Living and Learning

"It's only by going down into the abyss

that we recover the treasures of life.

Where you stumble

there lies your treasure.

The very cave you are afraid to enter

turns out to be the source of

what you were looking for."

Joseph Campbell

*interesting & "catchy" :)

Its Monday afternoon. 6th of July and off we go.. week 6. (FIM mid term test 1 on the following day). I kept thinking what drives me to have that positive energy during the year 2008. Is it because of the new environment which somehow sparked the passion in me or there's something else.

Presently, I must say that I'd lost that kind of spirit to keep going.. Maybe I need to take a break and look at the whole picture from a different perspective. Whenever I'm down, flipping the pages of books by Andrew Matthews such as Follow Your Heart and Being Happy does the trick besides music and many other ways to rejuvenate myself. Perhaps there's a need to come up with a new plan and chart new direction for where I'm heading to..

Looking back at 'yesteryear', Jerrick's group came up with a tagline "Just Be Yourself" for their group presentation. It was linked to Nike's "Just Do It". How nice if I can combine both. I guess imagination and consistency might just be what I'm looking for.

Time to move on as I walk towards the next door.

Seasonal 'blogger' like myself will only be around to pen a word or two when the time is right. haha..

Possible

I'm a La Sallian in the early 90's then and was told by a teacher that time is gold. Over the years, I discovered the real meaning behind it. In fact, it is more than "gold" where even money can't buy. Well, of course I have the intention to turn back time and restart the whole thing again but nevertheless in reality, it cannot be done. What seems to be possible is to move forward and do what is right to achieve a specific target / goal. 

Putting time aside..

Last Thursday, I was at my former secondary school (SMKSP) in Ipoh. During my visit down memory lane, there were many changes taken place especially the exterior part of each block. The following painting somehow managed to grab my attention. 

I guess there will be differences in opinion. Likewise, I would instead put it in this way, "If a person managed to change himself (towards the positive side), he would most likely succeed in creating an impact on others as well." 

Surrounding Environment

Hmm.. I'm not a frequent blogger with tons of affections in writing. I might even be in a dire straits to pen my thoughts especially 3am.. on Saturday. Early as it may seemed but I guess time is not in my side. What more could it be especially the uninvited stress hunting its prey for the big day. Next Monday will be my final exam but hey, I still managed to write a word or two over here.. haha..

Exactly 11 months and 2 weeks at Kampar, Perak. Now that's how fast the clock is turning since I first landed my foot on this mother earth called Westlake Homes, a place where living and learning are closer to nature. Beautiful lakes, trees, (not to mention the ones planted by private residents) and an array of exclusively designed houses made this area truly remarkable to call home. (excluding those friendly dogs wandering in the streets of Seksyen 1/4 & 1/5)

From a double storey Yale house to the likes of a three storey Manchester added a new breeze of creativity while the innovative design captures the imagination for someone like myself. Then, came in Tsing Hua in May 2008 along the main entrance and exit point. Soon, a new range of European-inspired architecture known as Oxford, scheduled to be completed by 1st Qtr of 2009 would definitely create both excitement and curiosity among potential residents. I wonder how it would be like for the final phase of development, located along the lake. What would it be called then after Oxford being added to the family. I could sense the pulse running all over me with immeasurable excitement mesmerizing my heart down to earth. Even words can't really descibe how I felt as I took a closer look at the almost completed houses while snapping pictures using my K750i. Its definitely worth the time spent walking along Seksyen 1/3 with my friends and stop by to rest near the "mini garden" at dawn. Wow . . .

On the other hand, how about the ongoing construction across the road to the other side of Westlake? Surely, this area would become a blend of Eastern and European architectural display inhibited by mostly students from all over this country. Perhaps someday we might even see new faces from other parts of the world, creating a potpourri of uniquely diverse cultural exchange in Kampar.

Looking forward to the day when this particular area soar to greater heights in the international arena, reflecting the people's aspirations and vision of a dynamic University town. I believe it will materialise before the year 2020.

Finally, its about time to make a move. Not a good ending nor a smooth conclusion. Need to have some rest and prepare for Monday's exam.. haha.. Until then, the journey continues . . .

p/s. Guess I'm sort of a part-time computer whizz kid trying to brush up and learn the meaning of "blog".. ;)

As I was learning...

Its been almost 9 months since I moved in to Westlake. What transcend the feelings of gratitude and appreciation for being here are the warm atmosphere of togetherness with my current housemates. Sadly, only 3 stayed for the new term while others will be heading to Eastlake. The trust and secured environment coupled with an establised bond of friendship are hard to let go.

Well, I guess people come and go as we flow along the river of life. Good and hard times across the valley of hope and strong brotherhood. Only time will decide the next outcome... Although I'm not emotionally moved by the surrounding environment, I do keep things simple for everyone. When we have a good team, cherished it and appreciate the passion in them.

Thank you to all who devoted their strength, understanding and values into the things they do. May you guys find your new home as interesting and even more exciting place to live, study and lots more to be discovered. Live the spirit of true friendship. A toast to all !

"The Sound of Music"

Life at Westlake seems to be quieter lately. Peace and harmony, at least for now. When there's lots of activities and 'sound polution' while others were still in their middle of dreamland, life is worse than a troubled 3rd world country. Of course, the sight of an armed forces and terrorists carrying weapons of mass destruction were not likely to be seen or imagined.

Well, some 'friendly' neighbour turned on the supposedly PC stereo speaker into a boost-up bass expander sound system for party goers.. How I wish they could at least understand the purpose of being in an institution of higher learning and the ethics of being a responsible neighbour.

There are time slots for entertainment, sports, get-together BBQing and celebration. Its acceptable but not to an extent releases the high bitrate 'melody' while on study and exam week. Im surprised when my fellow housemates scheduled to sit for their final exam paper on Saturday and yet these 'friendly' neighbour of ours whom I guess sat for their last paper the day before, turned the vicinity into mini Bangsar. They could at least find out about their seniors' exam timetable before spearheading their plan to party in the wee hours. Nevertheless, my housemate and nearby residents just moved on with their final revision along the way.

It is hoped that with an assertive and positive action taken by residents and management of Westlake regarding this matter, things would eventually turned out to a good start for the coming sem. Until then, a toast to all Westlakers and also the upcoming Eastlakers.
Happy holiday.

Its a place to work, make new friends, have good times and more..

Clarke Quay, Singapore. One of my favourites. Been to this place several times. Recommended to everyone who intend to visit this beautiful city state. Easily accessible via bus or mrt. Nearby Boat Quay is another place not to be missed. Shop, dine, good times... all within a mere walking distance.

Anyway, guess i won't be that active in blogging after all despite just shifted here. Having a major task ahead. Commence on January 2008.

Kind of missed the good moments with many new friends i've made. How we work together as a team, as a family.. in good times and also the hard ones. Out for a movie, dining at restaurants, coffee shops, hawker centres.. going to many places of interest, attend food fair, seminars, exhibitions, etc.. Guys, thanks for being there. Really appreciate it. If all goes well, should be back to visit sg somewhere in 2012.

Looking forward to be here again as planned.

Keep in touch. :)

Thank you!

As i am passing by...

Since my first arrival right 'here' on February 20th last year in a place widely known by bus travellers as Beach Rd. Quite early but worth it after an 8 hours journey. The fresh morning wind is great with cooling effect to start my day.

06:30 (am) then, I took a blue cab heading towards Tampines Rd. and now ... Thursday morning, August 2nd, 2007 - 6:15am ... time moves on ... haha ...

Well, it is a privilege being here to learn as well as to earn in this dynamic, internationalised city state. The chance to witness major events and exhibitions is a "plus". Not to mention going to places of interests.

Friendly, approachable, helpful citizen across the streets of Orchard and elsewhere is commendable. What makes it unique in this vibrant local community is a blend of East and West.

To the people i've met along the way and eventually we became friends, thank you for being there. The support and spirit of togetherness lives on.

Xie xie.