"SMU is home"

The emcees at the official opening ceremony said this today. It is true, SMU has 6 buildings it can call it's own. It has a pedagogy that was unheard of in Singapore universities prior to its existence. It has a strong and high-tech infrastructure, and one of the most expensive food items in all schools.

When I watched the opening ceremony via webcam - i didn't register for the event in time - it just struck me that so many of those involved were year 2s and 3s. In fact, there were more year 2s involved than anyone else. Year 4s were practically non-existent! The year 1s were probably somewhere around as well.

Perhaps it is due to the phase where year 2s are always so active. Then when the sophmore year rolls past, students start getting jaded by the superficiality of some of their coursemates. And when year 4 comes, well, job-hunting becomes much more important.

But perhaps, it is also because many of the year 4s have a greater affiliation and affinity for the old campus. After all, we spent 3 years of our academic life there, and just 1 measely year in the city campus. We exchanged greens for glass and concrete. Too much change... Most of us were just exhausted by the fourth week of school!

So now, while I say that SMU is truly home, it doesn't feel that way to me. Yes, I felt a great sense of pride welling up while watching the video, but I miss the botanic gardens. The crapiness of the uncle at Trung Yuen. The friendliness of the uncle and auntie at the Waffletown shop. The great memory of the auntie at the cai fan store. And who can forget Zul, with his painted nails and ornate earrings, necklaces and rings?

The memories still ring true...

Okies, some really long overdue post that I wanted to put up in time for Christmas. I promise to do a mini Christmas series or advent this year! As in, I'll post something interesting related to Christmas from 1st to 25th Dec, or on the 12 days of Christmas.

So... from investopedia.com,

Santa Claus Rally
A jump in the price of stocks that often occurs the week between Christmas and New Year's. There are numerous explanations for this phenomenon, including tax considerations, happiness around Wall Street, and the fact that the pessimists are usually on vacation this week.

If this is real... I'll buy my stocks before Christmas! Then I can take advantage of the capital appreciation and make a quick buck! But.. note the word IF.

What is your colour?

You're green, the color of growth and vigor. Good-hearted and giving, you have a knack for finding and bringing out the best in people. Green is the most down-to-earth color in the spectrum — reliable and trustworthy. People know they can count on you to be around in times of need, since your concern for people is genuine and sincere. You take pride in being a good friend. For you, success is measured in terms of personal achievement and growth, not by status or position. Rare as emeralds, greens are wonderful, natural people. It truly is your color!

It's 2006. 2nd Jan 2006. Monday.

Yet, it feels like any other lazy Sunday in 2005... my sis is asleep (at least, she's supposed to be), my maid's asleep too, and i reckon i'll have to go wake my mum up after a while so she can continue doing her work.

So what's different this year? So far, nuthin.
What 's gonna be different?

For starters, i'm going to walk down that aisle this July, not in a white gown complete with beads and embroidery, but in a dark blue gown with white trimmings and a square hat.

I've also resolved to hone my cooking skills more this year, and cook curry and have an Asian spread for Christmas dinner.

Quite a large number of my peers are job hunting now, and their faces won't be floating around campus.

I've embarked on an exercise regime of gym once a week. And I will try to do sit ups everyday. Flabby tummy is no good.

I'm also going to be more consistent in Bible reading this year.

I'll prepare better for kid's choir on Sunday, and try to go up for Sunday School after that. And practise piano like mad so Wj will have a better time co-conducting the adult's choir.

I might embark on taking my diploma in music, piano performance.

So well, that kind of sums up my resolutions for the new year. Oh yes... i forgot one more... prepare Jason, Jonathan and Amelia for my passing on the YC to them.

Hmmm... this is going to be a busy year, but for now, I don't feel very extremely excited about the new year. It is kind of with some hesitation that I face it, because I know that in 3 and a half months time, i'll be out there in that unforgiving dog-eat-dog world where the fittest survive and anyone who's not an investment banker but is in commercial banking is seen as stupider.

Ah well... p.s. does anyone have recommendations for good Bible study books to use in a small group setting?