Ponteng

I am now in school, waiting for today's classes to end so I can go ahead on my journey back home to Kluang. There is another lecture tomorrow prior to the Chinese New Year break, however.

Trying to weigh the options out as to when to head back home.

Between opportunities to meet up with friends in need and basic expectations of a student, it is honestly a difficult choice to make. Skip tomorrow's lecture to see friends before they leave town the day after; or carry out my due responsibilities as a student? Warning myself that I do not skip classes for selfish gains if I ever do.

Actually I was quite certain of returning today, the moment I learned last night about some bad news- flooding in Kluang. Packing for home this time lacked the usual excitement and joy. First time preparing for the trip with a heavy heart. I hope all is well with the town and everyone in it. Have been praying for a few people lately, now the weather is added to my prayer list.

So I will be skipping lecture tomorrow, intentionally for the first time this semester but with justified intentions, I believe. By the way, we take our attendance by scanning our student ID's. A test of character: I will not get anybody to help take my attendance, choose not to cheat the lecturer as well as my conscience.

Pray for Kluang!

Foto Friday

Chinese New Year in a week

see the crowd at Chinatown

Haiku- Cactus Shall I Be

How long has it been,

since the days turned weeks, turned months;

Not too long ago.

Have I not long grown,

familiar with silence of

a party gone wrong?

Do I missed those days,

Morning Glory shined with ease;

Support from a fence.

Could not walk on wheels,

there was you to ferry me;

Happiest of mine.

I sing a sad song,

to remember the good times:

Where there you for me!

Now you are no more,

Flower left in wilderness;

Cactus- shall I be.

© Joel Yap

Haiku of Infatuations

Acted like a fool

when I met and wanted Shoes,

David on a roof?

Those shoes so unique,

she drives the right way like me;

Not sure how she speaks.

Found a pair of Gloves

that would touch lives as will mine,

A face caught my eye.

Those gloves feel so warm,

she speaks the same words like me;

Not sure how she drives.

My heart- four spaces;

Room for only one person,

if I choose to love.

Come to a crossroad,

Left or right each cons and pros;

Not sure where to go.

Wedding- simple day,

Marriage- ever going race,

Love must never sway.

© Joel Yap

Passions

Something I learned in church this morning: to have passion for something is to be willing to suffer for it.

Meaning if you believe in something true, you'd take risks, endure hardships and perhaps even die for it since the truth in which your belief lies may be really worth your life or more. That is passion. It drives you.


I have a newly developed interest in photography.
Found myself spending almost half the afternoon editing a few images when I was(am still) supposed to be preparing for an important presentation as well as a skill assessment, both taking place tomorrow.

If I were to have a passion for photography, those hours spent were certainly worth the pictures in my hard drive produced today. Here's one on my Tumbly blog.
However my passion in nursing should come before photography. Or at least the responsibility as a student should have kept me away from my photo editing software for that time being.

It's all about timing.

Reminding myself to be aware of priorities- Studies before hobbies.

If I had a passion for nursing, I'd be willing to suffer for it.
I should not let a passion for photography lead to any suffering in my studies at all.

Remember, Joel!

Foto Friday

Portrait of Chong Cia Ling

No, she didn't die today. Haha!

To Work

Hello everybody!
Wishing you a happy new year and hoping you would have a happy one indeed.

It's the first day of year 2011 now. Dad has gone to work, so has mom and so has my 17 year old sister. Here I am lazing around in the comfort of home with access to the TV and Internet. On top of that I even have a bike if ever I need or choose to go out somewhere without taking a bus. Everybody's gone to work, I feel I could be a little more useful but do not really know how to be, honestly. Getting bored staying home all morning.

Anyway, thankful and excited for mom and Elaine's new jobs. My mother retired as a church clerk but became worried about the boredom she might have to bear living in an empty nest in time to come, so she decided to opt for teaching English to pre-school children at a learning centre near our church. Elaine just finished with her SPM or 'O' level examination, signed up for a part-time job while waiting for results.

What about me? I'll be leaving for Singapore again, this 2-week break is half-time for me. Starting the second half of the second semester of my first year in college. Many more "matches" to go before I earn my title as staff nurse. Will make it there.


Cheers to a good year ahead of all!