it out. Learn the good points of others. If we just learn one good point from each person that crosses our path, we will be so superb. Use a telescope to look at our virtues. *Ahem. we cannot be that rotten right? Occasionally, let's ascertain ourselves and give a pat on our own shoulders. We need not blow it out of proportion. Just an occasional check that we are doing fine and move on.

If we only can see flaws and shortcomings of others...
That's most worrying...
For what we see or feel is somewhat a reflection of our inner soul.
A saint sees hope in every beings. That's why he/she is always trying, always trying to make a positive difference...
Need I say more? :)

* The author is not trying to teach or preach, but just to share. The author is also trying hard to remind himself to practise what he believes in. No doubt at times, he may fail miserably. The learning shall continue.

Sleeping Through the Weekend ..

I am constantly feeling a little feverish. The temperature is not high enough to knock off anyone, but it is noticeably there to make me feel weak, even in my bones.

The appetite is lost. Eating is still possible, but the feeling of wanting to puke is present to remind me no point eating too much, too good. One meal per day will suffice, how nice.

My voice still sounds a little weird. Wonder if my throat is still inflamed (I usually don't feel it, unless it is really super badly inflamed), but I have swallowed enough antibiotics and anti-inflammation medication. Mm..

A time check tells me that I have been feeling unwell for a week. A week! I don't remember that I was ever feeling unwell for that long.

Energy is obviously seeping out of my body. What can I do, besides sleeping? I'm feeling a little dizzy, but more sleep may lead to higher degree of dizziness (for my case). Argg... grabbing some panadols. Pop them in. I need more rest, I guess.

A little sore heart impedes the rate of recovery, perhaps. Heh..

Sleepy Big Fat Pregnant Cat

It's a sleepy big fat pregnant cat.



These shots were taken while I was in a kopitiam today, during lunch time. The (lucky) cat occupied a seat too, at a slightly more secluded corner.
I find the cat irresistibly cute and just have this urge to shoot it!
*Ahem.. shoot it with a camera (not gun), of course.
I drew much attention while I was trying to take some pictures of the cat with just my handphone. Hey.. there was a lunch time crowd, okay.

Anyway, it was the calm that I sensed in the cat, that drew me to take some pictures of it.
Maybe, that is what I need. Heh..

Random Recollection Series 2005/Part 5

(1) I have so many *little pals. It comes to my attention that I'm not as close to every single one of them. Some practically lost contact immediately after they had graduated. Some are still in contact pretty frequently even after years they had graduated. I give a thought to it as to why this is so.
I realized something. These are the people whom I had gone through hours and hours of consultation with. In other words, we went through the difficult times together and that's when the (strong) bonding really took place, I think.
Heh.. why I even think of this? My current *little pals just went through their P. Examination. I must say at the end of it, we magically knew each other so much better.
In short, bonding takes time. However, if an effort were to be made to come together to pursuit a common goal (just like to clear the P. Examination), the catalytic effect will be there.

(2) A conversation :
Aunty A : So you are a vegetarian?
Me : Yeah.
Aunty A : For how long?
Me : Oh.. erm.. (counting in my head) wa.. ten years liao.
Aunty A : No wonder. No wonder your facial complexion is so good.
Me : Huh?
Aunty A : Really. Reallyyyyy... (she dragged the last vowel)
- - - - -
This is not the first time a member of the opposite sex says something like that to me. Actually my facial complexion isn't that great. But I do notice under slightly dimmer light, it does seem to glow slightly red. Together with my slightly oily texture, it can have a tinge of glossy healthy pink. Heh.. the play of lights.
Btw, the link between vegetarianism and good facial complexion may be there, but need not be a strong one. I believe we have seen many people with stunning facial complexion, but they are not vegetarian.

(3) Today (20/10/05) is a little special to me. I went for my RT session as usual today. There was a test planned for today's session. If I were to pass the test, I can be excused for the subsequent extra two weeks' training. I thought of giving up. Reasons?
- I have never passed running for so many years. I can't even recall how many.
- I have yet to recover from my illness (a little feverish, a little flu and an inflamed throat suppressed by antibiotics).
What the heck. At the eleventh hour, I decided to give it a go. And yes, you may have guessed it. I passed (running included). I maintained my previous results for 2 stations and actually improved for the remaining 3 stations. I wonder where I gathered such energy? I was (still am) supposed to be not feeling well. Heh.. The last (most tiring) round of running was actually done in 1 min and 45 sec. That might sound nothing to most of you, but I choose to give a pat on my own shoulder. Perhaps, there was nothing holding me back. Collapse, collapse lah. Mm..

心伤、神伤

若是对一个人或一件事掏心掏肺的，
换来的却只是冷漠对待，
随之而来的难免会是心伤、神伤。

我不是被他所伤，亦不是被她所伤，更不是被它所伤。
只是自觉自己，
多年来的修为如今好像烟消云散，
品德修养看起来其实也不这么高。

原本心里是恨铁不成钢，
如今拔苗助长却成枉然。
失落之感会有几个人晓？

以为是知己，所以毫无保留将心儿掏；
以为是义事，所以竭尽所能把事做好。
奈何，给的不是对方所要、做的让对方起反感。
这是我的不足我的不好，请多多原谅。

还以为能给世界带来一点光，
不但不成，倒是增加怨气不少，自己却也遭了殃。
心有愧于上苍，此过我如何来担？

如今昂然神伤，我想也可以算是自招。
不敢责怪对方，只能怪自己德寡慧少，
不知事态是怎样，
不懂得好好衡量，
做出错误的判断。

或许真的需要一段时间来疗伤。
还是盼望着能得到宽恕与原谅。

咳。
眼眶湿润，无法再表。
语无伦次，还望见谅。

Random Recollection Series 2005/Part 4

(1) I have just realised the google web spiders (erm.. I'm also not too sure whether this is the correct expression) have crawled to my/this site. Don't know how. Don't know why. This site was "unsearchable" when I last checked, a few weeks ago. Now.. erm.. aiyoh.. haha..

(2) I was informed by my brother that my vehicle number appeared as a winning number in the 4D result, during his ROM dinner. Many people were lamenting why I didn't even bet on my number at all. I was (secretly) congratulating myself how much I have saved for not betting for over 33 - 18 = 15 years (18 being the legal age to bet, I think). Haha..

(3) I spent a good Sunday afternoon touching up the photos of my brother's ROM. Haiz.. I like only a few shots (the picture representing the entire set being my favourite). The rest.. erm.. either the composition or exposure was at fault. Haha... or rather, I was at fault lah. Anyway, in the spirit of sharing (and at the same time hoping 高手 can 指点指点), the link to the pictures is .. http://www.flickr.com/photos/spn/sets/1148353/
[Actually the lightings were really bad in almost all cases. And I can't get around the problem with my Canon A80. The problem was aggravated during the dinner shots.]

(4) I was listening to 95.8FM lately during most of my journeys in the car. I realised old tunes can be rather nice, their lyrics make it even better.
For examples,
- 世上的人儿这样多，我却碰到你 . . .
I must remind myself to cherish all people that cross my path, in whatever form it may take. It isn't easy for anyone to meet, to know each other and to become friend. I must remind myself to be forgiving and/or not to allow misunderstanding to get into the way.
- 今天的我，超越昨天不落后. . .
What a calling? Yes, we must continue to improve ourselves.

Downed with Sickness..

My throat is unbelievably inflamed.
The doctor : "Wa.. your throat is inflamed. You don't feel anything?"
The thought that ran through my mind : “Huh? In flame? Oh, inflamed.”
That was my mental state at that moment. No worries, I’m not breathing fire like a dragon yet. Ha.. the doctor was a little surprised that I didn’t come down with a fever.

My nose is runny.
Still, I fail running.

My head is kind of spinning.
Wonder if the spin is in sync with the rotation/revolution of the planet earth.

My foot-steps are somewhat floating.
I believe I can fly. I believe I can touch the sky.

Seen a doctor @ Silver Cross, in the morning.
Silver Cross seems rather well-established but does not allow booking of appointment. That’s bad. Their medication is effective for me.. haiz.. but the wait can be quite bad, and can make me feeling more sick. Ha.. since booking is not allowed.. erm.. I called in to ask about the “queue-length” first before I went down. Just got to work around the problem. :P

MC is given but simply ignored.
I still
- went to work,
- drove to Queenstown area to attend a 3-hr course,
- give a lift to some colleagues,
- (in short) went on life as usual lah.

Naughty, sure I'm. Maybe my nature of work is not at all physically demanding. Can take it lah

I admit, the feeling of lethargy is real.
No worries, I took the medicine timely and I’m drinking plenty of H₂0.
I’m monitoring. I won’t push myself too hard till I collapse. There’s still a long journey awaiting me.
The concern shown by family, colleagues, friends and *little pals (in however little ways) are certainly much appreciated.

My Brother's ROM

My brother got registered for marriage this evening.
Wishing you Happiness Always, brother. :)
It's certainly a joyous occasion.

I think my parents feel more proud now, finally. They were being quizzed for so many years (by friends and relatives alike) as to why their daughter and sons (me included) are still single. Haha.. my father even resorted to such reply like "What to do? All of them too ugly leh. Nobody wants lor."

Okay, now all their foci shall be solely on me. I can't pull a diverting stunt (to divert their attention on me, on such issue) anymore.

Brother did all the planning all by himself and he quietly did so. I think he is on quite a tight budget. He didn't even engage a professional photographer. I thought all was planned. At the very last minute, he asked me to be his photographer for the day. Huh? But... aiyo.. me? How can? Mm.. if only JJ is freer, maybe I can request him to help out. I just got to make do with it ba. I don't feel good to say "no" to him also. *Cold sweat. I don't wish to spoil the "hard copy of their lovely memory" leh.

The Ceremony :
The ceremony was simple, but solemn. The couple looked so inexperience and a little nervous. Haha.. but being inexperience/nervous in such context, of course is the cutest, nicest. :P
I witnessed such ceremony before, but this evening was really different for me. Gosh! I was the only photographer. But brother said another person will be there to reinforce. Where got??!
I requested the only assistant around as to where I could stand. Wa.. I was the king man, I could go and stood anywhere I fancy. I chose a spot just beside the person conducting the ceremony. What do we call him? Oh, let's call him MC.
I was so near to the MC that I was totally absorbed by his words throughout the course of the brief ceremony. This is the first time I feel it being so touching. I recalled there were several instances I actually forgotten my role (as a photographer) and was actually listening to him rather attentively.
It was also a very strange experience. My brother's name differs from mine by just the last character. Hence, when the MC announced my brother's name, I felt that his ceremony was 2/3 my ceremony. Hahaha..
This is especially so when he announced, "May I now pronounce Mr S.. P... K.. and ... ". I was laughing inside. I was trying to capture some shots at that moment and I can't really stablize the camera.. haha..

The Dinner :
Just glad that he made a special effort to arrange what I need. Simple, but fine.
It was another friends and relatives gathering.

The Photos :
Erps.. no trace that they were taken by professional. Haha.. I have yet to develop or process them. I shall try to photoshop them with the limited, pathetic photoshopping-skill I have to salvage the damage done. Hope they will not be too disappointed. This process may take me some time. If I gather enough courage, I may share the link with you all to access some of the processed photos.

In general, ROM / Wedding.. ha.. sweet sweet sweet.
I actually feel like having one myself too. Silly me. Hahaha..

I 'm Stretched / Drained ...

Mentally stretched / drained. I have long hours of consultation from morn till dusk almost everyday. I am not complaining. Haha.. frankly, I think these are the time most well-spent. But I can't deny the fatigue felt.

Physically stretched / drained. At least 2 to 3 hours of compulsory exercise during RT on almost alternate days. Heh.. how my "expiring" body frame wish to give way. It's a price to pay for not "self-maintaining" during normal days. It's discipline I lack, I must say.

Strangely, the physical exercises towards the end of the day, brings about more body aches but wear off much mental fatigue choked up during the day.

I am stretched.. I am drained..
Luckily, emotionally still stable, psychologically still sane. :)

Random Recollection Series 2005/Part 3

(1) A few days ago, many of us were resting near a field. One commented in a rather agitated manner, "Wa.. today, here got many mosquito hor?" At the same time, he was furiously flapping his thigh with both his palms to chase away the mozzies. But I went, "Huh? Where?" A while later, I was with another company. A few guys were also commenting, "So many mosquitoes today!" Erm... but I don't see or feel any mozzie around me leh. I think I am "mozzie-resistant". :p The truth may be I am "山巴" enough. Oh I mean I lived in a kampung before (for more than 10 years) and kampung-people are supposed to be more "mozzie-resistant". I don't like mozzies too.

(2) During an usual consultation session, one *little pal blurted, "I hope there is an earth-quake in Singapore tomorrow ." I didn't blame her. I corrected her with a rather firm and understanding tone. I think she was also rather taken aback why she had said that. She is plainly stressed and was thinking of ways and means to delay the examination. Ha.. strange thought when one is so so stressed.

(3) I was having my dinner at a hawker centre yesterday. I would like to share a little event I observed.
A mother was sick and clearly had no appetite to eat anything. She was there to accompany her husband and daughter for dinner. The mother asked the daughter what she wanted to eat while the daughter was comfortably seated and was reading a book. The order was placed and the mother walked off to buy dinner for her daughter. Please remember that the mother was sick and the daughter is already a P6 kid. In a while, the dinner was bought and brought to the daughter. It wasn't what she wanted as what she originally wanted was sold out and the mother bought a bowl of porridge for her instead. The daughter stirred the porridge and decided that's not for her and left it aside, without eating a bit of it. The daughter continue to read her book and they waited for the father to finish his dinner. When they left, the bowl of porridge was practically and literally untouched. Mm... silly daughter, never experience hunger before ah?! Okay, she obviously looked well-fed, but that kind of attitude is... argg...

(4) I asked a P6 kid, which Secondary School she would like to choose. Without much thought, she said, "Anderson Sec Sch." When asked why, she added, "Because during P4, my teacher told us ASS is good." Apparently, many of her classmates are interested to go to ASS. The fact remains, the P6 girl don't even know where ASS exactly is. Mm.. wa.. (that) teacher can be so inspirational.

(5) I just learnt from BL that FU was all along trying to match-make me with this lady YN. But during the recent contacts where both FU and YN were around, FU observed that I don't have any action or reaction or any form of "special" expression when I was with YN and so she gave up the idea of even trying. Haha.. according to BL, FU said "哎哟，这个 XX 都没有动静，看来是没有什么希望了 ". Kao!.. I was under observation??!! Actually, all along I am rather impressed with YN. So when BL told me that, I was.. erm... aiya.. FU should have tried harder :P .. Haha.. but on second thought, she is really too good for me. mm... Hahaha.. finds it funny.

Naruto -&- Initial D

Naruto is the first anime series I ever follow so closely. I think I like it. Ha.. now that I'm typing this, episode 152 springs to my mind automatically, more like I'm so impressed with Hinata. That episode demonstrates her indomitable spirit so well when she conquers a monstrous bee. In real life, I think I will easily fall for such a lady. ;) Of course Naruto is rather inspirational. Ha.. quite like his usual brief conversation he had with his defeated opponents, immediately after a match. Other characters from the leaf village are impressive in their own ways. :)

Initial D is the second anime series that I am watching. Ha.. apparently it may be just about drifting of cars, but I think it's more than that. The art-work may not be as impressive as Naruto, but the simple story-line together with the excitment of drifying of cars coordinated pretty well. The coolness of Takumi is rather.. erm.. "unmatchable". Heh..

Random Recollection Series 2005/Part 2

(1) I like looking at passing clouds against a clear blue sky. I would love to just lie down on a green pasture, looking up into the blue sky, seeing the white clouds pass by. It's amazing to see cloud of different types. The puffy Cumulus is generally magnificent; the patchy, scattered, aligned Altocumulus Clouds is kind of cute; the curly, feathery Cirrus is simply elegant. In countries where terrains and weather differ much from Singapore, we can be in for a different treat.

When the wind blows, not be surprised some move while some remind as still. Ha.. so I learnt because the clouds are of different heights. It would be better if there is someone beside, sharing something I like. The phrase 朋友，我们一起看云去 can be so uplifting to me.

(2) I read blogs. I'd noticed an unusual trend in blogs of guys. If they were to relate how much they enjoyed *her company, they will continue to illustrate how proud and special they feel about her. However, if they were to relate how much they enjoyed *his company, they will inevitably add a phrase, "btw, I am not gay, okay." Strange. Some even stressed it in CAP.

(3) A few days ago, I happened to be wearing quite a tight collar-tee. A female *little pal came towards me and bubbly said (rather loudly), "Mr S, 你有 xiong1 ji1." Huh? I didn't get her the first time. I asked her what she had just said. She repeated and said “你有胸肌”. The second time, her index finger was pointed at my chest. Aiyo.. as if pointing wasn't good enough, she advanced her index finger nearer to my chest wanting to test out / feel the texture of my “胸肌”. I stopped her in time, before she can discover it is actually only “胸脂肪”. In her mind, this is perhaps how my chest beneath my tight collar-tee may look like :

(haha.. obviouly not my body lah)

(4) IPPT related. My brother was awarded $200. Many of my friends were awarded at least $100. I was presented a "package" of $12.83 x 12 = $256.60. Apparently I am "awarded" the most. I must then be the most fit! Fit your head eh! Heh.. I have to "earn" that amount from the draggy RT sessions. I am thinking. If the policy is to take the equivalent amount from us (rather than paying us) for attending RTs, will there be more people eventually passing?

(5) There were tsunami, hurricanes, storms, typhoons, bombs and quakes (some very recently, some not too long ago). The after-effects are still lingering around. How vunerable human beings can be. Mm...
正所谓：天下溺，援之以道。你知不知“道”？

(6) What I like in my line of work : Almost all *little pals can cross over to become much like friends. Amazingly, there will be a handful in every batch that will become much like little brothers and sisters.

Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus

OJJ, a fellow female colleague was relating how strange her boyfriend was. Her boyfriend actually went for a day-surgery without informing any of his family members. OJJ was also not informed how serious it can be until she decided to fetch him back. The original plan maybe that his boyfriend was to go back by himself.

NPH was listening, he added, "I would have done alike." I was there too and I said, "I had done the same." She was stunned and she said, "Don't you think when you wake up from your operation, you want to see your loved ones beside?" There are indeed differences in approaches. =)

For my case, I didn't even have the intention to tell anyone at first. But I wasn't intending to lie about it either. I was just taking it rather casually. It was only a day-surgery, I thought. In the end, JJ knew about it as we happened to go out a few days just before my surgery and on the appointed day of my surgery itself, he was supposed to go back to college to receive some kind of awards. I would like to be there clapping for him, ha.. so I think I need to give him the reason for my absence.

There was another instant where a female friend confided in me. I can sense how vexed she was. I gathered enough courage, used all my knowledge and/or wisdom to guide her, telling her exactly how to do, what to do. It turned out to be a failure on my side. But my answers were standard, almost perfect like Hermione's style in Harry Potter!

The reason : she is just as knowledgeable. My standard answers were not needed. I learnt that when she chose to confide in someone, what she wanted was just a listening ear and to have someone to empathise with her. She didn't want to talk to me for quite some time after that.

Guys? We want the solutions for quick fixes, most of the time, and then putting the problems aside and to move on.

The conclusion : Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus.
I am over-generalizing, I know. :)

Be Grateful . . .

Be grateful. (存着一颗感恩的心)
I believe many would agree with me that "grateful" is a virtue. How do we practice it then?

I like to start with something simple.

(1) I am grateful to my hair. It isn't very dense or dark, yet I'm protected from most elements and it does give me a complete, neat and tidy look. Oh my dear eye brow, I must also say thank you. I cannot imagine going without you.

(2) I am grateful to my eyes. It isn't the bright sparkling kind, yet it allows me to see the world, the fields, the rainbow and the different clouds in the sky. Seeing many people, getting the assurance that we are much alike. Knowing where I'm stepping, setting my directions right.

(3) I am grateful to my ears. Oh they are rather protruding and kind of attention-seeking. I have no complaints for I am able to appreciate music and hear the sound of nature. I can hear you calling, hear your praising and even occasional sweet-nothing I don't mind.

(4) I am grateful to my mouth, tongue and vocal cord. They cooperate well to produce sound. I can even sing. What a delight? Besides, the occasional chit-chat with friends becomes very much a highlight. Tasting food, tasting drinks.. oh an experience made divine.

(5) I am grateful to my nose. It may be just the typical asian round, unlike the causacian pointed, yet it makes me proud. I can tell stale from fresh as the smell gives it away. I can appreciate your cooking even when I'm a few rooms away.

(6) I am grateful to my hands. For this, I am able to type, picking up something I like and holding on to something or someone dear my side. Being able to place it around shoulders of close pals and let the feelings of friendship warmly deep inside.

(7) I am grateful to my legs. They aren't the strongest, yet they supported me through years and years and bring me to places I very much like. The pace I'm in control, the progress I decide.

(8) I am grateful to my heart. It is superbly hard working so my entire bodily functions can rely.

(9) I am grateful to my skin. The colour of which gives me a sense of identity. The pores on it must also be functioning and breathing well to maintain a reasonably smooth healthy kind.

(10) I am grateful to my __________ .

Of course, the list goes on.
Don't get the wrong idea that I am trying to tell the world how much I love myself. Yes I do, but that's not the point here. I delibrately mention only the simplest items (physically) closest to us and yet how much have we already taken for granted?

I think we should always start with something simple to build a strong enough foundation.
We must always keep in mind, what makes us standing strong here, today.

At a slightly higher level, we will then learn not only must we be grateful to things around us, loved ones around us, but also all situations (be it pleasant or unpleasant) happening around us. I may talk about it some other times, if I remember.

Be Grateful...
Don’t take things or someone for granted . . .
一切并非理所当然
让我们并持着一颗感恩的心来面对周遭的一切人、事、物。

Random Recollection Series 2005/Part 1

(1) Human can adapt to foreign condition very well. When I first wear the retainer, I couldn’t imagine how I could talk while almost feeling like sucking a big sweet all the time. Believe me, just about 2 weeks will do the trick. Now I don’t even notice its presence.

(2) When we set our mind to something, wa.. nothing is impossible. Ha.. I managed to review 2 huge chapters of notes today! I passed my chin-up.

(3) COE can plunged that low?! A Nissan Sunny 1.6 can be bought at $48K. Okay.. Nissan Sunny is never my first love, but at that price, I really don’t mind. Ha.. people, if you are planning to make big purchases, just make sure you get it after me. Why? Prices will only come tumbling down after I had bought it. This trend has maintained true with me, for so long.

(4) I kind of like the examination periods. These are the time, I will see almost all (if not all) *little pals really getting serious. It’s really wonderful to see people giving their best. But again, I have to be more sensitive towards them, understanding that they can be rather stressed. I do cherish the time “walking through” such journeys with them.

(5) What I cherish most are perhaps family and friends. I place them before me, I think.

(6) I like babies. They can just stare at you directly in your eyes for long and smiling at you, regardless of religion or race. Ha.. we can learn “equality” from them. I am thinking, how will you feel when another adult (lover, excluded in this context hor) stare at you directly in your eyes for long and smiling at you?

Does Not Know Why . .

His “missing” makes me feel a little uneasy.
Does not know why..

It has been more that a week of “silence”.
It was never like that - I mean the state of “zero response” from messages and missed calls.
Does not know why..

Did I do anything wrong?
Have I say anything wrong?
Does not know why..

Learnt that too many does-not-know-whys can be rather hurtful at times...
Fair share of unsound sleep and lost of appetite...
I feel like... mm..

He must be busy.
Hope he is coping well and doing fine.

IPPT Test Result

Just took another IPPT Test today. Yes, I am revealing my result to the world.

Shuttle Run : 10.3 sec (5 points)
Sit Up : 33 (3 points)
Broad Jump : 212 cm (2 points)
Chin Up : 4 (2 points)
2.4 km Run : 13:55 min. (0 point)
Total : 12 points
Result : FAIL
Award : NIL

- - - -

NOTE :
(1) Maximum point per station is 5 points. I need a minimum of 2 points per station.
(2) Shuttle Run : Aiya.. always 5 points one lah..
(3) Sit Up : 37 to score 5 points. Only if I .. erm.. erm.. erm.. so near right?
(4) Broad Jump : I am always in the range 212 – 216 cm. Nothing surprising here. But again, it shows I can’t really jump far lah.
(5) Chin Up : Wa.. I have an issue here. I have not been passing since 4, 5 years ago. Today, I don’t know where I got the power. In fact, after doing 4, I wasn’t tired and I feel I was okay enough to do at least one more. Hehe.. but I was a little stunned and I just let go. Improved! Power! :p
(6) 2.4 km Run : 0 point says it all. I’m just weak. I failed by a good 55 seconds. Ha.. the sole consolation will be that I improved by at least 1 min 10 sec from my last run just about a week ago. Wa.. siao ah.. still fail what!!??!! :(

The consequence of the failure : continue to support Khatib FCC (Fitness Conditioning Centre) for one more month.

Thinking of the (little) improvement that I have achieved for my chin up, I am still rather excited about it. Haha.. really wanna share it with some close pals.

Since running is such an issue to me...

erm.. okay, ladies and gentlemen, may I present my new idol :

Cheetah

the curious incident of the dog in the night-time

Title of Book : the curious incident of the dog in the night-time

Author : Mark Haddon

About the Book : Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the colour yellow.

Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, fifteen-year-old Christopher is autistic and everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning for him. He lives on pattens, rules, and a diagram kept in his pocket. Then one day, a neighbour's dog, Wellington, is killed and his carefully constructed universe is threatened. Christopher sets out to solve the murder in the style of his favourite (logical) detective, Sherlock Holmes. What follows makes for a novel that is deeply funny, poignant, and fascinating in its portrayal of a person whose curse and blessing are a mind that perceives the world entirely literally.

- - - - -
This is a rather good read, I think. The author himself worked with autistic individuals, as a young man and he leads us to understand autistism better with a pretty realistic story as a background. I also quite like the "soft-touch" or "soft-element" in the book, where the author describes the struggle between Christopher's parents. Yes, Christopher's parents love him very much and yet the emotional struggle can be so real.

By the way, the book is a "Whitbread Award Winner". Don't play play eh..

The Most ...

The most selfish one letter word ...
(最自私的字)...
“I(我)"
Avoid it(放下它).

The most satisfying two-letter word ...
(最信賴的字) ...
“WE(咱們)"
Use it(習慣用它).

The most poisonous three-letter word ...
(最有害的字) ...
“EGO(自以為是)"
Kill it(拿掉它).

The most used four-letter word ...
(最常用的字) ...
“LOVE(愛)"
Value it(珍視它).

The most pleasing five-letter word ...
(最討喜的字) ...
“SMILE(微笑)"
Keep it(保有它).

The fastest spreading six-letter word ...
(散播最快的字) ...
“RUMOUR(謠言)"
Ignore it(止息它).

The hardest working seven-letter word ...
(最要全力以赴的字) ...
“SUCCESS(成就)"
Achieve it(經歷它).

The most enviable eight-letter word ...
(最引起猜忌的字) ...
“JEALOUSY(嫉妒心)"
Distance it(遠隔它).

The most powerful nine-letter word ...
(最有力量的字) ...
“KNOWLEDGE(知識)"
Acquire it(吸收它).

The most essential ten-letter word ...
(本質上最不可或缺的字) ...
“CONFIDENCE(自信)"
Trust it(信任它).

- - - - - -
Just like what I'd just read.
Thought I might as well share it here . . .