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
Sunday, November 29, 2009
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.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Happy Return Home to Gloomy Circumstances
As they say, its great to be back home.
Ah yes, the humid air, scents of fried hawker food and sounds of familiar Singlish. I'm definitely back in Singapore.
Have spent the last two weeks preparing for my upcoming wedding to Syl. We have been blessed so far, from being to get a booking for the hotel we wanted with just a month's notice to being supported by friends and family. Things cant start any better.
Well...almost.
Damping the joy of being back is the world finanical crisis... well... mainly the western world so far, but the spill on effects have come over here. With the sub prime situation finally bearing forth all its poison onto the US economy, things dun look too good in the good ol west.
Who's to blame? Bad regulation? Greedy CEOs? Or naive investors? Did we all really thought that living on debt was gonna be sustainable? That's another story for another time.
Back here in Singapore, we're technically into a recession as we've consecutively slowed down growth in two quarters, so everyone's a little jittery. I sure hope my job search is not too affected by this. I sure wish someone could fix all of this. In the amzingly complex world economy, money fly around all over the world literally at the speed of light. Makes you wonder doesnt it? When a whole bunch of people lose a whole bunch of money, where does that bunch of money go to? Someone's definitely getting richer from all of this. Can someone makes sense of this and show us all the light?
Two persons have raise their hands, Sen John McCain and Sen Barack Obama. Both claiming to have plans to put jobs back in America, cut taxes and basically get the country back on track. I sure hope these guys are smart and have a team of guys who are smarter. Cos we sure need the world's biggest economy doing well again soon.
But I don't think things are all that bad. I have a feeling that bad news sells and that's why it reported so much. I think things aren't that bad and that we will be growing soon again. Times like this that I wish I knew more about all this economic stuff so that I can more convincingly illustrate to people that these ups and downs come in cycles and pretty soon everything will be ok again.
Good things happen to positive people.
Joa
Ah yes, the humid air, scents of fried hawker food and sounds of familiar Singlish. I'm definitely back in Singapore.
Have spent the last two weeks preparing for my upcoming wedding to Syl. We have been blessed so far, from being to get a booking for the hotel we wanted with just a month's notice to being supported by friends and family. Things cant start any better.
Well...almost.
Damping the joy of being back is the world finanical crisis... well... mainly the western world so far, but the spill on effects have come over here. With the sub prime situation finally bearing forth all its poison onto the US economy, things dun look too good in the good ol west.
Who's to blame? Bad regulation? Greedy CEOs? Or naive investors? Did we all really thought that living on debt was gonna be sustainable? That's another story for another time.
Back here in Singapore, we're technically into a recession as we've consecutively slowed down growth in two quarters, so everyone's a little jittery. I sure hope my job search is not too affected by this. I sure wish someone could fix all of this. In the amzingly complex world economy, money fly around all over the world literally at the speed of light. Makes you wonder doesnt it? When a whole bunch of people lose a whole bunch of money, where does that bunch of money go to? Someone's definitely getting richer from all of this. Can someone makes sense of this and show us all the light?
Two persons have raise their hands, Sen John McCain and Sen Barack Obama. Both claiming to have plans to put jobs back in America, cut taxes and basically get the country back on track. I sure hope these guys are smart and have a team of guys who are smarter. Cos we sure need the world's biggest economy doing well again soon.
But I don't think things are all that bad. I have a feeling that bad news sells and that's why it reported so much. I think things aren't that bad and that we will be growing soon again. Times like this that I wish I knew more about all this economic stuff so that I can more convincingly illustrate to people that these ups and downs come in cycles and pretty soon everything will be ok again.
Good things happen to positive people.
Joa
Friday, September 26, 2008
Made In China
The term made in China will forever mean something different to me. No longer will it mean tainted milk products and plastic toys that contain high level of toxins. No longer will it mean shirts that stretch after a single wash or the collar loosens out of shape after a few wears.
Since two Thursdays ago, it will mean a child conceived between me and my dear Syl in Beijing. Yes my faithful readers (not sure if there are many of you as it must be a turn off to read a blog that is rarely updated) , I am going to be a Dad in May 2009.
After discussions between ourselves and with our parents, after a lot of soul searching and guidiance asking from God, we have decided to have this child. In many ways this child is a blessing; as I am losing my direction and motivation to move forward in life generally, I found myseld floating around with so many choices and so many priorities, I felt lost. This child is a like an anchor to me, a compass that allows me to reset my priorities.
Sylvia sees this child as a restoration of the things she should have, her life that should have been hers but was snatched away. It is also a physical healing of her body (pregnancy cures a condition she has) and a emotional healing of strained ties in her family. This child also is a that to my family. My father is so excited, so is my mom (but she doesnt show it as much). I do hope this child brings them closer together- my brothers too.
Its times like this that I see the master stroke of God, using one child to bring to balance so many circumstances. The only ingredient is whether Syl and I are up to the task... ... with each other, loving family and God, I believe it is very possible.
Not just this child is made in China, I believe, the Syl and Joa that is now was also made in China. Like a vase strengthened in fire, our relationship has been reinforced through the trials and tribulations we faced in China, where our personalities, strenghts and flaws are revealed. I believe we have found the partner that we always need and always meant to be. It funny to think back on our ten year friendship and 8 month relationship and see how everything has been building up for a time like this. Call it fate, providence or God, its funny how life pans out.
Made in China- yes we made it in China.
Cheers
Joa
Since two Thursdays ago, it will mean a child conceived between me and my dear Syl in Beijing. Yes my faithful readers (not sure if there are many of you as it must be a turn off to read a blog that is rarely updated) , I am going to be a Dad in May 2009.
After discussions between ourselves and with our parents, after a lot of soul searching and guidiance asking from God, we have decided to have this child. In many ways this child is a blessing; as I am losing my direction and motivation to move forward in life generally, I found myseld floating around with so many choices and so many priorities, I felt lost. This child is a like an anchor to me, a compass that allows me to reset my priorities.
Sylvia sees this child as a restoration of the things she should have, her life that should have been hers but was snatched away. It is also a physical healing of her body (pregnancy cures a condition she has) and a emotional healing of strained ties in her family. This child also is a that to my family. My father is so excited, so is my mom (but she doesnt show it as much). I do hope this child brings them closer together- my brothers too.
Its times like this that I see the master stroke of God, using one child to bring to balance so many circumstances. The only ingredient is whether Syl and I are up to the task... ... with each other, loving family and God, I believe it is very possible.
Not just this child is made in China, I believe, the Syl and Joa that is now was also made in China. Like a vase strengthened in fire, our relationship has been reinforced through the trials and tribulations we faced in China, where our personalities, strenghts and flaws are revealed. I believe we have found the partner that we always need and always meant to be. It funny to think back on our ten year friendship and 8 month relationship and see how everything has been building up for a time like this. Call it fate, providence or God, its funny how life pans out.
Made in China- yes we made it in China.
Cheers
Joa
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
9 days
Day 9 of my ankle sprain. Does look it here, but when this was taken, the left ankle was literally the size of my calf. Now the swelling is gone and I can actually see the shape of my ankle bones.
9 days, takes 9 days to walk without crutches. 9 days to go to the gym once again (no running for me though). 9 days to stand without having to cringe cos the it hurts like hell when the blood flows down the veins.
Poor me.
: (
Back to Reality
Remember when you were in uni/ high school and you were thinking you're hot shit and that you can do anything you want?
I do.
Nowadays I don't though. I realise that I'm a number in society, and this society is looking for workers so that it can extract as much value as it can from it and then discard them. Looking for new workers to extract value from. People don't really care about other people, its about what's in it for me first. And if I have left over, maybe I'd consider you. I think successful people all adopt this mindset. The more philantropic ones give what they can spare, but at the end of the day, its me first, the rest of the world later.
Sounds pessimistic yeah? Or, maybe its just the way it is and we (I) just need to get off my high horse and play the game. Be plastic and fake if it gets me what I want. Pretend that I am too busy to help cos its just too inconvenient. Say No more! Work smart, not smart. Relax lah, no
need to stress so much.
This is the real world and to do well, one has to play by the real world rules.
hmmm....
I do.
Nowadays I don't though. I realise that I'm a number in society, and this society is looking for workers so that it can extract as much value as it can from it and then discard them. Looking for new workers to extract value from. People don't really care about other people, its about what's in it for me first. And if I have left over, maybe I'd consider you. I think successful people all adopt this mindset. The more philantropic ones give what they can spare, but at the end of the day, its me first, the rest of the world later.
Sounds pessimistic yeah? Or, maybe its just the way it is and we (I) just need to get off my high horse and play the game. Be plastic and fake if it gets me what I want. Pretend that I am too busy to help cos its just too inconvenient. Say No more! Work smart, not smart. Relax lah, no
need to stress so much.
This is the real world and to do well, one has to play by the real world rules.
hmmm....
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Messy Revaluation (thoughts in my mind-excuse the mess)
I am sitting here in a room, looking out to a Shanghai view. A view of residential buildings and smoggy sky.
Gone is the romanticism of travel, laid to rest is the adventure of exploration. New faces and new lands no longer draw me like sugar to ants. In its place, the need to grow up and become a contributing and responsible adult has slowly spreaded to my being. My current path seems to be detracting from this need. I look back and consider the foolishness of my ways, alas, time does not turn back.
So far, its not what i have expected, feelings of guilt, anger and saddness flash by ever so often. I am ashamed to find that my initial reaction to this hardship is flight, I've been told that I try to hide behind the need for Family, Familiarity and Foundation as an excuse to flee my current disatisfied state... ... I think that is partly true.
Escape- to movies, to books, to God, to my love and to Singapore. I wonder why the fear? Feeling of shackles holding me back to be myself? Is it the job? Or will i react like this even if I was home? Hmmm... overcome this shit and i can be ok anywhere i go. That's a thought! : )
Why should I be scared now? I have the largest margin of error now than I will ever have again.
Gone is the romanticism of travel, laid to rest is the adventure of exploration. New faces and new lands no longer draw me like sugar to ants. In its place, the need to grow up and become a contributing and responsible adult has slowly spreaded to my being. My current path seems to be detracting from this need. I look back and consider the foolishness of my ways, alas, time does not turn back.
So far, its not what i have expected, feelings of guilt, anger and saddness flash by ever so often. I am ashamed to find that my initial reaction to this hardship is flight, I've been told that I try to hide behind the need for Family, Familiarity and Foundation as an excuse to flee my current disatisfied state... ... I think that is partly true.
Escape- to movies, to books, to God, to my love and to Singapore. I wonder why the fear? Feeling of shackles holding me back to be myself? Is it the job? Or will i react like this even if I was home? Hmmm... overcome this shit and i can be ok anywhere i go. That's a thought! : )
Why should I be scared now? I have the largest margin of error now than I will ever have again.
Jia You Joa
Joa
Thursday, May 29, 2008
One for the Melbourne Makan Maniacs
To the Melbourne Makan Maniacs (the name I came up for the foodies that I had the pleasure of spending time eating out with) : this post is for you!
Yes, I have decided when I was having a shower one day that I will randomly drop you posts of the cusine I get here in Beijing. Today's introduction is the Middle 8th Yunan Restaurant! Not too expensive, above average service and great and traditional Yunan food. This is becoming a regular makan spot for Syl and I. Located in the trendy Sanlitun Area, this popular restaurant promises a good fare with good ambience.
On your leftest is a chicken stew- with sichuan peppers, wild mushrooms, potatos and chicken. Ok dish.
Middle Dish- the staple of our every visit- Wild Yunan Mushroom and stir fried veggies. These mushrooms are out of this world! Very unique taste, hot stir fried with black pepper sauce. Yum!
Rightest Dish- Wild Yunan Veggies with small does of Sichuan Peppers. Gelat too!
Drink- Lime+Pineapple+ weird ass ferns = great and cooling tea. Very nice.
Joa
Touristy Thing
One for the tourists! yes, its the famous Bird Nest and Water Cube for the Beijing 2008 Games! AustCham gave Syl and I free tickets to a test event held at the stadium. It was like China's national athelete's meet where state reps compete against one another.
Bird Nest: Frankly, up close, its like any other stadium, big, bulky and a bit stuffy. The bird's nest gave me a lego-ly kinda feeling, very blocky and with toilet signs like the above, one cant help but feel caught up in an architect's world of lego.
But you can really feel the grandeur of the stadium from the angle where we have our arms stuck out. Thats where you really can appreciate the scale and effort into building the iconic stadium.
Water Cube: Didn't go in, the outside looks normal though. But apparently, the inside is awesome!
Joa
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
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