Of 2011

Hey

Time's magazine has the 'Protestors' named as the 'person' of 2011. Meaningful. Interesting. Just a while ago I thought about the possibility of the quintessential Singapore icon to make it to the distinguished front cover: The Singaporean Auntie. They can write pages and pages about their blatant kiasu-ism, arrogance, elitism sometimes. Then do a full analysis of such a desirable Singapore spirit.

Ok that aside, I've decided to do a month by month recap of the year.

In January I made my resolutions for this year: no resolutions. Yep, none. So on the basis of no expectations I hoped for even better things. That month I started the second semester of my Actuarial career. Felt an acute sense of urgency and pessimism as I struggled to keep up with the modules. On top of that, I took part in my first ATP Challenger event in Singapore. That kind of coincided with my first few weeks and explains a little my inability to catch up. ATP Challenger event was almost a flop because entirely of that screwed up Singapore weather which incidentally (Or not), we're experiencing again. Has a great Genting trip again with an even larger AJ gang this time. Admittedly was a little bored of the theme park already, but the company was good. Had my childish moments but thinking back now it was just dumb. Probably my last time ever after Huangmu told me some spooky stories.

February has always been the traditional quiet month. Nothing siginificant really happened. So just kind of soldiered through the month, increasingly being boiled down by impossible schoolwork.

I was ecstatic during March. Much because the only gem was on the 8th of March, where it's the release of Stefanie Sun's album since a 4 year long hiatus. Of course I'd be excited. It was a great album, and Weijing, Seok and I went down for the autograph session at IMM. I can still remember the murky weather, with all the people suffocating each other and some PRCs who couldn't grasp the concept of queueing. March was supposedly the NTU Novice Open for me as well. I signed up for both the singles as well as doubles with Kar Wai. Heart was filled with so much anticipation but imagine the horror and despair when I injured, for the very first time, my right wrist. So serious was the pain that I was shattered. Went as long as one month without touching the racquet.

April was again quiet. But it had the rumblings of something big coming up: Examinations. Of course and also the General Elections. April was also the time where I think I bonded quite well with Cui because of all the modules we're taking together, on top of the history in The Forces. Another frantic preparation phase for the dreaded May. Also got to know another one of a kind idiot: Jason Quek. Haha, too much coincidence there. Name aside, he's studying in the same course as Soh Zu Hua and knows Kassler! What are the odds? But I knew him through tennis, and that's where I realised he knows OKS and Edwin. He'll keep appearing of course in the subsequent months.

Lightning struck in May. Not without the addition of some knock out hammering. It was truly a spectacle to witness, especially considering the newly conferred 'voter' status. It was, also an especially trying period to keep the focus, having to keep abreast with the political issues (Again, the pros and cons of being a voter), whilst worrying and mugging the the imminent exams. One of my great outing was to the Hammer Party's last rally at Serangoon Stadium with Jason (Told you he'll be appearing). That was something insane and incredible at the same time. As someone who's relatively calm, collected, or if you're blunt, nonchalant most of the time, it's rare for me to get roused, spurred and emotional. That's what happened that night, I was genuinely affected by their impassioned speeches and the rallying cries of those thousands who stood in support. The results, though never in doubt, proved a progress of some sort for the country.

June was mainly about my then new internship with Canadian Insurer. I would be complaining lots about my co-workers, but it'd all turn out well in the end. In fact, we did achieve some improbable ending. Work wise, I learnt quite a lot about this industry, thanks to Clarissa's guidance and also my Boss, Qian Hao. I also met a group of wonderful guys during June who've since become my really good friends that I can count on. Brother finally had a girlfriend again after so long, at least I only know about these 2. Sixuan's decision to enlist finally sunk in at this point as her enlistment nears. And then I also realised how quick it has been, as my female peers all got ready for their graduation and job hunt.

July, one of the more momentous moments in my life. I made an important decision, stuck by it, and was extremely grateful for it. July was also the end of my brief internship with Canadian Insurer. I'd have come back for more in the subsequent months though. Went to Huifen's ocnvocation and was truly happy for all my friends who graduated. Finally has a decent meet up with the AJ gang prior to Sixuan's enlistment. One thing I realised is how comfortable everyone is of bringing their steads to our groups gathering. And I'd like to at least make it comfortable for everyone. Harry Potter saga also ended in July, this movie would stay with me for a long long time, especially this long episode, since it's impact on my goes far beyond the storyline.

I used to like August quite a lot. There are going to be holidays, we've 2 birthday celebrations, so at least 2 weekend gatherings, and the start of a new semester and academic year is always going to be slow and manageable. Not this August though. It is still the most depressing and poignant month I've been through. I got my guidance from Salim, I made my choice and although it was hard, it was also the right thing to do. Rest of August flew by as I tried to unsuccessfully focus on my school work. It was then that Canadian Insurer called back to offer a part time stint which I gladly took up. That would occupy all my time, along with school and tuition, I would be busy. With Mong, we escorted Sixuan to the fabled Tekong island for her BMT. Some memories! Especially considering Mong and I set foot on Tekong together for the very first time together too during a JC trip.

The final season of Desperate Housewives started in September and that kind of coincides with my final year of school-life. Okay rubbish linkage but the ladies have been with me since 2004, so nostalgia again. August rampage was still clear in my mind, but I also found myself increasingly unable to cope with the myriad of responsibilities. Barely had time to spare to play tennis, as September flew by without my playing much. Even had to skip Zhiyuan's birthday celebration altogether!

October was another quiet month. By then I've started some frequent and random meet ups with the AJ gang, mostly Huangmu on some Friday nights where I'd be working. Had to regrettably miss the October birthday celebrations again. October also marked my last lesson with my beloved Sam. Sometimes while reading his model essays and fantastic sentences to my friends, I'd still laugh like a madman, but thereafter I'd be a little sad too. At least he scored an A for PSLE, I'm relieved I didn't screw up!

November was the full power mode month. I had only 4 modules, but wisely (Or not) planted 3 of the kickass hard modules to have their final papers taken on the same day. Ingenious right? This semester I've also got a lot closer not only with Lim Zheng Xiang again, but also Theven, the FYP group mate. Team Rocket, Anders (Another fellow 41), plus also Cslvin Tse, resident closetted bitch of the class. We really helped each other tremendously, without which I'd habe floundered and be seen hanging dead on the S3 corridor. Also had my rounds of interviews which sadly, I've not heard any results so far. In addition, completed my part time rather meekly with the Canadian Insurer, without much hoo-haa this time round considering I'm a mere temporary stuff this time round. But luckily for me, this stint taught me even more things that during the whole 10 weeks of internship. Although that kept my schedule on a suffocating pace, it was meaningfully spent.

December, the month where rain once again substituted for snow. Of course it's not like we're getting any anyway. We had out annual Christmas outing again, which I failed to blog about. It was fun but the gift exchange I thought could be better. We should really try Secret Santa next year! Makes the buying process much easier. I'm not a fan of useless gift (Aka Mini Toons and Action City where they've sections of stuff that just scream 'USELESS AND JUST FOR CHISTMAS GIFT EXCHANGE!'). The gang all bought at least partially usable stuff, so thankful for that. Feast has always been great every year, stuffed and contented that I didn't even bother about having dinner. This year brought a mini surprise and Mong himself bringing the surprise was much a surprise as well! Wow, that sentence is sprinkled with surprise huh? Very meaningful Christmas. My birthday on the other hand was pretty low key. To be perfectly honest, I only had 3 dinners! But it doesn't matter, like I've always said, the premise for birthday gatherings is really to just give us a reason to meet. So this month, I've met almost all of my most treasured friends, so I'm already happy.

I don't know why but 2012 brings a great feeling. I know it's the end of the world all that, but I can't help but feel extremely positive for the new year. I hope the final semester would be rewarding, not just in terms of grades of course. I hope most importantly now, for my good health, as well as the people I care about. I wish Sharapova would stop sucking and Federer to win the Golden Slam this year. Too many resolutions make a greedy man, but perhaps saying this now is too late. So happy new year, everyone! I'd not expect people bombarding my phone with messages now with the advent of Facebook and Twitter. So, have a great one tonight!

- Domon