Ya Dawg! Just Hanging wif Ma Hommies Ya'll!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Getting out of culture shock
Its weird, been down lately. I wonder why? Better now, happier now : )
I wonder though~~ is it the natural cycle of culture shock that I felt. I was so frustrated, with the bad manners here, the bad admin, the slow government, the lack of smiles, the bad air, the bad weather, the relatively low pay, the lack of belonging to a team, the lack of really contributing, the pollution, too expensive gyms, haven't gone running in months, lack of controlled spending, no open parks, bad back, no KoKo Black, no gelato, far from family. Whew!
What do I have?
Supportive and lovely girlfriend, nice boss, great colleagues, welcoming incoming MC, cool apartment, relatively cheap food, great office to work in, relatively high pay compared to the locals, supportive parents, unexplored kinks of a ancient city, friends who wish me well, friends who are a delight to hang out with and my health! Hee...
So put a smile on your face Joa! La la la la....
J
I wonder though~~ is it the natural cycle of culture shock that I felt. I was so frustrated, with the bad manners here, the bad admin, the slow government, the lack of smiles, the bad air, the bad weather, the relatively low pay, the lack of belonging to a team, the lack of really contributing, the pollution, too expensive gyms, haven't gone running in months, lack of controlled spending, no open parks, bad back, no KoKo Black, no gelato, far from family. Whew!
What do I have?
Supportive and lovely girlfriend, nice boss, great colleagues, welcoming incoming MC, cool apartment, relatively cheap food, great office to work in, relatively high pay compared to the locals, supportive parents, unexplored kinks of a ancient city, friends who wish me well, friends who are a delight to hang out with and my health! Hee...
So put a smile on your face Joa! La la la la....
J
Sunday, March 09, 2008
How weird things have turned out.. ....
How weird things have turned out.. ....
Last year, when I was applying for the ACYLP coordinator role, never did I expect that things would turn out this way.
Dun get me wrong, its nothing life or death. Its just that I never thought I'd start a new life with S. Yes, as some of you know, I'm with someone, and she's actually been a close friend of mine for the last ten years. There's a bit of history between us that got us to where we are now, but thats another story for another time.
I was in the shower today and I realised that uni's over (duh...) and I'm actually setting up my life now. And I'm setting up my life w S. It feels exciting as I realise I can make this life with her whatever I want to be. I realised also that uni doesn't have to be the best part of one's life (as I've been told by many well meaning friends), but painting whatever stroke with any brush that I choose is scary, exciting, maturing and humbling all at the same time.
It has been interesting spending the month with S, we've done mushy couply stuff like buying bed sheets and pots, having desserts (awesome desserts btw) at French cafes; done toursity things like visiting the Forbidden City, exploring different food places and getting lost in different parts of the CBD; we've also found ourselves taking over a lease to a new flat together, me neogtiating with her parents to 'allow' her to stay in Beijing and both of us desperately trying to find a job for her. We've had ups and downs, laughs and cries, jokes and quarrels. And next week, we're starting to interview tenants for 'our' new flat.
How did it out this way? I dun mean it in a bad way, its just weird how life just takes over and things happen without you planning. I mean you make decisions and all, but your decisions kinda are like reactions to a bigger plan by the universe than original actions created by you.
I like where we are now, I feel I am moving out of a self-centred mindset to one where I am part of a unit w S. Its strange how every mistake you made in past relationships becomes another streetlight in on the path you are taking now with your loved one. Hopefully, the end of the road is still far away and the destination leaves us both happy and content.
Hee... its a bit of a messy post with many thoughts blaring on the screen. But I feel thoughtful...
Hope you who is reading this are well and really, i miss you alot.
Cheers
Joa
Last year, when I was applying for the ACYLP coordinator role, never did I expect that things would turn out this way.
Dun get me wrong, its nothing life or death. Its just that I never thought I'd start a new life with S. Yes, as some of you know, I'm with someone, and she's actually been a close friend of mine for the last ten years. There's a bit of history between us that got us to where we are now, but thats another story for another time.
I was in the shower today and I realised that uni's over (duh...) and I'm actually setting up my life now. And I'm setting up my life w S. It feels exciting as I realise I can make this life with her whatever I want to be. I realised also that uni doesn't have to be the best part of one's life (as I've been told by many well meaning friends), but painting whatever stroke with any brush that I choose is scary, exciting, maturing and humbling all at the same time.
It has been interesting spending the month with S, we've done mushy couply stuff like buying bed sheets and pots, having desserts (awesome desserts btw) at French cafes; done toursity things like visiting the Forbidden City, exploring different food places and getting lost in different parts of the CBD; we've also found ourselves taking over a lease to a new flat together, me neogtiating with her parents to 'allow' her to stay in Beijing and both of us desperately trying to find a job for her. We've had ups and downs, laughs and cries, jokes and quarrels. And next week, we're starting to interview tenants for 'our' new flat.
How did it out this way? I dun mean it in a bad way, its just weird how life just takes over and things happen without you planning. I mean you make decisions and all, but your decisions kinda are like reactions to a bigger plan by the universe than original actions created by you.
I like where we are now, I feel I am moving out of a self-centred mindset to one where I am part of a unit w S. Its strange how every mistake you made in past relationships becomes another streetlight in on the path you are taking now with your loved one. Hopefully, the end of the road is still far away and the destination leaves us both happy and content.
Hee... its a bit of a messy post with many thoughts blaring on the screen. But I feel thoughtful...
Hope you who is reading this are well and really, i miss you alot.
Cheers
Joa
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Cold Cold Beijing
Hi peeps
I am in Beijing!!!
Yes, I am in winter Beijing where the temperatures range from -2 to -10 degrees. Having said that though, I apperantly have been blessed with very sunny days so far. The welcoming sky has been a picture perfect blue with the sun smiling out at me. I might start to mistake this to be the norm. Anywayz, Beijing is HUGE! I am still trying to get my bearings as all the large 8 lane roads look the same. Everything here is huge, from roads to skyscrapers to food servings. It is a shame I have not been actively taking pics of the many places, sights and sounds of Beijing as I have been focusing on getting the transition for the ACYLP coordinator role as the skyscrapers, the food and many other parts of the city are rather breathtaking.
I am currently not too sure how much a Chinese experience I have been having as I have been hanging out with AIESECers and expats who live the 'high' life that the normal Beijingers dun get to experience (China has one of the world's largets rich-poor gaps), e.g. movies here cost 100 yuan (AUD $18) which is ridiculous for the poorer Beijingers. On the other hand, due to western influences, Beijing has become a very cosmopolitan city, with the best of all kinds of cusine that would rival the home originals. But I believe I will be living as a one of the poor Beijingers over the next yr as the cost of living here is actually a tad similar to Singapore. Instances where is is cheaper are like taxi fares cost 10 yuan (SGD $2)! Moral of the story, become and expat with a fat pay package and you can spend to your heart's content! Hee... ...
Ok, more updates soon, just wanted to get started. Miss ya all who I am not seeing now, pls take care of yourself and may the year of the rat be a great one for you!
Joa
I am in Beijing!!!
Yes, I am in winter Beijing where the temperatures range from -2 to -10 degrees. Having said that though, I apperantly have been blessed with very sunny days so far. The welcoming sky has been a picture perfect blue with the sun smiling out at me. I might start to mistake this to be the norm. Anywayz, Beijing is HUGE! I am still trying to get my bearings as all the large 8 lane roads look the same. Everything here is huge, from roads to skyscrapers to food servings. It is a shame I have not been actively taking pics of the many places, sights and sounds of Beijing as I have been focusing on getting the transition for the ACYLP coordinator role as the skyscrapers, the food and many other parts of the city are rather breathtaking.
I am currently not too sure how much a Chinese experience I have been having as I have been hanging out with AIESECers and expats who live the 'high' life that the normal Beijingers dun get to experience (China has one of the world's largets rich-poor gaps), e.g. movies here cost 100 yuan (AUD $18) which is ridiculous for the poorer Beijingers. On the other hand, due to western influences, Beijing has become a very cosmopolitan city, with the best of all kinds of cusine that would rival the home originals. But I believe I will be living as a one of the poor Beijingers over the next yr as the cost of living here is actually a tad similar to Singapore. Instances where is is cheaper are like taxi fares cost 10 yuan (SGD $2)! Moral of the story, become and expat with a fat pay package and you can spend to your heart's content! Hee... ...
Ok, more updates soon, just wanted to get started. Miss ya all who I am not seeing now, pls take care of yourself and may the year of the rat be a great one for you!
Joa
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Seven Types of Ordinary Happiness
I came across this cartoon on an old copy of 'The Age', entitled 'The Seven Types of Ordinary Happiness', it is a cartoon by Leunig. Sorry you can't see the cartoons, but it is the descriptions that causes one to pause and wonder for a while, with a smile.. ... Here goes:
1) Secret Happiness Which is Steady But Beautifully Delicate
2) Three Minutes of Happiness Borrowed from a Dog
3) Traditional Lying Down Happiness
4) The Happiness Which Comes from Staring at a Rock
5) Happiness Blended with a Mysterious Saddness
6) The Strange Happiness Associated with Seeing a Meteorite or Shotting Star
7) Diffuse, Residul Happiness Resulting from Rhythmic Domestic Tasks such as Washing the Dishes
Can you relate? What are your forms of 'ordinary happiness'?
Joa : )
1) Secret Happiness Which is Steady But Beautifully Delicate
2) Three Minutes of Happiness Borrowed from a Dog
3) Traditional Lying Down Happiness
4) The Happiness Which Comes from Staring at a Rock
5) Happiness Blended with a Mysterious Saddness
6) The Strange Happiness Associated with Seeing a Meteorite or Shotting Star
7) Diffuse, Residul Happiness Resulting from Rhythmic Domestic Tasks such as Washing the Dishes
Can you relate? What are your forms of 'ordinary happiness'?
Joa : )
Sunday, December 16, 2007
My Life is Over
Yes, my life in Melbourne as I know it is over. With today's sending off at Planetkids, what I always tell people how I spend my time is over. Uni, AIESEC and Church. Yes, I am officially out of all these activities. I am free, I am lost. Contemplation is needed to find my place again.
Monday, December 10, 2007
I Feel Like a Dad
Hee...
I feel like a dad. Yep, my 'boys' have graduated from the primary school program in church. They're moving on to bigger and better things in the youth adult program.
Haizzz.... never thought I'd feel a tad sentimental cos I always kinda kept an emotional distance to all things, and I dun even think I am that close to my boys. But for some reason, it was a little sad and emotional. I may be becoming a softie. Hee... My kid's pastor was a bit of a wreck! I wonder what it is like to love childre (that aren't biologically yours) so much. Hmmm... I sometimes wish I had his capacity to love.
Newayz, good luck boys! I hope you meet cool and inspiring people as you move on in life! Will be praying for ya!
Joa
P.S. Hope ya love my pencil boxes! : )
I feel like a dad. Yep, my 'boys' have graduated from the primary school program in church. They're moving on to bigger and better things in the youth adult program.
Haizzz.... never thought I'd feel a tad sentimental cos I always kinda kept an emotional distance to all things, and I dun even think I am that close to my boys. But for some reason, it was a little sad and emotional. I may be becoming a softie. Hee... My kid's pastor was a bit of a wreck! I wonder what it is like to love childre (that aren't biologically yours) so much. Hmmm... I sometimes wish I had his capacity to love.
Newayz, good luck boys! I hope you meet cool and inspiring people as you move on in life! Will be praying for ya!
Joa
P.S. Hope ya love my pencil boxes! : )
Saturday, December 01, 2007
The Problem With Friends
Jiarong, Wenwei, Benedict, Shaun , Joseph, Yongsheng, Kelvin, Teck Lee....
They come they go
Had a good time, ciao amigo
Change, Move on, Leave the country, Go to different schools, I'm smarter, You're dumber, Different crowd, Different interests, Gotta girlfriend now
Every brotherly bond that dies, a little part of you dies too
Farewell, I wish u happiness, I wish u love, I wish u joy, I wish u maturity, I wish u find the purpose that u were put on this earth for and that u will use the many gifts that have been graciously given to u
Really, it is not a coincidence our paths crossed
Jiarong, Wenwei, Benedict, Shaun , Joseph, Yongsheng, Kelvin, Teck Lee.... Kenny
Sincerely Joa
Shedding of Blood
yes... exams are over, am moving on in a phase in life.
And what better way to commemorate my time in Oz than to mark it. Yes, I GOT A TATTOO!!! I wanted to get the Southern Cross but then it wasn't all that great looking so i decided to get a star tattoo. More Photos soon..
Special thanks to my Tattoo Si Fu, Lyn! It wasnt so scary with ya helping me out! Hee... Really have no idea how u stand getting your tattoos??!! it stings man!
As I was saying, its interesting what goes on in the head when one does something like a tattoo. Its like getting married cos its literally a physically life changing experience. I was admiring the tat in the mirror and I felt that i always should have been there. One knows one has made an good decision at these crucial juntures when you feel that the decision was always going to be made.
Hee... I hope this is a sign that I'm getting better at making these kind of decisions.. fingers crossed!
Joa
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Pay attention girls!!
Tounge in Cheek look into a guys psyche...
1.Getting angry at us for not reading your mind is like getting angry at yourself for not being able to fly. It's not just futile, it's physically impossible.
2. Yes, we do think Jessica Alba is hot. Sometimes we're even dumb enough to admit it.
3. Don't ask us to understand your shoe fetish. Asking us to respect it is even sort of pushing it.
4. You do look good without makeup, just not as good as you look with it.
5. Ever notice how we don't fight with our male friends? That's why we get so frustrated when we fight with you.
6. You care what you're wearing infinitely more than we do. In fact, if you're naked when you open the front door, you won't hear an argument from us.
7. You don't like to get hit on in public, you don't want to date online and you don't want to be set up on blind dates. Tell us if sending messenger pigeons is an appropriate way of courting. Because if it is, we're all over it.
8. There should a statute of limitations on stupid things that we said that can come back to haunt us
There should a statute of limitations on stupid things that we said that can come back to haunt us. I propose 24 hours.
9. Cooking dinner for a man is like buying flowers for a woman, except it takes a lot more time, effort and thought for you to do it. Thanks. We appreciate it.
10. We actually like your girly pet-names for us, but please, not in front of the guys!
11. Your nice guy friends are the most reliable source for telling you if your new boyfriend's a jerk. And he probably is. (By the way, you might want to consider marrying that nice guy who's giving you advice about the jerk.)
1.Getting angry at us for not reading your mind is like getting angry at yourself for not being able to fly. It's not just futile, it's physically impossible.
2. Yes, we do think Jessica Alba is hot. Sometimes we're even dumb enough to admit it.
3. Don't ask us to understand your shoe fetish. Asking us to respect it is even sort of pushing it.
4. You do look good without makeup, just not as good as you look with it.
5. Ever notice how we don't fight with our male friends? That's why we get so frustrated when we fight with you.
6. You care what you're wearing infinitely more than we do. In fact, if you're naked when you open the front door, you won't hear an argument from us.
7. You don't like to get hit on in public, you don't want to date online and you don't want to be set up on blind dates. Tell us if sending messenger pigeons is an appropriate way of courting. Because if it is, we're all over it.
8. There should a statute of limitations on stupid things that we said that can come back to haunt us
There should a statute of limitations on stupid things that we said that can come back to haunt us. I propose 24 hours.
9. Cooking dinner for a man is like buying flowers for a woman, except it takes a lot more time, effort and thought for you to do it. Thanks. We appreciate it.
10. We actually like your girly pet-names for us, but please, not in front of the guys!
11. Your nice guy friends are the most reliable source for telling you if your new boyfriend's a jerk. And he probably is. (By the way, you might want to consider marrying that nice guy who's giving you advice about the jerk.)
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
its the small things that make life nice
yesterday:
- took a break from the books
- went for an urban life group meeting where we shared on the 5 languages of love and other aspects of relationships. Brought Kenny along as well. He seemed to enjoy it. He warmed up to the UL rather well. Hope it made his day. : )
- rented the American version of Ju-On (the grudge, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar). It is good. One of the better western horror films. I think mainly because they kept the same team that made the Japanese version and mostly only changed the main actors. So the creepy Japanese horror style was kept true. Watched it with Kenny. He is so fun to watch it with as he is the scarediest cat in the world. (" Hey Kenny, Boo! .............ArghHHH!!!!") Had popcorn and chips to complement.
Today:
- went for a jog with Kenny and Liss and MILO!! haha... Milo loved it! And it is officially true, I run faster than Milo. Haha! Never seen him so tired, tounge wagging and all. Hee...
- P.S. Let it state for the record Liss wasnt keen to just jog cos she was 'tired', but when I said that Kenny and Milo were coming, she replied by sms immediately (which for those who know her, never happens) and excitedly that she was keen. Hee... Motivated by a dog to run.. interesting....
- Milo pooed like 4 -5 times (Kenny brought bags)! Having some diahorrea or sth.
- Showered and cut milo's hair. He looks decent now. Cuter too!
- Had a lunch (if ya in Melb, do not go to a cafe called ' Taste of Malaysia' on King St, not great food or if you do, dont order the Laksa) w Liss and Kenny.
Whew! Can I say, i had a good time. Its this small simple things that seem enjoyable to me now. I think all I need to do is to appreciate the things I already have. Do what I'm supposed to do and everythings gonna be just dandy!
Cheerful atm Joa
: )
- took a break from the books
- went for an urban life group meeting where we shared on the 5 languages of love and other aspects of relationships. Brought Kenny along as well. He seemed to enjoy it. He warmed up to the UL rather well. Hope it made his day. : )
- rented the American version of Ju-On (the grudge, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar). It is good. One of the better western horror films. I think mainly because they kept the same team that made the Japanese version and mostly only changed the main actors. So the creepy Japanese horror style was kept true. Watched it with Kenny. He is so fun to watch it with as he is the scarediest cat in the world. (" Hey Kenny, Boo! .............ArghHHH!!!!") Had popcorn and chips to complement.
Today:
- went for a jog with Kenny and Liss and MILO!! haha... Milo loved it! And it is officially true, I run faster than Milo. Haha! Never seen him so tired, tounge wagging and all. Hee...
- P.S. Let it state for the record Liss wasnt keen to just jog cos she was 'tired', but when I said that Kenny and Milo were coming, she replied by sms immediately (which for those who know her, never happens) and excitedly that she was keen. Hee... Motivated by a dog to run.. interesting....
- Milo pooed like 4 -5 times (Kenny brought bags)! Having some diahorrea or sth.
- Showered and cut milo's hair. He looks decent now. Cuter too!
- Had a lunch (if ya in Melb, do not go to a cafe called ' Taste of Malaysia' on King St, not great food or if you do, dont order the Laksa) w Liss and Kenny.
Whew! Can I say, i had a good time. Its this small simple things that seem enjoyable to me now. I think all I need to do is to appreciate the things I already have. Do what I'm supposed to do and everythings gonna be just dandy!
Cheerful atm Joa
: )
Monday, October 22, 2007
Becoming younger as you get older
Becoming younger as you get older
1. Change your perception of time. Don't be in a hurry.
2. Get restful sleep.
3. Eat fresh, nutritious food.
4. Take at least two multivitamins with minerals every day.
5. Practice a mind body technique such as yoga or tai chi.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Don't put toxins in your life, including toxic food, toxicemotions, toxic relationships, and avoid toxic environments or toxic relationships.
8. Have a flexible attitude to minor hassles.
9. Look at so-called problems as opportunities.
10. Nurture loving relationships.
11. Always have an attitude of curiosity, learning, and wonder and spend time with children.
From some website I found, I like it.
Joa
1. Change your perception of time. Don't be in a hurry.
2. Get restful sleep.
3. Eat fresh, nutritious food.
4. Take at least two multivitamins with minerals every day.
5. Practice a mind body technique such as yoga or tai chi.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Don't put toxins in your life, including toxic food, toxicemotions, toxic relationships, and avoid toxic environments or toxic relationships.
8. Have a flexible attitude to minor hassles.
9. Look at so-called problems as opportunities.
10. Nurture loving relationships.
11. Always have an attitude of curiosity, learning, and wonder and spend time with children.
From some website I found, I like it.
Joa
Friday, October 19, 2007
Purpose
Ahhh...
Yes, the small dose of freedom just caught me. Yes, ladies and gents, I just finished my last assignment of my last semester. I probably have half a day of a break before a very busy Saturday.
I really hate these kinds of times, the transition periods. Where one does not really know where I'll be in a few months time. Whatsmore, there is so much to do to wrap up the current phase. Making things worse, is the small nagging doubt of whether deciding to wrap up the current phase in life is the right decision?
Sometimes I wish I get clearer instructions or signs of where I need to be, but then I realised that is some guy came down from a cloud and told me exactly where I need to be or how I should live, life's gonna be rather restrictive and boring. I mean, half the fun and learning process in life is to make mistakes. I guess the trick is to make less and less as you get older.
TANGENT!! -- For those who may be interested in finding out your purpose in life, I suggest a method I picked up from a blog I read from time to time.
1) Get a paper or lap top
2) Write on the top '#Name# Purpose in Life'
3) Write down whether comes to mind! Dun think so much!
4) Stop when you write something that brings out so much emotion in you that it causes u to tear.
5) Yup, you either have hit the nail on the head or are really close!
Disclaimer: This works best depending on whether you are the kind of person who is really interested in searching for your purpose (not the same as someone who just says s/he is interested). It also works best if you have already attempted to look for your purpose in other ways.
Ok.
'All work and no play makes Joa a dull boy'. Yessree, I think that kinda describes my life atm. Which is kinda sad. I remember watching this movie starring Topher Grace, Patrick Swayze and Scarlett Johanson about a young executive (Grace) dating a more experienced employee's (Swayze)daughter (Johanson), the title escapes me atm, grrr...
Newayz, Grace's character was so consumed by work that he had no other life besides it and even lost his fiance over it. He went so far as to invite himself into Swayze's home to have dinner so that he did not have to go home to an empty house and empty Porsche. Yes, I wanna be successful and focused on my purpose, but I think i'm missing out on the colours of life atm. I mean, success and living abundantly is not exclusive. Hmmm....
Joa
Yes, the small dose of freedom just caught me. Yes, ladies and gents, I just finished my last assignment of my last semester. I probably have half a day of a break before a very busy Saturday.
I really hate these kinds of times, the transition periods. Where one does not really know where I'll be in a few months time. Whatsmore, there is so much to do to wrap up the current phase. Making things worse, is the small nagging doubt of whether deciding to wrap up the current phase in life is the right decision?
Sometimes I wish I get clearer instructions or signs of where I need to be, but then I realised that is some guy came down from a cloud and told me exactly where I need to be or how I should live, life's gonna be rather restrictive and boring. I mean, half the fun and learning process in life is to make mistakes. I guess the trick is to make less and less as you get older.
TANGENT!! -- For those who may be interested in finding out your purpose in life, I suggest a method I picked up from a blog I read from time to time.
1) Get a paper or lap top
2) Write on the top '#Name# Purpose in Life'
3) Write down whether comes to mind! Dun think so much!
4) Stop when you write something that brings out so much emotion in you that it causes u to tear.
5) Yup, you either have hit the nail on the head or are really close!
Disclaimer: This works best depending on whether you are the kind of person who is really interested in searching for your purpose (not the same as someone who just says s/he is interested). It also works best if you have already attempted to look for your purpose in other ways.
Ok.
'All work and no play makes Joa a dull boy'. Yessree, I think that kinda describes my life atm. Which is kinda sad. I remember watching this movie starring Topher Grace, Patrick Swayze and Scarlett Johanson about a young executive (Grace) dating a more experienced employee's (Swayze)daughter (Johanson), the title escapes me atm, grrr...
Newayz, Grace's character was so consumed by work that he had no other life besides it and even lost his fiance over it. He went so far as to invite himself into Swayze's home to have dinner so that he did not have to go home to an empty house and empty Porsche. Yes, I wanna be successful and focused on my purpose, but I think i'm missing out on the colours of life atm. I mean, success and living abundantly is not exclusive. Hmmm....
Joa
Monday, October 08, 2007
This time next year... ...
I just finished a week rushing thru three assignments after my week in Sydney. I then decided to take some time to engage in more relfective activities, ie reading and commenting on other people's blogs and now, adding to my own.
It is really strange now that I know I am approaching my end of a phase of my life. Knowing that this time next year, I wun be in my apartment, typing on my Ikea desk, sitting on my Ikea chair, being warmed by a second hand ewt heater, it is strange.
This time next year, I'll no longer have to balance AIESEC, Uni and Church and the hectic-ness that comes with it, this time next year I probably wun see many of the friends I've made here nor attend the church which has become such an important part of my life.
This time next year, I wun be able to 'terrorize' my housemate's dog and act like a parent to him, I wun have to pick up the household chores slack of my housemates (hee...).
This time next year, I wun be able lie in my Ikea bed and let my mind wander about the adventures I want to have; I wun be able to have a homemade 'Riva' coffee and recline on my lazy chair and again let my mind wander about my imaginary adventures.
This time next year I wun have control over my time, I wun be able to skip classes and lectures, i wun be able to read DragonBall in japanese (even though I dun actually read japanese) on the Asian Studies level of the Baillieu Library.
This time next year, I wun be able to sneak in a KoKo Black hot chocolate in my week, I most prob wun be able to get cheap and good cappaucinos and I wun be able to say " just " franchise coffee is crap"! - but their fraps are good! Hee...
This time next year, I'll no longer be part of AIESEC in Aust/VIC, I'll no longer be able to try one more time to be helpful, I'll no longer be able to billet random AIESECers in my apartment while Milo irritates the hell out of them, I'll no longer be able to interact with really smart people who have grown on me.
This time next year, I will be happy. I will be happy with my job (whatever it is), I will take the time to catch up with old and new friends (physically or virtually), I will do my bestest in whatever I do, I will avoid behaviours that causes regrets, I will make the most with what I have, I will be more open and vunerable to people, I will be more bold in forming relationships with people. This time next year, I will be happy! : )
This time next year, I want to be where He wants me to be and be doing exactly what He wants me to be doing. I want to be open and sensitive, I want to be obedient, I want to be discerning and wise and loving.
Wow...this time next year...
cheers!
Joa
It is really strange now that I know I am approaching my end of a phase of my life. Knowing that this time next year, I wun be in my apartment, typing on my Ikea desk, sitting on my Ikea chair, being warmed by a second hand ewt heater, it is strange.
This time next year, I'll no longer have to balance AIESEC, Uni and Church and the hectic-ness that comes with it, this time next year I probably wun see many of the friends I've made here nor attend the church which has become such an important part of my life.
This time next year, I wun be able to 'terrorize' my housemate's dog and act like a parent to him, I wun have to pick up the household chores slack of my housemates (hee...).
This time next year, I wun be able lie in my Ikea bed and let my mind wander about the adventures I want to have; I wun be able to have a homemade 'Riva' coffee and recline on my lazy chair and again let my mind wander about my imaginary adventures.
This time next year I wun have control over my time, I wun be able to skip classes and lectures, i wun be able to read DragonBall in japanese (even though I dun actually read japanese) on the Asian Studies level of the Baillieu Library.
This time next year, I wun be able to sneak in a KoKo Black hot chocolate in my week, I most prob wun be able to get cheap and good cappaucinos and I wun be able to say " just " franchise coffee is crap"! - but their fraps are good! Hee...
This time next year, I'll no longer be part of AIESEC in Aust/VIC, I'll no longer be able to try one more time to be helpful, I'll no longer be able to billet random AIESECers in my apartment while Milo irritates the hell out of them, I'll no longer be able to interact with really smart people who have grown on me.
But... ...
This time next year, I will be happy. I will be happy with my job (whatever it is), I will take the time to catch up with old and new friends (physically or virtually), I will do my bestest in whatever I do, I will avoid behaviours that causes regrets, I will make the most with what I have, I will be more open and vunerable to people, I will be more bold in forming relationships with people. This time next year, I will be happy! : )
This time next year, I want to be where He wants me to be and be doing exactly what He wants me to be doing. I want to be open and sensitive, I want to be obedient, I want to be discerning and wise and loving.
Wow...this time next year...
cheers!
Joa
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
A Nice Closure Working Holiday
Yeah.... Sydney was kinda what I needed to get going again.
SPMs was a good time to think things thru, catch up with people and make new friends. I even got a hash name.... Tickle Me Skankman.... haha....
It was so nice to spend time with my SM team again, I've really come to respect them for their talents and personalities. Its a pity that we never got the chance to work together towards an output, we would have made a kick arse team!
Jake- the AIESEC nerd, always aware of everything AIESEC and knowing all the moves to the various line dances! Not to mention a compendium nerd. But above all, someone easy to talk to, always with an encouraging word to add.
Ryan - the impressive Qld SM! Always in control and in the thick of things.
Kylie - "I hate you all!" and drunk sums Kylie up best. But seriously, beautiful girl with a beautiful personality!
Bryn - cold exterior, but deep down he is a warm and fuzzy bugger! He gave me my first Elmo!
Hee... Finally theres me, the token Asian dude! ahah!
Met the other SMes too, impressed! Very switched on people! Go Jen, Heidz, Try, Su and Dan!
Conf was cool, met and connected with new people. Was also a good place and time to deal with some of the doubts, depression and demons swirling in my head(Thanks to Luce for that chat, cant wait to see u in VIC in a few days!). But more so, it was good to really get into the AIESEC culture, it was the first time I really hung out at parties, skolled, got into the themes and generaly let myself go and be comfortable with myself. I even participated in a Hash Run (which I thought would get me drunk, but it turned out ok). Drinking really is a Aussie social interaction and I really shd stop seeing it as a negative thing( I mean cultural understanding man!)
All in all, Sydney was a good place to go this time, not sure if I'm going up in Dec, maybe for Jake's 'Awesome ' Conf if it does not clash with VIC's timeline.
More Photos on FaceBook!
Joa
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Life Check
I was told on sat that I am a person that ppl find it hard to approach.
Woh... ....
Ok, I have been suspecting it for a long time now. And on hindsight, the signs were rather clear.
But what was even more scary was after a short discussion w her, realised a few things:
1) I am hard to approach cos I'm not myself most of the time when I'm w ppl
2) I am not myself cos maybe I dun really like myself.
Woh... ...
This is not a whingeing post!! Its almost more like a discovery post! I mean, I am really curious to know the characteristics and behaviours I display to push ppl away, behaviours that make me seem cold and aloof.
It wld be soooooo helpful!
Joa
P.S. Be honest, i really dun mind! :)
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Going back in one circle
Woh...
On the tram today, I pulled out a book Joyce got for my birthday last year. It was called 'Winning With People' by John C Maxwell. It is such an interesting thing that a book that could have helped me SOOOOOO much this year was laying right under my nose all this time.
Obviously, all the principles and knowledge contained in that book would not have been the be all and end all of my leadership development in my term, but it sure would have helped me navigate through the complex world of team and human dynamics.
But I digress, what's interesting is that sometimes, you don't have to go all out to exotic places (and people) to look for the answers that you want to certain situations in your life. Sometimes, the answers ya looking for is right under 8 other books on the top left hand corner of your built in wardrobe.
Sometimes, the happiness we're looking for isnt in material things, in achievement of a goal, or even in a person or group of persons. Sometimes, we already have all we need to be happy, its just maybe, people, a goal or material things may be blocking your view to realise that you already have the happiness you need. All ya need to do is to look back and evaluate what you already have and suddenly, you stumble upon the anwser ya looking for.
Hmph... Yes. Smile people.
On the tram today, I pulled out a book Joyce got for my birthday last year. It was called 'Winning With People' by John C Maxwell. It is such an interesting thing that a book that could have helped me SOOOOOO much this year was laying right under my nose all this time.
Obviously, all the principles and knowledge contained in that book would not have been the be all and end all of my leadership development in my term, but it sure would have helped me navigate through the complex world of team and human dynamics.
But I digress, what's interesting is that sometimes, you don't have to go all out to exotic places (and people) to look for the answers that you want to certain situations in your life. Sometimes, the answers ya looking for is right under 8 other books on the top left hand corner of your built in wardrobe.
Sometimes, the happiness we're looking for isnt in material things, in achievement of a goal, or even in a person or group of persons. Sometimes, we already have all we need to be happy, its just maybe, people, a goal or material things may be blocking your view to realise that you already have the happiness you need. All ya need to do is to look back and evaluate what you already have and suddenly, you stumble upon the anwser ya looking for.
Hmph... Yes. Smile people.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
From Feeling Good To Feeling The Food
Hi yo!
It sucks when ya good week ends in a not so good weekend. This week has been not bad, made new friends, caught up with friends over meals and outdoor sports, learnt to drive, got some success with the AIESEC project i'm trying to do. So all in all an alright week.
So irritating that it had to be topped off with one of the worst nights of my life (physically at least). After getting home home last night from the church's kid's ministry, it was a normal meal and then cos I was sooooo tired, i headed to bed after that. Little did i expect that I'd wake up at 1am, 2am, 3.15am, 5am to excruciating abdominal pains!! With a slight fever and body aches to top it up, I think this is what they call stomach flu. It was so bad, i think i nearly fainted so many times last night. OMG!!
After the last 5am episode, I rushed to under my blanket (forgot to say that each pain episode was accompanied by a trip to the toilet) and closed my eyes as tight as i could. Slept pretty much through the morning and woke at 12pm. I called my Pastor and ask permission to skip the kid's service today, could not see myself being a positive presence to the kids today. Kids go: " Hi Joa!!" I'll go: "Yeah...., whaddya want..." hee.... : (
Being sick and staying by yourself really makes you miss the times when ya were young and your mom attended to you with medicine and wet sponge baths. Ahhh... makes me feel nostalgic just thinking abt that. I remember when my Dad would bring me his 'very effective!!' chinese medicine (bitter as hell too). I hated it then, now I miss it. Hmmm....Staying away from home, you miss so much of these little homely perks. Or my brother (yes, my brother can actually be kind sometimes... usually when the moon is of a bluish shade) bringing me fish porridge that he bought. Ahh...
Well, I kinda feel better now, just really dranined. Still so much work to get thru. Can anyone do a budget??
Joa
It sucks when ya good week ends in a not so good weekend. This week has been not bad, made new friends, caught up with friends over meals and outdoor sports, learnt to drive, got some success with the AIESEC project i'm trying to do. So all in all an alright week.
So irritating that it had to be topped off with one of the worst nights of my life (physically at least). After getting home home last night from the church's kid's ministry, it was a normal meal and then cos I was sooooo tired, i headed to bed after that. Little did i expect that I'd wake up at 1am, 2am, 3.15am, 5am to excruciating abdominal pains!! With a slight fever and body aches to top it up, I think this is what they call stomach flu. It was so bad, i think i nearly fainted so many times last night. OMG!!
After the last 5am episode, I rushed to under my blanket (forgot to say that each pain episode was accompanied by a trip to the toilet) and closed my eyes as tight as i could. Slept pretty much through the morning and woke at 12pm. I called my Pastor and ask permission to skip the kid's service today, could not see myself being a positive presence to the kids today. Kids go: " Hi Joa!!" I'll go: "Yeah...., whaddya want..." hee.... : (
Being sick and staying by yourself really makes you miss the times when ya were young and your mom attended to you with medicine and wet sponge baths. Ahhh... makes me feel nostalgic just thinking abt that. I remember when my Dad would bring me his 'very effective!!' chinese medicine (bitter as hell too). I hated it then, now I miss it. Hmmm....Staying away from home, you miss so much of these little homely perks. Or my brother (yes, my brother can actually be kind sometimes... usually when the moon is of a bluish shade) bringing me fish porridge that he bought. Ahh...
Well, I kinda feel better now, just really dranined. Still so much work to get thru. Can anyone do a budget??
Joa
Friday, August 31, 2007
My First Official Driving Lesson!! + Feeling Adventurous
Yay!!
I drove on Thursday 30th of August 2007.
Yes, I am on my way to a license (fingers crossed). The Toyota Corolla handled well. My instructor, Robert something, was a very nice Englishmen who married a S'poren that has two children , one studying in Perth and the other in Melbourne. His step-daughter cant cook (a 2min noodle in 10 mins) but his wife is an excellent one, he loves going to S'pore for the food, especially the chicken rice.
haha... as u can see, he started a nice convo with me to keep me relaxed. haha...
A car is an amazing thing, the control and power you feel is really something. That you can control a 1 tonne machine to do aythin you want is such a cool feeling. Being in the driver's seat, the engineering that goes into a car is simply amazing, even for a standard hatch back like a Corolla. So much though and ingeunity has gone into the thousands of parts, put together into a nice package so that you can move around in a sleek metal box. Think abt that the next time ya driving.
It is a nice feeling to be doing something new, i feel a little more alive. That effect has carried on over today. I feel adventurous and the need to explore. (I did my first toilet grafiti in the Bailieu Library toilet today, it was a nice feeling to join in the Aussie culture of toilet grafiti. Most of it is rubbish, but on occassion, you do get interesting stuff that makes you go Ahhhh...) I hope this feeling carries on and I keep this mindset, I seem to feel more appreciative of life in this mindset. Haha....
Life is not bad atm.
Joa
I drove on Thursday 30th of August 2007.
Yes, I am on my way to a license (fingers crossed). The Toyota Corolla handled well. My instructor, Robert something, was a very nice Englishmen who married a S'poren that has two children , one studying in Perth and the other in Melbourne. His step-daughter cant cook (a 2min noodle in 10 mins) but his wife is an excellent one, he loves going to S'pore for the food, especially the chicken rice.
haha... as u can see, he started a nice convo with me to keep me relaxed. haha...
A car is an amazing thing, the control and power you feel is really something. That you can control a 1 tonne machine to do aythin you want is such a cool feeling. Being in the driver's seat, the engineering that goes into a car is simply amazing, even for a standard hatch back like a Corolla. So much though and ingeunity has gone into the thousands of parts, put together into a nice package so that you can move around in a sleek metal box. Think abt that the next time ya driving.
It is a nice feeling to be doing something new, i feel a little more alive. That effect has carried on over today. I feel adventurous and the need to explore. (I did my first toilet grafiti in the Bailieu Library toilet today, it was a nice feeling to join in the Aussie culture of toilet grafiti. Most of it is rubbish, but on occassion, you do get interesting stuff that makes you go Ahhhh...) I hope this feeling carries on and I keep this mindset, I seem to feel more appreciative of life in this mindset. Haha....
Life is not bad atm.
Joa
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