Random thought: Josh Groban sounds like the female version of Celine Dion sometimes. Don't know if that's good or bad.

The not-so-usual recent run of events has left me feeling rather drained. The camp was rather enjoyable; I felt like I was back to the life of being a mere student. Our programmes ran smoothly and I was glad that it didn't rain during the nightwalk which required difficult planning and extensive deployment of manpower. I wasn't too fortunate for my programme though. It rained and we had to stop the campers from playing some more even though we hated to cut the programme. Besides that, blisters on my feet opened up and it made walking painful. Mass dance was worse. Nevermind, on the overall, it was a pretty enjoyable three days and two nights. The company was great and I made new friends. I especially enjoyed a brief two hours plus at the twin towers at Palawan Beach looking out at the sea.

After the camp, I had to resume the lifestyle of a typical slave to the wage. It was like any other boring day at work until I received this message from Rx. Frog watcher's mom passed away on Sunday night. It left me shocked for the rest of the day. It left me thinking about a lot of things.

The next day, it was work and then the department's party. After the party, I took the train down to HarbourFront. Was early so I walked around looking for a seat where I could read my book. The place looks very different from what it looked like two years ago. I was looking for a particular place I had sat at then but I could no longer find it anymore. I then made my way to the Cruise Centre.

There were seats there and I just sat down. Suddenly I didn't feel like reading anymore. I just stared into blank space and looked around. Took out my lip gloss to put some on my dry lips. I was pursing my lips when this Malay lady opposite me asked me what the lip gloss was. I was quite taken aback because I was feeling dreamy but I just passed it to her and she had a look. Then she went on to talk about complexion and all and then she started to speak in Bahasa Indonesia, thinking that I am Malay or something. I was surprised again and told her I didn't understand her. She continued speaking in English and the time came for me to leave. Felt a little sorry because I sort of enjoyed listening to her voice. It soothed me and kept my mind from drifting to sad memories. When I stood up to go, she smiled and told me to take care of myself. I smiled and said the same.

You know it feels like some kind of a magical encounter. You will understand when someone like that appears in front of you.

After leaving the cruise centre, I went to the wake with the rest. Frog watcher looked okay but tired. I hope he feels really okay. Up till now, I can never deal with death. I hate to think about it even though it happens everyday.

Yesterday I went for tea with my cousin. That brief one hour plus felt really good. We did some catching up and she passed me a birthday present. Before long, we had to part. I went to meet the other mentors for a birthday celebration. Before I got there, I was lost and I felt very irritated. Earlier on I was quite agitated because my watch played a trick on me and I ended up being very late for the tea appointment. I waited for more than half an hour for a cab and the cabby told me after I got into the cab that it was better for me to take the train because it was Xmas eve. He drove me to the nearest station and I took the train. Nevermind, thinking about it doesn't make me feel good. I shan't write too much about it.

It's almost the end of the day and tomorrow is another working day. It'll be a better day ahead.

It isn't too late to say "Merry Christmas!". And yes, I like the presents I got. Thanks so much.