I had a friend who was asking me about fraser hill because she wanted to head up for a vacation. Now, I'm not really one to maintain a travel log... so I simply went to rockie's blog to pull up the details. The objective was to help her plan her route up, after everything though, she decided that she would drive up with her friends. haha.
But the point of this post is, reading those entries on rockie's blog brought back many memories. Looking back on our adventures - finding the way up, trying to trek up to a peak and realising that we didn't have much daylight left to complete it, walking around the area where he goes "this is where I used to stay" "We ate here" "Oh the swing is this here!", unexpected fireworks...etc.
Sometimes, no matter how bad life seems to be, there's always good friends, and good memories. I'm learning to be grateful and content with my lot in life. :)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Its a Brand New Year!
Its another year, and usually I would have taken time off, reflect and set new goals for the year. This year... I'm behind schedule in doing both - Reflecting and Setting of Goals.
Nonetheless, I'll pen down some thoughts, or whatever thoughts had crossed my mind.
Let me first start by writing about my career. Many years back, while I was still 18, I put my signature on a dotted line. That dotted line, in same ways set the general direction of the start of my career. For the past 3.5yrs, I'd been working in the public sector. Initially, it was tough, but I had good friends who constantly gave me advice. Some advice like "if you don't feel like crying the first few months of your first job, you probably aren't learning enough." got me through the initial stages, and sight of the bond kept me focused on just hanging on and doing my work well. The bond has now ended, and ironically, I'm alittle lost at this "new found freedom". The economy isn't doing well, and many people tell me that I'm at the best place to be right now. Well, grass does appear to be greener on the other side I guess. But one thing that I do know, is that I'll need to move on.... soon. I don't see myself staying in the public sector for a lifetime. Perhaps I'll come back to it, but its time to look at what else is available out there. Perhaps things will be better, perhaps it will be worse. If its better, then good! If its worse, then I guess the comfort is that I would have learnt to appreciate my previous job. That being said, I still need a good job.... and I need to get my lazy butt off the chair and do something about it.
I look back at my 3.5 years of work and wonder.... had I grown any wiser? Fact of the matter is, perhaps not. Perhaps I had learnt some ways of doing things, perhaps I had learnt of some new skill..... new experiences perhaps.... but wiser? That's a whole other ballgame.
Which leads me back to my faith. The bible says the "Wisdom begans with the fear of the Lord". Perhaps I had become dummified because in many ways, I had backslided.... if backslided can even be considered a valid term. Some Christains says say that one can never really backslide. I began my faith in JC with lots of passion... lots of fire. It lasted till about the final year of Uni, and maintain lukewarm for awhile. The bible, Revelations 3:15-16, says "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." I couldn't find it in me to be hot.... so I chose the easy way out..... let me become cold. And I did grow colder. But I wonder.... when would it be cold enough? As I grew colder, some other friends got to know God. Somethings that they speak of is so strangely familar yet foreign at the same time. Like something from a long past.... and something that still warms the heart somewhat. Some friends tell me that God's calling me back..... I wish I could hear it for myself.... God... Tell that to me straight.... I'll be back...
Despite my (lack of) faith this period, God has still blessed me with good friends. It'll take quite awhile to write something about everyone one. To all my friends, especially those taking time to read this, thank you very much for your friendship over all these years. Many of you had patiently tolerated my moods, given listening ears and good advice, and brought much joy in my life.
Ok, I'm taking way too long to write this.... haha.... think I'll continue another time. :) Happy New Year everyone!
Nonetheless, I'll pen down some thoughts, or whatever thoughts had crossed my mind.
Let me first start by writing about my career. Many years back, while I was still 18, I put my signature on a dotted line. That dotted line, in same ways set the general direction of the start of my career. For the past 3.5yrs, I'd been working in the public sector. Initially, it was tough, but I had good friends who constantly gave me advice. Some advice like "if you don't feel like crying the first few months of your first job, you probably aren't learning enough." got me through the initial stages, and sight of the bond kept me focused on just hanging on and doing my work well. The bond has now ended, and ironically, I'm alittle lost at this "new found freedom". The economy isn't doing well, and many people tell me that I'm at the best place to be right now. Well, grass does appear to be greener on the other side I guess. But one thing that I do know, is that I'll need to move on.... soon. I don't see myself staying in the public sector for a lifetime. Perhaps I'll come back to it, but its time to look at what else is available out there. Perhaps things will be better, perhaps it will be worse. If its better, then good! If its worse, then I guess the comfort is that I would have learnt to appreciate my previous job. That being said, I still need a good job.... and I need to get my lazy butt off the chair and do something about it.
I look back at my 3.5 years of work and wonder.... had I grown any wiser? Fact of the matter is, perhaps not. Perhaps I had learnt some ways of doing things, perhaps I had learnt of some new skill..... new experiences perhaps.... but wiser? That's a whole other ballgame.
Which leads me back to my faith. The bible says the "Wisdom begans with the fear of the Lord". Perhaps I had become dummified because in many ways, I had backslided.... if backslided can even be considered a valid term. Some Christains says say that one can never really backslide. I began my faith in JC with lots of passion... lots of fire. It lasted till about the final year of Uni, and maintain lukewarm for awhile. The bible, Revelations 3:15-16, says "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." I couldn't find it in me to be hot.... so I chose the easy way out..... let me become cold. And I did grow colder. But I wonder.... when would it be cold enough? As I grew colder, some other friends got to know God. Somethings that they speak of is so strangely familar yet foreign at the same time. Like something from a long past.... and something that still warms the heart somewhat. Some friends tell me that God's calling me back..... I wish I could hear it for myself.... God... Tell that to me straight.... I'll be back...
Despite my (lack of) faith this period, God has still blessed me with good friends. It'll take quite awhile to write something about everyone one. To all my friends, especially those taking time to read this, thank you very much for your friendship over all these years. Many of you had patiently tolerated my moods, given listening ears and good advice, and brought much joy in my life.
Ok, I'm taking way too long to write this.... haha.... think I'll continue another time. :) Happy New Year everyone!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Forex Classes Anyone?
Somehow, after I did the Elliott Wave class, I'd been toying with the idea of doing more.
Somedays back, my brother paid a eBay Powerseller to help him with something. Apparently, the person has conducted classes (for eBay and seach engine optimisation I think), and said that he has some students who were probably interested in FX. Then he followed by asking if I conduct classes.... phew.... sounds like another opportunity eh? Mebbe I should charge this time.... $10-$20 bucks a pax doesn't sound too expensive right? Provided there's free venue... haha...
Ah... dreams....
Somedays back, my brother paid a eBay Powerseller to help him with something. Apparently, the person has conducted classes (for eBay and seach engine optimisation I think), and said that he has some students who were probably interested in FX. Then he followed by asking if I conduct classes.... phew.... sounds like another opportunity eh? Mebbe I should charge this time.... $10-$20 bucks a pax doesn't sound too expensive right? Provided there's free venue... haha...
Ah... dreams....
Another Milestone
Can't quite say its a milestone achieved, but I've finally taken the Level 1 paper yesterday. How was it, you ask? Well, the first paper was like reading Jap, and the second paper was like reading Greek! It will take nothing short of a miracle for me to pass! Next natural step is to ask.... shall I take the upcoming June one? Will have finally be able to find time (and motivation) to study?
So many questions... so few answers...
So many questions... so few answers...
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Another Year Older
I hadn't posted an entry for sometime, and as I pass another birthday I somehow feel prompted to note some of my thoughts down. Actually, the term "older but not wiser" seem to echo within my head.
Generally, as I look back, I realised that I really hadn't become a better person over the past year. Conversely, perhaps I had become a worse person. Somehow, it appears to myself that I had become less cool-headed, less patient, and less wiling to commit. I had set myself many goals this year, but few had been met. But goals aren't really the issue, what bothers me more is the type of personality I had slowly evolved towards over the past year.
A friend of mine said that God's waiting to speak to me. I'd been slowly backsliding for a couple of years now. It was somewhat intentional, because I wanted to know... perhaps be reminded of what it was like in the past. But that was a silly notion, because once a person has had a relationship with God, you can never really go back to the past. What wasn't silly was that, I think it makes certain things clearer to myself - a some level, I do need God... or as some people see it, I need a belief in God. As I picked up the bible to read again.... I realised how many of the simple concepts I had forgoten, like forgiveness, like turning the other cheek, like praying. I shall not rant too much, but suffice to say, when I feel as if I'm fending for myself without God behind me.... I think many negative personalities emerge.... or perhaps... its just become I'm somewhat more insecure without Him.
But the past year is not all gloom. I think at some level, I've grown to appreciate my friends more. Old friends, colleagues...etc.
Its time I look at things that I am grateful for:
- My mum's operation this year went well.
- I've got good parents.
- I've got really good friends - Council, Adsports, my other buddies.
- I've still got a job while people are getting laid off.
- I haven't bankrupted myself with trading (hoping I make profits soon!)
- I've had the opportunity to conduct a trading workshop (although it was for free, the experience was good).
- I've good colleagues turned friends
I'm sure there's more... but those are the top-of-the-head items I could think of..... I should practice giving thanks more....
That's all for today's rants...
Generally, as I look back, I realised that I really hadn't become a better person over the past year. Conversely, perhaps I had become a worse person. Somehow, it appears to myself that I had become less cool-headed, less patient, and less wiling to commit. I had set myself many goals this year, but few had been met. But goals aren't really the issue, what bothers me more is the type of personality I had slowly evolved towards over the past year.
A friend of mine said that God's waiting to speak to me. I'd been slowly backsliding for a couple of years now. It was somewhat intentional, because I wanted to know... perhaps be reminded of what it was like in the past. But that was a silly notion, because once a person has had a relationship with God, you can never really go back to the past. What wasn't silly was that, I think it makes certain things clearer to myself - a some level, I do need God... or as some people see it, I need a belief in God. As I picked up the bible to read again.... I realised how many of the simple concepts I had forgoten, like forgiveness, like turning the other cheek, like praying. I shall not rant too much, but suffice to say, when I feel as if I'm fending for myself without God behind me.... I think many negative personalities emerge.... or perhaps... its just become I'm somewhat more insecure without Him.
But the past year is not all gloom. I think at some level, I've grown to appreciate my friends more. Old friends, colleagues...etc.
Its time I look at things that I am grateful for:
- My mum's operation this year went well.
- I've got good parents.
- I've got really good friends - Council, Adsports, my other buddies.
- I've still got a job while people are getting laid off.
- I haven't bankrupted myself with trading (hoping I make profits soon!)
- I've had the opportunity to conduct a trading workshop (although it was for free, the experience was good).
- I've good colleagues turned friends
I'm sure there's more... but those are the top-of-the-head items I could think of..... I should practice giving thanks more....
That's all for today's rants...
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Google Desktop is Cool!
Yup... if you hadn't tried Google Desktop, you should!
It adds a nice sidebar with some cool widgets that looks somewhat like a Window's Vista interface. You can display the clock there, with some nice other functions... but those aren't the key highlights!
The more useful feature is how Google Desktop indexes your entire computer so that you can do a google search on it! It can even index your outlook and gmail emails! So if you dislike the search feature on outlook... now you have it! Search for documents, emails, schedules etc... all with your google desktop. Try it!
It adds a nice sidebar with some cool widgets that looks somewhat like a Window's Vista interface. You can display the clock there, with some nice other functions... but those aren't the key highlights!
The more useful feature is how Google Desktop indexes your entire computer so that you can do a google search on it! It can even index your outlook and gmail emails! So if you dislike the search feature on outlook... now you have it! Search for documents, emails, schedules etc... all with your google desktop. Try it!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Inbalanced Ears
Been having inbalanced ears for the past few days. Basically, it feels like being unable to equalise my left ear, and I can feel the pressure building inside. And that led to several symptoms.
a) My left ear resonates and amplifies sounds of certain frequency. I was almost certain that a certain car/bus screech stop almost turned me deaf.
b) Giddyness and Nausea. Sometimes, I get up from my chair and feel dizzy.... sometimes also feel like puking.....
c) and all that leads to, is a severe headache.... probably because of the giddyness.
When to see Doc yesterday, and he said that prob some tubing from the throat to the ear to blocked/congested leading to the equalising problem. Then everything else follows.
Bummer....
a) My left ear resonates and amplifies sounds of certain frequency. I was almost certain that a certain car/bus screech stop almost turned me deaf.
b) Giddyness and Nausea. Sometimes, I get up from my chair and feel dizzy.... sometimes also feel like puking.....
c) and all that leads to, is a severe headache.... probably because of the giddyness.
When to see Doc yesterday, and he said that prob some tubing from the throat to the ear to blocked/congested leading to the equalising problem. Then everything else follows.
Bummer....
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Car Boot Sale
Just came across this in the papers recently : http://www.sgcarbootsale.com/
Basically, its a periodic flea market off the boots of the cars parked at east coast. Costs about $50 bucks for 2 days where you can sell whatever you want. Even comes with some coupons for a discounted lunch and stuff.
Perhaps one day, I shall pack all the ridiculous stuff I have at home and sell them there....
Basically, its a periodic flea market off the boots of the cars parked at east coast. Costs about $50 bucks for 2 days where you can sell whatever you want. Even comes with some coupons for a discounted lunch and stuff.
Perhaps one day, I shall pack all the ridiculous stuff I have at home and sell them there....
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Off for a Trip
Finally, a well-deserved trip! I'll be heading over to Thailand/Krabi to visit a friend with another friend, and I'm really looking forward to it. And also the nice clear waters, the beautiful walls to climb, the beach, the kayaking, the massage, the.... well... everything I guess. hahaha
Read that there were some protests in thailand/bankok this period. So hopefully everything is alright when we go over, in anycase, I don't think they want to negatively impact their tourism industry.
Well... That's it for now. Been really tired of late. I think I really need these holidays...
Read that there were some protests in thailand/bankok this period. So hopefully everything is alright when we go over, in anycase, I don't think they want to negatively impact their tourism industry.
Well... That's it for now. Been really tired of late. I think I really need these holidays...
Monday, August 25, 2008
Walking on (Constarch) Water
Want to walk on water? Here's how. Hahaha! I've actually tried punching constarch solution before.... and its pretty solid!
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Quote of the day
"There are no hopeless situations; There are only people who have grown
hopeless about them."
-Clare Boothe Luce
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Random Thoughts
Its been awhile since I wrote anything on this blog. Much of my time had been spent doing my work, trading, and (trying) to catch up on my reading.
I know that at some point of time, I had some ingenius thoughts and metaphors, but along the way... all things had been drowned out by the constant stream of work.
A couple of colleagues have resigned again, and most of those who came in with me have all gone. Frankly, it does demoralise me somewhat. Its strange isn't it? What has other peoples' resignation got to do with my level of motivation? Well, for one, they are free to leave while I'm still bonding. Secondly, most of them have moved on to better places. That often makes me wonder if I'm somehow lagging behind. And saying that.... somehow, I'd admitted that I'm engaged in this never ending rat race.
I was telling a close friend of mine that another scholar friend had completed his bond and have moved on to the private sector. He's doing something totally different from his previous job, and from his education, yet his starting salary is a good 30%-40% increment (I estimate). Needless to say, I'm wondering about my own personal growth and earning potential.... Well, my friend was telling me that it was unhealthy to be comparing wages like that, and especially so if I was feeling upset about it.
Frankly, I'm more than happy for my friend (who gave me a really nice treat for that increment... hahaha!). I'm just wondering what I have ahead of myself when my bond ends. Will I stay on in this organisation like some of my colleagues suggest I will, or will I leave to see the rest of the world. To this, I have no answer.
I'm really frustrated by my own lack of direction... but actually, I'm not totally directionless. I'd been having this idea of becoming a trader.... trading on my own had been a rather fulfilling and interesting experience so perhaps doing it professionally would be the best of both worlds.
For now, strangely, I think I am where I should be. Do you believe in fate/destiny? Do you know what de javu is? All I can say is... many of the things that had been happening, I had dreamt of it before, perhaps 1-2 years ago. As things happen, I get this de javu feeling.... and that's why I think somehow, I am right now where I'm meant to be. Strange isn't it? I think so too....
Well, random thoughts aren't meant to be structured.... and these are my random thoughts for the day.
I know that at some point of time, I had some ingenius thoughts and metaphors, but along the way... all things had been drowned out by the constant stream of work.
A couple of colleagues have resigned again, and most of those who came in with me have all gone. Frankly, it does demoralise me somewhat. Its strange isn't it? What has other peoples' resignation got to do with my level of motivation? Well, for one, they are free to leave while I'm still bonding. Secondly, most of them have moved on to better places. That often makes me wonder if I'm somehow lagging behind. And saying that.... somehow, I'd admitted that I'm engaged in this never ending rat race.
I was telling a close friend of mine that another scholar friend had completed his bond and have moved on to the private sector. He's doing something totally different from his previous job, and from his education, yet his starting salary is a good 30%-40% increment (I estimate). Needless to say, I'm wondering about my own personal growth and earning potential.... Well, my friend was telling me that it was unhealthy to be comparing wages like that, and especially so if I was feeling upset about it.
Frankly, I'm more than happy for my friend (who gave me a really nice treat for that increment... hahaha!). I'm just wondering what I have ahead of myself when my bond ends. Will I stay on in this organisation like some of my colleagues suggest I will, or will I leave to see the rest of the world. To this, I have no answer.
I'm really frustrated by my own lack of direction... but actually, I'm not totally directionless. I'd been having this idea of becoming a trader.... trading on my own had been a rather fulfilling and interesting experience so perhaps doing it professionally would be the best of both worlds.
For now, strangely, I think I am where I should be. Do you believe in fate/destiny? Do you know what de javu is? All I can say is... many of the things that had been happening, I had dreamt of it before, perhaps 1-2 years ago. As things happen, I get this de javu feeling.... and that's why I think somehow, I am right now where I'm meant to be. Strange isn't it? I think so too....
Well, random thoughts aren't meant to be structured.... and these are my random thoughts for the day.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Quote of the day
Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race .
- Calvin Coolidge quotes (American 30th President of the United States,
1872-1933)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Take the vacation now!
Hmm... I wonder how many of my colleagues will see this... haha... but here's an interesting article on MarketWatch on why people should take vacations.
In a nutshell, low frequency of vacations are linked with increased risk of depression, and for ladies, it tends to affect marriage satisfaction....
And for employers... this is the key message:
In a nutshell, low frequency of vacations are linked with increased risk of depression, and for ladies, it tends to affect marriage satisfaction....
And for employers... this is the key message:
"If you're not paying attention to that as an employer, then you're having
people who are going to run up medical bills, quit, burn out, be resentful and
you won't be getting maximum productivity out of them," he said. "We're just not
aware of the benefits of time off because we're so single-mindedly focused on
time on."
Friday, May 16, 2008
Revenge of the Buffalos
You have to check out this video. In a nutshell, some lions hunted a baby buffalo, and a whole herd of buffalos appeared and trashed the lions! Hahah
Saturday, May 03, 2008
The next Maplestory
I had been feeling fairly restless for various reasons.... and so I was looking for cheap and fun MMORPG games to play, I eventually settled for Cabal which was advertised on SMRT TV screens while waiting for the trains.
Here are some other interesting MMORPG games that was mentioned in Fortune Mag, google them up and see if any of them sparks your interest. :)
Here are some other interesting MMORPG games that was mentioned in Fortune Mag, google them up and see if any of them sparks your interest. :)
- Trackmania Nation Forever
- 9Dragons
- Audition
- Dungeon Runners
- Bread'nButter
- Lunia
- Twelve Sky
- Dream of Mirror
- Battlefield Heroes
- Company of Heroes
Knife Proof T-Shirt
Was reading Fortune Mag and I came across this fairly interest new "armour" - a Knife Proof T-Shirt. Unfortunately it only protects against slashes and not stabs..... hmm... think its a useful tool before entering our neighbouring country given the rising cases of Singaporeans being mugged?
Then with the help of google.... I've found some other producers of knife-proof shirts.... and this one looks (slightly) more fashionable. haha!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
