Error

This blog is now inactive.

Please redirect yourself here.

Cheers.

Updates... and A Farewell For Now

Came back from KL yesterday. Though it was quite disheartening to have been unable to meet my friends, I still had a good time in the capital.

First went to KLCC just to head to Kinokuniya - not to mention getting distracted by Toys 'r' Us because of Lego.

Went to Amcorp Mall the next day to get some bargain books. Bought myself a Neal Asher sci-fi novel, though I was disappointed that they didn't have copies of Frank Herbert's amazingly-written Dune, as well as some little souvenirs for Mom and some good friends of mine.

The following day had me going to 1U, though I found it to be immensely boring without any company.

And in between, gaming on my brother's recently upgraded computer. Haha, the gamer in me refuses to go away.

Now here I am at the La Salle Centre, posting what may be my final entry for the blog - well, for now.

While I can't deny posting on this blog has been quite fun, especially when I get some brainstorm for the next post, it's sad that the messages I try to convey (try as hard as I may) don't reach out to my intended audience. So for the time being, this blog will no longer be updated.

Unless the urge to blog comes back once in a while.

So thank you to those who have been supporting my blog all these years.

And cheers to all of you in your future endeavors.

See you guys soon.

Updates

Lost my voice.

Holiday soon.

Kbye.

Lobo's Am I True To Myself?

Today I looked down in the water

I saw a face look back at me

It hit me like a bolt of lightning

I may not like what I see.

Am I true to myself?

Do I believe in what I do?

Am I playing a role?

Do I want to be like you?

Or am I what I hate in others?

Only seeing things my way?

That's what I'm gonna ask myself today.

Do I really like my brothers

Do I like my hair so long

Do I try to think of others

Can I believe what's in my song

Do I think of all men equal

Or pretend I just don't see

Have I looked for good in others

Or just laughed and let them be.

Am I true to myself?

Do I believe in what I do?

Am I playing a role?

Do I want to be like you?

Or am I what I hate in others?

Only seeing things my way?

That's what I'm gonna ask myself today

That's what I'm gonna ask myself today.

You And I

You and I...

It's best that we don't stay friends anymore.

Perhaps I'm being self centred. But still, you and I, we're not going anywhere. It's only pointless words going back and forth between each other.

Best that we go our own separate ways so that neither party gets hurt by the words that may be said.

And to be honest, after that fateful day, you and I have lost that friendship we once shared. I cannot explain how or why.

All I know is that you and I can never go back to the days when we first met.

I guess we changed. One way or another.

Farewell.

Updates

Let's see...

Work till the 15th of Feb, then resuming on the 1st of March.

Regionals meeting for OTs on Feb 4th.

KL trip for a few days.

FT Weekend 1.

Meeting friends.

What else?

Coldplay's Everything Not Lost

When I counted up my demons

Saw there was one for every day

With the good ones on my shoulders

I drove the other ones away

So if you ever feel neglected

And if you think that all is lost

I'll be counting up my demons, yeah

Hoping everything's not lost

When you thought that it was over

You could feel it all around

And everybody's out to get you

Don't you let it drag you down

'Cos if you ever feel neglected

And if you think that all is lost

I'll be counting up my demons, yeah

Hoping everything's not lost

If you ever feel neglected

If you think that all is lost

I'll be counting up my demons, yeah

Hoping everything's not lost

Singing out 

Oh, oh, oh, yeah

Oh, oh, yeah

Oh, oh, yeah

Everything's not lost

So come on, yeah

Oh, oh, yeah

Come on, yeah

And everything's not lost

Oh, oh, yeah

Oh, oh, yeah

Oh, oh, yeah

And everything's not lost

Come on, yeah

Oh, oh, yeah

Come on, yeah

Come on, yeah

Oh, oh, yeah

Come on, yeah

And everything's not lost

Sing out, yeah

Oh, oh, yeah

Come on, yeah

And everything's not lost 

Come on, yeah

Oh, oh yeah

Sing out, yeah

And everything's not lost

Am I True To Myself?

Something came to mind when I saw two friends of mine the other day:


Am I expecting more from my friends than I should?

I would think so.

But no one can look after each of his friends all the time, no?

Maybe it's still that I need to find a way to get over my low self-esteem.


And a battle inside me to win too.

It's a long climb. But hell, if I don't do it now, I'll never get over it.

Small steps.

Cheers.

Words

Everything I know is wrong

Everything I do it just comes undone

And everything is torn apart

Oh and that's the hardest part

But it's all part of the learning process, isn't it?

All these years there has been a lingering sense of failure in me whenever I did something wrong. Some days I still feel that.

But like I said, we live and we learn. That includes me, too, despite what I tell myself.

I could feel it go down

Bittersweet I could taste in my mouth

Silver lining in the clouds

Oh and I

I wish that I could work it out

Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be able to escape this mad cycle. It's not impossible. Time and time again, I've come close to breaking out,  but circumstances push me back close to where I first started.

It's a rough and tumble journey, and I can't say that I'm not any wiser than before. Experience has made me a better man, but still there's a  long way to go.

I know something is broken

And I'm trying to fix it

Trying to repair it

Any way I can

If I had not opened myself to change, would I have reached this stage? I highly doubt it. I was nothing but trouble. I still am, but at least not to  such an extent that I'd be dire situations all the time.

Much of what is broken is now repaired. I just hope those that seem permanently irreparable are still able to be fixed.

Maybe the answers still elude me?

Or maybe the answers are right there in front of me, yet I am blind to them?

For all I know, that could be it. It means I need to get my eyesight corrected.

Lord I don't know which way I am going

Which way the river's going to flow

It just seems that upstream I keep rowing

Still got such a long way to go

The world can rob us of every single inch - except one. One tiny, fragile inch that they can never take away from us, no matter how they try. It  cannot be bought, nor sold, nor given away. We must never lose it at all.

There is no price for the freedom of the self.

But am I truly free?

Nobody said it was easy

No one ever said it would be this hard

Oh take me back to the start

There are still shackles holding me down. Guilt, burdens, fears - human emotion itself seems to have turned against me. The mind is raging against the soul.

There is no equilibrium. Balance needs to be restored.

Freedom has yet to be found. Four solid walls prevent me from leaving my cell.

My song is love

Is love unknown?

And I've got to get that message home

But freedom seems so close. I can taste it in the air. And oh, how sweet it is.

How much do I have to risk to find freedom?

Maybe you'll get what you wanted

Maybe you'll stumble upon it

Everything you ever wanted

In a permanent state

In time. I believe that my time is soon.

The journey isn't over, after all. Whoever said it was? Only a fool would think he has had it made.

Not just yet, friends. It's always, always the beginning.

And who can say what the risks are? I say, 'bring them on!'

Just because I'm losing

Doesn't mean I'm lost

Doesn't mean I'll stop

Doesn't mean I'm in a cross

Perhaps the enlightenment I seek will be gained tomorrow. Maybe next week. Maybe next month. Maybe in the next decade, or the next half a  century. I don't know.

But I'll still wait for that message.

It will come.

I just got lost

Every river that I've tried to cross

And every door I ever tried was locked

Ooh-oh

And I'm just waiting till the shine wears off

Freedom, come embrace me in thine arms, and take me to the paradise I long for.

"Oh, beauty, 'til now I never knew thee."

Gravity release me

And dont ever hold me down

Now my feet won't touch the ground

Plans?

If I could have things my way in the future, I'd definitely want to be the next Programs Director at the La Salle Center.

Who knows?

Will blog about this some other time.

Coldplay's How You See The World

Are you missing something?

Looking for something?

Tired of everything

Searching and struggling

Are you worried about it?

Do you wanna talk about it?

Ohhhh

You're gonna get it right some time

There's so much to be scared of

And not much to make sense of

Are you running in a circle?

You can't be too careful

And you can't relate it

'Cause it's complicated

Ohhhh

You're gonna get it right some time

You're gonna get it right some time

It's how you see the world

How many times can you say

You can't believe what you heard?

That's how you see the world

Don't you worry yourself

You're not gonna get hurt

Oooh

Is there something missing?

There's nobody listening

Are you scared of what you don't know?

Don't wanna end up on your own

You need conversation

And information

Ohhhh

You're gonna get it right some time

Just wanna get it right sometimes

That's how you see the world

How many times have you heard

That you can't believe a word?

That's how you see the world

Ah don't you worry yourself

'Cause nobody can hurt you

Oooh

That's how you see the world

That's how you see the world

Best Wishes

A happy Chinese New Year to every one of my readers!

May the Year of the Dragon be a prosperous and amazing one for all of you!

Cheers!

NO?

Is it really that difficult to say NO to something?

I've heard of people who can never say it to a friend when the friend is a-calling. They just drop whatever it is they're doing at the moment and  dash off to wherever their friend is. But that's not all: asking for favors, lending money and God knows what else. They just go with it, even if it  means inconveniencing yourself or others.

Is it that hard to draw the line when it comes to saying NO?

Even I know when to say YES or NO. If it's in my means, I'll say YES. If not, the opposite applies. If I'm uncertain, I always say I cannot  promise anything. And yes, I always say that. I make it a point never to make promises unless I know I can keep them. I've broken a few  before, and I don't want history to repeat itself.

So c'mon, if they're asking you to join them for a boys' night out for the umpteenth time, just say 'No thanks' - especially if there's something  that needs to be done at home, or if you've already promised your boyfriend/girlfriend/fiancee/family that you'd take them out. Imagine how  frustrated they'd be if you just ditched them at the last moment. How'd you feel if that happened to you?

NO. It's just one word. Shouldn't people be exercising their use of the word when it needs to be said?

How many of us do?

Cheers all.

Who's Been Reading?

My stats have shown that I've been getting some foreign viewers.

Wow.

OK.

I can't be too sure if this is for real, but in any case, a warm hello to you readers.

Cheers for now.

Updates, Again

I have a job now.

And CNY is around the corner.

Not to mention FT Weekend 1 next month. And other kinds of activities in between.

Gotta go now. Cheers all.

Updates

School reopens soon.

And I need to look for a job.

Cheers!

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.1

Best Wishes

Wishing my loyal readers a very happy new year 2012! May it be a great year for you guys!

Cheers!

Looking Back At 2011

2011 is already coming to an end. 'So soon?' you ask. 'But I wasn't even done!' Yes, many of us still feel like the year had just begun. Unfortunately, time has its way of passing by us without us knowing.

In any case, before we bid adieu to 2011, let's just take a quick look back at this tumultuous year and how it's altered life as we know it.

THE ARAB SPRING
One of the biggest world changing events, what began as a demand for a change in the administration of Tunisia had suddenly spread to numerous Middle Eastern countries like Egypt, Syria, Libya and a few other nations. Egypt saw the downfall of Hosni Mubarak's long reign of power, but the country still remains divided as the locals clashed with the military, demanding for fair elections. Syria remains in a volatile state; nobody is certain of what will happen next. Libya is slowly going through a transition period after Gaddafi's untimely death. The Middle East was definitely rocked by the Arab Spring, and the changes that followed were hailed as momentous occasions for different reasons. But I can't help but wonder if it really is over.

DEATH OF THE GREAT LEADER
The sudden death of North Korea's Great Leader put a lot of pressure on the world. What can be expected from his successor, Jong-un, now that he is the new leader of the last true Communist nation in the world? Already he's put all military activity on hold, but whether it's a smokescreen for something bigger or not remains to be seen. While the whole nation weeps and praises the 'divinity' of Jong-il's most favored son, the US and their South Korean allies have tightened security in preparation for what might be 'the next Big One'. I hope that it's not true.

THE COLLAPSE OF AL-QAEDA?
Osama bin Laden, the world's most infamous terrorist, was finally killed by US special forces in his 'secret' home, ending a manhunt for the world's most infamous terrorist and the man who fanned the fire of growing anti-US sentiment when Operation: Iraqi Freedom was launched. While he is still despised for his forever-remembered 9/11 attack, as well as numerous other terrorist operations worldwide, one can't help but feel a slight feeling of respect for the person who proved that even a mighty superpower like America could be challenged. Following his death, al-Qaeda has remained rather silent. But time can only tell when his successor would counter-attack.

POLITICAL CHANGES
Thailand went through some harsh times in terms of the political world, especially with so many people calling out for then-PM Abhisit's resignation. The elections saw the sister of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and political greenhorn Yingluck trumping Abhisit's party in the polls, but she now faces tough times ahead, especially regarding the floods that have devastated much of the nation. Meanwhile in Japan, the poor handling of the Fukushima reactor meltdown forced Prime Minister Naoto Kan to step down in the wake of growing sentiment over how his cabinet handled the crisis. Hopefully his successor Yoshihiko Noda will be able to turn things around in the next year.

NATURAL DISASTERS
Flash floods, hurricanes and earthquakes rocked the entire globe, with the unprecedented earthquake that rocked Christchurch early in February and the magnitude 8.9 earthquake and follow-up tsunami over in Japan being some of the worst that have ever been recorded. If that wasn't enough, don't forget the floods in Australia (January), severe weather in America (April-May), Hurricane Irene (August), floods in Thailand and the Phillipines, and other scenarios worldwide. Total damages are estimated at US$350 billion, with the crisis of Japan being the most costly of all, standing at approximately US$300 billion!

THE ROYAL AFFAIR
The wedding of Prince Charles and Kate Middleton on April 29th will be remembered as a true fairy tale wedding: the marriage between a dashing young prince and a beautiful commoner. And I gotta say it was indeed a grand wedding - the wedding of the decade, perhaps? I didn't watch the whole wedding, but it wasn't hard to tell that the millions of others watching it would never forget it at all. And while the wedding was the main attraction, let's not forget how Pippa Middleton charmed the pants off guys across the world, as well as that little girl on the balcony with the royal couple, sulking away with her ears stopped up!

HARIMAU MUDA BOLEH!
Our national football team did the country proud when they knocked Indonesia's socks off in last year's Suzuki Cup final. This year, they continued to excel by giving the visiting EPL football teams a run for their money in the friendlies they played, as well as bringing back a gold medal from the SEA Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. Despite security concerns, the team still pulled it off and showed their rivals that Malaysia still has the Midas touch it had in the yesteryears. Kudos to them for bringing pride back to our country in the sports arena, as well as their determination and willpower to show that 'Malaysia Boleh!'

THE BERSIH 2.0 STORY
Another Bersih rally made headlines on July 9th, proving that Malaysians have had enough of all the unfairness happening. The Bersih proponents demanded for clean and fair elections in Malaysia, and the rally gathered as many as 150 thousand people taking to the streets, braving the police's best efforts in stopping the 'illegal' rally. But their determination and courage helped in making a change: already the EC is taking steps to ensure the next elections are fair, including the introduction of indelible ink among other things, as well as the enactment of the controversial Peaceful Assembly Bill, and several other initiatives. Who knows, Malaysia might just undergo the change we want to see.

FAREWELL STEVE
Steve Jobs, the infamous founder of Apple, passed away on October 5th, thus marking the passing of yet another great innovator and radical thinker. While many would disagree with his beliefs and his very conflicting personality, one cannot deny that he was instrumental in the advent of marvelous new technology that has got his rivals powering their R&D to take on Apple. It was due to Jobs' powerful ideas and his quirky/unorthodox methods that have helped Apple stay at the top of its game. With his demise, the world mourned the loss of a visionary who wasn't afraid to take the plunge into uncharted depths and forever revolutionized the world of technology.

WINEHOUSE HAS LEFT THE BUILDING
Amy Winehouse's death is another surprising one. While a heck load of people knew she had problems, nobody anticipated she would kick the bucket so soon. And when later it was made known that she was quite ready to release a whole new album, everyone felt even more saddened by these turn of events. Now that it has been released, people are wondering how it would really sound like if it was complete. Hopefully Amy would be resting in peace, knowing that her music will now live on forever.

THE MJ CASE VERDICT
MJ's doctor was convicted of intentionally killing the King of Pop, and the court's verdict has given relief to not only his close friends and family, but to the millions of fans out there. When the verdict was announced, I can easily imagine people screaming and jumping with sheer delight, apart from hurling more 'serves you right!' abuse at the doc. Wonder how MJ would react to these news up there.

TECHNO-MARVELS
Speaking of technology, we've seen so many new phone and tablet models being unveiled throughout the year. While the iPad was one of the biggest highlights, Apple's competitors were not very far behind. HTC unveiled a string of innovative smart phones, while Samsung became Apple's biggest challenger with its line of Galaxy smart phones and Tab series. Nokia had also launched a number of cool phones, including the fascinating N9, but at the moment seems to be trailing behind Samsung and Apple. In the computing world, ultrabooks are the new in-thing, boasting awesome CPUs and an ultra-light and slim body; 3D too has become a rave, with the introduction of 3D HDTVs and monitors.

GAMES GALORE
There have been so many games released this year, it's hard to keep track of all of them: StarCraft II: WIngs of Liberty, Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Fallout: New Vegas, The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, Batman: Arkham City, Crysis 2, Dawn of War II: Retribution - those are just some of the many awesome games out this year, and many of them have just blown the minds of gamers worldwide, especially Battlefield 3 and its amazing Frostbite 2.0 engine. Can't imagine what is going to come up next year!

MOVIE MANIA
And who can forget the movie world? We've had a string of hits and misses, and a number of them hint that there's more to come. (Example: The Avengers) Among some notable movies this year include The Muppets, Puss in Boots, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, The Ides of March, Songlap, Arthur Christmas, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, We Bought A Zoo, Hanna, Thor, Captain America, Fright Night, Kung Fu Panda 2, etc.

There may be more that I might have missed, so I'll update this if I do feel it's needed. Until then, Happy New Year everyone!

From A Movie Point-of-View

How many of you watched the golden Disney classic, Mary Poppins? I won't be surprised if most of you did and the others haven't.

I grew up watching that live-action 50s musical film starring Julie Andrews and Dick van Dyke, and just recently I watched it again. Now that I realize it, this movie is probably one of a few that still leaves fond memories in my mind - ones I remember even till now.

Basically, the plot is simple: it's 1910 in London, and the Banks family is looking to hire a nanny to care for their two children, Jane and Michael. When Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way, steps into their lives, along with a little help from her charming old friend Bert, things begin to take a twist for the good of not just the kids, but even the entire Banks household themselves.

How it still manages to retain its charm even up to today is pretty obvious: it's one of those movies that had Walt Disney's touch to it. In fact, the movie did so well that it won five out of the thirteen Academy Award nominations it had received, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews (TRIVIA: she was originally intending to act in My Fair Lady, which was the Disney film's biggest contender in the awards, but the role was given to screen siren Audrey Hepburn) and Best Song for the very lively Chim Chim Che-Ree.

But I'm not here to discuss the entire length of the movie. What I am focusing on is the movie's central theme: the importance of family.

Mr Banks is an officer working for the Dawes, Jones, Mousely, Grubbs Fidelity Fiduciary Bank (yes, I know, it's quite a mouthful) and like most working adults, works from 9am to 5pm. (Presumably, since he's always home at 6pm) Also, like most working adults, he has little time to actually care for the children. Mrs Banks, however, doesn't have the time to do so either, as she's actively involved with the infamous suffragette movement that was fighting for women's rights in that time period. Hence, the family's need for a nanny. It's been mentioned that they've already gone through five nannies, and all of them have given up trying to control the kids.

But Jane and Michael are just like ordinary kids: they want to have fun, and as much fun as they can. Most parents would do whatever they can to make time for the children, but unfortunately for these two, Mr Banks is a man of discipline. Not to the extent of caning the children, but he's never given them any time to go out and play. The few songs he sings give him the impression of a man who takes things seriously - including how important it is to educate the children on the world.

Even Mrs Banks is powerless to persuade him. He is the master of the house, and that cannot be disputed. (Ironic, isn't it, as she's part of the suffragette movement but can't even speak her mind to her own husband)

Mary Poppins is quite the contrary. Hence, Mr Banks' disagreement with her methods. But if it wasn't for Poppins' steadfastness, she wouldn't have stayed with the children for long. And if it wasn't for her, the Banks family would never have come together.

The Banks family's situation mirrors family life in the modern world. With parents stuck in a pursuit for material wealth, they abandon their children without any care. Day in and day out, all modern parents think about is putting food on the table, giving the best that education can offer, and run in and out of their home to make ends meet.  What about the kids, neglected at home, without any love from their parents? It's worse if their parents are stern disciplinarians or are abusive to their children, or if the children themselves fall prey to the dark side of life.

Which has happened all too frequently.

Jane and Michael have to thank Mary Poppins for keeping them safe. But for most of us, we don't have a nanny like her to look after us. Some parents rely on our grandparents (I was cared for by my grandmother whenever mum and dad were away, but thankfully I live in a tight family) to look after us. Others rely on maids. And when all else fails, parents go to their relatives. But even so, the news continues to publish sad stories of domestic violence, child abuse and other related cases almost every day. Who can you really trust?

It's a grim world we live in.

While Mr Banks finally managed to turn things around (thanks to both Mary and Bert) and start enjoying life with his family - he took them out to fly a kite - real parents can't afford such a luxury. Time is not on their side, not like it used to be. They've become slaves to their jobs, and the young ones are always the ones who suffer, whether they know it or not. They don't know what to do without their parents to guide them. And this is why so many have already fallen victim to the vices of life.

It's high time these parents be enlightened. Else, how many other children are going to suffer?

Post-Convention Thoughts

Change brings opportunity. ~ Nido Qubein

The 21st National La Sallian Leaders' Convention came and went just like that. Time really flies, doesn't it?

When we first came together on the 16th of December, none of us knew what was in store for us. Well, maybe except myself. Even though this would mark the first time I came for the Convention, I had quite a bit of knowledge on what to expect thanks to early exposure to the La Sallian spirit and values and through my time from organizing this year's Northern Regionals. Of course, the most important thing that would come to us would be change. But where are we to change? Which explains why I came for the Convention: how are we going to change and make a difference? I wanted to know. Hopefully, I would know just where to start.

The Heritage play struck me the most throughout the entire Convention. I'd seen one and helped direct another, but none could compare to how the performance stayed very faithfully to the real La Sallian story. It was from that onwards that I knew I was bound to be awakened to something new in the next few days, something that I never really noticed or learned up till now. That was an opportunity I knew I had to seize.

And I was right. All our sessions, games and reflections helped each and every one of us realize how our world is suffering at the hands of the ignorant, the sinful and such others. They challenged our thinking, our beliefs, our principles. They made us see how real these problems are. They made us realize that change is a must to make things better. They made us realize we are not alone in this noble mission.

Change means that what was before wasn't perfect. People want things to be better. ~ Esther Dyson

In between, there were definitely moments of fun and laughter. Lame jokes, IQ tests and sharing sessions allowed us to build new bonds of friendship between fellow La Sallians. And I must admit that the sessions I led after the end of the day were kinda spontaneous. I only believed that each and every one of us has something to share. So why not allow that voice to come out to the fore?

And as I have said many times, my enthusiasm was at its peak. Never have I actually unleashed so much energy in any other camp I've been to. What made me do it? I don't even know why. But I'm glad that I did it. I'm glad I got the ball rolling for everyone.

And as the days rolled by, I stopped once in a while to check my affirmation pouch. Honestly, you guys and girls honor me with your affirmations, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how many I have at the end of the day. I never intended to be affirmed for my deeds. I only wanted everybody to just feel proud of what they learned and to go out into the world with their eyes open.

And I never thought I'd say this: 'Open your eyes, ears, heart and mind, and you can make that change.' I told Wei Kit that, and in hindsight, I didn't really understand how I said that to him. But now that I look back, I must say it was my experiences that helped me form those words.

I guess change came in the most surprising of ways to me.

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. ~ Leo Tolstoy

Most of us really think we can one day change the world. I hope that Convention made you realize that only when you start from within can you really help the world.

My parents were instrumental in making sure me and my elder brother learned good moral values that have shaped the way we see the world. We used to live a comfortable life, and back then, I wasn't the person I am now. Time has its ways of changing a person. The events that I had to go through brought me new insights to what Life is really all about. And I'm thankful I had to go through all those to reach where I am now.

Now I live a simple life, and I do confess it's not as easy as it once was. But me and my family get by. Besides, I'm thankful I come from a caring family. Though things haven't really been looking up and may just become better than before.

Another thing I'll point out is that, honestly, I'm quite socially inept, especially with women. Ironic? There are just times when I say or do things that are (a) said at the wrong time; (b) lame; (c) misinterpreted; and a few other reasons. And I'm saying this based on personal experience. I've lost - and almost lost - friends because of that, and even now I regret my actions. So if I did say or do something without realizing its damaging effect, I offer my sincerest apologies. I'm pretty much at war with myself, but rest assured that I'm not intending on giving up.

It's all about accepting change. And I'm glad I accepted it.

Before we acquire great power we must acquire wisdom to use it well.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

When the last day came, it was indeed a very sad occasion. But despite that, I'm very happy. I'm overjoyed, really! Finally, we've come to our journey's end - but it's only the end of the Convention. Once you return home and return to school, then you're back to reality. That marks the beginning of a new journey: one that may lead us across numerous obstacles. But as long as we hold on to our beliefs and make that leap of faith, surely nothing, not even a force of nature, can stop us.

Of course, I cannot deny there will be times when all seems hopeless. I assure you, change is never easy. But if you are willing to make sacrifices, then by all means do it. If you have doubts, confide in your friends. We have the Facebook group not just to keep everyone connected. Use it to share your doubts, your sorrows, your victories, your lessons learned. It's a platform to remind us that what we do is for the greater good of all. Altruistic love is what we practise.

I have this quote I'd like to share, found on the tomb of an Anglican bishop of the 11th Century:

When I was young and free my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable. As I grew in my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lay on my deathbed, I suddenly realized: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed my world.

Small steps. Small steps are capable of making that difference. Now that we know ourselves, it's high time we took all that we've learned to walk the talk and hopefully bring about the change we want to see. If we agree that another world is possible, then I can tell you that it starts from us. Don't think of today as another one in paradise. Paradise isn't here yet. We need to work for it.

Are you with me and the La Sallian dream? Then let's make that step forward together as a family. And let us not forget there are thousands of others out there who share in our dream. Let's unite them as well and make the difference.

Understanding someone properly involves learning from him, and learning from someone properly involves changing oneself.
~ Hans Kung

Before I end, I'd like to affirm each and every one of you who participated in the Convetion whether as a Delegate, an accompanying teacher, an OT or even as a facilitator. I may not have talked to you much, nor would I have been able to write to each of you, but let me make it clear that I acknowledge you for who you are. No matter what our background may be, we are all the same. I am, you are, we are La Sallians. Never forget that!

And lastly, I will set up a blog for ourselves to be used as a platform for sharing other insights, personal experiences, projects and such that we could not shared throughout the Convention. Your contributions to this new blog - which I will name Journeying With The Dream - will be very important to helping everybody remember our mission and our responsibilities, as well as learn new lessons that will be key in making their dreams come true. Please feel free to email me with your stories and I will do my very best to publish them on this blog. If you do not know my email, drop by the blog once its complete. You'll definitely find it listed there.

Also, for those who have regular Internet access (I don't have any at home) and are willing to lend a hand, please let me know first hand. I need other administrators who can receive and publish stories on the blog whenever I'm not online. This blog might just be that first step in starting a chain reaction for the better.

Signum Fidei, brothers and sisters! And until the next time we meet, good luck and God bless.

...do all the good you can
to all the people you can
in all the ways you can
as long as ever you can
~ D.L. Moody