Screw It

Wheeeeee, I'm in such a good mood today once I realised this is the last they will see of me! Hip, hip, Hooray!

This is the last weekday I'll be working, at least for the next 3 months. Gosh, I need this.

I don't have to put up with those annoying children anymore and they don't have to put up with me. It's the best of both worlds. No more easy answers! No more feeling frustrated and annoyed! No more channeling bad vibes!

I have had enough of those disgusting children for a long time. I have to put up with their crap and whining and then I started putting up a strict front. It's bad for myself and them. I hate this aspect, you know.

I ignored them for most of the part, but there are times when you can't even bordered it up.

Ha! I shan't miss them. Now that I think of it, could the internship be a blessing in disguise? I need a change of environment real bad, and this is a good chance to compare. Too bad we're treated like cheap labour.

Whereas, in this job of mine, the pay is acceptable, but the children treat you like crap. Seriously, I often wonder how they do in school and what would happen when they grow up. I often find myself comparing because I can't fathom how they can go about life like this.

True, they are young, younger than I and I pity them. The world they are going to live in is not going to be easy, at all. If ours is bad enough, then theirs will be worse. It's something to chew on.

Oh well, I know what some people will say. It's just a godforsaken part-time job, for goodness sake, don't put so much heart and emotions into it. Frankly, I don't. I don't see myself investing my share of feelings and heart in this. I used to think of myself as a robot, marking and marking from start till finish.

So, once again, I found myself in a limbo, between a wall and a cliff. The cliff is looking good at the moment and please do not disappoint me. I will try to make the most out of it.

Saturdays though, I have to meet those damned children again. But, at least it's once a week. It's a gloomy thought, but I suppose my plans will make all these worth it.

It's a plan to conquer myself and humanity.

No hard feelings, eh?

LA & North Carolina

My father was back from the States and he brought with him Ralph Lauren goodies! Oh, how wonderful! If only I was there too.
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He bought me a bag, one which I have coveted for a long time. Too bad it's the only piece left, I had another one in my mind, oh well, nevermind, I can save that for my Christmas present next time. In fact, as soon as I have the time, I will do a post on things I want to get.
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The bag was going for a huge discount, there's why he bought it. Thank god for end-season sales. -
He bought some polos from the outlet at Beverly Hills. I guess it's pretty certain that the store at Beverly Hills targets high-end customers. The clothes are not cheap at all, and all the bags are made of leather.
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It's just so lucky my father got that last piece in North Carolina.

He also got pins from Hard Rock cafe at Los Angeles and Hollywood. Sighs, now I really want to go there on top of going to Orlando.

I guess within the first few years of my career, I will take vacations as long as I can afford them. This goal means that I've to work extra hard and save. But, I think it's worth it, to do something that I like, for a change.

Take A Moment & Ponder

"Out of the frying pan, and into the fire"

I think it is an apt description to what I'm in for. Each time I tell myself that today will be different, it just ends up the same, with me being irritated by the kids.

It's not that I even like the job, to be frank. I'll do my work and I get paid, that's a good combination.

Anyway, I keep telling myself that this week will be the last I see of them before I go for an "extended vacation". In some ways, I am thrilled to drop what I am doing now and embark on a new journey, a "real" job, some may say.

On the other hand, like that idiom suggests, it's not as if I'm really in for something big. It's a graded job with me being kept on my toes all the time. I really hope to be at least happy in it.

Now that I'll be gone, I won't say I'll miss those ickle children. I don't necessary like my position now because they keep asking me for help and what not. I don't think I am up to the job of being a patient person.

Due to this week being my last week working during the weekdays, I will try to be extra tolerant and giving. They always say, be at your best when it's your last. Sighs. However, I've signed myself up for Saturdays and you know that Saturdays are always the worst.

Why? It is because that is almost no ending time. At least on weekdays, by 10 plus, we'll be packing and getting ready to leave. But on Saturdays, if there are other matters to do, it means we have to stay back, unless I pull a fast one and balk. Obviously, I can't do that everytime. It makes my credibility go down and god know that I'm extremely pliant, most of the time.

My feelings on this? It's mixed, to be sure. I love the idea of not reporting to this job but it just means I have to report on the other job. I'm not happy, just numb, like always.

We do not exist for ourselves. When we are young, we exist for school, it is all for the future, they say. If you want to be successful when you grow up, you have to slave in school.

When that future comes along, you exist purely for work; your boss and your company. You slave even more, towards that bright light at the end of the tunnel. You want material things in life to make your future substantial.

There's almost no time to relax, to take a step back and exclaimed, this is not what I want.

But, I guess what is even more frightening is to really find out that what you are doing for, it's all for naught. Perhaps, you have seen the light and decided that worldly things don't matter anymore. Perhaps, it's better late than never.

But to start over, it's just plain discouraging and taxing.

Last Paper, Last Hurrah

So, I finally finished my examinations. It seems like a long time but in actual fact, there are only 2 papers.

Event Management was fairly alright, I guess. I had some regrets but I believed I did my best and the ball is not in court anymore. I just hope that my A is still being maintained.

I can't believed that he didn't put one single question on Youth Olympics at all! I thought that will surely come out but looks like I underestimated him. Oh well.

The questions weren't exactly that tough but I kind of forgot some factors. But, I think I can still do well. Fingers crossed.

Now, the time is mine to spend as I like, however, I am sort of afraid that I won't be able to accomplish what I told myself I have to do. I only have 6 days left before my last hurrah is gone. I want to go out with a bang but it's going to be more or less, a candle being snuffled by the wind.

I'm truly scared about what my internship will bring. Everything is so uncertain and shaky. I want so much but am so frightened by the prospect of things not going smoothly for me. There is so much apprehension and feelings.

Common Sense is Overrated

I'll tell you why. This is because if everyone have common sense, the world will be a much better place.

Anyway, back to my topic, Event Management is sort of based on common sense, at least that is what I think. However, if my common sense is as good as it seems, I'll do well in this exam. Let's hope so. Let's hope my common sense will not abandon me for that 2 hours.

Like I said before, when you are facing with Death, you won't be afraid, unless you are not really meant to die. I am truly afraid, because I've such high expectations for it.

But, come to think of it, it's not that high an expectation, I've 70% secured with an A, this exam is 30%. It's a no-brainer that I can do well, but I don't just want to do well, I want to do very well and get an A for my overall grade.

I need it like I need air. If there is a miracle, I will get all As again for this semester. Oh, if wishing make it so.

I've tried my best, truly I did. I made some mistakes in the past and I hope to have learnt from it. I did what I can to remedy it. I even do some research on potential events that the lecturer can ask.

All I want is an A for my Event Management, is that so much to ask?

All These Talking

What is wrong with me?! Goodness, I realised I have a penchant for masochism. No, no, no! It is so dumb, why did I like last-minute study so much? At least, I think so. Because I can't bring myself to start early.

Anyway, I will be free once Monday comes along. Then, it will be my last Hurrah before I turned myself in. *Gasp* I can't believe I am comparing going for internship like being married or going to jail.

Let me just enjoy my last days as a free person.

So, there has been a highly controversial act going on. If you don't know what it is, then you are living under a rock all this while. It has resulted in much backlash and fear from the world as we are living in these trying times.

2010, so many years of civilisation and yet, we still can't seem to get out of ancient pettiness and feuds. Perhaps, it is made worse by technological advancements and the "I-am-better-than-you" syndrome.

It's so silly that we are taking two steps forward and one step backward. It just makes us enter a period of slow-moving advancement in terms of softer aspects.

Oh well, I'm not going to comment on anything to do with religion and what not, because it's becoming too controversial and sensitive a topic to even talk about.

Tough Cookie

Well, I guessed yesterday's Managerial Accounting 1 paper was fine. I reached school at around 7.30am because I hitched a ride with my father as he was leaving for the States.

I just spent the next two hours revising again and again. Truth be told, I was preparing for the worse. I'm that afraid.

However, just like I said, when you are facing with Death, the feeling will be different. I think I managed to do quite alright. Maybe, there will be a chance to get an A?

Now, there's Event Management left. Oh boy, it's another tough cookie and I've yet to start revising, again. What's the matter with me?!

Facing with Death

Argh! I don't think I'm ready for Managerial Accounting 1 paper tomorrow! How?!!!! If only I could make it all better...

It's killing me, it doesn't make sense at all! I feeling so apprehensive over it! I guess the older you get, the harder it is to watch yourself fall. In the past, if I really didn't do well, that's just it. I'll probably cry over it.

Now, if I get back my results with a blemish, after so long, I don't know what I'll do. I have to get on with life, non? It will be a lesson well learnt.

Will it be better for me if I lower my expectations a little? I mean, with 50% secured with an A, I just have to about 70 marks for my paper to still get a B+. Oh gods, this is bad, really bad.

There is less than 24 hours to go, and I'm sure that I make through this alive.
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I just have to deal with it, right? If it's meant to be, it will be.
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We're all afraid of dying, but when you are facing with Death, I reckon the feelings will be different. Afterall, you are already on the shore. It's not Death we're of, it's the path going there, the pain, the sorrow, the fear of unknown that results in all these. Like Dumbledore said, death is but another journey.

We'll see what I post tomorrow. The ball is no longer in my court and I could only pray for luck and help.

Feels like the First

"Everytime feels like the first time"
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I realised that my previous entries are really angst-y.

Anyway, I'm not going to talk about the internship now, because I've sort of lose steam over it. I've pretty much speak what I want to.

Examinations! I hate them with a passion. I know, it's not a doubt that I prefer exams over projects because I can have a greater control over them. Even though it has been close to 13 years of taking exams, each time still feels like the first time.

I hate them now! I feel as if I'm been spoilt over time. Thinking back, I truly wonder how I make it through secondary school. Look, I mean, we had like 7 subjects back then, all of which required memorising and theoretical stuff.

Now, I only have to deal with 2 examinations, which is pretty much common sense, although, Managerial Accounting 1 is going to cost me. I can't believe I am thinking unsavoury thoughts about alternate endings.

I am consoling myself what if I didn't make that ace. What if? There will be no one to disappoint but myself.

I really wanted to learn my lesson and start early, but why, I failed myself! Once again, I found myself stuck. I didn't mean for it to happen! If I can but to remedy this, I promise I'll do it right.

I am so worried over Managerial Accounting 1 and Event Management. MA1 is really difficult for me, I can learn all I could from the notes, but the exam never fails to add in some stupid questions to twist my mind.

I stink at equations and numbers, really I do. It get worse when the questions are not that straightforward.

Why?! The teachers aren't doing a good job if it means that us students can't do the questions. What is the use of the lectures when all they gave us are easy sums and suddenly, wham! they came up with mind-boggling questions for exam?

Oh gods, please just let me safely pass through this difficult period, it's just 2 papers, for goodness sake! It is preposterous to think that I can't even handle two papers when I had managed to do more than 7 in the past.

Gotta Fly Once

Does it make me a lesser being the way I act with the idea of internship, particularly under this circumstance? I don't think so. Just like how it doesn't make one a greater person by being so accepting and thrilled.

There is, ultimately, only one path to go. If I have to be dragged, kicking and screaming into this insanity, I might as well feed my inner-self. As least one of us will be happier. Oh, I can be very accepting and supportive, this is just not the right situation.

I have done some soul-searching and have came up with this conclusion. In fact, I'm not upset over the general thought of internship, because I know it's a rite of passage that I've no choice but to go along. It's the mere thought of being exploited in a first-world country that makes me fumed.

I am toying with the idea on writing to someone, somewhere about whether all these are justify. Even if it doesn't help, hey, at least I know a bit of the law, right? And I will know that under what kind of circumstances I can draw a line at.

All I wanted was to better understand my rights as an employee, even though I'm actually an intern.

What a load of crap! Ok, I am still going to work during Saturdays, in my part-time job. I guess I'm eating my words now, because once upon a time, I ranted about quitting once September rolls in. Sighs, I am certainly not being forced or coerced into this.

I just thought that I should continue, afterall the job is very flexible, and I can treat it as a form of supplement to my measly pay.

You know what? All these just makes me more determined to make that trip to USA as a form of reward for all the crap I put up with this 3 years. I mean, if I have to do all these, I should have a form of "carrot", non? I hope to concrete my plans once the year ends.

Oh boy, Year 2010 kind of stings, me thinks.

The only way I'm calling it quits is when the end is nigh. I think, that's when nobody will care whether it reflects good on them or affect their goals. Now's that when I'll say "take your job and shove it".

Limbo of the Working Class

"My way or the highway"

Ha! I did some background check and found out that interns in Singapore are covered under the Employment Law. So, we too are entitled rights. What I need now is advice from a lawyer.

So, basically, once interns hit the 44 hours per week mark, employers are liable to pay us overtime. Seeing that my hours per week hit a whooping high of 50 hours per week, they better do so. Should they fail to do that, it means that I am in a position to bring this issue to the Liaison Officer, right?

I mean, I most certainly didn't sign any stupid contracts with fine print saying that I will sell my soul to the company.

For gods sake, I did a check on the average working hours per week in Singapore and around the world, Singaporeans still clocked in higher-than-average working hours than others. Normally, Singaporeans hit the 40 hours per week.

Well, I guess at least we get paid while getting tortured. And it's a good thing I am not in the hotel industry, they have shift work and some work for more than 12 hours. Are you freaking kidding me?! Never, I rather stick with office work.

They literally have us stuck between a wall and a cliff. It's my way or the highway, to put it bluntly. We couldn't say no to the Polytechnic, right? And once the company have been decided for you, you can't change it.

We are not given any choice in the matter at all. Unless, you count that pathetic excuse of self-secure. *roll eyes*

Whatever happen to the calm and poised approach I wanted? I thought that since this is something I have to go through anyway, I will be more open-minded. But, no, seems like I still freak out over it.

Sighs, whatever happen to my wishes? I am destined to get stuck in this limbo of the working class for as long as I live. Unless, a miracle happens.

Anyway, I'm not going to think so much, because whenever I think too much, everything just turn for the worse.

I'm not determined to hate it when I haven't even experience it. I am just writing what I feel and think. Let me pass my judgement on Judgement Day.

I still can't believe I am not even worth $2.20 per hour! Gosh, am I worse than say a typical construction worker? My mother's company certainly pay their foreign workers better.

Consequences Be Damned

They treat us like vermin, sir"

If there are no consequences, or better still, consequences be damned, would I still go ahead with all these? You bet not.

I finally know where I got posted to for my internship. It just have to be in Ubi, out of all the places. And the pay just has to be the minimum, a measly amount of $440 a month. Here is the "best" part, the hours are from 9.00am to 7.00pm.

So, what it means is, I am not even worth $2.20 per hour. Eh, I have double the pay for every hour I work in my part-time job, alright?

Now, now, the definition of internship is to gain experience without pay. I know that in the States and other countries, internship literally means no pay at all. So, in a masochistic way, I suppose I should be grateful that I even have a pay at all.

But, they can't treat us like cheap labour! This is like exploitation in a first-world country. What? They treat us no better than second-rate citizens! This is outrageous!

I don't know. For me, internship is just another pesky aspect of school that I have to get through. I don't necessary like, but nothing can be done. I might as well give in my best, which I have to anyway, because I am not going to mess up my plans.

I didn't exactly sign myself up for all these, OK? Between 2 choices, people usually choose the one they like. For me, since I don't like anything, I just have to choose the one I can tolerant better than the other. See the difference?

That being said, I didn't sign myself up for this course and what not because I like it, it's just because I have a higher tolerance level for this rather then another course.

I am having a break-down here. I'm freaking out, so as to speak. I don't know if I can do this well. It's freaking 8 CUs, and I have to get the Pass with Commendation. I just have to. Oh gods. And I don't think I'm ready for the real world, not yet.

It's all too overwhelming. Suddenly, I don't want to grow up, I rather pick school over work any other day. That is for certain. Unlike others, I don't see working as an escape, it is a prison, where you will get stuck for the rest of your life.

I already know what I like and dislike. In a sense, I don't need a reality check. In fact, what those lecturers said don't include me. I don't want this, get it? I see it as a chore I have to do.

However, I guess they are right about one thing. It's only 11 weeks, it will pass very soon. I have endured nearly 2 years in the Poly, haven't I? What's another 11 weeks? Well, for one, it stinks big time.

I have to do my best and hope for the best. Hey, in fact, give me all the mundane tasks, I welcome those. I really wish for a good working environment.

So, I will have to cross the bridge when the time comes and I will be back among the living in December. Oh dear, December seems so faraway.

Goodbye to holidays~

Celebrating 600th Post

This is to celebrate my 600th post! Hip, hip, hooray!
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I can't believe I managed to reach this far! It's pretty amazing for me. To think that I felt apprehensive when I first started this blog because I was so worried about what people are going to comment.
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I guessed I gave myself too much credit. My lack-of-experience in the past made me think that people put emphasis on blogs. I am not famous, for one. Besides, I don't publicise my blog like some people do. Nor do I forbid others from reading them. There are but a few posts I privatised due to various reasons.
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Now, this blog was set up for myself. It is the only site I can do free writing. I love fanfiction but I don't write them. This is the only place I can practice my English skills since I don't take English as a subject anymore.
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This blog is very different from others, say other teenagers. I have seen quite a few who wrote about their outings and lives, period. Ahh, that's where I differ.
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I do write about outings and what I thought to be pathetic stuff like school and Life. But, I also do reviews for books, movies and thoughts about current affairs, world issues and anything under the sun!
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As long as I have the inspiration and time, I will pen them down. I considered myself to be a rather self-righteous person. I am opinionated, and I can't take things lying down, especially when it just begs to be written. I don't see myself debating, just giving my views.
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I don't always read what others have to say, because most of the times, they are narrow-minded individuals who can only see what is and not what it can be. I am talking about current affairs here, like the recent Youth Olympic Games. Only when I feeling a little masochistic, will I read those comments for fun and then I will get all riled up.
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Another thing to take note, I dislike changes. Therefore, my blog display remains pretty much the same when I first started out. I just couldn't bring myself to make a change because all the formatting and stuff will be gone. Though, if I have a nice title, I will do a new title banner.
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Here's to many years to come, and many more entries. Hopefully, it will be filled with good things and not the bad.
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Christmas in August, I like the sound of that!

Missing You

Gods, it never fails to move me to tears whenever I watched those snippets of athletes and the journey they and we have come. Those songs sung at the end of the Closing Ceremony are really touching.
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I don't know why is it that only this Olympics, albeit the Youth Olympics, invoke such strong sentiments and emotions from me.
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Perhaps, it has to do with pride as a local. The Games won't be a success without the public's passion. Still, I feel as if I'm part of the gigantic celebration and milestone, even though I am not a volunteer.
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And now, of course, the Games were over and literally, so is my "honeymoon" period. I've to start revising for the 2 exams. I can't bring myself to sit down and do this, my brain don't seem to work at all! What should I do?

Slowly, Softly, Sweetly End

With the tune of a single flugel-horn, and the beating of drums, the sacred flame was slowly, softly, sweetly extinguished. This brought out a torrent of emotions from me.

I didn't even watch the whole closing ceremony, just snippets of it. But, I think it was a fitting finish, it's very touching and reflective. As with the dramatic and youthful opening, the closing is a finish of promises to come.

As the young athletes bid goodbye to each other, the night was still young as the closing ceremony was dedicated to them and the volunteers. It was just reward for them as for the past 12 days, they have toiled and competed.

Ahh, how great it is to be young!

It's been too awesome a journey to put into words. Kudos to the team of volunteers, who have stories of sacrificial to tell. Kudos to the team of reporters and media who bring us news. Kudos to the people manning the twitter account and Facebook, whom a lot of people rely on for live updates.

Kudos to the organisers and committee who did it despite all odds. For a major event like this, past experiences are crucial when it comes to decision-making. Only from mistakes made in the past, will the current host country delivered a better event. Therefore, for us, without any main guides, we did well.

The IOC president akin the birth of the YOG to that of the birth of a child. In that short 12 days, the "child" has grown up and is ready to move on, in the words of Mr Ng Ser Miang.

Indeed, for many of us, how could we forget the day history was made? It has been two weeks of celebrations, competition and mingling. I'm extremely pleased with the rave reviews from athletes.

Through the Cultural and Educational Programme, athletes and volunteers learnt about different countries. The clinics and talks held by some Olympic medallists is great as well.

This is not farewell, because the Youth Olympics is just the beginning and the stepping platform for many of these athletes.

As spoken by Mr Jacques Rogge, goodbye and see you in Nanjing, China. The spirit of the YOG will live on and all this starts in Singapore. I hope that by Summer Olympics in London in 2012,
we can see many of these athletes again.

Good Times Fly

"Good times fly"

Ahhh, I'm getting the post-YOG blues!

It's with a lump in my throat that I typed this post.

I'm feeling a little forlorn, dejected and a flurry of sentiments over this whole event. I now get what people call the "emotion factor". This is the most powerful tool, to ignite passion and pride and get the country together.


It's that period of time when everything ends and you feel like there's a part of you missing. With all that daily action and news articles, it is hard for life to go back to normal.


It's been a wonderful 12 days of action, with all those athletes and news coverage. For Singapore, we have displayed our best and won medals.


With such a grand opening, the closing will be bittersweet as another chapter comes to a close. It's too bad that we can't go there live or for me, even watch the closing at home during the designated time. Because I have to work!


Sigh, as with everything, good times fly and we should be happy that we have the honour of hosting the inaugural Games. Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happens. But all good things end too quickly, before we warm up, things are coming to an end.


I'll remembered YOG 2010 for the passion it brought to a lot of people, of putting Singapore in the Olympic history, of showing the world who we are, of attracting young talent to have a taste of local culture. I'm proud that I have a chance to have a piece of history to myself.


Because this is the first, memorabilia will be more priceless and memorable than the subsequent events.

I'll remembered YOG as the time that Singapore did it and show that positivity can win over negativity. Also, this is a good chance to see what whiners some people are.


Most Singaporeans are what marketers called "late adopters" and this is usually the bane of their existence. It is difficult to foresee what and when they will buy.


People always wait till the last minute before making purchases or feel the passion for something. When the tickets were first made available, it seems that no one wanted them, then when the event is half-way there, they started scrambling for tickets and gifts.

It amused me to see almost all things sold out on the online counter. I'm so lucky to have bought them before YOG was even hot. Still, I hope I can get some more items.

Sweet Victory

In case you haven't heard the news, Singapore hauled in 2 bronzes during this fateful day. It was a good day for us, especially from the football field.


We beat Montenegro 4-1 in the bronze medal match and it is sweet victory for us. It's been too long since something good came from the football field. If only we went in to the gold medal match instead...

Thank you, Cubs! For bringing joy to Singapore and invoking passion and belief in local football action again. I sincerely thank you guys.

I guess it is easy for by-standers to say "no, you did all this wrongly", "you should have done this, done that". But, by putting yourself into another's shoes, would we still keep these in mind? I think not. It is so different when on the pitch and sitting on the stands.

It had definitely been a roller coaster of emotions when I viewed the match on TV. I'm literally biting my fingers when Montenegro players were in better shape than ours. I believe, with stronger regiment and more experience, the young athletes will flourish and bring glory once again for Singapore.

From sailing, we won a bronze in windsurfing and lost out on the other two segments. Still, sailing is more difficult than other sports because there are 16 matches to compete in and sailors have to be in top shape all the way.

There will be good days and bad days and you just have to deal with the elements and luck.

With that, the YOG will come to a close, seeing that the athletes are nearly done. Improvements are obvious but normal Singaporeans should stand behind these athletes who gave in their best despite not necessary gaining the utmost experience during their training.

Because, we, unlike other countries' athletes have lives and other aspects to look into, like school. It is to my belief that some countries' athletes just dedicated their whole lives to that sport and perhaps, even never have proper education if they have to train from young.

Who knows what goes behind closed doors, right? All we see are stars, medals and accomplishments, but behind closed doors, who knows what punishments they get when they fail?

Someone should definitely do a study on this aspect of sport, of sacrificial and failure. It will be nice to know.

Saying Goodbye to Fond Memories

As Day 11 of the Youth Olympic Games winds down, you know it's time to snuff out the flame.

Tomorrow, the closing ceremony for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games will take place and Nanjing, China will be the next host, in 2014.

Soon, YOG 2010 will become a distant but fond memory to many, for me as well. As some may rejoice life going back to normal, many will suffer withdrawal symptoms. Already, I can feel the panic settling in, because it will be D-Day soon. As soon as the YOG closes, it is technically, the end of holidays as well.

I will never forget this period of time, I have been, from the start, an active participant in all things YOG. While I did not sign up to be a volunteer, I was there when the flame arrived in Singapore. I was there, live, for the Opening Ceremony. I bought lots of memorabilia, from collectibles such as collar pins to official coin to DBS card. I have my daily dose of YOG action online and on TV.

It has been a great lesson for us all. For me, YOG 2010 is a crash course of Event Management, from risk management to staging to volunteerism to sponsorship.

Of course, how could I forget the hostility and negativity some Singaporeans had? It has truly been a good time to filter out all these people. Now I understand how some people, adults and what not, can whine and groan and complain at everything. For god sake, this is a joyous occasion, and yet it has to be marred by these people. And please, posting all these negativity online, where the whole world can see what whiners they are? And in turn, they may form bad impressions on Singapore.

Although, I must say, in every major event and decision, there will be people for or against it. Perhaps, it is the smaller-scaled here in Singapore. Perhaps, other places have it worse, what with riots and demonstrations.

For us, at least, they are confined to online sources and "fake" newspapers. These naysayers and trolls are on a roll and by right, the most efficient way to deter them is to ignore them. Their minds are so twisted and narrow that nothing positive can go in.

Frankly, we should ignore them and don't care about them. But, sometimes, they just get on people's nerves and you feel like rebutting them.

Anyway, it's ending. I am so angry that I will miss the live feed of the closing ceremony because I am working! It's too bad we are not going for ceremony, but we have already spend a lot on the opening.

Cultural & Educational Programme

The mission is to engage and educate young athletes. It’s not just about being a winner. The 3 key values are “excellence, respect, friendship”.
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Therefore, when hosting the games, a separate programme is going on at the same time. This is known as the Cultural and Educational Programme. It seeks to educate these young athletes and promote friendship and interaction.
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As a youth myself, I feel that this programme is extremely welcomed. If I am a young athlete, I would have the time of my life, taking part in these activities and learning about the different countries cultures. It all seems so fun and this would appeal to me. But, obviously, as someone who detests taking part in sports, I would never be one of them.
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But, it’s ok, because I can just view all these on the side-lines and cheer them on.
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Sometimes, it makes me ponder, the world is made of so many different kinds of individuals.
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On one extreme, there are those who have goals and dreams when young, they know what they want and how to get it. The young athletes kind of belong in this category. They push and challenge themselves, breaking personal records and gaining the admiration of their country.
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Then, there are those who partake in all sorts of vices: drinking excessively, smoking, drugs and all. Don’t they notice that they are wasting their lives away? Why not be normal, if not extraordinary?
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To add on, I love the feel of the Olympic Village in NTU.
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It seems like a home away from home. Everything seems meticulously planned out for the total comfort of these athletes. And what is heartening to know is that those athletes appreciate all that. It’s great to know and great to see how they are enjoying themselves after the competitions.
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I know that if I am an athlete, the time I would treasure the most is to make new friends and enjoy what the host country has to offer. Being a pin-collector, I just love how the hobby of pin-collecting is actually well and alive in the Olympics! I didn’t know that until recently.
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Athletes are given their own country pins and they can exchange them for other countries pins. It’s just so awesome! I wish I have the chance to do this too. But, my pins are one and only so there wouldn’t be much exchanging going on.
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I have made up my mind for London Olympics 2012, I will buy pins online. But, it’s kind of insane as the shipping fees is going to cost so much more than those pins. We’ll see.

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!