Footballers' Dream

Damnation!

Singapore football team lost to Haiti's in the semi-finals football match. In a stadium fulled of mostly Singapore supporters, all decked out in red, it's heartening to know that these people are behind the Cubs.

But, now that we lost, will the same people who cheered them on, turned around and accused the players? We, people, are a practical bunch, but there has to be a limit to it. So, I think the best therapy and consolation for our young players is full support. Please, don't let these players down.

I can't believe we lost. However, in every game, there will be winners and losers. We just happen to fail this time.

So, now, Singapore is off for the bronze medal or the fourth place. Be it either of the two, let us be proud that these footballers have come this far, bringing football passion into people's lives again.

Although, I sure hope we can get a bronze medal.

Cheers for Team Singapore! Cheers for our footballers!

Perils of Holidays & Universal Studios Singapore

Alright, I am totally procrastinating. There. I finally used that word. I used to think that the word don’t apply to me and doesn’t exist in my dictionary. But, this time, I shall admit it.
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Gosh, where have the last 2 weeks gone?!
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Why must time pass so fast that I can’t catch up with it? Day after day after day, I just couldn’t bring myself to complete my tasks. Why?! Argh, the perils of holidays! Oh, the pain! Of seeing my time slipping away.
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Trust me, I am having the time of my life. But, I can’t help but to get guilty over not studying for the exams, yet. This time, though, I WILL learn my lesson and revise early. Really, I will.
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On Monday, 16th August 2010, I went on to Universal Studios Singapore located at Resort World Sentosa with my cousin’s family. It was fun indeed and has been the place I want to go since it first open. They have an extra ticket so I went with them.
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It’s too bad that it rained earlier that morning, but the weather cleared after we reached there. Wow, the place is really filled with tourists all around the world, even for a Monday. Although, I must say, the whole area looks so small compared to the bigger scaled cousins like the famous one in Orlando, Florida.
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Still, it was pretty enjoyable even though I don’t play a lot of rides. The whole atmosphere is quite fun, especially Hollywood and New York section.
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I love the shops the most. I bought quite many pins and a shirt. I could spend all day there.
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In the evening, after watching a couple of performances, we ate dinner and walked around the other parts of the resort. We saw the beautiful hotels and Festive Walk. I really want to thoroughly explore the whole place and I am in luck since my parents will be going to Universal soon. I won’t be going inside with them because the price is atrocious. I rather spend the money on something more substantial like clothes or bag.
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I can’t wait to go to Universal Studios Orlando because I know I will spend till I drop.
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On another note, I hope that we can stay for a night at one of the hotels within the resort, but I doubt so. Sigh, why must the price be so darn high? Seriously, why? Because they cater to the rich and tourists, that’s why.
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Youth Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

The Youth Olympic Games 2010 Opening Ceremony at The Float at Marina Bay was held on 14th August 2010.

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I felt honoured and privileged to be there live in action, together with my family. There were an estimation of around 27,000 viewers sharing this special moment. We parked at Marina Square at around 5pm plus. Unfortunately, we were off to a glitch because we ended up queuing for entrance at a hotel for officials. We were directed out and headed off for the green zone.

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Boy, was the conditions tough at the stands! The earlier rain had stopped, making the conditions extremely humid and hot. I was perspiring away just sitting at the seat. It seemed that there were quite a lot of foreigners and tourists there, which kind of surprised me.

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It was supposed to be free seating yet we have to sit packed to the sides first. I can understand that but the system will be better if they allowed us to choose the seats in the beginning, just like booking for cinema seats. They can also disallow people from leaving spaces in between.

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The goodie bag wasn't as good as the National Day's. For one, there was only a muffin to eat. And fans should be provided as well. I hid beneath a huge pair of sunglasses and used a pamphlet as shade.

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Already I tried to dress as minimally as possible. This beat some officials who wore long sleeves and jackets.

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As the day waned, the heat sweltered on, more and more people arrived. As the sun set, a mild breeze blew past and everyone sighed in relief. Alas, dark clouds gathered on the horizon. As the time ticked by, the dark and heavy clouds moved steadily towards us, people began to unpack their ponchos. It was such a bad timing if it was to rain.

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We saw the clouds moved above us and slowly, as if a miracle, moved onwards near to Marina Bay Sands instead. It's almost time for the ceremony to start.

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Luckily, as the day turned into night, the clouds disappeared into the dark skies and the show went on with nary a problem.

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The Opening ceremony was unlike others, it was upbeat and not that solemn. It was like a gigantic party, which fits the theme as this is the Youth Games afterall. It's young and energetic and the songs used kept your feet tapping. We rummaged our goodie bags for the torches and mini flags.

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Furthermore, this is a special place to host the opening, traditionally, opening and closing ceremonies are always held in stadiums, whereas in Singapore, we held the ceremonies in an outside setting, on a floating platform no less. That has to count as something.

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Athletes arrival was done in a quick manner, it was not wishy-washy and they were quickly led up to their VIP seats in the middle. It must be great for them, to be able to sit in the stands and witnessed the opening as well. In my experience, athletes always don't have a chance to watch the ceremonies, as they have to be in the middle of the stage.

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The flags bearing was done in record time too. I salute them for that. The flags came in one after another and was handed over to the volunteers.

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The appearance of the golden dragon was something special for us as it was driven by my cousin. The dragon head looked fantastic in shimmering gold scales and fire-breathing nostrils! He drove up the slope without any problem and the "body" made of of carps followed closely. Although, I have to say that the "tail" of the dragon didn't follow as closely, so it looked disembodied.

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Pretty soon, it was time to "Blaze the trail" as the sacred flame which had travelled through the five continents and the whole of Singapore finally arrived in a grand fashion, on a Phoenix no less.

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The whole bay was dark and over the distance, I can see lights as the dragon boats entourage came into sight. The gigantic Phoenix-designed boat held the flame and it was so whimsical and gorgeous. I bet no one thought of arriving like that before.
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In a zig-zag fashion, the flame was passed from bearer to bearer and finally, it arrived on stage. The final torch-bearer, whose identity has been kept hush-hush until then, ran across the reflecting waters and literally, lit up the beacon. The flame travelled in a spiralling pattern, until it set the "lighthouse" on fire.

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Wow, what a grand spectacle! The people behind all these sure know how to create an entrance. It was sure a grand finale.

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The fire burned on strongly, unlike other ceremonies. Up close, it looked like a tornado of flames.

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Fireworks lit up the skies, but I felt it wasn't as good as the National Day's There was too little variations and colours.

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And we cheered! For Singapore and the world. I felt so proud at that moment, it's finally our turn and I have the chance to witness this.

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We saw my cousin on the way out and we took a photo with the dragon head, unfortunately, it wasn't lit.

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The journey back took a long time, because of road closures and what not. We reached home at around 12am plus. But, looking back, it was all worth it.

Singapore Youth Olympic Games

Because nothing else comes close.

After nearly 2 years since winning the bid to host the inaugural Youth Olympic Games here in Singapore, after passing the 99 days countdown, all those planning, organising and rehearsals will finally take form tomorrow!
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Congratulations, to those who make this happen and work! You all deserve so much more than just another echo of thanks.
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Tomorrow, we'll show the world what we are like and what we have to offer. Tomorrow, hopefully, people will form new perceptions of us. A small country, an island to be exact, has manage to come this far and the first ever to host the Youth Olympic Games, which is the first big-scale event for us.
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By big-scale I mean that it is a smaller-scale version of the Olympics which can never occur in Singapore, likewise for FIFA Worldcup and others. Therefore, it is a blessing that the Youth Olympics comes along and small countries like us will now have a chance to welcome the world too.
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I'm so excited for tomorrow's opening ceremony because we're given a chance to be part of a historical moment. Yes, it may cost a lot but I think it will be worth it. There could only be one Opening and there could only be one chance to view it live, perhaps in this lifetime, especially so for my parents.
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How many years will it take for Singapore to host the Olympics again, perhaps never, perhaps in the not-so-near future. And when you think of it this way, it will make you feel better because a chance lost will never be found again.
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Even if the Games does come back, I'll be no longer the same person I am now, a youth. I'll no longer be feeling the same, the excitement and pride of a young person.
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I'm so glad we are going to be part of this movement. As Singaporeans, I feel that we should all have a part in this. Of course, the Opening Ceremony will be an eye-opener as well as a lesson.
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I will be really surprised if the Event Management exam does not have a question on the Olympics. Knowing the kind of person he is, the lecturer will surely pose questions on this, be it on sponsorship or volunteerism or event planning and staging. I want to do well and there are all these articles which are real-life examples of what we learnt in classroom.
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Now, I really feel the event management is a big business and all, but too bad, there are no more lessons. I feel that we can really discuss a lot in class. Surprising, huh?
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Once again, I'll not have the time to update again until I return home tomorrow night. Tomorrow is a long day, what with work in the morning and going to Auntie's house in the afternoon and leaving for the Floating Platform in the evening.
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I can only hope that it will not rain tomorrow, especially in the afternoon and night.
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Here wishing all the best to the performers who have come so far for this big day!
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Cheers!

Issues on YOG

“You can lead a horse to water but cannot make it drink”

Isn’t that true in this case?
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Many Singaporeans are clueless and have a "heck-care" attitude when it comes to such important events. My lecturer was right about the “if it’s here, so what, it doesn’t concern me” attitude.
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"If the Games are here, so be it. If there isn’t, we’re not missing anything. I won't waste money and time supporting them, even if the atheletes are Singaporeans". How pathetic.
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Maybe we’re still a young nation, that’s why there is no sporting culture yet, or maybe we’re just too harsh upon ourselves. Perhaps it is the case of “the grass is greener on the other side” syndrome. We keep seeing the beautiful things that are of other countries and compare ourselves to them.
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In my opinion, Singapore do lack the softer aspects of culture, be it arts or sports. And that is where we fail. We are so fixated on doing things in monetary terms and expecting our wills be heard and done.
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Singapore has successfully win the bid and is doing its best to make it a memorable experience, if those who don’t wish to bask in this glory, who is to stop them and more to the people who are enthusiastic and passionate anyway.
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We are going down in history and it’s laughable that some don’t care. Oh well, let them be stuck in thier tiny well and looking at the same piece of sky. Here wishing to a beautiful night at the opening ceremony!
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What makes me madder is the fact that some pathetic people state that Youth Olympics is a waste of time. Perhaps it is useless to these naysayers, seeing that they are neither athletes nor youth. Obviously, it don't matter to them. *roll eyes* But the very least they could do for this generation is to let them have a chance to compete at world's level.
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Why should you deny others a chance?
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"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"
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I, on the other hand, am so thrilled by this. I am excited and want to catch some action, but circumstances don’t allow me so. I just have to content myself with pictures and maybe more.
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Finally! The sacred flame has arrived to Singapore after making its way through 5 continents.
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It started out at ancient Olympia, where the sun-rays lit up the cauldron and was bore by the High Priestess. The ceremony was just so intriguing and amazing! It combines ancient ceremonials with modern technology and one just has to wonder how far humanity comes.
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And it is finally picking up steam in Singapore.
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Call me petty or whatever but this time, finally, we’ll be getting full coverage of an Olympics! So there.
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Time and again, I wish desperately for live full coverage of the various Olympics and I was completely disappointed. Maybe the media company just don’t have the money to bid for the rights to broadcast.
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But in my opinion, since it’s the Olympics, the world should share the joy together. Why, all these so-call major sports events are turning into money-grubbing business. Very, very, realistic.
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At least make the other means of watching the coverage easier, it makes me feel like I’m in a different world altogether with all these “blocking-because-of-your-region” business. Yes, I get it that I live so far away from the States and all, but need you rub it in? Even the sharing-channel, Youtube, doesn’t work in this instance.
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For goodness sake, I thought it is the committee job and vision for the Olympics to travel far and wide? Why are you blocking videos to prevent others from enjoying them? Copyright issues, yeah right. It’s the official website, for god’s sake. I can’t even watch the whole of the opening and closing ceremonies.
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This sort of circumstances are what make people turn to illegal stuff. The legal and right way is just too tedious.
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Anyway, I’m so happy that it’s others turn to question why isn’t their local media broadcasting the YOG. Why indeed?
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Maybe there is, but the publicity isn’t there or maybe they just have to pay. Money can go anywhere, isn’t it? Money make the world goes round and it can open doors for you.

Wolf Charm Lost

I miss my wolf charm so much, it's so beautiful and I just had to lose it. I will get another, that's for sure, but when and how are the questions.

Singapore is a difficult place to get the charm I want because of shipping and all that. I could ask my friend to help me get it but then, I will have to wait a long time. Well, it's better than nothing.

We'll see. I want something nice, very detailed and cheap. All these Internet business sounds and looks dodgy. I don't really dare to try online shopping, what if they took my money and never give me the goods?

Should I wait at least till the end of the year to ask? Or should I ask soon. With her keeping possession of it till she come back or I go there. Because I plan on going to the States next year, that's what makes me linger over the decision.

JYOF - Northwest District

Oh yes! I'm so thrilled as I took shot after shot of the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame, right here, literally at my doorsteps.

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I had this planned since Saturday. I tracked the flame progress live online and was so shocked that it started raining heavily around 1 plus. I just couldn't bear to be disappointed.

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My brother managed to skip his CCA session and came home to catch this moment with me. We made our way downstairs around 3.40pm, once I saw the flame icon was moving again on the screen.

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It was supposed to arrive around 3pm but perhaps due to the bad weather, they were deterred. I was so nervous, my heart was beating unevenly, when the flame stopped for so long. I even went twitter to ask why.

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I was so worried that I won't manage to take good shots but I did. The whole thing happened so fast. The entourage came on two open-top buses, the traffic police, the torch-bearer and the accompanying runners and more buses following behind.

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We saw the exchanging of torch as well. And then, they were off.

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Ahhh, it feels so satisfying to manage to catch this live, it's indeed a moment of a lifetime. This Saturday, I will part of Singapore's history as well.

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Musings on Life

It is what we want in life that shapes the person within.

It’s true, we all started out more or less the same, as time passes, people change, for better or worse. And when we are in our twenties and look back at where we started, would we wish to change things then?

It is the priorities one has in life that makes him do the things now. Do you want to be a sportsman? If then, what would you sacrifice to get what you want?

I have priorities, in life and in schoolwork. Because I'm not that kind of person who go about life in a haphazard manner. Just like how you have a million and one things to acquire, but only have the means to get what are the most important first and leave the rest for later, or perhaps never.

I'm sure I'll regret not choosing the other paths, but won't Life even be more pathetic if I keep thinking about the "have-beens" and "may-bes"?

If I have a time-turner, I would love to go back in time and see the other paths. Would I have chosen them then, or would I still choose this, ultimately?

Lately, I've been thinking a lot. The meetings with friends and the suddenness of seeing myself out there, I have been thinking about life.

I don't regret going through my school years oblivious of the trivial things that had been going around. Firstly, I am not one for gossip. Secondly, frankly, I don't see myself gasping in horror or otherwise just because this guy goes out with this girl.

I've always been oblivious to the surroundings since young and maybe I don't plan on changing now. Still, it will be good to keep up with times now and then.

I am too afraid of being pathetic, of being stuck in nowhere. I want to change, you know? But it is harder than I thought. The human mind is resilient and I'll just have to believe.

Like what my lecturer said, "it's about the mindset, you can't be competing with people all the time, because you'll end up falling or getting a brain hemorrhage. Just compete with and push yourself. Just because you are lecturer and a friend is a CEO doesn't mean you fail as an individual. If you keep thinking about how unfair life is, then you will get nowhere."

Another lecturer said, "to be successful doesn't necessary mean in monetary terms or credentials. Perhaps, your parents are successful because their child has come so far. This is a form of success too".

National Day Parade 2010

Happy 45th Birthday, Singapore!
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National Day Parade 2010 was wonderful and the lighting effects are so good! The theme this year is “Live Our Dreams, Flag Our Flag”.

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One thing that got me was how they butchered the beloved national songs. I can hardly stand to hear them.

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This year, the Parade was held at the Padang due to the Floating Platform being reserved for the YOG Opening and Closing Ceremony.

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Guess what? For a once in a lifetime experience, my family blew S$400 on the tickets for the YOG Opening ceremony. It will be worth it because how fast will the flame come back to Singapore again? Not at least till many years, perhaps.

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So, it’ll be Singaporean pride there. Even though our seats are the second cheapest, can you imagine us buying the grandstand which cost a whooping S$200 each? It’s too crazy.

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Anyway, back to the NDP 2010. The fireworks are magnificent, with the new Marina Bay Sands as a beautiful backdrop. Who is to say Singapore skyline isn’t comparable to other countries? It’s just as beautiful, if not better.

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The military march-in and the mobile column are some of the best highlights. Each year, I can’t help but to be teary-eyed as I think of how great it is that I’m in Singapore.

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I also noticed that this year, the word “grateful” keep popping out, this is indeed a timely reminder to us that we must not take what we have for granted. Just because we have all these up-to-date weapons and military, does not mean that we just forsake ourselves in our trivial battles.

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Everytime I watched the parade, the mood never fails to grab me by the throat and squeeze. I get chock-up over the pride.

Letters to Sir

Because I didn’t get to do teacher evaluations this time round, and since I have a lot of things to write, this will have to sate. I wonder why the lecturers didn't give the evaluation to us, were it just plain coincidence?

Dear sir,

I get it that you have tons of experience in the working industry, but do take note that you are not in that kind of environment anymore, where looking down at your subordinates is the norm. Even then, there are all kinds of protocol that "forbids" this. I would like to remind you that, first and foremost, this is an educational institution.

We, as students, are here to learn and get good grades. True, the school may be preparing us for the working world, but this is, alas, not THE working world. Do take care of you treat us.

Please, regarding that attitude of yours, you could always be a little bit more approachable and friendly instead of keeping a distance away. We need your advice and help.

Yours sincerely.

My dear sir,

I get it that you have the best intentions for us, but please tone down your enthusiasm. It’s really getting on, I can only assumed, everyone’s nerves. Since Day 1, you have been repeating and repeating yourself over and over again that we can quote directly.

And you really need to work on your time management skills. Do not treat us like fools. When you say something, do make sure you adhere to it, only then, can you use your authority to make sure your students stick with the regiment.

It’s pretty unbelievable that you said one thing and did the complete opposite.

Stop the nagging! I wish you well in your endeavours.

Yours truly.

It’s over. Hooray!

I told myself that this will be the last post on my depressing life in school for this semester. But, the teacher just had to nag and nag and nag and blah his way through the last lesson. There really is something wrong with him.

Everytime a student shared, he will add in his 10 minutes speech and you get the point. An originally short lesson turned out to be a full-blown session with him. For freaking sake, this is terrible, extremely terrible.

But, it’s over and I’m glad. It is hard to hate someone when he gave good grades to us. My discontentment with them has gone down a notch after these few days. I can even say I feel fondly of them, too bad, it just have to be the last day before the feeling come.

Slaving for Glory

"We slaved all this while, just for recognition and a moment of glory"

But, it is worth it.

Today, we got back our Events Management group project, and the lecturer wrote lots of remarks. What got our attention was the "good". Woah, I never thought I'll see this day. I guess it is worth the gruelling hours we put in and more.

I don't know if he write all that for the other groups, however, I felt great and alive at that moment. Finally, isn't this what we aim for? I still don't know the grade and never will. I can't only hope for an A.

His praise and attention is so hard to get and this makes everything tougher. He wrote that we should edit the report and keep a copy each as a personal proposal, to help us should we ever need it.

And here, we ended the term, more or less. Tomorrow's the last day and we shall cheer and grab the chances we have left, because the end is nigh. What we leave behind, shall never be found again.

It's too depressing for my poor mind to take. I can't think about the holiday-less future. Can you imagine it? I literally live for holidays, with them gone, what else is there to sustain me? Books? Sure, if there are good ones.

SIT Exam & Sentiments

What a heck of a ride!

Phew, I am glad that I went through it alive, more or less. I am certain that my brain cells died, a lot, and of course, my spirits.

Semester 3.1 is a killer term. I never saw this coming.

Hmmm, today's SIT exam, how should I put it? I am speechless and I think I required therapy to get over it.

It's not difficult, as per say. But, you know me, I didn't finish studying till the last minute. I swear I won't do that again. It's hard, so hard to remember everything.

The test is very lengthy. There are so many things to write and I ran out of time. Damn you all! I can't believe my mind went blank at the crucial question! I just sort of gave up when I realised the time I lacked.

No, no, I don't think I won't do well. But, the ball is not in my court now, all eyes will be on the teacher's decisions. Please, I really need that A, I still harbour hopes that I can get that A.

The questions asked are not exactly common sense, there are some which requires pure memorise work. I think I did fairly well, I just hope that the points I gave fit.

1 hour and 50 minutes is not enough! I scribbled my way on the second hour and thought that I will still have time. I should have done the case-study questions first! The problem is that I spent too long on the short-answer questions.

Sighs, the term is almost over and I thank god for it. Any longer and I can just go bang my head. It's too much, I can't take it. I really need a getaway to escape from reality.

Who will sponsor me for a getaway? Nobody but myself. If I have the means, I will surely go for a nice little retreat. This is what I plan to do when I start working proper. So, saving is the top priority.

Now, now, I keep putting off things for "Destination Orlando", I'll really hurl if I don't fulfil my year-long goal. I save and save, all for this trip. I must make it successfully or else... It will be a reward for all the things I have done over the years. I deserve it, don't I?

All the things I did, I did them for the greater good. So, please, don't ever disappoint me.

Semester 3.1 has been really tough. It's been a uphill battle. It's as if we are some poor soldiers with nary a weapon in our hands. The lecturers this time round have been tough too. I've witness the good, the bad and the weird. This term, they consist of the bad and weird.

I've lose hopes of getting a good lecturer.

Anywho, I won't see them again, I hope. This semester is nearly done, well, except for the exams. I'm nearly out, which I fear. There won't be another chance like this, ever. And when the time comes, I'll look back and scoff at whatever I am writing now.

I will look back with fond and not-so-fond memories and laugh in horror over these posts. Sheesh, I am getting too sentimental. I guess what I need is a good cry.

Panicky

"When I panicked, this is the time to pay no notice of me"
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No, it's not that I'm not confident. Perhaps I always panicked because I feared for the worst. What-ifs always float around in my head. What if my mind just went blank in the middle of the exam? What if I fail?
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But, I guess the point is that I have done well in the mid-semester tests, so why should I fear now? Am I adding unnecessary problems and scenarios to myself? Maybe. Truly, I am scared, anxious and my heart is palpitating.
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What's more is that the subject I fear is kind of common sense. Environmental and other problems are considered to be my area of forte. Didn't I do this again and again for Geography?
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However, I fear that common sense will desert me when I need it the most. Speaking of which, looking back, I can't believe I've come so far. How ever did I make it past the 4 years of constant mugging and memorising?
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It's a vicious cycle.
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Another problem with me is that I never learn. Humans don't ever learn, do they? I told myself again and again that I shouldn't revise at the last minute and yet everytime, I did just that. For all that is holy, this has got to stop.
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Starting from this week? The problem is that I just can't bring myself to study when I am finally free from the curse. My mind has been blissfully blank over the weekend, it is the only chance after a few consecutive weeks of torture.

Non-existing Presentation & JB

Hmmm, how should I describe yesterday?

We made plans to go to Johor Bahru, Malaysia as soon as our presentation ended. It was meant to be our last presentation yesterday.

We reached school as usual, 9am and sat outside the class due to the lecturer stating that only the group presenting will be allowed inside, with the exception of each group's representative to ask questions.

He was the one who said that each group is only given 20 minutes at most to present and the question-and-answer session. He was the one who said that each member is to keep the speech to 1 and 1/2 minute.

So, why did he allow blatantly allow the groups to cover more than 30 minutes of presentation, hence exceeding the timing and left the two last groups hanging?

It pissed me off to no end that we got scammed into coming to the non-existing class, wasting two full hours sitting outside the classroom in our formal wear.

This is what I hate about people. He was the one who make it a point to say those instructions and everyone was present to hear it last week. Therefore, it is only polite and correct to adhere to the instructions.

Even if the students themselves exceeded their allocated timing, then, proper timekeeping should be made. I don't see a problem with Special Interest Tourism presentation a couple of weeks ago. The lecturer made sure that there is 5 minutes grace should a group exceeded time.

Naturally, we were angry, given that we are the 4th group. When the 3rd group finished, the hour was up and the lecturer had to rush to another class. Please, don't do something you can't even keep.

If he had wanted a long presentation, just say so and allocated the presentations over 2 weeks, alright? This is common sense. Don't go making false promises just because you are a lecturer.

The worst thing was, he assumed that we will be free, for him, and he wanted us and the last group to present at 1pm. Sheesh, what did he think he is? That we exist purely for him, for the school?!

So, we told him, that we are leaving Singapore at this moment and we will not be free. Which is true, we already made plans to go JB in Malaysia to sort of celebrate.

And he did not apologise to us. Please, for god's sake. The least thing you could do is to say you are sorry for keeping us waiting. Sighs, this shows that teachers aren't infallible and have no sense of apologetic.

Originally, he wanted us to go back on a Friday to present but a friend said that he is flying off on Friday, again due to his empty promise that he will change his class to a Tuesday. Urgh, what is the matter with him, anyway!

Anyway, so now, we're still not done with our presentation and had to go back to school on Tuesday to present, from 11pm to 12pm.

We took group pictures and surprisingly, we took a class photo too. For a class that never bond in 1 year, this is really surprising.

We changed and took a bus to Woodlands and from there, take the MRT to Jurong Est interchange before going up the bus to Malaysia.

It was quite exciting actually. I have never travel overseas with friends before.

The bus sped all the way to JB and we were shocked that the bus seemed to know where to stop and the commuters seemed know where to the bus, when there are no bus-stops. The commuters stood under trees and the bus will pick them up. Strange.

We had fun in the big shopping mall called Jusco. They ate at Pizza Hut and I had take-away KFC. The food is cheap there. Of course, we mustn't forget Baskin Robbins! The one we did for the franchise project.

The ice-cream cakes look so nice and the flavours are plenty. Too bad there is no Love Potion. We ordered triple scoop ice-cream and it costs us 13 ringgit, which is cheap for us. Normally, one scoop would have cost around S$ 3 plus.

We did some window-shopping and walking around. I though that their OPI nail polish will be cheaper there but, alas, that's not true.

By 5.30pm, we were leaving the place and had to walk a long way in order to take the bus home.

It was fun, albeit a little too short. Although my feet were killing me.

Rose-painted Glasses

"What, afraid of a little competition?"

Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. Who isn't? Though I hate myself for feeling so competitive when I am looking in wonder at my life.
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PDI presentation was over and I guessed it went ok. Other groups were better at this, I had to admit. For some reason, I just don't find this subject and presentation as satisfying as the others. But, I still hope that we can get at least a B+.
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For some reason, I'm having conflicted feelings whether the term ending is a good thing. Apparently, I can't make up my mind. On one hand, I am voicing out my happiness vocally, because this is the almost the end of the crap of a term. On the other hand, though, there have been good days.
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The August holidays is something that marks the end of the polytechnic life and yet, while I look forward to it since the beginning, it is something sinister.
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3 weeks, there could only be 3 weeks of utter relaxation and bliss before everything will turn into a neverending nightmare. Of course, I have forgotten that during the 3 weeks, I am suppose to be studying for the end-semester exams.
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So, I've to plan on what to do during that precious 3 weeks. Surely, it will be the time to catch up on my previously bought books and more new books. Which means that I'll have to cut down on the time spend online.
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I have to make the Harry Potter DH countdown clock! With help from my brother, perhaps. It have to be magnificent, so I will have to find gorgeous pictures.
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I have to tidy up the room as well. I have to paint, ah, must not forget. I have to continue to make beadwork. I have to work! Which is a stupid idea.
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I'll write more when time permits. But, if not now, then when?

Reflections

"Selfish is a beautiful word"

And why not? For everything you live for, it's for yourself. While the world does not spin for you, things do revolve around you.

I believe everything happen for a reason. I must credit luck and the higher powers for the things I have and achieved, but at the same time, I believe I deserve it.

Of course I feel proud whenever I got good results, because I know that it's another hurdle passed. Let's just say I would stop at nothing to get there.

And is it truly a bad thing to wish so hard for things to go your way? Perhaps they don't need it as much as I do. Perhaps given the effort I put in, I believe I should get a greater share. Don't ask of me to share the success with the rest of the people who did nothing to contribute. Afterall, we aren't even acquaintances.

"As the term winds down, it's time to reflect"

Truly, I am right. It's been an emotional roller-coaster. It's been a "hell of a ride". I've been through highs and lows, pretty low in fact. I must say, I am blessed with good group members who are dedicated to the course.

Because I know we couldn't do it alone. As much as things differ and feelings may arise, we still stuck close and let's pray that our hard work pays off.

I don't know. I know we can't possibly dominate all subjects, but a girl could wish. Besides, one or two teams are pretty competitive this time round.

And this is what I fear and hate. I hate myself for feeling competitive and wanting to compete on everything. I had to. I fear that suddenly we will ease to exist. This is why I try so hard, to do well and be good. I am a firm believer that overall matters.

Somehow, I am not as sure this time compared to last semester. It's near impossible to get all As again. I swear I'll scream if I did it. I need a miracle, a couple, actually. Please.

Disgusted

I'm thoroughly disgusted by the subject of Product Development and Innovation. Perhaps, I'm just not into designing products from scratch, especially all those technical parts.

Anyway, things are wrapping up and winding down. Let's just get tomorrow over and done with and I can finally start on housekeeping. By deleting away all those bits and pieces of drafts. They are all over the place. Urgh.

I'm thankful for the group members who have stuck through, since they are the ones who more or less keep this project alive. But, it is not saying I didn't keep any project alive. I guess everyone just have his/her day.

The final hours are always the hardest to pass. I'm so stress over the freaking presentation. 30 minutes! How am I going to endure that? And we have to show our prototype as well.

Luckily (or not), we are the first group to present. In a way, there is no benchmarking for us, once the presentation is done, we can relax and see other groups' presentation.

If ours is good enough, we can perhaps breathe a sign of relief. If it's not, then what is done is done. I think the lecturer won't be changing our marks, unless there is moderation again.

Tomorrow...

There and Back Again

It's not a hobbit's tale.

The "pet" project had been handed up today. Strategic Entrepreneurship, I can't say I dislike the project because it is the only one interesting around. And I must say I learn quite a lot from it. The only problem, the lecturer.

The worst? Product Development and Innovation, closely followed by Event Management. Gods, these two are killers. My brain cells have been battered, steamed, fried, kicked around and more.

Thankfully, Event Management had been handed up and there is no presentation. Phew. What a relief. I won't have to see the accursed thing again in my life. Grades won't be given, and I can only hope that I can get an A.

Now, the main topic for this post. I'm fried. I'm really weary of the world, of projects. I'm sick and tired of these, alright?

I'm so glad that everything is ending, soon. But, please, the last few days are the worst. Money can't buy you time.

PDI sure is disgusting! I hate this subject to the CORE. Yes, so there is no exams. If I can give it up, trust me, I will. Just like what I did for A Maths. I thought I am beyond hating something non-substantiate but it isn't so.

What? Develop a product from scratch? You've got to be freaking kidding me. Do you have any idea how difficult this is for us, for me? What a load of crap.

Partially, the blame is on us, who asked us not to start doing it during the holidays? Enough with all this blah-blahing. I know, we never learn. The day we learn is when we lament.

If there is one thing I will write for the evaluation, I will state clearly that this project does not help us, at all. Firstly, we are not design or technical students, thank goodness for that. I thought we are suppose to be developing proposals and ideas?

PDI is nothing I thought it will be. It came as a nasty shock. Arghhh, if I'm a lesser being, I'll be swearing my head off now.

Mind-boggling

Tell me again, why?

It's a torture, completely a torture. Projects are considered one of the worst.

You can't do without me, and dare I say, I can't do without you. So, let's endure for now and we never have to see each other again. Please, all I can do is to keep up this facade and once this is over, which is in less than a week, we'll shout hooray and see you.

Yes, I can't believe it is going to be over soon, like real soon. Why is it that the last few days are always the hardest? The hardest to pass and the hardest to let go.

Why is it that we never seem to learn our lesson? Time and again, last minute work occurs. WHY? I desperately want to change but it seem that more work just bog me down.

Because we are human, and humans never learn their lesson. If they do, the world will be a better place. Sometimes, I just wish we'll all disappear.

Attempts

"In an attempt to surpass ... I seem to have lost humanity."

*Snort* How dramatic.

But in truth, I seem to get so fixated on doing well and above average that I somewhat lost my direction. No, it's not losing what I want, it's just that I don't enjoy life anymore.

Everything revolves around doing very well, not perfect, but close to it.

What happened to that person I was when Bs are enough? I guess that Life and circumstances got in the way. At this point, there is no other way but to continue my conquest. Perhaps, when everything end, for good, I can finally let it go.

Trust me, if I can do whatever it takes to make sure I get As for my subjects, I will. I was thinking to myself today, if I can afford to break down and cry and things will mend by themselves, I will. That's easy, I feel like crying all this time.

I'm miserable for the better part of my school life, the only moments of happiness come when I have the end to show it. The means to an end is tough.

This idiom just screams "ME". To me, all these are means to an end.

Just like how work is. I don't enjoy it but I have to do it, for the cash. Same goes for striving to be a high-achiever. You have to do all sorts of "disgusting" things to get to where you are.

Because I firmly believe that the end will justify the means. No matter how I feel now, nothing can compare to the pride I feel when I got my just rewards.

Sometimes, I feel as if I'm on a different wavelength from others, people say how they miss school and all sorts, but I don't now. They have fun and have a "heck-care" attitude. I guess I just can't afford that.

So, cheers to being a worry-wart and the minority who don't enjoy Poly life. Life will be good.