Its December, and its supposed to be a jolly festive month, but so much had happened that it does not feel like it is a holiday season.

~~~

It didn't come as a surprise to me that a company offered to buy my friend's bond, but frankly, it did stun me that he accepted the offer, albeit with a great deal of deliberation. It reminded me of my own dilemma when I was in year 2, when KPMG asked if I was interested in joining them (as an intern first, then if I did well during the intern, they would consider absorbing my LD). It didn't take me long to make up my mind - to stay as a civil servant - and forgo the chance to extend my stay in London after it expires in a couple of years time (then).

My decision to stay was primarily due to the heated stayer - quitter discussion at that point of time. I'm not a scholar. In SAF, the most I could be is to be a 'wrangler'. Even as a Scheme C officer, there would definitely be a delineation in the kind of opportunities available. But my decision to stay was simple - SAF offered me a chance to study overseas, and it was through their offer that a company like KPMG noticed me even when I was still an undergrad. Would it be fair for SAF to sponsor me to be subsequently headhunted by another company (not even a local Singapore company) even before I repaid them for their trust in me? I chose to stay with full knowledge that my development opportunies had been made lesser by my choice.

I am happy with my choice. I am happy with how the organisation had been treating me so far. All my bosses had been overworking me, but they all took the effort to ensure that I learn and mature under their charges. Thank you Sirs. And I am happy that after I made the choice to stay, I met Hui Min. I think life has its own unique way of rewarding you as long as your choices in life are in sync with your personal values and principals.

~~~

I'd finally managed to squeeze out a two day break from work. It was really a squeeze, as I had to return to work on Thursday morning before I went to pick up Hui Min and her mum. We went down to Sengkang to take a look at the nearly completed flats, and in our minds, shortlisted a few. That's assuming HDB approves to waive us for purchasing HDB flats.

The next 2 days were spent in Sentosa. It was really a good recharge, with a couple of days to simply just relax. Cycle, frisbee (I haven't played that since leaving school), sun, zzz in the room, watch TV, go Vivocity.

And Saturday afternoon was spent at Junchern's place (housewarming - wreaking - site survey). And he was rattling off advises on how to do up the house etc.. now I know who to look for for lobangs when I need to do my own house.

Then there was a Xmas 'party' organised by Hui Min's classmates. It had been a long while since I sang Xmas carols.. but it was the first time I've done it in Singapore. We played a game call Cranium. Basically, its a race by teams of 2 (or more) to reach the end point. However, rather than rolling a numbered dice, we roll colored dice. Then depending on the color you rolled, you have to do 'roadblocks', such as spelling bee, humming a song for your teammate to guess the title, sculpting a 'thing' with plasticine for your teammate to guess etc. It was a game that offers a good laugh, but because it was set with a US context, it is not as easy as it sounds! Should try it if you spot it at Settlers'. Oh, tere's a Singapore Edition by the way ;)

~~~

Justin: 4 room. The available 5 rooms are mainly resales, and we want brand new ones haha..