Humanity

I was watching the Paralympic Opening (delayed telecast) on Ch 5. It really struck me on the magnitude of the Opening Ceremony, just as big and impressive as Beijing Olympic. The no. of people involved, their costumes, performance and this time performers. Because it's Paralympics, they got some handicapped citizens to perform with the theme. Fair enough, giving them some limelight that they are not totally impaired. There is still value in them.

Then came the lighting of the flame. Wow, yes, they used Paralympians, highlighting their achievements. Well done. Then when it got to the last athelete, a wheelchair bound paralympian because of an amputated leg, he hoisted himself all the way up to the bottom with the torch stuck on the wheelchair. I had mixed reactions when I saw him pulling the rope.

1. China's really out to impress on their creativity.
2. Truly showing how physically disabled people can do what normal people can do as well or even better.

Along the way, he stopped a few times to rest and the crowd was cheering and encouraging him not to stop. He can't surrender. Definitely not at the expense of such a big event. China would not have picked him to do the job anyway. I started to think if the human rights group would be rallying or lobbying the next day on such issues. Was it right to ask so much of the handicapped athelete? So what if he was an outstanding paralympian? Yeah, we're trying to prove a point here but is it too much to ask of him? I'm sure he had pulled himself at least 50m up.

Is this an act to demonstrate their excedding willpower to overcome challenges or a creative showcase?

The beginning of an end

It's the end of a week. The moment where people who would just like to hang up legs and relax through the weekend and forget about work. It's the beginning of another hectic period for me. And when it starts, it won't end till another 2.5 weeks. I'm almost made believing it myself that I've exceeded my limits. But I still need to go on... WLB??

when will it be?

I can feel how my mind and body is depleting after work each day. And when I reach the end each day, I just want to rest and relax but don't think I can achieve that this week. I'm looking forward to a break. Till when can I?

Listen from within

Wokay, got back a few days ago from the divers' marine conservation project. Honestly, I only know what was needed to be done, exactly how, it was just a vague idea. After going through the difficult moments and finally when the buoys were anchored, reef structures were sunk and anchored nicely, I can't help but to feel a great sense of satisfaction. This is probably one of the best things I have done for this club.

I started to fall sick on the 4th day of the dive. I had wanted so much to be there when they sink the structure. And the worst part, I suggested a leisure dive at Lang Island as a treat for the divers. And for both occasions, I can only snorkel on the surface. Argh!!! It was a struggle. So near yet so far. I was very tempted to just give it a shot. And I thought, if anything were to happen, MAYBE I would be able to react and surface in time, I could still save my own life. Nothing MAY actually happen. I would have survived the dive. Trust me, it was like a 'Angel' and 'Devil' thought over my head. And then I thought I would actually be depriving my dive buddy to ascend just because of my own selfishness to want to do something. Worst still, how would it affect the group if something happens to me. Sek Chuan's words were somewhat an answer I was hoping that the Divine One would give me. Ok, so I stayed on the surface.

That last morning, Nash words were affirmation to my decisions. He agreed that I made the right call. Thank you Lord for the wisdom that you have given me. When we trek or climb, it is often said that the mountain is always there. I would like to think and say to the divers, the sea is always there too. We only have 1 life.

Sometimes, it isn't that we aren't listening or discerning. Rather, we have opted for selected listening, internally even. I've seen this in my students, colleaguees and people around me. In difficult situations, how many times do we allow ourselves to listen to what is going to be told to us or do we jump the gun first? I'm glad that I didn't let my mind rule over my decisions this time.

I know He has always there protecting me. I'm grateful, truly blessed. It's these little things that many times we don't see and appreciate Him. Lead me Lord, in all my down trodden roads, for I know You'll never give me more than what I can cope. Thank YOU! :D

Work Life Balance

These 3 wise words that were repeatedly mentioned many times this year. First it was at my dept staff retreat. Then it was at our staff communication session.

Since I started climbing again, these are the 3 words that I want to follow by. I may be tight down with never ending work, I need to know when to put work aside and take a break from it all.

This is still very much a struggle for me especially when I know what's ahead of me and what needs to be done. I was just joking with my boss today that I need 30 hours a day. He prompted me to stay back for overtime jokingly. I was somewhat not motivated to do so mainly because I know it's play time after that. I realised my work life balance is improving somewhat. I still have work unfinished, undone and more waiting to be done. I couldn't care less today. Somehow I know my heart really needs a break. When is it coming? Soon.... I hope.

Had a good dinner with some friends which we have not had a gathering this big for a long time. And the occasion - Joanne's birthday. We gave her an interesting treat. 38 types of peanut related food. Lotsa pics and video taken. Will try to post some photos up later. This is another step taken forward for WLB.

I think this is one of the nicer songs of this olympic.

080808

1. Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony
2. National Day Eve
3. Aileen's Birthday

Was watching a snippet of Good Morning Singapore on Ch 8 this morning. It said that the whole opening ceremony is planned and executed by Zhang Yi Mou Director. It is a display filled with pride to the world about what the chinese are and do.

Then on my way to work, the morning show on the radio yakked about National Day. They actually broadcast 2 national songs consecutively... erm... right... the truly traditional ones. As I was driving and they were saying how proud they are as a Singaporean, I asked myself the same question. Am I proud to be a citizen of this country? Maybe I have to speak positively because I am a public servant. What are the opportunities I have here? Seriously... let's be honest.

The day ended in a joyous mood as we celebrated Aileen's birthday at her house... unending of food and drinks... wow... thankfully, we are going for a long walk tomorrow. Time to burn off the calories...hee hee.

In between the day, I went to a meeting with students at a vendor's office. It should not be surprising that students ask or say silly things. At their age, they really haven't seen the world. Then again, these youths try so hard to want to be like an adult. The fact is, they are not and so what even if you an adult? I have seen adults behaving childishly and even scheming on vengence just to want to get even with each other. Grow up people!

I like this song "Wen Rou De Ye", a OST for a very old drama with the then SBC. It's about artistes' struggles and the their life behind all their stage glamour. I particularly like this line...

luo mu qian de huan ge xiao yu
shui dou hui wei ni zhao mi
luo mu hou de chou chang xin qing
you shui hui wei ni shou shi

There are just so much hard work, tears and struggles for that moment of glamour. Today, a group of students think how glam my job is, sitting in the office and approving / disapproving their projects. This song is so their thinking and my answer.

Euphoric!

It's been such a long day and I'm supposed to be at work at 7am tomorrow but am still blogging in this entry. Can't help it, the evening really ended in a high note.

It's our annual CCA awards night. The day that all our sportsman and CCA group winners aims for. Tonight, I saw many happy faces and big winners from my very own clubs. Big or small awards, when they stood on the stage tonight, I felt like a proud parent. Especially so for Outstanding Sportsman and CCA Sports Club. The hard work of each student, they earned it tonight. The limelight and all, they truly deserve it. Keep up the good work guys.

Gambatei!