|
30.3.06
The Only Son and His Responsibility/ 10:19 PM Hmm, everytime when I tell someone that I'm the only son, they will have the impression that I'm very lucky, very loved... Well, can't really say that they are wrong. It may be so, but, do remember that many things may not be what you see, what you hear or even what what you think... there are much more to it... Passing on the family line is important, but that's not just all. The utmost important thing for the only son in a rather traditional chinese family is to uphold the family name, better if I can bring glory to it. As the only son in the family, everyone wants to protect you, and wants the best out of you. As such, they will try to impose their set of rules on you, coz that works for them and they hope that you'll follow it to be "safe". Thus, there is always the need to fulfill their wants yet at the same time go after your own dreams and desires which most of the times, contradicts with what they have in mind. As the only son, you'll need to head the family one day when your parents are not around. As such, you need to show to them that you're capable in handling issues. However, if you're the only and yet the youngest son, you'll not only have to show that you capable and dependable, and at times, more matured than your older siblings as well. As your family loves you and want to protect you, they will inevitably set restrictions and controls on you, simply because they want the best for you. At the end of the day, what they want is the respect from you, and the assurance that you'll protect them and the family name. As such, you'll need to follow their rules to win their trust to do things your way. Thus, there is this need to "be creative, but adhere to the bottom line". As your family holds you dearly and loves you, they are willing to give in to your demands (according to the plan and schedule they have for you, which they will never say). But, there is the need for you to reciprocate so that they will have more faith in you. Thus, there is always the need to show to your parents that they are still in control of the kite even though the kite is flying higher, so that they will feel safe to let loose and set the kite to fly even higher. Responsibity makes a man... I'm proud to be the only son in my family, I have to be. |
|
|
FANTASTIC/ 1:34 PM Sleep from 12 to 12.30... Finally recovered from the all the tire-ness... The feeling of sleeping till so late with no worries is.... FANTASTIC!!! hahas... |
|
|
28.3.06
Oh nos!!/ 11:46 PM Oh nos!! At this rate that it is going, Arts club room will be eaten up by ants sooner or later... hahas... Oh nos!! At this rate that I am going, I won't be able to finish my book review on time!! Oh nos!! I realised today that I can never be a factory worker nor clerk who sits down whole day doing monotonous and mundane tasks... bleah... Oh nos!! If I keep 熬夜-ing, I'll really 未老先衰 and turn into uncle bit or lao bit soon!! Oh nos!! |
|
|
27.3.06
Tireness is Good/ 11:45 PM Realised that I just learnt a new skill: I’m able to hold a proper conversation while sleeping!! Haha… However, that does not mean that I know what I’m talking about or know the contents of it. So, if you happen to wake me up in the middle of my sleep, make sure I’m totally awake before asking me to promise you anything. Hee… Slept for only 2 hours in the morning coz I spent the whole night at amk central mac reading up on history. When I woke up, I felt damn shagged. But this feeling makes me feel good and satisfied. Facing the mirror while gel-ing my hair, a thought came to my mind: If I can’t do it this year, I still have the next year. As long as I’m still around, I’ll be able to make it happen! Looking at the MC shirt that I’m wearing, many thoughts came to my mind… Think I’ll have lotsa stories to tell the younglings next time! Haha… |
|
|
ROTK/ 12:29 AM Hahas, since blogging about Romance of the 3 Kingdoms is in the trend, I'll join in as well! Hmm, I must say that Shu vanished fastest mainly because of the problem in continuity, but the structure of the government were one of the factors as well. As many people may not know, Cao Cao introduced a systematic and bureacratic way of recruitment and governance. The 9 ranks in Chinese officialdom was introduced by him whereby officials will get promoted according to own merits and not by King's favour. Also, he created a political environment such that powers and legitimacy does not fall into the hands of any individual other than the Caos after his death. As such, the Sima family had to use 3 generations to effectively usurp the throne and the powers of the Cao clan. In Wu, Sun Jian and Sun Ce had created an effective cohort of old and loyal generals and administrators such as Huang Gai, Zhou Tai, Zhou Yu, Lu Su and Zhang Zhao to guide the young Sun Quan to be a good leader. And Sun Quan subsequently had Lu Xun, Ding Feng to safeguard the Wu territory for his descendents. As such, you can see that though Cao Cao and Sun Quan's did not have very talented descendents, their kingdoms lasted longer than Liu Bei's. On the other hand, as you can see, Liu Bei spent most of his time recruiting talents. However, he neglected the need to create an effective bureacratic structure for these talents to work in. Thus, when talent spotters and law enforcers such as Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang died, Shu faced a lack in talent and tom dick and harry like Huang Hao can rise despite having no merits at all. And also in Shu, the political environment that Liu Bei and later Zhuge Liang created was such that too much emphasis was placed on individuals that created the problem in continuity and leadership. Decision making lies first in Liu Bei, then Zhuge Liang, and finally, Jiang Wei (and perhaps Liu Chan). As you can see, if at any one point of time, there is an absence of that person, the government can't function effectively anymore. That was why Wei was able to conquer Shu, simply because Deng Ai made full use of Jiang Wei's absence from the court. I feel that an effective organisation is one that is still able to function even during the absence of its leader. And the best leader is one that is able to create a structure that will work towards the statement above. Well said by Lin Jun Jie in his song: "不是英雄，不读三国" |
|
|
26.3.06
Munich/ 12:08 AM Yeah!! I finally get to watch Munich today!!! Hmmm, very thought-provoking indeed... And, I can really feel for Avner, and Ali... For the word "nation", is it really worth all the sacrifices and bloodsheds? For the word "home", how much do we need to sacrifice? How many generations will have to suffer because of a silly decision/ action that our forefathers or ourselves make? "You can conquer all your fears and doubts, but, you can't conquer stillness" "We have to fight for what we want, no one will give it to us. We keep fighting, so that somewhere in the universe, we have a spot that we can call it 'home'" I pity Avner.... |
|
|
25.3.06
Angry/ 11:40 PM I understand that there's a need for you to pull the string of the kite sometimes so that it won't fly away. But.... If you don't trust me, then don't expect me to trust you too!! Don't expect anyone to... Angry... Allow the people to have the freedom to be responsible for their own choices! |
|
|
24.3.06
And the bell goes.../ 4:16 PM I'm here to share with all of you a short story I heard in lecture today by Dr Kripa... President Bush visits a Kindergarten. He gave a talk about his foreign policies. After which he said: "Children, feel free to ask me any questions." A boy raised his hand, "Mr President, my name is Bob, and I have 3 questions: - Why did US invade Iraq even though UN did not approve it? - Where are the weapons of mass destructions? - What happen to Osama?" President Bush smiled and padded Bob's head, just as he was about to answer, the bell rang, and so he said: "Ok class, go for your recess now, I'll answer you after your recess." A while later, the class is back from recess. And so President Bush said again, "Anyone got any question? Feel free to ask me." And so a boy raised his hand, and said: "My name is Steve, and I have 5 qns: - Why did US invade Iraq even though UN did not approve it? - Where are the weapons of mass destructions? - What happen to Osama? -Why did the recess bell go off 20 minuts before time? -And where's Bob?" And the bell goes... Haha, I had a good laugh when I heard it... Is politics really "the last resort of a scoundrel"? |
|
|
23.3.06
Enjoying a Moment of Peace/ 5:05 PM Had a great simulation of the Versailles Conference during the EU1101E tutorial today! Yeah!! A chance to practice diplomacy, just that its at students' level... Today as I walked along Arts fac, saw a lot of people, said "Hi" to a lot of my fellow Arts friends, some tutors and a few lecturers; saw a lot of Arts students gathered around tables discussing and talking happily.So vibrant, so full of life! Maybe, that's FASS, or perhaps, this is a sign that our hardwork, through both direct and indirect methods, are really paying off? I would like to think so though... Anyway, its always gratifying and heartwarming for me to see people smile, it gives me extra energy! :) Now, after a long day of lessons, meeting, thinking etc, I'm enjoying a moment of peace at Coffee Club Xpress, having a cheesecake and a cup of ice tea. Taking some time off for myself, doing some work while listening to soothing music. Phew, what a good way to relax man, all by myself... Hmm, hope that the Arts Camp meeting will end early today, so that I can go home. Time to go home more often le... |
|
|
Unity?/ 1:38 AM Was reading some history texts, esp that of German and Italian nationalism. It dawned onto me that... "when there is a common enemy/ fear, there's unity" See, German empire in 1870 was formed out of the common animosity towards France. Italy was formed due to the common antagonism towards foreign occupants. In Romance of the 3 Kingdoms, both Sun Quan and Liu Bei became allies out of the common fear for Cao Cao. In more recent times, we see the formation of regional blocs such as ASEAN and NATO, out of a common fear of the Domino Theory and communism respectively. However, it must be noted that, alliances, if well maintained (provided there are people or political geniuses like Bismarck, Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu etc), could bring about a balance of power, peace and mutual respect; poorly led and maintained, and a "clash of civilisations" or wars will occur... Sadly to say, history reminded us that inexperience and over-expectations by participants of alliances often lead to the 2nd scenario happening. Personally, I prefer a "society of small states" with one dominant power or at most an oligarchy of 3-4 major powers as its leader, something like the UN, with US and the Security Council as its main decision-making body. Can this be applied to our everyday lives as well? I think and ponder, and I laughed... :D I'm on my way to become a mugger too!! |
|
|
Weird... Hmm.../ 1:08 AM Hmm, I sensed something very weird, in me and around me... *thinking* And weird things are happening too... Oh btw, met an old VS friend just now at the RH comm hall. Hahas, he actually said that I look fitter!! When the fact is that I haven't been exercising for the past... 4 months?! Wahahas... Or maybe its all the logistics sai gang that prevented the muscles from sagging? hehe... Think sai gang had created a lot of things, bonding (eg: 苦命九姐妹 - hahas), fitness, logical thinking etc etc... And sometimes emotions as well... Hmm, don't pui too much la, bad for health... :) |
|
|
21.3.06
/ 2:47 AM Worked for OCR in the day as tour guide. Not very well done, but its my first time mah, give chance la... hee... Got sorta irritated at night coz I was being woken up in the middle of my sleep around 10 plus to open the clubroom door to handle last minute logistics!!! Got even more irritated when I had to help to push and jump start the nussu van!! In the end, everything got settled at 12!! Shageli... Was quite surprised to read a comment posted by a long-lost friend of mine. To all my friends out there whom I haven't been able to meet up with, just wana tell all of you all that all of you are always on my mind. Take care and we'll meet up again real soon!! To my brothers, I know that many things had happened to each and everyone of us, hang in there ya, the storm will be over soon... Will meet up to play mahjong again when the exams end ok? hahas... If nothing goes wrong tomorrow, I would really like to go home... |
|
|
20.3.06
Won't be simple-minded again/ 1:08 AM Sorry, I was just thinking about learning and neglected other issues.... Sorry for my insensitivity... Sorry, really very sorry... |
|
|
17.3.06
PLEASE RETURN ME MY HP!!!/ 2:37 PM I lost my handphone in AS6 level 2 male toilet. It is a white nokia handphone. If you've seen it or taken it, PLEASE return me! You can take the phone, but please give me back the SIM card and the contacts!! |
|
|
/ 10:40 AM Tuesday evening, I was out learning marketing from Jasmine, really very enriching and enlightening. Thank you Jasmine!! At paragon, I saw a performance for kids outside Toys R Us. The kids were all sitting down listeining and singing along with the host. They're all so cute and innocent!!! hahas... I always like to look at kids, somehow rather, its very heartwarming to me to see them smiling and playing around. I stood at a corner looking at the kids enjoying themselves. Suddenly, I felt an impulse to sit in together with them! hahas, perhaps there's still a kid in me... :) Yesterday, I heard a very interesting comment. Hmm, perhaps I should make myself clear? Till now, I never thought of wanting to be anyone or anything. I just want to learn and contribute as much as possible to Arts Club. Everyone should find the best way that he/she can contribute, hopefully in a way different from the others. Yups, that's what on my mind. |
|
|
15.3.06
aiyooo!!!/ 2:36 AM aiyooo!!! stressed!!!!!!! And... Why is it always me?! Bleah... :P Essay finally handed up le, presentation for it also over le, quite a good and unconventional presentation eh... Very tired, didn't sleep for the whole night... I wana go home for a good sleep! Shall go home tonight. :) Bit bit 想家了... |
|
|
14.3.06
Pondering/ 1:52 AM PR-ing is about into the skin of the 3rd party and connect. PR begins with the heart of a servant. People don't really bother how much I know until they know how much I care. Diplomacy is not the same as PR. Toking cock is definitely not PR. I will definitely go think about it. :) |
|
|
/ 12:34 AM Alone in the club room now doing research for my FPD essay... The feeling of being alone in the club room in the middle of the night is unique and peaceful. Very conducive for thinking, just that its a bit warm coz no aircon!! Listening to Lin Junjie's new song <<曹操>> in the computer room. Not really a very nice song, but somehow rather, I can feel for the song... "谁来陪我煮酒论英雄？" |
|
|
13.3.06
/ 1:55 AM It hurts sometimes when the people you feel closest to does not understand how you feel and what you've been going through... Have I been wrong? Sorry, I hope you all can understand and accept my apology... Its one of those emotional struggles again. For those who understand and supportive of me, thanks, and I'll continue to work harder. On a ligher note, boh tak chek now has to start researching for his FPD essay :P Re-reading The Prince now... So enlightening... Re-analysing issues and experiences using Romance of the 3 Kingdoms, so inspiring... No wonder these 2 books are considered as a "must-read" for all leaders... |
|
|
12.3.06
Changed... Growing/ 3:34 PM I know a lot of my friends were worried for me that I will lose myself in the process of changing and pursuing my goals. Rest assured I won't. Tan Chuan Seng has changed. It time to grow. Bit Bit will GROW big by bits... :) |
|
|
11.3.06
hahas... haizzzz/ 2:32 AM haha, I came to a silly conclusion: "不读书也可以中探花的！" Haizzzz, just as I was gazing at the stars at the rooftop and enjoying the moment of peace outside arts clubrm, I had to be disturbed... By questions that I do not wish to answer, and issues that I do not want to probe into anymore... Recent events show something: -that I'm getting more and more realistic and pragmatic... -that everyone has changed... -that we cannot go back to the "good old days" anymore (good old days are good simply because we still live in our own castles in the air)... My friend said that I've changed, not myself anymore. Another friend said that I'm not like last time anymore... All I have to say is: "circumstances shape a man","we're all on different paths now, pursuing our own dreams and ambitions"... (PS: man as in human beings, NOT just males) I'm tired, just want to enjoy some moments of peace by myself, and sort out my thoughts alone, and to re-evaluate my priorities and life goals before work starts again at the open house. To me, work always comes first. |
|
|
10.3.06
Arts Quiz/ 8:09 PM Hmm, its such a weird feeling to be the finalist for Arts Quiz... (Dun say you la, even I myself oso cant believe it) :P Now waiting for my turn, NUS Open (Singles) Finals, while watching JC category... Wa piang! So hard!! Die la, Pre-U already so hard, Singles sure one time jialat jialat one, esp to a boh tak chek like me!!! Hahaha... But, like I always say, 人间有希望!! :) |
|
|
9.3.06
Games Fiesta/ 1:49 AM Hmm, like I said, I believe Games Fiesta will be a success... It did! To me, participation rate is important, but what's more important is that at the end of the day, the O comm, the participants, the MC, the club, and onlookers, everyone is happy with the project. To me, Games Fiesta is another of such project. Below are the feedbacks I heard: "Wa! Very welfare ley!" (when my friends saw us giving them free drinks from coffee club xpress) - of course, this is a welfare cell project wat! "Is it possible if you all hold such project in SMU, think SMU pple need such games and will like it" (said by a non-NUS student who happened to pass by our booths) Much more important is that at the end of the day, everyone enjoyed themselves! To me, there's no point having a project superbly executed on the outside, but at the end of the day, made everyone angry, sad, tired etc, much worst if we lose 人才 in the process, even worst if these people din getta learn anything meaningful out of the project... |
|
|
Arts Quiz!!/ 1:10 AM Hahas, can't imagine that I can be an Arts Quiz finalist!! If Arts Quiz is history in making, I'm a historical figure soon-to-be! Wahaha... Imagine 10 yrs down the road, pple will see my name in the List of 1st Arts Quiz finalists!! |
|
|
8.3.06
笑/ 1:57 AM Trying my very best to jio pple to come for Games Fiesta... Till now, like what I said to Wanling, I still firmly believe that this project will be a success... In fact, in many areas, this project is already a success itself. Fundamentally, I still believe in this statement: "Arts Club projects will never fail" Just finished writing a proposal. Its the first time that I spent so much effort in writing a proposal... :P Bit Bit has changed, so have a lot of things. Some changed bit by bit, some are drastic... 无可奈何... 因为无可奈何，所以我突然释怀地笑... 大笑... 哈哈大笑... 面对无可奈何，我很自然的会笑... 都已经无可奈何了，不笑还能怎样？ 好久没有真正的笑了... |
|
|
7.3.06
Arrrghhhh.... Hrrrrmm..../ 2:17 PM Argggggghhhhh!!!! My throat hurts!!! Its a piercing pain everytime i swallow saliva! Much worst when I eat!!!!!!!!!! Saying the right things at the right time to the right people using the right tone and the right words, empowered by the right attitude and right language... Wooah, what a skill to learn, what an art it is. I will, need and must master it in my remaining MC term... Everyone should learn this skill too, its a life skill, can save lives one worr... Hahas! Hrmmm... maybe this applies to writing as well... Writing a good essay at the right time! Yeah, that's why there's never a right time to write essay. Since time is not right, DON'T WRITE~~!!! Wahahaha... Another of my nonsense... Its been a long time since I come up with nonsenses on my blog... :P |
|
|
Haizzzzzzz... .../ 3:01 AM As I've said before, not being understood is sometimes a worst feeling than being misunderstood. However, all these are part of the journey to be stronger, and tougher... For a long while, I've somehow lost focus, forgot what I'm supposed to do, focus on the wrong stuff le. Sorry to those people that I've sort of let down/ disappoint. Give me a couple of days more of rest, after which I'll be in full swing again... Have been listening to Jay Chou's Huo Yuanjia (yes, its this song again) for the past few weeks. Somehow rather, I just like this song. Basically its due to these few lines of lyrics: "洗涤过的回忆 我记得你 骄傲的活下去" "活着 生命就该完整度过" "天下谁的 第一又如何" Tired le, I'm going to sleep le... Morning still nida clear the arrow from Jackson Tan!! :P Knn, if the ger is not pretty, u beta watch out!! Hahaha... |
|
|
6.3.06
I Don't Like It/ 11:50 AM I don't like it when people take things into their own hands... Its still ok if he/she is able to be responsible for it, but its seriously not ok with me if he/she can't be and STILL think that he/she can! And in the process of it, give problems to others... Perhaps, I ASSUME again... Its always assumptions that cause problems, wishful assumptions by both sides... |
|
|
Hell week's Over!!!/ 1:52 AM Phew! Finally, Hell Week is finally over... Really, the past week was really a tiring, stressed and chaotic week... 3 sleepless nights for bazaar. 3 days of stress (and fear too)... 2 days and nights of sai gang and logistics... 1 test, 1 essay... And many many events that happened along the way... Not only that, it was a week of personal reflection and emotional upheavals as well... A week of more experiences learnt... Valuable experiences... But, many interesting things happen in the week too... 1) toking to seniors 2) my birthday!!! 3) I finally get to go home!!!!!!!! 4) positive reply from OCR!!! Hope that the coming week can be a less taxing week... |
|
|
3.3.06
bit's bday~~/ 2:06 AM yups! its my bday today!! Very weird feeling though... perhaps, after 21, you're not really in the mood to celebrate bday, coz every celebration = getting older. But still, I enjoyed my bday! yups... esp after eating 11 otahs, coke, and tiger beer in the well-planned 100 秒给你死 by RH blk 5 peeps, the cute mashi maro bday cake and bday card by them, and all the nonsense they did to me!! hahas... Yups, to all my RH brothers and sisters, thanks for everything. Though I spend very little time with you all most of the time, esp this sem, I'm really very touched and glad that all of you still remember me and spend time and effort to celebrate my bday for me... THANKS!!! And my dearest Arts club frens and MC!! Haha, thanks for the cake and the invaluable experiences that all of you have given me so far! Yups, don't need me to say too much le hor, you all know how much I love u all de! hahas... And, the best present for this bday, I've alr received it on 1st March 2006... In fact, its 3 presents. :) -the happy faces I saw from 1st March - 2nd March in Bazaar, Arts Club and RH -the Bazaar itself -the email and call from OCR But, a bit sad coz I can't meet up with my brudders for supper tonite... Yups, hope that my birthday wishes can come true! Hope that my 23rd bday don't come so fast. But I know, when it comes, It'll be a new bit bit blowing candles and singing happy bday song... It'll be a new, an even better bit... :) Hmm, just received a msn message from C-hampion, very very touched... Thanks! Once again, THANKEW EVERYBODY!!!! |
|
|
Master Khor says.../ 12:19 AM Hahas, actuallly, intended to write about this story on Tues, but was too busy and tired over bazaar to blog, so shall say about this interesting story today... Went to see Master Khor tt day... Below was what he said... That I think too much and that hinder progress in both love and career. That I will be rich and very successful in my whole life. That I MUST marry an intelligent/ logical girl that doesn't seek to dominate me! (Very very true!!) That the girls I like so far are all very different from me in terms of ambitions, cultures, values. In short, exotic! (hahas, lidat den exciting and challenging ma!) That I don't fall in love with people easily, but if I do, I'll really love that person deeply. Same goes to hating a person... (wah, 敢爱敢恨 worr...) That I'm a risk-taker, competitive person. That my 人缘 (PR) is good... hehe... That I'm a good advisor, consultant, will be a good businessman, think less and I'll be a great leader... (hahas, aiya, so I'm a Zhuge Liang la?) :P The above stuff were what he said hor, not I say one! hahahaha! He said till I was quite shiok and happy... So that 10 bucks is quite worth it in a sense... Haha, still remember I said this back to him: "大师，有一天我飞黄腾达，我一定不会忘了你..." In fact, if I were to be very successful one day, I will remember each and everyone who provide me with every possible learning experience, coz every experience, be it good or bad, is a learning experience to make us both stronger and wiser... :) |
|
|
2.3.06
Yeah! Bazaar's OVER!!/ 1:43 PM Yeah! Bazaar's finally over!! So happy!! Happy for everything!! happy that nothing major goes wrong despite having so much restrictions and little guidance. happy that everyone, those who visit the bazaar, those within and outside the comm are happy and satisfied from the start, to the execution till the end of the whole project. Everything was so fun and exciting, so much so that we can even laugh when faced with last minute cock ups and emergencies... Even much more happier coz of the positive feedbacks that I heard! And, much much more happier coz looking at the bigger picture, the success and calm-ness of this bazaar will be very very beneficial to Arts Club in the long run. On this note, really hafta thank the O comm for all the hard work put in, Shuning for her open attitude, trust and consultative style of leadership, Hock for his guidance and advice, esp on the things to look out for, Xinyan for her advice, esp on the experience of last year's bazaar, and 26th MC for their fullest support! And, not forgetting those who did "guard duty" with me through the 3 nights of bazaar. Really very grateful to u all. No one understands the unique feeling of doing guard duty together at night until they do it together. :D I'm shagged out, but I'm real happy!! I may just be a DPD, but I really treat this bazaar seriously, coz the success of it is really going to affect Arts Club alot in the long run, both externally and internally. Mebbe that's y they say, "you'll never understand it till u really head a project".... Still... THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!! |
|