Monday, December 6, 2010
The February post
It was quiet, not at all the usual vibe, like a certain sense of dread loomed in the air. Making my way into the office, I was greeted by colleagues who looked like they had something up their sleeves. I gave an inquiring look, but no one responded. I put my bag down.
‘铭恩啊,xx的xx昨天去世了。我们决定给白金,数目是一人xxx元。’
That was my answer! It took a while before I replied. Seeing the looks on their faces, I knew what they had said was real. Woah, I thought, not another death.
In any case, we gave our share and just carried on with work.
Weekend came. The first one was spent at my Aunt's condo apartment in CCK, just a stop away from work. Arriving at CCK station in the evening, I made my way to the groceries, to stock up on some drinks for the party later on. All of our family would gather there that night and stay over. It promised to be fun.
Later on we watched TV, swam, had a walk downstairs. It was a lovely evening, with the moon beaming brightly and few stars scattered in the sky. Walking to Lot 1 was convenient, as it was just across the road. It did feel like staying at a chalet, with everything so nearby and all.
Next morning we had Mac breakfast, my cousins and I. Soon after, I took the train to work. It took only 10 minutes, from Mac to my office! Imagine that!
New Year few on the subsequent week, and a one-week break was set to come soon. After all the lessons had ended on the last day, we packed up, ensured all the windows were closed, rubbish was cleared and switches were off before we left. It was going to be a one week break!
The next day saw KC, Fillet and I taking a bus from Toa Payoh to Balestier for K session. Nostalgia surfaced, as I recalled the times I stayed there. It wasn't till Year 1 in Poly did my family move out. I spent my primary and secondary school years there. All the hard work, late night studying, listening to radio at night.. It seemed elusive now, the memories.
We had fun singing, all the way till evening. The places was quiet, the ambience was good. Wherever we had dinner, this seemed to have evaded my memory.
Last day of break, 18th of Feb, I took my driving test. It was the deciding factor- to finish this battle of more than 1 year, or to continue on with my lessons. Lucky for me, the route was easy, and I walked out of the centre feeling victorious and elated. Finally I got my licence!
Next day at work, there were only me and Xinyi. We chatted a lot, from driving to work gossip. It was kinda fun, even though we had to work till almost 10pm. At least there was entertainment throughout.
And if I recall correctly, when the toilet proved to be a 'stink-bomb', I started using Dettol to wash the floor. Now the real problem came when both smells mixed, with the detergent smell overwhelming the stench, and got very (and I mean 'very!") concentrated. So once the door was opened, a strong smell would waft out, and well, let's just say it takes more than a strong mind to resist it.
February came and went, a short four weeks. While I wasn't exactly enjoying every moment of work, looking back, I do find some moments of laughter. Perhaps that is how we function, to only recall the good, and all the bad will come to be memorable memories that you don't ever want to live through again.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Year Log - Jan 2010 post
It started off with a funeral. Picture this: New Year's Eve, dressed in a white cotton shirt and black pants, I was at my grandpa's funeral till the wee hours of the morning. As the new year approached, I headed back home and turned on the TV, silently wishing myself a happy new year as all around me, fireworks lighted up the sky. It was the new year.
The next few days were spent at the wake, greeting visitors who came to pay their last visits, and the cremation on the last day. I doubt anyone would ever forget that moment. As the coffin was rolled into the furnace, whatever emotions we had held back all but surfaced, and we cried. Mum broke down into hysterical cries, and I hid my tear-stained face in her shoulders. We just cried.
Soon everything was over. We returned home, and life seemed to carry on as usual.
When I returned back to work, condolences were offered. Thinking back from now, I can probably still remember sitting in the office and answering questions, like how I was holding up, how my family was. But I'm glad work continued on. The new classes had commenced, and it got busier in the evenings when parents brought their children over and we had to show them the way to the classrooms.
Meanwhile, I had to study for the upcoming SAT. It fell on the 23rd of Jan, which was a Saturday. All of a sudden studying held an appeal to me, especially when working seemed mundane and predictable. So during meal times and off days I burrowed myself in the guide books and prepared for the test. It was hard work, having to do many questions and studying notes I thought I was already done with.
The next Sunday saw me waking up at 5 in the morning and trying to catch a bus to ECP for the RML marathon. It was a short run of 3km, and enticed by the goodie bag, I made Norman sign up with me to run. Of course, we never really did run that fast; it was more of a jog. That was the day he named me 'Running Monster' for being that enthusiastic about running. In any case it was fun to work out and see so many people around on a bright, cheerful Sunday morning.
And this marks my Jan 2010. Feb coming up next!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
My calendar
How the time flew past, I never knew. All I can remember is, I was serving my attachment at the start of the year, had few months of holiday before graduation, and enlisted sometime in mid year. And so each day that ended, I marked a cross on the calendar - that meant one more day to end of attachment. In total, that was a good 20 weeks of work.
And not forgetting the good times, of course. Gatherings, meet-ups, events and their likes- those were also marked out on the calendar, usually with a smiley face at the end. Then when the day comes, you wake up feeling on top of the world.
Of course, some days were just aimless. You looked at the calendar, half staring into space, and half willing it to push forward the time. Yes, those were the times.
So when I bought my calendar today, let's just say I wondered a lot. What would happen in the new year, and what markings would it bear at the end? You never know, for when you look back and flip the pages, sometimes a mark can bring back memories. You might have forgotten about that day, but you know you enjoyed it, or hated it.
Either way, those are your memories.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
生活
过去四个月让我成长不少。虽然多数时候不理解一些处事方式,以及事情的安排,但在这四个月后,我反而觉得自己更坚强,更有斗志了。即使不为了完成一项艰难任务,也保有这份斗志,去守候黑暗之后的曙光。
眼看周围的人,一直在自己的生活中经历如此多的变化,其实,除了羡慕,也欣慰。时间让我们不断蜕变,从一开始认识的同学,在学校努力奋斗,一直到了毕业后,一些人升学,一些则带着一份热忱,去追寻自己的梦想。有些开始工作了,面对许多不如意的事,却一直不气馁,还是奋斗下去。一个月,两个月过去了,再来是半年,一年。。。但我还是开心,因为不管大家经历多少变化,有多少责任区承担,总是不会忘记身边的一群好友。久久约出来见面,把生活的点滴与大家分享,之后再问大家的意见、看法,其实很妙。真的把大家又再一次拉近了。
生活就是这样,有起有落。我想,我明天应该会带着一种期待的心情去,因为期待一天一天的过去,期待下一次与大家见面。当然,期待结束后,重返曾经的校园,找回曾经的快乐。
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
It has come to the final lap of the training, and farewell looms like a huge tidal wave, ready to come upon you at any time. It is with some nostalgia as I recall the times we had fun training, doing stuff, and cheering one another on. Indeed, they are friends hard to come by, friends who are prepared to stand by your side. Even without the burden of strong emotions threatening my mood, it is still with difficulty to see things come to an end.
Nonetheless, an end signifies a start.
While recollections always leave a bitter aftertaste, a new start would bring forth a second chapter of this new life, and would certainly mean a shorter time to the day of freedom.
It is hard to express the emotions of remembering the good old times, but still, may the time be gone fast.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
还是同样的老话
比起第一次回家,我现在似乎没那么兴奋地盼望回家的那一刻了。期待,是一定有的,不过却少了原来的心情起伏。
到了后来,大家也都习惯了。我似乎,也忘了自己曾经无助过,彷徨、焦虑过,需要别人传来简讯慰问。如今,传来简讯的,只是问几时再约。
这一则,离写上则的时间,相隔一个多月。有些欣慰,因为受了一些苦,有时是难言之隐;看到时间过得匆匆,总算觉得离‘目的地’又近了。
每个周末,出街,享受花花世界的一切,真希望能随时拥有。以前不懂珍惜;或许现在,放我每天在家,我也是无所事事。
至少自由吧,没有硬性的规定等。
有同伴埋怨,因为这事,他错过很多。
我想,无可避免的吧。是现时的一个阶段,但既然其他人都能熬过来,我们应该也能。既然眷恋外头的生活,就告诉自己,一定要坚持下去,等待、期待、守候它的到来。
6月01日,2012年。
还有600多天。很不容易过,但有身旁的人替你打气,你可以撑下去的。
别忘了,吃过苦,才知道甜的滋味。
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Only time will tell.
Sometimes you think you are losing control, succumbing to the feeling of giving up, quitting, but you start thinking of your loved ones, or something that could push you on, and suddenly, you found the strength to carry on.
So you start to re-organize your memories, like you re-arrange scattered books onto the bookshelf. Bit by bit, it becomes clearer to you, as you begin to recollect the past, and write them down.
3rd July:
The third book out. Saturday was spent at Vivocity where we watched 'Eclipse' and ate Thai Express, followed by Yigloo. After having spent a month training, I think I have more or less get used to such regimented life. Though training can be hard sometimes, just thinking of the happy moments ahead empowers me with the strength to carry on.
I met up with KC and Fillet today, and had a long chat about the future, like what we were going to do, where we're headed next and all. Clearly, the paths are going to be different, and when the time to part comes, it might be some time before we meet again. Though farewell can be a hard thing to say, this is the best option we have.
Sometimes, we can't have the best of both worlds.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed myself today. 'Saya suka hati', I say. It means 'I am happy.' For the time being, I will at least enjoy the moments we have together.
Before we say 'au revoir'.
Friday, May 21, 2010
大海
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
The weekends
A shot taken with Huisi and KC in the auditorium of NTU. The tea reception was supposed to start at 2, and bored as we were, we decided to take shots of ourselves. haha!For all you have done, I LOVE you guys! :)
Friday, May 14, 2010
其实看不看到,重要吗?重要的事,应该很多,等着我去做吧。
例如,改变自己。因为现在好讨厌自己,觉得每天自己经历的,就像是被寒风不断的吹袭,好冷、好冷。它吹出的,是直透内心的寒气,等着我用被把自己包着,尝试驱寒。但明天,它还是吹来。偶尔是微微的寒风,偶尔,那是一阵阵的‘刺骨’风。
麻醉自己,不过是权宜之计,是暂时的。没多久,又会好冷、好冷。
知道吗,每天起来,就觉得越来越靠近很恐怖的东西,希望有一点快乐能把我带走,带到快乐的一个小角落。哪怕只是一时,那便一时吧。
今天,8点多起来了。看了好多节目,一会儿是连续剧,一会儿是戏剧。最后,我怕自己胡思乱想,所以,决定独自一人出去走走。
看了一部电影。今天的学生很多,每个四五成群,结伴到商场逛街。他们好像考完了,好像离开烦恼,离得好远、好远。我还是一人,坐在戏院最上角,吃着零食,看着银幕。
那是我的午餐。
落幕后,我突然好想家,好希望能快点回家,躺在床上,躲起来。也突然间,希望有人伴在左右。可以不说话,就静静地一起走着,一起解忧。可惜,今天没有。不会怪任何人,因为这不是任何人的错。只能怪自己懦弱。
好累哦。可我是睡不着的,只会躺着、躺着。真希望,一切能结束,一切能重来。
写在这,不会有太多人看到,也就不会觉得烦了。
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
放下!
刚刚在回家的路上,理清了许多思绪。路程很长,但听着歌曲,仿佛觉得这是一个难得的机会,让自己想想到底一直以来的执著是否值得。
如:一对一的课程。有时觉得学生蛮用功,回家后会努力学习新词语,甚至在一旁写下许多笔记。但有时,却又对于学生不肯尝试的态度感到无奈。明明呕心沥血写出一篇短文,为何不查阅一次才交呢?明明在一些范围的表现不理想,为何不愿意多试,而是一味被动地等待结束呢?
当然这不过是个例子,是个很差的例子。真正在乎的事情,或许不能说是这件事吧。只想说,有时对于事情太过执著,到头来,伤痕累累的是自己,心情低落的也是自己。我知道,自己心中的包袱一向很沉重,也因为这累赘使得自己好辛苦。
所以,我要学会放下。重视并不代表一定要不断追求进步、突破;有时,以推为进也未尝不是好方法。从今天起,我开始放下了。我要让自己走一条轻松的路,因为人生本来就没有所谓平坦的路。让自己更舒服,本来就不是罪。
即使今天只做到一小步,我也不能放弃。明天,我发誓,我还要往前走!我要解除心魔!
加油!
Friday, April 30, 2010
照片
那时,我还小,坐在椅子上,呆呆地看向镜头。表弟们一个坐在他妈妈的脚上,另一个则被女佣抱着。妈妈和阿姨们也看向镜头,摆出甜美的笑容。当时流行的发型和今日的不同,所以他们也留了长发,或是到肩膀长度的发型。他们年轻多了。外婆的身形比现在稍微胖了一点,但就那么一点。她对着镜头,也是微微笑了。
外公则坐在中间。因为找了服务员帮忙拍摄,所以每个人都围在外公身边,对着镜头,笑了。
十几年来,照片中的人都已经老了。
这十几年,我发现自己成长了许多。除了在学校向老师学了满脑子的理论、知识,我也向朋友、同学身上得到很多启发。这些年,我看着自己从一个稚气的小孩,时时刻刻都只想到自己的利益,以至今天,成了一个更懂得替别人着想的青年。用‘更’一字,是作为比较,因为我能进步的空间还是很大。
十几年来,我理清了自己的思绪、目标。或许之前对于教育觉得乏味、普通,但我想,这或许是我该走的路吧。常识了许多不同的东西,当中也立志想成为- 理发师,广播员等,但似乎有点不太实际。反正现在开始教书,觉得至少起跑点是不难的。或许吧,哈哈。
朋友方面,只能说自己真的烂透了。可能是自己‘自闭’的性格,导致我平日也只和几个‘极熟’的朋友保持联络,所以其实也没什么朋友。再者,上中学的期间,我不也一手将原本好好的友情,亲手毁灭吗?当然,那是不忍心、极为不想的,但噩梦始终还是发生。后悔吗?有。难过吗?非常。
所以当自己偶然听到周遭朋友说起在认识的人当中,有人和自己好友‘恩断义绝’时,真的觉得不值。在一起度过快乐的时光,哪怕只是用在读书、闲聊上,但还是宝贵的,无法取代的。更何况,如果这段友谊已持续好几年,那毁于一时,就太可惜了!
‘在感情的路上,总是有一方付出双倍的努力,因为他更在乎这段感情。所以当感情不再存在时,他也感到双倍的痛苦。这种痛苦很难治疗,因为就连时间都可能无法把它吹淡。’
我想,现在应该再拍一张全家福。接下来十年会发生的一切,很难预料,而人,也未必都还会在。是时候把泛黄的照片收起,把它镶起来,再贴上新的一张。
下一张照片会更漂亮,因为我们都更有韵味了。我还会笑,就像小时候一样笑,也替去世的外公笑一笑。
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
景点
蛮可悲、可嫌的。哈哈。
ok,今天我和一位小妹妹出门,猜我们去哪里???
YES- National Library. 虽然环境清幽,可是我们毕竟常去那里,就像我们回家一样。Anyway, 经过多个小时的游手好闲及空洞的闲逛、闲聊,我们到了滨海艺术中心附近去逛!
夕阳西下的美景... DNA 桥好像已建好,可是走到尽头又好像什么都没有!!
最后的合照!哈哈~~
一整天下来是很慢无目的啦。。而且一直想到那天和朋友们约会前,他们在前晚去google 找本地有趣的地方。。结果选择了vivo!is like OMG ~~ 哈哈。。不知去了几次了。。
Anyway,晚安!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
尊师
Friday, April 23, 2010
道路
没路了,所以,不能走了。
原来,生命很脆弱;原来,有时候,道路不一定为你而铺好,反而是当你走错方向,误入歧途时,你面前已无去路。当然,时间像是洪水-你不可能逆它而游,所以当它冲向你时,在没有去路的情况下,唯有死了。
死,可怕吗?或许,在你离开这世界的前几秒,你这一生的经历将像是一幕幕幻影,在你眼前闪过。
当然,对于现在的我们,前方的道路还很远,方向也很多,只是,不可能回头。
所幸,有人发明了照相机,让人生道路中每个岔口的美好回忆能定格下来,作为永恒的收藏。

这是2008 年末和一家人去珠海、深圳的照片。世界之窗的一日游,把各地的风景呈现在我们眼前。
冰凉的微风,不免被烈阳减去几分‘寒意’,却还是令我们穿上大衣,避免着凉。那是在欢乐谷的回忆;我想,欢乐,不止因为风景宜人,而是因为我们在人生道路上一起碰面,逗留了。
多撩人的画面!胜利的笑容,因为我们虏获了对方的身体,不,是心。这手一套,就是套上一辈子了。
我想我的道路并不完美,也不精彩,但却有值得我追忆的地方。每个岔口都不同,有些带着泪,有些则是笑过头,流眼泪了。
走吧、走吧,下个路口等着呢。
Monday, April 19, 2010
Letter from Mr. Technology
19 April 2010
Dear Sir and Madam
Muhahaha! As you are reading this, you are probably near a computer, and that means you are taking in all the radiation we are emitting! Hahaha!!
You silly humans probably think radiation from computers may be weak, but as time passes, what's to say you won't already have absorbed so much frequency as to cause you substantial health damage?
Well well. I don't mind telling you, but what's really the killer are the side and back portions of computers; the front side is the one with the weakest frequency. Also, your handphone is trying its very best to send signals into your brain, altering it, destroying it- you never know! Aww, all you care about is your convenience, eh?
Point to note: well, you can always turn off your phones when you sleep, or put it far away; you can try placing it into your bags when you go out, instead of leaving them in the pockets. When at home, you could ventilate your room and prevent the the frequency from accumulating; or you could just eat some fruits rich in Vitamin A and C to combat the toxins already in your body.
Argh, I could tell you everything, but I won't! What can you sick weaklings do? Boycott us? You won't! You'll probably forget all I've told you after this post, or just shrug it off. Heh heh. That means we've won.
Winning feels good. Too bad there won't be many of you left by that time.
Enjoy your last moments.
With increasing frequency,
Mr Technology.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Long trip ago
1) There is no porn, so it WILL do you good.
2) There are pictures.
3) There is no porn.
So this was from a few weeks ago. On that hot and dreary day, just after my LONG period of attachment, I took the night bus with my family to Cameron Highlands.
As dawn approaches, droplets of dew are formed on the window,casting a shadowy yet romantic light upon the small town at the foot of the mountains. As you are ensconced in the comfort of your seat, it is little wonder all you can think of is your relaxing trip ahead.
In the event that you feel inclined to explore the nearby area, here is a suggestion: the small town situated at the middle of the mountain region. Here, restaurants are readily found, and you can order from a large variety of food, from Western cuisines to local favourites. A word of caution, though. Food served here is slightly different from what we usually see in Singapore, be it the taste, portion or even the looks. Nonetheless, they are delicacies.
After a hearty lunch, why not drop by the well-known strawberry farm? Here you can find rows of strawberry shrubs/ plants planted neatly, all cared for by the farmers in the best way possible. Perhaps the most fun you can have is to enter the inner premises and pluck the strawberries on your own. Not only can you spend some time in touch with nature, you can also have as many strawberries as you desire. Do note that fees are imposed for the amount of strawberries that you pick. There is no free lunch, not even fruits.
And so, here is the quiet little town we know as Cameron Highlands. Without extravagant electrical appliances and away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, this quaint little town offers one of the most therapeutic spots to leave behind your troubles. Simply take a stroll, or two, in the streets, where all you can find are vendors selling vegetables and handicrafts, and you will once again remember what it feels like to be carefree.
This is the paronamic view of the Genting Highlands. After a frew days up in the Cameron, we took a bus to Genting where we experienced another kind of therapy- retail!
All I'm saying is this- do take time off to smell the roses. You never know what treasures are in store for you; it is a whole new world out there, and all it takes, is some of your time.
Of course, don't forget to pay.Monday, April 12, 2010
Taking the train
Anyway. It's not that serious. Seriously. It's not like we're facing global warming or the sweltering sun that's beating down on us or lack of money or having to wait for letters from universities or having to exercise daily. Nope, it's just that the peak hour crowd is real horible, so horrible I spelled my first 'horible' with only one 'r'.
So I was waiting for the train to come at about fifteen minutes past six, and there were like so many people waiting. You would think Super Junior was taking a ride in the train, or even 183 club was waving to fans from the train. But no, the train just had MORE passengers. So it arrived, and hey, stop squeezing! I'm not losing to you! Hey that's my space! Get lost! No, hey!, wait!, I'm not in yet!
Chaos burst forth like when you just had meat if you're a vegetarian, or if you had too much 鲁肉饭. People rushed for the train, like it was the only raft in the sea. So they took the lifeline, and those who were just a fraction slower than them? Well, they just had to wait for the next train to come along to smell the armpit of the passengers.
I solemnly swear that I will not bore readers with my account of the whole journey home, because it took almost 2 hours. It's something like you have to walk twenty minutes home from the coffee shop that's just below your apartment. The jam is terrible, everyone.
So the curse? Well, it depends on the way you see it. Either you think it's the way selfishness rears its head in people, or you can think of it as a contagious disease from breathing in too much armpit stench.
It.. appears that ... my. ..br..eath i..s. ...shortening. I must. ..g.et my v...entilato..r no..w. You.... MUST be careful....
*vomits*
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Looking back. (Part 1)
I was born in 1990. The next few years passed by so fast, I think I just slept through them. Even at the tender age of 13, I think I was not even really conscious back then. Anyway, Sec 1 life was no bed of roses, for yours truly had to live through Art, which was certainly more than any ordinary human could take. But I, being the Michaelangelo that I was, enraptured the class with my depictions of subjects from sea creatures to doodling. By the way, it was no mean feat painting two fish heads that resembled real ones so much, the invigilator had to pause in her steps and took a second look. Of course, she never ate fish again (just kidding!)
In 2004, I was officially officiated as the newest member of the biggest wushu clan in my estate. You see, I had to go through multiple tasks, such as crossing the road, finding my way to the obscured office and finally putting my name down on the namelist.
I was in!
And I proceeded to the class on that day, and carefully observed how the moves were made. Kicks flew, punches were thrown, and hey!, that was my nose! You hurt me you silly ************ !!!
Ok I didn't get kicked. I just walked home.
Next Sunday I just put on the nicest singlet I had, and with a shrug of my shoulders, flew down the window and landed in the middle of the courtyard. Everyone applauded!! Yeah!!
And so I learnt new moves, and believe it or not, I got the green belt!
Sigh. Alas, it was time to bail. (Before that I performed for an event too!) 'O' Levels exams was coming, so in 2006, after more than a year of sparring, I gave up my title as Champion and focused on my studies.
And by the time you read this, dear readers, I'm sure you feel nostalgic about your life. I would invite you to write in, but surely, your life isn't as interesting, and so, please don't.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Salvation!
Long gone are the moments of anticipation..... for I got accepted into NTU! *ROAR*
The weather was HOT, but it had no effect on my rapidly-pounding heart that was turning 'cold' upon seeing the letter in the mail box. There it laid, a thin fragile envelope, waiting to be opened, to be read.
'Dear Desmond, we are pleased to inform you that your application into the following course has been approved....'
And so an offer has been made. *Relief* It might not be the most coveted course, but it's a course nonetheless, and as of now, I WILL be continuing my studies.
Next will be the letter from SMU stating whether or not I've been accepted. *shivers*
On a different note, everyone's driven crazy by the coding assignment. Suppose a sentence's classification is debatable, all you have to do is stick to your decision and defend the best that you can when the need arises.
"I think you can put under 'English' cos it seems to be influenced by it" A says.
"But you can also think of it from the dialect perspective." Teacher says.
"Ok, both also can." Teacher agrees.
So Teacher sends another e-mail to everyone:
'Hi all helpers (normally we just say 'hi all')
As just now we have some debates about whether which one is beter for the sentential level, if you got any problem you can e-mail to me. But I will be away for some time becos I will be having a concert of course sing chinese songs becos I have PHD in Chinese.
Please find attached the latest version of the scheme. I know is already version 10 but we must keep changing. Xie Xie.
Ah-mei.'
And so hopefully Ah-mei returns early cos we may need her to explain her e-mail before we start encoding.