Monday, October 31, 2005
This is one of my favourite photos which I've taken in Japan. It was shot during my first visit to Sakura. I felt totally at ease and re-energised there.
A Lone Fighter stayed home at Monday, October 31, 2005
What I've Done Since I Got Back
28 Oct 2005, Friday: My mum woke me at around noon, dragging me out of bed. Went out for lunch at AMK-- Curry chicken and beancurd. I love the combi!! Then it's to my auntie's place to pass my cousin a Japanese flute I bought for her in Tokyo. Too bad she's not in, but I did get to see some photos she took in Beijing recently. Finally, it's to the Bugis Kuan Yin Temple. A must cos I prayed there before leaving for Japan. Now it's time to say Thank You. Went home, unpack some more, and TV time.
29 Oct 2005, Saturday: Went to airport office for a full day's briefing. Wonder why they call it a briefing since it's from 1000 to 1800hr. Should call it a meeting... Anyway, the instructors gave us a lot of points to note during our OJT period. Really a tough month it'll be.
After the briefing, it's off to Lucky Plaza to find a trolley for my overnight bag. Argh! Totally cannot stand the Singapore service attitude. Ok, maybe it's because I just returned from Japan, the land of hospitality; maybe it's because I went to the wrong place-- Lucky Plaza. I sweared to myself then that when it comes to clothes and accessories and other non-neccessities, I won't do my shopping in Singapore anymore. I'll rather spend more money for a similar item in Japan and the States and be a happy shopper.
30 Oct 2005, Sunday: Slept until 11 plus, breakfast, newspapers, a bit of TV, computer, and then it's off to meet MM at Northpoint. Had a McDonald's meal. Now I 'appreciate' the local variety more. At least we can have wings, nuggets, fish dippers... In Japan, it's all BURGERS.
31 Oct 2005, Monday: Out the whole day. Met with ZX and went to Werkz to give them some Omiyage I bought in Japan. The whole place seems so familiar yet so distant. Guess feelings for a place or person can change so quickly.
I got to go pack my overnight bag and prepare my flight memos now. Will blog about my first flight when I'm back!
A Lone Fighter stayed home at Monday, October 31, 2005
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Heyeeeee!! It's Thursday afternoon 1238hr here in Japan. My flight was supposed to depart at 1120hr, but was delayed to 1700hr due to a change of aircraft. Totally didn't expect such a long delay. Here I am, sitting in the Yahoo cafe at Narita airport, and using the computer for the first time in 7 weeks.I was supposed to be ready in the dormitory lobby by 0850hr. Guess what-- I overslept!! The dormitory master called me at 0910hr and I was still in bed. Oooooops. Put on my contacts, and just rushed......
Conclusion about this Japan training: It's been a great experience. I never thought that I'm this strong both physically and psychologically. I went through a lot of things and they made me into a stronger and better person. There were times when I thought that I would just collapse and give up, but I managed to pull through with a lot of encouragement from my family and friends. A big Thanks to all of you who wrote me letters and called me to cheer me up when I was in my lowest point of mental endurance.
Now that I'm only a few hours away from Singapore, the feeling I feel is very mixed. I really loved my life in Japan- alone in the room; walking out to the nearby shops; cycling out for lunch on Sunday afternoons; watching the teen dramas at the dorm lounge on Friday nights; weekend trips to Sakura; train rides that seem so complicated.....
I should be glad that I'm going back to Singapore, the place where I've lived for 22 years, where all my family and friends are. Yet, I miss Japan. Okok, I know I'll be coming back here every week, but I won't get the chance to really live here and explore the area as much as I did. Maybe it's because it's my first time out of the country for so long and totally by myself. I had to do my own laundry, clear up my room, and just take care of myself.
My first OJT flight is next Tuesday, to Osaka. So looking forward to going there, even though I'll be doing tons of preparation work in the hotel room... For this OJT month, I think I will be doing more studying and preparation than I did during my college days. I actually made notes and tabs in my manuals, which is something I seldom do before...
I'm in the Yahoo cafe now, and there the full window view of the airport area. Airport trains, buses, planes... amazing. This is the life that I chose. I'm going to enjoy every part of it, and not have any regrets in the future. This is the promise I'm making to myself right this moment. Will I still feel the same way I do now in a year's time? I don't know. But I chose this, remember?
A Lone Fighter stayed home at Thursday, October 27, 2005