Jeremiah 29:11

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I happened to hear a meaningful verse which somehow spoke to me...

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Proverbs 3:6
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. "

God Will Make A Way
Words and music by Don Moen

God will make a way,
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way.

By a roadway in the wilderness, He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today.

God will make a way,
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way

TTT

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I came across this during one of my interviews when I was talking to my prospective employers and somehow it remained stuck in my head...

Interestingly, I once came across TTTTT in a chinese movie, Tokyo Raiders... It stands for "Till They Tell The Truth". Of course, I am not talking about this.

I think this 3Ts would be really helpful and timely in helping me to think about my purpose and what I am doing about it (hope it helps you too): Time, Treasures and Talents.

Letter T by tbh

Do you have time? How is your day structured? Are we spending time on things that are important and/or urgent? Are they important and/or urgent to us, our family, our friends etc?

What treasures (both tangible and intangible, entrusted unto you by God) do you have? How have you used it, how are you using it and how do you intend to use it in the future?

What talents do you have (and entrusted onto you by God) and how are you using it towards your purpose? How are you using it to the benefit of yourself, your loved ones and others?

cross by noreh

Working my tummy hard!

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Took a good mental break yesterday but really worked my tummy hard :D

Get the Idea?
Source: www.linkedua.com/linkedua

Yesterday was my official last day at my previous workplace and I took a short getaway to JB with 2 of my ex-colleagues. Woke up early in the morning and made my way to Kranji MRT to meet them. Finally get to go on a trip with my dear colleague; used to be very difficult in the past as we both could not take leave together; we had to cover each others' duties whenever one goes on leave.

Anyway, it was a smooth journey and with light traffic on the causeway, we were overseas within minutes! OK, though it is only across the border, I still thought that the little getaway did help. At least, for that few hours, I seemed to have left all my troubles behind in the land across the border. I am now in a foreign land, where no one knows me, where I can get to experience a slightly different culture and of course make my currency work doubly hard for me. *BIG GRIN*

Upon exiting the Malaysian checkpoint, we were immediately approached by several "unlicensed" taxi drivers who offered to take us to our destination. There was this one rude driver who scolded us and shouted "Hao Xin Mei You Hao Bao" (Mandarin translated into "Good person not repaid with goodness") when we declined to take his cab.

Anyway, our spirits were not dampened and since we were too early to go shopping, we made our way to Komtar shopping complex to have our breakfast... wow, wrong move, shouldn't have taken rice early in the morning at 10 plus. No wonder my tummy was like bloated the whole day.

Anyway, we had "mixed rice", Malaysian style. 3 of us really ate a whole lot of food... Unlike Singapore, the mixed rice store there allows you to serve yourself and determine the size of your portion of serving. They will charge you based on the number of dishes (not the portion) you took. Anyway, "moderation" shall be the key word I shall keep reminding myself and rice as breakfast is a definite "no-no". I was walking around with this big big tummy, feeling bloated... feeling like pregnant :D

We then proceeded to do some shopping in City Square next door for the next few hours. My foot was nearly giving way after visiting boutique after boutique with my other 2 travel-mates... hahaha, anyway I never had the intention of buying any clothes here, maybe just spend on food. By lunch-time, we were still so full (thanks to the rice we taken as brunch :D), so we postponed lunch till about 2pm. After that, we took a cab to Holiday Plaza where the shopping spree continued. It started raining heavily the moment we got off the cab at Holiday Plaza (guess we will be stuck here for sometime). I spent a fair bit on buying some local products and snacks for my family. We ate some ice-cream (eating yet again) before we left the place.

We took a cab back to City Square where we "da bao" some nasi briyani for dinner and made our way to the causeway. On our way there, we passed by the "Factory Outlet Store" where I bought 2 long-sleeve shirts for my new job at S$8 each, cheap cheap :D but ironically, the shirst were made in Singapore :D

The way back was long... Think I should have taken some 2 hours plus to get across the jammed pack causeway, taking the bus to Kranji and train, followed by feeder bus back home. Immediately collapsed to rest once I got home... I was still so full that I put off eating my nasi briyani until about 10pm, but I was still full! :)

Anyway, I skipped the church-wide prayer meeting today coz I could not make it back in Singapore in time. I felt guilty but then somehow was too tired to travel to the other side of Singapore for it. I was also smelling from the whole day of perspiration.

What in the world is wrong with this world?

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I sometimes can't help but think about where humanity is going; whether we are digging our own graves?

Beutiful Stone 3 by kc_twd

If you haven't got the chance to watch TV, just take some time out and be a "couch potato" and draw your own conclusions. I really don't understand what we are doing to ourselves?

Just look at the news everyday and you will know what I mean. We are constantly bombarded with news that shock us, 10-year old boy brings a gun and shoots classmates, man murders another and dismembers the body, lady abandons baby in rubbish dump, man rapes little girl and kills her, later abandoning the body in the woods and the list goes on...

Then continue to stay with the TV and watch some TV serial, supposedly some award-winning programme, some murder mystery that gives you elaborate detail how some cold-blooded murderer plots his crime, with much blood and gore to make it as realistic as possible. Or another TV serial, with its regular feature of sex, adultery and generous usage of words such as "sex" etc. Or watch a horror flick that features psycho killers or supernatural beings going around with a mask, slaying people, again giving you elaborate details into how the slaying is done, from different angles and with blood splashing in all directions.

Maybe change the channel and watch a documentary on prominent crimes, bringing you back to the crime scene, as if watching the crime committed in front of you. Not to your taste? Switch the channel to watch reality TV show, featuring several teams of people plotting against each other, "playong the game" to win a million dollars. Not enough? You can always go watch a movie with a friend with state-of-the-art visual effects, blood and gore and/or a war flick with bullets and limbs flying around. One fact remains: Sex, Violence, Blood & Gore sells.

We have heard so many people talk about how the media is affecting our youths and have lamented about the effects and attributed shocking behaviours observed in people to these. There are also numerous psychological research being done on the topic, showing the connection between exposure to violence and the propensity to be violent. Yet, I ask, what is done about it?

It may sound that I am proposing for stricter censorship, some may also argue that I am asking for curbing of one's right and freedom to watch what they want. I am not specifically asking for that but am puzzled how life goes on despite us kowing how these are slowly eating away humanity, literally. I have watch "pleasantville" which depicts a group of people suppressed by niceties, so much so anything bad is banned. I am not asking for that but just wondering why the perculiar behaviour; on one hand you know something is bad and laments about it; on the other hand does nothing about it, only to further lament about it.

I used to have this theory of "media amplification", not something I came up with, following PhD-standard research, just something based on observations and reflection. We know that most TV programmes reflect life and present-day problems. But then I can't help but feel whether these serve to inform or serve to further reinforce problems, sending the signal that what you see is something prevalent in society, so we are reflecting it in our programmes.

We are slowly desensitized to things because we continue to see it on a daily basis. Take violence for example, we are literally brought into murder scenes almost on a daily basis watching other heck others up. Witnessing a real murder, you might be traumatized. See it on TV serials, you might be slightly disturbed (knowing it is make-believe drama). Seeing it often, it becomes a "common sight". I remember watching "Hotel Rwanda" and there is this scene which showed a reporter talking to a Rwandan. Apparently, the reporter shot some footage of genocide. The Rwandan wanted to persuade the reporter to use the footage to help persuade the international community to help the Rwandans by sending UN forces to stop the ruthless killings. The reporter responded, something to the effect:

"People will just see the footage at their dinner table and say "oh my goodness, that's horrible" and continue with their dinner"

We are being confronted with so much negativity everyday, we become so desensitized and "dehumanized". Food for thought.

The Great Expectation

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No la, I am not expecting (i.e. pregnant)... but today's theme seems to be on "expectations"...

Lesson 1 - Blogging for...
Spent the most part of the morning looking at someone elses' blog. Anyway, this particular blog which I was looking at is supposedly to be an award-winning one and a famous one; it registers more than 10,000 visits a day (now how did she do it?). Anyway, I wasn't at all impressed with the blog, I mean, frankly, it did look "bimbo-ish", contains lots of profanity and openly discusses about sex. Don't get me wrong, I am not against this blogger and I do not doubt that her blog is a true reflection of her day, what she truly thinks and feels but it is just too extreme and superficial for me.

I however paused for a while and asked myself "wait, why am I so affected by this blog?" Guess, I have certain expectations of peoples' blog and just as I was angry when one of my friends tried to interfere with the style of my blog, I think I should also respect others' blog... After all, one's blog should work for one's self...

Lesson 2 - Retirement & Expectations
The latter half of the morning, I was helping my dad to find out how much CPF he has left. He seemed to be hinting to me in the past few months that the monthly allowances I give to him seems not to be enough... it almost becomes clear to me that he would like me to review the allowance given to him and I do agree that given his age and his numerous medical follow-ups, he may need more. That is his expectation of me that I have to struggle with; I mean, I am currently already allocating 1/3 of my disposible income on allowance to my parents, so how do I allocate allowance in such a way that it will not foster unnecessary dependence, in such a way that will not make either of my parents feel I am biased and yet maintaining enough for me to handle some of the household bills, my bills and my lifestyle expenses? Wow, not easy being an adult... Well that is something I have to work out myself.

This has somehow caused me to think about my own expectations of the kind of lifestyle I would like to live in my retirement years... tried the retirement planner on the CPF website, fun! Go try: http://www.cpf.gov.sg/cpf_info/goto.asp?prof=&page=/cpf_info/elearning/cpf-journey/retirement.asp

Lesson 3 - Expectations of my job
Went to discuss my terms of employment with my prospective employer in the afternoon and signed the letter of appointment. Again, I am finding out about my employers' expectations of me as a staff, as the HR director went through the employee's manual with me; all the dos and don'ts... As for me, I would say that I am happy with what I saw today. The department I am working in seems to be a nice one to be in. I felt so welcomed amidst all the 7 staff who are all so friendly, makes me really look forward to working there.

Conclusion
What prompted me to think about all these? I would say, recent develoments in my relationships with a few significant others have caused me to take a step back to reflect on what could be better. It is almost clear to me that the closer you get to a person, the higher the expectations you might have of the person. We have so many expectations that go through our head everyday, from the moment we wake up, till the time we close our eyes to sleep. We have expectations even of strangers and would sometimes be displeasured by some of their "inconsiderate" actions. Was thinking about what would make a relationship a healthy one and the following formula seems to come to mind:

Feelings (Positive) + Trust + Communcation + Life Experiences (Appreciation of) + Expectations (Healthy) + Care
= A Healthy Relationship

Relationships usually start with a feeling of liking someone and wanting to make that person a part of your life journey, either as a friend or partner. This feeling is very hard to explain and may come about because of the other person's personal qualities, his/her actions, your past memories, or just a feeling of security; feeling that you can trust this person.

I would think this is where relationships grow, with trust. Relationships will not grow if it is just based on liking. One day, when the part that helps you to like the person is gone, so will the relationship, unless you develop positive feelings for something else in that person. Relationships grow when there is the trust and the commitment by everyone involved in that relationship to want to be genuine and communicate genuinely with one another; that would mean being genuine with one another and not snow-balling one's negative feelings about the other person. Communication skills are needed for each another to communicate their true feelings and perceptions in a genuine, respectful and sensitive way.

There should never be "hidden agendas" in any relationships. If so, then I would not even call it a true relationship, be it friendship, kinship or even love. Each person should feel safe to be able to share their expectations with one another in a genuine, respectful and sensitive way. Knowing one's life exprience would definitely help you to better appreciate where the other person is coming from. All of us are unique individuals who have very different life experiences which have in turn shaped our view and way of life. These life experiences help us to make decisions now and in the future and in turn help shape our other life experiences. When in a relationship, there is a need to appreciate the life experiences that one has, which could also explain the expectations one has of themselves, of others and of others about themselves.

The last component is care... it is important that you care for the other person and feel for the other person when he/she is down and out. There is this feeling of wanting the best for the other person. You can have positive feelings about a person, trust the other person, communicate well with the other person, appreciate his/her expectations but totally could not care whether the person is in need. This is not a healthy relationship at all. Sometimes, some do care for the other person but compromise themselves in the process of doing so e.g. supressing their own expectations etc. This is definitely not healthy as it is an unequal kind of relationship, where negative feelings may snow-ball, waiting to come crashing down someday.

OK, I am not a professor of relationships but then after careful reflections, these seems to be the crucial components that make a relationship tick. Comments?

So where are you in your relationships?

The codfishy's Guide to Job Interviews

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Just thought that I should do up this "CODFISHY's Guide to Job Interviews" to share with others how I prepare for my job interviews as well as remind myself the important things in preparing for a job interview.

Think about how you will respond to the following, don't be caught unaware:

• Introducing Yourself
• Strength & Weaknesses (How this will be helpful in the job? For weaknesses, indicate how you are working to address it?)
• Skills & Talents (How this will be helpful in the job?)
• Reasons for leaving your previous job
• Description of your previous job and achievements
  
• Reason for choosing this job

At the same time, make sure you do the following:

• Research on the organization and its mission
• Understand the job description of the job you are applying for
• Prepare copies of relevant documents, including passport photo
• Prepare 1 or 2 questions to ask your prospective employer to show interest in the job
  

On the day itself:

• Ensure you are dressed appropriately
• Enter the interview with the right attitude (Part 1)
  Treat the interview as not only your prospective employer interviewing you but also you interviewing your prospective employer to see if there is the fit. This would help to reduce unnecessary anxiety and help you perform better at the interview. My philosophy is that there is no point in joining an organization if there is no fit, only to regret it later
• Enter the interview with the right attitude (Part 2)
  Be genuine. Your employer can easily tell if you are genuine or only regurgitating model answers. Your genuineness flows through and again, there is no point in hiding some things from your prospective employer to only face the embarrassment of having it found out.
• Enter the interview with the right attitude (Part 3)
  Be positive - See the positives in past work experiences and highlight growth. Do not bad-mouth anyone or any organization even though it may be true that you have left an organizatin due to conflicts or personal differences. For weaknesses, indicate how you are working to correct the weaknesses.
• Smile, smile, smile!
• If asked a question which you do not know how to respond, do not panic. Respectfully mention that it is a question you would need some time to think about it and spend a bit of time "crafting" your answer.
  

OK, that's it folks!

Joy-Riding in a MaxiCab

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Had a job interview early this morning at 8.30am. In the end, I only finished preparing for my job interview and left my home at 7.30am. Not wanting to be late, I decided to take a taxi.

Going on a Joy-Ride
Soon after, a Maxicab appeared from the corner of my eye and I hesitated for a while whether I should flag it down. You see, Maxicabs (those big van-type cabs) are seen in Singapore but somehow you do not see many around and wonder if they do take passengers off the streets or if they charge higher rates. I decided to try anyway and the friendly driver signalled me to hop on board. Hahaha, interesting "joy-ride" just before my interview. It did feel kinda strange boarding such a big vehicle but the experience was so unique. I chit-chatted with the driver and understand that there are only slightly more than a hundred maxicabs in Singapore (phew and I got one) and most do not take passengers off the streets because they usually serve the airport (as shuttle services for passengers with bulky luggages) and are booked on hourly slots. He also shared that some Maxicab drivers are comfortable just doing this and do not see themselves taking passengers off the streets. Now, this explains why you don't see many around at cab stands etc... Eventually arrived at my interview place at 8am and the ride did "perked" me up a little.

Solemn Solemn Interview
I soon reported to the place where my interview will be conducted and submitted my documents. Having some 30 minutes available, I started going through my research on the organization as well as continue to think of answers to possible questions. Despite the interview being at 8.30am, the interviewers did not arrive till much later at 8.45am. I was also soon joined at the waiting area by a few other candidates who looked so solemn... anyway, my name was soon called out and I went into the interview room.

Now, this interviewing panel is very different from the one I met yesterday. Though I had 3 interviewers who are relatively young today, the whole atmosphere seemed so "cold". After a while, I concluded that I most probably will not be able to engage them since they are so cold. My interview was over in about 10 minutes. Although I felt I handled the interview well, I generally feel that I did not handle one question well i.e. Will you consider other positions within our organization? I gave a general "yes" answer but also shared that I hope to work in a portfolio which would allow me to work with people (my passion), utilizing my skills and allowing me the leeway to be creative. Do not know how they assessed my answer since they were quite expressionless. I also did not give longer elaborations to my answers (although I would have loved to) as I felt somehow they weren't quite keen to listen. It is like they have a list of questions to cover and would like to move on to the next question. Well, I left the centre, knowing I did my best...

B.I.O. (Breakfast in Office)
I folded up my sleeves and made my way back to office to finish some work. On my way back, I stopped by at a nearby coffeeshop to buy "kaya toast" for my staff and Mac for myself. This "free-and-easy" kind of feeling is such a nice one.

I GOT IT!
After working for a while, I soon received a call from the christian organization I went for interview yesterday. The HR director called to inform that they would like to offer me the job and asked if I will be keen. YES! We talked a little and she was telling me how her staff is now having fun reshuffling my room so I can move in. This sounds very family-like and I so look forward to meeting these people and working in such an environment. Will be going down to HR tomorrow to discuss terms and sign the Letter of Appointment.

Though I am thrilled about the offer, I somehow have this negative feeling tugging at a corner of my heart. The bad SMS I received from my friend yesterday evening seems to be the cause. However, in the end, I reminded myself that I am not accountable to anyone for my career choice and since this seems to be a place where I can serve my purpose, use my giftings, grow both professionally and spiritually, why not? To top that, it is near my house.

Revisiting my University
Met 2 friends and decided to make our way to NUS for lunch. We soon settled ourselves down at a cafe just besides the park behind the Central Library. Boy, it felt wonderful sitting in a cafe, next to a park, taking my time to have lunch. Kinda make me miss the good old days when I used to study here. The place also looked so different now... it seems nicer after extensive renovations here and there but is also seems terribly crowded... there seems to be people everywhere... far too many people... I still prefer the old campus.

Unwell... Oh no!
Left for home about 3 plus... slept throughout the afternoon... somehow feel that I am falling sick... couldn't sleep well and have this "hot" feeling. Hope I do manage to get enough rest before I start work, don't wish to fall sick and waste this rest period... maybe I am still affected by yesterday's SMS.

Dun insult my being!

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Just sent a sms to that friend and told him

you may hurl allegations at me but do not insult my being and integrity

The Monster's Back!

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Wrath by matchstick

Yes, gone is the procrastination monster but back is the anger monster...

I thought the saga is over and I can start on a new chapter in my life but then I received a sms from that friend "who was beginning to hate me" (Think he hates me now). Messaged to inform that someone called his boss to ask him about my work performance and asked what job I applied for. I responded and told him the name of the organization but then he replied soon after to say that he is "terribly disgusted" with me... feeling that I have lied when I say that I am leaving the field only to be applying for another job in this same field.

"Same old disgusting attitude. All lies..."

He feels that I will soon be working with his boss and then take over his current portfolio after he leaves.

This is so absurd! Firstly, I am not accountable to him with regards to which job I apply for since this is my career I am talking about. Yes, I did say I most probably will leave the field since I had been hurt but then after careful consideration I reaized that I want to stay in human services at least, which became clearer after a recent job offer to work in IT; I want to pursue my purpose and utilize my giftings. I do not see in what way I am accountable to him with regards to my job application. Moreover, the position has nothing to do with my profession, it is a position that is open to anyone, including those who are not trained, though it is a job in the social service sector.

Secondly, I am infuriated with his allegation that I am lying... in the end, I replied to say that he is entitled to think anything and throw any kind of allegations at me, my conscience is clear. I stopped responding to his smses after that, no point.

When is this stupid saga going to be over? Maybe in future I will just ignore his sms. I am seriously tired of it...

Victory Battling Procrastination Monster

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http://arthurtivoli.free.fr/

Yup, that's the procrastination monster... ok ok not really, just found this picture of a monster on the net that looks blur and slothful enough to use for today's entry. Finally got myself to go jogging. By 5,30pm, I just forced myself off my chair, took my exercise gear and changed into it and went straight down. Yeah, finally won the battle. Now I have to sustain this... Ran about 3km today and just 2 minutes after I started jogging, both my legs started to have cramps, ouch! I hate cramps. Whenever I have cramps at home, I use to literally scream in agony but I can't possibly do there in public can I, so I stopped along the track and started to stretch my legs (will someone remind me to warm up the next time :D). Now, I could have easily gave myself an excuse and go home but I pushed myself to continue running. In the end, I ran almost 3km with intermittent stops to walk. At least I started running! Shoo Monster!

Today, I went for a second interview with the christian organization. I would say the whole interview went extremely well until the second last question. I was very natural and felt that I handled each question well (since I saw everyone nodding their heads several times). In fact, I felt very comfortable at the interview and remained genuine throughout the whole interview. There were even occasions that I joked with the interviewers and they laughed along.

Everything went well until someone asked the 2nd last question on whether I will one day "itch" to go back to direct social work since I am social work trained. Being genuine, I mentioned that I do not doubt I may have this itch some day though not in the near future. I did however clarified further towards the end of the interview that I am a responsible person and will not leave a job halfway, evident to how I remain in office in my alumni despite it not doing well. I shall just wait for news, hopefully good news and will pray that I get the job if this is the right job for me to serve my purpose and use my giftings. Meanwhile, I will prepare for the next interview tomorrow.

Met a friend in the afternoon and went to the town centre to run some errands. Went for a haircut, took my passport photos and bought fragrances (got 2 fragrances for the price of 1, yoohoo!). Guess, I am preparing for the next chapter of my life...

Good Tidings!

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Was awakened by good tidings this morning. Received a call from the HR director from the organization I attended a group interview last Saturday, was asked to return for a second interview tomorrow. We spent some fourty minutes talking on the phone, she exploring whether I am keen on the job and trying to ascertain my commitment level for the job and whether I just see this as any other job. OK, looks like I have 2 interviews this week, hope I land myself with a job soon; one which would allow me to live my purpose and use my giftings.

OK, I must confess something. Did intend to start visiting the gym or at least start serious exercising today but somehow I procrastinated. In the end, decided that i will run 2km in my neighbourhood and will complete my workout at a nearby fitness station. However, it start pouring cats and dogs... There it goes again, my procrastination got the better of me... should motivate myself to start real soon. There are suddenly so many things I would like to do: learn driving, learn swimming, learn how to play the guitar and go for a detox... let's see how I can motivate myself to start on them.

Just returned from Grapevine along Upper Serangoon... heard good reviews about the place being a nice quiet place to chill out. To the contrary, there was this large group of girls sitting beside us, making such a din, the place is far from quiet. Fortunately they left soon after. Though me and my friends just stayed there for a couple of hours, we nonetheless chilled out a bit... we ate, joked and played games... we played a modified version of Halli Galli with poker cards... fun!

OK, gonna take a rest now, have to handle a job interview tomorrow morning... have been having late nights these few nights, either going out with friends or playing with Google Earth, need to retune my bio clock so that i can give tomorrow's interview my best shot! Nite!

Choing Tok Choing!

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Hmm, woke up a little sleepy and somewhat dragged myself to church yesterday morning, guess I slept too late the night before, was spending it with some friends. Biblical Perception of Work Arrived on time at the MRT station to catch the shuttle to service and made a new friend. Started to chat with this lady who was also waiting for the shuttle. Anyway, yesterday's sermon seemed to take a more solemn style; was on "when your work doesn't work for you anymore". I have come to realize (again) that I get my self-worth from my work and it shouldn't be so. Am reminded that our work here is work of toil to remind us of our sins and that I should not base my worth on work but further... on my position in Christ. Anyway, a statement struck me greatly...

"You are a creation with a purpose to do great things not great harm to yourself".

At the end, what I do as work should bring me closer to God and not further... The elder prayed for everyone including people like me who are in between jobs and know not what to do. Am reminded that I can always do the work of God even if I am not working... think this made me decide to go ahead with volunteering this eveing even though my friend is sick and not able to join me...

My "First" Volunteering Experience
It is surprising even to myself that despite me working in the social services, I hardly volunteer. Which is why I agreed to help out a group of elderly, chaperoning them to a nearby CC for cantonese opera. Arrived at the home at about 6pm and met 2 other volunteers. Kindly of was standing around not knowing what to do and being the me who is slow to warm up, I wasn't comfortable with the elderly. Somehow, didn't really know why I am so afraid of them. Anyway, throughout the evening, I did my best to help the elderly but somehow didn't do much befriending because I kind of felt shy amidst their presence (kind of was blaming myself for being so uptight...). Anyway, this is the first time I had to sit through a cantonese opera despite not knowing what is going on. Quite an experience!

Beijing Chinese Opera 4 by xenin

Anyway, halfway through the opera, me and the other 2 volunteers want to "take a breather" outside (guess we all didn't see ourselves sitting through the opera :)). We informed the person in charge and went to the nearby town centre to get some bubble tea and chit chatted. Soon, we returned to the CC some 1 hour plus later only to find that majority of the elderly have left because it was cold and some did not understand the opera because they don't understand cantonese. Despite having informed the person-in-charge that we will be away but be back soon, I still somehow couldn't help but feel guilty for not being "responsible". Anyway, we stayed with a couple of elderly who stayed behind to finish the opera and sent them back home. I guess, although I was spening most of the evening "scolding" myself for being so uptight and not doing much befriending, I did enjoy the company of the senior citizens. In the end, they are not so scary and are very friendly people. Love it when they give you their innocent toothless smile.

Roadtrip!
Although I only reached home about eleven plus at night, I soon found myself out again with a friend, exploring new places that I have pinpointed on my google earth. We explored places like Changi International Business Park, Kranji Dam, NTU and Greenwood Avenue (looking for Lana Cake Shop). I also brought him to Bedok North Blk 85 for the infamous "Bak Cho Mee" (the soupy one). We finally retired at 4am... Shall continue to find more nice and "little-known" chill out places in Singapore and mark them on my google earth... akan datang :D

roadtrip 1 by cmdrfuzz