The gathering was great.Thanks to all those who came(even those who were late)haha.I really had a great time catching up with all of you and seeing you guys after such a long time(some of you at least).

Thanks to:

Joel: for the nice chocolate biscuits,
Jon and Ching: for the lovely notebook,although you guys seriously didnt need to get me anything.And to Ching for being so willing to play hostess.Haha.Thanks a lot.
Mel and Ben: for bringing the ginger biscuits and for coming!!Most importantly,especially since you guys didnt know anyone else besides Ching and Jon and for being such good sports mixing around with my friends.
Jasmine and Toshi: for bringing the chocolates which you really didnt need to bring so thanks a lot.
David and jackie: for bringing the huge bananna split ice cream cake.Thanks a million to David's dad for making the ice cream cake on such short notice.And thanks for coming.
Thanks to the rest for coming and to everyone who came.Yr presence meant a lot and I really hope that you guys enjoyed the food,although it wasnt enough and you guys were nice enough to say that you were full.And for putting up with my sour salad dressing.haha.Cos I added too much lemon juice.Oops.I really enjoyed myself tonight and the company that you guys provided although I was bullied into singing a ronan keating song and absolutely embaressing myself.haha.It was one hell of a wonderful night.

I was listening in to Class 95 last night.Dont laugh just cos I listen to class 95.Its quite a cool station.Anyway,there was this sms segment where the Dj was supposed to offer advice on relationship problems.A listener sent in some advice in response to the topic as to whether this lady should move in with her boyfriend.The listeners response was that the lady should move in,otherwise she would not know if she can tolerate her boyfriend's habits.

I seriously wonder what kind of advice that is.If she moves in with her boyfriend and finds that she cannot tolerate her boyfriends bad habits,is she going to break up with him?Many people see cohabitation as a trial marriage.There is no such thing as a trial marriage.You should either be ready to commit to wanting to spend your whole life together with the person you claim to love or you are not ready at all.There is no such thing as seeing if living together will work out.As long as any 2 humans live together there will always be problems because that is plain human nature.Everyone will have their own bad habits,their own pet peeves,their own style of doing things.It might not agree with the other person they are living with but if you claim to love someone,you put up with his/her bad habits because of your love for him/her.Trial marriages are rubbish.How many trials are we going to go through before we find someone that we think we can live with for the rest of our lives?To find a partner is bliss,because love is a many splendid thing.But are many of us able to grasp the true meaning of love?I do not profess to be able to grasp the true meaning of it.But love isnt a fairy tale.Love is going through the thick and thin and being able to love when the other person is unlovely.Marriage definitely isnt a happily ever after.Its enjoying each other for the rest of your life regardless the flaws.

That feel good feeling is back and I am not complaining. I realised today that enjoying Christmas need not be about planning it to be perfect or trying to make it perfect.It is about enjoying everything about it and just going with the flow.There is no doubt a plan would help make things better,but what happens when things do not go according to plan?Take this christmas as it is,no expectations like I mentioned earlier on,enjoy all that is around you,the people and the company that they bring.Make christmas about love and the human spirit that is about giving.Not just about giving,but going the extra mile the loving those who are hard to love.It isnt the presents that you get that make a good christmas.It is about how you make others feel about themselves during christmas and how you feel.Most importantly,let it come from the heart.Make no pretentious gestures or actions with ulterior motives.Of course,you may say that all this sounds like the makings of a saint.I agree it sounds too good to be true.But if we all try,it will all be worthwhile.

Past 2 days of catching up was a blast.I really enjoyed myself the past 2 days catching up with the girls and today with the guys to celebrate joel's birthday.Somehow,the people I meet are usually late.Yesterday,Val and Joy were late by half an hour.haha.Val still owes me a drink for coming late.haha.kidding.Bert and Tris were late again.haha.Maybe I should come late too next time.Done most of my christmas shopping and orchard road now is a nightmare.You dont really walk along orchard road,neither do u stroll.You shuffle along orchard road.I find it rather painful to shuffle along orchard.Its a madhouse.Gonna try and stay home the next few days and be a hermit.haha.Anyhow,Happy Birthday Joel!!Your finally 18 and a big boy now,literally and figuratively speaking.Hope you had a great day today.You really deserved to stay out late tonight especially after waiting so long for this day.haha.

I am tired maybe even jaded.Hungover from Brisbane maybe?I just dont feel like I can enjoy anything and it definitely doesnt feel like christmas is coming.After all the effort I put into trying to pass my napfa test and get myself out of early horror thinking that this christmas will be special or that the holiday in Brisbane would be great and that my holiday would move in a certain way.It didnt happen.I am just going through each day without meaning,just following what other people do,not enjoying the moment.Somehow,I dont feel relaxed when I should be relishing the "freedom" that I have now.

Whats my solution?Expectations.Talking to a wise someone last night helped me realised that I had placed too many expectations on everything.The notion of going into army next year just screwed everything up,where I realised that it made me want to have everything perfect. I wanted the holiday to be perfect,that is why I kept pushing for a plan instead of hanging out around town.I wanted it to be perfect as a "reward" after passing my napfa test.Yet,all these expectations let me down and made me feel even more stressed out.I have been placing too many expectations on the things around me and on myself that I have not learnt how to enjoy life.I still remember how as a kid,everything was great,because I didnt have expectations.Every christmas,every holiday was something that I enjoyed because I knew I was going to have fun.That was all I knew.No preconceived notions,no high strung expectations.Just the hope and wish and knowledge that it was going to be fun.I hope not all of us have lost that "childish innocence" in us that years of education has slowly eroded away.

Contrary to what everyone believes,I didnt have a whale of a time or a hell of a time in Brisbane.Overall,I did have fun but having a blast?Nope.The whole trip helped me mature in a sense,travelling along with friends,having to take care of yourself and of one another throughout the trip.Weather when we got there was a bit wet but very nice and cool.Went to see Uncle Rolf's spice factory in the afternoon while the guys slept.Huge factory and warehouse.Went for turkish food that night at South Bank and danced with the belly dancer,or at least tried to dance after being pulled out of my seat by my friends and the dancer.I was super embarressed.Turkish food was good although I think I had eaten too much cream.We went for a walk at the man-made beach after dinner.Even the man made beach was clean,not like those in Singapore.
The city the next day was great.Brisbane is really shopping heaven,it was really amazing.It is even better then shopping here.Local brands are not all that expensive and the designs are so much better,makes topman and zara passe.Then I fell sick on the 3rd day.Vommitting,high fever,sore throat and the works.Couldnt go to dinner with Uncle Rolf and Auntie Magaret and was having a massive allergy to my fever medicine.The guys bought the sneakers I had wanted to buy for me.Damn nice of them blokes.Had a slice of bread for dinner.
Off to Gold Coast the next day.In a rush,we got on the wrong train and didnt realise until we reached the end of the line,where the train was terminating.So we got off at Cleaveland.It was a very nice place,where we had lunch by the wharf and enjoyed the cool weather.
Gold Coast was all about Harbour town.The factory outlets were the best where the clothes were cheap and they sold the same range as they did in the city and in the malls.Rows and rows of shops to kill.I could have died a happy man.
Much better when we got back to Brisbane again.Sean and his mom brought us to UQ(University of Queensland).The campus is amazing.Something no local school redevelopment project will ever be able to achieve,making NUS look like a slum.The whole surrounding just made me want to study there.Managed to enjoy the last 2 days of Brisbane which was good.
Thinking about it all,Brisbane or even Australia pales in comparison to Singapore.The weather is much better,the dont have lousy NS,the people there are so much nicer and courteous,which is strange because they didnt need a courtesy campaign.The shopping is cheaper,maybe because the sale there was really a sale,not like in Singapore,where although they tell you its a sale,there are so many conditions to rip you off.The doctors and chemists there are so much more patient and polite.Unlike our doctors here who are not paid their worth,and when I say that I mean they are paid too much for the little they do.Now...give me a good reason why I should stay and work here besides my family and friends?
I really do miss Brisbane.All the withdrawal effects and I am still sick.Still a miserable sick duck.Good thing is I lost weight.Pictures from the trip are up already so go check out the link.

I am back!After 8 short days in Brisbane,Australia, in what is known as the Sunshine State because the sun really does shine almost all whole day.I dont know if I can say it is good to be back.I wish I was still in Brisbane where the weather is great,the food is great and the shopping is AMAZING.Singapore food,weather and shopping pales greatly into the comparison.The clothes over in Brisbane are much better than those in Singapore.Who cares about Topman anymore?!Just get me Cotton On,JayJays,Harbour Town.Anything but the sorry crap sold in Singapore stores.Really tired after a flight that got in this morning at 5.30 especially with the whole journey filled with crying babies.

Wooo...5hrs and lots of dust and punching later,I have finally done all my packing of notes.My table is clear of all files and notes and books,my room is clear of all post exam debris.My nose however,is running like a tap.Hate clearing up cos of all the dust.It is now time to pack for my trip to Brisbane.Leaving on Wednesday and I still have not packed anything.Ooh boy.And I have tonnes of things to get for the trip which I dont have.But...its good.The hustle and bustle of life is back again.The strange familar feeling.Call me weird but I missed it.The whole adrenaline involved can be quite exhilarating.OK.I am mad.haha.

When we look back at the past months,we often wonder where it all went so fast.Its been about 1 week since my exams were over.Which officially marked the end of my term under a rigid school system.When I look back at what I might say was the 2 most glorious years of my formal education,I see how fast time has passed.Of course,it goes without saying that the 2 years were not without,disappointments and problems.But I am glad for my friends and juniors who made it all worthwhile.I have always said that my memories of school would not be about achievements or awards(if any),but it would be about the friends and the times that we had spent together.The year too is coming to an end.20days to Christmas.Christmas will come and go before we know it and then the year will come to an end.2005,a fresh start for everyone.How are we going to make it worthwhile?How am I going to make it worthwhile?I wonder.

tagboard replies:
passerby:Thanks for your comment.No one can be blammed for our perfect idea of love.Everyone has that "fantasy".The feeling sucks,but friends make it better,I assure you.Hang in there and things will resolve before you know it.Life is like that I guess.We all learn from our experiences and become all the wiser.Do I know you by the way?Do leave your name next time instead of just being anonymous.haha.take care and come back soon.

mich lee:Hey.thanks.it was great seeing you again at council party.

I thought that after exams,having all the time in the world would be the greatest thing.Thing is I dont know what to do.I cant download movies because of the stupid copyright law that is just a law to legalise consumer exploitation.I cant stand going down to Orchard Road anymore,because I see the same people,the same shops and the same clothes.Let me just tell you that in 4 days,I have been to G2000 3 times,Wisma Atria and Takashimaya,5 times.I am bored of Orchard Road and I am broke.I have been spending waaay too much money already.Over 2 days,I have spent a grand total of 140dollars.Thats bad.I cant keep spending so much money.I need a job!

tagboard replies:

Val:Thanks val!haha.Lets meet up soon since Chia is back!
Stella:Thanks Stella.
Joel:What the hell are you talking about?haha.

"It is funny how Singapore has got a snapshot of the whole world"

As I was walking past Takashimaya to meet my parents at night, I walked past this tourist,American I think who said those exact words.Strange isnt it.I wont really take it as a compliment.Let me tell you why.Yes,no doubt,Singapore is a very cosmopolitain country where not only are we are country with a wide variety of cusine available to the individual tastebud,but we also have an array of fashion available.Our country is a multi racial country and we are a very modern country,with tall skyscrapers,an economy that is prospering from trade with different countries.Not only that, we play a part in the international affairs of the world.No doubt that in Singapore we can find a small part of the whole world.To me,that is somehow or other the intrigue and exotic nature of Singapore.

But-a BIG BIG BUT-is it necessarily a good thing?My dad pointed out something that echoed what I said.Singapore has a snapshot of the world because we want to copy whatever other people do.I absolutely agree with that.The government wants to copy whatever other countries do and while some things have worked,not all thing have and not all things will.Let me draw 2 examples and leave you to think about the rest.First,The Esplanade.The main aim was to develop a growing arts culture,centre,a bit of a copy-cat act by builidng this huge hall that would be something like the Sydney Opera House?Even the idea of the building to house major arts performances is almost a copy of the Sydney Opera House.I am not saying that it is wrong and yes it did work out.The Esplanade area is a beautiful area to have dinner and just walk around and we see how major arts performances held there have been a success.However,did we really need to create a huge complex like the Esplanade to create a culture of the arts?Or could there have been some other way.Is it the building?Or the governments part in cultivating interest in the people to appreciate the arts?Which is more important?
Second,the whole idea of the casino.It is such a copycat idea of countries like Australia,America,Macau to build a casino to attract tourists and generate revenue for our country.Do we really think we can handle the negative externalities that come with the casino?The government says that it would be a sign of a mature society.Are we really so full of ourselves that we think we are a mature society?I think the government has more than enough problems on their hands already.Even if it is made exclusive to people with a certain level of income do you think it helps?I just feel that there will be a high level of not just snoberry but also discrimination that would come with it.Do we really want that?No matter what they say,gambling is still gambling.There is still a chance of addiction and the negative social consequences that comes with it.Can we really handle that?Or do we just want to have a casino for the sake of it?Just to copy because it works in other countries?

This is has a tremendously exciting and eventful day for me.Truly.I cant even imagine where to beign.

Lets start with this morning.It was time for my test and I decided to go early to warm up to prepare for it.I finally made it.After the what seemed to be the millionth jump,I finally got it.Although I was really fortunate that it was counted because to me it was like a fluke.See...i slipped when I landed and I fell,so my hands landed just nicely on the 230mark and it was counted.So I finally PASSED!!!

Joel:Thanks a lot of coming down on the 2 days and for running with me today even though were sick.Thanks a lot of being my training buddy and for all the encouragement.
Ian:Thanks for coming down to Monday with the intention of supporting me,although after that you went off to play tennis.Thanks for your prayers.
David,Shawn:Really thankful for all your help in volunteering to be my personal trainer.
Bert:For running with me in your sleep.haha.Thanks.
Sean,Tris:For your encouragements and spurring me in.
All those who prayed for me and encouraged me.

This whole ordeal has taught me a lot.It has really taught me many lessons that I didnt realise until I reflected on it.This has shown me...
Love-the love of my friends,family,all those around me who never failed to try to be of help.it has made me realise how I have so many people around me who really care and I really Thank God for them,for bringing them into my life.
Everything happens for a reason-I know we often believe in coincidence and luck.I learnt that everything happens for a reason,according to God's grand plan.God used this whole "ordeal" to help me to be able to depend on Him all over again.Not to try to handle my things on my own,and through this and through the people He brought into my life,He reminded me how He has always been and always will be there for me.This does not only apply to me,but to everyone.Strange but true,how God works in mysterious ways that we can never try to understand.
to look around-dont always be focused on what you do,but at times,look around you.Look around at the things that are going on.Stop and reflect and gain a fresh perspective to be able to push on further.
that failure is not a sign of weakness,giving up is-failing shows strength,especially when you are willing to pick yourself up and try again.Giving up is a fatal weakness.Giving up without trying again is losing the battle and not resigning to what fate has in store for you.Never go down without a fight.It is from failure that we learn our mistakes.

God did not tell us to give thanks in all things as some silly suggestion.But something that made sense.A lot of sense.Nothing is ever really bad.Even from what is bad or trying,we can learn some valuable lessons.Like I said.God works in mysterious ways.