today is a good day

Today is a good day. What makes a good day is really the sum of all the little things that mattered, the things that surprised you and the things that you made effort to do and do well.

In the morning, I woke to find my mobile phone weather forecast application showing the weather for Glasgow. Glasgow! I was so surprised! It was as though my phone had already fast-forwarded into the future 7 months later when I would really be flying to Glasgow for my tertiary studies. Amused, I of course, decided to share it on my Facebook. That was when I spent a lovely morning trip to work making small talk with friends I've not been in contact for a while who commented on my status.

And she liked the photo too!:D

Forever unable to leave without checking my computer once, I saw my NS MO's photo of a spitting fountain in Bali because I got tagged in it with a couple of other medics I've known in Keat Hong. They had had a crazy conversation (the same style as usual, loads of turd, curses, references to our Resident of Room 2 and anything else gossip) which made me guffaw as usual. I felt this good feeling creeping in me as my scattered memories of the crazy time in the medical centre, outfield and Australia began to surface in my somewhat dulled mind (from too much man-mode in army, too much lack of academic mind-stretching, whatever).

I was on the wrong side of the road and I managed to chase after my bus which was about the leave. The bus driver was too kind to actually wait for me as I made my final 50 metre dash to the door. Thank you uncle! Along the way in the bus, I saw my old primary school mate from my primary 3/4 class. Dressed in red, looks hardly changed, maybe thicker eye brows but still the same face shape, probably going to work. A pity he boarded the bus behind me so we couldn't meet and say hello. But still, another pleasant surprise along the way to the MRT station.

I am now totally crazy over Elva 萧亚轩's "爱不离手". Its sweet, upbeat, light-hearted and catchy, a style extremely different from her traditional pop tunes and dance/party tunes. The song, which I found by chance on Youtube, got me back to listening to Elva because I previously didn't like the direction in which her music was going. I was literally floating to work as I heard and hummed to her song, as in my footsteps were so light lah.

Saw an old man peddling tissue packs in the underground pass between AMK Hub and AMK MRT station. I walked, I mean floated (I am not a ghost, period. I am saying this upfront.) past him, stopped in my tracks and decided to buy some tissue paper from him. After all these old folks need to make a living in this increasingly expensive city yea? Hope I made his life a little better.

I was at Raffles Place when I thought of the brilliant explanation as to explain my friend's question as to why Room 2 (reference to the main topic of paragraph 4 please) wasn't sacked yet. I thought I was an a**ehole for a while, a pretty good one. I was pretty straightforward in shooting another of my friend who said he was LAUGHING over the "prying eyes", but I thought I made good damage control by thanking everyone for the crazy and rich memories. Later in the day I was surprised to see my MO doing the same. Hardly the type.

Work was crazy. My shit from the morning spilled into work. I kept teasing my colleagues to my utter amusement. Oh well, they were laughing so I thought they were enjoying it too:P Even better when I annoyed my senior colleague only to keep laughing out loud, slamming the table and stamping the floor non-stop in my feint of ignorance over how to process a laboratory request - at least my lunchtime colleague had a great laugh too:D She kept silent because I said she will be a good girl:) I'm such a bitch, maybe because I slept at 1-plus am last night:)

And I got another red packet from the elder doctor today too^^ Plus I had a lovely conversation with my favourite resident doctor too:) She's just so pleasant and approachable, leaving her consultation room just to stand around and chat with us about family, the news, weather and anything else outside the window. AND she shares with me so much stories about her experience studying overseas and advice about how to cope there! How much better can it get!

Was going home and decided to wait a while before I went to the gym and by chance I saw one my favourite String Ensemble senior going home from school too!!! OH MA GAWD! How much better can this day get? Had a lovely chat with her until the bus stop where she takes the bus home.

Gym was super too. 101% kick, starting to get into the pattern and motion. Hope I can keep the drive and hope even more that I am doing it right. Hopefully, with a proper exercise regimen I can at least prevent myself from ballooning into EPIC proportions like my cousins and everyone else. A 3kg weight gain is already too much. Now to target my diet too, especially my lunch time impulses.

and I forgot, the moon was smiling as I made my ritual 1.3km walk home!

today, is a good day.

a new year's eve epiphany

Time flies, and before I know it, Chinese New Year is round the corner again, just like how it has always been for the past 20 years. 

***

It was a very sunny but surprisingly balmy afternoon. My parents had just left for IKEA to do some last minute shopping for lanterns, my sister decided to tag along and I was at home waiting it out until it was time to set off for the reunion dinner.

Was wandering around the house figuring out to do when a notification popped up on Facebook. To my surprise, it was from my classmate in junior college. We had not been in contact since graduation/prom and she had posted a message in the class group wishing everyone well. She was one of those Chinese scholars in class, working and studying on her own at her own pace most of the time, used to keeping her feet out of class affairs but was highly active in the Chinese language co-curricular activities, especially the school's well-established Chinese drama troupe Huang-cheng.

She was one of those better looking scholars and had a rather interesting-looking eye shape I could remember. At the start I did not really like her because I felt that she was quite cold and aloof, always minding her own affairs and approaching people only when help was needed. It did not help when we were still recovering from the highs of high school orientation, still feeling upset about not being in the same class with our pals from the same OG, and then having to bond with new people again. Some might end up sticking to our familiar groups we've known from secondary school at the start of the school year for comfort's sake.

It changed when we were in the same PW group. There always comes this time in your life when you learn to put your judgements and prejudices aside and know a person better by actually interacting and speaking to the person. This was it. I soon learnt through the conversations we had that she was just like any other foreign scholar, given this rare opportunity leave their country's insane education system and study overseas, seeking to do well, succeed and thus do something their peers would never be able to do. I also saw her as a very analytical and motivated individual with her own views and opinions and I really respected her for that. I could remember her telling me off for fretting over what I should do in an upcoming interview, pointing out that the one and only important thing I have to do is to just be myself. She also pretty much respected my opinions, asking me for my takes on various things, literally various things. I can remember her asking me once to brainstorm with her a Western name that will best represent her personality (She had conditions like: cannot be too girly, preferred starting letters will be 'N', 'V' etc. which I found pretty amusing).

Oh yes, and I made it on that interview. However, that didn't matter more than the lesson I learnt from that experience, that in this crazy world, you will be okay if you stay true to yourself.

***

So yup, we made some small talk, found out everyone was well and felt very happy about that. I could sense it from the words and the spontaneity in the online exchange. It felt so good knowing that all's well despite being thousands of miles apart. It sort of fills your whole body with this renewed sense of energy and optimism in this potentially depressing world out there (the beautiful rainbow after the heavy storm yesterday is, for one, an excellent example). You just find yourself smiling from ear to ear with all that good feeling.

***

Chinese New Year carries a lot of meaning to me, and its significance gets stronger year by year. It is the time for family and friends to come together in reunion, catch up and then make a toast to the new year with well wishes and hopes in tow. I am getting older by any rate and many of my old friends are now walking down different paths into their future. Most are in university; some are still in army, the rest having found work or doing something they've been passionate about after ORD; and many others have gone overseas, some leaving soon, myself included. This diaspora hurts me considering how we have to say goodbye to each other after all those years we have spent knowing each other, being with each other and growing up with each other. Its a bond made and one you fear will be lost or forgotten through time. CNY is thus the chance for all to, at least, get in touch and know that, despite all of us having changed somewhat in the past year, all is well.

And I thought this CNY is pretty interesting. Apart from the usual family gatherings, I've got so many friends asking each other out to meet up or visit each others' houses. I'm so looking forward to everything that is going to happen! Can't wait to catch up, have fun and maybe take some photos to keep some memories!

I get daunted whenever I think about how I would be faring in Glasgow this coming September. It is going to be the first time I'm looking after myself overseas for such an extended period of time. I will be back but only temporarily, considering my studies will take 6 years to complete. This means I will essentially be plucking my roots here in Singapore and settling in the UK for a really extended period of time ie. I will have to adapt to the new city, new environment, new school, new people as well. That is one big challenge.... that I am facing bravely and will love to take on.

A few things for sure: That I will cry big time at Changi Airport, I will feel lost for the first few days like what happened in Tekong, but that I will start enjoying my time there despite the stress of studies. This Chinese New Year has just reminded me that we all might be far apart from each other, but the ties we've made with each other will not be forgotten. I will have to treasure them even more once I leave this place. And still continue making new friends and gaining new experiences of course! The world is like a gigantic pie out there for you to grab it, its just whether you want to grab it hot or watch the opportunity get taken away!

For all that is, I know deep in my heart that I will not be lonely in this big big world out there:)

today's recollections

I must say today has been a really eventful day. In my mind at least. All those crazy ups and downs! Thus I thought it might be a pretty good idea just to jot down this memory down in my own word "pensieve" before I start forgetting something again. Its insane but its all a part and parcel of life.

Today was the first time in 2 and a half weeks that a bus 138, the bus that takes a more direct route to the  actually arrived at the bus stop at the normal time I set off for work. Like WOOTS YES + hands-in-the-air-and-celebrate. VICTORY SIGN:D And the good thing is because I am now earlier, I can board the first train with less of the squeeze I would get during the crunch time.

Having nothing to do on the train, I usually either choose to stone (because there's nothing else to do), listen to my MP3 (hardly because it gets irritating on the ears) or eavesdrop on what everyone else is doing on the train (this one's interesting). There was this Indian lady speaking to her friend on about the attitude people should have in what they do. That the past doesn't matter, that all that matters is that they learn to put all unpleasant things behind, look forward and get better otherwise you'll never achieve anything. That's all that matter!

Started off work with a lovely pack of fried rice, leftovers from yesterday's dinner, from home! Work was busy as usual. Snapped a few pictures of the Marina Bay area because the reflections in the water were really pretty. Pretty much tried to be helpful, learn and revise some processes and drugs from the previous few days. And I still drive Gladys, my colleague in charge of teaching me crazy from all those mistakes I make and nonsensical questions I ask her. At least I know I'm still doing okay when I am slowly improving. Smiling 24/7 and being a joker really helps and works in any situation. I swear by this. This is anecdotal experience.

And yes my colleagues were so funny also. The both of them were talking to the doctor about the restaurant he noted from our clinic window. And when he asked if they would be interested for a treat there, the both of their eyes lighted so bright it blinded me, gazed at the doctor spellbound mouths slightly open in awe, and they started clapping unanimously. MY GOSH. They were like little starstruck kids. Their faces were epic funny. Was laughing til my stomach hurt and eyes teared.

Met my primary school friend for lunch. AND HAHA can't ever imagine him in office boy outfit (minus the tie). Was rushing towards Chevron House wondering how I could even envision his look to aid in my spotting of him (I was keeping him waiting. Who asked all those patients to come at that unearthly hour before 12 noon!). IT WAS SO WEIRD. With the folded newspaper I was holding, I could have passed off as those chaps from China who do all the saikang at the back of the kitchens in the many eateries in Raffles Place.

Never mind, we ate nasi lemak at Golden Shoe. Loved the chilli though the rice was a bit bland. The vegetables were very good, had bite and was flavoursome enough. What mattered more was that it just felt good being with old friends (an old friend in this context). Oh well, just felt good. Even when we didn't talk much and decided to just walk round the whole of the Raffles Place area one time. Yes and I thought it was pretty amusing, like what the heck were we doing?!?! ^^ Amusing I have to say.

Today was payday too. Got my payslip. Too bad I had no $100 CNY hongbao:( It didn't help when its the operations manager you know who gave you the 2 mandarin oranges, realises something, says "OH, I'm sorry you don't have the hongbao because you are on contract not like the others." when you were expecting it. For a moment, I was pretty disappointed (actually, more like freaking disappointed) especially after having seen Gladys' email about this previously. Haha, but oh well I thought I wasn't going to let this petty issue. I'm going to be okay if its not fated to be mine. In fact, I thought of giving my colleagues a little present and surprise for CNY. That would be a good way to spend my first payday too! Plus the treats I'm planning to give my other friends too. How wonderful!:)

Knock-off time got delayed the second time this week, HOW HORRIFYING. The patients took so long and we ended up closing the clinic half an hour at 6pm. We may sound spoilt but the feeling sucks. Gladys suggested I try asking Janet for OT. Good proposition. Doesn't hurt because "I'm just contract anyway":) Looks like I have to get used to this occurring much more often in future too:\ At least a little point I can seek comfort from was that I caught the train to Yishun = less crowded! Heehee

Went to run at Yio Chu Kang stadium. I freaking loved it. I felt really comfortable running and aimed to sustain 12 laps without stopping and without walking. Finished my 7th round when it started drizzling. I WAS SO DISTRAUGHT. I AM STILL UPSET OVER IT. I'm starting to like exercise, just like how my sister did. It helps even more when I have nothing else much to do after work. A good workout + a good way to spend time + keep fit + feel good. How much better can this get?:P

And I became the facebook warrior I have always been when I reached home. Pretty amusing with all the nonsense going on and all the conversations I've had with my friends online. I'm starting to get what kind of post gets the likes and comments more than other types of post. I am getting high from this too. This is becoming another form of facebook addiction: how to garner to most number of likes, comments and attention from other users using the least effort and most impactful posts. I am sick!

the birthday, the beach, the night

I attended an old friend's 21st birthday celebration at a very pretty chalet he managed to book during the weekend (the slots fill up months ahead there). He was a good friend I knew in primary school. We both played the violin, much to my surprise when I first learnt about it because he was such a punk (he still is. some things don't change). And also, we were in the same gang in class too.

Our gang did everything thinkable and anything unbelievable together. For example, we:
1. copied each others' homework like a factory process before silent reading everyday only to get suspiciously identical mistakes
2. always formed the same team to compete with the other clique in captain's ball during PE lessons. and we always cheered for our side to win as though it was the only thing that mattered
3. hanged out at the same corner of the hall during recess, arrowing a runner to buy food for the rest and bitching about just anything else at the benches.
4. even collaborated to share answers in spelling and tests to a high degree of proficiency.

Looks like primary school was much more fun than I even knew. 

All of us pretty much parted ways after PSLE and lost contact until another close friend mooted the idea of holding a class gathering after 4 years. Yes, 4 years. Wild, ambitious, crazy, whatever. We planned it, made it, had it, enjoyed it. Some people changed, others hardly. Not all were contactable or able to turn up of course. But at least, we knew most of us were doing well and had a good time at the reunion.

And yes, we invited the other half of the class too. Hey, we had become 4 years more mature too please!

By an interesting twist of fate, I met this dear old friend in camp during NS too. What a better way to see each other again 3 and a half years after that! No odd feelings, just good feelings. Yes, there's that time gap, but who cared! We were in for it together, towards ORD!

And we did.

--- 

Now, the birthday party. 

Time check: a jolly good 10 years. 

Time flies.
---

The place got a bit stuffy and I needed a breather. I decided to drag my army friend who was there too to take a walk by the beach, enjoy the sea breeze and sit down and gaze at the Singapore Straits. We strolled and made small talk as he smoked. We already knew just about what we needed to know about each other, maybe just a bit more gossip about other people and their lives, so it was mainly just silent strolling.

It didn't take too long to reach the seaside. Singapore's really that tiny, really. I'm always amazed that this tiny plot of land could actually develop and grow so fast.

For all the noise, stress and rubbish in our lives, the night was calm, the beach was peaceful, the fresh air was invigorating and most importantly, the silence was comforting.

Sat on the breakwater and gazed outwards. The feeling was indescribable. I just felt so at ease with myself. I suppose it was inner peace.

The sun was setting, the night sky had a rich hue of crimson red and the lights from the ships moored in the waters of the Singapore Straits dotted across the horizon. It seemed as though everything was at a standstill, nothing moving, nothing changing.

If not for the abominable mosquitoes that mounted a relentless all-round assault on my poor body, I would have stayed there and gazed at the beautiful sea view for hours.

---

As Apollo led his golden steeds back to the Palace of the Sun, 
the primordial deity Nyx stepped out of the shadows and began to take over the heavens,
bringing forth the night.

---

I just couldn't help but realise once again how fast time had past. Everyone around us is growing older by the day, myself included. I myself will very soon, as unwilling as I am, become 21 in less than 3 months time too. But then, I have to remind myself time after time that it is thus important to make the most of the time we have to do what our heart desires and not what others expect of us, to do what you can for others and not what others can do for you and, to just enjoy and treasure life before it is too late.

We can't escape the wrath of time, but at the very least, we can safe-keep all these precious memories, experiences and feelings we have had to savour them and share them with loved ones until the end of time.

time for a makeover long overdue!

New year. New beginnings. New experiences.

A new day, A new rush, A new encounter.

1. Suffered 4 hours through a physically grueling but mentally unstimulating TOEFL (just to get past British immigration seriously?? i was yawning all the way through because it was too tedious dealing with all the questions)
2. Chowed down a true giant of a steakburger from Carl's Junior like how Adam Richman does in Man Versus Food (and then regretting the impulse decision)
3. Experienced what it feels like to have my heart in my mouth seeing the physiotherapist teach my aunt how to move my grandma from the bed to the wheelchair and vice versa in hospital
4. Crazy shopping at Changi Airport just to get 4 angry birds from the airport Visa promotion (and still feel sad when we realised we could have gotten 5) and

FYI, we currently already have 2 red ones (and that is only those we got from the 
airport. My sister has 2 more as well, both birthday presents) at home plus 3 blue ones 
we are waiting to collect from Changi Airport because they ran out of stock. We are 
mourning over the golden window of time missed to collect our beloved pig buddies.

 

5. The final dash to Queenstown to pick my sister from piano lesson (except that she's the teacher now).

Totally busy day. Can't get any better than that.

The week was insane too, but that will be for next time.

And really, my old page looks real gross. "xtremeattitude" seriously? What the heck was i thinking. I'm not punk, i'm fat and uncool, and its a plain turn-off. In short, disgusting. The grey, the rants and the nonsense in there. That's the turd of the decade. Totally cannot tahan!

As such, change is in order.