Goodbye 2005 and Welcoming 2006

A few more hours to go before 2005 is over. Rushing to pen down some reflections and thoughts for the year before a brand new year starts:

1) Down on luck for 2005
2005 didnt start off well as I got myself hospitalised on the 3rd day of CNY. To make the matter worse, I was involved in a rather serious car accident a few days later. I have more than 2 weeks MC but i get to see who are the friends and colleagues who really care for me.


2) Change in Job
I still see it as a brave and courageous decision from myself to leave my own comfortzone and choose to swim out into the big open sea. Its definitely not a pleasant experience to stay jobless during the period after my resignation but not having secured a next job yet. But i nv regret this decision. I need to be very focussed - one thing at a time.

The new job may not be great, but i am very well aware i wud be more unhappy if i were to stay stagnant at my old company. Both are giant companies, but the latter really allow me more exposure and the experienes gained are invaluable.

The transition period is horrible. The stress level is shooting high, higher than i have ever experienced during my 20 yrs of education. I was feeling helpless and lost most of the time. But its a choice i made, i hope i can perform better at work in 2006.


3) Social Circle I
My social circle took a mini explosion in 2006, in contrast to the sudden dip in 2005 after i left NUS. After graduation in 2004, i have limited chances and opportunities to know new friends (be it from hostels, buddhist camps or lectures). The ppl i mix everyday were my colleagues at cdge (stagnant again). Other than several makan sessions, our interactions are mostly work matters.

A new job gives me a lot more new friends/colleagues. Most imptly, they r closer to my age grp and we are able to discuss and engage in topics of similar interests and concerns. Together with a few colleagues, we train for our IPPTs and passed them together. The feeling was GREAT, especially our weekly jogging sessions.


4) Social Circle II
In the later part of 2005, i continued to make a lot more friends after joining the Eurovanclub. Besides getting together to discuss on our vans, we also engaged in other activities like weekly jogging sessions, skating sessions, makans and other adhoc activities. We also moved on to join the sgskaters group at ECP, where i get to know even more friends.

But frankly speaking i am getting a rather reserved to continue mixing around with the evc and sgskaters friends. The larger the social circles, the harder to maintain them. Human gossips and frivolous speeches are inevitable. Unlike sharing the Dharma and encouraging one another in our cultivational practices, sometimes, I wonder if the activities we engage in EVC and sgskates are beneficial to ourselves in the long run.


5) Social Circle III
Something i am very proud to announce is that the friendships among friends from both my bs cliques have reached a greater height - My BS FOC2000 gang and BS gamers 2001 gang. THis yr, we broke our records by having more gatherings than previous years, even though everyone has gotten much busier after entering the work force. Our understanding and accomodation for one another may not be perfect, but still magical to me.

6) Family
My family has broken up and got reunited twice this yr. I have lost faith in life-long marriages. Nevertheless, I feel so glad and happy that after living off them for the past 24 yrs, finally i am able to earn money to feed my own parents entirely!

I am able to drive my parents for a good dinner, i am able to drive my mum to the reservoirs and parks to enjoy the nice sceneries, i am able to drive them for medical appointments. I feel so happy that finally the giving and contribution process has taken an opp direction.

7) Spiritual
Arghh, i continued to stay low in my spiritual life in 2005. In fact, i think i have never gotten as far away from buddhism over the past 5 years. As i was extremely busy in 2005, i spent most of my time working and have little chance to engage in unnecc talkings and activities with friends from all over. Somehow, I feel i have less chances to break my precepts over the past yr, haha.

Will be going to PKS for our annual countdown ceremony. Last entry of 2005. Happy new year everyone!

I want a better 2006 for my career and spiritual growth!