I am forced by the passing of time, the transition of life stages, and the expectations of society to grow up and to behave like a "grown-up" (whatever that would constitute). But here, I would just be a little childish, a little self-centered, a little irresponsible, a little too honest but also a little too pretentious.

24, and still counting.




Kept all my past posts intact because my past was what made me, me. Deleting them doesn't change who I am so I revisit my memories sometimes, to learn and to laugh at my past mistakes.

(Just kidding, I revert some posts to drafts because I'm utterly embarrassed.)


January 2011
February 2011
March 2011
April 2011
May 2011
June 2011
July 2011
August 2011
September 2011
October 2011
November 2011
December 2011
January 2012
February 2012
March 2012
April 2012
May 2012
October 2012
November 2012
April 2013
May 2013
August 2013
September 2013
October 2013
November 2013
December 2013
January 2014
February 2014
March 2014
April 2014
May 2014
June 2014
July 2014
August 2014
October 2014
November 2014
December 2014
January 2015
February 2015
March 2015
April 2015
May 2015
June 2015
July 2015
July 2016
October 2016
December 2016
January 2017
March 2017
April 2017
May 2017
June 2017
July 2017
October 2019
December 2019
April 2020
May 2020


Designed by: Ahting

Shouldn't have went to stalk Liew's blog before writing my own post (which was my priority when I turned on the computer!) because my energy is influenced by what she has written. And there was this post which is locked and I texted the slug/slut for the password but I bet all my assets that the slug/slut is not yet awake. ... I'm quite amused by how both slug/slut justifies why she is still in bed. LOL. Eh slut (I prefer this name), I hope that by the time you read this, I have read that post that you've locked. LOL my tummy is filled with anticipation and has been churning on its own accord (okay actually it was because of the coffee I drank this morning. I can't digest caffeine well but I love caffeine sia SIAN) :(

Reading her posts tempts me to confront a few things which I wanna write about regarding my work-life and relationship issues but I've this freaking hand-written draft in front of me which I have drafted in the office when I went in too early and had time to sit down and think about this book which I was reading on the train (yes despite the lack of breathing space on the train during peak hours, yours truly managed to absorb herself in a few pages on each trips). And I really wanna turn this draft into a proper post so ... hopefully no more digression.




I can't stop looking at my nails as I type though! These pastel colours are just my ABSOLUTE favourite and I had a fun time matching my office outfits to my nail colours that even my colleges were very amused at the kind of pastel coloured clothings and accessories that I have. Hahahhaa. Okay no more digression I promise.

The book is entitled Arab Uprising by Jeremy Bowen and this gives me two themes for today. The first theme is "Revolutions Around the World" and the second is "Religious Fundamentalism". Just listing this because I'm an organized girl like this and to make this easier for le readers to follow. Hahaha. And just so you know, I'm only at the prologue of the book LOLLOLLOL. (I've another two books waiting for me to sink myself into. One is titled Impulse which is psychology-related and the other is titled Tabloid Tokyo) But I read damn slowly so I don't think there will be another book-related post coming up anytime soon.

We've reached the 21st century and each corner of the world has gone through its fair share of revolution, not just politically, but also in other areas such as culture and economy. (Oh by the way, I'm not very intellectual so don't expect some thought-provoking philosophical story here and just enjoy this tiny serving of food for thought hahaha) Ultimately, each revolution is started with the aim of creating a new system to better fit the people living within the borders.

Thus, from this humble blogger's point of view, Singapore was also born from a revolution. We were also once controlled, we had our struggle for independence, and finally a system was created to fit us, unique from that of other countries'. The story of our revolution in comparison to places like Europe and the Middle East is like... I don't even know how to compare sia wtf LOL But one thing's for sure, after weighing the process and outcome, our revolution was much more successful and sustainable. (Is this what they call a sweeping statement in GP lessons? Thank god I'm not graded for this hahaha)

We've been lucky. Our size allow us to easily fit into a "free-size" clothing. (Please give yours truly credit for her attempt at a weak metaphor) Being a small country, things are much easier to manage and to change at one go. For a large country, dissatisfaction arise when some areas are faring much better than the rest or when some people are receiving a larger share of the pie. And it doesn't take brains to guess what masses of unhappiness is gonna do to a country.




We've been lucky. While we are looking for the right clothes to fit us, the rest of the world are tailoring theirs as well. There are countries which are doing much better but the concept of an "ideal" country has not been formatted or decided. We were able to catch up (proportionately) and develop alongside the leading nations at that time. And as I type these ramblings, the people caught up in the ongoing revolutions happening in the Middle East have a lot to catch up on. They have examples of an "ideal life" now and their expectations have increased. Whatever the government is doing, will hardly be enough.

We've been lucky. As we changed our clothing, there was hardly anyone else peeking at us or forcing misguided advice upon us. Foreign intervention was at a minimal level as compared to what Europe and Middle East were facing. We were less constraint by international obligations and interference, which usually does more harm than good (... happens when outsiders give advice. So when I say things like, "Sian what shall I tell my dad to get permission to stay out longer sia" I don't actually pose it as a question because I know my own answer will be better than the suggestions that I'll receive cause I'm the one who knows my own father best and what he needs to hear to be convinced. So whilst I'm thankful for the advice my friends give me, I know that it's still up to me to save my own ass.)

... And one thing that I have had drilled into my brain after two years of JC History lessons, is that ultimately, countries interfere based on their own national interest. Which is why the initials of United States is "us" and the initials of Middle East is "me" rather than "you" or "them". But then again, it's human instinct to protect yourself and your own community first.

The hardest thing about a revolution, is not the revolution itself.
But what comes after it.

From my limited knowledge, the point of revolution is not to pull down "something" (writer's block just attacked yours truly so please forgive for unforgivable bad English) or to step upon "something" to elevate another power but to recreate a new order. And I guess the name of each "revolutions" has already gave us hints of the outcome. Europe's revolution in 1989 was known as "The Fall of Communism", while the Middle East Revolution is nicely summed up from the book title, "The Arab Uprising". So major changes engulfed these nations but... what's next? Is anyone prepared for what should come next? Does anyone even have an idea? (P.S. this is obviously a rhetorical question)

I like that on Singapore's National Day, Singaporeans all around the world wish Singapore a "Happy Birthday". It's like Singapore was BORN on 9 August 1965 and SOMETHING (this writer's block refuse to spare me so I will just abuse the word something. LOL) was created. But for the nations which I previously mentioned, something has collapsed for one, and for the other, something has been built up. But that's not what a revolution is about. One simply does not just throw away their clothes or pile them up to change their image. One must get entirely new clothes and style with hard-earned money to have a complete makeover. Creating your own style is never easy though, likewise for the creation of a system to cater to a particular culture.

That said, I find calling Middle East's revolution as "The Arab Uprising" a bit ironic because after all, the "New Order" that's gaining more and more support (and attention) is led by Religion Fundamentalists. So technically it's not right to call it "uprising" when they are trying to "go back to their roots" (an image of a tree just popped up in my head wtf what is with this mind desperately trying to be creative). In layman's terms, religion fundamentalism is to go back to fundamental beliefs of the religion which is more pure and less influenced by other elements.

But we all know how stupid it is to turn back to what once used to be. And we have all these seemingly-unrelated quotes which were said with a reason (and wit): "Going back to an ex is like rereading a book you've once read. ... You know how it'll end."; "Don't look back. If Cinderella had turned back to pick up her shoes, she would never have met Prince Charming." etc.

Anyways, my blog posts are never set out to be educational (I'm not qualified cause I'm not certified yet t.t I'm still at PSLE qualifications LOL). But I like to link different concepts in life (i.e. revolution vs makeover) and think how complex matters can be described using simpler (or sometimes even abstract) ideas. I've quite enjoyed reflecting about this and I hope le readers enjoyed reading all the way here. P: If le readers is dissatisfied, I've stumbled upon this interesting site for one to read more. :)

Labels: History, Quotes, Religious Fundamentalism, Revolutions

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