Life.. as it is.

Don't know if you believe in destiny, but I've always felt that life's pre-destined to some extent. This is not to say that we do not strive for things that we desire, but is a reminder that we not be overly distressed over things that have happened/not happened. Agony is often when one laments the 'what ifs'. But there is a time and place for everything, and if it's meant to be yours, it will come when the time is ripe (and the same goes for things that are not meant to be, they'd somehow die a natural death - if you let them).

Things are looking pretty clear to me right now, and I'm really excited about what lies ahead. Yet, I am also aware that the same clarity does not apply to a few of my close friends right now... I hope I can do more than just offer a listening ear. At the very least, I'd be keeping them in my (buddhist) prayer. Keep walking, and have faith that it's all going to be for the better.

Teva Sale!

Teva fans, attention - It's SALE time, up to 70% off! Just bring in a piece of footware (any brand, any type - flip flops, sandals, heels, pumps, whatever!) to be eligible. Make no mistake, it's a real deal. Just that you'd better make your way down quick before all runs out. For info, across all Teva outlets, there are no more women sizes 6 and 7, whatever designs. Super sad news for me, but managed to get 2 solid men pairs - 1 priced at $159 going for $45; the other priced at $139 going for $59. What a bargain. Enjoy shopping! =)

End of Chapter

Change! As you would have it.

After 7yrs at the helm, after winning then losing support, after visibly leaving imprints in the form of buildings, logo and motto, after strategizing and out-maneuvoring friends and foes, after nurturing some and cold-storing others, after bull-dozing paths through uncharted and sometimes unsuitable territories... he's going off. To another institution. For another cycle.

When news first broke, I had a mix of feelings. Surprise, happy, sad, pensive all in one bag. It had been one unique ride. Not always pleasant, but definitely memorable. Earlier in the years, there had been a great sense of empowerment, of respect, of even awe. Then, as the fog cleared, there were many exasperating moments, of anger, of amazement, of indignance, of resignation. And that's one big reason why I left.

Nonetheless, to be frank, if I have the chance to do it all over again, I may very well not have altered anything for it's been one good growing-up experience.

Thank you, for all that you have done, as well as not done. You are definitely one of a kind.

All the best to you, and to the group who's taking the next ride.

As for those whose future depends on him, it's time to go back to real hard, politic-less work. Alternatively, you can hop onto his new boat and ride away in detached bliss.

End of a chapter. I wonder how much has really changed.

Just some random thoughts

Busy busy busy... Rest. Busy busy busy... Rest. And the cycle goes on. But at least there is a period called rest. I look around and there are some loved ones who are busying without much apparant rest. But then, they are working for more significant, long-term personal gains, hence the stakes are understandably higher, the frustrations more intense and the stress more acute. I hope they'd all be able to achieve their set goals soon.

2 weeks and 3 babies. 1 from a Sec 4 mate in London, 2 from ex-colleagues. 1 more coming up within this mth. The stork's been working overtime. Probably just what our tiny nation needs - more native citizens to balance that massive influx of foreign talent, treasured as they are. Wishing all mummy friends and their precious newborns well.

Coming to the middle of Oct. I must say that this year feels like it's passed by more quickly than the last, which must be an indication of how much less painful it has been to date. I can only hope that next year passes as quickly as this one.

Harmony in a Circle

Yesterday, for 2hrs, all hell (almost) broke loose.

Abt 120 of us usually straight-faced, introverted civil servants zipped around Vivo City, Habourfront and Seah Im Market like merrily flustered children, rushing from station to station, clutching white envelopes of precious clues, eyes looking out for station masters holding the YOG mascot.

We were taking part in the Harmony Circles 'Treasure Hunt' - an annual event aimed at fostering closer ties between (i) colleagues from different divisions, and (ii) colleagues of different races. Yesterday's theme was just the right one for me - FOOD. And with 2 defending champions in our group of 6, our team managed to beat the other 14 teams to emerge Champs! =)

Lest you think we fought like sly aggressive wolves, we were actually really genial in our play and never did set out to win. The win is likely due to our familarity with the whole physical layout, our sporting nature and good teamwork, as well as *gasp* external help (i.e. phone calls to friends/relatives to ask for origins of certain food, and tips from fellow teams).

Our prizes? Mizuno and Columbia sports accessories. Cool. =) Till next year!