life

 10 August 2016 Wednesday

I would have been able to keep my graduation gown, sash and mortar board if I went to Co-Op earlier to get the promotion they had. However I guess not being able to get it is the reason why this could happen in the first place :) Because by renting the gown, there is the deadline this weekend that pushed for me to do this. Really thankful for Sam who is always spontaneous and supportive of last-minute and impromptu adventures. I think being impromptu is increasingly becoming the trademark of our friendship and that's why life is always so exciting, fun and laughable with this beautiful sister pay <3 

May this mini photoshoot preserves many precious moments of us at the ripe age of 23 (I like to think I'm 22 'cause my birthday hasn't arrive), still young wild and free. If I had gotten the promotion and get to keep the gown forever, I can imagine how very likely i'm going to put off this photoshoot till much later. And by then, we probably have grown a little older and no longer look so much like a fresh-faced graduate. Hence it's kinda important to me that we take this now, while we're truly fresh grads for less than a month. It would be a nice memory for us when we look back at ourselves when we are older.

11 August 2016 Thursday

Went to return my library books (I'm so proud that this time I completed all the books I borrowed). 

Returned with more books heheh.

14 August 2016 Sunday

Aftermath of Schooling's Gold. The effect is still hovering around me though it's still giving me a happy glow from the inside. There's so much media coverage over him, and... while I feel jubilant for Singapore, for him and his family, I see so many reactions from different kinds of Singaporeans. 

To be honest, I initially felt a little "oh man..." when I realised he had quite a background in the US. I incorrectly thought that because he spent most of his life there plus that american accent that he has (not much of a tint of our signature Singlish), I didn't really consider that being a true blue Singaporean. That made me feel a little disappointed initially because I wonder if there will ever be a day when true blue Singaporeans, who are born and raised and trained in Singapore, represent our country and make me feel that, "That is definitely our Singaporean, no doubt."

However reading quite a few articles, and watching interviews of Schooling and even their parents, my opinion changed. In fact, somehow I am unexpectedly impressed by this young lad who never forgot his roots. Maybe it's my lack of knowledge and research, but I've not seen many patriotic Singaporean sportsman. For him to mention that this race was not for himself, but for his parents and friends who supported him, and for Singapore... it says a lot, because Singapore is always at the back of his mind no matter how far away he is. 

Okay I went to Channelnewsasia's article and quoting him at the press conference: “I hope this paves a new road for sports in Singapore, and opens a lot of doors. Hopefully this changes our sporting culture and mindset towards sports - that’s all I can dream for.” 

I believe (and also hope that) he is sincere when saying those words, and that's pretty mature. I hope his win changes our local sporting culture too. I want Singapore to have a strong sports culture for my children in the future. 

Anyway, I enjoyed the interviews featuring Mr and Mrs Schooling. They are also another factor that supported why he is a true Singaporean, maybe one that is more fortunate and well-off than most but nonetheless, still our Singaporean. Listening to more interviews of him left me respecting this well educated and humble gentleman, with a bright future ahead. He still can be in 2 more olympics and he will only be 29. 

Not to forget all the other commendable #TeamSG athletes representing our country and fighting to achieve their personal bests! I enjoy seeing all the games with Singaporeans in it, particularly table tennis and athletics which I can appreciate better. (Sorry to the other sports for my lack of understanding.) And my all-time olympic favourites are gymnastics and volleyball. I don't think I will ever not like sports. 

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Heh okay I totally didn't expect the above. Tried not to go into longer essays which could have happened but i'm too tired.

Anyway, it was a really simple and relaxing sunday today. Finally collected all my dried flowers. 

Love how they remained so vibrant.

After that I returned my graduation gown (boohoo) and then went out with the family to IKEA (HURRAY). It was a happy day and quality time spent with my parents and brothers :)