In order for humans to learn and adapt to their surrondings efficiently and rapidly, we tend to classify things of the same type, pattern, nature or order together into groups. This also means that may assume certain characteristics of certain things just so that we do not need to analyse what they actually are. We may also generalise so that we do not need to spend too much time and effort in getting to the bottom of things at times. In other words, we take things for granted.

As a result of this, stereotype happens. It may be true most of the times, or at significant moments, but there is also the possbility of it not coming true or happening. But because in this society we are so concerned with results and achieving them in the shortest time possible, we choose to ignore the small percentage and concentrate on the norm or the possible scenarios. We put people into this mental cage in our mind, not allowing them to expand beyond their normal limits, not giving them a second chance at things, not helping them to become a different but better person. :p

It is finally the last semester in NUS. This is a fact, an impending truth that will happen whether you like it or not. I think it is also because of this that puts this sense of urgency in me to do everything I want, everything I could before I officially graduate. Sort of making me more sensitive to possible opportunities and more daring to step out of comfort zone to do things which I may otherwise choose to ignore in the past. All because I do not want to have too many regrets when I graduate from my tetiary education. As a result, everyday is full of different commitments and responsibilities to handle/manage/plan/liaise/fulfil.

Life is definitely never boring or empty, and I must say I do enjoy the feeling of having spent every single moment of life in a meaningful manner. But like what I always like to say, it is never good to do things in an extreme manner. And now I am starting to feel the toll it is taking on me, when it is just the 2nd week of school. Haha. If I have been more whiny/complainy/tired-looking/easily impatient/unhappy, friends do please bear with me. I am going through another phase in my life journey, I just need some time to adapt and the usual me will be back soon! ;)

And so I started my day today super early by having the Huayi ALO internship training. Woke up late so have to cab down, ouch. But rather that than being late, lest reflect badly and get cui assignments then can cry. Just joking, no matter what artiste I am serving during the arts festival, I am quite sure it will be an enjoyable and enriching experience!!!

As part of the internship training, we were being shown the insides and the story of Esplanade which few people know. Before today, my impression of Esplanade was fairly shallow. It being a nice but rather attas place for cool performances, and the display along the MRT trail that changes rather regularly. But after watching the slides, video, tour of the place, my impression of Esplanade was suddenly deep and impactful. It is not just an arts centre, it is a place where people of different race, language, religion or nationality can be engaged, entertained, educated and inspired!

Furthermore, the company as a non-profit organisation also has a very attractive working environment and culture! The values that were being valued, the ways by which service is delivered to customers that really means anyone who comes into contact with the centre. If I am not bonded to MOE, I think working under Esplanade is also a good choice for myself. :p So looking forward to the internship even though it means no hols, no gatherings and no time to study for mid-terms. Jiayou consistently liao! ;)

This is the final semester in school. As much as I would love to spend every single moment with every single person who has come to matter to me doing random but memorable things before graduation, the feeling may not be mutual. As much as I would want to be around people that matters all the time if possible, I need time to be alone by myself. As much as I say this semester I shall not be bothered with school work too much as my CAP is sort of frozen in that class, I do not want to waste any opportunity to learn and gain knowledge.

Change is the only constant, this is a cold hard fact that is easy to say but hard to convince yourself to come to terms with it constantly. Sometimes, it is better to just keep the best memory and not have anything to change it subsequently. If there are no circumstances that force you to see the changes, you can always choose to be an ostrich and convince yourself that the beautiful and near perfect memory is still the status quo.

However, alot of times in life, things do not go the way you want just because it is better for you. Perhaps I am just thinking too much, bothering too much, letting my emotions run too freely, but I do feel this tugging heartwrench somewhere deep down in my heart. I guess this is the price to pay for trying too hard to keep everything the way it used to be when it is quite not possible...

What does it mean to be happy in life? To love and to be loved. This I agree with Mei Ling. (: Of course by love, it can be in the micro sense between couples, parent and child. It can also be in the macro sense among friends for each other, mankind for one another, or just an affection/passion with something in life.

And when it comes to love, there are so many different and varied ways for people to express/show/portray it to the other party. Some ways are universally accepted and known, whereas there are just so many other ways which is unique to a person's culture, environment, character and age. And different people have varying standards of acceptance towards the way love is portrayed also.

Furthermore, the degree to which you love and are loved also makes a difference. And how people intepret or decipher the degree is different too. All of which can make love become no love, or even hatred in the worst case scenario. There is just so many things in this simple 4-letter word that most people say so easily many a times. I guess as per the same as all other things in life, it can be very complicating or made more complicated by humans. Well, there is also the other point of view that it can be simple too. ;)

Spent almost 5hrs yesterday talking to 2 of my beloved hc juniors at holland v, 10pm-2am.. Actually it is the 1st time I ever engage myself in such intense intellectual discussions and debates before, it is draining in a sense but nevertheless fulfilling. And the even best part, I do not have to keep talking or ensure that the conversation is ongoing by being a participant, instead I sat back most of the time and be a listener!

So many issues, questions, points of controversy was being put on the table. It set my mind thinking about things which I choose not to think about, giving myself the excuse that I was just too busy. Perhaps that is the reason I keep finding myself different sorts of things to be busy with, to keep my mind from running wild with imagination all about the pessimistic images I draw. But tonight, after listening and thinking through, I can afford such events once in a while for my mental health's welfare. :p

Sometimes, when you see things in a different light, a different manner, a different perspectives, a different mindset, a different attitude, the outcome will be different.

Just have to play around with my expectations a little, accept people for who they are and what they can be, strive to always be around when they need help, advice, guidance, support and encouragements.

Nevertheless, I am sincerely glad to have people who can cheer me up, make me hopeful, motivate me on with their simple little gestures. And more than that, I am genuinely thankful that such people have chosen to plant themselves close, near, or within reach to me. There are ups and downs in life, and huge word of thanks to those who pick me up when I'm down, whether knowingly/consciously or unknowingly/subconsciously. (:

I know what I will be facing, I expect certain things to happen, I believe I will be able to brace through them unscathed having face them before. I thought I will be numbed to the negative effects they have on my psychic and emotions. Oh well, I guess once again I have just proven to myself I am a normal human. I can learn from past experiences but doesnt necessarily mean I have the power to stop history from repeating itself. I need my moral supports back close by my side...