____T.H.E. .P.A.S.S.

____Wish Upon A Star

Like how France crashed out of the 2002 World Cup in Round 1 group stages, Hall One failed to live up to the hype and expectations after succumbing to a 1-0 defeat, banishing them to another year of disappointment. We were eliminated from the competition much to the glee of some of our closest rivals by an unjust offside goal. Despicable linesman decision left us rueing our missed chances.

Personally, I have yet to swallow the shock, disappointment and disbelief. I remembered promising myself a year ago to win it back. Instead, for three matches, I didn't get a chance to step onto the field. Questions will be asked, answers will be challenged, but ultimately winning is about the team that shows more desire to win (I always felt that maybe I could have worked hard enough). I will dry my tears, move on and try harder next year. ______________________________________________

It hasn't been the best day of my life today and I'm really glad it's coming to an end. Football disappointment, losing even in computer games and the stress from subject registration - it just wasn't the best day to step into Orchard Road. The freaking ant nest syndrome was there for me to see - everyone looked like emotionless ants, I felt so cooped up and trapped in a cycle that I so wanted to break free.

Then this Christmas period is really getting me irritated. Gift buying, romantic extravagance, commercials, parties - it really seems like people become foolish during this time of the year. Yesterday night I was "lucky" to be part of this family of friends who decided to have a sort of Christmas gathering (eating out and everything). Sounds fine to me even up to the part about group gift exchange. We bought our gifts in a rush. In fact, it was a little last minute. The shitty part comes when upon receiving their exchanged gifts, some were complaining about the sincerity of the gift.

I find that so paradoxical - how would the buyer of the gift know who his/her gift will end up with? Group gift exchange is almost a lottery thing, good present, bad present, or even a good present which you have no use for, will have to be accepted graciously. If everyone starts to get whiny over such stuff, why bother buying the gifts then? Why not just spend your own money on whatever you want? No point wishing to get a diamond necklace if what you bought for others is a soft toy.

Next time round, count me out of group gift exchanges. Thanks.

Upon reaching home just now, I was suddenly realising how brainwashed I was by actually admiring the freakin' Celestial diamond by Goldheart. I have to admit that it wasn't really the diamond but the lifestyle that the commercial aims to bring forth to their target customers - a life of carefree attitude, driving in a open top cabriolet and admiring the night sky. Too far-fetched. Same goes for condominium, credit card and a whole lot of other commercials. The target is to tempt the weak into living a life they cannot afford.

tell me when anything comes true...

"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" is a technically simple book that doesn't teach stockbroking skills but it really brings forth a very important concept of living within your means and slowly generate rolling money instead of endlessly chasing a wanted lifestyle. However, over the years of poor financial education, so many people have fallen into the trap of consumerism. And it will be a long while before people realise how much harm is done to them by just absorbing information without evaluating what they absorbed.

Without digressing furthur, it's still all down to keeping a clear head when it comes to festive seasons such as Christmas, Valentine's Day and even Chinese New Year. Buy what you need and not what you think makes a good gift, especially when prices are marked-up to incredulous levels. Never compare yourselves with the wealthy. Some people have everything easy. "I want, I reach out my hand, I get" attitude just doesn't work. Buying expensive gifts is not the way to maintain a friendship/relationship.

Go easy and be level-headed. Because if there is such a thing as wishing for it and not working for it, Hall One wouldn't have crashed out of the competition...

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