Just this Saturday that passed, it marked the end of a 5-weeks long cyberwellness programme that I was helping out in as a mentor. This programme is called the Cyber Wellness Enrichment Programme (CWEP). As we did the closing session of the programme, one of my colleague/fellow mentor shared this: "In the growing up journey for youths, all of them looking out for something to die for! It can be sports, computer gaming, music, studies.. basically anything that these youths would excel in!"
As I reflect upon this statement, initial I found it hard to swallow, but gradually the truth of it began to sink in place. Let me put it in perspective for you. When it is mentioned 'something to die for', of course it doesn't literally mean physical death, but rather the extent of the measure how youths are seeking out for something which they would excel and craft out a niche in! It would become like that familiar playground and territory which they conquer and give them sense of security and achievement! Like it or not, we are all like that.. just that the realm we are in is different.. some in gaming, some in sports, others in studying.
Looking at the big picture, once we find such a thing that we would "die for".. we would go all out for it, and these things give us the drive and keep us going on and on. Somehow we would persevere and never give up! Example: If a person is really good in gaming, he/she would want to keep playing, excelling in it and conquer newer grounds, maps and enemies! However the sad ending to gaming is that it leads to nowhere.. after the season fades away, we are left to start from zero again and re-pursue newer challenges again.
So what are somethings which we would die for? Would you find any significance and purpose in these pursuits?
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Was reading a book today and saw some shocking statistics. Let me quote you some of them:
1. Almost half of all 9th through 12th graders have had sex - including 61 percent of high-school seniors
2. Nearly half of people under the age of 21 who drink alcohol, binge-drink (having five or more drinks on one occasion). More than 500,000 young people are unintentionally injured every year under the influence of alcohol. And about 1,500 of this number die as a direct result of alcohol abuse....
3. One in six of today's young females are drunk when they lose their virginity. (One in seven say their partner was drunk as well)
4. More than 4 million teens become infected with an STD each year.
5. The average age at which teens start taking drugs is 13.
6. Among sexually active high school seniors, more than 21 percent have had four or more sex partners.
Jaws dropped. I was dumb founded after reading these shocking statistics. Although we can say these numbers only reflect what happens in the US, but looking at the way the world culture is shifting, we cannot take such statistics for granted and assume it won't hit our nation's youths!
Especially to young people whom are reading this post.... I urge you in every way that you DO NOT need to be pressured to compromise or follow what seemingly everyone in the world is doing or what seemingly is cool. Always think before you act. Being cool doesn't mean it is always the right thing to do! A moment of fun and pleasure may just lead you to severe destructive consequences that you will regret for life!
Since when has diluted values and perversed morality become a cool and hip thing? Why are people being laughed at just because they are virgins? Why are young people being persecuted and pressured into joining gangs and taking drugs so easily?
We live in a fallen world.. and the odds are all stacked against us. Choosing to stand firm against the world phenomenon is like a sore thumb sticking out and being out of place. However, being different from the rest does not neccessary mean that we are weirdos or wrong! I choose to be different for what I believe is right.
I quote what Mr Phua Chu Kang always say.. "Use your brain, Use your brain!" Think before you act, don't always just go by feeling!
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Took a snap shot of this huge Christmas tree (towering at about 2-3 storeys' height) at Takashimaya while waiting for some friends. Yes! Once again, Christmas is round the corner again! Exams are all over.... youths are having their school holidays.... people are all out shopping and shops are promoting crazy sales! This indeed is the season to be jolly!
So what is it that you want for Christmas? A new iPod music player? The new Adidas vintage sweater? That cool pair of Nike Sports shoes? Or hands on at the latest game console (Nintendo Wii, XBox 360, PS III) in town?
Post in "Comments" below and share about your Christmas wishlist! It would be interesting to hear from everyone! I will go brainstorm through a list as well! =P
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Check out my latest heroic photo taken on last Saturday! I was helping my friend in a youth event and I was casted to act as "The Judge" whom supposedly is able to dictate whether the youths survive in the game. Oh, and of course every hero has a side kick... so introducing my lovely assistant, "The Clown"! =)
Initially when my friend roped me in for this role, I was rather hesitant because I wasn't comfortable with having to act. Those who know me would know that I would rather just do background work, and acting if definitely not my forte man! But part of me also wanted to challenge myself out of my comfort zone and try something radical which I never did before. With that, I decided to take on the challenge... and guess what? I pulled it off better than I expected! And I got quite good comments from the youths whom played the games!
As the year draws to a close, why not take a step of faith and challenge yourselves to do something radical? Something which you have always wanted to do or wished about, something purposeful that will aid your character development and growth. And the only reason you held back was because of fear, procrastination or lack of confidence.
Don't end the year and start the new year ahead with regret. Dare to step out and give it a try.. There's nothing to lose!
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My first enemy encountered... two slashes from him and I died! Apparently I had wasted precious time during the "briefing".. now my character was only level 5 and everyone else is level 19 & above! No wonder my character "die" so easily!!! *faintz* I tried my best for another good 15 minutes.. and I gave up. The imaginary tombstone of my virtual character reads this: "Level 10. Good try, better luck next time!"
The game is pretty fun and I can understand why many youths like it so much. The sense of satisfaction and achievement when you get to level up, defeat opponents and attain ultimate special power. The winning sensation really feels like world domination! But in the midst of conquest and levelling up the virtual character, have we spared a thought for our real life character ourselves? Are we also levelling up in real life too?
Much as gaming offers alot of fun, but also take note that it can be a danger ground for escapism, false sense of achievement, and ultimately addiction! Kings in virtual world, noobs in reality... Is that what we want to be? It's still not too late to plug yourselves out.
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Still remembered my world domination plan a few months ago to have a go at gaming? Well, after my successful attempt at Maplestory and CounterStrike, it was a matter of time before I ventured into DOTA! So today while I was playing together with some youths, I plucked up my gungho and ever adventurous spirit and plunged into the cyberworld of DOTA!
But wait.... before I even went on to attack anything, I had to sit back and soak in a 20 minutes briefing about how to prepare my virtual character battle. And so I "bought" some special shoes that allows me to walk faster, potion which enables me to live longer in battle and special power which ensures my enemy perishes with a few blows! Oh.. and not forgetting levelling up my virtual character and becoming more powerful! I was READY to go tear down some towers and whack up the enemies!
My lizard-head lookalike virtual character swagger its way down the map, and at the corner of the screen, I saw my very first enemy..... (to be continued)
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(As continued from Part I & Part II...)
... I peered lazily to my left and right, hoping to spot my friends from the flood of people slowly streaming out of the club. After rumaging my way through the crowd, I finally spotted two of them round the corner. Squatted along the drain, heads bowed .... they were puking. As I walked nearer to check them out, the stench of the vomit was "intoxicating". And after puking, both of them just slumped on their backs against the pillar and dozed of in the most amazingly pathetic manner. Drunk? They were DEAD DRUNK!
In the end, a couple of us had to literally carry these two fellas up the chartered bus and dumped them back into their hostel room. Tired and smelly... my watch registered 4:30AM... Orientation programmes resumes in 3 hours time..
What's so fun about clubbing? I really don't understand. Well of course not everyone ends up dead drunk like my friends. But like I mentioned, danger lurks in all forms. I have heard before about how girls got molested during their clubbing experience, drinks getting spiked and guys are not spared too. Getting tipsy from tequila-pops, stupid exchange of words leads to fights and boxing competitions outside the clubs. And there are many more.. What the newspapers report are TRUE! No joke man!
I am not against going to clubs.. but rather choosing the right company, the right timing, the right clubs are important. Even in the midst of having fun, always maintain a clear mind to rationalize and think. Don't just let the fun sway us away!
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Two weeks ago, I was scratching my head in front of the photostating machine and trying to figure out how it works. Being new in office, I didn't know how to operate this cheem looking machine! Trust me.. if you think operating a photostating machine is easy, you are WRONG! It ain't as simple as it looks!
At that moment, I felt rather stupid of myself. I was thinking to myself, "Wah piang! Masters' graduate student also don't know how to operate a photocopying machine? Disgraceful man!" It was just a small matter, but got me feeling quite lousy for a moment. But not for long....
I decided to approach my friendly colleague, P.K, for help! As friendly and chirpy by nature, he readily agreed and showed me the simple steps. Instantaneously I reacted in my mind saying, "Chey! I knew that!" But I kept quiet..... (pause)
Many times we are just like that. Too proud to receive help from others or to even ask for help... When others give a hand to aid us in a headstart, we think we know it all and immediately brush them off with the "Chey! I knew that!" attitude. Well, carry on such attitude and we would soon realise that the next time we need help, no one would initiate to come to our aid. Because our attitude always give the impression that we are high and aloof.. just like a mr-know-it-all!
My suggestion? Always be humble in our hearts and willing to learn from others. Just like an L-plate drive.. we need to constantly wear that L-plate around us. Don't be proud and think that we know everything.. be open and learn to hear from others too, and we might just catch some new insights!
Let's Live Life Learning.... and NOT Luan(4) Luan(4) Lai(2) 乱乱来 !!!!!!
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Just went to this website to check out my marathon timing and position. My final timing was 6 hours 19 minutes 22 seconds, slotting me in at 1009th position out of 1250 marathon runners i.e. I had 81% of the people whom ran way ahead of me!
Amazingly slow? But it doesn't bother me at all, am just so glad that I finished the race... and I finished it in STYLE with a great buddy, ERIC! Eric caught up with me at the 41KM mark and we just slogged our way against all the cramps to cross the finishing line together. It was an awesome feeling to cross the end point, but it was more sensational crossing it together with a friend. =) Check out our kodak moments!
I experienced and appreciated the comradeship of my buddy Eric, even though it was just through the last 1KM. But it showed me the importance of having great friends around in the journey of life. Many times it is easy to grit our teeths and bash through situations in life like Rambo... it's glamourous and cool indeed. But soon the bumps and bruises in life are going to burden us down regardless of how Rambo we are. Rambo is still only human!
Do you have friends whom will stick with you through the rough patches in life? Or are you just another Rambo-wannabe or loner? No man is an island, we all need each other!
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Still remember the crazy old days when we had pagers? That was way back during the JC days for me and those were the days when I learnt all about the DA BEEPBEEP CODE, and how boys would use the public phones to drop these secret mushy codes to girls whom they admire.
"1-1-7-7-1-5-5-1-7" = "I MISS U"
"1-7-0-1-7-3-1-7" = "I LOVE U"
"1-3-7-3-5-5-1-7" = "BLESS U"
In the modern era where almost every 10 year old young chap owns a handphone, there begun the evolution of the DA SMS CODE....
Try boggling your brains in thinking what does "7-4-5-3-9-4-2-5-1-2" means?
Behind this code lies a significant life changing story.... check it out HERE!
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Tears flowed down my eyes when I was at East Coast Park during the marathon. I had already covered 27KM, gloomingly another 15.195KM ahead still awaited me. I had sprained my knee in a freak fall at the 10KM point in Marina South, my hamstrings and calf muscles were stiff like a log and my recurring knee injury came back again. At that point, a thought came to my mind.. "Why not just call it quits and give up? Why am I putting my body through so much pain? What was there to prove since I have already conquered the marathon last year? Maybe I should just throw in the towel and give up."
Pride, guts, glory, integrity... all these became pale comparisons to the pain jutting up every inch of muscles in my legs. Plus the tempting sight of the ECP Bedok exit was alluring for me, I could just give up, flag a cab home, catch a nice hot bath and snuggle into my cosy bed for a good rest. I battled with these thoughts in my mind for the next 3KM...
SUDDENLY... I saw Spiderman, Cat Woman and a lady dragging an old car tyre and running (She was running as a personal campaign to promote recycling). At that moment, everything made sense to me and I had answers to all my questions... Whether I walk, limp, crawl and not matter how long I would take, I WILL drag myself across the finishing line!!
I was NEVER running this marathon for myself. Indeed I have nothing to prove having already conquered this same race last year. But this year, I am running this marathon for my friends, family and the youths whom I work around and spend my time with. My characteristic life principle that I always hold on to strongly is the "never-say-die" attitude. And no matter how unfair, unjustified, difficult or rough situations in life becomes, I would never bow down to circumstances nor call it quits. These people close around me always know me by the Persevering Attitude that I share.
What was it that pushed me beyond my pain barrier and kept going? ..... I want to live out what I preach in my life. I don't want to just talk the walk.. but I will WALK THE TALK! =)
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Injury List:
Strained right knee...
Hamstring cramp...
Calves cramp...
Right hip hurts...
Bruised right index toe...
I clocked in 6 hours 23 minutes for this year's Standard Chartered 42KM Marathon, a far cry compared with my timing last year and also the target I had set out. But looking at the far longer injury list this year, I am just thankful and glad that I pulled through the marathon and survived!
Time to rest those aching stiff legs now... watch out for more post marathon updates in my upcoming posts! Zzzzzzz.....
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As I walked out of the club, my eyes strained upon the glaring light from the lamppost even! I felt high and dry. High from the music, screaming and shouting which were still ringing in my ears. Dry because I was left pondering the question, "Huh? That's all ah? Like that only? Jump, scream and drink? What's so fun? Plus so expensive! Chey!!!"
In my environment of working with youths now, I began to ponder why would youths want to go clubbing? It seems like the highlight or 'event-of-their-life' that almost every youth is looking ahead for! Just like an 18 year old youth who can't wait to turn 21 so he can watch R21 movie! Gosh! What's the hype about it? What makes them want to going clubbing day after day?
And regular clubbing can be an expensive affair too. Think about it... $20++ for the club entry, $10++ for additional drinks, $50++ for taking cab with midnight surcharge. That tallies to almost $100, multiply that by the number of times you go clubbing a month and that's a HUGE sum!
For the fun? The friends? The music?... You can easily have that by organising a mini gathering at home too. And it's so much cheaper than clubbing your money down the drain..... (to be continued)
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Loud deafening music. Smokey environment. Expensive entry and drinks. Potential danger lurks (for both guys & girls). Flashy lights.
These were my experience the last time I went clubbing almost 4 years back. It was during the freshmen orientation camp where I was a councillor and clubbing was one of the highlight event of the camp. Girls dolled up and guys suited up for this grand event, everyone zipped onto the dancefloor and went wild in dancing, occasionally popping to the bar counter for a drink. I still remember the place was NewsRoom Bar, near Mohammad Sultan?
I didn't enjoy the whole atmosphere. I did try to sway along with the dance groove, but after a while it became really boring. Call me old fashion, but this just wasn't my cup of tea. It wasn't before long that I found a comfortable sofa in one corner, sat down with a couple of friends and FELL ASLEEP! By the time I woke up, it was 3:00AM and we were leaving.... I didn't even get to claim my complimentary drink! =P
As I walked out of the club, my eyes strained upon the glaring light from the lamppost...... (to be continued)
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These words were spoken by my mentor recently and now I am beginning to understand so much about it. Looking ahead, the month of December is a crazy schedule for me with all the camps and special events preparations. Alot of times in the course of preparing, I wanted to just handle everything by myself, feeling that I can do a much better job since I am in control. I feel like I am Superman!
True as it may be... I can do a great job for one, two events. But how long more can I last? Taking everything on by myself further would push me down the road of burning out. I need help and support... else I'm really gonna be a DEAD Superman soon!
These past two weeks, I delegated some of the workload to let others handle and it really helped me alot. Not only is my workload lightened, but I also appreciate the joy and fun of working together as a group. Just as life is, no man is an island and we all need one another! Being Superman can be glamorous, but definitely lonely and tiring.
The world doesn't need a Superman to do extraordinary things. The world needs ordinary men and women, combining their ordinary powers which would make extraordinary postive impact! Read more on this article...
Today I went to Peninsula Plaza and bought a NEW acoustic plug-in guitar. My previous guitar had warped badly beyond repair and the guitar mechanics told me to retire it. So it is now resting in peace in one corner of my room.
Back to my new guitar! Yes! In the new year 2007 ahead, one of my goals is also to upgrade my guitar skills. I used to attend a guitar workshop for about a year but had to stop because of schedule clash. Since then, my guitar skills have sort of stagnated and never improved. I believe I still have room for growth and improvement, so I am pushing myself to go for it!
Talk is cheap! Now for my action plans: (1) Learning fingerstyle guitar and tabs from this DVD I got about advanced guitar course. (2) Setting aside 30 minutes every night to play and practice on my guitar.
What are YOU planning to do about your goals and aims in 2007?
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Shying away in the background on the crowd of people. Weighing in at a mere 38KG and measuring in about 1.60m in height. He is only in Secondary 2. The sunlight reflecting off his face makes him look much more fairer. I gave him a pat on his shoulder and offered him a drink, but he shys away.
His name is Joash.... And amidst of almost 200 youths whom took part in the Amazing Race yesterday, Joash is my HERO!!!
Looking beyond the seemingly frail and pale exterior... this young boy has got a big heart and great character. Part of the amazing race called for us to run from end to end of East Coast Park and overcoming some interesting station games. Many may have passed the chance on Joash and expected him to take the easy way out. WRONG! Joash ran his lungs out together with us and in his silent ways took on each station challenge with confidence! And that makes him a hero!
You must be wondering.. "Huh? Like that also can be called a hero ah?" That's right.. a true hero is not simply justified by the results and achievements. But rather the character and attitude displayed.
Joash might be the smallest person in size amongst the 200 youths. But he has a great heart and determination that made him stood taller above everyone and outshine them all.
Everyone can achieve results.. but not everyone can nuture such a great attitude of a hero!
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Today was a whole day of rushing for me....
RUSHING through the Standard Chartered Marathon Race Expo to collect the goodie bags...
RUSHING through the foodcourt to get a seat...
RUSHED through lunch....
RUSHED back to work....
RUSHED to Changi Airport to send a friend off....
RUSHED back home via cab and suffering airport cum midnight surcharge (A deadly combo!)
Dog tired and zonked out by the time I stepped back home. After a refreshing hot shower, I would flip out my diary, spend some time reflecting upon the crazy day and pen down my thoughts. I do that everyday. I do that to catch a breather in this crazy world. It really helps me alot.
How about YOU? We all live in a crazy world that run at a frantic pace. But how are you coping along? All it takes is just 10 minutes a day. Put aside everything for that 10 minutes, settle down and catch a breather. Try it.. It helps!
2:08AM. Time to sleep.. Gotta wake up at 7:00AM for an Amazing Race!
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Over my job interview, I had an interesting conversation with the General Manager (GM). I was just sharing with him about my growing up journey as an only child, where I was given alot of freedom and responsibility. The word "RESPONSIBILITY" caught his attention and we started discussing what that word means for parents and youths today.
Parents today have become so result-driven that all they do is demand their children to do well in their studies. They exert control, pressure, expectations and comparisons.... just so as to make sure the child becomes "responsible" in his studies. However, one would realise that such a manner would result in two extreme outcomes.. 1. The child's social life is totally handicapped. All he/she knows is just study, study and study. 2. The child does not respond well to the pressure, and retaliates by turning to vices and addiction. Outcome?? Parents get more upset and exerts more pressure and scolding. In the end, the children keep moving away from the parents directive and become irresponsible instead!
That's where CROSS-TRAINING comes in! By removing the demands and expectation on the child in area of studies and begin to inculcate and teach responsibilities in other available areas! Example: Punctuality in meeting people; Cleaning up own own; Helping out in household chores; Opportunities to lead and organise events. Coupled together with appropriate affirmation, encouragement and timely discipline, the child would learn about responsibility when he/she witness for themselves the fruits of their labour! Once that is set, it would pave a smoother path to teach them about being responsibility in their studies.
Does CROSS-TRAINING work? YES.. I have tried that with some of the youths that I work with and it sure is a powerful learning experience!
PS: I am not targetting against parents, but rather sharing my own viewpoints that at times we need to think out of the box. It's important to walk a child through the process rather than just concerned with the outcome!
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There's a song which titles "When smoke gets into your eyes"... judging from the picture above, I would rename it as "When the hair gets into your eyes"!! To run with your hair flapping front, back and sideways is really no joke. It becomes really distracting and painful when the hair ends accidentally poke it your eyes!
Either I get a hairband, or OFF with the hair! You should know by now which was my choice....
Similarly, when we aim and work hard to achieve our goals in life, there are times where we have to makes changes and adaptations. For example, if I want to do well in my studies, I must learn to cut down the number of hours I usually spend on computer games. It may seem like a drastic change and major adaptation to adjust to for me, but it is for my good and to help me achieve my goal of doing well in studies.
Think about the goals that we have set... and the plans that we have laid down to achieve these goals. Are we willing to make the sacrifices, changes and possibly major adjustments? Read more on this article...