If I were to give an overview of the year, I would say twenty twelve has been the most unconventional twelve months. It hasn't been another boring school year, nor a year behind guarded fences, but one which I had lots of freedom. There was hardly any restrictions, for once, I felt I had control over my own life.
It was unconventional because I was studying part time, 4 days a week for half the year. Yet, I was taking up odd jobs like being a traffic surveyor, counting cars at weird timings. To be honest, it was quite an interesting job. Good pay, simple, mundane, but time goes by reasonably quickly. I don't regret doing it because it was flexible and gave me a unique experience unlike the good old desk bound jobs.
Twenty twelve marks the year which most of my friends had their 21st. I was attending birthday parties after parties. Organising birthdays, getting presents, spending money. And one of the highlights of the year would be my own birthday. Kudos to my buddies and especially Ying Lun for masterminding the plot. I was genuinely surprised and felt appreciated being part of the group. I never wanted anything for my birthday even though it was my 21st because I never liked being the centre of attraction, but it was somewhat good to have a party to make it convenient for all who care.
Thailand 7- 12 July
I really really enjoyed the trip. It was one of the best, if not best holiday trip I had. Just thinking of it makes me smile. I guess it was the company that made the difference. Like I mentioned before, there is a balance in the combination of the group. Perhaps it could have been better if Ivan and Chris joined, but I was thoroughly satisfied with the dudes I've known for almost a decade. I have to admit there were a couple of times I questioned myself whether things were out of control but looking back, it's things like these that create memories.
Phuket was crazy. There is no way Singapore's night scene can ever match up to theirs. There are no rules, everything's cheap, it could be real fun if one really lets loose. Bangkok was brilliant, because it gave my wardrobe a needed boost. Massage was outstanding. Food was cheap, mouth watering and did I mention cheap? Even though I had a few rounds of diarrhoea, maybe it was still worth it.
HSS Camp 16- 20 July
I really really enjoyed the camp. The people are great, genuine and really care about you, at least for my group. I don't care what went on behind the scenes, but as a freshie, I thoroughly enjoyed the programmes. The school games, beach games, amazing race, fright night, SP night, everything. I would like to specially commend fright night because I could see the amount of effort that was put into it. Behind the scenes, the make up, the set up, the planning, the budget and the screams. It was great. As much as I want to commend SP night, it wasn't the programme that made it good. I'm glad to have gotten a good SP who I had no problems connecting with. It made me feel like a boy all over again. The interaction night was enjoyable despite all the lame disturbances and maybe the rain made it even more memorable. I had long forgotten the value of one on one conversations and having to sit in the field (or rather lie in the field) under the stars for a good 3 hours blind folded made the conversation all the more heartfelt and sincere.
Being chosen for pageant is an honour. I've never seen myself as good looking or a head turner, and never thought I would be asked to join, accepting the fact that I'm just the average Joe. Hence, having to face the dilemma of to join or not was somewhat fresh to me. However, the seniors were pretty good at convincing. One of the reasons I joined is because they said pageant isn't all about looks, but personality which is something I am pretty satisfied with. And so there I was after much consideration.
The entire pageant experience was cool. To be out of your personal comfort zone and do stuff that ain't you gives you the chance to experience new things. It's not every day that you go to a studio and practise cat walking, awkward poses, going to the sponsors' shops trying out colourful outfits and doing intense workout at home in the middle of the night. The most challenging part of pageant was perhaps the Q & A. It was stressful thinking of witty answers on the spot when the entire hall's staring at you. It's true, preparation makes a whole lot of difference. Those that you can't prepare for boils down to how good you really are.
Union Camp 21 - 27 July
I didn't enjoy the camp, unfortunately. I don't want to make this public, but I guess it's the people. Ain't my type of people. However, I shall not disregard the quality of the programmes. The games were good, very competitive and I played my part in helping my group retain the title. The SP night wasn't good though. Interaction night was poorly organised. Everyone was lumped into the same open space, and there were a thousand conversations ongoing at the same time, making the place sound like a market. What was unique about their SP programme is that everyone gets 2 SPs and the girls get to choose which guy they want. And instead of having a night, it's a day date where we get to go anywhere we want. For most cases, it was a group date as the girls would prefer to stick together. For my case, we went to Ippudo Ramen for lunch and then Scape's PlayNation. Haha this is embarrassing but I was sleeping throughout PlayNation when they were playing the dancing game. Really couldn't help it. I was dead tired. Sleeping on a date is really unforgivable and I achieved that. Feel bad for my SP.
All in all, UOC's a pity. It could have been brilliant.
CCA - Committee
Since I've mentioned before I shall leave it as that. But it has been a major part of my twenty twelve as I spent a hell lot of time on it. I was particularly stressed during the build up to my event and with all the politics surrounding it, it just made everything worse. Ultimately, everything pulled through and fell into place. Not without hard work, not by chance, I'm crediting myself with the success.
Curriculum
It has been a relatively comfortable combination of mods for me the past sem. However, I did not do as well as I should be doing. Macroecons, accounting, statistics and even critical writing which is similar to GP. The only challenge should be my Maritime elective which is too easy every scored full marks except me.
It's all about discipline from now. Putting words into action and doing consistent work.
It's all about discipline from now. Putting words into action and doing consistent work.
Soccer
I've spent almost every Sunday afternoon with them. Battling out on school fields across the island. I practically increased my knowledge of roads by simply visiting different schools every week. Inevitably, I'm starting to feel the chemistry in the team. Everyone knows their role and we've been playing some good football. Pumping long balls and aimless clearances has been a thing of the past. We are even confident of passing the ball across defence now. Kudos to the team.
Hall Soccer. It wasn't a significant part of my year but I spent a decent amount of time training with them and hopefully we will do well for IHG. Let's go Greyhounds!
Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau 17 - 27 Dec
The trip was somewhat memorable. I was sick almost the whole time and wasn't able to fully enjoy but a vacation is always welcomed.
Hong Kong in my opinion is similar to Singapore, reasonably clean and developed. Unlike China, whose air is unbreathable. Cigarette smoke and stench everywhere. Despite the bad air, I would still classify it as bearable. What was unbearable was the behaviour of the Mainland Chinese. They were selfish, boorish and uncivilised. Everywhere they went they displayed such ungraciousness, it was a pain and disgrace to watch. I was utterly disgusted. While it is a generalisation, I finally understand why locals are finding it hard to live with them. The culture difference is way too large for anyone to accommodate.
Macau was purely casino. It's like they've lost their identity, or maybe they've chosen to adopt the identity of a country of casinos and gambling. It's saddening to see a nation thriving on vices.
Overall, the trip was an eye opener, and made me appreciate Singapore even more. It reminded me that it is almost impossible for me to shift to a foreign land. While I am able to adapt, home is the place where I am fully comfortable and glad to be.
I guess that sums up the highlights of the year. It was a year well lived, extremely eventful and really appreciate each and everyone who made the year possible for me. If it's possible, I kinda wanna set a resolution to throw away my phone for twenty thirteen. It has been a huge burden, it is looking more and more like a brick than a phone.The whatsapp groups are killing me and that's why I wanna play as small a part in every group possible. Whatever it is, it's impossible in today's context.
Twenty thirteen I foresee will be an equally busy year, and I think I am ready for it.
Afterall, we've survived the supposed end of the world on 21 December 2012, what can be harder?
Happy New Year, guys!
