I wonder....

What have become the people of the Little Red Dot? Have you observed our fellow countrymen lately? It seems that wherever I go, I never fail to notice some selfish behaviours demonstrated by the people around me.

For example, technology has advanced and handphones have evolved from being more than a handset that can make/receive phonecalls, to one that can play your favourite music. People (and I'm not just talking about the youth) seem to have forgotten that there are others travelling in the same transport as them, and they play and 'share' their favourite piece of music with the entire MRT cabin or SBS Transit bus! Regardless of whether you're able to understand (& appreciate) the language at all! A few days ago, I sat next to this Indian man who was happily choosing and playing Hindi music off his handphone! Or the youth that I encountered in a bus, watching a 'live' recording of an event he's just been to (though it was a funny one, but who cares?!).

Or the many examples of reckless, selfish drivers who seldom signal their intention to change direction; or squeezing into your lane when it seems almost impossible and risk YOU knocking into their rear; or simply going against traffic rules, at the risk of causing danger to the other motorists.

Have we become too oblivious of our surrounding that we thought we were living in some lonely planet that people can actually sieve out unwanted noise, and adjust themselves to suit people's actions; or have we simply become too self-centred to be considerate? In this new generation of seeing just "me, myself & I", have we subconsciously or deliberately chosen to do things at our own convenience, thus adding to others' inconvenience?

I'm honestly sad and disappointed to see such behaviours, even in our young ones, as they imitate the adults' behaviours. They are simply not aware and do not comprehend what is their surrounding (people and environment) and how their actions can cause disturbance or inconvenience to others. No wonder the Ministry of Education is now advocating Social Emotional Learning/Competencies in our classrooms. The students need to learn about Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Management and Responsible Decision-making. We need to be taught how to be responsible people who aren't living in our own private planet.

What has become our society?

Windy Singapore....

It has been rather windy and dry these few months. As I travel around the island, I notice that the grass has become shrivelled as days go by. So poor thing! I wish I have a water hose with me so that I can start sprinkling water on the grass as I go.

I've actually prayed for rain to water the earth... It's been drizzling a little these two days. I hope it will pour heavily during the night. I hope to see greenery again, soon.

Thru' this, I realise that the trees must have roots growing deep into the soil, for most of them are still green and full (not bare). Water is available deep down in the ground. Trees have to grow roots all the way down in order to have water to survive. Deep roots also help trees to anchor themselves to the ground so that they won't be uprooted in times of storm or strong winds.

I'm Promoted!!

I know I've havent been blogging for quite a long while.... MIA-ing.

Well, I've just been promoted to an aunt on 4th Feb!! Baby Chloe is now finally born! I've become a "gu gu" now....Sounds so old! Anyway, won't be able to see baby Chloe as she's in UK. Got to wait till a few months later..... From the pics, can't tell who she looks like yet. She should look quite different by the time I see her.

My First Driving Lesson

Last Thursday I had my very first driving lesson. It was great!

Prior to that, as the day of the first lesson drew nearer, I began to become fearful of the prospect of learning to drive. "Would I crash the car?" "All those things that I have to look out for when driving - pedestrians, cars, traffic lights, signs, etc..." "Would I be able to master the gears?" (BTW, my Darling advised that I should learn how to drive a manual car so that I can have the choice of driving an auto or a manual car next time.) All these thoughts started to haunt me the weeks leading to the lessons. And it doesn't help that sometimes I hear negative comments about female drivers - "Aiyo, driving so slowly, must be a female driver!" "Aiya, so kayu in parking, must be a female driver". Oh no!! What if I'm the subject of those comments? I can't deny that sometimes those irritating behaviours come from female drivers, but, are all male drivers perfect motorists?

I shared my fears with my cell group sisters the day before my lesson and they prayed for me. I also reminded myself to be positive about learning on the day itself. I prayed for a kind and patient instructor. Knowing that I can't stand smokers, God also answered my prayer in sending a non-smoker as my instructor for the day. Hey, that's extremely important to me as I can't be trying hard to hold my breath thru'out the 2 hours, right?!

My instructor was patient to answer all my questions. He gently reminded me the things I forgot to take note before driving. He also gave careful and step by step instructions for me to follow, without imposing on me. So far, I managed to grasp the idea of the "biting point" and when to release the clutch and to accelerate so as not to stall the engine. By the end of the first lesson, I could go staight, reverse and turn left, going round and round the circuit and change to the second gear. It boosted my morale greatly! I'd like to think that I'm doing well for a beginner! Heh heh.... All in all, I had fun and I enjoyed it.

Over the last weekend, while on a retreat with my cell in Bintan, I actually drove a 6-seater buggy! Great fun! A driving licence is actually needed to drive it as it is like an auto car, but my friends were so encouraging to place their trust (& lives) in my hands to urge me to drive! Well, of course they got a dear sister who can drive to sit next to me to direct me. At first, I was wobbly in my driving. As i went on, I became more comfortable in controling it. (My first instructor said "Control the machine, don't let it control you.") Gradually, I could manoeuvre over humps and gentle slopes. I guess I have a special talent in driving! Hahahaha.... well, let's see how it goes. I'm gonna have my second lesson today! ;p

Finally!

Finally I've graduated! Last Thursday was the convocation. I've finally earned a degree after going thru' 5 years of part-time studies.

It had been 5 tough years of balancing work and studies, and in the midst of it, dated and got married. Those were the days of rushing for assignment deadlines and doing last minute revision for exam. Though I'm enjoying more free time now, I somehow miss the times that were spent writing the assignments. Studying at this age is really for myself. Not about getting academic qualifications so that one can get a job in society. I mean, yes, of course it's for the prospects of receiving a higher pay. Yet, it's truly something that I can do for myself, accountible for my own results, not having to answer to any boss. If given more time to read the texts and spend more time in writing the assignments, I'd enjoy those 5 years better.

Do I hear doing Masters? Ney, that hasn't really crossed my mind.... yet ;)