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In this sophisticated world, one often finds oneself in a struggle with power, fame, money, attention and many other unnecessary entities of life. I seek to find a simple life, uncomplicated yet meaningful. A lot more important elements of life are waiting to be discovered. Live your life to the fullest.

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Wednesday, October 31, 20077:40 pm
Friendship

If you read today's Strait Times - Mind Your Body, you will come across an interesting article: Friendship can be a form of 'useful' love.

How many kind of friendships are there?
1) Friendships based on utility, where we love people because they are useful
2) Friendship based on pleasure, where we love those whose company is pleasant
3) Perfect Friendship where we love the people for themselves, because we perceived them to be good.


When I read this article, I was a bit caught off guard when I read the second reason. For pleasure? What kind of pleasure are you talking about? Lol.


It was mentioned that if I love you because I want to get something from you, the person I really love is myself. How true indeed.


This reminds me of a song: ... don't love me for fun, love me for a reason, love me for a reason, let the reason be love...


It is hard to get perfect friendship I would say. Most of my friendship would fall under the second category. How about yours? Take some time to think about this and ask yourself how many friends you have whom you really like them for the way they are.

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Saturday, October 27, 20079:55 pm
Halloween

Halloween is coming soon - 31st Oct. There are already many parties tonight since it is the weekend. I am however in no mood to go for any parties.

Let's talk about something else.

I think I should have persevere. Why did i give up half way? But I was really tired. I didn't want to do that.

Sorry, I should have completed the 10Km run. Instead, I only ran 6Km. Disappointing. SC marathon is coming and look at the state I am in now. It is going to be a tough one this year. I have decided to stop running the marathon next year, after completing 4. I think it is enough for now. Next Dec, I would have started working and I don't think I have the time to train. As if I have the time now. Lol.

I am already starting to make plans for my graduation trip.

Going to Australia with zy for the Great Ocean Route should be more or less confirm unless I cannot make it last minute.

I am also planning to go Europe for at least 3 weeks. Andy and weili seem to be interested. Td says he will join us if we are going to the cheaper Eastern Eurpoe. Hmm, let us see how it goes.

I estimate the total costs of all these trips will cost me at least 5 to 6K. I will have to use my scholarship fund then. Usually, I don't spend money unnecessarily. But I guess this kind of money is worth spending. I don't think I will get another chance to go for such a long holiday after I start working, so I am definitely willing to spend on it. Let it be a good one.

Enough of blogging. I have been weighted down by lots of work lately.

Sibei sian.

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Wednesday, October 24, 20079:28 pm
Anger

Anger is a kind of feeling, it affects your emotions. Definitely not a very positive term to be associated with.

I can't recalled when is the last time I am really angry at someone. The most significant incident I can think of is the Burnei Topo Mission few years back when I was still in the National Service. I won't say I am extremely angry at whoever, but in those circumstances, you can't help but feel that way. People were tired, hungry, wet and vulnerable. I can't blame them for throwing temper. Even I felt anguish and helpless. On a brighter note, that's how the army mold a person's character into a stronger one. I have to agree it was a great experience, whether it is necessary or not is another matter. For those who have friends still suffering in it, don't worry too much as I am sure they will become a better person when they are out.


Oh ya, why am I talking about anger? I felt a tinge of it lately when my project mates could not deliver the required work on time. Luckily, all went well in the end. Not going to talk too much about it. But it definitely set me thinking that how important it is to manage your own emotions and mind. It really affects your reactions and the actions you take. Take a step back and think about this. Have you ever thought of undoing some of the actions you have taken? Why you behave in that way at that particular moment?


A lot of time, you just react instinctively. Is that a good thing? Maybe it is. Just want to leave you with this to think about: take control of your mind, it is the most powerful tool you will ever have.

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Saturday, October 20, 20079:42 am
Marriage

Before I start my post, if you have not done the survey I have posted earlier on, please do so here. Thanks a lot. I need it by this weekend.

Let me get back to the topic. Let's talk about marriage today.

Merriam-Webster's definition:

Main Entry: marriage
Pronunciation: 'mar-ij also 'mer-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English mariage, from Old French, from marier to marry
Date: 14th century

1 a : the state of being married b : the mutual relation of husband and wife : WEDLOCK c : the institution whereby men and women are joined in a special kind of social and legal dependence for the purpose of founding and maintaining a family

2 : an act of marrying or the rite by which the married status is effected; especially : the wedding ceremony and attendant festivities or formalities

3 : an intimate or close union


Why am I talking about this? Well, my eldest brother is finally going to get married. Come Jan 1st 2008, they will hold their ROM. And in Jan 2009, they will hold their traditional wedding ceremony.

Yea, I know it is still some time away, but my parents have already started making plans for it, drawing up the invitation list. Anyway, Cheng Hao, you are invited! Together with your parents of course. If you want to ask why he is invited and not you, that's because our families knew each other back in the times when I was still living in the kampong. Fate brought us together again when he sat right in front of me back in secondary 1, in the class room of 1E4. So it is only understandable that we invite him.

Talking about marriage, it might seems a long way from you, but it will come eventually right? Have you ever thought about it, about the change and the challenges that will lie ahead of you?

I have reached a stage where "pink bombs" have started bombarding me. Few of my friends are already married and I am sure more will follow in the few years to come. Getting married would mean a totally new commitment. Imagine living with your spouse for the rest of your life. It is indeed a big decision in life. Preparation needs to start during the courtship. You need time to adjust, adapt and align to each other. Even if you have done that, living together might be a totally different thing. Alice, you can give us some feedback soon I suppose.

People say marriage is a gamble. Maximise the winning chances is what I would do.
Some say it is the tombstone to a relationship. It might be true, but I would rather think of it as a new beginning for another one, a relationship where new directions, values, responsibilities and feelings are born.

For me, I won't be getting married until at least I am 28. That is still 4 years away. But it is definitely time to start planning.

It will be another busy week ahead.

Before I end off, today is Soen's Birthday. Happy Birthday En!

And before you forget, after reading my post, you are suppose to do MY survey. Please, and thanks. Do it again if you have already done. I am perfectly fine with it.

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Friday, October 19, 20078:09 pm
Help

Hey people, I need help in a survey. Please help me do this survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Ll1juX6iIbgUS73_2b1zUwsA_3d_3d

If you have time, help me advertise also.. like put it on your blog, msn? Haha.. thanks a lot!

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Tuesday, October 16, 20079:49 pm
24th Birthday Pictures

I give up on trying to upload pictures in blogspot. Going to use photobucket. Click here if you are interested. But a warning first.. lots of babes and hunks. Keep your tissue box beside you, just in case your nose bleeds...

Oct is always a month right in the middle of the transition from a slack period to a super busy and exam month. Last time, my birthday celebration used to be the last outing or activity my cliques will have before we prepare ourselves for the exams. Come next year, I think most of my friends would have graduated and are working. It just mean another stage in my life has began. Oh well...

Let me end off with an interesting report from the net:

Tuesday, February 13, 2007 11:44 AM

McDonald's Coffee Better than Starbucks?


Have you heard? McDonald’s coffee rated better than Starbucks coffee in a recently published taste test.

According to Consumer Reports magazine, McDonald’s coffee was "decent and moderately strong," while the coffee from Starbucks tasted “burnt and bitter."

Being the consummate skeptic, I decided to taste test them myself. It just so happens there is a Starbucks and a McDonald’s next to each other near my work.

I bought a small black coffee from McDonald’s ($1.14) and a short mild black coffee from Starbucks ($1.54) and held my own study with the help of three colleagues.

The conclusion? In a blind taste test, we all preferred the Starbucks coffee although we did like the smell of McDonald’s coffee. McDonald’s coffee was good on the first sip but became, what can only be scientifically described as “yicky” on subsequent sips.

Starbucks coffee was bitter but its subtle notes came through. But I have to admit my shock at how decent the McDonald’s coffee was. It really wasn’t bad.

Published by Catherine Jheon Filed under: ,



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Monday, October 15, 20079:40 pm
24th Birthday

I had wanted to upload some of the pictures took during the weekend for my birthday celebrations. However, blogspot has some problem currently and I hope to upload them soon.


As you would have known, it is my special day (it gets less special as the years pass by) on Sunday. Went out with my JC clique on Friday night for dinner at Fish and Co Glass House, followed by coffee at Starbucks Cuppage, and the guys who remained, we went to Red Dot Museum's Artery. It is a very nice place to chill though not many people were there when we went. Prata at Thompson was our last stop before td send us all back. Thanks brothers.


Sat night was for my Sec Sch clique. I must apologise for being late. Was caught up with mj. But as the special boy of the day, I get away quite easily with just scoldings from Alice and hy. All right, I admit I deserve it. So sorry for those who waited for me. Dinner was at Cream Bistro Pacific Plaza. Went to KTV after that before catching the last train back.


Sunday was the special day but did not do much except for a movie with a friend in the afternoon. Had to do my tutorial for Monday. Spoiler. That's why I am able to blog only till now.


Pretty wordy I know. Had wanted to blog with some photos but... you know. Will do so soon.

Many thanks to those who remembered my birthday, who turned up for the dinner and stuffs, who smsed me to send their well wishes, who wrote on my facebook etc. Words can't express my heartfelt gratitude to you guys. *Muacks* and *Hugz*. This is so unlike me! Lol.

A busy weekend. Lots to say, but hard to put it down. I shall just end off with a sincere thank you to those who left a print behind in my memories...

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Wednesday, October 10, 20079:16 pm
The Faces of You

Now, I attended my HR class today and learned something useful. Please don't navigate away. It is not anything "chem" this time round.

Watched a video by Arch Lustberg on the different faces people have. Every one of us can have 3 types of faces: open, neutral and close.

And everyone of us have 4 kind of feelings for one another:
- like
- dislike
- Neutral
- Feel sorry for

It is interesting to see Arch explaining how different faces will lead to different reactions. He stresses on the fact that likability sells. It wins you opportunities, promotions and social acceptance. Look around you and ask yourself if you know anyone who is so likable by many. I hope I am one of them.

The trick here is really to smile and be positive. However, you should smile only at the appropriate time and be genuine. With that, you can be likable by many.

Many times, misunderstanding arises because of miscommunication. The way and the tone which you put your messages across matters a lot.

Now, I wish to make love to you.

Pardon me, I mean it in an intellectual way. Arch says that communication is really an intellectual act of love.

So please communicate effectively with the people around you.

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Monday, October 08, 200710:37 pm
Self Concepts is Killing Me!

Seems like the pictures I uploaded generate quite good responses. I am glad you all like them. I have nothing to offer other than good looks pictures.

I have been busy with my Human Relation Project lately. Dealing a lot on self concepts and stuffs. They are driving me crazy. I can feel my "I" and "Me" having a huge row about this.

I am turning 24 soon. Having a few dinners coming up. Actually as I grow older, I feel less inclined to celebrate, especially after the epic 21st. But I think 21st is phenomenal, so jo, do spend some time thinking about who you would want to spend with. A simple one is fine too, just enjoy this special day.

I was saying since it is a public holiday this sat, everyone should be in holiday mood, might as well meet up for a gathering.

Oh man, I feel so old.

But at least I look young here....




Man in black...

Oops.. sorry, need to go kill some monsters already. Tata.

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Friday, October 05, 200711:03 pm
Family Photo 2

Finally I have graduated! Just kidding! Got back the photos I took in JB one month ago. Please sit back and enjoy.

Family photo, looks weird with the hat on.



We are looking at a shooting star!



4 years just for that piece of paper in my hand, can you believe it?



A formal picture, hmm I really look good in suit huh. Some of the pictures are not of so good quality because I scanned them while others are direct from the studio.



Another group photo without suits on.



We look like a family of triad don't we? Cool assassins!



The brothers.. of course this will only happen in one more year but I am taking the photo in advance.



Yea, finally graduated! With my brother's gf looking on.



My parents, remembering the good old days... before we even exist.



Nice sofa.



End off with my favourite of all, a candid shot.



For more pictures, you can visit here or click on the photo link by the side.

Do comment on the pictures if you want to!

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Thursday, October 04, 200710:15 pm
Facebook

It used to be IRC and ICQ.

Then MSN and friendster became popular in Singapore.

Now, Facebook seems to be gaining popularity in Singapore even though it is already a hit in the US. Newspaper and radio have been talking about it. I can tell you it is much better than Friendster. So what are you waiting for if you have not signed up for it yet?

Click here.

And please let me bite you. I need to level up man.

Please.....??

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