Christmas Day had come and went... New Year Day is just a few days ahead.

As the year comes to an end again, people will be coming up with their new year resolution, that most wouldn't keep up with... and others will be preparing for the countdown and stuff.

So when we think about what happen to our lives in Year 2008? What will the things that come into your mind? So of the questions I asked myself was:

1. Have I done my part for the different areas in my life?
2. Have I been a good scout, a good son, a good student, a good brother (of maybe sister to some) or have I been a good boyfriend to Marlinne?
3. Have I completed the things I set out to do along the way?
4. Have I caused any trouble to anyone who I should apologise to?

So many questions to reflection and think about... however, will it make any difference in Year 2009?

Well, how's everyone's Christmas Day Celebration? I guess the season of giving and taking was not really affected by the economy turnout, right? I pray not!

Saturday (27 December 2008), I have a combination of events on-going for the whole day. Here's a little timeline of what had happen.

0700 hrs - woke up ... why so early?!

0830 - 1230 hrs - working (attachement)

1300 - 1500 hrs - with Marlinne

1500 - 1930 hrs - at my Great Uncle Thomas's place having a combine family celebration feast out

1930 - 2200 hrs - at Marlinne's Aunty's place having a combine family celebration feast out

I guess I really ate alot that day. I meant I do eat alot (that explains the nations forming into one now on my tummy), however due to the season's delicacy and mood to eat-out... I guess I just ate and ate.

I would like to thank some people for Year 2008:

Marlinne:
Thank you for your love, care and concern towards me. I truly appreciate the things that you have done for me and the patience you have with my unpredictable nonsense and lame jokes. I will try not to make too much cold-jokes, or else you might freeze to death when you are with me. Thank you for the presents too! And I do pray that the road ahead us, will be longer.

White Stag Scout Troop:
Thank you Leader's Council, Scouts and Ventures in the troop. Without you guys around, I wouldn't be around too. I pray that in Year 2009, the troop will be even stronger and steady. Lets not forget the brotherhood we have with each other. And it's live by the motto: FIGHT WITH HONOUR, WIN WITH PRIDE.

SandS Rover Crew:
Thank you Steady Wolf, Gentle Deer, Hairy Crab, Wisdom Keeper, Wombat, Raging Bat and Caring Cottontail for being in the crew as well as guiding me and teaching me about life experinces through the Rovering way. I pray that this crew and bond between us will continue to grow stronger and stronger as the day passes by.

Benjamin and Hong Ming:
Thank you for the time spent and getting to know each other during Poly life. I guess without you two buddies, I couldn't survive and enjoy my Poly time well. I guess the term is coming to an end, we should go out and meet-up some time, perhaps with the girls as well.

Meis and Jies:
Mei QY, Mei Snow, Mei Yan ni, Amanda Jie, Joyce Jie, Dino Jie, Sze Jia Sista, Yana Jie, Min Ru Jie, Janessa Jie... thank you for being my support in my life. Sounds like some oxygen tank, but well, without you ladies, I wouldn't know what is brotherly and sisterly love especially since Secondary School times. Thank you!

Kiddies in the District:
Thank you for being kiddies... haha just kidding. Thank you for inspiring me in Scouting and making Scouting in the District a more enjoyable experience. I hope more will join the Kiddies Club. Haha

I believe that in Year 2009... things will be much better in terms of many aspects in our lives. :)

I Believe - My Sassy Girl... one of my favourite Korean movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXbwzPDL_MU

Makes you wonder why the girl ran away from the dinner table right? Here is it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRNgGWpzmp4

Cheers.

Define Success...

What is success to you in personal terms? How do you know that you have attain that level? How can you work towards Success?

Siglap has this interesting slogan... Success is just a matter of attitude. I totally agree. Without the right attitude... the right mindset, the right drive, the right place, time and etc. How can you achieve Success or even begin to think about being successful?

I always have this blur vision of being successful through helping other people. Somehow when you decide to help a bunch of kids grow to be better citizens and humans in the society, it just brings joy to the heart. It doesn't have to be spoken all the time... just feel.

It was until Wolf talked to me about the definition of Success, in my terms, as to how many people's lives are being change due to YOUR existence. I have that thought of why am I still existing in this World, when at times, it feels so empty and harsh. I thought, might as well go up to the lap of Daddy God, the sooner the better. However, surviving for so many years... I've long decided to exist for others.

Does it benefit me? Yeah, sometimes, but at times, not at all. It really depends.

Why didn't I quit Scouting after my secondary school? It maybe just like any other CCA in Singapore? What made me stay on? The answer is YOU! You as in the kiddies, the boys (and now girls as well)... the brotherhood of the Nod (just kidding), the brotherhood of Scouting.

Turtle once told me that if I take Scouting out of my life now, there wouldn't be left of me in this World. I agreed with her view, everything I live, spoke about, act upon are Scouting. How much am I living Scouting each day? Almost 90%... 10% belongs to day-dreaming and sleeping.

So what's your take on the definition of Success?

Talk Big, Dream Big but take small steps... that's what Wolf spoke to the Rovers about. Why?

Coz' we dare to say out what we believe in
Coz' we dare to dream big dreams and even bigger dreams
And to achieve all these, we can't take a big leap... we got to take small steps to slowly but surely, reach to our destination. If we can't even take small steps, what makes you think you can jump such a big leap forward? I didn't say it's impossible, but how possible can it be?

We can't expect a baby to walk when it was just born. We can't expect a chick to fly when it was just born. We can't expect a Stag to run when it was just born. Only though those small steps, that we are taught to do greater things.

So are you talking big, are you dreaming big and are you taking those small steps to achieve it?

Weaknesses... One of my greatest weakness, that normally cause me lots of trouble is to THINK TOO MUCH. I tend to over-react to certain problems and would normally cause a big hoo-ha about it. It's not intentional, just precautionary...

Wolf mentioned, why not ask those whom you want to help first... "How do you want me to help you?" or "How may I help you?" Sounds like some salesperson in a departmental store, however, by understanding the needs of the person first, would greatly facilitate in your presence in helping them.

I've always wonder why Turtle told me that I got to listen more and advise less (along that line). Sometimes, people just do not need your advice but for you to have that listening ear. If they do need your advice, they will definitely tell you about it. I felt like a punching bag or a venting machine (not vending machine), at that point of time. However, after so long, and lots of reflection, I realise... it's indeed true.

Well... to my Marlinne... whatever the road lies ahead, it's difficult to say. I appreciate your care, your concern and most importantly your love. I know that you are having a hard time due to my dynamic schedule. I do apologise for that.

Like I said, 3 months ago, if you ask me... do you love Marlinne? I wouldn't be sure
Now, if you ask me again... do you love Marlinne? I would say, "YES".

You may not be the best in the World, but you're best to me.
You may not be the richest in the World, but you're rich to me.
You may not be the prettiest in the World, but you're cute to me... haha ok ok pretty to me.
You may not be the most understanding person in the World, but you're understood me.
And ultimately, you may not be the most loving in the World, but you love me.

Interesting songs (old but nice... yeah I know I'm OLD)
1. Delta Goodrem - Lost without You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8jp-vn-HiM)
2. Brian Mcfadden & Delta Goodrem - Almost Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YkKbOmmGkY&feature=related)
3. Aerosmith - I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo_0UXRY_rY)
4.Goo Goo Dolls - Iris (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsK90GWBVLY)
5. A1 - One more try (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR02zMzaoO8)
6. A1 - Ready or Not (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk_9qlyaUd4)

Could you love a boy like me? ....

Naruto, Bleach, animations and cartoons... most people would comment, why so childish to view all these? Others, would just kept on talking as if there is not end to it... for me, I just like it.

Some may ask why? Take for an example, Naruto Shippuuden episode 86 - 87... it speaks about revenge, plot and more fighting with determination and wits. However, what captured my attention was the word "Will of Fire" used to demonstrate the "Will" of the person who loves and care so much for his or her brothers and sisters within the circle.

I thought of my scouts... why not, we inculcate the "Will of White Stag"? How so?

The "Will of White Stag" belongs to those, regardless of appointment holders or not, who demonstrate true brotherhood among each other in the unit. To guide one another, to protect one another and to care for one another.

How about the "Will of Tampines"? Whereby, scouts from each unit demonstrate the above actions towards each other. Wouldn't this be an exciting sight to see one day?

It's gonna be a new year again... time just passes so fast... I wonder how the next generation of leaders will be like in each unit in Tampines District!

Well, back to my life... I don't think I will have any Christmas or new year list (perhaps, I should)... or any new year resolutions. There isn't any point for me, I guess. Some humans would like to have fame, some would like to have money, some would like to have fun, others would like to have something precious to themselves... for me, I would like to be happy. I don't know how, but in whatever things that I do, I'll do my best to be happy.

Hopefully, this will also influence others to be happy too! Singapore or more like the World is lacking people who are happy and who are smiling with their hearts out. Most people just fake it to not seem to be the odd one out.

As you enter the mud pool, I mentioned that as you walked alone, you may not know what lies ahead, especially in the murky water... there maybe dangers, there maybe pit holes, however whatever there is, there is bound to be uncertainty. You can feel your way around, you can walk blindly, you can walk with confidence or you can walk happily. It's your choice, your journey in life.

Are you ready?

Working needlessly... How many people can be more than willing to work first and think of the outcome later? To do things first, before exploring the results to expect?

Humans are influence in such a way that without positive results that will greatly benefit us, the way we work and react to situations are really half-hearted. The theory is, whereby the effort and focus that a human can put into work varies directly with the amount of beneficial results expected. Thus the more benefit foreseen, the greater effort and focus is being put into work.

Why? Seriously, I guess, parents or even peers taught us or even question us this: "Why work so hard, just do the bare minimum and pass enough lei!". True to a certain extent, I am like this during my Poly school studies. Just study and pass enough. But on the other hand, when the comes to working and scouting, no matter pass or fail, I will do my best.

Why? I don't know. Perhaps the passion, the drive to do something that you like would spur you on further to achieve and to work needlessly. A person who has talent but no drive, cannot experience the true happiness in doing the things he is doing, as compared to a person who is not so talented, but yet has the drive to do it. The major difference, passion and love for doing things.

Truly, as you grow from stages to stages as a scout, the different between a scout and a good scout is the passion that is raging in him. (Yum Yum! haha). You can really see from the eyes of a passionate scout, that has a undying fire burning strongly and each new skill is like wood, adding into the fire. Even in this stage, as a leader and rover, the passion to see the scouts growing and fighting to be a good scout, is just like wood burning my passion for scouting.

1 year ago, I nearly gave up scouting due to the constant hindrance and road-blocks in my scouting journey. I didn't know what I am there for and didn't know what to do. I kept asking myself, why am I here as compared to my other friends who are working hard to earn a keep and have a girlfriend to go out with?

Then, I saw this bunch of kiddies, who kept me reminded that scouting as a leader, isn't just about me, me and ME only. It's also about them, them and THEM too! Seeing scouts like Huda, Waiman, Bernard, Shane, Nick, Nowell, Wei Liang, Ryan, Ding Ru, Daniel, Zavier, Euodia, Mariam, Jessica, Javis, Dheenoh and many more grow each time I meet them... it's really amazing.

And also, seeing my leaders like Raging Bat, Wombat, Russian Bear, Talking Macaw, Humming Bee. Gibbon, Ralph and Father Ferret strive in life (scouting and person), just makes me wanna be in the brotherhood even more.

And my dearest rovers, Cottontail and Tooth Fairy... I'll stand by you, be it physically or morally. We are as One rover crew and when the SandS solidify, it can build things. And with our hands, we shall build and make things happen as well.

For White Stag
For SandS
For Tampines!

Firstly, before I begin my long-winded and boring story again... I would like to dedicate the first part of my entry to someone special. A close friend since Secondary 1 and a fellow competitor!

Happy Birthday to you Puffer Fish!!!!!

I hope you are enjoying your life now and ever, and since it's winter in Australia now... I guess you are also growing fat since you can't go jogging out in the snow and cold. No worries!! You are still loved by mei mei and me!

Well, back to my life. 5 years ago, I entered Sarimbun with lots of pride and honour, yet feeling nervous as it was going to be the biggest competition in my life. The team agreed upon the slogan: "Fight with Honour, Win with Pride".

The mother of all competition in Singapore Scouting, the National Patrol Competition, was the biggest and most exciting competition to see units competing with each other for the hall of fame. Well, I knew we couldn't get a Gold, however, we were still keen in winning the first medal back to White Stag Scout Troop!

4 days of intense competition and the rain was unforgiving. 4 days of pressure and yet we did have fun. On that night, when the results were announced, we huddled together and pray. We prayed that we will do ourselves proud and win. And .... (Drum roll, please!)...

Flash back, that was what I felt last night as I stood at the campfire circle for the 3rd time during the NPC. While watching the 3rd generation of boys going for the NPC, was like walking down a memory lane for my batch as well as the 2nd batch who went there and survived well. The atmosphere was intense as before and patrols were all fighting for the best. It was one hell of an environment to be in.

I would like to congratulate the patrols from the 6 scout units, representing Tampines District for the NPC 08. Here are the results for those who didn't know about it:

Silver Award
East Spring Oneida Patrol
Ngee Ann Wichita Patrol

Bronze Award
Changkat Changi Eagles Patrol
Dunman Dove Patrol
Cuon Scout Patrol
Siglap White Stag Patrol

I can say that this is the first time in Tampines District that all the units worked their best to achieve something for their unit. I would like to honour these brave souls and perhaps, be a start to have a hall of fame for such activities.

I must say I was very touched by 3 units in particular that showed a major turn-around since DPCC 08. Changkat Changi Eagles, Dunman Dove and Siglap White Stag... Hey PLs and members, stop and turn back now... look at DPCC 08 and see how you guys were like and compare it to now NPC 08. What have you gain and what have you do to achieve these?

The most heartwarming experience was the unity of the Tampines District. Have an units noticed that whenever one of the six patrols was receiving the award, besides the unit cheer... you can also heart the voices of youth from Tampines District declaring that we are as one big family.

You can hear:
"Tampines ... Tampines...
Tampines, Tampines, Tampines
You are the one
You are the Champion
You will always be Number 1
Tampines!"

I would long to hear these kids cheer on, when they grow to be leaders of Tampines one day.

I would long to hear the next generation of kids, singing with pride.

I would long to see the unity of Tampines, as no other district can achieve such unity and strength and friendship.

3 cheers for the patrols who made all of us proud.
Hip Hip... Hurray
Hip Hip... Hurray
Hip Hip... Hurray!!!!