Angbaos: 10+
Blackjack: -$90
Goodies: Ate a lot
Weight: erm... hahaha
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Thanks for all who remembered!
Thanks to all who remembered my birthday! And greatest gratitude to Tianqi and Phil for your beautiful presents and dinner! Dinner at the new marché at vivocity was excellent!
Je suis content. =)
***
Blogging on my bed at home now with my new laptop and just finished setting up the wireless router. Feels gd! Haha.
Je suis content. =)
***
Blogging on my bed at home now with my new laptop and just finished setting up the wireless router. Feels gd! Haha.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
GST offset package, is the net casted too wide?
My initial reaction to the GST offset package announced in the 2007 Budget was flat. 4 annual installments of $200 (for me) to offset the two percent hike in GST, nothing unexpected really, except maybe many of us thought it would be a lump sum.
But upon greater examination, I think the Ministry of Finance (MOF) got it wrong again. The problem is so blatant, sticking out like a sore thumb, yet the high-flying scholars at MOF can't see it!
Anyone earning $24k - $100k per annum would be entitled to the same GST Credits as me, albeit their home's annual value is on par with mine.
Personally, I think MOF thinks that we are dumb.
The criteria used when giving out the Progress Package was deemed too lenient by purely considering the annual value of one's home, so this time an additional income-based condition is included to make a new set of more stringent criteria. Shrugz. Somebody tell me that is highly useful in sieving out the folks who deserves more financial assistance.
The point is - people don't expect the same level of material comfort, and hence the same assistance to be rendered to one earning $24k per annum and another earning $100k per annum. Although the absolute amount is never an accurate gauge of one's financial well-being, but I would think broadly dividing into just three income groups - (1) < $24k (2) $24-$100k (3) >$100k - is laziness on the part of MOF. Maybe they fear the consequent administrative work should the divisions are more precise.
And what a Budget for everyone! Those earning above $100k will receive a one time GST Credit of $100. 100 / 100 000 x 100% = 0.1%. Do they honestly need this amount of money? Irks me. Are they given a token sum just to show that they are not left out? Why bother when they don't even need it in the first place?
To offer a brief counterproposal at the end, I suggest the following criteria be used:
(1) Annual home value
(2) Income
(3) Number of dependents (children, elderly)
In this way, we can see the financial burden on an individual more clearly and will then be able to more efficiently direct aid at the needy.
But upon greater examination, I think the Ministry of Finance (MOF) got it wrong again. The problem is so blatant, sticking out like a sore thumb, yet the high-flying scholars at MOF can't see it!
Anyone earning $24k - $100k per annum would be entitled to the same GST Credits as me, albeit their home's annual value is on par with mine.
Personally, I think MOF thinks that we are dumb.
The criteria used when giving out the Progress Package was deemed too lenient by purely considering the annual value of one's home, so this time an additional income-based condition is included to make a new set of more stringent criteria. Shrugz. Somebody tell me that is highly useful in sieving out the folks who deserves more financial assistance.
The point is - people don't expect the same level of material comfort, and hence the same assistance to be rendered to one earning $24k per annum and another earning $100k per annum. Although the absolute amount is never an accurate gauge of one's financial well-being, but I would think broadly dividing into just three income groups - (1) < $24k (2) $24-$100k (3) >$100k - is laziness on the part of MOF. Maybe they fear the consequent administrative work should the divisions are more precise.
And what a Budget for everyone! Those earning above $100k will receive a one time GST Credit of $100. 100 / 100 000 x 100% = 0.1%. Do they honestly need this amount of money? Irks me. Are they given a token sum just to show that they are not left out? Why bother when they don't even need it in the first place?
To offer a brief counterproposal at the end, I suggest the following criteria be used:
(1) Annual home value
(2) Income
(3) Number of dependents (children, elderly)
In this way, we can see the financial burden on an individual more clearly and will then be able to more efficiently direct aid at the needy.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tianqi's Tiramisu
Thanks Tianqi for the tiramisu. I was (un)fortunate enough to be among the first ones to try Tianqi's first attempt at making tiramisu! Haha, but it was seriously not too bad tasting, though the looks of the tiramisu can be improved greatly! =)
Cheers to Friendship Day too! Happy Valentine's!
Cheers to Friendship Day too! Happy Valentine's!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Back for good
It's confirmed, I've gotta give RSAF a back for good reply before the end of February to indicate when I will return to report for work.
Option 1: 3 days after last day of exams - 29th April 2007.
Option 2: 1 day after FYP presentation / submission, whichever is later - Unknown date, presumably later than 29th April.
Option 3: As and when I desire, but need to apply for no pay leave and give reasons to justify.
Now, let's weigh the pros and cons.
Options 1 and 2 mean that the money will start rolling in earlier, albeit at an A-level officer pay scale because the full results are not going to be released until June 2007 by NTU. But something is always better than nothing, isn't it? Haha.
The cons? Well, it means going back to ALD at PLAB, as an OCT, be ready to be arrowed to do miscellaneous work, including shredding papers, photocopying documents, self checks for the branches etc. Been there done that for IA, not a totally satisfying experience. The good things may be - having little responsibilities and can take some time off work earlier everyday to do sports - gym, soccer etc.
But one thing I must complain. Because NUS results are released in May, my NUS counterparts will be emplaced in June to the graduate pay scale while I will still be labouring as a A-level grad, my efforts (though minimal) look set to be underpaid, and it's deterring me from going back earlier.
Which brings me to option 3! Cons - obviously lesser money in the bank account. Pros - can relac one corner and go for a grad trip, and avoid becoming an underpaid worker.
Hmm but I haven't decided where to go for grad trip. First was Korea, then my FYP mates are going to Taiwan/HK, the NUS dudes are going to Japan, and Zaiming mentioned he is going to Western China and he is ready to play host if I join him, my family wants to go Taiwan as well, and I would like to go around the Asean neighbourhood - Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand (now a little less attractive after our recent spats.)
Haha, if I have all the time and money, I will go everywhere!! The lousy thing is - I have to indicate the countries that I will be visiting if I state holidays as a reason to apply for no pay leave. How?
Shrugz.
Actually, I think I will take option 1 in the end, then compute my pro-rated annual leave (~12 days i believe) and use my FLEX benefits to buy more leaves, before embarking on any grad trip. Sounds like a win-win situation: have some income before going for a trip, and save the hassle of having to confirm any destinations now.
Option 1: 3 days after last day of exams - 29th April 2007.
Option 2: 1 day after FYP presentation / submission, whichever is later - Unknown date, presumably later than 29th April.
Option 3: As and when I desire, but need to apply for no pay leave and give reasons to justify.
Now, let's weigh the pros and cons.
Options 1 and 2 mean that the money will start rolling in earlier, albeit at an A-level officer pay scale because the full results are not going to be released until June 2007 by NTU. But something is always better than nothing, isn't it? Haha.
The cons? Well, it means going back to ALD at PLAB, as an OCT, be ready to be arrowed to do miscellaneous work, including shredding papers, photocopying documents, self checks for the branches etc. Been there done that for IA, not a totally satisfying experience. The good things may be - having little responsibilities and can take some time off work earlier everyday to do sports - gym, soccer etc.
But one thing I must complain. Because NUS results are released in May, my NUS counterparts will be emplaced in June to the graduate pay scale while I will still be labouring as a A-level grad, my efforts (though minimal) look set to be underpaid, and it's deterring me from going back earlier.
Which brings me to option 3! Cons - obviously lesser money in the bank account. Pros - can relac one corner and go for a grad trip, and avoid becoming an underpaid worker.
Hmm but I haven't decided where to go for grad trip. First was Korea, then my FYP mates are going to Taiwan/HK, the NUS dudes are going to Japan, and Zaiming mentioned he is going to Western China and he is ready to play host if I join him, my family wants to go Taiwan as well, and I would like to go around the Asean neighbourhood - Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand (now a little less attractive after our recent spats.)
Haha, if I have all the time and money, I will go everywhere!! The lousy thing is - I have to indicate the countries that I will be visiting if I state holidays as a reason to apply for no pay leave. How?
Shrugz.
Actually, I think I will take option 1 in the end, then compute my pro-rated annual leave (~12 days i believe) and use my FLEX benefits to buy more leaves, before embarking on any grad trip. Sounds like a win-win situation: have some income before going for a trip, and save the hassle of having to confirm any destinations now.
Friday, February 09, 2007
사랑인가요?
언제였던건지 기억나지 않아
자꾸 내 머리가 너로 어지럽던 시작
한두번씩 떠오르던 생각
자꾸 늘어가서 조금 당황스러원 이 마음
별일이 아닐 수 있다고 사소한 마음이라고
내가 네게 자꾸 말을 하는게 어색한걸
사랑인가요 그대 나와 같다면 시작인가요
맘이 자꾸 그댈 사랑한대요
온세상이 듣도록 소리치네요
왜 이제야 들리죠
서롤 만나기 위해 이제야 사랑 찾았다고
지금 내 마음을 설명하려 해도
니가 내가 되어 맘을 느끼는 방법 뿐인데
이미 난 니안에 있는 걸
내 안에 니가 있듯이
우린 서로에게 이미 길들여진지 몰라
사랑인가요 그대 나와 같다면 시작인가요
맘이 자꾸 그댈 사랑한대요
온세상이 듣도록 소리치네요
왜 이제야 들리죠
서롤 만나기 위해 이제야 사랑 찾았다고
생각해보면 많은 순간속에
얼마나 많은 설레임 있었는지
조금 늦은 그 만큼 난 더 잘해줄게요
함께 할게요 추억이 될 기억만 선물할께요
다신 내곁에서 떠나지 마요
짧은 순간조차도 불안한 걸요
내게 머물러 줘요
그댈 이렇게 많이(그토록많이)
사랑하고 있어요( 그대여야만) 이미-
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Why am I loitering in school?
This is my last semester in NTU, and final year undergrads should be very busy at this time of the year with their final year projects.
I just came out from a brief stay in my lab, completing a layout for a low pass filter that my groupmate designed. The thing is - the whole lab is filled with people who seem to know what they are doing and putting in the time and energy for this final lap.
And me? Here I am loitering at one corner of the school blogging.
I wish I am kept very busy doing research for my dissertation, I wish I am occupied with the testing of equipment, I wish I have plenty of results from trials to process, I wish I can put the results together to write my report, I wish that at this moment my project is near completion and I am in the final stages of drafting the report.
But I am not.
Seriously, my final year project is quite disappointing. I wanted to do this because I thought the air to land communication channel characterization would be helpful to my future career. But the trial will not get underway until March 07. =| And what's worse when I cannot recollect the meaningful work I have done for air to land comm. A few characterizations of amplifiers, mixers, helping out with the design of filters, building a receiver horn antenna structure.
Ich bin kaputt.
I think prof lee is considering letting me write my final year project based on the datalogger programme done by Yusong, our PhD student. But I am not excited at all. How can I expect myself to learn the whole programme in a matter of weeks and submit a dissertation on something that I have not done? If the moderator drills me, I will sure be gone.
I am at a loss, quite unusually. I hate to be lost. Someone show me a direction!
I just came out from a brief stay in my lab, completing a layout for a low pass filter that my groupmate designed. The thing is - the whole lab is filled with people who seem to know what they are doing and putting in the time and energy for this final lap.
And me? Here I am loitering at one corner of the school blogging.
I wish I am kept very busy doing research for my dissertation, I wish I am occupied with the testing of equipment, I wish I have plenty of results from trials to process, I wish I can put the results together to write my report, I wish that at this moment my project is near completion and I am in the final stages of drafting the report.
But I am not.
Seriously, my final year project is quite disappointing. I wanted to do this because I thought the air to land communication channel characterization would be helpful to my future career. But the trial will not get underway until March 07. =| And what's worse when I cannot recollect the meaningful work I have done for air to land comm. A few characterizations of amplifiers, mixers, helping out with the design of filters, building a receiver horn antenna structure.
Ich bin kaputt.
I think prof lee is considering letting me write my final year project based on the datalogger programme done by Yusong, our PhD student. But I am not excited at all. How can I expect myself to learn the whole programme in a matter of weeks and submit a dissertation on something that I have not done? If the moderator drills me, I will sure be gone.
I am at a loss, quite unusually. I hate to be lost. Someone show me a direction!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Asean Football Champions 2007!
Congrats to the Lions for defending the Asean Football Championships! And to Alam Shah for winning the Golden Boot and MVP!
Yup the football at times were ugly, but I think the Lions has shown their character coming behind against Malaysia and Thailand away from home! You deserve it!
Yup the football at times were ugly, but I think the Lions has shown their character coming behind against Malaysia and Thailand away from home! You deserve it!
Bon Weekend!
Had a good weekend!
Saturday evening was spent at Vivocity with Philifer. Dinner was at Tung Lok Signatures, where they had these white and round cell like cushioned chairs, but we didn't get those seats. The food is good and I especially liked the seafood fried rice. The only thing is - their speed of serving food is SLOW. Nice restaurant anyway, but can get expensive though! Haha.
Then we caught Babel at GV Max, the new wide-screen theatre with a bigger capacity than normal theatres. Seriously, Babel is a good show that kept me thinking and in anticipation. The only problem I have with the show is - the Japanese aren't linked at all to the plot surrounding the absurdity of the Americans. The naked Japanese girl doesn't really add value to the show and it's a little racist when you consider that the Japanese girl showed much more flesh than needed.
***
Finally went to the HSBC treetop walk this morning. Was scared that the weather might not hold up because it was cold and greyish in the morning, but all turned out fine.
Tianqi, Tianqi's friend Gaolong, Zaiming, Philifer and I started from Macritchie and took a 5km walk into the Treetop walk, before exiting into Thomson Road. The whole walk took us about 3hours, and the route reminded me of my NJ days when we pounded that path regularly.
The Treetop walk is not especially spectacular, but it was pretty cool to be walking 25m above ground, and the windy morning makes for a comfortable walk across the suspension bridge. Could not see all the birds, plants, and moths touted on the signboards though. And the flight of staircase after exiting the bridge is super long, haha!
Lunch was at Bishan, treated Tianqi to the famous chicken rice at the Kim San Leng kopitiam before coming home to sleep. Haha.
Saturday evening was spent at Vivocity with Philifer. Dinner was at Tung Lok Signatures, where they had these white and round cell like cushioned chairs, but we didn't get those seats. The food is good and I especially liked the seafood fried rice. The only thing is - their speed of serving food is SLOW. Nice restaurant anyway, but can get expensive though! Haha.
Then we caught Babel at GV Max, the new wide-screen theatre with a bigger capacity than normal theatres. Seriously, Babel is a good show that kept me thinking and in anticipation. The only problem I have with the show is - the Japanese aren't linked at all to the plot surrounding the absurdity of the Americans. The naked Japanese girl doesn't really add value to the show and it's a little racist when you consider that the Japanese girl showed much more flesh than needed.
***
Finally went to the HSBC treetop walk this morning. Was scared that the weather might not hold up because it was cold and greyish in the morning, but all turned out fine.
Tianqi, Tianqi's friend Gaolong, Zaiming, Philifer and I started from Macritchie and took a 5km walk into the Treetop walk, before exiting into Thomson Road. The whole walk took us about 3hours, and the route reminded me of my NJ days when we pounded that path regularly.
The Treetop walk is not especially spectacular, but it was pretty cool to be walking 25m above ground, and the windy morning makes for a comfortable walk across the suspension bridge. Could not see all the birds, plants, and moths touted on the signboards though. And the flight of staircase after exiting the bridge is super long, haha!
Lunch was at Bishan, treated Tianqi to the famous chicken rice at the Kim San Leng kopitiam before coming home to sleep. Haha.
Friday, February 02, 2007
New tops! And counterfeit BUM shoes!
Haha I know I shouldn't announce that I bought fake BUM shoes, but I am just too amused.
Went shopping today with Derrick at Queensway (opposite his house). Actually didn't plan to get anything because I wanted to go to Ikea and look for ideas for my FYP horn antenna structure, but fingers became itchy then started to browse for some tops!
Bought a stripped black/blue/brown shirt, a white top, and a white v-necked nike tee. Haha so much for wanting to save money. Anyway I am quite happy and I finally added to my other pink G2000 short-sleeved shirt for this CNY.
Anyway, the highlight of the day's shopping is the fake BUM shoes that I bought. We were walking on the second floor of Queensway shopping centre when we realised that there were pairs of not too bad looking shoes going for $10. At first we were just amazed at how cheap they were, then we started to realise they are actually imitations of the real things, because the same shop carry the real brands as well. Weird right? Haha.
Anyway we gave each other the wry smile and decide that we are going to buy them for everyday wear. I won't even feel painful if someone decides to steal them from my hostel loh. Haha, Derrick even better, he bought 2 pairs!!
We were super satisfied for the rest of the day. When we return to window shop for shoes, we realised shoes of similar design but of adidas/asics were going for $100++. Haha! The happy sensation of buying cheap shoes lingered for quite some time!
Went shopping today with Derrick at Queensway (opposite his house). Actually didn't plan to get anything because I wanted to go to Ikea and look for ideas for my FYP horn antenna structure, but fingers became itchy then started to browse for some tops!
Bought a stripped black/blue/brown shirt, a white top, and a white v-necked nike tee. Haha so much for wanting to save money. Anyway I am quite happy and I finally added to my other pink G2000 short-sleeved shirt for this CNY.
Anyway, the highlight of the day's shopping is the fake BUM shoes that I bought. We were walking on the second floor of Queensway shopping centre when we realised that there were pairs of not too bad looking shoes going for $10. At first we were just amazed at how cheap they were, then we started to realise they are actually imitations of the real things, because the same shop carry the real brands as well. Weird right? Haha.
Anyway we gave each other the wry smile and decide that we are going to buy them for everyday wear. I won't even feel painful if someone decides to steal them from my hostel loh. Haha, Derrick even better, he bought 2 pairs!!
We were super satisfied for the rest of the day. When we return to window shop for shoes, we realised shoes of similar design but of adidas/asics were going for $100++. Haha! The happy sensation of buying cheap shoes lingered for quite some time!
For my dear FYP horn antennas!
Yup, after troubling me for a few weeks about how to mount the horn antennas, I finally found an invention called speaker brackets that allow for the varying of vertical orientation! Yay! But quite expensive, $23 for 2 at Home Fix shop at Ikea.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
2-1 Win for the Lions, A Dubious Penalty and Poor Sportmanship from the Thais
A highly questionable penalty awarded in the 83rd min by the referee and converted by Singapore in the 95th minute capped a 2-1 win for the Lions and brought out the worst in sportsmanship from the men from the Land of Smiles, Thailand.
In the end, the scrappy nature of the match did not matter, the poor technical skills and quality of play did not matter, but the manner in which the Thais treated the Malaysian referee with disrespect regarding his award of the penalty makes me feel ashamed.
For a moment, the Thais threatened to walked off the game which would have surely sparked serious FIFA sanctions and the game will be awarded 3-0 to Singapore by default. There may not even be a need for the second leg if disciplinary actions are taken against the Thais.
I am sure all these thoughts must have ran thru the mind of the Thai team manager who appeared the most prepared to carry on with the game when the situation on the field was farcical. Shame, shame.
All the fans want is a good game of football played with passion, commitment and reasonable entertainment. As the final of the Asean Football Championships, the two teams on display are supposed to be the finest two nations and should focus only on performing their best on the field to repay the supporters. Sadly, Thailand seemed uninterested.
In football, as in life, not all is fair. Try telling me the Hand of God from Maradona is fair, or the failure to mention Zidane's headbutt in the World Cup 2006 final referee report is fair. It's just not fair. Everyone makes mistakes, and in a way that is what makes football more exciting, creates talking points because there are always human errors. Try to translate it to Thai and tell the lads out there?
Now, nothing less than a triumph for Singapore over this two-legged final is enough to preventing the coronation of an undeserved champion that lacks the appreciation for the beautiful game.
Singapore may be technically less gifted, plays uglier long balls, but in them I see the fire, the passion, and the DISCIPLINE.
*ROaR*
In the end, the scrappy nature of the match did not matter, the poor technical skills and quality of play did not matter, but the manner in which the Thais treated the Malaysian referee with disrespect regarding his award of the penalty makes me feel ashamed.
For a moment, the Thais threatened to walked off the game which would have surely sparked serious FIFA sanctions and the game will be awarded 3-0 to Singapore by default. There may not even be a need for the second leg if disciplinary actions are taken against the Thais.
I am sure all these thoughts must have ran thru the mind of the Thai team manager who appeared the most prepared to carry on with the game when the situation on the field was farcical. Shame, shame.
All the fans want is a good game of football played with passion, commitment and reasonable entertainment. As the final of the Asean Football Championships, the two teams on display are supposed to be the finest two nations and should focus only on performing their best on the field to repay the supporters. Sadly, Thailand seemed uninterested.
In football, as in life, not all is fair. Try telling me the Hand of God from Maradona is fair, or the failure to mention Zidane's headbutt in the World Cup 2006 final referee report is fair. It's just not fair. Everyone makes mistakes, and in a way that is what makes football more exciting, creates talking points because there are always human errors. Try to translate it to Thai and tell the lads out there?
Now, nothing less than a triumph for Singapore over this two-legged final is enough to preventing the coronation of an undeserved champion that lacks the appreciation for the beautiful game.
Singapore may be technically less gifted, plays uglier long balls, but in them I see the fire, the passion, and the DISCIPLINE.
*ROaR*
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Not the usual class gathering
Attended Aaron's wake this evening held at the void deck of his flat in Jurong West.
***
The circumstances around his passing away are still a mystery, but I was glad to hear that he did not suffer from physical injuries and his valuables were intact when they found him. It is already a great relief as I feared something worse. At the wake, his cousin explained the results of their own investigations in Manchester and it was similarly inconclusive. According to Duanli, Aaron's mother and his brothers are not going to dwell any longer too.
I am glad that I managed to tell all present about the great hospitality Aaron offered me and helped illustrated his selflessness and helpfulness. I will remember Aaron fondly for his assistance and my greatest gratitude.
My deepest condolences to Aaron's family. Take lotsa care.
***
The wake was an unusual setting for the gathering of 2B. It is exactly ten years since we stepped in Chinese High as innocent 12 yr olds. The faces are familiar, but they all seem so distant in my memory. Everyone's grown up, some changed but most still are the same.
I was moody most of the time, and only managed to catch up with Shihao more. For the rest, I don't have the energy to initiate conversations and lied low. The slide show of Aaron's photos was too much for me and I couldn't help letting the tears roll down.
As a tribute to Aaron Kok, Duanli will be organizing a soccer match for our class and I look forward to seeing all of them again in a different setting.
Well, at least old friends met up and itz heartening to see everyone come together in a time like this. It is the last bit we can do to send Aaron off.
***
The circumstances around his passing away are still a mystery, but I was glad to hear that he did not suffer from physical injuries and his valuables were intact when they found him. It is already a great relief as I feared something worse. At the wake, his cousin explained the results of their own investigations in Manchester and it was similarly inconclusive. According to Duanli, Aaron's mother and his brothers are not going to dwell any longer too.
I am glad that I managed to tell all present about the great hospitality Aaron offered me and helped illustrated his selflessness and helpfulness. I will remember Aaron fondly for his assistance and my greatest gratitude.
My deepest condolences to Aaron's family. Take lotsa care.
***
The wake was an unusual setting for the gathering of 2B. It is exactly ten years since we stepped in Chinese High as innocent 12 yr olds. The faces are familiar, but they all seem so distant in my memory. Everyone's grown up, some changed but most still are the same.
I was moody most of the time, and only managed to catch up with Shihao more. For the rest, I don't have the energy to initiate conversations and lied low. The slide show of Aaron's photos was too much for me and I couldn't help letting the tears roll down.
As a tribute to Aaron Kok, Duanli will be organizing a soccer match for our class and I look forward to seeing all of them again in a different setting.
Well, at least old friends met up and itz heartening to see everyone come together in a time like this. It is the last bit we can do to send Aaron off.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
无可救药
暗恋是一种礼貌
暗地里盖一座城堡
然后再当你的警卫跑腿和小猫
随时你要我重关电脑
随时你要我随传随到
买面包鸡排和水饺
你每次对着我笑
你的笑里面有毒药
我看着你出了神还丢掉了解药
可能你从来没感觉到
最好你永远感觉不到
爱上你越来越无可救药
一天一天越来越无可救药
一生一次爱你到无可救药
我才慢慢体会到
幸福是被爱的人需要
一天一天越来越无可救药
一生一次爱你到无可救药
我才狠狠决定要
就爱吧就唱吧就不逃
Overdoing it
When you do more than you are supposed to, the results may not always be positive.
Maybe it didn't matter at all, because all along that idea was already mooted. But I actually gave her a push and did myself a disservice. Yet, I am in no position to influence her decision and the eventual outcome. Felt stupid about it, why am I so foolish?
Things are getting on very well indeed. So well that I feel jealous. Haha over some peanuts but nevertheless I haven't felt that kinda weird feeling for very long. I think she opened my heart, and I am back to a goofy old self who spares nothing to see her smile. Somehow, I think I got the key to hers as well.
But I am stuttering because I dunno if I want to open her heart, not sure if I can give her happiness and am afraid of getting hurt. I don't wanna make a mistake. I am taking a long time to test water, keep asking myself questions and to be very clear about what I am looking for.
But the prospects of going on a grad trip together seems bleak now, all thanks to my over-enthusiasm in part. I am torn. On one hand I would love to wish her good luck and pursue her AIESEC internship, but on the other I wish she would stay. But I know I shouldn't be selfish. I would want that opportunity if we swopped positions.
*****
Anyway I dropped some hints yst and the signs were encouraging. Haha. I hope it will blossom in the end, really.
Maybe it didn't matter at all, because all along that idea was already mooted. But I actually gave her a push and did myself a disservice. Yet, I am in no position to influence her decision and the eventual outcome. Felt stupid about it, why am I so foolish?
Things are getting on very well indeed. So well that I feel jealous. Haha over some peanuts but nevertheless I haven't felt that kinda weird feeling for very long. I think she opened my heart, and I am back to a goofy old self who spares nothing to see her smile. Somehow, I think I got the key to hers as well.
But I am stuttering because I dunno if I want to open her heart, not sure if I can give her happiness and am afraid of getting hurt. I don't wanna make a mistake. I am taking a long time to test water, keep asking myself questions and to be very clear about what I am looking for.
But the prospects of going on a grad trip together seems bleak now, all thanks to my over-enthusiasm in part. I am torn. On one hand I would love to wish her good luck and pursue her AIESEC internship, but on the other I wish she would stay. But I know I shouldn't be selfish. I would want that opportunity if we swopped positions.
*****
Anyway I dropped some hints yst and the signs were encouraging. Haha. I hope it will blossom in the end, really.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
The Dollars and Sense of Citizenship
There is a same-titled article on today's Straits Times, but I haven't read it. The diagram shows the dollar value benefits of being a Singaporean family - $190 628, of which $132 000 are results of property appreciation.
I feel ashamed to even start reading it. Excuse me, is that what the Singaporean citizenship is all about?
Believe it or not, my idea of citizenship stems from a lousy American movie called Starship Troopers. One can only become a citizen by signing up to protect Earth from alien bugs. Those who don't are known as civilians.
In Singapore, it is almost the same scenario. All males serve 2 years of national service either with the armed forces, the police, or the civil defence force. I think national service is really the fabric that binds all Singaporeans together, when we pledged to defend this 660 sq km with our lives. Two years of sweat and blood, and sometimes the loss of lives due to accidents, mean something.
It is really not about a question of monetary benefits of being a citizen. I think the ST really got it all wrong.
When this famous ex-Singaporean pianist (whatever his name) was fined a few thousands dollars for evading NS, there was outcry over the peanuts fine, but deeper down, I believe Singaporeans are protesting because this chap has failed to fulfill his duties as a citizen then. He has to cheek to come back to Singapore to visit his old parents he deserted all this time, when thousands others before and after him trained hard everyday he was pursuing his dreams in UK.
"Do I not have a dream to pursue, but have to put it on hold first to protect his parents?"
I know I am not very balanced writing this entry, not the way GP has taught me. But NS is important for the sovereignty of Singapore. It is a matter of survival and I am not about to take a buffered approach.
Not when leaders of our neighbours use Singapore as a dartboard when things are not going right in their backyard. Singapore-bashing is prevalent in election years in Malaysia, and Dr M talked about skinning a cat (and Singapore). Do you still remember the half-blind Indonesian president Wahid calling us the little red dot and the way the Thai junta govt is treating Singapore now after Thaksin's visit recently.
Thaksin was in Bali and met an Indonesian minister and Thailand made no noise. Admittedly, the DPM Jayakumar maybe shouldn't have hosted Thaksin, but the difference in reactions to Indonesia and Singapore cannot be more polarized and unfair.
That's why we need to give our diplomats a big stick, we need SAF to be a strong deterrent, and we must be able to move in and win swiftly, because Singapore cannot afford a long war. That's why Singaporeans serve NS, and that's the value of citizenship.
It is not the few hundred dollars less we pay at university every year that makes citizenship valuable!
I feel ashamed to even start reading it. Excuse me, is that what the Singaporean citizenship is all about?
Believe it or not, my idea of citizenship stems from a lousy American movie called Starship Troopers. One can only become a citizen by signing up to protect Earth from alien bugs. Those who don't are known as civilians.
In Singapore, it is almost the same scenario. All males serve 2 years of national service either with the armed forces, the police, or the civil defence force. I think national service is really the fabric that binds all Singaporeans together, when we pledged to defend this 660 sq km with our lives. Two years of sweat and blood, and sometimes the loss of lives due to accidents, mean something.
It is really not about a question of monetary benefits of being a citizen. I think the ST really got it all wrong.
When this famous ex-Singaporean pianist (whatever his name) was fined a few thousands dollars for evading NS, there was outcry over the peanuts fine, but deeper down, I believe Singaporeans are protesting because this chap has failed to fulfill his duties as a citizen then. He has to cheek to come back to Singapore to visit his old parents he deserted all this time, when thousands others before and after him trained hard everyday he was pursuing his dreams in UK.
"Do I not have a dream to pursue, but have to put it on hold first to protect his parents?"
I know I am not very balanced writing this entry, not the way GP has taught me. But NS is important for the sovereignty of Singapore. It is a matter of survival and I am not about to take a buffered approach.
Not when leaders of our neighbours use Singapore as a dartboard when things are not going right in their backyard. Singapore-bashing is prevalent in election years in Malaysia, and Dr M talked about skinning a cat (and Singapore). Do you still remember the half-blind Indonesian president Wahid calling us the little red dot and the way the Thai junta govt is treating Singapore now after Thaksin's visit recently.
Thaksin was in Bali and met an Indonesian minister and Thailand made no noise. Admittedly, the DPM Jayakumar maybe shouldn't have hosted Thaksin, but the difference in reactions to Indonesia and Singapore cannot be more polarized and unfair.
That's why we need to give our diplomats a big stick, we need SAF to be a strong deterrent, and we must be able to move in and win swiftly, because Singapore cannot afford a long war. That's why Singaporeans serve NS, and that's the value of citizenship.
It is not the few hundred dollars less we pay at university every year that makes citizenship valuable!
Friday, January 19, 2007
L.I.F.E.
I am still shell-shocked by the loss of my friend.
To all, please value your life and think about the pain you would give to the people who love you if you go so abruptly. Be a responsible son, daughter and friend. Everything can be sorted out.
Talk to someone you can trust, or just anyone. Talk to ME. I got a strong mind to help u reason out whatever vulnerabilities you have, I promise.
To all, please value your life and think about the pain you would give to the people who love you if you go so abruptly. Be a responsible son, daughter and friend. Everything can be sorted out.
Talk to someone you can trust, or just anyone. Talk to ME. I got a strong mind to help u reason out whatever vulnerabilities you have, I promise.
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