When I was younger, I used to nonchantly say: " If I ever start losing my hair, no biggie! I'd just shave the whole thing off!" -followed by a overconfident and rather loud laugh.
Alas, it have come upon me. Not baldness, but a receding hairline! To me! A young man of only 26 year! Its brought on more concern than I thought I would give this issue.
I think it began just as I was leaving Melb, but became rather obvious when I was in Beijing. May have been caused by the stress of relocating and settling down so much. But since I've been back in Singapore, its not improved either. Might be the stress of starting a family and the new job.
I've been using those anti-hair fall shampoo and even a hair tonic at one point, things seem to be stabalizing in the northen part of my head now, but there's this constant fear that the status quo might be upset one day. Stress from work and constant interrupted sleep courtesy of Lil J are not helping either.
I hate to make myself sound old, but I guess with age, things become lesser, shorter and smaller (yelps!). If I was any richer, I'd prob consider those hair growth salons, but the embarassment of being found out and impending hole in my pocket are great impediments to this.
Yeah, I think if things do take a turn for the worse, no biggie, I'd just shave the whole thing off! HA Ha ha, erm... ha... ... : (
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Old Emails- Read it and Weep
Had some time on my hands today as I am doing a 'duty' in my camp. So I had some time to actually indulge in an activity I have not had the pleasure of indulging in for some a while. Surfing the net!
After a while of youtubing and facebooking, I found myself going thru my old emails from as late as 2006. I was in Aust during that time doing my uni studies and finding my way around the world ( in alot of ways, I think I am still finding my way).
Alot of my time was taken up by AIESEC, if the email is to be a gauge of my life in Aust. I found alot of emails that were administrative related, alot of sales (ICX) and some were conference management. I did not find many related to meeting up with friends initially, but towards the end of my stay in Aust, more of friend related emails came up. So I think I did not really have a 'work/studies-life' balance when I was in Aust. I prob shd have spent more time smelling the roses and getting to know people when I was there. Prob should have stayed an hour or two more at parties or just try to be less busy. Or just be less shy....
I also found many emails from my parents and my wife, S that brought a tear to my eye. Encouraging emails that I remembered made me feel better when I was feeling homesick and lonely. I really have to thank them for their neverending faith and love for me, even when I did not know what I was doing with my life. I hope I have a clearer picture now. I hate to make more detours.
Strangely enuff, the email that touched a chord the most was the e-ticket I got for my last flight out of Melb. I really miss the place and hope to go back again soon and catch with friends and even acquaintances.
Its strange how the simple act of looking thru emails can open up memories, good and bad. I hope whoever is reading will try it too, just for fun.
Cheers
After a while of youtubing and facebooking, I found myself going thru my old emails from as late as 2006. I was in Aust during that time doing my uni studies and finding my way around the world ( in alot of ways, I think I am still finding my way).
Alot of my time was taken up by AIESEC, if the email is to be a gauge of my life in Aust. I found alot of emails that were administrative related, alot of sales (ICX) and some were conference management. I did not find many related to meeting up with friends initially, but towards the end of my stay in Aust, more of friend related emails came up. So I think I did not really have a 'work/studies-life' balance when I was in Aust. I prob shd have spent more time smelling the roses and getting to know people when I was there. Prob should have stayed an hour or two more at parties or just try to be less busy. Or just be less shy....
I also found many emails from my parents and my wife, S that brought a tear to my eye. Encouraging emails that I remembered made me feel better when I was feeling homesick and lonely. I really have to thank them for their neverending faith and love for me, even when I did not know what I was doing with my life. I hope I have a clearer picture now. I hate to make more detours.
Strangely enuff, the email that touched a chord the most was the e-ticket I got for my last flight out of Melb. I really miss the place and hope to go back again soon and catch with friends and even acquaintances.
Its strange how the simple act of looking thru emails can open up memories, good and bad. I hope whoever is reading will try it too, just for fun.
Cheers
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Its been a long week
Goodness gracious me....
its been a long week. I used to think AIESEC was tiring... its no where as tiring as my work. Those who say the army is slack should come and try doing a staff role. A lot of writing, proj management and organising.
Granted that I'm new, and I probably am slower than what I should be. I think I need to increase my capacity and efficiency of doing work. After much thought, I think one of the main reasons I am so slow is because I dont get a clear picture of what I need to do in the first place. Not sure why I'm so shy to ask questions to clarify my work, might be me havent yet getting over the rank thing- as a NSF in the past, I get all trippy when I see a senior ranking officer.
Newayz, its been tiring balancing work, family, my boy and all. Welcome to adulthood. Its really kinda stressful cos one has to deal with the issues at work and then there are errands and other things you have to deal with at home. Right now, we just bought ourselves a nice little Nissa Latio,second hand. Costed us $48,000. Graciously, both our parents have volunteered to pay for it so that we don't incur the interest. Of course we'll have to pay them back, but I am grateful of this blessing from them. I prob wun have gotten this car if not for work where I have to travel from place to place throughout the day. Newayz, it is so much easier to bring Lil J out when we drive. I am excited about getting the car, thank God for this blessing.
Now we have to look for a suitable home to call our own. Only issue is the property market is kinda on the upswing, which is weird considering we're just coming out of a recession. It goes to show that asians are rather conservetive spending cash rich ppl who buy things are cheap. Unfortunately, Syl and I are not cash rich, as such we cant really afford the cash over valuation of the re-sale homes and the new developments take too long to complete. So our current strategy is to apply for balance flats whenever there is a sale of them and look for our ideal resale home. We needd to pray about it.
Cheers
its been a long week. I used to think AIESEC was tiring... its no where as tiring as my work. Those who say the army is slack should come and try doing a staff role. A lot of writing, proj management and organising.
Granted that I'm new, and I probably am slower than what I should be. I think I need to increase my capacity and efficiency of doing work. After much thought, I think one of the main reasons I am so slow is because I dont get a clear picture of what I need to do in the first place. Not sure why I'm so shy to ask questions to clarify my work, might be me havent yet getting over the rank thing- as a NSF in the past, I get all trippy when I see a senior ranking officer.
Newayz, its been tiring balancing work, family, my boy and all. Welcome to adulthood. Its really kinda stressful cos one has to deal with the issues at work and then there are errands and other things you have to deal with at home. Right now, we just bought ourselves a nice little Nissa Latio,second hand. Costed us $48,000. Graciously, both our parents have volunteered to pay for it so that we don't incur the interest. Of course we'll have to pay them back, but I am grateful of this blessing from them. I prob wun have gotten this car if not for work where I have to travel from place to place throughout the day. Newayz, it is so much easier to bring Lil J out when we drive. I am excited about getting the car, thank God for this blessing.
Now we have to look for a suitable home to call our own. Only issue is the property market is kinda on the upswing, which is weird considering we're just coming out of a recession. It goes to show that asians are rather conservetive spending cash rich ppl who buy things are cheap. Unfortunately, Syl and I are not cash rich, as such we cant really afford the cash over valuation of the re-sale homes and the new developments take too long to complete. So our current strategy is to apply for balance flats whenever there is a sale of them and look for our ideal resale home. We needd to pray about it.
Cheers
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
New Blog! To pursue a passion and hopefully get paid for it.
I've just created a blog dedicated to the styling of men- not just any men, but everyday men.The address is www.everydaymen.blogspot.com (do come and read and follow it if you think it might be useful for you or a guy you know).
I've created this blog for a few reasons:
1) Overpriced men's fashion (actually fashion in generally). I think people pay too much to look good. I mean, look at what retailers, salons and spas charge to get you to want to look good. I believe men should be able to find quality fashion goods and services at everyday, affordable prices.
2) The insanely high number of men who make disasterous fashion mistakes even today where information is on any subject (ie men's fashion) is so readily available. I mean, you still get comb overs (balding men), sports sneakers with pants and (horror of horrors) see through singlets!
3) I want to make a bit of cash on the side and this blog is phase 1 of that endeavour. Will it work? No idea. More on this later!
I hope to give common sense advice on fashion that everyday men can relate to and hopefully my blog can be a source of useful information that makes life a little less confusing and a little happier.
So do support me in this endeavour!
JC
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Money minded
Money Money Money!
I find myself thinking about money alot these days.
Do I have enough for my future home? Will I be able to manage it well? Will my kids have enough to see them through uni? Blah blah blah....
I think Syl might be a little irritate by my constant worrying and budgeting. I hope she doesn't think I'm becoming stingy. I'm hoping to save a little more for our Dream Home!
At the moment, I'm a bit caught up in creating potential streams of income. Specifically, I'm researching the various online business ideas that I can potentially do. I'm thinking this would be a lower risk way to try out my business ideas. Currently I'm thinking of doing an E book on men style basics and maybe doing a blog/website dedicated to men's fashion/style for the average Joe. I realised fashion blogs tend to cater for upmarket designer wears that have apparel that can cost up to a few hundred dollars a piece. The average middle class hardworking Joe on the otherhand might not be so keen to spend so much on fashion. So in my years of experience of being a tight arse in my clothing but still trying to attain that designer look, I think it might be a niche worth exploring. We'll see how it goes! Wish me luck.
Also looking into money management methods, e.g investments and budgetting. I found a book-Secrets of Self -Made Millionaires by Adam Khoo that has given really practical and step by step instructions on how be in charge of your finances.
As a young man and father, I think I do hope my avenues in these things will allow me to gain financial security for my family and loved ones.
I find myself thinking about money alot these days.
Do I have enough for my future home? Will I be able to manage it well? Will my kids have enough to see them through uni? Blah blah blah....
I think Syl might be a little irritate by my constant worrying and budgeting. I hope she doesn't think I'm becoming stingy. I'm hoping to save a little more for our Dream Home!
At the moment, I'm a bit caught up in creating potential streams of income. Specifically, I'm researching the various online business ideas that I can potentially do. I'm thinking this would be a lower risk way to try out my business ideas. Currently I'm thinking of doing an E book on men style basics and maybe doing a blog/website dedicated to men's fashion/style for the average Joe. I realised fashion blogs tend to cater for upmarket designer wears that have apparel that can cost up to a few hundred dollars a piece. The average middle class hardworking Joe on the otherhand might not be so keen to spend so much on fashion. So in my years of experience of being a tight arse in my clothing but still trying to attain that designer look, I think it might be a niche worth exploring. We'll see how it goes! Wish me luck.
Also looking into money management methods, e.g investments and budgetting. I found a book-Secrets of Self -Made Millionaires by Adam Khoo that has given really practical and step by step instructions on how be in charge of your finances.
As a young man and father, I think I do hope my avenues in these things will allow me to gain financial security for my family and loved ones.
Friday, July 10, 2009
War of a different kind
Syl has been on edgey terms with her mom (my mom-in-law) the last few days.
They've been disagreeing mostly over Lil J's stuff, e.g. the temperature of his milk bath, whether to change over to formula milk and most irritable to Syl- that Syl's too laid back in getting back to work.
Like every family, daughter and mother have a baggage of issues that date back to Syl's childhood; and like every family, these issues are continuing till today. At the moment, my objective view is that Syl has the logical high ground in their disagreements as her opinions on Lil J's stuff has the backing of doctors and most parenting literature. However, I believe it is the method of delivery of her opinions that causes her mom to be entrenched in her views.
Which got me thinking- do parents disagree with us mainly because they don't like the way we deliver our opinions? I mean, to be fair, people of my generation- the Gen-Ys are a information savvy bunch. It is more likely that we know more information on a topic than our parents; not because we are smarter, but because we are more used to the access points to find this information (e.g. internet). So does this threaten people of our parent's generation, the Baby Boomers (BBs) and Gen Xs? As such, they disagree not so much the logic of our arguments but how we say it.
I do think if we (Gen Y) approach debates in a more humble manner despite knowing logic is on our side, Gen Xs and BBs would actually be more accommodating to our views.
They've been disagreeing mostly over Lil J's stuff, e.g. the temperature of his milk bath, whether to change over to formula milk and most irritable to Syl- that Syl's too laid back in getting back to work.
Like every family, daughter and mother have a baggage of issues that date back to Syl's childhood; and like every family, these issues are continuing till today. At the moment, my objective view is that Syl has the logical high ground in their disagreements as her opinions on Lil J's stuff has the backing of doctors and most parenting literature. However, I believe it is the method of delivery of her opinions that causes her mom to be entrenched in her views.
Which got me thinking- do parents disagree with us mainly because they don't like the way we deliver our opinions? I mean, to be fair, people of my generation- the Gen-Ys are a information savvy bunch. It is more likely that we know more information on a topic than our parents; not because we are smarter, but because we are more used to the access points to find this information (e.g. internet). So does this threaten people of our parent's generation, the Baby Boomers (BBs) and Gen Xs? As such, they disagree not so much the logic of our arguments but how we say it.
I do think if we (Gen Y) approach debates in a more humble manner despite knowing logic is on our side, Gen Xs and BBs would actually be more accommodating to our views.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Getting paid to not go to work
I have currently earned $950 this week..................for doing nothing!
Yes, you heard me right. There was an intial screw up in my position allocation. That plus the fact that the HR guy who is in charge of my allocation just came back from overseas and got the FLU (I hope not H1N1 though)!
As such, even though I officially started work last Monday, I've spent most of the last two weeks doing nothing.
I can't really complain, I mean I get to spend more time with my two babies (Syl and Lil J), and yet I am gettting paid. But there is a part of me that is a little worried that this might affect my career. I'm also kinda itching to go back to work. Moreover, with a I've read about the developments of the organization so far, I'm quite interested to explore my various options.
It seems that the organization has really developed rather progressively; for example, the learning festival I attended showcased the various changes in training methods and technology. What really got me interested was the emphasis to change padagogies to engage Gen Y era youths; with their focus on social networking and other forms of online techonologies.
So I am rather keen on to start work and learn more.
To be honest, I was a little apprehensive on whether I made the right decision choosing my current career path over an education one. At the moment, there are still a few doubts now and then, but I believe the only path now is to do my best to develop myself in this line of work and give my best to be a valuable asset to the organisation.
Looking forward!
Yes, you heard me right. There was an intial screw up in my position allocation. That plus the fact that the HR guy who is in charge of my allocation just came back from overseas and got the FLU (I hope not H1N1 though)!
As such, even though I officially started work last Monday, I've spent most of the last two weeks doing nothing.
I can't really complain, I mean I get to spend more time with my two babies (Syl and Lil J), and yet I am gettting paid. But there is a part of me that is a little worried that this might affect my career. I'm also kinda itching to go back to work. Moreover, with a I've read about the developments of the organization so far, I'm quite interested to explore my various options.
It seems that the organization has really developed rather progressively; for example, the learning festival I attended showcased the various changes in training methods and technology. What really got me interested was the emphasis to change padagogies to engage Gen Y era youths; with their focus on social networking and other forms of online techonologies.
So I am rather keen on to start work and learn more.
To be honest, I was a little apprehensive on whether I made the right decision choosing my current career path over an education one. At the moment, there are still a few doubts now and then, but I believe the only path now is to do my best to develop myself in this line of work and give my best to be a valuable asset to the organisation.
Looking forward!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Return of the Joa-di
Ahhh...
So nice to be writing again. Its been a while since I've written, there are probably nobody reading this blog anymore. Its nice to have people reading my blog, makes me feel important...Hee..
But I think its about time for me to write stuff again as there seem to be too many thoughts crashing around in my head, feels like a fully stuff gut up there in my cranium. I've found myself thinking so many times the last few months "Damn, I so need to write this down in my blog- BUT I"M SO LAZY!!"
Since my last post, I've gotten married, had a child (Little J!) and started a new job (SAF). My circumstances are profoundly different than they were same time just last year. Its a big change and there are many emotions and thougths that come with these changes.
Marriage is not the big deal that I've always thought it was; now, I'm not referring to the relationship between Syl and myself. I'm referring to the act of getting married- the preparation and the organizing. Any boutique you hire (tons along tanjon pagar and in marine parade) will take care of most things for you, what's left are the venue and invitations. Of course, the more personalised you want the wedding to be, the more complex is planning. But a standard wedding, with all the trimmings is acutually ' plan-nable' in about two months.
Also, not much has changed in my life cept for living arrangements. Its not as if marriage will radically change a person's mindset and personality. You are the same before your wedding day and after, but if you are smart, you'll learn to understand the concept of responsibility in more depth. This single thing I believe will significantly keep relationships in marriage alive and healthy.
That's a nice start, yes I think I'm gonna enjoy posting thoughts again and unload all the nonsense in my mind.
So nice to be writing again. Its been a while since I've written, there are probably nobody reading this blog anymore. Its nice to have people reading my blog, makes me feel important...Hee..
But I think its about time for me to write stuff again as there seem to be too many thoughts crashing around in my head, feels like a fully stuff gut up there in my cranium. I've found myself thinking so many times the last few months "Damn, I so need to write this down in my blog- BUT I"M SO LAZY!!"
Since my last post, I've gotten married, had a child (Little J!) and started a new job (SAF). My circumstances are profoundly different than they were same time just last year. Its a big change and there are many emotions and thougths that come with these changes.
Marriage is not the big deal that I've always thought it was; now, I'm not referring to the relationship between Syl and myself. I'm referring to the act of getting married- the preparation and the organizing. Any boutique you hire (tons along tanjon pagar and in marine parade) will take care of most things for you, what's left are the venue and invitations. Of course, the more personalised you want the wedding to be, the more complex is planning. But a standard wedding, with all the trimmings is acutually ' plan-nable' in about two months.
Also, not much has changed in my life cept for living arrangements. Its not as if marriage will radically change a person's mindset and personality. You are the same before your wedding day and after, but if you are smart, you'll learn to understand the concept of responsibility in more depth. This single thing I believe will significantly keep relationships in marriage alive and healthy.
That's a nice start, yes I think I'm gonna enjoy posting thoughts again and unload all the nonsense in my mind.
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