Friday, December 31, 2010

the closing of another chapter

2010 has been a year of many firsts. Below is a brief summary.

1. First ever job interview which landed me in e2i, no working experience before this.
2. First year in LSBC's YWA zone :)
3. Volunteering experience for a national event - NDP, then SYOG. (the next event was SCMS)
4. Orientation camps in university, starting with CAC, then Psych, then Hall.
5. Clubbing. (not once, but 5 times within 6 months omg)
6. First (academic year) in 12 years not being in a music CCA.
7. Living away from home for long periods of time (hall) and hence, doing my own laundry.
8. The start of university life.
9. ADULT FARES FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT :(
10. Exams that stretch till Christmas.
11. Joining dance (in hall). Again, with zero prior experience.
12. Vomitting in the car. Haha.


There were many transitions, many instances whereby I had to navigate around on my own.It was hard trying to deal with the new level of independence that accompanies a new phase of education. My degrees of freedom widened by quite a bit, but that was more or less manageable, thank God. Speaking of that, I'm guilty of not including God in my decision-making, where I tried to handle most (actually, all) of them on my own... which, in the process, resulted in several emotional lows.

Post to be continued. I hope. haha.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

I've got a fever, I'm hot, I can't be stopped

Things to be thankful for:
1. EXAMS ARE OVER!!!!
2. Fever came after my exams, not before

What really sucks:
1. Thanks to my fever, I'm sitting in my room in hall rotting away instead of clubbing with my psych mates.
2. The exams didn't go well.

Haha, maybe it's God's way of telling me not to party so hard, since I already went with Shengkun and co. last Friday. Before the end of my exams, can you believe that?! I can't! ha ha ha! (okay, must be the fever)

Anyway here's some cool stuff I found on the Internet. Like, wow okay I didn't know that.

Fever serves as one of the body's natural defenses against bacteria and viruses which cannot live at a higher temperature. For that reason, low fevers should normally go untreated, unless accompanied by troubling symptoms.
Also, the body's defense mechanisms seem to work more efficiently at a higher temperature. Fever is just one part of an illness, many times no more important than the presence of other symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fatigue, joint pains or aches, chills, nausea, etc.
(Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/aches_pain_fever/article.htm)

So there's some bacterial or viral infection in my body which explains the elevated temperature?

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Maybe it's true

Not long ago, some of my course mates and I submitted our group project for HP102. The hypothesis?

Upward comparison leads to a lower temporal satisfaction with life.

The thing is, I wrote most of the introduction. And though there was insufficient evidence to support our hypothesis, I personally think this hypothesis is true. It's growing on me right now. Whatever was in the introduction of our report is being projected through myself now. I cannot, however, define the duration of 'temporal' here because I have no clue when it will actually come to an end. Temporal would simply mean that it's not permanent.

When your closest peers have all found or have almost found their other half, and you find that you are still very much alone, trust me, you'd wonder if you'd ever meet yours too. Research in cognitive science has shown that humans always make comparisons, and this comes naturally (Strauss & Quinn, 1997). (I'm trying to rephrase my own work here so that I would not appear to be plagiarising my own work. Oh, the frustration.) It gets harder when, as mentioned above, your closest peers (in fact, every one of them) have something and the realisation hits you that you don't have it. This is the reality, the effect of upward social comparison on the perception of your own life. I don't know, I may have experienced cognitive dissonance upon completion of that report, such that my cognitions are being altered so that I actually agree (100%) with the hypothesis, even though we had insufficient statistical data to support it. This feeling of emptiness and dissatisfaction certainly is bothering me, (it's salient and I know it, no need to measure my life satisfaction before and after this awareness,) especially when my exams have just begun and there is this battle going on in my head. All the competing stimuli is getting to me and well, I need to filter some out. It's really depressing.

Today, right now, more than any other time, there is a need to trust God and stop trying to analyse my own life and situations. I hate it when I do this, running to God only when I need help. I really do.

I feel like going to a place where I can be alone and pray, confess and voice my deepest thoughts. Away from the presence of people, away from all worldly distractions. Just me, and my Father.

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHh

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhh HELLPPPPPPPPP I DONT WANT TO LOOK AT THIS ANYMORE

okay. Firstly, why do we strive so hard for something that's not tangible? (Like, studying so hard for my five papers within the next 2 weeks?) What is our motivation (all processes involved in initiating, directing and maintaining physical and psychological activities) behind this? It's partially because this gives us an extrinsic motivation, as in monetary gains in the future and a competitive edge in society. Psychologists believe in the need for achievement (n Ach), which is a mental state that gives us a psychological motive to excel or reach some goal, mainly at the conscious level. When we finally manage to achieve that goal, we may be rewarded - intrinsically or extrinsically.


Personality disorders. They show themselves in chronic patterns of poor judgment, disordered thinking, emotional disturbances, disrupted social relationships, or lack of impulse control.


The Pearson correlation measures the degree and direction of linear relationship between two variables. it is computed by r=(covariability of X and Y)/(variability of X and Y separately)

Monday, December 06, 2010

Exams... in December?

As the time draws nearer to the examinations - less than a week now - the stress level once again reaches another peak. It's not THAT high a maximum yet for me, because well. It's not near enough. But the mere look at the stack of notes and textbooks on my desk is enough to will me into studying, a good enough indicator of how much I don't know and how much I need to know.

Currently in the midst of reversing my abnormal body clock back to normality.

Currently deliberately removing myself from civilisation. But still in touch with the world through Facebook :)

While others are playing and enjoying themselves out there, the studying level at NTU has reached an all-time high ....

Oh my gosh I need to study.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Psychology is cool. I think.

Things I read from my intro psych textbook today:

1. People who abuse drugs, engage in violent and (teen) sexual activities do not have a problem with their self-esteem. They need positive achievements and prosocial behaviours.

2. (Albert Bandura) Part of personality is a collection of learned behaviour patterns. Through social/observational learning, responses are acquired after watching others' behaviour and the consequences of their behaviour. It is the ability to forsee the consequences of actions, particularly in what happens to others.

3. (Bandura) Reciprocal determinism is the process in which cognitions, behaviour, and the environment mutually influence each other. Each of the three elements reinforces the others. Say, I love music (cognition), so I join a musical ensemble and spend more time with my ensemble mates (social behaviour) in the music studio/room (environment). In a more spiritual sense, I may feel affirmed about my choice because the three elements work to reward me and make me feel good and feel like I've done the right thing. (yea sure, if only this were true)

4. Our behaviour is largely influenced by our sense of power, or locus of control (Julian Rotter). It is an individual's sense of whether control his or her life is maternal or external. I can say that I am master of my own life (internal locus of control), or fate determines what happens to me (external locus of control). Where religion is concerned, I think both are involved though. I know, for one, that my future is in God's hands, and He has plans for me (external). However, since God loves us and gives us the freedom of choice, I can decide what to do, whether I want to be a rebel and walk away from that path, or engage in activities that may lead me closer to His plans (internal).


Psychology over sociology any day, man. At least I can relate to them. Today's soci quiz totally murdered me. I really hope I pass it.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Hollyhoque Contour Bodycon Dress

I'm sad :( Woke up just to catch HH's launch, waited a few minutes, still no launch, decided to give in to my body's need to release waste, came back, and was too late.

My Contour Bodycon Dress - Black in Size S (UK6) was all pending. :'( Really like that dress a lot! :( :(

Friday, November 19, 2010

Downtown East Murder

Pride? Display of 'power' and capabilities? Were those what the teens/tweens wanted by engaging in such an impulsive act?

Alas, it's too late. The deed has been done. 

If convicted, they face the death penalty. No mercy there, they will never see, hear smell, taste, nor feel anything after that..

I wonder how their families are doing now. Their parents must be hardest hit, I mean the fact that their sons' lives are in the hands of the judicial system, not theirs. All those years they've spent trying to bring up their sons gone down the drain, all that blood, sweat and tears wasted just like that, should the boys/men be guilty of murder. Too late to do anything now, besides pray and engage the best lawyers (if they even have financial means to). The defense may not even win the case(s). But as parents, they'd naturally want to do anything within their means to help their beloved sons, even if it means they will lose everything (money to hire lawyer + son if state wins).

Oh dear. I really feel for their parents :( I hope they remain sane and not end up needing psychiatric tests themselves. My limbic system is very active at the moment.

Monday, November 08, 2010

Maybe that's why I do silly things

Kept trying, trying, trying, was so confident that I would get it, but no I NEVER do. It's this kind of frustration that makes me want to give up once and for all, intensifies my inferiority complex (yes I know I have it), and makes me want to do more stupid things like in my previous post to try and forget it all, push it all away, pretend this never had to happen. It's times like this that I feel I simply am not good enough, and will never be good enough.

And I yearn to go back to where I can be accepted and 'loved,' even if only for awhile. Though I know that after the whole episode I'll have to face this shit again.

Take this away from me. Please. It's agonising.

Friday, November 05, 2010

Reflections

Early this morning, I learned what it's like to 'live for the moment', and experienced its post-event symptoms. It's not worth it. Honestly.

A full account of this has been drafted but will remain unpublished.

Thursday, November 04, 2010

NTU CF!

Okay, Amelia, Victoria and myself are finally joining NTU Christian Fellowship. After like, 2+ months. We are finally going to put our lives back in order. Not that it hasn't been, but it just is more complete to have a CG within school (in addition to UJC* in church :P), it keeps us sane and stops us from drifting from God. At least that's how I feel about this. Definitely helps to have a support group in school. :)

Gonna get back on track again, and I can't wait to restart on this journey!!


*Uncle James' Cell

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Just a thought

Wonder why I keep breaking down.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Rejuvenated

Thank you. You have no idea how that felt. It'll be an understatement to say that you were my antidote. If only it could be like this every day... which is kinda impossible.


Sighhh I've got to live in the present and stop drawing on past sensations and memories, which will only become more distant with time.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Why do you keep trying so hard when you know you're just not favoured?

Why BOTHER when at the end of the day, the only thing you gain is dejection?

Do you honestly think such efforts are worth your time and resources? Nobody even notices your existence.

Stop trying to be noticed. You just ain't them. You will never be. Give it up and get a life (oh, I'm sorry, you don't have and can't get one).


One more thing. Quit talking to yourself. It's really foolish.

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

The Passing of Mrs LKY

The nation mourns the passing of a really great woman, Mdm Kwa Geok Choo, wife of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. It is a loss to him, to our country.

MM Lee's eulogy here (source: CNA) shows a a summary of their life together. This is the epitome of true love.

Rest in peace, Mrs Lee. You will always remain in our hearts.

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Changes

Once you reach a certain stage, you stop being concerned about what others think you are (at least almost), you stop longing to belong somewhere, you stop searching for your supposed self-identity. You engage in activities that have significantly more impact on your future. You look at what happens in the long run, weigh the implications of sacrificing the time spent on things you do today that would shape your tomorrow, with the instant gratification received from other activities that will not last.

You become... more emo, for lack of a better word. More reflective, more thoughtful. Your score soars on the 'worries' scale. You're not sure you even want to have a social life. You are lost, even though the map in your hands clearly states the direction you ought to go. You think, it's not that simple - not everything can be put down in paper and ink. The complexity is unseen, unheard, only experienced by the subject.

You need something more than a map and a compass. You need guidance from above, spiritual and divine help the human mind cannot comprehend. You bow your head, arms raised in surrender. You mentally throw out everything within you, trusting in the unseen with absolute faith that the weight you carry will be taken away from you. You just need to believe. Believe. Believe.

The Thrill of Running

Running takes your mind off things. Makes you focus on the route ahead, your breathing rate, the stinging by the side of your body, anything but the baggage Life thrusts to you. You leave its contents strewn in a trail as you set off on your journey, however short it may be.

Much to your dismay, you are made to pick up your mess as you return from your pilgrimage, place them back into the awful bag bestowed by Life. It all comes back to you then, slowly but surely.

You can't run away forever. You've got to face it sooner or later. Come back to it. It'll always be waiting for you, there's no escape.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Responsibilities, commitments, trust, and many more which have to be upheld. More to come.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

10th JCRC Rally Hall 12

Each Hall in NTU will go through a period of Junior Common Room Committee (JCRC) campaigning, rallying and polling to elect the next batch of students worthy of 'governing' each hall's social, sports and welfare matters, just to name a few.

I have just attended Hall 12's two days of rallying, and the response from its residents - based on both days' turnout - had my eyebrows raised. I don't know about the rest, but I felt that as a hall resident, it is important to know who are the candidates running for the JCRC, and who are the ones who would eventually make decisions on your behalf whenever hall matters are concerned. It was also my first time experiencing such a political event since, well, I'm under 21 and I can't vote for Singapore's next ruling party. I also felt it necessary to be there for 3 of my seniors who are running for JCRC, even though they had their rally yesterday. As an aesthetics performer, I know how it feels like to know that someone is there watching you and being with you (though physically far away) when you are involved in something important to you. So yeah, even though my OG was busying themselves with recreational sports elsewhere, I felt I had to stay at the rally... at least my conscience feels better :)

Having seen almost all the candidates speak, I must say that there is a lot that I can learn from them. I have almost zero public speaking skills, I cannot speak in front of a crowd under pressure, and my nervousness will just give me away. I don't even know if I even have half their certainty that this Hall is worth giving up all other commitments (like school CCAs) for. Not to mention the politics that are bound to arise within the committee, or the skepticism that hall residents may have towards the JCRC. As someone who is very concerned about how people perceive me to be, I simply don't have the guts to step forward like they do. I don't know if I ever will have too. Ha haa.



That aside... I really need to catch up on my studying. I have countless readings to do, and though it may look like I'm always studying, the fact remains that my courses and electives require me to READ and READ and READ and I do not really have a choice but to look like I am a hardcore mugger :( SIGH!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Jesus Take The Wheel

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy
With the baby in the backseat
Fifty miles to go and she was running low
On faith and gasoline
It'd been a long hard year

She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way too fast
Before she knew it she was spinning
On a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was so scared
She threw her hands up in the air

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat
Sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the way
I've been living my life
I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Oh Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
From this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me
Oh, why, ooh