Bobbert's Travels

Conclusion

2006-11-08T00:20:00.000-08:00

Bobbert's travels ends here. To the faithful, thanks for sticking around

Updates

2006-10-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, I has been brought to my attention that selected people have been very concerned for me. Thank you all so much! I'm fine! But have you ever found yourself constantly running around and no time to be still? Yup, that's where I am. Stressed is not the word..more like hassled consistantly. Bottom line: I'll be a-ok!

Oh! Have you ever experience a tangible answer to prayers? I guess many of us have and I thank God for answering a prayer that has been going on for months. To a particular someone, I'm real glad that you have set yourself to hit the uphill with Him. You have no idea how elated I am! Here's to another chapter of your journey.

Other times

2006-08-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

Other times it's harder to deny than to admit to one self

Other times you are caught in an acute sense of inadequacy and helplessness

Other times you can't be sure of who you are anymore

Other times he who has everything has nothing

Other times he who gives everything gives nothing

Other times.........

Sometimes

2006-08-14T23:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to take a path not of your choosing

Sometimes you have to do something to make a statement

Sometimes you are dealt a hand of cards that you can do nothing with

Sometimes you feel trapped in the open

Sometimes.......

Plagarism

2006-06-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

I was surfing around my friends' blogs, plucked this one from C's

When things seem hard to handle or out of control, its time to regroup.

I can't agree with you more. Though that really sounded like a military strategy. Maybe you have been influenced by me in using military analogies? Grin

Yeah, its time to regroup. Mistakes were made, casualties sustained but the outcome yet to be decided upon. Time to pull back, refit and reassess.

To C...thanks for being such an inspiration sometimes.

Chance meeting

2006-06-13T20:41:00.000-07:00

I ran into my old mentor F while I was out and about. We haven't had a good chat for the longest time and the irony of it all is that we both attend the same church and while I am involved in VCF, he is a full time staff in its parent organisation, FES. Since we both had nothing much to do, coffee seemed like the optimum agenda.

The thing about F is that he is a thinker. His thoughts usually centres upon his faith and his walk. He shared his struggle with his desires intently with me. Desire apart from God serves to bring us into conflict with Him and His will. The only way to overcome this is be broken by God and to surrender to His will. This brought the song written by my friend Whack to my mind. In it it goes "Desire is a many headed beast". Indeed desire is something that can be untame and chaotic; if left to its own devices can cause unimaginable damage.

This led me to reflect on my own struggle with my desires. The beast which is desire was indeed loose and I can only imagine what that beast has done. It pains me more when I realised the hurt caused to people dear to me. Perhaps its time to shape up.

And in a classic F moment, he shared to me about this poly dude in his campus ministry who is blind yet truely he is the one who sees.

Overheard

2006-06-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

A: Its ok to date a non-Christian, just can't marry her. But even then, the complications with trying to convert within a relationship might be tricky

D: I know. I ain't gonna marry her if she ain't a Christian.

A: So if you ain't gonna marry her, why date her?

Classic understatement......

Another night

2006-06-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

A classic moment...

Its drizzling, you ring the door bell incessantly, you call the house phone, you hear the guitar shredding away............

That night

2006-06-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

Was struggling to complete a bible study for VCF's CG guide. Having no inspiration so resorted to this. Remembered a conversation I had with an aquaintance. Someone perhaps at one point played a major role in events of my university life.

The point is not to relate the past events. But something he said struck me. He described himself as defined by his past and his present state of emotions was a consequence of him holding onto his past.

As students of History, we understand that history is necessary subjective for the historian chooses information which he deems as important to weave into a coherant narrative. The late great E H Carr espouses this.

So, what we understand today about history necessarily goes through a process of selection and discarding. Same goes for our own personal stories.

The question is why do some, myself included, always allow ourselves to be defined by events that are less than jolly. For it clouds our self perception and judgement of our situation.

I'm only beginning to see my folly.

The day I asked

2006-05-17T02:48:00.000-07:00

By Faith, I have asked, and am claiming your Word.
My future and all to which I can relate
hangs in the balance, and YOU tell me to WAIT?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
And Lord, You promised that if we believe
we need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."
So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut
and grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting.... for what?"

He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,
And he tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.
All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want
But, you wouldn't know Me.

You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint;
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint;
You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence were all you could see.

You'd never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;
You'd know that I give and I save.... (for a start),
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

The glow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked
Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST.

You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that "My grace is sufficient for Thee."
Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true,
But, Oh, the Loss! If I lost what I'm doing in you!

So, be silent, My Child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though oft' may My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still, "WAIT."

"Wait" by Russell Kelfer

50 years on

2006-04-27T05:27:00.000-07:00

Over the dining table my mum was griping about my apparent lack of scientific knowledge. To which I retorted that she had failed her high school Science AND Geog. She gave my dad a glare and sarcastically claimed that if my dad (read: Geog major) had helped her, she wouldn't have failed. My dear folks, that happened in 1956! 50 years on, the feud ensues.

Bobbert wonders

2006-04-20T00:07:00.000-07:00

Where has the person gone
When he was 18 and ready to take the world
To have had the energy to hold on for so long
Without expecting anything in return

I miss that person. Who at 18 commited himself to something he couldn't possibly have. He was genuinely contented just to be on the side. Though nothing ever materialised, he generally had fond memories of those 3 years of his life. Now the thing has passed. He can faithfully say that things are better than before. He thanks God everyday for the friendship that developed out of that.

I wonder where did he go. That person who was perhaps foolishly brave. To have held on for so long. Is something that daunts me no end.

I need him back. For the circumstances demands it. Though he fell in another incident years later. I'm sure he will be around to be found. If not for anyone's sake but his own.

Bobbert is sorry

2006-04-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

Bobbert has come to the realisation that inadvertently he has caused much grieve to someone who is dear to him. To that he is very sorry. Bobbert now knows that he let his desires get in the way of the friendship, at a crucial time that you needed him to be just your friend. As a result, Bobbert couldn't give you the emotional, spiritual support that you needed. Bobbert knows he needs to step back and fulfil the role of your best friend and he asks for your forgiveness and patience. Bobbert also know that he has allowed himself to be clouded by his fears and thus inhibited him from understanding you. The understanding that was so special between us.

Bobbert now knows that he has to turn back and knows that he has to wait his chance. Bobbert promises to walk with you though this journey.

When something hits the fan

2006-04-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

I ended 2005 with a huge bang. Good grades, great trip, balanced. Couldn't have asked for more. So I sat at the dining table at Wallingford Apt in Philly vividly telling Jeremiah that 2006 will be just as good if not better. You probably guessed by now 2006 is nothing like what I had envisioned. And I had to have my History prof to kindly point out to me that maybe God had misheard my words and that 2006 will be a GROWTH year. Yeah...God does have a strange sense of humour sometimes

Read this today in Daily Bread

All God's testings have a purpose
Someday you will see the light
All He asks is that you trust Him
Walk by faith and not by sight
(Zoller)

Beginning to see the implications of the message to be patient.

Sundays with Bruce

2006-04-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

Sundays with Bruce
An old History geek
A young History geek
Life's greatest lessons

Warms my heart to know that in the hustle and bustle of NUS, there are the odd souls who are genuinely interested in the lives of their students. To that, I'm eternally grateful.

Ain't Enough

2006-04-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

This is a song written by my dear friend Lyndon which I find very sincere and at times speaks about my state of mind.

Ain't Enough

Another bus stop on another rainy night
You're all alone again alone with your thoughts
Somehow it always ends the same
Maybe you are the one to blame

You wish you could fly away
Fly away from here

You're caught up in dreams and you're spinning around
When you're up there you wish that you'd never come down
Ot makes you feel better and it's easier this way
But it ain't enough to get you through the day

Another failed attempt and another disappointment
No one was there to catch you when you fell
You don't know how to turn your life around
Seems like the answer can't be found

You wish you could fly away
Fly away from here

In your imagination there is a perfect world
You go there when you hurt
It is a place where you can simply be
But what are you going to do when you are back in reality

Yeah....speaks for itself. Don't you get the feeling sometimes that whatever you do or whatever you say it's never enough? At the end of the day its you who isn't enough.......

Readings Woes

2006-02-06T08:33:00.000-08:00

Which is worse?

To understand nothing?

Or to find nothing to understand?

Go figure.

Words and more words

2006-02-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

Would it be any different
If I could turn back time
To the point of my decision
Where I made my stand

It doesn't really matter
For the choice as been made
The path ahead is uncertain
And I'm unable to see ahead

So I stand in the crossroads
Unsure really what to expect
Carrying a mix bag of emotions
And fighting back the strain

The double-edged sword I wield
Of caring for someone so dear
To be her friend yet her suitor
Is a challenge that needs to be met

My own fears and doubts
Sometimes manifest itself in words
But to be ruled by insecurities
Would be a huge detriment indeed

Taking a step back to ponder and reflect
Upon the situation that I'm in
A sudden realisation has been made
And a resolution in its wake

Patience and trust I do not have
Baggages of the past still being borne
The need for me to step out
Presents an opportunity to grow

Abide in the will I must
And submit myself into the hands
For I know there are plans for me
And a sweet convenant of faith

Uncertain still I am of what lies ahead
But my choice has been made
So I will walk along in assurance
With the promises made

Bobbert, 2006

In Philly (Again)

2005-12-22T21:57:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah's apartment has no heat

I'm Cold

Enough said

Goodbye Chapel Hill

2005-12-17T23:01:00.000-08:00

I'm down to my last 12 hrs here. Next stop: Philly

Well...on hindsight, its been a really challenging semester. But I think its been a great 5 months and certainly I have lots of experiences and lessons to bring home. At least now I know I can write 5 essays in 10 days..hehe..

Due credits to people:

IVCF Folks: To both my International Group and the Grandville guys. Thanks for accepting me into your family and helping me settle in. Your love for me and other exchange students in general has taught me a lot about loving aliens in your land. Undoubtedly you guys have lived the command to love aliens well. I vouch for that.

John: Thank you for being so selfless. For driving me around all the time and bringing shooting. Your fellowship is worth lots to me and I hope that ISG will continue to grow and shine for God next semester.

Tim: What can I say? I'm real humbled by you. Thank you for approaching me at that first IVCF meeting and taking care of me all this time. Take care in Africa

Alaina: You have no idea how settling it was to know that there's someone in a faraway place that is willing to include you in their activities. Your love for the exchange students around you certainly inspires me to do likewise. All the best after graduation!

Ben/Rocky/James: Thank you guys for a great time! Chapel Hill wouldn't have been complete without your friendships

Liz: The feisty redhead. Thank you for driving me to church and for that trip to the post office. Real glad that you will be taking over Alaina. Hope you will enjoy leading ISG next sem.

Jeremy/Walker: Hey dudes, thank you for alllowing me to join your bible study though I technically don't belong in that pod. I needed that 30min track up to Grandville *wink

Brian: To my roommate. I can't possibly have a better roommate. Thank you for tolerating me and giving into my needs ie keeping the room temperature up. Take care dude!

Well...I guess this is it. Bobbert has travelled to the end of this chapter. There's more ahead!

Resolution

2005-12-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more annoying to find out you are 0.5 away from an A...

This serves to bring me to the question "Why didn't I pay more attention to the mid terms?!"

I resolve to give my tests and exams more respect.

*grunt

2005-12-12T16:45:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had the feeling that some things just aren't worth it anymore?

I do.

Gotta snap out of this

Ooops....

2005-12-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

Have you ever misspelt your professor's name in your biblography?

I just did.

He threatened to deduct 50 marks from my essay....

Oops.....

Did I mention?

2005-12-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

Did I mention that the Depps have 10 children? The immediate family size constitute 27.5 members. .5 because one is on the way. But too bad I didn't get to meet all of them. My friend Tim is the youngest of 10..which explains his hyper-activity sometimes. Besides him, I met eldest sis Laura and her family and middle child of them all, Martha and her dog Dresden.

Oh, did I mention that Waxhaw is a major centre for two mission organisations? Summer Institute of Linguistics (Part of Wyclife Bible Translators) and Jungle Aviation and Radio Services, JAARS. 70% of the population are involved in those two organisations. Which means we have an entire community of missionaries who have spent a good deal of time away from the States. One wonders if Waxhaw is a haven for third culturalism..heheheh....okok...that was below the belt. Nonetheless, I admire the townsfolk for their sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.

No good title

2005-11-29T19:17:00.000-08:00

I realised I haven't updated in a while after Paul yelled at me to ease his boredom by putting in a new entry. I'm down to 8 more days of lessons and thereafter 5 days of exams. Of all the modules I start of with I got to start with that blasted religion module.

By far, RELI 21 has to be the worst module I have ever ever ever taken and probably will take. Not that it messes with my faith, the lecturer is absolutely unengaging. While this module used to be boring and easy, it is now hard and boring. The crux of the module is to look at the old testament through historical evidence. So, basically we spent the semester debunking the credibility of the old testament by looking at authorship and archaeology.

At the end of the day, I figured that judging scripture by logic conceived by man will only sell short the full value of scripture. I guess its harder to believe than not to.

On a lighter note, thanksgiving was a relaxing affair. Eating every 2 hours and sleeping in between. The Depps were wonderful host though Waxhaw, North Carolina is as sleepy as sleepy can get. Waxhaw only has 1, ONE, SATU, YI, EIN traffic light. Go figure.

2.5 weeks till the end of semester. 4.5 weeks till I get home. I think I'm ready to be home.

Haven't you had enough of the army?

2005-11-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

Nope I haven't. For the past 2 Saturdays I went down to Greensboro to do a bit of shooting with John and some of John's hometown friends. Well, I realised if I were an American, I would have an additional obsession apart from my current ones of books, CDs and guitars.....guns!

So we were over at the Languas and between brothers Steven and Joseph, they have enough firearms in their house to fight off an entire army. We spent the afternoon shooting targets placed about 100 yards away with sporterised M16 and various versions of AK47s. We also did some skeet shooting with shotguns...well...I sucked at that

The next week we got a bit more ambitious. Targets at 200 yards. Even through the scope the targets were like little dots. New found respect for them snipers. But we had fun making a complete mess of some left over pumkins from halloween by pumping all sort of ammo into them.

Guns fired:
M16
AK47
Draganov (Sniper version of AK47)
Various 12 and 20 gauge Shotguns
SAKO .243 bolt rifle
Remington .300 Single Shot Rifle
Turkish replica KAR98

Oh yes, I also have developed more respect for those who served in WW2. Those bolts are real stiff. It would have been a pain to operate them under pressure.

Well, Steve did invite us for a third week...this time to shoot his collection of pistols. Looks like I'm gonna have more things to destroy.

Camping...

2005-10-30T17:28:00.000-08:00

I disregarded my take home exam due Mon and went camping with the International Small Group just across the border in Virginia at an old farm land owned by the family of my SG leader John Clark since the 1700s. While it was fun, I learned several important things.

1) Sida is such a city kid. He can't cut wood and can't start a fire

2) Sleeping on a slope means your legs might protrude out of the tent

3) Lantrines dug on a slope are meant for acrobats

4) Gortex boots aren't made for winter (Duh! It was made for a tropical army!)

Post Fall Break

2005-10-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Rights. Just had my fall break and off I went to Chicago. Windy City one might ask. Definitely! Wind chill was...well....splendid. It was a pretty relaxing trip. Stayed with friends of Andreas and one of them turned out to be my VJC senior. Talk about small world yes? Personal highlight of the trip was my pilgrimage to Buddy Guy's Legends. For the uninformed, that's a Blues Club spewing good old Chicago Blues. The man himself wasn't there sadly...but heck...music was good!

Little advertisement, my friend Lyndon and I have set up a little venture importing CDs of Seth Horan, an indie bassist, back to Singapore. To all my bassist friends out there (Yes! That means you Marcus Khoo!), check out www.sethsbase.com for info and sound clips. If you are interested, you can get the CDs off us. Do our bit to help fellow bassists!

Statistics

2005-10-19T00:15:00.000-07:00

Its middle of my semester

I have written:
3 x 2000 word essay
1 x 1000 word essay
7 x 500 word response paper
2 x mid sem test

7 more weeks till exams

I have to write:
4 x 2000 word essay
6 x 500 word response paper
1 x mid sem test

Yes, ironically I'm on exchange. I feel as though I am doing 2 semester's worth of work here. Let's see..... total word count is 21500 words. That's almost equal to 2 Honours Thesis! Gah!

Something to take home

2005-10-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

I found something very valuable to bring home. It's a quote by UNC's very own Michael Jordan.

"I can accept failure. But I can't accept myself not trying"

Michael Jordan

Yes. This is exactly how I feel about my school work. Enough said.

Pointless...

2005-10-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

I'm bored

Just came back from Laser quest with 9 other guys

The gamemaster was this 17 yr old chick....Guys went wild...and we were all from IV...talk about nice decent Christian guys

Still bored

Have 2 tests on Monday...need to study...but morale low....brain stalled...how?

Going to be bored some more

Tess and I each have our security pillow. Though her's is Teddy and mine is my beloved bolster Bao Bao. We both agreed that our security pillows are the few things in life which haven't let us down. Our constant companion. Maybe Bao Bao and Teddy should get aquainted.

I know...I'm bored

Why marry a bass player?

2005-10-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

Following ideas drawn from article by Robin Meloy Goldbys as found in Sep 2005 Bass Player

Why should ladies seriously consider a bass player as your partner.

Advantages

Bass Players are inadvertently strong. Do you have any idea how heavy a bass guitar is? A bass player has no trouble picking you up and swinging you around just because he can. Of course he’ll be handy to carry things around the house.

Bass players love the curves of their bass guitars, of course they’ll also love those curves of yours.

Bass players need to stretch their hands to reach those frets. Imagine what those hands can do to you.

Bass players are team players. Always there supporting the show. Absolutely no airs. Always ready to change keys to suit you.

Minor Drawbacks

You need to find furniture to match those bass guitars

You’ll have to incorporate the phrase “Watch the bass” into everyday sentences with your children. Example: “Hi darling! Watch the bass. How was school? Watch the bass. What would you like for lunch?”

You’ll perhaps be doomed to MPVs instead of that sporty new BMW Z4 to fit all the music gear.

And no...I'm not advertising for myself. But there are plenty of single, available and willing bass players around...just let me hook you with one.

Bulb brightens

2005-10-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

After spending about 2 months here I guess I shoud share what has been revealed to me through my experiences. Being on exchange gives you the joy of not having to study. I kid you not. Especially when you major in a subject that has no wrong answer. If you just turn in your work you'll probably get a C, which is what I need to pass.

For those who have been victims of my periods of traumatic stress, you would know I struggle with self esteem and have a tendancy to compare myself with others. Wel, being here has made me realised that if I could just stop comparing myself to others to feed my own ego, I can actually find a WHOLE lot more enjoyment in what I do. I have never enjoyed sitting through a lecture this much with the knowledge that my grades don't matter. I finally could sit back, relax, enjoy the wealth of information that is being shared and enjoy sitting till 3am (to my freshie roomie's disgust) reading my course materials and doing essays without stressing over my CAP score which now hangs dangerously in the balance. I get so much more out of it now that I'm not underpressure to perform.

Its time to stop, ponder and align, and to enjoy to the fullest, what God has given me to do, be it History, Bass playing or my new found hobby, cooking, to the best of my abilities regardless of how they might compare.

To hell with my CAP score. I love history (I know..I'm a geek) and nothing's gonna stop me from enjoyng it...I hope

Man in a tux

2005-09-29T20:50:00.001-07:00

Today at IV big group, I saw one of the most unique picture. My friend Matt who is a music major in the violin played for worship in his tuxedo...ostensibly after a performance for his major requirements. However, the instrument which he played was.....a mandolin...what a sight that was!

This sparked off another thought...what if the worship team in my church suddenly turns up one sunday in suits, gowns and Fender electrics......hmm.......

Chivalry is..........

2005-09-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

I have been hanging out with my fellow SEP participant Andrea a lot and consequently got to know her feisty Irish American rommie, Tess. So one day while we were all studying in their room, Tess asked if I could help her bring her laundry down to the washer as it was too heavy for her. Me being the gentleman that I am duly obliged. Of course when you bring it down, you assume you'll bring it up again. So at 1140pm while I was on my way with Andrea over to print some readings, I mentioned that I, being nice and all, had to be back by midnight to help Tess retrieve her laundry. Andrea looked at me and said "Chivalry is dumb".................

Monsters in the basement

2005-09-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

I have become mildly frustrated with the dryer machines in my dorm. They seem to have a life of their own. There are times when your clothes exit the machine as wet as they entered. What's more, they seem to selectively dry your clothes and always, always pick the most mundane of clothing to dry. Which means, my sleeping clothes are always dry but my day clothes are almost always damp.... In the words of my Hist Prof...AArrrrgh.....

In case you are wondering, why monsters? Remember we used to watch shows of kids being afraid of the washing machine in the basement? Though in this case, the monsters are less scary than they are annoying.

Arrrrgh

2005-09-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gotten an "Arrrrgh" for a comment in your essay?

I just did.

My History prof is seriously bored

How to have a great day part deux

2005-09-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Step one: Get yourself an invite to a IVCF small group that you don't belong to

Step two: Trek 30mins across campus to get to someone eles's dorm

Step three: Find yourself wearing the exact same t-shirt as the small group leader who incidently comes from Singapore and doing his Bsc here.

Step four: Do a study of Luke chapter 1

Step five: State the obvious

Step six: Relive the complex simplicity of the Christian faith

Step seven: Get an invite to the other small group leader's house. He comes from Texas and is very aptly named Walker

Step eight: Find out that this "house" cost half a mil and was bought by one of the 5 guy's dad.

Step nine: Find out this house has everything from ping-pong table to a vintage vending machine that works

Step ten: Find out those guys are paying less for rent than you are

Lastly: Get jealous

How to have a good day

2005-09-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Step one: Avoid courses that require you to watch videos that date back to 1938 and is in Russian

Step two: Avoid courses that allocate a single VHS copy for a class of 45

Step three: If the above is not possible, be a typical Singaporean and ask for the copy 1 min after it has been loaned out.

Step four: At no time should you find yourself missing the copy by mere minutes THREE times

Step five: Try not to watch a 1938 Russian film at 8am

Step six: Do not bang head on table at sight of abysmal film

Hmm....

2005-09-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

There are things in this world that I can never comprehend. Something that seem like a good idea at the time might just end up being a serious tactical mistake. I guess that's how life gets colourful when you have to do a double take and live out the consequences of your words. In my bro's Ah Long's words, there ain't no Ctrl Z for this programme. We'll see how it goes. At least I know that I'll always have God for company, my bolster, my basses and History to occupy me. Hoo rah!

Someone set me up!

2005-09-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

Rights, some of you probably know that I'm taking this course called "Intro to Hebrew Bible" here. It was done under the instigation of a good friend who came to Chapel Hill 2 years ago and took the same course. "Oh take that course" she said. "Its fun" she said. Well, she failed to mention that I have to do an essay everyweek! Its 2 pages, supposedly short, but today we were told of the hidden expectations that the new lecturer (from Harvard no less) has for us. Outcome of this was the fact that over 80% of the entire class of 200 students received a C for their first assignment. Here's the catch. Your friend here surprisingly managed to get a B. Now, a B would usually upset me but this time I make the exception. I attribute my fortune to the training I received in NUS trying to please demanding History professors. Guess we are doing something right back home after all.

Oh yeah. To that friend: No hard feelings! = p

Gentlemen under one roof part 2

2005-09-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

Ok here's the deal. After putting up with paper towels as an alternative to good ols soft toilet paper, one of us have brillantly asked "Why defecate at our own expense?" Therefore, we have resorted to making "Toilet Paper Runs" in various buildings across school, hauling industrial toliet rolls back to our dorm. Hey, consevatory charges are levied in our fees. So why not?

Gentlemen under one roof part 1

2005-09-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

Communal living can be quite a challenge especially when we all aren't familiar with each other. But sometimes, it can really bring bouts of laughter too. I'm staying at a dorm which as a suite style layout which means 2 guys to 1 room, 2 rooms to 1 suite, 4 guys to a toliet. The problem of living under such an arrangement is that we are totally responsible for our own toliet, no cleaner is going to come round and make sure everything is an order. It also means that we need to get our own toilet paper. Us being the refined and sophisticated gentlemen that we are, have a toilet paper usage rate of 1 roll a day. Yesterday it dawned on me that none of us have realised that we have run out of toliet paper. As such, the situation has become so desperate that my suitemates have resorted to using paper towels. Ah manhood.....

CRISIS....

2005-09-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

My beloved bolster's cover shrank in the wash...

Oh dear.....

Of floods and high ground

2005-09-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

I guess all of you have heard what happened to New Orleans. All I can say that its a shame what administrative red-tape can do to people who are desperate for help. I guess we should all pray for God to touch those who are facing immense trials there. On a light note. I received a hastily typed email from a very dear friend of mine asking me if I was affected by the huuricane and if I was safe. I honestly didn't know if I should laugh or cry. North Carolina is at least 3 states north of where the hurricane hit. However, it was very sweet of her to send me that mail. Thanks girl, really appreciate it!

I finally went to church today. It was called Summit Church. Baptist in origin. It was nice, atmosphere isn't too different from churches back home. I guess I might go there again. Due to the high gas prices, I was indeed lucky to get a ride from this lady from IVCF who drove myself and another guy to church. I guess all that chaffeuring people around Singapore finally paid off. Time to enjoy being a passenger!

Mars Attack!!!

2005-09-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

Alien sighting...down at Ehringhaus South room 237....and guess what? He's ancient! Gasp!

Yup, that's me. Legal Alien in Chapel Hill. I finally got a taste of being an alien in a foreign land and I have to say it can be an unsettling experience, especially when you enter a class and know no one. Feels like year one sem one all over again. Luckily, taking the good advice (which I seldom do) of my friends and mentors, I decided to join Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship. And boy was I glad I did. The people are generally welcoming and some take the trouble to meet up with you and invite you to their activities. You have no idea how settling that feels. Bottomline: One will always feel more settled and at ease when one knows that there are folks out there who are interested in his life and are willing to invest time into it.

To my brethens in IFG back home, I salute you!

Oh yes, one of my History professors who read my blog (see? I told you Historians are nice people) asked me if my current MSN icon reflects my mood. All I can say is, its meant to be a joke! My friend, Shaun, and I are starting a small undertaking, helping people customise guitars and the name The SS (Hitler's bodyguards) popped out as it represents our initials. So we decided to expand on this thought and come up with our "company logo" and hence Hitler. It's not official as I don't think the government will like us very much.

Some other failed options:
SS Customs - unacceptable as it sounded too much like Nazi immigration.

Insidious issues

2005-08-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

Being the Asian amongst the people in the dorm, I can't help but feel that ethnicity is still an issue that insidiously creeps up on American society. Don't get me wrong, my neighbours are decent people who treat me with the respect of a fellow human being. However, through their conversations, I realised that people somehow tend to stick with their own thereby "othering" groups of people. So far, through observation which might be not astute, vast majority of groups that hang out together on campus largely conprise of a single ethnic group. Although the issue of race has died down over the decades, comments like "light side and dark side" are still common and experiences of public schools are retold as a horror tale. Then again, I'm guilty of it as well. Just that now I'm in the minority spot. I guess all of this just serves to remind us that we are all equal under God.

I picked up a very good piece of advice from a Puerto Rican who was staying in the same bunk as I was in New York. He said the best way to bridge that mental divide with your counterparts is to joke about yourself and your people. I can't agree with him more. Raul, I know you won't read this, but thanks!

The lovely Co-Op and the wonderful Ultra Supplies

2005-08-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

I have to mention this. I spent a total of 500USD on books. Can you believe it? I always wanted to do that. Like waltz into Borders and sweep all the books I want and spend 750 Sing on them. But for academic purpose? No way! A course pack of 100 pages (read short) cost 30 USD. I even got a required text that cost 75 USD. Each course has 5 books on the average, multiply that by 5 and each costing 20 on the average, yeap, you got it....my entire paycheck from teaching in July. Xerox here cost 14 cents USD per page. Go figure.

Next time when one of you enters Co-Opt or go Xerox something. Please kiss the place and the staff. We don't know how lucky we are. Long Live the Student Pirate!!!

Dinner

2005-08-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

I'm a little disappointed with the program which they have for international students. The freshmen are out having their orientation but we have no part in it. Instead, the school has tailored an orientation specially for us. As a result, I find myself hanging out with my fellow Singaporeans (for the record they are very nice people). But I didn't come 12000 miles not to get to know the locals. Well, we'll see how that goes.

Part 3: Washington DC

The Allen Lee Hotel: Great price, great location (5 min from the war memorials) but when you pay peanuts, you get a monkey living in the basement with tiny roaches running around. But I survived.

Smithsonian Institute: Huge. You'll need at least 5 days to cover all the museums. I went to the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of American History.

Washington Memorial: Reminded me of Command and Conquer = )

WW2, Korean, Vietnam War memorials: Emotional place. Hey day for the military historian.

White House: White

Capitol Hill: .........

Security level: Paranoid

Yes. This sums up my 10 days of travel. One thing which might interest all who intend to backpack to the USA is that Greyhound uses fly paper for flooring on their buses. Go figure

New York was breakfast. Now Philadelphia Cheese Steak for lunch

2005-08-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

My room mate took up 3/4 of the room. He should as he brought most of the stuff. I, however, contributed the phone to our habitat and I'm looking to get a kettle. All of these shall belong to my roomie when I leave. Isn't he lucky?

Philadelphia commentary

Phiadelphia: My favourite city for its unique blend of old and new.

Philly Cheese Steak: Diced Beef and melted cheese on bread. Nothing spectacular.

Liberty Bell and Indepence Hall: The birth place of 21st century hegemony. = )

Lancaster County: Great scenes and delicious food.

Amish people: Quirky

Drive-in movie: One of the most American things to do

Hersheys: Yummm.....

Driving in USA: Fun. Especially so when someone takes the wheel for the first time

I must now make mention for the companionship of Jeremiah from VCF and his friends, Yew Zhen, Iris, Eric and Melvyn and for making my trip to Philly an enjoyable experience. Yes, I do prefer company. Thanks guys!

Reconnected

2005-08-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

I have finally reached Chapel Hill after an exciting 10 days of wandering. Chapel Hill is nice...quiet and simple. I guess that's what we all signed up for. I have a dorm in South campus and I was assigned one of those newly built ones. There's only one word to describe it: hospital. Yes...it's that sterile. But apparently things will heat up once all the residents move in. I have an 18 year old roommate and among the things that he brought are TV, mircowave, fridge, PS2. Yes, I'm a lucky guy. Hope he is nice though.

Piecemeal update about my trip:

NEW YORK IN BRIEF though boxers are the choice of intimate wear in my 12 men bunk

Jazz on the Park Hostel: Cheap, good but a little far

Lady Liberty: The hottest babe in town

Metropolitan Art Museum: 9 hours in 2 days ain't enough

American Museum of Natural History: Tells me why I'm in Arts

Empire State Building: Great view period

NBC Studios: Its a wonder how much money trashy TV can make

Chinatown: Ngo Mmm Sek Gong Gong Fu Wah

UN HQ: Satisfied the Political Scientist in me

Bobbert says bye bye

2005-08-12T23:20:00.000-07:00

12 hours more and I'll be off. Excited but elements of anxiety exists. Pre-departure jitters they say. Nontheless, I finally get to see the big apple after years of seeing it on TV. Philadelphia and DC are also on the cards. Hope I don't get too lost. For those who have expressed their desire yet inability to send me off, thanks! No worries as it is the thought that counts yes? For those who expressed desire to pray for me, please pray for safety, at least for the next 10 days.

Anyway, I'm all packed. Was deciding if I was going to bring my beloved bolster along. Those who have been acquainted with it know 2 things: It was made by my mum and I sleep better with it around. So, despite the fact that my 18 year old American roommate would probably get a fit upon seeing it, I decided that the bolster reminds me of home and mum and therefore it shall once again leave home after a 15 year break. Yay!

So...Aufweidersehen! See you folks next year!

Pre-travel amusement

2005-08-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

Its amazing how much junk one accumulates over the years. Just this afternoon when I had finally decided to clear my room so that my folks won't have reason to meddle with my belongings, I realised I still had odds and ends of my Dunman High days stashed away in some remote corner of my room. Its a miracle that no colony of any sort grew out of these mounds of paper.

Been doing the necessary packing and I'm still bothered by that "I think I forgot something but don't know what" feeling. My friend Ah Beng told me to make a list but the real deal is what's NOT on the list. But seriously, I haven't felt this loved and blessed for a long time. From all corners of my life came very timely loans which undoubtedly saved me huge sums of money. The credits go something like this:

Samuel from church: NIKE ACG fleece jacket
Lyndon my band mate: Hooded pullover
Shaun my gay bud since we were 5: Laptop bag
Derrick my other gay bud when Shaun ain't free: SAF Gortex Boots
Bernice, Delia's sis: Socket adapters
Chien friend from JC: More socket adapters
Junhao fellow choirboy in VJ: Maglite which I don't know why I requested for
My 37 year old elder sister: Samsonite suitcase and travel insurance with her compliments

I think there are more but age has caught up with me. Incidently I rediscovered the one useful thing which SAF teaches all mankind...ZIPLOCK BAGS!!!!! Nifty things, do check them out.

Last note....MOE HASN'T PAID MR LIN!

Procrastination Stopped

2005-08-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

Yes..I have stopped procrastinating and set this utterly simple travel diary for poor folks back home to witness the fun that I'm having in the states. Ok..I ain't tech savvy...unlike my 70 year old dad....so this is going to be minimalist and basic. Reflects my personality I would think. So.....watch this space