A Birthday Thank You Post

A certain number of years ago, I was born on this day. The heavens didn't burst into brilliance, the earth didn't tremble and people still went on with their normal lives. All in all, a very normal birth day.

Since that day, I would like to say that I have impacted lives, made a difference and that people will remember me when I'm gone. The truth is, I don't really know. I suppose nobody really does until they are truly gone, by which point they won't be able to know.

Nevertheless, I know that there have been people who have impacted my life, made a difference to me and these are people I will remember even when they are gone. For these people, I am thankful. Without them, I wouldn't be the same person I am today. Some of them don't even know that I exist, while others are closely familiar with me.

To you who have changed me, shaped me and forged me, thank you. This post is dedicated to you. May your influence over my life extend to the influence I had, have and will have on others in the years to come.

Why such a strange post? It's not a complicated answer. I do not revel in birthday parties, feasts and presents. They are but by-products of a culture that holds little meaning to me. I enjoy thinking and today, as I took time to think about the significance of another birthday, I thought about who I am and why I am who I am. I remember that a large part of who I am, though sculpted from my choices and decisions, have been influenced by those around me, positively or negatively.

So, again, to you by whom I was influenced, thank you for influencing me. 

I don't have birthday-ish pictures to post, so I thought I'd post the picture of a place that I have many fond memories of: The canteen (close to present-day) of my secondary school, Chung Cheng High School (Main).

Missing the Gems and Jewellery Show in Bangkok

A year ago, on this date, I was in Bangkok for the gems and jewellery show. This year, unfortunately, due to the immense number of projects and assignments, I cannot be there.

One of the things I miss about the show is the sheer diversity of people and products that it brings together. Although Singapore has its own gem show, it is tiny compared to the one in Thailand.

It was through that show that I started getting ideas to start my own projects in gems. I saw the possibilities and opportunities that the industry holds and how much it could improve in Singapore.

If the gemstone industry takes off in Singapore, it could be a highly lucrative one. That's what I want to work towards!

Well, even though I can't be there this time, I'd like to be around next year.

Here's to a great year ahead!

Roadblock on The Introvert Teacher

Horror of horrors! I just realised that there was an entire chapter that I didn't place in the manuscript of The Introvert Teacher. 

I'm feverishly working through it right now, along with numerous other things I'm working on from other projects, hence the lack of recent updates.

My apologies! I will be back soon with more updates!

As CNY 2016 Moves Forward

For some reason, this Chinese New Year has a better atmosphere than previous years. Perhaps it all comes down to mindset. I'm sure that you've had the feeling of "It's Christmas already?" or "I can't believe it's Chinese New Year again."

When I feel this way, I've found that my mind is usually pre-occupied with concerns and thoughts. Thus, the inability to enjoy the festivities is understandable.

So, extrapolating from that information, perhaps I'm just in a better state of mind this year.

It feels like a cloud has been lifted and things are becoming cheery again this year. I can't say the same for the weather.

This year, it seems that things are moving all around. When waves move, we either catch and ride them or hesitate and miss them. 

I plan to catch them and ride them forward.

Here's to a great year ahead!