Monday, December 29, 2008

You loved me for who I was

Second attempt at a love poem. It was SUPPOSED to be funny, but it somehow turned into a sweet story. Oh gosh I need to keep my emotions in check. LOL!

Dear we've known each other for so long

And you know our love stands strong
Ask me for anything, for you I will
Just not your spouse-to-be please, for myself I'd kill

I've got a long way to go before all that
I'm honestly just not ready yet

I shoot my mouth, and I find that cool
I laugh like a witch, when I do, I drool
I sleep like a log and I snore like a pig
Plus when time permits, my nose I'll pick

A million other habits I have, all so compelling and true
Just to please your heart dear, I named a few
Now my habits confessed, and I'm ready for your plan
So dear, are you ready to ask for my hand?

The typical girl would have been disgusted
The typical girl would have been enthralled
Yet you took my hand, you made me yours
You passed my test, cause you loved me for who I was

Now that I'm yours, let the real me surface from within (:

I'd rather you hate me for who I am
Rather than deceiving others into loving who I'm not

The oil-water analogy

We can never see eye to eye with those from the older generation no matter how much we try to. Maybe that's the way life is supposed to function.

Perhaps as we grow older we'll begin to see some light in whatever they have been trying to bring across to us.

As of now, just accept this fact, move on.

Oil and water will never mix, can they?

Friday, December 26, 2008

Ironies

I know that people get angry and frustrated at me when I perform my job cause my job requires me to put myself in others shoes. When I find the right pair of shoes that suits me, I walk away quickly and quietly before others notice. Yes, I steal shoes for a living.

I don't understand what the entire point of jotting that down was, but hey, I found that rather punny! (funny, get it? Well, it was meant to go both ways. Never mind if you don't)

The beauty of words

Sometimes I feel we as humans think too much. Some words are meant to be literal yet we spend so much time analysing them when there's nothing much to decode to begin with.

Then again, when something requires a more in-depth thinking apart from its literal meaning, we suddenly become clueless so as to what is the real meaning lying beneath a word so innocent.

Ironies ironies...

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Randomness

If there's one thing I realized today, its that I'm weird.

School kids are probably downing their sorrows or mellowing over the fact that December is ending and that the school term is starting. Well, I'm the utter opposite.

I can't wait to break up with December and meet up with January. So there.


And oh, I reduced the entropy of my room out of boredom today. Go figure :)

Whatever happened to that love so fine?

I've written so many poems, but this is my first attempt at a love poem :) Enjoy reading!

Two am and my eyes refuse to budge
The head says sleep, yet the heart remains unfazed
Shattered, broken, all thanks to you
The one I called love, the cause of this grievance

Provebial sticks and stones never succeeded in breaking my heart
Yet your words pierced right through, leaving a scar so deep

Whatever happened to that love so fine?
That foundation we painstakingly built up, all that's left are memories
I thought I gave you my word of devotion, and you gave me yours
Tell me, what happened between us dear?

You wanted the stars, I scaled the greatest mountains for you
You yearned for pearls, I braved the stormy seas for you
This, dear, my word of devotion to you
Could this proof of love be so insufficient as you put it out to be?

Whatever happened to that love so fine?
That foundation we painstakingly built up, all that's left are memories
Dear I gave you my all, and I'm left with nothing more
Just so you know, its not me, its you ...

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Youth Olympics Host!

Hey all!

Announcement: I'm officially part of the Youth Olympics Games!!

I was trying very hard to think of ways to get involved in this event, especially since its a global event and its goinna be a first for Singapore hosting an event. Imagine, the experience you're goinna get and the resume you'll receive just from being part of this event!

Two months ago I saw this advertisements calling out for sports commentators. I love announcing and hosting, and it turned out that the YOG organizers were looking for Singaporean teenagers to do hosting, announcing and sport commentating during the event itself.

Most of my friends encouraged me to join and go ahead for the auditions, while others just told me that there will be many others going for it and that I'll probably never get chosen.

Nonetheless, I decided to give it a shot and attend the Sports Commentator Selection Camp to try my luck. Who knows right?

Today I received this email from the organizers:
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You've been selected to be a
Host for the Youth Olympic Games 2010! You'll be one of those energetic souls trying to rah rah the crowd at the competition venues.

From here, we do hope to see your wholehearted committment once training begins in March 2009. As Mark mentioned, trainings can take place from once a week, to once every two weeks and MOE is going to make Sports Presentation a CCA. So no worries about CCA points or weights, if that system is still in use. Although you'll be considered as volunteers only, I'm sure your participation in the very first YOG right here in our own country will be a very valuable experience.

I can't believe it but hey, I made it through as a host!! Time to refine my hosting skills so I can tackle being a host for a global event. So guys, I might just be on TV two years from now introducing the sports you guys are keen in watching! =D

To all of my acquaintances, thanks loads for all the support and encouragement you guys have been giving me for the past two months! It might sound cliched, but without all your help, I wouldnt have even thought of applying for this post in the first place!

:)

Friday, December 19, 2008

Coincidences

I was going for my Friday prayers alone. I sat in the 965 bus, and as the bus stopped at one of the stops, up came one of my classmates, Haziq. A moment after, we saw another person going up the bus, another one of my classmates Eddy. Turned out all three of us were heading for the same place unknowingly.

I went out alone as an individual, I alighted with two other individuals whom happened to be close relations of mine. 

HOW COOL IS THAT? =D

30th Council Chalet 2008

was a blast for me, and I enjoyed the time spent with the 30th SC Councillors!

Met Yong Cheng in the morning to grab all the barbequed stuff like the metal grills and all before we headed off to Escape Theme Park! I was really looking forward to playing the Inverter and the Radio especially since I've been to Escape 3 times before this, but just like before, it either rained or is in maintainance, this time is no difference. SWAY FACTOR HIGH! =(

Anyhoots, we still got to play the Daytona Kart which was a first for me, and I really enjoyed my time there nonetheless! Driving a car was fun, and that gave me a little insight to what driving a real car would be like... Ah man, I suddenly feel like getting a license! Its really fun, but the stress level is seriously scary when you're handling the thing. That sums up a day of fun at Escape! The next time I get there, I'm making sure those two rides arent on maintainance.. HAHA!



Scenery at the top of the Go Kart area

After that we went for the Council Chalet which was absolutely fun! During the previous council meetup, I learnt how to play bridge, and for this one, I learnt how to play Mahjong!

Yup, Mahjong's more likely to be played by Chinese but Zul here already knows how to play the game! My friends were quite amazed at this but well, I guess you can always pick something new up when you have the determination to. Plus, I had one of the bestest shifu's like YI LONG SIR, so of course I'll pick it up alright! Reading the chinese characters was very very tough, but wahaha in the end I managed!



That night, after the barbeque, most of us went on a game marathon, playing Bridge and Mahjong non-stop in an attempt to stay awake. Of course, most of us managed to do so, although after playing mahjong for 3 hours straight, we felt like just going to bed and sleeping. Somehow, Inez saved us all as she initiated a chatting session with the topic of initiation during relationships.

Now this was a very very interesting topic and all of us just dished out what we had to say about the counterparts of our dreams as well as which gender we felt should be the one initiating the first move. All of us participated actively in this, with some expressing their heartfelt contents towards this issue, and I felt very bonded, in fact more bonded than ever to this group of people.

I had a question directed at me, and that question was to describe the qualities I want in the girl of my dreams. Ouch, hard, and I thought the single ones would be saved from this interrogation session. How wrong I was.. HAHA!

A tough question to answer, and I think I answered it to the best of my abilities. Mwahaha....  Maybe one day I'll blog about this if I want to :)

Alrightey, now that's all for the Council chalet! I hope 30th will be able to hold more of such barbeques!

BYE!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Youth Olympics Sports Presenters Course

was indeed a course which I'll never ever regret attending


At first it seemed as if I was all alone in this. The process of wanting to sign up was hard. You know me, I do not like going for things alone, yet I forced myself to go for the opportunity when it surfaces and thus, I signed up for this course.

Little did I know that my dear friends Yan Yu and Aisyah too signed up for the same course and we're in the same group! Now that was a huge relief to me alright.

The course was really very interesting, and with Marc Richmond as our trainer, we were really kept entertained with his hilarious antics and humourous way of presenting his points across.

We were taught many things, like how to present effectively as a host, the do's and dont's of a good host, exercises to warm the tongue and face up as well as many other important knowledge we needed to be equipped with in order to show that we were worthy of being called a good host. The participants were STUPENDOUS, I tell you! All of them just blew me away with the manner in which they presented their speeches, and some of them are just 13 or 14 years old. Imagine the huge amount of talent these people possess at such a young young age! Gosh, when they grow up, I am sure they will use this talent and do Singapore proud :)

Okay so at the end of the entire process, we had to do 2 recordings, one solo recording in which we had to present ourselves in front of the camera and speak about our favourite person, as well as a cohosting segment in which we had to pair up with another person and pretend as if we were television hosts or disc jockeys.

Personally, I felt that I did rather alright, but I was rather angry with myself for repeating my past mistakes time and again, in the sense that I always take a very long time to warm up to people around me. The very first day, I wanted very much to talk to the participants of the course, but I decided not to and just keep to the group I know.

Familiarity, that was all I keep searching for, yet I forgot that it was time for me to learn to put myself out of my comfort zone and just loosen up and do my thing. It was only a two day course, and I finally forced myself to make friends today with the people around me.

About time Zul..

I should have done it yesterday, I really should have! But alright, fine, I think I'll learn from this mistake in the future

The people I talked to today were really really nice people! In fact, we got so close that weirdly enough, although we barely talked during the process of this camp, the bond we had was a rather strong one that we started chatting and joking as we walked home. Ah shucks, life would have been so much better had I talked to them yesterday... HAHA!

Either way, I must say, I am glad I forged this friendship bond with them as they truly have made an impact in me.

There's two of my good friends Yan Yu and Aisyah, whom have helped me through this entire two day process. Without them I have no idea if I would have been as expressive and open as I have been throughout the process of this camp!

There's Amirah, known as the hot Malay cheerleader by one of the camp participants. I can see why he said that alright, she's really tall, pretty and such a nice person to talk to! The very first new friend I made, and I am glad I am now friends with her! Somehow when I look at her, I am really reminded of Shahidah cause there is something in them that really bears a striking resemblance to each other =D Amirah that's a compliment! HAHA!


There's Jeremy who looks like Yong Cheng and Zhen Hao at the same time, although I have no idea how that's possible! A funny and nice guy who ran away before I could even manage to take a photo with him! Tsk tsk, the next time I meet you, you're not goinna run away alright? HAHA!


There's the 2 sisters Jun Teng and Kelly, the really cute and pretty sisters who both have a flair for speaking! Small physiques, yet amazing voices they possess in them that will definitely wow the audience! When I mean amazing voices, it's partly the quality of their voices which can be seen as sweet and pleasant, but it is actually how they present their speeches in such a convincing and sincere manner that will sway their audiences. Glad to know these girls!

And finally, there's the NS boy who honestly doesnt look his age as he looks so young and youthful, Alan! =D Haha what an intro, but well, Alan if you're reading this, be honoured okay! Whee.. This guy is one cool dude, intelligent, goodlooking and speaks fluently. He's currently serving his final two months of NS before he moves on to University in the course which happens to be one that I hope to enter too should I get results as good as his =D Alan, its been great knowing you too!

Results for our auditions on whether we make it through will be made known on either wednesday or thursday, and I really HOPE that the people I just mentioned on this blog makes it through together as one. It might sound cliched, but even if one of us doesnt make it, I really will feel very sad as these people are really close to me now and I really hope I will be given the opportunity to train and work with them for the Youth Olympics. Let's hope for the best guys!




To my other coursemates whom I have not had the chance to interact with yet, you guys are really great great great coursemates to have! Thanks for all the laughter and joy, and I also really hope all of you get through! XD
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Thats all for now, updates soon!
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BYE!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The Long Overdue Indonesian Trip Entry

I would very much like to blog about my trip to Indonesia, but that would take up a loooottt of my time since there are so many pictures, so many experience I want to talk about. Let them all be summarized in this video I came up with.

To the 22 individuals, thanks for all the lovely memories you guys have given me. This trip has opened my eyes to the world outside and had it not been for this trip, I wouldnt have even gotten the chance to know all of you guys or get closer to those I already know.

To Cikgu Khalidah and Mdm Ainon, I thank the both of you for putting this entire trip together, giving in your all in making sure that the trip went successful and that all of us enjoyed the trip.

To Danial and Ridhwan, thanks for being great chatting buddies whenever we felt bored and needed something to do. I definitely have learnt more about you guys through this trip! XD

To Darren and Glenn, I have actually seen you guys around in school and have worked with you guys before but never ever have I dreamt that we would be this close, like you know, going shopping together and bunking together in each other's rooms! HAHA! Darren, worked with you countless times during your house exco term and Glenn, now werent't you an Orientation Group leader? =D I'm glad to be given the opportunity to get to now you guys personally, and now I think you guys simply rock! Keep the friendship going ya?

To Firdaus, thanks for being a great buddy to hang out with during the trip. Sorry for the incident (you know what it is =D ) and I'll try my best to repay my part as soon as possible ya. HAHA never thought i'd be this close to you too seriously. My primary one madrasah friend turns out to be a good JC friend of mine, now that's not too much to ask for isnt it? :P

To Hariz and Luqman, my dearest secondary school juniors. Its been fun hanging out with you guys! I'll see you guys more often next year yea? Make sure you guys bring MLCS soaring to greater heights! hahaha...

To Haziq, Eddy, Imran, all of whom I treat as those closest to me since forever, this trip has given me a chance to get to know you guys better in person and strengthen the friendship bond amongst us. Hope this continues on into adulthood okay? Keep in touch! :)

To Khairul, my tummy never fails to hurt whenever I am around you. Seriously dude, your random jokes, funny antics and sarcasm never fail to make me smile and laugh. A trip isnt fun when Khairul isnt around aint I right? =D Through this trip, getting to know you better in person was indeed a good thing, cause you're a friendly person whom everyone surely loves!

To Huda, Lyana and Renee, the three little girls, babysitting you guys was a wonderful experience for me, especially since I wanna be a teacher when I grow up! hehee then I can write this in my resume! =D HAHA okay i was kidding, really... Thanks for accompanying me through all the boring bus rides with the random chats, singalong sessions and all. It really wouldnt have been a memorable trip without you guys! And you can be sure I mean what I just said :)

To Farhanah, Syakirah and Shahidah, I already knew you guys before this trip through the many uncountable study sessions and all. Before this I know I might have come across as serious and all based on my personality in-built via council which was what most of you saw, and my main aim during this trip was to get closer to my friends such as you guys, and in the process revealing a more laid back, humourous side of me. I dont know if I have succeeded, but I HOPE i have managed to forge a closer friendship bond with you guys and reveal that side of me :) HAHA! I already miss you guys. Go out soon!

To Linda and Michelle, YOU TWO! If I could turn back time, I wished I could have spent more time getting to know you guys and talk to you guys more. Seriously! Its quite sad we only started talking like what, on day 5? And thats when half the trip is gone and we realize we have very little time left to socialize. HAHA ohh well, its better late than never right? Lets go out, have a chat and just catch up on lost time yea? We still have a date, cause I couldnt make it for our coffee date with Glenn and Darren on the last night of the programme! Remember remember? =D Meet up soon yea?

And that'll pretty much sum up my Indo trip entry. Hope you guys enjoyed the video yea?

BYE!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Facedoubles

Facebooking has always been the thing for me since the holidays officially started, and recently I came across this cool application called facedoubles where they will compare our facial features and match it with that of a celebrity.

Guess who my counterpart was? Any guesses?



Its Lewis Hamilton!

Just what's up with me and F1? HAHA! Then again, I think I do see some resemblances between my facial features and his. The previous few I tried, I got some others and Jake Gylainhall which was absolutely too good to be true obviously, so yeap Lewis Hamilton is the closest I think!

What do YOU think? =D

Facebook pals, vote if you have the time yea! HAHA! Dont forget to try out this cool application for yourself!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Hari Raya Aidiladha preparations

are finally done and I'm just sitting by waiting for the day to pass, before I formally welcome tomorrow.

Hari Raya Aidiladha has always been a more low key affair for my family, and even up till now, I wonder if this day is actually supposed to be a happy or sad affair.

For one, it is, hari raya, which means Celebration Day, so judging by the name it should be a joyous occasion to be celebrate.

Then again, it is also a day where we remember the people who are miles away from us, performing the pilgrimage in Mecca. I've not had my parents miles away from me for so many days, so I guess I won't know how sad it actually can get, but judging from my cousins who already have experienced it, the sadness experienced is one of a kind.

So there you have it, if we were to lump the two together, it would be more like a day to celebrate the success of those miles away from us for successfully performing the pilgrimage.

Here's where bitter sweet comes into place I guess.

Anyways, enough of ranting for now. So to all my Muslim friends, here's wishing you a SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILADHA!

Take this opportunity to make your long overdue minta maafs that have been long brought forward from Hari Raya Aidilfitri! HAHA! Come on, do it. I'm waiting :)

SEE YOU GUYS!

And Vidic Saves the Day

for Manchester United as he scored their only goal in the 91st minute



I must say, it couldnt have come at a better time than this, or United would have had to face humiliation from their own fans. Needless to say, that aim of winning the premier league would have been one level harder had they lost this match.

Huda and I stayed awake to catch this match, and boy was it a nervewrecking match for us, especially towards the final few minutes of the game.

United, never, EVER, do this to your fans ever again :)

Friday, December 5, 2008

Splendour

was a glamourous affair....

Well not because of the venue which shared the same name as Paris Hilton, neither was it cause of the food which was lesser in quantity and quality than that from 2 years ago, but it was the friends and company that made my 90 bucks all worth it :)

Many people looked splendid and its a side of them we totally do not get to see everyday. Okay, many? Who am I kidding, thats an understatement, let's make it all.
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So I too was dressed in something that was so not me according to many of my friends. I thought I dressed up quite alright for someone who is supposedly not up to fashion, but well, its time I show that fashionista shining through me I guess.

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Gee! Thanks, but no thanks dude. I'm already taken! (for that night) :D

The hat was the highlight on me I think, especially since Zul here has never even attempted to wear a hat in his entire 18 years spent on earth. Many said I looked really great in a hat and should wear more of it, while some had alot to differ with, claiming I do not go well with a hat. Either way, we can't please everybody right? Hahah... Prom's about trying out things that arent usually associated with yourself, so why not right?

Why don't you be the judge later? =P
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The emcee was great, he was hilarious and got many of us laughing with his jokes and witty comments. The only thing I felt that could be improved was the selection of the prom king and prom queen. For one, I would rather they grill the prom king and queen nominees with hard-to-answer questions rather than making us do embarrassing stuff like shaking your butt in front of a global wide audience. Please, I'd rather settle for a cat-walk lah!
Yours truly here was one of the 20 prom king nominees. HAHA!

Alright, here are some pics from that night full of memories...
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Award for the best runaway bride goes to none other than Shahidah! Awesome isnt she? It seems as if she was a princess kidnapped from Storybook Land and sent to attend prom at Hilton hotel. Simply gorgeous!
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The purest of them all, at least for that night, had to go to Cassandra. Dressed in white, she was shimmering in light from head to toe. Even her complexion was so super fair... Stunning! =D
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Mr Darren makes a grand entrance. In my opinion I think he was the most charming and suave of the entire lot of guys I saw.. There was just something about him that oozed confidence and charm =P Wooh I'm envious! XD
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Come on, let's act cool :) And ohh, Haziq wins my smartest dressed award. He looked so knowledgeable and smart in that outfit! Whether he is one is another different story altogether. Wait, who are we kidding? OF COURSE HE IS ONE! =D

And award for my best photo of the night?

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It has to be this one with Weini! Photos with your secondary school cum JC friends are always somehow the loveliest. I looked the best here, she looked really beautiful here, its a photogenic shot alright! XD

Actually there is one more contender for this award. Don't ask me to choose, I can't =P



Took this photo with cassandra after prom. We stood on a narrow but higher pavement than the ground and got this shot. Now this is what I call artistic :)

So comments? How do I look? Haha.. feel free to tag me about it ya? Be back with an update soon! =D

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Pre-Prom Preparations

is ongoing and that title is cool cause all three words start with P :)

Okay fine, lame... Anyway, I have decided.. I am going to wear a hat for prom.

Hopefully the entire suit looks nice on me.. HAHA! Just for those of you who have not seen me in a hat, and that's practically everyone of you, here's the hat I'll be wearing on me...



Okay, more updates when I come back. Looks like I'll have to update more frequently. The indo trip update is not done yet still. I still need photos :)

Cya guys when I come back! Await my dear prom photos!

Change is inevitable, and it takes people with courage to opt for change

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Have I a choice?

I originally thought I wanted to rot my entire december away, but I suddenly have a debt to clear and thus, I HAVE to work to earn money.

Working isnt that bad is it? Lets hope for the best. At least I get some experience during this holidays.

Bummer...

Update on Indo trip soon once I receive the photos. As of now, its back to the newspapers and internet drowning myself in countless of job advertisements.

I swear, I'd rather drown in water than this

Monday, December 1, 2008

He's back in Singapore!

and he wonders if his friends missed him :)



HAHA yes HELLO GUYS! I'm back in Singapore, and I swear, when I first touched down I was so super happy to be back here after 8 days experiencing life in a foreign land.

It was tough, really, but we managed to get through life in a different place having to speak in the Indonesian native tongue and all those. More on that later!

Yep indeed i missed all of you here. I miss blogging, I miss my friends, and I cannot wait to get back with life in Singapore, although part of me still misses the newfound friends I made at SMAN 71 Senior School.

Waking up today felt kind of weird without the MLCS students plus Darren Glenn Linda and Michelle.

Oh well, I'll learn to adapt to this quiet life.

More when I receive the photos. Brace yourselves for a loooong entry!

TAKE CARE!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

A Post From Jakarta

Currently blogging from Jakarta, and I'm officially dead tired. Down with the fever and flu for two days now.. What a great time to get hit by the common flu and fever, like during a holiday. Hmph!

Oh well... four more days to my homecoming!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

You're Goinna Miss Me When I'm Gone

After numerous hectic days preparing for this, I'm finally all set and ready to go.

I'll be leaving on a jetplane (Keep on dreaming... Its only going to be some budget plane), to the lovely island of Indonesia for an Exchange Programme with the students from this school called SMAN 71. In the process, will be sightseeing, visiting places of interest, shopping. Well, take this as a well deserved holiday after the devillish regime of preparing for A's is finally over.

Be back next Sunday yea!

I'll catch you guys soon! Pray for my safety :)


Till then, take care my friends, and may this 8 days be days filled with joy and laughter for most, if not all of you.


Thursday, November 20, 2008

A tribute to my 2 years in NYJC

And so it all ends.

Two years worth of books, notes, studying, sleepless nights, everything, gone by just like that. Yes, I'm now an ex-JC student. Makes me feel so old, but well, this is a reminder of how fast paced life tends to be. Two years it has been, but it seriously didnt feel like two years at all.

I remember the first time I tried to find my way to this school, I took a bus and got lost at Serangoon Central, making a grand entrace for the Orientation at 8 am when the rest were supposed to be there at 730 am.

I remember my first day in this school, having no friends, wandering around aimlessly as I searched high and low for my future classmates, schoolmates, friends. I did have an OG back then, but I felt as if I just could not click with anyone from that school. I missed my old school, I regretted my decision.

I remember sitting alone for lunch, just miraculously hoping a few familiar faces would surface so I wouldnt be feel so lonely.

I remember the first day I met my class, I felt so elated to see a couple of familar faces. I loved my class almost immediately with the strong bonds we forged simply on Day one, and I remember the big birthday song the entire hall sang for me as that day fell on my birthday. It was love at first sight for 0706 :)

I remember seeing some people in school as people I would never get to know no matter how much I tried, but as I look back now, weirdly, its these people whom are closest to me right now.

I remember telling myself never to enter council in JC, for I tried my best to psycho myself into thinking I would not be JC council material, but look where I am now :)

I remember feeling left out and regretting my decision when I made it through as a councillor, and I thought I'd never ever get to know them well enough, but they are now part of those closest to me :)

I remember the devillish regime of Project Work we all had to endure, rushing through deadlines, non-stop typing on the computers, the neverending visit to the computer labs and libraries, the many meetings we had, all these for the good grade we deserve

I remember the truckloads of knowledge all of us had to miraculously store into our brain cells, topped up with the complimentary tutorials and projects we all had to do as students.

I remember surviving many hours of otherwise boring lectures, if not for my classmates and the sweets they passed around

I remember the many hours spent on books, trying to digest all the information given. So much midnight oil burnt just to make sure I understand what was going on, and if carbon content really were to be given out from the full combustion of this oil, the world would have long been on the brink of grave danger.

I remember all the setbacks I encountered during my entire two years in this school, in terms of academics, my social self, everything, but I now look upon them as sharp stepping stones which I have taken on the way to my future. They have hurt me, but they turned me into a better person.

I remember all the lovely moments I encountered during my entire two years in this school too. There have been moments where I produced good results in my Science subjects which is totally not my forte, where I topped the class in my only strength which is GP, where I spent with my friends whom have helped me alot through this process.

I remember all the events I have planned and been through during my two years here.

I remember the people who have helped me out during this process, 0706, the Student Council (29th, 30th, 31st) , the teachers, staff of the school, the many friends I made and more...

I remember... memories

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

“The pen is mightier than the sword” Can written language really be so powerful?

Recent decades have seen an increasing belief in the idea that “action speaks louder than words” Actions are believed to be one of the stronger forms of expressing views as they are deemed to be more sincere as compared to the latter. However, there has been many doubts to how effective actions are in performing this role, especially with the introduction of written language, which may soon prove itself to be a worthy competitor.

For years, many have devoted themselves to the sword for it is a symbol of strength and power. A sword is used in battles and is the main cause of much bloodshed on the battlefields and soldiers are unafraid of using it, hence it is used as a means of symbolizing action over mere words. The advocate of the word believes that action is the strongest form of showing one’s innermost feelings. The pen on the other hand is just an everyday object we use, yet many of us fail to see how powerful it can actually be. A pen is used to write words, yet these words express feelings and emotions which could possibly prove to be more lethal than the sword. Hence advocates of the pen believe that written language can express emotions and surface hidden motifs far better than the sword itself.

Personally, being a student who immerses himself into the world of Literature and into the works of Shakespeare, I feel that the pen is indeed a mightier tool as compared to the sword. Whenever I feel the need to let out my innermost feelings, I find writing a more effective way of revealing my thoughts and emotions as they flow almost rhythmically with the swift movement of the pen. Whenever I pen my thoughts down, everything comes clear from the velvet sheet and the feelings hidden in me immediately becomes visible to the public eye. Having said that, it is not that I do not agree with the idea of using actions to express ones self. I have tried using action, yet I realize it often leaves me going for the politically correct idea and not what I really feel within me. Of course, opinions differ,

So, can written language really be so powerful? If we were to look at the context of the global arena, we would be able to see that written language has had a great influence in many parts of the world. The introduction of the new media has created a worldwide revolution, especially amongst blogging which has become very popular overnight. Online blogs have affected numerous decisions worldwide, some of which will be discussed in the later paragraphs. Blogging too, like writing, is a form of written language and although it does not involve penning down thoughts of a piece of paper, the functions of a blog are strikingly similar to that of a pen. A blog too, ‘pens down’ feelings and emotions through words, with the only difference being it done by typing on the computer as a medium.

The effects of blogging have been seen in the area of politics, especially in countries like the United States of America as well as Malaysia. In America, political blogs have been set up to slam John Mclain down in light of Obama, stating that his debate factors for the recent country affairs debate were “highly incoherent” and that he was irresponsible due to the fact that he had an alleged affair with Sarah Palin. Such blogs receive many hits per day and as much as one wants to believe that such blogs will not play an impact on the voting as people are matured enough to decide for themselves, the truth is that people are indeed influenced by whatever they read, even if it is to a small extent. Therefore, the outcomes of the votes will definitely be affected, and many believe that this is why Obama is currently leading in the polls. Similarly, blogs have also been set up to criticize Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi of Malaysia for claims of him spending the country’s money on his ministers as well as not taking care of the welfare of his citizens, thus leading some to believe those are the real causes of him having an alleged early retirement in 2010.

Referring to the situation above, it can be seen that written language is a powerful tool in influencing the mindset of someone. All one has to do is write down what he feels and that would be sufficient in swaying another individual of his own ideologies. The government could try to stop this by closing down such blogs and banning others from accessing such sites. However, such attempts are in vain as another site can easily be set up in a matter of just hours. Evidently, the influence of written language will be here to stay.

Apart from that, it can also be seen that written language is indeed powerful and has many benefits, which is exactly why students are made to study subjects like Literature. They learn how to appreciate prose as well as try their hands at crafting poems and critiquing texts so as to develop their skill of thinking out of the box. Currently, in countries like Singapore and Switzerland, academics are concentrated mainly in the arena of Science and thus, while students excel in Science related subjects like Physics and Chemistry, they are falling behind in terms of understanding emotions and thinking creatively which will be relevant for the future. Especially in Singapore, the education system needs a revamp and the government realizes this as it tries to inculcate studies relating to the arts into the education syllabus as far as possible. The Singapore government is making a concerted effort to promote written language and apparently this will be a necessary skill one needs to acquire in order to succeed in his future aspirations.

Written language is also powerful as it is shown to be effective in cultivating effective communication especially between that of parents and their children. Parents and children are of a different age group and due to this, it is common that they always clash due to their ideological differences. In Canada, when counselors are faced with such situations, they do not adopt the method of purely talking things out as they feel that the issue might just remain stagnant and not be resolved as there is a tendency for both parties to hide some of their feelings or become too emotional. Thus, what they do is to make the children and parents write letters to each other so as to allow them to understand what is going on in each others minds. This way, both parties will be able to better understand what each other has to sat and conflicts can be peacefully resolved in this manner. In fact, the relationship between the child and the parent can soar to greater heights with this manner.

However, some naysayers to the idea of written language argue that actions can also be used to solve the conflicts mentioned above and that it is not necessary to use written language. Then again, they do not fully understand that when one acts, he tends to act on his impulses and that might possibly be a wrong move to take. If we were to take the war between Afghanistan and the USA for example, the USA claims they are lodging this attack to prove their stand that terrorism should never be tolerated, but they fail to see how badly this idea has failed as it has brought negative impacts to both countries, as well as the rest of the world population in terms of economic revenue and others. Many people around the world feel that the USA has gone overboard with the dominance of Afghanistan and some even claimed that this attack was done not to solve the problem, but rather as a form of vengeance. This example clearly shows us how the sword might not prove to be a mighty item afterall.

Hence, it would be suitable to conclude that written language indeed can be very powerful as it helps to understand one’s emotions and motifs better than action itself. Nothing is masked, and things come as the truth where written language is concerned.

HELLO WORLD!

It feels great to wake up, knowing that you're free :)

I'm officially back to blogging, after a recent hiatus due to the irritating A Levels. Well, its now gone and here I am back at blogger, bloggoing about anything that may prove to be of interest to me at that point of time.

I need to think, I need to write to keep my brain going. Expect more thought provoking entries from me!

World, I'm back!