Strong Mint

2005-08-31T22:33:00.000+08:00

Please Listen

When I ask you to listen to me

And you start giving me advice,
You have not done what I asked.

When I ask you to listen to me
And you begin to tell me why
I shouldn’t feel that way,
You are trampling on my feelings.

When I ask you to listen to me
And you feel you have to do something
To solve my problem,
You have failed me,
Strange as that may seem.

Listen! All I ask is that you listen.

Don’t talk or do – Just hear me.

Advice is cheap; 20 cents will get
You both Dear Abby and Billy Graham
In the same newspaper.

And I can do for myself; I am not helpless.

Maybe discouraged and faltering,
But not helpless.

When you do something for me that I can
And need to do for myself,
You contribute to my fear and inadequacy.

But when you accept as a simple fact that I feel what I feel,
No matter how irrational, then I can stop
Trying to convince you and get about this
Business of understanding
What’s behind this irrational feeling.

And when that’s clear, the answers are obvious and
I don’t need advice.

Irrational feelings make sense when we
Understand what’s behind them.

Perhaps that’s why prayer works, sometimes,
For some people –

Because God is mute,
And he doesn’t give advice or try to fix things.

God just listen and lets you work it out for yourself.

So please listen, and just hear me.

And if you want to talk, wait a minute

For your turn –

And I will listen to you.

2005-08-29T21:09:00.000+08:00

On Affairs of the Heart

“Wise men say, only fools rush in. But I, can’t help, falling in love with you”

Doesn’t this holds much truth in it? You can’t explain or justify the affairs of the heart, it’s impossible to rationalize or simplify. What you can do is, to marvel at the wonders and joys of love.

Every individual, during their whole lifetime, would have been in love or experience love. There are so many categories of love – be it friendship, family ties, siblings love, self love, true love, foolish love, or even love for nature. Love can exist anywhere and in everyone.

For the purpose of the discussion topic and readability of this blog, I think I just touch on love for the individual of the opposite gender. This type of love, or sometimes known as irrational feeling, and known here as X-factor love, can actually contain other forms of love altogether in one.

There is friendship love, as we always started out as friends, and then there is the X-factor love, which exists between two individuals. In addition, there will be self love, which will co-exist with jealousy and irrationality. Last but not least, there eventually will be family love, when the said individuals get married and have a family.

I guess that’s why love for an individual can have so much impact and importance in our lives. This love can make us shed tears, bring joys into our lives, enable us to perform extraordinary acts of love, and not forgetting bringing problems and frustrations – That’s the power of love.

Unfortunately, I really cannot simply put down love into sentences and words. Love is a feeling, and therefore needs to be felt. Rules and regulations do not exist in love. Neither do rights and wrongs. It’s all about feelings. Often more than not, your heart would not lie to you.

I had people asking me – Whether should we rule relationships and love with our head or our heart?

By using our head, we are effectively using logics and sensibilities. It will enable us to differentiate between what’s irrational and what’s not. We would be able to better make sense of our actions and dictate what (you think) should be done and what (you think) you should not do.

By using our heart, we depend purely on feelings. It can promote impulse actions and generate illogical thoughts. Sometimes, we would not be able to make sense of what we are doing and will differentiate between what’s right and wrong based on our feelings for that particular person.

In my personal capacity, I rule by my heart and feelings. I know that at times friends wondered and questioned me on this. They believe that some things that I have done are irrational and I’m not sensible enough. But from my point of view, even though if eventually I know I am not sensible, I won’t regret being illogical. To me, no matter how foolish or unreasonable I am, all it matters is that the other party is happy. That’s what makes my worth.

I mean, I’d loved to see the person that I feel for, and love, to be happy. That’s all that matters to me. As long as I have achieved that, I’m already a happy person. :)

Anyway, what I mean to propose to others is that, if you think it’s worth it, by all means go with your heart. At least, you would not regret not having done something. Love is all but a feeling – Just feel what you should do and do it. Simple as that.

“I feel for you – and it’s all that matters”

2005-08-26T23:12:00.000+08:00

On Regrets

If the world is ending the next hour, and you only have enough time to do one thing, what would be the thing that you most wanted to do?

Some people would say; “I would travel to the most exotic and romantic destination in the whole world with my beloved and spend the last minute together”

Others might say; “I would spent that hour saying goodbyes to all my closest friends and family and tell them that I love them so much”

Sounds good? If this question were to be posed to you, what would your answer be then?

The truth is that, each of us, during our lifetimes, will somehow or rather have something to regret about. Be it about lost love that should have been redeemed, words that should be told to someone but didn’t, or simply not spending enough time with your loved ones.

No matter how hard you try, you simply can’t help but be regretful about something. It will forever remains as part and parcel of life.

I remember telling my friends that, when I grow old, I do not want to sit down on the rocking chair, facing the window, and telling my grandsons and granddaughters, what I regretted not doing when I still have the time and energy then.

I mean, to me, being regretful about things that I have not done or rather what I had done, is equivalent to having an unsatisfied and unhappy life. When you regret something about life, you will, at the same time, wondering if things will turn out better should you have chosen the alternative way.

“If only I haven’t done/have done things in a different way, things might have turned out the other way.” Sounds familiar?

If only – if only people knew what the future holds for them, then everyone would have been millionaires, everyone would not have committed faults, and in the end, everyone would have turned out to be a saint.

Sigh. If only I knew writing blogs would be such a chore, I would not have even started at all. If only I knew NKF would use my donations to build a golden tap, I would not have donated so generously. If only I knew what numbers would come out for TOTO, I would have bought the numbers with every penny I have. If only I knew…

I can always go on and on – there are so many “If only I knew” things that I would really want to know. But then, if you really knew what’s in store for you, would things really turn out to be what it is meant to be?

I seriously think that if we really knew our own future, we will not be sitting there waiting for the future to arrive. Instead, we would have made sure that it will came true and do anything within our means for that to happen. Then, you will be controlling every single aspect of your daily life and in the process, restraining yourself and setting constraints to what you can do. Is that what you really want?

Alternatively, would you rather prefer not knowing your future, but believe in that you yourself control your own destiny?

The fact is that we do not know what is going to happen next. That is why we can continue doing what we do – To pursue a career, to fall in love etc. Life is full of surprises, and that’s what makes life interesting and dynamic.

Do what you want to do, now, there are only so many tomorrows. Follow your heart, pursue your dreams, and live out your life to the fullest.

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that counts, it’s the life in your years”

2005-08-24T22:52:00.000+08:00

Hmmm... went to watch movie in the evening - The Maid. If you ask me whether this is a good show, it depends on how you look at it then.

On the aspect as a horror/ghost movie, I think this is one of the best movie I've ever watched. All in total, I was caught by surprise/scared by the scenes thrice. As far as I can remember, all the past horror movies that I've watched never scare me more than once. Period.

On the aspect as a entertainment movie, I think the plot is still overall okay. Just that I find the second half of the show quite so-so lor.

So, for people who wants to bring their girlfriends to watch a horror show, this is the one. For guys who are interested in someone of the opposite gender, this is also the show. For groups of guys wanting to catch a show, forget it!

Anyway, for people watching the show, i don't think you should buy any popcorn. Waste of money since it will be dropping all over the audience in front of your seat then. Nachos is out of the question too. Worse.

Going d/c already, sleepy. Good nite.

2005-08-18T21:22:00.000+08:00

Unexpected Day

Today is a good day. Something unexpected stuff happened which started off as a joyful surprise, but ended up in disappointment and sadness for me. Something like a roller-coaster ride ya, just that this ride lasted for 2 short hours.

Right now, I couldn't even know how to describe how i felt. It's just like a bowl of rojak, all mixed up and hard to differentiate. I've been trying to suppress all those not-nice feelings but am lousy at it now. So, I'm actually sulking and sulking away while updating my blog.

Today is also unexpectedly free at work, not much things to do after lunch. So, I spent the time playing games, stoning, replying to emails, and picking up calls. Much like a personal assistant job.

Sigh, so much feelings being felt for 1 whole day. Might as well talk about feelings for today.

Feelings

Feelings - a very generic word with lots of meanings attached to it, most of them bearing emotions. What are feelings then?

According to Dictionary.com, feeling has the following meanings:

To be conscious of a specified kind or quality of physical, mental, or emotional state.
Perception by or as if by touch; sensation

Hence, feeling, in a sense, takes an individual to be involved emotionally or mentally for another individual or object. The fact is that we do "feel" every minute of our life. (e.g. We feel frustrated if things do not go according to what we wanted. We feel happy when long-time friends gather together to meet up.)

Specifically, what I'm discussing today is the feel for the special individual of the opposite gender.

Be it a guy or a gal, at different stages of our adulthood, we do like someone don't we? Why is it that some people find it so hard to express their feelings to each other? Why is it that people tend to refrain from showing their true feelings?

I've been often told that I'm using too much of my heart (i.e. feelings) and too less of my brain (i.e. logic and sensibility). But what's wrong with using our heart to feel? I mean, shouldn't we use the heart to guide us?

When we feel strongly for something, be it intuition or emotionally, i think we should just like let our feelings lead us. Thinking too much and hesitating would only provide more obstacles to what you hope to achieve isn't it?

Take me for example, if I feel strongly for something, I would try my best to go for it, no matter what the outcome will be. Cos' I don't want to regret not doing anything in my later life. When I grow old, I do not want to sit there, by the rocking chair, thinking to myself why I didn't do something when i had the chance!

You only have so many years and you only can have so many things to do at one time. Why not try your best to do what you feel like doing? You can love, like, hate, dislike... anything... You don't lose by loving you know, but you always lose by holding back.

Maybe, just maybe, for one day, just do whatever your heart leads you. If you don't try it, you will never know. If it doesn't turn out the way you want it, at least you know right?

因為唯有相信﹐才有可能。

"Because you believe, then, it is possible"

2005-08-14T01:34:00.000+08:00

Dear all!

It's been quite a while since I've update on my blog. Well, part of the reason is due to plain laziness and the other part is cos of not quite knowing what to write next.

For fans of the Trilogy of J-Free Sin, you'll be disappointed this time round as I'll be writing about something else. But fear not, I will definitely complete part II.

Anyway, I've been thinking and reflecting about my life and everything that surrounds it over the last few days.

Been thinking of what has happened in the past, thinking of my friends, thinking of my future. Blah blah blah... and the list goes on.

Most important of all, I've been thinking of the purpose and meaning in life. For the answer to that ultimate question, I've re-read "Tuesdays with Morrie" and came up with something like this:

Purpose and Meaning in Life

"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seemed half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things.

The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning"

-- Quote from "Tuesdays with Morrie"

You know why people are not satisfied with their life? Why do people want to earn more money, have more authority, have the latest gadgets, have bigger houses and cars etc etc etc?

It's actually attributed to the culture of the society we are in! Often more than not, we are told that better is good, and more is good. We are so absorbed and accept this as a norm that this culture has became like a second nature to us - as natural as breathing in air.

The culture is usually what shapes our values and beliefs, and most important of all, what's right and wrong. Nonetheless, if the culture is wrong, everything that we believe in is wrong too.

But even though we know it is wrong, the power of the culture and peer pressure prevents us from rejecting this culture. This situation has went on from generations to generations, transcending across all levels of the society, and across every race and religion.

Since the culture we exist in emphasize having better and more is good, we will never be satisfied with whatever we have. It's like a bottomless pit, where you sink deeper and deeper.

These were people so hungry for love that they were accepting substitutes. They were embracing material things and expecting a sort of hug back. But it never works. You can't substitute material things for love or for gentleness or for tenderness or for a sense of comradeship.

We are so preoccupied with all those material stuffs and physical needs of all own that we have forgotten our spiritual growth. Neither money nor power will give you the feeling you're looking for, no matter how much of them you have.

To be fully immersed in the everyday stuff you do, to enjoy little details during the process - for example, enjoying the scenery around you while you are on your way to work. Yupz people, even those so-called small details.

Then you will see things in a different light, to look onto the brighter side, one that brings joy and meaning to your life.

You have to realise that every joyous things in your life is passing by each and every day. It's how you notice them and take stride in them.

Friends and family, the love from your true friends and family - is what i think the true meaning and purpose in life. To know that someone is always there to care for you when you are down, watching you from nearby and truly care for you. Nothing in this world can buy that you know...

Why don't you try the next time when you are on your way to work - Go out and extend all the way to help a stranger. Be it opening the doors for him or saying thank you when you drop something and someone picks it up for you. You'll be surprise how a small act can actually brighten up your day. :)

"Strangers are friends that you haven't met."

2005-08-08T21:54:00.000+08:00

Happy National Day Tomorrow!

Tomorrow will be a public holiday! (Hooray!) Can rest at home, sleep more, watch TV more, eat more, sleep some more, and sleep even more!

Theory of Good Life

A. Good Life is when you enjoy life.

Therefore, we apply the formula:

Good Life = Enjoy Life

B. Enjoying Life comprises of various factors.

Therefore, we apply the formula:

Enjoy Life = Sleep + Eat + TV + Rest

C. Hence, using Formula A and Formula B, we derive at Formula C:

Good Life = Sleep + Eat + TV + Rest

Please bear with me for a moment as I know that I'm talking rubbish and I'm very bored.

Next, as I promise in the last update, I shall write a COMPREHENSIVE and DETAILED story:

The Story of J-Free Sin

The story of J-Free started from April this year, where he replaces my former boss (will be known as S-ley).

I have this feeling when he first came in, that he wouldn't be someone that I will liked to work with. Unfortunately, that turns out to be true.

Please refer to the points below on why I dislike him:

1. Whenever anyone in my office talks to anyone else, he will rush over and ask "What are you talking about ah?" or "What? What thing?" (In Mandarin)

2. During breakfast or lunch together, he will try his very best not to pay for anything and yet eat the most.

3. When it's time to knock off, he will demand those who are driving to send him home.

4. At Work, he likes to be the one that is "knowledgable". Even to the extend of bragging and saying stuff that he doesn't even know.

5. During office hours, he tries his best to be busy. He's currently still busy with something that is assigned to him in June.

6. He do not mind cracking tasteless and really-not-funny jokes to anyone and everyone.

7. He can join you for meals, conversations, outings... even though he's not invited.

8. He thinks he is very popular among his co-workers. That's why he always talk unnecessarily and without restraints.

9. He tends to take other people's stuff without asking. (He once took a stack of DVDs that I borrowed from someone else even without asking if that someone can lend him the discs.)

10. He good at assigning work to others. Excessively. Especially those work that are meant to be done up by him.

And there you go, 10 factors of dislike for him.

End of Part I - The fellowshit of the ring

Please stay tuned for Part II - The Fool Towers.

2005-08-07T01:39:00.000+08:00

Today has been quite an enjoyable Saturday! Went over to Sunset Bay in the late morning - Got too much tan! Now I think I look like lobster... (That's how somebody puts it.) Hopefully the aloe vera works... :)

Anyway, went out again after "Lobster" Tanning session and headed down to Bishan Dome with my colleague for a cup of coffee. Basically, we are just specifically complaining and gossiping about another colleague of ours. Yupz, I know it's not that really good to speak ill of others but in my honest opinion - whatever we said about him is all true. (Cal and Gerald will know whom I'm referring to) *grinz*

*Note: Please stay tuned for the next blog where I shall elaborate our this colleague with detailed descriptions

On the last note, (I'm sleepy already... I want to sleep), next few coming weeks will be exam periods for my sort-of-friend. I can truly understand how you are feeling whenever exams are drawing near - I just had mine two weeks ago.

So all the best to your exams, study hard, rest well, (errm... anything else...*Thinking*) and.... and.... I will see you soon. Good Luck!!! :)

Good Nitez everybody.

2005-08-06T00:11:00.000+08:00

Day of Relief

Fact No.1 : Friday is the 6th day of the week.

Fact No.2 : The day after Friday is Saturday.

Fact No.3 : Friday is the favourite day of a weekday for most of us.

Fact No.4 : Today is a Friday.

Fact No.5 : That means we can finally have a good rest!

Fact No.6 : We can heave a sigh of RELIEF. (Hence, Friday is the Day of Relief) :)

Since today is meant to be a relaxing day, let's start off things from a lighter note.

Lighter Note

"You feel frustrated about yourself, about problems, about others, about tomorrow, about yesterday... You can feel the stress slowly creeping up to you, and you just felt like forgetting about everything and anything."

Does that sounds familiar? Yupz, you have the 'I-Feel-Frustrated-And-Stressed-Until-Cannot' Syndrome. Symptoms includes the following:

1. Talking to Yourself (In severe cases)
2. Felt that objects around you are telling you "Throw me!Throw me!"
3. Felt that everyone owes you money and have no intentions of returning
4. Staring unnecessarily at ceilings, walls or the floor.
5. Laugh uncontrollably in repetitions at random periods. (In extreme cases)

If you observe yourself to have Symptom No. 5, please stop reading the blog and seek immediate medical treatment.

For others, try this stress-relieving method (I use it myself at times too):

Close your eyes, imagine this -

"You are at the beach, and you notice that the sea is shimmering clear. The sea breeze is gently blowing and you can actually smell the deep blue ocean. The sea stretches over the horizon, blending in with the clear blue sky.

The weather is pleasantly cooling, and you can feel the waves brushing against your feet. As you laid down on the soft sand and looking up on the blue blue sky, seagulls are soaring above as they glide effortlessly with the wind.

Everything is peaceful and quiet around you - Trees whispering with the wind, waves washing up the shore... you felt at peace with yourself..."

Last but not least - You can succeed in everything you put your mind and soul into.

"Confidence comes from not being always right, but from not fearing to be wrong"

2005-08-03T20:41:00.000+08:00

Good Evening! Today was a busy busy busy day.

Was picking up calls and sending numerous E-mails this morning. Come afternoon, was being forced to sit down for 5 whole hours and interpret some work-related stuff. (This day was one of the few days which I actually worked non-stop. SIGH!)

Anyway, I wanted to update my blog yesterday. Went home late and together with the fact that I'm always THAT lazy, I just told myself to forget it and update today. True enough! I kept my words. (Ha Ha Ha!)

Okie dokie, today's topic of the day is on trust and love. I shall address these 2 issues in 2 separate short notes. (Can I have your comment if what I wrote down is correct and true please?)

Anyway, here goes.... Ü

On Trust

This is a short story which i picked up from the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" Series of books. I just find it meaningful and concise to the point..

We are to stand, facing away from our classmates, and fall backwards, relying on another student to catch us. Most of us are uncomfortable with this, and we cannot let go for more than a few inches before stopping ourselves. We laugh in embarrassment.

Finally, one student, a thin, quiet, dark-haired girl whom I notice almost always wears bulky white fisherman sweaters, crosses her arms over her chest, closes her eyes, leans back, and does not flinch, like one of those Lipton tea commercials where the model splashes into the pool.

For a moment, I am sure she is going to thump on the floor. At the last instant, her assigned partner grabs her head and shoulders and yanks her up harshly.

"You see," he says to the girl, "you closed your eyes. That was the difference."

Sometimes you cannot believe what you see; you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too -

Even when you're in the dark. Even when you are falling.

On Love

Take any emotions - love for the opposite sex, or grief for a loved one, or what I'm going through, fear and pain from a deadly illness. If you hold back on the emotions - If you don't allow yourself to go all the way through them - You can never get to being detached.

You are too busy being afraid. You're afraid of the pain, you're afraid of the grief. You're afraid of the vulnerability that loving entails.

I thought about how often this was needed in everyday life. How we feel lonely, sometimes to the point of tears, but we don't let those tears come because we are not supposed to cry. Or how we feel a surge of love for a partner but we don't say anything because we're frozen with the fear of what those words might do to the relationship.

"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things.

The way you get meaing into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning."

(Attn: Ms. Sia: Can I have your comments so that at least I know you are reading my blog pls?)

2005-07-31T21:07:00.000+08:00

The Reflection Day

Just had a heavy dinner and my stomach felt like it's going to blow up anytime. (obviously I dislike this kind of feeling) Therefore, my resolution for this week: Not to eat too full. :Þ

Anyway, today was a relaxing day. Spent my afternoon reading magazine and books at bishan dome. (la la la la...) Found out that there's actually quite a number of people that reads "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom, more than I expected. Now that's a pleasant surprise and I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

Anyway again, I was reading this book "Morrie in his own words" by Morrie Schwartz. Something in the book caught my attention and here's the excerpt and my interpretation.

"The more you can anticipate their (difficulties in life) impact, the easier your adjustment will be."

Life is full of the unexpected.

Life has its ups and downs, sadness and joys, surprises and opportunities, all of which are unpredictable in nature.

Often than not, I find that the phrase - "Hope for the best and prepare for the worst", rather true and very much relevant to our everyday lives.

I've often been told by my friends that such thinking of mine are both pessimistic and playing down the joys of living. Nonetheless, like a coin with both sides, there is actually some truth in the sentence.

By hoping for the best, I meant by being optimistic and be hopeful that things will end up just the way I want it to be. By preparing for the worst, I meant by being pessimistic in nature and be appropriately ready to react to the unforeseen.

The question that arises from this - How are you going to be optimistic and pessimistic all at the same time?

Maybe it's because I can be objective enough? Or maybe it's because I don't even think of the question at all and just do? All I do know is that most of the situations and issues that I faced everyday seldom cause enthusiasm in me.

It's something like reaching the stage of acceptance of the difficulties in life; and that you know it's useless to just sit there and complain about life's difficulties. Therefore, you accept readily what is offered in life and you just try to make out the best there is.

By accepting life as it is, and have the confidence in whatever you do, problems can be solved and obstacles be overcome.

Always look things in another perspective. Remember this -

"The same sun that melts the wax, hardens the clay."

2005-07-29T23:44:00.000+08:00

Ha!

Finally finished my exams! Yesterday was the last paper - on Organizational Design. Crammed very hard to prepare for this paper. A lot of notes and even more points to memorize. In the end I gave up, told myself that I'm just gonna understand the main points and gonna use the "Anyhow-Fill-In-the-rest" technique.

Anyway, at least the exams are over and I can finally breathe easier now. (phew!)

Oh ya, I went to watch this Jap movie "Red Candy". Could anyone who have watched this show give me a call please! I really am interested to hear people's comment on this stupid horror show. I mean, this is a GHOST/HORROR story, yet i managed to fall asleep during the show (wah!) and the ending kept us thinking what the f*** is the show all about!?!?!

I think the whole lot of ppl who watched the movie together in the cinema must have been confused by the ending... all my friends are. We ended up asking each other to analyze what was the director thinking when he was filming this show. (Yes ppl, the show is THIS BAD )

(Very Very Very Bad! I wonder why i wasted S$9.50 to watch this show)

Okie dokie, i'm actually supposed to write my fourth installment tonight. And here it goes.

Shiyi

For those who know her, yup, she's my current ex-girlfriend. We have been together for 3 years before we decided to give up this relationship. The process was not easy, but I guess this was the inevitable ever since we are together

In this relationship, we have been together through thick and thin, through my poly days and my army days. She was the one that I loved the most among all my other girlfriends.

If that was so, why did we end up in breaking up? I guess there's nobody who's right or wrong. We both loved each other and care for each other. It's just that feelings changed i guess.

I knew her through one of my colleagues back in my part-time working days. I remembered I first met her at Suntec City. We both ended up with each other after knowing each other for 1 month. (There are other details which I lefted out since I don't want to end up like a grandmother talking)

All that I can say is that during the first 2.5 years that we are together, I have tried very hard to make things work. I try my best to give her my attention, even to the extend of giving up some of my friends. (anyway, i'm always like that with a girlfriend - i.e. giving most of my attention to her)

Often, there are times where we quarrel with each other over trival matters. There were times in which I couldn't make out what she really wants. Even so, i treasured her very much cos I know that she loves me too.

Anyway, I do admit that i have committed some mistakes in my part and let her down at times. I guess that's why we didn't reconciled back. She eventually has found another relationship 2 months later. I wish her all the best with this new relationship and for all future endeavors.

When you can't have what you want, it's time to start wanting what you have.

It's better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.

2005-07-25T21:04:00.000+08:00

Have not been feeling very well today. Maybe it's due to insufficient sleep and the exam stress that is building up bit by bit. I dislike exams. :Þ

Anyway, something to note for today. My replacement has finally arrived! Hmmm... wonder why i do not seemed very excited/happy about this. Maybe today is Monday Blue. (Wore blue shirt today to signify this monday blue)

And Tuesdays will be black. Monday Blues and Black Tuesdays. (hmm.. somehow it rhymes)

And here is the third installment.

Yvonne

Yvonne and I had been colleagues once during our days in Black Tea Box. We were the founding team (a.k.a pioneer batch) for the then newly setup. We got to know each other quickly, due to the known fact that we were both smokers. (Non-Smokers Note: Ciggies do work WONDERS with friends.)

There was supposed to be another colleague of ours who is in our clique. Due to some unforseen circumstances months after we quitted the job, she remained uncontactable. Anyway, that's not the main point anyway. (For your info, her name is Cheryl.)

Why is Yvonne in my list of people that is important to me? The fact is that Yvonne is currently my closest friend whom i can share all my stuff and problems with. :)

How did I decide that she is my closest friend then? Throughout our friendship of 5 years, we did not meet often nor at a regular interval. I remembered the time when I went into NS. It will be a year later when I met her again. The funny thing (and surprising too) is that we both still have very much things to talk about. It's this kind of feeling I had with her that separates her from the others.

Yvonne can be my close friend cos she's always patiently listening to all my rubbish problems and I tend to share everything with her. When something happens, I would naturally like her to be the first one to know. (That's the problem too - She knows too much about me) :)

As I've mentioned to some of my friends, Yvonne and Lynn are the only two whom I actually listen to and actively seek advice from them. (Friends of mine should know how stubborn I am.)

Why is that? I think it's because I care about her and she cares about me genuinely. She's just like my elder sister, taking care of me and always be there for me.

I don't think there are many people out there whom we can call them as close friends. And I think I am very very very lucky to have known Yvonne as my close friend.

Thank you for all your support and care. Thank you.

My New Best Friend

Today I met a great new friend
Who knew me right away
It was funny how she understood
All I had to say

She listened to my problems
She listened to my dreams
We talked about love and life
She'd been there, too, it seems

I never once felt judged by her
She knew just how I felt
She seemed to just accept me
All and the problems I'd been dealt

She didn't interrupt me
Or need to have her say
She just listened very patiently
And didn't go away

I wanted her to understand
How much this meant to me
But as I went to hug her
Something startled me

I put my arms in front of me
And went to pull her nearer
And realized that my new best friend
Was nothing but a mirror

2005-07-24T22:28:00.000+08:00

"Raindrops keep falling on my head..."

Today is rainy day.

Went out around noon, and it started raining. Reached Bishan Dome for study, and it is still raining. Sat there doing my notes, still raining. (You get the idea right... IT'S RAINING DAY TODAY!)

Anyway, it rain did cease around 1500 hrs. (Was extremely happy, since I had to run around places today.)

By the way, nothing specific happened today, less for something which i should be discussing with Cal tomorrow.

Okie dokie, so let's get down to serious stuff then. It's time for another blog update of special people in my life! (Drums please!)

Shuling

I think i got to know her through IRC. Can't quite remember the details. Anyway, Shuling was my first close friend. At first, we just started out as what normally friends will do - chatting on the phone. This activity will carry on for 1 year before we managed to meet each other.

Why did i say that she was my first close friend? Cos even though we did not meet each other, and just merely know each other through our voices, we could almost share all our troubles and thoughts comfortably. (As what Shuling puts it - Since we did not meet each other, we will be at ease to relate to each other better.)

We shared with each other our ups and lows in life, our relationship problems, and frustrations about school. (Anyway, just for the records, she's actually from RGS and later NJC.) There was once - when she has just gotten into NJC, and she has been very unhappy about life there. In short, shuling could not adapt to the culture.

So during our usual chat on the phone, she started crying and crying. Being on the other side of Singapore, I couldn't do much then. Then, I told her this - "Get a pillow and pretend that the pillow is me, giving you a nice warm hug. Do not worry, I will be by your side whenever you need me" :) At that moment in time, we both felt happy to have known each other.

Now comes the important part, why is she on the special list? Besides her being my first close friend, she's also somebody that I have failed to treasure. It was only during one of the chats we had that we confided in each other that we had liked each other but did not say it out to each other. (sigh... another one) :)

Shuling is a happy-go-lucky person whom has a warm and kind personality. Her laughter is very affectionate and infectious too. She's really someone who is willing to listen to you without as much as a yawn or a complaint. And she has the special place in my heart and memory...

"I had shared with you the sadness in my life; i had shared with you the joy. Thank you for listening, caring and helping me to grow."

TRUE FRIENDS

There are many people whom we meet in our lives

But only a very few will make a lasting impression

on our minds and our hearts.

It is these people whom we will think of often
and who will always remain important to us
As True Friends.

- Susan Polis Schutz

2005-07-24T02:59:00.000+08:00

These few days have been very hectic. Studying for exams lar, working lar, getting F***ed by people lar, taking my exams lar, then somemore studying for exams. Woot...

Haven't been sleeping well these few days (which includes today too) :)

Sigh... have been thinking of a lot of people these few days siah. So thought of just like making a day by day entries tribute to those people who have came into my life and left their footprints in my heart. (For those not listed - Sorry! Don't think i'll have the energy to list down everyone.)

Ee Shuen

I remembered her as someone who has a positive outlook about life and has confidence in the things she does. She was introduced to me by one of my classmate in Secondary School. At first we just use the MIRC (no longer functional) and the ICQ (no longer functional too) to chat. Bit by bit, day by day, we spoke about a lot of stuff. Had this connection with her as if we have known each other for ages.

Anyway, if i have to write down every little bit of stuff about us, it would take ages. Hence, for readability, I shall cut short the stuff.

I liked her just after we had known each other for less than 2 months but I did not have the courage to tell her then. She had actually hinted me about her feelings in a letter that she personally gave to me during one of our dates. (Letter still being kept well by me) Being the blur person I am, I actually did not get the hint. (Can you believe it?)

Guess what, I even wrote back a letter to her and thank her for all the things that she shared with me. I must be stupid or something. Anyway, you can guess that our relationship did not bloom in the end. When I finally mustered the courage to tell her, she has already gotten over me.

This relationship was one of the few that I really regretted about. Had I told her earlier, things might had turned out differently. On the other hand, had i told her earlier and we really managed to get together, things will have been different right now. (I may not even have the chance to write this blog in the middle of the night)

Nonetheless, she has left me with a lot of fond memories which will remain in my heart for a long time to come. No matter what, she taught me to be optimistic about life and that there exists someone who can really understand me and I understand her.

Thank You, Ee Shuen. May you find success in everything you do. :)

Always treasure those around you. You never lose by loving, you always lose by holding back.

2005-07-16T23:03:00.000+08:00

Top Eight Reasons Why I respect Singaporeans

8. Singaporeans always strive for the best, the best discount price that is.

7. Singaporeans have a great sense of responsibility for their job. See how they try to squeeze with all their mights into crowded buses and trains every weekday morning just to reach their workplace in time.

6. Singaporeans are very environment friendly. See how they tend to throw their leaflets that you see people give out in MRT stations onto the floor so that the papers can decompose and return nutrients back to the soil.

5. Citizens of other nations usually at most have 1K - Knowledge. Singaporeans have 3Ks! Kiasu (Scared to Lose), Kiasee (Scared to Die), Kia Bors (Scared of wife).

4. Singaporeans parents have done a very good job in educating their kids. Some parents will teach their kids to help drive the economy of Singapore. The parents support the economy by buying cigarettes and educate their young by smoking in front of them. By doing so, they are hoping that their kids will start smoking when they grow up and join their parents into driving Singapore's economy.

3. Young Singaporeans are artistic and love to share their arts with others. Look at all the arts of work around our lovely void decks, seats on the buses, tiles on the floor, trees in the national parks and even on the doors of public toilets!

2. Singaporeans' favourite exercise is definitely walking. Look around you and you can find - JayWALKING..

1. When Americans farts, they say "Excuse Me." When British farts, they say "Pardon Me." When Singaporean farts, they say

"NOT ME!!!" :Þ

2005-07-16T22:19:00.000+08:00

Not too long ago, I was chatting with a fren of mine, whom i will name *** (To protect his confidentiality). *** has been facing difficulties with his relationship with someone of the opposite gender.

In short, he has a problem.

Everyone else, in the midst of living thru life, has experienced their own problems. Some solved theirs and carry on with their life. Others are maybe still "swirling" within their own troubles.

Well, here something for *** to ponder about. Hopefully he can manage to find the right time to do the right things he knows he has to do. Enjoy ***.

The Problem with Problems

"The hope that problems will go away on their own accord"

Problems do not go away, the tendency to avoid problem solving by ignoring a problem in the hope that it would go away in itself a major problem.

"We cannot solve life's problems except by solving them"

The sentence may seem idiotically self-evident, yet it seem beyond the comprehension of many of us. We must accept responsibility for a problem before we can solve them.

We cannot solve a problem:

By saying "It's not my problem".
By hoping someone else will solve it for us.

You are responsible for your own self. It is up to you and you alone to decide how to live your life.

You are completely free to choose your lifestyle, your attitude, your character. To resent them was to resent your own choice.

By realising that you are in control of yourself, is to verify your difficulties in your life as associated to yourself.

"Life is difficult"

Once we truly know that life is difficult - once we truly understand and accept it - then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, that fact that life is difficult no longer matters.

2005-06-30T07:43:00.000+08:00

Why Strong Mint? Some people might ask. Got that name from eating Mentos while creating this blog space. Ha! As what mentos does to perk you up whenever your eyes seemed to feel like lead or times whenever your brain starts to shut down from everything else, Strong Mint to me (a metaphor), to remind me to have the positive outlook in life.

Hopefully, this blog can serve as an extension of my life, and to relate my everyday experience, thoughts and even weeny stuff that are part of my life. Ü

2005-06-29T17:09:00.000+08:00

I'm enjoying my cup of Chamomile, while being "incapable" of doing any work in office. Was rummaging my stuff in the desktop when I found this article which i wrote down a few months ago. Decided to put it down here to share.

"The tension of opposites - like a pull on a rubber band

Life is a series of pulls back and forth. You want to do one thing, but you are bound to do something else. Something hurts you, yet you know it shouldn't. You take certain things for granted, even when you know you should never take anything for granted.

Took it from a book called "Tuesdays With Morrie". Seriously (pronouced as See-rile-ous-ly) should read that book. Gives you something ponder in life. Think about it, how often this is true, that life is really like a see-saw. :)