A review of 2005

1 January 2006, Mary – Mother of God

This ‘study break’ was the last week of the year. Ironically, I did not study at all. It was a mix of catching up on projects, practical reports and late nights spent playing games.

I had dinner with Daryl Chng and Donna on Wednesday. We went to Fish and Co at the Glass House. The Glass House is opposite Plaza Singapura. We had to wait for half and hour, and while we were in the queue, it started raining! Horrible weather! We managed to get a table upstairs. Daryl was engrossed in watching the live band play their music. It was a good meal, with excellent fellowship and music. As usual I was asked to lead in saying Grace (Why does it always have to be me? Don’t know how to say your own? Lol.)

It was good to catch up on times with them after so long. The three of us go back a long way. We walked down to Heeren after dinner and landed up at HMV. The two of them bought a CD each, but I decided not to get anything. I’m on a budget.

But all good things come to an end, and we went our separate ways. Donna took the bus back while Daryl and I returned by train.

Oh, I was in school in the afternoon. We English Police were busy with our MolGen project. It’s almost done, and I think we did a good job. Arden however, was extremely distracted with Allison. Dian Yan and Josephine were there as well. Well, well.

I had the ‘privilege’ of accompanying the two couples to Ang Mo Kio to kill time. Clement and Christopher went their own way. I would not have chosen to play gooseberry, if Josephine did not drag me along. We went to some comics shop (Tenchi Comics?) to take a look. The selection was huge, and I even managed to locate the Rozen Maiden manga.

I felt extremely uncomfortable throughout the whole ‘excursion’. Why do I always have to be the ‘lamppost’ or ‘lightbulb’? The last time this happened was during a CL EXCO outing. I remember how I offered to leave Iggy and Helly alone. Ah yes, Arden was trying to shake us off like a….I shall not embarrass him further with any more details, right Arden? ^_^

But I continued to ask God, “Why me? Why am I still alone?”

Thou, who wouldst give no sign, deliver me.

- Stanza 6, Apologist's Evening Prayer, C.S Lewis

Fast forwarding to Friday, the Chinese Junior Curia had their Year end Thanksgiving Mass at St Anne’s Church. The celebrant was Father Henry Siew. Initially I was asked to stand by my boys as altar servers. But Father said there was no need, as he was using the liturgy set for outside Masses. I was looking forward to serving Mass, even though I don’t really know how and was quite anxious.

But it was all right. Nicholas didn’t know how to serve Mass and Eric didn’t come for the event anyway. Eric didn’t even come for our weekly meeting before that. Nicholas had to go to the trouble of arranging the venue, and the parish office people were giving a lot of bureaucratic trouble. Fortunately things got easier when we invoked Father Henry’s name. See? Things are easy when you know the right people.

The Mass all right, with a few mishaps involving music and the powerpoint slides. The attendance was pitiful as usual. The old boys who promised to come never did, and I was quite disappointed. I hope 2006’s attendance for curia activities will improve.

I saw Nigel again after his prolonged absence. I was trying to persuade him to come back more often for Legion. But he remarked, “The fire is dying.” I also saw Selene, after such a long time.

I went for a drink with Joshua at Jalan Kayu after the whole event. We went to the usual place. I must congratulate him; his progress with women is improving greatly. And he even managed to locate a devout Catholic girl who speaks good English. Excellent. In the mean time I continue to pray for myself, and other friends who were not so lucky in their relationships. May you find a better chance in 2006.

Saturday was a busy day. I went shopping for new shoes with Joshua. We went to Queensway. Crappy weather with raining cats and dogs. I managed to find a pair of $49 Adidas canvas shoes after so long. Goodness! Why are good shoes so expensive? What the hell do poor people wear man?! Is it not possible to find a pair of cheap and good shoes?

I went to Uncle Daniel’s place for dinner with my parents. He is a family friend of many years. I think I had too much to drink. It was also the first time I saw my dad get drunk. He was totally wasted!

I think I drank:

1 bottle of Hoegarden

1 glass of Rosé

3 cups of absolut vanilla and sprite

2 mouthfuls of 2 different champagnes

2 cups of chivas and coke

I threw up after the absolut, but I think it was because I was too bloated with the additional water and sprite. I tried to follow the advice of drinking an equal amount of water to dilute the alcohol, but I think it is a bad idea now.

There was this Uncle and this journalist guy who kept egging me on to drink. Hmm, the Chivas and the coke had a nice smell. The two guys were arguing over the amount of liquor to add. I let them be, since I was quite wasted already. My Mother had to drive us home since she was the only one who did not drink. And for the first time this week, I actually slept earlier than 4 am.

I went for 11 am Mass with my parents and we had lunch at Ang Mo Kio.

As for me, I will continue writing this story of life on paper of Faith, ink of Hope, and the pen of Charity. Happy New Year to all readers, may God continue to help you!

Mary, lead us into the glorious future where we will meet your Son.

Come, Lord Jesus!