Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The holidays may have arrived, but I ain't feeling any happier.
Reason being I still can't get a part time job.
True, that may partly be due to my laziness.
But I have gone for quite a number of job interviews.
The problem probably lies in my lack of previous job experience, plus my short period of commitment (because school resumes on Jan 3, 2007).
Ironically, I did sound quite determined about earning extra income earlier this month.
But since I'm not making any headway, guess it's time to carry on Mapling. (despite the huge load of holiday assignments)
In September - Indulging in Maplestory, Pangya, Audition.
Now, two months later - I have quit the latter two, stopping at Senior B in Pangya and Level 11 Freedom for Audition.
Next milestone for Maple: Reach level 90 by end of the year.
Sounds like a tall order, but in my eyes, certainly it can be achieved.
those memories. 17:43
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Was training in maple as usual before this, but unfortunately, the persistent lag brought about by my modem made me quit after just 30 minutes.
Anyway, the screenshot below shows the place I've been training at ever since the new map, Zipangu, was released last week.
This map is called "Cemetery Full Of Ghosts".
As the name suggests, there are ghosts flying around the area, along with coolie zombies, a favourite amongst many Maplers.
The downside: there aren't any safe resting spots here.
If you wanna AFK, you will have to go to Cash Shop, which makes you risk losing your map to someone else.
Fortunately, this place is only accessible via a secret entrance from Crow Forest 1, two maps in.
Meaning that there aren't many who know about this place yet.
But over time, it's inevitable that this place will become a popular training area as well.
My first visit here was with my buddy, so loads of thanks to him for letting me know such a "good" map exists.
Just for the more curious, coolies give 190 exp and the flying ghosts, 270.
Recommended levels for efficient and fast training:
60+ (clerics, priests), 55+ (sin)
Players from other classes will be better off training somewhere else.
those memories. 15:03
Friday, November 17, 2006
Decided that any comments on the whole year of Project Work wasn't necessary.
After all, it's already over, so why bother to think about it again?
The next few days will be real busy. There'll be ex-2e5 chalet from tomorrow till monday. Wonder how much my secondary school friends have changed three years down the road. Then on monday, my current class, 36/06, will be having a gathering at joycelin's house (to be more precise, condo).
It may be high time to stop bearing this stereotype about residential elitism.
But with Singapore becoming more and more globalised, it's inevitable that some people will be left behind, particularly those in the lower income category (ie. bottom 20th percentile of income groups).
And with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) set to be increased to 7% from the current 5%within one year, it's like a double whammy to the lower income population.
Therefore, it's to no wonder that various MPs questioned the effectiveness of the so-called impact cushioning package during recent Parliament sessions.
This new package must be able to benefit those involved in the LONG RUN.
Rewind to the period earlier this year when the Government decided to give all eligible Singaporeans a "windfall".
The Progress Package. It was a one-time cash payout, with the level of income you earn determining the amount you get.
In this way, the lower-income population has benefited more than their higher-income counterparts.
The problem is, the standard of living has become so high here that a few hundred dollars probably won't make you survive even for six months.
So, what can possibly be included in the package to benefit the lower-income group in the long run?
Having more rebates (can be from many areas, such as sanitary rebates for housing).
Allowing for key payments, like school fees, to be deferred to a larger extent.
Can't think of other effective solutions for the moment.
But in short, I hope the Government will fulfil its promise of not leaving the lower-income group behind in the nation's path towards globalisation.
Which is why the details of this latest package will not only be eagerly anticipated, they will also be heavily scrutinised big-time by all in terms of usefulness and relevance.
those memories. 18:06
Monday, November 13, 2006
Finally, the day of reckoning has arrived.
After the OP exam today, there won't be much to worry about.
At least till next year.
Wish me all the best, I'll return tonight to share with everyone my insights regarding this whole Project Work process.
In my opinion, was it meaningful or just a sheer waste of our already limited time?
Stay tuned to find out.
those memories. 10:50
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Fourth and final OP rehearsal with ST this morning.
And STILL a tendency to be too fast in my speech.
The problem is, I will start stumbling when the pace is too slow.
That's likely to make the presentation worse instead.
Heck le.
Maybe I could try rehearsing at home on my own a few times.
At the same time, anticipating possible questions that might be asked.
But that's all of the preparation I'm gonna give myself.
After all, there's no point over-stressing yourself now and end up blanking out on the actual day.
Agenda:
Add animation to slides.
Try to find ways to make the speech longer.
Refer to e-resources for better idea of a good presentation.
those memories. 12:59
Monday, November 06, 2006
Third OP rehearsal this morning.
Still not perfect, though there was greater confidence within myself to face the audience.
And as usual, the Q & A was a big-time flop.
Tomorrow is the fourth and final chance to rehearse with our ST.
Things that need to be done:
Add animation to slides.
Brush up on my part of presentation.
Continue anticipating questions and possible answers for Q & A.
Levelled in maple after 2 1/2 long weeks.
Currently level 73.
Aiming to hit 90 by end of the year, provided the 2-hour a day rule is being complied.
Later, I'll return to a home without any electricity supply.
Due to rewiring works, electricity will only return after 5pm today.
Since that's the case, it's only imperative that I continue to loiter outside for awhile longer.
Going to have lunch now. Will try to forget all the unhappiness...
*1 message received*
Alright, I shall stop here as the sms has effectively destroyed my train of thoughts.
Check back for new entries soon.
those memories. 12:28
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Second rehearsal for OP was conducted this morning.
Still going too fast, said my supervising tutor.
Too much reference to cue cards, said my friends.
Apparently, rehearsing just before the actual thing doesn't help at all.
Any preparations should have been done the night before or earlier.
Next week, there're only one or at most, two chances to rehearse with our supervising tutor.
Here, I openly declare that no more time shall be wasted doing meaningless stuffs.
Yeah, you know what I mean.
Taking naps are out. Daydreaming is out.
But mapling? It's my life no matter what happens.
At least after I've sorted out all the holiday assignments.
Which is, by the way, a massive lot for a period of one and a half months.
Then again, look at the situation in the long-run.
'A' levels is less than a year away from now.
Making some sacrifices now is only wise.
If not, next year confirm won't be able to cope with the increased intensity of study.
those memories. 12:23
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Less than a fortnight to go before the "feared" OP exam.
Preparations so far have not been that significant.
Perhaps some people just don't realise the importance of project work on our future.
Feeling frustrated over my inability to control myself during presentations.
The look of nervousness is still obvious, said my supervising tutor.
And the Q&A section remains one major stumbling block.
There isn't much that can be done about this, though.
I am a Follower. Doesn't enjoy being in the spotlight.
Would rather let somebody else lead the way.
Having to present something in front of a large audience just isn't my niche area.
Stumbling and stuttering will be a certainty for me, even on the actual day.
For my group, we are slotted to present on 13 Nov.
Which means an additional weekend to improve slides and rehearse.
But seriously speaking, no matter how many times we rehearse, it won't be easy to remove this psychological barrier.
The list of excuses can continue further.
But I won't waste time harping on such meaningless stuffs.
I shall try to overcome all my in-built weaknesses and impress the examiners.
Just for once.
And you think presentations will be a thing of the past after this exam?
That's naive thinking on your part.
No matter how much I detest presentations, they will still come in droves next year.
It's unavoidable.
Learning to face problems should be the way to do things.
If I don't brush up my interpersonal skills right this instant, this is what might happen to me 20 years down the road.
"Single, taking care of parents."
"Taking on low-pay, low value-adding jobs with salary below $1000 monthly."
"Very few friends in the workplace and beyond."
There're many instances when I ask myself: is this the future of Chris Chan?
Once a youthful and promising person, now a no-lifer?
Certainly not.
Maybe I could try to be involved in the gaming industry.
Maybe even resort management.
Many possibilities, but sadly, only one can be accomplished.
It's time to wake up to reality.
Learn something useful.
Start gathering work experience.
I was further motivated when a promoter of some brand of ice cream came to our doorstep two days ago.
This promoter looked one or two years younger than me.
And apparently, she had reported to work right after attending school.
Cos' she was wearing school uniform of Hougang Sec.
Such cases are indeed a reality check, that idling around at home doesn't get you anywhere.
Other people my age are actively seeking part-time jobs this vacation.
NS is looming after my A levels next year.
This is probably the one and only chance to have some hands-on experience outside my comfort zone.
Therefore, I shall not be left behind.
Productivity doesn't fall from the sky.
It comes only with lots of effort put in to adapt to new skills.
those memories. 11:19
