chronicles of young

For some reason, every time I reflected that I am becoming more extroverted, the immediate reaction was to deny, like being an extrovert is a bad development. I have indeed developed my ability to be extroverted from having to interact with so many people all day everyday (an exaggeration: I'd be hiding at home now if it were so). Wanted to write this down before I sleep (strangely buzzing-awake, without caffeine, probably the itch from the multiple mosquito bites on my feet?!). Reflections from interactions. 1. Dignity I realised that perhaps it is not the act of asking money or saying that one is poor that robs one of dignity, or accepting financial help even. Perhaps it is the value and meaning we place on money. Why is it so 'shameful' that I am less well-off? Does that make me more coarse? Perhaps. But ultimately I think it boils down to what/whom we based our dignity on. I have grown to not be ashamed of my humble(ish) background, especially when interacting wi...

Liminal space: an in-between space of both becoming and transition. It struck me as I was thinking about how we conceived the almost-crazy idea of doing a mini social enterprise (what is thesis. what is year 4. what is Exco lol), that food has been central in many things. Looking at photos of food from the past 2 weeks (mostly this week), I begin to see that food has created a liminal space. With HX: Engaging with social issues as a Christian A clearer shape for hitherto subliminal thoughts, yet not fully formed (would they?) The act of food instagraphy as a metaphor for this generation To think! Alone! The becoming of a community. Usually begins with food. A simultaneous reflection of who we are and want to be  (Do I sound like I am super deep yet HAHA) (But I am. Deep deep in God's love)

University is the last 4 years we have before work starts. And well I was super excited about university and so far it hasn't disappointed. Learning about things I care about, doing things that enthuse me, learning to work with people... And importantly, shaking off all those stereotypes that I have unconsciously accumulated.  University= Unity in diversity. I am only beginning to learn how deeply competitive I am, and I thank God that He has humbled me in many ways. I am only starting to learn from people with their vastly different experience. Learning to allow more time with people, starting to slow down, to not be so caught up with being efficient.  "The world is always sizing up people, putting people down" ~ Tom Wright, in Early Christian Letters for Everyone This really convicted me of my competitive spirit that led me to oscillate between feeling insecure, arrogant and judgmental.  I really thank God for all His numerous blessings :) And here...

I'm technically graduating on October 12 I think, but I wanna write something about school now when I feel like I can write something (of at least some worth that is). In many ways I guess the school still feels a bit new to me; sometimes I stop in my tracks just to figure out how to get somewhere. But that's not the point here. I just wanna write down all the events/conversations with people that I remember while I still can. I went through a period recently where I was seized by an irrational debilitating stress. I say it was irrational cos I knew I had no basis for it. Anyway during this period I was feeling quite hopeless, and I forgot why but F talked about where she wanted to go. Either Japan or Shanghai, she said, and when I asked for what, she replied somewhat abashedly 'To enjoy life..' That was when I let out a mock cry. It made M laugh but from the bottom of my heart at that moment I really felt like crying. Cos at that moment it really ...

I was feeling crappy the other day.. So I decided that the time was right. In this time capsule that 14 year old Kang Li wrote to herself, she spoke of dreams and love and believing in yourself. And man, it really did make me smile and believe "I CAN!" again. This one really made me laugh out loud. I think I was (still am, I guess) a dreamy girl. More time capsules:  This has a specified time: when I'm 20  P.S. Guess I won't be able to bake so often now, but drop by if you don't mind reading somewhat crappy talk. Who knows, there may be occasional bits of advice :) Cinnamon squares Just baked them today, but won't be sharing it here cos there's something lacking about the texture, though I like the cinnamon taste.

You know 'If' by Rudyard Kipling? Well, here are some of my 'Ifs'. If I can eat cookie dough and baked goods everyday And not have my waistline expand in any way If I can make all those wacky recipes of mine- In reality, not in my mind If Chocolate Pound Cake succeeds with it being a social enterprise too With me at the counter Talking to my customers Man, that would be a good life! What about yours?

I've got a fringe. It keeps poking into my eyes. So today, since I was in a not-so-fab mood, I took the scissors and went in front of the mirror and started hacking. Literally. Cos the scissors was rusted so I had to hack at my hair. Anyway, now this reminds me of Britney. Women like to cut their hair when they are down. Its a fact, you know? This is one of the few notable things in my life right now. Do I sound like I'm complaining? Hmm , okay this isn't the ideal life that I want to have but I understand I will grow to appreciate this (bloody) system in the future. It would be nirvana if I get to experiment in the kitchen right now, but I know this is Mum's territory,and that I will appreciate and adore my kitchen when I get my own next time. Like how Mum fanatically cleans the kitchen up after cooking everyday AFTER WORK. Mums have a huge reserve of power I tell you. Love ya Mum and Dad! Though I'm keeping this tiny little space on the Internet a secret for ...