Oct 30, 2006

Blogging - A Year of Conquest!

Posted by Mr.Keropok


Click on the banner above and check out this cool blog! I help to start it up as part of publicity for an upcoming workshop for teachers and educators. Feel free to share with some of your friends and teachers too! If they are keen to come for this mini workshop, can drop me an email @ stargazer20736@yahoo.com

Currently I have 8 blogs under my listings... and not to mention that I only started blogging in this year March! I knew nothing about blogging when I first started, and it took me 3 months before I dared to publicise this blog out to everyone! But I am glad I did it and conquered an area I wasn't really familiar with.

In whatever we do, especially in areas which we feel we are not good in or new things which we want to venture into (pls do not think smoking or drugs as ventures.. they are harmful!) , we need to make effort, be persistence and never give up no matter how difficult it may be.

What is it that we are facing now?.... Exams? Problems? Challenges in life? Press in.. Don't give up!

[If you are really stressed out from work at this moment, feel free to drop me an email @ stargazer20736@yahoo.com =)] Read more on this article...

Oct 28, 2006

Keep Your Dreams Alive!

Posted by Mr.Keropok

One of the deadliest poison which comes out from a CRITIC is when the criticism is directed blatantly towards someone's aspirations or dreams. Decades ago, the sister of an innovative college professor suffered from a hearing deficiency. He was aspired to build a device to help her hear better, from which he invented an unusual contraption. After many years of trial and error and eventual success, the professor was ready to take this device into mass production. He travelled far and wide, searching and seeking favor for financial backings for his dream. But wherever he went, everyone scoffed and laughed at his idea about able to channel human voices through a simple wire.

The professor could have allowed his Critics to discourage him. He could have just thrown in the towel and given up. But he didn't.

Today, nobody laughs at Alexander Graham Bell whom was the inventor of the telephone. You may not know this person even from history. But take a look at your handphone and think about it.. it was Alexander Granham Bell's dream that made Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola possible today.

Don't allow your Critics to snuff out your dreams. Learn to also surround ourselves with people who support and nurture our aspirations. Keep your dreams alive! Read more on this article...

Oct 26, 2006

High Maintenance Relationships

Posted by Mr.Keropok

Don't we sometimes just wish we could use this deadly device on difficult people that we cross path with in our lives? These are the impossible peoples whom give your cold shoulders, are rumour mongers, seething with jealousy, always play the victim and toy with your emotions. Basically these are people whom you just cannot stand and relationship with them take whole lots of effort!

But don't write them off just yet.. think again.. it is altogether possible to learn how to handle and manage these high maintenance relationships better! Let's start by identifying some of the impossible people around you and rank the top five accordingly (1 being the type of person who you are most 'buay tahan' with!):

  • The Critic - constantly complains and gives unwanted advice

  • The Martyr - forever the victim and wrecked with self pity

  • The Wet Blanket - pessimistic and automatically negative

  • The Steamroller - blindly insensitive to others

  • The Gossip - spreads rumours and leaks secrets

  • The Control Freak - unable to let go, want to be in control of everything

  • The Backstabber - the infamous two faced monster

  • The Cold Shoulder - disengages and always avoid contact

  • The Green Eyed Monster - Always seething and brewing with envy

  • The Volcano - building steam and is ready to erupt anytime at anything

  • The Sponge - constantly in need but gives nothing back

  • The Competitor - keeps track of tit for tat. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth

  • The Workhorse - always pushes and is never satisfied

  • The Flirt - constantly displaying signals of harressment

  • The Chameleon - eager to please and avoids conflicts
  • In my subsequent posts, we will continue to talk about learning skills for building better relationships with such people. To grow as a person and maintaining healthy relationships, even with seemingly impossible people! The world is not perfect and we are surrounded by impossible people.. we ourselves are possibly one too!

    [Quoted and paraphrased from Les Parrott's 'High-Maintenance Relationships']
    Read more on this article...

    Oct 25, 2006

    Compass... Life Buoy... or Oxygen Tank??

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    Here are some of my insights for the "Big Ship", "Staying Afloat" and "Drowning" symptoms as posted previously.....

    For the "Big Ship" condition:

    It's really great to know that you are in cruise control! Well done.. give youself a pat on the shoulder for staying on course with your work. However do you happen to know if you are in the right direction? We can be in cruise control and yet in wrong direction! Are you slogging and working your lungs out that you neglected your friends and family around you? Or have you compromised integrity and moral values i.e. backstabbing, just to achieve success? Pause a while and navigate. You need a COMPASS.


    For the "Staying Afloat" condition:

    After prolonged period of struggling to stay afloat, you may be on the verge of giving up. You are really tired and what you need now is a LIFEBUOY that you can cling on to, stop all the kicking underwater and catch a breather to recuperate your strength. Are you overworking yourselves? Taking on too many things which you cannot handle? Or just over-gungho with yourselves? Time to stop and do a stock take of yourself. Plan and prioritize which are the urgent things on hand. Don't try to be superman, or you will be a dead superman soon!


    For the "Drowning" condition:

    Sinking into the deep abyss of the ocean, you are nearly hitting rock bottom. Lack of oxygen due to the great depth has caused your brains to malfunction i.e. depression, easily agitated, irrational etc Time to grab hold of the OXYGEN TANK, breathe in and start swimming up! If you are at this stage, don't give up! Recognize that nothing is hopeless unless we ourselves give up on ourselves! Don't let negative thoughts and pessimism get into us, but rather persevere through hardships and start fighting back! Either we let situations overwhelm us or we overcome and conquer them!


    Whatever condition you may be in, we all need help. Don't be too proud to say you don't need them. These help come in the form of family, loved ones and close friends around us. We all need one another.. no man is an island himself. =) Read more on this article...

    Oct 24, 2006

    Cruise Control... Staying Afloat... or Drowning??

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    THE HEAT IS ON!!! Many of my friends and youths around me are gearing up for season of exams.. either the 'O'-levels, 'A'-levels or the University exams. From the signs of it, there are three interesting symptoms displayed.....

    Big Ship

    Everything is cruising along just fine in their preparation work. These are the ones that looks to be in tip top condition and are ready to grab those A's for every single paper! Ten year series, other schools' exam papers, encyclopedias... You name it, they've gotten all of those covered too!




    Floating Along the Sea

    Seemingly looks calm on the surface.. but like a frantic duck kicking wildly underwater. Basically they are struggling to stay afloat with all the revisions and workload to be covered. With each kick, they are getting more and more tired.. on the verge of giving up. *pant pant pant* The thought of giving up is running wildly through their minds now.. but somehow they feel they can't. The heart and mind are thinking differently... TENSION and TIRED!!!


    Drowning

    Given up.. lost hope... decided to stop struggling anymore. Sinking down to the bottom and don't want to fight for anything anymore. Overwhelmed by workload, compared ownself with friends and realise that he/she cannot make it. Prepared to fail for exams. Possibly right now indulging in gaming, online chatting or sleeping.. anything that will help them kill time. Awaiting for "doomsday"!



    [I have some insights which may shed light to some solutions... stay tuned...]
    Read more on this article...

    Oct 23, 2006

    Life without problems is NOT life at all!

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    "Sigh.. I don't think I can make it for my O-levels already. My friends are all doing much better than me. I think I'm gonna fail..."

    "Shit lah.. My whole family is in a mess... I'm in a mess too! Looks like I'm gonna be a messed up person for rest of my life! I give up!"

    These are some statements that I hear across the week from some youths whom are going through rough times in their life. Most of them are their wits end.

    Life is tough. Especially for youths of today with family, friends, school's demands and expectations on them... etc No wonder the depression and suicide cases are rocketing up fast! But before we put the blame on social pressure... let's do a check on ourselves first..

    One thing that I feel we are lacking as compared with our parents' generation is that attitude of perseverance or fighting spirit that never gives up! Majority of us have been brought up in very sheltered environment, overly protected such that we don't know how to react when the realities of life hits us! We have never been trained in the "School of Hard Knocks".. and never mastered the art of perseverance!

    Perseverance 101: We can never escape from problems in life. A life without problems is NOT a life at all! We either learn to cope with the mounting pressure and overcome them, or we can just be like a sitting duck and get overwhelmed by it. We can't change much of the environment.. But we can change our attitude and mindset! Read more on this article...

    Oct 20, 2006

    I ADMIT..... I broke the law!!!

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    My mind was racing fast... "What should I tell the office-in-charge later?" ... "Should I cook up an excuse so that I can escape from the fine?" ... "But it's wrong to lie. Then how???"

    Guilty and shame was written all over my face. I had defaulted on my annual IPPT window in September and now the National Servicemen department has called me in to answer for it. Some of my friends whom defaulted before told me I would surely be in for a harsh scolding from the officer and get fined. I felt really lousy about myself on the cab ride to CMPB this afternoon. I was contemplating what kind of excuse I should come up with to escape the scolding and fine.... tick tock tick tock... the dreading moment was drawing near as the taxi cruised along AYE.

    As I entered the waiting room, there were many other defaulters awaiting their "trial". Many of them had files and papers in their hands, ready to defend their cases. I heart stopped a beat then... I had nothing to defend myself with. Honestly speaking, it was error on my part that I forgot to take my IPPT through the past whole year. I was still thinking what "good" reasons should I give to get me off the hook......

    I entered the room and greeted the officer on duty. He read my charges and asked me why I defaulted on my IPPT. And I answered.... (click here)

    "Sir, it was error on my part. I totally forgot about it. I am sorry."

    I was readily prepared to get a barrage of scolding at that instant, and the officer spoke.. "Ok, fair enough. I will waive off the charges for this time. But you must immediately book your RT (Remedial Training) at the outprocessing counter later. You may leave now."

    After I booked my RT, I left the place, heaving a sigh of relieve but at the same time still shocked that it wasn't as bad as I thought to be.

    Lesson learnt. Be conscientious and take ownership of my responsibilities. But more importantly, I learnt that when one truly has made a mistake, there is NO NEED to lie to cover up. The best solution is to be brave, admit the mistake made and apologize. The RT is the consequences I have to bear for making the mistake. But at least I won't have to live with a guilty conscious for the rest of my life.

    We may escape with a lie today, but one day it will catch up with us.

    LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE!
    Read more on this article...

    Oct 19, 2006

    Courage Re-Defined

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    Saw this interesting quote in my office, next to the pantry. Was immediately captivated by it.

    I used to fear death because I lost a dear friend 6 years ago. This fear locked me in for a period of time and I never dared to dream big or think of anything too far ahead, because I felt nothing last forever and everything doesn't matter anymore.. what for dream when it will end? Isn't it more painful?

    After some reflection and counselling, I overcame the fear of death. Yes, life is fragile and nothing last forever. But now, I learn to cherish the people around me and what I have. I had the courage to start setting goals and aims in my life once again! I conquered my fear!

    Want to dream big dreams? Then start today by overcoming the fears we have. Don't let fear hold us back.

    Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. - Les Brown

    Read more on this article...

    Oct 18, 2006

    I don't want to be a LOSER!!!

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    Saw an article in the NewPaper yesterday about this soccer player's persevering road to recovery. His career was flying high 3 years ago and was then wrecked by many injuries and surgeries. Since then he has made a spectacular return to the infamous Manchester United lineup and plays a key role in their success this season!

    (Check out Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's inspiring road to recovery)


    =============================================

    The Electric New Paper :

    IT'S ALL DOWN TO POSITIVE THINKING

    In a report yesterday, Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo revealed some of the extraordinary methods he used to destress himself after being booed for the Wayne Rooney sending-off at the World Cup. Today, his striking partner Ole Gunner Solkjaer talks about how he has made a remarkable return from a career-threatening knee injury.

    NORWEGIAN striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has attributed the power of positive thinking for his remarkable return from a career-threatening knee injury.

    18 October 2006

    NORWEGIAN striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has attributed the power of positive thinking for his remarkable return from a career-threatening knee injury.

    Solskjaer, 33, revered at Old Trafford for scoring United's winner in their dramatic 1999 Champions League final win over Bayern Munich, has re-emerged as a key part of United's squad this season after missing the best part of two years.

    On Saturday he scored his fifth goal of the season at Wigan to help keep Manchester United on top of the English Premiership.

    'You have a one or two moments where you think maybe you should look in the mirror and say, 'Are you fooling yourself?' Maybe you should finish,' the 'Smiling Assassin' told a news conference yesterday ahead of United's Champions' League Group F meeting with FC Copenhagen.

    'But then you write in your diary how you feel and you think 'That's not right, being negative'. If you are going to make it you have to be positive and always try, and I don't think I ever went to bed thinking I would never make it.

    'Maybe you treasure them (the goals) more now. You realise that time is ticking and you just want to make the most of everything.

    'The older you get, the closer you get to the finishing line. You realise that it is not going to last forever so you just enjoy every moment. I am just enjoying football.'

    United manager Sir Alex Ferguson added: 'What he (Solskjaer) has achieved is a great example of perseverance, determination and belief.

    'When you get a long-term injury at 31 years of age you have to think it's going to be serious, and two years out the game, more or less, is such a long for a player of his age.

    'But he's got back there by his own will. He never doubted and now he's improving every game. He's got me five goals and he could give us 20 goals, quite easily.'

    Victory at Old Trafford would extend United's 100 per cent start to the group stages, and Solskjaer believes the current side can emulate the champions of seven years ago.
    - Reuters
    ===================================================================


    I remembered in my kiddo days, my friends and I used to tease and make fun of each other, "Nei nei ni bu bu... You are a loser!". Many of us probably grew up with that too and end up adopting that kind of "loser attitude" within us! We give up easily without trying... We are afraid of trying new adventures (drugs, smoking.. pls don't try them!)... We allow external circumstance to control our outlook and begin thinking "Sigh.. I don't think I can make it... It's just me.. I am lousy..".

    I am not prepared to live my life and look back in regrets... I wanna live my life knowing that I had a great attitude... knowing I have overcome and conquered challenges in strength... knowing that I AM NOT A LOSER!!

    Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be. - Charles "Tremendous" Jones
    Read more on this article...

    Oct 17, 2006

    Don't be a Coward!

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    Just two months ago, after that butt-aching and gruelling milestone in my life of night cycling, I thought I would never have to cycle for the next year or so. Nevertheless, I was wrong! The nemesis strikes back! And this time round, I would have to ride the bicycle and conquer the rocky terrain of Pulau Ubin! Not just that, but inclusive of a free 1 night waterfront view stayover at Pulau Ubin........ in the hazy condition!!!! Gosh! This was gonna be a long trip.....


    15th October 2006, 9:30AM. I have touchdown back on mainland Singapore and I have conquered Pulau Ubin!! Rocky gravel paths, gruelling upslopes that seemed neverending, chased off and being chased by wild dogs, combat against the fiercesome jungle warfare trained mosquitos..... me and my comrades have battled through and survived our own adventure of "LOST" in Pulau Ubin! *Well done guys and girls!*

    To me, this adventure is another milestone.. It was my first time staying over in Ubin, first time learning how to start a campfire and challenging myself with the biking trail again! I love adventures and I don't like to shy away without giving them a shot! I don't wanna be a 缩头乌龟... but I want to be an OVERCOMER.. a CONQUEROR!

    In order to conquer, what we need is to dare, still to dare, and always to dare. - Georges Danton
    Read more on this article...

    Oct 16, 2006

    Check it out!!! MaMa's in the house!

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    Just when you think parents are obsolete to the Internet age? Hold your horse and check out this blog set up by a Magnificent Mum! She's an inspiration man! Below is an excerpt of one of her posting... (added in my own effects.. =p)

    Why do parents expect their kid to have admirable values when their own life often does not exemplify the values they hope the kid will develop???

    Parents teach........

    Respect (for people and things)
    But they.....
    yell at the maid and read their kid's diary secretly,


    Courtesy
    But they.....
    jump queue and scramble in the crowd at a SALE,


    Honesty
    But they.....
    tell you to say they're not at home when their friend calls on the phone,


    Compassion
    But they.....
    ignore the guy with special needs selling packets of tissue at the food center,


    Sense of responsibility
    But they.....
    are busy at work and never home when you need a shoulder to cry on,


    Self-discipline
    But they.....
    eat half a tub of ice-cream while watching the Korean serial,


    Obedience
    But they.....
    go through the red traffic light and cross the road when it's the 'red man',


    Gratefulness
    But they.....
    grumble and complain about work, people and food!


    So, if you're a parent, walk your talk.....

    YOUR KID IS WATCHING AND TAILING YOU ! Read more on this article...

    Oct 13, 2006

    I'm Here! ... I'm There! ..... I'm Everywhere!!!!

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    - Ever had that kind of feeling where there seems to be so many interesting things happening at one time and we just wish we could split ourselves up and be everywhere?

    - Or how about when we unknowingly agree to so many things that suddenly you realise all the timings clash! Dreads! How we wish we could clone ourselves out and be at every of the events.

    - Better still.. When on a particular day, suddenly everyone comes to you for help! Everyone wants a piece of you, and somehow you just wish you could please everyone by attending to them all at one shot!

    The truth of the matter is... WE CAN'T. We are just but pure human beings, homosapiens whom cannot be omnipresent. When we are faced with such tricky situations, here are some good advice from my own personal experience:

  • Always.....
    be steady and know that it is OK to turn people down nicely if we are not able to attend to them. There is a difference between being nice and overly giving in.


  • Take out......
    a pen and paper, write out what are the things to attend to, and start prioritizing out according to level of importance. Attend to the matters in that subsequent order.


  • Stay....
    calm, don't be stressed out or frustrated. It will only cause more confusion in our minds. Take a deep breathe, go for a short walk to catch a breather and straighten out thoughts. A rational mind is always able to think better.


  • I used to think I could be everywhere for everybody.. but things went haywire. Check out my story... (click here)

    I used to think that I can be everywhere like Superman... Being kind in nature, I will never reject my friends when they ask me to help them in anything. My style was always to just accept first and then re-adjust my schedule. But soon, the crazy demands took its toll on me and I became more and more tired. The dramatic point came when I needed some help in my project and at that point, NOBODY offered to help me! I lost it then, telling myself that I never want to help others again because it wasn't worth it.. I get NOTHING in return!

    It took me a while to get back on track after some advice from my friend. I realised that such a dangerous pitfall can be avoided with proper awareness of my own behavioral traits and conscious efforts on my part to be wise in prioritizing my schedule, making sure I am not overloaded. And of course my good friends keep me in check all the time. =) I won't be effective in helping others if I'm not settled myself first!

    The world doesn't need us to be Superman.. So learn to take things easy! *Smile*
    Read more on this article...

    Oct 12, 2006

    Mr BKL - "Bao Ka Liao"

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    From http://www.thinkgeek.com:

    This unique special edition knife contains all 85 tools currently produced by Wenger (Maker of the Genuine Swiss Army Knife). These 85 tools can be used in over 100 functions and it's the World's Largest Swiss Army Knife. It's not exactly going to win any awards for lightest, smallest or most efficient tool but it probably will win you the title "King of All Gadgets". And even though this knife is a monster, weighing almost 3 pounds, don't worry - it does have a key ring so you can carry it on a belt loop.

    Wow! Don't we sometimes just wish we could just be like this Swiss Army Knife, being self-sufficient and we do not need to depend others. Honestly, working with people can be quite challenging, especially when we meet people whom simply frustrates us.. and somehow handling things by ourselves would be so much more easier to get things moving.

    But look at it this way... If we really become so self sufficient, we would never know how to work together with people... we would be in danger of losing our interpersonal relational skills... we would soon just become like Rambo, everything also solo effort and become much like a social handicap! It's true working together may not be easy.. But working together also help us to grow and learn from one another. =)

    Wanna be "85-in-1"? Or "King of All Gadgets"? Better think twice.. You wouldn't want to be a loner for the rest of your life! Read more on this article...

    Oct 11, 2006

    Redefining Newton's Law from the APPLE!

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    A dear friend of mine inspired me alot with this illustration. Take a look at this bright shiny crunchy red apple.. analyse it well and answer this question:

    Question: How many seeds do you think this apple has inside?

    Answer: Click Here!

    Honestly, I am also not sure... I experimented with some of my apples at home and found that the number of seeds varied! Ok ok... the first question was just an appetizer.. now for the main question....

    Question: How many apples are there in one apple seed?

    Answer: Click here once again!

    UNLIMITED!!! Isn't it amazing? What started out as something puny and insignificant can end up as something big and numerous! Gosh! Don't look down on an apple seed man! It can grow into an apple tree that bears many more sparkling red apples!

    It is just the same as our DREAMS in life... It may start out as something small, insignificant or even something which you may just laugh it off. We probably would never have dared to believe our dreams are able to be fulfilled! But trust me.. with the right attitude, daring to pursue your dream and never giving up.. Your dream will blossom into reality just like how an apple seed blossom into an apple tree!

    So don't look down on your small beginning... Don't despise your dream... It is possible that our dreams become reality...

    Don't just let your dream go.. but let your dream GROW!

    If you still have time, read on to find out how one of my dreams came to reality.... (click here)


    Read more on this article...

    Oct 10, 2006

    Green Lantern Wannabe!

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    I stumbled upon an article on the Internet which talks about the perception of colors...

    "As humans we react and respond to different colors in very distinct ways. Color can control our emotions, behavior, and mood. Different cultures have also linked specific colors to specific objects. Different genders may also respond to colors in a variety of ways..... GREEN is said to be the most soothing color for to the human eye. It is the color of renewal and freshness. It became associated with fertility, abundance, and growth because it reappeared in springtime after the colorless winter. The color also represents harmony and radiates a feeling of fullness. In history, brides wore the green wedding gowns to symbolize their fertility!..." - quoted from Sana Dada's article

    Why I took special note of the color Green was because I noticed there has been an increased number of green colored objects that I was carrying or evident around my house! Click here to check it out!


    Coming back to reality.. each individual color does have specific perception to the human eye. But does that mean we have to dress ourselves up like a green lantern just so that we would appear pleasing, refreshing to the people around us? Or so that people can see us as abundant and full on stature? Gosh! If things really work this way, then I would either be dressed in rainbow colors everyday or I would need to bring many different colored sets of clothings out everyday for the right occasion!

    We are who we are, living out our personality, character and behaviour from the inside out. In each of us is a special personality, a unique character and a flexible behavioural profile which respond accordingly to the different situations. Stop living in the shadow of others and trying to be who you are not. Neither do we need to suit ourselves up just to please the people around us, but rather living out our own uniqueness and learn to be aware, accept and adapt to the differences around us. That's what make you and I special!

    PS: By the way, I do look good in green right? Wahahahahah......

    Read more on this article...

    Oct 9, 2006

    I Used To Be A Drug Addict - Part 2

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    If you have not read Part 1 of this amazing real life story, please click here

    “More than anything, all I have ever wanted is to feel like I wasn't alone." – James Frey

    I seek solace and comfort in the things I was good in. The many nights of clubbing and house parties were what I was comfortable with. People like me. People like to talk to me. They too feel comfortable to relate to me because in that state, they see a happy go lucky guy who is pretty sorted with his thoughts. They see a guy who always smile regardless of what happens. They see a guy whom they can seek comfort in need of trouble. But they do not know that this guy was tormented by constant negative thoughts about everything. Bad news on the TV affects me, arguments with friends upsets me and even the situation in third world countries affects me. I thought that it was my duty to solve everyone’s problems. I was thinking too much into everything and the only way to solve all these is get the next fix and everything will be ok. Or so I thought. I felt that I was not alone, I felt that I had many friends but thing that no one knows is the extreme loneliness I felt because I just could not stop taking drugs.

    I became everyone’s problem. I excommunicated my parents and my beloved sister. My friends excommunicated me because I was going overboard with my perpetual need to get more and more high. Even the drugged up ones. Perhaps they were just too uncomfortable with me with my constant pursuit of trying various drugs.

    Till now, I don’t really know the reasons for all this. I am constantly in debt even though I was working. I kept borrowing money from my sister and my aunt to support my habit. Empty promises and phonecalls with fake niceties became my only contacts to my love ones. To say that they were utterly disappointed will be an understatement.

    I became very much reserved after a while. I thought that my confidence and character was built around the drugs that I am taking. Without drugs, I am nothing. Without drugs, there would be no meaning. Without drugs, it is just – not worth living. I became my own worst nightmare and prisoner...a self made prisoner that is.

    (to be continued.. Stay tuned for Part 3...) Read more on this article...

    Oct 8, 2006

    Heros Redefined!

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. - Christopher Reeve

    Talking about superheros, the familiar names of Superman, Spiderman, Batman, X-Men...etc comes into mind. They all have their unique special powers which defines who they are. Using these special powers, they are making impact on the world and being cheered by many out there.

    One fantasy I always have is that, "I also want to be a hero!"..... But sad to say.. I do not have any of those super power. I can't fly, I don't have super-big muscles too.. I even have problem ironing my own clothes, not to mention impacting the world! Gosh!

    Well, the truth of the matter is that non of us have super powers! What carves out the difference and makes a hero is that he/she has the heart.. A heart that always persevere on despite the rollercoaster and hurricane rides in life!

    I am joining this 100KM walkathon not to justify myself as a hero, but to redefine the meaning of a hero. Like it or not, we are all heros in our own way.. You just got to live it out like one. =)

    PS: Cheer us on as we take on this 100KM challenge! And stay tuned for victorious photos! Read more on this article...

    Oct 7, 2006

    I Used To Be A Drug Addict - Part 1

    Posted by Mr.Keropok

    Terry Fox, Derek Redmond, Henry Wanyoike and Dick & Rick Hoyts. These names may sound very foreign or alien to you, but to me, these people are legendary heros! (If you have the time, I strongly encourage you to read their stories, really moving and inspiring!) I have always been very drawn and intrigued by inspirational real life stories. Heroic stories can also be found on TV shows and movies, but most of the time after watching them, we have the mentality, "Aiya.. it's only a movie mah.. the director dramatise everything lah! Impossible in real life one!" That's wrong! It's POSSIBLE in real life too!!!!

    I made a new friend at my workplace this past week and he's been guiding me along in my work, like a mentor to me. Little did I know that I have been working alongside a lengendary hero all this while! Check out his life story (part 1) below, "From Dusk till Dawn"......

    Empty cough mixture bottles, plastic bags of marijuana and pills all kept in different dark corners of my room. Like a squirrel who knows where the acorns are hidden, I never lose count of any of the illicit substances that are placed in my room. Like an eager armskote man who takes pride in his rifles in the store, I kept the inventory embedded deeply in my head, never once did it go wrong. Like clockwork, I know when to “score” (a street slang for buying drugs from the dealers) the next batch. I was also careful – I never scored from the same dealer for more than 3 months for fear of being followed by the watchful eyes of the “narcs” (narcotics officers). So there I was, living in my own little sphere of euphoric being, fuelled by chemical substances in my system. The days are filled with unbridled spirit of fun and like all addicts will say, just getting high baby nothing much. Same shit, different day.

    Most people will think that all drug addicts are all begging on the streets and most probably poor with little or no money. Heroin addicts are one of the neatest and cleanest people I have met in my life. They are meticulous in what they do placing emphasis in their daily appearance. Don’t ask me why but that’s what I knew. I lost my best friend to heroin. From an untidy bum in dressing, he became the neatest dresser I have ever seen. Maybe it’s the paranoia derived from the effect of the drug – the fear of being spotted as a drug user. I never dared to try heroin. It’s expensive and most never quit. Most importantly, I have seen how it had destroyed my friend’s life and that’s another story of its own. Now to continue with my own story……

    There are many different kinds of drugs in the market. From prescriptive drugs like Dormicums (a sedative for sleeping) to controlled drugs like Marijuana, Ketamine or Ecstasy, each has its unique “high” and usage for the user. Even controlled drugs are classified into different classes in the eyes of the law here. (www.cnb.gov.sg) From Class A to Class C (a bit like your plane tickets – Economy Class or Business Class?), each different drug gives you a different trip altogether. I have tried most of the things available in the market – prescriptive to illegal. I was really into anti-depressants and marijuana. This is due to my depressive nature, maniac depressive they termed it. I need it for everything and every occasion. Without it, fishing will not be as fun, a movie will not be as enjoyable – well, you get the picture. As you guessed, the tentacles of addiction crept into all aspects of my life. Simply put it this way – I cannot function properly without it, not knowing that I have became a slave to drugs……

    (to be continued... please stay tuned...) Read more on this article...

    Oct 6, 2006

    Looking for a PERFECT partner?.. Be One!

    Posted by Mr.Keropok


    Video courtesy from (Defining) Female Wellness blog.


    So true in life right? Be it in school or workplace, alot of times we will come in contact with irritating people whom makes a mess out of our lives! Worse off if they end up as our project mates!

    *Pause* But let's not be too quick to judge. Rather let's start with ourselves and be a good friend / partner to other first! Instead of pointing our fingers at others, let's be truthful and ask ourselves if we have been a nuisance to others!

    Since it is tough to find the perfect partner, let's be one ourselves first! =) Read more on this article...

    Oct 5, 2006

    Ronaldinho?? or Eejay-dinho???

    Posted by Mr.Keropok


    *Blink .. blink...Rub your eyes* Do you spot anything special in this poster?

    Haha.. It's just for laugh. However, the event is REAL! There will seriously be a Futsal Challenge @ THE CAGE coming up on 18 Nov. Do stay tuned for more details here!

    This poster is just one of the many which I have created in my journey of learning and playing around with Photoshop. It's something new which I took up during my free time this year so as to upgrade myself in terms of skill sets. Gosh! If an old fogy like me can learn new things, all the young guns out there should do better man!

    Looking ahead as the school holidays are drawing near, I wanna encourage everyone to make full use of the opportunity to step out and learn something fun and new for yourself. Don't waste your holidays away by slacking at home, or playing computer the whole day. Look for part time jobs to learn about working life, take up courses in any particular areas of interest to upgrade your skill sets, volunteer yourselves in any events to help out and learn some ropes.....etc There are many things that can keep you purposefully busy through the holiday.

    Don't just sit there and be passive about.. Be proactive! Go and get things done!

    Food for thought: What do you do when you are hungry? Sit there and wait? Read more on this article...