Monday, March 30, 2009

Upon leaving Clementi station on Sunday morning at 8.30 am, I didn't realize that one of my former Cell Group member, Ruwei was at the bus stop. It reminded me of how tiring and reluctantly I used to wait at the station to go expo for services.

Love the morning weather.

Yuan Qi, Ayush and me

Paddle, vest and rubber pad are on

NUS Boat B crew were boarding the junk boat

Whole Boat! Hard Ten! Ready! Go!

Last Charge!on the finishing line!
This picture is too small. But our boat B made it second in this semi final with a surprising timing of 2 minutes and one second plus.
The race has been officially cancelled due to bad weather. So this was our last race for Sunday.
The organizer could not bear to postpone to another day due to financial constraint and manpower issue.
By timing alone, NTU, neophytes, Safra won the medals.
I could see the disappointment in certain faces. At least we know where we stand. Gonna gear up for Prime Minister CUP in JUNE!

It was a long day and I was invited by Jesmine to watch a dance performance, "uncensored" in NUS in the evening. Since she got 2 free tickets, I asked Anton along. I was glad that I could watch it together with my him as I was not sure when was the first time that I watched a concert together with him.

How we wished we could sit in front to have a good peek at the girl dancers. Haha!

another bitter escape
9:42 AM

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Dear Diary,

It was a clear Saturday morning. I went with NUS dragonboat crew to Bedok Reservoir for men's open and mixed open 2009.
Despite of not being the rower, I was not disappointed as I understand that I am still a new breed in the team of 3 weeks. In fact, I was glad that I was given the opportunity to witness such teamwork, 'never say die spirit', enthusiastic and the optimism that the team portray even after knowing that our greatest rival, NTU had clocked the timing just 2 minutes and few seconds away. This timing is considered very good as it is slightly in par with the national team.

Let's see the size of the strength. NTU has 3 boats with full crew of 20 men, 4 boats of mixed crew while we only have 2 boats with full crew of 20 men and 1 boat of mixed crew. All of us got into semi finals that was held on the following day, Sunday.

The NUS women crews have always been the finalist contenders with both boats grabbing 1st and 2nd position.

another bitter escape
9:29 AM

Saturday, March 14, 2009

These Hard Times

Morning falls like rain as you try to wake up early,
Yet the sleep is too tempting as it drown you deeper into those endless dream.
I miss out the goodness of morning as I skipped the water training which started at 8 am.
There goes another night as I spent the rest of my day at home doing assignments.
I miss my mom, dad and Anwari. I miss my family.

As I went down to buy lunch, I feel like I am losing my breath in waves.
Knowing that every crash is bleeding the hourglass.
Everyone keeps talking, but they don't mean anything.
I like the peace whenever I am alone.
Though at times I feel empty. It seems imbalance.

My friend has just ended her 2 years of relationship.
It was disheartening to hear that.
We may lose focus in our life.
There are just too many words we are never meant to learn.
I hope that you could be strong.

I walked the same old path when I was getting my dinner.
At the junction, I was staring at the traffic light.
I was wondering how it would be like to cross the pedestrian way with the red light.
Perhaps it would give you peace. But it is foolish to live in such way that repletes with regrets.

All we need is some relief. Through these hard times.
Keep on praying and talk to him.
For he is there to protect your naked soul.

With love,
Arif

another bitter escape
9:14 AM

Friday, March 13, 2009

Bespectacled fellas

On our way home from Vivo after 'Marley and Me' show

No lorry but Bus!

another bitter escape
9:44 AM

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Our finance and accounting lecturer never fail to crack us the joke.
Here was what he shared last week.

Falling in love- Dopamine
- this is the drug which make us feel like we are in heaven and makes us have alot of energy but require us to rest very little. Its effect is close to that of some drugs but with no side effects. However this chemical typically last only for 4 years.

Then how do boy-girl friends and married couple stay together after 4 years?

Staying in love- Oxytocin
- this is the chemical that makes us have a sense of bonding and connectedness. This is the chemical that keeps married couple and long term couples together even when the effect of Dopamine is gone.

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what chemical is reponsible for what or when it will use up. What matters is the need for each of the partner in the relationship to keep contributing to the relationship and keep stimulating the production of these love chemicals.

another bitter escape
10:07 AM

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Counterfeit

It was a clear fine day after my land training in NUS Sports and Recreation Centre with the team.
The drain and exhaustion makes my day feel worthwhile.
I begin to feel that school life is not just about studies.
Zm, Rafael and Jireh came over to fetch me for supper in Johor Bahru at 11.30 pm.
Upon reaching the custom checkpoint, I realized that I had careless taken my brother's passport.
I was at loss and I was tempted not to spoil their days, so I thought that it could be fine to show the officer my brother passport.
The officer was sceptical about the passport photo as it does not resemble me at all.
It dawned on me if I could get through Singapore, I would never return Singapore without my original passport. So I decided to disclose the truth.
I was not sure if my name was being listed as criminal as I saw another officer scribbled my name in the file. I apologized and I whispered a few words of thanks to God that I was exempted from the penalty of being jailed and fined of 10k for using different passport.
There went my 2 hours wait for them to finish their supper before picking me up at the checkpoint.
I didn't mind going home without supper as I have caused so much trouble. Somehow we had supper at Upper Bukit Timah. Upon reaching home, I realized that Zm and Rafael went there just to accompany me for supper.

another bitter escape
10:47 AM