Friday, October 31, 2008

fRiends

Disclaimer: One of the reasons this blog was started, besides a self-discovery journey, was to get my students to work on their command of the English language. Every week, a theme will be given and we will blog on the same thing, only different approach. For starters, the discussion topic this week is 'Friends.'

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Friends. Just the sound of the word itself brings back many good, even bad, memories. I've had friends for as long as I live. A few of them, I've known since primary school, but prior to that, my memory's blur. Jason's currently working in Melbourne and Ian's somewhere in West Malaysia. Together with Mike Thien, we used to hang out a lot; racing Tamiya cars, loitering, etc.

By the way, Mike Thien was once my bestfriend. I remembered vividly that his handwriting was so neat that it looked as if it came from a type-writer. I was closest to him among the clique, telling him every nitty gritty stuff, from crushes to hate. And the best part was, both of us were infatuated with the same girl. Her name was Ervina. But that was the past.

After graduating from primary school, Jason, Ian and I continued attending the same school, while Mike attended a school, closer to his home. It was a loss but gradually, we found new friends and the friendship unknowingly dissolved. I wonder how he is doing? hmm...

Anyway, in secondary school, I had another bestfriend too. His name was Mervyn. Together with two other friends, Libren and Robin, we hung out a lot, and let me re-emphasize: EXTREMELY A LOT! They say birds of a feather flock together. We had the same co-curricular activities (Tennis, Peer helper, English and St John Ambulance) and even participated as rivals and teammates in competitions (Debate, Public Speaking, Track, etc.).

We had a lot in common, yet our personalities are a total opposite. Funny how my parents always compare me with his gentle nature, where as I'm a havoc. But truly, I may behave hyper and chaotic on the outside, yet deep down inside, I'm pretty 'nice.'

Blogging about this really makes my heart grow fonder, but at the same time, it was regretful to have lost the magic of bestfriend-hood. He's currently in Russia, pursuing his dream to be a doctor. I just don't understand what he sees in biology and chemistry, and although I was his bestfriend, we just don't see eye-to-eye when it comes to science. Notice how we differ, yet we once rode on the roller-coaster ride of friendship.

Friends come and go. One minute they're your best buddies, next minute, they're mere acquaintants. Pondering at the moment, I can't really make out who's my bestfriend. Is there really a need to grade our friends? Would that affect how we treat our pals?

Or maybe I've given up on the idea of bestfriend-hood. All the years of friendship dissolved once we walk different paths. Distance, although ought not be an excuse, became a real test of friendship.

That said, I'm still thankful for the friends I have around me.

I love you guys and gals big time! I'm sorry drove you guys up the wall many times, but I just can't help it. All the adrenaline rush makes life interesting, and it leaves a print in our life story.

Posted by jOzACh at 9:19 AM

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Fay & Kelvin's Wedding

Fay got married recently, 18 July 2008 to be precise. It's been a long time since I last saw her and when she called me to tell me she's getting married, boy, was I stunned (in a good way of course!). She's been a good mentor to me in my days in Tanglin Halt, especially during my first time heading the camp itself.

Fay's Wedding

She subtly work her magic on me, inspiring me greatly in the planning of the children camp. many things have happened since but she'll always be one of the few leader whom I respect. I have to admit that when I saw you walk down the aisle, emotions stirred within me but my alter ego refuses to shed tears.

Down the aisle Fay goes

Never got to tell you this, so it goes:

Thank you Fay for the many care and concern you've showered onto me. I'm really happy for you and I wish you manifolds of blessings and fruitfulness in your married life. May you stay cheerful as always, bringing smiles to many faces.

Posted by jOzACh at 10:44 AM

Brand new start! Good old days!

Alright! It's been a long time since I blogged. Last I remember, I had Naruto layout and was complaining day and night about how intolerable university life is.

Yet, looking back at the good old days, I can't help but to miss all the rushing of assignments and staying up late at night, hanging out in the dance studio. Sure, it was tiring having to juggle between studies and other commitments, but there is always a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day after the submission of school assignments or a superb performance.

Shut Up & Dance '08

Funny how we often complain and dread the busy schedule amidst the preparation period. Long hours of practises just to put up a short three to five minutes performance. Seems almost unfair, one might say, but that's how life is. Aching muscles, coupled with sleepless nights when assignment deadlines are close sure made tertiary life seemed unbearable.

But from where I stand now in the working world, it was neither dreadful nor unbearable, but instead, pleasurable. I guess its true how we don't learn to appreciate something until its gone. And even though we know this all along, it doesn't sink in until we truly experienced it.

If I could turn back time and relive the past, I would probably do things differently; be braver in my decisions and going all out while my youth last. Hmm... somehow the last statement made me sound rather old and tattered.

How well, life goes on and I need to move on. This blog marks the new beginning, a milestone in my career as a teacher and towards a greater understanding of myself.

As John Cheever, an American novelist puts it:

"When I began to write, I found this was the best way to make sense out of my life."

Posted by jOzACh at 10:00 AM