It is now 2.30 am and I am still up...
Doing what you may wonder? Nothing work related that's for sure...
Enjoying the quiet of the night... have you ever noticed how noisy cars and vehicles are in the day? Compared to the night, we live in utter noisiness and loudness in the day...
Enjoying the music on the radio... no DJs, no advertisements... just music.. and very nice songs at that...
Enjoying observing my hamster... just disengaged his exercise wheel (gets a bit noisy and disturbs my mom) so I'm watching as he entertains himself and tries to find out why the wheel doesn't run anymore...
Enjoying time for myself.. just disengaging myself from work.. from studies.. from the feelings and the rush that flood over me in the day at times...
Did you ever read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom? Morrie mentioned something about recognising the feelings and emotions by experiencing them fully... so that when it starts approaching again, you recognise it and then can disengage yourself from it... does that make sense to you? Go read the book if you want a better description than what I just offered.. =)
I like the nights.. especially when I am not yet so tired to be able to think and reflect and reminisce on some stuff...
but somethings... can't help but wonder if it will be even more enjoyable if there was someone to share this moment with... hahhaha
ponder ponder...
Friday, November 03, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
When you need a break...
Taking a break from work now and followed the link from a friend's blog to do this test... interesting... hahaha
| You Are a Seeker Soul |
 You are on a quest for knowledge and life challenges. You love to be curious and ask a ton of questions. Since you know so much, you make for an interesting conversationalist. Mentally alert, you can outwit almost anyone (and have fun doing it!). Very introspective, you can be silently critical of others. And your quiet nature makes it difficult for people to get to know you. You see yourself as a philosopher, and you take everything philosophically. Your main talent is expressing and communicating ideas. Souls you are most compatible with: Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul |
Funny stuff I have heard
"Is that a reservoir?"
- quoted from someone who was standing at the beach and looking at the Straits of Johor
Person A (in all seriousness): "Have you ever thought about dying?"
Person B (in equal seriousness): "My hair? It doesn't look nice like this?"
"One of the groups chose to conclude their presentation with the phrase 'I hope we have enlightened you...'
Does that mean we have been living in darkness until you presented your points?"
- quoted from my Professional Communications tutor
"Did you hear the story about the 3 wells? No? Well... well... well..."
- quoted from an LC NUS EB member
Girl A: I'm going on holiday this coming December. We're going skiiing!
Girl B: Wow that's so cool! Where are you going?
Girl A: I'm not too sure... I think it's North Korea...
Girl B: (thinks for a while) Isn't that the place with some weird president? Shouldn't it be South Korea?
Girl A: aiya something like that la... I know we're going skiing that's for sure
(This is part of the conversation I overheard in the canteen one day)
"I have to run now. I just got a call from a farmer. His sheep just fell into the lake and is shrinking at an alarming rate"
- quoted from Mathew Perry's character in Serving Sarah who was trying to get away before people realised he wasn't a real vet
ahhh.. ignorance.. it's interesting how it's so linked to humour...
- quoted from someone who was standing at the beach and looking at the Straits of Johor
Person A (in all seriousness): "Have you ever thought about dying?"
Person B (in equal seriousness): "My hair? It doesn't look nice like this?"
"One of the groups chose to conclude their presentation with the phrase 'I hope we have enlightened you...'
Does that mean we have been living in darkness until you presented your points?"
- quoted from my Professional Communications tutor
"Did you hear the story about the 3 wells? No? Well... well... well..."
- quoted from an LC NUS EB member
Girl A: I'm going on holiday this coming December. We're going skiiing!
Girl B: Wow that's so cool! Where are you going?
Girl A: I'm not too sure... I think it's North Korea...
Girl B: (thinks for a while) Isn't that the place with some weird president? Shouldn't it be South Korea?
Girl A: aiya something like that la... I know we're going skiing that's for sure
(This is part of the conversation I overheard in the canteen one day)
"I have to run now. I just got a call from a farmer. His sheep just fell into the lake and is shrinking at an alarming rate"
- quoted from Mathew Perry's character in Serving Sarah who was trying to get away before people realised he wasn't a real vet
ahhh.. ignorance.. it's interesting how it's so linked to humour...
Friday, October 27, 2006
The Little Things
It's the little things that we share
the love and joy that's in the air
the children's laughter everywhere
and all our favourite things...
Over the years
I've grown accustomed to your ways
and no matter where I be, it warms my heart
To know that you're always here for me...
lyrics from a song from my primary school days... strangely I only remember these 2 stanzas...
suddenly popped into my head... and somehow felt that I had to put this down...
the love and joy that's in the air
the children's laughter everywhere
and all our favourite things...
Over the years
I've grown accustomed to your ways
and no matter where I be, it warms my heart
To know that you're always here for me...
lyrics from a song from my primary school days... strangely I only remember these 2 stanzas...
suddenly popped into my head... and somehow felt that I had to put this down...
"Famous" Quotes
We just had a great country visit by Ryan, our AP Director, and I can't help following in the footsteps of Mindy in quoting some of the interesting stuff I have heard in the 5 days that Ryan spent in Singapore...
p.s. I don't have that good a memory so this is reconstructed based on what I can remember =)
Ryan on Motivation:
As you move into different roles and take on more responsibilities, it is only right to expect that the highs and lows you experience will grow as well. So many people go into taking more responsibilities with the expectations that things will remain the same, that the lows won't go lower or that the highs won't go higher. But that's not going to happen.
The difference between any normal leader and the outstanding leader is that the outstanding leader is able to channel the energy from the low moments into a drive to aim for a high. Remember the high moments and the excitement and satisfaction you felt. And remember the low moments because that is where the challenge is, to pick ourselves and the people around us up, channel the energy into that fierce drive which will bring us to the high again.
Ryan on diversity of ideas and making decisions:
With so many diverse individuals on the team (not just in nationalities but also opinions, backgrounds, thoughts) it may seem hard to come to a consensus or make a decision that every single person is 100% satisfied with. Which is why we spend so much time getting our fundamentals right. Fundamentals such as the identity, the vision, the AIESEC Experience, the Brand Promise, being what is central to the organisation and what we do. And when we all have a clear consensus and understanding on the fundamentals, there is so much space and flexibility beyond for each individual to contribute. And of course, it takes that level of commitment to making the best decisions and delivering the best for the benefit of the organisation as a whole
Ryan on AIESEC and It's Up to You:
AIESEC is like sitting on a couch and watching television. If you don't like what you are seeing, you just have to make that decision, get out of that couch and make that change.
Ryan on some AIESEC stuff:
It's meant to be a tool, to be used as an indicator. It cannot be taken as a science, because sciences always have their flaws.
Ryan on AIESEC being global (which he quoted from Taco)
You know you're working in a global organisation when you turn on the television and what you watch on the news actually affects your work.
Ryan on Singapore:
(wiping sweat from his brow) Phew it's hot!
I'm looking for a satay stall
Thanks Ryan for all the sharing, the inputs and the advice!! All the best in the rest of your country visits and we look forward to seeing you back in Singapore again!!!
p.s. I don't have that good a memory so this is reconstructed based on what I can remember =)
Ryan on Motivation:
As you move into different roles and take on more responsibilities, it is only right to expect that the highs and lows you experience will grow as well. So many people go into taking more responsibilities with the expectations that things will remain the same, that the lows won't go lower or that the highs won't go higher. But that's not going to happen.
The difference between any normal leader and the outstanding leader is that the outstanding leader is able to channel the energy from the low moments into a drive to aim for a high. Remember the high moments and the excitement and satisfaction you felt. And remember the low moments because that is where the challenge is, to pick ourselves and the people around us up, channel the energy into that fierce drive which will bring us to the high again.
Ryan on diversity of ideas and making decisions:
With so many diverse individuals on the team (not just in nationalities but also opinions, backgrounds, thoughts) it may seem hard to come to a consensus or make a decision that every single person is 100% satisfied with. Which is why we spend so much time getting our fundamentals right. Fundamentals such as the identity, the vision, the AIESEC Experience, the Brand Promise, being what is central to the organisation and what we do. And when we all have a clear consensus and understanding on the fundamentals, there is so much space and flexibility beyond for each individual to contribute. And of course, it takes that level of commitment to making the best decisions and delivering the best for the benefit of the organisation as a whole
Ryan on AIESEC and It's Up to You:
AIESEC is like sitting on a couch and watching television. If you don't like what you are seeing, you just have to make that decision, get out of that couch and make that change.
Ryan on some AIESEC stuff:
It's meant to be a tool, to be used as an indicator. It cannot be taken as a science, because sciences always have their flaws.
Ryan on AIESEC being global (which he quoted from Taco)
You know you're working in a global organisation when you turn on the television and what you watch on the news actually affects your work.
Ryan on Singapore:
(wiping sweat from his brow) Phew it's hot!
I'm looking for a satay stall
Thanks Ryan for all the sharing, the inputs and the advice!! All the best in the rest of your country visits and we look forward to seeing you back in Singapore again!!!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Finally...
I finally got down to asking my mom what I have been meaning to ask for the past 3 weeks plus (gosh... has it been that long already?? It's so hard to keep track of time these days).. and the concerns are quite what I expected... so unfortunately, there can be no confirmed answer at this point... just more planning and sourcing for options...
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Divine intervention...
Alas, all good and free things must come to an end...
the owner of the wireless network that I have been leeching from for the past year or so has probably finally figured out why his bitrates aren't that fast as he expected (cos laptop users from the estate are probably using his network)... now it's security enabled and I have to say bye bye to that... Sigh... I will miss the amazingly fast and ever present network called 'Raj'
and it doesn't help that my own router has died so basically I don't get very consistent internet at home anymore. Depends on whether other wireless networks are on (1 or 2 but the connection is really weak) and whether my bro is home (so I can plug in via cable directly to the modem, which is usually connected to the PC in the living room)
But I guess you can call it divine intervention... have so much stuff to clear this week and next, what with the school term coming to an end soon and all... but I've been distracted these days... so much on the mind, so much to do... so much that I no longer know what to think or do...
I feel like 1 confused and distracted individual...
Damn....
the owner of the wireless network that I have been leeching from for the past year or so has probably finally figured out why his bitrates aren't that fast as he expected (cos laptop users from the estate are probably using his network)... now it's security enabled and I have to say bye bye to that... Sigh... I will miss the amazingly fast and ever present network called 'Raj'
and it doesn't help that my own router has died so basically I don't get very consistent internet at home anymore. Depends on whether other wireless networks are on (1 or 2 but the connection is really weak) and whether my bro is home (so I can plug in via cable directly to the modem, which is usually connected to the PC in the living room)
But I guess you can call it divine intervention... have so much stuff to clear this week and next, what with the school term coming to an end soon and all... but I've been distracted these days... so much on the mind, so much to do... so much that I no longer know what to think or do...
I feel like 1 confused and distracted individual...
Damn....
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Taking the time to ask yourself...
It suddenly occurred to me last night... What do I miss in the life I am leading now compared to anytime before this moment? Who are the people I miss? Will they know that I miss them?
It helps to ask such questions once in a while, just so we appreciate what we have, and appreciate what we had but don't have anymore...
It helps to ask such questions once in a while, just so we appreciate what we have, and appreciate what we had but don't have anymore...
Is it just me?
I attended a Round Table Discussion event this evening by Proctor & Gamble. They organise this every year to reach out to graduating students from my university. I wasn't too sure what to expect but the topic "Think Global, Act Local" did look interesting and the line up of speakers was very credible so I figured why not...
It was an ok session... most of the sharing by the speakers followed by panel Q&A was ok... people were mostly asking about P&G's marketing stragegies, surviving as a global company with so many brands and all that... not too bad, but I guess I just wasn't that impressed (considering how we've seen some REAL SUPER speakers at IC)
Anyway, the Q&A was followed by dinner (GOOD FOOD!) cum networking. So they had tables for different functions within P&G and 1 or 2 employees per table to speak with us undergraduates and address our questions... I think I kind of scared the guy at my table cos I was asking quite a lot of questions...
Is this your first job? Why did you leave the previous one for this job? Does your degree matter in what you do? What do you do? Does P&G provide trainings? Is it compulsory or how do they encourage employees to take these up? How diverse is the workforce in P&G? How does P&G get involved with the local communities (CSR)? Are there internal postings outside of Singapore? Are the operations handled by P&G or outsourced (since the guy was in logistics)?
And I wanted to ask the HR people stuff like how they build the learning culture in the company, how they see the youths of today being able to cope with a diverse and team based work environment, how they identify with their values (which are quite similar to those of AIESEC coincidentally).. but yeah the HR people went off before I could bombard them....
But anyhow, what I noticed was really the type of questions I asked VS what some of the other undergrads asked...
What are working hours like, what is the dress code to work, what is the salary range, how much do the grades matter, will there be training if we go into a function not related to our degree... And the "best" questions of the night came from this guy to the HR hiring manager for Product Supply: Some of the people gave us some tips about the application process. Does it really help if we look at the Purpose, Vision and Principles of the company? What do you look for in a resume? Should we answer the online test according to who we are or really aligned to the values which the company are looking for? Like do it just for the sake of impressing the company? (I suspect this was why the HR manager wanted to go off before I could ask her questions... If I were doing HR and someone asked me questions like this, I would be so not impressed...)
but anyhow, yeah the experience definitely got me thinking... what I ask and seek to find out does seem different... the rest or you even probably think I'm quite silly to not ask about salary and what experiences they look for in recruiting...
but anyhow, I think after this bit of reflecting, I realise that perhaps it is simply because I look for that diverse, dynamic, challenging learning environment more than the material perks a job can offer... and I think that well.. I am happy with what I am looking for =)
It was an ok session... most of the sharing by the speakers followed by panel Q&A was ok... people were mostly asking about P&G's marketing stragegies, surviving as a global company with so many brands and all that... not too bad, but I guess I just wasn't that impressed (considering how we've seen some REAL SUPER speakers at IC)
Anyway, the Q&A was followed by dinner (GOOD FOOD!) cum networking. So they had tables for different functions within P&G and 1 or 2 employees per table to speak with us undergraduates and address our questions... I think I kind of scared the guy at my table cos I was asking quite a lot of questions...
Is this your first job? Why did you leave the previous one for this job? Does your degree matter in what you do? What do you do? Does P&G provide trainings? Is it compulsory or how do they encourage employees to take these up? How diverse is the workforce in P&G? How does P&G get involved with the local communities (CSR)? Are there internal postings outside of Singapore? Are the operations handled by P&G or outsourced (since the guy was in logistics)?
And I wanted to ask the HR people stuff like how they build the learning culture in the company, how they see the youths of today being able to cope with a diverse and team based work environment, how they identify with their values (which are quite similar to those of AIESEC coincidentally).. but yeah the HR people went off before I could bombard them....
But anyhow, what I noticed was really the type of questions I asked VS what some of the other undergrads asked...
What are working hours like, what is the dress code to work, what is the salary range, how much do the grades matter, will there be training if we go into a function not related to our degree... And the "best" questions of the night came from this guy to the HR hiring manager for Product Supply: Some of the people gave us some tips about the application process. Does it really help if we look at the Purpose, Vision and Principles of the company? What do you look for in a resume? Should we answer the online test according to who we are or really aligned to the values which the company are looking for? Like do it just for the sake of impressing the company? (I suspect this was why the HR manager wanted to go off before I could ask her questions... If I were doing HR and someone asked me questions like this, I would be so not impressed...)
but anyhow, yeah the experience definitely got me thinking... what I ask and seek to find out does seem different... the rest or you even probably think I'm quite silly to not ask about salary and what experiences they look for in recruiting...
but anyhow, I think after this bit of reflecting, I realise that perhaps it is simply because I look for that diverse, dynamic, challenging learning environment more than the material perks a job can offer... and I think that well.. I am happy with what I am looking for =)
Monday, October 09, 2006
I will get there
This is a very meaningful song by Boyz II Men... for all those out there searching for answers, searching for a path, searching for direction... we'll find it... we will get there in the end...
Oh…oh…ah…
Hey…
Yeah… I've been wanderin' 'round in the dark
Been lost somewhere where no light could shine on my heart
I have known a pain so deep
But I know my faith will free me [Get there]
And I'll get through this [Get there]
I'll find my way again
So don't tell me that it's over
'Cause each step just gets me closer
(I will get there) I will get there
(I will get there) I will get there somehow
Cross that river (Cross that river)
Nothing's stoppin' me now
I will get through the night (Oh, yes, I will)
And make it through to the other side
(Get there) Get there
(Get there) Get there
I've been in these chains for so long
I'll break free and I'll be there where I belong
Hold my head up high, I'll stand tall
And I swear this time I won't fall [Get there]
I will do this [Get there]
No matter what it takes
'Cause I know no limitations
And I'll reach my destination, I will get there
I will get there (I will get there)
I will get there (Ooh) somehow (Somehow)
Cross that river (Cross that river)
Nothing's stoppin' me now
I will get through the night
And make it through to the other side (Ooh, get there)
Get there (Get there) Get there
Well, the night is cold and dark
But somewhere the sun is shining
And I'll feel it shine on me
I'll keep on tryin', I'll keep on tryin'
I will get there (I will get there)
I will get there somehow
Cross that river (Cross that river)
Nothing's stoppin' me now
I will get through the night
And make it through to the other side
Get there, get there
I will get there (I will get there)
I will get there somehow (Somehow)
Cross that river (I'll cross that river for you)
Nothing's stoppin' me now (Oh…whoa…I)
I will get through (Through) the night
And make it through to the other side (Oh…ho…oh…ho…)
(Get there) Get there
(Ooh, get there) Get there (Whoa…oh…)
I will get there (I will get there)
I will get there somehow (Somehow)
Cross that river (I'll cross it for your love)
Nothing's stoppin' me now (No matter what)
I will get through the night (I will get through the night)
And make it through to the other side
(Get there) Get there
(Ooh, get there) Get there Get there Oh…ho…oh…
I'll get there
Oh…oh…ah…
Hey…
Yeah… I've been wanderin' 'round in the dark
Been lost somewhere where no light could shine on my heart
I have known a pain so deep
But I know my faith will free me [Get there]
And I'll get through this [Get there]
I'll find my way again
So don't tell me that it's over
'Cause each step just gets me closer
(I will get there) I will get there
(I will get there) I will get there somehow
Cross that river (Cross that river)
Nothing's stoppin' me now
I will get through the night (Oh, yes, I will)
And make it through to the other side
(Get there) Get there
(Get there) Get there
I've been in these chains for so long
I'll break free and I'll be there where I belong
Hold my head up high, I'll stand tall
And I swear this time I won't fall [Get there]
I will do this [Get there]
No matter what it takes
'Cause I know no limitations
And I'll reach my destination, I will get there
I will get there (I will get there)
I will get there (Ooh) somehow (Somehow)
Cross that river (Cross that river)
Nothing's stoppin' me now
I will get through the night
And make it through to the other side (Ooh, get there)
Get there (Get there) Get there
Well, the night is cold and dark
But somewhere the sun is shining
And I'll feel it shine on me
I'll keep on tryin', I'll keep on tryin'
I will get there (I will get there)
I will get there somehow
Cross that river (Cross that river)
Nothing's stoppin' me now
I will get through the night
And make it through to the other side
Get there, get there
I will get there (I will get there)
I will get there somehow (Somehow)
Cross that river (I'll cross that river for you)
Nothing's stoppin' me now (Oh…whoa…I)
I will get through (Through) the night
And make it through to the other side (Oh…ho…oh…ho…)
(Get there) Get there
(Ooh, get there) Get there (Whoa…oh…)
I will get there (I will get there)
I will get there somehow (Somehow)
Cross that river (I'll cross it for your love)
Nothing's stoppin' me now (No matter what)
I will get through the night (I will get through the night)
And make it through to the other side
(Get there) Get there
(Ooh, get there) Get there Get there Oh…ho…oh…
I'll get there
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Emails...
After letting the emails in my outlook inbox accummulate past the 2000 figure (and this is just in the main inbox... it excludes all the rest within my sub-folders), I decided that a virtual spring cleaning was very much needed...
So I just spent the last hour or so clearing emails.. for now, I only have 1190 emails in the main inbox after much sorting and deleting... I will have to go through my sub-folders after this (since some emails I transferred from main to sub for classification sake)
anyway, in the midst of clearing the emails, I of course have to open some of these emails to see what the content is (email subject titles aren't that descriptive after all) and it was interesting to see how things and people have changed and moved along with time...
from emails congratulating the team on our appointment as MC 0607; to emails from the 0506 team discussing how to do transition to the 0607 team; to emails from the 0607 then-elects to each other (some of these emails start with "Dear LCP elects" hehe) asking about plans and ideas; to excited emails about the selection of our international MC; to excited emails of incoming trainees or successful events or meetings; to emails that sound so charged with emotion as people fight for what they believe in; to emails where the MC 0607 makes decisions after being updated on all possible scenarios; to crappy emails with content that you just can't help but smile at....
Looking back, it has been 9 months of journeying together as a team and what a remarkable 9 months it has been... what an amazing story it would be if we put down all that we have gone through in these 9 months...
Even the emails tell a story... and what a wonderful story it tells... it is a story about growth... growth of individuals, growth of the team, growth of our own legacy...
and I cannot wait to start clearing my email inbox again 6 months from now when the term 0607 is over... for then our story will be pretty much over...
then again, I think we will realise by then that it isn't that much of a story... well maybe a story for us... but all in all it's just another chapter in the book titled "AIESEC in Singapore"
So I just spent the last hour or so clearing emails.. for now, I only have 1190 emails in the main inbox after much sorting and deleting... I will have to go through my sub-folders after this (since some emails I transferred from main to sub for classification sake)
anyway, in the midst of clearing the emails, I of course have to open some of these emails to see what the content is (email subject titles aren't that descriptive after all) and it was interesting to see how things and people have changed and moved along with time...
from emails congratulating the team on our appointment as MC 0607; to emails from the 0506 team discussing how to do transition to the 0607 team; to emails from the 0607 then-elects to each other (some of these emails start with "Dear LCP elects" hehe) asking about plans and ideas; to excited emails about the selection of our international MC; to excited emails of incoming trainees or successful events or meetings; to emails that sound so charged with emotion as people fight for what they believe in; to emails where the MC 0607 makes decisions after being updated on all possible scenarios; to crappy emails with content that you just can't help but smile at....
Looking back, it has been 9 months of journeying together as a team and what a remarkable 9 months it has been... what an amazing story it would be if we put down all that we have gone through in these 9 months...
Even the emails tell a story... and what a wonderful story it tells... it is a story about growth... growth of individuals, growth of the team, growth of our own legacy...
and I cannot wait to start clearing my email inbox again 6 months from now when the term 0607 is over... for then our story will be pretty much over...
then again, I think we will realise by then that it isn't that much of a story... well maybe a story for us... but all in all it's just another chapter in the book titled "AIESEC in Singapore"
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Meaningful words...
I found Dey's blog and found these really meaningful extracts, which Dey found from someone else's blog...
so... enjoy :)
_________________________________________________________________________
You can`t make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth. We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.
There`s a purpose to life`s events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too loud.
Extracts from a poem by Heinz Shalloff.
so... enjoy :)
_________________________________________________________________________
You can`t make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth. We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.
Free your heart from hatret;
Free your mind from worries;
Live simply.
Give more.
Expect less.
My hope for you is that you will finally discover the happiness within you.
When you feel down because you didn`t get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because I thought of something better to give you.
My friendship.
It is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.
There`s a purpose to life`s events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too loud.
Extracts from a poem by Heinz Shalloff.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Have you ever...
have you ever closed your eyes after working on the laptop or reading your notes and tutorials for a long time, and felt literally the waves of tiredness wash over you?
I have, and I am always surprised when it happens...
have you ever lay down on your bed after a long day of meetings and work and felt the waves of tiredness wash over you?
I have, and sometimes I find that liberating...
have you ever closed your eyes and felt the wind blow in your face, and feel the waves of relaxation wash over you?
I have, and I love that feeling...
have you ever felt the wind blow away the waves of tiredness?
I have, and I remind myself to give thanks for the moment...
Life is made up of little moments...
Have you ever noticed?
I have, and I am always surprised when it happens...
have you ever lay down on your bed after a long day of meetings and work and felt the waves of tiredness wash over you?
I have, and sometimes I find that liberating...
have you ever closed your eyes and felt the wind blow in your face, and feel the waves of relaxation wash over you?
I have, and I love that feeling...
have you ever felt the wind blow away the waves of tiredness?
I have, and I remind myself to give thanks for the moment...
Life is made up of little moments...
Have you ever noticed?
You Raise Me Up...
"You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up... to more than I can be."
You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
Be thankful if you have found that someone who has that effect and impact on you in your life...
Be proud of yourself if you are that someone in another person's life...
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up... to more than I can be."
You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
Be thankful if you have found that someone who has that effect and impact on you in your life...
Be proud of yourself if you are that someone in another person's life...
Friday, September 29, 2006
My Wish
Rascal Flatts is a good band...
hehe... been taking some time out to enjoy quite a bit of their music.. Love their songs!!
anyway... this is for everyone out there who cares and that I care for... I think I am rediscovering the joy of being able to shed off some layers of that thick outer shell... thanks guys... :)
My Wish
hehe... been taking some time out to enjoy quite a bit of their music.. Love their songs!!
anyway... this is for everyone out there who cares and that I care for... I think I am rediscovering the joy of being able to shed off some layers of that thick outer shell... thanks guys... :)
My Wish
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you’re faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin’ ‘til you find the window
If it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything
Chorus
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish
I hope you never look back but you never forget
All the ones who love you
And the place you left
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God’s grace in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah more than anything
This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you’re faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin’ ‘til you find the window
If it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything
Chorus
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish
I hope you never look back but you never forget
All the ones who love you
And the place you left
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God’s grace in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah more than anything
This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Engineering Materials
I remember in Year 2 or 3, one of the modules was talking about materials and the strength of materials. And I remember there was something called cyclic loading, which is especially common in testing components used in aeroplanes. The component is subjected to a load, say tensile stress, that increased from zero to a maximum value within a certain time, and then is decreased to zero again within a certain time. So the cycle is repeated many many times to investigate when failure will take place.
Some materials don't withstand cyclic loading too well. They fail quite soon into the cycles. Other materials are a lot better, either because of their natural properties or that they have been reinforced (by material or by structure)
I also remember that there is a method of strengthening some materials which is quite interesting. The material is subject to a load (i.e. stress or heat) and then after that relaxed. And because the load induced more stresses and stress lines within the materials, they eventually prevent further cracks or stress lines from propagating throughout the material. So by subjecting the material to an initial load and initial stresses, the material becomes stronger and can take even more load eventually. So it doesn't mean that initial stress and cracks will always lead to failure of the material; sometimes it makes the material a lot stronger.
I also remember that in crack propagation, while many cracks and stress lines in the materials can strengthen it, sometimes all it takes is just one crack in the material for absolute failure. One crack to start snacking its way through the internal structure, moving quickly through, inflicting simple and direct damage.
I never really liked the materials part of the engineering courses (I didn't take chemistry in Junior College) but one can't deny how relevant it is in the world today...
Some materials don't withstand cyclic loading too well. They fail quite soon into the cycles. Other materials are a lot better, either because of their natural properties or that they have been reinforced (by material or by structure)
I also remember that there is a method of strengthening some materials which is quite interesting. The material is subject to a load (i.e. stress or heat) and then after that relaxed. And because the load induced more stresses and stress lines within the materials, they eventually prevent further cracks or stress lines from propagating throughout the material. So by subjecting the material to an initial load and initial stresses, the material becomes stronger and can take even more load eventually. So it doesn't mean that initial stress and cracks will always lead to failure of the material; sometimes it makes the material a lot stronger.
I also remember that in crack propagation, while many cracks and stress lines in the materials can strengthen it, sometimes all it takes is just one crack in the material for absolute failure. One crack to start snacking its way through the internal structure, moving quickly through, inflicting simple and direct damage.
I never really liked the materials part of the engineering courses (I didn't take chemistry in Junior College) but one can't deny how relevant it is in the world today...
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Chilling out...
If you don't consciously think about it, you never realise how long you've known some of the people around you...
Took some time off yesterday afternoon to meet up with some of the wushu mates ... went for lunch at Wisma followed by a walk-walk around...
key discovery points of the day:
- We've known each other for like 6 years! Since 2001!! Gosh!
- You can never squish the crappiness out of people like us, no matter how old we are
- It feels so fulfilling to be with a group of Singaporeans and be able to have discussions around things like politics, children psychology (thanks to Kunz and his the BBC show "Child of our Time") and environmental issues (marine biologist VS cynical lawyer)
- the flower decorations along Orchard road is an OK move to impress the IMF delegates. But the decoration of trees with red and white polka dots is SO SO SO WRONG!
Anyhow, it was a good outing with good food, good people and good conversations...
Yes! I have a personal life after all! and a bunch of cool friends :)
Took some time off yesterday afternoon to meet up with some of the wushu mates ... went for lunch at Wisma followed by a walk-walk around...
key discovery points of the day:
- We've known each other for like 6 years! Since 2001!! Gosh!
- You can never squish the crappiness out of people like us, no matter how old we are
- It feels so fulfilling to be with a group of Singaporeans and be able to have discussions around things like politics, children psychology (thanks to Kunz and his the BBC show "Child of our Time") and environmental issues (marine biologist VS cynical lawyer)
- the flower decorations along Orchard road is an OK move to impress the IMF delegates. But the decoration of trees with red and white polka dots is SO SO SO WRONG!
Anyhow, it was a good outing with good food, good people and good conversations...
Yes! I have a personal life after all! and a bunch of cool friends :)
Thursday, September 14, 2006
One Phone Call
It's amazing how much difference just one phone call can make in one's life...
just when everything was going in its usual routine, your phone starts ringing... thinking it's something work related again, you pick it up without really glancing at the number (not that it matters cos I didn't recognise the country code)
when you say "Hello?" this strangely familiar voice answers "Hello!" and a laugh... and you run through the database of names and voices in your head to try and place that... somehow it doesn't work so you ask "Who is this?"
and when you finally know who it is? Gosh that feeling!! It's like walking around on the streets and bumping into someone who means so much to you just like that!
I honestly felt so so so so happy at the moment I learnt who it was...
Thanks for calling! It was a great way for me to voice some of my thoughts, get some inputs and advice as well as to share from one friend to another =)
just when everything was going in its usual routine, your phone starts ringing... thinking it's something work related again, you pick it up without really glancing at the number (not that it matters cos I didn't recognise the country code)
when you say "Hello?" this strangely familiar voice answers "Hello!" and a laugh... and you run through the database of names and voices in your head to try and place that... somehow it doesn't work so you ask "Who is this?"
and when you finally know who it is? Gosh that feeling!! It's like walking around on the streets and bumping into someone who means so much to you just like that!
I honestly felt so so so so happy at the moment I learnt who it was...
Thanks for calling! It was a great way for me to voice some of my thoughts, get some inputs and advice as well as to share from one friend to another =)
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
My IC 2006 Bring Back
Finally decided to take some time out to relax a bit.... I'm now alone at home with the radio on after a shower... and it only seems apt to take some time to think...
This IC 2006 has been an interesting experience, simply because it's like going there wearing a different set of glasses (not that I wear any but you get the point)... things really do take on a different perspective...
so I decided to put down some of the key points that have left an impression on me:
You can tell about people's personalities through the way they take photos
It's amusing how different people look for different things to take photos of. For me, most of my photos contain scenary, buildings, other people, everything except myself... You probably may not even guess that I've been to that country, simply because I hardly appear in my own photos. I look to capture things the way I see it, which is why I am behind the lens.
Yet some people take mainly photos of people; people are the foreground and the background is not that important. Perhaps I should learn from them and be more open about showing the/my relationships with those around me.
Diversity in AIESEC also means Diversity in communication
I love the diversity in AIESEC, not just because it presents so many perspectives on issues but simply because there is so much to learn from others in communication styles. Through the facilitators, the speeches, the conversations with the PAI and AI, the delegates, the chair, I can pick up so many tips on how to address crowds and capture their attention. I pick up pointers on how to bring messages across by using stories and by asking questions.
The impressive and irrepressible nature of the Human Spirit in everyone
At every international conference, I meet people who face the greatest of challenges back home in their AIESEC chapters. I meet people who face challenges at IC itself in being able to understand and communicate with other delegates. And what always impresses me is how these people simply never say die, how their passion drives them on so strongly. Everyone at IC is a hero or heroine in his or her own way and I salute them for that.
The Bonds that Bind
It's amazing how friendships made at a 10 day conference stay the same or become even stronger after a 6 months gap with hardly any online communication. Some may say that it isn't very possible to make very good friends in such a short time but to me, AIESEC is proof that it is possible. I think it stems from knowing how each of us are going back home to fight our own different battles, yet sub-consciously being aware that the battles aren't that different in essence after all. We may feel lonely, misunderstood, super challenged at times, but we can always seek solace in the network that is out there and in the bonds that bind.
for sure the sessions, the trainings and the content have left an impression on me... but let's face it.. life is transient, life is fragile...
More often than not, it's the softer and invisible things in life that speak the most to us, and stay with us for the longest time...
This IC 2006 has been an interesting experience, simply because it's like going there wearing a different set of glasses (not that I wear any but you get the point)... things really do take on a different perspective...
so I decided to put down some of the key points that have left an impression on me:
You can tell about people's personalities through the way they take photos
It's amusing how different people look for different things to take photos of. For me, most of my photos contain scenary, buildings, other people, everything except myself... You probably may not even guess that I've been to that country, simply because I hardly appear in my own photos. I look to capture things the way I see it, which is why I am behind the lens.
Yet some people take mainly photos of people; people are the foreground and the background is not that important. Perhaps I should learn from them and be more open about showing the/my relationships with those around me.
Diversity in AIESEC also means Diversity in communication
I love the diversity in AIESEC, not just because it presents so many perspectives on issues but simply because there is so much to learn from others in communication styles. Through the facilitators, the speeches, the conversations with the PAI and AI, the delegates, the chair, I can pick up so many tips on how to address crowds and capture their attention. I pick up pointers on how to bring messages across by using stories and by asking questions.
The impressive and irrepressible nature of the Human Spirit in everyone
At every international conference, I meet people who face the greatest of challenges back home in their AIESEC chapters. I meet people who face challenges at IC itself in being able to understand and communicate with other delegates. And what always impresses me is how these people simply never say die, how their passion drives them on so strongly. Everyone at IC is a hero or heroine in his or her own way and I salute them for that.
The Bonds that Bind
It's amazing how friendships made at a 10 day conference stay the same or become even stronger after a 6 months gap with hardly any online communication. Some may say that it isn't very possible to make very good friends in such a short time but to me, AIESEC is proof that it is possible. I think it stems from knowing how each of us are going back home to fight our own different battles, yet sub-consciously being aware that the battles aren't that different in essence after all. We may feel lonely, misunderstood, super challenged at times, but we can always seek solace in the network that is out there and in the bonds that bind.
for sure the sessions, the trainings and the content have left an impression on me... but let's face it.. life is transient, life is fragile...
More often than not, it's the softer and invisible things in life that speak the most to us, and stay with us for the longest time...
Monday, September 11, 2006
so much has happened...
So much has happened since the last blog posting...
Prep for IC, IC itself, prep for Jump Start, Jump Start itself, catching up with school work, family stuff...
Things always happen for a reason...
I'm blogging randomly it seems...
anyhow, I hope my voice is back by Wednesday night... I have an interview on Thursday morning!!
*sigh sigh*
Prep for IC, IC itself, prep for Jump Start, Jump Start itself, catching up with school work, family stuff...
Things always happen for a reason...
I'm blogging randomly it seems...
anyhow, I hope my voice is back by Wednesday night... I have an interview on Thursday morning!!
*sigh sigh*
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