Right, realized my Holiday trips blog entries were saved as draft and not published.

Well, on hindsight, I got more to add in.

First off, Langkawi. 

Flew to Langkawi with 2 friends, K, T. both of which are really unexpected for them to come. It's somewhat a miracle for him to join me out of civilization and anime and games hahas! And for K, it's a miracle too I didnt expect him to come with me. Well, must thank T alot for I guess it's their friendship that got K coming over. It's always heartwarming to see his bight smiles when the group come together, even outsiders can see he is most comfortable with them. Anyways, it was a rather smooth trip. Time crawls over there, so just as the Batam trip, we had lots of time every night from 9 to around 2 to talk. Through this we all got closer to one another, or so I hope. Yet, I kept having this feeling that one of them are not open enough, was rather curious about him. Oh well, slowly I guess....... Really glad I have people like them in life, to talk about stuffs.

So the trip was fun! First day did nothing much except the Underwater World, which we were surprised that the whole environment was rather good and nature-like, well maintained indeed! That night we all talked about someone, which in the end talk about me, hmmmm. Through this night convo, I come to realized that maybe my perspective about things might actually endanger my future life. Like, they threw me a situation, if I were a Boss, and there's this Secretary that after some time we started going out after work, and I developed some feelings towards her, so cuz I'm a great husband, I come clean to my wife saying I developed feeling, but then perhaps out of guilt, and conviction to savage my marriage, I decided not to develop the feeling more so I stopped going out with the Secretary and we stayed being just work partners. The thing is let's say my wife asked me to sack her, would I do it? My answer was a straight no without any consideration of alternatives or win-win situations like helping her to find another job or things like that. To me, none of us should change our lifestyle just because of some emotions going on, unfair. And to me, it's also about the trust between wife and I, and my own discipline to draw the line with Secretary. So they throw me another scenario, would I give up a million dollars to make my wife happy, again I unhesitatingly, said Yes. So they asked me, what kind of priorities do I have, money, secretary, wife. I couldnt answer.

Okay, so then the 2nd day we went trekking the Mountain of Seven Wells, did not reach the peak though, but it was like the first hiking trip all of us was in. We were not prepared at all, no water, and had to resort drinking river water too, and in the process attack by leeches. But all is well, we went back before dark, and went for fish spa, also for our first time! The keeper were watching some comedy show of 3 guys screaming like sissies for the first 10 minutes! hahas!    

The 3rd day we went for Island Hopping, and saw Eagle Feedings. Quite an easy day, subsequent nights not much Heart To Heart Talks, just joking around, blasting music with Seedio app, and watching TV. Then we went Mangrove Tour. Rather eye opening to see monkeys swimming, eagle feeding again, and that drama feel where we went into narrow shallow mangrove areas, just minus the snakes and crocodiles........... well they do warned about snakes though...... seemed like they are poisonous snakes, we saw one small one only.

That day, we also went for Parasailing!!!!!! Gosh the feeling of airborne is soooooooooooo good! Definitely a sport I would take my future spouse to go!!

So yea, we went back on the 5th day, and then comes Bandung trip with TLC!

Yea it was a YOLO decision to rush a tip-to-tail trip! Hahas, first time traveling with a group of strangers, but it all turned out soooo fine!

The moment we reached Bandung at the midnight, we had like a 4h bumpy car ride to rest at a guesthouse and a 3h hike to a waterfall that was not known even to the local guide when they approached him. So this trip was specially arranged, joined by 3 other local guide and special homestay arranged too. So cool! This is liek the best group Ive seen! Totally suits me! I like this kind of group where not only they like to travel, they liked to venture off the beaten path! and they loved leisure!!!! Food was ample there! and we had KTV on 2 nights!!!!!!!! crazy people! Taking pictures every few steps and so spontaneous in everything!!!!! Doing Gangnam style and Chicken dance there too!! We also tried Horse Riding, Floating Market visit, Strawberries farms, Message, Peak Dining, and more~~

They are working people, but they are having soooo much fun midst work and all the society bullshits. Like a bunch of kids and Professor Lim!!!!!!! hahas! we were mistaken as a university outing my a passer by hahas! The organizer is a very friendly, engaging and adventurous 60~ years old man! SO glad I found this group! and after that, I joined their activities as long as I can, like Bedok Reservoir Running on Sat, Stadium to Barrage to Marina Bay Running on Sun, and coming up cycling from Jetty to MBS, and then Archery!!!!! Oh yes and Bishan to Pierce reservoir too! Definitely going for the HUGE MEGA XMAS PARTY!!! He booked a room of 1200, subsidizing heavily of 70%, for the great event!

I envisioned myself very active in years to come, the only sad thing is that enlistment is near.

And yea post-travel withdrawal syndrome, I got that travel-spree feeling everytime! And also that kind of sadness when we build friendships on the trip, only to drift again when we are back in our own lives.

Yea........ thats all, ciao.........

Are we just lost stars trying to light up the dark?

Recently I attended a talk about the Science of Happiness.

It mainly focus on a hedonic perspective of happiness, so the factors are maximizing positive affect, minimizing negative affect and life satisfaction.

It explored the Terman studies which involves a extreme state of subjective well being studies by the Diener model, which is that in rate cases where satisfaction reached its maximum, it has reversed effect like being too contented thus losing the competency and therefore prone to mistakes or tendency to ignore symptoms which might lead to great illness and etc. Interesting thought but either irrelevant since we can't really we happy and satisfied to the max cuz we can't really know happiness until we been through unhappiness? The need for novelty would drives us to achieve more, so could be actually be 100% satisfied in life?

We must give applause to the amount of preparation and research the students did, it wasnt an easy task especially on such topic. However lots of audiences such as myself are so cynical about things like creativity and economic. They claimed that the studies concluded happy people are more creative, but there are so much talents out there producing their best works under depression or at their lowest point in life. And as for the economical part, Easterlin paradox easily countered the claim that riches has a linear positive effect on happiness.

So the rest of the talk was a recap of what we have learnt in social aspects of Happiness. Sadly, there wasnt any discussion sessions for the floor to throw in some perspectives and researches here and there.

I actually went in hope to hear some interesting findings on the Dark Side of Happiness. I had several questions like, in the pursuit of happiness, people tend to be unhappy, so is such pursuit in wrong direction of happiness? and lets talk about happy events, those that causes all the serotonins and oxytocin and endorphins and maybe dopamine too....... happy moments are like drugs, that makes your brain work extra hard to get back that feel, but in the process it made u not as happy right?

There are lots of approaches to understand happiness, subjective well being as a whole, liek the top-down or bottom-up, and the PANAS and PERMA, and other Eudamonia model but I guess all in all it could be sumemd up in the 3P model, past, present, prospect.

We should have acceptance of our past, to untie all knots, to forgive, to accept ascribed statuses, to appreciate what you had and had not, and what you have went through to shape who you are. Then, acceptance of our present, have the courage to change things you can, and to have serenity to brace through the things you cant, and to live life to the fullest without regret, and the prospect, maybe the future ideal self image, the hope for tomorrow, a purpose, a destination.

But then again, paradox of choice, what if we could not fix on a path to take? What comes next?

Hahas, got me thinking, and also ofcoz, recently talking about what benefits could we get from investing so much emotionally into another person, since all feasts come to an end, all humans are bound to drift at some point in life, why are human so social and so emotional? to find sense of security? sense of belonging? to merge walls to form greater walls?

I guess men are generally lonely and sad deep inside? Cuz men pride, cuz it's embarrassing to talk about feelings and problem to other ppl, cuz stereotype to solve own problems and strong facade. Their probably go for task specificity model of social support to find help only if they know that person is of specialty field to help him and not due to the closeness or whatever, and normally would not seek help for emotional issues.......

Well on the brighter side I found an answer to a friend's question some time ago, "why do you like to treat people so much?"

It's actually prosocial spending which would lead to increased happiness.

Firstly, it is Relatedness, helping others satisfies fundamental need for social connection.
Secondly, it is Competency, you feel the power to make a difference in people life, and most of us are socially constructed to feel that this act is good, you feel that you contributed to the greater good of mankind.
Thirdly, Autonomy, the act of free will to give led to a sense of self satisfaction that you have personally performed a gesture of goodwill.

Yepp........ thats all for now..... ciao

So I'm back from China!

I must say, Jiu Zhai Gou is more stunning than I had imagined!
It was really picturesque! Every view is like starring at a landscape painting.
The minerals made the sea azure blue.
After that, the Huang Long 6km hike is really nothing,
It's the same kind of view from top to bottom.
I really felt I have wasted my time climbing it,
oh well, exercise and challenge.

Costumed rentals are really really cheap at Huang Long Xi,
a place left by Qing Dynasty.
It's 10 yuan for 3 shots of 1 costume include make up.
A great place to photoshoot!
Maybe wedding will do it there!
They have different scenery for different era feel,
and many costumes! from Tang to Qing, to Ip Man, to British.

Tour mates are really great!
They are understanding, and funny, and caring.
They took care for my sick parents really really well.
Every meal, every day will spare a thought for one another.

The tour leader on the other hand,
I felt was nothing else but dutiful.
She had no preparations of any medications for common sickness,
she was rather lazy and do not like to do extra miles,
obviously show no concern until she step on the tour bus,
then she would ask one or two lines of "how are you",
yet apathetic for the million times we walk pass each other.
Never called to check out how we are,
nor bother to get any feedback on the food we consumed.

Then it's about the service culture in China,
totally ATROCIOUS! UNGRACIOUS! IMPOLITE!
 When asked how many more dishes,
the waiter could shout at us irritated and rude, "I dont know!!"
If not for the tour mates who joked "live on Emei, can't "xiu yang" at all",
I would have boiled to the point I don't mind giving her a beating if she bitch slap me.
It was said that the service there could go to the point of grabbing customer's collar,
and even fighting.

We noticed the nicer services are from foreign stalls/restaurants.
The local ones are really really bad, in sg standard, will definitely close down in a day.
Many other local restaurants too, totally only focused on their tasks,
often screw up (duh!) and thus would show attitude even to customers.
Would shout across the room. Would scold customer stupid cuz I think he spilled the beer.

Inattentive, self-centered for own chores, impolite, totally rubbish.
No matter from what philosophy you look at it,
these behaviors are uncivilized, undisciplined, uneducated to the core.
"Dog-people" as some would call it.
Cuz these may not be taught in schools,
but certainty a responsibility of parents to teach manners and respect.

Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, are totally not shown in them.

In contrast, Indonesia,
so far, Batam, Jakarta, Bali, Puncak,
in these places, the worst service is the best of China.
Their hospitality far exceeds many.
It's ofcuz, cultural,
in Indonesia culture where things revolve around favour (tips).
People are yes-man.
They would gladly do a service for you with their best,
in expect you to return a worthy favour.
Thus the service culture is there.

Even in sg, it's much much better than China,
though mostly materialistic and biased,
extra friendly to patrons that look richer,
but they have professionalism,
when asked for service,
they give of standard service to you.

So yepp, a little review of China trip.
I may not be most accurate, but I had
Beijing, Hangzhou, Guilin, Jiuzhaigou, Huang Long, Emei, Le Shan, Cheng Du,
as a reference point. And would ignore extreme ends such as,
International Hotel Restaurants and Street Stalls.
I'm basing service by local restaurants that should be of-standard.
Actually, in indo, the street stalls service are sometimes better than famous/high class restaurants.

There are just too many screw ups that I could not elaborate all of them. They never changed, every tour groups that we had, he is always overly concerned of things and us that it became a burden to everyone. For example, he likes to carry every single thing in his bag as if we are going for some survival camp, as a result, he is often too tired, and often sick. Also, he keeps treating me as a child can't take care if myself, as a result in cases where we got separated, he will try to look for be but we already stated that if we get lost we go back to the bus, this delayed tour. Then he is too concerned about taking pictures of every thing that he often takes pictures of pointless things, and pointless videos, and pointless photographs with us just because he want a comparison how big the thing is. Then, it's her, she is forever last in all destinations, she kept having the mentality that as long as we are waiting there is still time, in the end always embarrass us cuz need to wait for her or them. Sigh, tell me, how to enjoy tour? FIT better, but FIT they became too concerned about routes and plans it totally destroys the element of adventure and surprise ok a FIT tour. Seriously pek cek. I know it's privilege, it's filial piety, it's the security and familiarity but seriously, it's not that I totally don't enjoy, but I can enjoy more thoroughly without parents in the tour. I know "we are one", facing everything in hope of a better tomorrow as one unit but I think it's totally unnecessary problems...... Sigh Now can only hope my dad recover n my mum stop being late. Overall the trip got good and bad, in fact, extreme good and extreme bad, at least in my point if view and response to the situation. Good part, shall have an optimistic post at the end of tour.

Supp...

Movie Review "Cafe. Waiting. Love"

Watched the movie finally!
Been waiting for this movie for quite sometime since Harlerm Yu promoted it.
So listening to the lyrics, it felt like it's trying to say about fate,
and how 2 imperfect people becomes perfect together.
After watching the movie, it seems different.

Anyway,
the movie started off introduction of setting,
and many slapstick jokes,
that nay appeal to taiwan drama kind of audience?
character development wasnt really there,
everything seems to "simple" to progress.

However, after a plot twist at the end,
as cliche as it is,
it's rather thought provoking.

Must we be really at the state where the ideal "target" is completely crushed before we realize the goodness around us? The main character basically had a major crush on some ideal angelic kind of guy but then after the twist, she realized that the person that actually stayed by her side the whole time is actually the clown or joker as it seems.

Just went to Batam with WD and CH.

Really glad to have them in my life.
Throughout the journey we had lots of catch ups and reminiscence about the past.
It's amazing how life just branches away after graduation.
And yea I got to know them more, 
and had more "case studies" of how people could turn up in certain parenting styles.

We had some conversations about child raising too.
Sometimes we feel that it's such a huge thing,
to raise someone properly,
not to create monsters or not screwing up a person life,
and how to nurture critical thinking and surpass us.

Well, this topic seemed to surface a few times when talking
to peers of my age. Generational thing? Cohort phrase of thinking?

Yea all in all,
I still conclude,
there are too many factors
that could shape a child,
that as long as it creates a purpose
in my life
to spend time and effort
on this worthy growth,
alot of things are up to life.

Anyway the trip is great.
First day went to shopping, bowling and arcade.
Didnt expect how we were crazy at bombomcars and just bowling.......
Was surprised they enjoyed indo food,
really felt so touched they actually are actually
receptive to indo culture and food.
So along the way I guided them origins of stuffs,
culture of favour and tips,
using hands, empals, etc etc.......

Second day went for shooting, canoe, cable ski and atv.
C was really awesome at atv, duh its cars!
and also cable ski! He managed to ride it at the end of almost 2h,
we couldnt even stand la!

Surprised that in Batam, time crawls!
One hour of nap and restore a whole day of energy,
and a good night sleep last around 4-5 hours only,
despite how drained out we were!
And though we have done so much,
time never seemed to run out!!!
Really awesome!!

Anyway yea then we were talking about why do I 
keep treating people......
Not a new question,
but seriously I couldnt explain.
Well, he asked if there is unconditional love,
and how far social exchange theory stands?

So I conclude:

1) My behavior is probably Im rather a lonely guy, using money to buy companion perhaps?

2) I believe the same dollar to treat, is used to do something the person couldnt have done at that moment, might evolve into something beautiful, rather than let it depreciate over time.

3) Unconditional love is present at parents when child is young, until some point when they looses this and became more demanding cuz they felt they put in enough effort for some reward. Though not applicable with all, cuz some young parents do not care their kids.

4)  It should be rather universal, just depending whether the exchange is "equal value" to another person eyes, again, symbolic interventionist, beauty at the eye of the beholder, individual values different stuffs differently.

Then last day shopping.
Sometimes I do feel extremely demoralize that Im not charming and skinny and fit,
such that I could look good in many fashion,
have my size for all clothes,
and attracts people whatever I wear.
Then again..... sigh..... what for?
Also, seeing friends buying stuffs for their siblings,
sometimes really wished I were to have siblings,
at least someone I could show care and concern for.

Well,
a short getaway ended,
was fun, tiring, and enriching too.
Really hoped that our friendship could continue on,
who knows what the future would bring,
especially with a rites of passage like NS.
But anyway,
on behalf of belated mid autumn, 
wish everyone longevity, 
and a bright future ahead!
May mankind lives on, enjoying the same pale moon..........!

Supp~~

Came back from Dick Lee's Hotpants, 

It was actually a great musical, 

about growing up, 

about how things screw up, 

but bottomline, 

people have feelings, 

and people need to reignite their passion, 

rediscover their passion, reminiscent about the good old days....

jokes are good, songs are catchy, and I got autographed by Dick Lee!!!
WOOHOOO fan boi!

Anyway, 

recently had a one to one talk with a great leader in my life, 

he actually told me that he admired how I bring my parents out, 

but actually, I am admiring about another friend of mine, 

who is 100 times better!

He works with his mum, he look for his mum, 

he find his mum to talk things, 

he gets dinner date with his mum, 

none of which I would ever do. 

Well anyway, 

days ago I tweeted,

咫尺天涯，心与心的距离，才是最遥远的.
So many ppl I wanna know more about, yet often, we can only stay as "a friend I know of"

There are many people in my life whom I wanna KPO into their lives,
helping whatever I can,
but we only have 24 hours in our lives,
I got no time.

How many of us actually bothered to notice the people around us everyday.
There was this customer of mine facing huge difficulties,
this person came for liqueur, I suggested a cocktail,
and then we started talking,
and found out that this person was heartbroken,
in midst of divorce, and forced to forgo this person lifestyle.
Details not to be disclosed.

Anyway, the point it,
the person told me Im the only person that the person talk to about this,
so it suddenly hit me, how many lonely souls are there walking with chains?
Many people around me I sense have alot of things kept in the heart,
yet they do not express it out, at least not to me,
and many times I do feel like knowing more,
at least if no solution, I can offer emotional release?
but yea.. no time.

The only times I can check out social media,
is after work, past midnight
when they probably be tortured by a problem so much,
they finally suppressed and decided to sleep,
so for me to dig them out is painful for them,
and I'll let it slide...

This is the only theme that no songs that depicts this comes into my head,
anyone have any idea plz share!
Well, maybe it goads me to write one??
hahas!

 

Looking at Bali picture,
so yearning for a getaway there,
where the pubs plays music,
booze is affordable,
and breakfast is enjoyed in the forests.......

Again and again I felt I've been organizing gatherings,
and just dont fit it right.

Even as simple as just come and eat and chit chat,
there were so many unhappiness,
what is wrong is people?

disorganized, but nothing much to plan right,
and everyone seldom meets,
so catching up needs time,
not like there's anything much to do together......

and yea, apparently ppl around me are not that versatile,
alot of things we have little experience......
seriously, I always felt regretful to organize gatherings,
but time and again I keep organizing.

So weird,
then someone pointed out to me,
it's that cuz I felt certain groups are so much of my life,
that I want them to be part of every highlights of my life,
and often, I am unwise.

As I should have followed my new point of view,
that every group is different and should utilize each group
with the right purpose of the group,
and not jell it together and hope things just work out.

Have to constantly remind myself this!

It's been long since i blogged,

Most of the time are spent working.
For July, I actually had 3 jobs,
Restaurant at night 6pm - 12mn,
but only 5 days
Geylang Serai drinks production for Ramadan pasar malam 10am-5pm,
only 4 days
then occasionally Giant as a packer.
then got Garfield Run,
got Energizer Run,
got Sound of Music,
and Ukulele Assemble SG.......

So yea how busy it was.
Then recently began seeing this girl,
so spent quite some time midst my busy schedule and our work schedule to meet.
so was a really really tiring July for me.........

Spent my bday simple,
just a dinner with Wushu and SRC,
then at night my great friends ZG and BW
came timbre for me after they left work at 11pm......

Then on weekend morning, fianlly me and dad has a common off,
so before the run we had a great dinner,
finally they are not complaining the price steep,
and agreed going out for a lunch..........
these kind of chances are rare, especially as I grow up....

Nothing much in highlight,
much to rant though.......
my mum entered into some MLM, and delved too deep,
from free membership, now buy their products,
then tried to enter our family meembers into it.........
and trying so hard to persuade me into eating those unknown vitamins........
OMG MLM is a strictly NO for me!
No matter what fuck is that.....
Trying to persuade me with shit logic and brainwashed mind and skewed facts,
I am fine with the body and lifestyle now,
I don't need any quick way to earn money,
neither any vitamins to enhance myself,
so shut up!

As much as I am disappointed they entered,
but I think back,
maybe this is the kind of feeling they had to me,
for spending lots on delicacies and musicals..........

Sometimes I really wonder whats there in life other than bullshits and more bullshits,
some people just are born with a silver spoon, nothing to care,
not much frets, not much problems,
and some worked their ass off just to have enough to live.

Working so hard for what, imagine im now adult,
working life everyday,
and then the money earned spent on some self "rewards",
like perhaps a holiday? some luxury items? Party?
then whats the point of working?
just to create the yearn of escape? of leisure?
so the leisure suppliers could earn and make a living too?
what pointless life!!

Realized my blog is a ranting blog after graduation.......
oh well........
sigh...... gonna chillout at some cafe before work reading.............
ciao

Well, it has been like forever since I blogged again.

So after graduation, I converted to full time in my current work at Adstragold.

Much to say about this experience, but then again it's all about perspectives. When comparing, the grass is always greener elsewhere. One of the most crucial factor of the convert is colleagues, yet sadly after a week working with him, he gotta leave due to family problems. So now Im stuck here. Initially, work was not as smooth, but I have gotten used to it, I believe I'm a much more patient and understanding person. Working with me are nice people, I sort of have an authority here, just that sometimes they boss always have his misunderstandings, and kept having an impression of me not being focused. Well, nothing really new about it. At least till now, none of my direct customer have any complains of me, and actually received a number of praises. These brightens my work life.

So while working full time, I utilize my off days to take a break from work, mostly food though, and yes, this week, due to re-scheduling, I have 2 half days and 1 full day off in a row. A break well timed! Last wednesday accompanied a friend in wake, slept 3h before work, then the following day is world cup when I bet, and then followed by Beerfest, so that 4 days, I slept only 3h a day.

Anyway, Beerfest was disappointing in terms of beers, there are all light beers and all taste like tiger, no flavor at all and are rather flat, However, the list of bands are awesome! First time seeing smashing guitar, and crowds standing on tables and piggy-back each other to rock with the Killer Queen!

Then, I spent my tue with cell group plus zh to the Trick Eye museum! Though more exhibits than Bali, the exhibits werent as interesting, but then it's well worth, considering we even had the 50% off sales! Then on wed, I visit the SCC kids. Surprised, that after so long, there are still kids flocking to me, hugging and pulling me, shouting my name like a celebrity. Maybe someday I would really set up a child care and set a whole new culture of children! That we teach them the traditions and values, and let them have the freedom to explore, the knowledge to grow, the resources to be creative! And wow! Im so impressed with this lion dance kid, that he is interested in this chinese culture, and are training everyday, and is rather cute!

Then we went to strictly pancakes, cost me a bomb! but oh well I guess I have depleted their menu hahas! Then went for How To Train Your Dragon 2. The movie was okay, lots of concepts not convincing, but the message it brought forward was good. I guess one of the things the movie taught is never to look down on yourselves. Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measures! Who are we to look to ourselves and think "Im not as capable, Im not as equipped, Im not special", because we should be looking into ourselves and think "why not?". By being inferior, and being afraid to take on responsibilities, and to not dare to try, is not going to give glory to God, for we are all His people. We are meant to shine, and unleash our potentials, such that we give inspirations and hope for others to shine as well! And as we are liberated from our fear, we also give others a chance to liberate themselves of their fear.