Trainspotting

Haven’t been updating as much as I’d have liked to, but hey, an update once in a while is better than no updates at all eh? It hasn’t exactly been busy, but I’ve been trying to optimise the evenings after work by meeting up with friends as much as possible. Ok, so far I haven’t met many people, but at least its a start right?

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We all had dreams then, we still do now. We expect different things from everyone as time goes by. And it is unfortunate that sometimes expectations differ from true performance.

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The ball brought me back to the times in school. Familiar faces then, still familiar now. Be amazed that acquaintanceships then do not to equate to friendships now. However, budding friendships look set to grow, if both parties will make the effort. I know I am going to try.

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A friend once told me that mature guys was the way to go. Her current squeeze was a school-going kiddo and well, she would’ve preferred someone who would understand the pains of the job. Well, she got her wish, and here I’m wishing her all the best. Looking forward to attending the ROM as suggested, babe.

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Sometimes I wonder if either of us had been more active and less lazy, would it still have lasted (coming to) five years?

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The expectations are great. It’s time to rise to the occassion.

Daily rides: 241Y (53), 3860R (53), 879H (358)
Cameos: 3614K (SP) 6, 3606J (SP) 359, 3623J (SP) 358, 633A (291) 359

A week of memories indeed.

July 24 – A date to remember. It was the day, after 18 long long years, when I would finally put on the gown and mortarboard, and emerge from the auditorium as a fully-fledged graduate. Ok, so I’ve received the transcript and degree certificate, but the donning of the gown and the ceremony is a different thing altogether. And oh, let’s not forget the numerous pictures you’d take with all your friends who’re in the same session, and those who came especially early before their evening session to frame that special moment with friends in the afternoon session.

Ah, how sweet the memories of three years.

July 28 -  A celebration of all three years. The NBS convocation ball, the fruit of our labour, finally descended upon us in a rush. There was always the matter of logistics problems, but it was fortunate that everyone’s drive to make it a successful event was present, and it was all systems go, all engines firing, from as early as 9am.

First it was shifting the goodies from the carpark to the ballroom, then it was goodie bag packing, then it was the mad rush home to change and get ready, and back to the hotel for more.

The attendees began trickling in from 5.30pm, as the ball was slated for commencement at 6.30pm, with pre-dinner activities lined up. And of course, not forgetting the picture taking sessions once again. From these two events, I figure I must’ve taken something like 150 pictures?

Anyway the event was a blast! Thanks to all who attended! For those who didn’t but would want to take a peek, here’s a link.

All good things must come to an end, and well, it did, after three hours or so of excellent programming by the events company. I had lots of fun, as did most of the people who attended (did a roving survey at the end while taking more pics!). But the night was still young, and with Jia around, we all know what the next activity is.

Yep. He had four pints, followed up with about one and a half jugs of tiger. I had one pint, one wine, and about half a jug. Haha. The beng, of course, had about the same as Jia. And of course, we should never forget the antics he gets into whenever he’s over the top!

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Ah. The memories. The days have come to a close, a conclusion. We knew it was coming, but at least we’re not living in regret.

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A new phase in life has just begun.

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It’s the end, but it’s also a new beginning.

It takes much to build bonds, build bridges. Real links, not just smiley hahas and fickle jokes, before the bonds form and gradually strengthen. And, in stages, these bonds eventually strengthen, or weaken and eventually break.

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Friends can always be relied upon when you need them. Acquaintances are another matter altogether, if you think about it. It’s pretty much a gray area: who are your friends, and who are your acquaintances. It’s been 24 years, but I still can’t really make the distinction.

Once in a while comes along a friend who eventually will become your special friend. This doesn’t necessarily happen all the time (sometimes its more of a reflex) but it did happen to me. After so many years we’re still working out the kinks, but hey, which relationship doesn’t have problems? When you put two people together, no matter how compatible/suitable/made for each other they are, its still not going to click.

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Being home is a pleasure; something I learnt years ago when I had to pack my bags and stay in a goddamned camp 40 kilometres away on the other side of the island. So I still cannot get used to staying someplace else other than home. At least not for more than a month.

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You learn who your true friends are. They’re there when you’re riding the wave, but they’re also around when the fat lady sings.

Cheers. Next KTV’s on me.

Noticeable lag growing between posts. Yep, 15 years have culminated in this moment. Finally, for the first time in my life, I’m holding down a full-time, stable job. Yes, yes, I’ve lived off my parents for the past 24 years, but hey, at least I’ve done stints here and there before right?

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FedEx (2001/2)
I know it took longer than most, but I did my first part-time stint at a warehouse in Changi South after my ‘O’-levels. Quite menial but well, what do you expect? Somehow or another, my friends got the cushy processing jobs, while I got the tougher warehouse helper job. But it paid quite well, $6/hr, $9 for OT and $12 for Sundays. Left in March to do my NS.

Of course no need to mention the menial amount I got as a 3SG during NS lah, but I held another job during my year-end break in my first year of University. Sold pants for $5/hr, and some commission. Frontline jobs are really not easy, and well, I try to treat all salespeople as nicely as I can, having been in their shoes once before.

But for those rude ones, sorry, I ain’t going back.

A major land transport operator, Finance (2006)
This was to fulfil an academic requirement. Pay was….err…little. But I guess the experience was enough. I was the only male, so the ladies there took it in their stride to make me feel at home and stuff. Till now I’m still in contact and have had lunches with them, although now being bound by work, I no longer can do that (yet). I’m hoping to do so when I get some leave or time off.

A major accounting firm, present day.
Yep, finally, after graduation, here I am. Somewhere I thought I would be. And somewhere I hope I can stay for a pretty long time. And by the look of things, it’s likely.