Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Best Moment

The best part of each day, at least for this period, is going home. Oh, what joy I felt when I saw the time approaching as the day wanes.

I can't stand this any longer! 10 weeks and 3 days to go, damn it! Why? Tell me why must the days pass so slowly?

This is only the second day and I am falling asleep because of the stupid, monotonous work. This is the second day that I'm writing on the cards, all day.

It doesn't help that my wounded feet are torturing me. This is the first time that something that grievous happened to me.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Dash It

I must say, this seriously stinks! How I wish this is all a bad dream. It certainly seems so now, when I back at home, typing this. Oh, if only wishes do come true. I want a genie.

Internship is not what I envisioned, especially this at all! I tried my best to go with an open-mind but it just had to go downhill from the start.

Firstly, I had a hard time finding the freaking office because the building construction is stupid enough to put the first two rooms outside in the carpark. I mean, what the holy? What kind of idiotic design is this?

Then, the name of the office don't tally. The form they had given us is X company but the company's name outside the door is Y. Double bloody hell.

Of course, I panicked. Treacherous tears threatened to leak out and I finally gathered my courage to call the Director as he is to be our supervisor. He answered and said he is at China now. This means that I have to pick up the phone bill.

All this while, my shoes are killing me. This is my fault because I don't know why I didn't choose proper the size at the beginning. Damn it!

I saw the other girl who will be working as well and finally the person came.

The whole day was kind of dull, not that I expected fun. I rather take mundane over anything else. Oh boy, I am scared for the future. I wonder what they have in store for us. I can't get over mulling the scary truth.

Lunch was just a take-away. Sighs, this is worse than I thought.

Then came the time to leave for the day. Woohoo! I can't wait for the end of the day! As you know, my shoes almost killed me and I gritted my teeth and limped all the way from station to station. Oh gods, how humiliating and painful.

Finally, I called my father to ask him to fetch me from the MRT station and I realised that my feet are injured pretty badly. As the blisters were injured, it is just so painful when I was taking a bath.

The only good thing that comes out from this is that the end time is supposedly 6pm instead of 7pm. But, there may be overtime or work on Saturdays if necessary.

Are they freaking kidding me? Because this is not funny at all. I may be forced to sign along the lines but I certainly didn't promise to sell my soul to the Devil. Pooh! I give them my weekdays and they expect me to sacrifice my weekends too? No way in hell!

Obviously, they can't expect me to do this, hey, people have plans, alright?

Only 10 weeks and 4 days left.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Freak Out

I feel like puking.

This is like queuing for a roller-coaster ride, and I hate the feeling! The big problem here is that I've never been on a roller-coaster before. Well, there's always a first in everything.

But, oh gods, I just want to hide in a hole and cry. Is it silly? Is it naive? I should be glad that I, at least, have a companion, even though I am not acquainted with her.

It is natural to be freaking out, right? I've never done this in my short life. It's like going on a journey all by myself, which I'm planning to do so soon.

All I can tell myself is that this is all for the greater good. Want to have a good trip? You must do this internship well and thorough. Only then can I have the results to show that I deserve the trip. I swear that I'll reward myself properly.

Only tomorrow will tell whether all my worries are for naught. Only time will tell whether this is a good company. Only time will tell, darling.

I shall end here for now, tomorrow will be a brand new day and it will be just like travelling to a new school, meeting new people.

We'll see what happens, won't we?

Fare Thee Well

"The world as I know it will end tomorrow. Be afraid, be very afraid"
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It's just like going to a new school, right?! The feelings are the same, the same breathlessness, the same fluttering, the same dread.

Trust me, I'm really nervous, my heart is all a-flutter. I can't think straight. I desperately want things to be good and yet I know that if I think too much, I'll just end up being disappointed.

I can please people, can't I? Haven't I been doing that since young? All I have to do is to be amiable and helpful-looking. If I really hate it, I can always rant on this blog, yes? Besides, it's only 3 months. It will be a lesson, no matter what.

However, I guess, because this is graded internship, the pressure is on whether you serve at the right dosage. I can't lose it all to a silly little thing like this which cost 8 CUs.

Oh, how I wish things are different. Still, this is the only opportunity for real sort of work. It'll certainly be an experience to remember.

I feel guilty for spending so much on the clothes and what not for this internship. Damnation! But, it is inevitable, what with me being in a office. I mean, I certainly have to wear office wear, non? For someone who only own jeans, shorts and T-shirts, this is a big investment. Of course, I need shoes too.

Then, I will have to spend another huge sum on the concession fare for transportation. $90 plus for a freaking month! I don't think the measly pay is able to cover my losses.

Cheers, to going home late, to squeezing with the working people on the MRT and bus, to be an entity. Cheers, for listening ears and sympathetic faces.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

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?

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

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.

Monday, September 13, 2010

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.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

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?

Friday, September 10, 2010

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.

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

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?!

Monday, September 06, 2010

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.

Sunday, September 05, 2010

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.

Friday, September 03, 2010

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".

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

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~

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

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!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

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?

Thursday, August 26, 2010

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.