2008

I earned, I learned.
I lost one, I gained a few more.
Tried more new things, went on adventures - some still in progress.
More stories to tell, but what's there to say?

Wished for many things, and got some of them.
Still afloat, learning to be a lifebuoy for others to cling onto.
What's the meaning of family and friendship?
I'm still learning and finding the answer.

I've grown - heavier and wiser, older and more mature.
Shouldering more responsibilities, more burdens.
Learning to let go; holding on to what I can.
Others are growing freer too; don't wanna fight.

Put in the effort, seize the opportunities.
I'm empowered to make my life great.
Be courageous. Chances are, it will turn out great.
I don't have to follow the world.

God comes to the rescue.
In all the inner-turmoil, He anchors me.
Whatever happens, I'll be all right.
I want to love others like He loves me, that others will know He loves them too.

This poetry sums up my 2008. It also shows that I'm a lousy poet who sees poetry as just phrases lumped together, and I can't rhyme.

Now I shall explain the poem. I would like to let you know that the first part I thought of much earlier and hence it's more coherent and better.

I earned, I learned.
I worked a proper job for the first time. I also started university. The "learned" also refers to the many life's lessons, like how hard it is to earn money if you don't have a diploma yet. Many life's lessons. 2008 has been a dramatic year, and I say sometimes "I don't want the drama." But one point of time, I prayed for smooth-sailing days, and I actually got no dramatic days, but they were quite boring. I felt that I didn't take away much or make the most of the day.

I lost one, I gained a few more.
My grandmother passed away on Easter Sunday early morning, 23 March 2008. I have made many more friends this year, one from my age group at my workplace, one an old SMSS friend who I began to have more conversations with. She was a good acquaintance who I know now I can trust, and it's a wonderful thing she's Christian too. I also have my OG people, especially the girls, some of my tutorial group people (mostly it's the girls) and the fencing people. =D

Tried more new things, went on adventures
I tried many new things this year, like inline skating lesson, pears(I don't really like), non-alcoholic beer (yuck), alcoholic chocolate (yuck), brandy butter and brandy syrup (yuck as well)[you get the point? I don't like the smell and taste of alcohol.], a drop of alcohol. Fencing is also something I am new to. I am not much of a sports person, though I wished I had more ability. Also joined fencing exco, first time ever i'm in an exco. I also learnt driving and got my license on the 2nd try. I also went overseas on holiday, to Sydney (very fun), Bangkok (very crowded, don't like the vibes), Melaka (too touristy). I've got wanderlust. This most recent year end holidays, I have been bound to Singapore, so I decided to explore Singapore a bit more deeper, so I had fun with my friends. Pippi also came over and I took her around to visit places from her childhood here. I also had my first fencing competition, and also most recently we hosted the NUS fencing Challenge. No more school uniforms, riding a car driven by a friend in Singapore (the first time I rode in a car driven by a friend was in Adelaide by Pippi). Moved back to the home I grew up in.
I say "still in progress", for I'm still in fencing, still in university. But with all these stories, who do I tell them to? I have no reason to share them, not that I don't enjoy sharing it, but will anyone want to listen? And how do I begin?

Wished for many things, got some of them
I am fortunate to say that I did well for my A levels. Not super stellar, but good nonetheless. I also did not too badly for my first semester's exams. I got A- for CS1101C (programming methodology), B for MA1505(mathematics I) and MLE1101(Introductory Materials Science and Engineering), and B- for PC1431(Physics IE) and EG1108 (Electrical Engineering). My CAP is 3.53 , which means I qualify academically for overseas programmes. I am sure God blessed me with many other things to, that I am glad to have, though I can't recall right now.

to be continued.